US08101638B2
A compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, enantiomer, racemate, diasteromers or mixtures thereof, or a solvate thereof, formulations and methods of use thereof, as opioid receptor antagonists are disclosed wherein the variables are as described herein.
US08101636B2
Novel aza analogues of dicationic terphenyl compounds for use in combating microbial infections are described. Also described are processes for synthesizing the compounds. The presently disclosed compounds can include those of the formulas: and wherein L1 and L2 are selected from the group consisting of:
US08101633B2
The present disclosure is directed to modulators of GABAA receptors and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, the chemical synthesis thereof, and the medical use of such compounds for the treatment and/or management of sleep disorders and/or for providing a patient in need with a hypnotic, anxiolytic or anti-convulsive effect are described.
US08101628B2
The present invention provides novel imidazolidinonyl aminopyrimidine compounds believed to have clinical use for treatment of cancer through inhibiting Plk1. wherein: R1 hydrogen, hydroxy, halo, methyl, C1-C2 alkoxy, amino, or methylamino; R2 is hydrogen, halo, or cyano; R3 is hydrogen or halo; R4 is hydrogen, halo, or methyl; provided that at least two of R1, R2, R3, and R4 are hydrogen; R5 is hydrogen, halo, or methyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08101622B2
The invention is directed to Compounds of Formula I: optionally as a single stereoisomer or mixture of stereoisomers thereof, and additionally optionally as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; as well as methods of making and using the compounds.
US08101620B2
Provided is a compound of the following formula: wherein: R3 is an aryl or heteroaryl group, which is optionally substituted with a halogen, lower alkoxy, aryl or heteroaryl group; R4 is halogen; R5 is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, or lower alkyl; R6 and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, and lower alkyl; and R8 is hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylenedioxy, carboxy, acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxycarbonylamino, alkylcarbonylamino, aminocarbonyl, aminocarbonylamino, cyano, acyl, oxo, nitro, amino, sulfanyl, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, amidino, phenyl, benzyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, aryloxy, arallkoxy, heteroaryloxy, or heteroaralkoxy, wherein the amino(s) in the alkoxycarbonylamino, alkylcarbonylamino, aminocarbonyl, aminocarbonylamino, amino, or aminosulfonyl is optionally substituted with alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08101617B2
Certain substituted urea derivatives selectively modulate the cardiac sarcomere, for example by potentiating cardiac myosin, and are useful in the treatment of systolic heart failure including congestive heart failure.
US08101610B2
The invention provides inhibitors of hedgehog signaling that are useful as a therapeutic agents for treating malignancies where the compounds have the general formula I: wherein ring A, ring B, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, m and n are as defined herein.
US08101605B2
Compounds of structure (I): including stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined herein. Such compounds have activity as SHIP1 modulators, and thus may be used to treat any of a variety of diseases, disorders or conditions that would benefit from SHIP1 modulation. Compositions comprising a compound of structure (I) in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent are also disclosed, as are methods of SHIP1 modulation by administration of such compounds to an animal in need thereof.
US08101602B2
There is provided a compound of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. There are also provided processes for the manufacture of a compound of Formula 1, and the use of a compound of Formula 1 as a medicament and in the treatment of cancer.
US08101600B2
Methods for treatment of depression-related mood disorders in mammals, particularly humans are disclosed. The methods of the invention include administration of compounds capable of enhancing glutamate transporter activity in the brain of mammals suffering from depression. ATP-sensitive K+ channel openers and β-lactam antibiotics are used to enhance glutamate transport and to treat depression-related mood disorders and depressive symptoms.
US08101591B2
A compound of formula (I):
US08101582B2
Ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions containing tobramycin, dexamethasone and deacetylated xanthan gum are described. The compositions provide longer ocular retention for enhanced ocular bioavailability of tobramycin and dexamethasone. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also provide for improved suspension of dexamethasone. The concentration of ionizable species in the compositions is controlled so as to prevent precipitation of the xanthan gum as a result of ionic interactions between tobramycin and xanthan gum, while allowing for a restoration of viscosity upon topical application of the compositions to the eye. The use of deacetylated xanthan gum is disclosed, so as to avoid formulation instability caused by pH drift during storage.
US08101581B2
D-ribose, given in doses of five to 15 grams daily, reduces or prevents the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in persons experiencing atrial fibrillation.
US08101580B2
It was shown that bombesin 2 (BB2) receptor antagonists typified by RC-3095 are therapeutic agents for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and show excellent efficacy in treating both an abdominal symptom and bowel movement disorder. Thus, the present invention provides a therapeutic agent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which comprises, as an active ingredient, a bombesin 2 (BB2) receptor antagonist as well as a method for treating IBS.
US08101574B2
Oligopeptides according to formula (I) and/or (II), R1-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2 (I); R1-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2 (II), wherein R1 is linked to the NH2-group of the amino-terminal part of Tyr and is selected from the group consisting of —H; a linear saturated or unsaturated or branched saturated or unsaturated acyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be functionalized by a —OH, —SH, —COOH or —CONH2 group; a sterol or a sphingolipid group which is linked to the amino terminal part of Tyr via a bifunctional linker are disclosed. Cosmetic compositions containing the oligopeptides are also disclosed.
US08101571B2
NGF variants which have trkC-binding activity and trkC-signal inducing activity are provided. The variants optionally have trkA or trkB binding and signal induction activity. The NGF variants of the present invention are useful in the treatment of neuronal disorders. Nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding the NGF variant neurotrophins are also provided.
US08101565B2
A method including advancing a delivery device through a lumen of a blood vessel to a particular region in the blood vessel; and introducing a composition including a sustained-release carrier and an apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) synthetic mimetic peptide into a wall of the blood vessel at the particular region or a perivascular site, wherein the peptide has a property that renders the peptide effective in reverse cholesterol transport. A composition including an apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) synthetic peptide, or combination of an apo A-I synthetic mimetic peptide and an Acyl CoA cholesterol: acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor in a form suitable for delivery into a blood vessel, the peptide including an amino acid sequence in an order reverse to an order of various apo A-I mimetic peptides, or endogenous apo A-I analogs, or a chimera of helix 1 and helix 9 of endogenous apo A-I.
US08101564B2
Provided is a purified, negative regulator of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, specifically LRRc17. Further provided are methods and compositions for treating degenerative bone disorders, and treatments and prophylactic approaches for regulating bone resorption, and for decreasing or inhibiting the excessive bone loss associated with abnormal or excessive generation of or activity of osteoclasts.
US08101560B2
A cost effective and less energy demanding method of producing ester oils or lubricant base oils, particularly fatty monoesters and fatty polyol esters, by esterifying palm fatty acid, which is abundant from the fat splitting process, with a monohydric alcohol or polyhydric alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst at elevated temperature wherein an azeotroping agent, particularly toluene, is used to facilitate continuous removal by distillation, of water formed as a by-product during the esterification reaction. The esterification reaction is completed within 5 hours and palm fatty esters as produced with the current method exhibit comparable lubricity and biodegradability.
US08101555B2
A spotting fluid is provided and the spotting fluid consists essentially of: syrup, syrup solids and a liquid medium, said syrup and syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, inverted sugar syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof, and the liquid medium is selected from a group consisting of water, purified water, ionized water, salt water and mixtures thereof.
US08101552B2
The invention pertains to the use of six-membered cyclic phosphates as plant growth regulators and methods for regulating the growth of plants using such compounds.
US08101543B2
Particles comprising a combination of a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a starch, wherein the particles comprise a plurality of non-permanent metal crosslinks. The non-permanent intra-fiber metal crosslinks include multi-valent metal ion crosslinks formed with one or more metal ions selected from aluminum, boron, bismuth, titanium, and zirconium ions.
US08101536B2
A glass-free microwave dielectric ceramic that can be sintered at low temperature is provided. The glass-free microwave dielectric ceramic composition includes (M1-x2+M′x2+)N4+B2O6 (wherein M and M′ are different each other, each being one among Ba, Ca and Sr; N is one among Sn, Zr and Ti; and 0
US08101534B2
A non-woven fabric made from a composition prepared by combining a first propylene-based polymer blend, where the first polymer blend is prepared by combining a propylene-based elastomer with a propylene-based thermoplastic resin and where the first blend has an MFR (ASTM D-1238 2.16 kg @ 230° C.) equal to or less than 50 dg/min, with a second propylene-based polymer blend, where the second polymer blend is prepared by combining a propylene-based elastomer with a propylene-based thermoplastic resin and where said second blend has an MFR (ASTM D-1238 2.16 kg @ 230° C.) greater than 50 dg/min, where the propylene-based elastomers comprise from about 5% to 35% by weight units derived from ethylene or non-propylene alpha-olefin and have a heat of fusion, as determined by DSC, of less than 80 J/g, and where the propylene-based thermoplastic resins have a heat of fusion, as determined by DSC, equal to or greater than 80 J/g.
US08101527B2
The present invention relates to a dicing film having an adhesive film for dicing a wafer and a die adhesive film, which are used for manufacturing a semiconductor package, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dicing film wherein a shrinkage release film is inserted between an adhesive film for dicing a wafer and a die adhesive film so that the die adhesive film and a die can be easily separated from the adhesive film for dicing a wafer when picking up a semiconductor die, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package using the same.
US08101526B2
A method for fabricating diamond nanopillars includes forming a diamond film on a substrate, depositing a metal mask layer on the diamond film, and etching the diamond film coated with the metal mask layer to form diamond nanopillars below the mask layer. The method may also comprise forming diamond nuclei on the substrate prior to forming the diamond film. Typically, a semiconductor substrate, an insulating substrate, a metal substrate, or an alloy substrate is used.
US08101524B2
During the formation of a metal line in a low-k dielectric material, an upper portion of a trench formed in a capping layer and the low-k dielectric material is treated to provide enlarged tapering or corner rounding, thereby significantly improving the fill capabilities of subsequent metal deposition processes. In one particular embodiment, an additional etch process is performed after etching through the capping layer and the low-k dielectric layer and after resist removal.
US08101520B2
A method of forming patterns of a semiconductor device comprises forming a number of first insulating patterns that define sidewalls by patterning a first insulating layer formed over a semiconductor substrate, forming second insulating patterns, each second insulating pattern comprising a horizontal portion having two ends and being parallel to the semiconductor substrate and spaced protruding portions protruding from both ends of the horizontal portion parallel to the sidewalls of the first insulating patterns, forming third insulating patterns each filling a space between the protruding portions, removing the protruding portions to form trenches, and forming conductive patterns within the respective trenches.
US08101513B2
(a) A recess is formed through an insulating film formed over a semiconductor substrate. (b) After the recess is formed, a temperature of the substrate is raised to 300° C. or higher at a temperature rising rate of 10° C./s or slower and a first degassing process is executed. (c) After the first degassing process, a conductive film is deposited on the insulating film, the conductive film being embedded in the recess. (d) The deposited conductive film is polished until the insulating film is exposed. It is possible to suppress occurrence of defects during CMP to be performed after a conductive member is deposited on the surface of the insulating film having a recess formed therethrough.
US08101509B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit includes forming a first dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate, patterning the first dielectric layer to form a first patterned dielectric layer, forming a non-single crystal seed layer on the first patterned dielectric layer, removing a portion of the seed layer to form a patterned seed layer, forming a second dielectric layer on the first patterned dielectric layer and the patterned seed layer, removing portions of the second dielectric layer to form a second patterned dielectric layer, irradiating the patterned seed layer to single-crystallize the patterned seed layer, removing portions of the first patterned dielectric layer and the second patterned dielectric layer such that the single-crystallized seed layer protrudes in the vertical direction with respect to the first and/or the second patterned dielectric layer, and forming a gate electrode in contact with the single-crystal active pattern.
US08101500B2
A method of forming a semiconductor device on a heavily doped P-type (110) semiconductor layer over a metal substrate includes providing a first support substrate and forming a P-type heavily doped (110) silicon layer overlying the first support substrate. At least a top layer of the first support substrate is removable by a selective etching process with respect to the P-type heavily doped (110) silicon layer. A vertical semiconductor device structure is formed in and over the (110) silicon layer. The vertical device structure includes a top metal layer and is characterized by a current conduction in a <110> direction. The method includes bonding a second support substrate to the top metal layer and removing the first support substrate using a mechanical grinding and a selective etching process to expose a surface of the P-type heavily doped (110) silicon layer and to allow a metal layer to be formed on the surface.
US08101495B2
Structures and methods of forming an ideal MIM capacitor are disclosed. The single capacitor includes a first and a second metal structure overlying a substrate, a first dielectric material disposed between a first portion of the first metal structure and a first portion of the second metal structure. A second dielectric material is disposed between a second portion of the first metal structure and a second portion of the second metal structure. No first dielectric material is disposed between the second portion of the first and second metal structures, and no second dielectric material is disposed between the first portion of the first and second metal structures. The first and second dielectric material layers include materials with opposite coefficient of capacitance.
US08101491B2
According to an example embodiment, a heterostructure bipolar transistor, HBT, includes shallow trench isolation, STI, structures around a buried collector drift region in contact with a buried collector. A gate stack including a gate oxide and a gate is deposited and etched to define a base window over the buried collector drift region and overlapping the STI structures. The etching process is continued to selectively etch the buried collector drift region between the STI structures to form a base well. SiGeC may be selectively deposited to form epitaxial silicon-germanium in the base well in contact with the buried collector drift region and poly silicon-germanium on the side walls of the base well and base window. Spacers are then formed as well as an emitter.
US08101488B1
Embodiments of the present invention provide for a system for accelerating hydrogen ions. A hydrogen generator holding a supply of water is configured to generate a flow of hydrogen gas from the supply of water. An ion source structure is configured to generate a plurality of hydrogen ions from the flow of hydrogen gas. An accelerator tube is configured to accelerate the plurality of hydrogen ions. The supply of water has an isotopic ratio of deuterium that is smaller than the isotopic ratio of deuterium in Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water.
US08101478B2
A device having thin-film transistor (TFT) metal-oxide-nitride-oxide-semiconductor (MONOS) or semiconductor-oxide-nitride-oxide-semiconductor (SONOS) memory cell structures is provided. The device includes a substrate, a dielectric layer on the substrate, and one or more source or drain regions being embedded in the dielectric layer. the dielectric layer being associated with a first surface. Each of the one or more source or drain regions includes an N+ polysilicon layer on a diffusion barrier layer which is on a conductive layer. The N+ polysilicon layer has a second surface substantially co-planar with the first surface. Additionally, the device includes a P− polysilicon layer overlying the co-planar surface, an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) layer overlying the P− polysilicon layer; and at least one control gate overlying the ONO layer. In one embodiment, the control gate is made of a metal layer. In another embodiment, the control gate is made of a P+ polysilicon layer. A method of making the same memory cell structure is provided and can be repeated to integrate the structure three-dimensionally.
US08101477B1
One or more embodiments relate to a method for forming a memory device, the memory device including a control gate, a charge storage structure and a select gate, the method comprising: forming a gate tower, the gate tower including the control gate over the charge storage structure; forming a dummy tower laterally spaced apart from the gate tower; and forming a select gate between the gate tower and the dummy tower.
US08101476B2
A method for forming a tensile SiN stress layer for stress memorization enhancement of NMOS transistors with a high Si—H/N—H bond ratio that does not degrade PMOS transistors. A CMOS integrated circuit is processed through a NMOS source and drain implant but not through NMOS source and drain anneal. A SiN dielectric layer is deposited such that an area ratio of a Si—H peak to a N—H peak in a FTIR spectrum is greater than 7 and a tensile stress of the SiN dielectric is greater than 150 MPa. The CMOS integrated circuit is annealed after deposition of the SiN dielectric layer and the SiN dielectric layer is removed from at least a part of the integrated circuit.
US08101467B2
At least one or more of a conductive layer which forms a wiring or an electrode and a pattern necessary for manufacturing a display panel such as a mask for forming a predetermined pattern is formed by a method capable of selectively forming a pattern to manufacture a liquid crystal display device. A droplet discharge method capable of forming a predetermined pattern by selectively discharging a droplet of a composition in accordance with a particular object is used as a method capable of selectively forming a pattern in forming a conductive layer, an insulating layer, or the like.
US08101466B2
An SOI substrate and a manufacturing method of the SOI substrate, by which enlargement of the substrate is possible and its productivity can be increased, are provided. A step (A) of cutting a first single crystal silicon substrate to form a second single crystal silicon substrate which has a chip size; a step (B) of forming an insulating layer on one surface of the second single crystal silicon substrate, and forming an embrittlement layer in the second single crystal substrate; and a step (C) of bonding a substrate having an insulating surface and the second single crystal silicon substrate with the insulating layer therebetween, and conducting heat treatment to separate the second single crystal silicon substrate along the embrittlement layer, and forming a single crystal silicon thin film on the substrate having an insulating surface, are conducted.
US08101465B2
A semiconductor device capable of stabilizing operations thereof is provided. This semiconductor device comprises a substrate provided with a region having concentrated dislocations at least on part of the back surface thereof, a semiconductor element layer formed on the front surface of the substrate, an insulator film formed on the region of the back surface of the substrate having concentrated dislocations and a back electrode formed to be in contact with a region of the back surface of the substrate other than the region having concentrated dislocations.
US08101462B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: when bonding a bump of an IC chip to a bonding position of a wiring pattern that is formed on an insulating film base member and has a surface covered by a plating layer, forming a plating layer around the bonding position among the wiring pattern at least in an outer peripheral section of a peeled surface of a portion of the wiring pattern peeled from the film base member.
US08101458B2
A method of forming Monolithic CMOS-MEMS hybrid integrated, packaged structures includes the steps of providing: providing a semiconductor substrate with pre-fabricated cmos circuits on the front side and a polished back-side with through substrate conductive vias; forming at least one opening in the polished backside of the semiconductor substrate by appropriately protecting the front-side; applying at least one filler material in the at least one opening on the semiconductor substrate; positioning at least one prefabricated mems, nems or cmos chip on the filler material, the chip including a front face and a bare back face with the prefabricated mems/nems chips containing mechanical and dielectric layers; applying at least one planarization layer overlying the substrate, filler material and the chip; forming at least one via opening on a portion of the planarization layer interfacing pads on the chip and the through substrate conductive vias; applying at least one metallization layer overlying the planarization layer on the substrate and the chip connecting the through substrate conductive vias to the at least one chip; applying at least one second insulating layer overlying the metallization layer; performing at least one micro/nano fabrication etching step to release the mechanical layer on the prefabricated mems/nems chips; positioning protective cap to package the integrated device over the mems/nems device area on the pre-fabricated chips.
US08101455B2
A method of fabricating a solar cell is disclosed. The solar cell fabricating method includes forming a first transparent conductive layer on a transparent substrate, texturing an upper surface of the first transparent conductive layer using an etchant solution configured to contain an acid with a molecular weight of about 58˜300, forming a photoelectric conversion layer on the first transparent conductive layer, forming a second transparent conductive layer on the photoelectric conversion layer, and forming a rear electrode on the second transparent conductive layer.
US08101447B2
The present invention discloses a light emitting diode (LED) element and a method for fabricating the same, which can promote light extraction efficiency of LED, wherein a substrate is etched to obtain basins with inclined natural crystal planes, and an LED epitaxial structure is selectively formed inside the basin. Thereby, an LED element having several inclines is obtained. Via the inclines, the probability of total internal reflection is reduced, and the light extraction efficiency of LED is promoted.
US08101430B2
Binding an analyte can cause a change in fluorescence emission of a sensor. The change in fluorescence can be related to the amount of analyte present. The sensor can include a semiconductor nanocrystal linked to a fluorescent moiety. Upon excitation, the fluorescent moiety can transfer energy to the semiconductor nanocrystal, or vice versa.
US08101428B2
The systems and methods disclosed herein include a microfluidic system, comprising a pneumatic manifold having a plurality of apertures, and a chip manifold having channels disposed therein for routing pneumatic signals from respective ones of the apertures to a plurality of valves in a microfluidic chip, wherein the channels route the pneumatic signals in accordance with a configuration of the plurality of valves in the microfluidic chip.
US08101425B1
The invention provides devices, test kits and methods for removing target agents from a sample. The device contains one or more porous matrices having pore sizes larger than 10 μm, and a plurality of particles impregnated therein. The target agents attach the device and are removed from the sample.
US08101421B2
A method of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample. An apparatus for determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, having: a first induction coil (or antenna); a second induction coil (or antenna); an alternating current power supply connected to the first induction coil (or antenna), the alternating current power supply configured to generate a spectrum of currents (or voltage) in the first induction coil (or antenna); and a measurement system connected to the second induction coil (or antenna), wherein the measurement system is configured to measure a phase shift difference in the spectrum of currents (or voltages) between the first and second induction coils (or antennae) when the first and second induction coils (or antennae) are positioned on opposite sides of a tissue sample.
US08101419B2
Apparatus and methods for measuring the concentrations of organic and inorganic carbon, or of other materials, in aqueous samples are described, together with related, specially adapted components and sub-assemblies and related control, operational and monitoring systems.
US08101417B2
Apparatus and methods for measuring the concentrations of organic and inorganic carbon, or of other materials, in aqueous samples are described, together with related, specially adapted components and sub-assemblies and related control, operational and monitoring systems.
US08101416B2
Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor PNA complementary to the target polynucleotide. A signaling chromophore absorbs energy from the excited multichromophore and emits light in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits having reagents for performing such methods are also provided.
US08101409B2
Compositions for promoting growth and/or differentiation of a stem cell are disclosed. The composition comprises: a) a diamond film; b) a stem cell cultured on the diamond film; and c) a medium bathing the stem cell. The stem cell may be a mammalian neural stem cell and the diamond film may comprise a hydrogen-terminated or an oxygen-terminated surface. The hydrogen-terminated surface promotes proliferation and differentiation of a neural stem cell into neurons, and the oxygen-terminated surface promotes a neural stem cell to proliferate and differentiate into oligodendrocytes.
US08101387B2
This invention is a process for managing the gas flow through a plurality of bioconversion modules that provide a gas liquid interface. The conversion modules provide the gas liquid interface across an activated surface that converts at least some of the gas components into desired liquid products. Arrangement of the modules and control of gas flow in accordance with this invention enhances the utilization of the gas and the production of desired liquid products by adjusting the flow area to compensate for changes in the volume of the feed gas. Improved control of the gas velocity through the bioconversion modules eliminates problems of liquid condensation and flow maldistribution. The process may sequence the modules to mitigate time variation in microorganism activity and incorporate additional periodic process steps.
US08101381B2
Cytokines and their receptors have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides polynucleotides, vectors, cells, and methods of production related to a new human cytokine receptor designated as “Zcytor16.”
US08101374B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for measuring a concentration of various components rapidly with high accuracy and high sensitivity. The present invention is to provide an oxidative chromogenic compound or salt thereof represented by the following chemical formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a carboxyl group or a sulfonic acid group, or salt thereof, provided that at least one of R3 to R7 is a carboxyl group or a sulfonic acid group, or salt thereof, and the others are hydrogen atoms, and the production method thereof, and the reagent composition and test instrument using the same.
US08101371B2
Methods for the diagnosis of genitourinary (GU) cancer are provided. In particular, urine has been found to contain significant levels of thromboxane receptor β (TPβ) methods for diagnosing GU cancer. Methods for assessing treatment, prognosing and staging GU cancers, as well as kits therefor, also are provided.
US08101369B2
The present invention relates to a diagnostic device for measuring the ratio of similar structural proteins among the proteins secreted in a liquid test sample taken from diagnosis subject. In further detail, the test device according to the present invention comprises detection marker-antibody conjugate recognizing the same site on two or more similar structural proteins and a detection zone in which antibody specifically recognizes each of said proteins via formation of sandwich type complex, wherein said antibodies form a set, and the present Invention relates to a diagnostic device for early diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, abnormal pregnancy, prostatic carcinoma etc. based on determination of the ratio of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in case of polycystic ovary syndrome, the ratio between hCG isomers in case of abnormal pregnancy, and the ratio of prostate-specific antigens (PSA) in case of prostatic carcinoma.
US08101368B2
Methods and kits for the quantitation of cellular DNA and cell numbers are provided. Passive element uptake, element-labeled DNA intercalators, and element labeled affinity reagents are used to quantify DNA and cells. The DNA and the cells are analyzed by elemental analysis, including ICP-MS. The methods and kits provide a fast and accurate analysis of cellular DNA and cell numbers.
US08101363B2
The invention involves methods for characterizing an individual's risk profile of developing future diabetes or complications of diabetes by obtaining a level of an inflammatory marker in the individual. Preferred inflammatory markers according to the present invention include C reactive protein and interleukin-6. The invention also involves methods for evaluating the likelihood that an individual will benefit from treatment with an agent for reducing the risk of future diabetes.
US08101361B2
The present invention is related to the novel discovery of a number of genes that were identified as systemic markers of pulmonary inflammation. This discovery allows for development of a novel tool for reliable, rapid and efficient assessment of therapeutic responses and enables design of novel therapies targeted against diseases associated with pulmonary inflammation. In one embodiment, the present invention allows quantification of therapeutic response in patients who have a disease associated with pulmonary inflammation. In preferred embodiments, the genes are CD64, ADAM9, CD36, IL32, HPSE, PLXND1, HCA112, CSPG2, TLR2, and CD163.
US08101352B2
The present invention relates to an in-vitro method of identifying a tumor resulting from a proliferative breast disease as responsive to anti-estrogen treatment. Further, the invention relates to an in-vitro method of identifying a candidate patient with a proliferative breast disease as suitable for anti-estrogen treatment. In a further aspect, the invention provides an in-vitro method of identifying an individual with a non-cancerous proliferative breast disease who is at risk of developing breast cancer. The invention also provides kits for performing the above methods.
US08101350B1
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of exportin 5. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding exportin 5. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of exportin 5 expression and for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with expression of exportin 5 are provided.
US08101341B2
A pattern is formed by coating a chemically amplified positive resist composition comprising a resin comprising acid labile group-containing recurring units and a photoacid generator onto a substrate, drying to form a resist film, exposing the resist film to high-energy radiation, PEB, developing to form a positive pattern, illuminating or heating the positive pattern to eliminate acid labile groups for increasing alkaline solubility and to induce crosslinking for imparting solvent resistance, coating a reversal film, forming a space pattern, and shrinking the space pattern.
US08101340B2
A method of inhibiting photoresist pattern collapse which includes the steps of providing a substrate; providing a photoresist layer on the substrate; exposing and developing the photoresist layer; applying a top anti-reflective coating layer to the photoresist layer; rinsing the photoresist layer; and drying the photoresist layer.
US08101332B2
A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed that can be developed on the press without going through a development processing step, and a method of lithographic printing is also disclosed that uses this negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor. A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is provided that exhibits excellent on-press developability, nonimage area fine line reproducibility and printing durability and that resists the production of scum during on-press development. The negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor has a hydrophilic support and has thereon a photopolymerizable layer that contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a polymer compound that has an ethylenically unsaturated bond in the side chain position, a hydrophilic group and a sulfonamide group and a polymer compound that has an ethylenically unsaturated bond in the side chain position, a hydrophilic group and a cyclic structure derived from a maleimide. The method of lithographic printing uses this negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor.
US08101330B2
A two component developer comprising a toner and a carrier, wherein the toner includes: colored particles; and external additive particles comprising a complex oxide incorporating silicon atoms and at least one of titanium atoms and aluminum atoms, and a surface existing ratio of the silicon atoms (R2) in a surface of the external additive particles being larger than an average existing ratio of the silicon atoms (R1) in an entirety of the external additive particles, and carrier particles comprise magnetic material powder dispersed in a phenol-formaldehyde resin, and have an average of the shape coefficient SF-1 of 1.0 to 12 and an average of the shape coefficient SF-2 of 1.1 to 2.5, and a volume based median diameter of from 10 to 100 μm.
US08101328B2
The present disclosure provides polymer-ionic complexes useful as charge control agents. Such charge control agents may be utilized with toner particles to impart excellent triboelectric charging characteristics to the toner.
US08101323B2
Disclosed is a fuel cell device comprising a plurality of generator cells to generate electric power by an electrochemical reaction of an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, wherein the plurality of generator cells include: a plurality of gas flow paths to send a reactant gas for the electrochemical reaction respectively to the plurality of generator cells; and a plurality of inflow ports respectively provided at a position in which the reactant gas flows into each of the plurality of gas flow paths, and wherein among the plurality of inflow ports, a cross-sectional dimension of an inflow port provided at a downstream side of a flowing direction of the reactant gas is smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of an inflow port provided at an upstream side of the flowing direction of the reactant gas.
US08101311B2
A fuel cell and an electronic apparatus with same mounted thereon are provided. The fuel cell includes a power generation unit provided with a conduit for an oxidant gas containing at least oxygen, a heat radiation unit connected to the power generation unit so as to radiate heat from the power generation unit, a gas flow means for causing the oxidant gas to flow in the conduit, and a cooling means driven independently from the gas flow means so as to cool the heat radiation unit. By independently controlling the driving of the gas flow means and the cooling means, the fuel cell can be driven in such a manner that the temperature of the power generation unit and the amount of water remaining in the power generation unit are regulated into preferable conditions. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a fuel cell and an electronic apparatus with the same mounted thereon in which power generation can be performed stably and various apparatuses are contained therein in a compact form.
