US08071138B2
The current invention relates to a natural composition for topical application to skin to alleviate post-menstrual symptoms of cramping, backache, and breast tenderness; and for other aches and pains including Rheumatic, muscular and articular pains; and local treatment such as tendinitises, tennis elbow, benign distorsions, arthritis, osteoarthritis, neuralgia, sciatic nerve, lumbago, back pains, migraine, stiff neck, and insect bites. In one embodiment, the composition of the cream or lotion includes active natural ingredients of Carapa procera and Calotropis procera with shea butter and soy oil. In one embodiment the composition includes, by weight percent, 30% to 80% Butyrospermum parkii (Shea butter); 10% to 30% Glycine poja (soy); 10% to 30% Carapa procera; 3% to 10% Calotropis procera; and 3% to 10% Menthol.
US08071137B2
The invention is a method for the treatment of mammalian articular cartilage disorders, inflammatory joint disease, trauma-related cartilage injuries, and degenerative disc disease. The method involves treating the affected area with a composition containing a therapeutically effective dose of Centella extract. The composition is delivered locally by parenteral administration to the affected site.
US08071136B2
The present invention is drawn to water-soluble compositions for providing hops constituents, particularly alpha acids, iso-alpha acids, and beta acids. A pharmaceutical gel composition can comprise a hops extract and a surfactant. Such compositions can be formulated into products for various therapeutic applications, including oral and topical uses. Such compositions can also be dissolved in water to yield a clear solution containing more dilute hops acids. The invention also provides methods of treatment comprising administering water-soluble hops compositions. The present invention is also drawn to methods for making water-soluble preparations of hops constituents.
US08071133B2
A method of making an oral dosage form of a water insoluble drug such as Saquinavir or Cyclosporine or Paclitaxel is carried out by: (a) providing a single phase working Solution comprising or consisting essentially of an active agent, water, a water-soluble polymer, and a solvent, said solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohol, acetone, and mixtures thereof; and may or may not contain a surfactant and pH of the said working solution may or may not be adjusted (b) providing particles formed from a pharmaceutically acceptable core material; (c) combining, preferably by spraying, said working solution with said particles to produce active agent-coated particles; such drug loaded particles may contain an external coat (d) drying said active agent-coated particles; and (e) forming said dried particles into an oral dosage form. Dried particles produced by the process, oral dosage forms containing such particles, and methods of treatment therewith are also described.
US08071130B2
The present invention intends to provide a solid preparation which contains an insulin sensitizer and an active ingredient other than an insulin sensitizer, and exhibits dissolution behavior of an insulin sensitizer similar to that of an insulin sensitizer from “a solid preparation containing only an insulin sensitizer as an active ingredient”. The solid preparation comprises “a part containing coated particles in which the particles containing an insulin sensitizer are coated with lactose or a sugar alcohol” and “a part containing an active ingredient other than an insulin sensitizer”.
US08071128B2
An intrabuccally rapidly disintegrating tablet which is manufactured by a simple method, has an enough practical hardness and is rapidly disintegrated in the buccal cavity and its production method. The intrabuccally rapidly disintegrating tablet is produced by growing a powder material into a granulated material with a fixed particle diameter, the powder material including a sugar alcohol or a saccharide as main ingredient, each of which is first particle having an average particle diameter of not more than 30 μm, by mixing thus obtained granulated material with an active ingredient and a disintegrant, and by compressing the mixture into a predetermined shape.
US08071123B2
Two resin films each provided with an orally administrable edible agent layer are joined so that administrable agent layers face each other, drawn into a nip between a pair of press rolls, pressurized at back surfaces to bond the administrable agent layers together, and conveyed in a direction substantially conforming to a tangential direction at a pressurization zone of the press rolls. A delamination roll disposed in the conveying direction is used to draw only one of the two resin films sandwiching the bonded plural administrable agent layers in a direction different from the conveying direction, while continuously conveying the other resin film retaining the plural administrable agent layers in the conveying direction. This allows only one of the joined two resin films to be delaminated. The obtained pressure bonded product, that is, an orally administrable edible agent of laminate film form can be punched out into predetermined shapes.
US08071118B2
A bioactive material is made using fibroin solutions and suspensions designed to support the constructions, repair, regeneration or augmentation of bone and other tissues of the body. The fibroin solutions, suspensions, and composites can be injected to fill cavities or to replace missing tissue. After injection, the materials can produce a scaffold capable of promoting tissue regeneration while degrading. The ability to inject the fibroin solutions, suspensions and composites can reduce the need for many types of surgical procedures that are used to replace or repair bone and other tissues. The fibroin solutions and suspensions are particularly useful for methods of tissue construction and/or repair.
US08071116B2
The invention relates to novel compositions for controlling parasites on animals, comprising an N-arylpyrazole and also a pyrethroid in a formulation comprising aliphatic cyclic carbonates and aliphatic cyclic or acyclic polyethers.
US08071115B2
Cosmetics containing an active component comprising lactic acid bacteria fermented rice obtained by fermenting rice with lactic acid bacteria; a skin brightening and caring agent comprising lactic acid bacteria fermented rice obtained by fermenting rice with lactic acid bacteria; and an emulsifier comprising as the main component lactic acid bacteria fermented rice obtained by fermenting rice with lactic acid bacteria substantially in the absence of sodium chloride. Thus, cosmetics can be obtained, which are excellent in emulsion stability and biological safety, have a good feeling when using and after using and further have a total beautifying effect of cosmetic treatment including an improving effect on hair texture, and brightening and caring effects on the skin.
US08071112B2
The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding Streptococcus group C and G polypeptides and their use in immunogenic compositions. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions comprising polypeptides encoded by those polynucleotides. In addition, the invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response in mammals against beta hemolytic Streptococcus or beta hemolytic Streptococcus infection using immunogenic compositions of the Streptococcus group C and G polypeptides and polynucleotides.
US08071102B1
Novel vaccines include polypeptides that comprise regions corresponding to a chemokine and a hapten. The hapten can be an amino acid sequence corresponding to the Meningitis Related Homologous Antigenic Sequences (MRHAS) of bacterial and viral agents known to cause meningitis. Protective immunity in a host susceptible to meningitis can be induced by inoculating the host with immunogenic amount of such a vaccine.
US08071101B2
The present invention includes a pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating diseases associated with gluten intolerance in a patient, comprising: administering to the patient an effective amount of an antibody having specific activity against gluten or gluten-derived peptides. Such diseases include, for example, celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.
US08071096B2
The present invention relates to antibodies which bind to C5aR and which are useful in diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The antibodies of the present invention are reactive with an extracellular loop of C5aR other than the N-terminal domain and are capable of substantially reducing or inhibiting the binding of C5a to C5aR and functional consequences of neutrophil chemoattractant receptor activation.
US08071091B2
The invention pertains to the use and production of non-neurotoxic plasminogen activating factors e.g. of Desmodus rotundus (DSPA) for the therapeutic treatment of stroke in humans in order to provide a new therapeutic concept for treating stroke in humans.
US08071090B2
Stabilized thrombin compositions, processes for preparing them, and kits comprising them are disclosed. The compositions comprise thrombin, a bacteriostatically effective amount of benzyl alcohol or chlorobutanol, and 0.10%-5.0% (w/v) sucrose in aqueous solution. The compositions are stable when stored at 2° C.-8° C. for four weeks or more.
US08071086B2
The subject of the present invention is a bacterial composition having immunomodulation properties comprising at least one strain selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus PTA-4797, Lactobacillus plantarum PTA-4799, Lactobacillus salivarius PTA-4800, Lactobacillus paracasei PTA-4798, Bifidobacterium bifidum PTA-4801 and Bifidobacterium lactis PTA-4802. An other subject of the invention is an immunomodulation method comprising the step of using the at least one strain selected from the preceding group.
US08071083B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating a tissue defect in a human or animal body comprising the steps of implanting into said body an unseeded scaffold; allowing or effecting a wound healing response at the site of said defect; allowing said scaffold to be vascularized until a substantially sufficient fluid flow through said scaffold is assured for the transport of nutrients and/or waste products, and seeding said vascularised scaffold with a suitable population of tissue-regenerating cells.
US08071081B2
Compositions, methods and apparatuses for reducing or eliminating malodors from indoor air are described. The method utilizes vapor phase hydrogen peroxide (VPHP) generated from either evaporation from an aqueous-based liquid composition or sublimation from a solid hydrogen peroxide-containing compound. VPHP engages a media coated with at least one transitional metal element or compound, which acts as an oxidation catalyst, in the presence of air that contains malodorous compounds to provide increased efficacy of malodor molecule oxidation. The apparatus can employ a disposable porous non-woven filter pad coated with one or more transition metal compounds, and a solid source of VPHP. Malodor-containing air engages the pad in the presence of the VPHP to effectively oxidize the malodorants. The apparatus can also include a mechanism to provide color change(s) in the presence of VPHP to indicate whether the device contains VPHP or not.
US08071068B2
The invention concerns a process for desulphurization of a gaseous effluent containing hydrogen sulphide using a Claus treatment unit followed by a Claus tail gas treatment unit (TGT), said process comprising using a device for on-line analysis of the ratio H2S/SO2 at the outlet from the TGT unit and a feed-back loop which can maintain said H2S/SO2 molar ratio at the outlet from the TGT unit to a value close to 2 and generally in the range 1.5 to 2.5.
US08071066B1
The present disclosure relates to methods for improving the quality of diamonds by eliminating internal defects, such as cracks and vacant volumes, without the use of filler materials such as glass, thereby improving the diamond's optical performance or appearance. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a method of curing defects in a genuine or synthetic diamond or other gemstone by using Atomic Layer Deposition (“ALD”) processes to form atomic layers within vacant volumes or cracks in the diamond or gemstone. Alternatively, ALD may be used to form crystalline layers of a new diamond or other gemstone.
US08071062B2
A method for oxidizing an amount of CO in a CO-containing gas stream, e.g., a combustion stream from fuel combustion, is provided. The method comprises exposing the CO-containing gas stream to a catalytic coating at reaction conditions, including at least 8 vol. % O2 and a temperature of at least 600° C. At these reaction conditions, the method comprises generating gaseous intermediate oxidizing species at the catalytic coating for oxidation of the carbon monoxide within the CO-containing gas stream as a homogeneous reaction to improve CO removal efficiency.
US08071059B2
A chemical reactor for catalytic reactions, comprises a substantially cylindrical shell (2) closed at the opposite ends by respective covers (3 and 4), at least one reaction zone (7, 8) in which a respective catalytic bed (9, 10) and a plurality of heat exchangers (25) placed in said at least one reaction zone (7, 8) are supported.
US08071055B2
Exemplary systems and techniques for treating contaminated water are described. In one instance a plant or system includes a membrane filtration mechanism operable to receive an influent water stream containing a contaminant and to separate at least a first portion of the contaminant from a resulting first effluent water stream. The system also includes a reactive filtration mechanism operable to receive the first effluent water stream and to remove a waste stream containing a second portion of the contaminant to produce a resultant second effluent stream.
US08071051B2
A sample analyzer cartridge for use at a point of care of a patient such as in a doctor's office, in the home, or elsewhere in the field. By providing a removable and/or disposable cartridge with all of the needed reagents and/or fluids, the sample analyzer can be reliably used outside of the laboratory environment, with little or no specialized training.
US08071046B2
A method for removing hydrogen sulfide from a sour gas stream comprising hydrogen sulfide by oxidizing hydrogen sulfide in a converter by contacting the sour gas stream with an aqueous catalytic solution, thereby producing a desulfurized gas stream and a liquid stream comprising reduced catalyst and elemental sulfur, introducing an oxidant and the liquid stream comprising reduced catalyst and elemental sulfur into a high shear device and producing a dispersion wherein the mean bubble diameter of the oxidant gas in the dispersion is less than about 5 μm, introducing the dispersion into a vessel from which a sulfur-containing slurry is removed and a regenerated catalyst stream is removed, wherein the sulfur slurry comprises elemental sulfur and aqueous liquid, and recycling at least a portion of the regenerated catalyst stream to the converter. A system of apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
US08071045B2
A reformer includes first and second reforming units which are stacked together. A first hole is formed at the center of a first receiver member of the first reforming unit, and a plurality of holes are formed in a peripheral portion of a second receiver member of the second reforming unit. In the structure, a reforming channel having a serpentine pattern going through the first and second holes is formed. In each of the first and second receiver members, a single layer of catalyst pellets is provided. Both end surfaces of the catalyst pellets substantially contact the first and second receiver members.
US08071038B2
The present invention relates to an emission control system for reducing gases from the exhaust of a combustion engine. In at least one embodiment, the emission control system includes an exhaust passage for transporting the exhaust from the combustion engine, and a particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction (SCR/PF) unit disposed within the passage, with the unit having a plurality of spaced filter walls extending axially along the passage and selective catalytic reduction catalyst variably loaded on the unit to provide a more uniform pressure drop relative to a unit having uniformly loaded catalyst.
US08071032B2
The invention discloses a method and a system for manufacturing organopolysiloxane. The system comprises N raw material tanks, N gauging tanks, a first reactor, a second reactor and at least one product tanks which are arranged in order from high to low. The manufacturing method comprises the following steps of: firstly, N raw materials are added into the N raw material tanks respectively. Then, a plurality of processing parameters about the organopolysiloxane are inputted to control the N gauging tanks to measure the dosage of the N raw materials according to the processing parameters, which along with a cyclic siloxane monomer are inputted into the first reactor. The first reactor is controlled to carry on ring-opening and re-distribution polymerization equilibrium reaction to the N raw materials and the cyclic siloxane monomer, so as to generate an intermediate product, and transfer the intermediate product into the second reactor. Finally, the second reactor is controlled to carry on a decomposition transient catalytic reaction to the intermediate product and a devolatilization operation to obtain the organopolysiloxane products.
US08071029B2
A sample analyzer and sample analyzing method perform following: a) mixing a sample with at least one of a first reagent and a second reagent, thereby preparing a measurement specimen; b) storing, in a memory, standard curve data corresponding to a reagent to be used in the step a) for preparing a measurement specimen; c) measuring the measurement specimen thereby obtaining measurement data; d) processing the measurement data based on the standard curve data, thereby obtaining an analysis result; and e) when the first, reagent and the second reagent are of the same type, determining a reagent to be used for the measuring between the first reagent and the second reagent, based on information regarding standard curve data stored in the memory.
US08071028B2
A blood glucose meter having a compact housing, a display unit disposed on the housing, the display unit including a display light source to illuminate the display unit, an input unit disposed on the housing, the input unit configured to provide input functions for the blood glucose meter, and a power source provided within the housing for providing power to the blood glucose meter, where the housing includes a port integrated on said housing configured to receive a blood glucose test strip, and corresponding methods of measuring blood glucose meter is provided.
US08071023B2
An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.
US08071022B2
The method of microbiological decontamination of a machine comprising an enclosure for treating a support and a conveyor comprising a shuttle, comprises the steps of obtaining a container adapted to be received on the shuttle and to diffuse biocidal agent in the enclosure, of placing the container on the shuttle, of moving the shuttle within the enclosure, and of evacuating the agent. The microbiological analysis system comprises a container, a microbiological analysis machine comprising at least two stations for treatment of the support, a conveyor comprising a shuttle adapted to receive and to move the support, the container being adapted to be received on the shuttle, as well as means for evacuating the biocidal agent.
US08071019B2
Methods for the introduction of a reactive material into a vacuum chamber while minimizing or eliminating the simultaneous introduction of contaminating materials or substances. As a result, contaminating materials and substances that can interfere with any measurements or other processes that occur in the vacuum chamber are minimized or eliminated.
US08071016B2
A method is disclosed of forming a powder metal compact. Powder metal is placed in an annular space of a compaction die tool set in which the annular space has inner and outer cylindrical surfaces that form inner and outer cylindrical surfaces of the powder metal compact. An elastomeric tool has a first cylindrical surface adjacent to a fixed cylindrical surface of the compaction die tool set that is radially fixed and further has a second cylindrical surface, opposite to the first cylindrical surface, that touches the powder metal. The powder metal is compressed to form the powder metal compact by applying an external axial force on the elastomeric tool while maintaining the diameter of the fixed cylindrical surface so as to cause the elastomeric tool to compress the second cylindrical surface of the elastomeric tool against the powder metal.
US08071014B2
An apparatus is provided for closing or opening an opening, especially a bottom opening of a material hopper arranged above the mouth of a blast furnace having a drivable flap plate, which is movable into an open position leaving the opening clear and into a closed position blocking off the opening and vice-versa. The flap plate carries out, in the region of the opening, a linear movement substantially perpendicular to the plane of the opening and, distal to the opening, a pivoting movement.
US08071013B2
The invention relates to operating a shaft furnace, in particular a cupola furnace, for melting starting material, wherein the shaft furnace is heated by combustion of a solid fuel and wherein an injection gas, which has an oxygen portion of more than 21%, is injected into the shaft furnace. The shaft furnace is heated by means of at least one burner, wherein a gaseous or liquid fuel and a gaseous oxidant, which encompasses an oxygen portion of more than 21%, is supplied to the burner.
US08071005B2
A casing of a solid-propellant engine comprising a core and a layer of elastomeric material, set as coating for at least part of the core to provide a thermal protection of the core itself is obtained by: inserting the core in a forming mould so as to make within the mould two annular chambers separated from one another by the core; forming a strand of elastomeric material; obtaining a defined portion of elastomeric material by cutting the strand transversely to size in an external environment; and injecting the cut portion of elastomeric material simultaneously within both of the annular chambers.
US08070999B2
A static and closed solution casting process comprises the following steps: dissolve a solute in a solvent to prepare a casting solution; place membrane-casting plate on bracket, and adjust the bracket to make the membrane-casting plate horizontal; pour the casting solution into membrane-casting plate such that the casting solution is uniformly spread out in the membrane-casting plate; arrange heating arrangement over the membrane-casting plate; arrange cooling side plate around the membrane-casting plate; arrange cooling bottom plate below the membrane-casting plate; supply cooling liquor to the connected interlayer of the cooling side plate and the cooling bottom plate; enclose the membrane-casting plate, the bracket, the heating arrangement, the cooling side plate and the cooling bottom plate inside an insulated case made by heat insulator; heat the casting solution in the membrane-casting plate by driving the heating arrangement to totally evaporate the solvent in the casting solution; and then continuously heat in order to enhance the crystallinity of the final membrane; stop heating; and remove the condensed solvent from the cooling bottom plate and peel the final membrane from the membrane-casting plate. This process is of simple technique, cheap equipment and low cost of membrane preparation, and the final membrane has the advantages such as high crystallinity and isotropic etc.
US08070983B2
This invention relates to luminescent materials for ultraviolet light or visible light excitation containing lead and/or copper doped chemical compounds. The luminescent material is composed of one or more than one compounds of aluminate type, silicate type, antimonate type, germanate/or germanate-silicate type, and/or phosphate type. Accordingly, the present invention is a good possibility to substitute earth alkaline ions by lead and copper for a shifting of the emission bands to longer or shorter wave length, respectively. Luminescent compounds containing copper and/or lead with improved luminescent properties and also with improved stability against water, humidity as well as other polar solvents are provided. The present invention is to provide lead and/or copper doped luminescent compounds, which has high color temperature range about 2,000K to 8,000K or 10,000K and CRI over 90.
US08070966B2
A fabrication method produces a mechanically patterned layer of group III-nitride. The method includes providing a crystalline substrate and forming a first layer of a first group III-nitride on a planar surface of the substrate. The first layer has a single polarity and also has a pattern of holes or trenches that expose a portion of the substrate. The method includes then, epitaxially growing a second layer of a second group III-nitride over the first layer and the exposed portion of substrate. The first and second group III-nitrides have different alloy compositions. The method also includes subjecting the second layer to an aqueous solution of base to mechanically pattern the second layer.
US08070957B2
A low pressure liquid chromatographic cartridge is provided having a tubular polymer container adapted to receive a chromatographic packing material. The container has an outlet port located at a downstream end of the container and container threads formed on an upstream end of the container. A polymer cap having cap threads located on the cap threadingly engage the container threads. An inlet port is located on an upstream end of the cap. A resilient fluid tight seal is interposed between the polymer cap and container suitable for use in low pressure liquid chromatography. A locking tab on a skirt of the cap engages a recess on the container when the seal engages the cap and container to lock the cap in position relative to the container.
US08070956B2
A method of using electrokinetics for separating particles in a buffer solution is provided, where a chromatographic column is provided having a non-uniform internal longitudinal cross-section. At least one main inlet for inputting solution and at least one main outlet for outputting solution are provided. At least one sample inlet and at least one sample outlet are provided. The particle is introduced to the column from the sample inlet and fractionated samples are eluted from the sample outlet, where quality control and further analysis are enabled. An electric field is applied to the solution in the column to generate a charged double layer at a solid-liquid interface within the column. The electric filed moves ions within the double layer, and a non-uniform velocity profile is induced to the buffer solution. The moving ions carry the particles along the column and the particles are separated according to size or charge.
US08070955B2
An object is to provide a fresh water generating method that is capable of efficiently producing purified water, such as fresh water, from unpurified water, such as sea water. Provided is a fresh water generating method for generating fresh water by way of reverse osmosis membrane filtration, which includes mixing sea water with low salt concentration water having a salt concentration lower than sea water to produce mixed water, and subjecting the mixed water prepared by the mixing to reverse osmosis membrane filtration, thereby generating fresh water.
US08070948B2
A description is given of a sewage treatment plant, in particular a small sewage treatment plant, having at least one activation tank for wastewater and/or having at least one secondary clarification tank for wastewater, wherein the activation tank and/or the secondary clarification tank are charged with shaped bodies which are freely floating in the wastewater, which is distinguished in that it has at least one filtration appliance for wastewater purification, which filtration appliance comprises at least one ceramic-based membrane for separating off microorganisms. In addition a method of purifying wastewater is described, comprising a biological purification of the wastewater by microorganisms in at least one activation tank and/or comprising a secondary clarification of the wastewater in at least one clarification tank, wherein the at least one activation tank and/or the at least one secondary clarification tank, for cleaning, is charged with shaped bodies, characterized in that the microorganisms situated in the wastewater are separated off by means of at least one ceramic-based membrane.
US08070944B2
A groundwater radon reduction apparatus is provided. The groundwater radon reduction apparatus includes: a housing in which groundwater falls down; a rotating member installed in the housing and rotated by a falling force of the groundwater to form the groundwater into water drops; a plurality of power transmission members connected to both ends of the rotating member to transmit power, and receiving the rotating force of the rotating member; and a plurality of ventilation units coupled to one ends of the power transmission members inside the housing, respectively, and rotated together with the power transmission members by the rotation force of the rotating member to discharge radon gases within the water drops to the outside.
US08070940B2
A filter element is formed from a filter material configured to capture a foreign substance in fuel. A lower case is attachable to and detachable from a bottom portion of a housing in a movable direction. The housing and the lower case are configured to accommodate the filter element. The filter element defines a passage extending through the filter element in the movable direction. The passage is configured to accommodate the component. The component is configured to be attached to and detached from the housing together with the lower case when the lower case is attached to and detached from the housing.
US08070938B2
A contactor/separator is formed from a vessel; an inlet for receiving a vapor/liquid mixture; an inlet for receiving a superheated vapor; a hub located within the vessel, the hub including a plurality of vanes for imparting a centrifugal motion to the vapor/liquid mixture or the superheated vapor; an outlet in a bottom of the vessel for removing liquid; and an outlet for removing vapor from the vessel. A method is also provided for heating and separating liquid and vapor from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising introducing a hydrocarbon feedstock into a contactor/separator: introducing a superheated vapor into the contactor/separator such that it contacts and vaporizes a portion of the feedstock within the contactor/separator; separating unvaporized feedstock from vaporized feedstock in the contactor/separator; removing the vaporized feedstock and the superheated vapor through a first outlet; and removing the unvaporized feedstock through a second outlet.
US08070934B2
Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme-based electrochemical sensors. The transition metal complexes include substituted or unsubstituted (pyridyl)imidazole ligands. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.
US08070931B1
Embodiments are directed to methods for forming multi-layer three-dimensional structures involving the joining of at least two structural elements, at least one of which is formed as a multi-layer three-dimensional structure, wherein the joining occurs via one of: (1) elastic deformation and elastic recovery and subsequent retention of elements relative to each other, (2) relative deformation of an initial portion of at least one element relative to another portion of the at least one element until the at least two elements are in a desired retention position after which the deformation is reduced or eliminated and a portion of at least one element is brought into position which in turn locks the at least two elements together via contact with one another including contact with the initial portion of at least one element, or (3) moving a retention region of one element into the retention region of the other element, without deformation of either element, along a path including a loading region of the other element and wherein during normal use the first and second elements are configured relative to one another so that the loading region of the second elements is not accessible to the retention region of the first element.
US08070927B2
Stabilization of aqueous resinous dispersions containing a pigment of a divalent metal such as strontium chromate is disclosed. Stabilization is achieved by incorporating a chelating agent in the dispersion.
US08070921B2
The present invention relates to a method and a system for electrical connection between the successive cells (pots) arranged in series for the production of aluminium by electrolysis of alumina dissolved in molten cryolite, by the Hall-Heroult process. The invention is applied to series of cells arranged transversely to the axis of the series (line) and operating at a current greater than 300 kA and possibly above 600 kA. The present invention combines the different advantages of known design concepts into effective novel technical solutions for large pots. The solution optimises the resulting magnetic field and busbar performance parameters like voltage drop, weight, current distribution, distribution and average levels of magnetic field, inter-row distance, anode riser solutions and physical space for the busbar requirements.
US08070913B2
A tissue paper product having at least one ply, wherein only one outer surface of said tissue paper product has a polyhydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of glycerols, polyglycerols, polyethylene glycols (PEGS), polyoxyethylenes, polyoxypropylenes, and combinations thereof applied thereto by slot extrusion, said polyhydroxy compound providing said tissue paper product with a Wet Burst greater than about 90 g, a Dynamic Coefficient of Friction less than about 0.9, and a Bending Flexibility less than about 0.1 gf cm2/cm.
US08070910B2
A shower head structure characterized by comprising a shower head section, opposed to the upper surface of a mounting table in an evacuable treating vessel, for injecting a processing gas into the treating vessel; a temperature observation through-hole which opens in the lower surface of the shower head so as to be opposed to the upper surface of the mounting table, a transparent observation window which hermetically seals the upper end of the temperature observation through-hole, a radiation thermometer disposed on the upper surface of the transparent observation window, an adhesion preventive gas supply path communicating with the temperature observation through-hole to prevent a film from adhering to the transparent observation window, wherein the adhesion preventive gas supply path communicates with the temperature observation through-hole through an injection nozzle for injecting the adhesion preventive gas to the transparent observation window.
US08070902B2
A method for manufacturing a solar cell module for a vehicle sunroof is disclosed, in which a solar cell is cut into multiple pieces so that it can be closely adhered to a curved glasses of a sunroof which is generally installed at an intermediate portion of a vehicle roof so as to provide a driver with an air circulation effect in the interior of a vehicle and a fresh driving feeling with its open environment. A solar cell module for a sunroof is manufactured based on a high temperature and vacuum compression work using a laminator as an EVA film adhering unit. So, it is possible to easily perform a laminating work for adhering a sunroof curved glass and a solar cell as compared to a conventional art in which it is not easy to perform the above work.
US08070900B2
Process for the production of a blister sheet which comprises the following steps: a) extrusion of a bottom film, a central film, a top film starting from the corresponding granule; b) thermoforming of the central film; c) calibration and partial cooling of the bottom and top films; d) heating of at least one side of the bottom and top films and coupling of the two bottom and top films with the thermoformed film.
US08070886B2
A treatment solution that is used to form a chemical coating of trivalent chromium free of hexavalent chromium having uniform black appearance and good corrosion resistance on the surface of zinc or zinc alloy and that attains prolongation of treatment bath lifetime; and a method of forming a black trivalent chromium chemical coating on the surface of zinc or zinc alloy. There is provided a treatment solution for forming of a black trivalent chromium chemical coating on zinc or zinc alloy, comprising trivalent chromium ions, a chelating agent capable of forming a water-soluble complex with trivalent chromium, zinc ions, a sulfur compound and phosphite ions.
US08070884B2
Rinsing and drying a surface of a microelectronic device and the enhanced removal of rinse fluid from the surface of the microelectronic device while the microelectronic device is rotated is provided as part of a spray processing operation. Rinse fluid is generally directed to the surface of the microelectronic device by a dispensing device while one or more such microelectronic devices are supported on a turntable in a generally horizontal fashion. Drying gas is supplied after the rinsing step. During at least a portion of both rinsing and drying steps, a drying enhancement substance, such as IPA, is delivered to enhance the rinsing and drying. Particle counts and evaporation thicknesses are reduced by delivering a tensioactive compound like IPA, during at least portions of the rinsing and drying steps while a microelectronic device is controllably rotated. The tensioactive compound is preferably delivered into the processing chamber during rinsing and drying and rinse fluid, preferably DI water, is preferably dispensed to the microelectronic device surface at a temperature below the dew point of the tensioactive compound. Moreover, the rotational speeds of the microelectronic device during drying and the tensioactive compound delivery concentration, timing and duration are preferably optimized to achieve further reduced particle counts and evaporation thicknesses.
US08070878B2
Cementitious compositions and methods for making same, in which the cementitious compositions include 35-60 wt. % cementitious reactive powder (also termed Portland cement-based binder), 2-10 wt. % expanded and chemically coated perlite filler, 20-40 wt. % water, entrained air, and optional additives such as water reducing agents, chemical set-accelerators, and chemical set-retarders. In addition, the lightweight cementitious compositions may contain 0-25 wt. % on a wet basis secondary fillers such as expanded clay, shale aggregate, and pumice.
US08070877B2
The construction material on a plant basis PB (preferably miscantus) contains a binder and a mineralizer composed of a defined mixture M2 of calcium carbonate CaCO3 and magnesium carbonate MgCO3 that is prepared in an application-oriented manner, thereby resulting in a substantial improvement of its chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. The weight proportions of the components constituting said mixture M2 are comprised between approx. 60% and approx. 95%, preferably between 2/3 and 9/10, for the CaCO3, and between approx. 5% and approx. 40%, preferably between 1/10 and 1/3, for the MgCO3. The method for producing said construction material is rationalized by previously admixing the mineralizer to the binder, preferably Portland cement of strength class 52.5, directly at the binder plant according to determined specifications to obtain a mixture M1. The weight proportions of the components constituting the mixture M1 are comprised between approx. 50% and approx. 90%, preferably between 6/10 and 4/5, for the binder, and between approx. 10% and approx. 50%, preferably between 1/5 and 4/10, for the mineralizer. In order to improve the solidification process, a fungicidal preparation is added to the mixing water. A universal construction material allowing innumerable applications can be produced from the aggregate {PB+M1}. The range of applications is further enlarged by adding another application-oriented mixture M3 to said aggregate in defined proportions (e.g. gypsum for producing quick-assembly structural panels) or a flow agent in order to allow an extrusion method (e.g. for producing bar-shaped elements)).
US08070875B2
The present invention relates to dispersants such as superplasticizers for hydratable cementitious compositions, and more particularly to methods for achieving variable degrees of longer slump life in concrete and mortar without loss of stability. This is achieved by using two admixture systems. The first admixture composition has multi-components for achieving initial-slump-enhancement, later-slump-retention, and limiting initial slump. The second admixture composition has the later-slump-enhancing component. Alternatively, conventional water reducers or superplasticizers can be employed initially, followed by the later-slump-enhancing admixture composition.
