US08114904B2
Provided herein are compounds or fluorogenic probes which can be used as reagents for measuring, detecting and/or screening ROS or RNS such as peroxynitrite or hypochlorite. Provided also herein are methods that can be used to measure, directly or indirectly, the amount of peroxynitrite or hypochlorite in chemical samples and biological samples such as cells and tissues in living organisms. Specifically, the methods include the steps of contacting the fluorogenic probes disclosed herein with the samples to form one or more fluorescent compounds, and measuring fluorescence properties of the fluorescent compounds. Provided also herein are high-throughput screening fluorescent methods for detecting or screening peroxynitrite or compounds that can increase or decrease the level of peroxynitrite or hypochlorite in chemical and biological samples.
US08114892B2
The invention features methods and kits for treating or inhibiting the development of Parkinson's Disease by administering 7-chloro-4-aminoquinoline compounds, e.g., amodiaquine or glafenine. Stem cells are also useful in the methods of the invention and may be administered separately from or together with 7-chloro-4-aminoquinoline compounds. The invention further features methods of identifying additional chemical compounds that are useful in the treatment or inhibition of the development of Parkinson's Disease.
US08114891B2
The present invention relates to compounds and formulations capable of affecting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), for example, as modulators of specific nicotinic receptor subtypes (specifically, the alpha7 nAChR subtype). The present invention also relates to methods for treating a wide variety of conditions and disorders, particularly those associated with dysfunction of the central and autonomic nervous systems.
US08114882B2
The invention relates to compounds of the formula (I), in which Ar denotes a mono- or bicyclic aromatic homo- or heterocycle having 1 to 4 N, O and/or S atoms and 5 to 10 skeleton atoms, which may be unsubstituted or mono-, di- or trisubstituted by carbonyl oxygen, Hal, A, OH, OA, NH2, NHA, NA2, NO2, CN, OCN, SCN, COOH, COOA, CONH2, CONHA, CONA2, NHCOA, NHCONH2, NHSO2A, CHO, COA, SO2NH2 and/or S(O)9A, A denotes unbranched, branched or cyclic alkyl having 1-14 C atoms, in which one or two CH2 groups may be replaced by O or S atoms and/or by —CH═CH— groups and/or in addition 1-7 H atoms may be replaced by F and/or Cl, Hal: F, Cl, Br or I, D: NH, NH2, NA2, NHA, CH2, CH3, OH, OA, O or S, E: CH2, CH, NH or N, Y: E or a saturated or unsaturated bond, X: CH2, O or NH, Q: Hal, A, OH, OA, NH2, NHA, NA2, NO2, CN, OCN, SCN, COOH, COOA, CONH2, CONHA, CONA2, NHCOA, NHCONH2, NHSO2A, CHO, COA, SO2NH2 or X-M, to the preparation and use thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of diseases, in particular tumors and/or diseases in the development or course of which kinases are involved.
US08114879B2
The use of CCR5 antagonists of the formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R is optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl, thiophenyl or naphthyl; R1 is hydrogen or alkyl; R2 is substituted phenyl, substituted heteroaryl, naphthyl fluorenyl, diphenylmethyl or optionally substituted phenyl- or heteroaryl-alkyl; R3 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, or optionally substituted phenyl, phenylalkyl, naphthyl, naphthylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl; R4, R5 and R7 are hydrogen or alkyl; R6 is hydrogen, alkyl or alkenyl; for the treatment of HIV, solid organ transplant rejection, graft v. host disease, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, asthma, allergies or multiple sclerosis is disclosed, as well as novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and the combination of CCR5 antagonists of the invention in combination with antiviral agents useful in the treatment of HIV or agents useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
US08114867B2
The invention relates to antibacterial compounds of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy or cyano; Y1 and Y2 each represent CH, one or two of U, V, W and X represent(s) N and the remaining each represent CH or, in the case of X, may also represent CRa, Ra being halogen, and, in the case of W, may also represent CRb, or each of U, V, W, X, Y1 and Y2 represents CH, or each of U, V, W, X and Y1 represents CH and Y2 represents N, or also one or, provided R1 is hydrogen, two of U, V, W, X, Y1 and Y2 represent(s) CRC and the remaining each represent CH, Rb being alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl or alkoxyalkoxy and Rc being, each time it occurs, independently represents hydroxy or alkoxy; A-B-D represents a chain of 4 to 6 atoms, which 4 to 6 atoms are selected from carbon, oxygen and nitrogen and may be substituted; E is one of the following groups: in which Z is CH or N and Q is O or S, or E is a phenyl group which is substituted once or twice in the meta and/or para position(s); and to salts of such compounds.
US08114866B2
The invention relates to a compound having general formula (I): Wherein m, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. The invention also relates to the use of the compound in therapeutics. More specifically, the compounds of the invention are inhibitors of the FAAH enzyme, and therefore, can be used for the treatment of various disorders associated with FAAH enzyme, which include in a non-limiting manner, pain, eating disorders, neurological and psychiatric pathologies, among other disorders.
US08114863B2
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (II) chosen from (IIa) and (IIb) or of formula (VI) chosen from (VIa) and (VIb) of following general formulae: in which: X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 represent, independently of one another, L-Y in which L represents a C1-C3 alkyl group, preferably (CH2)n with n=1 to 3, Y represents —CONH2, —CO—NR7R8 or —NR8-CO—R8, or an isomer, an enantiomer or a diastereoisomer of these or their mixtures or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compounds of formulae (VIa) and (VIb). It also relates to a complex of these compounds with a paramagnetic metal or a radionuclide and their use in diagnostic methods.
US08114858B2
The present invention provides new derivatives of 4- or 5-aminosalicylic acid, and a pharmaceutical composition containing these derivatives of 4- or 5-aminosalicylic acid as active ingredients, useful for the treatment of intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and for the prevention/treatment of colon cancer. More particularly, these derivatives comprise a hydrogen sulfide releasing moiety linked via an azo, an ester, an anhydride, a thioester or an amide linkage to a molecule of 4- or 5-aminosalicylic acid. Furthermore, the present invention provides a process for preparing these compounds and their use for treating IBD and IBS and the prevention/treatment of colon cancer.
US08114854B2
The present invention relates to novel crystal forms of an amide prodrug of gemcitabine, compositions thereof and methods for using.
US08114836B2
A polypeptide and polynucleotides comprising at least two carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to a non-human peptide-of-interest are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the non-human polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using both human and non-human polypeptides and polynucleotides are also disclosed.
US08114830B2
The present invention provides spreading agents based on sequence-specific oligomers comprising a peptoid, a peptide-peptoid chimera, a retropeptoid or a retro(peptoid-peptide) chimera, and methods for using the same, including for the treatment of respiratory distress of the lungs. The spreading agents are sequence-specific oligomers, including retrosequence-specific oligomers, based on a peptide backbone, that are designed as analogs of surfactant protein-B or surfactant protein-C.
US08114829B2
Dermal fibroblasts permanently loose their ability to synthesize elastin, the major component of elastic fibers, shortly after puberty. This progressive loss of elastic fibers cannot be replaced, resulting in the physical signs of aging. The present invention provides methods and compositions containing the polyphenols ellagic acid and/or tannic acid for protection against degradation of cutaneous elastic fibers by the elastolytic enzymes. The use of ellagic acid and/or tannic acid increased the overall deposition of elastic fibers in healthy and damaged skin cells. The protection of both intra-tropoelastin and extra-cellular mature elastic fibers from proteolytic enzymes by ellagic acid and tannic acid caused an increase in the net deposition of elastic fibers. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and composition for the treatment of skin and prevention and treatment of degradation of dermal elastic fibers.
US08114825B2
Disclosed is a photoresist stripping solution consisting essentially of (a) a quaternary ammonium hydroxide (e.g., tetramethylammonium hydroxide), (b) at least one water-soluble organic solvent selected from glycols and glycol ethers (e.g., propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether), and (c) a non-amine water-soluble organic solvent (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone). The photoresist stripping solution of the invention has an excellent photoresist strippability, not causing damage of swelling/coloration to acrylic transparent films used in production of liquid-crystal panels and not causing damage to electrode materials. In particular, it has an excellent photoresist strippability to remove even a thick-film negative photoresist (photosensitive dry film) used in production of semiconductor chip packages (especially, wafer-level chip size packages, W-CSP), not causing damage to copper.
US08114822B2
The present invention is directed to a soluble oil composition capable of forming stable emulsions exhibiting superior performance and possessing excellent utility as cutting oil for machines. The composition comprises an overbased alkaline earth metal sulfonate possessing anti-wear properties.
US08114818B2
An embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising introducing a cyclodextrin modifier into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of reducing viscosity of a treatment fluid comprising contacting a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a viscosifying agent with at least a cyclodextrin modifier wherein the cyclodextrin modifier interacts with the viscosifying agent to reduce viscosity of the treatment fluid. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of increasing viscosity of an aqueous fluid comprising contacting at least a hydrophobically modified polymer and a cyclodextrin modifier in the presence of at least the aqueous fluid, wherein the cyclodextrin modifier interacts with the hydrophobically modified polymer to viscosify the aqueous fluid. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a subterranean treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a cyclodextrin modifier.
US08114815B2
Provided is a herbicidal composition comprising a herbicidally active compound selected from a difluoromethanesulfonylanilide compound represented by the general formula (I): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxyalkyl group; or a salt thereof encapsulated in a microcapsule, or a herbicidal composition comprising the herbicidally active compound encapsulated in a microcapsule and a benzoic acid compound represented by the general formula (II): wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group, a nitro group, or an amino group; and R3 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom or an alkyl group. The herbicidal composition exert a pharmacological effect for a prolonged period of time, can alleviate or prevent any harmful effect and can reduce the environmental load.
US08114809B2
The present invention relates to discrete particulate composite additives for superabsorbent polymers and includes a method of making same. The discrete particulate composite additives generally comprise a polysaccharide and an inert inorganic component. Advantageously, these discrete particulate composite additives functionally improve superabsorbent performance. They are suitable for a number of applications, including the use and manufacture of hygiene products.
US08114808B2
A sorbent for the capture of carbon dioxide from a gas stream is provided, the sorbent containing calcium oxide (CaO) and at least one refractory dopant having a Tammann temperature greater than about 530° C., wherein the refractory dopant enhances resistance to sintering, thereby conserving performance of the sorbent at temperatures of at least about 530° C. Also provided are doped CaO sorbents for the capture of carbon dioxide in the presence of SO2.
US08114807B2
An intermetallic magnetic compound of iron oxide and palladium with a nanometer particle size is disclosed, together with a method of making magnetic nanoparticles that include an intermetallic bond between palladium and iron-oxide. Additionally, a method is disclosed of catalyzing an organic reaction by contacting the organic reagents with an intermetallic magnetic compound of iron oxide and palladium that has nanometer particle size in an amount sufficient to catalyze the organic reaction.
US08114806B2
A catalyst and a method of preparation of said catalyst is described herein. The catalyst includes one or more metals from Columns 6-10 of the Periodic Table and/or one or more compounds of one or more metals from Columns 6-10 of the Periodic Table, a pore size distribution with a median pore diameter ranging from 105 Å to 150 Å, with 60% of the total number of pores in the pore size distribution having a pore diameter within 60 Å of the median pore diameter, with at least 50% of its pore volume in pores having a pore diameter of at most 600 Å, and between 5% and 25% of its pore volume in pores having a pore diameter between 1000 Å and 5000 Å. Methods of producing said catalyst are described herein. Crude products and products made from said crude products are described herein.
US08114795B2
For providing glass-ceramics having properties suitable for use as a substrate of an information storage medium of next generation such as one for the perpendicular magnetic recording system without employing arsenic and antimony components which adversely affect human beings and the environment, there are provided glass-ceramics comprising SiO2, Li2O and Al2O3 on oxide basis, comprising lithium disilicate as a crystal phase, and comprising one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Sn, Ce, Mn, W, Ta, Bi, Nb, S, Cl and F.
US08114793B2
Three-dimensional textile component structure made of high-tensile yarns, subject to loads in defined directions in use, comprises wound layers one above the other of yarn sheets (3, 4) made of the high-tensile yarns and at least one yarn sheet (2) extending along the structure, made of the high-tensile yarns with the yarns of each yarn sheet (2) fixed in position by a textile structure (5) made of intersecting yarn systems. Such textile component structures are made by a method wherein yarn sheets (2-4) are laid as layers at different angles one after the other around a preshaped core (1) to produce independent layers of parallel high-tensile yarns, with at least one yarn layer (2) being fixed by a textile structure (5) made of intersecting yarn systems, while the remaining yarn sheets (3, 4) are wound.
US08114791B2
The present invention relates generally to a static dissipative textile having an electrically conductive surface achieved by coating the textile with an electrically conductive coating in a variety of patterns. The electrically conductive coating is comprised of a conducting agent and a binding agent, and optionally a dispersing agent and/or a thickening agent. The static dissipative textile generally comprises a fabric which may be screen printed or otherwise coated with a conductive coating on the backside of the fabric so that the conductive coating does not interfere with the appearance of the face of the fabric. The economically produced fabric exhibits relatively permanent static dissipation properties and conducts electric charge at virtually any humidity, while the conductive coating does not detrimentally affect the overall appearance or tactile properties of the fabric. Also encompassed within this invention is a method for producing a static dissipative textile having an electrically conductive surface.
US08114785B2
Electrical structures and devices may be formed and include an organic passivating layer that is chemically bonded to a silicon-containing semiconductor material to improve the electrical properties of electrical devices. In different embodiments, the organic passivating layer may remain within finished devices to reduce dangling bonds, improve carrier lifetimes, decrease surface recombination velocities, increase electronic efficiencies, or the like. In other embodiments, the organic passivating layer may be used as a protective sacrificial layer and reduce contact resistance or reduce resistance of doped regions. The organic passivation layer may be formed without the need for high-temperature processing.
US08114777B2
A method for forming a nanotube/nanofiber growth catalyst on the sides of portions of a layer of a first material, comprising the steps of depositing a thin layer of a second material; opening this layer at given locations; depositing a very thin catalyst layer; depositing a layer of the first material over a thickness greater than that of the layer of the second material; eliminating by chem./mech. polishing the upper portion of the structure up to the high level of the layer of the second material; and eliminating the second material facing selected sides of the layer portions of the first material.
US08114775B2
A chemical mechanical polishing composition contains 1) water, 2) optionally an abrasive material, 3) an oxidizer, preferably a per-type oxidizer, 4) a small amount of soluble metal-ion oxidizer/polishing accelerator, a metal-ion polishing accelerator bound to particles such as to abrasive particles, or both; and 5) at least one of the group selected from a) a small amount of a chelator, b) a small amount of a dihydroxy enolic compound, and c) a small amount of an organic accelerator. Ascorbic acid in an amount less than 800 ppm, preferably between about 100 ppm and 500 ppm, is the preferred dihydroxy enolic compound. The polishing compositions and processes are useful for substantially all metals and metallic compounds found in integrated circuits, but is particularly useful for tungsten. The present invention also pertains to surface-modified colloidal abrasive polishing compositions and associated methods of using these compositions, particularly for chemical mechanical planarization, wherein the slurry comprises low levels of chelating free radical quenchers, non-chelating free radical quenchers, or both.
US08114773B2
A cleaning solution is provided. The cleaning solution includes (a) 0.01-0.1 wt % of hydrofluoric acid (HF); (b) 1-5 wt % of a strong acid, wherein the strong acid is an inorganic acid; (c) 0.05-0.5 wt % of ammonium fluoride (NH4F); (d) a chelating agent containing a carboxylic group; (e) triethanolamine (TEA); (f) ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); and (g) water for balance.
US08114769B1
A method for semiconductor fabrication using a trench first metal hard mask (TFMHM) process for damascene structures includes forming a secondary metal hard mask layer above a first metal hard mask layer after trench opening for the via (and trench) etching. The secondary metal hard mask layer is formed of metal material substantially resistant to the etching process which enables via etching to self-align (using an edge of the secondary metal mask layer). In one embodiment, the secondary metal mask layer is formed using an electroless deposition process, and may include nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), gold, (Au), palladium (Pd), cadmium (Cd) silver (Ag), ruthenium (Ru), and alloys and/or combinations thereof. Because the first metal hard mask is usually formed of TiN, the trench and via etching process removes a significant amount of the TiN layer. Utilization of the secondary metal hard mask to protect the first metal hard mask layer further enables a reduction in the thickness of the first metal hard mask layer.
US08114766B1
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which achieves a reduction in manufacturing cost and prevents, a damage on the interconnect layer by an influence of the etchant solution, since the support substrate can be easily stripped from the interconnect layer. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming an interconnect film, by forming a seed metal layer on a support substrate and a protective film contacting with an end of an interface between the support substrate and the seed metal layer, and by growing a plated material from a surface of the seed metal layer; mounting a semiconductor chip on the interconnect film; removing at least a portion of the protective film to form a region where the support substrate and the seed metal layer are exposed; and stripping the support substrate from the region as a starting point to remove thereof from the seed metal layer.
US08114761B2
Methods for doping a non-planar structure by forming a conformal doped silicon glass layer on the non-planar structure are disclosed. A substrate having the non-planar structure formed thereon is positioned in chemical vapor deposition process chamber to deposit a conformal SACVD layer of doped glass (e.g. BSG or PSG). The substrate is then exposed to RTP or laser anneal step to diffuse the dopant into the non-planar structure and the doped glass layer is then removed by etching.
US08114756B1
A method and manufacture for fabrication of flash memory is provided. In fabricating the periphery region of the flash memory, the low voltage gate oxides and high voltage gate oxides are grown to the same height as each other prior to STI etching. After STI etching and gap fill, the nitride above the high voltage gate oxide regions are etched, and the oxide in high voltage gate oxide regions is grown to the appropriate thickness for a high voltage gate oxide.
US08114753B2
A buried decoupling capacitor apparatus and method are provided. According to various embodiments, a buried decoupling capacitor apparatus includes a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate having a buried insulator region and top semiconductor region on the buried insulator region. The apparatus embodiment also includes a first capacitor plate having a doped region in the top semiconductor region in the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The apparatus embodiment further includes a dielectric material on the first capacitor plate, and a second capacitor plate on the dielectric material. According to various embodiments, the first capacitor plate, the dielectric material and the second capacitor plate form a decoupling capacitor for use in an integrated circuit.
US08114750B2
A disposable structure displaced from an edge of a gate electrode and a drain region aligned to the disposable structure is formed. Thus, the drain region is self-aligned to the edge of the gate electrode. The disposable structure may be a disposable spacer, or alternately, the disposable structure may be formed simultaneously with, and comprise the same material as, a gate electrode. After formation of the drain regions, the disposable structure is removed. The self-alignment of the drain region to the edge of the gate electrode provides a substantially constant drift distance that is independent of any overlay variation of lithographic processes.
US08114732B2
A method and system for forming a non-volatile memory structure. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate and forming a gate dielectric layer overlying a surface region of the semiconductor substrate. A polysilicon gate structure is formed overlying the gate dielectric layer. The method subjects the polysilicon gate structure to an oxidizing environment to cause formation of a first silicon oxide layer overlying the polysilicon gate structure and formation of an undercut region underneath the polysilicon gate structure. An aluminum oxide material is formed overlying the polysilicon gate structure filling the undercut region. In a specific embodiment, the aluminum oxide material has a nanocrystalline silicon material sandwiched between a first aluminum oxide layer and a second aluminum oxide layer. The aluminum oxide material is subjected to a selective etching process while maintaining the aluminum oxide material in an insert region in a portion of the undercut region. The method forms a sidewall structure overlying a side region of the polysilicon gate structure.
US08114728B2
A method for making an NMOS transistor on a semiconductor substrate includes reducing the thickness of the PMD layer to expose the polysilicon gate electrode of the NMOS transistor and the polysilicon gate electrode of the PMOS transistor, and then removing the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor. The method also includes depositing a NMOS-metal layer over the semiconductor substrate, depositing a fill-metal layer over the NMOS-metal layer, and then reducing the thickness of the NMOS metal layer and the fill metal layer to expose the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistor and the PMOS transistor.
US08114716B2
Carbon nanotube template arrays may be edited to form connections between proximate nanotubes and/or to delete undesired nanotubes or nanotube junctions.
US08114715B2
A resistive random access memory including, an insulating layer, a hard mask layer, a bottom electrode, a memory cell and a top electrode is provided. The insulating layer is disposed on the bottom electrode. The insulating layer has a contact hole having a first width. The hard mask layer has an opening. A portion of the memory cell is exposed from the opening and has a second width smaller than the first width. The top electrode is disposed on the insulating layer and is coupled with the memory cell.
US08114708B2
A system and method for forming an embedded chip package is disclosed. The embedded chip package includes a first chip portion having a plurality of pre-patterned re-distribution layers joined together to form a pre-patterned lamination stack, with the pre-patterned lamination stack having a die opening extending therethrough. The embedded chip package also includes a die positioned in the die opening and a second chip portion having at least one uncut re-distribution layer, with the second chip portion affixed to each of the first chip portion and the die and being patterned to be electrically connected to both of the first chip portion and the die.
US08114704B2
Disclosed herein are a method for fabricating an organic thin film transistor, including treating the surfaces of a gate insulating layer and source/drain electrodes with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-forming compound through a one-pot reaction, and an organic thin film transistor fabricated by the method. According to example embodiments, the surface-treatment of the gate insulating layer and the source/drain electrodes may be performed in a single vessel through a single process.
US08114695B2
A method of producing a solid-state image pickup element includes forming a hole portion, forming a first-conductive type high-concentration impurity region in a bottom wall of the hole portion, and forming a first-conductive type high-concentration impurity-doped element isolation region in a part of a sidewall of the hole portion and connected to the first-conductive type high-concentration impurity region. The method also includes forming a second-conductive type photoelectric conversion region beneath the first-conductive type high-concentration impurity region and adapted to undergo a change in charge amount upon receiving light, and forming a transfer electrode formed on the sidewall of the hole portion through a gate dielectric film. The method further includes forming a second-conductive type CCD channel region in a top surface of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer, and forming a read channel sandwiched between the second-conductive type photoelectric conversion region and the second-conductive type CCD channel region.
US08114689B2
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a light emitting diode (LED) chip for a chip on board and a method for manufacturing an LED light source module in a chip on board fashion. The method of the present invention includes forming a plurality of LED chips on a wafer, molding a region of each LED chip, cutting the wafer into each LED chip, and testing each LED chip for operating characteristics.
US08114679B2
An optical biosensing platform for the real-time detection of the occurrence of a binding event, the optical biosensing platform comprising a nanocrystalline zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) substrate having a surface and being capable of emitting photoluminescence and a surface modifier formed integral with at least a portion of the surface of the nano-ZnO substrate, wherein the surface modifier is capable of binding to a biomolecule and wherein when the surface modifier binds with a biomolecule, a change is induced in the emitted photoluminescent properties of the nano-ZnO substrate, thereby enabling the detection of a binding event.
US08114670B2
Methods of forming soft connective tissue compositions such as skin equivalents, compositions made by the methods and their uses. In particular, a method of forming a connective tissue equivalent, comprising the steps of: (i) incubating collagen-producing cells in or on a support matrix; (ii) inducing and/or enhancing collagen production by the collagen-producing cells to form a collagenous construct and degradation and replacement of the support matrix; (iii) freeze-drying the construct; and (iv) re-populating the freeze-dried construct with collagen-producing cells and/or epithelial cells and/or endothelial cells and/or mesenchymal cells, thereby forming a connective tissue equivalent, wherein: (a) the collagen-producing cells are substantially fibroblasts; for example human neonatal dermal fibroblasts; (b) the support matrix is a provisional support matrix in which the support matrix is a fibrin matrix, for example formed by thrombin-mediated polymerisation of fibrinogen; and (c) as a result of the collagen production by the collagen-producing cells the provisional fibrin support matrix is digested by the cells and is replaced by collagen, thereby essentially replacing the provisional fibrin matrix with a collagen matrix synthesised in situ by the cells.
US08114662B2
The invention provides ion-selective sensors comprising quantum dots capable of selectively measuring ions, e.g., Na+, K+, Cl−, etc., in various environments, including in the cytosol of a living cell. Quantum dots are attractive probes for microscopy due to their photophysical advantages over fluorescent dyes, including prolonged photostability, brightness and quantum efficiency. In certain embodiments, a sensor comprises one or more quantum dots, a pH-sensitive dye, and optionally an ion-selective component such as an ionophore. These elements may, for example, be disposed in a polymer matrix. In certain embodiments, the sensors may detect ionic analytes by selective ion extraction by the polymer, thereby inducing a pH change within the sensor which in turn changes the absorbance of the pH-sensitive dye. The change of absorbance may in turn attenuate the intensity of detectable emissions, e.g., fluorescence, from the quantum dot by directly absorbing its fluorescence emission.
US08114658B2
The present invention provides a moisturizer comprising heat-killed cells of Lactobacillus plantarum as an active ingredient. The moisturizer of the present invention improves the water retention capacity of the stratum corneum, and is useful for prevention and improvement of rough skin.
US08114656B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one neutral metalloprotease enzyme that has improved storage stability. In some embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease finds use in cleaning and other applications. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions comprising neutral metalloprotease(s) obtained from Bacillus sp. In some more particularly preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is obtained from B. amyloliquefaciens. In still further preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a variant of the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. In yet additional embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a homolog of the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. The present invention finds particular use in applications including, but not limited to cleaning, bleaching and disinfecting.
US08114654B2
Compositions and methods of producing components of protein biosynthetic machinery that include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases, which incorporate redox active amino acids into proteins are provided. Methods for identifying these orthogonal pairs are also provided along with methods of producing proteins with redox active amino acids using these orthogonal pairs.
US08114653B2
The present disclosure is related to thermostable Y-family polymerases, in particular several novel Y-family polymerases and chimeras made therefrom, as well as methods of identifying other Y-family polymerases, methods of generating other chimeric Y-family polymerases, methods of amplifying ancient or damaged DNA, and methods of incorporating fluorescent or modified nucleotides into a DNA molecule.
US08114646B2
The present invention provides a method for treating cell culture vessels including multi-layer cell culture vessels with ultrasonic energy to dissociate cells growing on surfaces of cell culture vessels.
US08114645B2
The present invention provides methods of increasing production of an isoprenoid or an isoprenoid precursor in a host cell, the methods generally involving modulating the level of activity of a fatty acid biosynthetic pathway enzyme in the host cell and/or culturing the host cell in a culture medium comprising a fatty acid or a compound that can be metabolized in a cell or broken down in the medium to yield a fatty acid and/or culturing the host cell in a culture medium having increased osmolarity.
US08114641B2
This invention describes genes, metabolic pathways, microbial strains and methods to produce methyl butanol and other compounds of interest from renewable feedstocks.
US08114639B2
The present invention provides a method for producing an L-amino acid using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly a bacterium belonging to genus Escherichia or Pantoea, which has been modified to attenuate expression of the sfmACDFH-fimZ cluster and/or the fimZ gene.
US08114633B2
The present invention relates, in general, to methods for detecting and quantitating plasma-derived protein and recombinant protein in a sample based on the difference in protein glycosylation, when the plasma protein and the recombinant protein are essentially the same protein.
US08114627B2
The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that can incorporate the unnatural amino acid sulfotyrosine into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides encoding the novel synthetase molecules, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing proteins containing the unnatural amino acid sulfotyrosine and translation systems.
US08114625B2
The invention describes a method for cell analysis in which the cells to be analyzed are adhesively applied to a slide and stained with a first stain. A first digital image is then taken and stored of the cells applied to the slide and stained. After the first digital image is taken, these same cells are treated with a second stain while on the same slide in such a way that their optically measurable properties change. A second digital image is then taken of the cells applied to the slide and stored. According to the invention, a group of preparations with cells to be analyzed is first stained with a stain of a highly sensitive analysis method, and only the preparations with positive findings are further processed.
US08114624B2
The present invention pertains to the domain of brain diseases, and provides novel markers and methods for diagnosing a brain alteration in an individual, especially in patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The present invention also provides tools for evaluating the probability, for an individual, of developing the disease, as well as a target for identifying new drugs for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In particular, the invention provides a genetic marker based on combination of two single nucleotide polymorphism, at positions −389 and −241 of the ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) gene.
US08114616B2
The invention provides an ELISA assay for the determination of serum mast cell β-tryptase levels using rabbit anti-tryptase as the capture antibody and alkaline phosphatase conjugated G3 as the detecting antibody. Luminescent substrate CPSD was used to enhance the assay sensitivity. Also provided are methods for aiding in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome by detecting the serum level of β-tryptase, histamine and/or prostaglandin E2.
US08114598B2
The present invention relates to an assay including a surface having silver colloids or islands attached thereto. Attached to the surface and/or silver colloids/islands are polynucleotides which are complimentary to a target polynucleotide sequence. The assay is performed by adding the target polynucleotide sequence to the assay surface and allowed to hybridize with the capture polynucleotides. Fluorophore-labeled capture polynucleotides are added and hybridize to the target polynucleotide. Bound target polynucleotides are detected by metal enhanced fluorescence.
US08114594B2
The invention relates generally to the fields of making biological unit lysates or admixtures of body fluids and of RNA analysis. More specifically, it relates to direct methods for the detection of a specific sequence of RNA in a biological unit, for example a virus, cell or tissue sample, or a body fluid, for example saliva, sputum, blood plasma, etc. More generally, the invention may be used to enzymatically manipulate and protect the RNA in lysate or bodily fluids for a number of applications.
US08114593B2
Using gene expression analysis, specific biomarker genes and gene products have been identified which are activated in transformed cells, but suppressed in nontransformed cells; or suppressed in transformed cells, but activated in transformed cells affected by Contact Normalization. Thus, the present invention features compositions and methods for detecting, diagnosing, treating and prognosing cancer.
US08114591B2
A method of observing reaction intermediaries during a chemical reaction and comprising detecting an electrical signal output from an ion sensitive field effect transistor exposed to said reaction, and monitoring the detected electrical signal to discriminate discrete fluctuations in the electrical signal, the discrete fluctuations indicating reaction intermediaries occurring during a chemical reaction.
