US08124546B2
A non-woven fabric to be used in a disposable absorbent article is disclosed, to which a formula is added during its manufacturing process, either to change its affinity to water and/or to provide same with any desired characteristic, said formula containing an indicator means such that the formula can be detected along the entire length and width of the fabric during the manufacturing process thereof, without the need of carrying out laboratory tests. The indicator means can be an optical indicator, a thermal indicator or a coloring agent.
US08124542B2
The present invention includes the steps of: forming an device isolation region in a substrate to divide the device isolation region into a first and a second diffusion regions; forming a target film to be processed on the substrate; forming a hard mask layer and a first resist layer on the film to be processed; forming a first pattern on the first resist layer; etching the hard mask layer by using the first pattern as a mask; forming a second resist layer on the hard mask layer; forming a second pattern including a first space on the second resist layer for isolating the first pattern; forming a third pattern including a second space shrunk from the first space on the hard mask layer by carrying out size conversion etching by using the second pattern formed on the second resist layer as a mask; and etching the film to be processed by using the third pattern formed on the hard mask layer.
US08124541B2
An etchant gas and a method for removing at least a portion of a late transition metal structure. The etchant gas includes PF3 and at least one oxidizing agent, such as at least one of oxygen, ozone, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide. The etchant gas provides a method of uniformly removing the late transition metal structure or a portion thereof. Moreover, the etchant gas facilitates removing a late transition metal structure with an increased etch rate and at a decreased etch temperature. A method of removing a late transition metal without removing more reactive materials proximate the late transition metal and exposed to the etchant gas is also disclosed.
US08124537B2
A method is disclosed for etching an integrated circuit structure within a trench. A layer to be etched is applied over the structure and within the trench. A CF-based polymer is deposited over the layer to be etched followed by deposition of a capping layer of SiOCl-based polymer. The CF-based polymer reduces the width of the trench to such an extent that little or no SiOCl-based polymer is deposited at the bottom of the trench. An O2 plasma etch is performed to etch through the CF-based polymer at the bottom of the trench. The O2 plasma etch has little effect on the SiOCl-based polymer, the thus the upper surfaces of the structure remain covered with polymer. Thus, these upper surfaces remain fully protected during subsequent etching of the layer to be etched.
US08124520B2
An integrated circuit mount system includes an integrated circuit, a solder mask for the integrated circuit, and a solder mask pad on the substrate with the solder mask.
US08124518B2
Nanowire devices comprising core-shell or segmented nanowires are provided. In these nanowire devices, strain can be used as a tool to form metallic portions in nanowires made from compound semiconductor materials, and/or to create nanowires in which embedded quantum dots experience negative hydrostatic pressure or high positive hydrostatic pressure, whereby a phase transitions may occur, and/or to create exciton crystals.
US08124511B2
One aspect provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having reduced N/P or P/N junction crystal disorder. In one aspect, this improvement is achieved by forming gate electrodes over a semiconductor substrate, amorphizing the semiconductor substrate that creates amorphous regions adjacent the gate electrodes to a depth in the semiconductor substrate. Source/drains are formed adjacent the gate electrodes by placing conductive dopants in the semiconductor substrate, wherein displaced substrate atoms and the conductive dopants are contained within the depth of the amorphous regions. The semiconductor substrate is annealed to re-crystallize the amorphous regions subsequent to forming the source/drains.
US08124507B2
A fin-type semiconductor region (103) is formed on a substrate (101), and then a resist pattern (105) is formed on the substrate (101). An impurity is implanted into the fin-type semiconductor region (103) by a plasma doping process using the resist pattern (105) as a mask, and then at least a side of the fin-type semiconductor region (103) is covered with a protective film (107). Thereafter, the resist pattern (105) is removed by cleaning using a chemical solution, and then the impurity implanted into the fin-type semiconductor region (103) is activated by heat treatment.
US08124504B2
A GaN-based thin film (thick film) is grown using a metal buffer layer grown on a substrate. (a) A metal buffer layer (210) made of, for example, Cr or Cu is vapor-deposited on a sapphire substrate (120). (b) A substrate obtained by vapor-depositing the metal buffer layer (210) on the sapphire substrate (120) is nitrided in an ammonia gas ambient, thereby forming a metal nitride layer (212). (c) A GaN buffer layer (222) is grown on the nitrided metal buffer layers (210, 212). (d) Finally, a GaN single-crystal layer (220) is grown. This GaN single-crystal layer (220) can be grown to have various thicknesses depending on the objects. A freestanding substrate can be fabricated by selective chemical etching of the substrate fabricated by the above steps. It is also possible to use the substrate fabricated by the above steps as a GaN template substrate for fabricating a GaN-based light emitting diode or laser diode.
US08124499B2
Free standing thickness of materials are fabricated using one or more semiconductor substrates, e.g., single crystal silicon, polysilicon, silicon germanium, germanium, group III/IV materials, and others. A semiconductor substrate is provided having a surface region and a thickness. The surface region of the semiconductor substrate is subjected to a first plurality of high energy particles generated using a linear accelerator to form a region of a plurality of gettering sites within a cleave region, the cleave region being provided beneath the surface region to defined a thickness of material to be detached, the semiconductor substrate being maintained at a first temperature. The surface region of the semiconductor substrate is subjected to a second plurality of high energy particles generated using the linear accelerator, the second plurality of high energy particles being provided to increase a stress level of the cleave region from a first stress level to a second stress level.
US08124483B2
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a transistor, the transistor including a fin having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The transistor includes a first gate electrode disposed on the first side of the fin and a second gate electrode disposed on the second side of the fin. The method includes forming a silicide or germanide of a metal on the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode of the transistor. The amount of the metal of the silicide or germanide is substantially homogeneous over the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode proximate the fin.
US08124479B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes forming a pillar pattern including a sidewall contact over a semiconductor substrate; forming a silicon layer in a lower portion disposed between the pillar patterns; implanting ions into the silicon layer; diffusing the implanted impurity ions into the inside of the pillar pattern to form an ion-implanting region; removing the silicon layer; and burying a conductive material in the lower portion disposed between the pillar patterns. The method can prevent a floating body effect by adding a process of a vertical channel transistor.
US08124477B2
In a non-volatile semiconductor memory device having a MONOS structure, a memory cell section for storing information, and a periphery circuitry section for writing and reading the information with respect to the memory cell section are formed in the surface region of a silicon substrate. A plurality of memory cells is formed in the memory cell section, while a plurality of periphery circuitry transistors are formed also in the periphery circuitry section. Since the periphery circuitry transistor has a structure wherein no electric charge accumulation layer exists, it is possible to prevent from electric charge injection to the periphery circuitry transistor, whereby hot carrier characteristics of the periphery circuitry transistor are improved.
US08124466B2
The present invention provides a self-driven LDMOS which utilizes a parasitic resistor between a drain terminal and an auxiliary region. The parasitic resistor is formed between two depletion boundaries in a quasi-linked deep N-type well. When the two depletion boundaries pinch off, a gate-voltage potential at a gate terminal is clipped at a drain-voltage potential at said drain terminal. Since the gate-voltage potential is designed to be equal to or higher than a start-threshold voltage, the LDMOS is turned on accordingly. Besides, no additional die space and masking process are needed to manufacture the parasitic resistor. Furthermore, the parasitic resistor of the present invention does not lower the breakdown voltage and the operating speed of the LDMOS. In addition, when the two depletion boundaries pinch off, the gate-voltage potential does not vary in response to an increment of the drain-voltage potential.
US08124464B2
This disclosure concerns a semiconductor device comprising a convex-shaped semiconductor layer formed on a semiconductor substrate; an insulation film formed on the semiconductor substrate, the insulation film having a film thickness to the extent that a lower part of the semiconductor layer is buried; a gate electrode formed on a set of both opposed side faces via a gate insulation film; and a source region and a drain region formed on a side face side on which the gate electrode is not formed in the semiconductor layer, wherein the semiconductor layer is formed so as to dispose surfaces of a peripheral part excepting a central part on an outer side than surfaces of the central part covered by at least the gate electrode.
US08124460B2
An integrated circuit package system includes providing a leadframe that is coplanar with a bottom surface of the integrated circuit package system to which is attached a device with a thermally conductive coating that is coplanar with the bottom surface of the integrated circuit package system to the leadframe, the device having the characteristics of being singulated from a wafer and the thermally conductive coating having the characteristics of being singulated from a wafer level thermally conductive coating and encapsulating the device with an encapsulation material that leaves the thermally conductive coating exposed for thermal dissipation.
US08124452B2
The present invention discloses methods and apparatuses for the separations of IC fabrication and assembling of separated IC components to form complete IC structures. In an embodiment, the present fabrication separation of an IC structure into multiple discrete components can take advantages of dedicated IC fabrication facilities and achieve more cost effective products. The process can separate the integrated circuits into an analog portion and a digital portion with the analog portion comprising passive components utilizing dielectric materials different than silicon dioxide and active components utilizing channel materials different than substrate single crystal silicon.
US08124451B2
An integrated circuit packaging system comprising: fabricating an interposer array having an access opening; fabricating a base package substrate sheet; attaching a first integrated circuit die over the base package substrate sheet; mounting the interposer array over the first integrated circuit die; and singulating a base package from the base package substrate sheet and the interposer array by cutting the access opening generally through the center.
US08124446B2
A method for fabricating a chip package is achieved. A seed layer is formed over a silicon wafer. A photoresist layer is formed on the seed layer, an opening in the photoresist layer exposing the seed layer. A first solder bump is formed on the seed layer exposed by the opening. The photoresist layer is removed. The seed layer not under the first solder bump is removed. A second solder bump on a chip is joined to the first solder bump.
US08124443B2
Diodes having p-type and n-type regions in contact, having at least one of either the p-type region or n-type region including a conjugated organic material doped with an immobile dopant, conjugated organic materials for incorporation into such diodes, and methods of manufacturing such diodes and materials are provided.
US08124441B2
Programmable metallization memory cells having a first metal contact and a second metal contact with an ion conductor solid electrolyte material between the metal contacts. The first metal contact has a filament placement structure thereon extending into the ion conductor material. In some embodiments, the second metal contact also has a filament placement structure thereon extending into the ion conductor material toward the first filament placement structure. The filament placement structure may have a height of at least about 2 nm.
US08124430B2
A method for forming a quantum well structure that can reduce the variation in the In composition in the thickness direction of a well layer and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting element are provided. In a step of forming a quantum well structure (active layer) by alternately growing barrier layers and well layers on a primary surface of a GaN substrate, the well layers are each formed by growing InGaN, the barrier layers are each grown at a first temperature, the well layers are each grown at a second temperature which is lower than that of the first temperature, and when the well layers are each formed, before a starting material gas for Ga (trimethylgallium) is supplied, a starting material gas for In is supplied.
US08124427B2
A method for creating an extremely thin semiconductor-on-insulator (ETSOI) layer having a uniform thickness includes: measuring a thickness of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) layer at a plurality of locations; determining a removal thickness at each of the plurality of locations; and implanting ions at the plurality of locations. The implanting is dynamically based on the removal thickness at each of the plurality of locations. The method further includes oxidizing the SOI layer to form an oxide layer, and removing the oxide layer.
US08124424B2
The claimed invention comprises a single molecule-format bioluminescent probe for detecting a target-specific ligand in a living cell, which comprises, a ligand-binding molecule of which conformation is changed upon binding to the ligand, wherein the ligand-binding molecule comprises a ligand-binding domain (LBD) of a nuclear receptor and an LBD-interacting domain that is a co-activator peptide of said nuclear receptor, and an N-terminal polypeptide and a C-terminal polypeptide of a click beetle luciferase (N-CBLuc and C-CBLuc), which flank each end of the ligand-binding molecule, respectively, wherein the N-CBLuc and the C-CBLuc self-complement to generate a luminescent signal only upon binding of the ligand to the ligand-binding molecule.
US08124420B2
A reagent for detecting and identifying a chemical substance. The reagent is an emulsion including a cobalt salt dissolved in water which also includes at least one organic solvent that is at least partly water-miscible and also including an organic compound which serves as an ion pair color changing indicator or a pH sensitive color changing indicator, the organic compound dissolved in an organic solvent only partly miscible with water. A two product kit for detecting and identifying a chemical substance is also taught. The kit includes the aforementioned reagent and a diazonium salt, typically a diazonium salt having electron withdrawing groups on its phenyl rings. A method for detecting and identifying a chemical substance using the two product kit is also discussed. The reagent, testing kit and method may be used for detecting and identifying controlled substances.
US08124416B2
In particular, Compounds of Formula I or Formula II, generally known as calix[4]arenes, may be prepared. The compounds may be used to test samples for the presence of Hg2+ by fluorescence quenching. The compounds may also be used to selectively detect Hg2+ in samples containing other mono- or divalent metals.
US08124414B2
A taggant comprising at least one perfluorocarbon compound surrounded by a polyphosphazene compound. The polyphosphazene compound has the chemical structure: wherein G1 and G2 are pendant groups having different polarities, m is an integer greater than or equal to 100, and each of A and B is independently selected from hydrogen, an alkyl, an alkene, an alkoxide, a polyether, a polythioether, a siloxane, and —X(CH2)nY1(CH2)p1Y2(CH2)p2 . . . Yi(CH2)piCH3, where n ranges from 1 to 6, X and Y are independently selected from oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and polonium, and p1 through pi range from 1 to 6. Cyclic polyphosphazene compounds lacking the A and B groups are also disclosed, as are methods of forming the taggant and of detecting an object.
US08124413B2
The invention relates to continuous flow systems, in particular thermocyclers for the automated and continuous cycling of fluid between a plurality of temperature zones in the amplification of nucleic acids. The invention also relates to an improved sample port for introducing a volume of a liquid sample into a continuous flow system.
US08124410B2
Co-cultures of heterogeneous cell populations in a diffusion-constrained microenvironment and methods for co-culturing are disclosed.
US08124409B2
The use of the liver cell line QSG-7701 for HBV infection includes the following steps: directly infecting QSG-7701 cells with purified HBV particles and facilitating the infection by DMSO and/or PEG treatment. The easily available QSG-7701 liver cell line may not require pre-differentiation induction and is naturally susceptible for HBV infection. This cell line provides near normal physiological conditions for HBV infection, especially the infection conditions that are characterized with Chinese origin. This cell line is suitable for investigating the life cycle of HBV. Therefore, this cell line is useful for the investigation of viral infection processes and for the development of drugs that specifically target these processes.
US08124403B2
A tube port includes a tubular first stem having an interior surface and an exterior surface extending between a first end and a longitudinally spaced apart second end. The interior surface bounds a passage that longitudinally extends through the first stem. The tube port also includes a flange encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the first end of the first stem. The flange and the first stem are integrally formed as a unitary member comprised of a flexible elastomeric material having a durometer on a Shore A scale with a value of less than 90.
US08124394B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08124393B2
Polynucleotides encoding a mutant human carboxylesterase enzyme and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides which are capable of metabolizing a prodrug and inactive metabolites thereof to active drug are provided. Compositions and methods for sensitizing cells to a prodrug agent, inhibiting cell growth, treating drug addiction, and facilitating the metabolism of an organophosphate with this enzyme are also provided. In addition, a screening assay for identification of drugs activated by this enzyme is described.
US08124382B2
The present invention provides kits and microarrays containing primer pairs for amplifying drug resistance genes and/or probes for detection of drug resistance genes. Also provided are methods of detecting drug resistance genes using kits and microarrays described herein.
US08124360B2
Provided are functional methods using the T1R2 monomer of the T1R2/T1R3 sweet receptor to identify agonists and modulators of the sweet taste response.
US08124359B2
A method for reducing non-specific binding in an assay is provided herein. The method includes (a) providing a reaction mixture, which includes or is suspected to include a first component and a second component capable of binding to each other in a specific binding reaction, and (b) adding non-physiological amounts of at least one additive to the reaction mixture before, during or after binding in a sufficient amount to reduce non-specific binding in the reaction mixture. The method further includes (c) monitoring or measuring the presence and/or concentration of at least one of the first and second components after step (b).