US08101310B2
An electrochemical cell is provided which has a liquid anode. Preferably the liquid anode comprises molten salt and a fuel, which preferably has a significant elemental carbon content. The supply of fuel is preferably continuously replenished in the anode. Where the fuel contains or pyrolizes to elemental carbon, the reaction C+2O2−→CO2+4e− may occur at the anode. The electrochemical cell preferably has a solid electrolyte, which may be yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The electrolyte is connected to a solid or liquid cathode, which is given a supply of an oxidizer such as air. An ion such as O2− passes through the electrolyte. If O2− passes through the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode, a possible reaction at the cathode may be O2+4e−→2O2−. The electrochemical cell of the invention is preferably operated as a fuel cell, consuming fuel and producing electrical current.
US08101303B2
A rechargeable lithium battery includes a positive electrode including a positive active material being capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions; a negative electrode including a negative active material being capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions; and an electrolyte including a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt. The positive electrode has a positive active mass density of 3.65 g/cc or more, and the lithium salt includes lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4), and a lithium imide-based compound. The rechargeable lithium battery has high capacity, excellent cycle-life, and reliability at a high temperature.
US08101296B2
A battery having a cathode, an anode, an electrolytic solution, and a separator is provided. An open circuit voltage per pair of cathode and anode in a perfect charging state lies within a range from 4.25V or more to 6.00V or less. The electrolytic solution contains: an additive of at least one kind selected from a group consisting of an acid anhydride and its derivative; and cyclic carbonic ester derivative having a halogen atom.
US08101288B2
A gas barrier film having a gas barrier layer and an antistatic layer containing an acrylic or methacrylic resin obtained by copolymerizing a monomer represented by the formula (1) or an oligomer thereof: (Ac1-L1)m-M-(L2-Ac2) Formula (1) wherein Ac1 and Ac2 represent a (meth)acryloyl group; L1 and L2 represent an alkylene group, an arylene group, etc.; M represents a metal atom; m and n are an integer of 0-6; and the total sum of m and n is 1-6. The gas barrier film has high barrier properties.
US08101286B2
A multi-layer coating for a smooth contact surface of a clutch plate and a method for manufacturing the same have been developed. This coating can help reduce the prevalence of clutch shudder, noise, and plate wear that is often encountered in a friction-disc clutch mechanism found in a motor vehicle's powertrain. The multi-layer coating may comprise a relatively soft base layer and one or more relatively hard particle layers overlying the base layer. This combination of layers can help provide stable friction characteristics and thermal properties between clutch plate surfaces. One or more optional bonding layers may also be provided between any two adjacent layers to improve the adherent bonding therebetween. At least some of the layers of the multi-layer coating may be applied by a HVO/AF thermal spray procedure.
US08101283B2
A composite is formed by inserting a ceramic powder into a channel of a preform to form a ceramic powder filled preform. The ceramic powder has at least one reactive ceramic powder. The preform is a ceramic, ceramic-metal composite, metal or combination thereof that has walls that define a plurality of channels each channel having an opening at a surface of the preform. The ceramic powder filled preform is infiltrated with a molten metal to form the ceramic-metal body, which has at least one ceramic phase that is a reaction product of the reactive ceramic and molten infiltrated metal.
US08101280B2
An article which comprises a surface of light metal. The surface is provided with an alkali-resistant protective coat comprising (a) an oxide layer which comprises silicon and boron as a basecoat and (b) an oxide layer which comprises silicon as a vitreous topcoat.
US08101279B2
The present invention relates to a composition I, in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, based on siloxane and which does not emit hydrogen, comprising: (a) optionally a nonreactive linear polyorganosiloxane oil with lubricating properties, (a′) a reactive linear polyorganosiloxane oil containing at least two OH groups per molecule, (b) a polyorganosiloxane resin, (c) a crosslinking agent which is soluble in the silicone phase comprising at least two functional groups capable of reacting with the polyorganosiloxane resin (b); (d) a condensation catalyst capable of catalyzing the reaction of the constituent (b) with the constituent (c); (e) a surfactant; and (f) water, (a) and (a′) being mixed together before emulsification, in an (a)/(a′) ratio of between 0 and 10.
US08101276B2
Articles prepared with a pressure sensitive adhesive prepared by combining an acrylic polymer and a silane-functional polymer, such as glass and plastic laminates, show improved impact resistance.
US08101270B2
A bonding material for a honeycomb structure comprises inorganic particles in which D90/D10 is from 10 to 500, D10 is 100 μm or less and D90 is 4 μm or more, and the D10 and D90 are the values of 10% diameter and 90% diameter from a smaller particle diameter side, respectively, in volume-based integrated fractions of a particle diameter distribution measurement by a laser diffraction/scattering method.
US08101265B2
A combination instrument has a disk that is transparent for light in the visible range and that has a dial region and an indicator region. It further has a dial imprint, which is applied to the back of the transparent disk in the dial region. In addition, a polarizing filter disk is provided, which is disposed on the back of the transparent disk aligned with the indicator region and comprises a circular polarizing filter. An optical indicator unit is provided, which is disposed in alignment with the indicator region on the back of the transparent disk and the polarizing filter disk.
US08101249B2
A retardation layer that includes regions causing different retardations can be manufactured easily. A retardation substrate includes a substrate and a solidified liquid crystal layer supported by the substrate. The solidified liquid crystal layer includes first to third regions. The first to third regions re arranged on the substrate and different in degree of orientation of mesogens.
US08101248B2
Disclosed herein is a composition for forming a substrate, including: a compound prepared by polymerizing a liquid crystal thermosetting oligomer having one or more soluble structural units in a main chain thereof and having a thermosetting group at one or more of two ends of the main chain thereof with a fluorine compound having a functional group which can react with the main chain of the liquid crystal thermosetting oligomer.
US08101239B1
A continuous process for achieving specific levels of fire retardant properties for either natural fibers or synthetic fibers. Selected fibers are mixed and opened to be formed into a web that is continuously weighed and transported to a spray station to be sprayed by a selected fire retardant solution. The sprayed web is compressed between calendar rolls and transported to a dryer; the dried web is blended to form a selected fiber having a predetermined fire retardant characteristic to meet regulatory standards. An intermediate product results from the use of the process.
US08101236B2
A method of fabricating a low-k dielectric material with increased cohesive strength for use in electronic structures including interconnect and sensing structures is provided. The method includes the deposition of the dielectric material from a first precursor which is an carbosilane or an alkoxycarbosilane molecule.
US08101232B2
A process for producing a repair coating on at least one metallic surface that is coated with at least one corrosion protecting coating A applied with at least one composition selected from the group of pretreatment compositions, of organic compositions and of silicon compound(s) containing compositions, whereby the at least one corrosion protecting coating A has been at least partially removed in the area Z, whereby a thin corrosion protecting coating B containing at least one silicon compound is applied with a solution or dispersion containing at least one silane, at least one silanol, at least one siloxane, at least one polysiloxane or any mixture of these (=“siloxane composition”) on at least a part of the area Z. Optionally, a further corrosion protecting coating C may be applied on the thin corrosion protecting coating B generated with the siloxane composition whereby the at least one further corrosion protecting coating C is generated with at least one organic composition like a primer, a wet-primer, an e-coat, a powder coat, a base-coat or a clear-coat or with at least one composition which is the same or another siloxane composition as for the thin film B.
US08101231B2
Photovoltaic conductive features and processes for forming photovoltaic conductive features are described. The process comprises (a) providing a substrate comprising a passivation layer disposed on a silicon layer; (b) depositing a surface modifying material onto at least a portion of the passivation layer; (c) depositing a composition comprising at least one of metallic nanoparticles comprising a metal or a metal precursor to the metal onto at least a portion of the substrate; and (d) heating the composition such that it forms at least a portion of a photovoltaic conductive feature in electrical contact with the silicon layer, wherein at least one of the composition or the surface modifying material etches a region of the passivation layer. When the surface modifying material is a UV-curable material, the process comprises the additional step of curing the UV-curable material.
US08101220B2
Apparatus and methods to non-thermally treat goods for human consumption with carbon dioxide. Apparatus and methods rely on multiple pressure changes of carbon dioxide to affect one of three processes. A first process rapidly freezes and thaws water on the surface of the goods in rapid succession multiple times to detrimentally affect pathogens. A second process raises the pressure and temperature of carbon dioxide to supercritical conditions to detrimentally affect the lipids in the membranes of pathogens. A third process adjusts the pressure to form a dense carbon dioxide liquid with a low pH that may also detrimentally affect pathogens. All processes may be repeated or performed in succession, or in any order. Optionally, thereafter, the goods may be stored at low temperature in substantially 100% carbon dioxide for further pathogen reduction.
US08101214B2
Disclosed is a combination for skin external use, which contains as an active ingredient an herbal extract complex consisting of Chinese herbal extracts of Granate bark, seed of Prunus armeniaca, Coix lacuma-jobi, Saururus chinensis and Perilla frutescens var. acuta. More particularly, disclosed is a composition for skin external use containing an herbal extract complex, which is prepared by mixing the Chinese herbs with each other at an optimal ratio to prepare an herbal mixture and extracting the herbal mixture to prepare an herbal extract complex, and thus shows the effects of promoting the differentiation of skin keratinocytes, restoring impaired skin barrier function and increasing skin moisturization compared to extracts obtained by extracting each of the herbs alone.
US08101209B2
The invention relates to a microparticulate system for the delayed and controlled release of active principles (AP) whose absorption window in vivo is essentially limited to the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract, this system being intended for oral administration. The object of the invention is to provide a system ensuring that the AP is released with certainty by means of a dual mechanism of “time-dependent” and “pH-dependent” release. To achieve this object, the invention proposes a multimicrocapsular oral galenical form which is designed so as to guarantee therapeutic efficacy, and in which the release of the AP is governed by a dual release triggering mechanism that is “time-triggering” and “pH-triggering”. This system comprises of microcapsules (200 to 600 μm) comprising a core of AP coated with a film (maximum 40% by weight) comprising a hydrophilic polymer A (Eudragit® L) and a hydrophobic compound B (vegetable wax, melting point=40-90° C.), B/A being between 0.2 and 1.5. These microcapsules have a dissolution behavior in vitro such that, at a constant pH of 1.4, a latency phase of between 1 and 5 hours is observed, followed by a release of the AP, and such that the change from pH 1.4 to pH 6.8 results in a release of the AP without a latency period in vitro.
US08101208B2
The present invention includes compositions for imparting a controlled-release sensation to the oral receptor areas of a user. The oral, controlled-release compositions include a sensate and a hydrated or swollen food-grade polymer which forms a matrix with the sensate. Sensates may include warming, cooling and/or tingling agents. Also included are oral delivery systems for the compositions, methods for preparing same, and methods for imparting and sustaining a desired sensation in the mouth and upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract of the user.
US08101196B2
The invention includes a medical hydrogel made from polymerized polysaccharide macromers. The macromers are preferably polysaccharides decorated with polymerizable groups, for example, methacrylates. The macromers may also be made into polymers of at least two macromers polymerized together. These polymers are preferably multi-armed or high-molecular weight and used for medical uses, for example, making coatings on medical devices. Macromers of N-vinylpyrrolidone are also disclosed herein.
US08101195B2
Provided is an artificial lymph node that is persistently effective in cancer treatment in vivo.A method of producing an artificial lymph node capable of inducing cancer antigen-specific immune responses, comprising the following steps: (a) a step for immunizing a non-human animal using a cancer antigen and an adjuvant capable of inducing cellular immunity; and (b) a step for transplanting an artificial lymph node material consisting of a polymeric biomaterial comprising cytokine-producing stromal cells and dendritic cells to the immunized non-human animal, an artificial lymph node capable of inducing cancer antigen-specific immune responses obtained by the method of production, a cancer therapeutic agent comprising the artificial lymph node, and a kit for producing an artificial lymph node for cancer treatment comprising the following: (a) a cancer antigen; (b) an adjuvant capable of inducing cellular immunity; (c) a cytokine expression vector and stromal cells, or stromal cells incorporating a cytokine expression vector; (d) dendritic cells; and (e) a polymeric biomaterial.
US08101194B2
The present invention relates to Neisseria ORF2086 proteins, crossreactive immunogenic proteins which can be isolated from nesserial strains or prepared recombinantly, including immunogenic portions thereof, biological equivalents thereof, antibodies that immunospecifically bind to the foregoing and nucleic acid sequences encoding each of the foregoing, as well as the use of same in immunogenic compositions that are effective against infection by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.
US08101189B2
An immunopotentiating composition comprising a papaya mosaic virus (PapMV), or a virus-like particle (VLP) derived from PapMV coat protein, which is capable of functioning as an adjuvant and thus potentiating an immune response in an animal is provided. The immunopotentiating composition can further comprise an immunogen, which can be fused or otherwise linked to the VLP, or not linked to the VLP. The immunopotentiating composition is capable of potentiating a humoral and/or a cellular response in the animal and is suitable for use as an adjuvant or vaccine. Methods of potentiating an immune response in an animal comprising administering to the animal an immunopotentiating composition are also provided have application in both human and veterinary medicine.
US08101187B2
Novel proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae are described, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.
US08101183B2
The present invention relates to methods of treating pruritic diseases, including but not limited to Contact dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Drug induced delayed type cutaneous allergic reactions, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma, Bullous pemphigoid, Alopecia wereata, Vitiligo, Acne Rosacea, Prurigo nodularis, Scleroderma, Herpes simplex virus, or combination thereof by administering IL-31 monoclonal antibodies. The invention provides the hybridomas that generate the monoclonal antibodies and the amino acid sequences of the variable regions of the monoclonal antibodies and chimeric antibodies comprising the amino acid sequences of the light and heavy chain variable regions.
US08101174B2
The biological effects of the cytokine TNF are mediated by binding to receptors on the surface of cells. This disclosure describes new proteins and polynucleotides that promote enzymatic cleavage and release of TNF receptors. Also provided are methods for identifying additional compounds that influence TNF receptor shedding. As the active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition, the products of this invention increase or decrease TNF signal transduction, thereby alleviating the pathology of disease.
US08101162B2
The present invention provides a hair growth agent having novel action mechanism and a hair growth composition containing the agent. Specifically, the present invention provides a novel hair growth composition containing one or more kinds of epsilon-N-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine or a salt thereof.
US08101160B2
A formulation for use in an inhaler device comprises carrier particles having a diameter of at least 50 μm and a mass median diameter of at least 175 μm; fine particles of an excipient material having a mass median aerodynamic diameter of not more than 20 μm; and active particles. The formulation has excellent flowability even at relatively high contents of fine particles.
US08101159B2
In vitro and in vivo methods for identifying compounds capable of targeting suppressed cancer cells such as micrometastatic cells. The in vitro method includes the steps of comparing the response to a test compound of cancer cells grown on a suppressing cell support matrix which causes suppression of a malignant phenotype in a growing cancer cell and on a non-suppressing cell support matrix. The in vivo method includes a step of co-injecting labeled cancer cells with a malignant-phenotype suppressing matrix into a test animal to produce suppressed micrometastatic cells therein.
US08101158B1
The present invention relates to a method of identifying agents that modulate prokineticin receptors, particularly, in the brain. Such agents are useful in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, including cerebral ischemia, cerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and ischemic reperfusion injury. Additionally, such agents are useful to treat seizure disorders, such as epilepsy.
US08101154B2
A crystallized solid, referred to by the name IM-15, which has an X-ray diffraction diagram as provided below, is described. Said solid has a chemical composition that is expressed according to the formula mXO2:nGeO2:pZ2O3:qR:sF:wH2O, where R represents one or more organic radical(s), X represents one or more different tetravalent element(s) of germanium, Z represents at least one trivalent element, and F is fluorine.
US08101153B2
The present invention describes a method for treating residues comprising zinc ferrites and non-ferrous metals selected from among the group made up of lead (Pb), silver (Ag), indium (In), germanium (Ge) and gallium (Ga) or mixtures thereof in the form of oxides and sulfates, comprising the following steps: roasting of the residues in an oxidizing medium at elevated temperature in order to obtain a desulfurized residue, carburizing reduction/smelting of the desulfurized residue in a reducing medium, liquid phase extraction of carburized melt and slag, vapor phase extraction of the non-ferrous metals, followed by oxidation and recovery thereof in solid form.
US08101152B1
A titanium halide, preferably titanium tetrachloride, is reacted with suitable reductant, preferably an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, under ultrasonic excitation in a liquid reaction medium to form nanometer size particles of titanium which may incorporate unreacted reductant. The nanosized titanium particles may be a precursor for nanosized titanium oxide which is formed by oxidizing the titanium, preferably with a low molecular weight alcohol. When the titanium particles incorporate unreacted reductant the oxidation reaction will yield nanometer sized titanates. The nanosized particles, whether titanium oxide or titanates may be extracted by first filtering them from the reaction medium, followed by washing with water to remove any water-soluble reaction products followed by spray drying.
US08101148B2
Described is a process for the preparation of a crystallised lamellar solid formed by magadiite consisting of implementing in a step (i) mixing of at least one silica source, at least one salt of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-N,N′-dibenzyloctanediammonium, at least one alkali and/or alkaline earth metal M and water and then implementing in a step (ii) hydrothermal treatment of said mixture until said crystallised lamellar solid constituted by magadiite is formed.
US08101146B2
A system for reducing ammonia (NH3) emissions includes (a) a first component comprising a first substrate containing a three-way catalyst, wherein the first component is disposed upstream of a second component comprising a second substrate containing an ammonia oxidation catalyst, wherein said ammonia oxidation catalyst comprises a small pore molecular sieve supporting at least one transition metal; and (b) an oxygen-containing gas input disposed between the components. For example, a CHA Framework Type small pore molecular sieve may be used. A method for reducing NH3 emission includes introducing an oxygen-containing gas into a gas stream to produce an oxygenated gas stream; and exposing the oxygenated gas stream to an NH3 oxidation catalyst to selectively oxidize at least a portion of the NH3 to N2.
US08101144B2
A wet scrubber for absorbing elemental heavy metal from a gas stream, a liquor for a wet scrubber, and a power-plant comprising a wet scrubber are described. The wet scrubber includes a vessel having a gas inlet and outlet. In the vessel is a liquor including a oxidizer capable of oxidizing the elemental heavy metal and an ionic liquid. The liquor is substantially free of any ligand capable of bonding an ion of the heavy metal.
US08101143B2
A process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide for a positive electrode active material for use in a lithium secondary battery, the oxide having the formula LipNxMmOzFa (wherein N is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn and Ni, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, alkaline earth metal elements and transition metal elements other than N, 0.9≦p≦1.2, 0.9≦x<1.00, 0
US08101142B2
A reactor system, plant and a process for the production of methanol from synthesis gas is described in which the reactor system comprises: (a) a first reactor adapted to be maintained under methanol synthesis conditions having inlet means for supply of synthesis gas and outlet means for recovery of a first methanol-containing stream, said first reactor being charged with a first volume of a methanol synthesis catalyst through which the synthesis gas flows and on which in use, partial conversion of the synthesis gas to a product gas mixture comprising methanol and un-reacted synthesis gas will occur adiabatically; and (b) a second reactor adapted to be maintained under methanol synthesis conditions having inlet means for supply of the gaseous first methanol-containing stream, outlet means for recovery of a second methanol-containing stream and cooling means, said second reactor being charged with a second volume of a methanol synthesis catalyst through which the gaseous first methanol-containing stream flows and on which, in use, further conversion of the synthesis gas to a product gas mixture comprising methanol will occur.
US08101139B2
Devices that include hosts having internal microcapillary networks are disclosed. The microcapillary networks are formed from interconnected passageways. The interconnected passageways may be formed by removing a fugitive material from a cured host material that forms the host. The resultant host material has many applications, including use as a microfluidic device in applications ranging from fluid mixing to structural repair.
US08101138B2
A centrifugal micro fluidic system and a centrifugal magnetic position control device used in the centrifugal micro fluidic system for controlling the position of magnetic beads are provided. The centrifugal micro fluidic system comprising, a rotatable platform; a micro fluidic structure which is disposed in the platform; and a plurality of objects which include functional groups on surfaces thereof so as to capture a target material from the fluid and carry the target material while being suspended in and separated from the fluid in the micro fluidic structure, wherein the movements of the objects are controlled by a force affecting the objects differently compared to the force's effect on the fluid. When the objects are made of a magnetic material, the force may be a magnetic force applied by the centrifugal magnetic position control device.
US08101132B2
To provide a mixing device capable of effectively mixing stock oil with a catalyst, while increasing the amount of throughput, the relations of 8.0≧Q×(W/D)/(u1+u2), Q=300 to 2000 [kg/m2s], W/D=0.2 to 0.5, u1=5 to 300 [m/s], and u2=5 to 300 [m/s] are satisfied when a mass flow per unit area of a moving bed is Q [kg/nes], the difference between an outer diameter and an inner diameter of the moving bed is W [m], an inner diameter of a reaction tube is D [m], a linear velocity of a horizontal component of the stock oil at a jet orifice of the internal stock oil injection nozzle u1 [m/s], and a linear velocity of a horizontal component of the stock oil at a jet orifice of the external stock oil injection nozzle u2 [m/s].
US08101126B2
A sensor-dispensing instrument (10) adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor-dispensing instrument includes an outer housing (12) and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor-dispensing instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release (66) that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor the sensor release additionally activating a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin that connects the sensor release aid arm to the mounting block, wherein the sensor release aid arm is adapted to contact the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.
US08101121B2
A hydrogen absorbing alloy represented by the formula Ln1−xMgxNiy−aAla (where Ln is at least one element selected from rare earth elements, 0.05≦x<0.20, 2.8≦y≦3.9 and 0.10≦a≦0.25) which is used for an alkaline storage battery.
US08101116B2
A device for making a seamless, anatomically contoured, prosthetic device for supporting or maintaining the position of mammalian tissue, organ or structure or a replacement thereof, such as a breast implant, includes a support plate, an ironing plate or a clamping plate and a core plate, each of which is made from a thermally conductive material. The support plate and the ironing or clamping plates have openings formed through the thickness thereof. The core plate has a core extending outwardly from a lower surface thereof which is received through the openings in the ironing or clamping plate and the support plate.
US08101115B2
The present invention relates to methods of making preforms, fiber-reinforced molded articles and fiber mats, wherein the methods use electroluminescent devices such as LED's and/or quantum dots located on a surface of the mold.
US08101113B2
An apparatus for molding dry cast products having a textured side surface is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an open compartment for receiving a dry concrete mixture and a plurality of walls laterally enclosing the compartment. At least one of the walls has a multilevel surface with a plurality of sections in an overhanging relationship with each other and transitional curvilinear steps bridging adjacent one of the sections to impart a textured side surface resembling a natural rockface and allowing stripping of the dry cast products from an open bottom side of the compartment.
US08101110B2
A method for jointing a rubbery-core-inserted braid is provided. In the method, a mold made of a pair of templates is prepared, wherein the templates may be closed in such a manner that trenches can constitute a through hole into which the braid is fittable. The method includes a step of fitting an end of the braid into the trench in one of the templates, while fitting the other end of the braid into the trench, thereby approaching both the ends of the braids each other, a step of interposing a thermoplastic resin between both the ends, and a step of heating and melting the thermoplastic resin in a state where the mold is closed, causing the melted resin to penetrate into the ends of the braids, and solidifying the melted resin, thereby jointing the ends of the braids to each other.
US08101108B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a cellulose acylate resin film, comprising the step of, melting a cellulose acylate resin in an extruder and extruding the molten cellulose acylate resin to a die, wherein the step of melting is carried out using a tandem extruder having a first-stage extruder and a second-stage extruder connected in tandem, in order to prevent discoloration and thickness non-uniformity make the film seriously defective for use as an optical film. Because the resin in the form of a powder or flakes is once pelletized in a pelletizing extruder, and then the pellets are melt-extruded in an extruder. This promotes discoloration of the resin, disadvantageously.
US08101105B2
A method of forming a golf ball is disclosed herein. The method includes placing a golf ball precursor product with a thermoplastic polyurethane cover in a solution containing an isocyanate functionality reactive material. The precursor product is then removed from the solution and heated to remove solvent. The precursor product is then placed in an isocyanate solution. The precursor product is then removed and heated to remove solvent to prepare the precursor product for finishing.
US08101100B1
A method for reformulating reclaimed, contaminated mixed waste plastics into useful articles wherein a plurality of batches of the mixed waste plastics are preprocessed to produce substantially homogeneous mixtures of a desired particle size range that are characterized according to their respective apparent densities, and are thereafter blended to produce a mixed plastic feed material having a target density predetermined to be desirable for reprocessing into at least one of such useful articles.
US08101098B2
The present invention relates to a mixture of an oligomeric, blocked aminosilane (azomethine structure) and a monomeric, blocked, primary amine (azomethine structure). This mixture is suitable in particular as a curing agent, crosslinker and adhesion promoter.
US08101090B2
A rotary disc filter device comprises a rotary drum and a plurality of disc-shaped filter members secured about the drum. Each disc-shaped filter member has a filtering material disposed on the outside thereof. A guide bar extends longitudinally across the disc-shaped filter members and has a movable carriage mounted thereon. One or more nozzles are operatively connected to the carriage for delivering cleaning fluid onto the filtering materials. The guide bar is rotates between a cleaning position and an adjustment position. When the guide bar is in the cleaning position, the nozzle is disposed adjacent to one of the disc-shaped filter members such that the nozzle is positioned to deliver cleaning fluid onto the filtering material. When the guide bar is in the adjustment position, the carriage is movable along the guide bar without interference from the disc-shaped filter members.
US08101087B2
A process and apparatus for removing elements is described herein.
US08101079B1
Methods, system, compositions for a green sorption media for bioretention soil amendments in drainfields for on-site waste water systems filled with the green sorption media to foster an anaerobic or anoxic environment saturated. The green sorption media includes one or more recycled materials, including tire crumb, sawdust, orange peel, coconut husks, leaf compost, oyster shell, soy bean hulls and one or more naturally occurring materials including peat, sands, zeolites, and clay. The wastewater filtration system for a passive drainfield includes the green sorption material mixture, a cell including baffled compartments and a riser, the cell filled with green sorption material mixture to provide an alternating cycle of aerobic and anoxic environments, an influent distribution system to distribute the influent over the cell, and a piping system arranged for dosing the cell to sustain the functionality of the green sorption material mixture to remove nutrient content in wastewater.
US08101075B2
A filter assembly, comprising: a housing defining an inner cavity; a mounting member formed with the housing, the mounting member having at least one feature for engaging a feature of a center tube of a removable filter cartridge being configured to be removably inserted into the housing, wherein the at least one feature engages the feature of the center tube as the filter assembly rotates therein.
US08101068B2
A process of regulating the water content of water-fluidized oil sand ore during processing of the ore is disclosed. The weight (mo) of a sample charge of oil sand ore having a bulk volume (Vt) is determined. The inter granular voids of the sample charge are then filled with water, and the weight (ma) of the added inter granular water is determined. A target specific gravity value (SGmix) is selected for the fluidized oil sand ore. The volume of additional water, ΔV, to add to a sample charge of bulk volume Vt, to achieve the target specific gravity value (SGmix) is calculated by solving the following equation: Δ V = V t · ( ( m o + m a ρ w · V t ) - SG mix SG mix - 1 ) + m a ρ w The determined volume ΔV of additional water per bulk volume Vt of oil sand ore to be processed is added to the oil sand ore, producing water-fluidized oil sand ore. The ore is then processed to concentrate the bitumen.
US08101064B2
A biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte in a biological sample. The biosensor comprises a support, a reference electrode or a counter electrode or both disposed on the support, a working electrode disposed on the support, the working electrode spaced apart from the other electrode or electrodes on the support, a covering layer defining a sample chamber over the electrodes, an aperture in the covering layer for receiving a sample, and at least one layer of mesh in the sample chamber between the covering layer and the electrodes. The at least one layer of mesh has coated thereon a silicone surfactant. Certain silicone surfactants are as effective as fluorinated surfactants with respect to performance of biosensors. These surfactants, when coated onto the mesh layer of the biosensor, are effective in facilitating the transport of aqueous test samples, such as blood, in the sample chamber.
US08101061B2
In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to processes for the combination of injecting charge in a material electrochemically via non-faradaic (double-layer) charging, and retaining this charge and associated desirable properties changes when the electrolyte is removed. The present invention is also directed to compositions and applications using material property changes that are induced electrochemically by double-layer charging and retained during subsequent electrolyte removal. In some embodiments, the present invention provides reversible processes for electrochemically injecting charge into material that is not in direct contact with an electrolyte. Additionally, in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to devices and other material applications that use properties changes resulting from reversible electrochemical charge injection in the absence of an electrolyte.
US08101052B2
An adjustable anode assembly for a wet processing apparatus to allow selective tuning of the electrical field density distribution within a wet process chemical of the apparatus, which in turn allows the process specification or specifications to be selectively varied across the process surface of a wafer when processed by the apparatus. The adjustable anode assembly includes an anode which may be divided into several plates, at least one of which is capable of being moved from a first plane to at least a second plane.