US08070867B2
An ink includes at least one coloring matter represented by a formula (1): wherein X1 represents one of —CR1═ and a nitrogen atom; X2 represents one of —CR2═ and a nitrogen atom; X3 represents one of —CR3═ and a nitrogen atom; R1, R2 and R3 each independently represents one of a hydrogen atom and a substituent; when R1, R2 and R3 each represents a substituent, the substituent may have a substituent; A represents one group selected from a prescribed pyridine ring group, pyrimidine ring group and quinoline ring group.
US08070860B2
An H2-permeable membrane system (117) comprises an electroless-deposited plating (115) of Pd or Pd alloy on a porous support (110, 110′). The Pd plating comprises face-centered cubic crystals cumulatively having a morphology of hexagonal platelets. The permeability to H2 of the membrane plating (115) on the porous support is significantly enhanced, being at least greater than about 1.3×10−8 mol·m−1·s−·Pa−0.5 at 350° C., and even greater than about 3.4×10−8 mol·m−1·s−1·Pa−0.5. The porous support (110, 110′) may be stainless steel (1100 and include a thin ceramic interlayer (110′) on which the Pd is plated. The method of providing the electroless-deposited plating includes preheating a Pd electroless plating solution to near a plating temperature substantially greater than room temperature, e.g. 60° C., prior to plating.
US08070858B2
A filter bag for a vacuum cleaner includes at least three layers, at least two layers which include at least one nonwoven fabric layer and one nonwoven fibre layer being connected by a weld, a high bulk resulting due to the small number of welds per surface area.
US08070854B2
In a method for removing moisture from an optical system at high altitude, the improvement comprises using the difference in flow resistance between the desiccant path and the optical cavity path to enable airflow through the desiccant unit and not through the optical path.
US08070851B2
A heap leaching method to recover copper from a primary copper sulphide mineral wherein the mineral is leached in an acidic chloride/sulphate solution in the presence of oxygen with the surface potential of the mineral below 600 mV (vs. SHE) to cause dissolution of the copper sulphide.
US08070847B2
Substrate having corrugated sheet(s) and channel(s) for treating exhaust gases of combustion engines
A substrate has corrugated sheet(s) and channel(s) for treating exhaust gases of combustion engines. The present invention also relates to methods for manufacturing and using the substrate having the open channel(s). The substrate (1) includes at least one corrugated sheet (3) having depressions (3d) and one flat wire mesh sheet (2) having depressions (2d) which is connected to the corrugated sheet (3) and between the flat wire mesh sheet (2) and the corrugated sheet (3) there are at least partially open channels (POC) for exhaust gas (EG) flow, and the depth of depression (2d) of the flat wire mesh sheet (2) is 0.05-2.0 mm smaller than the height of the corrugation (3c) of the corrugated sheet (3).
US08070845B2
A dust collecting device for a handheld power tool equipped with a dust exhaust fitting (12), in particular for an electric handheld power sander, includes a dust collecting bag (14) that has an air-permeable filter bag (15) and a reinforcing plate (16). The reinforcing plate (16) is situated in front of the filter bag (15) and has an inlet opening (17) that fits onto the dust exhaust fitting (12). A support is attached to the handheld power tool and has a filter chamber (20) for insertion of the filter bag (15) and a receiving chamber (21) situated in front of the filter chamber (20) for insertion of the reinforcing plate (16).
US08070844B2
An accumulator having an internal valve opened by applying air pressure to a diaphragm with a small solenoid to apply air to the diaphragm where the air is supplied from a pilot air supply. When the internal valve operated by the diaphragm opens, it snaps to a fully open position thereby opening the valve and uncovering a passageway leading to a filter for cleaning. The passageway is sufficiently wide that the resulting flow of air through the passageway is so explosive that air pressure on the filter is distributed over the surface area of the filter for a brief moment, blowing the dust on the filter free.
US08070828B2
A novel enhanced liner for prostheses provides for better for either off of the shelf or in customized form, to line a prosthetic used by amputees. Striking a balance between controlling the tear strength and imparting resiliency results in a user friendly product that can be easily donned, and doffed and worn without the drawbacks of the prior art. A unique coating allows the user to remove it like a tubular sock-member, and support comfort and convenience.
US08070826B2
Apparatus and methods for closing a septal defect including a flap of tissue partially detached from a septum of a heart. A needle is advanced through a patient's vasculature within a delivery apparatus until the needle is disposed within a first chamber adjacent the septum. The needle is directed through the flap of tissue until the needle is disposed within a second chamber opposite the septum. A filament attached to an intermediate region of the needle is pulled, thereby causing the needle to pivot about the intermediate region such that the ends of the needle straddle the septal opening. A locking element is secured to the filament to secure the flap of tissue against the septum, and the filament is cut. Alternatively, the filament is biased to coil to engage the flap of tissue and secure the needle against the septum to close the opening.
US08070823B2
A prosthetic joint includes: (a) first member having a balanced centroidal axis, and comprising a rigid material and a concave interior defining a cup surface, the cup surface including: (i) a cantilevered first flange defining a wear-resistant protruding first contact rim, the first flange being asymmetric relative to the balanced centroidal axis; and (ii) a cantilevered second flange defining a wear-resistant protruding second contact rim; (b) a second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact rims bear against the contact surface of the second member, to transfer loads between the first and second members, while allowing pivoting motion therebetween; and (d) wherein the flanges are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the first and second contact rims to conform in an irregular shape to the contact surface, when the joint is under load.
US08070821B2
A hybrid prosthetic femoral component has an outer bearing surface for engaging a tibial bearing and an inner surface for engaging a prepared distal femur. The inner surface having a distal surface, an anterior surface and a posterior surface, wherein said posterior surface has a first surface structure for allowing tissue ingrowth and the anterior and distal surfaces having a second surface structure for contacting bone cement. The first and second structure have different surface characteristics with different properties wherein the first surface structure is a porous surface and the second surface is a non-porous textured surface. The hybrid prosthetic femoral component further comprises an anterior chamfered surface and a posterior chamfered surface wherein the posterior chamfered surface includes the first surface structure and the anterior chamfered surface includes the second surface structure.
US08070818B2
A repair system including a closure prosthesis and deployment device, and associated methods for repairing any imperfection including a flaw, hole, tear, bulge, or, in some cases, a deliberate cut or incision in any tissue including an intervertebral disc. The prosthesis has first and second side portions with a connecting central portion, and is designed to span an imperfection with opposite ends positioned on opposite sides of the imperfection. The prosthesis may include anchoring features including barbs and/or members that extend transversely. The deployment device can include a cannula for positioning the prosthesis near the imperfection, and, in some cases, a mechanism that may cause the two sides of the prosthesis to be deployed in a specific order.
US08070815B2
An intervertebral implant system for positioning between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra is provided. The implant system comprises an intervertebral implant and a staple. The implant comprises an inferior plate and a superior plate, while the superior plate has a vertebral surface facing the upper vertebra and the inferior plate has a vertebral surface facing the lower vertebra. There are two grooves on at least one vertebral surface extending at an angle outward from a centerline on the vertebral surface as they extend from the anterior portion of the plate toward the posterior portion of the plate. When in use, the staple is associated with the two grooves for maintaining stability of the intervertebral implant and preventing backing out of the intervertebral implant. The staple also has two arms and has a generally rectangular shape prior to use.
US08070811B2
A prosthesis replaces all or a portion of a natural facet joint on a vertebral body. The prosthesis has a prosthesis body accommodating fixation to the vertebral body at or near a pedicle and without support by a lamina. The prosthesis body has a fastening element installed within the vertebral body at or near a pedicle. The prosthesis further has an artificial facet joint structure carried by the prosthesis body at a location spaced from the fastening element. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted and configured to replace all or a portion of a natural facet joint.
US08070807B2
Methods and systems for detecting wall breach in inflatable prostheses rely on intrusion of a body fluid or inflation medium to electrically alter a signaling circuit. In one embodiment, an open portion of a circuit is closed to enable or modify a transmitted signal. In another embodiment, electrical current is generated to power an electrical transmission.
US08070801B2
A method and apparatus for delivering a device to a given location within a heart, the method and apparatus being adapted for: passing a first catheter through the left atrium of the heart, through the mitral valve and into the left ventricle, and passing a second catheter through the aorta toward the heart, one or the other of the first catheter and the second catheter, with the device attached thereto, forming a device-carrying assembly for engagement with the remaining catheter; causing the device-carrying assembly and the remaining catheter to engage one another so as to form a connection therebetween; and retracting one of the device-carrying assembly and the remaining catheter in a direction opposite to the other of the device-carrying assembly and the remaining catheter so as to position the device relative to the given location within the heart.
US08070790B2
An apex capture device for holding proximal apices of a stent to be implanted includes a distal capture portion to be fixedly connected to a distal end of a first hollow lumen and a proximal capture portion fixedly connected to a distal end of a second hollow lumen. The distal capture portion has a longitudinal axis, a distal portion with a proximal end, and a proximal stopper having a distal side and a proximal side. At least a portion of the proximal side of the proximal stopper extends along a line that intersects a hollow first lumen. The proximal capture portion has fingers that define an interior cavity shaped to receive the proximal stopper.
US08070789B2
Apparatus for delivering stents to body lumens include one or more tubular prostheses carried at the distal end of a catheter shaft, a sheath slidably disposed over the prostheses, and a guidewire tube extending from within the sheath to the exterior of the sheath through an exit port in a sidewall thereof. A guidewire extends slidably through the guidewire tube. The sheath can be moved relative to the catheter shaft and the guidewire tube to expose the prostheses for deployment. Methods of delivering stents are also provided.
US08070788B2
A hot pad assembly for pedicure comprises a hot pad comprising means for absorbing heat and releasing heat over a period of time, a hot pad attachment means to secure the hot pad around the knee, a hot pad cover shaped to fit and cover the hot pad having a plurality of means for securing the hot pad assembly around the shin and calf, and a leg cover for being placed between the leg and the pad cover having the hot pad therein. A beauty product is applied to the leg and the leg cover encloses the product and the leg together to improve the effectiveness of the beauty care product with the help of heat transfer from the hot pad.
US08070784B2
A plating system for stabilization of a bony segment includes a plate engageable to at least first and second bony elements. For spinal stabilization, the plate is attached at least to first and second vertebrae with at least one bone fastener in each vertebra. Retaining members are attachable to the plate to prevent the bone fasteners from backing out of the plate. One retaining member is a variable retaining member that allows the bone fasteners to toggle in the plate without interference. A second retaining member is a fixed retaining member that fixes the bone fasteners relative to the plate.
US08070779B2
A percutaneous interspinous process device for treating spinal conditions includes a first section, a second section, and a locking mechanism. The first section defines a first lateral surface, a first medial surface and a first lumen extending from the first lateral surface to the first medial surface. The second section defines a second lateral surface, a second medial surface and a second lumen extending from the second lateral surface. The locking mechanism includes an elongate member protruding from the first medial surface of the first section and a medial recess defined in the second medial surface of the second section. The medial recess is configured for securely receiving at least a portion of the elongate member. The elongate member is configured to define a space between adjacent spinous processes and maintain a predetermined distance between adjacent spinous processes.
US08070776B2
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.
US08070769B2
An embolic protection filter having an inverted membrane with improved blood perfusion characteristics is disclosed. An embolic protection filter in accordance with the present invention comprises a filter frame disposable about a guidewire, a support hoop coupled to a plurality of expandable struts, and an inverted membrane for filtering embolic debris. The inverted membrane has a tapered proximal section and an enlarged diameter distal section. Features of the present invention permit the perfusion of blood through the filter irrespective of embolic debris entrained therein.
US08070766B2
A skin pricking apparatus includes a casing 1, a lancet 19 located within the casing, and a firing mechanism 5,13,31 for causing a needle tip 22 of the lancet 19 to be driven through an opening 14 in the casing to prick the skin of a user. The firing mechanism including a mechanical interlock 6,27 which is released by substantially simultaneous external pressure applied separately to two spaced apart components 5,13 of the firing mechanism by a user.
US08070765B2
A method for treating a brain tumor includes providing a surgical instrument having an inner member and an outer member. The outer member has a distal region forming a cutting window. The inner member is rotatably received within the outer member, and has a cutting tip that is exposed at the window. The cutting tip and the distal region of the outer member combine to define a cutting implement. An opening is created through the patient's skull to provide access to a brain tumor target site. The cutting implement is delivered through the opening to the target site. The cutting tip is placed into contact with the tumor and operated to cut the tumor. The target site is selectively aspirated to remove cut tumor tissue.
US08070757B2
An identification tag applicator is provided, which is especially suited to applying identification tags to animals. The applicator includes a body (12) which has a driving rod housing (20) in which a driving rod (24) is slidably engaged. The driving rod (24) has a driving surface (28) adapted to receive a tag (60) which is to be applied. The applicator also has a trigger member (14) which is pivotably attached to the body (12). The trigger member (14) includes a connecting pin (46) which is adapted to selectively engage the trigger member (14) with the driving rod (24). A release mechanism automatically returns the driving rod (24) to a retracted position when the driving surface (28) of the rod (24) reaches a predetermined distance from the housing (20). The release mechanism ensures that the driving rod (24) is immediately retracted out of the way as soon as the tag is applied.
US08070749B2
An improved anterior cervical plating system and methods of cervical fusion using such a system are provided. The cervical plating system includes an interlocking mechanism that integrated into each of the plates such that any two plates may cooperatively engage through the interlocking mechanism such that a new cervical plate can be interconnected with a pre-existing plate during revision surgery without removal of the pre-existing plate.
US08070747B2
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to apply energy to PFO tissues to acutely, substantially close the PFO. Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. Some embodiments of a catheter device further include one or more tissue apposition members near the distal end for helping bring PFO tissues together, such as a PFO covering member, a vacuum applying member and/or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.
US08070746B2
A method for cardiac surgical intervention relies on sealing or fusing heart valve leaflets without requiring implanted materials such as sutures or staples. The method provides a forceps having at least one shaft and an end effector assembly attached thereto. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to move from an open, spread position to a closed, grasping position; creating at least one opening in the patient for inserting the forceps therein; inserting through the opening and manipulating jaw members of the forceps to grasp a portion of a first heart valve leaflet and a portion of a second heart valve leaflet therebetween; activating the forceps to close the jaw members about the leaflet portions under a working pressure, applying radiofrequency energy to the jaw members to seal the portion of the first heart valve leaflet to the portion of the second heart valve leaflet.
US08070738B2
Disposable pant like garments are disclosed. Pant like garments of the present invention generally comprise a main absorbent portion and a pair of side portions. One or more sections of the pant-like garments are provided with one or more cohesive areas which allow for cohesive fastening and refastening of portions of the garment. The cohesives chosen may have the same properties or may be of the selective adhesive type. Pant like garments may be provided with cohesive fasteners and not other types of refastening means. In other variations, cohesive fasteners may be supplemented with one or more frangible bonds. Also disclosed are side portions having cohesive areas which may be converted in use from an abutting facing relationship to an overlapping facing relationship. Multiple cohesive areas of varying types for providing differential bond properties during use are also disclosed.
US08070733B2
A device for regulating the flow rate of a medical liquid includes a body provided with elements associated with corresponding parts connected together but torsionally free, at least one of the parts including a plurality of recesses acting as flow regulator able to modify the flow rate of the liquid directed towards the patient by rotating the parts about a common axis of rotation. Between the parts a seal element enables the recesses to be selectively connected together via communication elements, so achieving flow rate regulation. Transverse sealers are provided between the seal element and at least the second part of the parts which are interconnected but torsionally free. The transverse sealers preventing the escape of liquid from the recesses and from the body of the device following a relative movement or misalignment between the parts in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation or along this latter during flow regulation or following any angular misalignment of the parts relative to the axis.
US08070722B2
An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle.
US08070709B2
A peritoneal dialysis machine including: a housing; a mechanically actuated piston head extending from a pump actuator housed by the housing, the mechanically actuated piston head positioned to extend towards and away from a fluid pumping cassette, the fluid pumping cassette coupled operably to the housing such that a flexible membrane of the fluid pumping cassette faces the piston head; a pressure sensor positioned by the housing adjacent to the mechanically actuated piston head so as to sense a pressure of a medical fluid moved by the mechanically actuated piston head within the fluid pumping cassette; and a vacuum chamber formed about the mechanically actuated piston head, the vacuum chamber holding a vacuum that sucks the flexible membrane of the fluid pumping cassette onto the mechanically actuated piston head as the mechanically actuated piston head extends away from the fluid pumping cassette.
US08070701B2
Protective devices, to protect a body part having a bony portion with a soft tissue layer between the bony portion and an outer skin layer, have an inner surface which conforms to the body part to be protected and are applied to the body part to reduce pressure exhibited at the interface between the bony portion and the soft tissue layer, across the soft tissue and outer skin layers and at the interface between the outer skin layer and a support surface. The protective devices may be made of any material suitable for distributing the weight of the body part over an extended area and volume and may include a mushy material, a hard shell, a hydro absorptive material, and a wound dressing with medication. The body-part to be protected includes at least one of the heel, trochanter, knee, sacrum, coccyx, ischium, scapula, elbow, ankle, buttocks and occiput; The protective devices may be secured to the body part directly or via a garment or any other suitable securing means.
US08070697B2
Disclosed herein is an exercise apparatus for backbone care, in which an exerciser's lower body is moved leftwards and rightwards when a lower body exercising panel rotates leftwards and rightwards, so that his or her upper body is moved in a direction opposite the moving direction of the lower body, and thus a slipped disk is restored to its original position and a bent section of the backbone is straightened. A sliding or slippery or a rotation mechanism is provided on an upper body exercising panel so that an exerciser's upper body is exercised naturally by the movement of the lower body. Thus, free rotation of the upper body exercising panel is possible even though additional power is not transmitted to the upper body exercising panel. The exercise apparatus allows exercise to be stably conducted in the shape of an S.
US08070694B2
Systems for less invasive medical procedures comprise a filter device mounted on an integrated guiding structure and an aspiration catheter. These components can be used together or separately, and the system can be used with other medical devices that are designed for less invasive procedures, such as procedures in a patient's vasculature. The filter device can involve improved torque coupling with a torque coupler associated with a resilient member that correspondingly also provides increased flexibility relative to an overtube that forms a tube for the remaining portions of the device. An actuation tool for the filter device used a systematic loading procedure for proper loading of the corewire and overtube into the actuation tool. A fiber cartridge comprises fibers loaded as a bundle into the cartridge for delivery with the ends of the fibers respectively bonded to radiopaque markers that can be visualized to come together when the filter is properly deployed. The aspiration catheter generally has a rapid exchange format. The catheter can have a radiopaque band that is held in place under metal wire embedded within the polymer forming the tube of the catheter. In some embodiments, the aspiration catheter has a small diameter distal portion that can access into small diameter vessels in which the distal portion has a smaller average diameter than the remaining tube of the catheter.
US08070692B2
An integrated lancet and testing striplet for measuring a body analyte level in a health care regimen includes a skin piercing member and an analyte sensor coupled together.
US08070680B2
Apparatus for performing a transgastric procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having the first lumen with open proximal end and a side opening distal end, and a second lumen with open ends. A balloon having a wall on the outside of the device surrounds the distal end and a fluid conduit extends along the device for inflating the balloon so that when the device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the balloon is inflated, the portion of the esophagus opposite the distal end is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus. The apparatus may also include a side access unit having an elongated flexible coaxial inner and outer tubes having proximal and distal ends and being movable relatively in the axial direction. First seals are mounted to the distal end of the outer tube, and second seals are mounted to the distal end of the inner tube, an actuator adjacent to the proxable ends of the tubes move the tubes relatively so as to vary the axial spacing the first and second seals. Various methods for using the apparatus are also disclosed.
US08070676B2
A surgical access device includes an access seal comprising an ultra gel elastomeric material formed of a mixture comprising a triblock copolymer and an oil. The access seal is adapted to be disposed relative to the abdominal wall. At least one access channel is formed through the elastomeric material between a proximal portion and a distal portion of the access seal. The access channel when operatively disposed forms at least a portion of a working channel between a location external to the abdominal wall and a location internal to the abdominal wall. The elastomeric material of the access seal is adapted to conform to a surface of an instrument inserted through the working channel to provide instrument access to the abdominal cavity while maintaining insufflation pressure in the abdominal cavity. The access channel is configured to self seal in the absence of any instrument extending through the access channel.
US08070674B1
A sex enhancer is a flexible and deformable fluid-filled enclosure with a smooth exterior surface having a rounded shape. The sex enhancer is heated and inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. During sexual intercourse, the penis pushes the sex enhancer against the cervix to provide enhanced pleasure to the woman without detracting from the pleasure of the man.
US08070673B2
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments useful in practicing the disclosed methods.
US08070665B2
A method for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising centrifuging at least two separation bags containing two discrete volumes of a composite liquid respectively, so as to separate therein the first and second components; transferring at least one fraction of a first separated component from the separation bags into satellite bags connected thereto respectively; detecting a characteristic of a component at determined location in each separation bag; and stopping transferring the at least one fraction of the first component from each separation bag into the first satellite bag connected thereto, upon detection of the characteristic of a component at the determined location.
US08070653B2
The present invention broadly comprises a method for controlling engine speed, engine torque, and torque converter output including the steps of applying engine torque to a torque converter and modulating the transferring of the torque to a pump for the torque converter. In some aspects, the torque converter further comprises a pump clutch and the method applies torque to the pump clutch and controllably slips the pump clutch. In some aspects, the method supplies engine torque from an engine with a turbocharger and controllably slips the pump clutch to increase speed and torque for the engine during a launch event for the vehicle or determines a parameter regarding operation of the vehicle and controllably slips the pump clutch responsive to the parameter. The present invention also comprises a method for controlling torque converter output by connecting a clutch between an engine and a torque converter and controllably slipping the clutch.
US08070651B2
A work machine includes an IC engine having an output, an IVT having an input coupled with the IC engine output, and a ground speed actuator. A desired speed sensor associated with the ground speed actuator provides an output signal indicating a slower ground speed. At least one electrical processing circuit is configured for increasing an input/output (I/O) ratio of the IVT, dependent upon the sensor output signal, such that a net torque transfer back-driven from the IVT input to the IC engine output is substantially zero.
US08070648B2
A method for controlling restart of an engine in a hybrid electric powertrain includes stopping the vehicle and engine, initiating the restart, estimating time required to restart the engine after the restart is initiated, filling and stroking launch elements of a transmission, when the estimated time substantially equals a second estimated time required to fill and stroke said launch elements, and increasing the torque capacity of the launch elements to accelerate the vehicle.
US08070642B2
A transmission is disclosed 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 five clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US08070637B2
A manual valve control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. Electronic and hydraulic components are provided, including trim valve systems that are multiplexed by a shift valve and a manual valve. The trim valves and shift valve are self-diagnosing via a plurality of multiplexed pressure switches. The control enables single and double range shifts among the multiple forward speed ratios, including shifts to and from sixth and higher forward ratios, reverse and neutral. The control also includes a reduced engine load at stop feature. In addition, a power off/limp home feature provides a plurality of failure modes, including a failure mode for sixth and higher forward speed ratios.
US08070633B2
An eccentric bottom bracket assembly having a body member, at least two wing members, a wedge driver with two wedge members, and at least one spring member altogether forming a tubular, cylindrical assembly to fit within the inner shell of the bottom bracket area of the bicycle frame for adjusting the chain length or tension. The assembly is preferably used for the front and rear bottom brackets of a tandem bicycle for adjusting the chain that is connected to the front and rear driving sprockets. The assembly is also alternatively used in single-rider bicycles and other bicycles with the need for adjusting chain tension. The assembly allows for the wing members and the body member to circumferentially and outwardly expand or inwardly retract by co-acting with the rotation of the wedge driver which laterally displaces the wedge members in a parallel direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the body member.
US08070630B2
A marker stake for locating a boundary reference point on a sports field can be buried and out of sight when not in use, and then quickly located using an electronic receiver which detects a signal emitted by an electronic marker in the marker stake. Various field boundary indicators can be removably attached to the marker stake. The stake may be embodied in a cylindrical body constructed of a moldable polymer with a socket at one end for receiving a pin or post of the field boundary indicator, and the electronic marker embedded inside the body. The electronic marker may be a passive LC marker tuned to a frequency associated with a known field sport. Different sets of such marker stakes tuned to different frequencies may be used to mark and relocate reference points for multiple sports played on the same field.
US08070626B2
A golf ball having at least a core and a composite layer comprising a fibrous material and a matrix material is disclosed. The fibrous material may comprise a polymer, glass or metal. The matrix material preferably comprises a translucent polymer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fibrous material comprises a ferromagnetic material and the golf ball is subjected to induction heating to improve adhesion between adjacent ball layers. The golf ball may additionally comprise a translucent cover layer surrounding the composite layer or an intermediate layer disposed between the composite layer and the core.
US08070624B2
A golf club with a golf club head having compressible v-shaped grooves is presented. The club head may include a plurality of grooves formed in a striking face. In some arrangements, the grooves have a rectangular cross section. The grooves may also include a compressible insert having a v-shaped end and being formed of a material softer than that of the grooves. As the club head strikes a golf ball, the insert may compress, thereby allowing additional contact between the groove and the ball to impart spin on the ball. In an alternate arrangement, the groove may include a compressible support arranged between the insert and an end of the groove. The compressible insert may be formed of a material softer than the groove and/or the insert and is configured to compress when the club head strikes a golf ball.
US08070622B2
A golf putter providing a center mount of the hosel to the club head and a shaft engagement to the hosel at the heel end of the club head. The center mount provides the sole engagement of the hosel to the head as a gap is formed by a pathway formed through the body of the head which is larger than the circumference of the hosel in its communication therethrough. The centered engagement provides better touch to the user and feedback on striking a ball while concurrently removing the shaft from the user's line of sight to the ball and club face and reduces the twist or torque at impact with a golf ball, thereby increasing the moment of inertia.
US08070621B2
Set 2 according to the present invention includes m or more wood type golf clubs (wherein, m is an integer of no less than 2) having a loft angle of greater than 20 degrees. Provided that the face progression b2 of these m clubs is defined as from b2 (1) to b2 (m) following the ascending order of the loft angle of the club from the smallest value, this set 2 satisfies the relationships of: b2 (1) ≧b2 (2) ≧ . . . ≧b2 (m); and b2 (1) >b2 (m). Preferably, in all clubs having a loft angle of greater than 20 degrees, the ratio (a2/b2) of the loft angle a2 (degree) to the face progression (mm) is 0.7 or greater and 2.0 or less in this set 2. This set 2 is superior in ease to address. According to this set 2, the trajectory suited for each numerical designation can be achieved.
US08070619B2
The present invention provides a golf grip training aid that comprises a glove and a golf club handle grip or grip cover, the handle grip or grip cover having a plurality of discrete co-operating contact zones spaced apart therealong in locations to define a good grip position and adapted to co-operatively engage with corresponding discrete co-operating contact zones on the glove whereby the user may feel when their hand in the glove is in the required good grip position on the handle grip or grip cover by inter-engagement of the co-operating contact zones on the glove with the co-operating contact zones on the glove handle grip or grip cover.
US08070617B2
Child entertainment apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An example child entertainment apparatus includes a frame and a support suspended for swinging movement relative to the frame. The support is elastically elongatable. A child seat is carried by the support and thus is able to swing and bounce relative to the frame. A drive arm extends between the frame and the seat and includes a first end journalled for rotation relative to one of the frame or the seat and a second end slidably coupled to the other of the frame or the seat.
US08070607B2
A competition game system designed such that tactical data created based on respective results of input operations to manual operation sections of two game apparatuses are transmitted and received between the game apparatuses to allow a competition game having an identical event to be progressed in each of the game apparatuses based on the transmitted and received tactical data. Each of the game apparatuses comprises an action-setting section 305 adapted to create player-side tactical data corresponding to a content of an input operation from the manual operation section 10A, a communication control section 306 adapted to transmit the player-side tactical data created by the action-setting section 305, to the opponent's game apparatus, and receive opponent-side tactical data from the opponent's game apparatus, through a communication section 130, a determination section 307 adapted to determine a competition result, based on the player-side and opponent-side tactical data, and an image display control section 302 adapted to display a game image onto a display unit 3 according to the determined competition result. The competition game system of the present invention makes it possible to efficiently achieve a competition game while exchanging minimum data between a plurality of game apparatuses having the same configuration, without setting a master-servant relationship to the game apparatuses.
US08070606B2
A progressive stall timer is disclosed. For example, in one disclosed embodiment, a participant in an online turn-based social experience is provided with a time interval in which to take an action in a current turn. If the participant does not take an action in the current turn during the time interval, then the participant is provided a shortened time interval during which to take an action in a later turn. In this manner, the negative impact a stalling participant has on the experience is reduced each time the participant stalls.
US08070597B2
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with an outcome of a primary game, such as a designated symbol combination, wherein if the associated primary game outcome is generated, such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs, such progressive award is provided to a player and the player is provided the opportunity to one or more additional progressive awards.
US08070581B2
Creative multi-act games for the younger generation of casino players accustomed to creative simulation games such as “The Sims®” and familiar TV characters such as the cast of “Friends.” Stories unfold through acts that have been staged by the player by selecting and placing acting objects. A palette of betting opportunities may be provided in each act in accordance with the staged act to allow the player(s) to place bets. A typical storyboard may include three acts: (a) a construction act, (b) a testing act and (c) a destruction or resolution act. The unfolding of acts may be non-linear and several players may participate simultaneously, sharing the opportunity to affect a storyboard's direction through decision-making.
US08070577B2
Systems and methods are provided for providing a negative outcome at a gaming device. The system determines that a player of a gaming device has equity which may be debited. An outcome of the gaming device is determined, and it is also determined that the outcome is a negative outcome. The balance (e.g., of the gaming device or another gaming device) is reduced by more than the wager amount.
US08070576B2
A gaining machine (10) has a display (14) and a game controller arranged to control images displayed on the display (14). The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein one or more random events are caused to be displayed on the display (14) and, if a predefined winning event results, the machine (10) awards a prize which is credited to a credit meter of the machine (10). The credit meter includes two meter displays, a first meter display (42.1) indicating credit which is available for expenditure in the machine (10) to play at least one game and a second meter display (42.2) indicating credit set aside by at least one of a player and the game controller and which credit is unavailable to the player for wagering on a game but which is only available by termination of a playing session.
US08070575B2
The game will be called Bowl N Hold-em. It will combine the standard game of bowling, along with the poker game Texas Hold-em. The game will utilize the bowling center's computer scoring system, along with a standard deck of playing cards. This will be done by creating a computer program that will be compatible with a bowling center's existing computer software. The maximum number of players per pair of lanes, shall be ten. One standard deck of playing cards shall be used per pair of lanes.
US08070572B2
The present invention relates to a fishing simulation method, a fishing simulation execution method, and a fishing simulator, and more specifically, to a fishing simulation method, a fishing simulation execution method, and a fishing simulator, in which a fishing activity procedure of detecting a fish school, gathering fish, and catching the fish can be realized in a three-dimensional virtual space of a computer, and a fishery environment and fishing activity simulated in the computer virtual space comes to be similar to a real fishery environment and fishing activity by simulating the behavior of the fish school, including an avoidance behavior of fish entities forming the fish school, responding to the movement of a fishing boat and a fishing gear, thereby enhancing learning effects on the fishery environment and the fishing activity.
