US08076498B2

A method produces fatty acid esters by transesterification of fats and oils with the aid of an alcohol, at a high pressure and temperature. Unreacted alcohol is separated inline from the reaction mixture and continuously recycled into the transesterification process. The separation is performed by obtaining a vapour phase and higher density phases of the reaction mixture and concentrating the alcohol in the vapour phase.
US08076493B2

The present invention relates to 3-carboxy-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine derivatives of formula (I), geometrical isomers, enantiomers, diastereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and all possible mixtures thereof, and processes using them.
US08076488B2

This invention relates to novel diaryl ureas, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and the use of those compounds or compositions for treating hyper-proliferative and angiogenesis disorders, as a sole agent or in combination with cytotoxic therapies.
US08076485B2

The present invention provides methods of using compounds of formula I: and salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein n, R1 and R2 are defined herein. The invention also provides certain novel compounds of formula I and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08076484B2

Modified green tea polyphenols and methods of their use are provided. One aspect provides compounds and compositions containing green tea polyphenols with one on more ester-linked fatty acids.
US08076471B2

The present invention provides compositions and methods suitable for expressing 1-x RNAi agents against a gene or genes in cells, tissues or organs of interest in vitro and in vivo so as to treat diseases or disorders.
US08076470B2

The present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding Vmp-like polypeptides of pathogenic Borrelia, the use of the DNA sequences in recombinant vectors to express polypeptides, the encoded amino acid sequences, application of the DNA and amino acid sequences to the production of polypeptides as antigens for immunoprophylaxis, immunotherapy, and immunodiagnosis. Also disclosed are the use of the nucleic acid sequences as probes or primers for the detection of organisms causing Lyme disease, relapsing fever, or related disorders, and kits designed to facilitate methods of using the described polypeptides, DNA segments and antibodies.
US08076460B2

The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to human Toll-like receptor 3 and inhibits production of type 1 interferon. It also provides an inhibitor which (a) suppresses a double-stranded RNA-mediated immune response in a cell which expresses Toll-like receptor 3 that recognizes the double-stranded RNA and produces type I interferon, and (b) includes an antibody, which binds to the Toll-like receptor 3 and inhibits production of the type I interferon. Particularly, the monoclonal antibody is against human Toll-like receptor 3. Further, a transfection method and kit are provided. Production of type I interferon can be controlled by using an antibody which specifically binds to Toll-like receptor 3 that recognizes a double-stranded RNA and produces type I interferon.
US08076459B2

The present invention provides a cytotoxically active CD3 specific binding construct comprising a first domain specifically binding to human CD3 and an IG-derived second binding domain. Furthermore, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CD3 specific binding construct is provided. Further aspects of the invention are vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences, a process for the production of the construct and composition comprising the construct. The invention also provides the use of the constructs for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of particular diseases, a method for the treatment of particular diseases and a kit comprising the binding construct of the invention.
US08076454B2

This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.
US08076445B2

A composition comprising a carbodiimide and a polymer, wherein the carbodiimide comprises a reaction product of a) at least one of an aliphatic C4 to C20 polyisocyanate and an araliphatic C4 to C20 polyisocyanate, b) at least one of a hydroxy carboxylic acid and a hydroxy carboxylic salt, c) optionally, a further compound carrying groups able to react with isocyanate groups in an addition reaction, d) optionally, at least one other isocyanate, and the carbodiimide units being derived essentially exclusively from the isocyanate groups of component a), and the polymer comprises a reaction product of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and at least one of a (meth)acrylate, a vinyl ester of a carboxylic acid, a vinyl aromatic compound, an ethylenically unsaturated nitrile, a vinyl halide, an aliphatic hydrocarbon, and a free-radically polymerizable monomer. Also, a method of applying the composition on and/or in a substrate.
US08076436B2

Superabsorbents are produced by polymerization in the presence of at least one unsaturated polyetherol selected from the group consisting of polyetherols having the following structural formulae (1), (2), (3) and (4): where n is 0 or 1, m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, o is a natural number from 1 to 200, and A is —(H2C—CHR1—O)— or —(R1HC—CH2—O)—, where R1 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or an organic radical.
US08076430B2

An organobismuth compound represented by the formula (1) and a method for preparing a living radical polymer using the organobismuth compound. In the formula (1), R1 to R3 each represent a C1-C8 alkyl group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, an aromatic heterocyclic group or a group represented by the formula (2) where at least one of R1 to R3 is a group represented by the formula (2), wherein R4 and R5 each represent a C3-C8 alkyl group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group, and R6 to R8 each represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C8 alkyl group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group.
US08076429B2

A high impact strength random block copolymer including (a) about 65-97 wt. % of a crystalline propylene/ethylene copolymer A containing from about 0.5 wt. % to about 6 wt. % derived from ethylene and from about 94 wt. % to about 99.5 wt. % derived from propylene, and (b) about 3-35 wt. % of a propylene/ethylene copolymer B containing from about 8 wt. % to about 40 wt % derived from ethylene and from about 60 wt % to about 92 wt. % derived from propylene. The crystalline to amorphous ratio Lc/La of the random block copolymer ranges from about 1.00 to about 2.25. The random block copolymer is characterized by both high toughness and low haze.
US08076423B2

A process for producing a polyphenylene sulfide resin composition includes melt-kneading about 99 to about 60 wt % of a polyphenylene sulfide resin (a) and about 1 to about 40 wt % of a polyamide resin (b), and about 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a compatibilizing agent (c) per 100 parts by weight in total of the polyphenylene sulfide resin (a) and the polyamide resin (b), using a double screw extruder with two or more kneading portions at a temperature of the range from a melting peak temperature of the polyphenylene sulfide resin+10° C. to a melting peak temperature of the polyphenylene sulfide resin+70° C., wherein the polyamide resin (b) is excluded nylon 46 and has a relative viscosity of 1.5 or more measuring in concentrated sulfuric acid at a concentration of 1% and at 25° C., wherein the compatibilizing agent (c) is a compound having one or more types of groups selected from epoxy groups, amino group and isocyanate group, and wherein the resin composition has a morphology that the polyphenylene sulfide resin (a) in the resin composition forms a sea phase while the polyamide resin (b) in the resin composition forms an island phase, and the number average dispersed particle size of the polyamide resin (b) is kept at less than about 500 nm after the resin composition is melted and allowed to reside at 300° C. for 30 minutes.
US08076418B2

An ethylene based polymer composition comprising the following component (A), the following component (B) and the following component (C) wherein the content of the component (A) is 120 to 1700 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the component (B) and the content of the component (C) is 3 to 20 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the component (B):Component (A): an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer satisfying all of the following requirements (a1) to (a3): (a1) the density is 890 to 925 kg/m3, (a2) the melt flow rate (MFR) is 0.1 to 30 g/10 minutes, (a3) the flow activation energy (Ea) is less than 50 kJ/mol, Component (B): an ethylene based polymer satisfying all of the following requirements (b1) to (b3): (b1) the density is 890 to 925 kg/m3, (b2) the melt flow rate (MFR) is 0.1 to 10 g/10 minutes, (b3) the flow activation energy (Ea) is 50 kJ/mol or more, Component (C): an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer satisfying all of the following requirements (c1) to (c3): (c1) the density is 890 to 925 kg/m3, (c2) the intrinsic viscosity [η] measured in a tetralin solution is 4 to 15 dL/g, (c3) the flow activation energy (Ea) is less than 50 kJ/mol.
US08076417B2

The present invention relates to crosslinked, olefin elastic fibers where the olefin materials are specifically selected to provide a more robust fiber with higher tenacity and greater temperature stability. Such fibers will be less subject to breakage during fiber spinning and post-spinning (downstream processing) operations including spool formation and unwinding. The specific olefin material used is a blend having an overall melt index (I2) of less than 2.5 g/10 min before crosslinking with a density in the range of 0.865 to 0.885 g/cm3. One component of the blend will be characterized as having either a density in the range of from 0.855 to 0.88 g/cm3 or a residual crystallinity at 80° C. of greater than 9 percent but not both. The at least one other component will meet at least whichever characteristic the first component does not meet.
US08076412B2

The present invention is directed to alkanal derivatives of water-soluble polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol), their corresponding hydrates and acetals, and to methods for preparing and using such polymer alkanals. The polymer alkanals of the invention are prepared in high purity and exhibit storage stability.
US08076411B2

A method of making a diluted polysiloxane containing polymer comprising the steps of: i) Preparing a polysiloxane containing polymer by the polycondensation of siloxane containing monomers and/or oligomers which comprise condensable groups in the presence of an organopolysiloxane and/or an organic based diluent material, a suitable catalyst and optionally an end-blocking agent; and ii) Where required quenching the polymerization process; wherein the diluent material is substantially retained within the resulting diluted organopolysiloxane.
US08076409B2

The present invention provides a dispersant and compositions thereof. The dispersant is a residue of a non-aromatic hydrocarbyl substituted carboxylic acid containing three or more acid groups (A), wherein the dispersant may be represented by the Formula and salts thereof: [U—(Y)x-T-N(R1)c-A]d-Z(Q1)j-Wc, wherein the variables are defined herein.
US08076404B2

The present invention relates to rubber compositions containing a filler and comprising (i) at least one rubber containing olefinic unsaturation and (ii) functionalized nano transition metal oxide and/or sulfide particles. The invention further relates to a method of manufacture of the rubber compositions and to the use of the compositions in tires, belts and/or hoses.
US08076396B2

To provide an ultrarapid hardening cement composition with high strength, the composition having: excellent fluidity; excellent usable time; and excellent initial strength under low temperature atmosphere as well as under general temperature atmosphere, and improving strength and durability of a hardening product of the composition. An ultrarapid cement hardening composition comprising: an ultrarapid hardening cement (A) comprising a calcium aluminate; and a cement dispersant (B), wherein the cement dispersant (B) comprises a copolymer having: a repeating unit derived from a monomer represented by the following formula (1) and formula (2) as defined in the specification.
US08076381B2

The object is to provide a molded product of foamed particles obtained by charging biodegradable resin foamed particles which are of vegetable origin and excellent in environmental compatibility into a mold, followed by heat molding, which molded product is not accompanied by post shrinkage after the molding with a wide range of variation of processing in the molding. Further, P3HA resin foamed particles being composed of a resin composition that comprises an isocyanate compound, and a polymer, poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate), having a recurring unit represented by the general formula (1): [—O—CHR—CH2—CO—]  (1) (wherein R represents an alkyl group represented by CnH2n+1, wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 15) produced by a microorganism are provided.
US08076372B2

Certain thiol and acylthiol compounds inhibit retrovirus growth by attacking the highly conserved zinc finger regions of essential viral proteins. These compounds, compositions containing them, and methods of using them to treat retroviral infections such as HIV are described. These compounds are also useful for preparation of vaccines comprised of inactivated retroviruses such as HIV, prevention of the transmission of such retroviruses, and detection of retroviral proteins.
US08076369B2

The invention encompasses novel N-alkyl-hydroxamic acid-isoindolyl compounds, pharmaceutical compositions of these compounds, and methods of using these compounds and compositions for treatment or prevention of various diseases and disorders, for example, diseases associated with PDE4.
US08076364B2

The present invention relates to a compound of the general formula (1): wherein, Y is a methylene group, and the like; A is an optionally substituted heterocyclic group, and the like; B is an optionally substituted phenyl group, and the like; R1 is an optionally substituted alkyl group, and the like; and R2 is an optionally substituted amino group, and the like; or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, which has an inhibitory activity against cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), thereby being useful for prophylaxis and/or treatment of arteriosclerotic diseases, hyperlipemia or dyslipidemia, and the like.
US08076363B2

The invention relates to a preservative which 5 comprises a) one or more isothiazolones and b) one or more glycerol monoalkyl ethers, to the use of the preservatives for microbicidal finishing of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, and to corresponding microbicidally finished products.
US08076361B2

The present invention relates to a novel form of the (−)-enantiomer of 5-methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2 -pyridinyl)-methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole, i.e. S-omeprazole. More specifically, it relates to a novel form of the magnesium salt of the S-enantiomer of omeprazole trihydrate. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing such a form of the magnesium salt of S-omeprazole and pharmaceutical compositions containing it. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to new intermediates used in the process.
US08076356B2

A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt and/or solvate (including hydrate) thereof; and the use of a compound of formula (I) in the treatment of a TNF-mediated disease, disorder, or condition, or a p38-mediated disease, disorder, or condition, in particular the allergic and non-allergic airways diseases, more particularly obstructive or inflammatory airways diseases, preferably chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
US08076355B2

The invention relates to novel 2-heteroarylcarboxamides, processes for their preparation, and their use for producing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and for improving perception, concentration, learning and/or memory.
US08076351B2

Novel camptothecin derivatives having antitumor activity, the processes for the preparation thereof, the use thereof as antitumor drugs and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US08076347B2

(−)-(2S,4S)-1-(2-Hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)cytosine (also referred to as (−)-OddC) or its derivative and its use to treat cancer in animals, including humans.
US08076343B2

The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of Aurora, FLT-3, or PDK1 protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the invention.
US08076339B2

The present invention relates to substituted pyridazinylamine derivatives of the formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof, wherein the substituents are defined as in the description, their preparation process, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and uses of the said compounds as picorna virus inhibitors for prevention and/or treatment of diseases caused by picorna viruses.
US08076335B2

In its several embodiments, this invention discloses a pharmaceutical formulation comprising at least one antineoplastic agent or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and at least one dissolution enhancing agent sufficient to substantially dissolve said at least one antineoplastic agent in at least one aqueous diluent, wherein said dissolution enhancing agent is urea, L-histidine, L-threonine, L-asparagine, L-serine, L-glutamine or mixtures thereof; a lyophilized powder comprising said pharmaceutical formulation, and articles of manufacture thereof.
US08076331B2

The present invention is directed to compounds having histamine H3 antagonist activity, as well as methods of their use and preparation.
US08076324B2

The present invention relates to di(hetero)arylcyclohexane derivatives of the formula I, in which Ar1, Ar2, R1 and R2 have the meanings indicated in the claims. The compounds of the formula I are valuable pharmaceutical active compounds which inhibit ATP-sensitive potassium channels in the heart muscle and are suitable, for example, for the treatment of disorders of the cardiovascular system such as arrhythmias or a decreased contractility of the heart, such as can occur, for example, in coronary heart disease, cardiac insufficiency or cardiomyopathies. In particular, they are suitable for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. The invention furthermore relates to processes and intermediates for the preparation of the compounds of the formula I, their use and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08076317B2

Process for hormonal contraception, in which in a plurality of substantially time-unlimited, linked taking periods and optionally having a sequence lasting several years and which in each case comprise at least one taking cycle with a duration-constant taking phase lasting several days within the particular taking period and a taking pause lasting several days, in which taking phase or phases per day administration takes place of a daily unit with at least one contraceptively acting hormone component, such as estrogen and/or gestagen, and in the taking pause or pauses administration takes place either of placebos free from any hormone component or the particular taking pause remains entirely administration-free and the duration of the taking phase or phases of at least the final taking period last at least 22 days, characterized in that the duration of the taking phase or phases in any taking period proceeding a following taking period is shorter than in each case following taking period, as well as administration form for hormonal contraception and in particular for the performance thereof.
US08076304B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer therapeutics. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting cancer metastasis by inhibiting cyclin A1.
US08076295B2

Disclosed herein are novel peptide amphiphile molecules and compositions discovered to possess improved solubility in aqueous buffers which, in turn, facilitates purification required for pharmaceutical applications, particularly for in vivo administration to human patients. In addition, gels of such peptide amphiphile compositions are shown herein to possess unexpectedly superior gelation kinetics and rheological properties, including an increased mechanical stiffness, which better mimics the mechanical properties of natural central nervous system tissues.
US08076294B2

The present invention relates to a collagen-related polypeptide (CRP) having hydrophobic amino acid groups at the N- and C-termini capable of non-covalent self-assembly into collagen mimetic triple helices and fibrils thereof and the synthesis, methods of use and compositions thereof.
US08076290B2

The present invention relates to alkylglycoside-containing compositions and methods for increasing the stability, reducing the aggregation and immunogenicity, increasing the biological activity, and reducing or preventing fibrillar formation of a peptide, polypeptide, or variant thereof, for example insulin and Peptide T or analog thereof.
US08076287B2

The present invention provides cyclic hexadepsipeptides and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and prodrugs, and methods for obtaining the compounds, by fermentation, optionally followed by post-biosynthesis chemical modification. The present invention further provides uses of cyclic hexadepsipeptides, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and prodrugs as pharmaceuticals, in particular to their use as antibacterial, antifungal or antineoplastic agents, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a cyclic hexadepsipeptide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, together with a carrier.
US08076286B2

The invention relates to a molecule comprising at least the amino acid sequence X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 W X8 X9 X10 wherein X4,6,9 is any amino acid residue, X1 is I, L or V, X2 is not C, X3 is A, E, Q, R or Y, X5 is not R, X8 is I or L, X10 is not H and wherein said molecule have a length of from about 10 to about 100 amino acid residues or an analogue thereof. The invention also relates to compositions comprising said molecule and use of the molecule and/or composition of the invention to combat microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, including yeast, and parasites.
US08076284B2

Antimicrobial and anticancer peptides engineered using Gaegurin 5 isolated from Korean frog (Rana rugosa), which have a smaller structure compared with previously known Gaegurin peptides and show potent antimicrobial and anticancer activity. Specifically, the antimicrobial and anticancer peptides synthesized from the shortest length of Gaegurin 5, show potent antimicrobial activity against gram positive and negative strains, good safety with very low hemolytic activity and favorable advantages such as drug absorption and drug transportation due to its advantageous structural property, which can be useful as a potent antimicrobial or anticancer agent.
US08076278B2

The present invention relates to hard surface cleaning compositions, and their use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hard surface cleaning composition providing hygiene to a hard surface, whilst being easily positioned onto a hard surface; even a wet surface. The present invention provides a hard surface cleaning composition, which is at least partially transparent or translucent, characterized in that it comprises a surfactant system forming a liquid crystalline phase in the presence of water and biocide material.
US08076273B2

A lubricant additive gel formed by the gellation of two or more lubricant additives for the slow release of the additive components into a fluid. The lubricant additive gel slowly releases into its component lubricant additives when contacted with the fluid such as an oil thereby serving as a lubricant fluid such as an oil thereby.
US08076271B2

The present invention relates to aqueous tackifiers and methods of controlling particulates in subterranean formations using aqueous tackifiers. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of controlling particulates, comprising placing an aqueous tackifier compound into a portion of a subterranean formation comprising unconsolidated particulates; and, activating the aqueous tackifier compound. Other embodiments of the present invention provide methods of coating a portion of a surface in a subterranean formation comprising substantially coating an aqueous tackifier compound onto a portion of a subterranean formation; and, activating the aqueous tackifier compound. Other embodiments of the present invention provide treatment fluids for controlling fine particulates, comprising a servicing fluid and an aqueous tackifier compound.
US08076268B2

Liquid formulations containing herbicidal actives from the group of HPPD inhibitors, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, surfactants and solvents are provided. The present invention relates to liquid formulations comprising: A) one or more HPPD inhibitors, B) one or more dialkyl sulfosuccinates, C) one or more further surfactants, D) one or more solvents, E) further auxiliaries and additives, and F) one or more non-A) agrochemical actives. The liquid formulations are suitable for use in the field of crop protection.
US08076264B2

The invention provides a conductive substance-adsorbing resin film on which a conductive layer being excellent in adhesion to the resin film and having less unevenness at the interface with the resin film can easily be formed, a method for producing the same, a metal layer-coated resin film on which a high definition wiring excellent in adhesion to the insulating resin film can easily be formed, which is obtained by using the conductive substance-adsorbing resin film of the invention, and a method for producing a metal layer-coated resin film that is a material capable of easily producing a printed-wiring board having a high definition wiring. The invention also provides a conductive substance-adsorbing resin film including at least two resin layers, wherein at least one of the resin layers is an adsorbing resin layer having a property of adsorbing a conductive substance or a metal. This conductive substance-adsorbing resin film is allowed to adsorb a metal and subjected to plating, whereby a metal layer-coated resin film can be obtained.
US08076254B2

A sintered refractory block based on silicon carbide (SiC) with a silicon nitride (Si3N4) bond, for the manufacture of a aluminium electrolysis vessel, characterized in that it comprises, expressed in percentage by weight, at least 0.05% boron and/or between 0.05 and 1.2% calcium.
US08076251B2

Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes: loading a substrate into a process vessel; performing a process to form an oxide, nitride, or oxynitride film on the substrate by alternately repeating: (a) forming a layer containing an element on the substrate by supplying and exhausting first and second source gases containing the element into and from the process vessel; and (b) changing the layer containing the element into an oxide, nitride, or oxynitride layer by supplying and exhausting reaction gas different from the first and second source gases into and from the process vessel; and unloading the substrate from the process vessel. The first source gas is more reactive than the second source gas, and an amount of the first source gas supplied into the process vessel is set to be less than that of the second source gas supplied into the process vessel.
US08076250B1

A layer stack of different materials is deposited on a substrate in a single plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition processing chamber while maintaining a vacuum. A substrate is placed in the processing chamber and a first processing gas is used to form a first layer of a first material on the substrate. A plasma purge and gas purge are performed before a second processing gas is used to form a second layer of a second material on the substrate. The plasma purge and gas purge are repeated and the additional layers of first and second materials are deposited on the layer stack.
US08076240B2

Techniques to improve characteristics of processed semiconductor substrates are described, including cleaning a substrate using a preclean process, the substrate comprising a dielectric region and a conductive region, introducing a hydroquinone to the substrate after cleaning the substrate using the preclean operation, and forming a capping layer over the conductive region of the substrate after introducing the hydroquinone.
US08076236B2

Improved SRAMs are formed with significantly reduced local interconnect to gate shorts, by a technique providing bidirectional, self-aligned local interconnects, employing a gate hard mask over portions of the gates not connected to the local interconnects. Embodiments include forming a gate hard mask over gates, forming bidirectional trenches overlying portions of the gate electrodes and active silicon regions, etching the hard mask layer to expose regions of the gate electrodes that are to connect to local interconnects, and filling the trenches with conductive material to form self-aligned local interconnects.
US08076230B2

A method for simultaneous formation of a self-aligned contact of a core region and a local interconnect of a peripheral region of an integrated circuit includes etching a cap dielectric layer to simultaneously form a hole in the core region and a trench in the peripheral region of the cap dielectric layer, etching a dielectric layer to simultaneously form a hole in the core region and a trench in the peripheral region of the dielectric layer of the dielectric layer, etching a liner layer simultaneously on a shoulder of sidewall spacers associated with the hole and with the trench of the dielectric layer without etching the liner layer at a bottom area of the hole and the trench, performing an oxygen flushing to remove polymer residues, and etching simultaneously through the liner layer that lines the bottom area of the hole and the trench.
US08076224B2

A process for coating a substrate at atmospheric pressure is disclosed, the process comprising the steps of vaporizing a mass of semiconductor material within a heated inert gas stream to create a fluid mixture having a temperature above the condensation temperature of the semiconductor material, directing the fluid mixture at the substrate, the substrate having a temperature below the condensation temperature of the semiconductor material thereby depositing a layer of the semiconductor material onto a surface of the substrate, extracting undeposited semiconductor material; and circulating the undeposited semiconductor material into the fluid mixture having a temperature above the condensation temperature.
US08076215B2

A method of forming an electronic device can include forming a patterned layer adjacent to a side of a substrate including a semiconductor material. The method can also include separating a semiconductor layer and the patterned layer from the substrate, wherein the semiconductor layer is a portion of the substrate.
US08076198B2

A method of fabricating a nonvolatile memory device with a three-dimensional structure includes alternately stacking first and second material layers in two or more layers on a semiconductor substrate, forming trenches penetrating the stacked first and second material layers by performing a first etching process, and removing the second material layers exposed in the trenches by performing a second etching process. The first and second material layers are formed of materials that have the same main component but have different impurity contents, respectively.
US08076195B2

A resistive memory structure, for example, phase change memory structure, includes one access device and two or more resistive memory cells. Each memory cell is coupled to a rectifying device to prevent parallel leak current from flowing through non-selected memory cells. In an array of resistive memory bit structures, resistive memory cells from different memory bit structures are stacked and share rectifying devices.
US08076192B2

Provided is a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, which comprises forming a film stack of a gate insulating film, a charge storage film, insulating film, polysilicon film, silicon oxide film, silicon nitride film and cap insulating film over a semiconductor substrate; removing the film stack by photolithography and etching from a low breakdown voltage MISFET formation region and a high breakdown voltage MISFET formation region; forming gate insulating films, polysilicon film and cap insulating film over the semiconductor substrate, forming a gate electrode in the low breakdown voltage MISFET formation region and high breakdown voltage MISFET formation region, and then forming a gate electrode in a memory cell formation region. By the manufacturing technology of a semiconductor device for forming the gate electrodes of a first MISFET and a second MISFET in different steps, the present invention makes it possible to provide the first MISFET and the second MISFET each having improved reliability.
US08076181B1

A packaging technique is described for QFNs, DFN, and other surface mount packages that allows the sides of leads to be plated with a wettable metal prior to the lead frames being singulated from the lead frame sheet. The leads of the lead frames in the sheet are shorted together and to the body of the lead frame sheet by a sacrificial interconnect structure. Chips are mounted to the lead frames and encapsulated, leaving the bottoms of the leads exposed. The lead frame sheet is then sawed along boundaries of the lead frames but not sawed through the interconnect structure. The sawing exposes at least a portion of the sides of the leads. The leads are then electroplated while the leads are biased with a bias voltage via the interconnect structure. After the plating, the lead frame sheet is sawed completely thorough the interconnect structure to singulate the lead frames and prevent the interconnect structure from shorting the leads together.
US08076177B2

Scalable transfer-join bonding techniques are provided. In one aspect, a transfer-join bonding method is provided. The method includes the following steps. A first bonding structure is provided having at least one metal pad embedded in an insulator and at least one via in the insulator over the metal pad. The via has tapered sidewalls. A second bonding structure is provided having at least one copper stud adapted to have a taper that complements the tapered sidewalls of the via, such that the via and the copper stud fit together like a lock-and-key. The first bonding structure is bonded to the second bonding structure by way of a metal-to-metal bonding between the metal pad and the copper stud that deforms the copper stud. A transfer-join bonded structure is also provided.
US08076168B2

A method for producing a light-emitting device, includes: performing, on a first substrate made of III-V group compound semiconductor, crystal growth of a laminated body including an etching easy layer contiguous to the first substrate and a light-emitting layer made of nitride semiconductor; bonding a second substrate and the laminated body; and detaching the second substrate provided with the light-emitting layer from the first substrate by, one of removing the etching easy layer by using a solution etching method, and removing the first substrate and the etching easy layer by using mechanical polishing method.
US08076161B2

The present invention allows a target substance to be detected easily without applying an external magnetic field to a magnetic marker. The present invention provides a target substance detection kit including: a target substance detection board which contains a magnetic sensor and a first target substance capture molecule; and a magnetic marker which contains a magnetic structure and a second target substance capture molecule, wherein the first target substance capture molecule exists on a surface of the target substance detection board, and the magnetic structure generates a magnetic stray field under polarized light.
US08076154B2

A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. Response data obtained by the detector is used to determine the concentrations of peracid and/or peroxide in the use composition based upon an evaluation function determined by a calibration method. The calibration method includes determining coefficients of the evaluation function based upon known concentrations, and measured response data of calibration samples.
US08076150B1

Methods and apparatus for chemical warfare agent detection training are provided. More particularly, methods and apparatus are provided to simulate the detection of low volatility chemical warfare agents by simulating the use of currently fielded U.S. Army detection kits without exposure to hazardous agents. A simulant is disposed in a sample heating assembly. The sample heating assembly is placed over a detection window of a detector, and the simulant is heated in order to make a simulated detection.
US08076147B2

A method and apparatus for chromatography of a polyolefin polymer by flowing a solution of the polyolefin polymer through liquid flowing through a graphitic carbon liquid chromatography stationary phase. The method can be used to determine the monomer to comonomer ratio of a polyolefin copolymer such as a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene or a copolymer of propylene and ethylene.
US08076142B2

Disclosed herein are rooted plant assay systems, methods of making rooted plant assay systems, and methods of using rooted plant assay systems for high throughput screening of test polynucleotides for their ability to effect phenotypic traits having agricultural value.
US08076140B2

Disclosed are compositions and methods for increasing the longevity of a cell culture and permitting the increased production of proteins, preferably recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, interleukins, interferons, hormones, and vaccines. Cells transfected with an apoptosis-inhibiting gene or vector, such as a triple mutant Bcl-2 gene, can survive longer in culture, resulting in extension of the state and yield of protein biosynthesis. Such transfected cells exhibit maximal cell densities that equal or exceed the maximal density achieved by the parent cell lines. Transfected cells can also be pre-adapted for growth in serum-free medium, greatly decreasing the time required to obtain protein production in serum-free medium. In certain methods, the pre-adapted cells can be used for protein production following transformation under serum-free conditions. The method preferably involves eukaryotic cells, more preferably mammalian cells.
US08076135B2

Ex-vivo prepared T-cells are harvested from cell culture conditions and formulated in medium suitable for infusion. The formulation is made by labeling the cells with one or more agents which have reactivity for T-cell surface moieties capable of delivery activation signals upon cross-linking and mixing the labeled cells with biodegradable nanospheres or microspheres coated with a material capable of cross-linking the agents attached to the T-cell surface moieties. Alternatively, the formulation may be made by mixing a population of T-cells with biodegradable nanospheres or microspheres coated with a first material and one or more second materials. The first material binds the second material and the second material has reactivity for surface moieties on the T-cells and the interaction of the second materials with the T-cells causes the activation of the T-cells. In either method, the mixture of T-cells and biodegradable spheres are suspended in a medium suitable for infusion, and the mixture is packaged in a container.
US08076134B2

The invention provides CD4+CD25− T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells (i.e., contact-independent Type 1-like regulatory T cells), processes for their production and their use for regulatory purposes.
US08076131B2

The present invention provides new uses of recombinant adenoviral vectors in vaccination regimens, such as prime/boost set-ups and subsequent vaccinations and applications for gene therapy. Moreover, the invention provides new assays to determine the best regimen for applying the most suitable recombinant viral vector in a vaccination or gene therapy setting.
US08076123B2

This invention relates to an oil degumming method that is free of emulsification. This method includes the steps of treating crude oil first with immobilized phospholipase and then extracting the phospholipase-treated crude oil with pure water or an aqueous solution.
US08076121B2

The present invention is generally directed to processes that integrate CO2-producing conversions of hydrocarbonaceous assets with biofuels processes that utilize CO2 in photosynthesis. In some embodiments, such processes involve the absorption of CO2 in an absorption liquid. In some such embodiments, such absorption is carried out in an absorption tower. In some other such embodiments, there is a subsequent desorption of the CO2. Generally, at least some of the CO2 captured by the absorption liquid is used to grow microbes or diatom species.
US08076119B2