US08101049B2
Disclosed is a method for the low cost manufacturing a plurality of rigid sputtered magnetic media disks of one or more sizes from a rigid sheet, in which one or more initial steps of preparing the media are performed while the media is in sheet form. The individual disks are then removed from the sheet, and final processing is performed individually on the disks.
US08101045B2
The invention provides a composition of matter useful for producing very soft high grades of tissue paper. The composition of matter comprises an adhesive composition that includes a glycerol-based polyol. The glycerol-based polyol prevents the composition from becoming brittle and is non-volatile. This allows the composition to become rewetted after creping and allows for strong levels of adhesion even at high temperatures.
US08101044B2
A method of manufacturing a bonded body is provided. The method comprising: preparing a first base member and a second base member; imparting liquid repellency for a liquid material to at least a part of a bonding film non-formation region of the first base member to form a liquid repellent region thereon; supplying the liquid material onto the first base member to selectively form a liquid coating on a bonding film formation region of the first base member with the aid of the liquid repellency of the liquid repellent region; drying the liquid coating to obtain a bonding film on the bonding film formation region; and bonding the first base member and the second base member together through the bonding film due to a bonding property developed in the vicinity of a surface of the bonding film by applying energy thereto to thereby obtain the bonded body.
US08101042B2
A method for increasing the adherence of a silicone gel to a substrate using a primer material. The method is particularly useful for adhering a medical prosthesis to a human or animal body.
US08101024B2
Disclosed is a method for removing minerals from a cellulosic biomass. For example, the biomass may be prewashed with an acid solution and rinsed with water to remove minerals prior to acid saccharification. The removal of minerals may reduce overall acid requirements, and decrease pretreatment costs.
US08101022B2
A crystal-growing furnace system with an emergent pressure-release arrangement includes an isolated chamber and a furnace upper body. The top board is provided with an opening and three first guides, and the furnace upper body with a lower opening and three second guides, wherein the lower opening of the furnace upper body covers, correspondingly, on the opening of the top board. In case a crystal-growing furnace, combined oppositely by the furnace upper body and the furnace lower body, has an over-high internal pressure, the pressure will overcome the weight of, and lift up the furnace upper body. At this moment, the furnace upper body will slightly move upward and away from enclosing the furnace lower body, so that the over-high internal pressure in the furnace will be released immediately to prevent the furnace from being exploded and from resulting in public accidents.
US08101019B2
In the method of making a monocrystalline or polycrystalline semiconductor material semiconductor raw material is introduced into a melting crucible and directionally solidified using a vertical gradient freeze method. The molten material trickles downward, so that the raw material that has not yet melted gradually slumps in the melting crucible. The semiconductor raw material is replenished from above onto a zone of semiconductor raw material which has not yet melted or is not completely melted to at least partly compensate for shrinkage of the raw material and to raise the filling level. To reduce the melting time and influence the thermal conditions in the system as little as possible, the semiconductor raw material to be replenished is heated to a temperature below its melting temperature and introduced into the crucible in the heated state.
US08101017B1
An application for a pre-mixed mortar, stucco or masonry composition includes a approximately 75% sand and 25% of a light-weight cement mix comprising a cement (either Portland cement or hydraulic cement), hydrous lime, sodium tall oil, sodium stearate, sodium C14-16 Alpha Olefin, linear alkyl benzene; and silicon dioxide.
US08101010B2
A porous structure sealed at both ends for use in a gas separation module; and a method for separating components of a gas stream.
US08101002B2
A front access frame sealing mechanism for filter cassettes comprising at least one pair of posts extending inwardly from opposing sidewalls of a filter cassette housing wherein the posts have a head with a diameter exceeding that of the shaft of the post. At least one camming retainer is mounted adjacent each opposing sidewall about a post wherein each of camming retainer has a cam with a centrally oriented aperture with a diameter greater than the diameter of the post head for mounting about the posts. The cams have a flat portion and a extending handle portion, the flat portion becomes adjacent a sealing channel when in a sealing position. A sealing channel is adjacent each sidewall of the housing with a linear side adjacent front edges of at least one upstream filter cassette and having a channel holding each of the cams.
US08100995B2
The invention relates to a method of reforming a gas containing tarry impurities, such as the gasification gas obtained by gasifying a fuel. In the method, oxygen or an oxygenous gas (10) is added to a gas flow (8), after which the gas is brought into contact with a solid catalyst (11, 12) at a high temperature. According to the invention, the reformation takes place in stages so that, in the first pre-reforming stage, the gas is brought into contact with a zirconium-based catalyst (11), such as zirconium oxide, for example, and, in the next stage, with a metal catalyst (12), such as metallic nickel. The two-stage reformation is used for preventing the deactivation of the metal catalyst and the formation of carbon deposits in the reforming reactor. The invention also includes the use of the zirconium compound in pre-reforming the tar-bearing gas to achieve the said goals.
US08100988B2
The invention concerns a multifunctional additive enabling fuels to be operable in cold conditions, consisting of copolymers of at least a dicarboxylic compound with at least an olefin, and whereon are grafted nitrogenous functions and/or esters of general formula (1) wherein: R1 and R2, and R4 and R5, R3 and R6 are hydrogen or alkyl radicals, and x is selected among the amine salts and N-alkylpolyalkylenepolyamines and their monohydroxylated and polyhydroxylated derivatives, N-alkylpolyalkylenepolyamine alkylesters and esters, and alkylamines and N-alkylpolyalkylenepolyamines.
US08100981B2
The present invention relates to a tibial prosthesis useful in knee replacement surgeries. The prosthesis includes one or more cement introduction ports which may be used to deliver and control delivery of bone cement to a prosthesis-bone interface after the prosthesis has been positioned on a resurfaced area of a tibia bone. The prosthesis is suitable for implantation using arthroscopic as well as open surgical procedures. The prosthesis may be used as a unicondylar implant in either compartment of the knee or in both compartments of the knee.
US08100977B2
A method and apparatus for repairing a damaged intervertebral disc nucleus in a minimally invasive manner utilizes a modular disc prosthesis. The modular disc prosthesis preferably comprises at least three modular segments. In one embodiment, each modular segment includes an inner core and an outer shell. The modular segments are selectively interlockable in situ with each other. The modular segments form an implanted unitary device that closely mimics the geometry of the disc nucleus cavity.
US08100975B2
Vertebral implants for spacing apart vertebral members. The implants may include a spacer with a first side and a second side that contact the vertebral members. A sidewall may extend between the first and second sides. Two or more mounts are positioned along the sidewall. A flange may be connected to the spacer at the mounts. The flange extends beyond one or both of the first and second sides to position the spacer relative to the vertebral members. In some embodiments, the spacer further includes one or more insertion features that facilitate insertion of the spacer between the vertebral members.
US08100971B2
The present application describes a spinal implant device comprising a load-bearing component having at least one soft tissue-facing surface and a coating affixed to the soft tissue-facing surface. The coating is operable to define an interface with the soft tissue that exhibits one or more of the following features: reduced friction, reduced tissue irritation, reduced adhesion, reduced inflammation, reduced incidence of infection and reduced pain, relative to the soft tissue-facing surface in the absence of the coating. Other embodiments include methods of use and manufacture of the apparatus. The application also describes a method involving affixing a load-bearing prosthetic spinal implant device to first and second vertebrae of a motion segment and, after the device is affixed, applying to a soft tissue-facing surface of the device a flowable, curable coating material operable to cure in situ to form a coating.
US08100969B2
Various methods of ligament reconstruction are provided that can include extending a filament from at least one end of a graft having at least two ends, threading the graft through a first aperture in a first bone anchor, using the filament to affix the at least two ends of the graft to a second aperture of a second bone anchor, affixing the first bone anchor in hone, and affixing the second bone anchor in bone.
US08100964B2
Valve repair apparatus and methods for ensuring proper coaptation and operation of the leaflets of a heart valve. Main aspects of the disclosure relate to devices including a support member configured for attachment to the heart valve annulus, a post extending from the support member away from the plane of the annulus and a connector coupled with the post and configured for attachment to at least one of the leaflets. The various embodiments may include a replacement heart valve connected with the support member for facilitating full replacement as opposed to near repair of an existing native heart valve. Various other devices include support structure and one or more posts connected to opposite sides of the support structure and extending from one side of the valve annulus to another to modify the shape of the annulus.
US08100961B2
A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps.
US08100960B2
A method includes deploying a bloused stent-graft into a main vessel such that a bloused section of the bloused stent-graft covers a branch vessel emanating from the main vessel. The bloused section includes loose graft cloth. A pressure differential between the main vessel and the branch vessel causes the bloused section to be forced into an ostium of the branch vessel creating a pocket aligned with the branch vessel. A distal tip of a puncture device is located in the pocket and thus aligned with the branch vessel. An outward force is applied to the puncture device to cause the distal tip of the puncture device to fenestrate the bloused section thus creating a collateral opening in the bloused section precisely aligned with the branch vessel.
US08100950B2
A method fuses an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra together. The method includes the steps of: extending a screw obliquely, both anteriorly and superiorly, through the inferior vertebra; and further extending the screw across an interbody space and into the superior vertebra both anteriorly and superiorly.
US08100944B2
Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.
US08100942B1
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A bone anchor is described that comprises a base and a top such that suture material may be compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the anchor top relative to the anchor base to clamp suture material there between. Also described is a soft-tissue and bone piercing anchor and associated inserter. Methods are described that allow use of the bone anchors to provide multiple lengths of suture material to compress a large area of soft tissue against bone.
US08100939B2
A mechanical system for rotatably, sequentially securing opposing sides of a tissue wound with a fastener. An applicator apparatus is capable of imparting rotatable motion to a falcate tissue penetrator that sequentially pierces and carries a fastener into a first side and a second side of the tissue wound. The first side and second side of tissue can be simultaneously captured and positioned with respect to a tissue definition member or alternatively, the first tissue side and second tissue side can be individually, sequentially captured and positioned relative to the tissue definition member. The applicator apparatus can comprise a single fastener for small tissue wounds or resections or alternatively, the applicator can comprise a plurality of staged fasteners for use in closing a larger wounds or wounds with increased tension.
US08100928B2
A surgical morcellator includes a trocar body portion and a handle portion detachably mounted to the trocar body portion. The trocar body portion is relatively lightweight and may be used separately from the handle portion with other laparoscopic instruments while morcellation is not required during the surgical procedure.
US08100922B2
A needle delivery device is described and includes generally, a needle made of a shape memory alloy pre-formed in an unconstrained configuration, such as, for example, an arc or a curved needle. The needle delivery device also includes a needle delivery guide, a suturing guide and a positioning member. The needle has an eye at its leading tip for holding suture material. The needle delivery guide has a needle channel for passage of the needle therethrough. The needle channel is configured to hold the needle in a constrained configuration, for example, in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the needle channel. The suturing guide is pivotally connected to the delivery guide. The positioning member moves the suturing guide between an extended position and a collapsed position, wherein, in the extended position, the suturing guide is configured to stabilize the tissue and guide the needle in its unconstrained configuration and to enable access by, for example, a grasper or other tool, to the suture material.
US08100918B2
The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated by a heater such as an electrical resistance coil to expand the collar and release and deploy the therapeutic device. The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil may also provide for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a heater within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.
US08100914B2
The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.
US08100911B2
An apparatus for treating a bone fracture comprises an intramedullary rod extending through a first bone segment of a fractured bone. A lag screw assembly extends through a first transverse aperture in the rod, while a control member extends through a second transverse aperture longitudinally offset from the first aperture. The lag screw assembly includes a lag screw engaged to the second bone segment and a locking sleeve mounted over a proximal portion of the lag screw. The locking sleeve defines a groove aligned with the second aperture. The control member includes a distal portion penetrating the bone segments, an intermediate portion configured to engage the second aperture. and an enlarged head configured to slidably engage the groove. The groove includes a terminus that contacts the head of the control member after a predetermined amount of lateral migration of the lag screw as the fracture collapses.
US08100910B2
Methods and devices for treating fractures in or adjacent the wrist and distal forearm employ an intramedullary interlocking fixation rod (i.e, it interlocks the distal and proximal fracture fragments together) to stabilize the skeletal structure in a manner which can inhibit the amount of collapse or loss in skeletal length exhibited by a patient with a distal radius fracture.
US08100908B2
Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.
US08100899B2
A device for automatically aligning bipolar electrodes on opposing sides of operative tissue is provided for performing minimally invasive RF ablation. The device includes complementary magnetic electrode assemblies, each having a permanent magnet mechanically coupled to and electrically insulated from an electrical conductor. When positioned on opposing sides of tissue such as an atrial wall, the complementary assemblies automatically align their respective electrical conductors through mutual magnetic attraction to complete an electrical circuit. Each electrical conductor may provide an alignable elongated transmitting element adjacent to a magnetic coupling surface to allow for ablation of linear segments of tissue. Each electrode assembly includes mechanical linkage for coupling to an intracorporeal positioning device and a wire receiving terminal for connection to an external generator.
US08100894B2
A heat pipe for a cautery surgical instrument such as a surgical forceps including a pair of elongate arms joined at an end so as to provide for resilient compressible movement of the arms between a normally open position and a squeezed closed position. The heat pipe provides for conduction of heat away from an electrode tip, and comprises an evaporator portion having a first diameter and a condenser portion spaced away from the evaporator end, and that transitions from the first diameter to at least one smaller diameter section. A socket is disposed within each arm of the forceps and includes a longitudinal blind hole that is sized so as to releasably receive the smaller diameter section of the condenser portion, and a catch for engaging a portion of the arm.
US08100888B2
A capsulated body having a facility, which acquires biomedical information through endoscopic examination or the like, incorporated therein is inserted into a duct within a living body. Whether the capsulated body has halted for a certain period of time is detected from the time-varying position of the capsulated body or a time-passing change in an image. If it is judged that the capsulated body has halted at a stenosed region or the like, the fact is notified so that the capsulated body can be collected immediately.
US08100886B2
An assembly structured to aspirate nasal cavity of individuals including, but not limited to, children. A hand held and hand operative casing includes a negative pressure source preferably battery operated, and a cover assembly removably connected to the casing and structured to at least partially define a receiving chamber. An inlet assembly is formed in the casing and communicates with the negative pressure source at least partially by means of a path of fluid flow. A container is removably disposed within the receiving chamber in a predetermined, operative orientation sufficient to receive and collect a predetermined portion or phase of the aspirated fluid, such as mucus is removed from the nasal cavity. The path of fluid flow is disposed, dimensioned and structured to restrict passage of the heavier, predetermined portion or phase of the aspirated fluid thereby facilitating its collection within the container, which is disposable along with the collected aspirated fluid after use.
US08100884B2
An adapter assembly (120) for connecting a catheter assembly (50,52) to a tunneler (110) having a generally tubular body (122) having a first end (124), a second end (126) and a longitudinal axis ( )128 extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The first end (124) of the adapter is constructed to engage the proximal end (114) of a trocar (110). The second end (126) of the adapter is constructed to releasably engage at least one catheter lumen (50,52). A slider (140) is disposed about the adapter (120) and is longitudinally slidable along the adapter. When the slider (140) is slid towards the second end (126) of the adapter, the slider engages a plurality of legs (134a-134d) on the adapter and biases the plurality of legs toward each other and the longitudinal axis of the adapter. A method of subcutaneously tunneling a catheter using the adapter assembly is also described that comprises inserting a catheter into a patient, connecting the proximal end of a trocar to the adapter assembly, releasably restraining at least one lumen of the catheter in the adapter, and tunneling the assembly.
US08100879B2
The present invention relates to a connector device suitable for connecting an enteral administration set to a laminated paper packaging system comprising enterally administrable medical or nutritional food.
US08100878B2
Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
US08100872B2
A medical dressing containing an antimicrobial agent is disclosed. The medical dressing comprises a layered fabric comprising an inner layer of substantially hydrophilic material, an outer layer of substantially hydrophobic material on both sides of the inner layer; and an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may be releasably impregnated into the fabric, coated on said fabric or a combination thereof. The antimicrobial agent may be a biguanide, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). The fabric inner layer material may be substantially a cellulose fiber, preferably substantially rayon, and the fabric outer layer material may be substantially polyester, e.g., a combination of textile matrix grade polyester fiber and amorphous binder grade polyester fiber. The fabric is preferably treated with an aqueous solution of surfactant and PHMB to have about 1500-3500 ppm of extractable PHMB.
US08100866B2
Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve housing interacting with an inlet connector assembly. The pliant valve housing has an integrally formed valve stem and one or more ports. The valve stem cooperates with a nozzle on the inlet connector assembly to form a slip port, which can open when exerted by force to permit flow or closes when the force is removed.
US08100863B2
A catheter assembly is disclosed comprising a catheter, a tubular structure affixed to an exterior surface of the catheter, and a stabilizing cuff affixed to, and at least partially embedded within, the tubular structure. The tubular structure may include a tapered surface extending from an end of the tubular structure to an exterior surface of the catheter. A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly is also disclosed. For example, such a method may comprise positioning a tubular structure about a catheter, positioning a stabilizing cuff near the tubular structure, and partially embedding at least a portion of the stabilizing cuff within the tubular structure while shaping the tubular structure to form a tapered surface. A temporary sleeve may be positioned about the tubular structure prior to shaping the tubular structure. The tubular may also be performed to include a tapered end prior to positioning the tubular structure about the catheter.
US08100861B2
A seal for use in a trocar, particularly for a trocar for eye surgery, having a seal element, with a seal opening, and an instrument opening. The instrument opening extends along a center axis on both sides of the seal element all the way through the seal. The seal also has a clamp element for establishing a form-fit connection to an instrument that is inserted at least partially into the instrument opening and through the seal opening.
US08100847B2
A protective skin covering has at least three distinct layers that can be worn on multiple parts of the human body. An inner layer substantially surrounds an area over which a protective skin covering is to be worn, and is constructed of soft, non-abrasive fabric. A middle layer provides padding to protect a wearer against impact with foreign objects. An outer layer is a durable, flexible, material (such as, for example, nylon or other similar material) that protects the middle layer, protects the skin of the wearer, resists wear and tear, and provides a surface for decorative designs or other attractive features.
US08100846B1
Spinal traction and restoration using application of forces in user-selectable distinct unitary directions by a rotatable pointable constrained inflator proximate a device base. The constrained inflator provides selectable, variable and pointable force to effect any of the following therapies: [1] Axial Traction; [2] Force to Upper Cervical Spine; [3] Force to Mid-Cervical Spine; [4] Force to Lower Cervical Spine; and [5] Traction Force Applied to Upper Thoracic Spine.
US08100842B2
A portable device for enhancing circulation in a limb by applying intermittent squeezing force on the limb, the device comprising at least one inflatable fluid-cell having a proximal face and a distal face; a rigid member juxtaposed with the distal face of the air-cell, the rigid member is having two lateral sides; at least one adjustable strap connectable to the lateral ends of the rigid member for encircling the limb; and a mechanism for intermittently inflating and deflating the at least one fluid cell.
US08100838B2
A variable-stiffness guidewire system which comprises an elongated flexible guidewire. The guidewire has a body and a guidewire head coupled to the body. The guidewire head is slidably moveable with respect to a guidewire collar of the body to adjust a stiffness of the guidewire. A tool is utilized with the guidewire to engage the guidewire head and move the guidewire head a desired distance from the guidewire collar to achieve a desired stiffness. The tool has a first mechanism that is configured to selectively deploy an insert to be positioned between the guidewire head and the guidewire collar. The insert maintains the desired stiffness of the guidewire.
US08100836B2
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method analyzing the respiratory characteristics of a human respiratory system from impulse oscillometry data, through the use of a linear network of electrical components. The present invention offers an improved alternative to the RIC respiratory circuit model, with an addition of a peripheral resistance to account for the resistance presented by the respiratory system's small airways and of a capacitor to account for extrathoracic compliance. After air pressure and air flow measurements are obtained from the subject by performing Impulse Oscillometry System testing, a graphical representation of a mechanical impedance characteristic may be derived. This allows for the estimation and adjustment of parameter values of the linear network whose components correlate to the resistances, compliances and inertances inherent in the respiratory system. Additionally, the linear network of electrical components may be configured as a virtual network represented in graphical form wherein the parameter values are estimated and adjusted according to program instructions operating on a computer system. The linear network of electrical components serves to provide parametric means for detection, diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies in the human respiratory system.
US08100830B2
The invention relates to new non-therapeutic methods allowing the level of skin neurosensitivity and/or the state of neurosensorial skin reactivity of an individual to be evaluated by applying a peripheral nervous system stimulant to one skin area, the method being implemented under conditions of safety and comfort acceptable for the user, irrespective of his or her skin type.
US08100828B2
The surgical instrumentation system is adapted to provide an operative approach to the spinal column and maintain distraction of adjacent vertebrae. The system includes at least one retractor and a pair of opposite distractor mechanisms mounted to a frame. The distractor mechanisms each include an adjustment mechanism permitting the distractor mechanism to be pivoted relative to the vertebra and secured to the frame after being repositioned.
US08100824B2
The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector.
US08100822B2
A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.
US08100811B2
An automatic disengaging method for a master clutch dependent power take-off (PTO) arranged in a vehicle for preventing undesired movement or actions of the implements associated with the PTO and undesired wear of a clutch collar (release bearing). The PTO is driven by an engine via a master clutch between a crankshaft of the engine and an input shaft in a gearbox. The gear box further comprises an output shaft which is powered by the input shaft, optionally via an intermediate shaft. A power take-off is connected to the input shaft or, optionally, to the intermediate shaft. The system further includes a control unit connected to the master clutch and the gear box. When the control unit registers that the master clutch is disengaged, a gear is engaged in the gearbox and certain conditions are fulfilled (e.g. a parking brake has been actuated for a certain time), the control unit performs the operations of putting the gearbox in a neutral position, disable the power take-off, if the power take-off is enabled, and engage the master clutch.
US08100808B2
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08100795B2
A riveted sprocket assembly that includes a sprocket carrier having a plurality of carrier arms and a plurality of sprockets attached to the carrier arms by rivets. First and second rivet heads of the rivets are countersunk into the carrier arms on one face and into the sprocket on the other face. The second rivet head is formed on the sprocket on the front face of the sprocket carrier. To prevent the riveting tool from damaging the sprocket during the riveting process, the rivet holes of the sprockets include a clearance portion around the second rivet head. This results in the sprocket having three-stepped rivet holes: a small diameter for the rivet shaft, an intermediate diameter for the rivet head and a larger diameter for the riveting tool. To minimize weight, the carrier arms narrow in a central region between radially inner and radially outer rivet holes on the carrier arms.
US08100790B2
A sensing device integrated into a conical disk pair includes a sensing piston that is axially movable relative to the input shaft over a radially stepped guide surface that is formed on a shaft on which the sensing device is carried, and a corresponding opposing stepped surface formed on the sensing piston. The steps define a damping chamber between the guide surface and the opposing surface, whose volume changes when the sensing piston moves axially relative to the shaft.
US08100782B2
A lacrosse practice and/or training device allows a person to practice throwing and catching by themselves. The device includes an anchor mechanism that slides over the top of a lacrosse stick head, a cord, and a ball. A single cord connects the anchor mechanism to the stick head and the ball to the anchor mechanism, so that when the ball is thrown from the stick head, the cord stretches and then contracts, returning the ball back towards the person throwing it. The anchor mechanism is universal, for use with multiple stick heads, and it has vertical parallel braces for stabilization when on the stick head. Additionally, the release point of the cord is positioned at the top of the anchor mechanism, which is clipped onto the scoop or top of the stick head, to provide the user with a more accurate ball release and retract orientation than conventional practice devices.
US08100777B1
A pool table corner assembly for forming a corner pocket including a pair of adjacent rail members, a corner casting member, and a pocket member. Each rail member includes a supporting flange portion, a recessed portion, and a generally horizontal top surface. The corner casting member includes an overhanging mounting flange for mating with the recessed portion of each rail member thereby allowing the upper surface of the corner casting member to lie flush with the top surface of each rail member, and a recessed portion extending along at least a portion of its inner wall for receiving a lip portion associated with the pocket member, the lip portion having a top surface which lies flush with the upper surface of the corner casting member. In another embodiment, the corner casting member includes at least one spike member for engaging the supporting flange portion of the corresponding rail member.
US08100769B2
An example system and method controls a rotatable object on a display using a handheld control device comprising an accelerometer. The example system and method involve determining an orientation of the handheld control device using an interpolation of an output for a first axis of the accelerometer and an output for a second axis of the accelerometer. The rotation of the rotatable object is controlled based on the determined orientation.
US08100766B2
A method and system for personalized digital game creation are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises storing a plurality of customizable games. Each game of the plurality of customizable games has personalization slots. Media assets are received from a user computer. A personalized game is generated using the media assets and a customizable game of the plurality of customizable games.
US08100765B2
In an attack operation receiving step, an input of an operation for attacking an enemy object is received. In a determination step, when the input of the operation for attacking is received, it is determined whether or not a body strength value of the enemy object is within a predetermined range. When it is determined that the body strength value of the enemy object is within the predetermined range, a setting step of setting the enemy object to substantially the same state as where the body strength value of the enemy object is zero, regardless of the degree of damage caused by the attack motion, is executed.
US08100759B2
A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location.
US08100757B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed in which players achieve various lifestyle goals through interactive game-playing. A plurality of game elements is provided, wherein information regarding an activity in pursuit of a lifestyle improvement goal is displayed on a surface of each game element. A game framework is provided, comprising a spatial representation of an actual accomplishment by a player of the activity in pursuit of the lifestyle improvement goal. A journal is also provided, comprising a written representation of the actual accomplishment by the player of the activity in pursuit of the lifestyle improvement goal. A timing device may also be provided that times the actual accomplishment of the activity in pursuit of a lifestyle improvement goal by the player, according to a timing criterion that comprises at least one of a lower time limit and an upper time limit.
US08100755B2
Method, apparatus, and program product for distributing random number generation on a gaming network
Methods, apparatus, and program products are disclosed for providing distributed RNG calculation capability. Generally, gaming machines cooperate on a gaming network to calculate a result for a RNG algorithm. A preferred system uses peer machines to perform partial RNG calculations, but server machines may also be used. One method calculates a first partial RNG calculation at a first peer machine using a seed value. The first peer machine transmits results of the first partial calculation to a second peer machine, which completes the RNG calculation. Some algorithms may include a step of combining partial results from two or more gaming machines. A preferred system uses a RNG state tracker and a seed tracker operating on a RNG master machine. This machine initializes a partial RNG with a seed value, and then tracks the state of the partial RNG using results from the completed calculation obtained over the network.
US08100740B2
A cutting apparatus for cutting corner pieces formed of stone or other materials for use as building faces or for cutting flat pieces is disclosed herein. The cutting apparatus includes a frame with a first and a second conveyor operatively attached to the frame. The first and the second conveyors are configured to carry a workpiece from a first end of the frame to the second end of the frame. The first conveyor is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees to a ground surface supporting the cutting apparatus. The second conveyor is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees to the ground surface supporting the cutting apparatus, wherein the second conveyor is positioned perpendicularly to the first conveyor so as to form a V-shaped channel therewith. The cutting apparatus further includes a first cutting blade operatively attached to the frame and positioned generally parallel to the first conveyor and a second cutting blade operatively attached to the frame and positioned generally parallel to the second conveyor.
US08100722B2
An electrical card connector comprising: an insulating housing defining a plurality of channels; a terminal module with a plurality of contacts received therein; and a clip having a pair of first elastic pieces and a second elastic piece received in the corresponding channels; a metal shield shielding over the insulating housing for defining a card receiving space, at least a spring arm defined on a top face of the metal shield shielding protruding into the receiving space; a card receiving mechanism having a receiving frame, at least a block portion corresponding to the spring arm defined on a longitudinal side of the receiving frame which pressing against said spring arm when the card receiving mechanism inserted into the card receiving space for increasing the retaining force therebetween.
US08100721B2
A coaxial connector including a first element, two metal joints, a first metal shell, a second metal shell, an elastic fixing member, and a pair of metal fixings. The first element includes a circuit substrate, a signal input terminal, a signal output terminal, and a grounding terminal and is sandwiched between the pair of the metal fixings. The elastic fixing member embraces the pair of the metal fixings. One end of each of the two metal joints contacts with the signal input terminal and the signal output terminal of the first element, respectively, and the other end thereof contacts with a signal terminal of the first metal shell and the second metal shell, respectively. The pair of the metal fixings each contacts with the inner conductor of the first metal shell and the second metal shell. The coaxial connector is applicable to different thicknesses of substrates, and is easy to assemble and disassemble.
US08100714B2
A connector is latched to a circuit board, the connector comprises a main body. The main body comprises two opposite ends, each end of the main body having a securing protrusion protruding therefrom, the securing protrusion for latching the connector to the circuit board.
US08100711B2
A high speed electrical connector assembly is disclosed providing a first subassembly having connector assemblies attached to a daughtercard, and a second subassembly having connector assemblies attached to a backplane. A keying guide module is mounted to the daughtercard and a keying guide pin is mounted to the backplane. The alignment of the keying guide module and keying guide pin aligns the connector assemblies on the daughtercard and backplane.