US08070569B2
A cooling apparatus and method for temperature sensitive components or equipment housed in an enclosure are provided. The cooling apparatus and method removes hot air from the enclosure upon power or air conditioner failure or rise in temperature. The cooling apparatus and method helps to regulate the temperature of air in the enclosure. The cooling apparatus and method may be combined with existing enclosures either as a primary or auxiliary or “back-up” cooling system.
US08070564B1
The present invention relates to an apparatus for stunning and separating poultry during the stunning process. The apparatus includes a multi-zone trough having a plurality of basins and a separator adapted to separate shackled poultry hung from a conveyor system into a respective one of the plurality of basins. Each of the plurality of basins is separated by a divider. Once separated, the divider maintains the poultry in a separated condition during a stunning process.
US08070556B2
A method of grinding a ferrous roll may include: rotating a grinding wheel on a machine spindle to form a rotating grinding wheel; rotating a ferrous roll to form a rotating roll surface; bringing the rotating grinding wheel into contact with the rotating roll surface; traversing the rotating grinding wheel across an axial roll length of the rotating roll surface; and grinding the roll surface while varying at least one or both of a grinding wheel rotational speed and a said mill roll rotational speed at an amplitude of +/−1 to 40% with a period of 1 to 30 seconds.
US08070554B2
An apparatus and method for lapping and fabricating a read/write head is described. The lapping method includes performing a first lapping process on a structure having the read/write head fabricated therein. The first lapping process is for reducing a first resistive region. The first resistive region is located proximal to a surface of the structure. The first lapping process is for achieving a first lapping benchmark. The lapping method further includes performing a second lapping process on a second resistive region. The second lapping process laps at a rate lesser than the first lapping process. The second lapping process is for achieving a second lapping benchmark. The second resistive region is interposed between the first resistive region and the read/write head. The second resistive region has a different resistive value than the second resistive region.
US08070552B2
An infant gym includes a first support member having opposite ends engageable with a support surface, a hub located between the ends of the first support member, and a second support member having a first end pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the hub and a second end engageable with the support surface. The second end of the second support member is movable toward and away from the ends of the first support member, thereby changing the orientation of the hub relative to the support surface.
US08070548B2
A method for making the thermal electron emitter includes following steps. Providing a carbon nanotube film including a plurality of carbon nanotubes. Treating the carbon nanotube film with a solution comprising of a solvent and compound or a precursor of a compound, wherein the compound and the compound that is the basis of the precursor of a compound has a work function that is lower than the carbon nanotubes. Twisting the treated carbon nanotube film to form a carbon nanotube twisted wire. Drying the carbon nanotube twisted wire. Activating the carbon nanotube twisted wire.
US08070544B2
Clean energy powered surfboard having various advantages that make for easy to learn, easy to use, safer, exciting, high performance, environmentally friendly surfing on any ocean wave in the world. The various embodiments include novel motor, turbine, or electric motor generator surfboards comprising hydrogen or electric-powered motors, which can be switch-activated and which drive jet pumps. Energy can be stored as compressed gas, including air and hydrogen. Energy can be stored in novel capacitors that are incorporated in the body of the surfboard. Energy can be generated by solar or water power while surfing or by passing waves, for example, while waiting for a big wave. An output jet provides thrust to catch a wave, to return to the wave breaks, or to avoid a hazard. A novel fin output jet increases stability and maximizes thrust. Self-contained, self-recharging embodiments are low cost, lightweight, safer, and good for the environment.
US08070536B2
Provided is a technique of enabling high-compression crimping without breaking a crimp terminal while forming a recessed portion promoting a wire crimp portion of the crimp terminal to cut into a conductor in the wire crimp portion. The crimp terminal according to the invention includes a wire crimp portion, which is crimped to a conductor of a wire and includes a first crimp portion crimped to a base side of the conductor and a second crimp portion crimped to a tip end side. A recessed portion for promoting a cutting-in effect is formed in an inner surface of the wire crimp portion. A recessed portion formed in the second crimp portion is divided in a terminal width direction or is shallower than a recessed portion formed in the first crimp portion. Alternatively, the recessed portion is omitted and a recessed portion is formed only in the first crimp portion.
US08070533B1
A power connector includes an insulative housing, a power contact retained in the insulative housing and a key member. The insulative housing defines a receiving chamber recessed from a mating face and a rear portion located at the rear of the receiving chamber. The rear portion defines a mounting hole in communication with the receiving chamber and a first locking arm having a first hook protruding into the mounting hole. The first hook is lockable with the key member in order to prevent the key member from withdrawing from the mounting hole. The key member further defines a slit through which the first hook is forwardly exposed to an exterior. As a result, a tool can be inserted into the slit to push the first hook so as to unlock the first locking arm with the key member.
US08070528B2
An electrical connector (100) for insertion of an electrical plug, includes an insulative housing (1) having a receiving cavity (13) to receive the electrical plug in a front-to-rear direction and a plurality of receiving slots (14) communicating with the receiving cavity, and a set of terminals (2) received in the receiving slots and including first terminals (21). Each first terminal has a vertical flat first base portion (212) retained in the insulative housing and extending along the front-to-rear direction, a first contacting portion (211) protruding into the receiving cavity to electrical contact with the electrical plug, and a first tail portion (213) to be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). Both the first contacting portion (211) and the first tail portion (213) simultaneously extend from one of an upper edge and lower edge of the first base portion (212).
US08070523B1
A transmission cable provides communication between a computer and an electronic device. The transmission cable includes a first plug and a second plug. The first plug connects with the electronic device. The second plug connects with the computer. The first plug includes a data receiving socket, a data transmission socket, and a grounding socket. The grounding socket is positioned between the data receiving socket and the data transmission socket. The second plug is a D-sub connector.
US08070519B2
An electrical connector assembly includes an insulating housing, a plurality of first contacts received in the insulating housing, at least one detecting pin and a controlling circuitry. At least partial first contacts unitarily includes first contacting portions transferring first data signals and second contacting portions transferring second data signals. The detecting pin produces two sets of different detecting signals corresponding to the first data signals and the second data signals. The controlling circuitry controls said data signals output data signals through different output terminals.
US08070510B2
A connector includes a first housing, a second housing and a releaser. The second housing is attached with the first housing. An accommodating part is provided in the first housing. A first projection is provided in the accommodating part. A detector is accommodated in the accommodating part. A lock portion is provided in the detector and is engaged with the first projection. The releaser releases the lock portion from the first projection when the second housing is attached with the first housing.
US08070503B2
A novel charging interface for rechargeable devices is disclosed herein. The present charging interface has a male plug, formed from circuit board material, which electrically and slidably interconnects with a female socket in at least two orientations. The female socket has electrically conductive biasing means which retain the male plug within the female socket. The charging interface provides electrical contact between the master circuit board of a rechargeable device and a power source.
US08070500B2
A mobile communications device comprising: a back cover, which comprises an inner surface and a sidewall. A hatch is formed in the sidewall. An ejection device is fixed to the inner surface of the back cover, and which comprises a resilient wall protruding from the surface of the ejection device, and an electromagnet. A groove member is slidably connected to the ejection device, and is aligned with the hatch, and is configured for putting SIM card. The groove member further defines a hole. A hook device is rotatably connected to the ejection device, and is positioned on the electromagnet, and which comprises a hook portion. A first elastic device is fixed to the groove member, and is configured for pushing the groove to move. A torsion spring is fixed to the ejection device, and is configured for driving the hook device to return to the first position.
US08070498B2
The present invention relates to a contact and an electrical connector having such contacts. The contact is formed as a single piece of elastic metal sheet and includes a base frame and a spring arm restrained by the base frame in a preload state. The base frame includes two side walls each having a stopper projection formed in a plane within which a corresponding side wall is disposed. The spring arm is formed with opposite projections which are pressed down and constrained in position by the stopper projections respectively. The contact can be manufactured in a simple way and presents a high reliability.
US08070489B2
An integrated modular dental measuring apparatus and method of use for producing edentulous dentures, each including a lower dental tray having a removable modular contact plate with an upwardly extending shoulder surrounding a tapered opening, a ball nut retained in the tapered opening, and a post adjustably secured to the ball nut. A modular striking plate may be removably attached to an upper dental tray or an integrated striking sector on a bottom surface of the upper dental tray is utilized to accurately obtain an established occlusal vertical and centric relation positions. The contact plate and striking plate are each configured as snap-in components to the respective trays. Additionally, the contact plate may be utilized as a spacer between the dental trays once the post and ball nut are removed. Finally, the contact plate and striking plate may be removed for functional positioning and esthetic blue printing measurements.
US08070488B2
Systems, methods, and apparatus for creating a mold of a patient's teeth to which are installed orthodontic appliances with a support assembly bonded to a tooth. The appliances may include a corresponding corrective assembly with a wire engaging portion removably coupled to the support assembly. The systems and methods may include removing a corrective assembly from a support assembly, applying unset molding compound to the patient's teeth and corresponding support assemblies, setting the molding compound into a mold, and nondeformably removing the mold from the patient's mouth. The support assemblies may include a marker portion to indicate the position of the wire engaging portion of a corrective assembly that may be removed prior to making a mold and/or installed after making the mold. Marker assemblies adapted to removably engage a support assembly, and including such a marker portion, may be temporarily coupled to support assemblies prior to making a mold.
US08070483B2
A burner comprising channels for the separate supply of a liquid fuel and an oxygen-containing gas. The burner comprises a twin-fluid atomizer head comprising first flow-through passages fluidly connected to the supply channel for oxygen-containing gas and second flow-through passages fluidly connected to the fuel supply channel. The second flow-through passages exit into the first flow-through passages at a point before the first flow-through passages exit into a coaxial ring of orifices. A cooling jacket envelopes the supply channel walls. The orifices run through the atomizer head at a distance from the cooling jacket. The atomizer head can, for example, be made of a first metal, such as a copper alloy, and the cooling jacket can be made of a second metal with a lower thermal conductivity than the first metal, for example steel.
US08070482B2
A system of detection and analysis of gas or fuel oil flames using optical devices, consisting of a sensor that targets the flame's reaction zone through an optical access, a processing and control module, and an actuator, responsible for controlling the damper. The system optimizes combustion equipment operation by controlling the damper, obtaining better performance and reducing polluting emissions.
US08070464B2
While ceramic materials possess properties that make them suitable for use in fuel system components, they tend to be susceptible to failure when exposed to tensile stresses. The retention system described herein helps to reduce the tensile stresses experienced by a retained member by providing a retained member with an engagement structure, a multi-piece retention ring that engages the engagement structure, a resilient member coupled to the retention ring, and a retainer coupled around at least a portion of the retention ring and resilient member and spaced apart from the retention ring and/or resilient member by a gap. The retained member, retention ring, resilient member, and retainer are configured so that the retention ring is moveable in an axial direction relative to the retained member and so that the movement of the retention ring acts to expand the resilient member against the bias provided by the resilient member.
US08070462B2
A high-pressure fuel pump is disclosed that includes a pump housing with a suction port hole for defining a suction port, a pressure chamber for sucking fuel from the suction port, and a delivery port hole for defining a delivery port delivering fuel pressurized in the pressure chamber. The fuel pump also includes a plunger for pressurizing fuel sucked in the pressure chamber due to reciprocal motion of the plunger. Furthermore, the fuel pump includes a relief valve provided in the suction port hole, wherein the relief valve opens when a delivery pressure of the fuel delivered from the delivery port exceeds a predetermined pressure, thereby reducing the delivery pressure of the fuel.
US08070460B2
The present invention discloses an oil supply apparatus of a linear compressor. In the linear compressor including a main body frame, a cylinder installed on the main body frame, and a piston installed inside the cylinder, for performing linear reciprocation, the oil supply apparatus circulates the oil between the cylinder and the piston. The oil supply apparatus of the linear compressor includes an oil supply passage for supplying the oil to a gap between the cylinder and the piston, and an oil pumping means consisting of an oil cylinder fixed to the main body frame to communicate with the oil supply passage, a mass member installed in the oil cylinder and linearly reciprocated by vibration of the main body frame, for pumping the oil, and oil elastic members installed in the oil cylinder, for elastically supporting the mass member at both sides of the mass member. A mass of the mass member and elastic moduli of the oil elastic members are set so that a natural frequency by the mass of the mass member and the elastic moduli of the oil elastic members can be smaller than an operating frequency of the main body frame.
US08070459B2
The present invention relates to a method of setting the pressure in a chamber of a vacuum system to a required pressure, the system comprising a pressure control system including a pump for evacuating gas from the chamber and a flow controller for allowing the flow of gas into the chamber, the method comprising setting an initial flow into and/or out of the chamber for achieving a pressure above the required pressure so as to increase the rate of pressure increase, the initial flow occurring over a transient period which does not allow the pressure to exceed the required pressure, and setting a preset flow into and/or out of the chamber after the transient period has elapsed for achieving and maintaining the required pressure.
US08070457B2
A method is provided for determining faults during the operation of a pump unit. At least two electric variables that determine the electric output of the motor and at least one fluctuating hydraulic variable of the pump are detected. The detected values or values formed from these variables by algorithms are automatically compared to predefined stored values using electronic data processing and the results of this comparison are used to determine whether or not faults have occurred.
US08070451B2
A vertical axis wind turbine including a blade having a modular structure, comprising at least two connectable blade sections. Each section has an upper and lower panel with a cavity formed therebetween through which extends a spar.
US08070450B1
A turbine rotor blade made from the spar and shell construction in which the shell formed from a plurality of shell segments each being a thin wall shell segment made from a high temperature resistant material that is formed by a wire EDM process, and where the shell segments are each secured to the spar separately using a retainer that is poured into retainer occupying spaces formed in the shell segments and the spar, and then hardened to form a rigid retainer to secure each shell segment to the spar individually. The spar includes a number of radial extending projections each with a row of cavities that form the retainer occupying spaces in order to spread the loads around. The retainer can be a bicast material, a transient liquid phase bonding material, or a sintered metal. An old shell can be easily removed and replaced with a new shell by removing parts of the retainer and re-pouring a new retainer with a new shell in place.
US08070442B1
An turbine airfoil and a process for near wall cooling of a turbine airflow with low flow in which the airfoil is formed by a main spar that forms the support structure for the airfoil and forms a series of cooling air collecting chambers extending from the leading edge region to the trailing edge region of the airfoil. A thermal skin forms an outer airfoil surface and also forms a series of pressure side and suction side impingement chambers along the airfoil walls. A cooling air supply chamber is formed by the spar in the leading edge region and supplies the cooling air for the airfoil. A series of leading edge impingement chambers are formed along the leading edge and carry the cooling air from the supply chamber to the series of collection chambers and impingement chambers downstream. The spent cooling air is then collected in a trailing edge collecting chamber and discharged through a row of exit holes.
US08070436B2
A gas turbine engine airfoil (22) has a wall (42) provided with a cooling effusion hole (40) therein to facilitate film cooling of the external surface (52) of the wall (42). A member (46) attached to the internal surface (48) of the airfoil wall (42) is provided with an aperture (44) which at least partially overlaps the cooling effusion hole (40). The airfoil wall (42) and member (46) are formed from materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion and are mounted such that over a temperature range, the aperture (44) and cooling effusion hole (40) interact to a greater or lesser extent to modulate the flow of cooling air therethrough.
US08070427B2
Gas turbine systems having flexible chordal hinge seals are provided. According to an embodiment, a turbine system comprises: a nozzle segment comprising a stator vane extending between an inner band segment and an outer band segment; an inner support ring adjacent to the inner band segment; and an inner chordal hinge seal in operable communication with the nozzle segment, the inner chordal hinge seal comprising a flexible inner rail extending inwardly from the inner band segment, the inner rail having a projection for sealingly engaging the inner support ring.
US08070425B2
A turbocharger having a sliding piston for regulating exhaust gas flow into the turbine wheel includes a set of first vanes mounted on a fixed first wall of the turbine nozzle and projecting axially toward an opposite second wall of the nozzle, and/or a set of second vanes mounted on the end of the piston and projecting in an opposite axial direction toward the first wall of the nozzle. For the/each set of vanes, there are leakage dams formed on the wall that is adjacent the vane tips when the piston is closed. The leakage dams are closely adjacent the vane tips and discourage exhaust gas from leaking in a generally radial direction past the vane tips as the piston just begins to open from its fully closed position.
US08070417B2
A disc shaped impeller may comprise an upper face and a lower face. Concavities may be repeatedly arranged along a circumferential direction on the upper face and the lower face. Each concavity may include a front surface, a back surface, an inner surface, an outer surface and a bottom surface. Each front surface may include a front-inner area formed between an inner edge of the front surface and a middle portion of the front surface. Each front-inner area may be formed in a convex shape when viewed as a longitudinal cross-section. The longitudinal cross-section is defined as a cross-section through a longitudinal plane disposed so as to be aligned along the circumferential direction.
US08070412B2
A wheel loader includes a bucket boom including a pair of left and right side members; a front frame to which the base ends of the pair of side members are coupled; and a boom cylinder of which a base end is coupled to the front frame and a distal end is coupled to the side members. A base-end interval between the pair of side members is smaller than a distal-end interval between the side members. A face section that inclines towards a middle as extending in an upwards direction is provided on the left and right extremities of the front frame. A mounting boss to which the base end of the boom cylinder is attached is provided on a lower side of the face section while a mounting boss to which the base ends of the side members are attached is provided on an upper side of the face section.
US08070410B2
Scalable storage can be achieved with linear array storage of wafers, comprising two linear arrays of storage compartments on opposite walls, with a middle transfer mechanism. Together with a buffer station for automatic material handling system, a scalable bare wafer stocker can provide flexible and uninterrupted services to a fabrication facility.
US08070409B2
An apparatus to feed elongated metallic workpieces to a manufacturing process including a storage hopper configured to hold a plurality of workpieces that are randomly oriented and a movement device having a workpiece support that is automatically engageable with a workpiece.
US08070395B2
The present invention is directed to a geosynthetic wicking fabric for transporting water from beneath pavement structures to reduce or prevent damaged caused by frost heave and thaw. Further, the present invention is directed to a wicking drainage system employing the wicking fabric.
US08070393B2
A retainer tie system 10 and method including a wall tie 120 having on the lower side 126 of the wall tie 120 triangular-shaped grooves 140, and a lip 150; a block tie 220 including a first and a second ridge 240, 242 on the upper side 224 of the block tie 220 such that the block tie 220 may fit across a deadman tie 320; and the deadman tie 320 including triangular-shaped tongues 340 on the upper side 120 of the deadman tie 320 for assembling a straight, concave, or convex interlocking retainer wall; and a forward and an aft ridge 350, 352 disposed on the upper side 324 of the deadman tie 320 for interlocking the deadman tie 320 with the block tie 220.
US08070392B2
A bearing plate for use in an anchor assembly and associated method are provided. The bearing plate may have a body with a middle portion with a helical configuration about an axis. Leading and trailing portions are also included on either end of the middle portion. An upper leading portion surface may extend an angular distance from 5° to 45° about the axis. The upper leading and middle portion surfaces may extend at different rates in the axial direction per extension about the axis in order to reduce friction on the leading portion during insertion. Additionally or alternatively, the middle portion of the body may be tapered and/or included a rounded outer edge in order to reduce friction during insertion and/or to increase ease of manufacture. A method of putting together an anchor assembly in the field in order to achieve a desired bearing capacity is also disclosed.
US08070387B2
Various embodiments described herein provide shoreline restoration modules which may be anchored together along a shoreline of a body of water, such as a lake or pond, to facilitate restoration of the shoreline. The shoreline restoration modules may include a photodegradable material selected to degrade over a period of years, such as four years or five years, while maintaining strength over the period of years to prevent breakdown of a media enclosed by the shoreline restoration modules. In some embodiments, the shoreline restoration modules also provide beneficial run off nutrient, silt, and other particulate matter trapping and filtering.
US08070384B1
A method for reducing capillary water uptake and preventing soil erosion is herein disclosed.
US08070378B2
A channeled track connector having a base and a slider. The slider slides into an key opening in the base. The base includes a first foot for engaging the channeled track. The slider includes a second foot for engaging the channeled track. Each piece standing alone is not engagable to the channeled track. However, when slid together, the base and slider as a whole stands together as one-piece, remains fixed to the channeled track, and serves as a mount for a predefined object.
US08070377B2
A quick-release coupler includes a rod having first and second sections. The first section includes an end for coupling with a pneumatic tool. The second section extends from the other end of the first section. A sleeve is slideably mounted around the rod and includes an end for releasably coupling a bit. The sleeve includes an axial bore having larger and smaller sections. The larger section has polygonal cross sections corresponding to polygonal cross sections of the first section. A radial bore is formed in the sleeve and in communication with the smaller section. A ball is moveably received in the radial bore and moveably received in a recess of the second section of the rod to releasably engage the sleeve with the bit. A spring is mounted in the larger section of the sleeve for biasing the sleeve towards the other end of the rod.
US08070374B2
A packaging and application device that includes a composition and an applicator. The applicator includes an application element and a rod. The rod includes a first portion that includes at least two branches. The at least two branches form at least one cavity therebetween, the at least one cavity opens onto an outer surface of the rod, and the cavity includes a non-constant cross-section along the length of the rod.
US08070373B2
The mascara brush including a brush stick which is provided in a cap; a brush which is provided at the end of the brush stick; and an elevating bar which is connected to the brush stick in the manner of screw. The brush gets straightened to make eyelash voluminous when the elevating bar is elevated down and the brush gets curved to make eyelash curled when the elevating bar is elevated up.
US08070372B2
A printer having an opening/closing cover for providing access to a roll paper compartment, a peeler mechanism for peeling printed labels from a web and for dispensing the peeled printed labels from the printer and an opening and closing mechanism 50 which locks and unlocks the cover and a peeler unit 10 of the peeler mechanism in response to the manual operation of a manual operating member such as a release button 17 with a single easy operation. When the release button 17 is depressed into a first operating position 17B, a lock lever 52 of the opening/closing mechanism 50 slides from a locked position 52A to a released position 52B to disengage the lock lever 52 thus unlocking the opening/closing cover 9. At the same time, the sliding lock lever 52 pushes engaging claws 74a, 73a that lock or unlocks the peeler unit 10. When the cover release button 17 is further depressed into a second operating position 17C, the lock lever 52 swings and a cover-lifting surface 54 on the lock lever 52 pushes the opening/closing cover 9 up causing the unlocked opening/closing cover 9 to move into a raised open position. Simply pushing the cover release button 17 thus unlocks and raises the opening/closing cover 9, and unlocks the peeler unit 10.
US08070365B2
A generally hollow three element boxed mounting bracket adapted to hold a carrier bearing assembly within it's central cavity and be mechanically affixed to a frame member of a vehicle. The three elements forming the boxed structure each have slotted orifices that align to allow the passage of mechanical fasteners. The relative positioning of the individual bracket elements allows for adjustment of the carrier bearing assembly in the X, Y and Z axes. The bracket also has two slotted orifices for the attachment of the carrier bearing assembly and allows for the attachment of all models of driveshaft carrier bearings.
US08070359B2
A plastic bag includes a front wall and a rear wall that are joined together to define a containment portion. To facilitate pouring a pourable substance from the containment portion, the plastic bag includes a pour spout. The pour spout includes an aperture that is defined in a lip. The lip can be formed into a channel such that the pourable substance is directed through the aperture. The plastic bag also includes a series of ribs that are formed in the region where the bag is folded to define a bottom end. The ribs reinforce the bottom end without compromising the flexibility of the bottom end.
US08070358B2
A system and method for controlling a temperature indicator stick includes a housing having an interior configured to receive the temperature indicator stick configured to indicate a predetermined temperature through a physical change or a chemical when exposed to the predetermined temperature. A gear is supported by the housing that extends from beyond an exterior of the housing into the interior of the housing to engage the temperature indicator stick. Accordingly, rotation of the gear from the exterior causes a retraction or advancement of the temperature indicator stick to and from the interior of the housing.
US08070355B2
Disclosed are a method of detecting a leak of fluoroolefin compositions and sensors used therefor. In particular, the method is particularly useful for detecting a leak of a fluoroolefin refrigerant composition from a cooling system of an automotive vehicle. Such fluoroolefin refrigerant compositions have double bond structures which make them particularly well suited with sensing technologies, including: infrared sensors, UV sensors, NIR sensors, ion mobility or plasma chromatographs, gas chromatography, refractometry, mass spectroscopy, high temperature thick film sensors, thin film field effect sensors, pellistor sensors, Taguchi sensors and quartz microbalance sensors.
US08070351B2
The invention relates to a mixing kneader comprising at least two shafts (2,3) configured as hollow shafts, on whose surfaces kneading bars (4) are disposed on elements (5). The construction of the shafts is selected in such a way that the resonant frequencies of the shafts have a separation of at least 5% from the excitation frequencies. At least one of the shafts is preferably flowed through by a temperature-control medium, the inlet being disposed on one side and the outlet on the other side of the shaft. The mixing kneader preferably comprises at least one orifice above the shafts which is configured as a dome, the dome being closed by a displacer (22). In addition, at least one orifice for product withdrawal is provided, whose orifice cross section is adjustable during operation.
US08070347B1
A lamp assembly of LED string light has a lamp module, an inner housing, an outer housing, a lower shell and a lamp cover module. The lamp module has a circuit board and an LED bulb and a set of power lines mounted on the circuit board. The inner housing has two symmetrical and engaged inner cases and a space to receive the lamp module. The outer housing has two symmetrical outer cases assembled together and encloses the inner housing. The lower shell is sleeved around a bottom portion of the inner housing. The lower shell has a multi-step portion formed on a periphery thereof for the lamp cover module to sleeve on the lower shell. Given the aforementioned elements, the lamp assembly of LED string light is easily assembled and highly waterproof and dustproof.
US08070346B2
An illumination device which can be used as a front light or a back light by improving brightness unevenness in the vicinity of an LED without dropping entire brightness and a liquid crystal display device using the same. This illumination device 10 has a light source on a light entering face 27 of a light guide plate 20 and a light guide plate 20 in which prisms 25 for reflecting by polarization or emitting light out of the light guide plate 20 are formed on a light emission face or a light reflecting face thereof and a cylindrical lens 26 for orienting and magnifying light is formed on the other face.
US08070342B2
A light emitting element is mounted on the surface of a board. The light emitting element emits light. The light passes through a translucent optical member. The light enters the translucent optical member through a incident surface. The lines of protrusions make the incident surface jagged. The jagged surface resulting from the protrusions enables diffusion of the light entering through the incident surface. The light spreads along the surface of the board. Simultaneously, the emitted light is partly reflected on the incident surface. The reflected light is reflected on a reflecting surface placed behind the light emitting element. The reflected light then enters the translucent optical member. The translucent optical member is thus allowed to illuminate over a wide range with a sufficient brightness. An impressive illumination can be realized.
US08070337B2
A vehicle lamp can include a light source unit including a light guide plate with a light emission surface, and a point or line light source opposed to one end face of the light guide plate. The light guide plate can be made of a transparent plate-like material. A convex projection lens can be configured to focus light emitted from the light source unit and project the light forward in a direction of light illumination. The light guide plate can have a prism array on a rear surface thereof extending with a serrated cross section from the one end face to the opposite end face of the light guide plate, and in a direction parallel with the end face. The prism array can include a plurality of prism surfaces, with each prism surface being obliquely formed so that when light enters the light guide plate from the light source side and impinges thereon, a substantial amount of the light can be totally reflected into small angles of incidence to the emission surface. The projection lens can be disposed such that a focus thereof on a light source unit side is located on the light emission surface of the light guide plate.
US08070321B2
A lighting unit includes a housing, a lamp fixture configured to be coupled to the housing, an element extending from the lamp fixture and configured to be received in the housing, and a sealing member defining an aperture for receiving the element therethrough. A periphery of the aperture forms a fluid-tight seal around the element. In another aspect, a lighting unit includes a housing and an enclosure coupled to the housing and configured to define an interior space, wherein the interior space is sealed from an interior of the housing. In another aspect, a method for sealing a lighting unit includes providing a housing, an enclosure coupled to the housing, and an opening in the housing in communication with the enclosure, placing a seal between the housing and the enclosure, and applying a sealing member to the opening to seal the opening.
US08070318B2
The invention relates to a light-emitting diode cluster lamp. The light-emitting diode cluster lamp includes a plurality of light-emitting diode lamp packages, a control circuit, and a casing. Each of the light-emitting diode lamp packages includes a heat-conducting/dissipating module and a light-emitting diode module. The control circuit module is used for controlling the light-emitting diode lamp packages. The casing is adapted to accommodate the light-emitting diode lamp packages and the control circuit module. When the light-emitting diode cluster lamp is connected to a power source, the control circuit module selectively makes the light-emitting diode modules emit light. The heat generated during the light emission of each of the light-emitting diode modules is conducted and dissipated by the corresponding heat-conducting/dissipating module of each of the light-emitting diode modules.
US08070281B2
A method of ink-jet printing including, in order, the steps of: a) providing a coated ink-receiving layer containing a polymeric binder and a curable compound; b) at least partially curing the coated ink-receiving layer according to a first image; and c) jetting at least one ink-jet ink on the ink-receiving layer according to a second image partially overlapping with the first image. The method can be advantageously used to apply authentication marks to a product, e.g., a security document or a product packaging.
US08070268B2
A liquid ejecting head includes: a flow channel unit including a flow-channel-formed substrate that defines liquid flow channels including pressure chambers communicating with nozzle openings and a sealing plate formed with a diaphragm that varies the capacities of the pressure chambers and a liquid introduction hole, the sealing plate being joined to the flow-channel-formed substrate and defining lines of liquid flow channels including pressure chambers; and a head case including a storage chamber that accommodates a pressure generator for displacing the diaphragm and a case flow channel for supplying liquid to the liquid flow channel of the flow channel unit, the diaphragm being arranged at an opening of the storage chamber on the bottom surface side and the flow channel unit being joined to the head case in a state in which the case flow channel and the liquid flow channel are communicated with each other via the liquid introduction hole, and the sealing plate is formed of a composite plate member formed by adhering an electrically conductive supporting substrate which is joined to the head case and an insulative elastic film joined to the flow-channel-formed substrate to each other, the inner diameter of the liquid introduction hole at least on the side of the supporting substrate is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the case flow channel to form a shoulder portion between the case flow channel and the liquid introduction hole, and an insulating material is secured in the shoulder portion.
US08070264B2
Methods for fabricating micro-fluid ejection heads and micro-fluid ejection heads are provided herein, such as those that use non-conventional substrates. One such micro-fluid ejection head includes a substrate having first and second glass layers disposed adjacent to a surface thereof and a plurality of fluid ejection actuators disposed adjacent to the second glass layer. The first glass layer is thicker than the second glass layer and the second glass layer has a surface roughness of no greater than about 75 Å Ra.
US08070260B2
A printhead is provided having a plurality of nozzles defined on a substrate. Each nozzle is configured to hold fluid and has an ejection port and an actuator for moving the nozzle relative to the substrate to eject the held fluid through the ejection port.
US08070252B2
An image forming apparatus includes a transport belt, a carriage, a reflection sensor, and a control unit. The transport belt transports a recording sheet in a sub-scanning direction. The carriage, mounting a recording head, reciprocally moves in a main scanning direction to record an image on the recording sheet. The reflection sensor, mounted on the carriage, receives light reflected from the transport belt to detect a leading edge of the recording sheet, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the received light. The control unit controls a contamination check process. The control unit instructs the carriage to move to a given position over the transport belt and to drive the transport belt for one rotation while maintaining the carriage at the given position. The control unit determines whether contamination exists on the transport belt based on the detection signal output from the reflection sensor.