The invention relates to a new bacterial strain belonging to the genus Brevibacillus laterosporus deposited at the NCIMB Ltd. Aberdeen, UK and to its derivatives. The bacterium and its derivatives have insecticidal activity and constitute the active principle of compositions and feeding baits used for biological control of Dipters, Nematocers and Brachycerus (flies, mosquitos, horseflies and midges) and especially against the species Musca domestica. Therefore, according to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for biological control of insects belonging to the order Dipters. The active principle has activity against Nematocers and Brachycerus (flies, mosquitos, horseflies and midges) and especially against the species Musca domestica.
US08076115B2

The invention relates to Citrobacter phytases derived from Citrobacter amalonaticus, Citrobacter gillenii, and related phytases. The phytases belong to the acid histidine phosphatase family, are acid-stable, and expectedly of a high specific activity. The invention also relates to the corresponding DNA, the recombinant and wild-type production of the phytases, as well as the use thereof, in particular in animal feed.
US08076109B2

The present invention relates to processes for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol, from milled starch-containing material comprising (a) saccharifying the milled starch-containing material with a glucoamylase having an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or a glucoamylase being at least 70% identical thereto, at a temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature of said starch-containing material, (b) fermenting using a fermenting organism.
US08076105B2

Disclosed are a method, device kit, and automated system for simple, reproducible, and high-throughput quantification of mRNA from whole blood. More particularly, the method, device, kit and automated system involve combinations of leukocyte filters attached to oligo(dT)-immobilized multi-well plates.
US08076097B2

Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from imatinib and monoclonal antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of imatinib or its pharmacologically active salts in biological fluids.
US08076089B2

Biomarkers for liver diseases and method for using the same are provided. For detecting liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, the biomarkers are selected from any one of the amino acid sequences with SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:24 or derivatives or fragments or variants or the combination thereof or the antibodies against the amino acid sequences. Then the biomarkers are further developed into detection kits, such that by detecting the existence of autoantibodies or autoantigens in screened specimens, liver diseases are detected with higher accuracy and sensitivity.
US08076087B2

Isolated polynucleotides encoding novel galectin-8 variants polypeptides are provided. Also provided are methods and kits using same for diagnosing prognosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other joint/chronic inflammatory diseases.
US08076086B2

The invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding a variety of proteins and nucleic acids having diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, and other uses. These nucleic acids and proteins are useful for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of a number of human and other animal disorders. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided. The nucleic acids and polypeptides of the present invention are useful as modulating agents in regulating a variety of cellular processes.
US08076079B2

The present invention provides methods and compositions for highly sensitive nucleic acid detection, down to the single nucleic acid molecule level. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for detecting a target nucleic acid comprising: (a) providing first and second target-specific nucleic acids, wherein the first and second target-specific nucleic acids each comprise sequences complementary to the target nucleic acid; wherein the first target specific nucleic acid is bound to a first affinity tag and the second target-specific nucleic acid is bound to a second affinity tag, wherein the first affinity tag is capable of binding to a molecular motor, and wherein the second affinity tag is capable of binding to a detection probe; (b) contacting the first and second target-specific nucleic acids to a sample under conditions whereby the first and second target-specific nucleic acids will hybridize to the target nucleic acid if the target nucleic acid is present in the sample, wherein upon hybridization to the target nucleic acid the first and second target-specific nucleic acids are directly adjacent to each other; (c) ligating the first and second target-specific nucleic acids together; (d) binding the molecular motor t˜ the first affinity tag and the detection probe to the second affinity tag; (e) inducing movement of the molecular motor; and (f) detecting movement of the molecular motor through the detection probe, wherein the movement of the molecular motor serves to detect the target nucleic acid in the sample.
US08076075B2

An assay for a GCH1 allele and associated genotype for the screening, prediction, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and treatment response of psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, and neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder, and for defining treatments of such disorders. The presence of a variant in the GCH1 gene, alone or in conjunction with a measurement of low or altered biopterin, or altered BH4 system measures, is used to screen for or diagnose subjects at high risk for developing a psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, or neurological disorders. The assay of the GCH1 genotype, with or without biopterin or a BH4 or BH4 system assay, may also be used to determine antipsychotic or mood stabilizer medication, as well as other treatments. For subjects with an impaired BH4 system, treatments to increase or normalize biopterin, BH4, or the BH4 system can also be used, such as BH4 supplementation, lithium treatment, phenylalanine treatment, or other treatments and therapies.
US08076074B2

The present invention provides comparative genomic hybridization methods for detecting and mapping chromosomal or genetic abnormalities associated with various diseases or with predisposition to various diseases, or to detecting the phenomena of large scale copy number variants. The method includes hybridization with one or more probes for detecting balanced translocations. Such probes may be complementary to the moving genomic segment which is translocated or may be complementary to the translocation break point.
US08076072B2

Nucleic acid labeling compounds including the following are disclosed: These compounds are useful for attaching a detectable label to a nucleic acid.
US08076069B2

The invention generally provides a method for the sample preparation for a subsequent preparation, processing or analysis method of a sample containing an at least one species of nucleic acid and/or one species of protein, whereby the method comprises the following steps: A) providing a sample which contains at least one species of a nucleic acid and/or of a protein, B) contacting the sample with a fluid or solid composition to produce a fluid sample preparation, whereby the composition contains at least a nitrogenous compound, which is selected from the group consisting of a) polyamines, b) amino acids, and oligo- and polypeptides, c) nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds, including homo- oder heteropolymers, which comprise these nitrogenous compounds, d) amines of the type R1R2NR3, whereby R1, R2 and R3 are chosen independently from one another from the group consisting of H, C1-C5-alkyl groups and aryl groups, whereby R1, R2 and R3 are not H simultaneously, e) carboxylic acid amides, f) inorganic ammonium salts, g) ammonium groups containing inner salt compounds, h) antibiotica binding nucleic acid, i) compounds which bind in the small cavity of the DNA, and mixtures of two or more of these compounds. The invention provides in particular a method for the lysis of a biological sample, and methods for the stabilization of biomolecules, a method for the decrease of inhibiting effects in a sample containing biomolecules and a differential masking method.
US08076066B2

The invention provides a method for more effective treatment of patients susceptible to or diagnosed with tumors overexpressing HER2, as determined by a gene amplification assay, with a HER2 antibody. Such method comprises administering a cancer-treating dose of the HER2 antibody, preferably in addition to chemotherapeutic agents, to a subject in whose tumor cells her2 has been found to be amplified e.g., by fluorescent in situ hybridization.
US08076058B2

Compositions and methods for production of color images which are developable at desired wavelengths are disclosed and described. The color forming composition can include a color former which is a spiro dye. The color forming composition can include a radiation antenna admixed with or in thermal contact with the color former. The color forming composition can also be optimized for development using electromagnetic radiation having a selected development wavelength. The color forming compositions are useful in forming images on a wide variety of substrates such as optical disks.
US08076051B2

A method for preparing a particulate image forming material such as toner, which includes providing a particulate material including a chain transfer agent; and contacting the particulate material with at least one of a supercritical fluid and a sub-critical fluid under pressure to remove the chain transfer agent from the particulate material. A toner prepared by the method. A toner container containing the toner. A developer including the toner. An image forming method including preparing an electrostatic latent image and developing the latent image with the developer. An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic latent image, a developing device configured to develop the electrostatic latent image with the developer to form a toner image on the surface of the image bearing member, a transfer device, a fixing device, and a cleaner configured to clean the image bearing member.
US08076049B2

A liquid developer includes an insulation liquid containing a fatty acid monoester and toner particles comprised of a resin material, the resin material containing a first resin component and a second resin component of which weight-average molecular weight Mw2 is larger than a weight-average molecular weight Mw1 of the first resin component. The first resin component and the second resin component are characterized in that the weight-average molecular weight Mw1 of the first resin component is in the range of 3,000 to 12,000, the weight-average molecular weight Mw2 of the second resin component is in the range of 20,000 to 400,000, and when an amount of the first resin component contained in the resin material is defined as A (wt %) and an amount of the second resin component contained in the resin material is defined as B (wt %), A and B satisfy a relation: 1.0≦A/B≦9.0. The liquid developer described above is harmless to the environment. Further, the liquid developer also has superior preservability and storage stability and superior fixing characteristics at a low temperature. An image forming apparatus that can suitably use such a liquid developer is also provided.
US08076047B2

An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising at least a photosensitive layer formed by laminating a charge generation layer containing a charge generation material and a charge transport layer containing a charge transport material in this order, on a conductive support, wherein the charge generation layer contains an oxotitanylphthalocyanine as the charge generation material and metal oxide microparticles, and the electrophotographic photoreceptor has photosensitive properties in light source of wavelength range from 360 to 420 nm.
US08076034B1

A high pressure hydrogen confinement apparatus according to one embodiment includes carbon nanotubes capped at one or both ends thereof with a hydrogen-permeable membrane to enable the high pressure confinement of hydrogen and release of the hydrogen therethrough. A hydrogen confinement apparatus according to another embodiment includes an array of multi-walled carbon nanotubes each having first and second ends, the second ends being capped with palladium (Pd) to enable the high pressure confinement of hydrogen and release of the hydrogen therethrough as a function of palladium temperature, wherein the array of carbon nanotubes is capable of storing hydrogen gas at a pressure of at least 1 GPa for greater than 24 hours. Additional apparatuses and methods are also presented.
US08076030B2

Disclosed is a lithium titanate material, which may include an additive, and its use as an electrode in a battery. Specifically disclosed is a lithium titanate based material, with primary particle size larger than 100 nm, having very good high rate charge and discharge capabilities when incorporated into a lithium battery.
US08076017B2

Disclosed is a fuel cell stack which includes: a cell assembly formed of stacked unit cells, each composed of a membrane electrolyte assembly and separators which sandwich the membrane electrolyte assembly; a pair of collector plates A and B which sandwiches the cell assembly; a pair of end plates A and B which sandwiches the cell assembly and the collector plates; and an elastic member disposed between end plate A and collector plate A, wherein end plate A has a convexed portion and a concaved portion on a surface facing collector plate A, and the concaved portion of end plate A holds therein the elastic member, and a bottom surface of the concaved portion includes a second convexed portion and a second concaved portion.
US08076014B2

According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is glass for use in substrate for information recording medium, which comprises, denoted as molar percentages, a total of 70 to 85 percent of SiO2 and Al2O3, where SiO2 content is equal to or greater than 50 percent and Al2O3 content is equal to or greater than 3 percent; a total of equal to or greater than 10 percent of Li2O, Na2O and K2O; a total of 1 to 6 percent of CaO and MgO, where CaO content is greater than MgO content; a total of greater than 0 percent but equal to or lower than 4 percent of ZrO2, HfO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, La2O3, Y2O3 and TiO2; with the molar ratio of the total content of Li2O, Na2O and K2O to the total content of SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, HfO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, La2O3, Y2O3 and TiO2 ((Li2O+Na2O+K2O)/(SiO2+Al2O3+ZrO2+HfO2+Nb2O5+Ta2O5+La2O3+Y2O3+TiO2)) being equal to or less than 0.28. Further provided are the substrate for information recording medium, information recording medium and their manufacturing methods according to the present invention.
US08076013B2

A magnetic recording medium (10) has a substrate (12) and a perpendicular magnetic recording layer (30) formed over the substrate (12). The perpendicular magnetic recording layer (30) has a granular layer (20) in which a magnetic signal is recorded and a continuous film layer (24) magnetically coupled to the granular layer (20). The continuous film layer (24) has hard magnetic portions (204) formed in positions corresponding to the recording regions where magnetic signals are recorded in the granular layer (20) and magnetic shield portions (202) formed between the hard magnetic portions (204), each having a magnetization curve whose slope is larger than those of the hard magnetic portions in the region where the applied magnetic filed is zero when the magnetization curve is measured, and each having a residual magnetic polarization smaller than those in the hard magnetic portions.
US08076008B2

A high-strength galvanized steel sheet is provided which has a tensile strength of a level of about 590 MPa and superior formability, including a coating with good appearance. The galvanized steel sheet includes a base steel and a galvanized coating layer formed over the surface of the base steel. The galvanized steel sheet has a chemical composition containing 0.005% to 0.12% of C, 0.7% to 2.7% of Si, 0.5% to 2.8% of Mn, 0.1% or less of P, 0.07% or less of S, 1.0% or less of Al, 0.008% or less of N, and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities on a mass basis, and a microstructure constituted of at least 90% of ferrite and 2% to 10% of martensite on an area basis. The ferrite has a Vickers hardness of 120 or more on average, and an inclusion is precipitated from the grain boundary with a length of 50% or less relative to the entire length of the grain boundary in the surface layer of the base steel with a depth of 3 μm from the interface between the coating layer and the base steel.
US08076007B2

A multilayered sliding member has a resin composition filled in pores of, and coated on the surface of, a porous sintered metal layer 2 formed on the surface of a metallic backing plate 1. The resin composition is formed by compounding a phosphate, a carbon black, a melt moldable fluororesin, and a PTFE serving as a principal component, and is preferably formed by further containing graphite and/or a low molecular weight PTFE.
US08076003B2

A coating composition including a compound having a first molecular group or a first combination of atoms, the first molecular group or the first combination of atoms capable of bonding to an oxidizable metal or a metal oxide, and a second molecular group or a second combination of atoms, the second molecular group or the second combination of atoms capable of interacting with a precursor of a polymer so the compound and the polymer are bound together.
US08076001B2

Crosslinked coatings comprising a reaction product of a compound containing two or more active hydrogen groups and a lactide are disclosed, as are substrates coated therewith.
US08075999B2

A strengthened glass article having a central tension that is below a threshold value above which the glass exhibits frangible behavior. The central tension varies non-linearly with the thickness of the glass. The glass article may be used as cover plates or windows for portable or mobile electronic devices such as cellular phones, music players, information terminal (IT) devices, including laptop computers, and the like.
US08075995B2

The present invention provides a coating system for an article including a first component having a surface in frictional engagement with a surface of a second component, wherein at least a portion of at least one surface of the component(s) is coated with a coating prepared from a composition including a first, curable organopolysiloxane comprising at least two alkenyl groups; and a second, curable organopolysiloxane comprising at least two polar groups, the second organopolysiloxane being different from the first organopolysiloxane, which can provide low breakloose force when used in syringe assemblies.
US08075987B2

A molded article such as a floor tile is made from recycled carpet waste which includes a polyvinyl chloride component in the backing material and fiber component having a melting point above the melting point of polyvinyl chloride. A mixture of the recycled carpet material is shredded and additional polyvinyl chloride is fed to an extruder where the polyvinyl chloride is melted without melting the carpet fibers. The resulting mixture is discharged and molded, such as by injection molding, to form a molded product. The molded product includes a continuous matrix of polyvinyl chloride having recycled carpet fibers uniformly dispersed therein. The molded article contains about 45% to about 85% of polyvinyl chloride, about 5% to about 20% of recycled carpet fibers, up to about 5% of a plasticizer and up to about 5% of an ethylene copolymer by weight based on the total weight of the product. The finished product preferably contains about 10% to about 75% by weight of recycled vinyl-backed carpet and about 25% to about 90% by weight of a flexible polyvinyl chloride based on the total weight of the product.
US08075979B2

A non-fibrous ultra high molecular weight polyethylene tape having a width of 1-inch or greater and a modulus of 1,400 grams per denier or greater. The non-fibrous UHMWPE tape is obtained by compression molding ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene powder at a temperature below its melting point and then drawing and stretching the entire resultant compression molded UHMWPE sheet, with no slitting or splitting of the sheet, at a draw ratio of at least 100:1. The UHMWPE tape can be produced in weights of 6,000 to 90,000 denier or greater. The UHMWPE tape of the present invention minimizes the effect of stress concentrators that are prevalent with fibers and thereby enables the tape to be drawn at much higher draw ratios than is possible with fibrous UHMWPE. When used in ballistics panels, the high modulus high molecular weight polyethylene tape of the present invention improves ballistic performance by providing enhanced dissipation of the impact energy of a projectile.
US08075973B2

An information recording medium, 15 capable of recording information by irradiation of light or applying electrical energy, wherein at least one of first and second dielectric layers 102, 106, first interface layer and counter-incident side interface layer 103, 105 is formed from a Si—In—Zr/Hf—O-based material containing at least Si, In, M1 (M1 represents at least one element selected from among Zr and Hf) and oxygen (O), with Si content being 1 atomic % or more. This medium has high recording sensitivity when information is recorded thereon, high overwrite cycle-ability and high signal intensity.
US08075970B2

Disclosed is a heat-activated adhesive sheet which includes a heat-activated adhesive layer, and two release liners arranged so as to sandwich and protect the heat-activated adhesive layer. One of the two release liners is a release liner containing a polyolefinic film as a base material, and the other is a release liner containing a polyester film as a base material. This heat-activated adhesive sheet has a transfer heat-activated adhesive layer, can thereby have a small thickness, is unlikely to suffer from “unintended separation”, and is unlikely to cause lifting and delamination of release liners when the sheet is stored as a roll.
US08075954B2

The object of the present invention is to improve the productivity of a permanent magnet and to manufacture it at a low cost by effectively coating Dy and Tb on a surface of the magnet of Fe—B-rare earth elements having a predetermined configuration. The permanent magnet of the present invention is manufactured by a coating step for coating Dy on the surface of the magnet of Fe—B-rare earth elements having a predetermined configuration and a diffusing step for diffusing Dy coated on the surface of the magnet into crystal grain boundary phases of the magnet with being heat treated at a predetermined temperature. In this case, the coating step comprises a first step for heating a process chamber used for carrying out the coating step and generating metallic vapor atmosphere within the process chamber by vaporizing vaporizable metallic material previously arranged within the process chamber, and a second step for introducing into the process chamber the magnet held at a temperature lower than that within the process chamber and then selectively depositing the vaporizable metallic material on a surface of the magnet by an effect of temperature difference between the temperature within the process chamber and that of the magnet by the magnet reaches a predetermined temperature.
US08075950B2

Provided are a process for economically preparing a graphene shell having a desired configuration which is applicable in various fields wherein in the process the thickness of the graphene shell can be controlled, and a graphene shell prepared by the process.
US08075949B2

A method of production of conductive particles able to suppress growth of the conductive particles at the firing stage, able to effectively prevent spheroidization and electrode disconnection, able to effectively suppress a drop in electrostatic capacity, and able to efficiently produce core particles covered by thin coating layers without abnormal segregation of the coating layer metal particularly even when the internal electrode layers are reduced in thickness. A method of producing conductive particles comprising cores 51 having nickel as their main ingredients and coating layers 52 covering their surroundings. A core powder, a water-soluble metal salt containing a metal or alloy forming the coating layers 52, and a surfactant (or water-soluble polymer compound) are mixed to deposite by reduction a metal or alloy for forming the coating layers 52 on the outer surfaces of the core powder. The metal or alloy forming the coating layers 52 has at least one type of elements selected from Ru, Rh, Re, and Pt as a main ingredient.
US08075943B2

Objects of the present invention are to provide a purification process that enables Pd contained in an organic electronics material to be removed effectively, to provide an electroluminescent device middle layer material purified by the process, and to provide an electroluminescent device employing the middle layer material. The present invention relates to a process for purifying an organic electronics material, the process involving treating, with a phosphorus-containing material, an organic electronics material that contains Pd as an impurity so as to remove the Pd.
US08075942B1

Disclosed are methods for producing optical filters on a substrate. In particular, methods for producing microengineered optical filters for the ultraviolet/visible/infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed, as well as a computer-based system and method for precisely matching predefined target transmission spectra using various coating materials whose spectra can be combined and weighted for the matching. In addition, methods for producing printed optical filters comprising multiple coating components to produce composite optical filters whose transmission spectra match predefined target filter spectrum specifications are disclosed, where the thickness and fill factor of each component coating is tailored, based on the weighting of each component coating transmission spectrum.
US08075921B2

Methods for generating highly enriched Th1/Tc1 and Th2/Tc2 functions are described. In particular, the generation of these functions are attained by the addition of an immune suppression drug, rapamycin or a rapamycin derivative compound. In addition to enhanced purity of T cell function, the T cells generated in rapamycin also express molecules that improve immune T cell function such as CD28 and CD62L. Such rapamycin generated functional T cell subsets may have application in the prevention or treatment of GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the treatment of autoimmunity, or the therapy of infection or cancer.
US08075918B2

A carbon nanocapsule thin film and the preparation method thereof. A plurality of carbon nanocapsules are electroplated on a substrate, and the carbon nanocapsule thin film is thereby formed. By electroplating purified carbon nanocapsules on the substrate, the carbon nanocapsule thin film, electric- and heat-conductive, chemical-resistive, and anti-oxidizing, is formed.
US08075916B2

A biodegradable and thermosensitive poly(organophosphazene) with a functional group, a preparation method thereof, and a use thereof for delivery of bioactive substances are provided.
US08075914B2

A method for the prevention or treatment of symptoms of hypertension in a patient who is resistant to antihypertensive effects of an antihypertensive compound administered in the absence of melatonin comprises administering to said patient melatonin in an amount effective to ameliorate or prevent symptoms of hypertension in said patient.
US08075911B2

A transparent transdermal delivery device for delivering nicotine which has an Opacity Index of less than 48.6%.
US08075881B2

The invention provides isolated stem cells of non-embryonic origin that can be maintained in culture in the undifferentiated state or differentiated to form cells of multiple tissue types. Also provided are methods of isolation and culture, as well as therapeutic uses for the isolated cells in cardiac indications.
US08075866B2

A process is disclosed for removing hydrogen sulfide from liquid sulfur including: passing a liquid sulfur feed comprising liquid sulfur and hydrogen sulfide to a vaporizer; vaporizing at least a portion of the liquid sulfur feed in the vaporizer to thereby form a first vapor stream comprising gaseous sulfur and gaseous hydrogen sulfide; partially condensing the first vapor stream in a condenser to form a liquid product stream comprising liquid sulfur and a second vapor stream comprising hydrogen sulfide; wherein the liquid product stream has a lower concentration of hydrogen sulfide than the liquid sulfur feed.
US08075861B2

This invention provides a type of lithium iron phosphate cathode active material and its method of synthesis. Said cathode active material contains the sintering product of lithium iron phosphate and a mixture. Said mixture comprises of two or more metal oxides where the metal elements are selected from groups II A, III A, IV A, V A, III B, IV B, or V B, and where the weight of one metal oxide is 0.5-20% of the weight of the other metal oxide. Greatly increased capacity can be achieved in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries using the lithium iron phosphate cathode active material provided by this invention.
US08075854B2

A microfluidic chip comprises a substrate and a channel or multiple channels in the substrate. Each channel includes a tortuous path section or multiple tortuous path sections. A receptor for the detection of an analyte can be immobilized in a tortuous path section, for example by adsorption. Different receptors can be immobilized in different tortuous path sections of each channel or in different channels for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. The chip is especially useful for running immunoassays, particularly ELISA.
US08075853B2

The present invention provides a microchip which is made by bonding a first substrate having a groove provided at the substrate surface and a second substrate together, and has a fluid circuit therein, the fluid circuit having a separation portion for separating a first component, and a groove which constitutes the separation portion including an approximately V-shaped region surrounded by prescribed flow channel walls. At a top of the separation portion, a flow rate limiting portion limiting a flow rate of a fluid is preferably provided.
US08075852B2

In one aspect of the invention, systems, methods, and devices are provided for handling liquid. In some embodiments, such systems, methods, and devices are used to combine fluids while removing gaseous bubbles.
US08075846B2

The present invention relates to a pressure control system for maintaining the pressure differential between a reactor (1) and a feeder (2) connected thereto and provided for introducing feed into the reactor (1), characterized in that the pressure control system comprises a pressure up line (5) and a pressure release line (6), each line (5, 6) having a control valve (7, 8), both lines (5, 6) combining into one main line (3) leading to the feeder (2), wherein a filter unit (4) is provided in the main line (3); as well as to a reactor having such a pressure control system and a process utilizing a reactor with the specific pressure control system.
US08075837B2

A device for use in a molten metal pump helps alleviate jams between a rotating rotor and stationary inlet. The device includes an inlet structure including one or more openings and a displacement structure that preferably includes one or more rotor blades. The inlet structure and displacement structure are connected to one another (preferably, but not necessarily, as a unitary piece), thus enabling them both to rotate. A pump including the device is also enclosed. The invention further includes a bearing surface for an impeller or for a device according to the invention, wherein the bearing surface includes grooves that help reduce molten metal build up between the bearing surface of the impeller or device and the bearing surface of a pump chamber.
US08075829B2

There is provided a method for drying a honeycomb formed article 1. The method has the first step, where an unfired honeycomb formed article 1 having a plurality of cells separated by partition walls made from raw material composition containing a ceramic raw material, water, and a binder is heated and dried by microwave drying or dielectric drying, and a second step, where the honeycomb formed article 1 is dried by hot air drying, where hot air whose humidity was adjusted to have a wet-bulb temperature of 50 to 100° C. using a hot air drying apparatus 11 after the first step is passed through the cells. The method can dry a honeycomb formed article in a shorter period of time with inhibiting generation of a defect such as a deformation or breakage.
US08075827B2

Provided are novel devices and methods for making a variable density preform, the methods comprising obtaining a slurry comprising a reinforcement particle component and a liquid component; obtaining a die cavity having at least one inlet opening and at least one exit opening defining at least one die cavity flow path therebetween directed toward the exit opening, the at least one exit opening suitably sized or configured to provide for exit of the at least one liquid component while impeding or blocking exit of the at least one reinforcement particle component; and introducing the slurry under pressure, and for a sufficient time period, through the inlet orifice into the die cavity flow path to provide for a decreasing pressure gradient along the flow path direction, to provide for a variable density of the at least one particle component, the particle density increasing in the at least one flow path direction.
US08075820B2

The invention pertains to a method for improving filament cohesiveness of chopped aramid fiber including the steps of impregnating a film-forming binding agent into the fiber, drying the fiber, optionally applying a finish to the fiber, and chopping the fiber to pieces of 1 to 16 mm length, characterized in that the fiber prior to applying the binding agent is subjected to a twisting process to obtain a fiber having a twisting level of 10 to 150 tpm and that the chopping of the fiber is performed in a rotary chopper.
US08075802B2

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.
US08075799B2

The present invention relates to a nanofluid that contains carbon nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and a surfactant in a thermal transfer fluid. The present invention also relates to processes for producing such a nanofluid with enhanced thermal conductive properties.
US08075798B2

The present invention relates to compositions containing hydrofluoroolefins and to the uses thereof as heat transfer fluids, blowing agents, solvents and aerosols. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions having: 2 to 55% by weight, of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 2 to 55% by weight of HFC-152a and 30 to 55% by weight of HFC-32.
US08075797B2

The invention is directed to a ternary azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of effective amounts of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, and hydrogen fluoride.
US08075796B2

The present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of stabilizer that may be at least one phenol or a mixture of at least one phenol with other stabilizers. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers, and heat pumps, as well as in applications as foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol propellants, fire extinguishants, and sterilants.
US08075795B2

A piezoelectric body includes a perovskite type compound that is expressed by a compositional formula being Pb (Zrx Ti1-x)1-y My O3, where M is at least one of Ta and Nb, x is in a range of 0.51≦x≦0.57, and y is in a range of 0.05≦y<0.2, wherein the perovskite type compound contains at least one of SiO2 and GeO2 as an additive, and the additive is added in an amount of 0.5 mol % or higher but 5 mol % or lower with respect to the amount of perovskite type compound.
US08075785B2

A separation device for removing solids from an input stream is provided, comprising a vessel, such as a production vessel or storage tank, having an inlet for receiving an input stream containing fluids, such as oil and water, and solids, such as sand and silt. The vessel also includes a fluid outlet and a drain outlet. An optional fluid recirculation and injection device is mounted inside the vessel and delivers fluid to facilitate removal of the solids through the drain outlet. The vessel also includes an agitation or flighted device mounted adjacent to the drain outlet for contacting and dislodging solids which have settled within the vessel. The agitation device includes a rotatable shaft driven by a motor, and an agitation element, such as an auger, to break up the solids and move them toward the drain outlet. A method of removing solids is also provided using the auger device.
US08075781B2

A method is disclosed for filtering a protein in a liquid mixture in a manner that does not substantially damage or otherwise limit the recovery of the protein in the filtration filtrate. The method generally includes passing a liquid mixture containing a protein (e.g., an aqueous vWF mixture) through a filter while applying a counter pressure to the liquid mixture filtrate to accurately reduce and control the pressure differential across the filter. The disclosed method has the advantage that relatively high filtration flow rates can be achieved at relatively low pressure differentials, in contrast to high pressure differentials, which actually reduce the filtration flow rate of protein liquid mixtures. Further, the method can recover substantially all of the protein that is initially present in the liquid mixture.
US08075778B2

A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid may include prewetting with the first fluid at least one channel defined by a separation device, the at least one channel thereby containing a column of the first fluid along its length. A combined flow of the first fluid and the second fluid may be presented to the separation device, so that the at least one channel is in fluid communication with the combined flow. Fluid pressure may be applied across the combined flow and the separation device, but the applied pressure should not exceed the capillary pressure in the at least one channel. Otherwise, the combined flow may be forced through the separation device. In this manner, the first fluid flows through the at least one channel, and the second fluid is excluded from the at least one channel, thereby separating at least a portion of the first fluid from the second fluid.
US08075774B2

A gas baffle for a waste water treatment plant filter housing that includes a first and second deflecting plate. The gas baffle has at least one flow-through opening defined by the first and second deflecting plates. The combination of the first and second deflecting plates deflects rising gas bubbles and any solid particulates so that the bubbles and particulates do not enter the filter housing. The gas baffle may include exterior apertures to dissipate the rising gas bubbles that travel on the bottom surface of each deflecting plate. The gas baffle may be integrally formed with the filter housing or created separately and subsequently connected.
US08075770B2

A flotation device for the separation (purification or removal) of dispersed particles in a fluid, in particular removal of dispersed oil in water. The device includes a flotation cell (1) with one or more nozzles (4) provided at or near the bottom of the cell for the supply of gas or fluid to the interior of the cell. The cell is provided with an inlet (5) for the fluid to be treated and two or more outlets (6, 7) for the separated products. The flotation cell is in the form of a longitudinal pipe (1), the diameter of which is basically the same as the diameter of the fluid transport or feeding pipe (2) connected to the inlet (5) of the pipe. The nozzles (4) for the supply of gas or fluid are provided at a distance along the bottom of the pipe.
US08075765B2

Non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein include components of a rain water collection system and methods of fabricating the components. The disclosed components include a down spout interface bladder and a rain water holding device. Also disclosed are a method of fabricating a down spout interface bladder and a method of fabricating a rain water holding device.
US08075762B2