US08124353B2
The present invention is related to methods and compositions for the therapeutic and diagnostic use in the treatment of diseases and disorders which are caused by or associated with amyloid or amyloid-like proteins including amyloidosis, a group of disorders and abnormalities associated with amyloid protein such as Alzheimer's disease. The present invention provides novel methods and compositions comprising highly specific and highly effective antibodies having the ability to specifically recognize and bind to specific epitopes from a range of j3-amyloid proteins. The antibodies enabled by the teaching of the present invention are particularly useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders which are caused by or associated with amyloid or amyloid-like proteins including amyloidosis, a group of diseases and disorders associated with amyloid plaque formation including secondary amyloidosis and age-related amyloidosis including, but not limited to, neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
US08124352B2
Anti-HEPSIN monoclonal antibodies, and methods for using the antibodies, are provided.
US08124351B2
The present invention concerns the detection of gene products resulting from chromosomal translocations, including fusion proteins comprising a first and second region. In particular, the fusion proteins are identified following subjecting a sample comprising the proteins to a bead comprising an antibody to a first region, followed by subjecting the bead-antibody-fusion complex to a second antibody directed against the second region, thereby detecting the fusion protein. In particular aspects, the invention is employed to provide prognosis for an individual with cancer, to identify suitability for a particular cancer therapy, and/or to monitor response of a patient to a therapy, for example.
US08124349B2
Methods of identifying compounds that modulate the interaction between a TLR and a molecule that interacts with the TLR by direct binding or by inclusion in a complex that associates with the TLR are described. Methods of identifying molecules that interact with a TLR are also described.
US08124339B2
Methods and assays examining expression of one or more biomarkers in a mammalian tissue or cell sample are provided. According to the disclosed methods and assays, detection of the expression of one or more such biomarkers is predictive or indicative that the tissue or cell sample will be sensitive to apoptosis-inducing agents such as Apo2L/TRAIL and anti-DR5 agonist antibodies. Certain biomarkers which may be examined include fucosyltransferases, in particular fucosyltransferase 3 (FUT3) and/or fucosyltransferase 6 (FUT6), as well as sialyl Lewis A and/or X antigens. Kits and articles of manufacture are also provided.
US08124335B2
Methods for detecting influenza virus A and influenza virus B nucleic acids in biological samples by using in vitro amplification and detection are disclosed. Compositions that are target-specific nucleic acid sequences and kits comprising target-specific nucleic acid oligomers for amplifying in vitro influenza virus A or influenza virus B nucleic acid and detecting amplified nucleic acid sequences are disclosed.
US08124327B2
The present invention involves a method for generating a photoresist image on a substrate. The method comprises coating a substrate with a film comprising a polymer comprising fluorocarbinol monomers; imagewise exposing the film to radiation; heating the film to a temperature of, at, or below about 90° C. and developing the image. The present invention also relates to a method for generating a photoresist image on a substrate where a polymer comprising fluorocarbinol monomers is used as a protective top coat.
US08124325B2
A method of manufacturing microstructures is disclosed, the method comprising a applying a mask to substrate; forming a pattern in the mask; processing the substrate according to the pattern; and mechanically removing the mask from the substrate. A polymer mask is disclosed for manufacturing micro scale structure, the polymer mask comprising a thin, preferably ultra thin flexible film. A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit is disclosed, the method comprising forming a plurality of isolated semiconductor devices on a common substrate; and connecting some of the devices. Apparatus for manufacturing microstructures is disclosed comprising: a mechanism for coating a mass substrate to create a structure; a mechanism for removing a mask from the substrate; and processing apparatus. A thin film transistor is disclosed comprising drain source and gate electrodes, the drain and source electrode being separated by a semiconductor, and the gate electrode being separated from the semiconductor by an insulator, comprising a bandgap alignment layer disposed between a semiconductor and the insulator.
US08124318B2
It is disclosed an over-coating agent for forming fine patterns which is applied to cover a substrate having thereon photoresist patterns and allowed to shrink under heat so that the spacing between adjacent photoresist patterns is lessened, with the applied film of the over-coating agent being removed substantially completely to form or define fine trace patterns, further characterized by containing either a water-soluble polymer and an amide group-containing monomer or a water-soluble polymer which contains at least (meth)acrylamide as a monomeric component. Also disclosed is a method of forming fine-line patterns using any one of said over-coating agents. According to the invention, the thermal shrinkage of the over-coating agent for forming fine patterns in the heat treatment can be extensively increased, and one can obtain fine-line patterns which exhibit good profiles while satisfying the characteristics required of semiconductor devices.
US08124310B2
A positive resist composition includes: (A) a resin containing a repeating unit represented by formula (I) or (I′) as defined in the specification, of which solubility in an alkali developer increases under an action of an acid; and (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation: and a pattern forming method uses the positive resist composition.
US08124308B2
Toner and a developer which are excellent in cleaning property and fixing property at low temperature, and capable of forming images with high quality are provided, along with a method for their production. A toner producing method involves dispersing and/or emulsifying an oil phase or a monomer phase containing a toner composition and/or a toner composition precursor in a water-based medium to granulate,wherein the toner has an average circularity of 0.925 to 0.970, and the toner composition and/or the toner composition precursor has a layered inorganic material in which at least a part of interlayer ions in the layered inorganic material has been exchanged with organic ions.
US08124307B2
Embodiments include a toner having a) a polyester resin derived from a naphthalenic material, a 2-alkyl succinic material, and 2,2-ethyl-butyl-1,3-propanediol, b) a wax, and c) an optional colorant.
US08124305B2
The presently disclosed embodiments relate in general to electrophotographic imaging members, such as layered photoreceptor structures, and processes for making and using the same. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to the incorporation of a liquid compound having a high boiling point into the charge transport layer such that an anticurl back coating is no longer needed for reduction or elimination of photoreceptor layer curling.
US08124297B2
This invention intends to improve the catalyst efficiency by sufficiently providing a triple phase boundary where reaction gas, catalysts, and electrolytes meet in carbon nanohorns. With the utilization of the resulting MEA, the electrode reactions are allowed to effectively proceed, and the power generation efficiency of a fuel cell is improved to result in a solid polymer fuel cell with excellent properties. Such solid polymer fuel cell comprises electrodes having a catalyst layer comprising: a carrier comprising a carbon nanohorn aggregate; catalytic metals supported on the carrier comprising a carbon nanohorn aggregate; and polymer electrolytes coating the carrier comprising a carbon nanohorn aggregate, wherein the proportion of the polymer electrolyte to the carbon nanohorn aggregate is 0.32:1 to 0.70:1 by weight.
US08124296B1
Direct reaction fuel cells (10) with cross-flow of an electrolyte mixture through thick, porous electrodes (12, 18) that contain a mixture of catalyst particles and that rotate to generate Taylor Vortex Flows (54) and Circular Couette Flows (56) in electrolyte chambers (24) are disclosed.
US08124287B2
A method of controlling an amount of liquid in a fuel cell includes increasing the oxygen utilization within the fuel cell to increase heat. The heat reduces the amount of liquid in the fuel cell. A disclosed example method includes decreasing a supply of air to the fuel cell to lower a fuel cell voltage by increasing the oxygen utilization. The example method includes maintaining an essentially electrical current density while decreasing the supply of air.
US08124283B2
The present invention relates to a cyclic siloxane-based compound and a solid polymer electrolyte composition containing the same as a crosslinking agent. The cyclic siloxane-based compound having a novel structure in which polyalkylene oxide acrylate groups are introduced into a cyclic siloxane compound and a solid polymer electrolyte composition containing the cyclic siloxane-based compound as a crosslinking agent along with other electrolyte components such as a plasticizer, lithium salt and a curing initiator. Since the solid polymer electrolyte composition of the present invention improves ion conductivity and electrochemical stability at room temperature, it can be useful as polymer electrolyte for electrolyte films, small-sized to high-capacity lithium-polymer secondary batteries, etc. Also, physical properties of the polymer electrolyte can be controlled easily by controlling the length of the polyalkylene oxide group in the cyclic siloxane-based crosslinking agent.
US08124280B2
This invention relates to intermetallic negative electrode compounds for non-aqueous, electrochemical lithium cells and batteries. More specifically, the invention relates to one or more electrode components or compositions, one of which contains the basic structural unit of a MM′3 intermetallic compound, in which M and M′ are comprised of one or more metals. The MM′3 intermetallic electrode compounds can be mixed, blended or integrated with one or more other intermetallic compounds, such as isostructural M3M′ compounds. The electrodes are of particular use in rechargeable lithium-ion cells and batteries in numerous applications such as portable electronic devices, medical devices, space, aeronautical and defense-related devices and in transportation applications such as electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.
US08124269B2
A secondary battery for electronic appliance to be accommodated in an electronic appliance, thereby feeding an electric power to the electronic appliance, is disclosed, which includes a battery cell in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte are accommodated in a pack, and a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal from the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively are lead out from the same side face of the pack; a metallic battery can in which one opening from which the battery cell is inserted is formed and which accommodates the battery cell therein such that one side face from which the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are lead out is faced towards the opening side; and a lid made of a synthetic resin in which a positive electrode terminal part and a negative electrode terminal part to be connected to the electrodes of the electronic appliance upon being connected to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal and being faced outwardly are provided and which plugs the opening of the battery can, the battery cell being accommodated in the battery can while the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal being curved between the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal and the lid.
US08124255B2
A highly reliable magnetic recording medium is provided which has a recording layer formed in a concavo-convex pattern and wherein the recording layer is unlikely to cause a change in magnetic properties. The magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, a recording layer formed in a predetermined concavo-convex pattern over the substrate, convex portions of the concavo-convex pattern serving as recording elements; and a filler portion filling a concave portion between the recording elements. The filler portion comprises a metal-based main filler material and oxygen. Oxygen is unevenly distributed in the filler portion so that the ratio of the number of oxygen atoms to the total of the number of atoms of the main filler material and the number of oxygen atoms is greater in an upper surface portion of the filler portion than in a lower portion of the filler portion.
US08124253B2
A tunneling magnetic sensing element includes a laminate in which an underlayer, a seed layer, an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic layer, an insulating barrier layer, and a free magnetic layer are laminated in order from below. The insulating barrier layer is made of Mg—O. The underlayer is made of Ti, and the seed layer is made of one selected from a group consisting of Ni—Fe—Cr and Ru.
US08124246B2
Coated components and methods of fabricating coated components and coated turbine disks are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a coated component includes a substrate comprising a superalloy in an unmodified form and a coating disposed over the substrate, where the coating comprises the superalloy in a modified form. The modified form of the superalloy includes, by weight, at least 10% more chromium and at least 10% more of one or more noble metals than the unmodified form of the superalloy, and the modified form of the superalloy is substantially free of aluminum.
US08124245B2
A direct metal laser sintered material including a substrate formed from a laser sintering process, the substrate having at least one surface, and a cladding material brazed onto at least a portion of the surface.
US08124237B2
A coated article is provided which may be heat treated thermally tempered) in certain instances. In certain example embodiments, an interlayer of or including a metal oxide such as tin oxide is provided under an infrared (IR) reflecting layer so as to be located between respective layers comprising silicon nitride and zinc oxide. It has been found that the use of such a tin oxide inclusive interlayer results in significantly improved mechanical durability, thermal stability and/or haze characteristics.
US08124234B2
The invention provides a composition comprising the following: at least one olefin-based polymer, at least one halogenated ethylene-based polymer, or at least one elastomer rubber; at least one thermoplastic polyurethane; and at least one polydiene- or polydiol-based polyurethane. These compositions are well-suited for promoting the adhesion between polar (for example, polyester, polycarbonate and polylactic acid) and non-polar materials and for the manufacture of, among other things, films, fibers, sheets and tie layers, tubes, adhesives, dispersions, protective apparel, footwear, coatings, laminates and foams.
US08124233B2
An anti-reflection film, which comprises: a low refractive index layer that is formed by curing a coating solution composition comprising: a fluorine-free copolymer containing a constituent having a polysiloxane structure represented by formula (1) as defined in the specification in a main chain and a constituent containing a hydroxyl group in a side chain; and a fluorine-containing copolymer; a polarizing plate wherein the anti-reflection film is used as one of two protective films for a polarizing film; and an image display device wherein the anti-reflection film or the polarizing plate is used in the outermost surface of the display.
US08124232B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a coated conductive powder particularly useful as the conductive filler of an anisotropic conductive adhesive used for electrically interconnecting circuit boards, circuit parts, and the like, and a conductive adhesive that can provide connection with high electrical reliability even for the connection of the electrodes of miniaturized electronic parts, such as IC chips, and circuit boards. The coated conductive powder of the present invention is a coated conductive powder obtained by coating the surfaces of conductive particles with an insulating substance, wherein the insulating substance is a powdery, thermally latent curing agent. Also, in the present invention, the particle surfaces of the coated conductive powder are further coated with insulating inorganic fine particles.
US08124229B2
A process for preparing water-absorbing polymer beads with high permeability by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a gas phase surrounding the droplets, wherein the monomer solution comprises at least 0.5% by weight of a crosslinker, based on the monomer, the polymerization in the droplet takes place in homogeneous phase, and the polymer beads have a mean diameter of at least 150 μm.
US08124228B2
A carbon fiber strand which is produced by obtaining a solidified-yarn strand by spinning with a spinneret having 20,000-30,000 spinning holes, passing the strand through an interlacing nozzle having an air blowing pressure of 20-60 kPa to obtain precursor fibers, oxidizing them in heated air having a temperature of 200-280° C. to obtain oxidized fibers, subjecting these oxidized fibers to a first carbonization treatment in an inert-gas atmosphere at a temperature of 300-900° C. in which the fibers are firstly stretched in a stretch ratio of 1.03-1.06 and then secondarily stretched in a stretch ratio of 0.9-1.01, subsequently conducting a second carbonization treatment in an inert-gas atmosphere at 1,360-2,100° C., and then conducting a surface oxidization treatment in an aqueous solution of an inorganic acid salt in a quantity of electricity of 20-100 C per g of the carbon fibers. This carbon fiber strand has a strand tensile strength of 5,650 MPa or higher, strand tensile modulus of 300 GPa or higher, and strand width of 5.5 mm or larger. No strand crack is observed in an examination by a strand crack evaluation method.
US08124226B2
The present invention provides a circuit creation technology that improves conductive line manufacture by adding active and elemental palladium onto the surface of a substrate. The palladium is disposed in minute amounts on the surface and does not form a conductive layer by itself, but facilitates subsequent deposition of a metal onto the surface, according to the pattern of the palladium, to form the conductive lines.
US08124222B2
The invention relates to a coated cutting tool comprising a substrate provided with a coating comprising a metallic interlayer placed in-between at least two non-metallic, functional layers or layer systems where the metallic interlayer comprises at least 60 at % metal elements chosen from one or more of Ti, Mo, Al, Cr, V, Y, Nb, W, Ta and Zr, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the at least two non-metallic, functional layers or layer systems is one or more of nitrides, oxides, borides, carbides, or combinations thereof, and wherein the thickness of the at least two non-metallic functional layer or layer systems is from about 3 to about 200 times the thickness of the metallic interlayer. The number of non-metallic, functional layers or layer systems alternated with metallic interlayers is at least 3.The invention also relates to a method of making a cutting tool according to the invention.Cutting tools according to the invention have an increased tool life.
US08124208B2
A multi-layer tube containing: (1) a barrier layer made of laminated fluoro resin, and (2) at least one outer layer. The barrier layer has a thickness no greater than 20% of the average thickness of the multi-layer tube, and consists of a homo polymer of chlorotrifluoroethylene having a melting point no greater than 220° C., a melt flow rate (MFR) between 0.1 and 10 g/10min at a temperature of 230° C., and a tensile modulus between 750 and 1500 MPa. The outer layer consists of a styrene elastomer. Optionally, an oxygen barrier layer is included between the outer layer and the barrier layer. The barrier layer and the outer layer are integrally laminated with each other by forming the barrier layer and the outer layer in a co-extrusion manner with an adhesive resin being interposed between the barrier layer and the outer layer.
US08124204B2
There is provided a multilayer bottle comprising a barrel portion including an outermost layer, an innermost layer and at least one barrier layer interposed between the outermost layer and the innermost layer, which satisfies the requirements represented by the following formulae (1) to (3) at the same time: OTR≦0.2 cc·mm/(m2·day·atm) (1) where OTR represents an average oxygen transmission rate of the barrier layer of the barrel portion; 20≦(Average degree of orientation of barrier layer of barrel portion)≦45; and (2) 0≦b/a×100≦200 (3) where “a” represents an average thickness (μm) of the barrier layer of the barrel portion; and “b” represents an average thickness (μm) of the barrier layer of a bottom portion of the bottle. The multilayer bottle is free from delamination owing to impact upon dropping even when the bottle is formed with irregularities and bends and therefore exhibits a large freedom of design choice.