US08070251B2
An inkjet printer maintenance system includes a manifold having an air removal passageway communicating with an ink reservoir, a valve in the manifold actuatable for opening and closing the air removal passageway for periodically drawing out air from the flow of ink in the ink reservoir and a valve actuator in the form of an electrically conductive wire sensitive to change in temperature. In response to application of electric current, and termination of application of electric current, the wire correspondingly contracts and extends in length causing the opening and permitting the closing of the air removal passageway by the valve.
US08070249B2
After a first scan in a forward direction, conveying corresponding to one nozzle block is performed, and then in a second scan in a backward direction, printing of a “printing area 1,” which is a unit area, is completed. Then after completion of printing of the unit area, conveying corresponding to 14 nozzle blocks is performed. Then by reciprocal third and fourth scans, printing of a “printing area 2” is completed in a likewise manner. Subsequently, two scans in a reciprocal manner are performed in a likewise manner to perform printing of each unit area. In any unit area, printing time intervals between scans are such that, at a same position in a scan direction, the time interval is the same. Consequently, differences in density between unit areas that are adjacent in a conveying direction of a printing medium, that is, between-band unevenness becomes more difficult to recognize.
US08070247B2
There is provided a liquid ejecting apparatus including a head unit in which a plurality of heads in each of which a plurality of nozzles are disposed in a direction perpendicular to a recording medium transport direction are provided in the direction perpendicular to the recording medium transport direction, a control unit for driving the head unit based on image information and for performing a liquid ejection timing control for ejecting liquid from the nozzle to a recording medium for every nozzle, and an inclination amount storage unit in which inclination information of the head unit is preliminarily stored. The control unit has a calculator for calculating the most appropriate ejection timing with respect to the recording medium transport direction for every nozzle of each head from the image information and the inclination information of the head unit.
US08070245B2
A first image to be recorded on a first surface is divided into front and rear half regions. Obtained thereafter is front-side ink volume and rear-side ink volume necessary for recording these half regions on the first surface. Among these half regions, the one having more ink volume is recorded in the first place. In the event of recording the rear half region in the first place, the first image is turned upside down and recorded on the first surface of the recording paper being fed in a forward direction. Alternatively, the first image is recorded on the first surface of the recording paper being fed in a backward direction. After the ink has dried on the first surface, the recording paper is reversed back to front and fed in the forward direction, and a second image is recorded on a second surface.
US08070244B2
The invention relates to a printing machine comprising a support plate (42) and a printer unit (44) fastened to the support plate (42) to project ink onto articles for printing. The printer station includes at least one additional printer unit (46, 48, 50), and the printer units (44, 46, 48, 50) are arranged beside one another on a circle centered on the axis of rotation (B-B) of a mandrel (8), when the mandrel (8) is placed in its printing position. The invention also provides a method of printing.
US08070242B2
First and second guiding rails are attached to support member in a mounting unit. The mounting unit is mounted in an enclosure of an electronic apparatus, for example. The second guiding rail at a first position extends straight on the extension of the first guiding rail. The first and second guiding rails serve to assist the insertion of the mounting unit into the enclosure. The second guiding rail at a second position serves to define a window opening with the assistance of the edge of the support member. A supervisor is allowed to insert fingers into the window opening. The second guiding rail functions as a handle. The second guiding rail in this manner serves to assist the carriage of the mounting unit. A space is not required solely for a handle separately from a space for a guiding rail in the mounting unit. The mounting unit is thus allowed to efficiently utilize its inside space.
US08070235B2
A rim and a method of producing a rim for bicycles and the like includes a rim body and a rim base provided thereon and lateral rim flanks provided with rim flanges. The rim flanges include a fibrous composite material having at least one fiber layer. The rim flanges include inwardly overhanging bulges of squashed fiber layers between which a tire can be accommodated at the rim body.
US08070228B2
A child restraint comprises a base and a seat which can be detachably connected to the base.
US08070225B2
A system and method for supporting articles is generally provided for use, with a seat, such as a child's safety seat or stroller, having a seat surface and at least one restraining member that extends outwardly from the seat surface. The system may be provided with a support member having one or more pocket members for holding the articles. An aperture may be formed through the support member through which the restraining member may be passed to limit movement of the support member across the seat surface when the system is placed on the seat. In one aspect, the pocket members may at least partially depend from one or more side portions of the seat, with or without the use of a support member.
US08070221B2
The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an operating support that supports a surgeon in a sitting position straddling a patient. By straddling the patient, the surgeon is ideally positioned to perform certain types of laparoscopic surgery, such as pelvic surgery, which requires the use of relatively long surgical instruments. The operating support supports the surgeon in a more ergonomically correct position that reduces the stress and strain on the surgeon's body as compared to the conventional technique of performing laparoscopic surgery in a standing position at one side of the operating table.
US08070217B2
A vehicle body rear part structure improved against rear-side collisions is disclosed. The rear part of a vehicle body includes left and right rear side frames; a front cross member and a rear cross member, both extending between the left and right rear side frames; and a bar and a bracket. The rear cross member has arm support parts for supporting lower arms of left and right rear suspensions on a center part which is lower than lateral ends of the vehicle body. The bar is curved in a convex manner toward the bottom of the vehicle body, and the bar connects center parts of the front and rear cross members together. The bracket mounts a rear end of the bar to the rear cross member while enclosing the rear end from the bottom of the vehicle body.
US08070216B2
A vehicle frame includes a plurality of hollow tubular members welded together. An opening in a side wall of the frame which receives a door or window of the vehicle is bordered by at least two hollow tubular members which are interconnected by a non-tubular, reinforcing corner member. The reinforcing corner member includes a pair of solid parallel plates spaced apart by a perpendicular cross-member. Each plate of the reinforcing corner member has integral first and second elongated portions extending on either side of a continuous curve therebetween which has a substantially constant radius of curvature such as to define a smooth transition between the integral first and second elongated portions of the plate. The reinforcing corner member distributes stress away from the curved corner and to the tubular members, thereby preventing stress concentration at a joint between the two tubular members surrounding the opening in the frame.
US08070215B2
A side sill beam having a shape of an arch concave outwards in a vehicle-width direction is placed in a side sill, and includes first and second ends welded to joining areas with front and rear floor cross members, respectively. A first impact detection element that detects an impact from the outside in the vehicle-width direction is disposed near the joining areas of the side sill and the front or rear floor cross member, and a second impact detection element that detects an impact from the outside in the vehicle-width direction is disposed offset from the first impact detection element in a vehicle front-rear direction as viewed in the vehicle-width direction.
US08070214B2
A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration.
US08070213B2
A method of reducing discordance among components of a molded trim piece assembly includes making each of the plurality of components according to a component configuration pattern adapted to mitigate deformation of the plurality of components, and making each of the plurality of components according to a joint configuration pattern adapted to mitigate misalignment between the plurality of components at a joint. A machine includes a molded trim piece assembly configured to amount to a body of the machine, such as to a fender of the machine, which includes a plurality of components having a component configuration pattern adapted to mitigate deformation of the plurality of components and a joint configuration pattern adapted to mitigate misalignment at a joint between the plurality of components, when mounted to the body.
US08070212B2
An arranging structure spans a wire harness for a motor vehicle between a vehicle body and a slide member. The structure includes a corrugated tube for sheathing the wire harness; a protector made of a resin material, the protector holding opposite ends of the corrugated tube in a longitudinal direction and threading the wire harness; and a rotary member integrated with the protector or coupled to the protector as a different element from the protector, the rotary member being rotatably supported on supporting members provided on the vehicle body and the slide member.
US08070207B2
A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and at least one tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The at least one tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side, a second end connected to tailgate, and an adjustor positioned between the first and second ends. The method may further include actuating the adjustor to change the length under tension of at least one tailgate support. By changing this length, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted.
US08070205B2
A harness assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a body and a dual-mode tailgate connected to the body via a dual-action hinge The harness assembly includes a protector connected to a frame of the tailgate. The protector has a body shaped to conform to a first portion of the tailgate frame having a first contour and a second portion of the tailgate frame having a second differing contour. A portion of the protector body is configured to route a section of a tailgate harness adjacent an outboard lateral edge of the tailgate frame and past the section of the tailgate harness under a dual-action hinge.
US08070203B2
A method for operating vacuum-operated hoists with at least one elastically deformable vacuum-operated lifting mechanism, with a controllable vacuum generator, and with at least one motorized lifting drive is disclosed. A load detection device is used in order to detect the weight of a load picked up by the hoist. The load detection device generates a protection signal directly after detection of a load exceeding a predetermined tare weight of the hoist if the vacuum is insufficient to lift the load. The protection signal indirectly or directly deactivates the lifting drive with the aid of a switch-off control and/or prevents further lifting of the load if an insufficient vacuum or no vacuum is present when an increased load is detected and lifting begins.
US08070202B2
A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator head linked with the at least one gripper jaw. An actuator selectively operates to move the actuator head between a plurality of positions. A support is fixed relative to the actuator and includes a guide slot that guides the actuator head. One of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a channel and the other of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a guide member extending there from at least partially into the channel.
US08070201B2
An arrangement for handling packaging units, such as bottles, crates and the like with the aid of a robot, wherein the arrangement includes a mounting part (10) which is adapted for fixation to a robot arm, a tool carrier (20) which is adapted to carry one or more handling tools (30) such as a number of bottle grippers or the like, and a number of couplings each comprising a first engagement member (13) affixed to the mounting part, and a second engagement member (24) affixed to the tool carrier, wherein the second engagement member is restrictively displaceable axially relative to the first engagement member, so that the second engagement member will take a latching position relative to the first engagement member under the effect of gravity on the tool carrier in engagement with the first engagement member, wherein the working state of the tool carrier relative to the mounting part is defined when all second engagement members are in their respective latching positions.
US08070191B2
A threaded joint for steel pipes comprises a pin having male threads and a box having female threads which engage with the male threads. An incomplete thread is formed at the start of the male threads and the incomplete thread has a portion in which the angle θ formed between its crest face and its flank on the side facing a complete thread is an obtuse angle and in which the thread height h from the base of the flank is at least 0.2 mm.
US08070189B2
A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector.
US08070187B2
A flange structure (10) is provided for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle. The flange structure includes at least one electrically conductive fuel port (16′) having a periphery and first and second ends (22, 23). The first end (22) includes first barb structure (28). A plastic flange (20′) is overmolded on at least a portion of the periphery of the fuel port between the first and second ends. A portion of the flange overmolded on the portion of the periphery of the fuel port defines fitting structure (25) having second barb structure (27). A hose (30) is coupled with the first end of the fuel port and with the fitting structure with the first and second barb structures engaging the hose thereby preventing fuel or fuel vapor from passing between the periphery of the fuel port and the overmolded flange.
US08070185B2
The invention relates to a restraint device (1) for a seat belt (2) in a vehicle, comprising a housing (10) for guiding the seat belt (2) and for accommodating an energy-absorbing element (12) adapted to cooperate with the seat belt (2) so as to absorb energy when a predetermined retardation condition of the vehicle is fulfilled. Said device (1) comprises a device (15, 16, 23, 27, 28) for attaching the energy-absorbing element (12) to said seat belt (2) when said condition is fulfilled, said energy-absorbing element (12) being adapted to be attached in a lamellar manner to said seat belt (2) along a predetermined length thereof. The invention also relates to a method for restraining a seat belt (2). By means of the invention, a cost effective and safe device and method for restraining a seat belt in the event of a vehicle collision is obtained.
US08070177B2
An improved steer axle assembly for a trailer is provided in which a tapered roller thrust bearing extends between each lower kingpin yoke thrust face and each lower kingpin sleeve thrust face to transfer load between the lower yoke sleeve and the kingpin sleeve while allowing the yokes to swivel about the kingpins. Upper and lower needle bearing assemblies extend respectively between the upper and lower yoke sleeves and the kingpins to guide the swivelable movement of the yokes about the kingpins. Upper and lower kingpin caps are secured across the upper and lower yoke sleeves respectively above and below the kingpins to seal the opposite ends of the kingpins within the yoke sleeves. At least one of the upper and lower kingpin caps associated with each kingpin has a grease passage extending therethrough for admitting grease into an interior of the yoke sleeves and a grease fitting releaseably coupleable to a pressurized grease supply and sealingly engaging the grease passage to introduce grease into the grease passage.
US08070175B2
A bicycle frame is provided in which the head tube, top tube and down tube are constructed as a single structural unit with the ends of the top tube and down tube left open to allow for ease of molding.
US08070173B2
A step assembly includes a mounting bracket assembly adapted to be fixedly secured to a motor vehicle. A first arm includes one end pivotal with respect to the mounting bracket assembly and an opposing end. A second arm includes one end pivotal with respect to the mounting bracket assembly and an opposing end. A step pad assembly is pivotally coupled to the opposing end of each of the first and second arms. The step pad assembly includes a step movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A push to release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one of the first and second arms to release the step from one of the retracted and extended positions in response to a push action on the step.
US08070165B1
An educational game includes a game board with a top side having a plurality of outer spaces forming an outer loop and a plurality of inner spaces forming an inner loop. First and second spinners are coupled to the game board. The first spinner indicates one of the outer spaces. The second spinner indicates one of the inner spaces. A plurality of outer cards is provided and each of the outer spaces has one of the outer cards positioned therein. A plurality of inner cards is provided and each of the inner spaces has one of the inner cards positioned therein. The outer cards include first information indicia and the inner cards include second information indicia. The first and second spinners are spun. The inner and outer cards indicated by the first and second spinners are read to determine if the first and second information indicia thereon match each other.
US08070162B1
The present invention is directed to a game having an instruction unit and a deck of game cards, with each card having game indicia. Game cards may be distributed to each participant, and each player in turn comparing the game indicia of the game cards to the game indicia of a top card of a discard pile. The game may further include discarding at least one of the game cards onto the discard pile if the game indicia of the player's game cards corresponds to the game indicia of the top card of the discard pile, and actuating the instruction unit to output a game instruction if the player determines that none of their game cards may be played on the top card. Still further, the game may include the player selecting additional game cards from the deck in response to the game instruction output by the instruction unit.
US08070156B2
A sheet adsorption device includes a sheet adsorbing surface, a suction hole disposed on the sheet adsorbing surface, and a flow path shifting unit that shifts between a first state and a second state of a communication flow path that is communicated with the suction hole in accordance with existence of a sheet that covers the suction hole. The cross-section area of a flow path in the second state is smaller than that in the first state and the communication flow path is not closed in the second state.
US08070152B2
A sheet supplying unit that supplies sheets includes a sheet accommodation tray that accommodates the sheets in a stacked state, the sheets including a first sheet which is an uppermost sheet in the stack of the sheets and a second sheet which is immediately below the first sheet; a pick-up roller that conveys the sheets in a sheet conveying direction; a detection sensor that detects passage of the sheets and is disposed downstream of the pick-up roller in the sheet conveying direction; and a control unit that controls operations of the pick-up roller in accordance with outputs from the detection sensor. The control unit includes a driving section that drives the pick-up roller to start conveying the second sheet when the detection sensor detects a trailing edge of the first sheet, if the second sheet is to be fed; a suspending section that temporarily stops driving the pick-up roller for a time period α-β when the detection sensor detects a leading edge of the second sheet, α being a predetermined time period, and β being a time period from a timing when the detection sensor detects the trailing edge of the first sheet to a timing when the detection sensor detects the leading edge of the second sheet; and a resuming section that resumes driving the pick-up roller to convey the second sheet after suspending for the time period α-β.
US08070130B2
A biasing apparatus includes a first spring seat that has a first seating surface and a first protruding member extending a predetermined distance from the first seating surface and a second spring seat that has a second seating surface and a second protruding member extending a predetermined distance from the second seating surface. The first and second protruding members engage to slidably couple the first and the second spring seats.
US08070128B2
A dual function actuator for a flush valve. The actuator contains a sensor for controlling a motor, which in response to a stimulus will move a plunger which actuates the flush valve. The actuator is also configured to allow for manual actuation of the flush valve by tilting a distal portion of the actuator in relation to the remaining portion of the actuator and flush valve, which moves the plunger actuating the flush valve.
US08070124B2
A supporting stand for a portable device includes a base portion, a supporting portion, at least one heat dissipation device and a platform. The supporting portion extends upwardly from the base portion. The at least one heat dissipation device is fastened on the supporting portion. The platform obliquely connects between the supporting portion and the base portion for supporting the portable device.
US08070119B2
A clamp assembly is provided for securing an ancillary device (16) to a standing seam (8), the standing seam comprising a protruding web portion (10) with a head portion (12) at an outer extremity. The clamp assembly includes a substantially rigid member (18; 54) adapted to overlie and contact the head portion of the standing seam. First and second substantially rigid arms (22, 24; 58, 60) extend from the member and are adapted to embrace the head portion in co-operation with the member, at least one of the arms (24; 58, 60) being pivotally interconnected with the member at hinge means (28; 62, 64). The first and second arms have first and second free extremities (36, 38; 70, 72) adapted to face one another and to contact opposite sides of the web portion. Threaded fastener means (40, 41; 86) passes through the ancillary device and into a threaded aperture (46; 88) in the member, from an outer surface of the member. The hinge means permits pivoting of at least one of the first and second arms and separation of the first and second free extremities of the first and second arms, for locating the clamp assembly on the standing seam. The threaded fastener means is subsequently tightened to clamp the ancillary device and grip the web portion of the standing seam in jaw-like manner by the first and second free extremities of the first and second arms.
US08070114B2
A support stand includes a mounting assembly mountable on a table top, a suspension arm coupled to a rod member of the mounting assembly to hold a rotary barrel, a swinging arm pivotally connected to the rotary barrel of the suspension arm, a stretcher mounted in a frame bar of the swinging arm and a holder frame assembly coupled to the swinging arm to support an object. The stretcher includes a sleeve coupled to arched sliding slots of the frame bar of the swinging arm by a pivot pin, a connection frame plate pivotally coupled between the pivot pin and a mounting lug at the rotary barrel, a spring member and an adjustment screw assembly mounted in the sleeve for allowing adjustment of the elevation of the supported object with less effort and positive positioning of the supported object after an elevation adjustment.
US08070105B2
An inflatable structure comprises at least two generally toroidal, inflatable modules. When in a deployed mode, the first, inner module has a major diameter less than that of a second, outer module and is positioned within the inner circumference of the outer module such that the first module is nested circumferentially alongside the second module. The inflatable structure, in a non-deployed, non-inflated mode, is of compact configuration and adapted to be transported to a site of deployment. When deployed, the inflatable structure is of substantially increased interior volume. In one embodiment, access between the interior of the first module and the second module is provided by at least one port or structural pass-through. In another embodiment, the inflatable structure includes at least one additional generally toroidal module external of and circumferentially surrounding the second module.
US08070103B2
A fuel line air trap for an unmanned aerial vehicle has a vessel in-line with a fuel line, fuel line connectors, and fuel inlet and outlet stems. The vessel contains an inlet at a distal end and an outlet at a proximal end. The fuel line connectors are attached to the vessel at the inlet and at the outlet to connect the fuel line to the vessel. The fuel inlet stem attaches to the vessel at the inlet and a fuel outlet stem attaches to the vessel at the outlet. Both the fuel inlet stem and fuel outlet stem protrude into the vessel a predetermined distance such that a gap exists between them. As air bubbles enter the gap in the fuel line air trap, they separate from the flow of fuel and migrate to the exterior walls of the vessel. The air bubbles are purged during remain trapped refueling.
US08070096B2
An airship recovery system is disclosed including a first cushion pad configured to create a suction force on an outer portion of the airship to capture the airship during landing. An arm is coupled to the first cushion pad and movable between at least two different vertical positions. In an embodiment the air is movable in multiple degrees of freedom. An actuator device is coupled to move the arm. A sensor device is incorporated to detect the location of the airship relative to the recovery system. A controller is utilized to receive signals from the sensor device regarding the location of the airship and output command signals to the actuator to move the arm and the first cushion pad toward a desired contact location on the airship.
US08070094B2
A landing gear system that includes a landing gear strut rotatable between stowed and deployed positions. An actuator is connected to the landing gear strut, and includes main and emergency drives housed within a common body and operable independently from one another. A controller in communication with the actuator is configured to command the actuator between the stowed and deployed positions in response to an input. The controller commands the main drive during a normal operating condition and commands the emergency drive in a failure condition of the main drive. The actuator includes a body supporting emergency and main leadscrews arranged coaxially with one another. Main and emergency motors respectively are coupled to the main and emergency leadscrews. An output rod is supported by and extends from the body. The output rod is threadingly coupled to and is coaxial with the main leadscrew and configured to move axially in response to rotation of the main leadscrew. A brake selectively enables and disables the emergency drive.
US08070079B2
The invention relates to a process for producing a silane-modified nano-corundum, wherein nano-corundum agglomerates are disagglomerated in the presence of an organic solvent and simultaneously or afterwards treated by silane.
US08070069B2
The invention relates to a device and a method for the contactless personalisation of chips integrated into passports within a system for processing, sorting and packaging a large number of passports comprising a straight main transport path with a first transport direction for transporting the passports one behind the other through the system comprising a plurality of system modules for processing, sorting and/or packaging, with a respective straight first auxiliary transport path connected to the main transport path and arranged on either side thereof for leading the passports away from the main transport path in a second transport direction running perpendicular to the first transport direction, a plurality of coding stations arranged along the two first auxiliary transport paths and next to one another with respect to the first transport direction for coding the chips of the passports, and an equal plurality of transport elements which are respectively assigned to the coding stations and can be displaced in the first transport direction for picking up the passports from the auxiliary transport paths, positioning them above the associated coding stations and then depositing them on second auxiliary transport paths running back towards the main transport path with a third transport direction running parallel to the second transport direction.
US08070066B2
Systems and methods consistent with embodiments of the present invention provide for a method for preserving and maintaining document integrity. In some methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity, the contents of a document, or contents of a document layer may be encoded into a machine-readable form. In some embodiments, the encoded information may be represented using a 2-dimensional bar code. In some methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity, the machine-readable code is printed along with contents of the document based on space available in the document. In some embodiments, a printed document containing the machine-readable code may be scanned and digitized, and content extracted from the scanned data. In some embodiments, the machine-readable code printed on the document is used to recreate layer data from the printed document.
US08070065B2
Distributed antenna array with centralized data hub for determining presence and location of RF tags
A distributed antenna array with a centralized data hub for determining the presence and location of RF tags has been disclosed. This antenna array centralizes electronics and distributes the RF to zones in a facility to greatly reduce the expense of recurring components for monitoring RF tags. A single BRT/hub with multiple antennas attached to transmit and receive ports is used to cover an entire facility. Large facilities are covered by a small number of the BRT/hub combinations. The BRT/hub has transmit antennas coupled thereto, preferably by co-axial cable, that transmit signals to a portion or all of the RF tags and all or a portion of them modulate and reflect the RF signal to a particular receiving antenna. The receiving antenna then returns the RF signal with tag data to the BRT/hub, preferably by co-axial cable. Also disclosed is an RF backscatter tag that cleanly switches a resonant aperture antenna on and off, thereby greatly increasing the mark-to-space ratio of the backscatter data. This enables tags to be detected by the BRT at much greater distances.
US08070064B1
A hand-operated document processor includes a base for receiving a document containing magnetic ink character data to be read and recognized. A manually operated moving magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) subsystem includes a MICR read head and is attached to the base. Movement of the subsystem causes the MICR read head to pass over the magnetic ink character data on the document. MICR reading and recognition logic receives the signal from the MICR read head. A spring drives the moving MICR subsystem across the document being processed. A vacuum solenoid creates a vacuum. The vacuum solenoid is driven by the spring and is connected to the base. The created vacuum acts as a brake to control the speed of the moving MICR subsystem as the moving MICR subsystem is driven by the spring.
US08070063B2
The present invention refers to a method and to an apparatus for obtaining a random code useable in a device for unique identification of a product wherein the apparatus comprises a sliding path of a continuous strip arranged along which is at least one drilling station for obtaining a plurality of holes on the strip, the plurality of holes forming the random code and it is wherein the drilling station is of the random type generating a plurality of holes according to a random and deterministically irreproducible process.
US08070062B2
A multiuse system for use with Wireless Display Tags (WDTs) includes, in one or more exemplary arrangements, techniques for automatically maintaining synchronicity between pricing data for a product and advertising, marketing or promotional data associated with that product, and for detecting the proximity and location of a customer within a category of goods displayed within a managed environment. A messaging format suitable for such low power operation among a large number of peers is also disclosed, as is a technique for integrating a plurality of smaller displays to yield a single large display. An access point capable of serving as a communications hub within such a network, while at the same time offering visual and audio surveillance capabilities, is also disclosed.
US08070056B2
The present disclosure generally relates to a handheld point of sale system for distributing a transaction instrument. Such system may include a browser-based tool configured to facilitate distributing an open transaction instrument at the point of sale in association with purchase of the open transaction instrument by a consumer at the handheld point of sale system. The browser-based tool may also be configured to receive transaction information and to facilitate the distribution of the open transaction instrument by sending the transaction information from the browser-based tool to a host system, wherein the host system authorizes distribution of the open transaction instrument, funds and activates a transaction account associated with the open transaction instrument, and sends an authorization message to the browser-based tool. The browser-based tool may be further configured to receive the authorization and provide an indication of the authorization for the open transaction instrument to be vended to a consumer, wherein an account code is associated with the open transaction instrument and the transaction account.
US08070036B1
A surgical apparatus may include a knife, a staple holder along which the knife is slidable, a plurality of feeder belts located on each side of the knife, and a plurality of staples separably connected to each feeder belt, where the staple holder is configured to fire at least two separate sizes of staples. A surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient may include providing an endocutter having a knife, a staple holder along which the knife is slidable, a plurality of feeder belts located on each side of the knife, and a plurality of staples separably connected to each feeder belt, wherein the staple holder is configured to fire at least two separate sizes of staples; engaging tissue of the patient with the staple holder; deploying a plurality of staples having a first size; disengaging tissue of the patient from the staple holder; once again engaging tissue of the patient with the staple holder; and deploying a plurality of staples having a second size.
US08070028B2
A truck bed extender including an elongated support adapted for securement in a trailer hitch mounted on a truck, and a shorter upright support pivotally mounted at the opposite end of the elongated support, for pivotal rotation from a collapsed position generally alongside said elongated support, to an upright position extending upwardly away from said elongated support. A pair of arms are pivotally mounted to said upright support, generally at the top thereof, for rotation from a collapsed position, in which the arms extend generally side by side upwardly from and generally in alignment with said upright support, outwardly to an operating position in which they extend outwardly in opposite lateral directions away from one another. The truck bed extender can readily be installed into a trailer hitch and erected to provide extended support for items placed in a truck bed, and can be readily collapsed into a generally elongated condition with said upright support and said arms extending generally alongside said elongated support.
US08070021B2
A viscous material evacuator has a chamber to hold containers shaped as drums and has a plunger that presses into the interior of the drum to press out its highly viscous contents. The chamber has a hinged enclosure that has a hydraulically activated clamp that connects the two sides of the hinged enclosure. The hydraulically activated clamp can be arranged in series and also has a relief cartridge and pressure sensor to prevent the drum from becoming overpressurized.
US08070016B2
A pouch is formed out of two sheets of plastic heat sealed over most of the edge length. The pouch has an expanding bottom feature and has a pouring spout formed by raised impressions in the corresponding sheets of plastic that form matching embossments. When the pouch is squeezed, the embossments open further apart to form a larger fluid passage at the outlet. The outlet of the pouch is opposite the bottom of the pouch and in at least one embodiment has a region on both sides of the outlet that are kept free from heat sealing during manufacture. The outlet also has a frangible line of weakness for easy opening. The outlet passage has two sets of embossments that meet along a center line to more fully expand the central portion of the pouch.
US08070012B2
A closure arrangement for cans and pots comprising a tubular body having a side wall whose upper edge defines a seat for a lid. The upper edge comprises a peripheral annular flange carrying, in a free outer edge, a continuous rib with a cross-section contour comprising two opposite circle arc portions, with curvature centers disposed in the same plane orthogonal to the axis of the tubular body, the lid being inferiorly provided with a continuous circumferential groove to be seated against the respective circle arc portions of the continuous rib, so as to axially lock the lid in the tubular body. An annular gasket is carried by one of the parts of peripheral annular flange and lid, to be pressed by the other of said parts upon closing the lid.
US08070009B2
A remotely activated tank hatch system includes an upper frame and a lower frame joined by a hinge assembly. The lower frame is coupled to a collar of an opening of a tank and a hatch is coupled to the upper frame. The hinge assembly allows the upper frame to pivot the hatch between an open and closed position. The lower frame includes at least one catch to receive an edge of the hatch, when the hatch is closed. Spring members on the upper frame urge the hatch toward the upper frame so that the hatch may be swung away from the opening. Inflating a rubber bladder positioned between the upper frame and hatch overcomes the spring pressure and urges the hatch into tight contact with the collar. The hatch system includes a remote control for inflating the bladder and opening and closing the hatch.
US08069996B2
A gardening tool suspension device includes a suspension rack (20) having a through hole (22), a gardening tool (10) mounted on the suspension rack and a fastening mechanism (30) mounted on the suspension rack and locked onto the gardening tool to attach the gardening tool to the suspension rack. The gardening tool include two handles (13) pivotally connected by a threaded pivot shaft (12). The fastening mechanism includes a locking nut (31) screwed onto the pivot shaft and having a flange (311) extending through the through hole, and a retaining ring (32) locked onto the flange of the locking nut. Thus, only the locking nut is locked by the retaining ring so that the two handles of the gardening tool are not limited and can be pivoted freely, thereby facilitating a consumer operating the gardening tool.
US08069976B1
A conveyor system apparatus including: a primary conveyor; and a conveying belt comprising: a belt deck comprising a conveyor belt; and a frame supporting the belt deck, the frame comprising a base and a deck support coupled to the base and the belt deck, the deck support movable between an operating position and a maintenance position. In as embodiment of the invention, the belt deck is cantilevered from the frame. Also, in an embodiment, the frame includes a motor for moving the deck support with respect to the base.
US08069973B2
Flighting for screw conveyors of improved construction and resulting in better wear characteristics and carrying capacity is provided through the use of cold roll manufacturing and a roller which forms the flighting with a shape which moves some of the material being conveyed away from the outside peripheral edge of the flighting and thereby distributes wear over a larger portion of the surface of the flighting.
US08069965B2
Section insulator for rigid catenary which has a dual functionality, since it can exercise the functions both of conventional section insulator and of neutral section insulator, configured so that it maintains a mechanical continuity which allows the smooth passage of the pantograph, minimizing the requirement for adjustment and maintenance. The insulator basically comprises a pair of conductor rail segments (2) between which is disposed a single central shoe (1) obliquely disposed with respect to the direction of the catenary, a pair of spark wires (9) wherein the electric field is broken and a series of strips (8) disposed on said central shoe (1) which, together with a bridging cable which extends from them to the conductor rail segment (2), enables bridging the wire conductor of the insulator (3) when one want to maintain the power supply to the pantograph.
US08069960B2
A brakeshoe having a backing plate formed with a seat recess opening at a face, is provided with a brakeshoe wear sensor held in place by a U-shaped spring clip. The clip is formed with a pair of legs extending generally parallel to each other and spaced so as to fit around the sensor and a front end extending between the legs and joining same together. The legs and front end fit wholly in the seat recess between the sensor and the backing plate and bear on the sensor and backing plate. A bent-out tab projects transversely from each of the legs and bears outside the recess on the face of the backing plate.
US08069954B2
A zipper style lift that coils into a box for storage, but extends to form a rigid, self erecting lift part. The lift stores itself in a housing when retracted, by retracting chain parts into a spiral form.