The electrodesulfurization of heavy oils wherein a feedstream comprised of bitumen or heavy oil is conducted, along with an effective amount of hydrogen, to an electrochemical cell. A current is applied to the cell wherein sulfur from the feedstream combines with hydrogen to form hydrogen sulfide which is removed.
US08075755B2

Electroblotting for the transfer of electrophoretically separated species from a gel to a transfer membrane is performed in a semi-dry format with sheets of absorbent polyester or polyester/cellulose blend wetted with buffer solution in place of the traditional buffer-wetted filter paper. The result is effective electroblotting at a lower electric current level than that obtained with filter paper and thereby less resistance heating of the gel, the transfer membrane, and the species being transferred.
US08075748B2

In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.
US08075738B2

An apparatus for transferring a wet paper web from a press nip to a drying cylinder (52) of a papermaking machine, and for structuring the web, comprises an impermeable transfer belt (35) having a web-contacting surface, the wet paper web passing through the press nip enclosed between a press felt (33) and the transfer belt, and a permeable structuring fabric (37) for transfer of the web onto the drying cylinder, the structuring fabric having a structured surface and being arranged in a loop within which a suction transfer device (38) is disposed, said suction transfer device having a suction zone (41). According to the invention the web-contacting surface of the belt has a non-uniform distribution of microscopic-scale depressions, and that the suction zone includes a transfer point (40) spaced a distance D from the press nip along which the belt runs, the belt being arranged to bring the web into contact with the structuring fabric in the suction zone for a length L, such that suction is exerted on the paper web to transfer the paper web from the belt onto the structuring fabric. at the transfer point.
US08075731B2

A gas injection head 200 is provided above a substantial center of a substrate W. Nitrogen gas introduced from a gas feed port 291 is injected from a slit-shaped injection port 293 via an internal buffer space BF. In this way, a radial gas flow substantially isotropic in a horizontal direction while having an injection direction restricted in a vertical direction is generated above the substrate. Thus, dust D, mist M and the like around the substrate are blown off in outward directions and do not adhere to the substrate W. The gas injection head 200 can be made smaller than the diameter of the substrate W and needs to be neither retracted from the substrate surface nor rotated, wherefore an apparatus can be miniaturized.
US08075725B2

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for welding thermoplastic molded articles wherein additional simultaneous irradiation, in the welding area (18), of one of the join partners (1) will lead to a temperature increase of this join partner, occasioning process-reliable welding.
US08075713B2

A production of precision castings by centrifugal casting, includes the following steps: a) providing in a crucible (8) a melt of the following composition: Ti45-52 at. %Al45-50 at. %Xl1-3 at. %X22-4 at. %X30-1 at. %/ where Xl =Cr, Mn, V, X2=Nb, Ta, W, Mo, X3=Si, B, C; b) forcing the melt by means of centrifugal forces from the crucible (8) into a mold (4); c) solidifying the melt within the mold thereby creating a casting consisting of a titanium alloy having a lamellar microstructure; and d) reheating the casting for a duration of 60 to 150 hours at a temperature higher than the eutectic temperature and lower than the alpha-transus temperature of the composition.
US08075703B2

A process for cleaning a silicon electrode is provided where the silicon electrode is soaked in an agitated aqueous detergent solution and rinsed with water following removal from the aqueous detergent solution. The rinsed silicon electrode is then soaked in an agitated isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution and rinsed. The silicon electrode is then subjected to an ultrasonic cleaning operation in water following removal from the IPA solution. Contaminants are then removed from the silicon electrode by soaking the silicon electrode in an agitated mixed acid solution comprising hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, and water. The silicon electrode is subjected to an additional ultrasonic cleaning operation following removal from the mixed acid solution and is subsequently rinsed and dried. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the silicon electrode can be soaked in either the agitated aqueous detergent solution, the agitated isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution, or both. Additional embodiments are contemplated, disclosed, and claimed.
US08075698B2

A substrate processing unit comprises a processing vessel for receiving a substrate, a cleaning gas supply system for supplying cleaning gas to the processing vessel so as to clean the interior of the processing vessel, an exhauster for exhausting the processing vessel, an operating state detector for detecting the operating state of the exhauster, and an end point detector for detecting the end point of the cleaning on the basis of the detection result from the operating state detector.
US08075688B2

The invention relates to an accelerator, preferably for sprayed concrete or sprayed mortar, which is present as an aqueous mixture, preferably dispersion, particularly preferably suspension, which contains the following:(a) aluminium in oxidation state 3,(b) sulphate,(c) fluoride, and/or (semi)metal fluoro complexes,(d) stabiliser, preferably inorganic stabiliser, particularly preferably magnesium silicate and/or kaolin and/or clay minerals and/or allophane, in particular magnesium silicate and/or bentonite, particularly preferably sepiolite, especially particularly preferably Si12Mg8O30(OH)4(OH2)4 and/or Mg4Si6O15(OH)2.
US08075686B2

The method for reducing organic chlorine compounds in cement production facility is a method by which a quantity of organic chlorine compounds contained in powder is reduced in the cement production facility, and the method is provided with a heating step for heating the powder to separate the organic chlorine compounds from the powder or decompose the organic chlorine compounds and a gas thermal decomposing step for supplying heat-treated gas containing the organic chlorine compounds generated by heating the powder to a high temperature part of the cement production facility, thereby thermally decomposing the organic chlorine compounds contained in the heat-treated gas.
US08075685B2

A concrete formulation, which undergoes controlled deterioration in water, that can be used for making anchors for releasably tethering submarine devices at the seabed. The anchor may have handles for a device release mechanism or a central hole for a central device release mechanism. The formulation includes additives, which cause the cement to transform into non-binding Thaumasite over a pre-set period of time, leaving only natural material on the seafloor.
US08075683B2

Pigment of formula wherein R1 is CONR4R5 or C(═NR6)NR7R8, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each independently of the others H, C1-C5alkyl, or phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted from 1 to 5 times by C1-C5alkyl or by halogen, R6 is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted from 1 to 4 times by C1-C5alkyl or by halogen, R7 is H or C1-C5alkyl, and R8 is a direct bond or a carbonyl bridge to R6, which pigment consists of primary particles the average aspect ratio of which is from 4 to 1, preferably from 3.5 to 1, especially from 3 to 1, and for the ellipses equivalent to the contours of the primary particles on a two-dimensional electron microscopic image have an average numerical eccentricity ε of from 0 to 0.80, the numerical eccentricity ε being defined as (formula), wherein a is the semimajor axis and b is the semiminor axis of the equivalent ellipse. That pigment preferably has a narrow particle size distribution and is, as are analogous pigments, prepared by a novel process. The invention relates also to a process for the preparation of that pigment, wherein R1CH2CN or (formula) is dispersed in an acidic aqueous medium containing from 70 to 99% by weight water, preferably in the presence of a dispersant, and is reacted with solid (formula). preferably ɛ = a 2 - b 2 a
US08075679B2

A corrosion and abrasion resistant coating composition with at least one alkoxy siloxane and preferably at least three alkoxy siloxanes, wherein the total amount of alkoxy siloxanes in the composition is greater than approximately 70 wt %, an anti-corrosion agent effective in acid and salt environments, a hydrolysable catalyst, an adhesion promoter, and a flow/leveling agent.
US08075677B2

A carbon canister with a valve activated by the weight of nearly saturated or saturated carbon communicates with piping from an underground tank. The invention includes carbon within a casing inside a canister, a weight actuated valve, and piping in communication with the atmosphere. When an ORVR vehicle refuels, the pressure lowers in the tank that draws air into the canister. After refueling, the tank remains subject to conditions that generate hydrocarbon vapors. Those vapors then return to the canister and adhere to the surface of the carbon. The carbon, heavier with hydrocarbons, lowers the canister and closes the weight actuated valve. Closing the valve returns pressure control to an external pressure vacuum relief valve. The next refueling draws in atmospheric air to purge the hydrocarbons in the canister and thus lighten it. A secondary purge valve also removes hydrocarbons from the canister. Once the carbon lightens, the inlet valve opens and the vapors return to the canister for adsorption. This cycle regenerates the carbon.
US08075676B2

A radially compliant scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll, an orbiting scroll operatively connected to the fixed scroll, a synchronizer and at least one linkage member operatively connected to the orbiting scroll and the synchronizer. The at least one linkage member includes an orbiting crank handle operatively disposed on the linkage member, a crankpin operatively disposed through said synchronizer and extending into the crank handle and a damping member disposed on the crankpin between the synchronizer and the crank handle.
US08075673B2

A description is given of an absorption medium for removing carbon dioxide from gas streams which comprises aqueous solution of an amine of the formula I HNR2  (I) where one or both radicals R are and the other radical R is hydrogen. The absorption medium is distinguished by particular oxidation resistance.
US08075671B2

A method and apparatus for separation of H2 gas from a gaseous mixture utilizing an H2 gas permeable metallic membrane supported directly on a porous substrate made up of at least one porous polymeric hollow fiber. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the porous substrate is made up of a plurality of porous polymeric hollow fibers, forming a porous hollow fiber membrane. In accordance with one embodiment, a cooling fluid is disposed in contact with the hollow fiber, thereby enabling advantageous operation of the H2 gas separation process at elevated temperatures in the range of about 200° F. to about 800° F.
US08075654B2

A gas-liquid separator assembly has a flow passage providing expansion of and reduced flow velocity of the post-separation gas stream, and in some embodiments provides pre-escape regions facilitating partial pre-transition of some of the flow.
US08075652B2

A split type potable water extractor from ambient air and water dispenser is invented, comprising separate water generating block located outside a water use area and water dispensing block located inside a water use area. The water generator block cycles refrigerant through a condenser and an evaporator to create condensation by heat exchange with ambient air circulated by an intake airflow system. The condensate water is collected and purified in a cascade of bactericidal loop to remove impurities. The purified water is pumped to a dispensing apparatus which can be installed in the home or other area of water use separate from the water generating block. If any one of the functional parts or units of water generator is disabled the water generator immediately stops operating to deliver water to the tank of the dispensing apparatus.
US08075647B2

The invention is a slurry for slicing a silicon ingot, containing a basic material, such as an alkali metal hydroxide, abrasive powder and water, in which the slurry contains the basic material in an amount of from 2 to 6% by mass and glycerin in an amount of from 25 to 55% by mass, based on a total mass of components of the slurry excluding the abrasive powder.
US08075646B2

A system and method for increasing the efficiency and/or power produced by an integrated gasification combined cycle system by increasing the integration between the air separation unit island, the heat recovery steam generator and the remainder of the system. By integrating heat produced by the heat recovery steam generator in the remainder of the integrated gasification combined cycle system, heat may be utilized that may have otherwise been lost or used further downstream in the system. The integration helps to increase the efficiency of the combustion reaction and/or the gasification reaction used to produce the syngas utilized in the integrated gasification combined cycle system.
US08075643B2

(Problems) Providing a method and an apparatus for producing a solid fuel, capable of suppressing increase in dust coal concentration in circulating oil.(Solving Means) The method for producing a solid fuel comprises a mixing step of mixing porous coal with a mixed oil containing a heavy oil and a solvent oil to prepare a raw material slurry; an evaporation step of heating the raw material slurry to promote dehydration of the porous coal while impregnating the mixed oil into pores of the porous coal to obtain a dehydrated slurry; a solid-liquid separation step of separating a resulting upgraded porous coal and the mixed oil from the dehydrated slurry; a final drying step of drying the separated upgraded porous coal with a carrier gas, and subsequently condensing a vaporized mixed oil in the carrier gas by cooling, while capturing the porous coal in the carrier gas by atomization of the condensed mixed oil, thereby recovering the mixed oil; and a circulation step of returning the mixed oil separated and recovered in the solid-liquid separation step to the mixing step, and the method is characterized by further comprising a supply step A of supplying the mixed oil recovered in the final drying step to the solid-liquid separation step. The apparatus for producing a solid fuel adopts the method.
US08075634B2

An orthopedic device that includes an ankle arthrodesis nail having a bend, and a surgical implant kit for use in ankle arthrodesis in patients who suffer from severe bone defects in their ankles is provided. The invention further relates to a method of establishing ankle arthrodesis in a subject using an arthrodesis nail having a bend.
US08075632B2

A prosthetic hard socket has a modified curvature and/or shape, which eliminates or de-emphasizes the patellar bar to eliminate or reduce pressure on the wearer's patellar tendon, and, instead, enhances support of the anterior tibial condyle and/or tibial tubercle. Thus, the preferred socket is designed with the patellar tendon preferably not being weight-bearing. The preferred curvature and/or shape comprises a lowered socket edge and/or a gap in the socket wall in the region of the patellar tendon, so that the hard structure of the socket does not directly support or press upon the patellar tendon. The invented socket may include inwardly-protruding regions on each side of the lowered edge/gap, for helping to “capture” or otherwise press on a portion of the tibia for improved rotational control. This combination of shapes and curvatures provides for improved rotational control, comfort, and range of motion including even full extension or hyperextension. A flexible and/or cushioning member may be placed in the gap/trough (that is caused by the lowered edge or removed wall portion), for example, a fabric, leather, rubber, or other member may be attached to the socket to across a V-shaped trough of the lowered edge of the hard socket.
US08075630B2

A transcutaneous port includes a subcutaneous port section and a bone fixation section. The subcutaneous port section has upper portion which has an axial channel and a first micro-textured external surface, and a lower portion which has therein a transverse channel connecting to the axial channel. The bone fixation section has a transosseous collar portion which has a second micro-textured external surface, and a threaded shaft portion. The first and second micro-textured external surfaces include a multiplicity of alternating microgrooves and ridges for tissue and bone integration. The transcutaneous port is surgically implanted into a site of a patient and a conductive wire is introduced from the axial channel to the transverse channel, and placed in the subcutaneous soft tissue and in contact with a neural signal source for transmitting neural signals to a prosthetic motor device.
US08075627B2

A system and method for transmitting implant data includes an orthopaedic implant, a wireless receiver, and a processing circuit electrically coupled to the wireless receiver. The orthopaedic implant is configured to transmit implant identification data and implant sensor data to the wireless receiver in response to a power signal. The orthopedic implant may transfer the data over, for example, a wireless network. The processing circuit receives the implant identification data and the implant sensor data from the wireless receiver and is configured to retrieve patient-related data from a database based on the implant identification data. The processing circuit may also be configured to update a patient queue, assign a patient room to a patient, and/or transmit the patient-related data and the implant sensor data to a client machine located in the patient room.
US08075626B2

An orthopaedic prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The tibial bearing and the femoral component are configured to promote outward axial rotation of the femoral component with respect to the tibial component during knee flexion.
US08075622B2

One embodiment of a hollow spinal spacer (10) includes a curved anterior wall (11) having opposite ends (12, 13), a posterior wall (15) having opposite ends (16, 17), two lateral walls (20, 21), each integrally connected between the opposite ends (12, 13, 16, 17) of the anterior (11) and posterior (15) walls to define a chamber (30). The walls (11, 15, 20, 21) include a superior face (35) and an inferior face (40). The superior face (35) defines a first opening (36) in communication with the chamber (30) and includes a first vertebral engaging surface (37). The inferior face (40) defines a second opening (41) in communication with the chamber (30) and includes a second vertebral engaging surface (42).
US08075621B2

A push-in interbody spinal fusion implant having an expandable height and having an at least in part frusto-conical shape or a shape of cylinder split along a horizontal plane through its mid-longitudinal axis with an upper member and a lower member angled to each other during insertion into the spine.
US08075620B1

A doughnut-like lumbosacral or intervertebral implant having an asymmetrical opening surrounded by a series of load bearing sections of distinct curvatures. The doughnut-like implant can include a forwardly projecting arm and plate combination. Preferred embodiments of the doughnut-like implant can include tapered lateral annular-like sides.
US08075607B2

A delivery device for deploying an expandable prosthesis and method of use are described. The delivery device comprises a handle that comprises a trigger. Activation of the trigger enables incremental retraction of an outer sheath to expose a self-expanding prosthesis. Activation and subsequent deactivation of the trigger causes a movable member to ratchedly engage with a stationary rack and a trigger rack.
US08075606B2

A pusher assembly for a delivery system for a self-expanding stent (6) which is delivered by proximal withdrawal of a sheath (4) radially surrounding the stent has a stent pusher element (8) which defines a lumen for a guidewire (2), a pusher strand (16) that extends to the proximal end of the delivery system and bears an end-wise compressive stress during release of the stent. A transfer shaft (12) links the distal end of the pusher strand (16) to the pusher element (8) and lies side-by-side with the guidewire (2). In a rapid exchange version, an adapter (20) provides two lumens side-by-side, one (22) carrying the pusher strand (16) and the other (14) defining a proximal guidewire part. To the adapter is mounted the proximal end of the stent sheath (4). The system allows modular (14) construction, a tapered tip (4A) on the sheath, and an uncluttered internal configuration which facilitates passage of pulses (F) of liquids from the proximal to the distal end of the system.
US08075596B2

A spinal prosthesis system includes: an anterior portion having an upper component and a lower component, the upper and lower components capable of relative movement about a first point; a posterior portion separate from the anterior portion, the posterior portion having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper and lower portions capable of relative movement concentric to the upper and lower components about the first point. In another form, a method includes: determining a motion profile of a vertebral motion segment; determining a point of rotation based upon the motion profile; and manufacturing a spinal stabilization system having an anterior portion and a posterior portion, the anterior and posterior portions each having a center of rotation located at the point of rotation.
US08075587B2

An apparatus for sealing a passage through tissue communicating with a blood vessel includes a bioabsorbable plug member coupled to the distal end of a carrier member. The plug member includes a lumen extending therethrough that communicates with a lumen extending through the carrier member. A sealing member is disposed in the plug member lumen for sealing the lumen. A guide member is slidable into the lumen such that edges of a groove extending between proximal and distal portions of the guide member engage a wall of the lumen to define a bleed back lumen. The guide member is inserted into the passage until the distal portion enters the vessel. The plug member is advanced over the guide member until the plug member enters the vessel, whereupon blood enters the bleed back lumen to identify the location of the vessel relative to the plug member.
US08075586B2

An embolic protection device for use in medical, veterinary, non-medical or industrial applications where removal of an obstruction from a small diameter vessel or vessel-like structure could produce particles, which, if allowed to remain in the vessel, could cause undesirable complications and results. One embodiment comprises a catheter for insertion into a vessel and a trap operably connected to the catheter and to a rotatable member. Rotating the rotatable member relative to the catheter actuates the trap. One embodiment comprises a rotatable member that actuates a flexible strut between an arcuately expanded position and a helically twisted position, and a membrane operably connected to the flexible strut.
US08075582B2

The invention relates to an expandable intra-gastric balloon (1) for treating obesity, the balloon being for implanting in the stomach in order to reduce its volume, said balloon (1) comprising a first flexible pouch (2) provided with first connection means (3) for receiving a connection member (6) that is for connection to a first fluid source in order to expand said first pouch (2) in the stomach by filling it with fluid, the balloon being characterized in that it includes at least one second flexible pouch (20) provided with second connection means (3′), said second connection means (3′) being separate from the first connection means (3) in such a manner as to be capable of being connected to a second fluid source different from the first fluid source. The invention applies to treating obesity.
US08075578B2

An apparatus is described for making a circular incision in a surface. The apparatus includes a handle and an elongated blade assembly extending from the handle. The blade assembly includes a rotor. The rotor includes a bar having an elongated axis, with at least one blade extending from the bar. The rotor is adapted to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the blade, the blade being substantially perpendicular to the elongated axis of the bar. The blade assembly is adapted to extend the blade for making the circular incision and to retract the blade. In the retracted state, the bar is aligned with the blade assembly, preventing direct contact between the blade and the surface.
US08075569B2

An improved system for mammography analysis and methods of using the same. In one aspect, the present invention provides a biopsy instrument having a side opening that generally coexists or is aligned with a central portion of a cyst, tissue or otherwise for deploying a marking device to the central region of the same. In another aspect, the present invention provides an encasement, adapted to receive a marking clip, for deployment into a tissue region for marking and/or treatment of the same.
US08075562B2

Controlled release of biopharmaceutical growth factors from a hydroxyapatite coating on a bioresorbable interference screw used in cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery on a human. Biologically active scaffolds, such as interference bone screws used for ligament fixation, made by growing calcium phosphate-based hydroxyapatite coatings on bioresorbable poly(α-hydroxy ester) scaffolds that provide controlled mineral dissolution and controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein-2. The biologically active scaffold provides improved bioavailability of BMP-2 growth factor that in turn provides enhanced graft-bone healing in the tibial bone tunnel. The coating method uses surface hydrolysis and modified simulated body fluid incubation which does not require solvent or heat and is conducted at room temperature.
US08075559B2

Surgical treatment of tissue includes electro cauterization of blood vessels interposed between spaced sets of electrodes of opposite polarity, and includes transection of such tissue by a cutter that is mounted between the spaced sets of electrodes for translational and lateral movement relative to the sets of electrodes. Orientations of the sets of electrodes within a range of angles about an elongated axis of a supporting body are controlled by manual movement of an actuator mounted near a proximal end of the body for movement through a smaller range of angles via linkage connecting the actuator to the electrodes. Tissue dissection with gas insufflation to form an anatomical space in tissue is facilitated by a fluid outlet port located near the tissue-dissecting tip at the distal end of the elongated body that delivers through the tissue-dissecting tip to the dissected tissue a fluid under pressure that is supplied along a lumen within the elongated body.
US08075555B2

Various embodiments provide compositions that exhibit positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) properties for use in thermal interactions with tissue—including thermal sensing and I2R current-limiting interactions. Embodiments also provide tissue-engaging surfaces having PTCR materials that provide very fast switching times between low resistance and high, current-limiting resistance. One embodiment provides a matrix for an electrosurgical energy delivery surface comprising a PTCR material and a heat exchange material disposed within an interior of the matrix. The PTCR material has a substantially conductive state and a substantially non-conductive state. The heat exchange material has a structure configured to have an omni-directional thermal diffusivity for exchanging heat with the PTCR material to cause rapid switching of the PTCR material between the conductive state and non-conductive state. Preferably, the structure comprises a graphite foam having an open cell configuration. The matrix can be carried by tissue contacting surfaces of various electrosurgical devices.
US08075552B2

A system and method for preparation of donor corneal tissue is disclosed. The system includes two surgical lasers. The first surgical laser is adapted to incise a recipient cornea to enable resection of recipient corneal tissue. The second surgical laser is adapted to incise a donor cornea to enable resection of donor corneal tissue. Both surgical lasers are adapted to make corneal incisions which are defined by incision parameters. Further, both surgical lasers are calibrated to make substantially precise corneal incisions when provided with identical incision parameters.
US08075550B2

The present invention relates to a piercing member protection device (9) which comprises a first, a second and a third cylindrical member (100, 200, 300). The first cylindrical member (100) is at least partly encompassed by the second cylindrical member (200), and the second cylindrical member (200) is at least partly encompassed by the third cylindrical member (300). The third cylindrical member (300) comprises a piercing member (400) having a piercing tip (401). A first locking arrangement (250) is arranged to enable or prevent the turning of the first and third cylindrical member, with respect to the second cylindrical member, while a second locking arrangement (350) is arranged to enable or prevent movement of the piercing member (400) along the longitudinal center axis A, so as to expose the piercing tip (401) of the piercing member (400). The piercing member protection device (9) provides a safe device which reduces the risk of accidental exposure of the piercing tip (401) and contamination for a user.
US08075549B2

The present invention relates to a surgical catheter, and more particularly, a balloon catheter having an auxiliary lumen configured to permit the advancement of a functional measurement wire to a treatment site. The auxiliary lumen communicates with a working lumen that is configured to permit the advancement of a guidewire and the functional measurement wire, so that the guidewire and functional measurement wire may selectively be advanced to the treatment site during a surgical procedure.
US08075540B2

A bowel management system includes a rectal catheter; and at least one physiologic sensor. The rectal catheter has a portion in contact with a patient's body internally thereof during use of the system, to thereby determine a preselected physiologic parameter of a patient having the rectal catheter inserted into the patient's bowel. The position of the sensor relative to the rectal catheter portion is such that the sensor is disposed in close proximity to the internal tissue of the patient, or within the fecal flow, when the bowel management system is place for use within the patient.
US08075536B2

An implantable port for accessing internal body structures, the port comprises a proximal housing including an opening providing access to an interior of the port and a distal housing adapted for assembly with the proximal housing, the distal housing including a reservoir which, when the distal housing is mated with the proximal housing is in fluid communication with the opening of the proximal housing in combination with a radiopaque element in one of the proximal and distal housings, a shape of the radiopaque element identifying, when imaged, a structural characteristic of the port not otherwise identifiable visually.
US08075533B2

A two-chambered, sequentially injectable syringe is disclosed. The syringe has two concentric barrels, substantially cylindrical in shape. The outer barrel has an open end adapted for receiving an inner barrel/first piston. The inner barrel/first piston contains a flushing liquid. The syringe has a second piston slidably movable in the inner barrel and a latching mechanism that can alternate between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the latching mechanism prevents the second piston from substantially all longitudinal movement relative to the inner barrel. In the unlocked configuration, the latching mechanism permits longitudinal motion of the second piston within the inner barrel.
US08075527B2

A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system.
US08075523B2

Various embodiments of syringe assemblies include a syringe barrel and a substantially conical tip or outlet disposed on the distal end of the barrel. The substantially conical tip includes a locking mechanism that engages an extension of a plunger assembly extending from a distal end of the plunger assembly so as to retain the extension within the substantially conical tip or outlet upon full injection of the contents of the syringe to a patient. According to one embodiment, a plunger head of the plunger assembly is slidably disposed on the extension. According to another embodiment, a separate hub, which holds a needle cannula, is disposed on an outlet at the distal end of the syringe barrel, which contains the locking mechanism. According to a further embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking clip disposed within the substantially conical tip of the syringe assembly.
US08075516B2

A portable breast pump has a suction unit and a collecting unit which is connected to this suction unit via a flexible suction line. The collecting unit comprises a breast shield, a milk-receiving container and a coupling element which connects the breast shield to the milk-receiving container. The suction unit has a housing with an operating means for operating the pump and a fastening means for fastening the housing on a carrying means, which can be fastened on the mother's body. This breast pump is easy to operate, allows the milk to be expressed even in confined areas with no set-down surfaces and, in addition, does not hinder the mother's mobility.
US08075507B2

A sock suitable for wearing on a limb of a patient, the sock comprising material having the ability to wick moisture away from the skin surface and the sock comprising padding located in those areas of the sock which in use will cover the ankle and shin of the patient.
US08075505B2

A therapeutic system for massage comprises a massage device having an activation cell comprising a hollow pocket at least partially filled with a ferro-magnetic fluid, a permanent magnet suspended in the ferro-magnetic fluid, a coil of electrically-conductive material in proximity to the pocket, and a connection interface to connect the coil to a source of varying voltage and current, and a power source of varying voltage for connecting to the connection interface to drive the activation cell.
US08075502B2

A system for visually indicating, in real time or post hoc, values of a physical property detected over a period of time along a dimension of an organism to a user on a temporal plot and a profile plot, either individually or concurrently. The detected values may be visually indicated on the temporal plot using any of a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, a contour technique, a line trace technique or a mesh plot technique. Further, the detected values may be visually indicated on the profile plot using any of a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to a contour technique, a line trace technique or a histogram technique. To provide a finer spatial resolution, values may be interpolated for locations between the locations at which values were detected, and these values may be displayed on the temporal plot and the profile plot.
US08075497B2

A coupling wire guide structured to be slidably coupled to a previously introduced wire guide during intracorporeal procedures. The coupling wire guide includes a main body and a tip portion, the tip portion having first, second and third sections. The first section is connected to the main body, while the second section interconnects the first and third sections. The third section defines an axial passageway having a distal opening and a proximal opening. The axial passageway is sized to receive the previously introduced wire guide therein. The second section includes a strip sized to leave an open area in communication with the proximal opening.
US08075492B2

Disclosed is an automatic decompression valve for sphygmomanometer with an extension spring, which can decompress pressure at a constant without control of the decompression vale of the sphygmomanometer, and be used uprightly regardless of a peripheral circumstance. The automatic decompression valve includes: a valve body having an inlet through which air is introduced from a cuff therein, and an outlet through which the introduced air is exhausted; a piston having a piston shaft for moving toward the outlet in the valve body; a spring having one end connected to the piston; a three-way valve provided with a connector with which the valve body is assembled, and air inlet and outlet, the three-way valve being connected to the other end of the spring; and a support for supporting the three-way valve.
US08075482B2

A laparoscopic surgical access device comprises a first frame and a second frame having relative axial positions. A flexible and resilient iris valve is connected to the first and second frames and has a closed position and an opened position based on the relative angular position of the first and second frames. A lock is connected to the first and second frames, the lock being selectively operative to prevent relative rotational movement in a first rotational direction. One embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a control ring. Another embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a button. Yet another embodiment uses a wedge track and ball mechanism.
US08075477B2

An electric connector for an endoscope, an endoscope, and a method for assembling an electric connector which make it possible to simplify work operations such as operation checks and repairs of the endoscope, as well as to reduce the time for the work operations. An endoscope having an insertion portion, an operation portion provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion, and a connection cable connected to the operation portion and having an electric connector at a proximal end thereof. The endoscope has a cable wire which is inserted through the endoscope and extends from the electric connector toward a distal end and a connector to which an end portion of the cable wire is releasably connected.
US08075458B2

Weight plate locking and lifting systems by which one or more weight plates are detachably connected to a lifting handle bar to enable the weight plates to be removed from or returned to a nearby storage rack without having to lift, transport and handle the weight plates. Each weight plate includes a toggle lever switch arm that is coupled to a locking pin. Each weight plate also includes a radially-extending locking cavity within which to removably receive the lifting handle bar. When the toggle lever switch arm is moved to a locked position, the locking pin slides in a first direction through the weight plate and into engagement with the lifting handle bar within the locking cavity. When the toggle lever switch arm is moved to an unlocked position, the locking pin slides in an opposite direction out of engagement with the lifting handle bar.
US08075452B2

A composite diving board comprising a composite laminate of fibers in a matrix.
US08075450B2

Method for monitoring a body portion of a user during the use of a gymnastic machine provided with a video monitoring apparatus; this method comprising a phase of defining the body portion to be monitored, followed by a phase of visually and continuously monitoring this body portion through the video monitoring apparatus; this last phase comprising a sub-phase of synchronizing the trend over time of the value of at least one operating parameter of the video monitoring apparatus with a motion of the body portion described on the basis of given kinematic information acquired by a control unit of the gymnastic machine.
US08075443B2

The present epicyclic gear includes a carrier (12), a generally central sun gear (11), an outer annular gear (13) and an intermediary helical planet gear (14) which is mounted on the carrier (12) by a flexible pin assembly (15). The gear further includes a reaction member in the form of a rolling ring (22) at each axial end of the helical planet gear (14) to provide a respective radially inward reaction load onto the planet gear (14) in a sense that the reaction members (22) together resist a twisting moment on the planet gear (14) arising from the tooth loads on that gear.
US08075442B2