US08114590B2
The present invention provides diagnostic methods and kits for diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by determining expression levels of isoforms of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) associated with CLL, particularly, PDE7B and/or PDE3B, and a ratio of mRNA expression of PDE7B to PDE3B. The present invention provides that CLL lymphocytes uniformly expressed high levels of PDE7B and low levels of PDE3B relative to those of normal lymphocytes. A method of treatment and a pharmaceutical composition for CLL comprising one or more therapeutic agents capable of modulating expression or activity levels of isoforms of PDEs associated with CLL, and/or reversing the ratio of PDE7B/PDE3B mRNA expression levels are also provided.
US08114589B2
A method for electronically stabilizing hybridization of nucleic acids bound at a test site of a microelectronic device is described. First and second negatively charged nucleic acids are provided, the second nucleic acid being bound to the test site. A zwitterionic buffer having a conductance of less than 100 mS/cm is applied to the microelectronic device. A current is applied to the test site to positively bias the test site, such that the first negatively charged nucleic acid is transported to the positively biased test site having the bound the second negatively charged nucleic acid. At the test site, the first and second negatively charged nucleic acids hybridize. The zwitterionic buffer acquires a net positive charge under influence of the current, such that the positively charged zwitterionic buffer stabilizes the hybridization by reducing the repulsion between the first and second negatively charged nucleic acids.
US08114582B2
The inventive subject matter relates to a method for detecting the presence of a biological substance of interest in a test sample of saliva or oral fluid, comprising combining said test sample with a fluorescence-labeled ligand to said biological substance and detecting a change in the fluorescence polarization of said test sample produced by binding of said fluorescence-labeled ligand to said biological substance. In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, said method comprises additional steps for comparing the fluorescence polarization of said test sample with the fluorescence polarization of a control solution. Also provided is a miniaturized, portable apparatus for measuring the fluorescence polarization of a liquid sample.
US08114581B2
Methods and compositions for identifying neoplastic cells in a biological sample are provided.
US08114569B2
A process for curing photopolymer which comprises exposing the photopolymer to an image produced by a mask-free imaging apparatus. The image may be generated by a monochromatic display screen, e.g. a liquid crystal display, light emitting diodes, a cathode ray tube or plasma screen.
US08114565B2
Provided is a toner production method that reuses a fine particle toner having a particle diameter failing to meet a predetermined standard diameter which is generated in pulverizing and classifying processes carried out for a toner material including at least a binder resin, release agent and pigment. The method includes granulating the fine particle toner by means of a granulating apparatus so as to increase a loose apparent density of the fine particle toner from the range of 0.05 g/cc to 0.25 g/cc to the range of 0.30 g/cc to 0.60 g/cc, in which wherein the granulating apparatus contains two left and right press rolls having the same diameters, the two press rolls having a rotational speed ratio of 0.40 to 0.95.
US08114558B2
Use of pigments of the formula (I) containing melamine as guest compound and having a dispersion harshness of more than 250 as pigments for color filters for liquid-crystal displays.
US08114554B2
An arrangement for a direct methanol fuel cell includes a fuel cartridge that supplies a source of fuel to the direct methanol fuel cell. The fuel cartridge has a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel cartridge. The arrangement also includes a fuel reservoir that receives fuel from the fuel cartridge, the fuel reservoir arranged to deliver fuel to the fuel cell. The fuel reservoir also including a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel reservoir. The combination of the surface area enhanced planar vaporization membranes residing in the fuel cartridge and reservoir provides a dual stage vaporization of fuel to the fuel cell. Other features included are passive or active arrangements to increase the temperature of the fuel or reduce pressure in the fuel container to enhance rate of vaporization.
US08114546B2
A temperature adjustment member is arranged to control temperature of a reformer independently of temperature of a fuel cell module. The reformer is structured as a three-fluid heat exchanger into which a fluid is introducible whose temperature is higher or lower than exhaust-gas temperature of the fuel cell module. Then, the temperature of the reformer is controlled independently of operation temperature of the fuel cell by introducing the higher-temperature or lower-temperature fluid into the reformer. Also, a high-temperature or low-temperature gas is mixed with the module's exhaust gas, thereby adjusting temperature of the exhaust gas itself. This also controls the temperature of the reformer independently of the operation temperature of the fuel cell.
US08114545B2
A waterless power generator, particularly a waterless electrical power generator and a passively controlled process for producing electricity with a fuel cell using stoichiometric amounts of a solid hydrogen fuel and byproduct water vapor produced by the fuel cell to generate hydrogen gas. A fuel cell reaction of hydrogen and oxygen produces electrical energy as well as by-product water which diffuses back into the power generator as water vapor to react with the hydrogen fuel, producing more hydrogen gas. This generated hydrogen gas is then used as a fuel which allows the fuel cell to generate additional electrical power and additional water. The process runs without any attached water source or water supply other than the water which is produced by the fuel cells themselves.
US08114541B2
An electrochemical energy generation system can include a sealed vessel that contains inside (i) at least one electrochemical cell, which has two electrodes and a reaction zone between them; (ii) a liquefied halogen reactant, such as a liquefied molecular chlorine; (iii) at least one metal halide electrolyte; and (iv) a flow circuit that can be used for delivering the halogen reactant and the electrolyte to the at least one cell. The sealed vessel can maintain an inside pressure above a liquefication pressure for the halogen reactant. Also disclosed are methods of using and methods of making for electrochemical energy generation systems.
US08114539B2
Disclosed herein is a battery cartridge configured in a frame structure to mount a plate-shaped battery cell therein, the battery cartridge comprising a pair of plate-shaped frames configured to fix the outer circumference of the battery cell in a state in which at least one side of the battery cell is open, wherein each of the frames is provided at the outside thereof with an elastic pressing member configured to fix a heat dissipation member to the open side of the battery cell in a tight contact manner upon manufacture of a battery module.
US08114535B2
A battery pack assembly comprising a plurality of battery packs each including a plurality of cells and at least one metering plate for metering the quantity of air flowing respectively through each of the air paths of the battery packs. An inlet metering plate is disposed upstream of the battery packs to meter the uneven flow of cooling air generated by the inlet manifold. The inlet metering plate utilizes a plurality of apertures, which can vary in size and shape, to produce equal streams of cooling air to cool all the battery packs to a substantially uniform temperature. An outlet metering plate can be disposed downstream of the battery packs to meter the flow of outgoing cooling air through the channels of the upper cylindrical sections to produce equal air flow around all of the cells in a stack to cool all of the cells to a substantially uniform temperature.
US08114534B2
A fuel cell system is described that enables discharge of moisture generated by the fuel cell system based on pressure differences between components of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell that discharges oxidant offgas via a cathode discharge pipe and discharges fuel offgas and moisture to an anode drain opening that in turn discharges the fuel offgas and the moisture to a gas-liquid separator via an anode drainpipe. A throttle valve establishes a pressure difference downstream within the anode drainpipe to enable movement of the fuel offgas and the moisture from the anode drain opening to a lower pressure area of the gas-liquid separator. In addition, the pressure difference enables the fuel offgas to flow from the gas-liquid separator to the cathode discharge pipe through the throttle valve.
US08114528B2
To form a welded joint having a sufficiently high fracture toughness value δc by butting welding high strength steel plates having a yield strength of the 355 MPa class or more and a plate thickness of over 50 mm by electron beam welding, the butt welded joint is made one where the hardness of the weld metal is 110% to 220% of the hardness of the base material and where the width of the weld metal is 20% A or less of the base material plate thickness.
US08114527B2
A highly corrosion-resistant, rust-prevention coating material comprising: an inorganic binder; and Zn metal particles comprised of Zn and unavoidable impurities and dispersed in the binder at the rate of 30 mass % or greater based on a dry coating film, wherein (i) the Zn metal particles include (i-1) fine-grain Zn metal particles of 0.05 to 5 μm peak grain diameter whose grain-diameter distribution has a grain-diameter frequency distribution with a single peak and a tail on either side of the peak and (i-2) coarse-grain Zn metal particles of 6 to 100 μm peak grain diameter whose grain-diameter distribution has a grain-diameter frequency distribution with another single peak and a tail on either side of the peak, and wherein (ii) the percentage of all Zn metal particles accounted for by Zn metal particles of 0.05 to 5 μm grain diameter expressed in volume percentage is 5 to 99%.
US08114524B2
Precision-folded, high strength, fatigue-resistant structures and a sheet therefore are disclosed. To form the structures, methods for precision bending of a sheet of material along a bend line and a sheet of material formed with bending strap-defining structures, such as slits or grooves, are disclosed. Methods include steps of designing and then separately forming longitudinally extending slits or grooves through the sheet of material in axially spaced relation to produce precise bending of the sheet when bent along the bend line. The bending straps have a configuration and orientation which increases their strength and fatigue resistance, and most preferably slits or arcs are used which causes edges to be engaged and supported on faces of the sheet material on opposite sides of the slits or arcs. The edge-to-face contact produces bending along a virtual fulcrum position in superimposed relation to the bend line. Several slit embodiments suitable for producing edge-to-face engagement support and precise bending are disclosed. With these teachings, forming numerous three-dimensional load-bearing structures from a two dimensional sheet are enabled. Examples of straight and curved beams, chassis, and exoskeletons are disclosed.
US08114522B2
Disclosed is a resin composition forming an adhesive layer between a polylactic acid resin substrate layer and a polyolefin resin substrate layer. The resin composition includes a modified polyolefin resin (A) and a terpene resin (B), and the mass ratio (A)/(B) between the both resins (A) and (B) is 20/80 to 99/1. Alternatively, the resin composition may be a resin composition including 10 to 90% by mass of a polylactic acid resin (C), 5 to 89% by mass of the modified polyolefin resin (A) and 1 to 80% by mass of a hydrogenated petroleum resin (D), with the total amount of these resins constrained to be 100% by mass.
US08114506B2
A helical textile of uniform thickness having uniform radial weft fibers from a textile ID to a textile OD; and non-interlaced circumferential warp fiber bundles having equal width and height that increases from the textile ID to the textile OD, thereby forming a helical textile having a uniform thickness from textile ID to OD. Other embodiment includes non-interlaced circumferential warp fiber bundles having an equal cross section area, a height that increases from the textile ID to the textile OD, and a width that decreases from textile ID to textile OD. Yet another embodiment includes a helical textile of a uniform thickness having circumferential warp fibers; and more than one radial weft fiber bundles, each radial weft fiber bundle occupying a zone between two selected radial distances between the textile ID and OD, wherein the cross sectional areas of the radial weft fiber bundles increases from helical textile ID to OD.
US08114503B2
Clear or tinted window panes of glass or plastic having a pattern or dots, vertical lines, horizontal lines or a combination of vertical and horizontal lines in a regular pattern on a surface of the pane, the pattern being visible to the avian eye to prevent birds from striking or colliding with the window pane and having optical characteristics of ultraviolet reflection separated by ultraviolet absorption.
US08114500B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a polyimide film with excellent passage characteristic, especially in an automatic optical inspection system (AOI), not to mention running characteristic (easy slip characteristic) and adhesion.
US08114497B2
A method of manufacturing an optical disc comprises the steps of: (1) forming a substrate including an inner supporting section and an outer information recording section, the inner supporting section having a thickness larger than that of the outer information recording section; and (2) forming a vibration suppressing layer by printing UV curable paste three to five times over the surface of the non-recording side of the outer information recording section from an inner edge of the outer information recording section to a designated diameter, wherein the printed UV curable paste has a weight of 15% to 25% of the weight of the substrate, and at least 90% of the weight of the printed UV curable paste is distributed within a circular region with diameter 90 mm to 110 mm, each time the UV curable paste printed not exceeding 5% of the weight of the substrate.
US08114493B2
Disclosed is a pipe resin composition. The composition comprises a polyethylene pipe resin, a primary antioxidant, and an acid. The composition of the invention has an increased oxidative induction time (OIT) and environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR).
US08114492B2
Labeled thin-wall containers molded from pre-expanded expandable thermoplastic particles having a label disposed over at least a portion of the outer surface of the container. The particles are coated with a composition that includes at least 2,500 ppm of a salt of a C8 to C32 carboxylic acid based on the weight of the particles. The label has a thickness of from 10 μm to 1,500 μm and the sidewall has a thickness of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. An aqueous beverage at 80° C. does not leak from the container after being left undisturbed for 24 hours and the container has a rim strength of at least 0.54 kg. The containers are made by placing a label against an inner surface of a female portion of a two-part mold; closing the mold to form a mold cavity; filling the mold cavity with the particles; and fusing the particles.
US08114490B2
The invention relates to a crumpled paper tube for use as a cushion in packing items, and to a method and apparatus for producing the same.
US08114489B2
A composite material has a host dielectric with an artificial plasmon medium embedded in the host. The artificial plasmon medium has a dielectric function of less than 1, and a plasma frequency selected to result in the permittivity of the composite being substantially equal to 1.
US08114488B2
This invention relates to a window designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. In certain example embodiments, the window may include an insulating glass (IG) window unit having first and second substrates spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one of the substrates supports an ultraviolet (UV) reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation so that birds are capable of more easily seeing the window. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions and thus bird deaths can be reduced.
US08114485B1
The present subject matter includes apparatus and methods for a heat shrinkable water resistant image medium. The method can include providing a shrinkable coating comprising a polyurethane dispersion and applying the coating to a shrinkable substrate. The shrinkable substrate and the shrinkable coating are configured to accept ink, shrink when exposed to heat and, after shrinking, retain the ink when the substrate and coating are exposed to moisture.
US08114480B2
The invention relates to a method for deposition of at least one layer containing at least one first component on at least one substrate in a process chamber, wherein first and second starting materials are introduced in gaseous form into the process chamber in alternation cyclically, at least the first starting material of which contains the first component, to deposit essentially only one layer of the first component in each cycle. To widen the spectrum of available starting materials suitable for the process, it is proposed that the first starting material shall consist of two β-diketones and one diene coordinated with one ruthenium atom, and a limiter shall be introduced into the process chamber simultaneously with or some time after the first starting material, such that deposition of the first component on the substrate is automatically concluded after the first layer is completed, wherein the limiter is or contains octane, butyl acetates, tetrahydrofuran, methanol, ethanol, isobutylamines, triethylamines, butanol, cyclohexane, isooctane, dioxane, dimethylformamide, pyridine and/or toluene.
US08114474B1
A metallic glass particle layer is applied to aluminum alloy armor and friction stir mixed into the surface in order to embed the material into the armor and to take advantage of its exceptional hardness. An advantage of the invention is that the hard material is an integral part of the armor, included within the body of the armor plate and not merely a surface coating. The advantage of the friction stir process is that it generates relatively low levels of heat and magnetic measurements show that the amorphous phase condition of the metallic glass is not deteriorated. The armor may be tempered to improve properties.
US08114467B2
Provided are hydrophobic layer formed by polymer represented by Formula 1 below and has a weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 500,000 g/mol, hydrophobic layer including the polymer and an electronic articles including the hydrophobic layer: wherein Q1, and Q2 are independently linear or branched C1-C10 alkylene groups, R1 and R2 are independently ether and/or ester containing substituents, R3 to R7 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an amino group, a C1-C10 alkyl group and a C6-C12 aryl group; and the ratio of a:b+c is from 10:1 to 1:1,000. A coated electronic article comprising the hydrophobic layer and a method of forming the coated electronic article are also provided.
US08114461B2
A nutritional fat or oil-based composition for increasing HDL cholesterol, decreasing LDL cholesterol and decreasing the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio in human plasma is described. The composition typically includes at least 1% by weight myristic acid esterified at the sn-2 position in triglyceride molecules, includes between 10% and 40% by weight linoleic acid, and further includes between 30% and 65% by weight oleic acid and between 15% and 40% by weight total saturated fatty acids. The ratio of sn-2 myristic acid to sn-2 palmitic acid is typically greater than 1:1 and the sum of weight percentages for saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids equals 100%. In desirable cases, the composition is substantially cholesterol-free.
US08114457B2
The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present application are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.
US08114456B2
The invention relates to a sweet that has a long shelf life and is provided in the form of a soft, creamy, shape-retaining, and foamed mass comprising milk components, edible fats, sugar and/or sugar substitutes, and water. At least one portion of the edible fat is provided in a crystallized form at ambient temperature. The inventive sweet does not contain any lactose crystals that can be perceived by the consumer. The milk protein content amounts to 5.5 to 20% by weight while the fat-free dry milk content ranges between 14 and 55% by weight and the degree of denaturation of the whey protein amounts to ≦10%. The inventive sweet is characterized by the fact that the crystallized and non-crystallized edible fat agglomerates have a volume-related particle size D50,3 of 3.5 to 18 μm.
US08114455B2
A palatable, edible soft chewable medication vehicle for delivery of a pharmaceutically acceptable active ingredient, such as a drug, to an animal or human subject. The edible soft chews contain only food grade or better inactive ingredients, and preferably do not contain ingredients of animal origin. Processes for manufacturing the edible soft chews do not require the use of heat or the addition of water during mixing of active and inactive ingredients, provide stable concentrations of the active ingredient, and produce chews of consistent weight and texture.
US08114454B2
The present invention relates to methods for producing dimensionally stable low carbohydrate pet food compositions.
US08114451B2
A resealable package integrity closure includes a film layer forming a top of container and having a flap defining an access opening to gain access to the contents of the container. A sealing panel completely covers the flap of the film layer. A releasable adhesive is provided on either or both the film layer and the sealing panel for adhering the sealing panel to the film layer. The sealing panel is releasable from the film layer by pulling the sealing panel back in a peeling direction and reclosable against the top to seal the access opening when the sealing panel is moved back against the top. A coating of transferable material is provided on either the sealing panel or on the film layer, which is transferable therebetween, respectively, when the sealing panel is pulled back from the film layer for a first time to provide a visual indication that the closure has been previously opened.
US08114437B2
A nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle that is capable of suspending an active agent. The nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle includes at least one solvent and at least one polymer and is formulated to exhibit phase separation upon contact with an aqueous environment. The at least one solvent may be selected from the group consisting of benzyl benzoate, decanol, ethyl hexyl lactate, and mixtures thereof and the at least one polymer may be selected from the group consisting of a polyester, pyrrolidone, ester of an unsaturated alcohol, ether of an unsaturated alcohol, polyoxyethylenepolyoxypropylene block copolymer, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the at least one solvent is benzyl benzoate and the at least one polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone. A stable, nonaqueous suspension formulation that includes the nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle and an active agent, and a method of forming the same, are also disclosed.
US08114433B2
A hemostatic device for promoting the clotting of blood includes a gauze substrate, a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate, and also a polyol such as glycerol or the like disposed on the gauze substrate to bind the clay material. When the device is used to treat a bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with blood emanating from the wound to cause the clotting. A bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood includes a flexible substrate and a gauze substrate mounted thereon. The gauze substrate includes a clay material and a polyol. A hemostatic sponge also includes a gauze substrate and a dispersion of hemostatic material and a polyol on a first surface of the substrate.
US08114428B2
The present invention relates to compositions devices and methods for treating bone and/or cartilage defects, and a method for manufacturing such a composition or device. In a certain embodiment, the invention provides a device and/or composition for treating bone and/or cartilage defects, having at least one collagen, for example of animal origin, and further containing at least one substance having an osteo-inductive or chondro-inductive activity, at least one differentiation and/or growth factor having osteo-stimulative and/or chondro-stimulative effect, and at least one filling material, in which the composition is in the form of a lyophil.
US08114424B2
Copolymers having linked internal polyether blocks and internal polyamide blocks have advantageous physical properties and solvent-gelling abilities. The copolymer may be prepared from a reaction mixture that contains 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid (CHDA) and poly(alkyleneoxy) diamine (PAODA). Optionally, the reaction mixture contains no monofunctional compound reactive with either amine or carboxylic acid groups, however some of this monofunctional compound may be present. Dimer diamine and/or dimer acid may be present in the reaction mixture. A copolymer may also be prepared from a reaction mixture containing dimer acid and at least two diamine compound(s) including PAODA and short-chain aliphatic diamine having 2-6 carbons (SDA), wherein: a) the reaction mixture comprises x grams of PAODA and y grams of SDA, and x/(x+y) is 0.8-0.98; b) the reaction mixture weighs z grams, and x/z is at least 0.25; and c) the reaction mixture contains either no co-diacid, or comprises a small amount of co-diacid, wherein, if the reaction mixture comprises a small amount of co-diacid, then acid equivalents from co-diacid contribute less than 25% of the total acid equivalents present in the reaction mixture.
US08114420B2
The present invention is directed to a composition for treating dry eye comprising, in one embodiment, carboxymethylcellulose and a polyol. Such compositions have been found to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye and remain in the eye for a long period of time.
US08114415B2
Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. A method of producing a cold adapted (ca) influenza virus that replicates efficiently at, e.g., 25° C. (and immunogenic compositions comprising the same) is also provided.
US08114414B2
The present invention provides methods of treating, protecting against, and inducing an immune response against cervical cancer, comprising the step of administering to a subject a recombinant Listeria strain, comprising a fusion peptide that comprises an LLO fragment and an E7 and/or E6 antigen. The present invention also provides methods for inducing an anti-E7 response in a human subject and treating HPV-mediated diseases, disorders, and symptoms comprising administration of the recombinant Listeria strain.
US08114412B2
The invention relates to T. cruzi trans-sialidase (TS) and to the neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing activities of the protein. TS, neurotrophic variants and/or neurotrophic peptides based upon the sequence of TS can be administered to a mammal to directly or indirectly provide neurotrophic support for neurons. A mammalian neurotrophic factor (e.g., CNTF, LIF) can be co-administered with the TS, neurotrophic variant and/or neurotrophic peptide. TS, IL-6 secretion-inducing variants and/or IL-6 secretion-inducing peptides based upon the sequence of TS can be administered to a mammal to induce the secretion of IL-6. TS, active variants and/or active peptides can be administered to a mammal having an acquired or congenital condition characterized by neuronal degeneration or to a mammal that has experienced trauma to the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. The invention also relates to neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing variants of TS and to neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing peptides. The invention also relates to compositions comprising TS, active variants thereof and/or active peptides and a physiologically acceptable carrier.
US08114405B2
Polynucleotides encoding a nonfunctional mutant form of the Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) molecule, nonfunctional mutated BORIS protein, polypeptide or peptide and modified protein forms of BORIS are described. These molecules are used as a therapeutic vaccine against cancer.
US08114396B2
This invention relates to a novel strain of Megasphaera elsdenii and its uses. This invention further relates to preparations and methods incorporating such strain. This invention also relates to feedstuffs for ruminants and a preparation and method for the prevention and treatment of lactic acidosis in ruminants. This invention even further relates to a method of isolating a biologically pure culture of a superior ruminal microorganism in a relatively shorter time period than conventional methods. This invention yet further relates to a method of achieving any one or more of the following improvements in ruminants namely increased milk production; improved feedlot performance; improved growth rate; decrease in finishing time; lower digestive morbidity and mortality; lower incidence of lactic acidosis and related diseases; improved feed conversion efficiency; decrease in roughage content in feeds; and capability to feed on relatively higher concentrate diets.
US08114385B2
The invention relates to stable oleaginous cosmetic or therapeutic foam compositions containing certain active agents, having unique therapeutic properties and methods of treatment using such compositions. The foamable composition includes a polyethylene glycol (PEG) or PEG derivative and mixtures thereof, wherein the PEG or PEG derivative is present at a concentration of about 70% to about 96.5% by weight of the total composition; a surface-active agent at a concentration of about 0.1% to less than about 10% by weight of the total composition; and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one active agent.
US08114381B2
Positron emitting compounds and methods of their production are provided. The compounds have the formula: (F)m G (R)n wherein each R is a group comprising at least one carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus or sulfur atom and G is joined to R through said carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus or sulfur atom; G is silicon or boron; m is 2 to 5 and n is 1 to 3 with m+n=3 to 6 when G is silicon; m is 1 to 3 and n is 1 to 3 with m+n=3 to 4 when G is boron; and wherein the compound further comprises one or more counterions when the above formula is charged; and wherein at least one F is 18F.
US08114373B2
Disclosed is a method of exfoliating a layered material (e.g., graphite and graphite oxide) to produce nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm, typically smaller than 10 nm, and often between 0.34 nm and 1.02 nm. The method comprises: (a) subjecting the layered material in a powder form to a halogen vapor at a first temperature above the melting point or sublimation point of the halogen at a sufficient vapor pressure and for a duration of time sufficient to cause the halogen molecules to penetrate an interlayer space of the layered material, forming a stable halogen-intercalated compound; and (b) heating the halogen-intercalated compound at a second temperature above the boiling point of the halogen, allowing halogen atoms or molecules residing in the interlayer space to exfoliate the layered material to produce the platelets. Alternatively, rather than heating, step (a) is followed by a step of dispersing the halogen-intercalated compound in a liquid medium which is subjected to ultrasonication for exfoliating the halogen-intercalated compound to produce the platelets, which are dispersed in the liquid medium. The halogen can be readily captured and re-used, thereby significantly reducing the impact of halogen to the environment. The method can further include a step of dispersing the platelets in a polymer or monomer solution or suspension as a precursor step to nanocomposite fabrication.
US08114365B2
The present invention relates generally to a process for removing dissolved or colloidal silica from a pregnant leach solution (“PLS”). More particularly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a process which mixes PLS with an acid source, preferably lean electrolyte, to induce formation of colloidal silica that can then be collected and removed. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one silica seeding agent is added to induce formation of colloidal silica, at least one flocculant is added to induce aggregation of the colloidal silica, and a solid-liquid separation process is utilized to remove advantageous amounts or substantially all of the colloidal silica, thereby providing relief from supersaturation of dissolved silica in the metal recovery processes.
US08114363B1
A system for and method of conversion of electrical energy into gaseous and liquid fuels, comprising steps of and means for provide a hydrocarbon fuels, including a collector for collecting carbon dioxide gas from a carbon dioxide gas source, a means for reducing at least a portion of the collected carbon dioxide gas to carbon monoxide, a means for producing hydrogen from a hydrogen source and a vessel for thermo-chemically reacting the hydrogen gas with carbon dioxide in a Fischer-Tropsch type process in the presence of a catalyst and heat.
US08114361B2
A metering device for utilization with a syringe, which features on a syringe cylinder a fastening portion with at least one axially directed sensing surface projecting from the upside, and at least one alignment nose projecting from the outer perimeter of the fastening portion, and a plunger with a plunger rod, the metering device having an accommodation for the fastening portion of the syringe cylinder, the accommodation having an axial opening for axially inserting the fastening portion into a fastening position, a sensing device disposed in the accommodation with at least one sensing means projecting from a basis surface of the sensing device facing the axial opening, for sensing the at least one sensing surface of a fastening portion inserted in a fastening position.
US08114359B2
An SNCR distribution grid for introducing a NOx reducing reactant into a flue gas flow. The grid is made of one or more elements which are formed by fluid-cooled tubes to which membrane pieces are attached, preferably by welding, to form conduits in between the tubes. The fluid-cooled tubes may be cooled by water and/or steam and the distribution grid is disposed in the flue gas flow. To admit the reactant into the flue gas, nozzles are provided in the membrane and the reactant is conveyed from a location external of the furnace or combustor enclosure, into the conduits so formed, and thence out into the Flue gas flow via the nozzles.
US08114356B2
Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.
US08114350B1
A system is disclosed that extracts bodily fluid to a reaction chamber for monitoring a substance or property of the patient fluid. In one embodiment, a pump is used to advance the sample of bodily fluid through a filter to produce a filtrate. Another pump advances filtrate into the reaction chamber, while another pump advances reactant into the reaction chamber. A sensor in communication with the reaction chamber determines a concentration of nitric oxide or one of its metabolic products. Methods are also disclosed.
US08114340B2
The present invention relates to the field of solid state capacitors, and in particular to capacitors that have an anode body formed of porous valve action material, such as tantalum, niobium or niobium monoxide. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming capacitor anode bodies from valve action material comprising the steps of: providing a capacitor grade powder of the valve action material, charging the powder into a press mold, compacting the powder in the mold so as to shape the powder into an anode body shape, stabilizing the body shape, for example by sintering of the material to form an inter-connected porous body, characterized in that the molding process involves the use of a lubricant applied locally to lubricate the interface between an outside surface of the anode body and a molding surface of the mold.
US08114339B2
A high temperature evaporator is made using an electrically insulating crucible and a heating element made of woven graphite fibers. The crucible is manufactured out of an electrically insulating block to the required shape, and channels are machined on the walls of the crucible. The woven graphite cord is threaded through the channels and is used as heating elements. Since the heating cords are made of woven graphite, they are very flexible and do not embrittle. They can be manufactured to various resistivity as needed, allowing for relatively inexpensive power supplies and low current power delivery. The cords are not fragile and do not break due to thermal shock or vibration.
US08114338B2
A tilting-type automatic pouring method for pouring molten metal from a ladle with an outflow position into a mold. The method includes tilting the ladle forward to pour molten metal into the mold, measuring a weight of poured molten metal, calculating a flow rate of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle based on the measured weight of poured molten metal, estimating a weight of molten metal that will be poured during a backward tilting. The method also includes estimating a total weight of molten metal based on the measured weight of poured molten metal and the estimated weight of molten metal that will be poured during the backward tilting and comparing the estimated total weight of molten metal to a predetermined weight. When the estimated total weight is equal to or larger than the predetermined weight, the backward tilting is started.
US08114323B2
Amphoteric polymer composite nanoparticles are added into the polymer grains of synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers are woven to form a textile capable of adjusting pH value.
US08114322B2
An improved friction material includes inorganic fibers formed from a melt of volcanic black rock and additives. The black rock comprises silica oxide, magnesium oxide, potassium permanganate, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, sodium oxide, and boron. The additives include potassium permanganate and boron. As a result of their composition, the fibers are temperature resistant and lightweight, yet strong. The fibers exhibit a melting point between 1500 degrees centigrade and 1650 degrees centigrade, a working range of −130 degrees centigrade to 700 degrees centigrade, a density of 1.8 g/cc, a surface density between 160 g/m2 and 350 g/m2, and a tensile strength between 500 lbf/in2 and 1800 lbf/in2. The friction material is made from layers of the inorganic fibers and a bonding material and has a working temperature between 250 degrees centigrade and 650 degrees centigrade, with a melting point of approximately 1200 degrees centigrade.