US08124198B2
The main object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable biaxial retardation film without the problems of peeling off of the retardation layer from the base material or the like generated in the case of forming the retardation layer, capable of enlarging the range of the thickness direction and in-plane direction retardation values to be obtained, easily obtaining optional thickness direction and in-plane direction retardation values even for a small amount, a method for producing the same, an optical functional film using the retardation layer, a polarizing film and a display device.In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an optically biaxial retardation film, comprising a polymer film containing a material having refractive index anisotropy, wherein the material having refractive index anisotropy has a concentration gradient in a thickness direction of the polymer film, is provided.
US08124190B2
A method for discharging a liquid material includes performing a scan by moving a discharge target having a film formation area and a plurality of nozzles forming a nozzle row with respect to each other, and discharging a liquid material as droplets from the nozzles onto the film formation area by selectively applying one of drive waveforms generated using time division to an energy generation element of each of the nozzles in synchronization with the scan. The discharging of the liquid material includes applying a first drive waveform to a first nozzle of the nozzle row and a second drive waveform having a different discharge timing from the first drive waveform to a second nozzle of the nozzle row with the second nozzle being adjacent to the first nozzle, and changing a combination of the first and second drive waveforms selected from the drive waveforms at least once.
US08124188B2
The present invention relates to a controllable polymeric surface coating including a macromolecule, which is covalently bound to the surface of a substrate, the macromolecule including a plurality of polymerization initiators and a plurality of surface binding groups; and pendant polymers grafted from at least some of the polymerization initiators.
US08124182B2
Systems and methods for discontinuously applying an insulating primer to a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) component are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for mitigating electrical surface discharges from a CFRP component includes first applying an insulating primer to a metallic component. Next, an insulating primer is applied discontinuously to the CFRP component adjacent the metallic component. The discontinuous application of the insulating primer forms a primed portions and unprimed portions. The unprimed portions are configured to enable electrostatic dissipation.
US08124166B2
The present invention relates generally to medical devices with therapy eluting components and methods for making same. More specifically, the invention relates to implantable medical devices having at least one porous layer, and methods for making such devices, and loading such devices with therapeutic agents. A mixture or alloy is placed on the surface of a medical device, then one component of the mixture or alloy is generally removed without generally removing the other components of the mixture or alloy. In some embodiments, a porous layer is adapted for bonding non-metallic coating, including drug eluting polymeric coatings. A porous layer may have a random pore structure or an oriented or directional grain porous structure. One embodiment of the invention relates to medical devices, including vascular stents, having at least one porous layer adapted to resist stenosis or cellular proliferation without requiring elution of therapeutic agents. The invention also includes methods, devices, and specifications for loading of drugs and other therapeutic agents into nanoporous coatings.
US08124156B2
A process for manufacturing a multi-layer pet treat or animal chew comprising the indexing of a moveable mold portion into alignment with the first of a plurality of stationary mold portions fed a first composition by a first injection molding unit to form a first layer in a cavity space formed by the aligned mold portions. The moveable mold portion and the first layer may be indexed to align with a second of a plurality of stationary mold portions fed a second composition by a second injection molding unit to form a second layer over said first in the cavity space formed by the aligned mold portion. The compositions fed by the first and second injection molding units may both be edible. In a further aspect, multi-component pet treats may be provided formed from two materials which may be different in physical, optical, sensual, nutritional or compositional properties. One of the materials may specifically include textured vegetable protein.
US08124155B2
A method for producing fruit or vegetable paste, fruit or vegetable juice concentrate, and similar food products by using Complete Fractionation with Reverse Osmosis.
US08124149B2
The packaging system includes a first food product sealed within an inner wrapper, a second food product positioned within a tray and spacing the first food product from the tray, and an outer wrapper sealing the first food product, sealed within the inner wrapper, the second food product and the tray therein. A shield is disposed on the tray and is in contact with more than one surface of the second food product. Prior to microwave heating, the inner and outer wrapper are removed.
US08124143B2
Anthocyanin pigments/dyes are extracted from corn kernels by adding corn kernels with less than 5% by weight of corn kernels comprising broken kernels to an aqueous medium to form an aqueous-corn medium. The corn kernels have in excess of 0.1 mg of anthocyanin pigment/dye per gram of corn kernel therein. The anthocyanin pigment/dye in the corn kernels has greater than 40% by weight of anthocyanin as an acid or acylated form of the anthocyanin. The aqueous corn medium is agitated at a temperature above 35° C. The solid corn kernels are separated from the aqueous corn medium to form an extract of anthocyanin in aqueous medium having less than 1.0% solids therein before concentration or purification steps are performed on the extract.
US08124141B2
Topical compositions, and particularly hydrophobic compositions include an essential oil in an amount effective to achieve substantially complete absorption of the composition in the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Especially preferred topical compositions may also include pharmaceutically active agents (e.g., polyphenol), additional essential oils, stabilizers, etc. In further preferred aspects, contemplated compositions may delay onset, or even prevent viral eruptions on the skin, and where applied as a lipstick, will increase reddening of the lip as well as reduce chapping.
US08124135B2
Dicot, and especially Brassicaceae sprout preparations are employed as a dietary agents that significantly reduce oxidized species in human serum. In one especially preferred aspect, contemplated compositions are employed to reduce serum oxLDL and to increase serum HDL levels.
US08124134B2
The present invention provides a novel method for simultaneously inhibiting the cyclooxygenase COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzymes. The method for the simultaneous dual inhibition of COX-2 and 5-LO is comprised of administering a composition containing an individual and/or a mixture of multiple flavans isolated from a single plant or multiple plants in the Acacia genus of plants to a host in need thereof. The present also includes novel methods for the prevention and treatment of COX-2 and 5-LO mediated diseases and conditions. The method for preventing and treating COX-2 and 5-LO mediated diseases and conditions is comprised of administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising an individual and/or a mixture of multiple flavans isolated from a single plant or multiple plants in the Acacia genus of plants and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention includes a method for isolating and purifying a composition of flavans having dual specificity for COX-2 and 5-LO from the Acacia genus of plants.
US08124127B2
Coatings for medical devices, methods of making the coatings, and methods of using them are described.
US08124125B2
The invention provides stable, solid dosage forms and pharmaceutical compositions in particulate form comprising a fibrate, for example fenofibrate, dissolved in an non-aqueous vehicle in order to ensure improved bioavailability of the active ingredient upon oral administration relative to known fibrate formulations.
US08124124B2
A compressed tablet composition comprising: a granular component comprising a plurality of solidified melt granules of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) having a melting point in the range 30-300° C. and incorporating a disintegrant uniformly dispersed therein; characterised in that the granules comprise a continuous phase of said non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and further characterised in that the tablet composition comprises silicon dioxide present in an amount of 0.05-5.0% by weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition also contains an extra-granular component comprising the silicon dioxide and a lubricant. Further preferably the NSAID is ibuprofen which has a melting point in the range 75-77° C. Optionally the melting process can be carried out in an extruder. Tablets containing advantageous processing properties and dissolution characteristics are obtained.
US08124117B2
The present invention relates to a method for controlling fire ants with a single step application of a combination of a bait and a controlled release treatment composition, and to the novel bait/controlled release treatment composition combination used in the method of the present invention.
US08124116B2
Pesticide strips used to control parasitic mites in honeybees. The pesticide strips are designed to have a lifetime or period of existence, after which the strip no longer exists in its original form. The strip breaks down, such as by disintegration, dissolving, decomposition, being eaten or carrier away, or otherwise degrading over time, so that at the end of the recommended lifetime, the strip is no longer in its original form. In most embodiments, at least 50% of the strip is no longer present, and in other embodiments at least 75% of the strip is no longer present. Preferably, at the end of the recommended lifetime, the strip no longer exists, at least the body of the strip that included the active ingredient. With this design, the strip does not provide extended low-dose pesticide that can be detrimental in treating the mites.
US08124113B2
An antimicrobial coating slurry includes about 15.5 wt % of a wetting agent, about 6.0 wt % of an insolubilizer, about 1.1 wt % of a biocide agent, and about 7.8 wt % of an inorganic material that includes lithium oxide and the balance water. The slurry is applied to a heat exchanger surface, cured, and washed to form a hydrophilic coating that includes lithium silicate. The hydrophilic coating provides improved moisture wicking and a reduced dissolution rate of biocide, which is held within a lithium silicate matrix.
US08124109B2
Methods and compositions are provided herein for immunizing a subject against Chlamydial genital infection by administering to the subject an effective amount of a Chlamydial immunogenic peptide or an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof incorporated within a vault-like particle carrier. In some aspects, the vault-like-particles are administered to the nasal mucosa. The methods and compositions advantageously exhibit enhanced ability to induce cell-mediated immunity and/or antibody-based immunity at mucosal surfaces while reducing inflammation associated with Chlamydia infection.
US08124107B2
The present invention provides MSCRAMM® proteins from S. aureus which are putative highly-expressed antigens from methicillin-resistant S. aureus, including communit-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA), and these antigens can thus be utilized in methods of generating antibodies capable of binding these antigens which can be useful in methods of treating or preventing infection from MRSA. The present invention is directed to these proteins, antibodies capable of binding these proteins, methods of generating said antibodies, nucleic acids coding for said proteins, and pharmaceutical compositions or vaccines which include the proteins or antibodies of the present invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient.
US08124106B2
Provided is a method for purifying a virus from a host cell, the method comprising: a) culturing host cells, b) infecting the host cells with a virus, c) treating the cell culture with nuclease, and d) lysing the host cells to provide a lysate comprising the virus. The virus may be recombinant adenovirus. Further provided are methods for purifying a recombinant virus expressing a heterologous protein capable of binding nucleic acid, comprising: a) culturing host cells, b) infecting the host cells with recombinant virus, c) lysing the host cells to provide a lysate comprising the recombinant virus, d) subjecting the recombinant virus to anion exchange chromatography and size exclusion chromatography, wherein the virus-containing mixture is buffer exchanged at least once with a solution comprising at least 2 M NaCl, or another salt providing an equivalent ionic strength.
US08124105B2
The invention is directed to a poxvirus vaccine comprising a soluble truncated poxvirus envelope protein. The invention is also directed to a vaccine comprising a nucleic acid encoding such proteins. Also included is an antibody which specifically binds to the proteins and nucleic acid encoding the same, as well as methods of preventing and treating a poxvirus infection using the afore-mentioned vaccine, antibody, protein, and nucleic acid encoding them.
US08124101B2
The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated swine influenza viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated swine influenza viruses having modifications to a swine NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. These viruses replicate in vivo, but demonstrate decreased replication, virulence and increased attenuation, and therefore are well suited for use in live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.
US08124100B2
A vaccine against nodavirus infection in fish can be produced by inactivating the virus using an aziridine compound. This vaccine can be used to prevent Viral Nervous Necrosis (VNN) in a variety of fish species.
US08124087B2
The present invention is drawn to understanding lytic bone diseases. In this regard, the present invention discloses mechanism by which Wnt signaling antagonist inhibits bone differentiation. Also disclosed herein are methods to control bone loss, treat bone disease and prevent tumor growth in bones of individual.
US08124083B2
This invention relates to the use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to and have the ability in the alternative to become internalized by cells expressing folate receptor alpha (FRA) and to induce an immune effector activity such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The antibodies are useful in specific delivery of pharmacologic agents to FRA-expressing cells as well as in eliciting an immune-effector activity particularly on tumor cells and precursors. The invention is also related to nucleotides encoding the antibodies of the invention, cells expressing the antibodies; methods of detecting cancer cells; and methods of treating cancer using the antibodies.
US08124070B2
The present invention relates to novel lactic acid bacterial micro-organisms that have been isolated and selected for their probiotic potential and their use for the preparation of petfood compositions intended to improve the health of pets, and to compositions containing the same.
US08124063B2
A personal care product is provided which includes a composition containing dihydroxypropyltri(C1-C3 alkyl)ammonium salt in a carrier. The composition is packaged for delivery to a consumer and includes instructions printed on or associated with the packaging indicating topical use of the composition on skin, hair or the oral mucosae. Particularly useful is dihydroxypropyltrimonium chloride which operates as a humectant to moisturize both at high and low relative humidity environments.
US08124051B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing a complex drug delivery system which specifically targets cancer cells, has an increase in cellular uptake, is cytotoxic, and suppresses antiapoptotic cellular defenses.
US08124044B2
Carbon nanotubes, a method for preparing the same and an element using the same are provided. The method for preparing carbon nanotubes includes synthesizing carbon nanotubes from carbon source using an arc-discharge method in the presence of catalysts and promoter, wherein the promoter contains an element capable of reducing the surface energy of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes with high purity and narrow diameter distribution can thus be prepared.
US08124041B2
A process for producing silicon comprises the steps of a reduction step [1] of depositing silicon by reacting chlorosilanes and hydrogen in a reactor under heat and discharging an exhaust gas that contains hydrogen, oligomers of silanes, and a silicon powder; a carring step [2] of carrying the exhaust gas that has been exhausted in the step [1] while keeping a temperature of the exhaust gas at not less than 105° C.; a removal step [3] of supplying the exhaust gas that has been carried in the step [2] to a filter at a temperature of not less than 105° C. and discharging the exhaust gas from the filter at a temperature of not less than 105° C. to remove the silicon powder from the exhaust gas and give a mixed gas that contains the hydrogen and the oligomers of silanes; and a separation step [4] of cooling the mixed gas that has been obtained in the step [3] to separate the hydrogen as a gas phase from the mixed gas.
US08124035B2
Continuous processes for monoalkylating aromatic compound with an aliphatic feedstock comprising aliphatic olefin of 8 to 18 carbon atoms per molecule are effected using at least 3 reaction zones in series, each containing solid alkylation catalyst with effluent cooling between reaction zones, each of which reaction zones is supplied a portion of the fresh aliphatic feedstock, such that the Reaction Zone Delta T in each reaction zone is less than about 15° C. The overall aromatic compound to olefin molar ratio is less than about 20:1. The alkylation product has desirable linearity and low amounts of dimers, dealkylated compounds and diaryl compounds even though a low aromatic compound to olefin molar ratio is used.
US08124031B2
A second valve is opened to combine an injection-pressure generating pressure with a maintaining pressure into an injection pressure. After the injection pressure is applied to a capillary to cause discharge of an object therefrom, an output pressure of a regulator is set to the injection pressure. Then, a first valve is opened to reapply the injection pressure to the capillary. The second valve is opened to combine a maintaining-pressure generating pressure with the injection pressure into the maintaining pressure. After the maintaining pressure is applied to the capillary to terminate the discharge of the object, the output pressure of the regulator is set to the maintaining pressure. Then, the first valve is opened to reapply the maintaining pressure to the capillary.
US08124028B2
The present invention provides a novel system for efficiently and accurately analyzing targets in samples and for preparing samples for analysis with various analytical methods. A version of the present invention comprises a multi-function probe, configured for pipetting liquids directly, with a pipet tip, or with an assay unit described herein. Another version of the present invention includes an apparatus for conducting an immunoassay or selective adsorption separation comprising an assay unit and a multi-function probe. Another version of the present invention includes a multi-function probe and assay unit for use with an automated Cartesian robot. Other versions include one- or two-dimensional arrays comprising multi-function probes connected to syringe barrels for use with assay units.
US08124026B2
Devices with lateral flow elements and integral fluidics are disclosed. The integral fluidics consist of injector pumps comprised of fluidic elements under instrument control. The fluidic element of an injector pump is fluidically connected to lateral flow elements and can be used to control fluid entry into containment chambers referred to as micro-reactors. The lateral flow elements comprise conductor elements that can be used for sample application and transport of analyte contained in the sample to the micro-reactor. Fluidic transport through the fluidic element of the injector pump is under instrument-control. Both the lateral flow element and the fluidic element may contain chemical entities incorporated along their length. The chemical reactions that can be used for analyte detection using the devices are described. Also described are methods of manufacture of these devices.
US08124009B2
Aeration drying and disinfecting grain crops in bulk and pretreating seeds includes passing through a bulk of grain crops and seeds disinfecting and drying agents including an ozone and air mixture and surrounding air, subdividing the disinfecting and drying agents into a plurality of streams spaced from one another in a vertical direction, and passing the streams at different heights through levels located at corresponding heights of the bulk of grain crops and seeds transversely in a substantially horizontal direction.