US08069950B1
A device that relieves lubricant pressure in a divider block lubrication system into a fluid reservoir, a container, or directly back into the compressor frame to which the tubing is connected. This eliminates housekeeping, environmental, safety, and compressor component failure concerns associated with current atmospheric rupture assemblies that relieve directly to the atmosphere. The environmental compressor protection assembly contains a spring set to a pre-determined pressure. Lubricant pressure in excess of this pre-determined set pressure results in spring compression and opening of a relief path. The assembly preferably remains in a full open position and must be must be manually reset to the closed position to prevent fluid flow in the system. The relief path can lead to a fluid reservoir, a container, or directly back into the compressor frame. Flow of lubricant through the relief path results in loss of flow to the lubrication system. This triggers an alarm in the no-flow system and shutdown of the compressor. The relief path remains open until an operator resets the device. A visual indicator shows an operator if the relief valve is open or closed.
US08069935B1
According to various aspects of the present invention, a superabrasive element includes a plurality of superabrasive grains (e.g., as diamond grains and/or cubic boron nitride grains). The superabrasive element further includes a binder constituent that bonds at least a portion of the superabrasive grains together. The binder constituent includes predominantly one or more inorganic-compound phases, such as boron or silicon compounds. Applications utilizing such superabrasive elements and methods of fabricating such superabrasive elements are also disclosed.
US08069930B2
A hand power tool, in particular a drill hammer, percussion drill or percussion screwdriver, includes a pistol grip (2), which is connected in vibration-damped fashion to the tool housing (1). The pistol grip (2) is supported on the tool housing (1) pivotably about a shaft (5), and the shaft (5) extends transversely to the primary direction of vibration (3) of the hand power tool. At least one spring element (10), which acts in the direction of vibration, is located between the tool housing (1) and the pistol grip (2).
US08069922B2
A multiple activation-device launching system for a cementing head comprises a launcher body and at least one launching chamber that are sized to receive one or more activation devices therein. The activation devices are launched into the principal process-fluid stream inside the cementing head, and may be darts, balls, bombs, canisters and combinations thereof. The launching chambers are in fluid communication with an external power source for launching the activation device into the principal process-fluid stream.
US08069909B2
A heat dissipation device includes a first heat sink thermally contacting an electronic component, a second heat sink connecting to the first heat sink, and a heat pipe thermally connecting the first heat sink with the second heat sink. The first heat sink has a first base which defines a cutout at a lateral side thereof. The second heat sink has a second base. The heat pipe includes an evaporating portion disposed on the base, a condensing portion disposed on the second base and a connecting portion interconnecting the evaporating portion with the condensing portion. An insert portion protrudes from the second base and is engagingly inserted into the cutout. The connecting portion of the heat pipe extends through the insert portion.
US08069908B2
An exemplary heat dissipation device includes a heat sink, a fan holder, and a fan secured on a front side of the fan holder. The heat sink includes a base having two first fixing ears at its two lateral sides, and fins on the base. An engaging notch is defined in a top end of four of the fins. The fan holder includes a top panel, and two sidewalls extending downwardly from two lateral edges of the top panel. The top panel has a pair of inserting protrusions at a bottom surface thereof. The two sidewalls have two fixing flanges at lower ends thereof. The top panel is partially placed on the front portion of the top ends of the fins, and the inserting protrusions are inserted into the engaging notches of the fins. The two sidewalls abut against two lateral sides of the heat sink, and the two fixing flanges are disposed on the two first fixing ears.
US08069898B1
In a curtain assembly with a bracket, a guide apparatus includes a guide with a surface alignment tab and a bracket connector, for removable connection with a bracket, connected with the surface alignment tab. A first exit guide and a second exit guide locate a curtain within an opening front to back while the guide locates the curtain assembly within an opening side to side and front to back.
US08069896B2
The present invention is a method and apparatus for driving a roller-shutter door having a drive mechanism. The method comprises the activation of a circuit in response to an external stimuli to a switch. This actuates a timer and raises a timing bar. A cable passes across the timing bar and is connected to the switch on one end and to a solenoid on a second end. The cable passes through a top portion of a rocker arm assembly having a one-way bearing. The solenoid is actuated as a result of the raising of the timing bar; and activates the one-way bearing to cause the door to be raised to a pre-set position for a pre-set period of time. To reverse the door, the timer bar is dropped after the lapse of the pre-set period of time. The solenoid is re-activated and reverses the one-way bearing.
US08069894B2
An intermittent cutting transferring device configured to cut a first web into individual sheets and to intermittently transfer the individual sheets onto a second web being continuously fed includes an upper blade roll with a blade and a lower blade roll with an anvil element. Each of the individual sheets cut from the first web is arranged to be guided and transferred onto the second web while the first web is being sucked onto an outer peripheral surface of the lower blade roll by the suction through suction holes formed in a first region on an outer peripheral surface of the lower blade roll. The first region defined as a suction region includes a plurality of the suction holes and a non-suction region does not include the suction holes. The suction region and the non-suction region are provided alternately in a roll rotating direction.
US08069884B1
An automotive fluid reservoir for storing and dispensing automotive fluids, such as motor oil and transmission fluid, into the engine and transmission of a vehicle is provided. The automotive fluid reservoir comprises a housing having a top side, a bottom side, a pair of end walls, a first side wall, and a second side wall. At least one compartment is formed in the housing with each compartment fluidly separate from any other compartment. A fluid receiving aperture is formed in the top side of the housing directly over each compartment for receiving fluid from an appropriate fluid container. At least one fluid output aperture is formed in one of the side walls of the housing with each fluid output aperture fluidly connected to at least one of the compartments. A length of tubing is connected to each of the fluid output apertures with each tubing extending from the appropriate fluid output aperture to the standard fluid reservoir within the vehicle. A dispensing mechanism dispenses the fluids from each compartment into the standard fluid reservoir in the vehicle.
US08069883B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a beverage supply device in which a setting operation for each beverage is simplified and in which supply of a wrong beverage can be avoided in advance. The beverage supply device executes a beverage supply operation of discharging a beverage material and a diluting liquid into a cup to mix the beverage material and the diluting liquid. The device includes: an information output section of a flavor card which retains inherent information such as a dilution ratio of a beverage; an information detecting section which reads out the inherent information of the beverage retained by this information output section; and a control unit which executes the beverage supply operation based on the inherent information read out by this information detecting section.
US08069882B2
Apparatus and method for filling a container (7), particularly an open bag, with a powdery product has the following features” a net scale (1) situated above a tube arrangement and/or hopper arrangement (2), which terminates in a filler neck (6) above the container (7) to be filled while preferably projecting into this container. An intermediate chamber (3) is arranged downstream of the net scale and upstream of the container (7) to temporarily hold at least a portion of the product released by the net scale, and a compacting device (8, 9) is provided for compacting the product placed inside the container (7).
US08069880B2
Pressure cast lined steel pipes comprise an annular concrete or mortar liner along an inside diameter, and a metal shell surrounding the liner, wherein the liner is in direct contact with the metal shell. The wall thickness of the liner can be from 10 to 50 times the thickness of the metal shell. The pipe may be coated with a dielectric material. A mold assembly used to form the pipe includes an annular concrete or mortar composition chamber formed between the metal shell and an inner mold member. Pressurized water is used in the mold assembly to pressurize the concrete or mortar composition and exert a desired pressure force onto the metal shell while the composition cures in the mold. Once a desired degree of cure is achieved, the pressure is removed causing the metal shell to exert a desired compression force onto the cured liner.
US08069870B2
Disclosed is an improved ventilator apparatus for vehicle covers. The apparatus comprises a dome section that is associated with a first ventilator plate on the outside of a vehicle cover. The Dome section extends through the vehicle cover where it is associated with a second ventilator plate. A nut is used to releasably associate the component pieces together so that a portion of the vehicle cover is clamped between the first ventilator plate and the second ventilator plate. Both the first ventilator plate and second ventilator plate are configured so that either plate may be used on the inside or outside of the cover. The improved ventilator plate design comprises air vents disposed within the plate so that water on a top surface of the ventilator plate cannot run into the vent openings. In addition, support gussets have been redesigned so provide an improved venturi action that tends to suck air through the vent opening when air blows across the vent openings.
US08069869B1
A crutch has a standing unit, an armpit rest and a grip unit. The standing unit has a top, a foot and multiple positioning holes defined between the top and the foot. The armpit rest is mounted on the top of the standing unit. The grip unit transversally attached to the standing unit has a grip, two positioning bases and two pins. The grip has two ends each having a recess, a pin hole and a limiting portion. Each positioning base has two insertions each having a limiting notch and a hook. When the positioning base engages the recess, the limiting notches combine with the limiting portions and the pin inserts into one corresponding positioning hole. When the positioning base is released from the recess, the limiting notches disengage from the limiting portions, the pin disengages from the positioning hole, and the hook combines with the limiting portion.
US08069868B2
A lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system that utilizes cold cathode ray tubes, light emitting diodes (LED's), or florescent lights, to provide relatively bright outdoor light for reading and other activities that require relatively high light intensities is provided. In one embodiment, a modular, electrically powered lawn or patio umbrella in which lighting systems, such as those utilizing cold cathode tubes, LED's, or florescent lights; cooling systems, such as those utilizing electric fans or misting systems; and motorized retraction systems; can be selectively interchanged is provided.
US08069867B2
A car wash arch of inverted U-shape with a centrally mounted pendant on the overhead horizontal section, the pendant being of such size and shape as to accommodate a logo or other indicia therein. Light tubes, preferably containing LEDs extend upwardly along the vertical sections of the arch, inwardly along the horizontal section of the arch and into the pendant so as to at least partially frame and illuminate the pendant. A fluid conduit feeding a system of nozzles can be mounted to the arch and supply car wash fluids to spray nozzles inwardly from the vertical and horizontal arch sections.
US08069863B2
A hairdresser's masking aid allows for masking selected strands of hair from other strands of hair while the selected strands are treated. The masking aid comprising at least two panels of flexible sheet material which are capable of being hinged apart to receive the selected strands and subsequently brought together to envelop the selected strands. At least one of the panels comprises a substrate of a flexible and transparent plastics material laminated over at least part of its area to a metal foil substrate. The plastics substrate is laminated to the said metal foil substrate by a laminating wax so that the resultant laminated sheet is capable of being deadfolded in a similar way as non-laminated aluminum foil.
US08069860B2
A humidification control device comprising a container with a chamber for storing and dispensing liquids and a base section in which is formed an opening with a contact surface around the opening's periphery. Also provided is a cigar having at least one exposed cut end and a receptacle, which is hermetically sealed, inside the container's chamber for receiving and retaining the cigar. Additionally provided is a closure plug having a tubular housing member with a closed bottom, a top with an opening and a projecting flange for engaging the opening in the base section conformable to the shape of the area of the container peripheral to the opening. The device includes a humidification source and a tubular case, which is adapted to releasably join with the tubular housing member of the closure plug, for holding the humidification source, and an opening defined by a projecting rim in the tubular case through which the humidification vapors may freely pass. The projecting rim is adapted to be placed in or in near abutment with the exposed cut end of the cigar to enable the direct flow of the humidification vapors into and throughout the cigar.
US08069851B2
An aerosolization apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having a plurality of air inlets. The chamber contains an aerosolizable pharmaceutical formulation or is sized to receive a receptacle which contains an aerosolizable pharmaceutical formulation. A shield covers at least one of the air inlets or a portion of at least one of the air inlets. The shield prevents blockage of the air inlet by a user grasping the apparatus and inadvertently covering the air inlet. An end section is associated with the housing. The end section is sized and shaped to be received in a user's mouth or nose so that the user may inhale through the end section to inhale aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation that has exited the receptacle.
US08069847B2
An archery bow comprises a riser portion with upper and lower ends, and at least one bow limb portion extending from the riser. The archery bow further includes at least one spacer member positioned between the riser portion and the bow limb portion, such that the limb portion contacts the spacer member. The spacer member has a longitudinal axis and a width axis, and includes at least one contact surface for contacting the limb portion with a bottom portion extending along the longitudinal axis underneath the contact surface. The contact surface extends beyond the bottom portion along the width axis to provide increased surface area contact with the bow limb portion.
US08069843B2
A lubrication apparatus of a fuel pump driven by a fuel pump drive cam, which lubricates a tappet moving reciprocally at an interior circumference of a fuel pump adaptor and the fuel pump operating the tappet, may include a cylinder head provided with a camshaft, an oil supplying passage formed in the camshaft as a hollow type so as to take oil to the interior of the camshaft, at least an oil branch passage formed to a cam lobe of the fuel pump drive cam so as to be communicated with the oil supplying passage, and a circular groove formed at the interior circumference of the fuel pump adaptor and corresponding to an injection direction of the oil supplied from the at least an oil branch passage.
US08069841B2
A coupling arrangement for coupling a fuel injector to a fuel rail of a combustion engine, has a fuel injector cup having a central longitudinal axis and is coupled to the fuel rail at a first axial end area of the fuel injector cup, a housing of the fuel injector being arranged at the central longitudinal axis facing a second axial end area of the fuel injector cup, an O-ring seal being arranged between the housing and the fuel injector cup at an axially overlapping area of the fuel injector cup and the housing, a back-up ring being arranged at least partly circumferentially the housing such as to prevent the O-ring seal to be released from the housing, and a separating element being arranged at least partly circumferentially the housing between the O-ring seal and the back-up ring to prevent a contact of the O-ring seal with the back-up ring.
US08069830B2
A hand operated primer pump for small marine or other engines generally spark ignition engines used on stern drive boats that prevents transfer of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. The primer generally mimics and replaces prior art rubber primer bulbs in general shape and possibly color, although it can be made in any shape or color. It generally contains a pump that delivers a precise measured amount of fuel with each stroke of the actuator. The primer can have an ergonomically designed actuator that creates the farthest distance from a fulcrum point for maximum leverage and hence, maximum ease of use. The primer is generally designed with a continuous molded fuel path to seal any source of hydrocarbon leakage as well as being made from materials that prevent transfer of hydrocarbons to the atmosphere.
US08069828B2
A mechanism (40) for enabling an engine cylinder valve (18) to close at various times during engine cycles has a hydraulic actuator (58) and a control valve (60) controlling the hydraulic actuator a) to constrain a pivot axis of a valve rocker (52) against relocation while the cylinder valve is being forced increasingly open, and b) to release the constraint after the cylinder valve has been forced open for enabling the pivot axis to relocate so that the intake valve can close early thereby providing early IVC. A hydraulic snubber (64) snubs closing motion of the cylinder valve through a scheduling geometry to a hydraulic accumulator (62). The control valve opens to the accumulator to allow the rocker pivot axis to relocate and provide early IVC and closes to return the pivot axis to a location that doesn't provide early IVC.
US08069825B1
A method of operating a furnace having a circulating fluidized bed is described. Fuel is combusted in the fluidized bed. The fluidized bed includes a dense bed portion and a lower furnace portion adjacent to the dense bed portion. Reactant is injected in the furnace to reduce the emission of at least one combustion product in the flue gas. Secondary air is injected into the furnace above the dense bed. Using this method, the amount of reactant needed to reduce the emission of the at least one combustion product is reduced.
US08069824B2
A circulating fluidized bed boiler having improved reactant utilization. The circulating fluidized bed boiler includes a circulating fluidized bed having a dense bed portion and a lower furnace portion above the dense bed portion. At least one secondary air and recirculated flue gas injection device is downstream of the circulating fluidized bed for providing mixing of the reactant and the flue gas in the furnace above the dense bed. The present invention also includes methods of operating a fluidized bed boiler.
US08069815B2
A resist pipe and a resist coating device are provided. Support portions are provided at an inner wall of a resist supply portion towards a cross-sectional center of the resist supply portion from three locations. The support portions are provided at equal intervals at the inner wall, and the leading ends thereof extend to positions at which a circular rod-shaped liquid level sensor portion is nipped by a peripheral surface of the liquid level sensor portion. In this manner, the support portions support the liquid level sensor portion from three directions, and gaps are formed between the liquid level sensor portion and the inner wall of the resist supply portion. The liquid level sensor portion inside the resist supply portion is supported by the support portions such that a sensing portion is substantially in the same plane as an inlet aperture of the resist supply portion.
US08069814B2
Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.
US08069813B2
A dry-in/dry-out system is disclosed for wafer electroless plating. The system includes an upper zone for wafer ingress/egress and drying operations. Proximity heads are provided in the upper zone to perform the drying operations. The system also includes a lower zone for electroless plating operations. The lower zone includes an electroless plating apparatus that implements a wafer submersion by fluid upwelling method. The upper and lower zones of the system are enclosed by a dual-walled chamber, wherein the inner wall is a chemically inert plastic and the outer wall is a structural metal. The system interfaces with a fluid handling system which provides the necessary chemistry supply and control for the system. The system is ambient controlled. Also, the system interfaces with an ambient controlled managed transfer module (MTM).
US08069811B2
This invention relates to a flag pole and more specifically, to a flag pole with moveable flag clips and an electric lamp to illuminate the flag.
US08069801B2
A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes first and second secondary airfoils and that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of the main sail, and that are positioned rearwardly of the trailing edge of the sail. The secondary airfoils are selectively pivotable so as to steer the main sail in one direction or the other. The main sail is also provided with a pivoting flap at its trailing edge, which pivots simultaneously with and in the same direction as the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate horizontal booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main sail. The secondary airfoils pivot about vertical axes at the distal ends of the booms, and are operated by control cables that are retracted and paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The craft may be multi-hull vessel, such as a catamaran. The control mechanism for the secondary airfoils may operate the airfoils in response to signals received from one or more onboard sensors. The system is suitable for use on an autonomous unmanned surface vessel (AUSV).
US08069797B2
A system 26 for removing elemental mercury or mercury compounds handles carbonaceous sorbent 28 of a starter batch stored in a silo 30 in an agglomerated state. The sorbent 28 is fed by a feeder 32 to a separation device 34, which comminutes (if necessary) and de-agglomerates the sorbent particles 28 to their primary size distribution. This device 34 may be a particle-particle separator or a jet mill, where compressed air or high-pressure steam is the energy source. The de-agglomerated sorbent 28 of a contact batch created from the starter batch is conveyed by an airsteam for injection at a contact location 66 in a flue gas duct whereat carbonaceous sorbent of the contact batch adsorbs mercury from the flue gas.
US08069796B2
A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top. Alternatively, a second retaining assembly including a cross-brace member may be mounted in relation to the table top, wherein the distal end of the first pivotal support brace pivotally engages the first retaining member and the distal end of the second pivotal support brace pivotally engages the second retaining member. In addition, the first and second support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg, wherein each support leg of the first and second support pedestals are laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position.
US08069782B2
Stamps and methods of making stamps for applications in anti-counterfeiting and authentication. The stamps are relatively small in size and feature nanoscale and microscale identification regions and features. High throughput manufacturing and high resolution methods are used to make the stamps including electron beam lithography and optical lithography. Anti-fouling coatings can be applied.
US08069777B2
A fryer includes: a housing; an oil vat; a combusting and heating unit; an operational panel provided at a front face of the housing; and an exhaust pipe provided at a rear of the oil vat. A cooling path is defined at a rear of the operational panel in the housing. An external pipe is provided at a rear of the housing to surround the exhaust pipe and has an exhaust port of which the sectional opening area is narrowed at an upper end of the exhaust pipe. An air passage is defined by the housing and through which the cooling path and the external pipe are connected.
US08069776B2
A toaster in which spaced, vertically oriented heating assemblies are nested within a cover that pivots between open and closed positions. In the open position, an consumer can add food slices to or remove toasted food slices from baskets in the toaster remotely from the heating assemblies. When the cover closes, the heating assemblies pivot to be positioned on both sides of the baskets. When energized, the heating assemblies toast the food slices.
US08069767B2
An armament system for aircraft includes gun mount and ejection system for a machine gun. The gun mount and ejection system includes an ejection chute assembly including a hopper positioned intermediate the uprights of a carriage supporting the machine gun.
US08069764B2
A shearing apparatus (10) for material unwound from reels comprises a support frame (12) for a working table (14) whereon a moving tape (16) is wound; said apparatus is provided with means for the temporary stabilization along at least a crosswise extended zone of said material arranged on the moving tape (16).
US08069762B2
The invention is based on a machine tool, in particular a circular power saw, for machining a workpiece, having a covering (10) for guarding a user against machining residues of the workpiece that occur in operation and having an adjustable residue guide (12, 14) for carrying away at least some of the machining residues through an outlet opening in a defined direction in accordance with the position of the residue guide (12, 14). It is proposed that the residue guide is adjustable in such a way that in one position of the residue guide (12, 14), at least some of the machining residues are carried onward inside the covering (10).
US08069748B1
An X-Y linear slide mechanism includes a first block member having opposing exterior and interior surfaces, a second block member having a planar interior surface, a pair of cylindrical rods secured together along their axial lengths. The interior surfaces of the first and second block members each have elongate grooves formed therein. The elongate grooves have a length longer than the pair of cylindrical rods, a width to receive one of the cylindrical rods and a depth slightly greater than the diameter of one of the cylinder rods. Each of the pair of cylindrical rods are disposed in one of the elongate grooves providing X and Y linear motion of the second block member relative to the first block member.
US08069746B2
An auxiliary device for a mechanical arm includes a supporting base, two reciprocating engines, a rotational plate, and four suction members. The reciprocating engine includes a cylinder and a driving rod. The cylinder is configured for driving the driving rod linearly and reciprocating along its longitudinal axis. The cylinder is rotatably fixed to the supporting base, thereby defining a first rotational axis therebetween. The driving rod is rotatably fixed to the rotational plate, thereby defining a second rotational axis therebetween. The rotational plate is also directly and rotatably fixed to the supporting base to be rotatable about a third rotational axis defined therebetween. The three rotational axes are parallel. The four suction members are fixed to the rotational plate.
US08069745B2
A power steering device includes a first gear provided on the first shaft, the first gear having a centerline axis, and a second gear operatively connected to the first gear. The second gear includes a rotational axis that is maintained substantially coplanar with the centerline axis. The power steering device further includes a compliant member operatively connected with the second gear. The compliant member allows rotational compliance of the second gear while avoiding axial and radial compliance.
US08069744B2
A synchronization and engagement device for a gear transmission of a motor vehicle is provided with: a cylindrical hollow portion, which is fixed and coaxial with respect to a shaft of the gear transmission; a toothed driving ring, fixed to an idle or neutral gear of the gear transmission; a first conical friction surface, carried by one between the driving ring and the gear; a floating toothed synchronizing ring, which has a second conical friction surface mating with the first conical surface; and at least one engagement member, which is angularly fixed with respect to the cylindrical hollow portion, is able to slide axially under the action of a control device, and has a cylindrical toothing, designed to render the cylindrical hollow portion angularly fixed with respect to the driving ring. The engagement member is located in a radial position that is more internal with respect to the conical friction surfaces, whilst the cylindrical toothing of the engagement member is an external toothing.
US08069742B2
A motor vehicle transmission having at least two transmission groups and a method for operation of the transmission in which a mechanism is provided for maintaining traction force during gearshifts. A first friction clutch is an intermediate-gear clutch connected to a driveshaft of the motor and to a main transmission shaft which is connected with a transmission output shaft, the second friction clutch is a change-under-load clutch connected to the driveshaft and to a loose wheel of a second gear constant of a splitter group, and the third friction clutch is a change-under-load clutch connected with the driveshaft and with a loose wheel of a first gear constant of the splitter group. A direct connection can be formed in the transmission between the driveshaft and the main transmission shaft by way of the intermediate-gear clutch and the gear constants of the splitter group can be shifted, under load, by the change-under-load clutches.
US08069730B2
A novel flexible transducer structure is suitable for attaching to curved surface such as the leading edge of an aircraft wing. The structure comprises a thin flexible sheet of an insulating material with a leadless transducer secured to the sheet. The sheet is then placed over the curved surface and assumes the curvature of the surface. The transducer secured to the sheet provides an output of pressure according the pressure exerted on the sheet. The sheet basically is fabricated from a thin material such as Kapton and is flexible so as to assume the curvature of the surface with the transducer being exposed to pressure applied to the curved surface. The sensor in conjunction with the flexible sheet allows pressure to be measured without disturbing the air flow patterns of the measuring surfaces and because of its construction, is moisture resistant over a large variety of atmospheric conditions.
US08069729B2
A pressure measuring device for measuring and/or monitoring the pressure of a measured medium. The pressure measuring device includes a sensor housing and a measurement transmitter, wherein assigned to the sensor housing is a pressure measuring cell with a pressure sensitive measuring element. Assigned to the pressure measuring cell is a temperature sensor, and assigned to the measurement transmitter is a control/evaluation unit. In order to increase the measurement accuracy of the pressure measuring device, it is provided, that the control/evaluation unit, in the case of an abrupt change of the temperature registered by the temperature sensor, ascertains, or provides, a step response, wherein the step response has a sensor-type-specific, settling time, and the control/evaluation unit, on the basis of the ascertained, or provided, step response, references the corresponding time-dependent integral temperature of the pressure measuring cell, in order to eliminate, or to compensate, the temperature influence on the pressure measurement signal provided by the measuring element.
US08069723B2
A level sensing assembly senses the level of a fluid in a tank. The tank includes a fluid port that is disposed below the level of the fluid and an air port disposed above the level of fluid. The level sensing assembly includes a lower port in fluid communication with the fluid port of the tank. An upper port is in fluid communication with the lower port of the tank. A measuring vessel is disposed between the lower and upper ports and is in fluid communication therebetween. The measuring vessel includes an auxiliary port disposed adjacent the upper port. The level sensing assembly also includes a level sensor extending down through the auxiliary port into the measuring vessel to measure the level of the fluid in the measuring vessel and the level of the fluid in the tank.
US08069721B2
A radar level gauge system, for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, the radar level gauge system comprising a transceiver including a signal generator for generating electromagnetic signals for transmission; a transmitter branch for transmitting the electromagnetic signals; and a receiver branch for receiving electromagnetic signals, the transmitter branch and the receiver branch each being connected to a transceiver input/output terminal. The radar level gauge system further comprises a propagation device for allowing transmitted electromagnetic signals to propagate towards a surface of the product inside the tank, where signals are reflected, and for returning reflected electromagnetic signals back from the surface of the product; processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and configured to determine the filling level based on the reflected electromagnetic signals; and power level adjusting circuitry connected between the transceiver input/output terminal and the propagation device, and configured to adjust a power level of the transmitted electromagnetic signals by a transmission gain factor, and to adjust a power level of the returned reflected electromagnetic signals by a reception gain factor, the transmission gain factor being smaller than the reception gain factor, wherein the power level adjusting circuitry comprises at least one active component.
US08069719B2
Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for measuring fluid volume. Devices according to some embodiments include a chamber, having a pair of gears rotatably mounted therewithin. Fluid flow through the chamber causes rotation of the gears, such that each rotation and/or partial rotation results in a known volume of the fluid passing through the chamber. An optical sensor positioned outside of the chamber, can view the rotating gears through a substantially transparent chamber wall. The optical sensor can view an optical characteristic of one or both of the gears, and based upon this data, fluid volume, flow rate, and/or flow direction can be determined. Devices and methods disclosed herein can provide for improved precision in fluid flow meter measurement. In addition, the devices and methods used herein can be more durable and easier to fabricate than previously known positive displacement flow meters.
US08069716B2
A downhole drilling apparatus for measure while drilling including a housing defining a longitudinal housing axis, wherein the housing has an upper end and a lower end. A motor includes a rotor, wherein the rotor is adapted to be driven by drilling fluids. A first drive coupling is coupled between the rotor and a first driven rod. A second drive coupling is coupled between the driven rod an a connecting shaft. A third drive coupling is coupled between the connecting shaft and a second driven rod. A fourth drive coupling is coupled between the second driven rod and a motor bearing section, wherein the connecting shaft extends through an offset bore in the housing and transmits power from the motor to the drill bit.
US08069715B2
A method and apparatus for collection of pore water samples from a subsurface geologic formation, especially a vadose zone formation having high capillary tension. The method consists of injection of a fluid with known tracer concentrations therein into the formation. The injected displacement fluid develops a wetting front which carries with it the ambient pore water. The mixture of pore water and tracer-bearing displacement fluid is absorbed by a collection system, such as an absorbent member or pumping system. The injection and collection system are attached to a sealing borehole liner for emplacement in a borehole in the formation, and for other functions. Water samples collected in the collector system may be recovered by inversion of the liner, or alternatively by pumping. Samples thus removed from the borehole may be evaluated for chemicals, such as contaminants. The use of the tracer permits pore water characteristics to be distinguished from the motivating displacement fluid. Apparatuses for performing the foregoing functions are described.
US08069712B2
Disclosed are a method and a device for diagnosing a catalytic converter located in a exhaust gas flow. Said method and device are based on an evaluation of the hygroscopic properties of the catalytic converter.
US08069711B2
A method and a device for detecting faulty functioning of actuators in the air system on internal combustion engines, an actuator being operated using at least two control states, one after the other, at least one sensor, whose output signal is a function of the excursion state of the actuator, reading out the output signal of this sensor being undertaken, and an assessment of the function of the controlled actuator being undertaken from the response of this output signal to the change of the control of the actuator, during the control of the actuator, at least the control of those other actuators included in the air system being kept constant as well as additional control signals for operating the internal combustion engine, which have an influence on the output signal of the sensor.
US08069704B2
A gate valve corresponding to the sealing structure seals an opening of a plasma generation chamber and includes a valve body, a valve stem, and ring-shaped first and second sealing members that seal a gap between the valve body and the plasma generation chamber. The first ring-shaped sealing member is on the side of the plasma generation chamber and is exposed to a plasma atmosphere. The first and second ring-shaped sealing members do not contact each other, that is, a gap is formed therebetween. A plurality of gas grooves are arranged in the length direction of the first ring-shaped sealing member. The gas grooves are formed by cutting the valve body in a direction almost perpendicular to the length direction of the first ring-shaped sealing member, and the gap is in communication with the plasma generation chamber via the gas grooves. A gas injection passage 14 for injecting a gas into the gap is formed in the wall of the plasma generation chamber. A concave portion extending along the length direction of the first ring-shaped sealing member is formed on the surface of the plasma generation chamber, and the concave portion is connected to a gas outlet of the gas injection passage.
US08069702B2
A measuring apparatus to measure adhesion of a tape includes a supporting plate slanting related to horizon, and a ball. The tape is attached to the supporting plate with an adhesive surface opposite to the supporting plate. The ball rolls on the tape along the supporting plate. The ball would be held by the tape according to the weight of the ball and the adhesion of the tape, thereby assessing the adhesion. The measuring apparatus further includes a base, a positioning mechanism mounted to the supporting plate, and an angle-adjusting mechanism engaging with the base and the supporting plate and capable of rotating related to the base to adjust a slanting angle of the supporting plate. The positioning mechanism includes a frame to releasably hold and position the ball.
US08069699B2
Installation/processing tools may be used to install one or more expandable structures in a workpiece. An installation/processing tool may include an expansion mandrel, a processing tool, and an expansion assembly having an expansion jaw movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. An expandable portion of the expansion jaw is sized to fit within a passageway of an expandable member. When the mandrel is moved through the expansion assembly, the expansion jaw is moved between the collapsed and expanded configurations to cause expansion of the expandable member. The installation/processing tool can also be used to cold work a workpiece.