Various power transmission and generation systems and assemblies are provided for a wind turbine. In one embodiment, a power generation system is provided including a transmission having an input axially aligned with an output, the input configured to receive rotary motion generated by a wind driven rotor head, the input located downwind of the output, an electromagnetic apparatus having an input configured to be coupled to the transmission output, and a bearing configured to radially support both the transmission output and the electromagnetic apparatus input. In this way, a common bearing may support both the transmission and electromagnetic apparatus, allowing for a more compact and efficient design while retaining service and repair capabilities.
US08075439B2

An automatic opening-closing device, especially for a cover or seat of a toilet, has a motor having a motor shaft, a speed reducer connected to the motor shaft, a planetary gearbox driven by the speed reducer, an output axle for driving the cover between an open position and a closed position. A protection device limits the torque between the output axle and an output shaft of the planetary gearbox.
US08075437B2

A multi-speed countershaft transmission for a vehicle is provided. The transmission includes a main shaft and countershaft gears that receive input directly from an input member. A plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms may be selectively applied to synchronize a range gear to a countershaft. The countershaft transfers torque to an output gear set, which may transfer torque to a planetary gear set. The available range gears include a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. One or more power take-off sections may also be provided.
US08075429B2

A stringing machine includes a base and an adjustable stringing platform coupled to the base. The stringing platform includes a turntable rotatable about a first axis, and a first releasable resistance assembly coupled to the turntable. The first releasable resistance assembly is selectable between an engaged operating mode in which the releasable resistance assembly resists rotation of the turntable about the first axis, and a disengaged operating mode in which the releasable resistance assembly does not resist rotation of the turntable about the first axis. The releasable resistance assembly includes a magnetorheological fluid for resisting rotation of the turntable about the first axis when in the engaged operating mode.
US08075427B2

The present invention is directed to a volleyball instructional apparatus and methods of using such apparatus, more particularly to a volleyball instructional apparatus that provides assistance with training a user how to establish proper hand, forearm, and/or body positioning when bumping or striking a volleyball during different volleyball motions. The instructional apparatus comprises a first hand member, a second hand member and an element for maintaining said first and second hand members.
US08075418B2

An energy absorbing apparatus for sport's equipment which comprises a helix that is capable of securing sports equipment along its length and reducing the shock and vibration transferred from the striking object to the person.
US08075413B2

A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.
US08075404B2

A method of enabling the playing of a game is described in which an electronic message requesting assistance is sent during a game being played by a gamer. Assistance is provided for a portion of the game in the form of an additional character in the game.
US08075395B2

Systems and methods provide a mechanism for a wagering game machine to access game components on an image file system contained in a disk image file that resides on a second file system. The gaming components may include banner content, advertising content, denomination data, pay table, language data, video content, audio content, episodic game data, wagering game software, operating system software, device driver software and device firmware.
US08075393B2

In at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus may include a housing defining a display area on which at least one indicium representing at least one prize is displayed. The gaming device also may include a plurality of display characters. At least one of the display characters is configured to move and indicate at least one indicium. The gaming apparatus further includes a controller in communication with at least one of the plurality of display characters and configured to direct the movement of the display character. The controller is also configured to generate a random number and generate a game outcome based on the random number. The controller is configured to move at least one display character to indicate at least one indicium that corresponds to the game outcome.
US08075384B2

A wagering gaming device that enables a player to affect the movement of a functional element of a game by use of a user input device. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled wagering gaming device that receives input from a user input device. The user manipulates the input device in the manner in which he wishes the functional element or to move. The processor receives the information from the input device and calculates parameters. The processor moves the functional element. This sequence or feature may be employed in a primary game, bonus game or in any stand alone game.
US08075377B2

The invention provides an improved threshing and separating mechanism and method for a combine. The mechanism includes an elongated rotor mounted for rotation about a rotor axis within a rotor housing on the combine. The rotor has a threshing portion and a separating portion. The housing has a threshing section and a separating section corresponding to the threshing portion and the separating portion. The housing surrounds the rotor and is spaced from the rotor to form an annular space between the rotor and the housing for crop material to flow through in an axial crop flow direction from an inlet end of the housing to an outlet end of the housing. A rear portion of the rotor is tapered in a rearward direction to create an increased volume at the outlet of the rotor housing to prevent stagnation of flow of straw material in the transition of velocity between the housing outlet and the straw beater.
US08075375B2

A method and apparatus for balancing an HVAC system. The method involves using a plate which is circular in shape and has four inner cut-out portions which are capable of being manually removed by an operating engineer. To reduce flow to a minimum, all four rings are left on the plate. To allow a progressively greater amount of air flow, more rings are removed from the circular plate. Such enables the equalization of the various rooms in an HVAC system without the addition of costly upstream dampers. The circular plate is attached to a duct via four small protruding ear elements.
US08075374B2

A belt sander is disclosed that may include a sanding assembly having a first roller and a second roller, the sanding assembly being configured to receive a sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller to define a sanding surface therebetween. The belt sander may include a motor operationally coupled to the sanding assembly and opposite the sanding surface, the motor being configured to rotate at least the first roller and thereby rotate the sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller, as well as a handgrip formed around at least a portion of the motor and substantially encasing the motor.
US08075373B2

A roll grinding apparatus includes a clamping device, a grinding wheel, a first driver, and a second driver. The clamping device includes a base, a support connected with the base and being movable relative to the base, a first clamping member and a second clamping member coupled to the first clamping member. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are rotatably mounted on the support for cooperating to clamp the workpiece. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are movable relative to the grinding wheel by movement of the support relative to the base so that the rotary axes of the first and second clamping members are adjusted to be parallel to a central axis of the grinding wheel. The first driver is connected with the first clamping member. The second driver is connected with the second clamping member.
US08075363B2

A device for soap bubble blowing has a tube through which a bubble is blown and which is provided with protrusions and recesses, and a ledge of a special shape on its walls, wherein the tube can be fitted in a lid which is joined with a container intended to keep a film-generating composition, and a composition for soap bubble blowing includes surface active agents, high-molecular substances, water, and high-boiling polar water-soluble solids, said surface active agents being selected of the group consisting of anion-active and non-nonionic agents, said anion-active surface active agents having a content of 1-5 by weight, said non nonionic surface active agents having a content of 0.1-1 weight percent by weight, wherein a ratio of said non ionic and ion-active surface active agents is 1:3-1:30.
US08075356B2

A marine vessel propulsion device includes an engine arranged to generate a driving force by combustion of a fuel by an ignition unit, a thrust generating unit arranged to be driven by the driving force of the engine to generate thrust underwater, a shift mechanism unit arranged to switch between a transmitting state of transmitting the driving force of the engine to the thrust generating unit and a cut-off state of cutting off the driving force of the engine from the thrust generating unit, a shift drive unit arranged to drive the shift mechanism unit, and a control unit arranged to electrically control the shift drive unit based on a position of a shift operational unit that is arranged to be operated by a user to perform a shifting operation to a first shift position corresponding to the transmitting state, and a second shift position corresponding to the cut-off state. When changing from the first shift position to the second shift position, the control unit temporarily lowers an engine speed by starting misfire control of the ignition unit. After the start of the misfire control, the control unit controls the shift drive unit such that the shift mechanism unit starts the switching from the transmitting state to the cut-off state after a delay time period corresponding to a time from the start of misfire control to a point in time when the ignition unit actually starts to misfire.
US08075349B2

A circuit board connector includes a main body, first pins, and second pins. The main body is configured to be electrical connection to a circuit board and defines securing holes. Each first pin is straight. Each second pin is bent. The first pins and the second pins are secured in the securing holes.
US08075344B2

A patch panel system includes a patch panel frame having an opening formed therein for receiving a multi-port module. The opening is dimensioned to have a width of at least twice the width of the module. The module or patch panel frame includes at least one movable member, such as a resilient tab, which is used to removably attach the module within the opening in one of two orientations. In a first orientation, the ports of the module face a user, such that the ports can be easily populated. In a second orientation, the module is rotated one hundred eighty degrees about a vertical axis prior to being attached within the opening, such that the backs of the ports face the user to help facilitate population of connections to the backs of the ports.
US08075336B2

A bridge element (5) having at least two bridge prongs (4), which are intended to be inserted into the respective bridge shafts (2) and to make electrically conductive contact with a contact point (3), which is arranged in the bridge shaft (2), of one or more clamping elements (1A-1G), and having a bridge section (10) which is electrically conductively connected to the bridge prongs (4) is described. The bridge prongs (4) and the bridge section (10) are electrically conductive and extend parallel to one another in a common insertion direction (Z). At least the external b ridge prongs (4) each have a profile which is of L-shaped cross section and has an outer contact section (9) which extends flat in the direction (Z) of extent and in the bridging direction (Y) which faces the adjacent bridge prongs (4), and an inner contact section (6) which starts from the outer contact section (9) transverse to the bridging direction (Y). The inner contact sections (6) of the two external bridge prongs (4) are at a smaller distance from one another than the distance between the free ends of the outer contact sections (9) of the two external bridge prongs (4).
US08075335B2

A method and apparatus for producing a USB cable capable of being fed out of and returned to a cable reel is disclosed along with a cable reel that houses the cable and provides connectivity for the cable.
US08075334B2

An electronic module is designed to be slotted into an aircraft instrument panel. The module has: a rear face and a front face that are substantially flat and parallel. Means are provided for attaching the module to the instrument panel. The attachments are situated on the front face of the module. At least one connector-module is attached on the rear face of the electronic module and can be plugged into a socket mounted on the panel as the electronic module is guided into position on the panel. The direction of plugging in the connector-module situated on the rear face is substantially in the plane of the rear face. The support comprises guidance and rotation means making it possible to guide, plug in and insert the module into the instrument panel.
US08075333B2

A plug having a guide, which has a first guiding section and a second guiding section for guiding the plug into a corresponding plug receptacle. The second guiding section is disposed at a greater distance from the plug face than the first guiding section. The first guiding section and the second guiding section have contours in their respective cross-sections that are different from one another.
US08075332B2

A releasably engaging high definition multimedia plug comprises a plug body and an actuator operable with the plug body to move a locking tab of the plug and facilitate releasable engagement of the plug with a standard high definition multimedia receptacle.
US08075326B2

A socket for a circuit board, comprising: a base having an opening area for introducing an electrical conductor of the circuit board, a contact element for electrically contacting a conductor of the circuit board, and an electrical output electrically connected to the contact element, wherein the contact element comprises a returning connecting contact spring disposed in an introduction area, wherein said spring can be actuated returnably by applying a force along a force direction, such that the electrical conductor can be disposed between a connecting contact area and the connecting contact spring, and wherein each contact element is configured such that the electrical conductor can be brought into contact with the contact element by any desired contact configurations or combinations of contact configurations.
US08075324B2

A connector assembly includes a receptacle connector and a plug connector matable with the receptacle connector along a mating direction. The plug connector includes a lock activation portion movable between a lock position and an unlock position along an activation direction under a mating state. The receptacle connector includes a detection switch and a deformable lock operation member pivotably mounted to the plug connector that ensures movement of the lock activation portion in a separation direction when the lock activation portion is located at the unlock position under the mating state. The lock operation member has lock member ends that are received by holes of a receptacle shell to retain the plug connector and receptacle connector in the locked position and to effect closure of the detection switch. The detection switch is pressed by the lock activation portion to detect the lock activation portion is located at the lock position.
US08075321B1

A connector and cable assembly is provided for mounting on a printed circuit board. The assembly includes a ribbon cable having an end that includes an electrical conductor. The assembly also includes an electrical connector that includes a dielectric body comprising a circuit side, a cable side that is opposite the circuit side, and a contact opening that extends through the body. The electrical connector also includes an electrical contact having a cable segment and a tail extending from the cable segment. The electrical contact is held within the contact opening such that at least a portion of the cable segment extends along the cable side of the body and at least a portion of the tail projects from the circuit side of the body. The cable segment is electrically connected to the electrical conductor of the ribbon cable. The tail is configured to be separably mated with the printed circuit board.
US08075307B2

Methods and systems for temporarily coating intra-oral devices (e.g., orthodontic brackets and/or wires) so as to reduce discomfort to soft tissues within a patient's mouth. One embodiment of such a system includes at least one orthodontic bracket or orthodontic arch wire and a two-part polymerizable temporary coating composition for use in coating selected surfaces of the brackets and/or wires. One silicone polymerizable two-part composition includes a vinyl siloxane component, a cross-linking component, and a catalyst activator initially divided between the two parts so that at least one of the components is kept separate from at least one other component (i.e., all three components are not initially commingled). Upon mixing of the first and second parts, the composition begins to polymerize.
US08075291B2

Provided is a scroll compressor having an improved function of oil circulation and back pressure control. The scroll compressor includes: a housing; a drive part for generating a rotational force; a drive shaft driven by the drive part; and a scroll compression part including a stationary scroll fixed regardless of rotation of the drive shaft and having a scroll wrap for compressing sucked fluid and a discharge port for supplying coolant into a discharge chamber, and an orbiting scroll orbited depending on rotation of the drive shaft and having a scroll wrap, characterized in that the coolant compressed by the scroll compression part is conveyed to the discharge chamber, the coolant of the discharge chamber is separated into oil and gas in an oil separator, the gas being discharged through a discharge hole and the oil being supplied into a back pressure chamber through a return path formed in the stationary scroll, and the oil is returned into a suction chamber through a back pressure adjustment valve.
US08075290B2

Compressor has a fixed scroll and a scroll movable in an orbit relative to the fixed scroll. The fixed and movable scrolls are equipped with a spiral wrap that engage each other and delimit variable-volume compression chambers. The spiral wrap of the movable scroll has a stepped portion extending over at least a portion of its length. At least one of the scrolls defines a passage for communication, during orbital movement of the movable scroll, between two compression chambers, with the ends of the passage terminating respectively on either side of the outer and inner walls of the spiral wrap of the scroll with the passage or inside the outer and inner walls of the spiral wrap of the scroll with the passage. The passage has a check valve for allowing fluid to flow only from the outer wall of the spiral wrap of the scroll with the passage to the inner wall.
US08075289B2

A scroll-type fluid machine has a fixed scroll (40) fixed in a housing (10), a movable scroll (52) that forms pressure chambers (52) in between the movable scroll (50) and the fixed scroll (40) and is orbitable relative to the fixed scroll (40), a support wall (14) that is provided for the housing (10) and supports thrust load transmitted from the movable scroll (50), and a thrust bearing (74) disposed in between the movable scroll (50) and the support wall (14). The thrust bearing (74) includes a retention hole (76) formed in the support wall (14), a pressure-receiving piece (78) retained in a recess (76), and an abrasion-resistant board (80) that is set in between the movable scroll (50) and the pressure-receiving piece (50) and has a sliding surface that comes into sliding contact with the pressure-receiving piece (78).
US08075281B2

A pressure transfer device for the transfer of pressure energy from a high pressure fluid stream to a lower pressure fluid stream wherein a generally cylindrical housing (61) contains a rotor (63) having a plurality of channels (65) extending axially therethrough that revolves about a central stator (67) or within a surrounding sleeve (73) and a pair of end covers (69, 71) which slidingly and sealingly interface with respective planar end faces (68) of the rotor. The end covers (69, 71) and the accompanying components of the device are constructed so as to allow the channels to be at least twice filled with a high pressure first liquid during each revolution of the rotor and thus discharge twice the volume of a pressurized second liquid than if they were filled only one with high pressure liquid.
US08075278B2

The torsional rigidity of a wind turbine blade affects the twist response of the blade induced by bending moments within the blade. By including regions having a lower modulus of rigidity than the remainder of the blade shell, the torsional rigidity of the blade shell can be decreased, and the twist response thereby increased. In blades having a single shear web, this twist response may be more pronounced. The regions of low modulus may comprise additional shell panels, or thick regions of low modulus joining material.
US08075271B2

Proposed is a hydraulically controlled variable pitch propeller system for air, land or water craft, comprising an engine, an engine controller, a rotating propeller featuring at least two propeller blades (16), for the pitch control of which a propeller governor (30) is provided connecting the propeller (10) via at least one hydraulic line and comprising a governor body (32) housing a control spool (46) the position of which is determined by the cooperation of flyweights (40) rotating by means of the engine and a variably biased governor spring (48) supported by the control spool (46). In accordance with the invention, the propeller governor (30) comprises an electric motor (58) which sets the preload of the governor spring (48) for the desired rpm and is electrically connected to the engine controller.
US08075265B2

A guide device for a turbomachine, particularly a steam turbine, with a guide vane ring and a plurality of guide vanes which are fastened to the guide vane ring so as to be distributed along the circumference of the guide vane ring. The guide vane ring has a groove, and the guide vanes also have grooves which are aligned with the groove of the guide vane ring in the assembled state. The guide vanes are fixed in their radial position at the guide vane ring by means of a retaining ring which engages in the groove of the guide vane ring and in the grooves of the guide vanes.
US08075261B2

A compressor case support arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a fan section having a central axis and a compressor case for housing a compressor. An inlet case guides air to the compressor. The compressor case is positioned axially further from the fan section than the inlet case. A support member extends between the fan section and the compressor case. The support member restricts movement of the compressor case relative to the inlet case. The support member is positioned axially further from the fan section than the plumbing access area.
US08075257B2

A fan assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The fan assembly includes a housing, a fan, a throttle valve, and a regulator. The housing has an outlet. The fan is disposed in the housing and adapted to provide an air current. The air current generates an air volume through the outlet. The throttle valve is movably disposed in the housing at the outlet. The regulator is connected to the throttle valve to control the movement of the throttle valve to adjust the size of the outlet.
US08075256B2

A seal assembly limits gas leakage from a hot gas path to one or more disc cavities in a gas turbine engine. The seal assembly includes a seal apparatus associated with a blade structure including a row of airfoils. The seal apparatus includes an annular inner shroud associated with adjacent stationary components, a wing member, and a first wing flange. The wing member extends axially from the blade structure toward the annular inner shroud. The first wing flange extends radially outwardly from the wing member toward the annular inner shroud. A plurality of regions including one or more recirculation zones are defined between the blade structure and the annular inner shroud that recirculate working gas therein back toward the hot gas path.
US08075254B2

A rotor arrangement has a rotor-section and a circumferential moveable seal around the rotor-section. The arrangement being such that, for a given rotation rate, the rotor-section is subject to an associated radial growth and a corresponding related axial displacement, relative to the seal. The rotor-section is provided with an axially-varying profile for off-setting said radial growth of the rotor-section, adjacent the circumferential seal, at said given rotation rate.
US08075245B2

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide an exemplary method for operating a compressor system, wherein the method may include cooling a process gas containing water vapor to a first temperature. The water vapor may form a condensate at the first temperature, and cooling the process gas may produce residual heat. At least a portion of the condensate is removed from the process gas, wherein any portion of the condensate that is not removed is a remaining condensate. The remaining condensate may be heated to a second temperature with the residual heat, wherein the remaining condensate in the process gas evaporates at the second temperature.
US08075243B2

A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A first guidance system is used to travel near the transport and a second guidance system is used to travel on the transport.
US08075226B2

A deployment and retrieval apparatus for ocean bottom seismic receivers, the apparatus being a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) having a carrier attached thereto and carrying a plurality of receivers. The carrier includes a frame in which is mounted a structure for seating and releasing the receivers. The structure may include a movable conveyor or fixed parallel rails or a barrel. The structure includes a discharge port on the frame and a discharge mechanism for removing and retrieving the receivers. A method for deployment and retrieval of ocean bottom seismic receivers includes the steps of loading a carrier with a plurality of receivers, attaching the carrier to an ROV, utilizing the ROV to transport the carrier from a surface vessel to a position adjacent the seabed and thereafter utilizing the ROV to remove receivers from the carrier and place the receivers on the seabed.
US08075222B2

A concrete finishing apparatus for smoothing and leveling partially set-up concrete at a support surface includes a frame portion, a first concrete working member and a second concrete working member disposed at the frame portion. The first concrete working member is rotatable about a first axis of rotation that is generally vertical when the first concrete working member is supported at a generally horizontal support surface. The second concrete working member is rotatable about a second axis of rotation that is generally vertical when the second concrete working member is supported at a generally horizontal support surface. The first and second concrete working members engage the partially set-up concrete surface at the support surface and rotate about the first and second axes of rotation to process the concrete surface.
US08075219B2

An improved grate 601 is made from a plurality of elongate grate pieces 602, each grate piece 602 having a body 603 with a first end 604 and a second end 605. Each grate piece 602 has the first end 604 angled with respect to the body 603 and the second end 605 angled with respect to the body 603. When the first end 604 of a grate piece 602a is welded to the first end of an adjacent grate piece 602b, and the second end 605 of the grate piece 602a is welded to the second end of the adjacent grate piece 602b so as to form the grate 601, a gap is formed between the respective bodies of the grate pieces 602 to permit the drainage of liquid between the grate pieces. By varying the angles at which the grate pieces 602 are welded together sections of grate with both horizontal and vertical curvature can be formed.
US08075217B2

In at least one embodiment, an apparatus (1) that comprises a compression sleeve element (2) established at least partially around portions of a first elongated member (6) that telescopes from a larger elongated member (8) in which it may nest. A relative motion obstruction element (4) may disallow only certain types of motion, e.g., rotational and axial, of the compression sleeve element relative to the elongated members around which it may be at least partially established. As it may be the compression enhancement element (3) —which may be used to generate a retaining compression force element—that prevents perpendicular displacement of the compression sleeve element, deactivation and effective disengagement of the compression enhancement element may allow for a quick removal of the compression sleeve element without requiring that it be slid off an end of either elongated member.
US08075214B2

Liquids in general, and paint in particular, can be evenly distributed by a paint transfer drum having a friction-creating surface that is placed in contact with a friction-receiving surface of an endless belt that is driven (by the drum as it rotates) into and out of a container for the liquid. A scraper removes a portion of the lifted liquid from the endless belt. The scraped liquid falls upon a liquid distribution device that serves to evenly distribute said liquid laterally so that it will be evenly applied along the exterior surface of the paint transfer drum.
US08075211B2

A printing system includes a printing unit that, after printing information across plural pages, prints print result relevant information about printing of the plural pages on continuous forms paper following the plural pages; a holder unit that receives and holds the continuous forms paper printed by the printing unit in the same order in which the paper has been printed by the printing unit; a paper feeding unit that feeds the printed continuous forms paper which has been held in the holder unit in reverse order to the order in which the paper has been printed by the printing unit; a reading unit that reads the print result relevant information printed on the continuous forms paper fed by the paper feeding unit; and a post-processing unit that post-processes the continuous forms paper fed by the paper feeding unit, based on the print result relevant information read by the reading unit.
US08075202B1

A device for rotatably mounting a camera on a person comprises a female connector and a male connector. The female connector has a U-shaped slot defined by a pocket and a pair of opposed channels which extend from the pocket. The male connector has a wedge shaped base, a plate spaced-apart form the base, and an opening extending through the wedge shaped base and the plate. The plate is slidably received by the U-shaped slot of the female connector and rotatable through 360 degrees within the pocket of the female connector. A threaded member extends through the opening in the male connector. The threaded member is for engaging a threaded tripod receiver of the camera. A strap assembly is connected to the female connector. The strap assembly is for mounting the device to the person. The plate of the male connector has a first rotatable position within the pocket of the female connector in which the male connector is secured to the female connector, and a second rotatable position within the pocket of the female connector in which the male connector is releasable from the female connector.
US08075199B2

Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, a form factor adapter module may include a small form factor (SFF) host connector configured to receive a small form factor pluggable (SFP or SFP+) module and to transmit and receive data according to a Serializer-deserializer Framer Interface (SFI) protocol. The form factor adapter module may also include a 10 Gigabit Ethernet Small Form-Factor Pluggable (XFP) edge finger connector configured to transmit and receive data to and from the SFF host connector according to the SFI protocol and to mate with an XFP edge finger socket.
US08075195B2

The rolling bearing has a first bearing ring, a second bearing ring and a plurality of rolling bodies which are arranged between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring. The rolling bodies are arranged in at least four rows. At least two rows have a first reference diameter and at least two further rows have a second reference diameter which is different from the first reference diameter, and those rows which have the same reference diameter are arranged symmetrically with respect to a predefined plane which is aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the bearing.
US08075193B2

A bearing includes a first bearing portion, a second bearing portion, and a connection portion. The first bearing portion assumes a generally C-like shape and opens in a first direction perpendicular to the rotational center axis. The second bearing portion assumes a generally C-like shape and opens in a second direction opposite the first direction. A gap is formed between the first and second bearing portions along the rotational center axis. The connection portion connects the first and second bearing portions at a position opposite the gap with respect to the rotational center axis.
US08075185B2

A Christmas tree transport system formed of a folding polyethylene plastic sheet tarpaulin apparatus which allows a user to easily enclose and transport a Christmas tree. The apparatus fastens with VELCRO brand hook and loop fasteners, and allows the user to place a natural Christmas tree within the apparatus without spilling the needles. The re-useable apparatus includes attached handles and wheels, allowing a user to quickly and easily enclose and move the Christmas tree. After use, the Christmas tree transport system folds compactly to store in a small space.
US08075170B2

An automobile wheel rim light decoration device includes a light emitting module, an adjustable rod and a pair of sensing elements. The light emitting module includes a retaining base disposed at the wheel rim and a light emitting unit fixed to the retaining base. The adjustable rod includes a fixed rod installed at the retaining base and a movable rod coupled to the fixed rod. The sensing element includes a first sensing elements fixed to an automobile brake component and a second sensing element corresponding to the first sensing element and fixed to the movable rod for detecting signals of the first sensing element. The fixed rod is moved horizontally in a through slot of the retaining base, and the movable rod is moved vertically with respect to the fixed rod, such that relative positions of the first and second sensing elements can be changed to achieve the desired sensitivity.
US08075165B2

A lens assembly includes a total internal reflection lens and a lens holder. The lens includes a body member having an outer surface shaped to provide total internal reflection and an interior open channel extending longitudinally through the body member. The body member has a first end region for accommodating a light source and a second end region that includes a plurality of refractive surface regions positioned around the open channel. The lens holder has a concave interior surface shaped to accommodate the optical body member of the lens and a convex exterior surface. The holder has multiple clips for securing the lens. The holder also has three or more support members extending from the exterior surface toward the first end. The support members are adapted for centering the optical body member with respect to the light source and maintaining the light source in the specified position in relation to the optical body member.
US08075156B2

A multi-function flashlight device in one preferred embodiment comprising a housing assembly having a tubular member for gripping the device in a user's hand, a control housing coupled to the tubular member, and a lamp housing coupled to the control housing and having a light source mounted therein. The light source has an optical axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Batteries are housed in the tubular member. A control panel having a keypad overlay is mounted in the control housing. The keypad overlay includes a plurality of control buttons. A driver board in the control housing receives signals from the control panel and control the operation of the light source. The plurality of control buttons are manipulable by a single digit of the user's hand while gripping the tubular member.
US08075155B2

An electric power tool, which comprises a motor that drives a tool, a power source unit that applies voltage to the motor, a main switching circuit that makes/breaks an electrical connection between the power source unit and the motor, an illuminator that illuminates a work spot, a switching device that electrically connects the illuminator to the power source unit, and an OR circuit that is electrically connected to terminals of the motor to the base terminal is provided. The OR circuit electrically connects one of the motor terminals at which a voltage is higher to the base terminal.
US08075154B2

A headlight having a housing, a light assembly, at least one heat sink, and an air mover. The housing has a front end, a rear end, an air inlet, an air outlet, an intake chamber in fluid communication with the air inlet, an exhaust chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet, and a passageway establishing fluid communication between the intake chamber and the exhaust chamber. The passageway is positioned forward of both the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening. The heat sink is positioned in at least one of the intake chamber and the exhaust chamber. The air mover is supported by the housing in such a way as to move air into the housing through the air inlet, through the intake chamber, over the heat sink, through the exhaust chamber, and out of the housing through the air outlet.
US08075153B2

A combination hearing protector and illumination provider, including a right cup, a left cup, a band, a first light source, and a second light source. The right cup covers the right ear of a user. The left cup covers the left ear of the user. The band connects the right cup to the left cup and is worn over the top of the head of the user. The first light source is operatively connected to one of the right cup and the left cup and faces in a direction that is one of forward of the user and rearward of the user. The second light source is operatively connected to one of the right cup and the left cup and faces in a direction that is the other of forward of the user and rearward of the user. The first light source and the second light source illuminate in opposite directions to each other so as to illuminate forward of the user and rearward of the user.
US08075150B2

A backlight unit illuminating the rear of a transmissive display panel with light includes a light source substrate, a base member, and a heat pipe. The light source substrate has a light source and faces the rear of the display panel. The base member is made of sheet metal, on which the light source substrate is mounted, and fixed to the rear of a chassis of the backlight unit. The heat pipe is attached to the base member and receives heat generated in the light source through the base member. The base member includes a plurality of groove portions extending in a lengthwise direction of the light source substrate formed at predetermined intervals and a plurality of planes on which the light source substrates facing the display panel are formed respectively. The heat pipe is provided in the lengthwise direction of the light source substrate under each of the planes.
US08075145B2

Display screen shades for mobile devices are provided. According to a representative embodiment, a display screen shade includes a bracket assembly configured for attachment to a mobile device. Further, the display screen shade includes a light valve for covering a display screen of the mobile device. The display screen shade also includes a hinge attached to the bracket assembly and the light valve. The hinge is configured to permit movement of the light valve between a first position and second position when the bracket assembly is attached to the mobile device. In the first position, the light valve substantially covers the display screen in the first position. In the second position, the light valve is positioned further from the display screen than in the first position.
US08075143B2

A foreign substance removing apparatus that can provide the desired vibration amplitude to a light transmitting member, without using a large driving voltage. The foreign substance removing apparatus removes foreign substances adhered to a surface of an optical member disposed in a light ray incident path and includes a piezoelectric element fixed to a first plane of the optical member, a circular disk fixed to a second plane, opposite from the first plane, of the optical member so as to face the piezoelectric element, and a driving unit for applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric element to cause the optical member to elastically vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the planes thereof, thereby removing the foreign substances adhered to the surface of the optical member.
US08075140B2

A light engine has a light source front surface that emits non-collimated light. A collection lens collects the non-collimated light and provides incompletely collimated light. A collimating lens receives the incompletely collimated light and provides a collimated image. A non-orthogonal polarizing filter receives the collimated image and passes a polarized portion of the collimated image as a direct component of the polarized light engine image. The non-orthogonal polarizing filter reflects a recycled image back to the front surface. The non-orthogonal shape of the polarizing filter is selected according to the pattern of light on the light source front surface.
US08075139B2