US08124007B2
Compositions for stainless steel weld overlays having enhanced wear resistance are provided by incorporating second phase Titanium Carbide (TiC) and/or Niobium Carbide (NbC) into matrices of various types of stainless steel such as 316L and 420. Preferably, TiC and NbC precipitates are formed in-situ during the weld overlay process while minimizing the amount of Carbon (C) going into solid solution in the matrix of the weld overlay.
US08124006B2
The molten metal-transferring ladle including a ladle body having a storage space for melted metal, and an opening on the top; a large lid having an inlet in the middle, and covering an upper opening of the ladle body; an openable small lid covering the inlet; a tapping portion communicating the interior with the exterior of the storage space; and a pressurizing gas supplying means supplying a pressurizing gas to the storage space; the large lid having a supplying means installing hole communicating the interior with the exterior of the storage space; and the pressurizing gas supplying means being detachably mounted to the supplying means installing hole.
US08124002B2
An extrusion-molding machine according to the present invention comprises: a screw having a blade portion for extruding a molding material, the screw disposed in a tightly-closed space; and a die for molding an extruded molding material, wherein the space is maintained in a reduced-pressure atmosphere, and a high-hardness coat layer is formed at least on the blade portion.
US08123998B2
An injection molding method for a plate-shaped resin substrate, wherein a through-hole whose diameter gradually becomes smaller from one surface to the other surface is provided thereon and fine flow path that connects to the through-hole is provided on the other surface. A cavity is formed by joining one molding die forming one surface with the other molding die forming the other surface. A part of the one molding die that forms the through-hole includes a taper pin that protrudes from the one molding die toward the other molding die. The substrate is formed by filling the cavity with resin material, and the substrate is released from the other molding die by separating the one molding die from the other molding die. By pushing the inner wall of the through-hole with the taper pin projected further toward the other molding die, the substrate is released from the one molding die.
US08123997B2
The present invention provides a process for preparing a melt-processed organic-inorganic hybrid material including the steps of maintaining a solid organic-inorganic hybrid material at a temperature above the melting point but below the decomposition temperature of the organic-inorganic hybrid material for a period of time sufficient to form a uniform melt and thereafter, cooling the uniform melt to an ambient temperature under conditions sufficient to produce the melt-processed organic-inorganic hybrid material.
US08123991B2
A process and apparatus for forming wallboard panels having recessed edges along all four edges which process involves passing an unfinished length of wall board through a lateral recess forming apparatus.
US08123990B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a fiber composite excellent in lightweight and rigidity. The present method is one for producing fiber composite having a structure in which reinforcing fibers are bonded with a thermoplastic resin, is characterized in that said reinforcing fiber is at least one of a plant fiber and an inorganic fiber, and comprises a feeding process in which a thermally expandable capsule (20) having a shell wall composed of a thermoplastic resin is fed to one of either front side or back side of a mat (10a) comprising the reinforcing fiber and a thermoplastic resin fiber, a dispersing process in which one side of the mat is subjected to vibration from another side of the mat while pressing the one surface side of the mat (10a) to disperse the capsule (20) towards another side of the mat, a melting process in which the thermoplastic resin fiber constituting the mat is molten, and an expanding process in which the capsule (20) dispersed in the mat is heated to expand.
US08123985B2
The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film composition comprising: (a) electroconductive metal particles selected from (1) Al, Cu, Au, Ag, Pd and Pt; (2) alloy of Al, Cu, Au, Ag, Pd and Pt; and (3) mixtures thereof; (3) glass frit wherein said glass frit is Pb-free; dispersed in (d) an organic medium, and wherein the average diameter of said electroconductive metal particles is in the range of 0.5-10.0 μm. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the composition as detailed above and a semiconductor device(s) (for example, a solar cell) comprising said electrode.
US08123981B2
One embodiment provides a method for fabricating a translucent phosphor ceramic compact comprising: heating a precursor powder to at least about 1000° C. under a reducing atmosphere to provide a pre-conditioned powder, forming an intermediate compact comprising the pre-conditioned powder and a flux material, and heating the intermediate compact under a vacuum to a temperature of at least about 1400° C. In another embodiment, the compact may be a cerium doped translucent phosphor ceramic compact comprising yttrium, aluminum, oxygen, and cerium sources. Another embodiment may be a light emitting device having the phosphor translucent ceramic provided as described herein.
US08123977B2
Disclosed is a copolymer for liquid crystal alignment having a photoreactive group, a mesogen group, a thermosetting group, and a crosslinking group, a liquid crystal aligning layer including the copolymer for liquid crystal alignment, and a liquid crystal display including the liquid crystal aligning layer. Since the liquid crystal aligning layer has excellent thermal stability and no residual image, the liquid crystal aligning layer is usefully applied to the liquid crystal display.
US08123972B2
The present invention is to impart, to a sheet-like soft magnetic material, a configuration in which sheet thickness change is suppressed and in which fluctuation in magnetic permeability is small even under a high-temperature or a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, even when a plurality of thin curable soft magnetic sheets produced by a coating method are laminated. The sheet-like soft magnetic material is formed from a soft magnetic composition which is formed by mixing at least a flat soft magnetic powder, an acrylic rubber, an epoxy resin, a curing agent for the epoxy resin, and a solvent. The flat soft magnetic powder is arranged in an in-plane direction of the sheet-like soft magnetic material. An acrylic rubber having a glycidyl group is used for the acrylic rubber. The weight ratio of the flat soft magnetic powder with respect to the total amount of the acrylic rubber, the epoxy resin, and the curing agent for the epoxy resin is 3.7 to 5.8.
US08123970B2
A composition comprising a solution of potassium monopersulfate having an active oxygen content of from about 3.4% to about 6.8% and a process for its preparation including neutralization with an alkaline material is disclosed.
US08123966B2
A piezoelectric electronic component for use in a cellular phone or the like and capable of achieving reductions in size and profile is provided. A piezoelectric element oscillating in response to application of an input signal and outputting an output signal corresponding to the oscillations is provided on a substrate. The piezoelectric element includes a pad, the pad inputting and outputting the input and output signals. A shell member serving as a sealing member and having an insulation film covering the piezoelectric element is provided on the substrate, the shell member being remote from the piezoelectric element. The shell member includes a through hole above the pad, and the through hole is occluded with an electrode.
US08123963B2
A method for producing a semiconductor component includes forming an n-doped layer in a p-doped layer of the semiconductor component, wherein the n-doped layer comprises at least one of: a sieve-like layer or a network-like layer. The method also includes porously etching the p-doped layer between the material of the n-doped layer to form a top electrode, and forming a cavity below the n-doped layer.
US08123962B2
Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale microstructures arrays including openings and linear microchannels utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. In some embodiments, the films can be used as a template or mask to etch openings in an underlying material layer.
US08123958B2
A method for treating ship ballast water in which aquatic organisms in the ship ballast water are exterminated by adding hydrogen peroxide or a compound producing hydrogen peroxide in an amount such that a hydrogen peroxide concentration comes to be 10 to 500 mg/L to the ship ballast water, and then providing physical means for causing shear strength and/or cavitation to the ship ballast water.
US08123956B2
An interactive sanitizer controller/display pad and method for controlling and selecting a dispensing rate in a sanitizer dispensing system based on the time the system is in a periodic dispensing mode and for indicating when a sanitizing dispenser needs replacement.
US08123951B2
A process for separating a feed F by simulated moving bed adsorption in a SMB device comprises external bypass lines Li/i+1 which directly connect two successive plates, Pi, Pi+1, the index “i” being either even or (exclusive of the foregoing) odd, along the whole length of the column, allowing said plates to be flushed, in which each of the bypass lines Li/i+1 comprises automated means for regulating the flow rate in the bypass lines, the bypass lines in certain cases being subject to a flushing flow during injection or withdrawal operations.
US08123950B2
A process for separating a feed F by simulated moving bed adsorption in a SMB device is described, the device comprising external bypass lines Li/i+1 which directly connect two successive plates Pi, Pi+1, the index i being either even or (exclusive of the foregoing) odd, along the whole length of the column, in order to flush said plates, in which each of the bypass lines Li/i+1 comprises automated means for regulating the flow rate in the bypass lines, the degree of opening of said regulating means being defined by the following three rules: a) establishing a flow rate corresponding to an oversynchronicity in the range 15% to 30% in all of the open bypass lines of zone 1; b) establishing a flow rate corresponding to the synchronicity to within plus or minus 8% in all of the open bypass lines of zones 2 and 3; c) establishing a flow rate corresponding to an oversynchronicity in the range 20% to 40% in all of the open bypass lines of zone 4.
US08123945B2
A method is provided for producing a high flux, high salt rejection cellulose acetate desalination membrane. In this method, cellulose acetate polymer is dissolved in a first solvent such as methylene chloride or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran to produce a solution. Further steps involve stirring the solution, and thereafter permitting the solution to settle, for a time sufficient for a majority of the cellulose acetate to precipitate out of the solution to form a cellulose acetate precipitate. Next, the cellulose acetate precipitate is stirred into an excess methanol. Thereafter, the cellulose acetate is filtered out and used in making the desalination membrane.
US08123944B2
In the field of water treatment, this invention relates to economical methods, processes and apparatus for preparing Class A bio-solids wherein: dewatering costs and energy costs are efficient, the solids product has reduced ammonia and sulfide odor, and the concentration of solids in the aqueous solids may vary from approximately 3 to approximately 90 percent.This invention presents mesMophilic and thermophilic digestion in concert, wherein mesophilic digestion incorporates strains of Thiobacillus with nitrifiers to remove sulfide(s) and ammonia from bio-solids. Chemical dewatering of thermophilic digested bio-solids is accomplished incorporating a cationic, quatemized or an anionic polyacrylamide with at least one selected from a list consisting of: an aluminum salt, an iron salt, an amine comprising a quatemized nitrogen moiety and any combination therein. A quatemized polyacrylamide is presented alone. The use of magnesium oxide and/or magnesium hydroxide as a disinfectant/preservative for said bio-solids Is also presented.
US08123935B2
A system for removing sediment from water is disclosed. The exemplary embodiments described herein disclose a system comprising a filter chamber, having a deck positioned inside to divide it into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The deck may have a plurality of holes to hold filtration elements and also may have a ridge or a skirt or both. An inlet line may be tangentially connected to the filter chamber and introduce influent liquid into the filter chamber below the deck and outside of the skirt.
US08123928B2
A process for shutting down an operating electrolytic cell for the production of aluminium is described. The process includes: lowering anodes until a lower portion of the anodes is immersed in an aluminium layer; allowing the aluminium layer and an electrolyte bath to cool down with the lower portion of the anodes immersed in the aluminium layer; determining if the electrolyte bath is solidified, and if the electrolyte bath is solidified, raising the anodes before solidification of the aluminium layer to create a space between the solidified electrolyte bath and the anodes and the aluminium layer.
US08123925B2
An electrophoretic apparatus that allows bubbles to be readily removed out of an electrophoretic passage. The passage for electrophoretic medium, at a connecting section where capillaries filled with electrophoretic medium are connected with a pumping mechanism for filling the electrophoretic medium, is arranged such that the side of the pumping mechanism is disposed below the side of the capillaries, so that the electrophoretic medium flows from down to up at the connecting section when filling the electrophoretic medium into the capillaries. Preferably, the passage between the capillary array and the buffer solution is controlled by using a rotary-type valve having high withstand pressure to simplify the passage structure. The dead volume of the passage can be reduced and the valuable electrophoretic medium can be efficiently used. The amount of used electrophoretic medium required for the removal of the bubble can be also reduced.
US08123924B2
A process for separating a sperm type from a sperm population by electrophoresis comprising subjecting the sperm population to an electric potential such that a sperm type is separated from a sperm population through an ion-permeable barrier.
US08123918B2
A method for fabricating semiconductor wafers using physical vapor deposition. The method includes maintaining a substrate on a susceptor in a chamber. The substrate has a face positioned within a vicinity of a target material, which is within the chamber. The target member comprises a first side and a second side. Preferably, the first side is positioned toward the face of the substrate. The method includes operating a magnet device fixed about a rotating member, which is coupled to the chamber and is coupled to a drive motor, which is coupled to a driver. A magnet device is positioned from a center region of the rotating member by a predetermined dimension. The method includes moving the magnet device in an annular manner about the center region using the rotating member. The magnet device is rotated at a velocity v and influences a spatial region, which is positioned overlying the second side of the target. The method also includes capturing information associated with an electromagnetic energy field associated with the moving magnet device at the velocity v. The method includes processing at least a portion of the information to determine if the electromagnetic energy field is within one or more predetermined parameters. The method transfers one or more signals to the driver to adjust the velocity of the moving magnetic device to cause a change to the electromagnetic energy field.
US08123917B2
Disclosed is a contact bar for use on a capping board of a given length in order to electrically connect a plurality of anodes and cathodes extending in spaced apart, alternate positions in adjacent electrolytic cells all along the capping board. The contact bar extends over the length of the capping board and is of a given average cross-section. This contact bar comprises a central core that is made of an insulating material and extends all over its length. This contact bar also comprises a plurality of contact pieces that are made of an electrically conductive material and are positioned in spaced apart positions all along the core, each of the pieces defining a segment on which only a short number of the anodes and cathodes are connected. Due to such a division of the contact bar into segments formed by the contact pieces that are no more an electrical contact with each other thanks to the core made of insulating material, any short circuit that occurs by accident is no more “transferred” to all the electrodes of the cells. It is actually transmitted only to the few electrodes in contact with the segment(s) to which is connected the electrode that may cause the trouble.
US08123911B2
The invention relates to a felt belt, especially a press felt for a paper—, cardboard or tissue machine, with a basic structure that is formed by (a) a longitudinal reinforcement module extending on the width and length of the felt belt, including (1) a laid longitudinal thread structure on the width and the length of the felt belt which is formed by at least one longitudinal thread extending essentially in longitudinal direction of the belt, and (2) one carrying layer which is bonded with the laid longitudinal thread structure and extends on the width and the length of the felt belt, as well as (b) one cross reinforcement module which has the same length and width as the felt belt which is located on and bonded with the longitudinal reinforcement module which is formed by a plurality of cross reinforcement module segments, each of which extend on the width of the felt belt, and only on part of the length of the felt belt and which are arranged in tandem in longitudinal direction of the felt belt and which together complete the length of the felt belt, whereby each cross reinforcement segment includes a group of first threads and a group of second threads, whereby the first and the second threads cross each other at thread crossing points and together form a textile surface structure.
US08123909B2
A papermaking raw material processor capable of reforming pulp in papermaking a process using cavitation includes a first pump 5 jets jet liquid and second pump 6 jets suspension containing; e.g., pulp fibers into a processing unit inside which cavitation is generated by generation of a jet stream. Inside processing unit 2, a jet stream generates cavitation to carry out a reforming processing in which ink, or the like, is removed from the fibers by a blast resulting from collapse of cavitation bubbles generated there. The liquid after reforming processing is returned to second tank 4, except for a part of it fed to downstream steps, while the suspension is processed, as circulated between processing unit 2 and second tank 6.
US08123908B2
The object of the invention is an arrangement and a method for controlling underpressure in the drying section of a paper machine or the like in connection with a pocket space between two drying cylinders and one turn roll. The object of the invention is also a runnability component in a paper machine or the like, such as a board or a finishing machine. The runnability component comprises an entry side, a lower part and an exit side, which are in contact with each other and delimit the volume of a box-like runnability component, and a sealing element, which is arranged in connection with the entry side surface and which divides the surface into a first part and a second part. The runnability component is provided with a channel, which extends from the first part of the entry side surface to its second part and connects them.
US08123906B2
Compositions and methods of producing paper-based materials are disclosed. In general, the techniques utilize an amine-containing polymer, such as chitosan, to functionalize one or more components of a mixture used to form materials such as paper-based materials. Such components can include the fibers of a pulp and/or filler particles. In one instance, either the pulp or the filler particles are functionalized, but not both. Such functionalization can improve the qualifies of a paper-based material relative to when such functionalization is not utilized. Techniques and compositions are also described to further improve the qualities of a paper material by utilizing a complementary polymer which can couple with the amine-containing polymer.
US08123900B2
Provided are a substrate supporting unit and a substrate treating apparatus using the substrate supporting unit. The substrate supporting unit comprises a base plate and a supporting portion formed on the base plate. The supporting portion comprises two supporting rods and a plurality of supporting members. The two supporting rods extend in a predetermined direction to be separated from each other. The plurality of supporting members is disposed to be separated from each other in the predetermined direction. Each of the supporting members connects the supporting rods.