US08100709B2
An electrical connector (100) for mating with a mating connector (700) along a mating direction includes an insulative housing (1) defining a passageway and a pair of latching members (2) inserted in the passageway. Each latching member has a resisting portion (21) and a latching portion (22) extending forwardly from the resisting portion and deformable from a first position to a second position for latching with the mating connector. The resisting portion includes an upper section (211) and a lower section formed at opposite sides of the latching portion and respectively abutting against the insulative housing along the mating direction when the latching portion is located in the second position.
US08100707B2
A plug contact pairing comprises a plug pot with contact pins, as well as a plug head with contact circuits for connection of electrical line ends. A profiled ring (securing ring) is used to mount the plug head in an interlocking manner in the plug pot, is incorporated with a part of its cross section in a circumferential groove in the plug head and, during closure of the plug contact pairing, latches with the rest of its cross section into a groove on the internal circumference of the plug pot. By virtue of the shape and material of the securing ring and the slot shape, the plug head can be pulled out of the plug pot only with a tensile force which is greater than the limit value. In one development, the plug head is mounted with an identical connection in the plug housing, in which case the mounting ring connection is designed in comparison to the securing ring connection such that the tensile force with which the plug head can be pulled out of the plug pot is less than that by means of which the plug head is held in the plug housing by the mounting ring connection.
US08100706B2
A back plug-in connector device having a floating structure, comprises: a body chassis, a cover and a support plate on which a connector is mounted. The support plate is sandwiched by the body chassis and the cover so as to constitute the floating structure.
US08100703B2
An electrical connector includes a plurality of terminals with tail portions and an insulating housing defining a mounting face and a mating face opposite to the mounting face. The insulating housing includes a plurality of parallel first walls extending in a first direction and a plurality of parallel second walls extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and unitarily intersecting with the first walls to construe a plurality of passageway to receive the terminals. The tail portions of the terminals extend beyond two outermost first walls in the second direction. A pair of first ribs extends from one second wall away from the mounting face and the ribs do not exceed the outermost first walls in the second direction.
US08100699B1
A connector assembly includes an electrical connector having a mating end configured to be mated to a mating connector and a mounting end. The electrical connector holds contacts with pins extending from the mounting end. The connector assembly also includes a connector extender module coupled to the mounting end. The connector extender module having a holder extending between a connector end and board end, with the mounting end of the electrical connector being mounted to the connector end and the board end being configured to be mounted to a circuit board. The holder has channels extending between the connector end and the board end. The connector extender module also includes terminals arranged within the channels that receive the pins. The terminals have tails configured to be terminated to the circuit board.
US08100697B2
A portable, retractable writing surface device provides a writing surface that may be extended from a housing and held sufficiently flat by the device to facilitate marking on the writing surface with a writing implement, such as a dry-erase marker, chalk, grease crayon, pencil, pen, permanent marker or the like. The device maintains sufficient rigidity in the extended writing surface, such that the device may be used without an additional support surface, such as a clip board or table. The writing surface may be retracted back into the housing to protect the writing surface and to reduce the size of the device for storage or transport, such as within a pocket or briefcase. Retracting the writing surface may include rolling the writing surface onto a spool, accordion folding the writing surface or otherwise reconfiguring the writing surface to make it fit into a compact space (collectively referred to herein as “compressing” the writing surface). One or more resilient members may be used to make the extended writing surface flat when the writing surface is extended from the housing. The writing surface may include a flexible computer display screen.
US08100693B2
An apparatus of the present disclosure has a dental tray cup filled with a silicone elastomer and elastomeric sheeting covering the silicone elastomer in the dental tray cup. A method of the present disclosure comprises the steps of providing a dental tray, filling the dental tray with an elastomeric material, covering the elastomeric material in the dental tray with a sheeting.
US08100691B2
For a resilient mounting of a spider die onto a dental prosthetic suprastructure on a male spider mold, at least one retention element is molded onto a sleeve, and the retention element has a substantially occlusal alignment. The at least one retention element extends across the entire length of the sleeve and has a head having a connecting neck in its cross-section. In this manner, retention undercuts are formed on both sides of the connecting neck. The connecting neck of the at least one retention element is molded at an offset as opposed to the crown line of the sleeve. A spider die is thus created, which has an improved retention with an increased retention force at a smaller installation height.
US08100683B2
The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for coating a medical device. The method includes providing an electrospinning apparatus and simultaneously electrospinning at least one solution onto a first surface and an opposing second surface. The apparatus comprises a first spinneret and a second spinneret. An energy source is electrically coupled to the first spinneret and the second spinneret. The first spinneret and second spinneret comprise a reservoir and an orifice fluidly coupled to the reservoir. The first spinneret orifice is located substantially opposite the second spinneret orifice.
US08100682B2
A method of and system for injection molding is shown. The method can include the positioning one or more metal components in a mold, aligning a film for transferring an image from the film onto a surface of a plastic component, injecting a material into the mold to form the plastic component such that the metal component will be embedded in the plastic component and transferring the image from the film onto the surface of the plastic component that has the embedded metal component. The method can also include the removing the transferred image from the metal component if at least a portion of the transferred image adheres to the metal component.
US08100680B2
The present invention relates to a double-conveyor type apparatus for manufacturing a floor mat adapted to be disposed on a floor surface in an operating room in an industrial site, in various buildings or vehicles, or in an office room or house so as to reduce the impact or load transmitted to a human body and to prevent the sliding thereon, wherein the double-conveyor type apparatus includes a double-conveyor system having upper and lower conveyors formed of a plurality of unit upper and lower molds standardized to a given size and in series connected to each other is operated to allow a material of the floor mat to be passed thereon, thereby manufacturing the floor mat, such that the mass production of the floor mat can be simply and rapidly achieved to enhance the productivity.
US08100664B2
An impeller (10) for a cooling fan includes a hub (20) having a circular wall (22) and an annular sidewall (24) extending upwardly from a periphery of the circular wall, and a plurality of blades (30) extending radially from the sidewall of the hub. Each of the blades includes a first portion (32) near the hub and a second portion (34) away from the hub, wherein each of the second portions has a pair of opposite ribs (36) formed on two lateral sides thereof, thereby reducing a noise level generated by the impeller when the impeller rotates.
US08100663B2
The invention concerns a rotor blade of a wind power installation and a wind power installation. One advantage of the present invention is to provide a rotor blade having a rotor blade profile, and a wind power installation, which has better efficiency than hitherto. A rotor blade of a wind power installation, wherein the rotor blade has a thickness reserve approximately in the range of between 15% and 40%, preferably in the range of between about 23% and 28%, and wherein the greatest profile thickness is between about 20% and 45%, preferably between about 32% and 36%.
US08100662B2
A gas-turbine engine fan blade made of a textile composite material includes short carbon fiber intermediate layers (8) for forming the blade root arranged between splayed carbon fiber layers (7) in the blade root (2). In a compressive stress-affected zone (11) of the blade root, the fiber layers extend parallel to the flanks (12) of the blade root. The diversion of the carbon fiber layers (7) up to the splayed area is effected in a transition area (13). A glass fiber outer layer (10) arranged on the flanks (12) of the blade root gradually runs out at a transition zone (15) of the transition area (13), this zone being diverted at a certain radius. Between the glass fiber outer layer and the outer carbon fiber layer there is a carbon fiber layer (9) oriented at +/−45°.
US08100655B2
An airfoil root fillet having a predetermined compound curve profile can be flank milled with a single flank milling cutter having a generally conical flank milling portion and a rounded tip portion defining a compound curve.
US08100654B1
A turbine blade with a spar to support a thin thermal skin for the outer airfoil surface. The spar includes multiple rows of impingement cooling cavities that are each connected in series through curved impingement cooling holes to provide cooling for the airfoil walls. The spar is hollow on the inside and open at the blade tip with a blade tip rail extending along both walls and around the leading edge. The impingement cooling cavities discharge the spent cooling air through the tip cooling holes. A thin thermal skin is bonded to the spar to form the outer airfoil walls and is cooled by the series of impingement cooling cavities to provide a low metal temperature using a low volume of cooling air. The impingement cooling cavities and the curved impingement cooling holes are formed in the cast spar by drilling or machining so that a ceramic core for the cooling holes and cavities are not needed and blade casting yield is improved.
US08100652B2
Disclosed is a ceiling fan cover for protecting a ceiling fan while the ceiling fan is not in use. The invention comprises a cover, preferably of a semi-waterproof, vinyl material, that encloses an indoor or outdoor ceiling fan. The invention also includes an attachment means, preferably a zipper, to close the cover around the ceiling fan's blades and a drawstring to tighten up the cover around the top of the fan. The invention could have an additional drawstring to cinch the middle. An alternative embodiment would be made of a plastic, disposable material, for use by painters to protect ceiling fans. When the cover is in place, it prevents ceiling fan blades from spinning in the wind or swinging up and breaking off, and also protects the fan from dust and debris.
US08100650B2
Systems and methods use cyclical propellers with dynamic blade angle control to extract power from waves. A control system for such implementations can adapt pitching schedules for the blades of the cyclical propellers for efficient energy extraction and/or to control reactive forces. The cyclical propellers may be installed on the floor of a body of water or other liquid, on a submarine, or on a surface float, and blades may extend vertically or horizontally depending on the character of the waves. Several cyclical propellers can be combined into a single unit operated to minimize net reactive force or torque, to propel the unit horizontally or vertically, and/or to stabilize the unit. Such units can be installed with minimal or no moorings.
US08100648B2
An improved rotor blade used in combination with a submersible electrical generator comprises a rotor base with width BW, a leading edge, a tip, and a trailing edge. The leading edge and the trailing edge are defined as elliptical curves having a radius of 8.0 BW. The rotor has a surface area profile substantially in accordance with the Cartesian coordinate values X and Y set forth in Table I. The rotor blade can be functionally connected to a rotor shaft through a pivotal support axial which allows the pitch of the blade to be set and maintained. The pitch is set to harness the kinetic energy of flowing water for generating electricity.
US08100647B2
A method for operating a wind turbine having a rotor with a number of wind turbine blades, wherein the rotor's axis of rotation is tilted in relation to the direction of the incoming wind, includes the steps of determining the azimuth angle (A) of the blades and adjusting the pitch angle of the blades in accordance with the azimuth angle (A) to ensure a substantially constant angle of attack (AoA) during at least a full rotation of the rotor. A wind turbine and use of the method are also contemplated.
US08100633B2
Cooling air manifold splash plates and gas turbine engine systems involving such splash plates are provided. In this regard, a representative cooling air manifold splash plates includes: a base having an aperture; and an air deflector supported by the base, the air deflector being positioned relative to the base to receive, from the aperture, a radial flow of gas turbine engine cooling air, the air deflector being operative to redirect at least some of the air received circumferentially.
US08100628B2
The present invention is related to a method for controlling a wind energy plant, with a nacelle disposed on a tower and with a rotor with at least one rotor blade, the blade adjustment angle of which can be adjusted by means of a blade adjustment equipment. The objective to provide a reduction of the loads acting on the plant when there is a malfunction of the blade adjustment equipment is resolved according to the present invention in that the function of the blade adjustment equipment is monitored, and when an error of the blade adjustment equipment occurs, the nacelle is rotated from an operating position into a rest position, in which there is a flow of the wind against the surface extended by the at least one rotor blade (4) in a rotation of the rotor which is reduced with respect to the operating position.
US08100626B2
A linear drive mechanism is configured with a vertical column mounted on a mobile base containing a reversible electric motor that is coupled to drive a threaded shaft located centrally within the column. A driving member, engaging the threaded shaft and constrained to vertical travel in a longitudinal slot in a side of the column, can be driven by the motor in a linear path in either direction between the ends of the column. The drive mechanism is adaptable to power a wide variety of auxiliary mechanisms linearly and/or rotationally to perform specific tasks with substantial reductions of manual labor in construction and material-moving tasks including shoveling, picking, hoeing, digging trenches and holes, lifting, e.g. as with a hoist, crane or vertical conveyor, pulling, mixing, e.g. concrete, handling and installing panel workpieces such as drywall, and driving posts.
US08100622B2
An articulated lift aim assembly for a refuse receptacle generally includes an engaging device for releasably grasping the receptacle, an extendable boom along with an articulated arm mechanism interconnecting the book and the engaging device. A gear arrangement provides for coupling the boom and the arm for raising the arm mechanism with respect to the boom, rotating the arm mechanism with respect to the boom during raising of the arm mechanism and inverting the engaging device and receptacle during raising of the arm mechanism. A gravity operated hook is provided for latching the receptacle when the receptacle is inverted to prevent undesired release from the engaging device.
US08100611B2
A self-contained crawler assembly is engageable to a stringer and is adapted to position a drill bushing along the stringer for performing machining operations. The crawler assembly includes a longitudinal slider, a lateral slider and a controller for regulating operation of the longitudinal and lateral sliders for positioning the drill bushing at a hole location. In a further embodiment, the crawler assembly may include a longitudinal friction drive which is directly engageable to the stringer and which is operative to move in a direction parallel to the stringer.
US08100607B2
The invention relates to a rock anchor including an elongate, hydraulically inflatable anchor tube made of a ductile material and defining a closed leading end, a trailing end, and a tube cavity extending between the ends. The rock anchor of the invention includes an end cap on a trailing end of the tube, defining a feed aperture in communication with the tube cavity for pressure feeding a liquid substance into the tube cavity for inflating the tube. The end cap includes pressure indicator means configured for indicating when, as a result of pressure feeding of a liquid substance into the tube cavity, a predetermined installation pressure is reached in the tube cavity. The pressure indicator means typically includes a pressure indicator formation displaceable under pressure in the tube cavity, with such displacement being visible from the outside of the end cap.
US08100586B2
A rotary machine includes a rotary component disposed to rotate with respect to a stationary component. A foil bearing is disposed between the stationary component and the rotary component and configured to rotatably support the rotary component. A fiber optic sensing system including one or more fiber optic sensors is disposed in the foil bearing and configured to detect one or more parameters related to the foil bearing.
US08100583B2
A thermocouple having at least one inner alignment feature or at least one outer alignment feature, or a combination thereof for positively positioning and aligning at least one thermocouple junction within a bore formed in a susceptor ring of a semiconductor substrate processing reactor. The outer alignment feature is configured to positively align the junction(s) longitudinally within the bore. The inner alignment feature configured to positively position the junction(s) rotationally within the sheath of the thermocouple relative to the bore.
US08100582B1
A temperature probe for measuring the temperature of an airstream containing ice particles includes a fin which is positioned upstream of a temperature sensor. The fin causes the ice particles to be directed away from the temperature sensor. Both the fin and the temperature sensor are disposed in an unsheltered location where they are directly exposed to the airstream.
US08100581B2
The invention relates generally to a method of determining the presence of a mineral within a material, such as a rock, a rock fragment, soil, sand or other geological material including: applying pulsed microwave radiation to the material; detecting radiation emitted from the material after the application of the pulsed microwave radiation; and analysing the detected radiation to determine the presence of mineral within the material. The invention also provides a method of sorting rock fragments into at least two streams using this method and an apparatus for carrying out the method.
US08100570B2
A headlight for a vehicle has a lens, a mounting frame, an LED on an LED board. The LED board is mounted on a heat sink. The heat sink has a first adjustment slot and a second adjustment slot. Each of the slots is dimensioned and disposed to closely cooperate with an eccenter adjustment device mounted on one of the LED module or an LED module carrier, said eccenters being adjustable on a fulcrum such that adjustment of one of the eccenters adjusts one of a first position or a second position of the LED module within a plane normal to an optical axis of a lens mounted in a fixed position relative to the LED module carrier.
US08100566B2
A light fixture has a bracket adapted to be fixed to a wall or ceiling surface and having a leg formed with a leg hole, and a bolt fixed in the fixture housing and projecting therefrom along an axis through the leg hole. A ring engageable over an outer profiled end of the bolt can fit complementarily therewith. An annular disk fits over the ring, has a back face turned toward and engageable around the ring with the leg, and is formed with a radially extending threaded bore holding a radial screw engageable radially inward with the ring to rotationally lock the disk on the ring. The disk and leg fit are locked together so they cannot relatively rotate. An axial screw engaged through the disk and ring with the bolt engages axially inward with the disk to press the disk against the leg and the leg against the housing.
US08100563B2
The present invention relates to a reflector assembly for a luminaire where the reflector assembly comprises an anti-static member disposed between a lamp of the luminaire and a reflector body. In various aspects the anti-static member may be glass, plastic or other transparent or translucent materials and the reflector may be substantially sealed from the atmosphere by the anti-static member or the anti-static member in cooperation with a cover of the reflector assembly.
US08100561B2
A light source unit includes a light source element; an optical-waveguide-formed element in which an optical waveguide is formed; a prism for turning back a light flux emitted from the light source and guiding the light flux toward an incident end of the optical waveguide; and a coupling optical system formed on the prism or provided as a separated body from the prism, for coupling the light flux emitted from the light source onto the optical waveguide.
US08100554B2
A light source holder includes a spherical surface and a number of recessed portions. The recessed portions are defined in the spherical surface and arranged substantially evenly over the spherical surface. Each of the recessed portions comprises a plurality of inner surfaces. The inner surface of each recessed portion comprises a bottom surface and a lateral reflective surface. The bottom surface is capable of having a solid-state light source arranged thereon. The lateral reflective surface is adjacent to the bottom surface and configured for reflecting light emitted from the solid-state light source and outputting the light from the recessed portion.
US08100550B2
A system and method for controlling a plurality of light fixtures to create light and music, including a processor having a memory. Software is loaded in the memory and is executable by the processor to operate a plurality of light fixtures and at least one music speaker. At least one DMX controller is operable by the software to control the color of at least one of the plurality of light fixtures, the at least one light fixture controllable by the DMX controller including an LED light engine. The system and method generates light and sound displays by operating the lights in synchronization with music played through the music speaker. The color of at least one of the plurality of light fixtures is altered in synchronization with the music by the DMX controller. Also disclosed is a light fixture suitable for use in the light and music displays.
US08100541B2
A device for navigating and displaying digital media, such as images, videos, audio files etc, is described. The device determines the distance between the device and a projection screen and selects media for display based on this distance. A user can, therefore, navigate through a media collection by moving the projection screen with respect to the device.
US08100539B2
A system for photographing an object and generating a three-dimensional display of the object without the need for the observer to wear special glasses employs a camera having an electronically tunable liquid crystal lens in which the focal plane of the lens may be adjusted by controlling the voltage on the lens. An operator of the camera focuses the camera on the scene to be imaged and the camera records a series of images at closely spaced focal lengths by varying the voltage applied to the lens between the images. The digitally recorded images are then used to generate a display on a multilayer transparent display substrate with pixel addressing capabilities. Each of the recorded images at the differing focal lengths are displayed on one of the layers of the display screen, with the closest focal length recorded being displayed on the top screen, the one most proximate to the observer, and with successive images on other screens. A three-dimensional image is produced.
US08100530B2
Example embodiments include a dynamic wavefront sensor, a controllable wavefront offsetting element and a controller that controls the controllable wavefront offsetting element to offset selected non-plane wave aberration components in order to allow remaining non-plane wave aberration components to be more efficiently detected and measured.
US08100529B2
In a progressive-addition lens having a progressive surface on one side and an aspherical or atoroidal surface on the other side, the lens shape is designed so that a high degree of aberration correction can be carried out on the periphery of the lens and the distance power and addition power of the lens acting on the eye of a wearer substantially correspond to the distance power and addition power measured by a lens meter. A progressive-addition lens includes a progressive surface and an aspherically designed surface formed of an aspherical or atoroidal surface, and the reference point of the aspherically designed surface is located in the vertical direction of the lens below a prism reference point of the progressive surface and above a near design reference point.
US08100528B2
This invention is directed toward surface treatment of a device. The surface treatment comprises the attachment of interactive segmented block copolymers to the surface of the substrate by means of interactive functionalities of the segmented block copolymer reacting with complementary surface functionalities in monomeric units along the polymer substrate. The present invention is also directed to a surface modified medical device, examples of which include contact lenses, intraocular lenses, vascular stents, phakic intraocular lenses, aphakic intraocular lenses, corneal implants, catheters, implants, and the like, comprising a surface made by such a method.
US08100526B2
An eyeglass-type image display device mounted on an eyeglass frame and has a display element for displaying an image and a light guiding unit for guiding the image light of the image displayed on the display element 15 is provided, wherein at least the light guiding unit is disposed on a limb unit so as to be displaceable to a first position where the light guiding unit is evacuated from the front of one eyeball of the user and to the second position where the light guiding unit extends to the front of the eyeball and the image light exits therethrough toward the eyeball, thereby enabling compact and light-weight structure, reduction in cost, and further enabling the user to wear the eyeglass frame for a long time without feeling that the eyeglass frame is heavy.
US08100524B2
A stage apparatus that achieves a high accuracy in assembling and enables easy work at a real installation site. In a stage apparatus of the present invention, sub rails are arranged on respective sub base plates, which are connected respectively with the first and second main rails on a main base plate to extend the first and second main rails. Accordingly, when the sub base plates are fixed to the main base plate 11 with positional alignment performed therebetween, the accuracy in positional alignment of the sub base plates which has already been fixed to the main base plate is not affected.
US08100518B2
An inkjet printer that has a printer body, a printhead cartridge for installation in the printer body, the printhead cartridge having a pagewidth inkjet printhead structure with an array of nozzles, a plurality of ink cartridges for supplying ink, each of the ink cartridges having a docking face for engagement with a complementary face partially provided by the printhead cartridge and partially provided by the printer body and, a docking frame with a plurality of resilient connectors form part of fluid paths from the ink cartridges. Longitudinal expansion and contraction of the pagewidth printhead structure relative to the docking frame is accommodated by the resilient connectors.
US08100514B2
There are provided an inkjet head actuator and a manufacturing method of the same. The inkjet head actuator includes: a vibration plate having a recess formed in a top surface thereof; a first electrode formed to cover a bottom surface and a side wall of the recess; a piezoelectric body formed on the first electrode to fill the recess; and a second electrode formed on the piezoelectric body. The inkjet head actuator having the thin film piezoelectric body and the vibration plate ensures large vibration displacement.
US08100505B2
A liquid ejecting head includes a substrate, a nozzle forming member for forming on a principal surface of the substrate a nozzle comprising a flow passage of liquid and an orifice for ejecting the liquid, and a dummy pattern. The dummy pattern has substantially the same dimension as at least a part of the nozzle and is formed so that a cross-section of the dummy pattern is exposed at an end surface of the nozzle forming member.
US08100501B2
The liquid ejection apparatus includes: a recording head which includes a nozzle and an ejection device, the ejection device ejecting an ejection liquid through the nozzle by applying pressure to the ejection liquid in the recording head; a liquid accommodation unit which is in connection with the recording head and which accommodates a gas, the ejection liquid to be supplied to the recording head, and a non-volatile liquid having a permeability to the gas lower than the ejection liquid, the ejection liquid being separated from the gas by the non-volatile liquid; and a pressure control unit which controls pressure of the ejection liquid in the liquid accommodation unit by moving the gas into and out of the liquid accommodation unit.
US08100488B2
A refrigerating appliance including a housing defining an internal space and the refrigerating appliance including a storage element retained in a height-adjustable manner by a plurality of arms pivotable about parallel and spaced apart first axes fixed with respect to the housing and the plurality of arms pivotable about parallel and spaced apart second axes fixed with respect to the storage element, the refrigerating appliance including a coupling device connecting the plurality of arms wherein the first and second axes of the arms are maintained in the same plane, thereby inhibiting pivoting of the arms in opposite directions.
US08100487B2
A slide assembly with an auxiliary positioning device includes a positioning member and a guiding base. The positioning member is pivotally connected to a first slide member and includes a pin member. The guiding base is connected to a second slide member and includes a separation body, an engaging body, multiple passages and slots. When the second slide member is retracted, the pin member is located in a first passage. When the second slide member is pushed inward, the pin member moves from the first passage into a first slot. When the force is released, the pin member moves through a second passage and the second slide member pops out. When the second slide member is retracted again, the pin member is engaged with the engaging body and then disengaged from the engaging body by a pushing force, the pin member moves through a third slot and a third passage.
US08100479B2
A miner communication and locating system is disclosed. Two technologies used in the system include a communicator, and a locator array that may be used with a computer. The communicator portion allows trapped miners to continually signal without physical effort that they have survived a cave-in or explosion in a direct, mechanical, and reliable manner. The locator array receives the communicator signal for use to accurately identify where the survivors are underground, and facilitate their rescue; a computer can be used to calculate the position of the communicator from information provided by a plurality of locators: global positioning system receivers may be used with the locator array.
US08100475B2
A lounge has a foot-operated mechanism for propelling the lounge with a rocking motion. The lounge has a frame with at least one arcuate runner contacting the floor. A user-supporting surface is attached to the frame with portions of the surface adapted to support different body regions of the user, particular the body regions proximate to the user's knees, neck and buttocks. The user-supporting surface may be configured so that the user's buttocks are at a lower elevation than the user's knees and neck. A foot pedal is connected by a linkage assembly to an actuating member that contacts the ground. By pushing against the pedal, the user can impart a rocking motion to the lounge. The lounge may be folded along portions of the frame for compact, convenient storage.
US08100474B2
Device for attaching a child car seat to an anchor member or anchor bracket of the body of a vehicle
A device for releasably attaching a child seat to an anchor member connected to a body of a vehicle.
US08100468B2
A connecting structure of a resin panel and a stiffener for a vehicle, including the resin panel, a resin frame attached to a circumference of the resin panel; a weather strip attached to the frame; a metallic stiffener which is provided at the vicinity of the circumference of the resin panel; wherein the frame includes an extended part which extends outside of a side of the resin panel and the weather strip and the stiffener are integrally connected such that the weather strip and the stiffener sandwich the extended part, and wherein the frame is moved against a pinching force of the weather strip and the stiffener when the resin panel is deformed by a thermal expansion/contraction.
US08100459B2
A sun visor device is provided for the window of a motor vehicle with a cover that can be moved in a first direction and in an opposite second direction. A locking mechanism is also provided for locking the cover in different positions.
US08100450B2
Food service tongs and a mold and method for making them, the tongs having first and second arms connected to a fulcrum end, and first and second grasping ends on the arms disposed in a mutually opposing and spaced-apart relationship and moveable in a common plane to a closed position for grasping food there between, and a transverse bridge disposed proximate to the fulcrum end and extending from the first arm to the second arm, with a longitudinal rib extending from the transverse bridge to the fulcrum end, the flow path through the longitudinal rib section of the mold resulting in reduction or displacement of fault lines caused by abutting flow fronts during mold filling. Articles of the invention can be coated with a thin metallic layer to impart a metal-like appearance to these articles.
US08100445B1
A pet leash and waste pick-up device comprises a retractable waste pick-up tool which is conveniently disposed in a sheath housing compartment on the leash device. When it is necessary to pick up and dispose of pet waste, the tool is removed from the sheath housing, expanded to a usable orientation, and fitted with a plastic waste bag. The device is then maneuvered so that the center of the bag is positioned over the waste to be removed. At this point, the tool is retracted, thereby closing the bag over the waste. The bag can then be simply removed from the tool, sealed appropriately, and stored for disposal, without risk of the user directly contacting the waste.
US08100429B2
Three dimensional folding stroller with infant carrier attachment and one hand actuated seat recline
A three-dimensional folding stroller featuring movable infant carrier mounts for securing an infant carrier to the stroller. The infant carrier mounts move between a first position, where the infant carrier may be secured to the stroller, and a second position that facilitates folding. The stroller also features a reclinable seatback support that is operable by one hand.
US08100426B2
A system for linking two or more vehicles to achieve reduced aerodynamic drag while the vehicles are travelling on the road is disclosed. The disclosed system not only physically connects the vehicles but also allows the driver of the leading vehicle to monitor and control essential functions of the trailing vehicles. Preferably, the driving mechanisms of the trailing vehicles, such as throttles, brakes, and gears, are fully operational so as not to put excessive burden on the driving mechanisms of the leading vehicle. Methods for linking individual vehicles as well as streamlining the operation of a fleet of vehicles are also disclosed.
US08100424B2
A bicycle driving assistance device includes a crank having two pedals and a first chainwheel unit is connected to the crank and a gear box which has its input shaft connected to a first chainwheel unit. A one-direction bearing is connected to the input shaft so as to rotate in the direction to store energy. A vortex spring is connected between the input shaft and the case to which a first gear of the gear box is connected. An output shaft of the gear box outputs the energy to the rear chainwheel unit via the second chainwheel unit to move the rear wheel of the bicycle. The rear chainwheel unit and the crank are separated by a one-direction bearing. When the force applied to the pedals is less than the energy stored in the vortex spring, the energy is released to assist the rider to move the bicycle.
US08100422B1
In a central transmission device of a four-wheel steering system, a turning output unit includes an output shaft extending rotatably through a rear wall of a housing for connection with a rear wheel turning mechanism, and a rotary disc coaxial and integral with a front end of the output shaft. The rotary disc has a radially extending slide groove. A turning input unit includes an input shaft extending rotatably through a front wall of the housing for connection with a front wheel turning mechanism, and a cam protrusion disposed eccentrically at a rear end of the input shaft. The cam protrusion extends into the slide groove and drives the rotary disc. The rotary disc turns reciprocally within a limited angle when the cam protrusion rotates one revolution.