US08114314B2
An electroconductive polymer composition comprises a curable liquid thermosetting resin matrix; conductive nano-fibers such as carbon nano-tubes, carbon nano-fibers, metallic nano-fibers or non-conductive nano-fibers with an electrically conductive coating; and a particulate non-conductive phase discontinuously dispersed throughout the thermosetting matrix. The conductive nano-particles are dispersed throughout the matrix whereby when the thermosetting resin is cured, a percolation threshold is established within the thermoset matrix. The particulate non-conductive phase is selected from thermoplastic resin powders or exfoliated particles of nano-clay intercalated with the liquid thermosetting resin.
US08114312B2
A display device comprising at least one phosphor layer, the phosphor layer containing a green phosphor represented by the following formula: (A1-xBx) (Zn1-yMny) Al10O17 wherein, A is an element selected from Ca, Ba and Sr, B is a rare-earth element, x is a number satisfying 0.0001≦x≦0.1, and y is a number satisfying 0.02≦y≦0.14.
US08114307B2
The present invention provides a piezoelectric element and having a piezoelectric body and a pair of electrodes being contact with the piezoelectric body, wherein the piezoelectric body consists of an ABO3 perovskite oxide in which an A-site atom consists of Bi and a B-site atom is composed of an atom of at least two types of elements.
US08114306B2
Methods involving the self-assembly of block copolymers are described herein, in which by beginning with openings (in one or more substrates) that have a targeted CD (critical dimension), holes are formed, in either regular arrays or arbitrary arrangements. Significantly, the percentage variation in the average diameter of the formed holes is less than the percentage variation of the average diameter of the initial openings. The formed holes (or vias) can be transferred into the underlying substrate(s), and these holes may then be backfilled with material, such as a metallic conductor. Preferred aspects of the invention enable the creation of vias with tighter pitch and better CD uniformity, even at sub-22 nm technology nodes.
US08114291B2
A filter coalescer element for oil based industrial fuels includes a rigid, porous support tube, and a hydrophobic drainage layer covering the outer surface of the same. A single phase, dual function combination water coalescer and particle filter pleat block is positioned in the support tube, and is formed from a multilayer material having a first porous support layer, a synthetic microfiber layer, a synthetic fiber media layer and a second porous support layer. As the fluid passes through the pleat block, solid particles are physically filtered therefrom, and water is coalesced into droplets which pass from the pleats directly through the support tube and directly into the drainage layer, where the droplets grow into a size sufficient that they fall under gravity to the bottom of the element for collection.
US08114281B2
A fraction collector comprising a movable tray is provided. The movable tray may be attached to the fraction collector support system in a variety of ways and adjusted without adjusting the parts of the fraction collector support system. The moveable tray may be stably attached to the fraction collector support system by either fixed or removable pegs, as well as by channels. In an exemplary embodiment, a mechanized lift is used to adjust the position of the movable tray.
US08114276B2
A dialysis machine includes a dialysis instrument having a pump actuator and first and second valve actuators, and a disposable cassette operable with the dialysis instrument, the disposable cassette including a pump portion operable with the pump actuator, first and second valve chambers operable with the first and second valve actuators, the first and second valve chambers communicating fluidly with each other, at least the first valve chamber communicating fluidly with a compliance chamber, the compliance chamber negating a first backpressure due to a pneumatic closing pressure used to close the first valve chamber to help to ensure the pneumatic pressure applied to the first valve chamber will close the first valve chamber against a second backpressure from an existing closure of the second valve chamber.
US08114274B2
A process for removing contaminants, namely water and particulate solids, from hydrocarbon diluent-diluted bitumen froth (“dilfroth”) is provided to produce hydrocarbon diluent-diluted bitumen (“dilbit”), comprising subjecting the dilfroth to gravity settling in a primary settler to produce an overflow stream of primary raw dilbit, comprising bitumen containing water and some fine solids, and an underflow stream of primary tails, comprising solids, water and residual bitumen; removing the overflow stream of primary raw dilbit and subjecting it to gravity settling in a clarifier vessel for sufficient time to produce an overflow first stream of cleaned dilbit and an underflow stream of clarifier sludge; diluting the primary tails with hydrocarbon diluent and subjecting the diluted primary tails to gravity settling in a secondary settler to produce an overflow second stream of cleaned dilbit and an underflow stream of secondary tails; and removing the clarifier sludge and diluting the clarifier sludge with a hydrocarbon diluent, if necessary, and subjecting the clarifier sludge to gravity separation to produce a third stream of cleaned dilbit.
US08114271B2
A sensor designed to determine the amount and concentration of analyte in a sample having a volume of less than about 1 μL. The sensor has a working electrode coated with a non-leachable redox mediator. The redox mediator acts as an electron transfer agent between the analyte and the electrode. In addition, a second electron transfer agent, such as an enzyme, can be added to facilitate the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the analyte. The redox mediator is typically a redox compound bound to a polymer. The preferred redox mediators are air-oxidizable.The amount of analyte can be determined by coulometry. One particular coulometric technique includes the measurement of the current between the working electrode and a counter or reference electrode at two or more times. The charge passed by this current to or from the analyte is correlated with the amount of analyte in the sample. Other electrochemical detection methods, such as amperometric, voltammetric, and potentiometric techniques, can also be used.The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is provided as a second electron transfer agent.
US08114268B2
A method and system that enables a user to maintain a sensor in real time. The present invention involves performing a diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure to measure sensor impedance value in order to determine if the sensor is operating at an optimal level. If the sensor is not operating at an optimal level, the present invention may further involve performing a sensor remedial action. The sensor remedial action involves reversing the DC voltage being applied between the working electrode and the reference electrode. The reversed DC voltage may be coupled with an AC voltage to extend its reach.
US08114252B2
A composition for treating paper products comprising protein particulate, colloidal pigment, synthetic latex polymer, and preservative is described, as well as methods and an apparatus using the composition for such treatments, and products obtained thereby. The treated paper products preferably have improved strength, water holdout, and/or ink holdout, amongst other advantages and benefits.
US08114250B2
The present invention relates to a method for the combination of at least two plies of tissue paper without glue and by pressure marking, characterized in that it involves embossing at least one first ply according to an embossing design by passage between a first cylinder and a second cylinder covered externally with a rubber blanket, then combining at least one second ply with the first ply by causing both plies to pass between the first engraved steel cylinder of axis CC′ and at least one first series of small externally smooth coaxial cylinders of axis XX′. Both plies are then passed between the first cylinder and a second series of small externally smooth coaxial cylinders of axis YY′, the axes CC′, XX′; and YY′ being horizontal and parallel. The invention also includes the apparatus for carrying out the disclosed method.
US08114248B2
A method and system referred to as PALM (Patterning by Adhesive of Large Relief Three-Dimensional Microstructures) with large reliefs exceeding 1 μm and being as large as 100 μm. The microstructures can be either deterministic (such as microprisms), or random (such as diffusers), the first obtained by copying an original supermaster, and latter obtained by copying a laser speckle pattern. The master process entails copying a supermaster into the form of the microstructure constituting a pattern on the patterning cylinder (called a drum), to be then continuously multiplied in the PALM system, in a continuous roll-to-roll web process. The latter method, together with the related system, is the subject of this invention. The rolls continuously repeat the master pattern, copying by adhesive with large viscosity on acrylic (hybrid) as well as by a monolithic process. The monolithic process can be accomplished using temperature and pressure, or by UV-cured polymerization. Therefore, the invention comprises three alternative processes: one, hybrid (adhesive on acrylic), and two monolithic ones. In the PALM (hybrid) process, an epoxy is wet-coated on film substrates such as polycarbonate (PC), polyester (PET), (PE), or other flexible material. The adhesive, in liquid form, is applied to the substrate by a self-metered coating sub-process. In the present invention, the adhesive is used for forming the microstructure pattern. The microstructure pattern is replicated from a master roll or image drum onto a coating roll.
US08114240B2
A labeling apparatus is for applying labels to articles advanced along an article conveyor. The labeling apparatus may include a frame to be positioned adjacent the article conveyor, and a labeler carried by the frame. The labeler may include a housing having a sidewall, a shaft extending outwardly from the sidewall, a rotary bellows wheel carried by the shaft, and bellows carried by the rotary bellows wheel. The rotary bellows wheel and adjacent portions of the housing may define a porting arrangement for selectively connecting the bellows wheel to a fluid flow to selectively control internal fluid pressure for the bellows so that each bellows is movable/between, a retracted label pick-up position and an extended label-applying position.
US08114239B2
A vehicle glazing panel assembly has a polycarbonate panel supported by a vehicle body, and has a plurality of peripheral regions. A reinforcement member is mounted to the polycarbonate panel proximate at least one of the plurality of peripheral regions to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing panel assembly by thermoforming a polycarbonate panel. A reinforcement member is injection molded. The reinforcement member is joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A vehicle glazing panel assembly is manufactured by a method of thermoforming. A reinforcement member is formed and joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel.
US08114238B2
A method for producing a tight joint between a multi-layer synthetic resin material and a filter medium by selectively melting a layer of the synthetic resin material which has a different thermal absorption capacity in comparison with the other layers by heating the synthetic resin material with infrared radiation, and then fusing the melted synthetic resin layer to the filter medium. A filter element produced by the method of the invention is also disclosed.
US08114237B2
The invention is directed to a method for producing a material roll for use in a process including unwinding a long sheet material from a roll of the long sheet material, wherein the long sheet material includes an optical film, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a release film laminated in this order, and the optical film includes a polarizing plate, cutting at least the optical film to form an optical film having a specific length, and then bonding the optical film to a surface of a rectangular optical display unit, while feeding the optical film, the method comprising the steps of: lengthwise slitting a long material having a longitudinal direction parallel to an absorption axis of the polarizing plate, so that a long sheet material having a width corresponding to a short or long side of the optical display unit is obtained; and winding the long sheet material into a roll.
US08114228B2
The present invention provides a liquid gas generating composition comprising the following (a) to (c) components, wherein the content ratio of (b) component is 0.5 mass % or more and less than 5.0 mass %: (a) hydroxyammonium nitrate; (b) a thickening stabilizer; and (c) water.
US08114216B2
The present invention relates to a semiconductor single crystal growth method, which uses a Czochralski process for growing a semiconductor single crystal through a solid-liquid interface by dipping a seed into a semiconductor melt received in a quartz crucible and pulling up the seed while rotating the quartz crucible and applying a strong horizontal magnetic field, wherein the seed is pulled up while the quartz crucible is rotated with a rate between 0.6 rpm and 1.5 rpm.
US08114196B2
A pulse cleaning system for one or more hollow filter elements having an inlet and an outlet includes an air supply manifold adapted to extend across the outlet of the filter element, a conduit extending substantially perpendicular to the manifold and adapted to extend into the filter element, the conduit formed or provided with a plurality of air-emitter holes along its length dimension, and further provided with a pulse air nozzle fitted onto a remote tip of the conduit.
US08114193B2
An ion transport membrane system comprising (a) a pressure vessel having an interior, an exterior, an inlet, and an outlet; (b) a plurality of planar ion transport membrane modules disposed in the interior of the pressure vessel and arranged in series, each membrane module comprising mixed metal oxide ceramic material and having an interior region and an exterior region, wherein any inlet and any outlet of the pressure vessel are in flow communication with exterior regions of the membrane modules; and (c) one or more gas manifolds in flow communication with interior regions of the membrane modules and with the exterior of the pressure vessel. The ion transport membrane system may be utilized in a gas separation device to recover oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas or as an oxidation reactor to oxidize compounds in a feed gas stream by oxygen permeated through the mixed metal oxide ceramic material of the membrane modules.
US08114192B2
A gas separation process for treating off-gas streams from reaction processes, and reaction processes including such gas separation. The invention involves flowing the off-gas across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, and passing the permeate/sweep gas mixture to the reaction. The process recovers unreacted feedstock that would otherwise be lost in the waste gases in an energy efficient manner.
US08114191B2
A system for capturing carbon dioxide is provided including a feed line transporting an exhaust gas, a first separator, a first compressor, a first membrane, a first ejector, a second separator, a second compressor, and a carbon dioxide storage tank. The first membrane is configured to filter the exhaust gas into a retentate stream of exhaust gas and a permeate stream of exhaust gas. The permeate stream of exhaust gas includes a larger amount of carbon dioxide than the retentate stream. The first ejector is configured to compress the permeate stream. The second compressor is configured to further compress the exhaust gas received from the second separator. The carbon dioxide storage tank is configured to receive the exhaust gas from the second compressor. A second membrane can be on the retentate stream of the first membrane, where a second ejector is on the permeate side of the second membrane.
US08114185B2
A process for melting scrap metal for producing steel which includes the steps of combining a quantity of scrap metal and scrap rubber in an electric arc furnace. Energy is then applied to the quantity of steel and scrap rubber in the furnace to start the combustion of the scrap rubber to add additional heat for melting the scrap metal containing steel.
US08114184B2
A honeycomb ceramic filtration substrate, a filter made of the said substrate and a filter system made of the said filter and their production methods are published in the present invention. The said substrates are extruded with a paste comprising (by portion): SiC: 1; Clay: 0.05-0.5; Flour: 0.1-0.35; grease: 0.025-0.05; Water: 0.2-0.35. The said sintered substrate has a honeycomb structure with cells density ranging from 4˜62 cells/cm2; The cell wall thickness is: 0.2-1.2 mm; The porosity of the cell wall: 40-70%. The cell wall through pore rate is more than 30%; The average diameter distribution of the cell wall micro-pores is in the ranging of 1-50 μm. The said substrate can be designed in different cylinders whose cross section are in form of square, one border curved square and one border curved triangle etc., After adhering the substrates, the filter can be used as vehicle particulates filter. After the canning of the filter, the filter system is produced. The problem of particulates pollutant from the vehicles can be resolved via the present invention, and it is especially efficient to treat the diesel exhaust particulates which are harmful to the human health.
US08114178B2
The present invention relates to a polishing composition for a semiconductor wafer which is excellent in polishing property, and a polishing method. The polishing composition for a semiconductor wafer comprises colloidal silica consisting of non-spherical silica particles having a ratio of long axis to short axis of 1.5 to 15. The polishing method for a semiconductor wafer uses the polishing composition. The polishing composition can provide a remarkably high polishing rate compared with a polishing composition using spherical colloidal silica, and can provide good mirror-polishing without causing scratches. In addition, small alkali metal content enables reduction of adverse effects on a semiconductor wafer, such as residual abrasives after polishing.
US08114175B2
A catalytic hydrocarbon reformer comprising a catalyst concentrically disposed within a reformer tube surrounded by an annular flow space for air entering a fuel-air mixing zone ahead of the catalyst. The catalyst is sustained by minimal insulative mounting material so that most of the side of the catalyst is exposed for radial radiative heat transfer to the reformer tube for cooling by air in the annular flow space. The forward portion of the mounting material preferably is formed of a thermally-conductive material to provide radial conductive cooling of the entry of the catalyst to prevent overheating during catalysis. The incoming air flow is protected from heat exchange with hot reformate exiting the catalyst, allowing for convective cooling of the catalyst side and greater cooling of the catalyst face, thus increasing the working life of the catalyst while providing for rapid startup of the reformer and associated fuel cell system.
US08114172B2
An apparatus for 3D representation of image data, comprising: a structure identifier for identifying structures in motion within image data, and a skeleton insertion unit, which associates three-dimensional skeleton elements with the identified structures. The skeleton elements are able to move with the structures to provide a three-dimensional motion and structural understanding of said image data which can be projected back onto the input data. As well as individual elements, complex bodies can be modeled by complex skeletons having multiple elements. The skeleton elements themselves can be used to identify the complex objects.
US08114166B2
A retentive and removable trial bearing insert is used with a total hip replacement joint. The joint includes a dual mobility or bipolar prosthetic cup which has a part-spherical bearing insert with a part-spherical inner bearing surface which engages a part-spherical bearing head on a femoral stem. The bearing comprises a part-spherical trial inner bearing element dimensioned to replace the part-spherical bearing insert and which includes releasable retaining element which engages the bearing head of the femoral stem or a trial bearing head thereof to hold the trial bearing element in place thereon.
US08114160B2
An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In one form, the implant retention device comprises an expulsion prevention member associated with the nuclear implant and is configured to transition between an unexpanded position and an expanded position. In another form, a method for restraining a nuclear implant includes cutting an opening in the annulus, shifting an implant retention device into an unexpanded position, inserting the implant retention device through the opening, and shifting the retention device to an expanded position.
US08114159B2
A protective system for facilitating revision surgery includes a protective pad with a base portion and an overlying portion spaced apart from the base. A fluid pocket is formed between the base portion; and the overlying portion. The protective system prevents formation of adhesions or scar tissue in the area occupied by the protective pad. Thus a clean plane is obtained during revision surgery on the patient through an incision in the fluid pocket.
US08114158B2
A spine prosthesis is provided and in particular, related to the facet joint of a spine. A spinal implant comprises a facet prosthesis including an insert to be positioned within a joint capsule between facets of a zygapophyseal joint. The insert may comprise a member having two opposing facet interfacing portions. A facet prosthesis exerts a distraction force between facets of a facet joint and may comprise a curable material to be injected into the facet joint. A facet prosthesis may also comprise a pair of magnets, each magnet coupled to a facet and oriented with like poles facing each other to provide a distracting force away from each other. A spine implant may also include an insert to be positioned within the joint capsule, a securing member comprising an elongate portion extending through part of a facet, and an anchor to anchor the securing member to the facet.
US08114153B2
Endoprosthesis assemblies and methods of making endoprosthesis assemblies are disclosed. For example, endoprosthesis assemblies are described that include an endoprosthesis body and a polymeric coating about the endoprosthesis body. The polymeric coatings are engaged tightly to the endoprosthesis wall through engageable features created on the surface of the polymeric coatings and the surface of the endoprosthesis wall prior to engaging the surfaces.
US08114131B2
Medical devices and related methods for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a support member configured to be implanted at least partially in a space between adjacent spinous processes and an actuator coupled to the support member. The apparatus also includes an elongate retention member having a first end coupled to the actuator and a second end coupled to either the support member or the actuator. The actuator is configured to be rotated such that the first end moves from a first location at a first distance from the second end, to a second location at a second distance from the second end. At least a portion of the elongate retention member is disposed at a non-zero distance from an outer surface of the support member when the first end of the elongate retention member is at its second location.
US08114129B2
Apparatus and methods for repairing damaged tendons or ligaments. Various repair apparatus include an elongate tensile member and a pair of anchor assemblies connected for movement along the tensile member on either side of a repair site, such as a tear or laceration. The anchor assemblies or structures may take many forms, and may include barbed, helical, and crimp-type anchors. In the preferred embodiments, at least one anchor structure is movable along the elongate tensile member to assist with adjusting a tendon segment to an appropriate repair position and the anchor structure or structures are then lockable onto the elongate tensile member to assist with affixing the tendon at the repair position. Tendon and/or ligament-to-bone repair apparatus and methods employ similar concepts.
US08114125B2
Apparatus is provided for sealing a puncture within a vessel or tissue to provide hemostasis, comprising a first disk coupled to either a second disk or a spring, and sealingly engaged to the vessel or tissue surrounding the puncture. At least the first disk is preferably configured to substantially conform to the profile of the vessel or tissue when deployed. In one embodiment, the disks may be released from engagement with the vessel or tissue to reposition the disks after deployment.
US08114122B2
A forceps is provided. The forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The bipolar forceps also includes a hydraulic mechanism that includes a fluid line and a plunger operatively coupled to the fluid line. The plunger is translatable within at least a portion of the shaft from a proximal position to a distal position. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. Each of the first and second jaw members configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger when a fluid is caused to flow within the fluid line such that the first and second jaw members move from an open position for positioning to a closed position for grasping tissue.
US08114117B2
A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body has an inner face for being placed adjacent to the part of the wearer's body in use and an outer face opposite the inner face. The device includes a pressure applicator to apply compression to the wearer's body part when the device is placed on the wearer's body part. First and second fastener elements are mounted on the device. The second fastener element is adapted for releasably connecting to the first fastener element for use in holding the device on the wearer's body part. A visual indicator associated with the second fastener element is adapted to show where to engage the first fastener element with the second fastener element. The visual indicator is adapted to wear upon repeated connection and disconnection of the first and second fastener elements so that the visual indicator fades over time.
US08114114B2
The embolic protection device (10) has an expandable tubular structure supporting a filter mesh material (12). The embolic protection device is compressed to a small diameter for insertion into a patient's aorta, then expanded within the aorta with the filter mesh material positioned to allow blood to enter sidebranch vessels connected to the aorta and to prevent embolic material from entering the sidebranch vessels. The filter mesh material may be configured with waves or undulations (26) for increased surface area and/or with two layers of mesh material to provide additional protection against embolization and to prevent inadvertent occlusion of the sidebranch vessels.
US08114112B2
A stylet locking mechanism for preventing axial movement of a stylet relative to a needle of a medical delivery device is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises first and second ends that may be removably attached to the device, and a hinge for allowing the locking mechanism to be disengaged from a locking position without being completely disconnected from the delivery device.
US08114102B2
A temporary hemostatic plug apparatus for use in a patient includes a plug structure configured to be placed within a patient's tubular body structure. The plug structure may be configured to be placed in an incision to create a bloodless operating field for a surgeon to operate, for example to perform an anastomosis. This may be done by deploying the plug structure out from within the lumen to create a hemostatic seal around the incision. Once the surgeon has completed the operation, the plug apparatus may be removed from the lumen through the incision, or through any other point of access in the lumen.
US08114100B2
Methods and devices for fastening tissue are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a tissue fastener is provided and includes a male fastening member having a base plate with at least one post extending therefrom and having a tissue-piercing tip. A protective member is coupled to the male fastening member and is movable between an open position in which the tissue-piercing tip is enclosed within the protective member such that the tissue-piercing tip is prevented from penetrating tissue, and a compressed position in which the tissue-piercing tip is exposed to penetrate tissue. A female fastening member is configured to mate to the male fastening member and to engage tissue therebetween.
US08114095B2
An IOL injector comprising a distal body portion comprising a tip through which an IOL is injected into an eye, a tip protector, and a proximal body portion configured to connect to the distal body portion. The distal body portion and the tip protector being are configured to lockingly connect together, and the tip protector and proximal body portion are configured to interact with one another such that, when the tip protector and the distal body portion are in a connected state, the tip protector is unlocked from the distal body portion as the proximal body portion is being connected to the distal body portion.
US08114084B2
The present invention relates generally to medical devices and medical methods, in particular, devices and methods useful for stabilizing compression fractures of the spine. In one embodiment, the present invention is a device comprising a housing having a lumen; a plunger having a proximal portion and a distal portion, where the plunger is disposed within the lumen and is movable relative to the housing; a plurality of blades, where the blades can expand radially from the axis of the housing; and a manipulator functionally connected to the plunger, wherein the manipulator is operable to: move the plunger relative to the housing; expand the blades radially from the axis of the housing; and move the blades about the axis of the plunger.
US08114082B2
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to tissue anchors and methods of delivering same to the intervertebral disc or other sites within the body. In some embodiments, the anchors provide pull-out resistance, stability and/or maximize contact with tissue involving a minimum amount of penetration. In some embodiments, delivery methods are minimally invasive and include linear, lateral, and off-angle implantation or driving of anchors along, against or within tissue surfaces.
US08114081B2
A set of at least two osteosynthesis plates (2g, 2h) for implantation, anatomical reduction and internal splinting of bone fragments, in particular after fractures of the distal humerus. The two osteosynthesis plates (2g, 2h) according to the invention are provided with drilled holes (3a, 3b, 3c) which are arranged or formed so that the bone crews (12) passing through them come to rest in different directions in space, so that bone screws (12) can pass more completely than in the past through the bone space of the splinted bone (1).
US08114073B2
A catheter assembly comprises a first branch body having a first axis, a second branch body extending in a non-parallel relationship with respect to the first axis, and at least one electrode carried by the second branch body. In use, the first branch body can be located within a pulmonary vein within the left atrium, while the electrode carried by the second branch body is located in contact with endocardial tissue outside the pulmonary vein. Ablation energy can be transmitted from the electrode to contacted endocardial tissue while the first branch body is located within the pulmonary vein.
US08114065B2
Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled substance delivery device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, a delivery device or related device may be placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. The concentration of a substance in the fluid to be delivered may be modified by a remote control signal. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.
US08114064B2
A disposable infusion device comprises a base, a cannula arranged to extend from the base to beneath the patient's skin to deliver a liquid medicament to the patient, and a source arranged to provide the cannula with a liquid medicament. The source comprises a piston pump.
US08114057B2
This invention relates to medical systems and related components and methods. In some embodiments, the systems include a sleeve configured to be disposed between an adaptor and a catheter assembly including an outer sheath surrounding an inner member.
US08114051B2
A retractable syringe (30) comprising a hollow barrel (32) with a radially inwardly facing abutment surface (54) and a needle hub (40) having first engagement formation (42) integrally formed with the needle hub. A radially outer portion (50) of the first engagement formation (42) is engaged with the abutment surface (54) to radially inwardly bias the first engagement formation (42). A plunger includes a second engagement formation (60) which the first engagement formation captively engages at the end of a stroke thereby engaging the plunger (34) with the needle hub (40). The needle tip is retractable into the barrel (34) upon application of a predetermined longitudinal force to the plunger (34).
US08114039B2
A system and method are disclosed for providing a ventilated orthotic cranioplasty helmet for treating positional plagiocephaly in infants. Specifically, a system and method are disclosed in which patient-specific parameters such as head size, patient age, degree of patient sweating, diameter of patient's hair, average length of patient's hair, and sweat range are input into a computer implemented algorithm along with a user-proposed ventilation hole array to determine an optimal ventilation hole arrangement. The computer may be connected either directly or indirectly to an automated hole drilling machine to drill the hole array in the specified portion of the helmet. The same computer implemented algorithm can be used to revise the ventilation hole array to accommodate changes in patient physiology during treatment to thereby achieve an optimal ventilation hole design throughout the treatment process.
US08114032B2
A system for moving an elongate medical device has at least one drive element for engaging and moving an elongate medical device. Various embodiments provide for moving the separate inner and outer elements of a telescoping medical device. Some systems also provide for the rotation of a rotatable distal element on a rotatable medical device or the rotation of extension element in a telescoping medical device.
US08114020B2
A surgical retractor fixing device including a clamp body arranged for removably fixing the surgical retractor fixing device to a frameset that extends along a frameset longitudinal axis and that is arranged to be mounted to an operating table, a rotating body attached to the clamp body, the rotating body being pivotable around an axis of rotation, the rotating body comprising a fixing element arranged for fixing a surgical retractor, where in that the fixing element is a releasable one-way fixing element.
US08114008B2
Provided are a magnetic coupling as an axial bearing including a driven magnet (11B3) that is a permanent magnet provided to a rotating body (11) inside a casing (12) and a drive magnet (23A) that is a permanent magnet placed face to face with the driven magnet in a radial direction of the rotating body outside the casing to be magnetically coupled with the driven magnet, a driving motor (22) that rotatably drives the drive magnet about an axis (P) of the rotating body, a radial bearing that is a dynamic bearing having annular bearing surfaces (12B1, 11B1) centering on the axis on an inner wall of the casing and the rotating body, each of the annular bearing surfaces being arranged with a gap between the drive magnet and the driven magnet in the radial direction of the rotating body, and a closed impeller (11A) including a front shroud (11A1) arranged on a front side in the axis direction in the rotating body, a rear shroud (11A2) arranged on a rear side in the axis direction of the front shroud, and a vane (11A3) arranged between the front shroud and the rear shroud.
US08114000B2
A tool changing unit moves between a magazine position and a changing position to transfer a tool. A machine tool has a plurality of tool changing positions. One of the tool changing positions is selected in advance for changing the tools next time. The tool changing unit and the tool mounted on a tool spindle move to the selected changing position for changing the tools in the selected changing position. Accordingly, the tool changing unit and the tool spindle move respective short distances for changing the tools, thereby shortening the non-machining time of a machine tool combined with the automatic tool changer.
US08113998B2
A device and method are disclosed for training the abdominal muscles of a user in an upright position. The device and method are configured to lead the upper torso of the user while bending along a preferred path, so that the backbone is bent in a proper manner causing a proper training of the abdominal muscles.
US08113991B2
A system and method of providing an interactive training program by monitoring a user's actions is disclosed. A user is prompted through the interactive training program to perform certain movements, the user's movements are monitored relative to the prompted movements, and feedback is provided to the user through the program.
US08113986B2
A flexible pin for a helical gear system. A countering realignment equal and opposite to the misalignment caused by the overturning moment and other gear forces is created without adding components or wearing surfaces. On the pin elements, one or more different or varying cross sections with the principal axes of their sections non-vertically orientated utilize the tangential and radial forces to cause deflections in two planes to perfectly compensate for misalignment caused by helical gear forces, thus keeping the mesh aligned the same as when using spur gears and traditional flexpins.
US08113984B2
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US08113979B2
A differential having four pinions supported for rotation on cross pins within a differential case. The differential employs a retainer system for securing the cross pins relative to the differential case. The retainer system can include a collar and a plurality of pin members.
US08113978B2
The present invention provides a nine forward speed automatic transmission for a motor vehicle which includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizer clutches and two chain drive assemblies. The transmission is arranged along two parallel axes of rotation: a first axis defined by the input shaft and a second axis defined by the output shaft. The chain drive assemblies transfer power between sprockets disposed on the two axes. Various combinations of clutches may be engaged to provide nine forward speed ratios and five reverse speed ratios.
US08113975B2
The invention relates to a chain wheel (2, 3), especially for a timing chain drive, with a rotary shaft, a sprocket wheel (7) positioned around the rotary shaft featuring multiple alternating teeth (17) and tooth gaps (16) distributed around its circumference, as well as at least one chain guide (8), the sprocket wheel (7) and the chain guide (8) are rigidly joined, the chain guide (8) incorporates a contoured surrounding support cage (9) causing it to bear on contact faces of link plates (13, 14) and the support cage (9) or raised regions of the support cage (9) extend along a curved circumference that constitutes the perimeter of the chain guide (8), said perimeter of the chain guide (8) having a non-circular profile.