US08123895B2
The present invention is directed to a method of making a door having first and second door facings and an internal doorframe. An interior side of a first facing is coated with quick acting adhesive. A frame is placed on the coated interior side about the periphery of the first facing. The frame is then coated with quick acting adhesive. An interior side of a second facing is placed on the coated frame. The facings and frame assembly are then compressed to form a door. The present invention also provides for an automated system of making the door.
US08123894B2
A method of laminating a surface of a flexible material to a surface of a rigid, curved material. The method includes pressing an area of the surface of the flexible material into the surface of the rigid, curved material with a holder to create a contact area while the flexible material is conformed to the holder, which has a curvature greater than a curvature of the rigid, curved material surface; and changing the contact area between the surface of the flexible material and the surface of the rigid, curved material while maintaining pressure on the contact area until the surface of the flexible material and the surface of the rigid curved material are laminated.
US08123893B2
An adhesive fabric paper for printing is used to color printers for personal computers, printing machines for indoor and outdoor advertising, wide format printers, plotters to print colored images. The manufacturing method includes: heating and cooling a woven fabric; preparing a first “S” coating liquid, a second “S” coating liquid and an “R” coating liquid as coating liquids to be coated on the front face of the fabric and maturing them for three days; coating twice the rear face of the fabric; coating once the rear face of the fabric; carrying out first and second “S” coating works on the front face of the fabric with the first “S” coating liquid and the second “S” coating liquid; coating twice the front face of the fabric with the “R” coating liquid; and laminating a backer coated with an adhesive to the fabric.
US08123889B2
A second separator (2) that becomes an opposite electrode to a first separator (1) is stacked on a surface of the first separator (1), on which an adhesive (3) is coated, and a separator unit (4) as a set is formed. Then, at least two or more of the separator units (4) are stacked on one another, and the adhesive (3) is cured.
US08123883B2
The invention relates to a method of producing large parts based on composite materials, such as the roots of blades for wind generators. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: helically winding a band of fibre- and resin-based composite material around a mould; applying a removable protective sheet to the surface of the body; applying a heat-shrinkable strip to the sheet; compacting the laminate thus formed under a vacuum; curing the resin; aligning the cured body, machining the transverse surface to be applied to the blade and forming axial housings in said surface; and positioning and affixing inserts in the axial housings in order to secure the blade.
US08123876B2
A method of bonding a first component of a medical device to a second component of the medical device, where at least one of the components comprises a shape memory material, includes positioning the components in close proximity to each other to obtain an assembled configuration, and heating the assembled configuration at a temperature in the range of from about 800° C. to about 1100° C. to obtain a diffusion bond at a region of contact between the two components. The assembled configuration is formed into a desired set shape and heat-set at a temperature in the range of from about 350° C. to about 550° C. to impart a memory of the desired set shape to the shape memory materials without substantially impairing the diffusion bond.
US08123871B2
A machine for washing surgical and/or medical instruments (1), includes a washing tank (2) designed to receive surgical and/or medical instruments (1) and a door (4) positioned facing the tank (2) so that it can be used to seal the tank or provide access thereto. The door (4) is mounted to a bilateral hinge designed to enable the door to be opened: to a first loading position on the loading side (5) of the machine, in order to provide access to the tank on the loading side (5) and prevent the tank from being accessed on the other side; and to a second unloading position on the opposite unloading side (6) of the machine, in order to provide access to the tank on the opposite unloading side (6) and prevent the tank from being accessed on the loading side (5).
US08123864B2
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for conversion of cellulosic material, such as chopped straw and corn stover, and household waste, to ethanol and other products. The cellulosic material is subjected to continuous hydrothermal pre-treatment without addition of chemicals, and a liquid and a fiber fraction are produced. The fiber fraction is subjected to enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification. The method of the present invention comprises: performing the hydrothermal pre-treatment by subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one soaking operation, and conveying the cellulosic material through at least one pressurized reactor, and subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one pressing operation, creating a fiber fraction and a liquid fraction; selecting the temperature and residence time for the hydrothermal pretreatment, so that the fibrous structure of the feedstock is maintained and at least 80% of the lignin is maintained in the fiber fraction.
US08123862B2
An object of the present invention is to carry out stable film deposition for a long stretch of time without an evaporation material being stuck in a manufacturing apparatus that carries out evaporation. A driving portion that can move a crucible up and down is provided for an evaporation source of an evaporation apparatus. When the opening of the crucible is clogged with the evaporation material, the crucible is moved down and sealed in the evaporation source. The heater of the evaporation source can heat the opening efficiently; therefore, the evaporation material with which the opening is filled is evaporated; therefore, the blockage can be dissolved. Thereafter, the crucible is moved above and heated to carry out evaporation. It is possible to carry out film deposition without exposure to the atmosphere for a long stretch of time, which can improve the productivity of an organic EL element.
US08123857B2
A method for producing a p-type SiC semiconductor single crystal, including: using a solution in which C is dissolved in a Si melt and 30 to 70 at. % Cr and 0.1 to 20 at. % Al, based on a total weight of the Si melt, Cr, and Al, are added to the Si melt, to grow a p-type SiC semiconductor single crystal on a SiC single crystal substrate from the solution.
US08123856B2
In the flux method, a source nitrogen gas is sufficiently heated before feeding to an Na—Ga mixture.The apparatus of the invention is provided for producing a group III nitride based compound semiconductor. The apparatus includes a reactor which maintains a group III metal and a metal differing from the group III metal in a molten state, a heating apparatus for heating the reactor, an outer vessel for accommodating the reactor and the heating apparatus, and a feed pipe for feeding a gas containing at least nitrogen from the outside of the outer vessel into the reactor. The feed pipe has a zone for being heated together with the reactor by means of the heating apparatus, wherein the zone is heated inside the outer vessel and outside the reactor.
US08123853B2
Calcium aluminate clinker as a refractory aggregate with and without barium addition and use thereof
The present invention provides for a refractory aggregate composition comprising an improved calcium aluminate clinker having the formula CnAx wherein C is calcium oxide and A is aluminum oxide, wherein n is an integer from about 1 to about 12, wherein x is an integer from about 1 to about 24, and wherein said clinker has from zero to less than about fifty weight percent C12A7. Analogs, derivatives and hydrates of the improved calcium aluminate clinker are provided. A refractory composition and a sprayable refractory composition are disclosed comprising the improved calcium aluminate clinker. A method for improving the insulating character and/or penetration resistance of a liner in contact with molten aluminum in an aluminum manufacturing process or during aluminum transport is provided.
US08123847B2
The water base ink for ink jet recording of the present invention is a water base ink for ink-jet recording containing a coloring agent, water, a penetrant, and a surfactant; wherein the penetrant includes diethylene glycol n-hexyl ether (A); the surfactant includes at least one surfactant (B) selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonate, alkyl carboxylate, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate; a weight ratio (B/A) of (B) with respect to (A) is not less than 0.10; and the (A) is contained in the ink in an amount of 1.0% by weight to 2.5% by weight.
US08123843B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising a co-current absorbing unit, a countercurrent absorbing unit, at least one absorbing liquid reservoir, and at least one liquid transferring means. The invention also relates to a method of absorbing a reactive gas and a method of preparing a solution by contacting a reactive gas to a solvent and allowing the reactive gas to react with the solvent.
US08123842B2
Systems and processes disclosed herein relate to the utilization of direct contact condensing to provide heat to a solvent regeneration loop in an acid gas removal process. A first direct contact condenser can be included in the upper section of a concentrator that removes acid gas from a rich solvent stream. A first slip stream can be heated in the first direct contact condenser and can be combined with the rich solvent stream in the lower section of the stripper. A second direct contact condenser can be included in the lower section of an absorber that removes acid gas from a feed gas. A second slip stream can be heated in the second direct contact condenser, and can be combined with the rich solvent stream before the rich solvent stream is provided to the concentrator.
US08123827B2
The present invention provides processes for making syngas-derived products. For example, one aspect of the present invention provides a process for making a syngas-derived product, the process comprising (a) providing a carbonaceous feedstock; (b) converting the carbonaceous feedstock in a syngas formation zone at least in part to a synthesis gas stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; (c) conveying the synthesis gas stream to a syngas reaction zone; (d) reacting the synthesis gas stream in the syngas reaction zone to form the syngas-derived product and heat energy, a combustible tail gas mixture, or both; (e) recovering the syngas-derived product; and (f) recovering the heat energy formed from the reaction of the synthesis gas stream, burning the combustible tail gas mixture to form heat energy, or both.
US08123826B2
Processes for generating electricity using a solid oxide fuel cell are disclosed. The processes are controlled by adjusting the hourly spaced velocity of the hydrocarbon feed through the solid oxide fuel cell. Hydrocarbon fuel is transported at an hourly spaced velocity through a pre-reformer having a catalyst. The hydrocarbon fuel is contacted with the catalyst for a residence time and at a temperature such that a catalyzed hydrocarbon fuel is formed. The hourly spaced velocity determines the residence time of the hydrocarbon fuel in the pre-reformer. The resultant catalyzed hydrocarbon fuel contains at least one gas including one or more of hydrogen gas, methane gas, carbon monoxide gas, or combinations thereof The catalyzed hydrocarbon fuel is then contacted with an anode of a solid oxide fuel cell for a residence time to produce electricity.
US08123823B2
The present invention provides a dispersion composition containing (a) a metal base selected from the group consisting of: (i) a metal hydroxide with a solids content of greater than about 51 wt % of the composition; (ii) a metal base other than a metal hydroxide with a solids content of greater than about 15 wt % of the composition; and (iii) mixtures thereof; (b) a surfactant; and (c) an organic medium containing less than about 2 wt % of water. The invention further provides a process for preparing the composition and a method for its use.
US08123821B2
A method and system are disclosed that enable an automatic regulation of a vanadium inhibitor in a fuel of a gas turbine. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining an indication as to whether an additional inhibitor is required in the fuel of the gas turbine based on an amount of vanadium and an inhibitor in the fuel of the gas turbine, in response to the indication that the additional inhibitor is required, having an inhibitor control system automatically instructing an injector to inject the additional inhibitor into the fuel of the gas turbine to inhibit the vanadium.
US08123819B2
Systems and methods for dry cleaning articles using siloxane solvents are provided. In the systems and methods according to the present invention, the siloxane solvent suspends impurities extracted from the articles being cleaned, and the system filters off the impurities, thereby cleaning the articles.
US08123814B2
A trial system for a prosthesis is described. The prosthesis can include an acetabular prosthesis generally for implantation in an acetabulum and the surrounding pelvis. The acetabular prosthesis includes an acetabular cup having a substantially concave inner surface and a substantially convex outer surface. One trial shell or a collection of trial shells are provided to trial a range of motion of the hip joint before implanting a shell prosthesis into the acetabular prosthesis.
US08123812B2
A prosthesis for articulation (e.g., hip or joint prosthesis) is provided, which includes a pair of articulation components respectively defining a pair of articulation surfaces movably engageable with each other. In some embodiments, each of the articulation surfaces is formed from a biocompatible ceramic (e.g., doped silicon nitride ceramic) having a flexural strength greater than about 700 Mega-Pascal (MPa) and a toughness greater than about 7 Mega-Pascal root meter (MPam0.5).
US08123808B2
Embodiments of the invention include implants and methods for connecting devices to bones, such as one or more endplates of vertebrae. Devices may include mechanisms for connecting to one or more vertebrae by extending portions of the devices through an aperture in a vertebral implant and expanding the implant within the one or more vertebrae. A fill material may be used to drive the expansion in some embodiments.
US08123805B2
A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.
US08123797B2
An apparatus is provided that includes a graft for coupling two vascular conduits within a patient. The graft includes: 1) an anchor system that forms an arc at one end of the conduits; and 2) a body element coupled to the anchor system. The anchor system comprises a biodegradable stent. In particular embodiments, portions of the graft are either self-expandable or balloon-expandable. In still other embodiments, anchor system includes NITINOL and the anchor system is substantially self-sealing at one end of the conduits. In one embodiment, the body element comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (EPTFE). In yet other embodiments, the body element includes either a gelatinous or an elastomeric coating disposed on its surface.
US08123795B1
A surgical tool useful for connecting an abdominal aortic stent or the like to tissue may include a head holding at least one fastener, a shaft, and a joint connecting the head to the shaft, the joint allowing the head to rotate in at least one direction relative to the shaft. That surgical tool may be used to connect a graft assembly to tissue, where the graft assembly may include a graft connected to a stent. The graft, stent and surgical tool may be inserted into a body lumen; and the head of the surgical tool may be pivoted relative to the shaft such that the distal end of the head contacts the interior of the stent. At least one fastener is then deployed to connect the stent to the body lumen.
US08123794B2
Intraluminal support frames for placement within a body vessel are provided. The support frames include a plurality of ring structures and first and second sets of connector segments. Connector segments of the first set join adjacent pairs of ring structures while connector segments of the second set join at least three ring structures. Medical devices are also provided that include a support frame and an additional component, such as a graft member or valve member.
US08123786B2
The present disclosure provides pedicle-based facet fixation systems and methods. The pedicle-based construct utilized includes a pedicle screw, pedicle anchor, or the like that is selectively secured to a pedicle of a spine of a patient. The pedicle-based construct is selectively coupled to one end of a rod or other elongate member. The other end of the rod or other elongate member is selectively coupled to a clamping mechanism. This clamping mechanism is selectively secured to a facet joint of the spine of the patient, engaging one or both of the associated superior facet and inferior facet. In operation, the pedicle-based construct, rod or other elongate member, and clamping mechanism securely grasp and compress the facet joint, thereby fixing it.
US08123784B2
An anchoring element for use in spinal or bone surgery is described. A shaft (1) for anchoring in a vertebra or bone section is connected to a receiving part (22) which serves to connect to a rod (100) having a pre-determined diameter (D). The receiving part (22) provides a U-shaped recess (26) forming a channel for the reception of the rod and two legs (27, 28). The legs are free on their end and have a thread (30, 31) that cooperates with a securing element to fix the rod in the receiving part. When inserted into the receiving part, the rod surface facing the end surface (29) is at a pre-determined distance (A) in an axial direction from the end surface (29). The thread (30, 31) of the legs extends from the end surface a distance that is smaller than or equal to the pre-determined distance (A). Also, an undercut (33, 34) is provided adjacent to the thread whose edge farthest away from the thread is located at a distance (B) from the end surface. Distance (B) is larger than the pre-determined distance (A). The anchoring element is cheap to manufacture and has a reduced overall height as compared to the known anchoring elements. Methods of using the anchoring element also are described.
US08123771B2
A lancing unit (U) includes a support member (1) provided with engagement means (19A) which is inserted into a housing (4) of a lancing apparatus (A) for engagement with an engagement surface (24a) of a lancing member (2) when the lancing member (2) is mounted to a movable member (5) of the lancing apparatus. The removal of the lancing member (2) from the movable member (5) after the lancing member (2) is mounted to the movable member (5) can be easily and reliably performed by inserting the engagement means (19A) into the housing (4) and then pulling the engagement means out of the housing (4).
US08123766B2
A buttress for use with circular surgical staplers that does not require adhesive to securely fasten the buttress to the stapler. Following cutting and stapling by the circular stapler, the buttress has an adaptive opening through its central region with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the stapler anvil. Because of relief features built into the buttress, the stapler anvil may be pulled through the buttress material without causing permanent alteration to the buttress. These relief features may be provided regardless of whether the buttress is made of inelastic or elastic materials. The buttress is generally circular in shape with an outer diameter sized to coincide with the outer diameter of the stapler body staple compression surface and the outer diameter of the anvil compression surface of a circular stapler with which it is used. Prior to surgical use, the buttress is attached to the stapler with disruptable portions extending from outer perimetal areas of the buttress.
US08123765B2
Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods.
US08123761B2
The invention relates to a device for removing a parasite from the skin of a host, wherein the device comprises engaging means for engaging the parasite and removing the parasite from the skin of the host, and wherein the device comprises fixation means for fixing the device on the skin of the host, wherein the engaging means are adapted for movement. The device is preferably provided with administering means for the purpose of supplying a cooling medium to at least the parasite. The invention also relates to a method for removing a parasite from the skin, comprising of engaging the parasite, removing the parasite from the skin of the host, supplying a cooling medium to the parasite, fixing the device on the skin of the host and moving the engaging means for the purpose of engaging the parasite.