A light surface display for providing a three-dimensional image including a plurality of particles suspended within a volumetric display. A first projection system projects sequential slices of electromagnetic energy of one or more wavelengths along the length and width of the volumetric display energizing particles to form a two-dimensional image. A second projection system projects translational slices of electromagnetic energy of one or more wavelengths that intersect with the energized particles across the depth of the volumetric display. A control system synchronizes the projection of the image source and the activation source such that the two-dimensional image and the translational slices energize the particles for a pre-determined length of time so that the particles illuminate to form an illuminated three-dimensional image.
US08075138B2

Systems and methods for generating a true 3-D display, where each of a viewer's eyes not only sees a different scene, but the scene changes continuously as the viewer moves his/her head or change his/her position from one angular location to another angular location with respect to the display screen. In one embodiment, a system comprises a set of 2-D image projectors and a display screen. The 2-D image projectors are configured to project individual 2-D images substantially in focus on the display screen. The display screen then diffuses (or reflects) each pixel from each of the 2-D images into a small angular slice. This enables the viewer observing the display screen to see a different one of the 2-D images with each eye. Further, the image seen by each eye varies as the viewer moves his or her head with respect to the display screen.
US08075133B2

The invention is a filtering, transparent device for preventing damage to healthy eyes and for the prophylaxis and therapy of pseudophakic eyes and/or eyes with macular and retinal neurodegeneration and is the result of applying a yellow filter to the transparent or translucent surface(s) of the visor of a protective helmet, to protect the eyes from the short wavelengths of the visible spectrum (500 to 380 nm). The invention avoids the difficulties and risks of existing ways of protecting healthy eyes or eyes subjected to cataract surgery, and improve the protection of eyes suffering retinal neurodegeneration, simply by applying a filter to the transparent or translucent surface(s) of the visor of any protective helmet. The invention consists of combining the transparent or translucent surface(s) of the visor of any protective helmet with a yellow filter that absorbs short wavelengths of light from 500 to 380 nm.
US08075121B2

The present disclosure relates to a fast drying solvent-based inkjet ink composition for thermal inkjet printing, the ink composition comprising at least 40 weight percent base solvent, a solvent-compatible colorant, not more than 25 weight percent propellant, a decap controlling additive, and not more than 5 weight percent water. The present disclosure also relates to the method and system for inkjet printing with the above-described ink.
US08075113B2

When a second cylindrical unit 38 of a second connection unit 11 is pushed into a first cylindrical unit 16 of a first connection unit 15, a sliding member 23 moves along an axis member. With the timing, the position of a moving aperture 22 formed on the sliding member 23 moves from the first position not opposite a first aperture 19 and a second aperture 51 to the second position opposite the first aperture 19 and the second aperture 51.
US08075108B2

A fluid ejection device ejecting a fluid, the fluid ejection device includes: a fluid ejection unit, a main chassis case, a fluid-containing pack, and a container case. The fluid ejection unit ejects a fluid onto an ejection target. The main chassis case houses the fluid ejection unit. The fluid-containing pack contains a fluid for ejection. The container case houses the fluid-containing pack. The container case is pivotably attached to the main chassis case and openable by rotation about a rotation shaft.
US08075105B2

Provided is a perovskite-type oxide film having a perovskite-type crystal structure and containing lead as a chief component, which, when subjected to Raman microspectroscopy at a plurality of points on a surface thereof so as to measure Raman spectra upon application of an electric field of 100 kV/cm and upon application of no electric field, has a mean of absolute values of peak shift amounts that is 2.2 cm−1 or less, with the peak shift amounts being found between Raman spectra in a range of 500 to 650 cm−1 measured upon application of an electric field of 100 kV/cm and Raman spectra in the range of 500 to 650 cm−1 measured upon application of no electric field. A production process and an evaluation method for such a film as well as a device using such a film are also provided.
US08075102B2

A substrate for an ink jet head is provided with a plurality of energy generating members generating energy used for discharging an ink, an electrode pad which is arranged near a side of the substrate, and is for electrically connecting to an outside of the substrate, a plurality of electrode wirings for electrically connecting the plurality of energy generating members and the electrode pad, and a plurality of resistance elements which are respectively provided at the plurality of electrode wirings. Resistance values of the plurality of resistance elements differ from one another according to resistance values of the electrode wirings provided with the respective resistance elements.
US08075099B2

An inkjet printer that has a printhead IC an array of nozzles for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto a media substrate and drive circuitry for driving the array of nozzles and, a print engine controller (PEC) for sending print data to the printhead IC. The drive circuitry is configured to extract a clock signal from the data transmission from the PEC.
US08075096B2

An inkjet printhead with first and second nozzle plates. The first nozzle plate is comprised of a first material spanning a plurality of nozzles. The first nozzle plate has a plurality of cavities filled with a filler such that an upper surface of the first nozzle plate and an upper surface of the filler together define a contiguous planar surface. The second nozzle plate is comprised of a second material disposed on the planar surface.
US08075090B2

A method of maintaining an ink ejection face of an inkjet printhead. The method comprises the steps of: (i) flooding the ink ejection face with ink from nozzles in the printhead; and (ii) rotating a roller adjacent the face, such that flooded ink is transferred from the face onto an outer surface of the roller. The outer surface of the roller does not contact the face during rotation of the roller.
US08075086B2

A system and method that enables web paper skew detection by monitoring print head motor position. An inline full width array sensor actively tracks the alignment of the print heads across the print zone and actively moves the heads to maintain alignment. If the paper starts to skew across the print zone, a color misregistration error will be detected and the print units will be moves with respect to each other to maintain alignment. The absolute position of the print heads can be monitored by tracking the steps sent to each motor to maintain alignment.
US08075066B2

In an active brake pads retraction system, the improvement is a metering check valve which limits the retraction. The metering check valve is interfaced with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), disposed in the hydraulic brake line between the brakes apply system of the ABS and a caliper member of the ABS located at each brake corner. Brake pads are retracted with respect to the brake rotor responsive to predetermined conditions of the motor vehicle in which braking is not required, wherein a retraction volume within the metering check valve limits the amount of brake pads retraction.
US08075059B2

A portable seating system includes a foldable seating frame and a flexible seating material that is coupled to the seating frame. The foldable seating frame includes a back assembly having at least one semirigid back slat, and a seat assembly that includes at least one semirigid seat slat. The back assembly is coupled to the seat assembly by a locking hinge assembly, and an adjustable grip assembly is coupled to the seat assembly. The locking hinge assembly allows the seating system to fold into a compact unit so that a user can easily carry the seating system.
US08075055B2

A pew style seating assembly includes a plurality of seat members, each of which is pivotable, independently from all others of the plurality of seat members, between an occupied position and an unoccupied position. Each seat member, when in the occupied position, defines a seating area above a top surface thereof, with the seating areas defined by the plurality of seat members defining a continuous and uninterrupted pew seating area spanning the plurality of seat members. The seating assembly further includes a single, continuous seat back attached to each of the seat support members and spanning the entire pew seating area, such that the plurality of seat members are associated with the single, continuous seat back.
US08075051B2

An active headrest device, for a vehicle, provided with at least a headrest portion (2) supported, through rotation means (3), by at least a support member (4) in order to allow the headrest portion (2) to swing between an extreme front and an extreme back position in respect to the vehicle. The device (1) comprises at least a pushing means (5) associated to at least a first elastic means (6) and which may be blocked or released by at least a swinging blocking arm (7) connected to at least an inertial mass (8); in an active condition (A), the blocking arm (7) blocks the pushing means (5) in a retracted condition allowing the headrest portion (2) to swing between the extreme front and extreme back positions, and in which the first elastic means (6) transmits to the pushing means (5) an elastic force directed in the direction of the extreme front position of the headrest portion (2), the inertial mass (8), in case of a stress bigger than a predefined threshold in a front or back direction, causes the rotation of the blocking arm (7) which releases the pushing means (5) which, as a result of the elastic force of the first elastic means (6), rotates and/or stops the headrest portion (2) in the extreme front position.
US08075050B2

In a sunroof system (3) for a vehicle using a push-pull cable (22) for actuating a sunroof panel (4), the push-pull cable is received in a drive pipe (25), and a sunroof frame (12) is provided with a drive pipe retaining feature (16, 18). Therefore, the drive pipe may be made of flexible material, and firmly held in place by the pipe retaining feature even when the push-pull cable is subjected to significant tensile and compressive load. The pipe retaining feature may include a pipe retaining groove (16) for receiving the drive pipe and clips (18) for resiliently retaining the drive pipes in the pipe retaining groove.
US08075048B2

A bonnet for an automobile, the bonnet having an outer member made from fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) and an inner member made from FRP, joined to the back-surface side of the outer, wherein the inner is separated into two parts in the forward and backward direction of a vehicle body. The bonnet can satisfy impact absorbing performance and predetermined required performance for deformation in a collision accident etc., and can improve easiness of production.
US08075038B2

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 or manipulating 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.
US08075035B1

A cover assembly for a motor vehicle having a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. The cover assembly includes a track formed in each sidewall and a panel. A first leg of each track is arranged substantially orthogonal to a floor of the vehicle and a second leg of each track is positioned above the floor and extends from the first leg. The panel is movably coupled to the tracks.
US08075032B2

A safety sling secures an upper mold section of a tire press. The safety sling includes a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link. The second link is connected to the first link by a first strap section. The third link is connected to the second link by a second strap section. The fourth link is connected to the link ring by a third strap section. The fourth link is also connected to the first link by a fourth strap section to define a quadrilateral configuration. The first link is connected to a link ring by a fifth strap section. The second link is connected to a sixth link by a sixth strap section. The third link is connected to a seventh link by a seventh strap section. The fourth link is connected to an eighth link by an eighth strap section such that the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth links are secured to the tire press for allowing the safety sling to catch the upper mold section in the event the upper mold section becomes otherwise unsecured from the tire press.
US08075018B2

An airbag for restraining an occupant includes a sheet-shaped web having a predetermined shape and a circumferential edge. The web is folded and arranged such that the circumferential edge is overlapped and gathered substantially in one location of the web and joined together so as to form a substantially sealed inner space inside the airbag.
US08075009B2

Bicycle derailleur mounting apparatus for use with a suspension bicycle including a front triangle and a rear triangle coupled to allow limited relative pivotal movement or travel therebetween during operation. The apparatus includes a derailleur link having a derailleur mounted thereon. Mounting structure mounts the derailleur link relative to one of the front triangle and the rear triangle to move independently of the front triangle and the rear triangle during travel. The independent movement is driven as a function of travel position of the front triangle and the rear triangle. The mounting structure is designed to position the derailleur to maintain shifting performance, to maintain chain retention, and to maintain good front derailleur to chainstay clearance, at desired points along the travel.
US08075004B2

A voter cart capable of supporting a voting terminal in a portable, fully usable, and secure configuration. The cart is generally formed with a pair of opposing side rails joined together in a spaced-apart configuration and mounted on casters, and a voting terminal housing interspaced between the side rails. The voting terminal is seated atop a bottom shelf of the voting terminal housing at waist-level for easy wheelchair voter access thereto. The voting terminal is restrained against lateral and vertical motion, and yet there is full access to the voting terminal's control panels, doors, etc. Moreover, the particular design maximizes strength and usability, and yet keeps weight to a minimum with a framework that is as light weight as possible.
US08075000B2

A composite, dynamic seal suitable for use in a high temperature environment and method of making same. The dynamic seal includes a resilient, generally ring-shaped seal body having a first layer formed of a first resilient sealing material and a second layer formed of a second resilient sealing material. The first and second layers are preferably molded and cured together simultaneously and chemically cross-linked to each other. The first resilient sealing material is selected for its wear resistant dynamic properties and the second resilient sealing material is selected for its compression set resistant properties. Preferably, the first resilient sealing material is tetrafluoroethylene and propylene copolymer and the second resilient sealing material is fluorocarbon rubber. The first and second resilient sealing materials have compatible cure systems, preferably peroxide cure systems.
US08074999B2

A dynamic sealing arrangement for preventing leakage of a fluid along a shaft includes multiple seals and pressurized barrier sealant is presented. According to one aspect, at least three seals are arranged along the shaft with pressurized barrier sealant between the first and second seals and a collection area is provided between the second and third seals to collect any leakage that might occur. Collected leakage, if any, is ported to an output port. According to another aspect, a unitary seal block member is provided that supports the dynamic sealing arrangement for the shaft and defines a piston chamber and a drilled passageway connecting the piston chamber and barrier sealant pressurization chamber between two seals. A substantial amount of plumbing is self contained in a single body minimizing the need for additional components or complexity.
US08074998B2

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an annular seal generally includes a hollow member having two ends and an inner surface. The hollow member has a number of depressions formed in and extending around its inner surface. Each of the depressions having a depth that is a function of its distance from one of the two ends.
US08074995B2

The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.
US08074988B2

A puzzle kit for assembly into a three dimensional representation of a geographic region includes first pieces that form a first layer, second pieces that form a second layer on top of the first layer, and structure pieces mounted on the first and/or second layers. The first and second layers can include retaining elements for retaining the structure pieces. The retaining elements can take the form of voids. The first layer can include image elements visible through the voids of the second layer, and the image elements can include indicia to match the voids with the structure pieces. The first pieces can include anchoring pieces that are elevated and interlock with the second layer. The structure pieces can be sequentially assembled on the first and/or second layers according to an index. The assembled puzzle can represent a city, and the structure pieces can represent buildings within the city.
US08074971B2

For fire prevention, an auxiliary cooling apparatus applied to an outdoor condenser of a refrigerating cycle is provided with a filter which has air permeability and is arranged to oppose to an ambient air intake port of the condenser, and cools ambient air by heat exchange between the ambient air sucked into the ambient air intake port through the filter and water supplied to the filter, lots of implanted fibers (17), which are fine projections, are implanted on surfaces of fibers (15), which constitute a base material of the filter, via a self-extinguishing adhesive agent layer (16), so that an adhesive layer (16), and the fiber (15) of the base material do not burn even if the implanted fibers (17) are ignited, whereby an auxiliary cooling apparatus which is excellent in the light of safety can be provided.
US08074959B2

An apparatus is provided which prevents the removal of a companion fitting when the valve is open. Thus, for example there is disclosed a load line apparatus comprising a housing, a valve, a cam lever, or more likely a pair of cam levers, and a locking device. The housing has an interior bore, the interior bore defining a flow-through passage. The valve has a surface shaped to close the flow-through passage when the valve is closed. The cam lever is pivotally attached to the housing, and the locking device is movable by the cam lever. The cam lever is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking device forms a stop to prevent the valve being opened. In the unlocked position, the locking device is retracted from the locked position. The cam lever is operable from the unlocked position into the locked position only when the valve is closed. The load line apparatus disclosed prevents the valve from being opened unless the cam lever is the unlocked position. The load line valve may also prevent a pipe fitting from being uncoupled with a coupling end of the pipe when the valve is opened.
US08074955B2

A support pole with enhanced strength along it's base includes an elongated pole member secured to a mounting plate. A majority of the length of the pole member has a uniform cross-section. Slits are cut into each side of the pole member along its lower end. A mandrel is placed into the lower end of the pole and expanded, thereby expanding the lower end of the pole away from the center and creating a larger cross-sectional area at its lower end. The lower end of the pole is secured to the mounting plate. Reinforcing members are welded over the expanded slits and the bottom of the reinforcing member is further welded to the mounting plate. The lower section with a larger cross-sectional area increases the moment of inertia and surface area of the support pole, thereby increasing the strength of the support pole.
US08074948B2

An adjustable apparatus includes a bracket, an extendable member, a moving member, and a display supporting mount. The extendable member includes a base portion and a resilient tape portion attached to the base portion. The tape portion is secured to the bracket. The moving member is attached on the base portion. The display supporting mount is secured to the moving member for being secured to a display device, and movable with the moving member.
US08074945B2

A conduit mounting system includes a plurality of modular components. Each modular component includes first and second transverse sides that are spaced apart and substantially parallel with one another and third and fourth longitudinal sides that are spaced apart and substantially parallel with one another. The third and fourth longitudinal sides extend between the first and second sides. Each modular component also includes a fifth side disposed between the first and second sides and between the third and fourth sides. The fifth side includes a conduit support surface disposed between first and second side contact portions. Each modular component also includes a flange having a first flange portion extending beyond a surface of the third side and a second flange portion extending beyond a surface of the first side contact portion of the fifth side. Each modular component further includes a groove having a first groove portion formed in the fourth side and a second groove portion formed in the second side portion.
US08074934B2

A device, system and method of reserve parachute deployment comprising; a reserve bridle 2 connecting the reserve deployment bag 5 to the reserve pilot chute 4, and a lanyard 3 connecting the main parachute 1 to the reserve bridle 2 with a releasable attachment and a retention means of this attachment. This connection being placed onto a holding flap 17 of the reserve container 22, by releasable holding means. The system and method of realization allows the reserve parachute to be activated without cutting-away a main parachute, in a manner that the holding means are not released, while if the main parachute is cut away then the holding means release without the retention means doing so.
US08074932B2

A method for creating ullage in a fuel tank includes the steps of porting NEA into a mixing chamber during descent, exposing the mixing chamber to ambient air and communicating a mixture of NEA and ambient air into the fuel tank. A complementary apparatus to the method includes a mixing chamber for receiving NEA during descent, a port for communicating ambient air with the mixing chamber during descent and a port for communicating a mixture of the NEA and the ambient to the fuel tank.
US08074920B2

A helicopter has at least one main rotor (2) situated on an airframe (1), on which a tail rotor (4) is additionally attached spaced apart from the airframe (1) via a tail boom (3) for torque equalization. The tail boom (3) is provided with elements for the aerodynamic support of the torque equalization, which include at least one auxiliary wing (5a, 5b), extending along the tail boom (3) on the side facing away from the main rotor rotational direction, for flow acceleration of the exhaust air of the main rotor (2) passing this area.
US08074912B2

Disclosed is an auto-feed built-in a paper shredder, including a pair of bisecting lids that are each provided at an inside thereof with a paper press, a paper receiving compartment, an auto-feed, and a paper shredding device located exactly below the auto-feed, wherein the auto-feed includes a paper tray, a paper inlet and two roller assemblies; the paper inlet and the paper shredding device located therebelow are aligned along an identical central axis; the two roller assemblies are provided at opposing sides of the paper inlet in parallel and project into the paper tray, whereby after placing a pile of paper into the paper receiving compartment to be supported by the paper tray, and closing the bisecting lids, the paper presses provided at the insides of the lids would apply a force against the pile of paper, such that a bottommost paper of the pile of paper would be folded in half by the two rollers rotating towards each other and then fed into the paper inlet to be subsequently shredded by the paper shredding device located below the paper inlet.
US08074910B2

Fibrous materials and composites are disclosed.
US08074908B2

The invention relates to a process for the comminution of composite materials, e.g. of electronics scrap, and also for the separation of the materials present therein, using a plurality of comminution stages and separation stages, with use of at least one hammer mill or rotor-impact mill (6), where, prior to the comminution of the material in the hammer mill or rotor-impact mill (6), a separation of previously comminuted composite material is achieved, into plastics on the one hand and composite material and also metals on the other hand.
US08074907B2

A method and jet mill apparatus for generating fine particles by means of a jet mill with an integrated dynamic air classifier including a classifying wheel classifying wheel shaft and classifier housing, wherein between the classifying wheel and classifier housing a classifier gap is formed and between the classifying wheel shaft and the classifier housing a shaft passage is formed, wherein gap flushing of classifier gap or shaft passage takes place with compressed gases of low energy content, and wherein comminution jet inlets are present which are charged with energy-rich superheated steam. Through the invention a dynamic air classifier explained above and a corresponding operating method therefor are additionally created.
US08074904B1

A broadcast spreader includes a directional control assembly that defines a pathway for granular material from a hopper through a discharge port and onto a rotating fan. The directional control assembly includes a first plate that is secured to and adapted for slidable movement with respect to the hopper. The first plate defines an opening therethrough that is substantially in registry with but smaller than the discharge port, thus serving to define a pathway for the granular material from the hopper through the discharge port and onto the fan. The directional control assembly further includes a second plate secured to and adapted for slidable movement with respect to the hopper and the first plate. Movement of the second plate relative to the first plate selectively opens or closes the pathway for the granular material from the hopper through the discharge port and onto the fan.
US08074903B2

A fuel injector for a common rail fuel system includes a common rail inlet port fluidly connected to a high pressure common rail, and a cooling inlet fluidly connected to an output from a lower pressure fuel transfer pump. The cooling fluid circulates internally through the fuel injector to cool a single pole solenoid via both internal and peripheral cooling passages. In order to accommodate a small spatial envelope while providing superior performance, a thin insulating layer may separate the solenoid coil winding from an inner pole piece, and small flux gap clearances may permit a flux carrying portion of the injector body to be a portion of the single pole solenoid assembly.
US08074901B2

A nozzle for a mist lubricator system has an emitter head located in a tubular housing. The emitter head has tapered passageways terminating at an end from which lubricant drops are directed to a target to be lubricated. The emitter head can be incorporated in lubricator systems of various types, including those utilizing a cycling feed metering system. A nozzle constructed in accordance with the present invention can be used in reduced airflow systems and exhibits substantially lessened lubricant loss during low and no airflow periods.
US08074895B2

A fuel injection and mixing system is provided that is suitable for use with various types of fuel reformers. Preferably, the system includes a piezoelectric injector for delivering atomized fuel, a gas swirler, such as a steam swirler and/or an air swirler, a mixing chamber and a flow mixing device. The system utilizes ultrasonic vibrations to achieve fuel atomization. The fuel injection and mixing system can be used with a variety of fuel reformers and fuel cells, such as SOFC fuel cells.
US08074893B2

The thermostatic cartridge (C) comprises a thermostatic assembly (2) for regulating the temperature of an outgoing mixture (F3) of incoming hot and cold fluids (F1 and F2), two ceramic disks (3, 4) for controlling the flow rates of the hot and cold fluids delivered to the thermostatic assembly, and a disk-actuating sleeve (5) receiving therein in leaktight manner the outer body (2.1) of the thermostatic assembly. To limit costs and any risk of leakage from the cartridge, the actuator sleeve is a single part that defines two internal channels (52, 53) for passing flows respectively of the hot and cold fluids from the disks to respective admission slots (2.2, 2.3) defined by the outer body of the thermostatic assembly.
US08074879B2

A system and method is disclosed for verifying a commercial transaction between a card-holder, a merchant, and a credit card company. The card-holder makes a purchase with the merchant using a full credit card number. The merchant submits a transaction approval request for approval with the credit card company. The credit card company executes conventional credit approval of the transaction approval request, as well as verifies the transaction approval request with the card-holder. An approval is sent to the merchant only after the transaction approval request is both conventionally approved by the credit card company and verified by the card-holder. The card-holder, or the credit card company, may initiate verification of the transaction approval request. The transaction approval request can also be automatically verified if one or many pre-verification criteria is/are satisfied by data contained in the transaction approval request. The pre-verification criteria can be initially determined and/or modified by the card-holder. As another security feature, the card-holder may selectively activate and deactivate their credit card/account as desired. The credit card itself includes indicia of security measures.
US08074874B2

A system for the authentication by a card-issuing financial institution of identifying information of a card-holding user of a public data network. The system includes a secure data entry device connected to the public data network and a gateway device connected to the public data network and to a private data network used for transmitting messages between financial institutions. The secure data entry device enables the user to enter identifying information of a card issued by the card-issuing financial institution, and transmits the identifying information in a secure manner over the public data network to the gateway device. The gateway device transmits the identifying information to the card-issuing financial institution and receives an approval response from the card-issuing financial institution over the private data network. The approval response provides authentication of the identifying information by the card-issuing financial institution.
US08074869B2

A reactive foil is used to assemble the components of rock bit cutters and to affix cutting elements to rock bit bodies. A small pulse of localized energy ignites the foil in a fraction of a second to deliver the necessary amount of heat energy to flow solder or braze and form a strong, true metallic joint. The reaction in the foil may be activated using optical, electrical, or thermal sources.
US08074866B2

A system and method for repairing turbine vane attachment systems in a turbine engine. In at least one embodiment, the invention may be directed to a system and method for repairing wear on a diaphragm hook fit configured to attach diaphragm airfoils, such as stationary turbine vanes, to a combustion turbine case. The restoration system may be formed from a carriage assembly having an assortment of material processing implements usable to build up material in the worn locations of the turbine vane attachment system to reestablish a diaphragm hook fit within the specified tolerances. The restoration system may be configured so that the restoration process may occur without removing a rotor assembly, which can reduce the repair time by about two weeks. Thus, use of the restoration system can result in a significant time and cost savings.
US08074865B2

Gradient polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) materials are provided as well as tools incorporating such materials.
US08074864B2

An ignition source system for an exothermic reaction mold device for welding conductors. The system includes a crucible in a block with an open top so that the crucible receives an exothermic weld material. The conductors to be welded exothermically are placed in the weld cavity of the mold. A lid covers the open top wherein the lid has an opening therethrough. An electronic thermal igniter assembly has an ignition component receivable through the opening in the lid so that the exothermic weld material may be ignited by the electronic thermal igniter assembly. The igniter plug rests on top of the lid and the ignition body is retained in a recess within the igniter plug.
US08074862B2

A surgical instrument including a frame, an elongate portion, a firing rod and an end effector is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the frame and defines a longitudinal axis. The firing rod is disposed at least partially with the elongate portion and is proximally and distally translatable with respect to the elongate portion. The end effector includes a knife and is disposed at a distal portion of the elongate portion. Distal movement of the firing rod causes a distal end of the firing rod to link with the knife. Proximal movement of the firing rod moves the linked knife proximally to a first predetermined position. The knife is unlinked from the firing rod when the firing rod has been translated proximally to a second predetermined position.
US08074861B2

The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge assembly receivable in a distal end portion of a cartridge receiving half-section, the cartridge assembly including a safety lockout pivotably disposed along the upper surface of the cartridge assembly and movable from an unlocked orientation permitting assembly of an anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving half-section, to a locked orientation preventing assembly of the anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving-half section.
US08074856B2

An electrical device, such as a nailer device, has a motor and a gear housing containing a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is coupled to the motor for driving an impact member. The transmission mechanism includes a shaft having a through-hole wherein a first opening of the through-hole is communicated with the interior of the gear housing and a second opening of the through-hole is communicated with an exterior of the gear housing.
US08074848B2

Valve arrangement for a pressurized fluid container, consisting of a valve disc which may be sealingly connected to the fluid container, a valve body made of plastics which may be secured in an opening of the valve disc, a valve piston made of plastics which is guided in a through-channel of the valve body and cooperates with a sealing surface of the valve body and a spring arrangement cooperating with the valve body, which presses the valve piston against the sealing surface of the valve body, the valve body comprising a neck defining the through-channel and at least one collar segment, an annular groove being formed between the neck and the at least one collar segment, and into the annular groove a press ring being introduced, of which the thickness in the radial direction is such that the at least one collar segment is pressed in a spread-apart manner against the opening of the valve disc.
US08074841B1

An expandable dual-compartment container for the dispensing of food product and the storage of food waste product. The dual-compartment container includes a first compartment that defines a first cavity and a second compartment that is moveable in relation to the first cavity so as to define a second cavity. The second compartment has a first opening and a second opening. The dual-compartment container also includes a connection means for placing the first compartment in communication with the second opening such that food stored in the first compartment can be dispensed through the second opening.
US08074833B2

A trash can assembly has a shell and a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, with the lid having a bracket secured to the bottom of the lid. A slot provided adjacent the top of the shell, with the bracket moving through the slot as the lid is opened and closed. A movable lock member provided at the top of the shell, the lock member movable from an extended position where the lock member covers a portion of the slot, to a retracted position where the lock member is clear of the slot.
US08074831B2

A liquid container includes a brim forming an opening into a liquid reservoir chamber formed in the cup. A lid is coupled to the brim to form more than one seal with the container.
US08074830B2

A reclosable container for a food product comprises a rigid or semi-rigid tray and lid. The tray and lid each have a peripheral edge portion having substantially vertical inner and outer walls joined by a horizontal flange, wherein the container is closed with the tray peripheral edge portion received inside a cavity defined by the lid peripheral edge portion. An outer detent mechanism is provided at one or more corners of the container, such as diagonally opposed corners which may also include lift tabs. The corners at which outer detent mechanisms are located may have straight corner transition portions about which the lid may pivot during opening of the container. The sides of the tray and lid peripheral edge portions may be substantially flat and free of projections, so that only the corners with the outer detent mechanisms offer significant resistance against opening.
US08074823B1

A vacuum release device for assisting removal of plastic bags from containers is disclosed. The device is a channel made from non-porous materials. The channel has multiple segments and is capable of being attached to both the sidewall and the bottom wall of a container. As the channel is attached to the walls of the container, an air conduit is formed to provide air conduction in the container. The attachment methods comprises mechanical, chemical, and adhesive. The channel has openings at the container's bottom wall and at the corner between the container's sidewall and bottom wall. The unique structure of the channel protects the openings from being blocked by a plastic liner.
US08074820B2

A portable work and storage container includes a container frame, an enclosure arrangement and a wall panel affixing arrangement. The container frame includes a ceiling frame, a floor frame and four vertical corner posts spacedly extended between the ceiling frame and the floor frame. The wall panel affixing arrangement includes a plurality of wall adjusters and a plurality of wall lockers, wherein every two of the wall adjusters are adjustably extended to bias against two outer side rims of the wall structure respectively for applying a pushing force so as to ensure the wall panels of each of the wall structure are coupled with each other side-by-side. The wall lockers are adjustably engaged with top rims of the wall structures respectively to lock up the wall structures between the ceiling frame and the floor frame so as to securely retain the wall.
US08074818B2

A transport device such as an ISO container that is adapted to be transported by air or surface transportation. The transport device includes a base, a plurality of movable ISO corner blocks movably coupled to the base, and a plurality of adjustment mechanisms. Each adjustment mechanism is adapted to couple a respective corner block to the base and to selectively move the corner block with respect to the base between an air transport position, wherein the bottom surface of the corner block does not extend beyond the bottom surface of the base, and a surface transport position wherein the bottom surface of the corner block is located below the bottom surface of the base. The base includes a plurality of roller plates that form the bottom surface of the base and that are adapted to engage rollers of an aircraft cargo handling system. The transport device also includes detent rails that are removably attached to the base. The detent rails includes tabs and detents that are adapted to cooperate with an aircraft cargo handling system to releasably secure the transport device in place within an aircraft.
US08074809B2

An apparatus and method are disclosed for the continuous treatment of the flow of a mixture containing liquids and solids. A pump provides the mixture to tube that includes a woven material. The liquid is filtered from the mixture, leaving a solids-enriched mixture in the tube. The tube may be flexed during the process, freeing solids trapped in the tube to flow through the center of the tube. A valve may be provided to the tube to generate a back-pressure in the system.
US08074807B2