US08100419B2
An adjustable door and panel carrier has an adjustable gripping cradle mounted on two large pneumatic wheels. A single control lever positioned on an outside face of one of the outside walls moves both gripping panels simultaneously and smoothly to secure large planar objects on a cushioned, non-slip platform.
US08100405B2
A system for providing compliant rotating seals including a rotating portion that has one or more teeth extending radially from it, and a stationary portion that has a plurality of bristles extending radially from it. The one or more teeth rotatively engage the plurality of bristles creating a tortuous path between them that resists a leakage of gas or fluid through them.
US08100386B2
The invention relates to an enthalpy exchanger, comprising at least one enthalpy-exchanging unit, which enthalpy-exchanging unit: comprises at least one plate, along at least one contact side of which a first liquid medium and a second medium can be displaced while exchanging enthalpy, and comprises at least one hygroscopic material layer which connects to at least one contact side of the plate in contact with the first liquid medium, wherein the mutual orientation of the plate and the material layer is such that a liquid film of the first medium can form between the plate and the material layer, wherein the liquid film is in enthalpy-exchanging contact with both the plate and the material layer.
US08100379B2
There is provided a mold for use in the production of a silica crucible by heat-fusing silica or quartz powder attached onto an inner wall of a rotating mold, wherein an inner side of an upper opening portion of the mold corresponding to an upper part of the silica crucible is ground to obtain a step portion and a ring-shaped heat insulating barrier member having an inner diameter smaller than that of the mold is disposed on the step portion through a hollow disk-shaped support member having an inner diameter equal to or somewhat larger than that of the heat insulating barrier member.
US08100375B2
The marine dockline holder provides an easy place to leave the docklines in an elevated position when the boat leaves the dock, enabling the lines to be easily retrieved and attached to the boat upon its return to the dock. The marine dockline holder has a line hook attached to the top of a two-piece rod. The rod is inserted into a spring which is in turn inserted into a deck mounting plate. The deck mounting plate is mounted to a dock by two connecting bolts passing though the upper and lower mounting plates, and though gaps in the dock's surface.
US08100373B2
A projector mount securely mounts a projector or other presentation device to a computer workstand. The projector mount comprises a security plate and a projector bracket or projector arm. The projector bracket or arm is connected to the security plate by a hinge or ball pivot to provide vertical and horizontal tilting as well as pivoting capability of the projector or presentation device. A digital presenter mount comprises a vertical plate, a horizontal plate, a security holder bracket, and a locking bracket. The horizontal plate attaches to the vertical plate. The security holder bracket is inserted through slots formed in the horizontal plate and in the locking bracket to prevent theft of the presentation device.
US08100359B2
An intercept system for destroying a falling bomb includes a packable structure including a compressed expandable net of break resistant cords, a radio altimeter and a deployment mechanism for expanding and deploying the net below a falling bomb. The system also includes an explosive charge and a detonator for detonating the explosive charge when the detonator comes into contact with a bomb. A shoulder fired missile launcher propels the packable structure into the air below a falling bomb. The structure also includes a timer, responsive to the radio altimeter to detonate the explosive charge if a bomb is not encountered within a pre-selected amount of time.
US08100355B2
A device for transporting and processing foodstuffs, in particular meat, includes a feeding device, a grinder with an input and an outlet, and a drive element to drive cutting elements situated in a housing of the grinder. The cutting elements are situated in the housing of the grinder in such a way that the cutting elements can be removed from the housing of the grinder through the outlet by means of a force applied to the side of the input.
US08100352B2
An under-sink waste processing appliance includes a waste separator which extracts liquid from organic waste and passes such extracted liquid to a residential drain line. The remaining solid, in the form of organic pulp, is dried in a dryer and deposited in a removable collection receptacle.
US08100343B2
A water sprinkler toy includes a base having a water inlet and a nozzle adapted to spray water in the shape of a funnel. Additionally, the water sprinkler toy includes an object capable of being suspended in the air by the water.
US08100339B2
In order to increase the preamble information capacity of the QR code and avoid decoding errors, a method of embedding preamble information into a standard quick response (QR) code symbol is provided to generate a first QR code symbol. The method includes generating a preamble pattern according to a user definable data; and embedding the preamble pattern into a standard position detection pattern of the standard QR code symbol to generate a first position detection pattern.
US08100330B2
What is disclosed is a system and method for encoding and decoding data in a color barcode pattern using dot orientation and color separability. The spectral (wavelength) characteristics of the CMY colorants, commonly used in digital printing, and those of RGB sensors are exploited to achieve high capacity data embedding rates in color barcodes. The present method embeds independent data in two different printer colorant channels using dot orientation modulation. In the print end, dots of two colorants occupy the same spatial region. At the detector end, by using the complementary sensor channels to estimate the colorant channels, data is recovered in each colorant channel. The method approximately doubles the capacity of encoding methods based upon a single colorant channel and enables embedding rates which match or exceed that of other hardcopy barcodes known in the arts. The method is robust against inter-separation misregistration with a small symbol error rate.
US08100329B2
A method of interacting with a printed substrate. The comprises the steps of: interacting with the substrate using an optically imaging pen having a nib; optically imaging target elements and coded data; calculating a position of the nib; and generating digital ink in the pen, the digital ink being indicative of the identity of the substrate and the position of the nib relative to the substrate; and sending the digital ink to a computer system such that the computer system can identify the interaction with the substrate. The position of the nib is calculated using the coded data, a perspective transform and a known spatial relationship between an optical axis of the pen and the nib. The perspective transform is determined using the imaged target elements which are perspective-distorted due to a tilt of the pen.
US08100327B2
A computer implemented method includes receiving, at a server of an internet protocol television (IPTV) network, a voting selection from a set-top box device. The voting selection is associated with video content that is received at the set-top box device via the IPTV network. The computer implemented method includes not adding the voting selection to a tally of votes associated with the video content when a voting status indicates that a previous vote was received from the set-top box device. The computer implemented method also includes sending a message to the set-top box device from the server, the message indicating that the previous vote associated with the video content was received from the set-top box device.
US08100324B1
The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for facilitating replacement of computer-based value-bearing items.
US08100321B2
A rigid packet for loose pastilles, sweets or similar items is composed of an outer casing (2), and an inner casing (3) with a small opening (4), accommodated slidably in the outer casing (2). The packet can assume a closed configuration in which the opening (4) is concealed completely by the outer casing (2), or an open configuration in which the opening (4) is at least partly exposed and is furnished with a mechanism (14) designed to lock the inner casing (3) in the closed position; the locking mechanism (14) can be operated from externally of the packet to release the inner casing (3) and allow it to slide toward the open position.
US08100320B2
A cooler carton for items such as beverage containers is erected from a blank. The erected carton has top panels forming a top with a central longitudinal perforation line and oblique cut-creases and perforation lines extending from ends of the central perforation line to corners of the top. Pulling up and back on flaps at end portions of the top severs the oblique cut-creases and perforation lines and severs the top along the central perforation line thereby opening the top and forming a containment skin that extends above the level of the items in the carton. Ice can then be added atop the items to cool their contents and the ice is contained by the skirt. Gussets are formed at lower corner portions of the carton and, along with a moisture barrier, prevent accumulated water from leaking from the bottom region of the carton.
US08100314B2
An embodiment of the present invention is an interconnect technique. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are prepared. A CNT-solder composite paste is formed containing the CNTs and solder with a pre-defined volume fraction.
US08100312B2
A machine for continuously forming square tubes includes, in sequence, forming stations suitable for progressively bending a sheet strip, at least one finishing station suitable for further approaching the edges of the bent sheet strip for the final welding and at least one station for closing the square tube. In a forming station, the axes of rotation of the lower rolls of each pair of forming rolls are horizontal and aligned to each other. Each finishing station includes an idle forming roll placed below the square tube being formed; two idle forming rolls, placed at the sides of the square tube being formed, performing movements in opposite directions, parallel to the plane of the sheet strip and two idle forming rolls placed above the square tube being formed, performing movements orthogonal to the plane of the sheet strip.
US08100311B2
The invention relates to a friction stir welding head having a housing and a welding tool with a rotating welding pin and a rotating shoulder tool for welding workpieces which rest on a workpiece rest, with the shoulder tool, which rotates in synchronism with the welding pin, coaxially surrounding the welding pin. According to the invention, a first distance between a first laser rangefinder and a welding pin section 4a can be determined by means of the first laser rangefinder. This makes it possible to determine at least one change in the distance between the welding pin tip and the workpiece rest by means of a first laser rangefinder.
US08100307B2
A device is disclosed for detachably coupling an oxygen bottle to an ambulance cot such that they are transportable together as a unit. The device fits between a pair of support legs of the cot, and is adjustable to accommodate oxygen bottles of various sizes.
US08100298B2
An improved actuator is disclosed for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container. The improved actuator comprises a base for mounting to the aerosol container. A unitary actuator button supports a nozzle extending between the aerosol valve and a terminal orifice. The actuator button is rotatable about the base between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. The unitary actuator button is movable for pivoting the nozzle button to actuate the aerosol valve for dispensing aerosol product from the terminal orifice when the actuator button is in the unlocked rotational position. The unitary actuator button is inhibited from pivoting the nozzle button when the actuator button is rotated into the locked rotational position.
US08100295B2
A dispensing assembly comprises a syringe and at least one accessory, such as a mixer or a closure cap. The syringe defines a first fastening area with a first pair of retaining elements, and the accessory defines a second fastening area with a second pair of retaining elements. The accessory has a housing with two mutually opposite, compressible housing portions. These housing portions are offset in relation to the second pair of retaining elements along the circumference of the housing. The fastening areas are configured such that the accessory is capable to be slipped-on the syringe and removable therefrom without a twisting motion, by applying pressure to the compressible housing portions.
US08100293B2
A microfluidic dispensing system may include diaphragm pumps that may be used for aspirating in corresponding ingredients via a nozzle or a tip from supply sources. Tips may be placed in contact with ingredient supply sources, and through repeated actuation of the diaphragm pumps, desired volumes of ingredients are aspirated into the tips. In some cases, an air plug is aspirated into the tips before an ingredient. Once the desired volume of each ingredient is reached within each tip, the ingredients are dispensed from the tips through repeated actuation of corresponding diaphragm pumps.
US08100288B2
A hinged container is disclosed, including a base, a lid, and a hinge joining the base and lid, allowing the lid to pivot open or closed relative to the base. One of the base and the lid has a circular, outwardly tapered outer seal member disposed at least partially within its outer perimeter. The other of the base and the lid has a circular, inwardly-tapered inner seal member disposed at least partially within its outer perimeter. The inner and outer seal members are positioned to engage concentrically to wedge the inwardly and outwardly tapered surfaces together and form a seal when the base and the lid are closed, and to disengage concentrically to part the inwardly and outwardly tapered surfaces when the base and the lid are opened.
US08100287B2
The present invention provides a cap for covering the open top of a drinking vessel. The cap includes a substantially rigid cover disk assembly dimensioned to span across and substantially cover the open top of the drinking vessel, and a flexible tubular membrane that extends from a bottom side of the cover disk assembly. The membrane is adapted to be rolled down a side wall of the drinking vessel to thereby removably secure the cap thereto. Identifying indicia can be printed on the top side of the cover disk assembly. The beverage within the drinking vessel can be consumed using a drinking straw. When properly deployed, the cap inhibits the introduction of unwanted matter into the drinking vessel.
US08100285B2
Containers suitable for use in food cooking, food serving and food storing are disclosed.
US08100275B2
A connecting member for connecting a plurality of frame elements. The connecting member has a core section having a width and two supporting members for supporting frame elements extending in different directions from the connecting member. The connecting member has at least one additional member for supporting a further frame element. The or each additional supporting member is pivotally connected to the core section and moveable between a first position in which the additional supporting member lies within the width of the core section and a second position in which a frame element supported by the additional support will extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a frame element supported by a supporting element of the core section.
US08100274B2
A clothes airer with a number of pairs of pivotally connected pairs of frames 1. The pairs of frames are pivotally connected to each other at their free ends and to legs 5. One frame of each pair is pivotally connected to one or more legs 5 and the other is pivotally connected to one or more fittings 7 slidably mounted on respective legs 5.
US08100266B2
A laboratory storage and retrieval system and a method to handle laboratory sample tubes are disclosed. The laboratory storage and retrieval system for storing sample tubes and retrieving stored sample tubes comprises a rack handler section (12) and a storage section (14), the rack handler section (12) comprising a transport system and a determination unit, wherein the transport system receives and transports incoming primary racks (PR) containing sample tubes (S) to the determination unit for determining at least one given parameter of the sample tubes (S) relating to predetermined sort criteria in order to have the transport system unload the sample tubes from the analysed primary rack (PR) and resort the unloaded sample tubes into appropriate storage racks (SR) depending on the determined sample tubes' sort criteria parameter for storage in the storage section (14) in the storage racks.
US08100264B2
An intermediate bulk container includes a flexible storage container, a rigid rectangular base member including a plurality of pole engaging formations on its upper surface which are arranged about its periphery, a plurality of poles, the lower end of each of which is releasably engageable with a pole engaging formation on the base so that the poles collectively provide a support cage for the storage container, a rigid pole location member (10) which includes a central opening through which the support container may be filled and a plurality of pole engaging formations with which the upper ends of the poles are releasably engageable, and bracing elements connecting a pair of poles on at least two adjacent sides of the cage to each other for holding the poles, in the planes in which they are located in the assembled container, perpendicular to the base and pole locating member.
US08100263B2
A vacuum packaging system for transporting a plurality of medical containers includes a plurality of medical containers each having a head side and a base side and a tray that receives and supports the medical containers. The tray includes opposing first and second sidewalls, opposing front and rear walls and a bottom floor. The walls extend generally vertically from the floor of the tray. At least one platform generally extends parallel to the floor of the tray. An air impervious flexible film defines an internal cavity. The air impervious flexible film completely surrounds the tray and the medical containers and the internal cavity is evacuated to and maintained at a predetermined vacuum level below atmospheric pressure. One of the head side and the base side of each medical container contacts a top surface of at least one platform when the medical containers are positioned in the tray.
US08100248B2
An apparatus is provided for sorting coins and the like having a chute which has at least one inlet and a plurality of outlets. The chute has at least two flat side outlets which are arranged one above the other in the falling direction through the chute with a respective shunt being associated with the flat side outlets. The chute advantageously has two oppositely disposed wide flat sides and two oppositely disposed narrow sides. The wide flat sides are disposed opposite the wide flat sides of a coin. The coins are accordingly channeled away transversely to their flat sides via the flat side outlets. The plurality of flat side outlets arranged above one another have the great advantage in this respect that the coin sorting body can be made in particularly compact form. In addition, the small required switch paths permit very short switch times of the shunts.
US08100247B2
There is proposed a mechanical coin-acceptor unit with a coin running channel which has a running rail for rolling a coin, in or on which testing arrangements for testing the properties of the rolling coin are provided, having a coin-acceptor shaft and a return shaft disposed below the running rail, where the running rail is mounted on a basic body and has a recess in the running direction of the coin for testing the thickness of the coin which falls possibly through the recess into the return shaft, and the running rail is mounted rotatably on the basic body via a point of rotation.
US08100243B2
The present invention relates to a bill discriminating and counting apparatus including a display section which can perform display written in plural languages. The bill discriminating and counting apparatus includes a second storage area in which display data of a mother language can be written in addition to a first storage area in which data for the display written in commonly-used English is stored, and the display written in the mother language can be performed by writing the display data written in the mother language in the second storage area in the country where the bill discriminating and counting apparatus is used.
US08100225B2
An acoustic treatment room dampening panel 10 is arranged to support at least three layers of material 3 with multiple through holes 2. Each layer of material with through holes are spaced apart, with through holes off set between layers, such that air flow is restricted and turbulence created, thus dissipating standing wave energy. The panels are intended for flush mounting against walls or ceiling at the apex of a room to help dissipate standing wave energy which stands up in the corners of a room.
US08100222B2
A steering apparatus includes an input shaft that transmits a steering force input from a steering wheel and an output shaft that transmits a steered force by which wheels are steered. The output shaft is arranged at a position that is radially offset from the input shaft. One of an eccentric cam and an adapting plate that form an eccentric pin mechanism is connected to the input shaft. The output shaft is connected to the other one of the eccentric cam and the adapting plate. A first connecting portion of the input shaft, which is connected to the eccentric pin mechanism, is connectable to a second connecting portion of the output shaft, which is connected to the eccentric pin mechanism.
US08100220B2
A mobile material placer with an auxiliary steering system having a direct hydraulic drive mechanism. The mobile material placer includes a body, a material hopper coupled to the body and configured to receive and store material, a feeder conveyor coupled to the body, and a placer conveyor pivotally coupled to the body. The auxiliary steering system includes a direct hydraulic drive mechanism coupled to the steering column and which causes the steering column to rotate bidirectionally in response to fluid flow from a hydraulic pump.
US08100213B2
A parking device for motor vehicles to facilitate and expedite the parallel parking operation especially when the space available between two parked vehicles is not abundant. The device is typically operated after the car has entered the parking spot diagonally so that one of the front wheels is touching the sidewalk curb. The device is normally mounted on the bottom surface of a motor vehicle, preferably in the rear part of a motor vehicle. The device consists essentially of a powered wheel that is lowered to the ground and it is further pushed down to raise the rear part of a motor vehicle until the rear wheels are no longer in contact with the ground. The lowered wheel, perpendicular to the other wheels of the motor vehicle, is then powered to turn in either directions to cause the rear part of the motor vehicle to move toward the sidewalk until the motor vehicle is parallel to the sidewalk curb and mostly aligned with the other parked vehicles. The device is also facilitating and expediting the exiting from the parking space by executing the parking steps in a reverse order.
US08100207B2
The hybrid vehicle transfers power between the two motors, releases a coupling between one of the motors and the drive shaft, adjusts the rotation speed of one of the motors which is released from the coupling to the drive shaft by the transmission so as to enable drive source element connection, and connects the clutch as well as cranks the engine by either one or the other motor when the engine is started while the clutch is released, the engine is stopped, both the motors are coupled to the drive shaft as well as at least one of the motors is caused to output power.
US08100204B2
A hydrostatic transmission including a pump and motor connected by supply and return lines. The hydrostatic transmission can be an integrated unit mountable to a vehicle frame as a unit. The motor portion of the transmission is configured to be at least partially received within a wheel to which an output shaft of the motor can be directed connected. Accordingly, the output shaft of the motor can be configured to function as a wheel axle.
US08100199B2
Fluid circulation valve (10) is provided for use with a well drilling operation, so that a drill joint may be added to or removed from the drill string while continuously circulating fluid into the well. Valve housing (12, 18) has a central flow path therein, a housing side port (87), and upper and lower threaded connectors for engagement with the drill joint and the drill string, respectively. A rotatable ball (30) is positioned within the flow path in the valve housing and a port (87) in the ball is in fluid communication with the housing side port (15) when the ball is closed. A coupling (60) is provided for engaging the valve housing and sealing between an interior of the valve housing and the radially external flow line, which passes fluid into the well when a drill joint is being connecting to the upper end of the valve.
US08100192B2
In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.
US08100190B2
A method is provided for swelling hydrocarbon-swellable elements located in a portion of a well. The method comprises the steps of: (A) introducing a water-in-oil emulsion into the portion of the well, wherein the water-in-oil emulsion comprises: (i) a hydrocarbon liquid, wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is the external phase of the water-in-oil emulsion; (ii) an aqueous liquid, wherein the aqueous liquid is an internal phase of the water-in-oil emulsion and wherein the aqueous liquid is adjacent to the external phase of the water-in-oil emulsion; and (iii) a surfactant; and (B) allowing the water-in-oil emulsion to contact the hydrocarbon-swellable element for a sufficient length of time to cause the thickness of the hydrocarbon-swellable element to expand by a desired percentage, wherein the desired percentage is at least 5%.
US08100180B2
A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a sealant composition comprising solid latex into the wellbore.
US08100171B2
A distiller's counterflow-heat-exchanger module includes thermally conductive distillate and concentrate dividers across which heat flows to an influent liquid from distillate and concentrate liquids, respectively. The distillate divider's shape is convoluted in such a manner as to form alternating distillate and influent channels having end openings. A peripheral gasket is so over-molded onto the distillate divider that it forms plugs that seal the end openings from each other and further forms a ridge providing surfaces against which opposed generally planar parallel surfaces of cover members can be urged to form a peripheral seal.
US08100160B2
A film transfer apparatus includes an application unit, a transfer unit downstream of the application unit, and at least one third unit for further processing a printing material with a transfer layer applied. In the prior art, if contact pressure is exerted on coated printing material again in a following nip, the adhesive layer under the transfer layer can be pressed out. A blanket can then be contaminated with adhesive, ink itself can be contaminated and parts of the transfer layer can be detached from the coated sheet. In order to avoid pressing out the adhesive, measured values in the transfer unit are compared with corresponding values in the third unit. At least one controlled variable in the units can then be readjusted on the basis of a difference, to at least reduce the quantity of adhesive squeezed out. A transfer method and a covering surface are also provided.
US08100155B2
The filling end piece comprises a duct having an insertion aperture and a sleeve moveable with respect to the duct. The sleeve is adapted to adopt a withdrawn position when not urged and an advanced position when it is urged by a movement of insertion of a spout of large diameter. The end piece comprises an obstacle for countering the filling by a small spout. The end piece comprises an end of travel abutment for a small spout, fixed with respect to the duct and projecting inwardly, the abutment being distinct from and upstream of the obstacle in the duct.
US08100153B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a float valve apparatus including: a housing including: a partition wall dividing an internal space into lower and upper spaces and having an opening therein; a ventilation pipe communicating the upper space with an outside; a valve seat formed at the opening; and a communication hole communicating the lower space with the outside; a float that is valve vertically slidably movable in the lower space and that upwardly floats in accordance with liquid flowing thereinto to open and close the opening; an upward urging spring urging the float valve from the housing toward the opening; and a support spring disposed inside the upward urging spring to support the float valve to not contact with a bottom surface of the housing.
US08100137B2
An hair ornament includes a hairpin, which has an eyelet and two spiral spring wires extended from the eyelet and spirally intersected with each other, an ornament, and a connector, which has a front end fastened to the eyelet of the hairpin and a rear end pivotally connected to the ornament for enabling the hairpin to be biased relative to the ornament between an open position for insertion through the hair of a user and a close position to secure the ornament to the hair of the user.
US08100136B1
The hair curling kit of the present invention preferably comprises a first parting device, a second parting device, and respective first, second, and third types of conventional hair rollers to facilitate the curling of hair for a myriad of hairstyles. The parting devices are designed to uniformly and quickly part a section of hair that corresponds to a respective type of hair roller included in the hair curling kit. The parting of hair is accomplished with a single passage of the parting device along the roots of the hair and scalp without requiring a second parting that is customary with conventional combs. The segregated hair is engaged to conventional hair rollers included with the hair curling kit in order to curl hair for a myriad of hairstyles. The parting devices can alternatively include integral elements that facilitate the combing and/or picking of hair with a single implement.
US08100135B2
The application relates to a packaging system for a hair coloring product containing: i) at least one container (102) holding a composition comprising at least one hair colorant, said composition forming or intended to form a hair coloring product; and ii) at least one test device (20) designed to perform a patch test and incorporating a tube (21) delimiting an internal space containing a dose of said composition, the tube incorporating an outlet aperture (29) and being arranged to cause said composition to be expelled from said outlet aperture (29) in response to excess pressure within the internal space of the tube or when the latter is vented via at least one passage separate from the outlet aperture (29).
US08100133B2
Medical and/or robotic devices, systems and methods can provide an indicator associated with each manipulator assembly of a multi-arm telerobotic or telesurgical system. The exemplary indicator comprises a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) mounted to a manipulator moving an associated surgical instrument, allowing the indicator to display any of a wide variety of signals. The invention may provide an additional user interface to facilitate communications between the telesurgical system and/or members of a telesurgical team.
US08100127B2
A flexible connector couples the inlet end of a tracheotomy tube inner cannula to an outlet port of an in-line catheter. The catheter exit end of the connector is adapted to be serially coupled in pneumatic communication with the inlet end of the tracheotomy tube inner cannula and also to guide the downstream tip of the catheter into the inlet end of the inner cannula in response to pushing of the catheter upstream of the catheter outlet port. Thus, the in-line catheter can be inserted into the tracheotomy tube inner cannula with little likelihood of having to compress or “flip” the connector or disconnect the connector from the tracheotomy tube and the patient from the ventilator circuit.
US08100120B2
A bullet feed portion reciprocates and is positioned in a firing position where a bullet housing chamber is opposed to a bullet feed port, and in a non-firing position where the bullet feed port is closed. A gas flow path guides compressed gas to the bullet feed port in an inner barrel. A valve is biased to close the gas flow path. A firing action mechanism has a movable body that can be freely reciprocated along the inner barrel. The firing action mechanism moves the bullet feed portion to a firing position and moves the valve to a non-biasing direction. A power transmission unit transforms motor force into the locomotion of a movable body. When trigger is pulled, the motor moves the movable body toward the bullet feed port to feed a bullet into the bullet feed portion, and actuate the firing action mechanism.
US08100119B2
A paintball system may include a marker and delivery system configured to deliver paintballs to the marker. The delivery system may include a conduit and a gas supply. The gas supply may be configured to provide gas flow to the conduit, which may propel paintballs in the conduit to the marker. The gas supply may be configured to dynamically alter the gas flow to the conduit. The delivery system may include a first seal sized and configured to form a seal with at least one of the paintballs in the conduit.
US08100118B2
The invention relates to an exhaust gas line for exhaust gas from at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine, having at least one collecting housing (1) with a connection to an exhaust gas recirculation system (2). The collecting housing (1) is designed as a section of the exhaust gas line for the internal combustion engine.
US08100109B2
A control device is for an in-cylinder injection engine that makes fuel have high pressure through a high pressure pump to supply fuel to an injector and then injects fuel directly into a cylinder from the injector. The control device includes a fuel pressure detecting device for detecting pressure of fuel supplied to the injector, a target fuel pressure setting device for setting a target fuel pressure according to an engine operating state, a fuel pressure control device for feedback-controlling a fuel discharge amount from the pump such that fuel pressure detected by the detecting device accords with the target fuel pressure, a stop predicting device for determining whether the engine is about to stop, and a target fuel pressure gradual change device for decreasing the target fuel pressure gradually to a final target fuel pressure lower than normal, when it is determined that the engine is about to stop.
US08100104B2
An internal combustion engine crankshaft assembly includes a crankshaft having an output device, such as a flywheel or crankshaft damper, fastened to the crankshaft. An electronic engine control device is positioned between the crankshaft and the output device. The electronic engine control device includes a generally planar base which contacts both the output device and the crankshaft. The planar base is coated with a pressure-responsive friction-promoting material which causes the output device to be torsionally locked with respect to the crankshaft.
US08100096B2
The invention concerns a method for automatically controlling an internal combustion engine, wherein, in a first controller mode, a charge air temperature controller is set as dominant for a map-controlled thermostatic valve, and, in a second controller mode, a coolant temperature limit controller is set as dominant for the map-controlled thermostatic valve. Upstream of a recooler, a coolant flow is divided into a recooler coolant flow and a bypass coolant flow as a function of the position of the map-controlled thermostatic valve. Downstream of the recooler, the temperature of the charge air cooler coolant flow is determined from the combined fractions of the recooler coolant flow and the bypass coolant flow to control the charge air temperature (TLL) or to control the coolant temperature (TKM).
US08100088B2
A clipper for clipping nails of an animal such as a dog, or cat, that allows for the clipping of an individual nail at the desired length while preventing injury to the animal, including a clipper portion and a sensing portion which allows the nail to be localized in a desired position relative to the clipping plane of the clipper and the internal structure of the nail, wherein the sensing portion is included within circuitry that includes a signal generation portion, a signal reception portion, and a quick indicator. The animal nail is positioned near the clipper portion and the sensing portion produces a sensible signal confirming the position of the clipping plane upon the nail, particularly the quick of the nail. The user then may adjust the position of the clipper portion such that the clipping plane avoids the quick. The user then actuates the clipper portion and trims the nail.
US08100086B2
A method of improving the reproductive performance of penaeus shrimps comprises a step of treating a fresh diet with sodium alginate and a step of feeding female penaeus shrimps with the treated fresh diet to enhance the breeding ability of female penaeus shrimps, also promote growth and survival of the subsequent larvae of the female penaeus shrimps.
US08100078B2
The present invention provides a steerable hydrofoil. The apparatus includes at least one steerable hydrofoil panel, at least one body part coupled to the at least one steerable hydrofoil panel to allow the at least one steerable hydrofoil panel to rotate about an axis, and at least one actuator for rotating the at least one steerable hydrofoil panel by a selected angle about the axis.
US08100075B2
A rudder control assembly used in a boat comprises a control unit having a left control plate and a right control plate; a control unit having a left connecting unit and a right connecting unit; a front end of the control unit being connected to the left control plate and the right control plate; a rudder unit installed at a tail end of the boat; the rudder unit including a right shaft; a rudder body; a left extension plate, a right extension plate, a driving plate and a rudder; The right shaft is connected to the boat body and rotatable axially. A lower end of the right shaft is connected to the driving plate. The driving plate is connected to the left connecting unit and the right connecting unit. The left connecting unit and the right connecting unit are hard rods.