US08113957B2
A game system allowing a player corresponding to a terminal, from which communication has been cut, to restart the game from the game situation at the moment of communication cut. The server has a game continuation device for continuing the game except the error terminal in a case where the error terminal occurs, and a server restart device for transmitting situation information of each player after communication recovery as information for restart, and restarting the game by communication with only the error terminal. The error terminal comprises a terminal restart device for restarting the game after communication recovery based on the situation information included in the information for restart, and a virtual input operation device for functioning as a virtual player instead of players P corresponding to other terminal.
US08113956B2
An embedded web server is disclosed. In one embodiment, a casino gaming system comprises a back end system having one or more servers. One or more gaming machines are operatively connected to the back end system via a network connection and one or more gaming devices operatively connected to at least one gaming machine. The gaming device includes an embedded web server and a web browser in communication with the web server, delivers a management user interface to the web browser for accessing the gaming device.
US08113955B1
A game service system is provided for transmitting and receiving a broadcast signal and reproducing an image and an audio signal. This system allows a user not only to view TV programs broadcasted from a broadcasting station, but also to order a desired game program, receive the selected game program from a broadcasting station, and execute the selected game program. In addition, because the game program can be transmitted through the broadcasting media, a plurality of users can receive a desired game program.
US08113954B2
The game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and a touch panel is provided in association with the second LCD. On the two LCDs, different game screens are displayed. Also on the second LCD, two keys are displayed at a certain interval. When one key is touch-input, the key is set to an effective state to change the game screens of the two LCDs on the basis of the key, and when the other key is touch-input, the game screens of the two LCDs are changed on the basis of the key. When a player performs a touch-input on any one of the keys, and then performs a drag operation so as to point a middle area between the two keys, the game screens of the two LCDs are changed on the basis of the key that is set to the effective state.
US08113951B2
A computer-implemented method is disclosed for encouraging downloads of a game. The method includes displaying an achievement advertisement and subsequently receiving input indicative of the achievement advertisement. The input is responded to by displaying a download component related to a game associated with the achievement advertisement.
US08113938B2
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to allow players to wager on video games. The method disclosed herein can allow players to win or lose money while partaking in any video game previously played for entertainment purposes. A player can purchase play time on a game, play the game and earn monetary prizes during the game, and then redeem the monetary prizes for real cash.
US08113931B2
A controller executes a special effect selection representation using a slot representation representing a slot machine when a fever accumulative value, which is accumulated by a player character doing damage to an enemy character, reaches a predetermined value, and a fever gauge becomes filled up, in accordance with a player's operation. The controller assigns a special effect to the player character in accordance with a result of the representation. Then, when the fever accumulative value is sequentially subtracted and reduced to an initial value, the assignment of the special effect to the player character is finished. Thus, the special effect to be assigned to the player character when predetermined selection allowance conditions are fulfilled is prevented from being specified in advance by the player, and increase the player's interest in a game.
US08113923B2
A device for chamfering and sanding is disclosed. The device comprises a cylindrical body containing a hollow cone lined with sandpaper attached to the surface of the cone with adhesive. Two corners of the sandpaper are inserted respectively into two slots contained in the sidewall of the cone to further hold the sandpaper in place. The device comprises a shaft attached to the bottom of the device for clutching by a drill press or a three jaw chuck. As the device rotates, objects that require bevelling or sanding are inserted into the cone and pressed against the sandpaper. A sandpaper sleeve is attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical body that may be used for sanding and smoothing.
US08113922B2
The invention relates to a machine tool, particularly a hand machine tool, which comprises a driving motor and an air guide element, which is disposed in the housing of the machine tool and conducts an air current passing over the driving motor to the outside. The air guide element comprises a functional section, which forms a part of the outer lateral surface of the machine tool.
US08113912B2
An eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes: a processing chamber for processing the lens; a grinding water supply unit which includes a first switch unit for turning on/off a supply of grinding water to a first nozzle for ejecting grinding water toward a processing point of the lens; a cleaning water supply unit which includes a second switch unit for turning on/off a supply of cleaning water to a second nozzle for ejecting cleaning water for cleaning processing refuse of the lens scattered in the processing chamber. According to a selection signal indicating a material of the lens being plastic, the control unit controls the first switch unit to turn on the supply of the grinding water in whole processing processes, and controls the second switch unit to turn off the supply of the cleaning water in the whole processing processes.
US08113910B2
A garment pad kit for coupling a garment pad (20A, 20B, 120A, or 120B) to a garment (11 or 102) is provided. The garment pad kit includes a garment pad (20A, 20B, 120A, or 120B) having a body portion (23 and 123) having an adhering surface (19, 21, 119, and 121) disposed on the body portion. The garment pad kit further includes an adhesive (33, 34, 133, or 134) for coupling the adhering surface to a garment (11 or 102).
US08113908B1
A stiffened brassiere having two layers of fabric between which a stiffening element is inserted. The two layers of fabric are joined together by adhesive bonding and are then shaped to form the cups and the side bands of the brassiere.
US08113901B1
A manufacturing method of a 3D display device and a grating device provides a photopolymerization polymer solution, an electrochromic solution and at least one transparent conductive substrate are provided; mixes a specific quantity X of the photopolymerization polymer solution with a specific quantity Y of the electrochromic solution to produce a grating manufacturing solution; places the grating manufacturing solution between two transparent conductive substrates or at a side of a transparent conductive substrate; projects light through a photomask onto the grating manufacturing solution which is cured to form a transparent fence-shaped isolating element, and a portion of the grating manufacturing solution remains at a fluid state. The devices are manufactured in a primary manufacturing step to improve the manufacturing efficiency. The transparent conductive substrate is placed on a display device and electrically coupled to an electrode portion to complete the production of the grating device of the 3D display device.
US08113899B2
A method for producing a plasma display panel, the method comprising the steps of: (i) preparing a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel being a panel wherein an electrode A, a dielectric layer A and a protective layer are formed on a substrate A, and the rear panel being a panel wherein an electrode B, a dielectric layer B, a partition wall and a phosphor layer are formed on a substrate B; (ii) applying a glass frit material onto a peripheral region of the substrate A or B, and then opposing the front and rear panels with each other such that the glass frit material is interposed therebetween; (iii) supplying a gas into a space formed between the opposed front and rear panels from a direction lateral to the opposed front and rear panels, under such a condition that the front and rear panels are heated; and (iv) melting the glass frit material to cause the front and rear panels to be sealed.
US08113892B1
A marine propulsion control system receives manually input signals from a steering wheel or trim switches and provides the signals to first, second, and third controllers. The controllers cause first, second, and third actuators to move control devices. The actuators can be hydraulic steering actuators or trim plate actuators. Only one of the plurality of controllers requires connection directly to a sensor or switch that provides a position signal because the controllers transmit signals among themselves. These arrangements allow the various positions of the actuated components to vary from one device to the other as a result of calculated positions based on a single signal provided to one of the controllers.
US08113886B2
Provided is a memory card mounting device for a portable terminal, the memory card mounting device including a first socket installed in the terminal in a state where an opening through which a memory card is inserted is positioned on a side surface of the terminal and a second socket installed in a form stacked on the first socket, in which an opening of the second socket through which a memory card is inserted is positioned in parallel to the opening of the first socket on the side surface of the terminal, or the second socket is positioned on a rear surface of the terminal such that the memory card is mounted in the second socket on the rear surface of the terminal. The opening through which the memory card is inserted can be positioned in various areas such as a side surface or a rear surface of the terminal.
US08113877B2
A connector for connecting an external antenna includes a base, an electric connector and a joint. The base has a port and a containing space. The electric connector is installed in the port. The joint is installed in the containing space and extended and exposed from the opening. The joint includes a connecting pillar, a connecting portion disposed on the connecting pillar, an insulation lining contained in the connecting pillar, a signal feed-in plughole formed at the center of the insulation lining, and a signal feed-in pin installed at an end of the signal feed-in plughole and extended out from an end of the joint. After the joint is connected to a cable, the connector can be connected externally to an antenna.
US08113875B2
A coaxial cable connector for coupling a coaxial cable to a mating connector includes a connector body having a forward end and a rearward cable receiving end for receiving a cable. A nut is rotatably coupled to the forward end of the connector body. An annular post is disposed within the connector body, the annular post having a forward flanged base portion located adjacent a rearward portion of the nut. An annular notch is formed in the forward flanged base portion. A biasing element is retained in the annular notch, and the biasing element extends towards a forward end of the nut in an uncompressed state.
US08113874B2
The modular electrical wiring device includes an electrical wiring device and an external plug that is electrically coupled by one or more wires to the wiring device. The modular plug is releasably coupled to a connector in a male-female relationship. Both the modular plug and connector include internal contacts for electrically coupling one to the other. The connector is electrically coupled to and terminates one or more building wires, which are used to provide power to one or more of the wiring devices. The external plug is removably coupled to the connector to provide electrical power to the wiring device by establishing and electrical pathway from a source of electrical power, through the building wires, the connector and the modular plug to the wiring device.
US08113869B2
A cable connector assembly (100) in accordance with the present invention comprises an insulative housing (1) and a plurality of contacts (2) received therein, a cable (5) connected with the contacts (2), a strain relief portion (50) molded on the cable (5), the strain relief portion (5) having a extruding portion (52) on the front end thereof and a retaining portion (51) behind the extruding portion (52), a plurality of retaining blocks arranged between the extruding portion (52) and the retaining portion (51), a cover (8) enclosing the aforementioned components, the cover (8) comprising an upper cover (81) and a lower cover (82), a back surface of the upper cover (81) and the lower cover (82) defining a arc-shaped cutout, the retaining portion (51) is mounted in the front of the arc-shaped cutout and the retaining block is locked in the arc-shaped cutout.
US08113868B2
An electric device has an electric unit having a receiving region, a power supply unit received by the receiving region of the electric unit in a receiving direction, contact units for making an electrical connection between the power supply unit and said electric unit, unit for counteracting a motion of the contact units, which is movable relative to the electric unit in the receiving direction, relative to the power supply unit located on the receiving region, and within a region intended for the motion.
US08113863B2
A socket connector includes a housing having a mating end and a mounting end. The housing has a receptacle at the mating end configured to receive an electronic module therein. The mounting end of the housing is configured to be mounted to a circuit board. Contacts are held by the housing. The contacts have mating ends exposed within the receptacle for mating with the electronic module. The contacts having mounting ends extending from the housing for terminating to the circuit board. A thermally conductive insert is held by the housing and is configured to be in thermal engagement with the circuit board and the insert has a module engagement interface configured to be in thermal engagement with the electronic module such that the insert transfers heat from the electronic module to the circuit board.
US08113859B2
A lamp socket constructed to achieve an ultrathin display device and minimize friction sound due to thermal expansion and shrinkage, and a display device having the lamp socket are provided. The lamp socket includes a first body part, a connection terminal that is connected to the first body part and is electrically connected to a lead of a lamp, a second body part that is spaced apart from the first body part, an elastic part that connects the first body part with the second body part and expands or shrinks in a lengthwise direction of the lamp, and a fixing part that extends from the second body part.
US08113855B2
Electrical power adapters comprising retractable prongs and/or retractable electrical outputs are disclosed. In one example, an electrical travel adapter includes a power unit having a retractable electrical output and a plug unit coupled to the power unit, the plug unit having a plurality of retractable prongs.
US08113836B2
A dental filling material comprising a polybutylene polymer having a molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 100,000 and being viscoelastic at about 20° C. The composition may include other polymeric resins, fillers, plasticizers and other additives typically used in dental materials. The filling material is used for the filing of root canals.
US08113834B2
Two or more implants (8, 9, 10) are arranged in succession in the jaw bone (1) and bear or comprise growth-stimulating substances (25), here called GSS, which, as a function of secretion of body fluid at the implants, are intended to be released and form new bone (11-15) around the implants. The implants are designed to work with a release process for GSS, permitting a leveling-out effect along the extent of the jaw bone in the horizontal and/or vertical direction and/or a level-raising effect in the vertical direction. In this way it is possible to achieve optimum positions for the implants without the risk of reduced stability and/or compromised esthetics.
US08113833B2
The shank (12) of a disposable rotary cutting tool (10) comprises a pipe section (16) cut from a drawn metal pipe. The tool head (14) is formed from a cut-out (18a, 18b) of a drawn metal sheet or a section of a metal tube by non-cutting machining. The pipe section (16) and the tool head (14) are advantageously attached by force fitting.
US08113831B2
The present Invention relates to a hand-held light curing device (10), in particular for the dental sector, with a base station (30) or a rest, on which the light curing device (10) having a light source (10) is supported. A sensor (40) is fitted on the base station (30) or the rest or on the light curing device (10), and the sensor (40) initializes the light curing device (10).
US08113827B2
A self-ligating orthodontic bracket for captivating an archwire with a tooth. The bracket includes a bracket body mountable to a tooth and a self-ligating mechanism having an archwire slot and a ligating slide. The ligating slide is movable between an open position in which an archwire is insertable into the archwire slot and a closed position in which the archwire is retained in the archwire slot. The bracket body may be formed from a non-metallic material, such as a polymer, a filled polymer composite, or a ceramic, and the self-ligating mechanism may be formed from a metal. The bracket may include a resilient engagement member with a detent positioned to engage an aperture or throughhole extending through the ligating slide when the ligating slide is in the closed position.
US08113818B2
A valve gate assembly comprises a piston that is actuable between a forward position and a rear position and has a piston stop surface and a forward pressure surface. A cylinder has a cylinder stop surface that is disposed to contact the piston stop surface when the piston is in the forward position. The cylinder stop surface is radially outward of at least a portion of the forward pressure surface and a shutoff pin is substantially aligned with the axis.
US08113808B2
A two-color molding equipment for shaping a two-color molded product by placing a film in primary mold tool configured by a fixed mold and a movable mold, injecting a resin into a first cavity formed by closing the molds to shape a primary molded piece, shifting the primary molded piece provided with the film to secondary mold tool configured by the fixed mold and the movable mold, and injecting a resin into a second cavity formed by closing the molds to shape a secondary molded piece, the two-color molded product composed of an integrated combination of the primary molded piece, the secondary molded piece, and the film interposed therebetween, wherein the first cavity is configured to shape the primary molded piece to be smaller than the film so that a part of the film protrudes from the primary molded piece, and a wall surface located at the protruding portion of the film to constitute the first cavity is provided with a convex portion that restricts mold shrinkage of the film protruding portion in the primary molded piece.
US08113807B2
Methods and apparatus for fabricating structures, extrusion units, and structures fabricated using such methods and apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus may include a support configured for rotation about a central axis, a carriage that may move along the support when the support rotates about the central axis such that the carriage may move along a first spiral path about the central axis, and an extrusion unit that may be supported by the carriage and may move along a second spiral path as the carriage moves along the first spiral path. The extrusion units may be configured to extrude a strip of material through an extrusion die as the extrusion unit moves along a previously extruded strip of material such that the extruded strip may be fused onto the previously extruded strip as the extruded and previously extruded strips pass the extrusion die.
US08113791B2
A hydrogen recirculation blower for a fuel cell vehicle includes an ejector integrated with a housing of the blower. An integrated hydrogen recirculation blower for a fuel cell vehicle includes: a blower housing including an inlet and an outlet formed on a top surface thereof; an impeller rotatably installed inside the blower housing; a motor connected to a rear end of the impeller to rotate the impeller; and an ejector formed integrally on a upper surface of the blower housing.
US08113790B2
A pump assembly including a pumping element mounted for rotation within a pump chamber, movement of the pumping element in the chamber causing pumping of fluid within the pump chamber, and a motor, the motor including a stator and a rotor which is connected to the pumping element such that activation of the motor causes movement of the pumping element and hence pumping of fluid within the pump chamber, there being a sealing assembly which permits fluid in the pumping chamber to flow around the rotor but which substantially prevents fluid from the pumping chamber from contacting the stator, the sealing assembly including a partition part which lies between the stator and the pumping chamber and a sealing part which lies between the stator and the rotor, wherein the sealing part is made from a polymeric material over-molded onto the partition part.
US08113787B2
A turbomachine blade (1) includes a blade body (2) and a corrosion and erosion protective multilayered coating (11) bonded thereto, the multilayered coating (11) including an erosion resistant first layer (3) at least covering a corrosion and erosion critical area (5) of the blade body (2) and a sacrificial second layer (4) provided over the first layer (3) at least covering the first layer (3), preferably covering the blade totally. A method of manufacturing such a turbomachine blade includes the steps of providing a blade and depositing the erosion resistant first layer on the blade body so as to cover at least the corrosion and erosion critical area, followed by depositing the sacrificial second layer over the first layer at least covering the first layer.
US08113782B2
An impeller structure includes a hub having a central spindle, and an impeller. The impeller has a top connection ring, a bottom connection ring, a pressure-retaining ring and a plurality of blades vertically arranged around the periphery of the hub. A top side outer edge of each blade is connected with a top connection ring, an bottom side of the inner side of the blade is connected with a bottom connection ring, the outer side is connected with the pressure-retaining ring, and a plurality of ribs extend outwards from the bottom edge of the periphery of the hub connecting with the bottom connection ring. A pressure relief hole is provided between the pressure-retaining ring and the bottom connection ring. When air passes through the pressure relief hole, a pressure effect is generated, increasing air pressure and volume of blower, alleviating turbulence. The pressure-retaining ring also reinforces the blade strength.
US08113780B2
A gas turbine engine component has a leading edge and a trailing edge and a pressure side and a suction side. The pressure side and suction side extend between the leading edge and trailing edge. One or more cooling passageways extend through the airfoil and comprise a trunk extending from an inlet. At the inlet, there is an additional passageway adjacent the trunk and having at least one edge recessed relative to the trunk.
US08113767B2
An inlet duct for an auxiliary power unit comprises an inlet end, and extends to an outlet end. At least one splitter is positioned within the duct and between the inlet and the outlet end to sub-divide an interior of the duct into plural flow paths.
US08113761B2
There is provided a support platform of a non-contact transfer apparatus. The support platform of a non-contact transfer apparatus includes a plurality of first holes each having a plurality of sub-holes arranged in a radial direction and a plurality of second holes arranged in a line proximate the first holes.
US08113755B2
A screw structure with a stop ring includes a screw, a ferrule, and a stop ring. The stop ring is fitted on a threaded shank of the screw to push against a front end of the ferrule, so that the ferrule is pressed against a head of the screw. With the ferrule being firmly pressed against the head of the screw by the stop ring, the ferrule will not sway relative to the screw, allowing the screw structure to be stably sucked with a sucking tool and be highly accurately assembled to a printed circuit board.
US08113740B2
A precast concrete storm water vault comprised of modular precast concrete components is provided. More specifically, a vault is provided that consists of a perimeter of footings with integral vertical walls extending therefrom that supports precast concrete roof panels that comprise the top horizontal structural for the placement of pavers, a fill, base, or a driving surface. The storm water vault disclosed may be combined with a filtration system and has easily removable roof panels that facilitates maintenance and cleaning.
US08113736B2
One embodiment of the invention relates to a flexible sled that conforms to the contour of the pavement for applying a liquid emulsion onto a pavement surface comprising a rigid frame with flexible squeegee assembly adapted to be towed along a pavement surface. Another embodiment of the invention includes a hopper assembly for distributing aggregate. Another embodiment of the invention includes a sled for repairing ruts in wheel lanes of a road. Another aspect of the invention is a polymer emulsion composition having a high coefficient of friction comprising a mixture of polymer resin blended with a mixture of cement and angular sand aggregate and titanium dioxide to provide a solar reflectance index number that ranges from 0.30 to 0.38 and a friction number in the range of 45 to 55. Another aspect of the invention is a polymer emulsion for sealing open graded bituminous asphalt comprising a mixture of polymer resin blended with a mixture of cement and angular sand aggregate which will provide a friction number in the range of 45 to 55 when the ratio of aggregate to cement is 70/30.
US08113734B2
An eyebolt assembly is provided in which a skirt member is reinforced by radially projecting diametrically extending ribs. A fixed lifting eye projects from one side of the skirt, and a mounting stud projects from the opposite side. The mounting stud is double threaded with one thread being adapted to mate with a threaded bore in the body of the eyebolt assembly, and the other thread being matched to a threaded bore in a load. The same eyebolt body can be employed with a plurality of different mounting studs, which simplifies inventorying eyebolt assemblies to meet all of the different threaded bores that may occur in different loads. Only the mounting studs need to be threaded to match the loads. The skirts are provided with striking faces so that they can be tightened and loosened by striking them with a hammer.
US08113732B2
The present invention provides a direct liquid-writing instrument without ink leakage from the pen-tip even after a long period of use. Specifically, it provides a direct liquid-writing instrument having an ink-retaining part in a bellows-like shape, in which at least the ink-retaining part in a bellows-like shape is made of: 20 to 95% by mass of (A) a polyamide-based resin; and 80 to 5% by mass of (B) at least one resin selected from a styrene-based resin, an olefin-based resin, and a polyphenylene ether resin.
US08113729B2
A device, method, and system for delivering toothpaste to a user. In one embodiment of the invention, a droplet for delivering toothpaste to a user can be provided. The droplet can include a dissolvable outer membrane defining a volume with toothpaste inside the volume. The outer membrane can include a tail portion, which is configured to be embedded into the bristles of a toothbrush. The droplet further can include one or more extensions coupled to the outer surface of the outer membrane, the one or more extensions can have a triangular shape, a barb shape or the like. In one aspect of this embodiment, the droplet further can include a logo, a cartoon character, a word or the like printed on the outer membrane.
US08113727B2
There are included an antenna transmitting and receiving information through a radio communication with a RFID circuit element, a signal processing circuit and a transmission portion of a radio frequency circuit configured to execute write or read of information with respect to an IC circuit part of the RFID circuit element, a tape-feeding-roller drive shaft for feeding out a base tape from a first roll, a cutter configured to cut the base tape fed out by this tape-feeding-roller drive shaft to a predetermined length to produce a RFID label, a print head making a print in a predetermined print region of the base tape, and a control circuit configured to control this print head so as to be capable of being switched between the print in a forward direction and the print in a rotation direction inverting this forward direction with respect to a predetermined print region.
US08113724B2
A manufacturing method of an optical communication module for manufacturing the optical communication module, including the sequentially performed steps of: (1) mounting a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element on a side surface of a sub-mount substrate and mounting the sub-mount substrate on a printed circuit board such that the light-emitting and -receiving directions of the light-emitting element and light-receiving element are parallel to the printed circuit board; (2) aligning an optical waveguide; and (3) dropping resin solution on an area of the sub-mount substrate including an optical waveguide end and the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element, and curing the resin solution. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical communication module which can be made thin, small and cheap.
US08113721B1
An off-axis misalignment compensating fiber optic cable plug is provided. The plug has a cable interface to engage a fiber optic core end, where the fiber optic core has a cross-sectional area. The plug also includes a lens having a first surface to transceive an optical signal with a jack. The first surface has a cross-sectional area at least 30 times as large as the core cross-sectional area. The lens has a second surface to transceive optical signals with the fiber optic line core end. In one aspect, the lens has an axis and the lens first surface is convex with a radius of curvature capable of receiving an optical signal beam with a beam axis of up to ±2 degrees off from the lens axis. Even 2 degrees off-axis, the lens is able to focus the beam on the fiber optic line core end.
US08113718B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cage that can be used in a cryogenic-temperature environment or a vacuum without providing the cage with a complicated construction and without performing special treatment and a bearing using the cage. A cage made of resin has an annular main body having a plurality of pocket portions radially penetrating the main body; and a plurality of pocket members, provided on the annular main body, which hold rolling elements of a rolling bearing. The main body is a molding of a first resin composition consisting of a first resin and a solid lubricant mixed therewith; and at least a rolling element-retaining surface of each of the pocket members is made of a second resin composition containing fluorocarbon resin as a main component thereof. The molding of the first resin composition has a tensile strength of not less than 30 MPa and a heat-resistant temperature of not less than 200° C. The second resin composition is a fluorocarbon resin composition. The rolling bearing is constructed of an inner ring, an outer ring, the rolling elements interposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and the cage. The rolling bearing is used for a turbopump, of a rocket engine, which uses a liquid fuel.
US08113717B2
Surfaces of the raceway grooves of the outer and inner rings, a surface of each ball and all surface of the cage are coated with titanium oxide. In other words, hydrophilic layers made of titanium oxide are formed on the surfaces of the raceway grooves of the outer and inner rings, the surface of each ball and all surface of the cage.
US08113710B2
A locking device for securing a temperature sensor on a heat sink, includes a support seat and a catch fixed to the heat sink and respectively located at two opposite sides of the sensor, and a tab connecting with the support seat and the catch and pressing the sensor against the heat sink downwardly. The support seat includes a bent sheet secured on the heat sink and a pair of rings. The catch includes a bent flake secured on the heat sink and a barb extending downwardly from the flake. An end of the tab is bent to form a hem pivotably connected to the support seat at a position between the rings. An opposite end of the tab defines an opening, which engages the barb therein to thereby lock with the catch.
US08113707B2
A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second. The organs of the base movement and of the chronograph module are arranged in such a way that in assembled state, the height and overall diameter do not exceed 7.75 mm and 30 mm respectively, the dimensions of the chronograph itself being not greater than 4 mm (height) and 30 mm (diameter) when its elements are mounted on a bottom plate, so that the device can advantageously be integrated in the case of a wrist-watch and affords an aesthetic exterior.
US08113706B2
A backlight module, especially a side-edge type backlight module is disclosed. The backlight module comprises: a back plate having plural side walls, plural supporting elements locating on the connecting parts of the plural side walls, and a reflective sheet locating on the plural supporting elements. Therefore, an air space is maintained between the reflective sheet and the back plate of the backlight module. As a result, when the backlight module is operating, the heat produced by the light emitting units will not be transmitted to the reflective sheet of the backlight module during the operation. That is, even after long-term operation, the temperature of the reflective sheet of the backlight module can be maintained at a stable level.
US08113703B2
A device for guiding and mixing light comprising of a light guide, at least a first set of light emitting elements in a first layer and at least a second set of light emitting elements in a second layer. Each of the light emitting elements being arranged to emit light of at least a first predetermined frequency. The second layer extending in a second geometrical plane different from a first geometrical plane of the first layer for producing a uniform light output from the aggregate of the constituting frequencies.
US08113698B2
A light-emitting diode (LED) light bulb and an application thereof are described. The light-emitting diode light bulb comprises: a light-emitting diode light source module; a base, wherein the light-emitting diode light source module is disposed on the base; and a driver portion to drive the light-emitting diode light source module, comprising a rotation shaft, wherein the driver portion is connected to the base via the rotation shaft, such that the light-emitting diode light source module can rotate relative to the driver portion.
US08113694B2
A wall notification device described herein can draw a lower current by providing a more efficient reflector configuration. The reflector is designed to be positioned on a wall and provide sufficient light output in each of the requisite directions, as required by the UL 1971 standard. The notification device has a reflector unit having a base having a curved portion centered on the vertical axis and a flat portion extending from the curved portion; a reflective flange extending from a location near a top side of the base; a first and second specular protrusion extending from the curved portion of the base; a third and fourth specular protrusion extending from the base; a fifth and sixth specular protrusion extending from the curved portion of the base; and a sixth and seventh specular protrusion extending form the flat portion of the base.
US08113689B2
Projectile apparatus is provided employing light and sound that may be dispersed over a large area with high intensity to produce a non-lethal, visible and audible countermeasure to temporarily blind and/or disorient one or multiple potential adversaries. The apparatus is suitable for use in tactical scenarios by military, police, and special operations personnel. The apparatus is also suitable for use in training operations for military, police, and special operations personnel. For amusement or recreation, the apparatus may be used in simulated warfare or in games such as paintball.
US08113680B2
A light fixture for lighting a wall, including a supporting base and at least one light emitting diode (LED) on the base emitting light in a cone having a central axis. A first reflector is curved between a first lip secured to the base adjacent the LED and a second lip spaced from the base, with the central axis of the cone intersecting the first reflector between the first and second lips. A second reflector defines a reflecting enclosure for and includes first and second generally flat surfaces on opposite sides of the LED and substantially symmetrical about a plane which includes the light cone central axis, and a third generally flat surface intersecting both of the first and second surfaces, whereby the first reflector is oriented to reflect light from both the LED and the second reflector in a beam having a selected shape.
US08113676B2
A device for discreetly illuminating theater programs for reading in a darkened theater, including an elongated generally flat top surface portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a first width and defining a display surface, an elongated generally flat bottom surface portion spaced from the generally flat elongated top surface portion and extending generally parallel to the elongated generally flat top surface portion and having a second width less than the first width, a first side portion extending between the generally flat top and bottom surface portions and disposed substantially perpendicular to the generally flat top and bottom surface portions, a second side portion extending between the generally flat top and bottom surface portions, wherein the generally flat top and bottom surface portions and the first and second side portions define a housing, a generally cylindrical recess formed in the housing, a translucent elongated slit formed in the second side portion and directed away from the elongated generally flat top surface portion, and a light source disposed in the generally cylindrical recess. Activation of the light source shines light through the slit.
US08113675B2
An arrangement for emitting mixed light (5) comprising primary and secondary radiation (51, 52, 53) in a mean direction of emission (5), comprising at least one first electroluminescent light-source (21) for emitting first primary radiation (51) having a maximum intensity at a first wavelength, at least one second electroluminescent light-source (22) for emitting second primary radiation (52) having a maximum intensity at a second wavelength greater than the first wavelength, and a light-converting element (3) for absorbing at least one of the primary radiations (52, 53) and re-emitting the secondary radiation (53), which light-converting element (3) is so arranged that the entire proportion of primary radiation (51, 52) in the mixed light passes through the light-converting element (3), and that the light-converting element (3) comprises a ceramic light-converting material whose microstructure is selected to be such that the color point of the mixed light (5) comprising primary and second radiation is substantially independent of the angle of viewing (B).
US08113664B2
In a projection optical system comprising: two lens groups, and a curved plane mirror, wherein the projection optical system including two story structure, and having bend means for bending at least two times the light incident from an electro-optic modulator.