The present invention relates to the screening of objects in-transit and materials, for security purposes (i.e. explosives detection).The invention provides an adjustable computerized system suitable for use at airports, seaports, land terminals, distribution centers, railway terminals, border crossings or other transit terminals, in order to achieve maximal efficiency and detection reliability, by adjustment of the screening process of any specific object to its risk factor in conjunction with the characteristics of the available in-line detection equipment.The invention provides an automated security inspection and conveying system for in-transit objects, comprising means for identifying the sender of each package and to profile and import the security status data relevant to the object into the system, and a plurality of various security screening machines in combination with conveying and sorting components. The system tracks each package from a reception point through the conveyors and screening machines to reach a sorting junction, via a user-adjustable screening process, the conveying and sorting components being interfaced with the security status data for assigning a risk assessment factor to the object and the sender. Each package is routed via an appropriate number of screening devices, the output of the screening devices being processed and the risk assessment factor being adjusted accordingly, the new risk assessment factor being sent to a control system of the conveying and sorting components.
US08074805B2

An extra-large vibrating screen with duplex statically indeterminate mesh beam excitation body and plate type combined bearing beam comprises plate type flat and rigid statically indeterminate combined bearing beam (12) arranged in a screen box (1), a plurality of Y-shaped statically indeterminate combined reinforcing beams (5) arranged on the side plates (3) of the screen box alternately, duplex statically indeterminate supporting plates (22) linking a plurality of mesh beams (21) to the statically indeterminate connecting plate (4) and the side plate (3) so as to form a container made of a beam system, the vibration exciters (10) in the statically indeterminate mesh beam unit comprising eight sets of vibration exciters, which are aligned in pair horizontally and linked together through universal couplings (9), and connected to the duplex statically indeterminate mesh beam excitation body (11) to form a highly rigid integral vibrating assembly. The vibrating screen is simple and reliable in structure, can vibrate smoothly, and therefore can be widely used in coal, metallurgical, chemical, and environmental protection industries.
US08074797B2

Needle storage receptacle for safely storing and disposing of used suture needles in the operating room. The receptacle is lent a structure having a plurality of linked needle-storing units and having film-anchoring portions at both right-and-left ends, with each needle-storing unit being provided with a mounting pad for adhering a used suture needle, a lid part for covering the mounting pad, and a grip tab in order that the lid part may be grasped when the needle storing unit is to be open/closed, with the mounting pads being provided with adhesive surfaces on the front and rear sides, the lid parts having an adhesive surface on the front side, and on the rear side being printed with marks in such a way when the lid parts are overlaid onto and stuck together with the mounting pads numerals may be recognized through the front side.
US08074789B2

A system of monitoring operation for a conveyor belt installation includes a conveyor belt having steel or other relatively magnetically permeable reinforcing material, the system including, in proximity to the conveyor belt, a magnetic field generator, and a sensor unit at a position downstream from the field generator, the sensor unit sensing the magnetic field emanating from the passing conveyor belt, and a monitoring unit to receive data related to the magnetic field properties sensed by the sensor unit during a plurality of passages of each part of the length of the conveyor belt past the sensor unit, the monitoring unit incorporating comparison elements to compare a received set of data with an earlier received set of data, and output elements to provide an output signal representative of reinforcement damage or deterioration when subsequently received data has departed from earlier received data by more than a prescribed extent.
US08074788B2

A tracking apparatus which can ensure good-accuracy coincidence between a conveyed material and a tracked position thereof, even when slip occurs in the conveyed material moving across conveyance tables. A sensor is located at a boundary position of a conveyance table, of conveyance tables arranged adjacent to each other, to detect the presence or absence of a conveyed material. Head and tail end tracking data of the conveyed material is generated, and positions of head and tail ends are calculated using conveyance speed of a selected conveyance table as a speed standard. Then, occurrence or nonoccurrence of slip of the conveyed material is determined from the detection signal of the sensor and the positions of head and tail ends. When slip has occurred, head and tail end tracking data generation is stopped. Head and tail end tracking data generation is restarted considering a time delay due to removal of chattering from the detection signal.
US08074787B2

The invention relates to a method for the transport of containers, wherein at least one container is driven along on rotating drive units (12) on a transport system, the transport system being built over a long distance such that remote delivery of containers may at least be achieved on a regional scale and a transport system for transporting containers comprising a rectangular frame (1,3), several rotatable drive units (12), fixed to the frame (1,3) perpendicular to the frame (1,3) and parallel to each other, each comprising at least one drive wheel (10) on which a container can be supported and driven, wherein the transport device runs over a long distance such that the remote delivery of containers may at least be achieved on a regional scale.
US08074786B2

A method of mounting a floor slat (14) of a reciprocating floor to an associated drive beam (18.1) of the floor slat includes mounting an elongate clamp member (200) to the drive beam (18.1). The clamp member (200) has opposed side walls defining a longitudinally extending clamping slot between them. The floor slat (14) is located on the clamp member (200). The floor slat (14) has a downwardly depending longitudinally extending mounting member (208) which is received in the clamping slot. The mounting member (208) is clamped in the clamping slot thereby to attach the floor slat (14) to the clamp member (200) and thus to the drive beam (18.1).
US08074783B2

A device for positioning an article (2) to be wrapped by a machine has a horizontal support body (3) centrally fixed on a vertical rotation shaft (4). The device (1) is equipped with at a least one plier device (5) connected, to turn together with the rotation shaft, to support the body (3), the plier device provided with at least two jaws (6,7). An opening apparatus (8) is connected to at least one of the jaws (6,7) to hold and to release the article (2). The at least one plier device (5) is connected to the support body (3) by a respective rotation device (9) for rotating the at least one plier device (5) and of the article held thereby, around an axis almost radial in respect to the support body (3).
US08074781B1

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for sorting vials and small containers. The apparatus comprises a plurality of compartments, arranged linearly, with two agitation conveyor belts and a sorting conveyor belt running along the bottom of the compartments. Each compartment includes a rotatable brush, driven by a drive motor and a diverter piece to direct vials into receptacles on the sorting conveyor belt. Vials falling within the receptacles are ejected into vertical alignment so that the vials are sorted and oriented properly for packaging.
US08074780B2

A clutch adjuster to be used in a manually adjustable clutch is provided for compensating the effect of clutch wear. The clutch adjuster has a substantially flat top plate adapted to be secured to the clutch housing, a fastener, a rotary gear, a locking member and a resilient member. The fastener has a head and a shaft and being captured by an aperture in the substantially flat top plate. The rotary gear is connected to the shaft of the fastener. The locking member is configured below the substantially flat top plate and has at least one protrusion passing upward through the aperture of the substantially flat top plate and projecting therefrom. The protrusion is configured to be in a selective locking engagement with the head of the fastener. The resilient member is configured between the locking member and the rotary gear for resiliently biasing the locking member towards the substantially flat top plate.
US08074778B2

A clutch including: a first piston displaceable to operate a clutch pack; a second piston; a first fluid chamber partially formed by the pistons, wherein the second piston is displaceable by fluid pressure in the first fluid chamber; and a locking means fixable by the second piston to hold the pack closed. In a preferred embodiment, the locking means includes at least one displaceable ball. In another preferred embodiment, in response to a loss of fluid pressure in the first chamber, the second piston is displaceable to enable displacement of the locking means to open the pack. In a further preferred embodiment, the clutch includes a second chamber, separate from the first chamber and partially formed by the first piston. The first piston is displaceable in response to fluid pressure in the second chamber. The pack remains closed after a loss or reduction of fluid pressure in the second chamber.
US08074764B2

A straddle type vehicle is provided with a body frame of a vehicle, a bar handle provided in a front portion of the vehicle body frame, a steering shaft transmitting a turning operation of the bar handle to a pair of right and left front wheels, and an electric power steering apparatus mounted in an intermediate portion of the steering shaft for assisting a steering motion of the bar handle. The electric power steering apparatus includes, in a state of the vehicle capable of being traveled, an electric power steering main body including an electric motor, a gear unit, an input shaft and an output shaft, an upper steering shaft in which the bar handle is attached to an upper end portion and an upper end of the input shaft is connected to a lower end portion, and a support member supporting the upper steering shaft.
US08074761B2

A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of deformable attenuator members are spaced laterally and extend longitudinally between the first and second ends. At least a portion of the attenuators are bent in a non-outboard direction when the impact member moves from the pre-impact position to the impact position.
US08074758B2

A inertial-centrifugal drive system retrofitted onto the drive train of existing equipment or incorporated with the power unit/drive train of new vehicles includes a flywheel mounted to the vehicle's drive shaft with the flywheel comprising an outer rim section, a hub and an inner web section connecting the hub to the rim with a free-wheeling cam and clutch bearing encased within the hub and circumjacently mounted on and selectively engagable to the drive shaft adjacent the area of interconnection of the input shaft to the output shaft with the free-wheeling cam and clutch bearing controlled by the flywheel for improving and enhancing the efficiency of any powered rotating force such as the main drive shaft and transmission unit of the vehicle.
US08074757B2

A protective housing for a battery in a motor vehicle includes two transverse walls and two longitudinal walls, which together form a lateral enclosure for a battery receptacle chamber. The protective housing is fastened to at least one longitudinal girder of the vehicle in the installed state in an installation chamber of the vehicle. The transverse walls and the longitudinal walls are each formed by separate components, which are assembled into the enclosure. The installation chamber is located between two longitudinal girders of the vehicle chamber, and the enclosure is fastened to both longitudinal girders.
US08074749B2

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an earth removal member with features for facilitating drill-through. In one embodiment, an earth removal member for drilling a wellbore with casing or liner includes a tubular body and a head. The head is fastened to or formed with an end of the body, has a face and a side, is made from a high strength material, and has a port formed through the face. The earth removal member further includes a blade. The blade is formed on the head, extends from the side and along the face, and is made from the high strength material. The earth removal member further includes cutters disposed along the blade; and a nozzle adapter. The nozzle adapter has a port formed therethrough, is longitudinally and rotationally coupled to the head, and is made from a drillable material. The earth removal member further includes a nozzle disposed in the adapter port and fastened to the nozzle adapter.
US08074746B2

A tool for crushing coke includes a casing which in the operational state is connected to a drill rod and on or in which is arranged at least one cutting nozzle and one drill nozzle for drilling coke and at least one valve for controlling a direction of flow of water flowing through the drill rod and the casing through the cutting nozzle and the drill nozzle.
US08074742B2

An apparatus for cutting a wellbore includes a motor with a stator and a rotor. The rotor includes an output shaft connected to a cutting structure to drive the cutting structure in use. The stator and rotor are spaced radially outwardly of the axis of the rotor such that at least one of the stator and the rotor has an access bore that extends through the motor to a position adjacent the cutting structure and through which a further object can pass without obstruction from the stator and rotor. The further object includes a further cutting structure. The motor workings are radially outward of the output shaft and the further cutting structure so as not to obstruct passage of the further cutting structure toward the cutting structure, such that the motor workings do not require drilling or removal to allow the further cutting structure access to the cutting structure.
US08074739B2

The present invention relates to a sampler for gas hydrates by hole bottom freezing, the sampler comprises a fisher, a wire-line coring mechanism and an outer barrel, and it further comprises a refrigeration portion, a low temperature control portion and a frozen insulation sample portion, which constitute an inner barrel assembly located inside the outer barrel together, wherein a refrigerant in the refrigeration portion is injected into the frozen insulation sample portion under a control of the low temperature control portion, so that a cooling medium in the frozen insulation sample portion is always kept under a predetermined temperature, and a core sample of gas hydrates is frozen at the bottom of a drill hole. The invention also relates to a sampling method using the sampler as mentioned above. In the invention, the temperature of the sample can be decreased by using an external cooling source to suppress hydrate decomposition, the critical decomposition pressure of gas hydrates can be reduced by active decreasing the temperature of the sample, and the stability of gas hydrates is maintained by a passive pressure drop. The method of the present invention need not to keep the pressure of the sample, and is simple to obtain a core sample of gas hydrates with higher fidelity.
US08074735B2

A hand-held power tool has a handle, a least one two-speed transmission, at least one switch element for shifting the transmission between various gear ratios, wherein a distance between the switch element and a gripping region of the handle provided for placement of an operator's hand is less than or equal to a maximum finger extension range.
US08074728B2

A tilling implement has a front row of shallow concave disc blades having a front right portion and a front left portion symmetrically disposed about a centerline of the implement. A rear row of shallow concave disc blades has a rear right portion and a rear left portion symmetrically disposed about the centerline of the implement. The rear right portion following behind the front right portion in a right path and the rear left portion following the front left portion in a left path when the implement is displaced through a field. The implement includes no ground engaging tool in the right path between the front right portion and the rear right portion, and no ground engaging tool in the left path between the front left portion and the rear left portion. The shallow concave disc blades have a concavity of between approximately 1.25 and 1.69 inches over an outer diameter of approximately 20 inches. The front left portion and the front right portion, and/or the rear left portion and the rear right portion, are positioned at an angle of about 18 degrees with respect to a line perpendicular to the centerline.
US08074714B2

A submersible pump assembly may be radially oriented for pumping well fluid in a deviated or horizontal well. The submersible pump assembly has an instrument housing having a longitudinal axis and incorporated onto the pump assembly. An electrical contact is mounted within the housing and an electrical contact probe, moveable relative to the housing and biased upwards toward an upper side of the housing when the pump assembly is inclined, is provided. The housing and the electrical contact are rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the electrical contact probe, such that an electrical circuit is completed when the electrical contact is rotated into engagement with the electrical contact probe, generating a signal from the completed electrical circuit. The electrical contact is at a known circumferential position relative to the fixed reference point, which may be the intake port of the pump.
US08074713B2

A system and method to log a wellbore, comprising a logging tool adapted to be deployed in a wellbore environment, the logging tool including at least one sensor for taking a measurement of the wellbore environment. The sensor is a fiber optic sensor and the system includes a fiber optic line in optical communication with the sensor. The data measured by the sensor is transmitted through the fiber optic line on a real time basis to the surface, where the data is processed into a real time display. In one embodiment, the fiber optic sensor is a passive sensor not requiring electrical or battery power. In another embodiment, a continuous tube with one end at the earth's surface and the other end in the wellbore is attached to the logging tool and includes the fiber optic line disposed therein.
US08074700B1

An improved dust containment system comprising a flexible sheeting supported by one or more poles. The flexible sheeting being held in place on the pole by one or more clamps. The clamps have a pair of handles that pivot about an axis and wherein opposite the handles are two jaws. Each jaw has a body area and a tip. The jaws being connected to their respective handles so that the tips of the jaws contact each other and wherein the body areas of the respective jaws are configured so that the body area of the jaws can fit around the pole without separating the tips of the jaws.
US08074699B2

The present application is directed to a manual or automatic flush threshold door seal system used on folding exterior doors along with an alternate embodiment for conventional exterior entryway doors that will not impede the passage of a wheelchair. A flexible weather seal can be put in a retracted or down position within an aluminum extrusion imbedded within the threshold providing a flush access surface and may be raised up into the upright position providing an adequate weather seal.
US08074692B2

The invention relates to a process and tooling for the lining of molds for curved pieces, the process comprising the application of a lining (15) of width A2 on the mold (3) in several successive passes, exerting pressure thereon so that it adapts to the curvature of the piece, and the number of passes being the minimum required so that the width A2 of the tape (15) allows achieving such adaptation, and the tooling comprising a drum (25) for applying the lining (15), a means of attaching its end to the mold (3) at the beginning of each pass, a conical roller (25), to exert pressure on the lining (15) uniformly along its entire width, and means (26, 29) for its movement through side guides (27, 28) arranged on the mold (3) parallel to the curved lines (5, 7) demarcating the piece.
US08074688B2

A machine tool, in particular a wood-working machine, with a tool for chip removal rotating in direction of rotation D and a suction hood covering the tool with a partially opened circumferential wall that has a radial spacing A from the tool and that has a suction nozzle for suctioning off chips. In the machine tool rotating air vortices directed in the opposite direction based on the direction of rotation D of the tool can be generated in the suction hood in the area of the suction nozzle during the chip removal.
US08074678B2

A flow valve is provided that comprises a valve chamber including first and second valve port openings in communication with first and second inlet/outlets. The valve further includes a shaft rotatably disposed in the valve chamber, and a first valve plate rotatably coupled to the shaft that is disposed in the valve chamber over the first valve port opening. The first valve plate has a first tapered slot positioned therein so as to align with the first valve port opening. The first valve plate is configured to rotate from its closed position covering the first valve port opening to an open position, where rotation of the first valve plate adjustably positions a wider or narrower portion of the first tapered slot over the first valve port opening. The valve further includes a second valve plate that is configured to rotate with the first valve plate, and to cover the second valve port opening.
US08074676B2

A shut off cover removably attachable to a water shut off valve for protecting and decoratively covering the shut off valve.
US08074670B2

An underground porosity reservoir includes substantially impermeable barriers and an aquiclude surrounding a volume of alluvial materials for storing water within the pore spaces of the alluvial materials. Upstream and downstream ends of the reservoir define both a static storage portion (extending below an elevation of the downstream end of the reservoir) and an elevated wedge-shaped portion that extends above the static portion. Once the static portion of the reservoir is filled, additional amounts of water are dynamically stored within the wedge portion by removing water from the downstream end of the reservoir and adding water to the upstream end of the reservoir. Water may be recirculated within the wedge portion, or external water may be added to the upstream end of the reservoir at a first flow rate while water is removed from the downstream end of the reservoir at a similar flow rate.
US08074656B2

An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.
US08074654B2

At least one elongated body is sized and configured for implantation in a desired orientation in a tissue region in an airway. An array of projections extends from the elongated body and is resiliently coupled to the elongated body. The array or projections is in a normally biased outward extending condition sized and configured to engage tissue and resist a reorientation of the elongated body within the tissue region out of the desired orientation after implantation of the elongated body in the tissue region. The array of projections is sized and configured to resiliently yield by flexing inward against the elongated body during implantation of the elongated body in the tissue region.
US08074652B2

A method of forming a cannula from a cannula mandrel assembly comprising a pair of mouthpiece/nasal mandrels and a mating facepiece mandrel. The facepiece mandrel has a pair of conical holes, in an intermediate section thereof, for receiving a leading end of one mouthpiece/nasal mandrel. The conical holes allow the facepiece mandrel to slide along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels until the conical holes abut with respective mating tapering conical sections and prevent further sliding movement along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels. Following assembly, the assembly is heated, at least one coating of a polymeric material is applied thereto and heat from the assembly at least partially cures the polymeric material on the assembly. Following curing, the facepiece mandrel and formed cannula are slide along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels until the facepiece mandrel and formed cannula are removed therefrom. Lastly, the facepiece mandrel is removed from the formed cannula.
US08074645B2

The present inventions provide respiratory therapy apparatus that introduce water into the pressurized air delivered to a user during various positive airway pressure therapies and corresponding methods. The respiratory therapy apparatus may be configured to administer one or more positive airway pressure therapies, including: continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), bi-level positive airway pressure therapy (BPAP), auto positive airway pressure therapy (autoPAP), proportional positive airway pressure therapy (PPAP), and/or other positive airway pressure therapies. The respiratory therapy apparatus may include a user interface that defines an interface passage to communicate pressurized air to the user for inhalation and a humidifier that introduces water into the pressurized air generally at the interface passage. Methods according to the present inventions may include introducing water into the interface passage at one or more humidifier ports disposed about the interface passage.
US08074642B2

A flow indicating system that includes a conduit that contains a substance, wherein the conduit defines a path along which the substance primarily flows and a viewing port attached to the conduit and the viewing port prevents substantially non-ambient atmosphere gases and substances from escaping therefrom and allows visualization of an internal space defined by the viewing port. A flow indicator that is positioned within the conduit so as to be viewed via the viewing port and is positioned so as to not to substantially interfere with a flow of the substance along the path.
US08074638B2

Embodiments of the present invention relate to concentrating solar radiation using an assembly of at least one clear and one reflective film that inflates into a shape reflecting parallel rays of light to a concentrated focus in the interior or immediate proximity of the assembly. Embodiments of the present invention can be assembled in a substantially flat stack with bonds or welds between the films, compatible with conventional high-throughput film manufacturing processes. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may employ external circumferential rings or a “harness” assembly to support and point the balloon against wind forces and the like without severe stress localization. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film attachments to facilitate feedthroughs, reduce stress concentrations, and modify the inflated shape. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film modifiers, including laminated films, adhesives, printing, etc. to facilitate installation, feedthroughs, and other functions.
US08074637B2

A high frequency heating apparatus with a range hood, which has an opening for exhausting air and a cover for closing the opening, includes a microcomputer control unit for controlling an automatic opening/closing operation of the cover, a control panel for setting an operation of the apparatus, a display unit for displaying the control status, and a detecting unit for detecting an exhaust direction of a blower. The exhaust direction of the blower can alternate between indoor circulation and outdoor ventilation and the control unit opens the cover only when the detected exhaust direction of the blower is the indoor circulation and the cooling unit is stopped, and the control unit closes the cover when the detected exhaust direction of the blower is the outdoor ventilation or the cooling unit operates.
US08074635B2

The inventions disclosed herein generally relate to isolating heat sensitive components from the heat source of a barbecue grill. In the preferred embodiment, ceramic bushings are used to isolate a glass-reinforced nylon grill stand from the cooking chamber of a barbecue grill. The bushing incorporates a beveled upper edge for engaging with lobes which downwardly depend from the cooking chamber. The bushing also incorporates a circular lower portion for engagement with an aperture in the grill stand. The bushing is locked into engagement with the cooking chamber using a threaded bolt and is locked into loose engagement with the grill stand using a spring clip. The combination of the beveled upper edge and the loose engagement with the grill stand allows the bushing to float with respect to both the grill stand and cooking chamber. As a result, manufacturing tolerance requirements can be relaxed.
US08074630B2

An internal combustion engine control device and an internal combustion engine control system are disclosed as applied to an internal combustion engine having external EGR regulating device for regulating an external EGR amount in which a part of exhaust gases is recirculated from an exhaust gas passage to an air-intake passage, an internal EGR regulating device for regulating an internal EGR amount in which a part of combusted gases remains in a cylinder. External and internal EGR ratio control means controls operations of the external EGR regulating device and the internal EGR regulating device to variably control a ratio between the external EGR amount and the internal EGR amount depending on a surrounding atmospheric pressure.
US08074628B2

Device for air intake of a heat engine including: a main circulation system (105) which connects a supercharging apparatus (106) or an air intake manifold (107) which incorporates a heat exchanger (108), a bypass system (109) linked to the main circulation system along the exchanger, the bypass system incorporating a heating apparatus (29), a circuit selection device mounted between the main circulation system and the bypass system to channel at least some of the air into one or the other system.
US08074627B2

Systems and methods for performing leak testing on fuel system components in hybrid vehicles during engine-off operating conditions are disclosed. For example, a fuel tank may include a pressure accumulator which may be filled with fuel via a fuel pump in order to generate a vacuum which may be used to diagnose leaks in the fuel system.
US08074624B2

A fuel system component for a direct injection internal combustion engine. The component includes a fuel rail and a plurality of direct injection fuel injectors which are rigidly attached to the rail. Each fuel injector has an elongated body as well as a harness assembly extending laterally outward from the elongated body. Each injector is attached to the fuel rail such that, when viewed along an axis of the fuel injector body, the fuel rail overlies at least a portion of the injector body and at least a portion of the harness assembly.
US08074617B2

A piston for an internal combustion engine, has a lower piston part and an upper piston part disposed on the lower piston part. The upper piston part has a top land that runs around its circumference, and a ring belt that runs around its circumference. At least the upper piston part consists of a sintered material.
US08074615B2

A variable valve control apparatus includes an oscillating arm and a pivot lever pivotably mounted to each other via a swivel joint. A first roller, which is rotatably mounted on an arm of the pivot lever engages with the camming surface of a cam, while a second roller which is rotatably mounted on another arm of the pivot lever makes contact with a contact surface of an arcuate sliding block disposed within a housing of the valve control apparatus. The contact surface of the sliding block includes a first region which has an arcuate contour, and a radius that is centered on a pivot axis of the swivel joint when the valve is in the closed position, as well as a second region which adjoins the first region and has a curved spur that extends inwardly toward the swivel joint. The sliding block is slidable along an arcuate path between a first position in which the second roller engages the first region of the contact surface and a second position in which it engages the second region of the contact surface, so that, when the sliding block is in the first position, the pivot joint remains stationary, and the valve remains closed. When the sliding block is in the second position, the second roller engages with the spur, so that camming movement of the first roller actuates the valve to an open position.
US08074614B2

An engine assembly may include a cylinder head defining an engine coolant reservoir, a pressurized fluid supply, a valve actuation assembly, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir. The valve actuation assembly may be in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply and may include a valve member displaceable by a force applied by the pressurized fluid supply. The hydraulic fluid reservoir may be in fluid communication with the valve actuation assembly and in a heat exchange relation to the engine coolant reservoir.
US08074604B2

An animal litter is provided that includes a sorbent granule composed of granule particulate that is able to pass −20 screen sieve and a binder such that greater than 90% of said granules have a size of between −5 and +60 screen sieve. The granule has an oil coating thereon. An animal litter is produced by milling sorbent material to a particulate size such that greater than 90% by weight of said particulate is −20 screen sieve size or finer. The sorbent material is then agglomerated to the milled particulate to a granule size of between −5 and +60 screen sieve with a binder. The granule is then coated with an oil. Extrusion represents a preferred mode of agglomeration.
US08074588B2

Sewing machine (10 comprising a base (12) with a crochet and a head (14) that comprises a needle support (30), a fabric pressure foot (24) and its adjusting means (26), motor means (28) to make a needle sew together with the crochet, and lever means (32) to turn the rotary motion of the driving means into a vertical reciprocating motion. The needle support (30) in turn comprises at least two needle bars (46, 48) that are moved vertically by said lever means (32), and a connecting element (50) to couple the lever means (32) with at least a needle bar (46,48). Each needle bar (46,48) is coupled with a needle (16,18) through a respective thread and actuated selectively in the crochet in order to allow the sewing.
US08074585B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for dispensing fluids. The systems can include a sensor operable to detect when an object passes a first location as the object moves to a second location. The systems can also include a fluid dispenser operable to dispense fluid at the second location. In addition, the systems can include a control unit in communication with the sensor and the fluid dispenser. The control unit can receive information from the sensor that the object has passed the first location and to control the fluid dispenser to dispense fluid at the second location at a predetermined time after the object passes the first location.
US08074582B2

A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace, which includes a proximal end and a distal end, is attached at its proximal end to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace, which includes a proximal end and a distal end, is attached at its proximal end to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces are adapted to be pivotally attached to a retaining assembly, mounted in relation to the table top. The distal ends of each pivotal support brace are disposed contiguously in relation to each other when engaging the retaining assembly. 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.
US08074577B2

Structure of a bifurcation site and crossover site of a guideway in a guided vehicle transportation system; in which the guideway consists of left and right roadbeds, a depression between the roadbeds, and a guard rail having a U-shaped groove laid down on the depression; and a fail-safe mechanism is constituted by the guard rail and guard wheels attached to the vehicle; is proposed. The vehicle is equipped with automatic steering mechanisms for steering front and rear wheels and guard wheels supported laterally rotatably by front and rear supporting arms which are supported laterally rotatably underside the vehicle. The guard wheels are received in the groove of the guard rail. A movable guard plate and driving means thereof are provided to switch connection of the groove of the guard rail at a bifurcation thereof, and a movable plate and driving means thereof are provided to be able to plug or cover each of openings of grooves of guard rails in a region where the guard rail crosses a roadbed so that the movable plate is moved to plug or cover the groove thereby preparing a flat surface level with the roadbed.
US08074571B2

An apparatus including and igniter comprises: an igniter, an igniter collar for fixing the igniter, a cylindrical housing forming an outer shell, the igniter collar and the cylindrical housing being assembled by laminating a wall surface at one end of the igniter collar to a wall surface at one end of the cylindrical housing in the thickness direction, and being fixed to each other by crimping from the outside the laminated part thereof, wherein igniter collar and the cylindrical housing are laminated, an outer diameter of the laminated part being within ±10% of a reference outer diameter when an outer diameter of at least one of the igniter collar and cylindrical housing is the reference outer diameter, a thickness (h2) of an inner layer in the crimped laminated part being 1.5 times or more than a crimping depth (h1).
US08074562B2

Mobile or portable apparatus for preparing beverages comprising a module for delivering a beverage by supplying a pressurized liquid, a liquid feed tank of sufficient capacity for supplying the module with several volumes of liquid for supplying more than one beverage, gas pressurizing means suitable for supplying the module with pressurized liquid, a liquid feed chamber, of which the capacity is several times smaller than the capacity of the tank, said chamber being arranged, in a module feeding configuration, to communicate with the gas pressurizing means in order to pressurize the liquid in the chamber and to inject pressurized liquid into the module and thereby permit the delivery of the liquid through the module.
US08074561B2

A press cleaning device and method are described for removing coffee grinds from a French or coffee press. The device includes a stem having a handle and a circular disk-shaped declining plane ramp disposed at different ends. The circumference of the ramp is substantially the same as the inner circumference of the press. The ramp includes a radial cut running diametrically from the center of the ramp toward the outer circumference. The cut is fabricated to provide a lower or leading edge paralleling the horizontal floor of the press and trailing the leading edge an upward slanted ramp that follows like a circular inclined plane to an upper or ending edge. When rotated, the lower edge, which parallels the floor of the coffee press while slicing and shoveling, transfers the grinds from the bottom of the press up the ramp whereupon the grinds are stacked and can be removed.
US08074550B2

A cutting mechanism includes a first main body and a second main body. The first main body includes a first base, a plurality of first cutter holders, and a plurality of first cutters. The first cutters are mounted on the respective first cutter holders. The first cutter holders are movably engaged with the first base in a manner that the first cutters mounted thereon are adjustably movable toward and away from the first base. The first cutters are rotatable relative to the respective first cutter holders about parallel first axes, and each of the first cutters has a first blade substantially parallel to the respective first axis. The second main body has a similar configuration as the first main body.
US08074543B2

Disclosed in one embodiment is a computer numerically controlled machine having a coolant nozzle that is mounted on a turret of the machine and that is rotatable relative to the turret under the control of a computer control system. The nozzle is fluidically connected to a source of a coolant. The machine includes a computer control system that is operatively coupled to the various components of the machine including the nozzle. In some embodiments, the nozzle may be moved to cause a constant contact angle with respect to one of said tool and said workpiece. In other embodiments, the nozzle may be moved to cause a constant coolant time to interface. Also disclosed are related methods.
US08074538B2

A specially configured wrench is fitted to the fork structure of the rear wheel of a motorcycle to transmit rotational torque to the axle and move the rear wheel axle and sprocket to adjust and accurately set the tension in the drive belt of the motorcycle to a desired level. Further, a method is disclosed for reducing slack, changing, and/or setting a desired tension in the flexible power transmission mechanism of a motorcycle, the mechanism exemplified by a chain or drive belt having upper and lower reaches wrapped about respective of a rotatable forward motor drive sprocket and a rotatable rear wheel drive sprocket and used in cooperation with a fork structure for mounting the rear wheel and a cam-operated structure for repositioning the rear sprocket and associated axle.
US08074536B1