US08069698B2
A press assembly including a die assembly having a trim die defining an annular cavity wherein the trim die is fixed to the press assembly, a punch assembly including a trim punch having an annular boss that is correspondingly shaped to the annular cavity, wherein the trim punch is movable relative to the die assembly, and an ejector assembly including an ejector arm, wherein the ejector arm is mounted to the punch assembly. The object is pressed into the annular cavity of the trim die by the annular boss of the trim punch when the annular boss is slidably received in the annular cavity, and the ejector arm pushes the object upwardly within the annular cavity of the trim die when the annular boss of the trim punch is removed from the annular cavity.
US08069697B2
A metal plate material hot molding apparatus is provided for press molding a heated metal plate material. The apparatus may include supply piping for a cooling medium in a mold, and ejection holes penetrating from a molding surface of the mold to the supply piping. The exemplary apparatus may also include discharge piping for the cooling medium situated in the mold, and discharge holes penetrating from the molding surface of the mold to the discharge piping, and cooling piping. Molding procedure can be performed while the cooling medium is ejected from the ejection holes to a gap between the metal plate material and the mold.
US08069692B2
A circular knitted fabric for the manufacture of a garment includes a first portion formed of a low melting point yarn and a first yarn, and a continuing second portion formed of the low melting point yarn and a second yarn. The second portion has an elastane content greater than that of the first portion. The low melting point yarn fuses with the first and second yarns after heating to a temperature sufficient to melt the low melting point yarn only. The fabric, after finishing, is adapted to be cut into a garment in such a way that the first portion becomes a body of the garment, and the second portion becomes an integral elastic band-like selvedge of the garment.
US08069691B2
A method of cleaving an optical fiber and apparatus therefor including a hand tool wherein the optical fiber to be cleaved (6) has a natural path. The method of cleaving includes deflecting the optical fiber (6) away from its natural path in a first direction and at a point spaced longitudinal along the length of the fiber deflecting the optical fiber in a second direction opposed to the first direction. The opposing deflection induce internal stresses in the fiber that extend substantially across the core of the optical fiber over a region of the length of the optical fiber. The fiber may then be scratched in this region with a cleaving blade (5) so as to induce cleaving of the optical fiber. The cleaving is controlled by controlling the internal stresses induced in the fiber by in turn controlling the degree of deflection induced in the fiber. Further the fiber (6) may be placed under extension to assist in the control of the stresses induced.
US08069686B2
A refrigerator including a body having a plurality of cooling compartments separated from each other by a partition, and a machine room defined by the partition in a lower region of one of the plurality of cooling compartments. The machine room receives predetermined elements required to operate the cooling compartments.
US08069684B2
Refrigeration circuit (2) for circulating a refrigerant in a predetermined flow direction, having in flow direction a heat rejecting heat exchanger (4), an evaporator throttle valve (8), an evaporator (10), a compressor (22), an internal heat exchanger (16) placed with its “cool side” between the evaporator (10) and the compressor (22), an inlet temperature sensor (24) located between the evaporator (10) and the internal heat exchanger (16) and an outlet temperature sensor (26) located between the internal heat exchanger (16) and the compressor (22), and a control (28) for controlling the evaporator throttle valve (8) based on the inlet and outlet temperature sensor measurement, wherein the control is adapted for controlling the evaporator throttle valve (8) based on an inlet temperature setpoint at the inlet temperature sensor (24); and shifting the inlet temperature setpoint based on the outlet temperature sensor measurement (26).
US08069681B1
A cross-flow heat exchanger, method of making a cross-flow heat exchanger, and a dehumidifier are provided. The cross-flow heat exchanger has an axial flow path extending through the heat exchanger from an inlet to an outlet and a transverse flow path oriented transversely to the axial flow path and extending through the heat exchanger from an inlet to an outlet. The transverse flow path is adjacent to and separate from the axial flow path. The surface area of the inlet of the axial flow path is less than the surface area of the outlet of the axial flow path. In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger has an exterior shape that is trapezoidal.
US08069680B2
Methods disclosed herein include methods of manufacturing integrally thermally-sealed storage containers. Methods include creating at least one indentation in at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet, wherein the at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet includes at least one first ultra efficient insulation material and wherein the at least one indentation is in a size and shape substantially conforming with material to be stored; placing material to be stored within one or more of the at least one indentation; placing at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet adjacent to the material to be stored, wherein the at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet includes at least one second ultra efficient insulation material; and creating a thermal seal between at least two layers of thermal barrier sheet, substantially thermally sealing the material to be stored.
US08069666B1
One or more systems for generating shaft horsepower by using waste heat from combustion exhaust are provided herein. The system can include a heat recovery silencer, a turbine, a compressor, a combustion source, and a control system.
US08069664B2
A supercharged engine has a charge air intake and an engine exhaust outlet, a positive displacement supercharger connected to the air intake, a charge air and bypass control valve comprising a rotary body throttle valve including a rotary valve body, a primary air passage and a separate bypass air passage each extending through the rotary body. The primary air passage is fully open in a first rotary position of the rotary body wherein the bypass air passage is closed, and the bypass air passage is fully open in a second rotary position wherein the primary air passage is closed. Airflow through the passages varies in an inverse manner as the rotary body is rotated between the first and second positions, whereby airflow through the control valve is controlled with a single actuator movable through the full range of positions and airflow through the primary and bypass passages is inversely varied.
US08069662B1
An electric power booster (12) where driver command is monitored by a transducer (38) on an input rod (34). This signal is converted to the appropriate voltage/current and operates an electric motor (42). The motor output shaft (68) is connected to a planetary gear reducer (72) appropriately sized to provide no more than +/−1/4 turn of an eccentric cam (14). Two master cylinders (16, 18) power piston rods (22, 24) ride diametrically opposed on the cam surface (20). As the cam rotates the piston rods are forced out pressurizing the respective hydraulic circuits and thereby providing fluid to each brake circuit (28, 30). In the event of power failure as well as to augment the output of the motor, the input rod is mechanically linked directly to the cam offset from the center allowing the driver to manually rotate the cam thereby pressurizing the brake circuits.
US08069661B2
A hydraulic control system for actuating at least one torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump, a pump in communication with the sump, and an accumulator. A first control device and a second control device control the communication of hydraulic fluid between the pump, the accumulator, and the torque transmitting device.
US08069650B2
A method is provided for maintaining the heat in an exhaust after treatment system connected to the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine. The engine is used to propel a vehicle and is equipped with a valve-controlled EGR duct for the adjustable recirculation of exhaust gases from the exhaust side of the engine to its induction side. According to the invention, it is detected that neither the braking system nor the throttle control mechanism of the vehicle is activated and that the vehicle is being driven at a speed in excess of a predetermined value. After this, the gas flow through the EGR duct is regulated so that the gas flow to the exhaust aftertreatment system is reduced to a level which is less than about 50% of the gas flow to the exhaust aftertreatment system with shut-off EGR valve.
US08069644B2
A method of manufacturing an electric cable includes winding together two groups in such a manner as to form a group helix, each group having two twisted-together conductor wires, and where the groups are wound together at a speed that varies between two limit speeds having the same sign and in such a manner that the pitch of the group helix varies along the cable between two limit values having the same sign.
US08069633B2
A flooring system including horizontal metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, HAMBRO or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The flooring system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.
US08069627B2
A door, method of making a door, and stack of doors includes providing a door having front and back skins that have differing, but complementary profiles, one for the front side of the door and one for the back side of the door where each allows and fits onto the other, while still providing direct contact in the stile and rail zones of the door permitting conventional door layup practices.
US08069625B2
Fire resistant door, glazing, and mullion frames include intumescent material at least partially embedded in the frame adjacent the door or glazing. Trim materials are positioned over the intumescent material to prevent tampering with and damage to the intumescent material while improving the aesthetic appearance of the frame. The jamb trim has a thickness that allows heat to be transmitted to the intumescent material in the event of a fire so that the intumescent material will expand and fill a clearance space between the frame and the door or glazing. The expanded intumescent material retards the passage of heat and, by sealing the clearance space, inhibits the transmission of smoke, flames and gases from one side of the door or glazing to the other. After expanding, the intumescent material will char and solidify, which may provide an added benefit of structural support for the door or glazing.
US08069622B2
Jamb connectors for finishing a penetration in concrete or masonry construction, the jamb connectors coupling a first jamb with a second jamb that is adjacent to the first jamb and having a first portion with two segments lying substantially in a same plane and positioned at a predetermined angle from each other, each first portion segment being configured for coupling with an associated surface portion of an associated one of the first and second jambs, and a second portion having two segments that are each coupled to corresponding segments of the first portion, each second portion lying at an angle equal to the predetermined angle from the other second portion and second portion being configured for positioning about the intermediate portions of one of the first and second jambs.
US08069605B2
A stun gun is disclosed having a firing mechanism, and also having a camera for automatically capturing post-firing images after the firing mechanism is activated. The post-firing image is automatically and digitally marked, or partly marked, to indicate when the camera was used. A method of gun operation is also presented, along with a system that includes both the gun and a gun holder. Removal of the gun from the gun holder may activate the camera's visual or audio collection capabilities, and further actions such as removal of a gun safety may heighten activation of the camera. The camera's visual collection capabilities include viewing both the target and also the user of the gun.
US08069604B2
A hand-guard and barrel nut clamping assembly for tactical firearms and other mechanical equipment that is subject to frequent or sustained vibration or shock, such as when a firearm is subjected to sustained rapid fire and/or the firearm is handled roughly. A small generally half-moon shaped anti-rotation clamping member is secured to a hand-guard support element or other suitable structure by socket head cap screws and is secured in frictional contact with components of the hand-guard mount and a barrel nut. The anti-rotation clamping member functions as a key to “tie” the barrel nut and hand-guard nut together, simultaneously preventing either one from rotating, and thus preventing inadvertent vibration or shock induced loosening of either the hand-guard retainer nut or the barrel nut. The anti-rotation clamping member is also keyed onto the front of the upper receiver by a slot into which a portion of the receiver is engaged. Alignment pins in the hand-guard support element also key a barrel nut against inadvertent rotation and further ensure against loosening of the barrel nut by vibration and shock.
US08069598B2
An adjustable display board system comprises a display board, first and second grippers, first and second racks, and a handle. The first and second grippers are coupled to the display and include a plurality of teeth. The first and second racks are mounted to a rigid structure and include a plurality of teeth generally greater than the number of teeth of the first and second grippers. The teeth of the first and second grippers mesh with the teeth of the first and second racks to maintain the vertical position of the display board. The handle is pushed to disengage the grippers from the racks and allow vertical motion of the display board. The adjustable display board system also comprises a display board, a linear actuator unit, and one or more pivot arms. The linear actuator unit includes a movable actuator rod and is coupled to the one or more pivot arms, which in turn is coupled to the display board. Motion of the actuator rod is converted to raising and lowering of the display board.
US08069597B2
Disclosed is a multipurpose advertisement board having a film between glass plates of a double glazed window, wherein pieces of steel wire are provided to respective ends of the film and the pieces of steel wire can be wound around winding rollers, so that the multipurpose advertisement board can display a variety of patterns printed on the film, and also can act as a normal glass window. The multipurpose advertisement board includes a double glazed window that includes two or more glass plates, a film moving in the space of the double glazed window, an upper winding roller and a lower winding roller installed at the upper and lower portions of the double glazed window for winding the film, pieces of steel wire connected to the left and right ends of the film, and steel wire winding grooves provided to the upper and lower winding rollers.
US08069593B2
An excavator bucket top assembly can be completed as an assembly before being attached to other components to form an excavator bucket. The top assembly includes a flat bottom plate and a top plate with two bends, each having relatively simple geometry for ease of manufacturing. Two hinge plates penetrate through the top plate and are joined to both the bottom plate and the top plate. The top assembly includes strategically positioned, continuous weld joints to avoid weld starts and stops that create stress risers. The top assembly produces a torque tube which is stiff and resistant to fatigue.
US08069591B2
A multi-purpose attachment for work vehicles comprises a unique bucket shape and tine arrangement permitting the attachment to be used when performing a variety of jobs at a job site. The attachment may also include a thumb that can be extended over the open front of the bucket, retracted and even folded when not in use.
US08069589B2
An article of footwear is provided having a decorative lighting arrangement wherein one or more LEDs are mounted within the interior of one or more sleeves, having the appearance of a shoelace, which are located in the toe portion of the shoe.
US08069575B2
A vegetation pruning device (2) includes a pair (4,6) of pivotally coupled arms. A motor bracket (36) with a rotary output drive (34) provides drive to a cutting element (8) which is coupled to the rotary output drive (34). The cutting element (8) is arranged for cutting vegetation (44) presented thereto.
US08069574B2
A rotary cutter for a mower is described including at least one cord of a predetermined length extending from the cutting head driven for rotation, and at least one fastening element for fixing one end of the cord to the cutting head main body. The fastening element includes a pair of ratchets. Each ratchet pivots for turning on the main body and is constantly applied with a rotational force in a predetermined direction by a spring. The cord is clamped and fastened by the ratchets. An inner end portion of the cord inserted from the sidewall of the main body is fastened by the fastening element, and the cord is removed and replaced with a new cord when the cord is worn out. The fastening element including a pair of ratchets with each ratchet of the pair including at least two or more sheets of laminated ratchets.
US08069567B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a split bearing arrangement, in which a top bearing part (6) is separated in several machining stations from a basic bearing part (5) that is monolithically joined thereto via a severing breaking process on a predefined plane of breakage (10) by applying a certain force, whereupon the two parts are joined back together by means of a screw connection comprising at least two screws. The basic bearing part (5) and the top bearing part (6) are fixed on an adapter device (1) that is conveyed from one machining station to another while the top bearing part is retained at least during some processes in the machining stations via a retractable auxiliary support (13) which is disposed on the adapter device and catches the top bearing part outside the area of the screw connection.
US08069566B2
An operating method improves the running behavior of gearwheels negatively noticed upon gearwheel testing and is performed by a burnishing device. The gearwheels that were rejected from the production process may be optimized rapidly and in a targeted way so that they may be returned back into the production process. The tooth flanks of a gearwheel to be machined are, in a first method step, mechanically freed of particles adhering to the surfaces of the tooth flanks or slight protrusions protruding therefrom using a first gearwheel machining tool having a machining wheel coated with an abrasive agent. Subsequently, in a second method step in a second gearwheel machining tool known as a burnishing machine, the gearwheel is chucked between gearwheel-shaped rolling tools, the so-called burnishing wheels, and rolled without material abrasion.
US08069560B2
A manufacturing method of a multilayer wiring board that includes a core board, a wiring layer, and an electrically insulating layer that are stacked on the core board. The manufacturing method forms a plurality of through holes in a core member, a thermal expansion coefficient of the core board being between 2 to 20 ppm, and the core member selected from silicon, ceramics, glass, a glass-epoxy composite, and metal. The through holes are made conductive by a conductive material, to electrically connect between the front and the back of the core board. A wiring layer and an electrically insulating layer are stacked on one surface of the core board to form a multilayer wiring layer. A capacitor is formed on the other surface of the core board.
US08069559B2
An insulated metal substrate laminate includes a metal substrate, a dielectric layer disposed upon the metal substrate, wherein the dielectric layer comprises a thermoplastic film having a thickness of less than or equal to 10 micrometers, a thermal resistance of less than or equal to 0.050 Kelvin-square inches per watt, and a breakdown voltage greater than or equal to 1000 volts (alternating current), and an electrically conductive layer disposed upon the dielectric layer.
US08069557B2
In a method of manufacturing a circuit forming board, a first sheet having a first direction is transferred in a second direction, so that the first direction of the first sheet is parallel to the second direction. Films are stuck onto both surfaces of the first sheet while transferring the first sheet in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction of the first sheet. This method allows a connecting member, such as conductive paste, to electrically couple between layers of the circuit forming board.
US08069554B2
The application discloses an assembly tool for installing a disc clamp on a spindle hub. In the illustrated embodiments, the assembly tool includes a head including an inner portion, an intermediate portion and an outer portion configured to install a disc clamp on a spindle motor assembly. In the illustrated embodiments, the inner portion includes a raised portion and datum surface that interface with the spindle hub to align the spindle hub for installation of the disc clamp.
US08069545B2
A method for changeover of a blow molding machine without a long dead time is disclosed. The blow molding machine includes a plurality of blow mold holders, each of which carries a multi-part blow mold. At least one part of the blow mold is connected with a media supply. At first, at least two working areas are being assigned at the blow molding machine. Different processes are carried out at each working area. The blow mold holder is opened at least at the first working area and/or the media supplies are released. The parts of the blow mold are removed from the blow mold holder at a second working area and are replaced with a blow mold of another type.
US08069542B1
The present invention provides an interleaved IDT that is connected to and overlaps adjacent IDTs. In particular, the interleaved IDT may be connected to both an input IDT and an output IDT via corresponding bus bars. The first bus bar of the interleaved IDT is connected to the bus bar of the input IDT, and the other bus bar of the interleaved IDT is connected to a bus bar of the output IDT. The interleaved IDT is coupled electrically to the respective input and output ports of the overall surface acoustic wave architecture. As such, the bus bars of the respective input and output IDTs are effectively extended, such that the adjacent edges of the respective input and output IDTs partially overlap one another in an interdigitated fashion at the interleaved IDT.
US08069539B2
An end fitting comprises a spigot end designed for reversibly fixing a wire rope to any type of functional part integral with or attached to a socket end. This spigot end is defined by an outer shell which is cylindrical overall; the shell comprising at least one fin. The spigot end comprises an axial housing designed to accommodate the wire rope. The shell has at least one through opening capable of accommodating an element for attaching said wire rope such as a pin or a rope fastener which passes through the wire rope. The spigot end is designed to cooperate with said socket end like a bayonet.
US08069536B2
A conformable pod and related method of production are provided, wherein the pod defines a soft structure adapted for deformation in response to minimal pressure applied manually, i.e., by contact with some portion of the body, and for retaining a deformed configuration substantially in the absence of continued application of manual pressure. The pod includes a viscous and tacky gel material encased within a closed chamber defined at least in part by a relatively thin and easily deformed outer skin providing minimal deformation resistance. In a preferred form, the encased gel material is a coagulated or partially coagulated gel such as a silicone-based gel material adapted for deformation in response to minimal applied manual pressure, and for substantially pressureless retention of the as-deformed shape, followed by relatively slow return (at least two seconds or more) to an initial nondeformed shape upon manual release of the pod.
US08069535B2
A hinge assembly includes a shaft, a tube, an acting member, a friction member, a rotating shaft, and a resilient member. The tube is rotatably sleeved on the shaft. The shaft defines at least one receiving hole. The friction member is positioned in the receiving hole. The rotating shaft extends through the acting member and the shaft to connect the acting member to the shaft rotatably. The resilient member causes the friction member to resist the tube and the acting member. A foldable electronic device applying the hinge assembly is also provided.
US08069530B2
A spinning bristled roller assembly for the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner or other carpet cleaning apparatus. The roller assembly includes three bearings protected by a comprehensive thread guard system. The three bearing system, in combination with the structure of the tubular roller body and bearing housing provides an assembly having inherently improved balance characteristics that eliminate the prior need for dynamic balancing to ensure vibration-free operation.
US08069528B2
A wiper lever (10) with a wiper arm (12) and a wiper blade (14) linked to it to clean windows of motor vehicles in particular is proposed, whose wiper blade is provided with a band-like, long-stretched-out, elastic supporting element (22) that is curved in the longitudinal direction over its band surfaces (26, 28), which features a rubber elastic wiper strip (30) that can be applied to the window on its concave-curved band surface (26), on whose convex-curved band surface (28) an articulated part (20) sits, on which an adapter (40) is positioned so that it can move in a pendulum fashion, which has walls (42) aligned in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade and standing on the band surfaces of the supporting element (22) with planes situated at a distance from one another, and locking means (72) are arranged on the adapter that are moveable against a restoring force, which cooperate with counter-locking means (66) of the wiper arm. A particularly operationally reliable connection between the wiper arm and the wiper blade to form the wiper lever is achieved if the locking means are arranged on at least one of the two walls (42) and are moveable essentially transverse to the surfaces of these walls.
US08069527B2
A washer nozzle provided in a wiper blade has a first ejection hole ejecting a first washer fluid, and a second ejection hole ejecting a second washer fluid. A first ejection axis, which is a center line of a first ejection port angle of the first ejection hole, is define. A second ejection axis, which is a center line of a second ejection port angle of the second ejection hole, is defined. The washer nozzle is structured such that the first ejection axis and the second ejection axis intersect with each other as seen from a width direction of the wiper blade.
US08069518B2
A boarding bridge includes a rotunda connected to a terminal building and rotatable around a vertical axis thereof; an extendable tunnel section connected to the rotunda at one end thereof; and a cab connected to the other end of the tunnel section and rotatable around a vertical axis thereof. The tunnel section is structured to extend generally parallel to a fuselage of an aircraft when the cab is attached to the aircraft. The cab includes a floor extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the tunnel section, and a gangplank which is arranged to be projectable forward from a portion of the floor, and by projecting forward, defines a path connecting the floor and a hatch of the aircraft.
US08069517B1
A combination diaper changer and dispenser is provided, particularly for “on-the-go” diapering. A generally trifold structure of sheet material has an inside surface side and an outside surface side, and includes an intermediate panel serving as a rear cover when the structure is folded, a first end panel serving as a front cover when the structure is folded, and a second end panel serving as a diaper changing surface when unfolded. A bag dispenser compartment is secured to the intermediate panel on the inside surface side. The dispenser compartment includes a dispensing aperture for withdrawing bags.
US08069514B2
A variable width bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed has a frame, a deck supported on the frame, and a mattress on the deck. A portion of the mattress on one of head and seat deck sections expands to have an increased width. In an alternate embodiment, deck extender assemblies are provided at the sides of the bed. Each of the deck extender assemblies have supplemental mattresses connected thereto.
US08074290B2
A content transfer system for transferring content between a source device transmitting the content and a sink device receiving the content, includes a content specifying unit for specifying the content to be transferred between the source device and the sink device, an authentication unit for performing an authentication exchange key process between the source device and the sink device, a content transfer unit for performing a content transfer process by encrypting and transferring the content specified by the content specifying unit from the source device to the sink device using the key exchanged by the authentication unit, and a content transfer finalizing unit for performing a content transfer finalizing process by validating the content at the sink device and invalidating the original content at the source device in response to the end of the content transfer process performed by the content transfer unit, the content thus being moved from the source device to the sink device.
US08074286B2
Many media playback devices have a secure environment, with media decrypter and decoder components, and an insecure environment, with intermediate media processing components that are not suitable for secure implementation. In the secure environment, secure components decrypt encrypted media and store the clear-form media in secure memory that can only be accessed by secure components. Secure components also generate a media-data “proxy”, which corresponds structurally to the clear-form media, but which does not include actual clear-form media data. The media-data proxy is provided to insecure intermediate components, which manipulate the proxy to perform operations such as de-multiplexing, loss mitigation, and coded frame assembly. The manipulated proxy is returned to the secure environment, where secure components identify structural changes that were made to the proxy and make corresponding structural changes to the clear-form media before decoding the manipulated clear-form media.
US08074284B2
A problem to be solved is that a conventional device is not equipped with a unit that enables efficient circuit update taking into consideration an unconfigured area in the reconfigurable circuit in the device. A data using device of the present invention transmits, to a design data generation apparatus, device information relating to functions and structures of circuits included in the data using device, and receives design data generated by the design data generation apparatus. The data using device updates the function thereof based on the received design data. With this structure, the present invention can provide the data using device and the design data generation apparatus that are capable of managing the configuration of the circuits in the data using device, and acquiring properly the data to update the function thereof.
US08074280B2
Systems and methods for an anti-virus detection module that can detect known undesired computer files in archives that may be encrypted, compressed and/or password-protected are provided. According to one embodiment, a method is provided for detection of malicious or undesired computer files within an archive without decrypting and without decompressing the contents of the archive. A type and structure of the archive are identified by examining primary or secondary identification bytes stored within the archive. Based on the identified type and structure, descriptive information is obtained from the archive describing contained files within the archive file. The descriptive information for each contained files is evaluated to determine if any are malicious or undesired computer files by comparing the descriptive information to signatures of known malicious or undesired computer files. Finally, an attempt is made to prevent contained files determined to be malicious or undesired from being opened.
US08074277B2
System and methodology for intrusion detection and prevention is described. In one embodiment, for example, a method is described for detecting and preventing network intrusion, the method comprises steps of: defining intrusion descriptions specifying exploits that may be attempted by malicious network traffic, the intrusion descriptions indicating specific applications that may be targeted by individual exploits; for a particular application participating in network communication, deriving a subset of the intrusion descriptions specifically applicable to that particular application; using the subset of the intrusion descriptions specifically applicable to that application, monitoring network traffic destined for the particular application for detecting an attempted network intrusion; and if a network intrusion is detected, blocking network traffic destined for the particular application determined to comprise an exploit.
US08074276B1
A system and method for managing administration of security services provided to users includes a computer system and an operating system running on the computer system. A plurality of Virtual Execution Environments (VEEs) are executed on the computer system. The VEEs can be any of a Virtual Private Server, a Virtual Machine, a Hypervisor-based Virtual Machine, and a Lightweight Hypervisor-based Virtual Machine, a session of Terminal Server and a session of Presentation Server, Lightweight Hypervisor-based Virtual Machines, VMM-based VMs or hypervisor-based VMs. Each VEE provides a set of services to remote users. One or more designated VEE(s) provide security services to each of the VEEs based on the needs of the remote users of the particular VEEs. The security services provided by the designated VEE can be firewall services, spam filtering and anti-virus protection. The security services are controlled and administered by each of the VEEs requesting a particular service via control means of the designated VEE(s).
US08074271B2
Method and devices for making access decisions in a secure access network are provided. The access decisions are made by a portable credential using data and algorithms stored on the credential. Since access decisions are made by the portable credential non-networked hosts or local hosts can be employed that do not necessarily need to be connected to a central access controller or database thereby reducing the cost of building and maintaining the secure access network.
US08074267B1
A method for monitoring computer communications is disclosed. A packet sent from a sending node to a destination node is received at a monitoring node. It is determined whether the packet is encrypted.
US08074266B2
By enabling to write information which is readable only by an IC card owner on an IC card without inputting a PIN and to authenticate a creator of the written information and prevent falsification, it is guaranteed that data written on the IC card can be read only by the IC card owner, the creator of the written data can be specified, and the written data has not been falsified. A secure memory card 101 includes a card private key storing unit 208 storing a private key, a card certificate storing unit 202 storing a certificate of a public key which forms a pair with the private key, a certificate sending unit 201 sending the certificate to a PC 102, a private storing unit 203 which is readable/writable from the outside only when a correct PIN is input, a public storing unit 210 which is readable/writable from the outside without checking a PIN, a confidential data receiving unit 211 receiving confidential data from the PC 102, and so on.
US08074257B2
When a user connects a pluggable card store to a machine, the machine plugs a pluggable card provider into a card provider registry. The pluggable card store can be an object portable to the user, or can be a remote store available via some connection, such as an FTP connection. The user can then use the information cards stored on the pluggable card store in a transaction.
US08074250B2
A tuner for receiving a satellite broadcast signal via an antenna means, said tuner being coupled to a control unit. The tuner is characterized in that it comprises a standard bilateral digital interface for transmitting a base-band signal obtained from the received signal received via the antenna means and for receiving control signals transmitted by the control unit, said signals being transmitted/received via a first bilateral bus.
US08074249B2
If there are program-related associated Web pages, a TV receiver 1000 acquires the content information of the associated Web pages from a Web server 2000 and stores it in a Web page storage unit 1006. The correspondence between the stored content information and recorded program is stored in a correspondence information holding unit 1005. The data of the program is outputted to a TV program recorder 3000, where it is recorded. The user can configure the timing, at which the storage of the associated Web pages is carried out.
US08074242B2
An information supply apparatus for providing broadcasting contents summary information for the input of specified conditions of a program desired to view by an information utilization apparatus, the storage of the summary playback information representing the summary content of the broadcasting contents information and additional screen information, the extraction of a specific summary playback information and additional screen information according to the specified condition information sent from the information utilization apparatus, distribution to the information utilization apparatus by the information supply apparatus. The information utilization apparatus creates the summary based on the distributed information and replays the same. The information utilization apparatus transmits the viewing results information showing that the summary has been played back to the information supply apparatus and the information supply apparatus collects this viewing results information, and creates the statistics of the viewing results information.
US08074240B2
A disc drive device able to increase the number of plastic flexible cantilever beams and improve a centering holding function of a disc to enable handling of high speed revolution, that is, a disc drive device having a plastic turntable mounted on a shaft of a spindle motor, wherein this turntable has a disc hole engagement projection provided with a ring-shaped projection and a plurality of centering portions which extend from this ring-shaped projection outwardly in a diametrical direction and have guide surfaces from which an edge of a disc hole easily slides off, a disc carrying portion, through holes formed defined between adjoining centering portions, and flexible cantilever beams extending in the through holes.
US08074239B2
A spindle clamp for supporting a disk includes a radial control member that is in contact with an opening through a jaw and that has a contour such that radial expansion of the jaw is induced during initial movement of the jaw toward a registration surface for seating the disk. However, the contour is such that further movement of the jaw toward the registration surface is an axial motion, rather than a combination of axial and radial motion. In one preferred embodiment, the jaw is unitary, but is configured to enable the radial expansion while having sufficient rigidity to reliably clamp a data disk seating on the registration surface. The jaw may include a lip which is configured to contact the major surface of the disk opposite to its contact with the registration surface.
US08074234B2
The present web service platform includes a set of application program interfaces (APIs) and a framework for adding services that correspond to the APIs. The web service platform may also support a stored procedure (sproc) that allows combining results from two or more services before transmitting results to an application. The services relate to keyword technologies.
US08074230B2
A method, system, and computer readable medium, the method including monitoring an application for the occurrence of a predetermined event associated with the application; collecting, in response to the occurrence of the predetermined event, contact information associated with the application; associating the collected contact information with an entry of a contact list; and placing a call by using the contact list entry.
US08074227B2
A system and method for utilizing a first managed process to host at least a second managed process is disclosed. The technology initially provides a first managed process. The first managed process hosting at least a second managed process. An unmanaged process is then provided to facilitate communication between the first managed process and the second managed process, such that a user can automatically communicate with the first managed process while the second managed process is operational and the first managed process is in the background without requiring the user to select the first managed process.
US08074217B2
Methods and systems for software delivery are described. In one embodiment, an extension definition catalog structure is defined and can be used to select one or more software extensions for incorporation on a computing device. At least one software extension is identified using a uniform resource name and, for the one software extension, at least one instance of the software extension is identified using a uniform resource name. For the one instance of the software extension, a uniform resource locator can be used to select the instance.
US08074212B2
A method and an apparatus for software upgrade in a digital television receiving device are disclosed. The method includes multiplexing service software into a transport stream according to a predefined protocol, extracting by the digital television receiving device data of the service software from the transport stream and storing the data, restarting the digital television receiving device, so that digital television receiving device software and the service software may obtain addresses of interface functions of the opposite party, and updating by the digital television receiving device software and the service software, default addresses of the interface functions of the service software and the digital television receiving device software according to the obtained addresses. With the invention, the digital television receiving device software and the service software may be independent from each other, and may be upgraded separately.
US08074211B2
According to one embodiment, a grouping method for process units, each including basic modules and data, the process units being assigned to processors in a program for a multiprocessor system, the program including the basic modules and a parallel statement describing relationships between parallel processes for the basic modules, the method includes displaying a dataflow graph visually showing a process status of each process unit based on the parallel statement, and specifying a candidate for a connection of process units on the dataflow graph, wherein the dataflow graph displays data entries, nodes in the basic modules, and edges connecting the data entries and the nodes.