US08113658B2
A binocular wavefront measurement system for performing wavefront analysis on the eyes of a patient, the system comprising an optics system for providing an image to a first eye along a first optical path and an image to a second eye along a second optical path and a sensor system, said sensor system configurable in a first mode for performing a wavefront measurement of a first eye through a portion of the first optical path and configurable in a second mode for performing a wavefront measurement of a second eye through a portion of the second optical path.
US08113652B2
The present invention is directed toward the design of lenses to incorporate elevation features in at least one annular zone on the posterior surface of the lens that engage the elevation differences of the eye while allowing the central zone of the lens to have conventional spherical, aspheric, multifocal or toric geometry. In various embodiments, lenses according to the present invention are rotationally stable, free of flexure and well centered over the pupil.
US08113646B2
A printing system and method combine conventional print and reusable print media functionality in a shared stand-alone system to allow a user flexibility in deciding whether to print a temporary document or an archival permanent document. The system integrates and shares functionality to reduce manufacturing and operating costs, as well as to reduce the device's footprint. Commonality may include a common printhead shuttling mechanism (traversing carriage) and portions of the mechanism for moving paper. Pre-conditioning and printzone conditioning stations may also be shared to achieve precondition heating and/or erasing of media sheets prior to printing and maintaining of an elevated temperature during printing. In embodiments, separate feed trays are provided for each media sheet type.
US08113645B2
A recording apparatus includes: a loading section in which a recording medium is set; a feed roller feeding the recording medium set in the loading section; a first urging mechanism urging one of the loading section and the feed roller to decrease a distance between the set recording medium and the feed roller; an edge guide being movable in a width direction of the recording medium to align lateral edges of the recording medium set in the loading section; a DC motor allowing the edge guide to move; and a determination unit determining whether a current value at the time of driving the DC motor reaches a predetermined threshold value. Here, the driving of the DC motor is stopped when it is determined by the determination unit that the current value reaches the predetermined threshold value.
US08113639B2
Liquid packs provided with liquid leading members are stored in a container case that is constituted by fitting a case main body portion and a lid case in fitting portions and, support portions, which positions the liquid leading members so as to be opposed to liquid introducing members attached to a cartridge inserting portion, are provided on a front surface of the container case, the fitting portions are arranged in a state in which the fitting portions traverses the support portions, and space portions having a gap larger than a gap formed in the fitting portions are formed near the support portions in the fitting portions. In this way, liquid flowing through the fitting portions due to the capillarity is retained by the space portions and never flows to the fitting portions further extending from the space portions.
US08113638B2
A fluid coupling for establishing a sealed connection between a first conduit and a second conduit. The second conduit has a seal seat and a compression member. The compression member is movable relative to the seal seat. A seal is positioned in the seal seat. An engagement mechanism moves the compression member toward the seal seat to compress the seal to form a sealed fluid connection. The engagement mechanism has an input arm hinged to the compression member at a hinge connection. The input arm has a compression lever fixed at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the input arm. The input arm is arranged to push against the compression member as the input arm rotates about the hinge connection to the compression member. The compression member in turn pushes against the second conduit to move the second conduit relative to the first conduit, until the input arm reaches a predetermined angle about the hinge where the compression lever engages the second conduit such that further rotation of the input arm moves the compression member relative to the second conduit to compress the seal.
US08113637B2
A liquid supply device includes a supply pump in a liquid supply passage, a first unidirectional valve upstream from the supply pump and a second unidirectional valve downstream from the supply pump. Constituent members each include a single passage forming member provided with a part or the whole of the liquid supply passage. The constituent members are laminated and formed such that a partial passage of the liquid supply passage permitting the first unidirectional valve to communicate with the supply pump and a partial passage thereof permitting the supply pump to communicate with the second unidirectional valve are formed in the laminated state. The supply pump and the first and second unidirectional valves are disposed on the substantially same plane by laminating the constituent members. The first unidirectional valve communicates with the supply pump and the supply pump communicates with the second unidirectional valve by the partial passage.
US08113621B2
An inkjet printer has a body mounting first and second gear assemblies. The first assembly cooperating with a motor gear and having a code feature. The second assembly rotatably cooperating with the first assembly and a capper for capping a printhead. The code feature cooperates with a holding feature of a mounting arrangement used to mount the second assembly so that the cooperation maintains the first assembly at a predetermined position during the mounting of the second assembly. The first assembly has first and second gears connected by a common shaft. The first gear meshes with the motor gear and the second gear meshes with the second assembly. The second assembly has a third gear mounted to the body by a pin which meshes with the second gear. The third gear is an eccentric gear.
US08113619B2
A printhead assembly comprising a printhead mounted on a substrate, an elastically deformable pad and an ink removal system mounted on the substrate. The pad has a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead. The pad being linearly moveable between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. In order to provide a cleaning action, the contact surface is configured to progressively contact the face during sealing engagement and peel away from the face during disengagement.
US08113612B2
An ink delivery system includes a plurality of ink supplies, an air pressure source to generate ink pressure for each ink supply, an ink valve associated with each ink supply, where each ink valve is configured to prevent a reverse flow of ink from a pen to the associated ink supply, and each ink valve has a switch configured to provide an open signal when the ink valve is open, and a controller configured to determine one of a normal ink condition, an out of ink condition or a system pressure problem based on receiving the open signals and to regulate the pressure source according to the determination.
US08113611B2
Micro-fluid ejection apparatuses and devices, and methods related to communication in and with the same. One such micro-fluid ejection apparatus includes a controller configured to generate a data signal, and a transmitter configured to convert the data signal to a current signal. The apparatus further includes a conductor capable of carrying the current signal, and a receiver configured to receive the current signal from the conductor and to convert the current signal to a second data signal. The micro-fluid ejection apparatus is configured to operate on the second data signal. In one embodiment, the micro-fluid ejection apparatus may be a printing apparatus, such as an inkjet printing apparatus. In some embodiments, the current signal comprises a pair of corresponding differential current signals and/or current transfer logic signals offset from a base amperage level. In some embodiments, the transmitter and controller are provided within a main printing control board, while the receiver is provided within a printhead cartridge or a printhead carrier, and the operation comprises a printing function.
US08113608B2
A cabinet and a door are each provided with hinge sets having hinge parts secured thereto so that they can be separately mounted on the sane hinge parts that are mounted on a door frame and are connected by a hinge pin for each hinge set that support the door on the door frame, using a single hinge pin for and as a part of each hinge set. With this mounting arrangement, the cabinet and the door of each such installation can move independently in an arc about the hinge pins connecting the door frame parts to the hinge parts fastened to the door and the hinge parts fastened to the cabinet without requiring the movement of the door concurrently with the movement of the cabinet.
US08113600B2
A storage shell includes sidewalls and rails. The sidewalls each extend between two others of the sidewalls to collectively define a chamber therebetween. The sidewalls create a plurality of intersection lines each being defined along a boundary between two of the plurality of sidewalls. The plurality of are rails each coupled to and radially extends away from a different corresponding one of the plurality of intersection lines relative to a center of the storage shell. Each of the plurality of rails is formed with a Y-shaped cross-section. Related storage and organization systems, and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.
US08113599B2
A cabinet provided with a cabinet body having at least one vertical row of superimposed compartments which are separated by shelves and which can be opened and closed with compartment doors articulated on the cabinet. This invention simplifies and substantially reduces the cost of parts and of mounting the cabinet. Thus, a joint rod extending over a height of the cabinet body is assigned to each vertical row of compartments. The shelves are guided by a shoulder in the hinge zone having the joint rod and are fixed vertically on the joint rod by flange sleeves overlooking the upper and/or lower side of the shelves and their shoulder. The compartment doors which are adjusted to the heights of the compartments bear, on their rear surface, in the hinge zone, housings for the flange sleeves and can be covered with a shroud. The compartment doors can be installed, via the housings, on the flange sleeves oriented towards the compartment shelves and can be pivotally fixed on the flange sleeves by shrouds mounted on the compartment doors.
US08113580B1
A disposable child seat cover formed of a single sheet of preferably plastic material, which can be dispensed from a continuous web of material forming multiple disposable child seat covers, is provided. The disposable child seat cover has two central expandable leg openings and two opposing longitudinal perforations divided by bisecting perforations. The perforations allow the user to easily create two front ties and two back ties from the longitudinal sides of the single sheet. The ties are utilized to secure the disposable child seat cover to a public child seat, such as a shopping cart seat or high chair. The disposable child seat cover is designed to effectively protect the child from germs and grime, while being sufficiently economical to allow retail establishments to provide complimentary disposable child seat covers to their customers.
US08113577B2
A connection end portion of an inner member is provided with engagement protrusions, and a connection end portion of a stay is provided with reception grooves capable of axially receiving them. By inserting an operation cable into a tube of a fit-tube portion of an ascent/descent body, the engagement protrusions are axially received in insertion grooves, and are temporarily retained at terminal end portions thereof that are bent in one peripheral direction. When the stay is inserted into the tube of the fit-tube portion, the engagement protrusions are received in the reception grooves, and are transferred to terminal end portions thereof that are bent in the other peripheral direction. Through this operation, an axial connection state is attained in which the operation cable is suspended from the stay, and the headrest is attached to the ascent/descent body to become capable of ascending and descending with respect to the seat back.
US08113574B2
A rocking and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit with a first bearing surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links; a rocker mechanism attached with the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the rocker mechanism configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to experience a longitudinally-directed rocking motion relative to the base unit; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism. The actuating unit is configured to move the chair between (a) an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed, the backrest is generally vertically disposed, and the ottoman are generally vertically disposed and positioned below the seat, (b) an intermediate TV position, in which the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat and the backrest and the seat substantially maintain the same relationship as they have in the upright position, and (c) a fully reclined position, in which the angle between the backrest and the seat increases.
US08113571B2
A passenger motor vehicle has an air guiding device (8) mounted at a rear end of the vehicle and moveable relative to the rear end by a setting-out mechanism (7). A mounting element (11) connects the setting-out mechanism (7) at a downwardly open depression (12) at an underside region of the air guiding device (8). The mounting element (11) is hooked into the air guiding device (8) in a first region (13), and is connected to the air guiding device (8) by a screw connection (21) in a second region (15). The design enables particularly simple, cheap and fast mounting of the setting-out mechanism in the air guiding device (8).
US08113569B2
An energy-saving vehicle, has a housing including an outer portion, an inner portion, an air-flow channel, at least a first air inlet, and at least an air outlet, a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a steering wheel. The air-flow channel is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion of the housing. The first air inlet is disposed in the front of the vehicle The air outlet is disposed at the back of the vehicle, The first air inlet and the air outlet are connected to the air-flow channel. The front wheels and the rear wheels are driven by a power unit. The length of the air-flow channel is no less than that of the upper portion of the housing. As the vehicle travels at a high velocity, air is led in from the air inlet and sprayed from the back of the vehicle, instantly filling a low pressure region at the back of the vehicle and turning the back of the vehicle into a high pressure region, which saves energy. Moreover, since the length of the air-flow channel is larger than that of the upper portion of the housing, lift resistance is eliminated, and the vehicle travels more stably.
US08113560B2
A mounter apparatus includes a first block disposed so as to be able to be reciprocated by an actuator in a first direction, the first block has a conical hole having a conical internal wall and an axis parallel to the first direction, a second block disposed so as to face the first block and is held by the first block with an elastic body interposed between the first block and the second block, the second block moving by the actuator together with the first block in the first direction, the second block approaching the first block while compressing the elastic body, the second block moving away from the first block due to an elastic force of the elastic body, and a suction head portion rotatably held by the second block and has a suction nozzle on the opposite side from the side where the first block is disposed.
US08113559B2
A device for attachment to sheet material such as a tarpaulin, pool cover or bag includes an elongated bar having first and second raised mounting surfaces as well as an open ended elongated sleeve for receiving the bar and a sheet of material positioned around the bar. The elongated sleeve also has a slit which extends from one open end of the sleeve to its other open end and which enables sheet material positioned around the bar and received in the sleeve to extend outwardly through the slit on opposite sides of the bar. The generally raised mounting surfaces are sized and configured to project outwardly from the bar through the slit when the bar is received in the sleeve so that the bar can be rigidly affixed to an object such as the side of a building, vehicle or a handle.
US08113557B2
A wire gripping assembly is provided with a pair of lever arms that are each movable between a gripping position and a release position. Each lever arm includes a plurality of engagement teeth that interact with drive teeth formed on a moving rack member. The rack member is coupled to a piston movable within an open interior of a drive cylinder. Pressurized air is supplied to either side of the piston to move the piston and rack member. The movement of the piston and the rack member within the drive cylinder results in pivoting movement of the first and second lever arms between the gripping position and the release position.
US08113556B2
A lifting device for lifting a workpiece provided with a scissor-type linkage having two arms and two rod-like gripping arms connected thereto in an articulated manner. The lifting device also includes a cross member having at least two axially adjacent elongated holes extending in the axial direction of the cross member. The two gripping arms are each guided through an associated elongated hole and are rotatable around an axis extending transverse to the longitudinal direction and transverse to the through-direction of the associated elongated hole and it becomes. As a result, it becomes possible for the free ends of the gripping arms to tilt in an associated lifting opening of the workpiece, i.e., a cylinder head, when a workpiece is lifted.
US08113551B2
A latch and keeper combination is utilized for securing a radome to an aircraft fuselage. The keeper has a keeper housing and an eyebolt member which extends toward the latch from the keeper housing. The latch has a pivoting handle member pivotally attached to a latch housing. A hook member depends from the handle member. Once the hook member is generally placed about the eye bolt, depressing the handle member further causes the hook to rotate within the latch housing. As the handle member is completely depressed, the hook member fully engages the eye bolt, while at the same time members axially extend from the latch to engage the keeper which provides a resistance to shear between the latch and keeper. The apparatus may also have a safety which prevents the handle from fully closing until the eye bolt is fully engaged by the hook member, thereby providing visual confirmation that the latch has completely engaged the keeper.
US08113548B2
A quick connector coupling to releasably connect a rigid tube into a hollow body component bore with a resilient seal member creating a fluid tight seal. A seat member retainer includes legs abutting the body component. It includes an insertion sleeve that receives the axial insertion forces to insert the seal member retainer into the bore. A protective cap is arranged to contain preassembled seal and retainer components for assembly onto the rigid tube.
US08113547B2
A fluid quick connector includes a retainer mounted in a housing which lockingly couples a first endform to the housing. Latch arms bendably extend from the housing for latching engagement with a second endform. An inner diameter of the latch arms are proximate the outer diameter of the first endform inserted through the housing to prevent substantial movement of the latch arms in a direction which would disengage the latch arms from the second endform. In another aspect, the retainer has inner arms which engage a recessed surface engagement feature in the first endform to lock the other endform to the housing. A portion of a spherical surface is formed on the ends of the inner arms to reduce the push in force required to insert the first endform through the housing and past the retainer.
US08113538B2
An airbag cover and an airbag device capable of improving an outer appearance of the airbag cover and simplifying a structure of a hinge portion are provided. In one form, an airbag cover is formed by integrally resin molding a plate portion which forms a vehicle interior surface with an inner case to be disposed on the back surface of the plate portion to form an inflation/development path of an airbag. The airbag cover includes a door member formed in the plate portion so as to be split upon inflation/development of the airbag, and a hinge portion which turnably retains the door member. The hinge portion includes a first thin portion formed at a connection portion between the inner case and the plate portion, and plural first ribs disposed on the outer surface of the first thin portion so as to be bent or buckled upon the inflation/development of the airbag.
US08113533B2
A board for gliding on snow includes a bottom at least partly defined by a base, a top and sides which connect the bottom and top to each other. Part of the top and the sides are part of a visible surface of the board in use. The board also includes a first part of means for reversibly mounting at least one removable decorative mask on said visible surface.
US08113532B2
The present invention is directed towards, in one embodiment, a process, apparatus or assembly to prevent the theft of or movement of a towable trailer while the trailer is un-hitched from its corresponding original tow vehicle. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a support strip coupled to a support housing. Preferably, at least one off-the-shelf locking means is integrated with the support housing which is adapted to securely couple to or otherwise engage a trailer having an integrated locking dome.
US08113528B2
A racing wheelchair is disclosed. The racing wheelchair may have a pair of rear wheels and a steerable single front wheel. The rear wheels may be independently driven by a lever, through a derailer and a chain, such that pushing one of the two levers will move one of the wheels but not the other. The front wheel is steerable by twist grips located at the removed end of the levers. Brake assemblies and shifter assemblies of the derailers are located adjacent the twist grip, and may be rigidly mounted to the push lever or mounted to the twist grip to rotate therewith.
US08113525B2
A scooter has a folding device provided to selectively pivotally connect to a T-shaped handle bar and a platform. The folding device for scooters comprises a pair of side plates respectively secured to a lower portion of a T-shaped handle bar, a seat secured between the pair of side plates and an engaging unit mounted onto an underside of the platform. The engaging unit is selectively engaged to the seat to fix the relative connection between the handle bar and the platform.
US08113519B2
A packing material fitting structure that prevents the packing material from easily dropping out and facilitates mounting and fixing of the packing material in a packing material fitting place in a part such as a casing or a cover of an engine or a pump with sealing ability. The fitting structure is provided with a packing material having an annular main body portion and a plurality of projections each having a main protruding portion formed to protrude from the annular main body portion and an auxiliary protruding portion formed integrally in the vicinity of the main protruding portion, the projections being formed with an appropriate spacing in the longitudinal direction of the main annular main body portion. The fitting structure is also provided with a casing having formed therein an annular fitting groove for inserting the annular main body portion of the packing material. A cutout portion into which only the main protruding portion of the projection is inserted is formed in a groove wall portion of the fitting groove. An integral forming region of the auxiliary protruding portion and the annular main body portion has a width substantially equal to or larger than a width of the fitting groove. In the packing material, a projection formation location is pressed and fixed only by the cutout portion and both groove wall portions in the vicinity of the cutout portion.
US08113518B2
A multi-dimensional puzzle is formed from a first jigsaw puzzle made from a first set of inter-fitting puzzle pieces and a second jigsaw puzzle made from a second set of inter-fitting puzzle pieces. The second jigsaw puzzle is mounted above the first jigsaw puzzle through the use of platforms positioned on mounting blocks, thus creating a spaced relationship between the first jigsaw puzzle and the second jigsaw puzzle and giving the multi-dimensional puzzle a three-dimensional look.
US08113508B2
The invention provides a bill processor that substantially horizontally delivers bills one by one to an upper space of a stacking unit from a delivery unit, downward strikes and drops the trailing edge of a delivered bill in its delivery direction by impellers, and stacks the bills in the stacking unit. The bill handling machine has a regulating member that engages the leading edge of the bill in its delivery direction, which is delivered to the upper space of the stacking unit from the delivery unit. The regulating member can be changed in position in the delivery direction according to the length of a bill in the delivery direction.
US08113498B2
A method and device for transferring signatures. The device includes a first gathering chain which conveys the signatures with the aid of pushers and which transfers the signatures in a transfer region to a second gathering chain. The second gathering chain includes at least one conveying chain provided with pushers that are arranged at a pre-defined distance relative to each other. The second gathering chain includes recesses adjacent to each of its pushers such that each pusher of the first gathering chain corresponds to a pusher of the second gathering chain and can be lowered through a respective recess.
US08113490B2
A wind-water ultrasonic humidifier includes a housing, a hollow connecting portion, a water circulation system, and a power control box. The water circulation system includes an electric base, a rubber cork plugged into the top of the water circulation system and having a baffle inserted into a concave hole, a circular threaded pipe including a nebulizer and a water pump, two arc-shaped bridging support stands provided for connecting both sides of the electric base in an arc shape, a latch structure disposed at a lower end of the support stand, latches disposed on both sides of the electric base, and a water dripping device installed at an upper end of the bridging support stand.
US08113489B1
A railing system for decks and stairs has identical top and bottom metal extruded rails with upright spindles extended between the rails. Anchor balls secured to the rails with fasteners hold the spindles in assembled relation with the rails. The anchor balls have continuous circumferential ribs located in a force fit relationship with inside surfaces of the spindles.
US08113481B1
A method and device for carrying animal waste bags made from a unitary body comprising a hook for transporting the device and apertures to seal and hold the bags. The bags are inserted into an aperture and drawn through a compression slot which temporarily seals the bags. The device can then be attached to a variety of objects utilizing the integrated hook for hands free transportation of the waste bags.
US08113473B2
Described in certain embodiments are mounting systems that employ one or more T-posts to support useful implements such as birdhouses, signs, fencing, banners, and the like. Additional disclosed embodiments relate to unique post- or wall-mount systems for such implements.
US08113472B2
A mounting system for temporarily holding a device proximate to a panel while an individual works on the device, before the device is mounted to the panel, is provided. The mounting system can include a generally L-shaped bracket that has a catch tab extending from a distal end of the bracket. A panel is also included, the panel having a key hole with a catch slot. The catch tab can be passed through the key hole and engage the catch slot, thereby providing a temporary mount for a device attached to the generally L-shaped bracket.
US08113468B2
A system for providing attitude control with respect to a spacecraft is provided. The system includes a reaction wheel control module configured to control a number of reaction wheel assemblies associated with the spacecraft in order to control attitude, and a maneuver control module configured to use a number of gimbaled Hall Current thrusters (HCTs) to control the total momentum associated with the spacecraft. The total momentum includes the momentum associated with the reaction wheel assemblies and the angular momentum of the spacecraft. Using the gimbaled HCTs to control the momentum associated with the reaction wheel assemblies results in minimal HCT gimbal stepping.
US08113467B2
An aircraft venting tank (for example a surge tank) has a stack pipe unit. The stack pipe unit comprises first and second portions and houses a frangible overpressure protector element (for example a frangible disc). The stack pipe unit may be arranged to have a fitted configuration in which the first portion of the stack pipe unit is attached to a part of the venting tank structure, the first portion is coupled to the second portion, and the second portion is coupled to another part of the venting tank structure. The first portion may be held in a relationship with the second portion so as to form a seal between the frangible element, and the first and second portions. In a frangible element-replacement configuration the second portion may be coupled to the venting tank structure, such that the frangible overpressure protector element can be replaced without removal of the second portion from the venting tank structure. The venting tank may include a frangible element holder for holding a spare frangible element for use in an overpressure protector unit.
US08113455B2
A device for grinding input material is provided with a supporting disk rotating around an axis of rotation within a housing. On the supporting disk, in its circumferential area, first grinding tools are arranged concentrically, axially opposite from which second grinding tools are arranged, forming a radial grinding gap. During operation of a device in accordance with the invention, the grinding tools execute a motion relative to one another. In accordance with an embodiment, the first grinding tools be fastened over an interchangeable ring to the supporting disk, wherein the interchangeable ring is fastened removably to the supporting disk concentric to the axis of rotation and on which the first grinding tools are arranged.
US08113453B2
A fragmenting rotor assembly for comminuting waste wood and other fragmentable material. A hammer support is carried by a drive shaft driven in rotation about a longitudinal drive shaft axis. The hammer support projects radially relative to the drive shaft axis and includes a radially outer hammer head. A fragmenting knife is removably secured to the hammer head and has a reducing edge disposed in a radially outer cutting position. A deflecting member is carried by the drive shaft and has a radially outer end that deflects fragments away from at least a portion of the fragmenting knife. The hammer support and/or the deflecting member are carried by at least one rod of a plurality of circumferentially-spaced axially-extending rods that are carried on the drive shaft by axially-spaced rotor members.
US08113450B2
In a pulverization/dispersion processing system using a medium agitating type wet pulverization/dispersion machine, a system capable of judging the progress of pulverization/dispersion processing successively and objectively during the pulverization/dispersion processing is provided.A pulverization/dispersion processing system 10 including a medium agitating type wet pulverization/dispersion machine 20, a holding tank 40 of a material to be processed, a circulating pump 30, and circulating lines 50 connecting these components to each other is equipped with a particle size distribution measuring instrument and/or a zeta potential measuring instrument 60 in one of the circulating lines 50. These measuring instruments 60 perform measurement by means of an ultrasonic wave, and can use an ultrasonic attenuation method or an electronkinetic sonic amplitude method.
US08113449B2
Disclosed herein is a shredder having a rotatable device located adjacent an output opening of the shredder housing. The rotatable device includes a shaft configured to rotate about an axis parallel to an axis of the cutting assembly so as to allow for rotation of the device. The rotatable device has a plurality of fingers extending at least partially radially with respect to an axis of the shaft. The rotatable device is able to rotate about the shaft axis in either direction, so as to disperse any accumulation of shredded materials in the waste bin, as well as remove shredded materials caught in or near the cutting assembly within and adjacent the output opening.
US08113448B2
Methods of recycling carpet components are disclosed. Usable compositions containing recycled carpet components, and carpets and carpet components containing recycled carpet components are also disclosed.
US08113442B2
A hand held shower with a button switching mechanism for switching spray patterns disclosed in the present invention comprises a body, a button switching mechanism and a cover unit. The button switching mechanism comprises a seat, a disc, a lever, a button, a lower ratchet wheel sleeve and an upper wheel bar. Each time the button pressed, the disc will be rotated to a certain angle so that the outlet hole of the disc will align with the different inlets of seat. The inlets of the seat and the channels with different functions of the cover unit cooperate to switch the spray pattern. The spray pattern can be conveniently and accurately switched by pressing the button with one hand and with little effort.
US08113440B2
Disclosed herein is an exemplary supplemental heating system including a liquid heat generator having a hydrodynamic chamber for selectively heating a fluid. The supplemental heating system further includes a manifold having an inlet passage fluidly connectable to a discharge passage of a heat exchanger, a first discharge passage fluidly connectable to an engine cooling system, and a second discharge passage fluidly connected to an inlet passage of the hydrodynamic chamber. A control valve comprising a spool slideably disposed within the manifold controls distribution of the fluid between the manifold inlet passage and the first manifold discharge passage, and the manifold inlet passage and the manifold second discharge passage.
US08113434B2
Embodiments for electro-optical identification are disclosed.
US08113428B2
Optical reading system and methods having multiple modes of operation, for example: omnidirectional and single-code picking; fixed and handheld reading; 1D and 2D code reading. In one configuration, an image-based system obtains input data via an area sensor (e.g., a 2D CCD array) with only data corresponding to a pattern of virtual scan lines being stored and processed. A user may implement different operating modes such as a first mode reading codes in any location or orientation and a second mode reading only a code oriented along a particular virtual scan line or group thereof. Alternately, the data reader is operable to switch between handheld mode selecting a first pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode and a fixed mode selecting a second pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode. Virtual scan patterns in either mode can change within or between frames.
US08113416B2
A hermetically sealed paperboard container including a container body component including upper and lower ends, the body component being formed from a blank including a paperboard layer having first and second major sides, a first sealant layer on the first major side, a barrier layer on the second major side, and a second sealant layer on the barrier layer, wherein the blank includes first and second longitudinal ends, the first longitudinal end being skived to a predetermined thickness for a predetermined width, the skived portion being folded over onto the blank and heat-sealed to the first sealant layer to form a folded first longitudinal end, and wherein the body component includes an overlapped seam including the folded first longitudinal end positioned inside the second longitudinal end, a bottom component sealed to the lower end; and a lid component hermetically sealed to the upper end.
US08113412B1
A method includes electrically grounding a first plurality of metal bumps on a first surface of an interconnection component to a common ground plate. A voltage contrast (VC) image of a second plurality of metal bumps of the interconnection component is generated. Grey levels of the second plurality of metal bumps in the VC image are analyzed to find defect connections between the second plurality of metal bumps and respective ones of the first plurality of metal bumps.
US08113410B2
A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis.
US08113407B2
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
US08113398B2
A compact carrier apparatus includes one or more bicycle carriers. Each carrier includes wheel support sections configured to engage front and rear bicycle wheels, and a stabilizing arm with a gripping member configured to grip one of the wheels. A wheel support section includes a wheel engagement member disposed on an outer edge of the carrier support structure and oriented so that an engaged wheel projects beyond the outer edge. A bracing arm may selectively extend in a cantilevered fashion relative to the support structure to provide an additional load-bearing support point for such a wheel. The stabilizing arm may be mounted to the support structure at a location rearward of a wheel engagement member, and pivotable to a carrying position to grip the wheel. The path of the stabilizing arm, in the carrying position, traverses the center of the wheel and avoids passing over the fork or the brakes.
US08113396B2
There is now provided a chair and pack frame combination including telescoping legs, which are pivotably coupled to one another. Front legs are rotatably coupled to a seat frame, the seat frame being adjustable between an up and a down position. The frame also includes a cushion and carrying straps.
US08113388B2
An improved arrangement for removably coupling a replaceable cartridge to a housing of a dispenser with the cartridge including a resilient member which prevents radial movement relative a catch member of the housing from a coupled orientation unless the resilient member is deflected from an unbiased inherent configuration.
US08113377B2
A server lid for a container with an integral tear strip tamper evident feature is presented. A tear strip for the tamper evident feature is molded as an adjunct to a base member which forms the closure. The tear strip is joined to the base by at least one frangible web, and hinges about the frangible web to overlie front edges of one or more flaps formed in the server lid. Ultrasonic welds connect the overlying tear strip to the flaps or adjacent the flaps for providing a tamper evident feature. The shape of the server lid provides stackability in that the base rim of the container will fit over the upper portion of the lid, including frangible webs to allow interfitting of one container bottom with the container closure of the next, to allow the containers to be stacked on a shelf without substantial danger of slipping or tipping.
US08113374B2
A closure for a container includes a base having an aperture therethrough, a membrane attached to the bottom of the base and adapted to be attached to the container to seal the opening, a pull tab positioned within the aperture and connected to the base around at least a portion of an inner periphery of the aperture by a frangible portion, and a cap connected to the base by a hinge. The base is adapted to be connected to the container such that the aperture is positioned over the opening. The pull tab is connected to the membrane, so that when a user pulls on the pull tab, the frangible portion breaks to allow removal of the pull tab to open the aperture, and removal of the pull tab causes the portion of the membrane to tear away to unseal the opening of the container. The cap is pivotable about the hinge between an open position and a closed position.