US08123755B2
An apparatus and method is provided for interbody fusion including distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.
US08123754B2
A surgical jig and method of use in image guided and non-guided surgery are described. The jig is for use in determining an axis of a body part. The jig includes a handle at a proximal end and a mouth at a distal end. The mouth is engagable about the body part and defines a substantially flat plane. A guide has a channel with an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane and a support attaches the guide to the jig. The guide can be translatable relative to the mouth while maintaining the axis substantially perpendicular to the plane. The method determines an axis relative to a body part using the jig. The method comprises engaging the mouth about the body part and translating the guide relative to the mouth so as to align the axis of the channel with the axis of the body part.
US08123749B2
Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.
US08123747B2
An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the pin holder. A first embodiment includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two internal mounting surfaces, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member. Other embodiments include such pin holders arranged with elements including an array of pin holding positions for fixing fragments at a fractured end of a bone, such as a fractured distal radius.
US08123745B2
A catheter enables real-time light measurements, for example, without limitation, diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, etc., from biological materials, such as tissue (including blood), while performing RF ablation. The catheter tip design isolates illumination and collection paths such that light exits the catheter tip and travels through the tissue of interest (e.g., cardiac tissue or blood) before returning to the catheter tip. Such a design advantageously avoids saturation of the optical detector, and ensures diffusion of the illumination light within the medium of interest. The catheter has a catheter body and a tip electrode. The tip electrode has an exterior shell, an inner layer of diffuse material and a hollow cavity, wherein the inner layer is configured to transmit light outside the tip electrode to a tissue via a set of illumination openings in the shell wall and the hollow cavity is configured to receive light from the tissue via a set of collection openings in the shell wall and the inner layer. An inner surface of the inner layer has a reflective coating to isolate light injected into the inner layer from light collected in the hollow cavity. There are a first optical waveguide extending between the catheter body and the tip electrode to inject light into the inner layer and illuminate the tissue, and a second optical waveguide extending between the catheter body and the tip electrode to collect the recaptured light in the hollow cavity.
US08123738B2
A male adaptor is provided with a nose for penetrating into a housing of the female connector. A septum is disposed over the nose of the male adaptor to maintain a seal with the female connector during coupling and uncoupling. Upon coupling, the septum dilates to allow the nose to pass through. The female connector may have a septum that also dilates to allow penetration of the nose of the male adaptor. Alternatively, the septum of the female connector may be retractable under the force of the nose of the male adaptor.
US08123737B2
This invention is a single, multichannel catheter useful for extracorporeal circulation of blood to a patient undergoing cardiovascular treatments or surgery. The catheter has three independent channels and an expandable balloon at one end of the catheter. The first channel (34) is the largest and is of a size that allows for delivery of blood to a patient in an amount sufficient to maintain the patient's metabolism and perfusion throughout the treatment or surgery. A second channel (36), smaller than the first, is integrated into the wall of the first channel, and is suitable for delivering a biologically active fluid (e.g., for cardioplegia) to the heart and/or venting the left heart. A third channel (38), also smaller than the first, is integrated into the wall of the first channel, and suitable for delivering a fluid to the balloon for its expansion when positioned in the ascending aorta to occlude the flow of blood to the heart. It is important that the first channel accounts for at least about 70% of the total channel volume. The catheter provides an improved means of performing cardiovascular surgery on a patient using a cardiopulmonary machine for extracorporeal circulation of blood. The catheter is particularly useful for cardiac surgery. The multichannel catheter is best prepared using an extrusion molding technique.
US08123736B2
Cap adapters for a medicament vial configured to facilitate the transfer of liquid medicament from the vial and into a syringe. In one embodiment the cap adapter comprises a wall portion with a first lumen passing through it. A vial-engaging portion secures the cap adapter to the vial. A spike extends from the wall portion and defines a second lumen passing through the wall portion. A cone-shaped shield extends from the first lumen. The shield is configured to guide a hypodermic needle toward the first lumen to thereby reduce a risk of needlestick to a user handling the vial. In certain embodiments, a light source cooperates with the cap adapter to illuminate at least a portion of the cap adapter to reduce a risk of needlestick to a user handling the vial in a darkened environment. In certain embodiments, a secondary sealing member abuts a first face of the wall portion and seals an end of the first lumen. In certain embodiments, a locking sleeve resists or prevents removal of the cap adapter from the medicament vial.
US08123727B2
A method of placing a catheter into a patient while preventing disadvantageous escape of fluid from the patient comprises providing a catheter secured to a valve housing. The catheter has a proximal end, a distal end and an interior lumen. The valve housing has a first port, a second port, and a fluid path running between the first and second ports. The catheter and the valve housing have a hollow needle extending therethrough.
US08123726B2
A hemostasis valve for a vascular introducer includes a valve body having a seal region with opposed first and second end surfaces and a central axis extending through the seal region perpendicular to the first and second end surfaces. The first end surface of the seal region has a first grouping of cut lines formed on the first end surface and extending radially outward from the central axis. The second end surface of the seal region has a second grouping of cut lines formed on the second end surface and extending radially outward from the central axis. The first circumferential grouping of intersecting cut lines is axially aligned with and angularly offset from the second circumferential grouping of cut lines. A pair of planar slits extend angularly away from each cut line in the first end surface, through the valve body, to a respective pair of oppositely adjacent cut lines in the second end surface.
US08123724B2
An auto-injection syringe is provided that includes an injection assembly and a retraction assembly operatively securable to the injection assembly. The retraction assembly includes a hypodermic needle having a needle hub, an end cap having a lower seal through which a portion of the hypodermic needle can pass, a retraction spring disposed between the needle hub and the end cap and maintained in a partially compressed condition therebetween, an upper seal urged against a facially sealing surface of the retraction assembly by the force of the retraction spring on the needle hub so that a sealed area is defined between the upper and lower seals, and a vent device in fluid communication with the sealed area for pressure equalization between the sealed area and an exterior of the retraction assembly.
US08123718B2
The present invention provides a needle-free injector for delivering a medicament under pressure into an animal or human, the injector having a charging mechanism comprising a threaded shaft/nut member combination. The injection device is of the type that includes an actuating device comprising: a gas tight chamber; a piston and rod assembly slidably received in the chamber and movable between a forward position and a rearward position; a gas charge in the chamber for urging the piston and rod assembly to the forward position; a mechanism for moving said piston and rod assembly against said gas charge into the rearward position; and a trigger for releasably retaining the piston and rod assembly in the rearward position. Also provided is a method and kit for using the device including the charging mechanism to administer a liquid through the skin of an animal or human.
US08123716B1
An implantable cardiac therapeutic device having at least one implantable sensor arranged to sense at least one physiologic characteristic of a patient, an implantable therapeutic agent delivery assembly wherein the delivery assembly and a therapeutic agent to be delivered are configured for placement in a patient's pericardial space, and a controller in communication with the at least one implantable sensor and with the therapeutic agent delivery assembly wherein the controller evaluates the at least one physiologic characteristic for indications of a condition indicating administration of the therapeutic agent and wherein, upon detection of such indications, induces the therapeutic agent delivery assembly to deliver the agent. Also an implantable patient lead adapted for connection to a separable implantable therapy device, the lead including an implantable therapeutic agent delivery assembly wherein the delivery assembly and a therapeutic agent to be delivered are configured for placement in a patient's pericardial space.
US08123713B2
Method and apparatus for separating plasma from blood in a separation vessel and further separator the separated plasma into desired plasma proteins in a plasma separator fluidly connected to the separation vessel to receive the separated plasma.
US08123711B2
A compact close contour mechanical joint that uses a snap ring, a transfer gear partially press-fit into a brake wheel, a distal bar having integral gear teeth that engage the exposed portion of the transfer gear, a second bar with a T-shaped proximal end, a handle disengaging an unlocking pin to separates gear teeth that allows incremental distal bar movement, and a two-axis arrangement for distal bar rotation. Instead of using a spring biasing member, the mechanical joint uses a gear ratio reduction that provides a smaller stop increment, less travel, enhanced joint strength, less stress on gear teeth, and less force required to unlock it than prior close contour joints. Although it is contemplated for use of the mechanical joint to be primarily in orthotic, any application for which the mechanical joint's compact configuration would provide some assistance or technical advantage is considered to be within its scope.
US08123710B2
A limiting connector for a knee brace has a first arm, a second arm and an angle adjusting assembly. The second arm is connected pivotally to the first arm. The angle adjusting assembly is mounted between the first arm and the second arm, and has a positioning gear, a gear cap, two buttons and a rotating cap. The gear cap is mounted through the positioning gear and the second arm, and is mounted on the first arm to hold the positioning gear between the second arm and the gear cap. The buttons are selectively slid to engage the positioning gear and define a range of rotation between the first and second arms. The rotating cap is rotatably mounted through the gear cap, and pushes the positioning gear toward the first arm to disengage the positioning gear from the buttons for adjusting the range of rotation.
US08123703B2
The present invention provides devices, systems, methods and kits for endoscopically accessing a body cavity and providing a directed pathway toward a target tissue within the cavity. The directed pathway is provided by an access sheath which is positioned in a desired configuration, generally directed toward the target tissue. Depending on the location of the target tissue and the desired angle of approach, the access sheath may be required to maintain one or more curves in one or more planes to properly direct the interventional devices. In addition, the access sheath has a locking feature to hold the sheath in place and maintain the desired configuration. Interventional devices may then be passed through the sheath to the target tissue.
US08123701B2
A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An onsite analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.
US08123700B2
A method and apparatus (2) for obtaining a sample of blood. An embodiment includes an apparatus (2) which integrates lancing (12), sample collection, and analysis. The presence of patients finger on the active sampling area can be sensed by monitoring the pressure applied by the finger on the device (2).
US08123692B2
An apparatus, system and method for adaptively controlling a frame interval between ultrasound scanning frames of an ultrasound elasticity imaging scan. The system includes a transmitter for transmitting ultrasound beams to a subject during an ultrasound elasticity imaging scan, and a receiver for receiving ultrasound beam echoes from the subject responsive to transmitted ultrasound beams. The system also includes a processor for processing a plurality of the ultrasound beam echoes to determine a strain variation of the tissue undergoing strain, calculating a value for an ultrasound scanning frame interval adapted for imaging the tissue undergoing the determined strain variation, and setting the value of the ultrasound scanning frame interval for acquiring ultrasound elasticity images of the tissue undergoing the determined strain variation.
US08123685B2
In order to provide a simple and reliable monitoring technique for a number of different parameters of a patient in a bed (2), a system (1) is provided, said system (1) comprising: at least one first sensor device (25) adapted to measure a first force component acting in a first direction (12), said first force component corresponding to a first parameter of the patient, at least one second sensor device (36) adapted to measure a second force component acting in a second direction (13, 14), said second force component corresponding to a second parameter of the patient, and a data device (16) adapted to acquire the measured data from the at least one first sensor device (25) and the at least one second sensor device (36) and to process those data in order to provide information about the number of parameters of the patient.
US08123668B2
Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying a tensile member to bring a wall of the heart toward (optionally into contact with) a septum of the heart. The implant may include an electrode or other structure for applying pacing signals to one or both ventricles of the heart, for defibrillating the heart, for sensing beating of the heart or the like. A wireless telemetry and control system may allowing the implant to treat congestive heart failure, monitor the results of the treatment, and apply appropriate electrical stimulation.
US08123665B2
Interfolding machine of sheet material for making a stack of interfolded sheets (1) equipped with cutting and transferring means, including, for example, a cutting roller 2 that operates the division of the web (10) into sheets (11) of determined length. The cut sheets (11), all having the same length, are carried along the machine up to a transfer roller (3) that transfers them to an “overlap” roller (4). In particular the cutting roller (2) has peripherally a first series of cutting blades (21a)-(21d) arranged at a first angular distance equal to 90° and a second plurality of cutting blades (21′a)-(21′c) arranged at a second angular distance equal to 120°. The length of sheets 11 is therefore achieved by the angular distance existing between the blades (21). In order to adjust the length of the sheets, or cut-off length, one selects the blades on the cutting roller (2) located at an angular distance corresponding to the desired sheet length.
US08123662B2
A dumbbell and incremental weight plate for same comprise a bar that extends generally axially between opposing end regions, a weight plate mass mounted about the bar at each end region, and at least one incremental weight plate mountable on the dumbbell. The weight plate mass and the incremental weight plate have respective magnetic regions that cause the incremental weight plate to be selectively magnetically secured to the weight plate mass or to be magnetically repelled from the weight plate mass to assist the user in removing the incremental weight plate from the dumbbell.
US08123661B2
The present invention is a portable isometric exercise device with resistance generated by a spring force including an electronic light or sound indicator to signal that a constant force level is being maintained. When a force is applied to the spring and a desired level of resistance is achieved, a continuous signal will be generated to advise the user that the isometric force exercise is being maintained. If the force is reduced, the signal will terminate to advise the user that the user has not maintained the required level of resistance.
US08123656B2
A hybrid transmission is provided with a motor and a torque-transfer device is operable to transfer torque from the motor to a transmission input member upstream in power flow from the transmission gearing arrangement. The torque transfer device may be a fluid coupling, such as a torque converter, including a torque converter lock-up clutch. In other embodiments, the torque transfer device is a launch clutch that may be either a wet clutch engagable via pressurized transmission fluid, or a dry clutch, such as used in a manual transmission. A disconnect clutch is selectively engagable to operatively connect an engine connection member with the motor to permit the motor to start the engine, such as after a stop. Many embodiments of the transmission include a one-way clutch arranged in parallel with the disconnect clutch. A method of starting the engine using such a transmission is also provided.
US08123655B2
The technique of the invention is applied to a motor vehicle where an engine and a first motor are linked to a driveshaft via a planetary gear mechanism, a second motor is linked to the driveshaft via a transmission, and a battery is arranged to receive and transmit electric power from and to the first motor and the second motor. In response to a deviation of the charge-discharge state of the battery from an allowable control range set as an allowable charge state range of the battery during an upshift, gear change control of the invention sets a gearshift condition change flag F1 to 1 (step S360) and sets a value N2 having a smaller absolute value than a value N1 to a target rotation speed change ΔNm2* of the second motor (step S380). The gear change control then sets a hydraulic pressure command Pb1* of a brake B1 included in the transmission to make an actual rotation speed change ΔNm2 of the second motor approach to the target rotation speed change ΔNm2* (step S400). This arrangement reduces a rate of change in rotation speed Nm2 of the second motor. The reduced rate of change in rotation speed Nm2 prevents a continuous decrease or a continuous increase in power consumption of the second motor that is caused by, for example, delayed detection, delayed computation, and delayed communication, thus effectively protecting the battery from excessive power input and excessive power output.
US08123654B2
For raising an MG2 rotational speed MRN2 to a target rotational speed (low-gear rotational speed NLG), an output torque of an MG2 starts to increase at a time t4. During an inertia phase (period α), the output torque of the MG2 is limited not to exceed a first limit value TLIM1 determined according to a shift progress degree PRG and a second limit value TLIM2 determined according to a rotational speed margin NEmgn. Since the output torque of the MG2 is sufficiently small in a final stage of the inertia phase (period α), output variations occurring at a time t6 when torque down is performed on the MG2 can be small. The torque down of the MG1 and MG2 does not raise engine rotational speed NE.
US08123645B2
A transmission includes a bevel gear configured to provide power to a shaft of a vehicle and that is rotatably engaged with a collar assembly. The transmission also includes a planetary gear set selectively engageable with the collar assembly. The collar assembly includes a first collar and a second collar. The first collar and the second collar are axially coupled together and independently rotatable relative to one another. The collar assembly is slidable between a first position to engage the planetary gear set and rotate the shaft at a first speed, and a second position to disengage the planetary gear set and rotate the shaft at a second speed. Both the first collar and the second collar disengage the planetary gear set in the second position.
US08123642B2
A hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission, including: a hydraulic pressure source; a plurality of friction engagement elements; a line pressure regulating valve that regulates hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pressure source to a predetermined line pressure; a plurality of operation pressure regulating valves that regulate the line pressure as operation pressure for a hydraulic servo operating a friction engagement element; a maximum pressure conducting circuit that feeds a maximum pressure, among the operation pressures, to the line pressure regulating valve, wherein the friction engagement elements are engaged and released to achieve a plurality of forward speeds and a reverse speed, and the line pressure regulating valve regulates the line pressure during forward travel based on the maximum operation pressure, and regulates the line pressure during reverse travel based on the operation pressure input from a specific operation pressure regulating valve.