US08074206B2
Method and computer system for software tuning. A computer system stores variables (210) for storing at least one threshold value for at least one parameter (P1) influencing the performance of a software application (200) with regards to a specific task. A threshold evaluator (220) compares (430) the at least one threshold value to at least one corresponding current value allowing the software application (200) to select (440) an algorithm (A1) from a plurality of algorithms (A1 to AN) for performing the task in accordance with the result of comparison.
US08074205B2
A binary is received at a binary verification service from a binary verification client agent. The binary verification service performs binary verification of the binary, wherein binary verification includes determining whether the binary is complicit with a set of usage rules. The binary verification service sends a binary verification result to the binary verification client agent.
US08074201B2
System and method for deploying and executing a program, e.g., a graphical program, on an embedded device. The program and a plurality of execution system components are stored on a host computer. The program is analyzed programmatically to determine a subset of the plurality of components required for execution of the program. The subset of components and the program are combined into a file while preserving execution order of the program. The file is transmitted to the device. The file is used to construct a combined program which includes executable code for the program and the subset of components. The device includes a minimal execution engine which executes the subset of components to execute the program. The file may be streamed to the device for streaming execution, where received portions of the subset of components needed for execution of received portions of the program are stored until no longer needed.
US08074196B2
Provided is an integrated circuit design support apparatus capable of estimating the optimal wiring length and wiring congestion at the stage of implementing a logical design of an integrated circuit, thereby preventing the do-over of the logical design or functional design caused by a wiring delay that is discovered at a packaging design stage, and shortening the time required for designing the integrated circuit. The present invention is able to accurately estimate the wiring length between the modules and the wiring congestion in the modules at the stage of implementing the logical design of the integrated circuit, and reflect the logical design result of the integrated circuit in the packaging design of the integrated circuit.
US08074195B2
A method for evaluating a dynamic power consumption of a block, the method includes: receiving or generating information representative of the block during a preliminary block design stage that precedes a gate level simulation of the block; estimating change probabilities of signals of internal components of the block; and evaluating a dynamic power consumption of the block in response to the change probabilities of the signals of internal components of the block.
US08074193B2
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to receive a specification of a combinational logic circuit. The specification of the combinational logic circuit is converted to a Single-Rail un-encoded circuit and a Dual-Rail encoded circuit, which periodically encodes a null value, a first valid state and a second valid state on two wires. A logic operation of the Single-Rail un-encoded circuit transpires during processing of a null value by the Dual-Rail encoded circuit.
US08074177B2
System and method for configuring a wire appearance in a graphical programming environment. A first data type (or class), or communication functionality between nodes, e.g., timing, or data transfer, e.g., data transfer semantics, mechanism, or medium, in a graphical program is specified in response to user input. A first wire appearance denoting the first data type or specified functionality is created in response to user input, including, e.g., a specified wire pattern, thickness, shape, color(s), portion of the wire to be configured with the first wire appearance, wire label and/or wire icon to be displayed on or near the wire. A graphical program including a first icon and a second icon is created, including connecting the first icon to the second icon in response to user input, and displaying a wire between the first icon and the second icon in response, where the wire has the first wire appearance.
US08074176B2
A system and method for an electronic communications dialog between a plurality of users using digital images via a web portal. The user selects a template for entering a plurality of words and associated images that constitute an initial electronic message. The user then enters a plurality of words into the template corresponding to the initial electronic message. A plurality of images are selected having a direct correspondence with the plurality of words entered into the template. Each image is inserted into the template in a sequence corresponding to the initial electronic message. When the initial template is complete, the initial electronic message containing the sequenced images is sent to at least one other user via the web portal. A visual dictionary can be created for each user using a facility which takes images from any electronic source and allows users to apply naming tags to store the images for subsequent retrieval. A visual library can be created for each user to save completed and partially completed templates that can be retrieved for further editing or use.
US08074174B2
An application development supporting apparatus and method that make it possible to generate a GUI application, freely altering the settings for graphical representation corresponding to devices, are provided. A configuration in which the logical part and the graphics representation part of each component set in a graphical user interface (GUI) are configured separately, and a GUI component is generated based on the logical part and the graphics representation part is adopted. Through the present configuration, it becomes possible to easily construct a GUI adapted to a device by sharing the logical part among various devices, and selecting different graphics representation parts, in which various representation modes are set, depending on the device.
US08074171B2
A method for providing notification of content potentially omitted from within an active document in a document preparation application comprises defining a natural language model for a set of phrasal forms associating each phrasal form with a content type; parsing a textual content of the active document to generate one or more natural language tokens; accessing the natural language model to identify each of the one or more natural language tokens that matches with a phrasal form; generating a list of expected content items having an expected content item for each of the one or more natural language tokens that matches with a phrasal form; scanning the active document to attempt to locate each expected content item; and displaying a notification of each expected content item not located. Each expected content item is generated based upon the content type associated with the corresponding matching phrasal form in the natural language model.
US08074163B2
The state of a label at an optional time point, such as a past time point, can be recognized, while the label can be regenerated even when the label has been deleted. When a label on which can be pasted an object, such as text, picture or sound, is acted upon (yes at step S141) the difference of the label information is computed (step S142) and the computed difference information is stored (steps S144, S145). The label state is then regenerated based on the time information stored in association with the label and the difference information. Also, time is displayed, plural time intervals are displayed (step S201), a desired one of the plural time intervals is selected (step S202) and time display is controlled responsive to the selected time intervals (steps S203 to S206), to facilitate retrieval of the information corresponding to the specified time. In addition, a label handling at least the time concept is processed (step S231) and the time axis in displaying the label is controlled (step S233) based on an operating signal associated with rotational actuation from a jog dial (step S232).
US08074161B2
Described are a variety of techniques for viewing multimedia-based information in accordance with user controls for the speed and direction of the multimedia presentation. Different techniques for presenting multimedia data items are disclosed. User controls providing control for speed and direction in accordance with a user selection device being in a particular location. When a user device is within the defined area, the speed and direction control are on. When the user selection device leaves the defined area, the speed and direction are off. Also described is a system using a browser tool for displaying multimedia data in accordance with these viewing techniques. Multimedia data items displayed with the viewing techniques are indices into multimedia presentations. A user selection is made by viewing the multimedia data items and control is transferred accordingly to an appropriate application to present a multimedia presentation corresponding to a selected multimedia data item. A technique is disclosed for generating an index database of the multimedia data items used as indices into the multimedia presentations.
US08074158B2
To perform erasure detection for an intermittently active transport channel with unknown format, a receiver determines an energy metric and a symbol error rate (SER) for a received block with CRC failure. The receiver computes uncorrelated random variables u and v for the received block based on the energy metric and SER, the estimated means and standard deviations of the energy metric and SER, and a correlation coefficient indicative of the correlation between the energy metric and SER. The receiver then evaluates the uncorrelated random variables u and v based on at least one decision criterion and declares the received block to be an erased block or a DTX block based on the result of the evaluation. The decision criterion may be defined based on a target probability of false alarm and adjusted based on another metric, such as a zero state bit, for the received block.
US08074157B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for reduced complexity Soft-Output Viterbi detection. A Soft-Output Viterbi algorithm processes a signal by determining branch metrics using a branch metrics unit; determining survivor paths for sequence detection using a first add-compare select unit; and determining survivor paths for generating one or more bit reliability values using a second add-compare select unit, wherein the first and second add-compare select units process the branch metrics determined by the branch metrics unit. The first and second add-compare select units can optionally process branch metrics having a different number of bits. A sequence detector is provided that comprises a branch metrics unit for determining branch metrics having a first precision; a programmable precision conversion unit for converting the branch metrics having the first precision to branch metrics having a desired precision; and an add-compare select unit for computing path metrics based on the desired precision branch metrics. The Soft-Output Viterbi processor optionally processes a trellis having a reduced number of states relative to a trellis processed by the sequence detector.
US08074155B2
Tail-biting turbo coding to accommodate any information and/or interleaver block size. The beginning and ending state of a turbo encoder can be made the same using a very small number of dummy bits. In some instances, any dummy bits that are added to an information block before undergoing interleaving are removed after interleaving and before transmission of a turbo coded signal via a communication channel thereby increasing throughput (e.g., those dummy bits are not actually transmitted via the communication channel). In other instances, dummy bits are added to both the information block that is encoded using a first constituent encoder as well as to an interleaved information block that is encoded using a second constituent encoder.
US08074152B2
A digital broadcasting system which is robust against an error when mobile service data is transmitted and a method of processing data are disclosed. The mobile service data is subjected to an additional coding process and the coded mobile service data is transmitted. Accordingly, it is possible to cope with a serious channel variation while applying robustness to the mobile service data.
US08074122B2
A program failure is detected during programming of a memory device. When the program failure is detected, a transfer of the contents of a register of the memory device to a first location of a memory of the memory device is stopped. First data that remains in the register after the program failure is detected is transferred to a second location of the memory. At the second location of the memory, the first data is combined with second data from the first location of the memory that remains in the first location of the memory after the program failure is detected to reconstruct third data that was originally intended to be programmed in the first location before the program failure was detected.
US08074119B1
A process capable of tracking bugs across multiple product releases using multiple scopes is disclosed. Upon receipt of a bug report, a process creates a defect record in a storage memory wherein the record describes the bug in accordance with the bug report. After allocating a first scope associated with a first product release and a second scope associated with a second product release, the process displays the defect record together with the first scope and the second scope on a screen. The first scope allocates a portion of the storage space to track a bug status associated with the first product release and the second scope allocates another portion of the storage space to track the bug status associated with the second product release.
US08074116B2
An exception notification system is described herein that provides an early notification that a software exception has occurred before exception handling code has run. The exception notification system receives a registration request from program code to register a handler to receive an early notification when an exception occurs. When an exception occurs, the system raises an event that calls each registered handler. After the handler returns, the system performs normal exception handling, so that the early notification does not change existing exception-handling behavior. The exception notification system allows a program to inspect and log an exception before the program state has been modified by exception handling. The program code can capture detailed information about the cause of the exception to enable further offline analysis. Thus, the exception notification system allows developers to improve their programs by receiving more information about unexpected conditions in the program code.
US08074114B2
A motherboard error detection system includes a pluggable error detection board and a motherboard having a boot management chip. When the motherboard enters a device-driven status from a standby status, the boot management chip is used to manage power-on timings of different voltage sources; to collect a plurality of sets of status information; and to check whether the sets of status information and the power-on timings have errors. The pluggable error detection board includes an interpreting unit, a message-reading interface and a connector which is pluggably disposed on the motherboard. When the boot management chip notifies the pluggable error detection board to read an error message, the interpreting unit converts the error message to human-readable information, and the human-readable information is outputted through the message-reading interface.
US08074112B1
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for memory backup in a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) system are described. The methods include detecting a failure in a main power supply that supplies power to a volatile memory that is coupled to a RAID controller, switching to a temporary power supply to supply power to the volatile memory in response to detecting the main power supply failure, and transferring data from the volatile memory to a non-volatile memory coupled to the RAID controller subsequent to switching to the temporary power supply.
US08074111B1
A method for responding to a failure of hardware locus of at a communication installation having a plurality of control apparatuses for controlling a plurality of processes distributed among a plurality of hardware loci, the hardware loci including at least one spare hardware locus, includes the steps of: (a) Shifting control of a failed process from an initial control apparatus to an alternate control apparatus located at an alternate hardware locus than the failed hardware locus. The failed process is a respective process controlled by the initial control apparatus located at the failed hardware locus. (b) Relocating the respective control apparatuses located at the failed hardware locus to a spare hardware locus. (c) Shifting control of the failed process from the alternate control apparatus to the initial control apparatus relocated at the spare hardware locus.
US08074107B2
Replicated instances in a database environment provide for automatic failover and recovery. A monitoring component can periodically communicate with a primary and a secondary replica for an instance, with each capable of residing in a separate data zone or geographic location to provide a level of reliability and availability. A database running on the primary instance can have information synchronously replicated to the secondary replica at a block level, such that the primary and secondary replicas are in sync. In the event that the monitoring component is not able to communicate with one of the replicas, the monitoring component can attempt to determine whether those replicas can communicate with each other, as well as whether the replicas have the same data generation version. Depending on the state information, the monitoring component can automatically perform a recovery operation, such as to failover to the secondary replica or perform secondary replica recovery.
US08074106B2
The present invention provides a storage system having a controller that can extend an old RAID group to a new RAID group without decreasing a processing speed. A conversion part reads the data from an unconverted area A1, converts it into the data based on a new RAID organization, and write it into a storage area A3 of the new RAID group. An address management part updates an initial address Ps and a last address Pe saved in a flash memory if the initial address Ps saved in the flash memory and the newest last address Pe of a converted area A2 are matched. When a power failure occurs, it is checked to see whether or not the data within the converted area A2 is correct. The conversion part reads the initial address Ps and the last address Pe from the flash memory to resume a conversion process.
US08074095B2
A recording medium, method and apparatus for managing data are discussed. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reproducing main data and additional data. The method includes receiving the additional data associated with the main data, the additional data being divided into a plurality of segment units; and reproducing the additional data in a synchronous manner with the main data using time information if indication information indicates a presence of the time information. The time information indicates a presentation time of the additional data with respect to the main data. The main data and the additional data are reproduced according to management data, the management data including link information for linking the main data and the additional data.
US08074094B2
A mechanism for synchronizing states of components in a first routing engine to corresponding components in a second routing engine is provided. In order to reduce the amount of data required to synchronize the state of the components and the time and resources required to perform the synchronization, the state-related information transmitted from the first routing engine to the second routing engine is limited to information used to build states of a subset of the components associated with the first routing engine. That subset of components is limited to those components that receive stimuli (e.g., data streams or data packets) from sources external to the routing engine. Other components on the second routing engine synchronize state by receiving information from those components on the second routing engine that received the external stimuli information.
US08074082B2
An anti-tamper module is provided for protecting the contents and functionality of an integrated circuit incorporated in the module. The anti-tamper module is arranged in a stacked configuration having multiple layers. A connection layer is provided for connecting the module to an external system. A configurable logic device is provided for routing connections between the integrated circuit and the connection layer. Specifically, the configurable logic device is programmable to create logical circuits connecting at least one of the input/output connectors of the integrated circuit to at least one of the input/output connectors of the connection layer. Configuration information for programming the reconfigurable logic device is stored in a memory within the module.
US08074078B2
A method for securing data and resetting a password using a content protection key is provided, in which the content protection key itself is protected by a password. A content protection key is also protected at a data storage device with a key encryption key generated in collaboration with an additional device such as a server. The server stores a private key required to regenerate the key encryption key, but this private key is not provided from the server to the data storage device; rather, a public key derived from the private key is provided by the server. The data storage device combines the received public key and a further private key to derive the key encryption key; the further private key itself is not stored by the data storage device, but rather its matching public key is stored. The content protection key is then encrypted using a password and the derived key encryption key. If the password is lost, data from the server and from the data storage device may be combined to recreate the key encryption key.
US08074074B2
The present invention provides a scrambled compressed data distribution device that can perform a high-resistance scrambled compressed data distribution by selectively using a plurality of types of scramble information and a playback device thereof.A scrambling section scrambles compressed data by unique one of a plurality of scrambling methods. A hash value calculating section determines a hash value based on data b in a position where digital watermark data is not embedded, and an encrypting section encrypts the hash value with a secret key Sk(n) corresponding to the scrambling method and outputs an encrypted hash value c. A watermark data embedding section embeds the encrypted hash value in a watermark data embedding position of the data b and transmits the same as a compressed data stream d.
US08074064B2
A testing and alert device for power leakages of a computer includes a basic input/output system (BIOS) chip located on a motherboard of the computer, a south bridge chip connected to the BIOS chip, and an alarm device controlled by the BIOS chip. The south bridge chip has a first general purpose input/output terminal capable of being coupled to a ground of an exterior power source. The BIOS chip is capable of detecting the input signal of the first general purpose input/output terminal of the south bridge chip and outputting an alarm command to initiate the alarming device when the input signal from the first general purpose input/output terminal is at a high level.
US08074062B2
Methods and systems are disclosed for using a server management program for an error configuration table, wherein a user loads the management program, which receives a Hardware Error Configuration Table (HECT) from baseboard management controller (BMC) firmware, the HECT table containing error control parameters for a hardware error event table. A replica of the HECT is maintained in SRAM using BMC firmware. The HECT is sent via the basic input output system (BIOS) during system power up. An interface is set up to allow the user to configure error event thresholds. The user can set preferred threshold of a system management requirement without rebooting system. If the user makes changes to the HECT, the management program sends the new HECT to BMC firmware to feedback the completion. A software SMI is issued to inform BIOS of HECT changes during the BMC completion. BIOS informs the operating system (OS) to discard and reload the new HECT.
US08074061B2
A microsequencer is disclosed that controls the order in which microcode instructions are fetched from a microcode ROM. Each microcode instruction includes an execution command for execution by one or more execution units. Each microcode instruction also includes a microsequencer command to indicate the location of another microcode instruction at the microcode ROM. The microcode instruction can also include a delay field, indicating a selectable time when the associated microcode instruction is to be decoded. The delay field thereby provides more flexible control of the sequencing of microcode instructions.
US08074057B2
Systems and methods for controlling instruction throughput are disclosed. One embodiment of a system may comprise a comparator that determines a difference value in an actual instructions per clock cycle throughput and a target instructions per clock cycle throughput setting, and a throttle control that sums a plurality of difference values to determine an average difference value over a plurality of clock cycles and adjusts the actual instructions per clock cycle throughput based on the average difference value.
US08074056B1
In one implementation, a pipeline processor is provided having a base architecture that includes one or more decoders operable to decode program instructions and generate one or more decoded instructions, and one or more execution units operable to execute the one or more decoded instructions. Each execution unit includes one or more execution pipeline stages. The pipeline processor architecture further includes one or more additional co-processor pipelines. The one or more decoders of the base architecture are operable to recognize one or more instructions to be processed by a given co-processor pipeline and pass the one or more recognized instructions to the given co-processor pipeline for decoding and execution.
US08074050B2
An address space expansion method implemented by the electronic device which includes a storage unit, wherein the storage unit includes a first storage unit and a second storage unit, comprising: responding to the user operation to generate a target address; determining whether a address range of the target address is less than or equal to a predetermined address range, and generating a corresponding control signal; enabling the first storage unit or the second storage unit according to the generated corresponding control signal; acquiring a physical address corresponding to the target address and providing the physical address to the enabled storage unit according to the corresponding control signal and a predetermined converting rule; accessing and performing a reading/writing operation for data corresponding to the physical address of the enabled storage unit.
US08074048B2
A storage device includes a memory for storing data in a plurality of logical volumes; a controlling unit for controlling an access to data in accordance with a process comprising the steps of: generating mapping information indicative of a correspondence between logical volume information and recognition information; generating a pseudo logical volume and pseudo logical volume information associated with the pseudo logical volume, the pseudo logical volume being another of the logical volumes; and upon receipt of a command for canceling an assignment of one of the logical volumes to the corresponding recognition information, modifying the mapping information so that recognition information that has been indicative of said one of the logical volumes becomes indicative of the pseudo logical volume information associated with the pseudo logical volume.
US08074047B2
A system and method for effectively increasing the amount of data that can be stored in the main memory of a computer, particularly, by a hardware enhancement of a memory controller apparatus that detects duplicate memory contents and eliminates duplicate memory contents wherein the duplication and elimination are performed by hardware without imposing any penalty on the overall performance of the system.
US08074042B2
A system and method are provided for pooling storage devices in a virtual library for performing a storage operation. A storage management device determines a storage characteristic of a plurality of storage devices with respect to performing a storage operation. Based on a storage characteristic relating to performing the storage operation, the storage management device associates at least two storage devices in a virtual library. The storage management device may continuously monitor the virtual library and detect a change in storage characteristics of the storage devices. When changes in storage characteristics are detected, the storage management device may change associations of the storage device in the virtual library.
US08074038B2
A LUN is provided that can store multiple datasets (e.g., data and/or applications, such as virtual machines stored as virtual hard drives). The LUN is partitioned into multiple partitions. One or more datasets may be stored in each partition. As a result, multiple datasets can be accessed through a single LUN, rather than through a number of LUNs proportional to the number of datasets. Furthermore, the datasets stored in the LUN may be pivoted. A second LUN may be generated that is dedicated to storing a dataset of the multiple datasets stored in the first LUN. The dataset is copied to the second LUN, and the second LUN is exposed to a host computer to enable the host computer to interact with the dataset. Still further, the dataset may be pivoted from the second LUN back to a partition of the first LUN.
US08074036B2
A data processing system includes a first storage system that is connected to a host device and sends and receives data to and from the host device; a second storage system that is connected to the first storage system and receives data from the first storage system; and a third storage system that is connected to the first storage system and receives data from the first storage system. The first storage system, the second storage system and the third storage system are arranged to be changeable between a first status including first and second copy pairs and a second status including a third copy pair in response to a predetermined condition at the first storage system.
US08074030B1
Using transactional memory with early release to implement non-blocking dynamic-sized data structure
By exploiting an early release facility that may be provided by certain transactional memory designs, we facilitate transaction software constructs that operate on dynamically-sized data structures and/or other data structures for which traversal may be data dependent. Absent exploitation of such a facility, the act of traversing the data structure would typically introduce corresponding locations into the read set of a transaction, and a subsequent modification of any of the previously traversed locations would result in abortion of the traversing transaction. By exploiting an early release facility such as described herein, a transaction may release the locations that it has previously read in traversal and thereby eliminate such read locations as a source of conflict with other concurrently executing computations or transactions. In this way, concurrency may be enhanced while still employing a conceptually simple and convenient coordination facility.
US08074029B2
A processor equipped with a pre-fetch function comprises: first layer cache memory having a first line size; second layer cache memory that is on the under layer of the first layer cache memory and that has a second line size different from the first line size; and a pre-fetch control unit for issuing a pre-fetch request from the first layer cache memory to the second layer cache memory so as to pre-fetch a block equivalent to the first line size for each second line size.
US08074026B2
A scatter/gather technique optimizes unstructured streaming memory accesses, providing off-chip bandwidth efficiency by accessing only useful data at a fine granularity, and off-loading memory access overhead by supporting address calculation, data shuffling, and format conversion.
US08074016B2
A data storage device having fall protection includes a rotatable media platter operable to receive and store data, a read/write head operable to communicate with the media platter by writing the data to the media platter and by reading the data from the media platter, an arm supporting the read/write head, a servo motor coupled the arm and operable to move the arm to and from the media platter, a drive controller operable to control the media platter, the read/write head and the servo motor, and a general purpose input/output (GPIO). In an embodiment, the GPIO is coupled with a fall sensor that is external to the data storage device so that when the fall sensor sends a floating interrupt trigger, signaling that the fall sensor is falling, the GPIO receives the interrupt trigger and the drive controller performs an emergency routine to cache data in flight to or from the data storage device and park the read/write head away from the media platter.
US08074014B2
Improved storage systems which use write off-loading are described. When a request to store some data in a particular storage location is received, if the particular storage location is unavailable, the data is stored in an alternative location. In an embodiment, the particular storage location may be unavailable because it is powered down or because it is overloaded. The data stored in the alternative location may be subsequently recovered and written to the particular storage location once it becomes available.
US08074009B2
A system comprises a first host bus adapter (HBA) that uses a first context to facilitate the transmission of packets through a logical connection through the first HBA. The system also comprises a second HBA and memory in which the first context is stored. The memory is accessible by both of the first and second HBAs. Upon receiving a packet associated with the logical connection, the second HBA accesses the memory to use the first context to process the packet in accordance with the first context.
US08073997B2
Method and peripheral device to facilitate the installation of software on a host device to allow communication between that host device and a peripheral device. On connection to a host device a peripheral device presents in a first mode. In the first mode the device identifies itself as a Human Interaction Device and transmits information to the host device to facilitate the installation of the software. Subsequently the peripheral device operates in a second mode in which it identifies itself according to its real function.
US08073995B2
An efficient low latency buffer, and method of operation, is described. The efficient low latency buffer may be used as a bi-directional buffer in an audio playback device to buffer both output and input data. The audio buffer includes two modes of operation. The first mode replaces large segments of data at a first rate, and the second mode replaces smaller segments of data at a second rate, higher than the first rate. The first mode may make efficient use of the buffer for the output, data while the second mode may provide low latency for the buffering of the input data.
US08073986B2
Memory devices having a memory module, an interface, identification circuitry and a controller coupled to the memory module and the identification circuitry. The identification circuitry is configured to identify a selected operating mode from a plurality of signals sensed at the interface in response to a plurality of signals previously applied to the interface by the identification circuitry. The controller is operable to configure the memory device to the selected operating mode responsive to the identification circuitry.
US08073981B2
A method and apparatus for enhancing/extending a serial point-to-point interconnect architecture, such as Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) is herein described. Temporal and locality caching hints and prefetching hints are provided to improve system wide caching and prefetching. Message codes for atomic operations to arbitrate ownership between system devices/resources are included to allow efficient access/ownership of shared data. Loose transaction ordering provided for while maintaining corresponding transaction priority to memory locations to ensure data integrity and efficient memory access. Active power sub-states and setting thereof is included to allow for more efficient power management. And, caching of device local memory in a host address space, as well as caching of system memory in a device local memory address space is provided for to improve bandwidth and latency for memory accesses.
US08073964B2
An electronic device and wireless base station for maintaining a persistent connection are provided. In an embodiment, a system includes an electronic device that connects to a web-server via a physical link that is bandwidth-constrained. The physical link also includes a wireless base station and at least one network address translation (“NAT”) router that is configured to terminate idle connections between the client and the web-server. One of the electronic device and the wireless base station is configured to send keep-alive packets to the web-server in order to reduce the likelihood of the NAT router terminating the connection. The keep-alive packets are sent on a variable basis that is intended to reduce bandwidth consumption while ensuring that the NAT router does not deem the connection idle and terminate the connection.
US08073962B2
A method, system, and computer program product for processing a transaction between a client and an application server asynchronously in a distributed transaction processing environment having at least one transaction queue manager. An application request is received from a client to initiate a transaction. The request is placed in a transaction request queue by the transaction queue manager. The request is processed at the application server asynchronously relative to the receipt of the request. A response to the request is determined, and the response is placed in a transaction response queue for retrieval by the client.
US08073960B2
The invention relates to a method for arranging local operations in a management system, the method comprising: defining a management command addressed to a first node in a management structure of the managed device such that it comprises a command for performing a local operation for a second node of the management structure in the managed device, transmitting the management command to the managed device, defining at least one required local operation on the basis of the received management command, and initiating the defined local operation.
US08073957B2
A communication control system for intervening in the communication between a PC terminal in an external network and a portable telephone terminal with an electronic mail transmission/reception function in a mobile communication network has a database in which a portable telephone number and a mail account are stored in association with each other. Upon receipt of an access request with an FQDN to a predetermined portable telephone terminal from the PC terminal, the communication control system solves the name of the portable telephone terminal by searching the database on the basis of a host name (mail account name) extracted from the FQDN to acquire the telephone number corresponding to the host name (mail account name) as address information, thereby making a connection of the communication to the mobile communication terminal on the basis of the address information acquired by solving the name.
US08073956B2
Aspects of the present invention are directed at allowing users to establish a multimedia network session in which each user is allowed to employ multiple computing devices to exchange data. In this regard, a method is provided for collecting control information from at least two local computing devices associated with the first user that will participate in the network session. Then, an invitation message with the collected control information is sent to a computing device associated with a second user. In response, control information collected from one or more computing devices associated with the second user are obtained. The obtained control information is distributed to the appropriate local computing devices associated with the first user. As a result of exchanging control information in this way, a multimedia network session that allows users to employ a plurality of computing devices may be established.
US08073951B1
A method for intelligently allocating limited resources of a media server across a plurality of remote display devices communicating with the media server through a network, includes providing each remote display device with state detection logic to determine whether the remote display device is in an active or inactive state; initially allocating a resource of the media server to a first remote display device; and, in response to detecting by the state detection logic that the first remote display device is in an inactive state, reallocating the resource from the first remote display device to the second remote display device.
US08073948B2
A communications system including a communications network, a multiplicity of communications terminals, a monitor operative to monitor whether or not a specific user is connected to the communications network, a point-to-point connection enabler operative to conditionally allow at least one seeking user to establish a point-to-point connection with at least one other user who is in a set of sought users and an authorization request manager operative to transmit an authorization request to the at least one other user, when the at least one other user is connected to the communications network, receive a response to the authorization request from the at least one other user and transmit the response to the point-to-point connection enabler prior to the point-to-point connection enabler allowing establishment of the point-to-point connection.
US08073941B2
A method of remotely providing an application includes receiving, at an access server, a request for an application from a client. One or more application servers which are capable of providing the requested application are identified base at least in part on a resource of the identified one or more application servers. The client is provided with the identified one or more application servers which are capable of providing the application.
US08073940B1
A system, method, and computer readable medium for managing CDN service providers are provided. A network storage provider storing one or more resources on behalf of a content provider obtains client computing device requests for content. The network storage provider processes the client computing device requests and determines whether a subsequent request for the resource should be directed to a CDN service provider as a function of the updated or processed by the network storage provider storage component.
US08073919B2
A mobile terminal, data communication method, and a computer program stored in a computer-readable medium for communicating management data in a more efficient way. A management data communication interface communicates management data regularly with a management server, while an application data communication interface communicates application data with an application server on a demand basis. A data collision detector detects a collision between the management data and application data. If a collision is detected, a priority resolver determines whether to prioritize application data over management data. The management data suppressor suspends the management data communication interface when the priority resolver has determined that application data should be prioritized over management data.
US08073917B2
A spam detector for determining likelihood of forgery of a source in an email addressed to a destination is provided, comprising extraction means for extracting delivery path information from one or more packets in the packet flow of the email, and comparison means for comparing the extracted delivery path information with trusted delivery path information from the source to the destination.
US08073903B2
A message alert broadcast broker and method for providing a broadcast message to a plurality of user devices located within a broadcast target area including a broadcast service bureau receiving from one of a plurality of coupled broadcast agent access systems providing a broadcast request from an originating broadcast agent associated one broadcast agent access system, the broadcast request including a broadcast agent identification, the geographically defined broadcast target area, a broadcast message, and a broadcast channel code, the broadcast service bureau verifying the broadcast request as a function of the broadcast agent identification including the authority of the originating broadcast agent to send the broadcast message to the broadcast target area using the broadcast channel code, the broadcast service bureau processing the verified broadcast request for transmission to one or more mobile telephone networks providing service to at least a portion of the broadcast target area of the broadcast request.
US08073901B2
Information update technique where information held by every apparatus does not need to be updated at the same time.A first server is connected with a second server. The first server judges whether it is possible to access the second server. When a result of the judgment shows that the second server may be accessed, then the first server sends an information update request including information to the second server. On the other hand, when the result of the judgment shows that it is impossible to access the second server, the first server repeats the judgment until it becomes possible to access the second server. When it becomes possible to access the second server, the first server sends an information update request including the information to the second server. Receiving the information update request, the second server updates its information by replacing the information with new information, i.e. the information included in the information update request.
US08073891B2
Device for implementing modular multiplication, characterized in that it comprises at least one computation cell comprising a multiplier-adder comprising p pipelined logic-register pairs, receiving several digits to be added together and multiplied, at least two outputs corresponding to the low order and to the high order, an adder receiving the two outputs of the multiplier-adder, the number p being chosen in such a way that the maximum frequency of the multiplier-adder is greater than or equal to the maximum frequency of the adder.