US08100074B2
Technologies such as stealth buoys and underwater gliders need to modify their own buoyancy in order to operate. Strategies such as pumping fluid are typically used to change the device's net volume. This in turn requires a mechanically sophisticated apparatus, increasing the cost of the vehicle while diminishing its reliability. The concept of a buoyancy engine that exploits the enormous volume and pressure changes accompanying the reversible electrochemical interconversion of water to hydrogen and oxygen gases is applied to stealth buoys and underwater gliders.
US08100068B2
The present invention provides a threader of a sewing machine in which the entire head portion can be made compact and the operator can perform threading work with one hand. The threader comprises: a threading shaft approaching a needle bar for moving a supporting sewing needle vertically; a threading hook for moving a hook portion in and out of a needle hole; a positioning member for regulating a lowermost position of the threading shaft to a position where the height of the hook portion matches that of the needle hole; a first rotary mechanism for rotating by a predetermined angle near the lowermost point of the threading shaft so that the hook portion is inserted into the needle hole of the sewing needle; and a thread-guiding member for guiding the top thread to the hook portion at a near lowermost point of the threading shaft. The threader further comprises a second rotary mechanism for rotating by a predetermined angle so that a thread-catching portion of the thread-guiding member passes through the position of the needle hole of the sewing needle at a near lowermost point of the threading shaft, and the first rotary mechanism and the second rotary mechanism rotate the threading hook and the thread-guiding member in opposite directions.
US08100067B2
The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for injecting viscous fertilizer, such as dewatered biosolids, below the surface of the soil. The invention also pertains to apparatus and methods for creating a continuous flow of viscous material and for dividing a flow of viscous material.
US08100066B2
A feed mechanism in which a ram (2) fed from a hopper (1) compresses a fuel against a closed valve (11) which is then opened for the ram to push the fuel towards a rotary scroll (6) for delivery to a processing vessel.
US08100061B2
An item support apparatus, such as an overbed table, for example, includes a support surface assembly, a base assembly, and a vertical column coupled to each of the support surface and base assemblies. A side assembly is coupled to the base assembly and configured to remain stationary while the support surface assembly moves upwardly and downwardly relative to the base assembly. The overbed table may further include a hand sanitizer container coupled with the support surface assembly and configured to receive a removable hand sanitizer container unit. The base assembly may include weight-activated casters. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08100053B2
In a method for at least partially cycle-dependent manufacturing of bound printed products by adhesive binding printed sheets in a spine area of an book block or by stitching with staples folded edges of printed sheets collected astraddle, a sequentially double-sided digitally printed paper web or individual sheets are transversely cut to from the printed sheets. The printed sheets are then transversely folded and subsequently supplied either to an adhesive binding station or to a saddle-shaped conveying support for stitching with staples.
US08100043B1
An energetic material initiation device having a receiver assembly and an initiator assembly that includes an electronic initiator and a pellet assembly with an energetic material. The receiver assembly is configured to be coupled to a firing circuit. When the firing circuit is to be armed, the initiator assembly can be pressed into a socket in the receiver assembly to electrically couple the receiver assembly and the initiator assembly. A method for mounting an energetic material initiation device to a firing circuit is also provided.
US08100036B2
A ratchet wrench includes a handle and a moving jaw. The handle has a pivot portion disposed at a working end of the handle and a fixed jaw integrally extended from the handle. The moving jaw has a pivoting base pivotally coupled to the pivot portion, and a ratchet is installed between the two jaws, and the moving jaw further has a clamp, and the clamp has a plurality of continuously arranged teeth, and the handle has an elastic element for propping the moving jaw, such that the moving jaw can be abutted against the ratchet, and the teeth of the moving jaw are engaged with the teeth of the ratchet.
US08100029B2
Control inceptor systems and associated methods, including inceptors suitable for high-g operations and/or inceptors having a center of rotation located within an operator's grasp region, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a control inceptor having a grip coupled to a support. The inceptor is configured so that a center of rotation for movement in at least one plane is located within the grasp region of an operator when an operator grasps the grip. The support is positioned so that when the operator moves the grip (e.g., makes an input movement), the support arcs about the center of rotation.
US08100024B2
An external circulation type ball screw with a noise-reduction structure is provided with a noise-reduction cover to be mounted on the nut. The noise-reduction cover is defined with a noise-reduction groove with two ends to cover impacting portions of the return path of the return member where the rolling elements impact the return path. With the design of the noise-reduction groove, noises will counteract each other after being transmitted to the noise-reduction groove, thus reducing the noises produced by the rolling elements impacting the return member and accordingly reducing the noises produced during operation of the ball screw.
US08100015B2
An ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer, a position detection device, a drive element selector which is connected to the plurality of piezoelectric elements of the ultrasonic transducer provided so as to select a required piezoelectric element, a signal detection circuit which allows the piezoelectric element selected by the drive element selector to transmit ultrasonic wave to an inspection object through an acoustic transmission medium, which receives reflection echo thereof, and which detects an electric signal of the reflection echo through, a signal processor which generates three-dimensional imaging data inside of the inspection object by processing the electric signal of the detected reflection echo, a position converting circuit which outputs an imaging-start trigger signal to a signal generator in response to a position detection signal, and a display device which displays an imaging result.
US08100005B2
The present invention refers to a flow distribution measuring system comprising a sensor matrix adapted to measure the flow distribution of permeate passing through a membrane filtration arrangement and also refers to a cap comprising such a sensor matrix; wherein the cap is adapted to be affixed to a membrane filtration arrangement. The present invention further refers to methods of using the flow distribution measuring system and the cap.
US08100002B2
A measuring apparatus is provided for measuring the coating adhesion of an edge or a corner of an object. The measuring apparatus includes a platform, a fixing assembly to fix the object, a supporting plate fastened to the platform, a loading mechanism pivotably attached to the supporting plate, a travelling limiting member fastened to the supporting plate to limit the pivoting angle of the loading mechanism, and a friction block installed to the loading mechanism and slidably abutting against and reciprocatingly rubbing the edge or corner of the object within a predetermined traveling distance. The predetermined traveling distance is limited by the traveling limiting member.
US08099999B2
A purge gas concentration estimation apparatus has a canister having a casing that is filled with adsorbent which adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel and a heat capacity detection device that is disposed in the casing. The heat capacity detection device detects a heat capacity of an inside of the casing. An adsorption amount of the evaporated fuel that is adsorbed in the casing is detected from the heat capacity of the inside of the casing detected by the heat capacity detection device, and a purge gas concentration is estimated from the detected adsorption amount of the evaporated fuel.
US08099997B2
A gelled composition for pipeline, flowline, pipeline jumper or flowline jumper dewatering or preventing ingress of seawater into open pipeline systems or components during tie-in operations of jumpers or additional pipe, valving, manifolds, subsea pipeline architecture or flow conduits operations is disclosed, where the composition includes a concentrated metal formate solution and a hydratable polymer. The gelled formate compositions have improved dewatering properties with 100% or 360 pipe coverage. The gelled formate compositions have can also be reused by breaking and reformulation.
US08099996B2
This invention relates to a method for knock detection in a combustion engine, in which combustion is controlled by a control unit (2), which comprises the steps of, a) obtaining at least one sensor signal (4, 4′) carrying information of knock intensity related within a combustion chamber of the combustion engine (1); (b) processing the sensor signal (4, 4′) to obtain a knock intensity related detection variable (z1), (c) using said detection variable (z1) in said control unit (2) arranged to avoid a knocking condition in said combustion engine (1), if the value (z1) of said detection variable indicates knock when compared with a threshold value (T) wherein using two different computations/processes for said processing (5, 6) of the at least one sensor signal (4, 4′) to obtain two separate sub-values (y1, y2), and thereafter combining said sub-values (y1, y2) to obtain said detection variable (z1).
US08099992B2
The invention relates to an exchangeable tool for holding in a receiving structure, the tool comprising: a safety device for preventing the tool from accidentally falling out of the receiving structure, which safety device has a tool releasing position and a tool locking position; energizable actuating means for actuating the safety device; and energizing means for energizing the actuating means, and to a method for exchanging such tool from a receiving structure.
US08099990B2
A roll changing device with a steplessly operating wedge adjusting device that operates on the roll chocks of a roll that is supported on the stand uprights and which roll is to be replaced by another in the chocks in a roll stand. The adjusting wedge has a continuously planar wedge surface area. The wedge adjusting device includes a clamping device for fixing the position of the adjusting wedge relative to a stand for the roll chocks. An upper pressure plate in the stand and above the wedge and the roll chock is vertically and horizontally guided in the roll changing device.
US08099988B1
A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a plug assembly and a lock cylinder. The plug assembly includes a plug body, a plurality of key followers, a plurality of racks, and a rack carrier that carriers the plurality of racks. The rack carrier is moveable relative to the plug body between a proximal end and a distal end. A cam follower extends outwardly from the rack carrier. The lock cylinder body includes a cylinder wall with the plug assembly rotatably disposed therein, and has a cam track configured on the cylinder wall at an interior surface to guide the cam follower of the plug assembly. The cam track has a ramp portion configured to longitudinally displace the cam follower and the rack carrier as the plug assembly is rotated relative to the lock cylinder body to facilitate selective disengagement of the plurality of racks from the plurality of key followers.
US08099983B2
A washing machine includes a liquor container suspended for oscillating in a housing. A washing drum is rotatable within the liquor container. A material-elastic collar is connected for establishing a liquid tight seal on the edge of a front-side loading opening of the liquor container, connecting with a housing-side loading opening, and with a door mounted for sealing the housing-side loading opening. A filling element is located on the door and has a curved outward portion in the shape of a truncated cone. The filling element has a surface area with at least one recess commencing close to a largest diameter of the cone portion, and forms a rising surface of sickle shape in the direction of the interior of the drum and toward a smallest diameter of the cone on the surface area thereof.
US08099981B2
An apparatus for preheating a batch (12) of glass cullet which is preferably enriched with raw materials for glass production, comprising a bunker (14) preferably having flow ducts for the passage of warm (off)gas. To discharge the preheated batch of glass cullet from the bunker, the apparatus has one or more discharge worms (26), by way of which the batch of glass cullet can be conveyed to at least one outflow opening (28) in the base region of the bunker (14).
US08099978B2
An evaporator unit includes a first heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between refrigerant flowing thereinto from a refrigerant inlet and air, a bypass passage through which the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant inlet flows while bypassing the first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between air and mixed refrigerant in which the refrigerant after passing through the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant having passed through the bypass passage are mixed, and a flow amount adjustment portion configured to adjust a flow amount of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger and a flow amount of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass passage. Accordingly, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger can be configured to have respectively portions in which a dryness of the refrigerant is in a range between 0.6 and 0.9.
US08099973B2
An environmental control system for conditioning air in a vehicle compartment, such as an aircraft cabin. Cool expanded higher-pressure air from a turbine is mixed with recirculated warmer, lower pressure air from the compartment. The air is mixed and recirculated by a jet pump which includes an inlet section, an outlet section, a diffuser section and a mixing section. The mixing section includes a plurality of separate mixing chambers. The diffuser section includes diffusers for receiving mixed gases from each of the mixing chambers. The outlet section receives the mixed gases which are then conveyed to the compartment. The inlet section includes for each of the mixing chambers, a primary nozzle for introducing the higher-pressure air into a respective mixing chamber, and a secondary nozzle for introducing the lower pressure air to a respective mixing chamber.
US08099969B2
A system and method for air-conditioning motor vehicles and, in particular, to an air-conditioning systems for motor vehicles having adsorption heat pumps. The apparatus includes a two adsorber chambers, each connected to a condenser and an evaporator via different connection elements; a vacuum shell for enclosing the adsorber chambers, the condenser, and the evaporator, wherein the vacuum shell is not self-supporting; and one or more adsorbers housed in the adsorber chambers, wherein the adsorbers are comprised of a carrier material coated by a sorbent. The method includes using an adsorption heat pump having one or more adsorber chambers, wherein adsorption and desorption are alternated between the adsorber chambers. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08099965B2
A chilled probe for quickly and conveniently cooling a liquid is positioned to permit a user to insert the probe into the liquid to be cooled. Feedback, in the form of an indication of a representative liquid temperature, is also provided to increase the value of the method and apparatus. Individual sleeves are conveniently provided on a roll to keep the chilled probe from coming into direct contact with the liquid, thereby avoiding contamination between liquid samples being cooled.
US08099964B2
A magnetic refrigerating device includes: a magnetic refrigerating unit including a magnetic material “A” exhibiting a magneto-caloric effect that the temperature of the material “A” is increased by the application of a magnetic field and the temperature of the material “A” is decreased by the removal of a magnetic field, a magnetic material “B” exhibiting a magneto-caloric effect that the temperature of the material “B” is decreased by the application of a magnetic field and the temperature of the material “B” is increased by the removal of a magnetic field, a heat conductive material “a” exhibiting higher heat conductivity under the application of a magnetic field and lower heat conductivity under the removal of a magnetic field, and a heat conductive material “b” exhibiting lower heat conductivity under the application of a magnetic field and higher heat conductivity under the removal of a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic refrigerating unit is configured so as to include at least one layered structure denoted by “AaBb” or “AbBa”; and a magnetic field-applying means to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic refrigerating unit.
US08099963B2
The present invention relates to a device for mounting an igniter plug in a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine contained in a casing, in which the combustion chamber has an axis YY, the mounting device comprising a hollow shaft, of axis XX, a floating igniter plug sleeve absorbing expansion along an axis perpendicular to the axis XX of the hollow shaft. The device is one which further comprises a hollow shaft sleeve such that the igniter plug sleeve is housed in the hollow shaft sleeve, and means of inclining said hollow shaft sleeve relative to the axis XX. Inclining the hollow shaft sleeve allows the chamber to be inclined relative to the axis XX.
US08099958B2
A process for driving a prime mover, said process comprising a) positioning a selective membrane between a liquid and a solution having a higher osmotic potential than the liquid, such that the solution becomes pressurized by the influx of liquid across the membrane, b) using the pressure generated in the solution to drive a prime mover, c) recovering the solution, d) separating at least some of the solvent from the solution to form a residual product, and e) recycling the separated solvent and/or the residual product of step d) to step a).
US08099954B2
An exhaust manifold includes a plurality of branch pipes that guide exhaust gas discharged from cylinders, and a junction pipe that converges downstream-side end portions of the plurality of branch pipes in a flow direction of exhaust gas, and that has a drawn portion that is formed by drawing so as to be constricted in a radial direction of the drawn portion. The junction pipe is provided with a sensor that detects the oxygen concentration in exhaust gas. The sensor is provided at a downstream side of a deepest draw inside diameter in the flow direction of exhaust gas. The deepest draw inside diameter is the smallest inside diameter of the drawn portion.
US08099949B2
In one example, a method of operating an engine in a vehicle is described. The method comprises delivering a first substance to a cylinder of the engine from a first injector; delivering a second substance to the cylinder of the engine from a second injector, where the second substance has a greater heat of vaporization than the first substance; and increasing injection of the second substance responsive to an exhaust over-temperature condition.
US08099943B2
An exhaust duct for directing a stream of combustion gases in a gas turbine engine is provided. The exhaust duct comprises an inlet for receiving the stream of combustion gases from a turbine section of the gas turbine engine; an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; and a transition portion defining a passage between the inlet and the outlet. The passage comprises a discontinuous annular region having a first side portion and a second side portion that are separated by a flow splitter. At least one bypass channel interconnects the first side portion and the second side portion of the discontinuous annular region.
US08099921B2
A profiled strip system, in particular for closing off edges and/or for concealing joints, for a surface covering, having a lower base profile and an upper cover profile, wherein a latching connection is provided between the base profile and the cover profile to connect them, wherein the latching connection has a latching receptacle, which has two leg profiles with mutually opposite latching regions, and a latching profile which can be latched into the latching receptacle and which is provided with multiple latching points, and wherein each latching region has at least two latching points. The latching regions are provided only in certain regions on the leg profiles and portions of the leg profiles that are free of latching regions are situated at far from one another such that the latching region-free sections of the leg profiles further from one another than the latching regions.
US08099914B2
The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for absorbing seismic energy to prevent non-linear displacement in a structure. A seismic damper according to embodiments of the present invention includes at least one flat plate which can be perforated to include a plurality of apertures and/or cut-outs. Interior apertures are formed in the flat plate, and one or more cut-outs along outer edges. Nodes are defined between the apertures and the cut-outs and stresses from transferred energy focus on the nodes to reduce non-linear displacement of a brace system to which the seismic damper is attached. One or more tension straps can be attached to the flat plate. The interior apertures may include a single aperture, or multiple apertures. The apertures may include slots. Two plates may be connected and rotated relative to each other placing the apertures out of alignment. Tension straps can be rotated relative to each other.
US08099913B1
A wheeled truss that is convertible into a truss with a catwalk. A carriage is removably mounted to the bottom of the truss for transporting the truss to the performance site. The carriage is removed from the truss, inverted and mounted to the top of the truss forming with the truss a catwalk.
US08099907B2
A method for mounting a drive assembly on a door or window frame, comprising the steps of: mounting at least one actuating member and at least one transmission rod in at least one slot of the frame and mutually fastening the actuating member and the transmission rod by a screw that engages a through hole formed in the transmission rod. The through hole is formed in the transmission rod after mounting the actuating member and the transmission rod in the slot.
US08099900B2
A method and apparatus for electrocution and disposal of pests includes a reusable power source and a low cost disposable portion. The reusable power source includes batteries and a circuit to provide a high voltage and low current signal through external leads to the disposable portion, to electrocute small pests without presenting a risk to humans or pets. The disposable portion is constructed from low cost material, for example, cardboard, and may be packaged for sale in a flat folded state, and easily configured into a container with a floor including conducting surfaces connected to the external leads. In one embodiment, the conducting surfaces are formed of a conducting material formed or glued on the floor of the disposable portion and the conducting material further forms internal leads reaching to a male connector surface configured to cooperate with a female connector of the external leads.
US08099898B2
Disclosed is an ice fishing device which holds a fishing rod in a bent position until a fish strikes the line. A trigger releases the tip of the fishing rod, and the rod tip snaps up and sets the hook. A jigging assembly imparts an up and down movement to the line and the attached hook, to attract fish to the hook and bait.
US08099889B2
A recipient verification system including a strap, a pocket, a tether, and a label strip. The strap is configured for placement about a wearer's appendage (e.g., wrist, ankle, etc.). The pocket is coupled to the strap and forms an interior region that is exteriorly accessible via an open end. A portion of the tether is permanently captured at the pocket. The label strip is attached to the tether. The tether and the attached label strip are repeatedly transitionable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the tether and at least a majority of the label strip is within the pocket, and thus protected. In the second state, at least a majority of the label strip is outside of the interior region of the pocket, and available for use by a user.
US08099886B2
An improved illuminated airfield guidance sign of the type used for marking ground traffic routes on runways and taxiways employs LED-based lamps for even illumination of the legend panels. The lamps each employ an array of white LEDs mounted on a generally cylindrical turret, and oriented with the turret axis horizontal, so that the LEDs aim their beams up, down, or laterally, and not towards the legend panels. The illumination has to bounce at least once on an interior reflective surface before reaching the legend panels. These can receive power from storage batteries that are charged from solar panels or wind turbines, with back-up power coming from the standard runway-taxiway power.
US08099885B1
A flower display with hydraulically activated plants includes a front portion that is visible to an observer and a first branch, a first plurality of leaves and a first flower disposed on said first branch within the first plurality of leaves and hidden thereby. The display also includes a second branch, a second plurality of leaves and a second flower disposed on said second branch within the second plurality of leaves and hidden thereby. Hydraulic means are provided for elevating the first plurality of leaves to a first level and the first flower to a second level above the first plurality of leaves.
US08099871B2
A utility knife is useful for operations such as glazing, roofing, carpeting and SHEETROCK™ drywall fabrication wherein the knife is used in close proximity to window edges, walls or corners. A blade-holding portion of the utility knife has a planar bottom wall and structure for mounting the blade at a small angle relative to the bottom wall so that the blade is able to flex and substantially conform to the plane of a surface upon which the planar bottom surface of the utility knife is supported. A handle portion of the utility knife is offset from the planar bottom surface so as to position a user's hand away from the surface on which the utility knife is supported.
US08099869B2
A device and a method are disclosed for severing a bead of adhesive of a motor vehicle window pane. A cutting wire is firstly introduced into a gap between the window pane and the body flange, the cutting wire then being guided around the bead of adhesive, one first end of said cutting wire preferably being fixed outside the vehicle, preferably to the windshield wiper shaft, the second end of the cutting wire being inserted through the bead of adhesive and fixed to a winding device, and the bead of adhesive is severed by means of the cutting wire by reeling in the cutting wire with the aid of the winding device.
US08099867B2
A floating collar is metal injected molded with an excess portion intended to be separated, such as by shearing, from the reminder of the molded floating collar to leave a chamfer thereon and/or remove injection marks.
US08099866B2
In a roll-to-roll step, an adhesive solution is applied to a release film 1 including a polyethylene terephthalate film and this film 1 is passed through a drying oven 500 regulated to 60 to 150° C. to thereby form an adhesive layer 2. Subsequently, an insulating film 3 including a polyimide film is laminated on the adhesive layer 2 at room temperature (about 25° C.) to thereby produce a layered product 6 including the release film 1, adhesive layer 2 and insulating film 3. Next, the release film 1 is stripped from the layered product 6 and a conductor film 4 including a copper foil is laminated to the adhesive layer 2 to thereby produce a conductor-clad laminate 8.
US08099859B2
The invention is a modular assembly of modular objects for autonomously executing a variety of tasks. The modular assembly consists of a modular object called a platform, one or more modular objects called modules which are mounted to the platform in accordance with a modular assembly system, and a modular bus system for distributing electrical power and electrical signals among the modular objects in the modular assembly. The modular assembly system utilizes modular object fasteners (MOFs) and MOF-accommodating features of modular objects for facilitating the attachment of a plurality of modular objects to one another thereby creating a modular assembly in any one of a variety of configurations, an MOF being activatable when object attachment surfaces associated with two modular objects are superimposed and two object attachment points on the object attachment surfaces coincide.
US08099856B2
A crimping system for a fill tube of an industrial process transmitter system comprises a collar, a fill tube and crimp jaws. The collar comprises a passageway for receiving the fill tube, and a seat surrounding the passageway. The fill tube extends through the passageway and seat of the collar. The crimp jaws are positioned within the seat to surround the fill tube, and are inserted into the seat to crimp the fill tube.
US08099850B2
The measuring transducer includes at least one measuring tube communicating with a line connected during operation for conveying a medium to be measured, and a support element oscillatably holding the at least one measuring tube. Additionally, it is provided that the support element contains at least two passageways, via which the at least one measuring tube communicates with the line, and that the at least one measuring tube is affixed, especially releasably, at least one end to the support element by means of a screwed-fitting at one of the passageways. Alternatively or in supplementation thereof, it is further provided that the at least one measuring tube is, at least in part, made of cold-strengthened, for instance cold-stretched or autofrettaged, material. As required, the measuring transducer can further include at least two measuring tubes communicating with the line for conveying the medium; each of these two measuring tubes is to be connected to an inlet-side distributor element and an outlet-side distributor element. In such case, at least one of the two distributor elements can be embodied as an integral component of the support element, so that the support element can be kept, at least in the area of this at least one distributor element, free of materially bonded, joined locations, especially free of solder, braze or weld connections. The measuring transducer of the invention is especially provided also for applications in which the medium to be measured acts with a pressure of more than 500 bar, especially over 700 bar, on the measuring tube.
US08099835B2
The coating of the pressure roller (3) of a drawing roller frame for spinning frames comprises an outer layer and an inner layer fixed to the core of the pressure roller. The outer layer is thinner and harder than the inner layer and is embodied as an endless belt (1) which loosely surrounds the inner layer such that the belt can be displaced in relation to the inner layer. In order to improve the running of the belt, the belt is guided over a deflector rail (2), the cross-sectional area (u) of the rail being wider than the average staple length of the fibre material (F) drawn on the drawing roller frame. Furthermore, the belt is designed in such a way that it comprises a double thread interlining, one thread interlining being wound counter to the second thread interlining such that the threads of one thread interlining cross the threads of the second thread interlining.
US08099833B2
A washer is for a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a shaft. The washer is placed around the shaft. The engagement between the washer and the shaft is a clearance fit. By the clearance engagement between the washer and the main shaft, the mechanism efficiency is greatly improved.
US08099831B2
A hinge structure for a mobile communication terminal includes a drive cam arranged to be linearly displaced along a hinge axis, a drive shaft arranged to face the drive cam to be rotated about the hinge axis according to linear displacement of the drive cam, a follower shaft arranged to surround the drive shaft to be rotated along with the drive shaft, a follower cam arranged to face the follower shaft to be linearly displaced along the hinge axis according to rotation of the follower shaft, and an opening/closing resilient member for pushing the follower cam against the follower shaft.
US08099828B2
An external filter box for a surface maintenance machine having a hopper with selective communication being provided between the filter box and the hopper to permit dusty air to flow from the hopper to the filter box and to permit dust and debris captured by the filter box to flow into the hopper. In one example, the hopper includes a prefilter assembly which is coupled to an inlet of the filter box during a sweeping operation and which is removed away from the filter box during a hopper dump procedure.
US08099802B2
Flush toilet equipment comprises a bowl, a flush mechanism that supplies flush water to the bowl through a flush water passage, and a minute bubble generator. The minute bubble generator generates minute bubbles. The bubbles are 0.1-1000 μm in bubble diameter and mixed with the flush water. In this construction, since the minute bubbles are fully diffused into the flush water, various effects such as improvement of toilet flush effect, etc. can be further enhanced.
US08104093B2
A magnetic sensor simply is configured so as to magnetically measure not only conductive materials but also nonconductive materials over a wide temperature range and which offers high performance and high reliability, as well as a scanning microscope that uses the magnetic sensor. A scanning microscope according to the present invention includes a magnetic sensor with a magnetic sensing element provided at a free end of a cantilever-like flexible member and a strain gauge installed on the flexible member, driving means for driving the flexible member or a measurement sample, and control means for controlling driving provided by the driving means based on an output signal from the strain gauge.
US08104091B2
A system and method for providing content protection in a wireless network for transmitting uncompressed video data is disclosed. An association request is received from a new device by a domain manger. A proximity control test is conducted to determine whether the new device is located within an acceptable distance from the domain manager. The association request is granted or rejected based at least partly on the result of the proximity control test. An authorization token is transmitted to the new device when the association request is granted.
US08104086B1
Methods, apparati, and computer-readable media for detecting the presence of malicious computer code in a computer. In a method embodiment, persistence points in an operating system of the computer are examined (31). When a pointer to a temporary directory is found (32) at a persistence point, a declaration is made (34) of a suspicion of malicious code being present in the computer. Second and third method embodiments are used when the computer has a native operating system (14) controlling hardware (11) functions and a user-interface operating system (12) built on top of the native operating system (14). A fourth method embodiment is used when the computer has an operating system comprising a kernel (20) and a user interface (21).
US08104083B1
A method includes creating a first virtual machine comprising a remote file system. The method further includes causing all input/output from a second virtual machine to be redirected to the remote file system, the first virtual machine and the second virtual machine being on a single physical computer. The file system is securely protected from any malicious code executing on the second virtual machine by the hardware enforced partitioning between the first virtual machine and the second virtual machine.
US08104082B2
In some networking situations, securing an inner packet of a tunnel packet requires an intermediary networking device knowing a destination address of the secured inner packet. Consequently, an identity of a secured network is known to others and presents a security risk. The provided technique addresses this risk by: i) establishing at a first security interface a first secured network connection between a first and second secured network, the connection established for a first packet addressed to a virtual security interface and destined for the second secured network; and ii) responding to a network condition by establishing at a second security interface at least one second secured network connection between the first and second secured network, the connection established for a second packet addressed to the virtual security interface and destined for the second secured network.
US08104079B2
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for transmitting streams of data. The present invention also relates to generating packet watermarks and packet watermark keys. The present invention also relates to a computerized system for packaging data for transmission to a user. The system may utilize computer code to generate a bandwidth rights certificate that may include: at least one cryptographic credential; routing information for the transmission; and, optionally, a digital signature of a certificate owner; a unique identification code of a certificate owner; a certificate validity period; and pricing information for use of bandwidth. The present invention also relates to an electronic method and system for purchasing good and services by establishing an account whereby a customer is credited with a predetermined amount of bandwidth usage, and then charges are assessed against the account in an amount of bandwidth usage which corresponds to the agreed upon purchase value for the selected item.
US08104078B2
A method, system, and computer program product for preventing network service attacks, including processing a message to validate the message for message version and syntax via a security firewall; canonicalizing the message and extracting a message header and body via a converter; converting the body into a Patricia Trie via the converter; and validating the header and the converted body for security via a comparator.