US08123638B2
A play ball having a high bounce capacity of at least 20 vertical feet and as much as 50 or 75 vertical feet is formed of a solid, elastomer thermoplastic polyurethane having a wall thickness of 3-5 mm, containing gas at a pressure preferably greater than 0.65 kfg/cm2.
US08123632B2
Golf balls consisting of a dual core and a dual cover are disclosed. The dual core consists of an inner core layer formed from a rubber composition and an outer core layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition.
US08123631B2
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a large center and a thin outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard, thin intermediate core layer.
US08123620B2
A multiple game jukebox system includes a hard drive that is able to execute video game software designed for execution on a conventional home-based system. The hard drive embodies various partitions including multiple partitions, where each partition represents a video game DVD disk. In communicating with such a hard disk drive device using the existing DVD bus, a particular pattern of disk reads or seeks is utilized to cause the hard drive to serve alternative data on subsequent disk reads (other than what exists on the currently selected disk). A media serving device initially defaults to playing a disk that contains a game selection menu program. The menu permits a user to select one of multiple video games for play.
US08123617B2
A game system of the present invention has a plurality of gaming machines capable of communicating with each other via a communication line. The plurality of gaming machines each have an input device operable to input an insurance BET. The plurality of gaming machines carry out the following processing. The plurality of gaming machines store a first predetermined value in a memory and count the insurance BET input from the input device in an accumulative manner. Then, the plural types of symbols displayed on the display are automatically re-arranged. As result of repeating a game, if it is judged that the insurance BET number accumulatively counted at least two or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines has reached the first predetermined value, the accumulated insurance BET numbers are summed up. The plurality of gaming machines execute a common game, and then, award a prize including a total insurance BET number to a specified gaming machine based on an outcome of the common game thus executed.
US08123610B2
A method of conducting a wagering game on a plurality of gaming machines. The method includes receiving wagers from players at the plurality of gaming machines to play a basic game. A plurality of symbols is displayed on each of the plurality of gaming machines. The plurality of symbols indicate a randomly selected outcome at each of the plurality of gaming machines. The method also includes aggregating a plurality of special-game triggering events at the plurality of gaming machines. In response to a predetermined number of the plurality of special-game triggering events being achieved, a community-based special event involving eligible of the plurality of gaming machines is initiated.
US08123609B2
A gaming machine and associated methodology are provided, including a slot machine having a variable display device providing a plurality of variable displays, and a liquid crystal display device having transmission areas for a surface reflection light reflected at a surface of the variable display device. The variable display device includes a rotary body that is subjected to surface treatment available to suppress a luster and described with a plurality of symbols.
US08123604B2
A gaming device having a primary game and a secondary game is provided. The gaming device includes a primary game, such as blackjack or 21 operable on a wager by a player, and an optional secondary game that is operable on a secondary game wager by a player. After placing a secondary game wager and satisfying certain criteria in the primary game, one or more players are provided with a secondary game card to be used in the secondary game. The secondary game is resolved after a player has accumulated a plurality of secondary game cards over the course of several sequentially played rounds of the primary game.
US08123599B2
A rules-based physical-virtual world game builder architecture. Mobile device games can be constructed via a website from customizable atomic rule-based units, and also supports the reuse and remixing of game components by the game creator, members of an online community, or by any other user. Once composed, the game can be played via player mobile devices, which send content to a server or peer device that hosts the game rule statements, and can trigger distribution of new content, rules, or other information. The architecture can comprise an interface component for providing access, a build component for constructing a rule/rule unit for execution during game play, and an execution component for executing the rule/rule units based on data received during game play. Game creation and play can occur via any number of different client types, on any number of clients, and can be via client/server and/or peer-to-peer architectures.
US08123597B2
The polishing pad includes a polishing surface, on which is formed with a plurality of first grooves and a plurality of second grooves, wherein the characteristic of the polishing pad is in that: the first grooves are connected to the second grooves, the width of first grooves are larger than that of the second grooves, the depth of first grooves are larger than that of the second grooves, the density of first grooves are larger than that of the second grooves, and the first grooves and the second grooves are uniformly distributed over the polishing surface respectively. Therefore when the polishing step is performed using the polishing pad, smaller scraps produced after polishing or smaller polishing particles in the slurry or more turbid slurry can flow out of the polishing pad via the second groove, and larger scraps or particles can flow out of the polishing pad via the first groove.
US08123591B2
An abrasive supply system may, for example, be used to supply abrasive particles such as garnet to a cutting nozzle of an abrasive jet cutter. According to an embodiment, the abrasive is propelled by a substantially constant flow rate gas source. According to an embodiment, the system may be supplied with abrasive from an atmospheric pressure abrasive hopper. According to an embodiment, a controller automatically actuates refilling of an abrasive tank from the abrasive hopper, and then automatically closes an abrasive supply valve and restarts abrasive propulsion. According to an embodiment, the controller may include or consist of pneumatic logic.
US08123588B2
Brassieres are provided which provide enhanced levels of comfort and support to the wearer. In one aspect, the invention provides a brassiere comprising an elastic material and damping arrangement, wherein the damping arrangement is arranged so as to dampen movements of a strap of cup caused by movement of a breast. In another aspect there is provided a brassiere having a strap and cup arrangement which is configured to distribute the breast load. Also provided is a brassiere for constraining movement of a wearer's breasts during wear, wherein said brassiere is configured such that movement of one breast caused by movement of the wearer is restrained by a remaining breast.
US08123582B2
An airtight container manufacturing method includes the steps of exhausting an inside of a container through a through-hole provided in the container, arranging a plate member having, at its periphery, grooves penetrating the plate member in its plate thickness direction, on an outer surface of the exhausted container, so as to close up the through-hole, and providing a sealant on the plate member. In addition, a cover member covers the plate member via the sealant, and the container is sealed by closing the cover member on the plate member. In the sealing step the sealant is deformed and flows from the adjacent grooves to form a continuous shape and fill a space between the cover member and the outer surface of the container and along the periphery of the plate member.
US08123577B2
An autonomous aquatic vehicle with one or more fuel cells, a controller, a plurality of sensors, a battery, and at least one electric motor and propeller. The one or more fuel cells provide power to the battery, and the battery provides power for the vehicle. Seawater is provided to anodes of the fuel cell and air or oxygen is provided to the cathode to produce power for supply to the battery. The seawater-anode reaction creates waste or byproduct that tends to decrease output of the fuel cell. The waste or byproduct is automatically flushed from the fuel cell using seawater.
US08123571B2
A wiring system for use in an air conditioning system comprising a printed circuit board having a perimeter and wiring receptacles located proximate the perimeter and wiring connectors. In one aspect, at least some of the wiring receptacles comprise two or more wiring sub-receptacles, and each of the wiring sub-receptacles includes a slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern. Furthermore, the slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern of each of the wiring sub-receptacles is different from every other sub-receptacle connection pattern. Each of the wiring connectors includes a ridged connection pattern that is different from every other ridged connection pattern of the wiring connectors, such that a given wiring connector is receivable within only one of the wiring sub-receptacles. An air conditioning system and a method of manufacturing is also provided.
US08123561B2
An electrical connector having a shielding shell, an insulation body clad with the shielding shell, and signal terminals received in the insulation body. The shielding shell has a first wall, and ground terminals extend towards the insertion interface and are bent towards the interior of the shielding shell from a mating side of the first wall close to the mating surface. A protection body corresponding to each ground terminal is disposed on the rust wall, and each protection body includes a guide portion located on one side of each protection body close to the insertion interface and a stopping portion extended from the guide portion. The guide portion is closer to the insertion interface than the contact portion of the ground terminal, and the height of the stopping portion is lower than that of the contact portion.
US08123548B2
An arrangement (1) for the electrical earthing of an electrically conducting cable (2) with an outer insulating protective cover (3). The arrangement comprises a receiver (4) and a drop unit (5). The receiver (4) comprises a bottom element (6), two opposing side elements (7a, 7b), two opposing open sides (8a, 8b). The bottom element (6) and the side elements (7a, 7b) form together a cleft (9), which cleft (9) is the receiver of the said cable (2) for earthing. The drop unit (5) comprises not only a connection to earth (10), but also a penetration means (11), which connection to earth (10) and penetration means (11) are in electrical contact with each other. The drop unit (5) is connected to the receiver (4) in such a manner that the drop unit (5) is placed during earthing of the said cable (2) opposite to the bottom element (6) of the receiver (4), whereby the cable (2) when seen in cross section through a straight cable (2) and arrangement (1) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable (2) is surrounded by the arrangement (1), and the penetration means (11) has penetrated through the said outer insulating protective cover (3) on the cable (2), whereby contact with a conductor inside the cable (2) is obtained.
US08123546B2
A connector includes a male terminal housing with a plurality of first connecting terminals aligned and accommodated therein, a female terminal housing with a plurality of second connecting terminals aligned and accommodated therein, a plurality of isolating plates aligned and accommodated in the male terminal housing, a connecting member, and a lever mechanism including a lever to rotate a head of the connecting member so as to press the head of the connecting member against the adjacent one of the plurality of insulation plates. The lever mechanism further includes an operation permitting means that permits the connecting member to collectively fix the plurality of first connecting terminals and the plurality of second connecting terminals at the contacts, when the male terminal housing and the female terminal housing are in a predetermined fitting state.
US08123526B2
A simulated real-time environment employs a plurality of computer controlled video projectors and screens at least fore and aft of a participant-trainee to present life-size displays mutually coordinated to represent views of a same environment from a participant's perspective, each screen representing the participant's view looking in a different direction. In response to a participant's actions, the computer seamlessly changes a projected video to match the participant' actions and maintain a scenario consistent between the two screens. The participant uses a light-emitting simulated firearm or his own firearm loaded with a light-emitting cartridge and/or other equipment with which he is familiar, such as a modified or simulated flashlight, taser, chemical spray container or the like, tethered or untethered by a communication wire, to respond to a simulated situation, which response detected and interpreted by the computer to direct a branch in the projected videos and even shoot back a simulated bullet. He may also use verbal commands.
US08123525B2
Apparatus and methods are described for a weapon simulator. An example weapon simulator includes a pressure piston, which is couplable to a weapon, which acts to open a breech, and which is seated in a pressure cylinder. An example pressure piston includes a slider. The slider holds a pressure intake opening open and keeps one or more pressure outlet openings closed when the breech block is in a front-most position. In addition, the slider keeps the pressure intake opening closed and holds the one or more pressure outlet opening open when the breech block is in a rear-most position.
US08123514B2
The present invention includes a template for patterning liquids disposed on a substrate. The template includes a body having opposed first and second surfaces with one surface having at least one recess and the other surface having a patterning region. In one embodiment, the template may be mounted to a fluid chamber having an inlet and a throughway. The template may be connected to the throughway and the inlet is connected to a fluid source.
US08123512B2
A mold assembly for molding concrete blocks including at least one mold cavity including a plurality of liner plates forming sides walls of the mold cavity, wherein at least one of the liner plates is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to an interior of the mold cavity. The mold assembly further includes a linear actuator having an actuator axis, a first drive linkage coupled to the linear actuator, and a second drive linkage coupled to the first drive linkage and positioned off-axis of the actuator axis and in mechanical communication with the at least one moveable liner plate, wherein the linear actuator provides forces in opposite directions along the actuator axis to the first drive linkage to drive the second drive linkage toward and away from the interior of the mold cavity to direct movement of the at least one moveable liner plate between the extended and retracted positions.
US08123508B2
Vent valve for venting bores of vulcanization moulds, especially for the tread profile area, consisting of a valve sleeve, in which a valve insert and a wound spring are movably located, wherein the valve insert consists of a valve shank, which is at one end equipped with a disk and at the other end with a conical surface changing into backwards oriented conical end, and the movement of the valve insert is controlled by a delimiter of opening the valve. Inner surface of the valve sleeve is in its part located further away from disk provided with conical surface, oriented away from the disk, and the delimiter of opening the valve is formed by two mutually cooperating conical surfaces or parts of conical surfaces, wherein the conical surface formed at the end of the valve shank of the valve insert is oriented against the conical surface or part of conical surface of the valve sleeve.
US08123504B2
In a multi cylinder thick materials pump for feeding concrete in particular, whose at least two feeding cylinders feed the thick material from a pre filling container into a feed line, and a shift valve for alternatively connecting the feeding cylinders, having a feed line associated with it, comprising at least two rotationally movable valve bodies, each comprising a straight transfer section between each one of the feeding cylinders and the feed line, connected downstream of the feeding cylinders to a collector tube, the shift valve including at least one, but preferably two rotationally movable rotating slides each of them comprising a straight transfer section for connecting the feeding cylinder respectively associated with it to the feed line, and at least one section blocking the connection. Also a process for operating of this thick materials pump for continuous feeding is described.
US08123492B2
A pump system includes a fixed or variable capacity pump and a speed-related control mechanism to alter the capacity of a variable capacity pump or to alter the relief pressure of a fixed capacity pump in response to changes in the operating speed of the pump. A pressure generator comprising a volume of working fluid is rotated at a speed related to the operating speed of the pump and creates a forced vortex in the working fluid. The pressure induced in the working fluid of the forced vortex is used as a speed related control to alter the discharge pressure of the pump as desired.
US08123489B2
A hollow aerofoil (30) comprises an aerofoil portion (40) having a leading edge (42), a trailing edge (44), a concave pressure surface wall (46) extending from the leading edge (42) to the trailing edge (44) and a convex suction surface (48) extending from the leading edge (42) to the trailing edge (44). The concave pressure surface wall (46) and the convex suction surface wall (48) are integral and define a cavity (50). A plurality of webs (52) extend across the cavity (50) between the concave pressure surface wall (46) and the convex suction surface wall (48). At least one of the webs (52A) extends substantially perpendicularly to the concave pressure surface wall (46) and the convex suction surface wall (48) and at least one of the webs (52B) extends substantially diagonally to the concave pressure surface wall (46) and the convex suction surface wall (48).
US08123479B2
A fan system includes a fan and a fan rotation speed control. The speed control is operable to command the fan to rotate at a speed selected from a certain range of rotation speeds. A fan oscillation detector may be coupled with the fan to detect oscillation of the fan as the speed control is operated to rotate the fan at various speeds among the range of fan rotation speeds. The fan oscillation detector may comprise an accelerometer or other device. Oscillation amounts detected by the oscillation detector are compared against each other or against an oscillation threshold value. A programmer device identifies fan rotation speeds at which the oscillation amount exceeds the threshold or is otherwise unacceptable, and programs the fan rotation speed control to prevent an operator from being able to select those speeds at which the oscillation amount exceeds the threshold or is otherwise unacceptable.
US08123475B2
A heat dissipation fan includes a fan frame, a bearing assembly, a stator and a rotor. The fan frame includes a base and a central tube. The central tube includes an open top end and an open bottom end. The base defines a receiving concave at a bottom surface thereof. The receiving concave communicates with the central hole. A top wall is formed by the base over the concave. A sidewall is formed between the top wall and the bottom surface of the base and surrounds the concave. A plurality of first locking units extend from the top wall into the receiving concave. The bearing assembly includes an oil sealing cover for sealing the open bottom end of the central tube. The oil sealing cover includes a plurality of second locking units which are detachably interlocked with the first locking units to mount the oil sealing cover to the base.
US08123473B2
A shroud hanger for a gas turbine engine has an arcuate body with opposed inner and outer faces and opposed forward and aft ends, the channel having at least one cooling passage therein which includes: (a) a generally axially-aligned channel extending through the body, the channel having one end open to an exterior of the body; and (b) a generally radially-aligned diffuser extending through the inner face and intersecting the channel.
US08123468B2
A centrifugal fan used as a ventilating fan is provided which can increase a range of frequencies of noises in which noises can be suppressed and can adjust frequencies of noises at which noises can be suppressed. The centrifugal fan includes, in an outer casing, a motor that couples an impeller, a casing that surrounds a periphery of the impeller and has a bell-mouthed suction port on one side, and a bell-mouthed orifice that has an opening that is concentric with the suction port and has a diameter equal to or smaller than that of the suction port, wherein a member closing a clearance portion between an end of the orifice and the casing is a noise absorbing structural material, and a space formed by the orifice is a rear air layer, thereby forming a resonance type noise absorbing structure.