A pair of wire strippers with a specially designed tip to allow stripping of type NM or NMC cable inside of electrical boxes is herein disclosed. The upper portion of the tip, is bent at a ninety degree (90°) angle to the main body of the stripper. This angled tip contains cutting blades designed to conform to the profile of type NM or NMC cable, commonly known as “Romex.” Due to this angled configuration, the wire stripper blades can easily fit into small electrical boxes and strip cable near the back of the box, as opposed to conventional wire strippers which cannot be used in such close quarters. To aid in proper positioning of the tip of the wire stripper, a “Z”-shaped parallel offset is provided. The wire strippers can also be used outside of boxes in an equally effective manner, thus an electrician is not required to carry two (2) pairs of wire strippers.
US08074535B2

A treatment device for improving the cutting properties of the blade of a non-electric shaving razor. The device has a treatment surface for interacting with the cutting edge of the razor blade, as the blade is put into sliding contact with the treatment surface. The treatment surface has a plurality of resilient honing projections that are compressed as the blade is moved in sliding contact with the surface.
US08074533B2

A servo-assistance device (10) for a shift mechanism of a motor vehicle transmission, with which a characteristic curve can be produced which, as a function of a manual shifting force or a shift phase, has ranges of different gradients or proportionality to the manual shifting force. The servo-assistance device (10) includes an element (20) which is acted upon by the manual shifting force to be assisted. To produce the characteristic curve, the servo-assistance device (10) has components (42, 44, 50, 52) that are actuated by a servo-pressure (60) in such manner that the element (20) maintains its current position.
US08074528B2

An in-line valve sampling system connected to a pipe conduit extracts a sample of process media in a receiving container or receptacle for testing. The valve sampling system provides a resilient sealing mechanism for corrosive process media at elevated and fluctuating temperature ranges by providing a packing cartridge having a thin film of PTFE material biased by at least one O-ring to provide a seal between a valve spindle and a raised portion of the packing cartridge.
US08074527B2

The invention relates to a method for the continuous torque monitoring of a hybrid drive composed of an internal combustion engine with an engine control unit and an inherently safe electric drive with a control unit, wherein a permissible total torque is compared with the sum of an actual torque of the electric drive and an actual torque of the internal combustion engine. If the permissible total torque is reduced by the actual torque of the electric motor and is formed by a permissible torque of the internal combustion engine, it is largely possible by means of this method for existing software to be utilized further, and said software need not be amended. In the engine controller, it is largely possible for calculations to be carried out with torques which are normalized to the maximum torque of the internal combustion engine. In the comparison stage in particular, the value range of the torques in the case of a hybrid drive in relation to that in the case of a pure internal combustion engine is maintained. Storage-space-saving and calculation-duration-saving programming is therefore possible.
US08074526B2

A device for testing roller burnishing tools for a roller burnishing machine including at least one burnishing roller. The device includes a mechanism to hold and to drive in the roller burnishing machine, which causes the test device to rotate; a roller bearing raceway pressing against the roller, the roller bearing raceway exhibiting symmetry of revolution about the axis of rotation of the device, with a profile including a rounded portion; and a cylindrical rolling bearing raceway bearing against support wheels of the roller burnishing machine.
US08074525B2

A magnetic-inductive flowmeter for measuring the rate of flow of a flowing medium, having a measurement line, a magnetic field generating means for generating a magnetic field which at least partially penetrates the measurement line, and two measurement electrodes, and an electrically insulating cover layer provided at least partially over the inside of the measurement line, the measurement electrodes being strip-shaped having a length in a peripheral direction of the measurement line of between about just under one fourth of the periphery of the measurement line to about just over half the periphery of the measurement line and being exposed to the interior of the measurement line to be in direct, contact with the flowing medium. The measurement electrodes can be made of the same material or a similar material as the cover layer, but having a much higher electrical conductivity than the material of the cover layer.
US08074521B2

A filter assembly for use with a static-dynamic piezoresistive pressure transducer that measures low amplitude, dynamic pressure perturbations superimposed on top of a high static pressure through the implementation of a low-pass mechanical filter assembly is disclosed. The filter assembly may comprise a dual lumen reference tube and a removable filter subassembly further comprising a porous metal filter and narrow diameter tube. The transducer, which may be capable of operating at ultra-high temperatures and in harsh environments, may comprise of a static piezoresistive pressure sensor, which measures the large pressures on the order of 200 psi and greater, and an ultrasensitive, dynamic piezoresistive pressure sensor which may capture small, high frequency pressure oscillations on the order of a few psi or less. The filter assembly may transmit static pressure to the back of the dynamic pressure sensor to cancel out the static pressure present at the front of the sensor while keeping dynamic pressure from reaching the back of the sensor. In this manner, the filter assembly enables the transducer to accurately read dynamic pressure in the presence of high static pressure without rupturing the thin diaphragm of the dynamic pressure sensor.
US08074517B2

When detecting an angular rate in a detecting element (1), when an angular rate occurs, it is detected on the basis of a first sum by adding output values issued from upper electrode of second sensing electrode part (19b) and upper electrode of fourth sensing electrode part (20b) both in positive polarity, a second sum by adding output values issued from upper electrode of first sensing electrode part (19a) and upper electrode of third sensing electrode part (20a) both in negative polarity, a third sum by adding output values issued from lower electrode of first sensing electrode part (19a) and lower electrode of third sensing electrode part (20a) both in positive polarity, and a fourth sum by adding output values issued from lower electrode of second sensing electrode part (19b) and lower electrode of fourth sensing electrode part (20b) both in negative polarity. In this configuration, the inertial force sensor enhanced in detection sensitivity is presented.
US08074510B2

A screen test apparatus includes a test cell disposed within a pressure vessel, a piston disposed within the pressure vessel, wherein the piston is in sealing contact with an inner surface of the pressure vessel, and a screen assembly disposed in an end of the test cell. The screen assembly includes a mount collar, a screen disposed in the mount collar, and an end cap adjacent the screen which includes grooves in a face adjacent the screen and passages extending through the end cap, wherein the screen assembly is configured to fully support the screen while allowing a fluid to pass through the screen.
US08074504B2

The present invention provides a malfunction diagnosing apparatus for an engine which enables selection of a fuel to be supplied to a tank from fuels having different properties. The apparatus includes a determining unit determining whether fuel has been supplied to the tank, a sensor detecting a property of the fuel supplied from the tank to an injection valve, an air-fuel ratio control unit determining an air-fuel ratio correction amount according to a difference between a target air-fuel ratio and an actual air-fuel ratio and according to the property of the fuel sensed by the sensor to correct a fuel injection quantity using the air-fuel ratio correction amount, and a diagnosing unit that definitively diagnoses malfunctions of the determining unit, the sensor, and a fuel system, based on a combination of a determination by the determining unit, detection by the sensor, and the air-fuel ratio correction amount or the difference.
US08074501B2

The invention relates to an optical pressure sensor based on light intensity measurements and comprises at least one membrane and two parallel optical fibers. At least one first fiber has a fiber end and a light emission surface for emitting light in the direction of the membrane. At least one second fiber has a fiber end having a light admission surface for receiving the light reflected from the membrane and transmitting that reflected light. The light emission surface and the light admission surface of the two fibers are disposed facing away from each other. This changes the optical path of the light during use such that the light portion received by the at least one second fiber is very sensitive to the position of the membrane.
US08074493B2

The invention relates to a signaling magnetic plug for a liquid circuit, the plug including a first magnetic electrode and a second magnetic electrode for coming into contact with the liquid flowing in the liquid circuit when the magnetic plug is mounted so as to detect the presence of metal particles that might be contained in the liquid. According to the invention, the plug also includes a preferably non-magnetic intermediate electrode disposed between the first and second magnetic electrodes while also being designed to be in contact with the liquid flowing in the liquid circuit when the magnetic plug is mounted, whereby said plug enables the presence of such metal particles to be detected early.
US08074482B2

A plug 1 includes a first columnar portion 20, a tapered portion 30, and a second columnar portion 40. The first columnar portion 20 has an outside diameter D1. The second columnar portion 40 has an outside diameter D2 which is larger than the outside diameter D1. The tapered portion 30 is formed between the first columnar portion 20 and the second columnar portion 40. The tapered portion 30 has a tapered surface 31 provided with an outside diameter which is gradually increased from the first columnar portion 20 to the second columnar portion 40, and an axial direction length L. The outside diameters D1 and D2, and the axial direction length L meet the following expressions (1) to (4): 0.25≦ρ≦2.00  (1), 0.06≦L/D2≦0.8  (2), L/D2≦0.3×ρ+0.575  (3), and L/D2≧0.1×ρ  (4) where ρ=(D2−D1)/D1×100. Therefore, the cold drawing plug according to the present invention can reduce the tensile residual stress on the outer surface of a metal pipe after the cold drawing.
US08074481B2

A key assembly having an identification member secured to the key. In one embodiment, the identification member includes a programmable device that contains information indicative of one or more characteristics of the key that can be used to identify at least one of a) the type of key, b) the type of key blank, c) an origination address, d) a destination address, e) a manufacturer, f) a manufacturing date, and g) a lot number. Another embodiment may include a key, and an identification member secured to the key, wherein the identification member includes a programmable device that contains information indicative of a) the key type, b) the type of key blank, and c) cutting instructions for a key cutter to determine cut characteristics. Additional embodiments may include an automobile key and an identification member secured to the automobile key, where in the identification member includes memory for use as mobile data storage.
US08074473B2

A three step method and apparatus for quenching a formed glass sheet in a manner that reduces cycle time without excessive temporary surface tension that can cause excessive breakage.
US08074465B2

The present invention provides a temperature sensitive transport container (20) for packaging and shipping cell-based products such as cultured cells intended for transplantation. In particular, the present disclosure provides a thermally insulated transport container system (10) for storing and transporting cells for transplantation which is capable of maintaining the cells at a desirable temperature range for a sufficient period of time to ensure adequate cell viability and therapeutic properties.
US08074464B2

An ice producing apparatus for a refrigerator is disclosed. The apparatus includes a door configured to permit and prohibit access to an interior volume of a storage compartment of the refrigerator, the door defining therein a door interior volume; a fan disposed in the door interior volume; and a mold disposed in the door interior volume and configured to receive water and to retain the water during freezing of the water into ice.
US08074457B2

A compact cryocooler includes a gas compression piston (304) supported for reciprocal linear translation along a first longitudinal axis (308) and a gas displacing piston (362) supported for reciprocal linear translation along a second longitudinal axis (366). The first longitudinal axis (308) and second longitudinal axis (366) are substantially orthogonal. A rotary motor (302) rotates a rotor (324) and associated motor shaft (320) about a motor rotation axis (328) disposed substantially parallel with the second longitudinal axis (366). Motor shaft (320) first and second mounting features (336, 340) traverse first and second eccentric paths around the motor rotation axis. A first drive coupling couples the first mounting feature (336) with the gas compression piston (304) and delivers a reciprocal linear translation along the first longitudinal axis (308) thereto. A second drive coupling couples the second mounting feature (340) with the gas displacing piston (362) and delivers a reciprocal linear translation along the second longitudinal axis (366) thereto.
US08074455B2

A twin-spool gas turbine engine including a high-pressure rotor and a low-pressure rotor, which rotors are mounted in bearings supported by an intermediate casing, at least one accessory gear box, and a drive device which drives radial and coaxial shafts for transmitting movement to the accessory gear box is disclosed. The drive device includes a high-pressure drive gear driving one of the radial shafts and connected to the high-pressure rotor and a low-pressure drive gear connected to the low-pressure rotor upstream of the high-pressure drive gear and driving the other of the radial shafts. The low-pressure drive gear is supported in the intermediate casing by an axial-positioning bearing.
US08074454B2

The invention relates to a combination power plant which is embodied as a single shaft, power plant, essentially consisting of a gas turbine, a steam turbine and a generator which is connected therebetween. A coupling is arranged between the generator and the steam turbine, and at least one drive device, which is used to drive the single-shaft power plant, is also provided. The coupling is uncoupled during a turning operation and a control unit, which is used to control the rotational speed of the steam turbine, is provided.
US08074451B2

A hydraulic motor system for improved frequency response includes a hydraulic variator having a pump and a motor, wherein the pump includes a variable angle swash plate, and the system further includes an electric actuator for controlling an angle or torque of the swash plate, thereby controlling the motor output characteristics. The electric actuator for controlling the variable angle swash plate may comprise a linear electric motor, ball screw drive or a rotary electric motor. In an example, the rotary electric motor tilts the swash plate by applying a torque to the swash plate at a point away from its tilt axis. In a further example, the rotary electric motor tilts the swash plate via a worm drive or ball screw drive.
US08074448B2

A V-type engine is disposed in an engine room of a vehicle so that each cylinder bank of the V-type engine extends substantially in a vehicle length direction. Exhaust manifolds are attached to both side of the V-type engine in a vehicle width direction, respectively. Catalytic converters are attached to both gathering portions of the exhaust manifolds, respectively, in a manner that an axial line of each of the catalytic converters extends substantially in a vehicle height direction. An auxiliary component is disposed above one of the catalytic converters in the engine room. An oil pan is attached to a lower portion of the V-type engine. The one of the catalytic converters is located lateral to the oil pan. A center line of lower portion of the oil pan is shifted with respect to a center line of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction so that the lower portion of the oil pan is away from the one of the catalytic converters.
US08074441B2

A target air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is changed back and forth between rich and lean in short periods, and it is determined that the catalyst is degraded when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is lean by the time a predetermined period of time has passed from the time the target air-fuel ratio started to be changed.
US08074440B2

A turbofan engine includes a fan variable area nozzle includes having a first fan nacelle section and a second fan nacelle section movably mounted relative the first fan nacelle section. The second fan nacelle section axially slides aftward relative to the fixed first fan nacelle section to change the effective area of the fan nozzle exit area.
US08074439B2

The present invention provides a plasma arc torch that can be used for lean combustion. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel, an electrode housing connected to the first end of the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, and (c) can be moved along the longitudinal axis, a linear actuator connected to the first electrode to adjust a position of the first electrode, a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel such that the center line of the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and wherein the tangential inlet and the tangential outlet create a vortex within the cylindrical vessel, and the first electrode and the hollow electrode nozzle creates a plasma that discharges through the hollow electrode nozzle.
US08074437B2

A resin-impregnated, structural fiber rope includes a plurality of tows disposed in a bundle, each of the plurality of tows including a plurality of structural fibers, and uncured polymeric resin impregnated into the bundle. Each of the plurality of structural fibers defines an angle with respect to a central axis of the rope of no more than about 10 degrees.
US08074428B2

For the production and filling of (sheet-material) bags (10) with one tobacco portion (18) each, a plurality of bags (10) are preferably made available in the region of a filling station (20). The latter is located in the vicinity of a pressing station (19), which is supplied with the tobacco portions (18). In the region of the pressing station (19) or in a pressing chamber (35), each tobacco portion (18) is compressed in the vertical direction on a horizontal rest, namely on a platform (39), and in addition preferably compressed by a pressing crosspiece (42) in the horizontal direction. The tobacco portion (18) thus formed is introduced into the bag (10).
US08074426B2

A multiple prescription package having a plurality of different medications is described. The multiple prescription package comprises a plurality of multiple prescription containers, a marking on each multiple prescription container, a detailed label, and a secondary package. The plurality of the multiple prescription containers are sequentially ordered to permit sequential dispensing of at least two medications that are different from one another. Each of the multiple prescription containers is associated with a prescribed time interval determined by a prescription, and each of the multiple prescription containers comprises the different medications that are sealed within the multiple prescription containers. The marking on each multiple prescription container indicates the prescribed interval when the medications are consumed. The detailed label provides a plurality of medical information regarding the medications. The secondary package configured to receive the sealed multiple prescription containers and the detailed label.
US08074425B2

A system for filling reclosable food storage bags comprising a packaging container containing a plurality of reclosable food storage bags and a frame for supporting and holding open the food storage bags during a filling procedure.
US08074419B1

Non-masonry building block components, including a standard hollow-bodied block component with horizontal and vertical locking capabilities which removes the need for bonding material such as glue, mortar or other adhesives. Modified dovetails on the upper and lower surface of the building components prevent vertical movement while resistance locks on each end of the block prevent horizontal movement. Typically, use of the non-masonry building components would allow for constructing permanent or temporary structures having vertical and horizontal channels in which to allow plumbing or electrical conduit. The incorporation of materials, such as sand or similar substance, would form a bullet-resistant barrier for use in military operations. Additionally, structures formed from the block components could easily be assembled or disassembled on site without the need for skilled labor, specialized tools, demolition and clean up.
US08074417B2

A roof or wall covering comprising a plurality of horizontal courses of molded plastic panels each formed with a single row of simulated shake shingles. The panels have a continuous upper interlock flange that facilitates inner-engagement of the panels of overlying courses without cumbersome handling of numerous small interlock fingers which can be missed during installation. Cooperating detents are provided between the overlying lower and upper marginal edge regions which facilitate proper positioning of the panels and which support the weight of the panel during securement to a wall surface. A bottom interlock flange is supported transversely across a rear side of the panel by vertically-spaced support plates which facilitate both liquid drainage and air circulation through the installed wall covering. In the preferred embodiment, the panels in alternate courses are identically formed with different shake patterns for enhancing the natural appearance of the wall covering.
US08074413B2

A foundation for a building superstructure has a number of hollow foundation tubes laid horizontally on the ground and susceptible to degradation over time by contact with the ground. Each tube is protected by one or both of the following: (1) a reinforcement housed within the tube, shaped conformably to the interior of the tube, and resistant to degradation by contact with the ground; and (2) a membrane surrounding the tube, shaped conformably to the exterior of the tube, and resistant to degradation by contact with the ground. The tubes are arranged to form the footprint of a small building. In completing the building superstructure, other tubes, which need not have the same protection, are stacked on the foundation tubes. Degradation of the foundation tubes over time because of their contact with the ground is rendered inconsequential by the reinforcement or prevented by the membrane.
US08074409B2

A wall assembly includes a wall frame, a trough, a moisture transport spacer coupled to the wall frame and providing a substantial barrier to the passage of air and moisture vapor through the wall assembly, a moisture wicking sheet disposed at a bottom of the wall frame and extending from the moisture transport spacer to the trough, and an air seal disposed between the moisture wicking sheet and the bottom of the wall frame. The trough communicates with a dynamic ventilation system configured to remove moisture collected in the trough.
US08074407B2

A floor profile arrangement is provided, in particular for bridging a joint between adjacent floor coverings, with a base profile, a covering profile with at least one sideways projecting covering wing, and a web arrangement as a connection between the base profile and the covering profile, and with an articulation arrangement, the articulation arrangement consisting of an articular cavity disposed on the base profile or the covering profile and an articulation element formed on the lower or on the upper edge of the pivoting web arrangement.
US08074405B1

A rain collecting wall system comprising a plurality of interlocking wall components each with a chamber for storing water; sets of teeth disposed on either side of the wall components, the sets of teeth allow the wall components to be arranged to form a structure wherein the first set of teeth of a first wall component engages the second set of teeth of a second wall component; an aperture disposed in each set of teeth adapted to receive an anchor for supporting the wall component in an upright position; structural supports for helping the wall components resist bowing; at least one water access point disposed; and a mounting system for attaching building materials or shelving systems to the wall components.
US08074403B1

A full size building having three walls, an open side and a roof but no floor can be moved along parallel rails from an open free standing position to a closed position where the building abuts another structure to completely enclose an outdoor area. The building is of conventional construction but is erected over a rigid framework of iron beams. A series of roller assemblies containing rotatable axles is attached to the underside of rigid framework. The axles rest directly on the rails and rotate smoothly by means of bearings as the building moves along the rails. Stabilizers prevent wobble and keep the building on the rails when it is being moved. Locks prevent any movement when the building is in either the open or closed position. Additional locking means prevent lateral movement when the building is locked in the open position. The building can be moved using a winch and cable system or using a unique suspended sprocket wheel and track system. Concrete footings form the base for the rails. Hinged panels along the lower portion of the inside and outside of the three walls conceal the roller assemblies and stabilizers and close any space between the walls and the ground below them. The hinges enable the panels to be raised when the building is being moved. The abutting structure can be a stationary wall, an exterior wall of a stationary building, or another movable building.
US08074401B2

A mechanical arm system for opening a door includes an actuator assembly having an output shaft and an arm driven by the output shaft so as to move the door from a closed position toward an open position. The arm is free from contact with the door when the door moves from the open position to the closed position. The actuator assembly is mounted to a support member adjacent the door. The arm extends between the output shaft and the door. The arm may be moveable between a position in which the arm contacts the door in the open position and a retracted position in which the arm is free from contact with the door in the closed position. The arm may be moved to the retracted position before the door reaches the open position so as to abort the opening of the door.
US08074398B2

Disclosed herein is a growing system for enhanced yield. In an exemplary embodiment of the growing system, a plant stand is provided, and a plurality of plant pots can be further provided. The plant stand can include a first frame, a second frame, and a plurality of brackets securing the plant pots to the first frame and the second frame. The plant stand is configured such that the plant pots have a tiered formation. In some embodiments, the brackets each have a segment upon which a corresponding plant pot is seated and segments for securing opposing sides of the plant stand. In some embodiments, the plant stand has a substantially x-shaped elevation.
US08074396B2

The invention relates to a device for protecting different articles against birds, insects and dust. The inventive device consists of a tubular element (11) comprising a flexible mesh or a non-woven fabric, which can be closed at the upper and lower openings thereof and which encloses the article to be protected (9a, 9b). The invention is also equipped with a series of hoops (17) or supports which keep the tube (11) at a certain distance from the article to be protected.
US08074394B2

An image stabilization or vibration reduction facility for a riflescope and firearm has a transparent optical element that refracts incoming rays passing based on motion, to provide a stabilized image, which is transmitted to a user along an optical path of a rifle scope. A feedback transducer connected an output signal from the stabilization facility indicates a characteristic of the output signal. The transducer may be a second reticle that moves based on motion of the riflescope to indicate the degree of deflection by the stabilization facility, and may illuminate when the stabilization facility is in a neutral condition without deflection. The rifle may include a trigger block the prevents trigger operation until a neutral condition is detected. A rangefinder and wind indicator input may be provided, with the stabilization facility refracting the incoming image to compensate for bullet drop at the indicated distance, and for the effects of the indicated wind speed and direction; the riflescope may omit conventional bullet drop and windage adjustment elements.
US08074391B2

A firearm formed by a housing, in which an assembly of a carriage and a barrel with a muzzle brake, and a breech block are slidingly supported, wherein the breech block is equipped with a return spring that is supported on a rear support surface of the housing, has a counter weight slidingly disposed in a longitudinal space located between the housing and the carriage and has a support surface which leans against a rear end of the return spring, the said counter weight being seated in its front position on a front stop surface of the carriage. The breach block is seated in its rear position on a rear stop surface of the carriage, a front end of the return spring also leans against a front support surface of the housing in the front position of the breech block, whereby a transfer element protrudes into the path of the breech block, the transfer element being simultaneously supported on the carriage and on the counter weight, and in an outer position pushes the counter weight against a front stop surface of the carriage.
US08074386B2

An integrated mirror and graphics display system includes a sheet of substantially transparent material, the sheet having a front and a back, the back having a silvered or reflective region and at least one primary non-silvered region. Also included is a sheet of translucent material, having printed on or embedded in it a graphic of interest to a system user, the translucent sheet secured or painted upon the back of the transparent sheet against the non-silvered region. The system further includes an illumination element defining an area smaller, equal to or greater than that of the non-silvered region and secured in optical communication with the translucent sheet. A secondary non-silvered region may be used to provide owner-specific personalized information.
US08074385B2

A light-weight display easel assembly for use with photographs and photographic greeting cards is described, wherein the display device is a substantially planar sheet or panel of paperboard or similar cellulose-containing material having a plurality of die-cut flaps thereon, each of the die-cut flaps having one scored edge which allows for the outward folding of the flap. The display easel further comprises a plurality of adhesive strips on the front face of the paperboard, for attachment of a photograph or photographic greeting card thereto. The display easel, once assembled, is lightweight enough such that it can be mailed without the need for excess postage fees. Additionally, due to the attachment of the display easel to substantially the entire back face of a photograph, the entire photograph is fully supported and is therefore resistant to creases, indentations, warping, and other damages which can occur during the mailing process.
US08074381B2

A pedal connection arrangement includes a pedal having a spherical portion with an outer spherical surface. The pedal connection arrangement also includes a bicycle shoe that has a pedal gripping cavity that directly engages at least portions of the outer spherical surface of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The shoe is configured so that the pedal gripping cavity securely grips outer spherical surface of the pedal, yet remains free to swivel in various directions about the spherical portion of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The various directions include directions other than about the pedal longitudinal axis, thereby giving more flexibility for movement of the rider's foot while maintaining positive contact between the shoe and the pedal.
US08074370B1

A device for removing moisture from a rug or other item, such as a tent or a tarp, etc. in a short time while preventing compression of the rug or the item and the resultant crushing of fringe comprising a shaft disposed on a horizontal axis having a large diameter with a rotatable smaller diameter inner tube therein, the smaller diameter inner tube having apertures therethrough, the smaller diameter inner tube being open at both ends, the inner tube being driven to rotate, and fluid removal means connected to the larger diameter tube for removal of fluid from the device, whereby when a wet rug is loaded into the smaller diameter inner tube, and rotated the moisture in the rug is spun from the rug through the apertures into the larger diameter outer tube and the moisture is drained from the device. A wet item can be loaded from either end and the item can be unloaded from either end after the moisture has been removed.
US08074368B2

An apparatus and method for a hinged measuring and marking device is disclosed herein. The device utilizes a first member, containing a flat surface with a straightedge for marking or measuring, coupled to a second member, also containing a flat surface with a straightedge for measuring or marking wherein the first member is coupled to the second member in a direction perpendicular to the straightedge of the first member. The straightedges of the first and second members are coplanar for marking an approximately contiguous line on a single plane or on two intersecting planes. The first member and the second member can be rotated between 0 and 180 degrees with respect to each other to accommodate marking a line on the two intersecting planes.
US08074367B2

A motion-sensing device for sensing tilt and acceleration when either tilt, horizontal acceleration, or tilt and horizontal acceleration acting concurrently, influence the device, including: a substrate having a vertical surface, a first accelerometer fixed to the vertical surface of the substrate; a pendulum flexibly coupled to the substrate proximate to the first accelerometer; and a second accelerometer fixed to the pendulum. The first and/or second accelerometers are preferably an accelerometer; a spring-mass system; and/or any tilt or accelerometer sensitive elements. The first accelerometer includes an accelerometer that measures tilt and linear acceleration in a first geometric plane, the pendulum is constrained to move in the first geometric plane, and the second accelerometer is operable to measure linear acceleration in the first geometric plane. The motion-sensing device or devices coupled to a machine, vehicle, and/or a control system. The pendulum is critically damped using a damping fluid.
US08074354B2

An embodiment of the present invention is a method of making a Land Grid Array (LGA) socket. A contact area of a socket is divided into a first L-shaped area and a second L-shaped area. The first L-shaped area has a first center, a first outer long side, and a first outer short side. The first L-shaped area contains a first set of contacts oriented in a first direction. The second L-shaped area has a second center, a second outer long side, and a second outer short side and is located symmetrically to the first L-shaped area. The second L-shaped area contains a second set of contacts oriented in a second direction opposite to the first direction such that pressing a device on the first and second sets of contacts results in approximately zero force and moment.
US08074348B2

An apparatus and method for fastening a wood panel to a high structural strength steel frame member using self-drilling, self-tapping screws. An electrically powered rotary driver with an attached screw driver bit is carried by a pneumatically-powered telescoping driver support/fastener-positioning unit that includes a fastener positioning plate, telescoping members attached to the fastener positioning plate, and a pair of foot plates for the operator to stand on whereby to hold the apparatus down during a screw-driving operation. The driver and the driver support/fastener-positioning unit are controlled by an electro/pneumatic system. The method implemented by that system comprises retracting the driver support/fastener positioning unit so as force the screw driver bit to engage in the positioning plate, operating the driver as the telescoping members are retracted so that the screw driver bit will cause the engaged fastener to drill in turn through the wood panel and the steel frame member and form a screw connection with the steel frame member, and then turning off the driver and re-extending the telescoping members so as disengage the screw driver bit from the driven fastener, ready for a new screw-driving operation.
US08074339B1

Methods of manufacturing a composite lattice structure made of cellulosic, inorganic, and/or polymer materials are disclosed. The unique lattice is weather-resistant and low-maintenance and may be used for ornamental gardening trellises, overhead outdoor patio or deck coverings, window lattices, privacy fences, garden fences, ornamental skirting or façades such as around the bottom of an elevated deck or porch, and other suitable functions.
US08074329B2

A scatter urn adapted for the dispersal of cremains. A cremation urn with a scatter urn within it that can be easily removed. A cremation urn with a removable and replaceable panel(s) which allows for placement of an image, such as by laser engraving, on a removable panel, with a scatter urn within it. A cremation urn with a memorial photograph with a scatter urn within it.
US08074328B2

An urn with one or more removable and replaceable panels which allow for placement of an image, such as by laser engraving, to be done on the removable panel. The panel may be custom engraved and added to a partially complete urn. An urn with an extended base.
US08074322B2

A hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft defining a latching recess, a second leaf non-rotatably connected to the pivot shaft, a first leaf rotatably connected to the pivot shaft, and a clasping member fixed on the first leaf. The clasping member includes a receiving portion sleeved on the pivot shaft, and an elastic portion adjacent to the receiving portion. A part of the elastic portion engages in the latching recess of the pivot shaft, and the part of the elastic portion is separated from the receiving portion.
US08074317B2

A towel specifically designed for cleaning vehicles and other surfaces without the use of soap or other cleaning agents is formed of a combination of microfiber material and chamois material and comprises a first relatively thicker portion formed primarily of an underlying layer of material and an outer layer of microfiber material that is folded over and attached to both faces of the underlying layer of material; and a second relatively thinner portion formed primarily of chamois material.
US08074311B2

A multiple function pillow used for kneeling, sitting, sleeping and traveling which includes a cushion member and a protective cover. A mechanism is for removably inserting the cushion member into the protective cover, to allow a person to rest their head, back, sit and kneel thereon. A mechanism is for securing opposite ends of the protective cover together, wherein the cushion member can be folded into a closed position, so as to be wrapped and retained about a wrist of a person, a handle of a suitcase, a strap of a bag and a strap of a purse for easy transportation thereof. Two non-slip neoprene material pads are used.
US08074309B2