US08104076B1
A system for application access control is disclosed. First. a business coordinator needs to register a user developed tool (UDT) containing an application to be protected with the system via a software program. After registration. a random encrypted password is generated by the application access control server and stored in its back-end database as well as a local break-glass database corresponding to the UDT. When an entitled user accesses the application in the registered UDT later on, the system will check whether he/she is entitled to access the requested application. If yes. the system will retrieve the encrypted password for that application and thus launch the application.
US08104075B2
Systems and methods are presented for facilitating the configuration of a trust management framework for use in conjunction with web services, digital rights management systems, and/or other applications. A method for configuring a trust management framework involves providing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to a user that prompt the user to define certain aspects of the trust management framework in a self-consistent manner. In one embodiment, a method comprises providing a roles GUI that prompts a user to define roles, a services GUI that prompts the user to define services corresponding to the roles, a principals GUI that prompts the user to define principals, including associating at least one of the roles with a principal, and a nodes GUI that presents role bindings for principals that are designated to function as nodes and that prompts the user to define interactions between nodes.
US08104071B2
The present invention is aimed to provide a mechanism whereby any person can have user's attributes in a web service provider for sharing with a web service consumer, even if such person is not enabled to provide user's consent to share such user's attributes, and provided that other persons at a hierarchically higher position are enabled to provide such user's consent instead of the owner of the user's attributes, whilst respecting high requirements on privacy for both. Therefore, the present invention provides for a number of cooperating entities and a new method, the cooperating entities being configurable in such manner that delegation modules comprising different relationships of user's consent may be distributed among some of the cooperating entities, and transmitted between the number of cooperating entities, depending on the required level of privacy set on a per network basis and on a per user basis.
US08104064B2
A bi-directional communications link between a television set and a remote control unit assists a viewer in controlling the entertainment system. The television set can signal the remote control unit to confirm instruction signal received from the remote control unit. The television can also transmit electronic program guide information to the remote control unit which is displayed on a display device on the remote control unit. The television can send the remote control unit a listing of available sub-channels within a single digital channel. The listing is displayed on the remote's display device, and the viewer can then choose from among the sub-channels.
US08104058B2
A channel remapping pre-notification (RPN) message is transmitted in each of multiple frequencies prior to movement of data associated with one or more virtual channels to one or more different frequencies. The RPN message is also sent prior to transmission of a Virtual Channel Table (VCT) reflecting channel movement. If a receiving device is unable to find data associated with a selected channel subsequent to the channel movement, the stored RPN information can be used to identify a new frequency for that selected channel.
US08104047B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing access requests for access to a disk drive. A placement of a set of disk heads tracked and an expected time to process already queued access requests by the disk drive are tracked. In response to receiving the request to access the disk drive at a device driver, a determination is made as to whether the request can be completed within a specified amount of time associated with the request without sending the access request to the disk drive. The request is placed, by the device driver, in a queue for execution if a determination is made that the access request can be completed within the specified amount of time.
US08104045B1
The present invention is an adaptive system and method for forwarding data across a network. In an embodiment of the invention, the system and method of the present invention may subscribe to specific data-related events, determine if a stored ruleset applies to the data-related event, and execute the ruleset. Upon execution of the ruleset, a forwarding action may be required whereby particular recipients on a forwarding list associated with the ruleset may be notified of the data event.
US08104042B2
A system, method and program product for operating a cluster of servers. A load balancer, separate from the servers, selects servers to handle respective work requests assigned to the cluster based on a load balancing algorithm, and sends the work requests to the selected servers. The load balancer receives a request from another server not currently a member of the cluster. The request requests that the other server become a member of the cluster to handle work requests. In response to the request, the load balancer joins the other server as a member of the cluster to handle some work requests subsequently assigned to the cluster. The other server specifies to the load balancer a load threshold for the other server. The other server specifies to the load balancer a time-out to be used for the other server. The time-out indicates a time allotted for the other server to send a hello message since sending a previous hello message.
US08104041B2
The present invention provides for redistributing workloads among computers to optimize resource utilization. Utilization by software workloads of computer resources is monitored to yield utilization data. A utilization chronology is updated using the utilization data. The chronology is analyzed to yield resource utilization predictions. The workloads are redistributed among the resources at least in part as function of said predictions.
US08104036B2
In a multiprocessor system where each processor has the capacity to executing multiple hardware threads, a processor capacity monitor calculates a logical usage percentage of each of the available hardware threads. The processor capacity monitor calculates a physical usage percentage of each of the processors by each of the available threads. The processor capacity monitor calculate a percentage usage of a total capacity of the physical processors from the logical usage percentages and the physical usage percentages, such that the percentage usage reflects the actual use of the physical processors independent of which of the threads is used.
US08104020B2
A method and system to automate software testing using sniffer side and browser side recording and a toolbar interface are described. In one embodiment, a system tests programming code associated with a website and creates a first test case. In another embodiment, the system includes a testing device having a test interface to enable a user to initiate a first test case and to store a first HTML representation and a first XML representation of encrypted web pages viewed during the first test case. In another embodiment, the system includes a sniffer server that operates as a proxy server for the website and stores a second HTML representation and a second XML representation of unencrypted web pages viewed during the first test case. The system may include a hosting server that hosts the website and receives the first and the second HTML and XML representations from the testing device and the sniffer server when the test case is terminated via the test interface.
US08104016B2
Systems and methods of scalable language infrastructure for electronic system level tools. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, knowledge about types, functions and the like is encapsulated in a plurality of intelligent components called active component extension modules that are external to the infrastructure. The infrastructure implements a communication mechanism between the clients and these intelligent components, and acts as a common backbone. The infrastructure itself does not maintain any knowledge about any client, types, functions, etc. In accordance with a method embodiment of the present invention, a request is received from a client of a language infrastructure. The request is forwarded from the language infrastructure to an active component extension module. The active component extension module performs a service responsive to the request.
US08104014B2
Power, routability and electromigration have become crucial issues in modem microprocessor designs. In high performance designs, clocks are the highest consumer of power. Arranging clocking components with regularity so as to minimize the capacitance of the clock nets can help reduce clock power, however, it may hurt performance due to some loss of flexibility in physically placing those components. The present invention provides techniques to optimally design a clock network by logically assigning clusters of the latches to respective clock distribution structures, placing clock pins at favored pin locations, and placing clock distribution structures directly underneath the clock pins. The clock distribution structures may be moved to favored distribution locations along the clock stripes, and new optimal clustering generated between the latches and the clock distribution structures. These three optimizations are preferably repeated iteratively to derive a local optimal solution for the clock network.
US08104008B2
A layout design apparatus that limits the maximum wiring density and the maximum edge length of partial regions when determining wiring layout. After determining the wiring layout, the layout design apparatus inserts a dummy into a partial region having a low wiring density and thereby, the minimum wiring density and the minimum edge length of the partial regions are limited. Thus, the respective wiring densities and respective edge lengths of the partial regions are constrained within a constant range and irregularities in the substrate surface after polishing can be suppressed.
US08104006B2
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for performing thermal analysis of an integrated circuit (“IC”) layout that includes numerous circuit modules. In some embodiments, the method initially defines several power dissipation equations that express the temperature dependence of the power dissipation for several circuit modules. In some embodiments, the power dissipation equations express a non-linear relationship between power dissipation and temperature. The method defines a heat flow equation based on the specified power dissipation equations. The method then solves the heat flow equation to identify a temperature distribution for the design layout.
US08104004B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to identify state holding elements and functional logic elements in an original cyclic structure, and to insert additional state holding elements or initial tokens in series with the identified functional logic elements to create a modified cyclic structure, wherein the additional state holding elements or initial tokens have substantially identical functionality to the original state holding elements. Other activities may include coupling additional functional logic elements to output nodes of the modified cyclic structure, wherein the additional functional logic elements have substantially identical functionality to the original functional logic elements. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08104002B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates optimization and verification of a circuit design. The system can receive a set of assumptions associated with a circuit. The set of assumptions can specify a set of logical constraints on at least a set of primary inputs of the circuit. Note that the set of assumptions are expected to be satisfied during normal circuit operation. The system can generate a stimulus generator based in part on an assumption in the set of assumptions. The output values from the stimulus generator, which when assigned to the set of primary inputs of the circuit, cause the set of primary inputs to satisfy the assumption. Next, the system can generate a modified circuit by coupling the outputs of the stimulus generator with a set of primary inputs of the circuit. The system can then perform logic optimization on the modified circuit to obtain an optimized circuit.
US08103999B1
The result of a property based formal verification analysis of a circuit design may include at least one counterexample for each property that is violated, which a user can use to debug the circuit design. To assist the user in this debugging process, a debugging tool displays the counterexample trace annotated in such a way to illustrate where the property violation occurs and what parts of this trace contributes to the property violation. The debugging tool thus facilitates understanding of what parts of the counterexample trace are responsible for the property failure. The user can then select any of those contributing points as a starting point for further debugging.
US08103998B2
The invention generally relates to design verification, and more particularly to verification of non-deterministic behavior of a design under test. A method includes predicting a plurality of behaviors of a design under test (DUT), and forking respective verification tasks for each one of the plurality of behaviors. The method further includes verifying an actual behavior of the DUT with each of the verification tasks, and terminating a respective one of the verification tasks when the actual behavior of the DUT does not conform to the respective one of the verification tasks.
US08103994B2
Metal is deleted from portions of metal wires in an integrated circuit layout, based upon a width of the metal wires. Preliminary cutting forms having a length and a width are inserted with a first orientation in the portions of metal wire. It is determined if the width of each of the preliminary cutting forms is parallel to a width of the metal wire portions where the preliminary cutting forms are inserted. If the preliminary cutting forms have width parallel to the width of the metal wire portion, the preliminary cutting forms become part of a cutting form final layout. Cutting forms not having widths parallel to the width of the metal wire portions are removed. Cutting forms at different orientations are then inserted where the prior cutting forms were removed from and the process repeats until all portions of the metal wire have cutting forms inserted parallel to the current flow direction.
US08103992B1
A computer-implemented method of probing a design under test (DUT) instantiated within a programmable logic device (PLD) can include disabling a clock signal provided to the DUT (340) and generating a partial bitstream specifying a new probe for the DUT (335). The partial bitstream can be merged with configuration data read-back from the PLD to create an updated partial bitstream (360, 365, 370). The updated partial bitstream can be loaded into the PLD (375). The clock signal provided to the PLD can be started and the DUT can continue to operate (380, 385).
US08103987B2
A system and methods that facilitate the design process and minimize the time and effort required to complete the design and fabrication of an integrated circuits (IC) are described. The system and method utilize a plurality of repositories, rules engines and design and verification tools to analyze the workload and automatically produce a hardened GDSII description or other representation of the device. The system and method securely maintains synthesizable RTL on a server in a data center while providing designers access to portions of the mechanism by way of a network portal.
US08103985B2
Disclosed is a method, system, and computer program product for implementing controlled breaks using sub-resolution assist features. Sub-resolution bridging features are added to implement controlled breaks between features on the layout. The bridging features may also be used to facilitate or optimize multiple mask/exposure techniques that split a layout or features on a layout to address pitch problems.
US08103983B2
A contour of a mask design for an integrated circuit is modified to compensate for systematic variations arising from non-optical effects such as stress, well proximity, rapid thermal anneal, or spacer thickness. Electrical characteristics of a simulated integrated circuit chip fabricated using the mask design are extracted and compared to design specifications, and one or more edges of the contour are adjusted to reduce the systematic variation until the electrical characteristic is within specification. The particular electrical characteristic preferably depends on which layer is to be fabricated from the mask: on-current for a polysilicon; resistance for contact; resistance and capacitance for metal; current for active; and resistance for vias. For systematic threshold voltage variation, the contour is adjusted to match a gate length which corresponds to an on-current value according to pre-calculated curves for contour current and gate length at a nominal threshold voltage of the chip.
US08103977B2
An object of the present invention is to reduce processing time and manufacturing cost for a semiconductor device including a logic circuit. To accomplish the above object, an area (114) for forming a logic circuit includes a first area (114b, 170) which is subjected to optical proximity correction with predetermined accuracy, and a second area (114a, 180) which is subjected to optical proximity correction with accuracy lower than said predetermined accuracy. Especially, the first area (114b, 170) includes a gate interconnection line (172) which acts as a transistor, and the second area (114a, 180) includes a dummy layout pattern (182) which does not act as a transistor.
US08103974B2
An event display apparatus includes a configuration unit to configure a screen to include a time region, which is divided by time intervals along a first axis into a plurality of sub-time regions, and an event region, which is divided by event into a plurality of sub-event regions, in parallel to the first axis; and an output unit to output time slots, which has been allocated according to one or more zones, in the respective sub-time regions along the first axis, and to output sub-event regions comprising event information of different types, which correspond to the set time slots, in parallel to the first axis.
US08103971B2
What is described is a method and system for notifying actions. The method includes a method comprising performing an action, storing an action detail in a memory, retrieving the action detail from the memory in an expandable action menu, and displaying the action detail in the expandable action menu.
US08103965B2
An exemplary system includes a content processing subsystem configured to record at least a subset of a media content program and detect a defective portion of the recorded media content program that failed to be properly recorded. The content processing subsystem is further configured to provide a recording status indicator to an output device for presentation to a user, the recording status indicator identifying the defective portion of the recorded media content program. In certain implementations, the content processing subsystem is further configured to heal at least a subset of the defective portion of the recorded media content program and provide a healing status indicator to the output device for presentation to the user, the healing status indicator identifying the healed portion of the recorded media content program.
US08103963B2
There is provided a graphical user interface that is displayed within one screen of a display device. The graphical user interface includes a matrix-shaped display area that is partitioned along a first axis by types of content and partitioned along a second axis by units of time. Items of information on the content that is processed within a specified unit of time are displayed within the matrix-shaped display area, closed together along the second axis.
US08103962B2
Extracting data from web pages. User input is received defining a tabular form. User input is received correlating portions of the form with user selected data items contained in one or more first web pages. The user input is correlated to create an ontology defining relationships between the user selected data items based on the definition of the tabular form. One or more other web pages are accessed, and based on a context of the one or more data items in the first web page being similar to a context of the selected data items in the one or more first web pages, one or more similar data items are extracted from the one or more other web pages. The extracted data items are correlated to each other in accordance with the ontology defining relationships between the user selected data items and are output as a user searchable data structure.
US08103950B2
A link structure and method for linking therein. The link structure includes a first page of a website and may include a global page of the website. The first page includes a link that has a default pointer and may have a local pointer, a global pointer, or both. The local pointer points to a local page and the global pointer points to the global page. A local link structure includes the local pointer but not the global pointer. A global link structure includes the global pointer but not the local pointer. A hybrid link structure includes the local pointer and the global pointer. Linking within the link structure may include linking from the link to the local page through the local pointer or linking from the link to the global page through the global pointer.
US08103949B2
Apparatus are provided which include a media content presenter, a media content cross-reference scanner, and a media content cross-reference presentation generator. The media content presenter presents media content. The media content cross-reference scanner scans media content presented by the media content presenter to gather, from the media content, cross-reference identifiers referencing other media content. The media content cross-reference presentation generator generates a set of presentation fields representing the gathered cross-reference identifiers.
US08103941B2
A system and method for soft error recovery (SER) within a flip-flop. A first stage of the flip-flop receives an ungated input clock signal. A second stage of the flip-flop receives a gated input clock signal. The second stage may also store a prebuffered data output and one or more feedback storage values on separate nodes. The flip-flop has SER circuitry used to recover the prebuffered data output and any feedback storage value without requiring a transition of a clock signal.
US08103939B2
The storage system includes a first memory device configured to store data sent from a host system, a first memory device controller configured to control read/write access of the data from/to the first memory device, an arithmetic circuit unit configured to calculate parity data based on the data, a second memory device configured to store the parity data, a second memory device controller configured to control read/write access of the parity data from/to the second memory device. With this storage system, read access speed of the first memory device is faster than read access speed of the second memory device.
US08103931B2
A method constructs a code, wherein the code is a large-girth quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check code. A base matrix is selected for the code. A cost matrix corresponding to the base matrix is determined. A single element in the base is changed repeatedly maximize a reduction in cost. A parity check matrix is constructing for the code from the base matrix when the cost is zero, and an information block is encoded as a code word using the parity check matrix in an encoder.
US08103929B2
Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for efficient ACKnowledgment/NonACKnowledgement (ACK/NACK) transmission in order to transmit forward data for multiple layers and support Hybrid Automatic Retransmission reQuest (HARQ) for each layer in a mobile communication system. The method includes determining whether transmission of the ACK/NACK is for a first layer or for layers higher than the first layer; and when the transmission of the ACK/NACK is for layers higher than the first layer, transmitting the reverse ACK/NACK by allocating resources to the higher layers with a quantity different from that of the first layer.
US08103911B2
A method and system for automated disaster recovery in an information technology computing system including computing resources, is provided. One implementation involves logging system events in a journaling log file, filtering the events of the log file for each resource and storing the filtered log file, reading the filtered log file, and restarting from a backup file by applying the filtered events to a backup file for recovery.
US08103903B2
Data storage reliability is maintained in a write-back distributed data storage system including multiple nodes, each node comprising a processor and an array of failure independent data storage devices. Information is stored as a set of stripes, each stripe including a collection of multiple data strips and associated parity strips, the stripes distributed across multiple corresponding primary data nodes and multiple corresponding parity nodes. A primary data node maintains the data strip holding a first copy of data, and each parity node maintains a parity strip holding a parity for the multiple data strips. A read-modify-write parity update protocol is performed for maintaining parity coherency, the primary data node driving parity coherency with its corresponding parity nodes, independently of other data nodes, in order to keep its relevant parity strips coherent.
US08103899B2
A memory system permitting a number of alternative memory blocks to be made ready in order to extend the rewritable life and thereby contributing to enhanced reliability of information storage is to be provided. The memory system is provided with a nonvolatile memory having a plurality of data blocks in predetermined physical address units and a controller for controlling the nonvolatile memory in response to an access request from outside. Each of the data blocks has areas for holding a rewrite count and error check information regarding each data area. The controller, in a read operation on the nonvolatile memory, checks for any error in the area subject to the read according to error check information and, when there is any error, if the rewrite count is greater than a predetermined value, will replace the pertinent data block with another data block or if it is not greater, correct data in the data block pertaining to the error.
US08103893B2
The present invention provides both a peripheral device that regulates its own temperature by adjusting its power consumption, and a method to accomplish the same. The method generally includes monitoring the temperature of the mass storage device and reducing power consumption when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold.
US08103886B2
Disclosed is an electronic device including a rechargeable battery, a connector, a controller, an operation unit, a storage unit, and a playback unit. The connector includes a power supply pin used for supplying power from an external device and for detecting whether the connector being connected to the external device; a ground pin; and two signal pins used for transmitting data between the electronic device and the external device. The controller controls charging of the rechargeable battery. The controller is configured to judge whether the external device is a predetermined power supply apparatus based on a state of the two signal pins when the external device is connected to the electronic device via the connector. The controller may also be configured to control communication with the external device via the connector so that the rechargeable battery is charged by a first current from the external device.
US08103885B2
In one embodiment, a power adapter comprises a power supply to output power for powering a powered device. The power adapter outputs information indicative of an amount of power output by the power supply for use by the powered device to control the amount of power used by the powered device.
US08103879B2
The present invention relates generally to audio and video processing, e.g., with digital watermarking. One claim recites an apparatus including: electronic memory for buffering data representing audio or video, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is programmed for: (i) controlling receipt of data representing audio or video, the data representing audio or video comprising at least two digital watermark layers, the first watermark layer comprising a content identifier which uniquely identifies the content, and the second watermark layer comprising a distributor identifier which identifies a distributor or distribution channel associated with the content; and (ii) embedding a third watermark layer in the audio or video, in which the third watermark layer is embedded through alterations to data representing audible portions of the audio or through alterations to data representing video picture elements of the video, and in which each of the first watermark layer, the second watermark layer and the third digital watermark layer are embedded in the audio or video content with different watermark protocols or different watermark keys. Of course, other claims are provided as well.
US08103875B1
Methods, systems, and products for detecting phishing attempts through fingerprinting are provided. In an embodiment, there is a computer program product that comprises a computer-readable medium and computer program instructions encoded on the medium for deterring fraud perpetrated through an incoming electronic message containing an address for responding to the incoming electronic message. The instructions are for extracting the address from the incoming electronic message and generating a fingerprint based on the extracted address. It is then determined whether the generated fingerprint matches a plurality of stored legitimate fingerprints. When there is a lack of a match, an action is taken to prevent use of the address.
US08103870B2
A collaborative data transferring process can combine segments from all known servers and peer-to-peer (P2P) sources simultaneously, regardless of their native protocols. The process uses variable data block size that can be dynamically selected according to sizes provided by sources, e.g., according to the protocol of the source, and can generate hash values or validation codes on the fly so that compliance with validation techniques (if any) of other protocols is not required. The process may be classified as a P2P protocol, although it also contains centralized elements. Machine language implementations and low syntax overhead allow file exchanges over a homogeneous network with high throughput and low bandwidth consumption.
US08103863B2
The exemplary embodiments provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing a workflow for assembling a data processing system according to a specific customized software configuration. An installation request from a remote data processing system is received. The installation request comprises an identity associated with the remote data processing system. An order associated with the identity is retrieved. A process configuration based on the order is determined. A system image associated with the process configuration is retrieved, forming an associated system image. The associated system image is transferred to the remote data processing system.
US08103860B2
A method, system and program product for executing a multi-function instruction in a computer system by specifying, via the multi-function instruction, either a capability query or execution of a selected function of one or more optional functions, wherein the selected function is an installed optional function, wherein the capability query determines which optional functions of the one or more optional functions are installed on the computer system.
US08103854B1
A control processor is used for fetching and distributing single instruction multiple data (SIMD) instructions to a plurality of processing elements (PEs). One of the SIMD instructions is a thread start (Tstart) instruction, which causes the control processor to pause its instruction fetching. A local PE instruction memory (PE Imem) is associated with each PE and contains local PE instructions for execution on the local PE. Local PE Imem fetch, decode, and execute logic are associated with each PE. Instruction path selection logic in each PE is used to select between control processor distributed instructions and local PE instructions fetched from the local PE Imem. Each PE is also initialized to receive control processor distributed instructions. In addition, local hold generation logic is associated with each PE. A PE receiving a Tstart instruction causes the instruction path selection logic to switch to fetch local PE Imem instructions.
US08103846B2
A memory management unit for an information processing system includes a controller and a non-volatile memory. The controller controls data writing process. The non-volatile memory, used for storing non-rewritable and rewritable data, is partitioned into a read-only partition to store the non-rewritable data, and a rewritable partition to store the rewritable data including apparatus-specific data including access-restricted data required for activating the information processing system. The access-restricted data is prohibited from being written during normal usage but writable at specific times. The non-rewritable data, stored in the read-only partition, is protected from an abrupt power shutdown occurring when a data writing process is conducted to the rewritable data. The controller stores the access-restricted data to the read-only partition by changing an attribute of the read-only partition of the non-volatile memory from a read-only attribute to a rewritable attribute.
US08103845B2
A data storage device includes two data storage media: both a hard disk and a non-volatile solid state memory device, such as a flash memory. Data received by the data storage device for storage is stored both in the hard disk and the flash memory. Since the data storage is duplicated, if a problem arises with retrieving data from one of the hard disk, the data can be retrieved from the flash memory.
US08103827B2
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture to manage storage resources in a storage system. Requests by processing systems are received for access to a control block providing information on an address assigned to one of the storage resources to access. A token is generated for each processing system requesting the control block uniquely identifying the processing system and the control block. The processing systems are provided copies of the requested control blocks to use to access the storage resource. A request is received to modify one of the control blocks for one of the storage resources. A determination is made as to whether at least one of the tokens was generated for the control block to modify. At least one processing system associated with the determined at least one token is provided a copy of the modified control block to use to access the storage resource associated with the control block.
US08103825B2
The present invention is a method for implementing a storage system. The storage system may include a disk array having a disk drive pair which includes a solid-state disk drive and a hard disk drive. The method may include the step of copying a data subset of a data set from the hard disk drive to a spare solid-state disk drive during a solid-state disk drive rebuild process. The data subset includes a first amount of data and the data set includes a second amount of data, where the first amount of data is less than the second amount of data. The method may further include the step of receiving a read request from a host server requesting the data subset. The method further includes the step of directing the read command to the spare solid-state disk drive. The method may further include the step of, prior to completion of copying of the data set from the hard disk drive to the spare solid-state disk drive, reading the data subset from the spare solid-state disk drive based upon the read command. Further, the disk array may be configured as a Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) configuration, such as a Level 1 RAID configuration (RAID 1 configuration) with the disk drive pair being a RAID disk drive pair, such as RAID 1 disk drive pair.
US08103824B2
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture are provided to support dynamic assignment of data from a continuous stream of data to one or more storage devices in a storage network. The storage network is configured with one or more tiers in a hierarchy, with at least one storage device in each tier. Similarly, the storage network is in communication with both a storage manager and a data manager. The storage manager sorts the storage devices, maintains a demand function of each device, and calculates a burn rate for each storage device. The data manager is in communication with the storage manager and assigns data from the received stream of data to at least one of the storage devices.
US08103822B2
The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and computer-readable medium for implementing a caching policy and/or a cache flushing policy in a peripheral non-volatile storage device operatively coupled to a host device. In some embodiments, data is stored to a cache area of a non-volatile memory within the peripheral non-volatile storage device in accordance with a historical rate at which other data was received by the peripheral storage device from the host device and/or a historical average time interval between successive host write requests received and/or an assessed rate at which data is required to be written to the non-volatile memory and/or a detecting by the peripheral non-volatile memory device that the host has read the storage ready/busy flag. In some embodiments, data is copied from a cache storage area of the non-volatile memory to a main storage area in accordance with the historical rate and/or the historical average time interval.
US08103809B1
A method, computer readable medium, and a system for communicating with networked clients and servers through a network device includes establishing a plurality of direct memory access (DMA) channels across a host system bus over which a plurality of executing applications each having a respective application driver communicate with a network through a network device configured to receive and transmit network data packets. At a first port in the network device, a first network data packet destined for an executing application is received. A first DMA channel over which to transmit the first network data packet towards the destined executing application is identified, and the first network data packet is transmitted to the destination executing application over the designated DMA channel mapping to the first port.
US08103802B2
A data system includes an article such as footwear, model car or toy, an electronic module carried by said article, the electronic module having a microprocessor and a data storage device to which the user can selectively store and retrieve data, a data input to the electronic module configured for the user to input and store data on the data storage device, a controller in electronic communication with the electronic module for controlling data output, and an audio output device in electronic communication with the electronic module for receiving data output from the electronic module.
US08103801B1
Described is an electronics system and method for marking and faulting I/O ports of an I/O module in the electronics system. Each I/O port has an associated light-emitting system that is capable of emitting a plurality of different colors. At least one color is blinked at a first rate to produce a first status indicator for the I/O port. Each color of the different colors is alternately blinked at a second rate to produce a second status indicator for the I/O port. One of the status indicators is for marking the I/O port and the other status indicator is for faulting the I/O port. In one embodiment, the light-emitting system includes a plurality of differently colored LEDs. In another embodiment, the light-emitting system includes only one multicolor LED. Various I/O technologies including Fiber Channel, Fiber Connectivity, Ethernet, serial attached SCSI, IPsec, Infiniband, and iSCSI, can implement marking and faulting.
US08103800B2
A method of handling datagrams in a network device coupled to other network devices is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving an incoming datagram at a port of the network device, determining an egress port for the incoming datagram based on a destination address contained in the incoming datagram and a lookup of an address resolution lookup (ARL) table and performing a lookup of the ARL table based on a source address contained in the incoming datagram to determine whether the source address has been learned previously. The method also includes the steps of writing an entry into the ARL table when the source address has not been learned previously, determining whether the other network devices have learned the source address when the source address has been learned previously and continuing to relay a learning message with the source address to the other network devices when it is determined that the other network devices have not learned the source address.
US08103799B2
Disclosed is a scalable, hierarchical, distributed network architecture and processes for the delivery of high-performance, end-to-end online multimedia services, including Internet services such as World Wide Web access. The network architecture connects a high-speed private backbone to multiple network access points of the Internet, to a network operation center, to a back office system, and to multiple regional servers in regional data centers. Each of the regional servers connects to several caching servers in modified head-ends, which in turn connect via fiber optics to many neighborhood nodes. Finally, each node connects via coaxial cable to multiple end-user systems. The processes include those for replicating and caching frequently-accessed content, and multicasting content customized per region or locality.
US08103797B2
A digital data communications network that supports efficient, scalable routing of data and use of network resources by combining a recursive division of the network into hierarchical sub-networks with repeating parameterized general purpose link communication protocols and an addressing methodology that reflects the physical structure of the underlying network hardware. The sub-division of the network enhances security by reducing the amount of the network visible to an attack and by insulating the network hardware itself from attack. The fixed bandwidth range at each sub-network level allows quality of service to be assured and controlled. The routing of data is aided by a topological addressing scheme that allows data packets to be forwarded towards their destination based on only local knowledge of the network structure, with automatic support for mobility and multicasting. The repeating structures in the network greatly simplify network management and reduce the effort to engineer new network capabilities.