US08113368B2
A synthetic resin bottle is provided with a shape that improves rigidity and strength in a lateral direction, without increasing the cost of material to thicken the bottle wall. The synthetic resin bottle is provided at a low cost in such a way that the bottles can be used smoothly on the carrier line, in vending machines, and in storage in stacks with no deformation. The bottles are capable of performing a vacuum-absorbing function enough to be used in hot filling. Multiple pillar sections in a projected strip-like shape are disposed on the body of a synthetic resin bottle, the pillar sections being inclined spirally at a uniform angle of gradient (α) relative to a central axis of the bottle and disposed in parallel to one another, so that the cylindrical body wall is prevented from being deformed by a pressure force acting in a lateral direction.
US08113367B2
The present invention is a non-removable closure.A non-removable closure in accordance with the present invention may comprise (a) a first sealant layer; (b) a sealant interface layer; and (c) a second sealant layer.A non-refillable container for flowable materials in accordance with the present invention may comprise: (a) a cap; (b) a first sealant layer; (c) a sealant interface layer; (d) a second sealant layer; and (e) a flowable material receptacle.A method for manufacturing a non-removable bottle closure in accordance with the present invention may comprise the steps: (a) disposing a first sealant layer on a first surface of a sealant interface layer; (b) disposing a second sealant layer on a second surface of the sealant interface layer; (c) adhering the first sealant layer to a cap; and (d) adhering the second sealant layer to a receptacle mouth.
US08113365B2
A nursing bottle formed of a small volume container, incorporating a venting tube that extends to dissipate pressure at all times. The nursing bottle may have a cylindrical shape or other configuration that prevents formula placed therein from blocking the venting tube when held at any angle. The venting tube extends distally from the insert portion, operatively associated with a collar that holds the vent structures and the nipple to the neck of the container. The vent opens at the volumetric center of the reservoir above the venting tube. Alternatively, the venting tube has a conical shape of decreasing diameter distally toward the center of the bottom to dissipate the pressure that may cause leakage from the bottle.
US08113363B2
An arrangement includes a winch that is preferably used for hoisting loads as well as an adjusting mechanism for the winch. In the assembled state, the winch is mounted on a crane boom so as to be movable by a limited degree between an operating position and a transported position by means of the adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism is equipped with at least one linear drive unit which cooperates with a lever gear to adjust the winch.
US08113361B2
A space saving having at least three shelves where objects can be stored that is capable of being positioned over an object or addition items can be stored in an open space under shelves of the unit.
US08113359B2
A sediment collection device is used on individual beverage containers for fermented beverages such as beer. A three piece arrangement is fit together before installation on the beverage container, and contains a rotating valve arrangement on complementary, funnel-like structures. This arrangement facilitates a moisture-tight connection between the bottle and the collection device. This arrangement ensures that sediment will not re-enter the beverage bottle.
US08113358B2
A screen for a gyratory sifter including a frame having a plurality of cross-members and a rigid external extension. Additionally, the screen including a filtering element securably attached to the frame. Also, a method for installing a pre-tensioned screen in a gyratory sifter including inserting the pre-tensioned screen into the gyratory sifter. The pre-tensioned screen including a frame having a plurality of cross-members and a rigid external extension and a filtering element securably attached to the frame. Additionally, the method including mating the pre-tensioned screen to a ball box, wherein the mating includes placing the pre-tensioned screen against a contoured section of the ball box, and securing the pre-tensioned screen with a screen plate.
US08113356B2
Methods and systems are disclosed employing a quad-tier shale shaker for processing a mixture of drilling fluid and solids which solids include, in one aspect, lost circulation material (and/or material of size similar to the size of the lost circulation material). This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
US08113349B2
A sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps dispensing container and a sharps disposal container within the sharps dispensing container. In one embodiment, the sharps disposal container is mounted at least partially within the sharps dispensing container, with a chamber surrounding at least a portion of the sharps disposal container. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps disposal container having an inner wall and an inlet for depositing used sharps into the sharps disposal container. The sharps dispensing container includes an outer wall that surrounds at least a portion of the sharps disposal container and forms a buffer zone. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes at least one elastic support member that elastically suspends a sharps disposal container in the interior of a sharps dispensing container. A cover detachably couples the sharps disposal container with the sharps dispensing container.
US08113345B2
A compact disk package, printable on a single paper board blank. The printed package is foldable into at least three sections, namely a front section, a back section connected to the front section along a common, foldable side edge and a CD-holding section attached to the top edge of the back section by a foldable flap. The CD-holding section according to one aspect of the invention is generally square shaped, with a width greater than the diameter of the CD. Two curved slits are cut into the CD-holding section, the arc of the slits corresponding to the curvature of the CD.
US08113334B2
A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations. In another embodiment, the system comprises three levels of intersecting conveyers
US08113333B2
A step band guard (30) for use of a passenger conveyor (20) includes a first panel (32) comprising a first piece of material. A second panel (34) comprises a second piece of material that is distinct and separate from the first piece of material. A securing connection (42) allows for selectively securing the panels together. The first panel (32) can be strategically left in place for blocking access to at least a portion of a step band (22) near a turnaround (28). The second panel (34) can be selectively put in place when blocking access to the entire step band (22) at the turnaround (28) is desired. The first panel (32) allows for some access to the step band and allows an individual to move the step band (22) without having to have the entire step band guard (30) in place.
US08113315B2
A ladder assembly for accessing an elevated platform of a work machine such as an agricultural combine includes an upper ladder portion connected to an upstanding handrail of the elevated platform for upward and downward movement, and a combination lower ladder portion and handle assembly carried on the lower end of the upper ladder portion and pivotable between a stowed position generally vertically coextensive with at least a portion of the upper ladder portion, and a deployed position extending downwardly. A latch mechanism holds the lower ladder portion in the stowed position. The handle is positioned for use to move the ladder down and up, is manipulable to release the latch, and pivots out of the way when the ladder is deployed. The lower ladder portion can also carry a trim panel which covers a portion of the ladder when stowed.
US08113304B2
An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main section, which includes a main frame, and a forward section. The main frame has two sides and a front end, and includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. The forward section includes an elongated arm. One end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the sides of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below the main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about the transverse axis. The main section is contained within the volume defined by the main tracks and is symmetrical about a horizontal plane, thereby allowing inverted operation of the robot.
US08113298B2
A wireline apparatus for deep well measurements in a borehole being drilled includes a drill string having multiple drill pipe sections connected end-to-end, with at least one of the drill pipe sections being electrically conductive and isolated to provide an electrode section. A nonmagnetic drill pipe section is connected in the drill string below said electrode section, and a hydraulic motor having a rotatable drill bit carrying a drill bit instrument sub having a magnetic field sensing instrument package is connected to a lowermost end of the drill string. A wireline locatable within said drill string incorporates an electrode locatable within the drill pipe electrode section, and carries at its distal end a wireline instrument package that is locatable within the nonmagnetic drill pipe section to receive data representing magnetic field data from the magnetic field sensing instrument package. A time-variable AC source is connected to the wireline to energize the drill pipe electrode section by way of the wireline electrode to produce a corresponding target current magnetic field to be detected at the drill bit instrument.
US08113290B2
A connector guard is provided to protect one or both downhole connectors during wellbore run in prior to mating downhole. The connector guard may comprise dissolvable or degradable material and include an engagement sections and a removal feature. The connector guard may be dissolved or degraded via a reactive agent or temperature either introduced downhole proximate to the guards or contained within a chamber included in or created by a connector guard. The connector guard may be further coupled by a non-reactive cover in order to control the rate of reaction of the dissolvable material. The cover may be breached prior to mating of the downhole connectors.
US08113269B2
A combustion gas furnace includes a plurality of primary heat exchangers for passage of combustion gases therethrough. A plurality of secondary heat exchangers receive the combustion gases from the primary heat exchanger. Each of the secondary heat exchangers includes a heat conductive element defining a plurality of elongate passageways for the flow of combustion gas therethrough. The passageways include aligned ports at either end thereof. The passageways are generally aligned and separated by longitudinal walls extending between the ends. The walls are positioned for heat conductive contact with the combustion gases flowing through passageways.
US08113262B2
An accessory wand handle for use on existing control wands. An elongated handle with a bore is fitted over the end of an existing wand for blinds. The handle is secured on the existing wand by a frictional fit between the outside surface of the existing wand and the inner surface of the bore in the accessory wand handle. The wand handle is larger than a wand to provide a mechanical advantage for users to turn the wand. The wand handle itself can be constructed to compliment the appearance of the wand. There is sufficient space between the wand and the walls of the bore for placement of decorative items. The handle itself may be decorated or inscribed with logo or other promotional materials.
US08113260B2
An articulation device for an awning arm elbow includes a forearm elbow part defining a fork between the branches of which a core configured around an axis is supported. A flexible tie rod is coupled to the core and is connected to an elastic member. An arm elbow part defines a surrounding wall around the core. Bearings act to guide relative rotation between the forearm and arm elbow parts and to support the forearm on the arm. The bearings include at least one bearing unit which includes a first annular element fixed to the forearm elbow part and a second annular element fixed to the arm elbow part. These first and second annular elements include respective facing surfaces which cooperate in the functions of the bearings.
US08113258B2
An ultrasonic welding assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an ultrasonic welder having nodal horn support for improving transmission of transducer energy to the weld comprising an acoustical tool having a horn; a weld tip on the end of said horn; and at least two nodal mounts which are in contact with and axially and radially support said horn. The horn self-aligns in housing by sitting a housing-key within a keyway in the horn. The weld tip self aligns by sitting the keyed tip in a keyway of the horn.
US08113254B2
A self-inflating tire assembly includes an annular air tube connected to a tire and defining an annular air passageway, the air tube being composed of a flexible material operative to allow an air tube segment opposite a tire footprint to flatten, closing the passageway, and resiliently unflatten into an original configuration. The air tube is sequentially flattened by the tire footprint in a direction opposite to a tire direction of rotation to pump air along the passageway to an inlet device for exhaust from the passageway or to an outlet device for direction into the tire cavity. The inlet device is positioned within the annular passageway 180 degrees opposite the outlet device such that sequential flattening of the air tube by the tire footprint effects pumping of air along the air passageway with the tire rotating in either a forward or reverse direction of rotation.
US08113253B2
The invention provides a non-pneumatic tire which can improve a riding quality, a noise performance and the like while improving a durability, and can further sufficiently suppress a buckling of a ground portion between spokes, because a circumferential fluctuation of a tire rigidity is hard to be generated due to a positional relationship between a spoke position and a center position of the ground surface, and a strain can be dispersed into each of portions of a support structure body. In a non-pneumatic tire T comprising a support structure body SS supporting a load from a vehicle, the support structure body SS includes an inner annular portion 1, an intermediate annular portion 2 concentrically provided in an outer side of the inner annular portion 1, an outer annular portion 3 concentrically provided in an outer side of the intermediate annular portion 2, a plurality of inner coupling portions 4 coupling the inner annular portion 1 and the intermediate annular portion 2, and a plurality of outer coupling portions 5 coupling the outer annular portion 3 and the intermediate annular portion 2, and the number of the outer coupling portions 5 is larger than the number of the inner coupling portions 4.
US08113250B2
Described herein are several embodiments of an anti-skid stud for insertion into the rubber tread of an air-filled vehicle tire. The stud can include a body that has a bottom flange, a shank element that extends outwardly from the bottom flange, and a hard cermet piece made from a material different than the body. The hard cermet piece is positioned at least partially within the body. The bottom flange can have a substantially quadrangular shape that defines diagonal dimensions. The hard cermet piece can be substantially lozenge-shaped in cross-section and define mutually different diagonal dimensions that extend in a direction perpendicular to a total length of the stud.
US08113245B2
A device for filling a recipient with at least one material in a form of a powder, the device including: a filling channel configured to bring the material from a reserve of material to an entry opening of the recipient; and a pump that evacuates a pneumatic fluid contained in the recipient through at least one first evacuation duct and a second evacuation duct, wherein the at least one first evacuation duct is configured to connect an inside of the recipient to an environment outside of the recipient during a filling phase, the first evacuation duct being internal to the filling channel, and the second evacuation duct is configured to evacuate the pneumatic fluid before filling.
US08113239B2
In some embodiments, a vented valve assembly for attachment to a rigid container may include one or more of the following features: (a) a unitary tubular valve body of a generally cylindrical hollow form and having a liquid inlet end, and (b) a second end and a liquid outlet port, said liquid inlet end adapted for connection to a male spout on a wall of the rigid container, said liquid outlet port being exterior to the wall of the rigid container when the liquid inlet end is affixed to the spout, the valve body further including an air vent opening formed through a wall of the tubular valve body leading to a channel affixed to an inner wall of the tubular valve body, the channel having one open end.
US08113237B2
A system for controlling the level of hydraulic fluid between a first and second sump in a transmission includes a valve assembly located within the first sump. The valve assembly includes a valve that is moveable between two positions. The valve assembly includes first and second inlet ports that communicate with the first sump and an outlet port that communicates with the second sump. The second inlet port has an opening that is located higher than an opening to the first inlet port. Hydraulic fluid within the first sump communicates through the first inlet port to the outlet port when the valve is in the first position, and hydraulic fluid within the first sump communicates through the second inlet port to the outlet port when the valve is in the second position.
US08113234B2
The specification discloses a tire inflation pressure regulator facilitating precise tire inflation. The regulator includes a body, a two-position valve within the body, and a rotational lock. The body includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air vent. In one position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air outlet when the tire pressure is below a preset level; and, in a second position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air vent when the tire pressure exceeds the preset level to prevent overfilling. The valve moves rapidly between the two positions, and is unstable between the two positions. The valve includes a regulator enabling the preset level to be adjusted. The rotational lock enables the regulator to be screwed onto a tire stem, but prevents removal of the regulator from the tire stem without a key. The regulator preferably includes a cap removably sealed over the air inlet and the air vent to prevent the undesired loss of air.
US08113232B1
A water flow control system for regulating water traveling through an existing water supply line preferably includes a housing connected to an existing water line. A user interface may be coupled thereto and remotely attached. A mechanism may automatically prevent water from flowing through the housing upon detection of a triggering event. A controller may be situated within the housing along with motion sensors. A rotatable fan may be situated within the housing along with a plurality of tracks, triggers, and resilient spring members anchored to the triggers and tracks respectively. The rotation speed of the fan may be commensurate with the real-time water flow rate of the water flowing through the housing. A control logic algorithm operates to close a restrictor valve if the water flow rate exceeds limits set by the user interface. A manually-actuated lever may also be attached to open or close the restrictor valve.
US08113227B2
A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low.
US08113226B2
Check valve assemblies and related methods are described. A valve assembly comprises a housing having at least a first inlet passage and an outlet passage. A flow channel is disposed within the housing, with at least a portion thereof extending inward from the first inlet passage. A first check member is disposed within the first inlet passage and is movable along the flow channel between a closed position in which the first check member is disposed against a first valve seat and an open position in which the first check member is spaced from the first valve seat. In varying examples, movement of the first check member from the closed position to the open position is unopposed. Optionally, the housing can include at least a second inlet passage wherein a second check member is disposed. In an example, the second check member is continuously biased toward a closed position.
US08113225B2
A flush valve actuator includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet and a passage therebetween. A diaphragm is disposed within the passage and is movable between two positions so as to control a flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet. A variable flow control is positioned between the inlet and the diaphragm and adjusts a flow rate of fluid through the passage. A filter is positioned between the inlet and the variable flow control and removes debris from fluid flowing through the passage. A solenoid is activated for a certain time period so as to cause the diaphragm to move between the two positions. The flow rate and the activation time are defined so as to allow approximately one-eighth of a gallon of water to enter the outlet per activation of the solenoid.
US08113224B2
A moisture diversion system is provided for a collapsible structure including a collapsible frame assembly and an outer structure coupled to the collapsible frame assembly. The moisture diversion system includes a guide strip coupled at each of a first edge and an opposing second edge to the outer structure. The guide strip defines a channel between the first edge and the second edge for facilitating diverting moisture from the outer structure.
US08113221B2
After a rinse process on a wafer W is performed by feeding pure water to the surface of the wafer W at a predetermined flow rate while rotating the wafer W in an approximately horizontal state, a feed amount of the pure water to the wafer W is reduced, and a pure-water feed point is moved outward from the center of the wafer W. In this manner, the wafer W is subjected to a spin dry process while forming a liquid film in a substantially outer region of the pure-water feed point.
US08113214B2
Apparatus for conditioning of organic materials including an inlet gate, an outlet gate, a conditioning chamber having a set of nozzles for supplying thermodynamic medium, and an immobilizing device. The set of nozzles and the immobilizing device are arranged in relation to each other such that thermodynamic medium flowing through the set of nozzles places organic material in the immobilizing means and flows over conditioned organic material placed in the immobilizing means.
US08113211B2
A cigarette filter assembly comprises a hollow paper tube with a spaced apart solid fiber plugs inside the tube together with granular filter material in the spaces between the plugs. Energy activated adhesive is only between the solid filter plugs and interior surface portions of the tube. After the spaced apart solid fiber plugs are within the tube the adhesive is activated to secure the plugs to the tube. The energy activated adhesive is only on selected portions of the hollow tube where the solid fiber plugs are located or alternatively the adhesive is only on the exterior surface portions of the solid fiber plugs.
US08113202B2
A patient interface device including a cushion assembly having a cushion-in-a-cushion arrangement and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient using such an interface device. The patient interface includes a mask shell having a patient side and an outer side opposite the patient side adapted for receiving a supply of gas. A seal cushion contacts a first area of a patient's face to form a seal therewith. A support cushion is disposed outside the seal cushion and includes a first end portion that contacts a second area of a patient's face.
US08113198B2
A breathing apparatus is operable in self-contained and filtered modes of operation. In the self-contained mode of operation, a breathable gas is delivered to a user from a self-contained source of breathing gas. In a second, filtered mode of operation, a suction source draws ambient air through a filter removing contaminants and delivers filtered ambient air to the user. A method of delivering air to a subject is also provided.
US08113197B2
A flow regulation vent for venting washout gas to atmosphere and for regulating flow from a pressurized gas supply includes a fixed portion adapted to engage a gas supply conduit; a spring force biased movable portion in communication with the pressurized gas supply; and a hinge pivotally connecting the movable portion to the fixed portion. The fixed portion has a gas flow orifice and the movable portion is pivotally movable between 1) a relaxed position, below a specified operating pressure to establish a first gas washout flow area, and 2) a fully pressurized position. At or above the specified operating pressure, the pressurized gas pivots the movable portion adjacent the fixed portion to cover at least a portion of the gas flow orifice and establish a second gas washout flow area. The second gas washout flow area is less than the first gas washout flow area.
US08113196B2
A dispensing device has a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device includes multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert and a mechanism is provided for reinserting the inserts back into the respective receptacles after use.
US08113192B2
There is provided an evacuated tubular solar collector with an eccentric type manifold flange capable of changing flow of a heating medium and improving the electric heat performance of a manifold by employing an eccentric end cap with a fluid path and a baffle in the manifold and improving the structure of the manifold. The evacuated tubular solar collector may comprise an evacuated tubular solar collector; a manifold being installed at an upper position of the evacuated tubular solar collector and including a number of heat dissipation holes; eccentric end caps attached to both sides of the manifold, the eccentric end cap including a fluid path; and a baffle attached to an exit of the fluid path through which a fluid flows into. The fluid path and the baffle may be positioned tilted, thereby to improve uniform transfer of heat in the evacuated tubular solar collector.
US08113190B2
A compact conveyor oven is disclosed comprising a cooking chamber, thermal heating source, conveyor means and independent top and bottom airflow within the cooking chamber wherein substantially equal pressurization of the top and bottom airflows is achieved within the compact footprint.
US08113189B2
A paintball marker has an inline cylinder that includes a gas governor that reduces gas flow from a compressed gas source to a valve area when the bolt is in a firing position; this increases efficiency in the marker because only the required air is used to fire the paintball. This bolt operates independent of the valve pin, which increases cycle speed and enables the governor to open and close at an optimum time in the firing cycle. Further, when the bolt/piston is recocking, the gap between the valve pin and governor valve pin enables low pressure gas driving the piston to start pressurizing the cylinder and driving the piston rearwards without resistance from the high pressure gas. The marker also allows a user to remove the inline cylinder without tools, and provides a convenient carrying handle for holding the paintball marker, which is commonly called a “snatch grip.”
US08113186B2
A multifuel internal combustion engine in which single low boiling point component fuel and at least one kind of fuel having properties different from those of the single low boiling point component fuel are introduced into a combustion chamber CC separately or together thereby operating the multifuel internal combustion engine, includes lubricant-oil temperature detecting unit means (temperature sensor 91) that detects a temperature of lubricant oil, or lubricant-oil temperature estimating unit means that estimates the temperature, and purge control unit means (electronic control unit 1) that prohibits purge control by an evaporation gas purge apparatus (evaporation gas passage 42, check valve 43, canister 44, on-off valve 45) or reduces a purge flow rate of evaporation gas in the purge control, when the detected or estimated temperature of the lubricant oil is near a boiling point temperature of the single low boiling point component fuel at which it is necessary to reduce a fuel injection amount from a fuel injection valve to a predetermined amount or less to adjust an air/fuel ratio of the combustion chamber to a target air/fuel ratio.
US08113180B2
A method adjusts fuel injection to account for fuel puddling in the engine intake. The fuel is adjusted based on the ethanol content of the fuel in the puddle, and the make-up of the various fuel components in the puddle. In this way, it is possible to better account for the effects of these parameters on puddle evaporation.
US08113178B2
An apparatus for controlling the quantity of fuel over a common rail diesel engine includes a wave speed correction map correcting a wave speed and a time corrector, a first adder multiplying the corrected wave speed by an injection time difference, a base correction map using an output of the first adder and a former injection quantity as input variables, an amplitude map using a following injection quantity and a rail pressure as input variables, and a second adder multiplying a base correction map value of the base correction map by an amplitude map value of the amplitude map, and outputting a finally corrected value of the fuel quantity.
US08113176B2
The invention relates to an injector for injecting fuel into combustion chambers. According to the invention, a valve piston of a control valve is provided with low pressure on both faces thereof. The valve piston is arranged in a valve chamber hydraulically connected to a control chamber and is guided inside a sleeve received in the valve chamber. The valve chamber contains a spring supported on one end against the sleeve and on the other end on the valve piston such that the spring presses the valve piston onto a valve seat and the sleeve onto an opposing bottom surface. The valve piston diameter inside the sleeve corresponds to the effective valve piston diameter at the valve seat.
US08113173B2
A control system for an engine having a cylinder is disclosed having an engine valve movable to regulate a fluid flow of the cylinder and an actuator associated with the engine valve. The control system also has a controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of engine speed and compare the engine speed signal with a desired engine speed. The controller is also configured to selectively regulate the actuator to adjust a timing of the engine valve to control an amount of air/fuel mixture delivered to the cylinder based on the comparison.
US08113168B2
An engine unit includes a V-type engine and a throttle body assembly. The throttle body assembly has front and rear throttle bodies, an actuator and a second rotational shaft. The front throttle bodies include front throttle valves that open and close front cylinders. The rear throttle bodies include rear throttle valves that open and close rear cylinders. The actuator is disposed, in a longitudinal direction, between center axes of the front cylinders and center axes of the rear cylinders. A shaft center of the second rotational shaft is located to the front of or to the rear of a shaft center of a first rotational shaft.
US08113163B2
A camshaft may include a first shaft, a stop member, and a first lobe member. The first shaft may include an outer radial surface having a first recess extending radially therein. The stop member may be axially fixed within the first recess. The first lobe member may define an inner bore located on the outer radial surface of the first shaft. The first lobe member may include a second recess extending radially into the inner bore. The stop member may extend into the second recess to axially locate the first lobe member on the first shaft.
US08113154B2
A water heater. The water heater includes a water tank adapted to contain water to be heated, a combustion chamber positioned proximate the water tank, a combustor positioned in the combustion chamber and operable to create products of combustion, a passage extending upwardly from the combustion chamber and through the water tank, the passage having an upper portion comprising an inner tube and an outer tube and a lower portion comprising an inner tube and an outer tube, and a transition element positioned in the passage and configured to direct supply air from the outer tube of the upper portion to the inner tube of the lower portion and deliver hot products of combustion from the outer tube of the lower portion to the inner tube of the upper portion, the transition element maintaining separation of the supply air and the products of combustion.
US08113152B1
A canine wound boot is fabricated using a breathable substrate having two layers of generally open weave and a fibrous material spacing and bonding the two layers together. Onto the substrate, various friction pads, wear pads, one or more straps, and strategically located cushions are attached. Specially configured slits ensure that a wide range of leg sizes relative to paw sizes may be accommodated, while easing application of the boot and eliminating any risk of bunching. Elastic material serves as a gusset in the boot which expands to cover a bandage or cast.
US08113151B2
The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species. The captured data is then processed to create a database record which is associated with the selected subject and which can be used to uniquely identify the selected subject. The subject identification process is repeatable, so any subject can be accurately mapped to their associated database record, which database record can be updated to reflect changes in the subject.
US08113145B2
A milking machine teat cup liner having a dome and a barrel, and the barrel has an upper transition portion and a lower square portion. The transition section mates with the round cross-section of the dome and the square cross-section of the lower square portion to provide superior vacuum seal with less irritation and damage to teat tissue.
US08113140B2
A powder coating apparatus is provided with: a coating booth, wherein a work to be coated is moved by a conveyer in the coating booth; and a coating gun that sprays powder coating material to the moving work. In the powder coating apparatus, the coating booth includes a movable wall on at least one of a side wall and a ceiling wall of the coating booth. The movable wall is configured to move in accordance with the work passing the coating booth.
US08113133B2
A dissimilar joint structure according to the present invention is provided at a first metal member and a second metal member which are made of dissimilar metals to each other. The dissimilar joint structure couples the first metal member and the second metal member 7. An inserting groove 8a is formed at the first metal member. The second metal member includes an inserting portion which is able to be inserted into the inserting groove. The first metal member is joined to the inserting portion 9 with the inserting portion 9 inserted into the inserting groove 8a.
US08113129B1
Pallet systems are described that can be formed of corrugated paperboard without the necessity of any attachment materials such adhesives, staples, or the like. Individual stringers of a pallet matrix are interwoven together, with stringer notches interlocking with notches of crossing stringers from both above and below any one stringer. Systems can be easily and quickly assembled and, should the need arise, can be quickly repaired, for instance by replacement of one or more individual runners. Systems can also exhibit extremely high strength, and can withstand greater than about 20,000 pounds of static compression at less than about ⅜ inch deflection.
US08113125B2
The invention is a carriage traction vehicle for use with a monorail. The vehicle is self-propelled along the monorail by one or more motors engaging a fixed rack attached to the monorail.
US08113123B2
A overhead transport service vehicle system includes a carriage frame structured and arranged to carry a user. A hoisting mechanism utilizes at least one lifting device for lifting and lowering the carriage frame and at least one moving device for causing movement of the hoisting mechanism along one of a track or rail. A control controls at least one of the at least one lifting device and the at least one moving device.
US08113117B2
An initiator that includes a header body, an insulating spacer, an initiator, a plurality of terminals and a plurality of contacts. The insulating spacer is coupled to the header body. The initiator forms at least a portion of an exploding foil initiator and includes a plurality of electric interfaces. The initiator is secured to a side of the insulating spacer opposite the header body. The terminals extend through the header body. The contacts electrically couple the electric interfaces to the terminals.
US08113114B2
An agricultural power control system including a moving element, a power source, a signal generating element and a torque modifying device. The moving element is configured to engage a quantity of crop material in a cyclical manner. The power source conveys power to the moving element. The signal generating element is configured to provide a signal relating to an anticipated quantity of crop material prior to the moving element engaging the quantity of crop material. The torque modifying device is configured to cause the power source to alter an amount of torque delivered to the moving element dependent upon the signal.
US08113112B2
A foot sensor rubbish bin is controlled to open and close by extending the user's foot into a recess of a base to actuate a sensor without using the user's hands, which provides the user with much convenience. Moreover, since the sensor is disposed at the recess of the base, the unnecessary interference can be avoided, thus reducing the energy waste and complying with the requirements of environmental protection.
US08113108B2
The invention relates to a device for storing, treating and dispensing items of food, especially baked products, which device comprises at least two sections (2, 3). The inventive device is characterized by a plurality of supports (12) for receiving the items of food (9, 10) and a transport device (17, 20, 21, 22) that configures a closed transport cycle of the supports (12) between the sections (2, 3).
US08113104B2
An improved ceramic armor system comprising a ceramic component and a diamond powder based slurry bonded to a strike surface of the ceramic component, the diamond powder based slurry including a diamond powder and a base selected from the group consisting of a silicate and a phosphate base.
US08113090B1
An assembly that includes a bottle, a bottle cap and a tool for removing the bottle cap. A pry tool is provided having a lever tab, a thumb tab and a prying catch. A flexible restraint is used to attach the pry tool to the neck of the bottler. The flexible restraint passes into a groove formed in part by the presence of the bottle cap. The pry tool is free to rotate about the connection point between an engaged position, wherein the pry tool engages the cap, and a disengaged position wherein the pry tool is disengaged from the cap. When the pry tool is in its engaged position, the pry tool will pry open the cap when an upward force is applied to the thumb tab of the pry tool. This configuration enables a container to be held in one hand and opened.
US08113089B2
An engine starting apparatus is provided that has a constantly engaged starter pinion and a one-way clutch lubricated with transmission fluid, without modification to the engine and without adding axial length to the transmission. Specifically, a starting apparatus for cranking an engine crankshaft using a starter motor is provided for an engine that is operatively connected to a transmission through a torque converter.
US08113088B2
A differential gear mechanism including a gear case having a body defining a gear chamber having a pair of opposed openings with a pair of output gears rotatably supported in the gear chamber adjacent to the openings. At least one of the output gears has a hub with a tapered portion facing an adjacent opening. At least one of the openings includes an inner chamfer portion that corresponds to an adjacent tapered portion. The gear case and gear set cooperate to move the output gear such that the tapered portion is disposed in frictional, torque translating engagement with a chamfered portion to bias torque translated through the differential to the output shafts under predetermined conditions.
US08113079B2
A driving device includes a shaft member and a driven gear rotatably disposed to the shaft member that is formed to be fixed to a surface plate member inside the driving device. The shaft member is provided with a flow passage for air penetrating along a shaft line thereof. A cavity is formed in a bearing member of the driven gear to be spaced from the shaft member.