US08073876B2
Distribution map data for distributing a map by communication includes road data representing position information on the roads contained in a plurality of compartments and integrating name data for integrating name information for the same roads contained in the plurality of compartments without duplicating them.
US08073871B2
A program recommendation system employing a program record module and one of various nearest neighbor modules is disclosed. In response to a reception of a program record, the program record module converts each key field of the program record into a feature value. A single neighbor module selectively generates a recommendation of a program corresponding to the program record based upon a stored program record qualifying as a nearest neighbor of the received program record. A multiple neighbor module selectively generates a recommendation of the program corresponding to the program record based upon N number of stored program records qualifying as N number of nearest neighbors of the received program record. A neighbor cluster selectively generates a recommendation of the program corresponding to the program record based upon the cluster of stored program records qualifying as the nearest neighbor of the received program record.
US08073864B2
A system and a method for receiving live human feedback of an image provided using a mobile device equipped with a camera. The method includes capturing an image with the mobile device equipped with a camera, inputting a text query, where the text query corresponds with the image, transmitting the image and the text query to a server, determining at least one client user to send the image and the text query to, sending the image and the text query from the server to the at least one client user, reviewing the image and the text query, formulating at least one text response relating to the image and the text query, accepting the at least one text response from the at least one client user, and outputting the at least one text response to a user.
US08073863B2
A metadata management system is described for a business intelligence architecture having a metadata repository for content that defines a user environment of the business intelligence architecture. The metadata management system includes a user interface generator to display information regarding a plurality of objects in the metadata repository and to facilitate selection of a group of the plurality of objects, a content editor to evaluate the content stored in the metadata repository for each object of the selected group and to modify in a batch job the content for each object of the selected group for storage of the modified content in the metadata repository, and a communication manager to issue instructions for the storage of the modified content in the metadata repository, the instructions being configured in accordance with a communication protocol of the business intelligence architecture utilized to control the metadata repository.
US08073861B2
Within a document collaboration system, such as a wiki application, a logging component operates in association with a server. The logging component automatically creates and maintains a log of interactions between the server and users of the document collaboration system. The content of the log has a predictable format. In one embodiment, an analysis component identifies, from the log, entries associated with a failed search for a document in the collaboration system database. The terms not represented in the database are identified from the failed search entry. In this manner, statistics related to frequently unsuccessful search terms are generated and utilized as a basis for identifying opportunities for effective expansion of the content of the collaboration application.
US08073859B2
One or more processors (22) are operated to extract a number of different event identifiers therefrom. These processors (22) are further operable to determine a number a display locations each representative of one of the different identifiers and a corresponding time. The display locations are grouped into sets each corresponding to a different one of several event sequences (330a, 330b, 330c. 330d, 330e). An output is generated corresponding to a visualization (320) of the event sequences (330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e).
US08073856B2
A method, apparatus, and storage medium product are provided for forming a forwarding database, and for using the formed database to more efficiently and quickly route packets of data across a computer network. The forwarding database is arranged into multiple sub-databases. Each sub-database is pointed to by a pointer within a pointer table. When performing a longest-match search of incoming addresses, a longest prefix matching algorithm can be used to find the longest match among specialized “spear prefixes” stored in the pointer table. After the longest spear prefixes are found, the pointer table will direct the next search within a sub-database pointed to by that spear prefix. Another longest-match search can be performed for database prefixes (or simply “prefixes”) within the sub-database selected by the pointer. Only the sub-database of interest will, therefore, be searched and all other sub-databases are not accessed. Using a precursor pointer and a sub-database of optimally bounded size and number ensures power consumption be confined only to the sub-database being accessed, and that higher speed lookup operations can be achieved since only the sub-database of interest is being searched.
US08073843B2
A mechanism is provided for improving the performance of particular database queries operating on a view comprising binary-encoded XML. A determination is made about whether a XML index is available to improve the computation of XPath data before deriving an optimized execution plan for a particular query. When a XML index is not available to help expedite the computation of binary-encoded XML, then deferring the computation of the XPath data until after the view merge stage avoids unnecessary computation of XPaths that are part of the view but not needed for the particular query.
US08073836B2
A system and method allows for dynamic, parameterized linking of database views or tables. The database tables are related in a parent-dependent relationship, with dependent tables being linked to parent tables through a parameter. When a new record in the parent table is scrolled to, dependent tables automatically run queries and return records with matching parameters. The parameters include field values. Several table views may be combined in a single database table set. Multiple dependent tables may be linked to an individual parent table in a parallel manner. Dependent tables may also be cascaded through intermediate parent tables, each table in the cascade acting as a dependent to its parent and acting as a parent table to its dependent table(s). Database table sets may be saved and may be transmitted, for example via email.
US08073834B2
A query having multiple parts may be processed to form an intermediate results set. This intermediate results set may be partitioned into a plurality of groups. Thereafter, the groups may be sorted into a plurality of containers so that each container contains data sufficient to calculate one requested result in the multipart query. Related techniques, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are also described.
US08073830B2
A system provides a list of search results, where one of the search results in the list of search results includes a snippet from a corresponding search result document. The system receives selection of the snippet and provides an expanded snippet based on the selection of the snippet. The expanded snippet includes the snippet and other text from a subset of the search result document.
US08073822B2
A method is provided for the storage-efficient management of electronic messages, wherein a message that is to be managed is first received, the message is decomposed into a basic structure and file attachments contained in the message, a unique identification value is calculated for each file attachment, the file attachment is stored as a file with a respective identification value for which no file exists in the storage, or a reference counter of the file attachment for whose identification value a file already exists in the storage, is incremented, and the basic structure with references to the files in the storage, which references correspond to the file attachments originally contained in the message, is stored.
US08073820B2
Various methods and apparatuses are described that provide instrumentation and analysis of an electronic design having one or more bus interconnects. A relational database may have defined tables designed for interconnect analysis of transactions occurring between initiator intellectual property (IP) cores and target IP cores of the electronic design. A query tool may be configured to format input data to be stored in the defined tables, and have application programming interfaces to retrieve data from the defined tables based on performing a query. The query tool executes an algorithm based on the query to provide the interconnect analysis.
US08073819B2
A system and method are disclosed for storing element information. A method incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, creating a structured text object that includes information representing a collection of metrics for a tracked network node. The network node may be, for example, a computing device, a communication link, and/or an interface mechanism. In practice, the text object may be compressed into a binary element, and the binary element may be stored in a data store.
US08073814B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods of managing hierarchical reference data. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a hierarchical data management program can maintain a master set of reference data corresponding to the reference data being managed. From the master set of reference data, the hierarchy management program can instantiate centralized hierarchies, validate changes to the centralized hierarchies and enforce business rules with respect to the centralized hierarchies. The hierarchy management program can publish the centralized hierarchies to subscribing systems for use by the subscribing systems in managing data of interest.
US08073813B2
Structured data on a device is synchronized with structured data on a host if the device and the host have a matching refresh anchor. Structured data on the device is additively synchronized with structured data on the host if the device and the host have different refresh anchors. Additive synchronization combines structured data from the device with structured data on the host without deleting structured data from the device or the host.
US08073808B2
A method of improving the accuracy and computation time of automatic image recognition by the implementation of association graphs and a quantum processor.
US08073804B1
A KASER (Knowledge Amplification by Structured Expert Randomization) engine reaches conclusions in a semantic format or which take the form of a series of rules. The conclusions are parsed into an array structure having a hierarchical order of validity. A set of inserted rules is received as an initial rules array and are configured so that an antecedent comprises a non-empty, sorted set and a consequent comprises a non-empty sequence. A hierarchy of validity for the rules is determined and the rules are sorted according to the hierarchy. At least one rule set which optimizes the selection of rules is determined, with the rule set meeting predetermined validity requirements, and the rules are ordered in an order of validity, such as an order based on a maximal length antecedent set as a highest rank.
US08073802B2
The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of finding a rule in a rules base that includes a plurality of rule entries, each having a rule and an associated objective and one or more associated circumstances. A rule finder accesses the rules base in response to a request, with a specified objective and with specified circumstances, by searching the rules base for a matching entry. Where the search fails, the rule finder searches one or more translation tables for entries having first circumstances matching those specified in the request that resulted in the failure. If found, the rule finder repeats the search of the rules base with the specified objective and with a second (or “map-to”) circumstances from matching entries in the translation tables. The rule finder can return, e.g., to an application program that issued the request, a rule found during that repeat search of the rules base.
US08073799B2
A method for generating design requirements for has been developed. First, a framework is created for decomposing and categorizing organizational information into data elements that are stored in a data repository. A relationship is defined between the data elements and corresponding project information that is stored in the data repository. Next, a guided facilitation process is used to elicit objective information from the end-user regarding objectives for new technology. The requirements for the project are determined from the end-user based upon the specification information. This continues until informational needs have been specified and mapped with the corresponding data elements. Finally, a standards requirement document is generated and periodically updated using the mapped data elements from the data repository.
US08073796B2
A system and computer program product for obtaining a value via a rule engine implemented by a collection object associated with an object-oriented application. A request for the value includes a key, is received from the application, and is directed to a method of the collection object. The collection object is capable of storing the key and associated data, and providing the data in response to receiving the request. An overriding of the method of the collection object replaces the provision of the data by the collection object with a processing of the request by a rule engine external to the application. The rule is identified in a rule definition file external to the application based on an association between the rule and the key. An algorithm associated with the rule and included in the rule definition file is executed to provide the requested value.
US08073795B2
System and methods are provided that facilitate integrated and seamless utilization of location data generated by multiple disparate positioning technologies adequate for outdoor or indoor positioning. Location data from multiple sources is selectively processed based on rules that account for availability, accuracy, cost, reliability of location data. At least one of the multiple sources is based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Rules can be operator specific or can be automatically generated based on historic location data or cost-benefit analysis. Processing of selected data includes formatting data according to a specific standard or protocol, or augmenting the data with metadata. Standardized data is conveyed through a communication link for utilization in various applications such as vendor applications for navigation or web-based services, as well as custom and development applications.
US08073790B2
The present embodiment is able to find the optimal or near optimal variables composition of multivariate models by an evolutionary process within acceptable amount of time and resources that are less than using full variables permutation methodology. Subjected to any data, it adaptively identifies and constructs the most effective combination of the relevant variables to achieve one or more objectives. The objective could be for high explanatory power, high predictive power, response measure, or other objectives that the user defines. The present embodiment solves the sequential F-test problem by conducting non-sequential and non-linear search. The algorithm also solves partial F-test dilemma by evaluating all candidate variables membership intact, maintaining fidelity of full variables membership test throughout its permutation. Furthermore, the stochastic nature of the algorithm neutralizes the prejudices of manual decisions in variables identification and membership construction.
US08073789B2
A method and system for identifying locations associated with a web resource is provided. The location system identifies three different types of geographic locations: a provider location, a content location, and a serving location. A provider location identifies the geographic location of the entity that provides the web resource. A content location identifies the geographic location that is the subject of the web resource. A serving location identifies the geographic scope that the web page reaches. An application can select to use the type of location that is of particular interest.
US08073787B2
A system and method is provided for transmitting mail verification data over a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to receiving and authenticating at least a portion of mail identification (ID) data. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mail verification application is adapted to store at least a verifying portion (e.g., an identifiable code portion, a shipping portion, a recipient portion, etc.) of mail ID data in memory. The mail ID data is then affixed to a mail object. The mail object is then manually delivered to a recipient. At least an authenticating portion of the mail ID data is then provided to a reception device. The reception device, which communicates with the mail ID device over a wide area network, transmits at least the authenticating portion of the mail ID data to the mail verification application operating on the mail ID device. The mail verification application then compares the authenticating portion of the mail ID data with the verifying portion stored in memory. If the authenticating portion of the mail ID data is authenticated, mail verification data is sent to the reception device. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the mail verification data includes authenticating data, securing data, sender data, recipient data, mail-content data, downloadable-product data, sender-web-page data, and/or third-party-web-page data.
US08073769B2
Methods and systems for conducting financial transactions in a mobile environment utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA) that communicates with a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) that stores user and transaction information. The MFTS receives information on behalf of a mobile device user corresponding to bills to pay or other payments to make. The MFTS also receives information corresponding to payment sources available for use in making payments. Selected payments information and payment source information are communicated to the mobile user via a wireless network and displayed for user selection. The user selects a payment to make and a payment source. A mobile payment instruction is generated and communicated to the MFTS. The MFTS instructs a payment instruction recipient to make a payment to an identified payee. Real-time updated account and payment balances are provided to the user's mobile device.
US08073768B2
Share of Wallet (“SOW”) is a modeling approach that utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a consumers spending capability, tradeline history including balance transfers, and balance information. These outputs can be appended to data profiles of customers and prospects and can be utilized to support decisions involving prospecting, new applicant evaluation, and customer management across the lifecycle. The outputs can be used as attributes to consider in developing a credit bureau scorecard.
US08073765B2
An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed.
US08073751B2
A method for automated processing of deposit items at a computing device is described. A deposit item, such as case, a personal check, or certified check, is received at a computing device. The deposit item may represent a request to deposit funds of at least one monetary item into a user account, such as a checking or savings account. A computer associated with the computing device determines whether to hold the funds of the at least one monetary item from deposit into the user account. If it is determined to hold the funds, an amount of the funds to hold and a time period in which to hold the amount of funds may be determined.
US08073749B2
Embodiments related to billing for digital content via multiple billing channels with different permissible prices are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises a digital content server configured to receive from a content provider an input of a digital content item, send to the content provider a list of suggested prices that are permissible in each billing channel, and then receive an input of a selected price for the content item. If the selected price is from the list of suggested prices, then billing is enabled via each of the billing. On the other hand, if the selected price for the digital content item is not from the list of suggested prices, then billing is enabled via a first subset of billing channels for which the selected price is permissible, and not enabled via a second subset of billing channels for which the selected price is not permissible.
US08073745B2
A method of marketing items comprising: publicizing an auction to sell at least one item, accepting a preset number of price bids for the items, applying at least one cancellation rule to selectively cancel zero or more bids, selecting one or more bids closest to a preselected low sum to receive the item, wherein the low sum is less than 1% of a list price of the item.
US08073744B1
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a lending system for use with electronic commerce web sites such as auction sites. A seller may receive a cash loan for items placed for sale but not yet purchased by a buyer. The seller can be required to pay back the loan after a predetermined amount of time or as soon as the item for sale is sold and payment is received from the buyer. The lender would charge interest or commission for the loan. In this manner, sellers can receive cash for items listed on auction sites before those items are actually sold, generating additional cash flow for the seller.
US08073736B2
Among other things, the present invention provides systems and methods for fulfilling reward redemptions. In some cases, the systems and methods receive redemption requests associated with an account. The redemption request can be satisfied from a reward associated with the account, or by accessing a reward associated with another account. Redeeming a reward from another account can involve transferring value from one account to another, or grouping the related accounts and allowing members of the group to perform the settlement function. Various of the systems and method further provide for performing automatic reward redemptions, either by an entity maintaining the account to which the reward is associated, or through use of a fulfillment entity.
US08073731B1
Systems and methods are provided for improving processes in a healthcare organization by mining historical data for information that can be used to more effectively allocate resources and process components. Factors used for the analysis include time, information, motivation, skills, and authority for particular resources. Arbitrage processing is used to minimize opportunity costs and increase efficiency.
US08073727B2
A computer-implemented method estimates model parameters for a product. The method includes storing transaction data from customer sales in a database. The transaction data includes a product and a store. The database includes a hierarchical categorization of the products or the stores. The method includes generating a model for each product at each store in the database. The models include model parameters. The method includes aggregating first and second sets of model parameters from a first set of products occupying a first node of the hierarchical categorization and a second set of products occupying a second node of the hierarchical categorization, weighting the first and second sets of model parameters, and storing the average of the weighted first and second sets of model parameters in the database as the model parameters for a model of a product.
US08073724B2
A system to realign an organization structure, program product, and associated methods are provided. The system includes an organization realignment program server, a database accessible to the organization realignment program server, a plurality of process development team member computers, a plurality of process development representative computers, and an organization realignment program product stored in the memory of the organization realignment program server to facilitate reorganization program development through online access to the plurality of data records. The organization realignment program product can provide organization analysis web pages to capture data used to analyze and define functions, activities, tasks, and roles, forming a new organization structure, and can provide resource determination web pages to determine a qualified supply of resources available to the new organization structure to thereby determine a skills gap and a resource gap between resources demanded by the new organization structure and the qualified supply of resources.
US08073721B1
Method and apparatus for service level management, wherein business processes are composed of services. A state of the service is defined by one or more service parameters, and the service parameters depend upon performance of network components that support the service, e.g., component parameters. The state of the service may depend, for example, on a collection of service parameter values for availability, reliability, security, integrity and response time. A service level agreement is a contract between a supplier and a customer that identifies services supported by a network, service parameters for the services, and service levels (e.g., acceptable levels) for each service parameter.
US08073720B2
Systems and methods to assist wireless telecom service providers to determine the optimal core network evolution plan in a network planning time period. Total cost of ownership of wireless core networks is generally modeled to include capital expenditure, customer acquisition and retention cost, network operational cost and staffing and engineering cost. The total cost of ownership model is used to determine the optimal core network evolution plan at different layers of the core networks, which are modeled as a number of abstract networks in mathematical terms. A core network evolution optimization algorithm determines the optimal number of core network configurations and when to deploy the configurations in the planning period in order to minimize the total cost of ownership. A multi-level serving area optimization algorithm determines an optimal core network configuration at a given point of time.
US08073718B2
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for automation of auditing claims. Data indicative of a vehicle make and model is received, the data comprising one or more make fields and one or more model fields. The one or more model fields are prepared for translation. The one or more make fields are prepared for translation by applying one or more rules from the plurality of rules. Each field of the one or more make fields is associated with one or more make model entries from a plurality of predetermined make model entries. Each field of the one or more model fields is associated with one or more make model entries from the plurality of predetermined make model entries. The data is automatically translated into one or more vehicle identifiers based on the associated make model entries.
US08073709B2
Methods and systems for computing what a healthcare organization charged for a procedure, based on analysis of MedPAR data.
US08073706B2
An examination reserve system receipts a reserve request for an examination using a medical imaging apparatus. The examination reserve system receives information concerning a failure from the medical imaging apparatus. When a failure occurs in the medical imaging apparatus, the system lists receipted examination reserve requests.
US08073692B2
Enabling grammars in web page frames, including receiving, in a multimodal application on a multimodal device, a frameset document, where the frameset document includes markup defining web page frames; obtaining by the multimodal application content documents for display in each of the web page frames, where the content documents include navigable markup elements; generating by the multimodal application, for each navigable markup element in each content document, a segment of markup defining a speech recognition grammar, including inserting in each such grammar markup identifying content to be displayed when words in the grammar are matched and markup identifying a frame where the content is to be displayed; and enabling by the multimodal application all the generated grammars for speech recognition.
US08073677B2
Speech translation apparatus includes first generation unit generating first text representing speech recognition result, and first prosody information, second generation unit generating first para-language information, first association unit associating each first portion of first text with corresponding first portion of first para-language information, translation unit translating first text into second texts, second association unit associating each second portion of first para-language information with corresponding second portion of each second text, third generation unit generating second prosody-information items, fourth generation unit generating second para-language-information items, computation unit computing degree-of-similarity between each first para-language information and corresponding one of second para-language-information items to obtain degrees of similarity, selection unit selecting, from second prosody-information items, maximum-degree-of-similarity prosody information corresponding to maximum degree, fifth generation unit generating prosody pattern of one of second texts which corresponds to maximum-degree-of-similarity prosody information, and output unit outputting one of second texts which corresponds to maximum-degree-of-similarity prosody information.
US08073676B2
An emulation enhancement method in a first video game platform for enhancing execution of video games written for a second video game platform includes receiving an input signal written for the second video game platform, analyzing the input signal written for the second video game platform, intercepting a control signal from the input signal based on a set criteria, enhancing the control signal to generate an enhanced control signal for the first video game platform, and outputting the enhanced control signal. The control signal carries an audio effect component, a video effect component and a haptic effect component that are outputted on a user output display. Enhancing the control signal augments the audio effect component and the video effect component of the control signal and generates the enhanced control signal that utilizes additional platform capabilities on the first video game platform.
US08073674B2
A method for storage virtualization in user space. The method includes providing a first emulation module running in the OS kernel and providing a second emulation module in the user space of the computer, which may emulate a media changer or other SCSI or other storage device. The method continues with a kernel-resident driver receiving a packet of data at a port of the computer that is linked to a data communications network (such as a SAN). The packet of data may include command data for a particular data storage device (e.g., a SCSI command for a SCSI device). The method includes operating the first emulation module to communicate with the driver and to then pass through the packet of data to the second emulation module, allowing the second emulation module to run in user space but efficiently receive data from the kernel-resident driver via the first emulation module.
US08073669B2
A pipeline electronic circuit and design methodology enables power conservation in the stages of the pipeline via a simulation that identifies clock-gating opportunities among the stages of the pipeline. In one embodiment, simulation results assist a designer in the design of the pipeline electronic circuit to achieve power conservation by incorporating clock-gating circuitry among the stages of the pipeline at clock gating opportunity locations that the simulation identifies.
US08073667B2
A method, system and computer readable medium for controlling a process performed by a semiconductor processing tool includes inputting data relating to a process performed by the semiconductor processing tool, and inputting a first principles physical model relating to the semiconductor processing tool. First principles simulation is then performed using the input data and the physical model to provide a first principles simulation result, and the first principles simulation result is used to control the process performed by the semiconductor processing tool.
US08073663B2
A method for modelling the migration of reactant in a subsurface petroleum system is described. The method comprises in part generating a mesh for an area of the petroleum system. The mesh comprises a plurality of nodes, with each node representing a point in space in the area. The method also comprises calculating one or more variables representing one or more physical characteristics at each node in the area and determining the migration of reactant in the petroleum system based on the one or more variables. The method can also handle multiple reactant phases and non-static meshes.
US08073662B2
A highly convenient design support method and design support system for a heat convection field or a mass diffusion field which significantly reduce the number of times of numerical simulation required to examine the designing parameters for achieving the design purpose. The design support method includes a forward analysis step of analyzing the heat convection field or the mass diffusion field by solving an equation of the heat convection field or the mass diffusion field based on an initially set value of a designing parameter, an inverse analysis step of analyzing a sensitivity defined by a change ratio of the design purpose to a designing parameter change by solving an adjoint equation corresponding to the design purpose based on the set design purpose, and a sensitivity display step of displaying information on the sensitivity analyzed by inverse analysis step as a graphic image on the display device.
US08073658B2
A method of performing a Monte Carlo analysis uses a graphical processor unit of a computer system, individual data sets to be analyzed are allocated to respective pixel locations in a graphical processor unit memory for Monte Carlo simulation and the outcome of the Monte Carlo simulation is calculated for each data set using stream processing in the graphical processor unit.
US08073655B2
A method for measuring system response sensitivity, using live traffic and an analysis that converts randomly arriving stimuli and reactions to the stimuli to mean measures over chosen intervals, thereby creating periodically occurring samples that are processed. The system is perturbed in a chosen location of the system in a manner that is periodic with frequency p, and the system's response to arriving stimuli is measured at frequency p. The perturbation, illustratively, is with a square wave pattern.
US08073651B2
A received waveform memory 22 stores one (1) frame of received waveform data acquired by sampling a signal including a time code with a predetermined sampling period, where each sample is represented by a plurality of bits. Correlation value calculating sections 24-26 compare the received waveform data with one (1) frame of first prediction code data corresponding to a code of a position marker or a marker, where each sample is represented by a plurality of bits, one (1) frame of second prediction code data corresponding to a code “0”, and one (1) frame of third prediction code data corresponding to a code “1” respectively. Correlation value comparing section 27 compares the first, second and third correlation values with one another to specify the prediction code data whose correlation is largest to output the code data.
US08073641B2
Electromagnetic field distribution is measured by considering time variations of a measured electric and/or magnetic field value. In response to scanning performed with a probe at an arbitrary set of measurement coordinates in a predetermined measurement plane in the vicinity of an object to be measured, a signal is detected at each of plural sets of coordinates in a measurement plane. Electric and magnetic fields are computed during a measurement time period at each set of measurement coordinates in the measurement plane based on measurement coordinates where the probe is positioned and the signal is detected with the probe. Amplitude probability distribution during the time period at each set of measurement coordinates in the vicinity of the object is computed based on a computed intensity, then mapped and displayed.
US08073639B2
A method for identifying a convolved peak is described. A plurality of spectra is obtained. A multivariate analysis technique is used to assign data points from the plurality of spectra to a plurality of groups. A peak is selected from the plurality of spectra. If the peak includes data points assigned to two or more groups of the plurality of groups, the peak is identified as a convolved peak. Principal component analysis is one multivariate analysis technique that is used to assign data points. A number of principal components are selected. A subset principal component space is created. A data point in the subset principal component space is selected. A vector is extended from the origin of the subset principal component space to the data point. One or more data points within a spatial angle around the vector are assigned to a group.
US08073635B2
Quantitation is performed using data from a mass spectrometer. A calibration ion mass spectrum is acquired for each of a plurality of known quantities of a material. From the calibration spectra a plurality of ions that identify the material is determined, and for each ion of the plurality of ions a linear range and linear function are determined. A sample ion mass spectrum is acquired for an unknown quantity of the material. A sample intensity is measured for each ion of the plurality of ions from the sample spectrum. After acquiring the sample spectrum, one or more ions are selected from the plurality of ions such that the sample intensity of each of the one or more ions is within a linear range of the ion. The unknown quantity is calculated from the sample intensities and linear functions of the one or more ions.
US08073631B2
In the field of direct mind-machine interactions, prior art devices and methods do not provide sufficiently fast and reliable results. Mental influence detectors (100, 140, 400, 430) and corresponding methods provide fast and reliable results useful for detecting an influence of mind and hidden or classically non-inferable information. An anomalous effect detector (100) includes a source (104) of non-deterministic random numbers (110), a converter (114) to convert a property of numbers, a processor to accept converter output (118) and to produce an output signal (124) representative of an influence of mind. The processor output signal (124) contains fewer numbers than the input (110). A quantum computer (400) includes a physical source of entropy (404) to generate output numbers (405); a source (406) of test numbers (407); a measurement processor 410) to accept output numbers (405) and to measure a relationship between process numbers and at least one test number to produce an output (414) representative of an influence of mind.
US08073623B2
An illustrative embodiment of a method is disclosed for assessing image quality of a down hole formation image, the method comprising collecting acquisition system data from a plurality of sensors down hole; applying a set of rules to the acquisition system data to obtain an acquisition quality indicator; and presenting the acquisition quality indicator at a surface location. A system is disclosed for performing the method.
US08073620B2
An instrument panel display system includes a liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal controller arranged to generate display data to be inputted into the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal controller includes a graphic LSI arranged to autonomously create screen data from imaging data read out from a memory and image data inputted in the graphic LSI, and a control LSI arranged to receive vehicle data and create an imaging operation switching command according to the vehicle data. The graphic LSI creates the screen data in response to the imaging operation switching command, and outputs the screen data as the display data. This configuration can reduce the load on a processor connected to the vehicle network.
US08073613B2
Methods and systems are provided for mitigating engine pre-ignition based on a feed-forward likelihood of pre-ignition and feedback from a pre-ignition event. In response to an indication of pre-ignition, a cylinder may be enriched while an engine load is limited. The enrichment may be followed by an enleanment to restore exhaust catalyst feed-gas oxygen levels. The mitigating steps may be adjusted based on engine operating conditions, a pre-ignition count, as well as the nature of the pre-ignition.
US08073610B2
An internal combustion engine is controlled to achieve a preferred temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment system and to minimize a total engine energy loss. A transmission is controlled to achieve a torque output based upon the preferred engine operation.
US08073582B2
System and method for establishing a wireless-based communication link between a pair of locomotives
A system is provided for establishing a wireless-based communication link between a lead locomotive and a remote locomotive. A user on the lead locomotive is prompted to input a railroad and number identifier of the remote locomotive. A link command signal is transmitted from the lead locomotive, based on a predetermined number identifier of the lead locomotive, and the inputted railroad and number identifier. A second processor on the remote locomotive respectively compares the predetermined number identifier of the lead locomotive, the inputted railroad and number identifier of the lead locomotive, with an inputted number identifier of the lead locomotive, a predetermined railroad and a predetermined number identifier of the remote locomotive. A link reply signal, is transmitted from the remote locomotive, based on the comparison performed by the second processor, to establish the communication link. Additionally, a method is provided for establishing the wireless-based communication link.
US08073580B2
An augmented air data and inertial reference system (AADIRS) serving as a standby instrument on an aircraft is provided. A secondary air data and inertial reference system (ADIRS) includes a secondary air data module coupled to a secondary inertial reference module. The secondary air data and inertial reference system is configured to derive secondary air data and inertial reference data using the secondary air data module and the secondary inertial reference module. The secondary inertial reference system is further configured to provide the second air data and inertial reference data to a flight control system for use as a backup source of data for control of the aircraft. A graphics module is coupled to the secondary air data and inertial reference system and a display. The graphics module is configured to receive the secondary air data and inertial reference data and process the secondary air and inertial reference data.
US08073574B2
Responsive to braking, a CPU of a driving assist apparatus calculates an average deceleration of the vehicle and then calculates a braking distance. The CPU further calculates a final position at which the vehicle will come to a stop, on the basis of the braking distance. The CPU next activates an assist display for display a map including, superimposed thereon, the route to the final position and an arrival indicator indicating the stop (final) position of the vehicle.
US08073573B2
Electrical power distribution control methods, electrical energy demand monitoring methods, and power management devices are described. In one aspect, an electrical power distribution control method includes providing electrical energy from an electrical power distribution system, applying the electrical energy to a load, providing a plurality of different values for a threshold at a plurality of moments in time and corresponding to an electrical characteristic of the electrical energy, and adjusting an amount of the electrical energy applied to the load responsive to an electrical characteristic of the electrical energy triggering one of the values of the threshold at the respective moment in time.
US08073567B2
A production control apparatus of a production system provided with a storing means for storing in advance a production system model comprised of workpiece information regarding workpieces and program information regarding a plurality of work programs of robots and a plurality of machining programs of machine tools, an updating means for updating the production system model based on run status signals showing run statuses of the robots and machines tools and workpiece signals from the detectors, and an instructing means for selecting one work program and one machining program based on the updated production system model and instructing running of the selected work program and work program to the robot and machine tool. Due to this, by calling up a work program of the robot etc. in accordance with the state of the production system, it is possible to change the program and restore the system from error.
US08073564B2
Methods and systems for controlling a plurality of robots through a single user interface include at least one robot display window for each of the plurality of robots with the at least one robot display window illustrating one or more conditions of a respective one of the plurality of robots. The user interface further includes at least one robot control window for each of the plurality of robots with the at least one robot control window configured to receive one or more commands for sending to the respective one of the plurality of robots. The user interface further includes a multi-robot common window comprised of information received from each of the plurality of robots.
US08073557B2
A motion control system comprising an application program, a plurality of motion controllers, a set of software drivers, and a motion component. Each software driver exposes a service provider interface comprising a set of driver functions. Driver code of at least one software driver associates at least one driver function with at least one control command. The motion component exposes an application programming interface comprising a set of component functions and component code associates at least one of the component functions with at least one of the driver functions. The at least one selected software driver generates at least one control code from the motion controller language associated with the at least one selected motion controller based on the at least one component function called by the application program, the component code, and the driver code of the at least one selectable software driver.