US08103780B2
A client computing system includes a processor that receives a domain name and determines if the domain name is in a list of domain names that are associated with a content delivery network (CDN). In response to determining that the first domain name is in the list, the processor directs a domain name system (DNS) request to a CDN DNS server, instead of to the default DNS server.
US08103759B2
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for redirecting client messages between hosts within a messaging infrastructure. When a host receives a client message, it can refer to lock information in a shared database to determine if it is the correct host to receive the client message. The lock information includes a redirect endpoint. The redirect endpoint identifies an endpoint where client messages can be sent for delivery to the appropriate workflow instance. The redirect endpoint can be included in a redirect fault message, that is returned to a host when a host attempts to process a client message that is already locked to another workflow instance. Using the redirect endpoint, a host receiving a redirect fault message can use the redirect endpoint to send a client message to the correct host.
US08103751B2
A system performs information technology (IT) tasks using a computer. Examples of IT tasks include installing or configuring software, displaying alerts, executing programs or scripts on the endpoint, or logging activities. In an embodiment of the system, a connection initialization module receives a request for a persistent connection over a network from a managed endpoint. The request is accepted and a persistent connection is opened with the managed endpoint. A tier-1 module then receives configuration information from the managed endpoint over the persistent connection. The configuration information includes a list of functional plugins on the managed endpoint, where a functional plugin comprises a software module for performing an IT task. The tier-1 module stores this configuration information along with information describing the persistent connection and maintains the persistent connection in an open state.
US08103747B2
Various embodiments of a system and method for restoring a backup image to a target computer system such that a network device of the target computer system is automatically configured with network settings specified in the backup image are disclosed. A backup image created from a first computer system may be restored to a second computer system, where the backup image includes first network settings for a first network device of the first computer system. The method may comprise configuring an operating system setup program to automatically apply the first network settings to a second network device of the second computer system, and invoking execution of the operating system setup program.
US08103746B2
A method and system for caching content, such as content requested from a server on the World Wide Web. Requests for dynamic content are forwarded directly to a content server to avoid caching data that might only be used once. Requests for static content are forwarded to a hot or a regular cache depending on the frequency at which the content is requested. When a hot cache does not contain the content, it forwards the request to the forwarder which then forwards the request to a regular cache. When the regular cache does not contain the content, it requests the content from the forwarder which then forwards the request to a content server. There may be more than two layers of cache.
US08103744B2
By simply connecting consumer equipments physically to a home network, configurations are set automatically for the consumer equipment, and the consumer equipment is enabled to be remote operated easily via a home gateway that is not necessarily fixed in address.A home gateway 51 includes: a home management table 212a that manages equipment information of consumer equipment connected to the home network; an equipment detector 206 that cyclically transmits a detection request along the home network, detects consumer equipment, and acquires the equipment information of the detected consumer equipment; an equipment management unit 211 that updatingly registers the equipment information of the detected consumer equipment into the above-described home management table 212a; a DHCP server function 210a that sets network configurations for newly detected consumer equipment; and an equipment information registration unit that updatingly registers the equipment information in the home management table cyclically into a portal server 4.
US08103737B2
A system and method for previewing hyperlinks with textual abstracts. The system provides users with previews of previously visited hyperlinks through textual abstracts of the web destination pages. The textual abstracts provide visual cues to remind the user of a page's content. Further, the system presents previews of the destination of the hyperlinks to the user in a dynamic browsing environment which is independent of any WWW browser and operating system. Such a system is implemented through a proxy-server or client-side program. Finally, the system is configurable to allow for the customization of how and which textual abstract to display.
US08103733B2
Described is a method for retracting an instant message from a receiver in an instant messaging session. A request is made to retract the instant message from the receiver. If the receiver is present in the session, the instant message is removed from the user interface of the receiver. Notification is sent to the requestor to indicate whether the instant message was successfully retracted and whether the instant message was saved by the receiver. Optionally, the method allows an entry made in an instant messaging log to be retracted when the corresponding instant message is retracted.
US08103732B2
A method for controlling a message from a sender. A referee can evaluate a credential associated with a message to determine ifs desirability to the intended recipient, and take an action based upon the results of the determination. A sender that includes a trusted component can send a credential with the message, and the message can be controlled without a referee.
US08103729B2
Systems and techniques for sharing information among members of a group. Information about all current members of a group is stored. Instructions are received from at least one current member to invite at least one prospective member to join the group and the invitation to join the group is sent to the prospective member. In the event that an affirmative response is received, the prospective member is added to the current members of the group and automatically updated services are provided to current members of the group.
US08103724B2
A method and program product for securing privacy of an e-mail address is provided. The method includes generating an e-mail message to one or more recipients on a sender e-mail client and encrypting, using a privacy plug-in installed on the sender e-mail client, an e-mail address of the sender, using a respective public key corresponding to each recipient. The method further includes transmitting the e-mail message to the recipients with the sender e-mail address encrypted and decrypting, upon receipt by a respective recipient e-mail client, the sender's e-mail address without displaying the sender's e-mail address. The transmitting step further includes stripping, before the e-mail is sent, an e-mail address of any other recipient besides the recipient to whom the e-mail is sent and sending a hyperlink to a web site for installing the privacy plug-in on a recipient client, such that the recipient can reply to the sender.
US08103721B2
A computing system includes: first and second I/O interfaces that are associated with a server; and an I/O management unit that connects the server with the first and second I/O interfaces. The I/O management unit includes: an I/O buffer; an I/O mapping unit that stores an access request of the server to the first I/O interface in the I/O buffer in response to a change start request of the first I/O interface associated with the server to the second I/O interface; an I/O changing unit that associates the second I/O interface with the server; and an I/O synchronizing unit that converts the access request stored in the I/O buffer into an access request to the second I/O interface, in response to the completion of the association by the I/O changing unit, and executes the converted access request.
US08103716B2
Systems and methods for forwarding an item in a delivery system may comprise scanning a first address label on an item to produce scan data and converting the scan data into first address data. Furthermore, systems and methods for forwarding the item may comprise determining if an alternative address exists in a change of address database, the alternative address corresponding to the captured first address data. Moreover, systems and methods for forwarding the item may comprise forwarding the item to a location corresponding to the alternative address if it was determined that the alternative address exists in the change of address database.
US08103712B2
A method for performing a division operation in a system includes a) determining an approximate quotient of a numerator value and a denominator value; b) determining an initial error of the approximate quotient; c) determining a quotient adjustment value based on the initial error; d) determining whether to apply the quotient adjustment value to the approximate quotient; e) if the determination at d) is YES, then applying the quotient adjustment value to the approximate quotient; f) determining an iterative error of the approximate quotient; g) updating the quotient adjustment value based on the iterative error; h) repeating acts d) through g) until the determination at d) is NO, thereby determining a final value for the approximate quotient; i) generating an integer quotient based on the final value of the approximate quotient; and j) using the integer quotient with regard to at least one aspect of the system.
US08103708B2
Described is a system and method for receiving a data stream of multi-dimensional items, collecting a sample of the data stream having a predetermined number of items and dividing the sample into a plurality of subsamples, each subsample corresponding to a single dimension of each of the predetermined number of items. A query is then executed on a particular item in at least two of the subsamples to generate data for the corresponding subsample. This data is combined into a single value.
US08103705B2
A text annotation structured storage system stores text annotations with associated type information in a structured data store. The present system persists or stores annotations in a structured data store in an indexable and queryable format. Exemplary structured data stores comprise XML databases and relational databases. The system exploits type information in a type system to develop corresponding schemas in a structured data model. The system comprises techniques for mapping annotations to an XML data model and a relational data model. The system captures various features of the type system, such as complex types and inheritance, in the schema for the persistent store. In particular, the repository provides support for path navigation over the hierarchical type system starting at any type.
US08103694B1
A method of storing and managing BOMs of different owners in the same environment. One or more BOMs have an owner. An owner's BOM may include confidential information such that unrestricted access to the confidential information is limited to the owner and any designates of the owner. In particular, one embodiment of the invention maintains a list of items that include the items in the BOMs of the different owners. A unique identifier is used for each item of the list. The item identifiers thus form one namespace. BOMs of different owners share data including confidential data within the same namespace.
US08103680B2
A networked computer system is provided for collecting and displaying historical content comprising a plurality of digital objects associated with a historical period or event. The computer system is comprised of one or more networked servers for processing the historical content. The servers are configured to access a database of host historical content input by an operator and user historical content input by a user, and display the historical content. One or more software applications running on the servers facilitate collection, integration and display of historical content. The software applications provide a template accessible to a user via a computer in communication with the network. The template is configured to allow the user to input the user historical content and relate a portion of the host historical content to create a user website integrating the user historical content with a portion of the host historical content.
US08103677B1
Searching in an object-based database system is disclosed. Searching includes identifying one or more matching objects matching one or more terms of a search request in a search index and executing one or more return path methods associated with each of the one or more matching objects. Each of the one or more return path methods traverses an object tree and returns a parent object. The parent object is added to a list of search result parent objects. Searching further includes ranking the list of search result parent objects according to a ranking function and providing the ranked list of search result parent objects.
US08103675B2
A method of predicting user-item ratings includes providing a first matrix of hidden variables associated with individual items, a second matrix of hidden variables associated with individual users, a third matrix of predicted user-item ratings derived from an inner product of vectors in the first and second matrices, and a fourth matrix of actual user-item ratings. The first and second matrices are alternately fixed and solved with a weighted-λ regularization of at least one of the first and second matrices by minimizing a sum of squared errors between actual user-item ratings in the fourth matrix and corresponding predicted user-item ratings in the third matrix repeatedly until a stopping criterion is satisfied.
US08103673B2
A system for provisioning content to at least one user is described. A content provisioning server is used. The content provisioning server includes a content provisioning application in communication with a user database. The content provisioning application is configured to access the user database to identify a user, determine rights of the user from the user database, and send a user interface to a client computing device that provides user interface items corresponding to the rights and associated links of the user.
US08103657B2
A method and apparatus is provided for locating and retrieving specified data content in a database. The data comprises compressed digital audio or video data files associated with the recorded speech. Retrieval of the specified content requires decompression of only a portion of the compressed data. A method for locating specified content of the above type is provided. A compressed audio file comprising recorded speech is converted into a corresponding text file. A searchable index is constructed from the text file. One or more specified search arguments are used to search respective elements of the searchable index in order to detect one or more text segments. The identifiers of respective detected segments are then used to locate the specified content in the audio file. Only portions of the audio file that contain specified content require decompression, in order to retrieve the content.
US08103653B2
A system is provided for enabling a user to search for documents that the user has previously viewed on its local machine. The system may include upon three main components: the desktop integration module, the index module, and the graphical user interface module. The desktop integration module is an application which monitors documents with which the user interacts for predetermined events, and obtains content data and metadata from the monitored documents. The index module indexes the content data and metadata received from the desktop integration module. The graphical user interface module then permits a user to utilize the desktop integration module and index module by allowing a user to search for a document.
US08103648B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for performing a plurality of searches. A request is received to perform the plurality of searches, wherein the request includes text. A search engine preference is retrieved, wherein the search engine preference specifies a plurality of search engines. An Internet browser is opened for each search engine in the plurality of search engines. A search is initiated in each Internet browser using the text.
US08103639B1
A method of performing a file system consistency check in a distributed, segmented file system, includes: analyzing primary objects of a first segment of the file system to determine if a first primary object points to a second primary object of a second segment separate from the first segment, storing, if the first primary object points to the second primary object of the second segment, a first indication indicating that the first primary object points to the second primary object of the second segment, the first indication indicating an expected location of the second primary object; analyzing a shadow directory of the selected segment to determine an expected location of a third primary object, and an expected pointer of the third primary object indicative of a location and a name of a fourth primary object, the third primary object being contained in a segment other than the first segment; and storing a second indication indicating the expected location of the third primary object and the expected pointer of the third primary object.
US08103636B2
Provided are a file storage system, and a method for managing duplicate files in the file storage system. The file storage system that performs file duplication for error recovery includes a client for requesting generation of a duplicate file of a new file being stored, a metadata server for storing information associated with prestored duplicate files and determining whether a file that is identical to the new file is present among the prestored duplicate files, to limit a number of identical duplicate files to a preset number, and a data server comprising a file duplication unit and a storage unit for respectively performing file duplication and file storage under the control of the metadata server. Accordingly, file recovery can be performed while duplicate files in the system are minimized.
US08103635B2
Techniques used in an automatic failover configuration having a primary database system, a standby database system, and an observer. In the automatic failover configuration, the primary database system remains available even in the absence of both the standby and the observer as long as the standby and the observer become absent sequentially. The failover configuration may use asynchronous transfer modes to transfer redo to the standby and permits automatic failover only when the observer is present and the failover will not result in data loss due to the asynchronous transfer mode beyond a specified maximum. The database systems and the observer have copies of failover configuration state and the techniques include techniques for propagating the most recent version of the state among the databases and the observer and techniques for using carefully-ordered writes to ensure that state changes are propagated in a fashion which prevents divergence.
US08103619B1
In a database system, compression user-defined data types (UDTs) are defined to enable compression of data. Each compression UDT is associated with one or more UDT methods to compress data according to one or more respective compression algorithms. Also, one or more data structures are associated with data stored according to each compression UDT to store values pertaining to the compression of the data.
US08103611B2
Exemplary non-transitory computer-readable medium, method and system for providing at least one recommendation to users and applications using multidimensional data. The multidimensional data can define a multidimensional space defined by a Cartesian product of the dimensions. The multidimensional space can have at least three dimensions, and each of the dimensions can be capable of (i) providing variable information, and (ii) having a type that is different from a type of another one of the dimensions. The exemplary non-transitory computer-readable medium, method and system can retrieve information from data associated with the multidimensional space. Further, the exemplary non-transitory computer-readable medium, method and system can generate the at least one recommendation based on the retrieved information. Further, at least one of the dimensions can include profiles.
US08103607B2
A service request is received from a client, the service request being directed to a web application, wherein a core concern of the web application is configured to perform a core operation upon receiving the service request. The service request is compared to a plurality of rules by a rules engine. If the service request satisfies a criterion specified in a first rule, an aspect service identified in the rule is initiated, wherein the aspect service performs an additional operation before or after the core operation is performed, and wherein the additional operation adds functionality to the core concern.
US08103605B2
A system for generating and auditing customs documents for the importation of goods purchased by a buyer from a seller. The system includes a customs information system database that features records configured to record transaction information identifying the goods purchased, a customs classification of the purchased goods, and a valuation of the purchased goods. The system further includes an audit module configured periodically to audit the information in the records using a set of audit criteria. The audit module selectively audits only records containing transaction information that has been sent to a customs broker to be submitted to a customs authority.
US08103601B2
The Complexity Systems Management (CSM) Method is a scientifically derived business process method for managing complex events and situations. The CSM Method™ is based on new scientific evidence that explains the behaviors of complex adaptive systems. This same scientific evidence gives rise to a new method of science, known as a priori optionality. A priori optionality is based on six scientifically derived tenets that are systematically applied using the CSM Method™ to more accurately characterize the behaviors of complex adaptive systems and manage complex events and situations. Applications of the CSM Method are integrally tied to specialized knowledgebases and a plurality of automated software applications.
US08103600B1
A graphical user interface (GUI) is used for rendering semantic concepts and provides menu selections that are rendered in accordance with the semantic concepts. The display includes fields for rendering logical associations in multiple display fields. A first field is provided for a semantic concept, and a second field is provided for receiving a consequent of the semantic concept. First and second menus are used to display the semantic concept in a hierarchical display of a set of semantic concepts and to display consequents corresponding to the semantic concepts. A third field for display a semantic concept and a fourth field displays a consequent of the semantic concept. If a user makes a selection from one of the first and second menus, the GUI renders displays in the third and fourth fields in accordance with the selection.
US08103599B2
Method for determining a webpage importance, including receiving web browsing behavior data of one or more users; creating a model of the web browsing behavior data; calculating a stationary probability distribution of the model; and correlating the stationary probability distribution to the webpage importance.
US08103596B1
A system and method collects regulatory licensing requirements, employment data for a professional and licensing data for the professional, and determines the professional's licensing requirements. Based on the professional's licensing requirements, the system and method determines compliance with the regulatory licensing requirements.
US08103592B2
Upon a first process encountering a triggering device, a second process chooses whether to proxy-execute code corresponding to the triggering device of the first process on behalf of such first process based at least in part on whether a license evaluator of the second process has determined that the first process is to be operated in accordance with the terms and conditions of a corresponding digital license. The license evaluator at least in part performs such determination by running a script corresponding to the triggering device in the code of the first process. Thus, the first process is dependent upon the second process and the license for operation thereof.
US08103582B1
A transaction account is disclosed that includes attributes of a checking or savings account in that, for example, an account holder earns interest on a positive balance in the account. The transaction account additionally includes attributes of a credit-card-type account in that the account holder owes interest on a negative balance in the account. With such an account having the positive and negative balance attributes of checking or savings accounts and of credit-card-like accounts, the account holder or customer may manage the account more efficiently than by maintaining multiple accounts. The financial institution may save costs resulting from the overhead associated with maintaining numerous accounts for the same customer. Finally, the financial institution may benefit from charging a credit-card-like transaction fee to merchants that accept the card even if the transaction results in a positive balance in the transaction account.
US08103580B2
An issuing system for issuing unmodifiable and/or unforgeable hardcopy documents or securities includes a server and a plurality of issuing machines connected to the server via a network. Each of the issuing machines receives an ID recording medium provided by a potential purchaser, retrieves an identification recorded in the received ID recording medium, requests the potential purchaser to input a request for a transaction of the security or financing instrument, processes the requested transaction, and prints out on demand a hardcopy of the security or financing instrument as purchased by the potential purchaser and a checksum thereon. A method for forming a new market with the issuing system embodies preparing the financing instrument, public-offering the financing instrument, delivering to the purchaser a financial disclosure, requesting the purchaser to acknowledge receipt and review of the financial disclosure, confirming acknowledgement of the financial disclosure from the purchaser; and processing the requested transaction by retrieving information via the network to the server.
US08103576B2
A system mitigates the effects of a market spike caused by the triggering and election of conditional orders in an automated matching system. The system monitors trading that takes place as a result of the cascading triggering of conditional orders. When an order is executed beyond a predetermined price threshold, an instrument may be flagged, allowing matching to take place only at or within the predetermined price threshold. Orders within the price threshold are matched at the price threshold against orders beyond the price threshold, in order to dampen any instantaneous damaging effects of the price spike. The system may adjust the price threshold when market appropriate, allowing the order flow to bring the market back to whatever is the true price level. The system mitigates price fluctuations that are purely conditional order cascade driven, but allows the market to continuously trade in controlled price and time intervals to ensure that a true market move can still occur and not have price control mechanisms hinder trade matching and true price discovery.
US08103572B2
A system, a method, and a computer readable medium for allocating dividends to a block of common stock shares are provided. The method includes selling a plurality of Class A common stock shares and a plurality of Class No-Dividend common stock shares associated with the company, that form the block of common stock shares. The method further includes determining a total dividend amount for the block of common stock shares. The method further includes allocating a first percentage of the total dividend amount to the plurality of Class A common stock shares, and allocating a second percentage of the total dividend amount to the plurality of Class No-Dividend common stock shares. The method further includes performing a share buyback of a predetermined number of Class No-Dividend common stock shares of the plurality of Class No-Dividend common stock shares equal to the second percentage of the total dividend amount.
US08103559B2
Generally speaking, systems, methods and media for maintenance of group shared inventories in a virtual universe are disclosed. Embodiments of the method may include receiving usage information for one or more inventory items each shared by a group having a plurality of users and storing the received usage information. Embodiments may also include analyzing the usage information for at least one shared inventory item and performing an action based on the analysis of the usage information. The action performed may include archiving, deleting, changing the price for, or adding to a list of included inventory items the shared inventory item. Further embodiments may include determining whether a rule based on group usage is satisfied and performing the action accordingly. Further embodiments may also include analyzing the usage information to determine trends of usage, comparing the determined usage trends to an established heuristic, and performing an action as a result.
US08103552B2
A microbrowser allows a user to configure types of objects to be blocked from download by providing a web page content web server with a set of non-advertisement web objects for a web page, the web page containing at least one inclusion method to one or more advertisement objects stored on an advertisement server separate from the non-advertisement web objects; receiving by the web server a battery condition and a nape request for the web page from a networked client device; and responsive to the battery condition being low, transmitting the non-advertisement web objects from the web page content web server to the networked client device, thereby avoiding incremental battery energy consumption of the networked client device to process, execute and display the advertisement web objects by restricting download of the advertisement web objects from the advertisement server to the networked client device.
US08103541B2
A list of pricing information for repair services includes a potentially large number of repair services grouped into a limited number of price categories such that the price of any given pricing category represents the price of each different service included in that category. A method of using this price list to determine the price of a particular repair service desired by a customer includes the steps of identifying in the price list the pricing category which includes the particular service desired, and determining the unique price assigned to that pricing category. Preferably, the price list is initially displayed to a customer before the customer's equipment is diagnosed, and the customer is informed that the cost of the repair service will be one of the prices associated with a listed pricing category. Upon diagnosing the customer's equipment to determine the particular repair service needed, and advising the customer of such, the service technician as well as the customer can each reference the price list independently to readily determine the price of the desired service.
US08103525B2
Methods, computer storage media, systems and user interfaces that guide a clinician to complete medical documentation. The method, computer storage media, system and user interfaces include presenting a first medical documentation set to indicate a medical aspect for which medical data is to be documented. At least one of the medical documentation elements in the first set is linked to a second medical documentation set. A selection of one of the linked medical documentation elements in the first set is received, and the second medical documentation set is presented. An attribute for at least one of the medical data fields in the first or second set is received, and the attributes received for the first and the second medical documentation sets are aggregated into a medical data group.
US08103521B2
The principles of the present invention provide the ability to flexibly change the delivery point and time for a mail item, while the item is en route. The recipient, sender, or mailer may flexibly change the delivery point of the item alone or in combination with each other. While an item is en route between the sending point and the delivery point, a notification is sent to indicate that the item is in transit. In response, the delivery of the item may be changed. For example, the destination specified by the sender (e.g., the delivery address written on the item) may be changed or a delivery time may be specified. The item is then delivered to the new delivery point and/or at the specified delivery time.
US08103520B2
According to some embodiments, a supplemental product or service may be offered to a user during a transaction, either in addition to products and/or services the user is purchasing, or as a replacement to one or more of the products and/or services that the user is purchasing. The functionality may be implemented, for example, in a retail embodiment where a user is purchasing products and/or services at a cash register or other point-of-sale terminal. One or more embodiments may be implemented online where a user is purchasing products and/or services using a computer, terminal, telephone or other client or user device and accessing a World Wide Web site, online catalog, interactive voice response unit or system, etc.
US08103513B2
Spatial information associated with an audio signal is encoded into a bitstream, which can be transmitted to a decoder or recorded to a storage media. The bitstream can include different syntax related to time, frequency and spatial domains. In some embodiments, the bitstream includes one or more data structures (e.g., frames) that contain ordered sets of slots for which parameters can be applied. The data structures can be fixed or variable. The data structure can include position information that can be used by a decoder to identify the correct slot for which a given parameter set is applied. The slot position information can be encoded with either a fixed number of bits or a variable number of bits based on the data structure type.
US08103510B2
A speech recognition unit (2) performs speech recognition on a speech of an utterer input by a speech input unit (1), specifies possible words which are represented by the speech, and the scores thereof, and a natural language analyzer (3) specifies parts of speech of the words and supplies word data representing the words to an agent processing unit (7). The agent processing unit (7) stores process item data which defines a data acquisition process to acquire word data or the like, a discrimination process, and an input/output process, and wires or data defining transition from one process to another and giving a weighting factor to the transition, and executes a flow represented generally by the process item data and the wires to thereby control devices belonging to an input/output target device group (6) in such a way as to adequately grasp a demand of the utterer and meet the demand.
US08103502B1
Multimodal utterances contain a number of different modes. These modes can include speech, gestures, and pen, haptic, and gaze inputs, and the like. This invention use recognition results from one or more of these modes to provide compensation to the recognition process of one or more other ones of these modes. In various exemplary embodiments, a multimodal recognition system inputs one or more recognition lattices from one or more of these modes, and generates one or more models to be used by one or more mode recognizers to recognize the one or more other modes. In one exemplary embodiment, a gesture recognizer inputs a gesture input and outputs a gesture recognition lattice to a multimodal parser. The multimodal parser generates a language model and outputs it to an automatic speech recognition system, which uses the received language model to recognize the speech input that corresponds to the recognized gesture input.
US08103501B2
The invention refers to a process and an arrangement for the generation of a signed text and/or image document, in particular a digital document for electronic sending and/or for electronic storage. The invention is characterized by the fact that the name and/or an image and/or any other representation of a person, for example a person code, is attached to the basic document in combination with an authentication certificate, wherein the authentication certificate is generated as the result of a voice analysis of the person performed in relation with generation of the document in terms of timing.
US08103499B2
To enter Chinese text, a user enters the corresponding phonetic spelling via telephone style keypad. Some or all keys represent multiple phonetic letters. In disambiguating entered key presses to yield a valid phonetic spelling, a computer divides the key presses into segments, while still preserving key press order. Each segment must correspond to an entry in a dictionary of Chinese characters, character phrases, and/or character components such as radicals or other predetermined stroke groupings. Upon arrival of a new key press that cannot form a valid entry when appended to the current segment, key presses are incrementally reallocated from the previous segment. As for already-resolved segments occurring prior to the previous and current segments, these are left intact. After each shifting attempt, the computer reinterprets key presses of the last two segments, and accepts the new segmentation if the segments form valid dictionary entries.
US08103493B2
Systems and methods of performing oilfield operations for an oilfield are provided. The oilfield has a subterranean formation with geological structures and reservoirs therein. A plurality of oilfield modules are positioned in an application. Each of the oilfield modules models at least a portion or attribute of the oilfield. The oilfield modules are selectively connected via a connection. The connections may be integrated connections providing cooperation for integrated modeling therebetween and/or dynamic connections providing knowledge sharing for unified modeling therebetween whereby at least one oilfield model is generated. At least one internal database may be positioned in the application for collecting oilfield data and operatively connected to the of oilfield modules. At least one oilfield model is generated using the oilfield data and the oilfield modules.
US08103462B2
A system and method for accurately calculating the oil quantity and oil consumption rate of an aircraft engine detects the level of oil in an oil tank, calculates the oil quantity in the oil tank by compensating for the acceleration of the aircraft, as well as changes in the pitch, yaw and roll of the aircraft. The oil consumption rate of the aircraft is also calculated by calculating the oil quantity at different times, and dividing the difference in oil quantity by the difference in times. The percentage change in oil consumption of the aircraft engine is also calculated. The oil quantity and oil consumption rate can be reported during and after the aircraft's flight.
US08103460B2
A method and apparatus for identifying the health status of a contactor include the steps of counting the number of operations performed by the contactor, identifying a closing time of the contactor, using the number of operations and the closing time to assess the health status of the contactor and, where the health of the contactor is a first health status, reporting the health status of the contactor.
US08103459B2
Safety clothing (1) for persons in dangerous situations is provided including at least one device (3) for generating light and/or at least one device for generating sound and/or at least one mechanical device for generating a warning stimulus, which is perceptible by the person, an interface (5) for generating data or signals with a gas-measuring device (12) and a power supply device (9) for supplying the at least one device (3) and/or the interface with power. The features are in functional connection with one another, for optically and/or acoustically and/or mechanically warning the person when at least one limit value of a harmful gas is exceeded or in case of at least one implausible measured value of the air detected by the gas-measuring device (12).
US08103455B2
The invention relates to a method of assessing the proliferation or differentiation behavior of a population of target cells in a biological system, said method comprising the steps of; [a] measuring the value of at least one proliferation characteristic of said cells at least one time point t, wherein said proliferation characteristic is the clone size distribution; [b] comparing the clone size distribution measured in [a] to a reference clone size distribution at a corresponding time point t predicted or described by the equation; wherein a difference between the measured clone size distribution of [a] and the predicted or described clone size distribution of [b] indicates an altered proliferation or differentiation behavior of said cells. The invention further relates to methods involving assessing the scaling form of the above behaviors, values of the parameters, and inferring effects on cell proliferation and/or differentiation therefrom.
US08103449B2
A method is provided for determining when to issue an alert warning to a driver of a vehicle relating to an upcoming stopping location in a road of travel. Wireless messages transmitted from a remote entity to the vehicle are received. The messages contain information such as position data and other data affecting stopping of the vehicle. GPS data relating to instantaneous vehicle position in the road of travel is retrieved. A travel time until the vehicle reaches the stopping location is determined. A determination is made whether the driver has initiated braking. An advance notice period is determined for issuing a warning to the driver to decelerate the vehicle comprising the travel time plus a predetermined reaction time plus a selectable driver configured increment. A sensory warning to the driver of the vehicle is actuated if the advance notice period is less than the travel time and the driver has not initiated braking.
US08103443B2
The present invention provides a system and method for determining the necessary departure time to allow for an on-time or desired arrival time at a particular location over a particular route based on the evaluation of historic, present, and predicted road conditions.