US08113078B2
A work machine jog drive includes a jog motor configured to operate components of the work machine primary drive system in a slow controllable manner to operate performance system components of the work machine for adjustment, maintenance and other purposes.
US08113069B2
An aerodynamic sampler for sampling particles from a surface or a flowing gas stream is provided. The sampler can include an arcuate-shaped shroud having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being directed in a first direction and the second opening oppositely disposed and spaced apart from the first opening. A gas nozzle having at least one gas outlet directed generally in the first direction can be included and may or may not be located at least partially within the shroud. The gas nozzle is operable to supply a gas jet to a surface that is proximate the first opening of the shroud. In addition, a suction device operable to pull or suck the gas proximate the first opening through the second opening and afford for the gas to enter a detector is provided. The arcuate-shaped shroud can be a bell-shaped shroud with the first opening located at a bottom of the bell-shape.
US08113067B2
A pipette and a process for producing a pipette (10) with a capacity of from 1 to 50 ml from a thermoplastic polymer. An essentially cylindrical pipette shaft (12) with an internal diameter (di) and an essentially cylindrical cup-shaped pipette reservoir (16) with an internal diameter (Di) are produced in an injection molding process. The pipette shaft (12) has, at one end, a pipette tip (14) which narrows to a suction/exit orifice (20), and, at the other end, a conical widening (18). The pipette reservoir (16) has a suction nozzle (24) abutting coaxially from the bottom of the pipette reservoir (16). The conical widening (18) is welded or adhesive-bonded at the end and coaxially to the pipette reservoir (16). The ratio of the total pipette length (L) to the arithmetic mean of the internal diameters (di and Di) of the pipette shaft (12) and of the pipette reservoir (16) is at least 15. The pipette may have a suction nozzle (24) with a retainer, such as a radially inward jutting rib (34) for a cotton wool bud.
US08113064B2
A measuring transducer comprising at least one measuring tube for conveying a flowing medium. The measuring tube vibrates at least at times during operation. A sensor arrangement, which serves to register oscillations of the at least one measuring tube. The measuring tube extends with an oscillatory length between an inlet-side, first measuring tube end, and an outlet-side, second measuring tube end, and, during operation, oscillates about an oscillation axis, which is parallel to or coincides with an imagined connecting axis which imaginarily connects the two measuring tube ends. By means of a first oscillation sensor, the sensor arrangement produces a first primary signal of the measuring transducer representing vibrations of the measuring tube, and by means of a second oscillation sensor the sensor arrangement produces a second primary signal of the measuring transducer representing vibrations of the measuring tube, wherein a length of a region of the first measuring tube extending between the first oscillation sensor and the second oscillation sensor defines a measuring length of the measuring transducer. The oscillation sensors of the sensor arrangement are placed in the measuring transducer in such a way that a measuring transducer sensitivity, SACT, referenced to a theoretical sensitivity at a maximum measuring length corresponding to the oscillatory length, as well as a signal amplitude, of the primary signals actually achieved during operation, referenced to a theoretically maximum possible signal amplitude, AMAX, at the location of maximum oscillation amplitude, fulfill the condition ℛ = A ACT A MAX · S ACT S MAX = ! Max .
US08113060B2
A pressure sensing device adapted for having a liquid flowing there through and for sensing the pressure of said liquid. The device has a casing being fluid-tightly divided into a first and a second chamber by a flexible, impermeable wall. The first chamber has a first opening for the liquid, said opening being placed at the lower part of the chamber, and a second opening for the liquid, said opening being placed at the top of the first chamber. The second chamber has a measuring port, which is connectable to a pressure transducer for bringing the second chamber into gas-tight communication with the pressure transducer. The device has a first orifice to permit the liquid to flow into and out of the device, the orifice being placed at the upper part of the device at a higher level than the second opening. A first channel is connecting the first orifice with the first opening. A second orifice permits the liquid to flow out of and into the device and is placed at the lower part of the device at a lower level than the first opening. A second channel connects the second opening with the second orifice.
US08113044B2
A system for making pressure measurements in a formation surrounding a wellbore includes a sensor which, in use, is positioned into direct pressure communication with the formation from a predetermined location in the wellbore, and a means for isolating the sensor, when in use, from pressure effects arising from the wellbore.
US08113040B2
A runout gauge includes a stand (such as a tripod), and a gauge bar pivotally mounted on the stand. The gauge bar includes a wheel on its upper end positioned above the pivot for rollingly engaging an outer surface of a vehicle tire, and further includes a pointer located a greater second distance below the pivot. By this arrangement, movement of the wheel on the tire due to runout causes the pointer to move along an amplified path having a length greater than the movement of the wheel, thus making it easier to read. The illustrated stand includes indicia for measuring movement of the pointer, and also includes gauge slides on a frame component that abut the pointer in a manner showing an extent of the pointer's movement, which relates to the runout on the tire.
US08113030B2
Methods are taught for manufacturing a work having a peripheral flange by pressing a sheet material may include half die cutting the material so as to simultaneously form inner and outer circumferential surface of the peripheral flange while the peripheral flange is simultaneously subjected to isostatic pressures that are directed from the flange inner surface to the flange outer surface or from the flange outer surface to the flange inner surface.
US08113020B2
A lock includes a housing, a cover, a lock cylinder holder, a lock cylinder, a cam, a resisting shaft, at least one latching block, and at least one first elastic member. The cover is secured to one end of the housing. A gap is formed between the cover and the housing. The lock cylinder holder is secured to the housing. The lock cylinder is rotatably mounted in the lock cylinder holder. The cam is received in the housing and secured to the lock cylinder. The resisting shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing and includes a frustum shaped end. The latching block is received in the gap. The latching block includes an inclined surface corresponding to the frustum shaped end. The first elastic member is configured to connect the latching block to the cover or the housing. An electronic device using the lock is also provided.
US08113010B2
A system for cooling air in a data center includes a data center having electronic equipment in operation, a cooling water source, and a plurality of on-floor cooling units. The cooling water source is configured to retain at maximum capacity a total amount of water. Each on-floor cooling unit is configured to cool air heated by a portion of the electronic equipment in the data center using water from the cooling water source. The total amount of water is insufficient to maintain a leaving air temperature of each on-floor cooling unit below an inside setpoint when a temperature outside of the data center is above a predetermined external temperature.
US08113009B2
An electronic cooling apparatus has a cabinet which is open at the front and rear sides thereof and accommodates plural electronic devices each having a fan, and a rear door which is provided with an evaporator. Air blown by the fan is cooled by the evaporator and then returned to a room. An expansion valve and control. A drain pan with an extension portion having hole portions through which refrigerant pipes extend is provided. A drain hose discharges drain water from the drain pan. An exhaust heat temperature detecting unit and a control for controlling the refrigerant supply to the evaporator are provided. When the exhaust heat temperature is equal to or less than a set exhaust temperature, the controller stops the refrigerant supply to the evaporator. When the exhaust heat temperature exceeds the set temperature, the controller starts the refrigerant supply.
US08113008B2
The invention relates to a refrigeration circuit having a mono- or multi-component refrigerant circulating therein, said refrigeration circuit comprising, in the direction of flow, a condenser, a collecting container, a relief device connected upstream of an evaporator, an evaporator and a compressor unit with single-stage compression. According to the invention, there is an intermediate relief device (a) arranged between the condenser (1) and the collecting container (3). Furthermore, there is disclosed a method of operating a refrigeration device in which pressure relief of the refrigerant to an (intermediate) pressure of 5 to 40 bar is effected in the intermediate relief device (a) arranged between the condenser (1) and the collecting container (3).
US08113001B2
A fuel injector for a secondary fuel nozzle in a gas turbine includes axially oriented air slots and a plurality of fuel injection holes disposed between the air slots. The plurality of fuel injection holes include axially oriented injection holes and radially oriented injection holes such that fuel input through the plurality of fuel injection holes is injected in both a radial direction and an axial direction to mix with air flowing through the air slots.
US08113000B2
A pre-mixer assembly associated with a fuel supply system for mixing of air and fuel upstream from a main combustion zone in a gas turbine engine. The pre-mixer assembly includes a swirler assembly disposed about a fuel injector of the fuel supply system and a pre-mixer transition member. The swirler assembly includes a forward end defining an air inlet and an opposed aft end. The pre-mixer transition member has a forward end affixed to the aft end of the swirler assembly and an opposed aft end defining an outlet of the pre-mixer assembly. The aft end of the pre-mixer transition member is spaced from a base plate such that a gap is formed between the aft end of the pre-mixer transition member and the base plate for permitting a flow of purge air therethrough to increase a velocity of the air/fuel mixture exiting the pre-mixer assembly.
US08112996B2
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy by using solar collectors with multiple closed-cycle thermodynamic engines and/or piezoelectric generators. The solar collectors are configured to collect solar energy and to distribute the collected solar energy in a pulsating manner directly into multiple closed-cycle thermodynamic engines, piezoelectric generators, and the like. The pulsating manner means that the solar energy is allowed to enter into a particular engine or generator periodically, for a predetermined period of time, similar to turning a switch ON and OFF. Advantageously, this enables more efficient use of the collected solar energy.
US08112994B2
A method for controlling a variable-geometry turbine (24) that includes a variable-geometry mechanism that is movable between a fully closed position closing a relatively greater portion of the turbine nozzle and a fully open position closing a relatively smaller portion of the nozzle. The turbine (24) further comprises a waste gate (40) movable between a closed position and an open position in which some of the exhaust gas bypasses the turbine (24). At low engine speeds, turbocharger boost us regulated by regulating the position of the wastegate. At high engine speeds, the variable geometry is fully open and the wastegate is opened again. When at medium engine speeds, the variable geometry mechanism is to be moved from its closed position toward its fully open position, the waste gate (40) is in an open position to cause a proportion of the exhaust gas to bypass the turbine (24) and thereby reduce the pressure of the exhaust gas in the chamber. While this reduced pressure of the exhaust gas is in effect, the variable-geometry mechanism is moved from the fully closed position toward the fully open position while simultaneously the waste gate begins to close.
US08112983B2
A bypass turbofan gas turbine engine is started by means of electric starter motor mounted directly about a downstream end or upstream of the low pressure spool of the engine. This causes air to be driven by a fan through a bypass duct around the engine casing. Closures close to substantially seal an outlet of the bypass duct, and the air is directed into a combustion chamber of the engine and through the turbines, causing the high pressure spool to pick up speed for starting.
US08112981B2
An external combustion engine comprising a pipe-shaped main container in which a working fluid is sealed flowably in a liquid state, a heated part formed at a location of one end of the main container and heating part of the working fluid in the main container in order to make it evaporate, a cooled part formed at a location next to the heated part toward the other end of the main container and cooling the vapor of the working fluid evaporated at the heated part in order to make it condense, an output unit communicated with the other end of the main container and converting the displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid to mechanical energy for output, and a controller alternately performing a heat storage mode making displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid stop in order to make the heated part store heat and an output mode allowing displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid and taking output from the output unit.
US08112977B2
A wheel-supported frame for an agricultural harvester header having a tongue and a pivotally connected transverse frame, a retractable transport wheel connected to the tongue, and a pivoting mechanism for pivoting one of the supporting wheels approximately 90 degrees to align with the deployed transport wheel. The invention enables the harvester to be easily reconfigured between an operating configuration and a transport configuration. By rotating the transverse frame to align its transverse width with the direction of travel during transport, deploying the transport wheel, and aligning one of the normal support wheels with the transport direction of travel, the harvester is reoriented for transport along its lateral axis. The lateral transport apparatus is easily reconfigured by a single individual and requires no additional equipment beyond that integral to the harvester in order to reconfigure the harvester between transport and operational modes.
US08112971B2
A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).
US08112964B2
A clip for joining reinforcing members, which includes a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the first pair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member; a second pair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having an inner surface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a side surface of a second reinforcing member, and a mid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs.
US08112963B2
A decorative accessory unit, a decorative accessory assemblage, a kit for a personal accessory craft project and a method for creating a personal accessory are described. A plurality of decorative units having at least two linking ends protruding therefrom are provided along with a plurality of connector elements for coupling the linking ends of two decorative units together.
US08112962B2
A grating system provides enhanced see through characteristics and typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, axial filler bars between the crossbars and longitudinal joining bars which join the crossbars and filler bars to one another. The deep bars are part of a first subassembly and the other bars are part of a second subassembly which may be lowered to join the two subassemblies to one another. The crossbars and filler bars are typically seated on the deep bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the deep bars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are usually substantially flush with one another. The grating system is configured to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
US08112961B2
A two part grille with interlocking connections molded from opaque plastic allows one or more screens or filters supported inside the grille and provides a configuration which allows its parts to be fitted on opposite sides of an opening in a wall or a door locked together by a mortise and tenon joint so that no screws are necessary, and the two part grille further has intermediate spacers used to accommodate differing thickness of a wall or the like.
US08112957B2
The invention concerns a building component that is assembled from a plastic foam material and a reinforcement netting of a spatial structure being at least partly embedded in the foam material, in which the plastic foam material is provided with a layer of sand at the side where the reinforcement netting projects from the foam material. The individual grains of the layer of sand are mutually connected to a binding agent to be applied in a liquid state, in which directly connecting to the layer of sand, the foam material is formed with the same binding agent.
US08112951B2
A permanent form assembly and method for creating and forming swimming pool user support structures within a swimming pool includes one or more of a vertical elongated support, one or more of a lateral brace, and a plurality of support structure risers that when assembled create a permanent support structure form having a volume for receiving a filler within the volume.
US08112945B2
A method is provided for installing a ventilated eaves closure and tile support apparatus along the eaves of a roof. A vented eaves closure apparatus is disposed along the eaves to support the first course of roof tiles at a desired pitch. The apparatus provides support, ventilation, and drainage, while also providing a barrier to wind-driven precipitation, bird nesting, and animal invasion. The apparatus includes an array of openings configured to allow drainage and facilitate the flow of air beneath the tiles and throughout the air space between the roof deck and the tiles. The method and apparatus can be adapted to fit a variety of roof types and roof tiles having different sizes, shapes, and profiles.
US08112929B2
In a key element (110) for locking a hammer gun or bolt gun (100) comprising a trigger rod which can be reciprocated by a trigger, the locked state of the gun is apparent at a glance in a conspicuous manner in that the key element (110) is a releasably securely attachable component of the gun housing.
US08112928B2
A trigger system for a firearm has an enclosure having a bottom surface, a trigger pivoted at a first pivot axis within the enclosure, a firing hammer pivoted at a second pivot axis within the enclosure, the firing hammer spring-loaded to rotate clockwise to fire, the firing hammer having a first notch, a disconnector pivoted at the first pivot axis, the disconnector rocker having a hook for engaging the first notch in the firing hammer preventing firing while engaged, and a full auto rocker pivoted at a third pivot axis through the trigger, the full auto rocker having a first portion extending downward and forward from the third pivot axis and a second portion extending rearward from the third pivot axis, a part of the second portion overlying a contact point on the disconnector to the rear of the first pivot axis.
US08112917B1
An ironing aid for assisting in ironing of clothing including at least pants and shirts by extending inside of a sleeve or pant leg. The ironing aid includes an elongated handle extending along a longitudinal handle axis and including proximal and distal ends with the proximal end for grasping by a user for insertion into a sleeve or pant leg; a support block having one and other ends with the handle mounted at the one end thereof; a pair of arms each having respective proximal and distal ends with the distal ends thereof for contact inside of the pant leg or sleeve to provide a pressing action by an iron as the ironing aid is moved inside the clothing in advance of the iron, said pair of arms capable of transitioning between open and more closed positions; a pivot for respectively supporting the pair of arms on either side of the longitudinal axis and from the other side of the support block; and a spring disposed between the pair of arms for biasing the arms to an open position to contact inside the clothing.
US08112916B2
An electric iron capable of quickly cooling comprising: an ironing base and a housing, herein a soleplate is disposed on the bottom of the ironing base, while the housing comprising a shell covered on the upside of the soleplate of the ironing base, and a chamber enclosed by the shell. To improve the safety just after using, the present iron is characterized by that the shell is provided with a plurality of vents, and the soleplate is provided with a plurality of cooling fins which is protruded into the chamber, and a fan is installed in the chamber to emit the hot air to the chamber with the aid of the cooling fins, and discharge the hot air from the vent by the running of the fan, so as to cool quickly and improve the safety of the iron just after using.
US08112915B2
Upgraded ironing machine, particularly for ironing trousers, comprising a supporting structure (2) of at least two substantially vertical pressing plates (3), arranged so they are facing each other and moving from a home configuration, wherein the pressing plates are substantially a long way from each other, and a working configuration wherein the pressing plates are substantially close together, at least one ironing plate (4) substantially vertical and interposable between the pressing plates in the working configuration and at least one supporting element (11) of at least one pair of trousers positionable with the crutch arranged by a lower portion of the ironing plate and the legs laid and extended upwards respectively on the opposite sides of the ironing plate, and emission means (21) of at least one flow of air and/or steam inside the trousers and through the opening marked by the waistband of the trousers.
US08112914B2
A coupler comprising two jaws and a latch for each jaw, one of the latches being powered for movement between a latching position and a non-latching position, and being associated with a blocking mechanism that is remotely movable between a blocking position and non blocking position, and the other latch being independent of the blocking mechanism, but being also remotely moveable between a latching position and a non-latching position, wherein the powered latch, in its non-latching position, can maintain both the blocking mechanism in its non blocking position and the other latch in its non-latching position, irrespective of the orientation of the coupler.
US08112912B2
A dump block with a self-adjusting bearing includes two side sections, a sheave with a peripheral groove and a central bore, a bearing assembly, and a sheave pin. The sheave pin has a first end with a shoulder, a second end with a threaded portion, and a bearing support section of a predetermined length extending between the first and second ends. The sheave pin is positioned within the bearing assembly and adjusted by urging the sheave pin to translate in the direction of the second end. A fastener is secured to the threaded section at a location between the two side sections.
US08112909B2
This invention relates to a shoe sole that solves the problems on weight saving in shoes, prevention of distortion, improvement in the fitting property and prevention of upthrust simultaneously. The reinforcing member 3 for reinforcing a part of the midsole 2 is arranged so that the top surface 36 of the second arch 3c and the bottom surface 29 of the first arch 2c are opposite to each other. At least a part of the bottom surface 29 of the first arch is not in contact with a part of the top surface 36 of the second arch in vertically spaced relationship to each other, thereby that the non-contact areas of the first arch 2c and the second arch 3c can be deformed independently from each other when impact load of landing is applied.
US08112907B2
The present invention is a disposable cushion inserts for shoes designed to temper forces imparted on a foot during activities such as walking and running. The cushion insert in one embodiment has first and second layers conjoined by a bonding method taken from the group of adhesive and ultrasonics. The first layer is constructed of fibrous material taken from the group of fiber crops and polymers that will be treated to have a low moisture content and absorbency with a plurality of air passages apertures passing between the second layer and the cushioned insert exterior. The second layer is manufactured from a cross-linked open cell silicone material having a plurality of conjoined truncated-apex square pyramids where the walls enclose a central cavity with open bottoms providing a structure that is mostly ambient air-filled space that when released from a compressed state returns to its original form. Each of the truncated-apex surfaces has an aperture placed therethrough providing passage for air between each of the pyramid-shaped cavities and the cushioned-insert exterior. Also provides is an embodiment having a base layer conjoined to the second layer manufactured from a frictional material to prevent slippage of the cushioned insert during use.
US08112903B2
A clothes drying machine comprises a drum (1), a first fan (5) blowing a first flow of drying air through a drying-air conduit, a condenser (3) through which said flow of drying air passes, a cooling-air conduit conveying a second flow of fresh air through said condenser, said second flow being circulated by a second fan (6), and a motor adapted to drive said fans. There is provided an additional condensation element (11) run in parallel of said conduit of drying air, and a respective second air conduit connecting said additional condensation element to said drying air conduit; said additional condensation element is cooled by air at room temperature inside the dryer machine and/or by a wall of it, and the water there condensed is being passed to a common condense recovery reservoir (10).
US08112901B2
A seal unit is adapted to a gas dryer. The seal unit is assembled on the chamber rear wall, an end of heating disk is compressing on the seal unit. Said seal unit includes seal loop shaped as a ring, this seal loop is composed of inner fix part with the shape of flat-sheet ring and outer seal part shaped as a closed ring. The seal unit can, bring effective sealing performance, decrease the leakage of hot-air, quicken drying speed and have high efficiency. Additionally, the seal unit can, be easily produced, have high reliability and have better consistency of production quality.
US08112895B2
A reciprocating saw has a locking element (9) for axially fixing the saw blade (5) in a fastening device, wherein a release device (10) is provided, with which the locking element can be displaced into its release position against the spring force of an adjusting spring. A component (12), acting upon the locking element, of the release device is arranged, with respect to the plane of the saw blade, on the same side as the locking element.
US08112884B2
A method of heat sinking a surface mount device (SMD) component. In an example method through holes are formed in a printed circuit board (PCB), a first copper layer is electroless plated in the holes, a second copper layer is standard plated in the holes and surrounding surfaces of the PCB, a third copper layer is masked and pulse plated in the holes, the holes are filled with non-conductive material and then is sanded flush with the second copper layer. A fourth copper layer electroless plated on the PCB over the area of the holes, a fifth copper layer (or pad) plated on the PCB over the area of the holes, and a surface mount device is attached to the fifth copper layer.
US08112880B2
A method for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) includes: providing a first PCB substrate, a second PCB substrate and an adhesive layer, the first PCB substrate having a first main portion and a first unwanted portion divided by a first imaginary boundary, the second PCB substrate including a second main portion and a second unwanted portion divided by a second imaginary boundary; forming an opening in the adhesive layer; filling an filling mass in the opening; laminating the first PCB substrate, the second PCB substrate and the adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer is sandwiched between the first PCB substrate and the second PCB substrate, and the first, second imaginary boundaries are misaligned, a projection of each of the first and second imaginary boundaries in the adhesive layer being within the opening; and cutting the first and second PCB substrates along the first and second imaginary boundaries respectively.
US08112877B2
A connector compression tool is provided wherein the tool includes a handle, pivotally moveable from a second position to a first position, a body, configured to compress together when the handle is moved to the first position, and a jaw, operably associated with the body, wherein the jaw includes at least two centering openings having different widths to accommodate differently configured connectors having different diameters and different lengths.
US08112871B2
A method of manufacture for an end effector assembly is provided. The method includes providing a pair of jaw members. A step of the method includes forming one or more seal plates positionable on one of the pair of jaw members. Etching a dam along a side of the one or more seal plates is a step of the method, wherein the etched dam inhibits the flow of a plastic on the one or more seal plate such that a height of the plastic with respect to the at least one seal plate during an overmolding process may be controlled. The method includes positioning the one or more seal plates on the one of the pair of jaw members; and overmolding the seal plate to one or more of the pair of jaw members.
US08112867B2
A cutting tool and its method for manufacture involves a blade member having an extension. Together, the blade member and extension are die cut from sheet metal and a cutting edge is then formed adjacent the extension. A metal or plastic handle is formed with a slit, and the blade member is positioned in the slit to leave the cutting edge exposed between the extension and the handle. The blade member is then secured to the handle.
US08112865B2
The refrigerator cable ejection method is used to eject one end of a cable out of an outer liner through an ejection hole formed at the outer liner before a filling space is filled with a foam insulation material in a refrigerator constructed in a structure in which the outer liner is fitted outside an inner liner, the cable is distributed in the filling space defined between the inner liner and the outer liner, and the filling space is filled with a foam insulation material while the cable is distributed in the filling space. The method is performed to eject one end of the cable out of the outer liner through the ejection hole at the time of fitting the outer liner outside the inner liner using an ejector including a pass-through member mounted outside the inner liner corresponding to the ejection hole such that the cable passes through the member.
US08112860B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating a glazing panel from an inside location. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of treating glazing panels used in windows and patio doors. Initially, a hole is formed on both inside and outside panes on windows and on the side and outside frames of patio doors. Next, a filter is attached to the outside pane to cover the hole whereby the filter membrane is designed to allow the passage of air and inhibit the ingress of moisture. Finally, a seal is used to cover the hole on the inside pane or to ensure that the building air does not enter the interior of the glazing panel. Where the panes are tempered glass, the hole(s) may be drilled through the frame. If necessary, one or more tubes may be inserted through the hole. Various kinds of filters are disclosed.
US08112858B2
An apparatus, a system and a method transform a container into an article. The apparatus, the system and the method operate as a vending machine that allows a user to deposit the container and/or money into the vending machine. After receiving the container and/or the money, a shape of the container, a barcode on the container, and/or a weight of the container are analyzed to determine whether to accept the container or to reject the container. If the container is rejected, the container and/or the money are returned to the user. If the container is accepted, the apparatus, the system and/or the method cuts, washes and/or dries the container. The apparatus, the system and/or the method further cuts, presses, flanges and/or wraps the container into an article. The article may be a toy car and/or other novelty item. A window allows the user to observe the container transformed into the article. A decal may be delivered to the user to decorate the article.
US08112857B2
A system for crimping a prosthesis is disclosed, comprising a plurality of wheels. Each wheel has an outer circumferential surface configured to be placed in contact with the prosthesis. When in contact with the prosthesis, each wheel is configured to be rotated, thereby to apply a radially inward force on the prosthesis so as to reduce the diameter of the prosthesis. More than one set of wheels may be provided, so that the prosthesis is crimped first by one set of wheels, then by a subsequent set of wheels.
US08112856B2
A clamp of an anti-vibration spring includes a pipe body and a sheathing element fixed to an end the pipe body. Another end of the pipe body is fixed to a covering element. The sheathing element is passed through the external periphery of the pipe body. The pipe body includes a screw rod screwed at the moving element, and an end of the screw rod is protruded from an end of the covering element and fixed at a driving element. A connecting element between the sheathing element and the moving element positions the sheathing element and the moving element. Each sheathing element has a connecting portion including a transversal slot, two clamping disc, and an insert portion on the clamping disc connected to the transversal slot and fixed by a positioning element. By turning the driving element, the anti-vibration spring is compressed or released between the two clamping discs.
US08112853B2
A method of manufacturing a capacitor-integrated busbar includes disposing a pair of metal conductors having surfaces facing each other with a gap lying therebetween, injecting a resin material in a fluid state into the gap between the metal conductors disposed to face each other, and forming a plate-like resin by hardening the injected resin material.
US08112847B2
A connector or locking device for wires (or wire ropes) W has a body (20) of alloy, two channels (21) within the body, entry ends (23) at opposite ends for wires, and wedges (25) within the body urged by springs (26) towards the entry ends (23) and to protrude into the channels (21) for the purpose of gripping inserted wires and preventing their withdrawal in the opposite direction to insertion, and is characterized in that guideways (30) are formed within the body (20) alongside each channel from adjacent its entry end (23) to beyond its wedge (25), and plastics slide (31) are fitted one within each of the guideways each with its inner end (32) overlapping a nose part (33) of the respective wedge and its outer end (34) protruding outwards beyond the entry end of the channel, retention means (35, 36) being provided between each slide (31) and its guideway (30) while allowing inward sliding to push the wedge (25) against the urge of its spring (26) when the outer end (34) of the slide is pushed relative to the body to release an inserted wire for withdrawal or adjustment of its position relative to the body.
US08112844B2
A hinge having a base with a planar surface; a sliding plate having a planar surface; a revolving member located adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the base, the revolving member being capable of revolving and projecting from the base; a dampener located in the base for restraining movement of the revolving member to retain the revolving member in its revolved and projected position; a first joint for coupling the revolving member to the sliding plate, and a plurality of guides arranged longitudinally and transversely in the sliding plate, wherein in a first mode of operation, the sliding plate is slidable over the base in the longitudinal or transverse directions of the base, wherein in a second mode of operation, the sliding plate is substantially slid over the base to a position in the transverse direction of the base, the sliding plate is pivotable about the longitudinal edge of the base to a configuration such that the planar surface of the sliding plate forms an oblique angle relative to the planar surface of the base.
US08112841B2
A combination vacuum cleaner and ultraviolet disinfecting device is presented having a vacuum for cleaning a cleaning medium, such as a carpet, and a UV light source for radiation of the cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viruses, bacteria and dust mites. The device provides a multiple of safety switches to prevent power supply to the UV light source under certain conditions. Safety switches are provided requiring a constant activation of a switch by the user on the device handle, activation of contact switches indicating the device is in contact with the cleaning medium, activation of a switch indicating the device is in an in-use position, and a tilt sensor to prevent power supply to the UV light if the device, or a portion thereof, is tilted beyond a preselected degree.
US08112831B2
A prefabricated shower bench for installation in a tiled shower includes a seating member defining at least one peripheral edge, and at least one sidewall depending downwardly therefrom. The sidewall has an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge is connected along a corresponding peripheral edge of the seating member. The lower edge terminates at a height above the ground which is the same as or slightly greater than the height of a corresponding sidewall of a prefabricated shower module. The upper surface is horizontal or pitched slightly downward toward the shower module when the shower bench is installed adjacent to the sidewall of the shower module. The lower edge of the downwardly depending sidewall is situated substantially in registry with an upper edge of the prefabricated shower module sidewall. The prefabricated shower module sidewall is in a plane that is substantially contiguous with a plane formed by the downwardly depending sidewall of the bench. The combination provides a contiguous surface over which finishing material such as shower tile may be installed.
US08112826B2
An apparatus for controlling a rotational movement of an opening and closing unit by using a counter electromotive force of a motor includes: a motor driving unit that drives an electric damper by driving a motor to operate the opening and closing unit; a position detecting unit that detects the position of the opening and closing unit operated by the motor driving unit; a power intercepting unit that receives a signal of detecting the position of the opening and closing unit from the position detecting unit, and cuts off power if it determines that the opening and closing unit is at a pre-set position based on the received position detect signal; and a counter electromotive force generating unit that generates a counter electromotive force of the motor when the power intercepting unit cuts off power.
US08112822B2
An odor removal toilet stool using a preserving energy as a power source, capable of removing bad smell air and preventing its back flow in which the cleaning water (supplying water) stored in a water storage tank is supplied at two stages such as an initial standby water level and later full water level, wherein during supplying water to the full water level, air transference method using hydrodynamic operation occurred from a high speed injection with a injection nozzle is used without electric energy.