A bed 14 has a base frame 32, an elevatable frame 34 and a telescopable column 36 having a base segment 36a connected to the base frame 32 and a terminal segment 36e connected to the elevate able frame 34. Each column circumscribes a lift chain assembly 100 which includes a magazine 102 and a lift chain 160 with a terminal link 240. The magazine 102 is connected to either the base frame 32 or the elevate able frame 34 and the terminal link 240 is connected to the other of the base frame 32 and the elevate able frame 34. The magazine 102 comprises left and right magazine covers 104, 106 each having an outer face and an inner face 112, 114 with grooves 120. The lift chain 160 has left and right rollers 238 that project into the grooves. The lift chain assembly 100 also includes a gear train 320 extending from a gear train drive shaft 334 to a gear train output shaft 338 and a motor 278 having an output shaft 314 connected to the gear train drive shaft 334.
US08074308B2

Devices, systems, and methods for supporting and/or stabilizing a patient can help to position a patient relative to a therapeutic laser beam, for example, inhibiting motion or deflection during a refractive procedure on the eyes, and the like. A stabilizing structural member can support a chair or other patient support near shoulders of the patient, and the member may remain stationary while the chair is driven in a horizontal plane by a linkage. Often, a nominal patient center of gravity is located between the support member and a portion of the patient support which is supported by the linkage to reduce cantilever effects. The member may be rigidly attached to a vertical motion stage which moves the chair at an angle, for example at an angle normal to the horizontal plane.
US08074306B2

A rotatable and positionable bathing seat includes a rotating device and a positioning device between a cushion and a base. The rotating device includes an upper turntable connected to the bottom of the cushion, a lower turntable connected to the base, and balls between the upper and lower turntables. The lower turntable includes positioning holes. The positioning device includes a fixing plate connected to the bottom of the cushion, a press plate pivotally connected to the fixing plate, a pivoting portion disposed at the middle of the press plate and an end of the pivoting portion forming a force applying portion, and an elastic element installed between the force applying portion and the fixing plate, and another end of the pivoting portion passed into or separated from a positioning pin in the positioning hole, such that the bathing seat can rotate and position the cushion at the base.
US08074299B2

A protective bodysuit comprises a body portion and a hood portion that are selectively securable together via a zipper along a sealing interface. The body portion and the hood portion are constructed of a material for protecting a wearer against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and/or fire hazards. Additionally, the protective bodysuit comprises a sealing apparatus that is removably coupled between opposing ends of the zipper to provide a complete seal between the hood portion and the body portion.
US08074298B2

A pants construction comprises an undergarment having a drawstring, elastic band or other securing mechanism on the waistband. The undergarment is attached to the inside of a pair of pants or shorts with a hook and loop type fastener, buttons, zippers, snaps, tie strings, temporary glue or the like. The attachment is concealed; and is arranged such that at least some of the upper portion of the undergarment is revealed above substantially the entire circumference of the waistband of the pants, and the waistband of the pants is below the waist of the wearer. This conveys a perception that the pants are far below the waist. A securing mechanism associated with the undergarment stabilizes the pants to prevent them from falling down.
US08079092B2

A system consisting of a memory storage unit in which the licensed softwares are stored. The function of this device is to recognize the requested data and thereby allow the software from the memory storage unit according to the instructions set to this device. It is an effective means for protecting the software in the device from duplication.
US08079090B2

A license management system includes a license management server, an information processing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus. To simplify application activation on the image forming apparatus, the device comprises a first input unit that inputs first license information, a first transmission unit that transmits the first license information to the license management server, a second input unit that inputs information from the license management server regarding the possibility of issuing second license information, a second transmission unit that transmits unique information that is preset on the apparatus to the license management server when information that it is possible to issue the second license information is inputted, a third input unit adapted to inputting the second license information that is issued from the license management server, and a unit that activates the application program in accordance with the second license information.
US08079089B2

A system includes: first and second devices that each register, in response to a request from a user, control information for target information in a memory, and provide, upon receipt of a request for usage information concerning the target information from the user, the user with the usage information, based on the control information in the memory, wherein the first device includes a first unit that provides, in response to the request from the user, the user with a list of the control information for the second device, and upon receipt of selection of the information from the list, sends the selected information to the second device so as to be associated with target information, and the second device includes a second unit that receives the control information associated with the target information and registers the control information in the memory so as to be associated with the target information.
US08079088B2

Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus including: a unit information acquisition section; an identification information acquisition section; a secondary version information acquisition section; a comparison section; and an operation control section.
US08079086B1

Protection systems and methods provide for protecting one or more personal computers (“PCs”) and/or other intermittently or persistently network accessible devices or processes from undesirable or otherwise malicious operations of Java TN applets, ActiveX™ controls, JavaScript™ scripts, Visual Basic scripts, add-ins, downloaded/uploaded programs or other “Downloadables” or “mobile code” in whole or part. A protection engine embodiment provides, within a server, firewall or other suitable “recommunicator,” for monitoring information received by the communicator, determining whether received information does or is likely to include executable code, and if so, causes mobile protection code (MPC) to be transferred to and rendered operable within a destination device of the received information, more suitably by forming a protection agent including the MPC, protection policies and a detected-Downloadable. An MPC embodiment further provides, within a Downloadable-destination, for initiating the Downloadable, enabling malicious Downloadable operation attempts to be received by the MPC, and causing (predetermined) corresponding operations to be executed in response to the attempts, more suitably in conjunction with protection policies.
US08079085B1

A program installed on a computer system registers and is placed on an installed program list or an uninstall software list. A check of the uninstall software list (USL) is added as a secondary verification mechanism to a behavior monitoring engine. A signature-based malware scan engine may be used. If the scan engine does not flag the file as malware, then the behavior monitoring engine monitors the activities performed by the underlying application. When the behavior monitoring engine flags an activity as potentially suspicious, the USL is checked to determine if the application running the process is on the USL. If so, then the process is treated as legitimate and there is no need to alert the user. Only if both the behavior is flagged as suspicious and the application performing the behavior is not on the USL will the user receive an alert as to the potential malware.
US08079068B2

A system and method for automatically managing a connection between a user device and a security token access device. The access device is adapted to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of user devices and to be securely paired with at least one of the plurality of user devices, and is further adapted to maintain connection information relating to each of the plurality of user devices. The connection information comprises security information for each user device securely paired with the access device. The access device automatically manages a connection by maintaining a store of connection information comprising security information for each of a set of at least one securely paired user devices; determining whether one of the securely paired user devices is a stale device; and if it is determined that one of the securely paired user devices is a stale device, implementing a management protocol for handling the stale device.
US08079060B1

Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for adaptive policy-based configuration of programs. An example method comprises collecting from computer system configuration and performance information and rating system performance based on the collected information. The method further includes selecting based on the performance rating an operational policy for a computer program. The policy specifies program settings and limits of system resource utilization by the program. The method further includes monitoring system resource utilization during program execution on the computer system to determine whether system resource utilization exceeds the limit specified in the operational policy. If the system resource utilization exceeds the specified limit, the method selects another policy specifying different program settings and a different limit of system resource utilization.
US08079059B1

Methods, computer products, and systems are described for providing terminal view access of a client device in a secure enterprise network. One method includes receiving a request from a first client device within the secure enterprise network and/or a second client device for providing terminal view access of the first and/or second client device to the second and/or first client device respectively. A security check on the request is performed to enforce a security policy of the secure enterprise network. When the security policy is satisfied, a secure data transport channel is established between the first client device and the second client device. Terminal view data corresponding to a desktop associated with the first and/or second client device is received from the first and/or second client device respectively via the data transport channel and is provided to the second and/or first client device respectively via the data transport channel.
US08079052B2

Methods and apparatuses and systems for inserting advertisement segments into trick content. Advertisement segments present in the original video content are extracted from the video content and merged with other navigation segements to generate associated trick content. The advertisement segment may be inserted into the trick files may be displayed at their normal playback speed, a different apparent playback speed, or displayed in a different direction. Additionally, alternative content of the advertisement segment may be inserted into the advertisement segment to provide specialized versions of the advertisement content to be displayed in trick content mode, or the content may be completely different fro the original advertisement content, such as session specific advertisement content or even user specific advertisement content based on user preferences.
US08079047B1

An apparatus and method for searching for television program information using a programmable television services client device that includes memory for storing data, display configuration information contained in the memory, and a processor. The display configuration information includes a guide arrangement configured in a search format for displaying a prompt for user input designating a television program search parameter. The processor is responsive to user input and is configured to cause a search result related to the television program search parameter to be displayed on a viewing device.
US08079046B2

A system and method for making program recommendations to users of a network-based video recording system utilizes expressed preferences as inputs to collaborative filtering and Bayesian predictive algorithms to rate television programs using a graphical rating system. The predictive algorithms are adaptive, improving in accuracy as more programs are rated.
US08079045B2

The present invention may be regarded as personal video recorder and a method of displaying a targeted advertisement on a display in conjunction with displaying of a broadcast stream on the display. The method defines a viewer profile of a viewer of the display based on signals received by a controller indicating usage of a viewer control interface by the viewer, for example based on viewer reactions to a broadcast stream or to an advertisement. A targeted advertisement is selected from stored advertisements based on the viewer profile of the viewer of the display. The targeted advertisement is displayed on the display. The viewer profile is updated based on subsequent signals received by the controller indicating usage of the viewer control interface. The signals indicate viewer reactions, for example, a viewer reaction to a broadcast stream or a viewer reaction to an advertisement or a viewer purchase.
US08079044B1

Systems and methods for searching for available assets permitted by parental controls are disclosed. Search results may include assets similar to a reference asset, which may be an asset the user has requested, but which is locked by parental control settings in force on the user equipment. Assets may be ranked according to their similarity, or relevance, to the requested asset, and they may be accessed directly from the search results. Systems and methods for accessing edited or censored versions of the requested asset are also disclosed. An edited content source may store multiple versions of certain assets available in the media system. The appropriate version of the asset may be accessed and presented to the user automatically depending on the user's parental control settings.
US08079043B2

A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to activate functionality in a set-top box 500. A feature authorization message is received in a set-top box 500. The feature authorization message comprises one or more rules to be evaluated (wherein each of the rules comprises one or more tests for a status of one or more conditional access module 502 attributes), one or more event requirements for rule evaluation, and one or more features that are dependent by the rule evaluation result (wherein each of the one or more features represents a set of one or more abilities of hardware and/or software of the set-top box 500). When one or more of the event requirements have been met, the one or more rules are evaluated to obtain a result. The ability to use the one or more features are then set based on the result.
US08079041B2

Disclosed is a clamping apparatus including a case having a side surface on which a plurality of arm holes are formed; an arm, which moves inside and outside the case through one of the arm holes while being restricted by the case and has an upper part and a lower part that are guided by the case; and an elastic member installed inside the case to elastically support the arm.
US08079031B2

A discussion of a dynamic configuration for a prefetcher is proposed. For example, a thread specific latency metric is calculated and provides dynamic feedback to the software on a per thread basis via the configuration and status registers. Likewise, the software can optionally use the information from the registers to dynamically configure the prefetching behavior and allows the software to be able to both query the performance and configure the prefetcher.
US08079027B2

Included are embodiments of a description language program stored in a computing device for updating a first version of a computer program. In at least one embodiment, the first version of the computer program is written in a universal format and the program includes logic configured to receive an updated version of the computer program. Other embodiments include logic configured to retrieve the first version of the computer program and logic configured to translate the updated version of the computer program from a proprietary format to the universal format. Still other embodiments include logic configured to utilize at least one tag to compare the translated updated version of the computer program with the first version of the computer program.
US08079023B2

Described is a technology by which a compiler's intermediate representation is generated in a way that includes type checking to ensure safe execution. Typed representation of virtual method invocation uses an exact class name to represent objects of the class but not those of the subclasses, and a combined class type as an encoding of an existential type to represent objects of the class and subclasses of the class. Typed representation of interface method invocation is also provided, as is testing whether the object can be cast to a class, to an interface and/or to a class vector. Vector store checking is also able to be type checked. The medium-level intermediate representation is translated into a low-level intermediate representation, including choosing data representation for types, and converting medium-level intermediate representation operators into instructions in the low-level representation. Using a typed intermediate representation without scopes and determining the scopes of type variables when performing type checking is also described.
US08079020B2

This paper describes preferential path profiling, which enables profiling a specified subset of all possible program paths with very low overhead. Preferential path profiling compactly identifies paths of interest using an array. More specifically, PPP assigns a unique and compact path index identifier to all interesting paths that can be used to index into a path array. The path array contains a second path value identifier that is used to distinguish interesting paths from other program paths This path numbering allows the implementation of preferential path profiling to use array-based counters instead of hash table-based counters for identifying paths of interest and gathering path profiles, which significantly reduces execution time and computational resource overhead during profiling.
US08079014B2

A software development apparatus capable of mitigating troublesomeness involved in the development of software to be executed by a multi-core processor. A processor core identifier identifies one of processor cores with which software development information (project information, program development support information, debugging information, etc.) for developing software is associated. In accordance with the identification result, a display processor displays the association between the software development information and the corresponding processor core in a visually distinguishable manner.
US08079013B1

A computer-implemented method of specifying a circuit design within a high-level modeling system (HLMS) can include, responsive to a scripted user input, instantiating a first and a second block objects within a hardware description interface (HDI) that is communicatively linked with the HLMS and, responsive to instantiating the first and second block objects, creating and displaying, within the HLMS, first and second modeling blocks representing the first and second xBlock objects respectively. Responsive to instantiating, within the HDI, a signal object bound to an output port of the first block object and an input port of the second block object, a modeling line can be created and displayed within the HLMS visually linking an output of the first modeling block with an input of the second modeling block. The first modeling block, second modeling block, and modeling line can be stored as a description of the circuit design.
US08079011B2

A printed circuit board includes a group of pads suitable to be soldered to a respective group of solder-balls of a device. Each pad of the group has a crack initiation point on its perimeter at a location where cracks in a solder-ball are anticipated to start after that solder-ball is soldered to that pad. For a pad of that group having a microvia located therein, a center of that microvia is located farther than a center of that pad from its crack initiation point. For a pad of that group having a trace merging along a portion of its perimeter, that portion does not include a vicinity of that crack initiation point.
US08079009B1

A system and method of managing interrupt requests from IP cores within an integrated circuit design can include capturing environmental constraints within constraint files for the integrated circuit design (where the constraints can include information regarding a board upon which an integrated circuit device is mounted, pin locations for interrupt signals, and the sensitivity of the interrupt signals), generating connections among interrupt sources, interrupt controllers, and interrupt request ports on microprocessor cores within a device environment, and automatically instantiating controller logic when interrupt controllers are lacking during compilation of the device design. The method and system can also identify within the design, processor and bus interconnections as well as each interrupt port on the IP cores and the sensitivity requirements for each port which can be stored within description files for a corresponding IP core instead of an HDL specification.
US08079008B2

A high-speed, low leakage-power Standard Cell Library is provided. The high-speed, low-leakage-power Standard Cell Library provides the extra drive-strength of a taller X-Track library (e.g., 14-Track library) and low leakage-power comparable to that of a smaller, N-Track library (e.g., 10-Track library). The high-speed, low leakage-power Standard Cell Library includes a set of cells each having a device area designed to provide maximum drive strength for the cell. The high-speed, low leakage-power Standard Cell Library further includes a second set of cells having varying device areas that provide reduced leakage power characteristics comparable to cells in the smaller, N-Track library. The modified reduced leakage-power cells are formed by adding padding to the cell to achieve a desired leakage-power characteristic of the cell.
US08079002B1

An embodiment of the invention involves: providing a database that includes layout information representing a layout within an integrated circuit of an electrical circuit; identifying from the information in the database each conductive path of a selected type in the electrical circuit; extracting layout information from the database for each conductive path of the selected type; and calculating an electrical parameter for each conductive path of the selected type, as a function of the layout information obtained for that conductive path during the extracting. In addition, in a different configuration of the embodiment, a report can be generated containing information based on the electrical parameter calculated during the calculating for at least one of the conductive paths of the selected type.
US08078990B2

A device and method for placing the device in a locked state having an associated set of permitted tasks so as to permit the device owner to share the device with others but maintain security over aspects of the device. A task change request is evaluated to determine whether the requested task is permitted and, if so, the requested task is allowed; if not, then an authorization process is invoked to prompt the user to input authorization data. Upon verification of the authorization data, the device may be unlocked and the requested change implemented. The permitted tasks may designate specific applications, specific operations or functions within applications or at the operating system level, one or more currently open windows, and other levels of granularity.
US08078982B2

The disclosed implementations allow automatic and transparent creation of data relationships in a database application or other application in response to user generated trigger events. Related data records can be stored and displayed in layouts, screens, forms and user interfaces provided by the database application or other application. Additional or extended information corresponding to the related data can be stored and displayed.
US08078981B2

A graphics integrated circuit chip is used in a set-top box for controlling a television display. The graphics chip processes analog video input, digital video input, a graphics input and an audio input simultaneously. The chip processes graphics images organized as windows. The chip obtains data that describes the windows, sorts the data according to the depth of the window on the display, transfers graphics images from memory, and blends the graphics images using alpha values associated with the graphics images.
US08078974B2

Web page change may be related to revisitation patterns to support web interaction. In an example embodiment, a method involves analyzing change and revisitation data for a web page, determining a relationship between the data, inferring consumption intent by a user for the web page, and utilizing the inferred consumption intent. More specifically, change data is analyzed to produce a change characterization, with the change data reflecting differences between content of a web page at different times. Revisitation data is analyzed to produce a revisitation characterization, with the revisitation data including visit times to the web page by a user. A relationship is determined between the change and the revisitation data based on the change and the revisitation characterizations. Consumption intent of the user for the content of the web page is inferred responsive to the relationship. The inferred consumption intent is utilized to support interaction with the web page.
US08078967B2

A method and apparatus for viewing desired portions of a multimedia presentation. Desired portions of a multimedia presentation are determined. In one embodiment, an editor may determine which portions of the presentation are desired. Alternatively, or additionally, specified criteria may be applied to the presentation to determine the desired portions. An annotation file is then created based upon the determine desired portions of the multimedia presentation. The annotation file contains pointers corresponding to the desired potions of the multimedia presentation. Annotation management software may use the annotation file to cause a display device to display only desired portions of the multimedia presentation. The annotation file may be applied to a broadcast presentation or a recorded program file. In one embodiment the annotation file may contain information related to the desired portions of the multimedia presentation and/or the remainder of the multimedia presentation.
US08078965B2

Automatic switching of fonts on multilingual text runs in one action is provided. After an indication that a new font scheme is to be applied to a multilingual text selection, a client application passes a language identification for each of the multilingual text runs, a major/minor font designation for each text run, a script identification for each text run, if available, and the selected new font scheme to a font scheme application programming interface (API). The font scheme API converts the received language identification to a script identification for each multilingual text run and maps the resulting script identifications to appropriate fonts associated with the selected font scheme for each of the multilingual text runs. Fonts retrieved for each language text run are returned to the client application for rendering the multilingual text runs according to the respective fonts applicable to the selected font scheme.
US08078962B2

To generate a navigation closed around a particular group of pages in a web site, there are provided a site structure storage means for storing information on a tree structure of a web site, a navigation root setting means or setting a particular web page as a navigation root, a page storage means for storing information on web pages, a navigation tag insertion means for inserting a navigation tag including level designation in a web page, a page selection means for selecting a page to be included in a navigation on the basis of a navigation root and level designation, a structure information generation means for generating structure information about a selected page, a template storage means for storing a template of a navigation and, a navigation generation means for generating a navigation on the basis of structure information, and a template.
US08078955B1

A system that facilitates a grid-based approach to defining styles for a table. During operation, the system allows a user to define a new table style by specifying styles for cells in a two-dimensional grid of table cells, wherein a style for a given cell specifies one or more attributes for the given cell. The system then applies the new table style to a target table, wherein applying the new table style involves repeating or tiling a pattern of cell styles defined in the two-dimensional grid across the target table.
US08078945B2

A digital broadcasting system for transmitting/receiving a digital broadcasting signal and a data processing method are disclosed. First program table information and second program table information, which has an identifier different from an identifier of the first program information, are multiplexed and transmitted. The first program table information describes main service data through fixed reception channel, while the second program information described mobile service data through mobile reception channel. Thus, a broadcast receiving system can receive and output the mobile service data by parsing the second program table information.
US08078944B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for processing data. In one exemplary implementation, there is provided a method of generating H output data streams from W data input streams produced from input data. Moreover, the method may include generating the H discrete output data streams via application of the W data inputs to one or more transforming components or processes having specified mathematic operations and/or a generator matrix functionality, wherein the W data inputs are recoverable via a recovery process capable of reproducing the W data inputs from a subset (any W members) of the H output data streams. Further exemplary implementations may comprise a transformation process that includes producing an H-sized intermediary for each of the W inputs, combining the H-sized intermediaries into an H-sized result, and processing the H-sized result into the H output data streams.
US08078942B2

In one embodiment, a processor comprises a first register file configured to store speculative register state, a second register file configured to store committed register state, a check circuit and a control unit. The first register file is protected by a first error protection scheme and the second register file is protected by a second error protection scheme. A check circuit is coupled to receive a value and corresponding one or more check bits read from the first register file to be committed to the second register file in response to the processor selecting a first instruction to be committed. The check circuit is configured to detect an error in the value responsive to the value and the check bits. Coupled to the check circuit, the control unit is configured to cause reexecution of the first instruction responsive to the error detected by the check circuit.
US08078941B2

A memory system includes code data generating section which generates code data based on write data. A nonvolatile semiconductor memory stores the write data and the code data for the write data and outputs read data and the code data for the read data. An error correcting section is configured to correct an error bit included in the read data using the read data and the code data for the read data, and outputs the read data which includes the error bit in accordance with a setting. An interface section receives the write data from outside of the memory system, and outputs the read data to outside of the memory system.
US08078939B2

One embodiment of the invention relates to a network communication device. The network communication device includes a network interface configured to receive an initial data stream. The network communication device also includes an interleaving redundancy encoder that comprises a memory unit arranged in N columns and D rows. The interleaving redundancy encoder is configured to calculate at least one redundancy byte based on a series of spaced, non-consecutive bytes in the initial data stream. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.
US08078935B2

A method and system for encoding a segment of user data words into a segment of code words so that both modulation constraints and a predetermined parity-check constraint are satisfied. Each segment of the user data is partitioned into several data words, and encoded separately by first and second types of component code, which are referred to as the normal constrained code and the parity-related constrained code, respectively. The parity-check constraint over the combined code word is achieved by concatenating the sequence of normal constrained code words with a specific parity-related constrained code word chosen from a candidate code word set. Both the component codes are finite-state constrained codes, which are designed to have rates close to the Shannon capacity. Furthermore, they are based on the same finite state machine (FSM), which enables them to be connected seamlessly, without violating the modulation constraints. Two preferred embodiments are provided to design a code in the non-return-to-zero inverted (NRZI) format and the non-return-to-zero (NRZ) format, respectively. Designing the codes in NRZ format may reduce the number of parity-check bits required for error detection and simplify error correction or post-processing. The parity-check constraint is defined by the parity-check polynomial or parity-check matrix of a systematic linear block code, which could detect any type of dominant error event as well as error event combinations of a given optical recording system. As a result, the information density of the system is improved.
US08078932B2

A method and apparatus for encoding channel quality indicator (CQI) and precoding control information (PCI) bits are disclosed. Each of the input bits, such as CQI bits and/or PCI bits, has a particular significance. The input bits are encoded with a linear block coding. The input bits are provided with an unequal error protection based on the significance of each input bit. The input bits may be duplicated based on the significance of each input bit and equal protection coding may be performed. A generator matrix for the encoding may be generated by elementary operation of conventional basis sequences to provide more protection to a most significant bit (MSB).
US08078920B2

An information processing device having two processing units capable of operating in synchronization with each other, includes: a common unit capable of outputting an identical signal to the two processing units; detection units that are respectively provided for the processing units and each detects errors occurred in corresponding processing unit respectively; a comparison unit that compares outputs from the two processing units; and a control unit that controls signals from the processing units to the common unit, based on a detection result of the detection units and a comparison result of the comparison unit, and determines, if errors of an identical type are simultaneously detected by the detection units, that the errors are due to an error of the common unit.
US08078918B2

A storage subsystem is disclosed that maintains (a) statistics regarding errors detected via an ECC (error correction code) module of the storage subsystem; and/or (b) historical data regarding operating conditions experienced by the storage subsystem, such as temperature, altitude, humidity, shock, and/or input voltage level. The storage subsystem, and/or a host system to which the storage subsystem attaches, may analyze the stored data to assess a risk of a failure event such as an uncorrectable data error. The results of this analysis may be displayed via a user interface of the host system, and/or may be used to automatically take a precautionary action such as transmitting an alert message or changing a mode of operation of the storage subsystem.
US08078916B2

An arbiter facility is provided that operates to control the flow of processes that form a test script. The control of the processes that are performed are based on explicit rules or conditions. The rules implemented by the arbiter facility result in different processes within the test script being performed based on data processed by the arbiter facility. Moreover, the arbiter facility implement rules which explicitly express, within the test case, the value of individual operations. In the exemplary embodiment, the value of one or more individual operations are explicitly expressed by the rules that are imposed on the results returned to the arbiter facility by the various verification points within the test script. Accordingly and advantageously, analysis on the value of a verification point may be performed prior to implementing or executing a test script. This analysis may then be reflected in the rule implemented in the arbiter facility.
US08078914B2

The embodiments disclosed herein extend to methods, systems, and computer program products for error resolution in a computing system that includes a health module. The health module monitors components of the system for runtime errors and provides error resolution templates. The error resolution templates include metadata that specifies actions that may resolve the error and error handlers corresponding to the actions that may correct the error. The system may be extended by the addition and/or modification of the error resolution templates. The error resolution templates may also be used to facilitate the correction of runtime errors in the system.
US08078913B2

Methods for automatically identifying and classifying a crisis state occurring in a system having a plurality of computer resources. Signals are received from a device that collects the signals from each computer resource in the system. For each epoch, an epoch fingerprint is generated. Upon detecting a performance crisis within the system, a crisis fingerprint is generated consisting of at least one epoch fingerprint. The technology is able to identify that a performance crisis has previously occurred within the datacenter if a generated crisis fingerprint favorably matches any of the model crisis fingerprints stored in a database. The technology may also predict that a crisis is about to occur.
US08078906B2

There is provided a storage system comprising a plurality of disk units adapted to store data at respective ranges of logical block addresses (LBAs), said addresses constituting an entire address space, and a storage control grid operatively connected to the plurality of disk units and comprising a plurality of data servers, each server comprising operatively coupled cache memory and non-volatile memory. The method of operating the storage system comprises: a) configuring a first server among said plurality of data servers to have a primary responsibility for handling requests directed to a certain range of LBAs; b) continuously obtaining by the first server, information indicative of configuration and/or changes thereof related to said certain data range, thus giving rise to configuration metadata; c) saving said configuration metadata and/or derivatives thereof at one or more disk units among said plurality of disk units in accordance with a predefined criterion; d) continuously saving in cache memory of the first server said configuration metadata obtained between said savings at disk units, thus giving rise to recent configuration changes metadata; e) destaging the recent configuration changes metadata to non-volatile memory of the first server if the first server fails.
US08078900B2

A selector is provided so that any one of a plurality of asynchronous absorption paths can be selected when it is assumed that operating frequencies of preceding and succeeding clock domains vary depending on the application. By an operation of a selector control circuit based on, for example, information about a ratio of preceding and succeeding clock frequencies that is set in a frequency-ratio register, an asynchronous absorption path that is optimal to a frequency-dependent process required for asynchronous absorption, such as pulse expansion or the like, is selected.
US08078899B2

Apparatus, systems, and methods operate to receive a sufficient number of asynchronous input tokens at the inputs of an asynchronous apparatus to conduct a specified processing operation, some of the tokens decoded to determine an operation type associated with the specified processing operation; to receive an indication that outputs of the asynchronous apparatus are ready to conduct the specified processing operation; to signal a synchronous circuit to process data included in the tokens according to the specified processing operation; and to convert synchronous outputs from the synchronous circuit into asynchronous output tokens to be provided to outputs of the asynchronous apparatus when the synchronous outputs result from the specified processing operation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08078893B2

According to one embodiment, an information processor capable of supplying power to an external device includes a connector, a storage module, a receiver, a selector, and a power supply controller. The connector connects the external device to the information processor. The storage module stores identification information that identifies the external device and a power supply mode in association with each other. The power supply mode defines a condition of each element of the information processor to cause the external device to be chargeable. The receiver receives the identification information from the external device connected to the information processor. The selector selects the power supply mode stored in the storage module in association with the identification information. The power supply controller sets the element of the information processor according to the condition defined by the power supply mode.
US08078884B2

Methods of and systems for selecting and presenting content based on user identification are provided. A user-interface method of selecting and presenting content items in which the presentation is ordered at least in part based on inferring which user of a collection of users is using an input device includes providing a set of content items, providing a set of preference information for each user indicating content item preferences of a corresponding user, and providing a set of user keypress biometric models representing expected keypress activity for the corresponding user. User keypress activity to identify desired content items is monitored to biometrically characterize the user and analyzed to find the closest match to one of the keypress biometric models. Based on the closest match, which user of the collection of users entered the input is inferred and the corresponding preference information is used to select, order, and present content items.
US08078882B2

Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for identifying sensitive data from a user-entered input sequence based on user-defined criteria. According to one method, user-defined criteria for identifying sensitive data within user-entered input sequences that include sensitive data and padding data are received. A request for sensitive data from a requesting agent is presented. A user-entered input sequence that includes sensitive data and padding data is received in response to the request for sensitive data. Sensitive data is identified within the user-entered input sequence using the user-defined criteria. The identified sensitive data is provided to the requesting agent in response to the request for sensitive data.
US08078875B2

An article identification method can comprise: determining a signature from an article based upon an intrinsic characteristic of the article; and comparing the determined signature to a stored signature. The method can also comprise splitting the determined signature into blocks of contiguous data, performing a comparison operation between each block and respective blocks of the stored signature, and comparing an attribute of a comparison result from each block comparison to an expected attribute of the block comparison to determine a compensation value for use in determining a comparison result. The method can also comprise determining a similarity result between the determined signature and the stored signature, using the compensation value to adjust the determined signature. Thus an article damaged by stretching or shrinking can be successfully identified. Also, a non-linear signature determination can be accommodated without losing identification accuracy.
US08078871B2

A verification apparatus for a mobile platform for remotely verifying the integrity of a device that is connected to a network and has a shared private key includes a verifying unit that determines whether the device shares a private key with the verification apparatus by checking whether the authentication code generated by the verification apparatus matches the authentication code generated by the device; a calculating unit that generates a local check code that verifies the integrity of the memory; an interface unit that transmits, to the device, the information that the verification apparatus uses to generate an authentication code and the integrity check parameter used to generate a remote check code, and receives the authentication code and the remote check code from the device; and a determining unit that verifies the integrity of the memory if the local check code matches the remote check code.
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