US08117658B2
A mobile station (STA) communicates with a WLAN device over a communication system includes a storage system, at least one processor, a detection module, an address determination module, a transmission module, and a response module. The STA detects a MAC management protocol data unit (MMPDU) over the communication system, determines whether the MMPDU comprises a spurious data frame posing as the STA to the WLAN device, based at least partly on a comparison of a source address and a destination address of the MMPDU with network addresses of the STA and the WLAN device, respectively, transmits a request data frame having a highest priority in a current connection state to the WLAN device, and determines whether the WLAN device has been attacked based on whether a response data frame is received from the WLAN device.
US08117654B2
Embodiments include a system, an apparatus, a device, and a method. An embodiment provides a network device. The network device includes an information store operable to save a countermeasure useable in at least substantially reducing a harm caused by a malware (hereafter the “malware countermeasure”). The network device also includes a transmission circuit for sending a packet to at least one sub-network of a plurality of sub-networks. The network device also includes a protection circuit for implementing the malware countermeasure in the network device.
US08117639B2
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for provisioning network access for a user in order to provide access control to one or more networks with regard to the user. More particularly, a user may be authenticated and, based on a user profile associated with the authenticated user, provisioning rules may be established for the user such that the user's network access to one or more networks may be controlled based upon the user profile associated with the user. In a network utilized by multiple users, the use of access control based on user profiles associated with the users may prevent any one user or users from accessing one or more networks to the exclusion or detriment of other users because each user may be limited to the network resources provisioned to that user based on the user profile associated with the user.
US08117638B2
A method for efficiently transmitting several multimedia streams to one or more multimedia receivers comprises transmitting a first plurality of channels within a first plurality of frequency blocks having a first frequency range, said first frequency range being the range to which a legacy group of multimedia receivers are capable of tuning; and simulcasting said first plurality of channels within one or more alternate frequency blocks having an alternate frequency range, said alternate frequency range being the range to which an alternate group of multimedia receivers are capable of tuning.
US08117635B2
A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. Upstream data reception hardware, databases and processing hardware and software, and corresponding features in a user's terminal are used to accomplish these functions.
US08117627B2
An optical disk unit includes a tray for supporting an optical disk thereon, a body for receiving the tray therein, a first board provided at the body, a second board provided at the tray, and a wiring board (flexible board) electrically connecting the first board and the second board together. The wiring board (flexible board) has a number N of bent portions, the wiring board being bent at the number N of the bent portions of the wiring board, such that the wiring board is superposed in (N+1) layers where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1, and an area of the (N+1)-layer superposed portion is changed according to an amount of drawing-out of the tray.
US08117626B2
A first processor makes a procedure call, specifying an address of a procedure in an address space controlled by a second processor and an address of procedure control information generated in an address space controlled by the first processor. The second processor executes the procedure present at the address specified by the first processor. Upon finishing of execution of the procedure, the second processor returns the address of the procedure control information to the first processor. The first processor changes the execution status included in the procedure control information at the address returned from the second processor from “being executed” to “completed”.
US08117625B2
Module interrogation techniques are described in which modules configured to rely upon one or more operating system features are interrogated to determine which features are used and by which modules. A module is loaded that is configured to interact with a plurality of features provided by an operating system. Using one or more redirection techniques, calls made by the module to access features of the operating system are redirected to alternate functionality. Based on the redirection, data is generated to indicate the features of the operating system that are used by the module. The techniques may be performed for each of a plurality of modules to populate a database that relates features of the operating system to the plurality of modules.
US08117622B2
Information describing a type registration regarding which an action is being requested by the client application is received as one or more parameters of an application programming interface method invoked by the client application. Based on the one or more parameters, one of multiple type extensions to which the action being requested corresponds is determined. At least part of the information describing the type registration is sent to the one of the multiple type extensions, and the one of the multiple type extensions performs the action being requested.
US08117620B2
Apparatus, system, and method including a local resource to transfer information between a first processing unit and a second processing unit; and a global resource to transfer information between said first processing unit and said second processing unit, and to transfer information between said first processing unit and a third processing unit if said local resource is full are described.
US08117618B2
A processing device includes a storage component configured to store instructions associated with a corresponding thread of a plurality of threads, and an execution unit configured to fetch and execute instructions. The processing device further includes a period timer comprising an output to provide an indicator in response to a count value of the period timer reaching a predetermined value based on a clock signal. The processing device additionally includes a plurality of thread forward-progress counter components, each configured to adjust a corresponding execution counter value based on an occurrence of a forward-progress indicator while instructions of a corresponding thread are being executed. The processing device further includes a thread select module configured to select threads of the plurality of threads for execution by the execution unit based a state of the period timer and a state of each of the plurality of thread forward-progress counter components.
US08117617B2
A printing system and method for processing print jobs in a network of printers are disclosed. The printers each have high and low operational states. A job ticket is associated with each print job. The job ticket designates one of the network printers as a target printer for printing the job and includes print job parameters related to redirection and delay for the print job. Where the target printer for the print job is in the low operational state, the print job related redirection and delay parameters for the job are identified. Based on the identified parameters, the print job may be scheduled for at least one of redirection and delay, where the parameters for redirection/delay permit, whereby the likelihood that the print job is printed sequentially with another print job on one of the network printers, without that one printer entering an intervening low operational state, is increased.
US08117615B2
Intra-node data transfer in collective communications is facilitated. A memory object of one task of a collective communication is concurrently attached to the address spaces of a plurality of other tasks of the communication. Those tasks that attach the memory object can access the memory object as if it was their own. Data can be directly written into or read from an application data structure of the memory object by the attaching tasks without copying the data to/from shared memory.
US08117606B2
A system and method for assessing performance of a software application migrated to a grid infrastructure is provided. The system comprises a grid code analyzer for generating a directed acyclic graph (DAG) corresponding to the software application by performing static and dynamic analysis; a grid task generator for reducing the DAG generated by the grid code analyzer; and a grid simulator for simulating performance of the software application on one or more predetermined grid infrastructures. The grid simulator accepts the reduced DAG as input and produces performance data as output.
US08117598B2
Techniques for efficiently isolating software regressions are provided. In one embodiment, it is determined that a particular regression is present in a particular build of a software system. A set of candidate code components that may have caused the particular regression is identified. In accordance with an order established based on historical data for the software system, one or more intermediate builds each involving some subsets of the candidate code components may be tested to identify a set of suspect code components that caused the particular regression. For each candidate code component that is not in the set of suspect code component, a likelihood factor associated with that candidate code component is decremented.
US08117577B1
A computer-implemented method of identifying timing paths of a circuit block can include representing a circuit block including at least one bypassable component as a block diagram having a plurality of elements linked by nodes. The method can include generating a map file including a text description of each element within the block diagram, wherein the text description of each element specifies a bypass indicator for the element. The method also can include generating a plurality of sub-paths from the map file, determining timing paths from the plurality of sub-paths by selectively combining different ones of the plurality of sub-paths according to commonality of starting points and ending points of the plurality of sub-paths, and outputting the timing paths.
US08117571B1
A system, method and computer program product are provided for determining equivalence of netlists utilizing at least one transformation. In use, a netlist including a plurality of infinite portions and a plurality of finite portions is identified. Additionally, at least some of the finite portions are transformed, utilizing at least one predetermined transformation. Further, an equivalence of the netlist and another netlist is determined, utilizing at least a subset of the finite portions and the infinite portions. Moreover, an abstraction is performed on the netlist.
US08117558B2
This patent application relates generally to systems, methods, and computer program products for home and/or landscape design. This application also relates to scrapping and extracting information from websites and converting this information into 2D CAD (computer-aided design) drawings and 3D CAD models.
US08117556B2
A target-alignment-and-drop control for an electronic document editing tool which ensures that objects are inserted only in valid drop target areas and are aligned according to predetermined alignment rules.
US08117553B2
A system, to maintain a user interface context receives a request for a first user interface element that is hidden from view on a user interface. The request causes the system to integrate the first user interface element into the user interface by regenerating the user interface to accommodate the first user interface element while maintaining the user interface context.
US08117552B2
A system and method that enables a designer to build electronic forms and corresponding hierarchical schemas are described. Displays of hierarchical schemas, electronic forms, and components used to build the hierarchical schemas and electronic forms are provided to the designer. The designer selects components and arranges them on a display to visually build an electronic form. As the form is built, the corresponding hierarchical schema is incrementally updated to reflect changes made to the electronic form.
US08117544B2
Embodiments of the present invention include a video server that can detect and track the image of a pointing indicator in an input video stream representation of a computer display. The video server checks ordered frames of the video signal and determines movements for a pointing indicator such as a mouse arrow. Certain motions by the pointing indicator, such as lingering over a button or menu item or circling a button or menu item can provoke a control action on the server.
US08117541B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and apparatuses configured to receive or retrieve markup data associated with a message formatted for two-dimensional (2D) rendering, virtually render, by a first rendering module, the message in a non-displayed image in accordance with the markup data, and render, by a second rendering module, a three-dimensional (3D) object in a 2D display environment including texturing the non-displayed image on a surface of the 3D object in order to render the message. Other embodiments are also described.
US08117539B2
A method for bi-directional synchronization of tracing relationships between a requirements repository and textual requirements documents, including: in a first operating mode: gathering trace information from a requirements repository; and formatting the trace information and inserting the trace information as text in textual requirements documents; and in a second operating mode: modifying the trace information in the textual requirements documents; and updating the requirements repository to match the modifications that were made in the textual requirements documents.
US08117537B1
A CAD/CAM method is disclosed for a computer system to capture and interchange schematic drawing and associated design information. The schematic drawing and design information are stored in an extensible, platform-independent format.
US08117536B2
A system for controlling downloading web pages is disclosed. The system parses a current web page to generate information about the web pages pointed to by the selected links in the current web page. A number of the selected links and the number of script commands is counted and information about each of the web pages pointed to by the selected links is obtained. Script commands are used for downloading the web pages pointed to by the selected links. The system also switching to a next page of the current web page if the current web page comprises two or more pages, and if the number of the script commands equals the number of the selected links.
US08117530B2
Disclosed are a method, information processing system, and a computer readable medium for parsing a hierarchical markup document. The method includes initializing a first parser for parsing a hierarchical markup document. The first parser parses the hierarchical markup document. A shared parsing state associated with a set of parsers including the first parser is monitored. The parsing control is passed to at least a second parser. The at least second parser parses the hierarchical markup document. The shared parsing state is also monitored during the parsing by the at least second parser.
US08117529B2
The object based navigation is an intelligent user interface that uses a source object to determine which target information is to be presented to the user. This is done by associating an object to one or more operations, so that selection of a given source object would result in a predefined operation to be activated. The role of the user may also affect the predefined operation that is activated. If multiple operations are associated with a given source object, these operations may be prioritized, so that the one with the highest priority is performed as a default operation.
US08117520B2
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including a device that includes a plurality of data locations, a quantizing circuit coupled to the plurality of data locations, and an error detection module coupled to the quantizing circuit. In some embodiments, the error detection module includes an encoder configured to encode incoming data with redundant data derived from the incoming data and a decoder configured to detect errors in stored data based on the redundant data.
US08117517B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of detecting code generators configured to generate a plurality of detecting codes to detect errors in a plurality of data items, respectively, a plurality of first correcting code generators configured to generate a plurality of first correcting codes to correct errors in a plurality of first data blocks, respectively, each of the first data blocks containing one of the data items and a corresponding detecting code, a second correcting code generators configured to generate a second correcting code to correct errors in a second data block, the second data block containing the first data blocks, and a semiconductor memory configured to nonvolatilely store the second data block, the first correcting codes, and the second correcting code.
US08117510B1
A circuit including a memory and an error correction code circuit. The memory including (i) a plurality of data storage cells and (ii) at least one reserved cell configured to store status information identifying a status of one or more of the plurality of data storage cells. Each of the data storage cells is configured to store a plurality of data bits. Each of the at least one reserved cell includes a multi-bit cell configured to store a lower density of information than each of the data storage cells. The error correction code circuit is configured to indicate, in a data stream formed from the memory, positions of data from the data storage cells for which status information is stored.
US08117505B2
Resource exhaustion is anticipated, a cause of the resource exhaustion is identified and options are identified to address the resource exhaustion.
US08117497B1
A method and apparatus for the detection and correction of soft errors existing within an integrated circuit (IC). Run-time check stops are utilized in conjunction with processor-based, hardware mechanisms to detect and correct soft errors. At run-time, each check stop facilitates a snap shot of the hardware and/or software state of the IC to be stored into hardware and/or software based memory. Should a soft error be detected, execution is halted and the executable state of the IC that conforms to a previous check-stop location may be re-established after the soft error(s) are optionally corrected. In alternate embodiments, hardware based mechanisms may be exclusively utilized to both detect and correct the soft errors.
US08117496B2
A method, system, and article for resolving a silent error is disclosed. A primary program copy runs on a primary host, and a secondary program copy runs on a secondary host. The primary and secondary copies communicate to maintain synchronized execution. A third copy of the data is stored on a storage device as a write operations log and maintained in memory on the primary host while the program is running. The primary copy is synchronized with the secondary copy by computing a first checksum of data on the primary host in response to a read operation local to the primary host, computing a second checksum of data on the secondary host in response to a read operation local to the secondary host, and periodically communicating the first checksum to the secondary host, and resolving any discrepancies between the first and second checksum of data reflecting a silent data error.
US08117493B1
One or more data mirroring techniques are provided in which data storage units are pre-connected to a host node in a clustered network, in preparation for a potential data access failure. One or more data storage units are mirrored (e.g., replicated) between a source volume and a destination volume. A destination host node is pre-connected to the one or more mirrored data storage units in a destination volume prior to a data access failure at the source volume. After a data access failure occurs at the source volume (e.g., due to a hardware failure) access to the mirrored one or more data storage units is granted in an efficient manner due to the pre-connection of the destination node to the one or more mirrored data storage units.
US08117490B2
A memory for an electronic brake control system is divided into portions that are classified as critical and non-critical. Each portion is periodically tested for faults. Upon detection of a fault, the memory is reconfigured with any operations of the brake system associated with a critical memory portion permanently disabled and any operations of the brake system associated with a non-critical memory portion temporarily disabled.
US08117487B1
A method and apparatus for proactively monitoring data center health data to achieve workload management and high availability is provided. In one embodiment, a method for processing application health data to improve application performance within a cluster includes accessing at least one of performance data or event information associated with at least one application to determine application health data and examining the application health data to identify an application of the at least one application to migrate.
US08117485B2
Provided is a memory system for seamless switching. The memory system includes first through mth chips, where m is a natural number, connected in the form of a daisy chain and configured to transmit at least one of signals and data, a (k−1)th chip of the first through mth chips, where k is a natural number and 2≦k≦m, configured to output a (k−1)th detection signal corresponding to a phase difference between (k−1)th test data of the (k−1)th chip and kth test data of a kth chip of the first through mth chips, and the kth chip including a clock phase control unit configured to control a phase of a received clock signal and to output the phase-controlled clock signal as a kth clock signal, where the clock phase control unit of the kth chip outputs the kth clock signal in response to the (k−1)th detection signal.
US08117474B2
An instruction detecting section (235) detects whether or not there is any succeeding instruction executable regardless of an order based on a data dependency relationship between a presently executed instruction and a succeeding instruction following the presently executed instruction. A clock switch judging section (236) receives notification of the start and end of a memory stall, determines whether or not a memory stall is occurring, and judges whether to switch a clock signal to be supplied to a CPU (200) to a low clock signal (239) or to stop the clock signal based on a detection result of the instruction detecting section (235) if it is judged that the memory stall is occurring. A clock switching section (237) switches the clock signal based on judgment by the clock switch judging section (236). By this construction, power consumption can be reduced without reducing performance.
US08117465B2
A power control method of a mobile device includes the following steps. First, a power management module receives an externally triggered power control signal and accordingly generates an interrupt request (IRQ) at a first time point. Next, a processing unit receives the IRQ and accordingly executes a synchronization processing procedure. A file system timely stores data from a temporary cache area to a permanent storing area according to the synchronization processing procedure. Furthermore, a calculating unit calculates a first time period between a present time point and the first time point and determines whether the calculating unit reaches a maximum waiting period. When the maximum waiting period is reached, the power management module performs a power operation according to the power control signal.
US08117461B2
In a gaming environment, a method of periodically downloading dynamically generated executable modules at random intervals that perform system configuration integrity checks in a secure and verifiable manner is disclosed. The dynamically generated executable modules are created on a server machine and are themselves signed using industry standard PKI techniques, and contain randomly chosen subset from a repertoire of proven hashing and encryption algorithms that are executed on the system to be checked to create a unique signature of the state of that system. The dynamically generated executable module returns the signature to the server machine from which it was downloaded and deletes itself from the system being checked. The next time such an executable module is downloaded, it will contain a different randomly chosen subset of hashing and encryption algorithms. The server that is performing the system configuration integrity check maintains a database of expected system configurations and performs the same subset of hashing and encryption algorithms as contained in the dynamically generated executable module. The result returned by the downloaded executable module is compared to that computed locally, and an error condition is raised if they do not match.
US08117460B2
An electronic device includes one or more Time-Domain Reflectometor (TDR) channels and a security block embedded at a silicon or software level to measure human electrical impedance and characteristics for biometric identification and provide biometric authentication.
US08117457B2
A trusted hardcopy document is generated using a two-part confirmation number including a private part and a public part. A public part of the confirmation number is received at a first party creating the trusted hardcopy document. The private part of the confirmation number is sent to an owner of the trusted hardcopy document by a trusted party and is not sent to the first party creating the trusted hardcopy document. A human-readable form and a machine readable form of the public part of the confirmation number are printed on the trusted hardcopy document.
US08117455B2
A method of authenticating an object in which a computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device. The indicating data is generated in response to sensing of coded data provided on or in a surface associated with the object and is indicative of an identity of the object and at least part of a signature. The signature is in turn a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The computer system uses the indicating to determine a received identity and a received signature part, before using the using the received identity to determine at least a determined signature part. The determined signature part is then compared to the received signature part to authenticate the object.
US08117452B2
An apparatus is provided that includes a dedicated appliance operable to interface with a computing platform. A provisioning process may be initiated such that the dedicated appliance responds by monitoring a port for a connection request from the computing platform. Upon receiving the connection request the dedicated appliance completing a connection and generates a random numeric or an alphanumeric string, the dedicated appliance calculating a key derived from the random numeric string or the alphanumeric string using a key derivation process. The dedicated appliance waits for the credential packet from the computing platform before establishing a secure connection between the dedicated appliance and the computing platform.
US08117447B2
Disclosed is an authentication method employing elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), applicable to a mobile broadcast TV system having one or more head end systems, at least a transmitter, and at least a mobile set. The authentication method comprises at least one request message from mobile sets simultaneously or in a short period of time arriving at a head end system for authentication; manipulating each broadcast authentication message by ECC; manipulating each service request message by ECC and pairing operation; performing a mutual authentication between the head end system and mobile sets by ECC and pairing operation; and broadcasting one group of authentication messages to all the mobile sets of many requests arrived at the head end system simultaneously or in a short period of time for the same service.
US08117439B2
A requester requests a secure certificate for a domain name from a validating entity, such as a certification authority. To verify that the requestor has control over the domain name, the validating entity generates a pass string. The requestor enters the pass string into a domain zone. The validating entity determines if the pass string was entered in the domain zone. If the pass string is present in the domain zone, the validating entity may issue the secure certificate. If the pass string is not in the domain zone, the validating entity may deny issuing the secure certificate to the requestor.
US08117431B2
A method is used for loading a System Locked Pre-installation (SLP) certification from a basic input output system (BIOS) of a computer. The BIOS includes a boot block section and a main section for initializing the hardware of the computer after executing the boot block section. The method includes determining if a set value in a predetermined address of the boot block section is equal to a preset value upon booting the computer; executing the main section of the BIOS directly and the SLP certification being disabled if matching, loading the SLP certification into a read only memory (ROM) of the computer and the SLP certification being enabled if not matching, and executing the main section of the BIOS.
US08117430B2
A boot test system applied to test a cold boot in a target computer is provided. The boot test system includes a host computer and an autorun module. The host computer is used to test the target computer to turn power on/off and output a power-on signal and a power-off signal to the target computer based on a feedback signal. The autorun module installed in the target computer is used to output the feedback signal to the host computer during the boot of the target computer. Whereby, the present invention retains a fail result of the boot of the target computer for debugging by a worker.
US08117422B2
The core of this invention is the application of a fast comparison circuit to the problem of address translation. Traditional implementations generate the virtual address and the physical address in series. This invention generates the physical address and virtual address simultaneously. A bitwise operation on the base address, the offset address and each stored virtual address determines whether the base address and offset address sum equals the virtual address without requiring a carry propagate. Circular addressing is implemented in the match determination by masking bits corresponding to the circular address limit.
US08117421B2
A data structure for enforcing consistent per-physical page cacheability attributes is disclosed. The data structure is used with a method for enforcing consistent per-physical page cacheability attributes, which maintains memory coherency within a processor addressing memory, such as by comparing a desired cacheability attribute of a physical page address in a PTE against an authoritative table that indicates the current cacheability status. This comparison can be made at the time the PTE is inserted into a TLB. When the comparison detects a mismatch between the desired cacheability attribute of the page and the page's current cacheability status, corrective action can be taken to transition the page into the desired cacheability state.
US08117411B2
Data written in the primary logical volume of the first storage device are transmitted to the third storage device via the second storage device, the data being written in the same location as the primary logical volume within the secondary logical volume in the third storage device; when transmission of the data stops among the first to the third storage devices, the respective second storage device and the third storage device manage locations in the secondary logical volume where the data held thereby are to be written; and, when transmission of the data resumes among the first to the third storage devices, the locations in the secondary logical volume managed by the respective second and the third storage devices are aggregated, the data to be written in the respective aggregated location in the secondary logical volume being transmitted from the first storage device to the third storage device via the second storage device.
US08117409B2
Backup and restore operations are made possible in a storage system that has dynamic chunk allocation (DCA) capability. In a DCA storage system, a chunk of physical storage area is not allocated to a segment of a volume until a write command is received targeting the segment of the volume. During a restore operation of the volume in the DCA storage system, the wasting of storage capacity when a backup image of the volume is restored is mitigated by preventing allocation of physical storage areas to segments of restore data that are only void data.
US08117405B2
A computer system wherein a first access environment program converts an application data created by the first application program, according to access environment information, and sends the converted application data to a first volume, wherein a management computer stores the access environment information, and relationship between the second volume and the access environment information, wherein, when the management computer receives a request to access the second volume from the second host computer, the management computer identifies the access environment information based on the relationship, and sends the access environment information to the second host computer, and wherein the second host computer configures a second access environment program stored in the second host computer based on the access environment information, and wherein and a second application program stored the second host computer, accesses to the second volume via the second access environment program configured by the access environment information.
US08117404B2
In one embodiment, a processor comprises a circuit coupled to receive an indication of a memory operation to be executed in the processor. The circuit is configured to predict whether or not the memory operation is misaligned. A number of accesses performed by the processor to execute the memory operation is dependent on whether or not the circuit predicts the memory operation as misaligned. In another embodiment, a misalignment predictor is coupled to receive an indication of a memory operation, and comprises a memory and a control circuit coupled to the memory. The memory is configured to store a plurality of indications of memory operations previously detected as misaligned during execution in a processor. The control circuit is configured to predict whether or not a memory operation is misaligned responsive to a comparison of the received indication and the plurality of indications stored in the memory.
US08117396B1
Methods and apparatuses provide a multi-level buffer cache having queues corresponding to different priority levels of queuing within the buffer cache. One or more data blocks are buffered in the buffer cache. In one embodiment, an initial level of queue is identified for a data block to be buffered in the buffer cache. The initial level of queue can be modified higher or lower depending on a value of a cache property associated with the data block. In one embodiment, the data block is monitored for data access in a queue, and the data block is aged and moved to higher level(s) of queuing based on rules for the data block. The rules can apply to the queue in which the data block is buffered, to a data type of the data block, or to a logical partition to which the data block belongs.
US08117395B1
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a command processing pipeline to be operatively coupled to a shared cache, the command processing pipeline comprising a command processing pipeline operatively coupled to the N-way cache and configured to process a sequence of cache commands, wherein a way of the N ways of the cache with which an address of a cache command matches is a hit way for the cache command in case the cache command is a hit. In one embodiment, the command processing pipeline may be configured to receive a first cache command from one of the plurality of processing cores, select a way, from the N ways, as a potential eviction way, and generate, based at least in part on the received first cache command, N selection signals corresponding to the N ways, wherein each selection signal is indicative of whether the corresponding way is (A). the hit way and/or the eviction way, or (B). neither the hit way nor the eviction way. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08117391B2
A storage system, which is coupled to a computer, includes a storage device, a controller, a plurality of cache memory units, and a connecting unit. Each of the plurality of cache memory units includes: a cache memory for storing data; an auxiliary storage device for holding a content of data even after shutdown of power; and a cache controller for controlling an input/output of data to/from the cache memory and the auxiliary storage device. The cache controller store data stored in the cache memory, which is divided into a plurality of parts, into a plurality of the auxiliary storage devices included in the plurality of cache memory units.
US08117387B2
A storage system has NAS apparatuses each including virtual file servers to be provided to host apparatuses, a storage apparatus including logical units, and a management apparatus for managing the NAS apparatuses and the storage apparatus. The management apparatus requests the NAS apparatuses and the storage apparatus to transfer management information, acquires the management information. The management apparatus then creates system performance information concerning the virtual file servers based on the acquired management information to display the created system performance information on a user interface.
US08117381B2
The present invention presents techniques for the linking of physical blocks of a non-volatile memory into composite logical structures or “metablocks”. After determining an initial linking of good physical blocks into metablocks, a record of the linking is maintained in the non-volatile memory where it can be readily accessed when needed. In one set of embodiments, the initially linking is deterministically formed according to an algorithm and can be optimized according to the pattern of any bad blocks in the memory. As additional bad blocks arise, the linking is updated using by replacing the bad blocks in a linking with good blocks, preferably in the same sub-array of the memory as the block that they are replacing.
US08117380B2
A non-volatile memory system of a type having blocks of memory cells erased together and which are programmable from an erased state in units of a large number of pages per block. If the data of only a few pages of a block are to be updated, the updated pages are written into another block provided for this purpose. The valid original and updated data are then combined at a later time, when doing so does not impact on the performance of the memory. If the data of a large number of pages of a block are to be updated, however, the updated pages are written into an unused erased block and the unchanged pages are also written to the same unused block. By handling the updating of a few pages differently, memory performance is improved when small updates are being made.
US08117377B2
Flash memory device having secure file deletion function and method for securely deleting flash file
Disclosed is a flash memory device having a secure flash file deletion function and a method for securely deleting a flash file. Data and object headers as actual contents of the flash file are separately stored in data blocks and header blocks. At this time, the data is encrypted and stored, and a decryption key is included in an object header and stored in a header block. When the flash file is deleted, the object header is deleted by searching the header block where the object header including the decryption key is stored. In order to search the header block, a binary tree structure is used in which a terminal node indicates an LSB of a file ID. Disclosed may be applied to an embedded system where a flash memory is used as a storage medium. In particular, disclosed is suitable for a NAND flash memory device.
US08117375B2
In one or more embodiments, a memory device is disclosed as having an adjustable programming window having a plurality of programmable levels. The programming window is moved to compensate for changes in reliable program and erase thresholds achievable as the memory device experiences factors such as erase/program cycles that change the program window. The initial programming window is determined prior to an initial erase/program cycle. The programming levels are then moved as the programming window changes, such that the plurality of programmable levels still remain within the program window and are tracked with the program window changes.
US08117372B2
A hardware/software system and method that collectively enables virtualization of the host computer's native I/O system architecture via the Internet and LANs. The invention includes a solution to the problems of the relatively narrow focus of iSCSI, the direct connect limitation of PCI Express, and the inaccessibility of PCI Express for expansion in blade architectures.
US08117370B2
An IC includes a processing module, on-chip memory, one or more block input/output (I/O) interfaces for coupling to one or more off-chip block I/O devices, one or more character I/O interfaces for coupling to one or more off-chip character I/O devices when active, a main memory interface for coupling to off-chip main memory, a baseband processing module, an RF section, a processing module interface, and an IC bus structure. The processing module interface couples the processing module to an off-chip connection structure, wherein, when a handheld computing unit that includes the IC is docked to an extended computing unit, the off-chip connection structure couples the handheld computing unit to the extended computing unit such that the IC is in a docked mode.
US08117363B2
A memory module and a related memory system are disclosed. The memory module comprises a semiconductor memory having a data output buffer, a data input buffer, a command/address input buffer and a first termination resistor unit connected to a data bus. The memory module further comprises a second termination resistor unit connected to an internal command/address bus. First and second termination resistor units are preferably of different resistive value and/or type.
US08117359B2
A memory control apparatus generates a plurality of commands whose unit of data transfer is smaller than the unit of data transfer of a memory access request, and when the memory access requests are transmitted from a plurality of request sources, issues the plurality of commands to a memory in alternate order for each request source. The plurality of memory access requests are executed by time division and concurrently.
US08117344B2
A client stores a first set of workspace data, and is coupled via a computer network to a global server. The client may be configured to synchronize portions of the first set of workspace data with the global server, which stores independently modifiable copies of the portions. The global server may also store workspace data which is not downloaded from the client, and thus stores a second set of workspace data. The global server may be configured to identify and authenticate a user seeking global server access from a remote terminal, and is configured to provide access to the first set or to the second set. Further, services may be stored anywhere in the computer network. The global server may be configured to provide the user with access to the services. The system may further include a synchronization-start module at the client site (which may be protected by a firewall) that initiates interconnection and synchronization with the global server when predetermined criteria have been satisfied.
US08117343B2
A computer-executed method for forming data chunks from a sequence of data values comprises determining whether processing of the sequence of data values has entered a landmark-free region. If processing has entered a landmark-free region, a data chunk is produced using a specialized landmark chunking technique that is specialized for landmark-free regions. Otherwise, the method comprises producing a data chunk using a standard-data landmark chunking technique.