US08123463B2
A method of manufacturing a blade is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of first plies, each of the first plies sized to extend substantially the length of a span of the blade and providing a plurality of second plies, each of the second plies sized to extend only partially the length of the span of the blade. The method also includes layering the plurality of first plies and the plurality of second plies in a mold such that the plurality of second plies is interspersed throughout the plurality of first plies to spread apart the plurality of first plies to facilitate increasing a cross-sectional area of the blade and bonding the plurality of first plies to the plurality of second plies to facilitate forming a structural core of the blade.
US08123460B2
Electronic equipment frequently requires cooling to maintain the integrity and reliability of the equipment, and to elongate the life expectancy of the equipment. When in operation, the fan of a UAV creates airflow comprising outside air directed across the duct of the UAV. Utilizing this airflow generated by the fan of a UAV to provide heat transfer from a equipment enclosure accomplishes efficient heat transfer. The methods described herein for transferring heat from an equipment enclosure using an airflow generated by a fan of a UAV may be employed for UAVs having a variety of duct shapes, and having equipment enclosures inside the duct or in detachable equipment enclosures located on the duct of the UAV.
US08123457B2
A system for improved power generation through movement of water having a turbine positioned in a moving body of water to receive kinetic energy, a blocking fitting, attachment or wall on the upper surface of the turbine to creates head potential in a moving body of water; an energy producing cell that is driven by said head potential. The energy producing cells are positioned to receive potential energy in addition to the kinetic energy from the head effect converting said energy combination or contribution by the movement of water through the cell. The system turbine may be fitted with a member positioned circumferentially about the housing for inducing a pressure drop across the turbine. The member may be a rotating blade, cantilevered duct, circumferential flange, radial eductor, and air tube for injection of ambient air into said water source.
US08123455B2
An apparatus that can function as a ramp in one position and as a trailer in another position is provided. When the apparatus is in the ramp position, vehicles can be loaded on to or unloaded off of a truck associated with the apparatus. When the apparatus is in a trailer position, the apparatus can transport vehicles secured thereon. The apparatus can be associated with a truck and transported therewith even when the apparatus is in neither the ramp position nor the trailer position.
US08123453B2
A charging device for a shaft furnace, which includes at least one charging hopper having a discharge orifice arranged in a position off-centre with respect to the central axis of the shaft furnace, and a material distribution device arranged below this hopper. The material distribution device includes a feed channel coaxial with the central axis of the furnace and a rotatable, pivotable chute, which is arranged below the feed channel for distributing a charge in the shaft furnace. The charging device also includes a connecting box in the shape of a funnel, arranged between the material distribution device and the charging hopper. The connecting box possesses a lower central outlet communicating with the charging hopper and at least one upper inlet which is arranged off-centre with respect to the central axis of the furnace and communicates with the discharge orifice of the hopper. According to the invention, the charging device includes at least one spreader situated upstream of the distribution device, on the trajectory of the material discharged from the discharge orifice. The spreader enables a flow of material to be dispersed to both sides of the feed channel.
US08123451B2
A method and apparatus for forming a closure in which the closure includes a peelable panel with integral tab folded over the panel. The apparatus includes upper and lower reform tools, the upper reform tool having a tab relief feature and local scallops at each end of the tab relief. When reform tools move together for reforming, the tab relief feature is positioned over the tab fold and the scallops at the ends of the fold. As a result crushing and fracture of the tab during reforming is avoided.
US08123443B2
A cutting tool includes a tool body having a first end engageable with a workpiece and a second end engageable with a spindle of a power tool. A blade extends outwardly from the first end of the tool body and including a cutting edge, the cutting edge being engageable with a workpiece to cut the workpiece. A bit, including a drive shaft and a cutting end extends along an axis of the tool body. The drive shaft extends axially outwardly beyond the first end of the tool body and terminates at the cutting end. The cutting end has a maximum cross-sectional width greater than a maximum cross-sectional width of the drive shaft, and an axial distance from the first end of the tool body to the cutting end is greater than a maximum cutting depth of the cutting tool.
US08123435B1
A concrete revetment block having interlocking arms and sockets and an array of vegetation holes. Two arms and two sockets are formed in the block to provide interlocking capabilities with neighbor blocks of a mat. One arm of the block is constructed with a partial thickness and one socket is constructed with a partial depth, thereby providing vertical interlocking capabilities with the neighbor blocks. An array of holes is formed through the block to allow vegetation to grow therethrough. Various holes are located in the block to allow easy grasping of the block by a workman for lifting the same. The holes are formed in the core square of the block, with respective diameters related to the thickness of the block to maximize the hydraulic stability of the block.
US08123432B1
At the end of a guide handle of a vibration plate service as soil-compactor an actuating element is mounted which can be moved in relation to the guide handle. Each position of the actuating element is detected by a sensor device which transmits a corresponding signal to a hydraulic steering unit. In this way, the phase angles of unbalance masses can be modified which in turn influences the direction of travel of the vibration plate.
US08123426B2
A tube-shaped cosmetics container for discharging cream-type cosmetics, and more particularly, to a tube-shaped container containing cream-type cosmetics, an intermediate member, and a cap. When the cap is opened, the discharger is opened, and when closed, the discharger is sealed, which makes the discharge of cream-type cosmetics easy. And when not in use, an intermediate member is pressed by being thread coupled, thereby the discharger is naturally sealed so that the discharge of cream-type cosmetics contained in the tube-shaped container is prevented, by which cream-type cosmetics is less wasted, and a clean state is always kept by preventing contamination of surrounding areas of the cosmetic container.
US08123425B2
A refill adaptor for use in ball point pens essentially comprising a main body (10), comprising of a front part (15) and a rear shank portion (20). The front part (15) and said rear shank portion (20) are rigidly coupled together with a ring member (25); and said main body (10) having a capillary tube (40) throughout its length. The said front part (15) is provided with a front housing (35) for holding the refill tip (55) provided with a ball point (65) for smooth writing, said capillary tube being provided with a ink channel, the internal diameter of which is selected to be about 0.8 mm and the outer diameter of said capillary being selected as about 1.8 mm for easy flow of ink from ink reservoir to said ball point (65).
US08123423B2
An applicator with a flexible dispensing end is provided. The applicator includes a housing having an internal compartment configured to hold a container of skin sealant. The housing includes a dispensing end having at least one opening to permit the skin sealant to be dispensed. The housing includes an actuator configured to contact the container and release the skin sealant. The dispensing end has at least one movable member. The dispensing end is flexible and is configured to move on more than one axis, and up to three axes, sequentially or simultaneously, so that the skin sealant dispensed from the applicator may be uniformly applied to contours on a patient's skin.
US08123412B2
A vacuum pump includes a high-speed rotor, and an anti-friction bearing for rotatably supporting the rotor and including an inner ring, an outer ring, a rolling body, and a cage for the rolling body both the rolling body and the cage being located in an intermediate space defined by the outer and inner rings, with the cage having a threaded groove in a section of its surface adjacent to the inner ring for insuring a continuous feeding of a lubricant to the bearing.
US08123408B2
A linear motion guide unit has a binding strip adapted to fasten a retainer plate to a carriage miniature in dimension, but long in lengthwise direction. The linear motion guide unit has a retainer plate lying lengthwise of the carriage in opposition to load-carrying race to keep more than one roller running through the load-carrying race, and a binding strip to fasten the retainer plate to the carriage. The binding strip is composed of a major part having any number of bents which are positioned at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of binding strip, and lengthwise opposite angled parts prepared to come into engagement with the end caps, so that the binding strip urges elastically at the bents thereof the retainer to come into close engagement with carriage.
US08123398B2
A fluid-processing device is provided for bringing two kinds of fluids into contact to mix or react with each other. The device comprises a first supply path connected to a first feed inlet for feeding a first fluid for supplying the first fluid, and plural second supply paths connected to a second feed inlet for feeding a second fluid for supplying the second fluid; the second supply paths being arranged along supply direction of the first fluid, the second supply paths being surrounded by the first fluid, the second fluid discharged from fluid outlets of the second supply paths being brought into contact with the first fluid in the first supply path.
US08123394B2
A mixer having a mixing pipe (1), a rotatable mixing unit (3) having back-mixing action, and a supply of the liquid colorant (4, 5) through the wall of the mixing pipe in the area of the mixing unit allows uniform mixing of liquid colorants of differing viscosities even with fixed-cycle supply of the liquid colorants. Mixing liquid colorants using this mixer allows direct dosing of the mixed liquid colorant into a plastic processing machine in the event of volumetric dosing of the employed liquid colorants.
US08123388B2
A vehicle headlamp has semiconductor-type light sources and lenses. Emission surfaces of the lenses are made of free curved faces controlled to be curved so that: projection images of light emitting chips of the semiconductor-type light sources, which is emitted from the emission surfaces, are not convexly curved in an upward direction from cutoff lines on a screen light distribution of a light distribution pattern for low beam. As a result, the vehicle headlamp can achieve downsizing, weight reduction, and cost reduction. In addition, the precision of assembling an optical element can be improved.
US08123386B2
A conforming heat dissipating structure transfers heat to an irregular surface from a heat source mounted on its bottom surface. The heat dissipating structure includes an open container filled with metal shavings and balls covered by a flexible retainer. The shavings and balls beneath the flexible retainer are pressed against the irregular surface and conform to its irregular shape. In one application, light emitting diodes are mounted to the bottom of the heat dissipating structure, and the shavings are compressed against the inside cover of a street light. A flexible heat rod enables heat to be transferred over a flexible path from a heat source on one heat dissipating structure to a heat sink pressed against another heat dissipating structure. The many strands that make up the flexible heat rod are spread out inside each open container and are pressed between the metallic shavings to achieve a good thermal contact.
US08123384B2
An optical element, comprising a substrate and at least one optical film. The substrate is at least partially light-transmissive. The optical film comprises at least a first optical feature and is positioned on a contact surface of the substrate. Also, a lighting device comprising at least one solid state light emitter and such an optical element. Also, methods for making an optical element by molding (e.g., film insert molding), bonding or laminating.
US08123380B2
A waterproof LED lamp holding structure includes an object having a plurality of through holes, and a plurality of LED lamps serially connected via an electric wire. Each of the LED lamps has a rear part enclosed in a protective member that has a first and a second end. Wedge-like keys are provided on the protective member near the first end and each have a rearward outward slant outer surface. Further, anchoring lugs are provided on the protective member to outward obliquely extend from the second end toward the first end. When the LED lamps along with the protective members are inserted in the through holes on the object, the wedge-like keys and distal ends of the anchoring lugs respectively abut against an outer and an inner side of the object to thereby hold the LED lamps immovable and straight in the through holes.
US08123366B2
An illumination device includes a light source device including an ellipsoidal reflector with a reflecting concave surface and a light emitting tube having an emission center in the vicinity of a first focal position of the ellipsoidal reflector, and defining a first focal position and a second focal position of the ellipsoidal reflector in a cross-sectional plane in a first virtual plane including a center axis of the ellipsoidal reflector as F1 and F2, respectively, and defining a first focal position and a second focal position of the ellipsoidal reflector in a cross-sectional plane in a second virtual plane including a center axis of the ellipsoidal reflector and perpendicular to the first virtual plane as F1′ and F2′, respectively, the ellipsoidal reflector has a rotationally asymmetrical concave shape having F1 and F1′ at the same position, and F2 located between the F2′ and the ellipsoidal reflector.
US08123355B2
An apparatus is provided for finding and defining a prescription for reading glasses for an AMD patient whose Macula and Fovea are damaged enough that the patient has double vision, i.e. the patient sees two images of every object within the field of view of the Macula and Fovea. The apparatus positions reading lenses in various locations in front of the patient's eyes until the patient indicates that he/she now sees one image for each object in the field of view of the Macula and Fovea. The X-Y coordinates of the location of each lens axis in relation to the patient's visual axis are offset dimensions indicated for each eye by the apparatus and is thus the prescription for reading lenses.
US08123336B2
A micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for a printhead integrated circuit the nozzle arrangement includes a nozzle chamber bounded by a distal sidewall and a proximal sidewall, and capped by a roof defining an ink ejection port; a paddle located in the nozzle chamber below the ink ejection port; an actuator arm positioned outside of the nozzle chamber in the vicinity of the proximal sidewall, the actuator arm having a fixed end fixed to a substrate of the nozzle arrangement and a working end displaceable towards and away from the substrate; and a motion transmitting structure interconnecting the working end of the actuator arm and the paddle. The motion transmitting structure defines part of the proximal sidewall.
US08123328B2
An ink chamber is formed with a vent port allowing atmospheric air to enter therein and an ink outlet from which ink is taken out. An optical member has an ink contact face capable of contacting with ink contained in the ink chamber. The ink contact face includes a detection face at which a remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber is optically detected in accordance with an amount of air entered into the ink chamber via the vent port. A first ink absorbing member is disposed in the vicinity of the ink contact face, and capable of absorbing the ink in the ink chamber.
US08123323B2
A method of compensating for alignment errors includes determining a degree of overlap between nozzles of a plurality of head chips; checking driving information corresponding to the determined degree of overlap between nozzles, from a pre-provided compensation table, and controlling the driving of the nozzles in an overlapping area, according to the checked driving information.
US08123318B2
A printhead is provided having a plurality of rows of nozzles, with the nozzles in each row being grouped into fire groups, and a controller configured to fire the nozzles of each fire group by outputting firing pulses to the nozzles. The controller sets the number of fire groups in each row based on the width of the firing pulses and a predetermined length of time for firing all of the nozzles of that row.
US08123315B2
A cupboard-type domestic appliance is provided having an interior in which a height-adjustable support system is mounted. The support system includes a vertical rail provided with a plurality of snap-in recesses and a supporting arm that has a plurality of projections each of which engages with one of the snap-in recesses. The rail includes a profiled element that is immobilized on a wall via an at least one fastener and a strip is provided that can be vertically displaced in the profiled element between a position in which the at least one fastener is accessible through an opening on one side of the profiled element that faces away from the wall and another position in which the at least one fastener is concealed behind the strip.
US08123308B2
The invention relates to a device for suspending a unit, especially a hydraulic unit of an electronically traction-controlled brake system of a motor vehicle. The unit is suspended in a receptacle provided on the vehicle such that vibrations are damped. Hydraulic units of vehicle brake systems are usually equipped with an electric motor for driving pumps located in the hydraulic unit. The brake pressure in the wheel brakes can be modulated via the pumps. The pump drive can cause mechanical and hydraulic vibrations in the unit which can result in unwanted operational noise in case the vibrations are transmitted to the vehicle body without being damped. The improved device is manually preloaded due to limited space for using tools. A clamping mechanism is guided in an axially movable manner on an armature which is fixed to the hydraulic unit and which can be moved from a basic position into a clamping position. The clamping mechanism is interlocked with the armature in both positions.
US08123307B2
A brake boost control apparatus has a brake operation member, a master cylinder, a wheel cylinder, a hydraulic pump, a master cylinder pressure detection section detecting a pressure of the brake fluid, a brake stroke amount detection section detecting a stroke amount of the brake operation member, a hydraulic pressure control section that controls a pressure of the wheel cylinder, a boost section which boosts the pressure of the brake fluid and increases the wheel cylinder pressure, and a control unit. The control unit controls at least one of the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic pressure control section so that the stroke amount detected by the brake stroke amount detection section under a boost operation by the boost section and the pressure detected by the master cylinder pressure detection section are maintained at a predetermined relationship.
US08123306B2
A truck includes a pressurized air supply system for providing air to one of a plurality of air supply connections and a selector circuit for providing selection to one of the air supply connections. The circuit includes a first inversion valve with supply from a selector valve and control from a parking brake valve, a second inversion valve with supply from the parking brake valve and delivery to a first air supply connection, a synchro valve with supply from the parking brake valve and delivery to a second air supply connection, a double check valve with supply from the first inversion valve and the synchro valve and delivery to a control line of the second inversion valve and the synchro valve, a first trailer supply connection to the delivery line of the second inversion valve, and a second trailer supply connection to the delivery line of the synchro valve.
US08123302B2
An impact tool for use with a driving mechanism, the impact tool including an impact tip formed from a super hard material and having an apex and an attachment end, with the attachment end being bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded in turn to the front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. The carbide bolster is securable against an outer surface of a driving mechanism through a press fit.
US08123299B2
A method for manufacturing an armrest includes making a plurality of core sections. Each core section is formed by bonding a plurality of waste pieces of high-quality wood together. Each of two adjacent ends respectively of two adjacent core sections is machined to provide a serrated coupling face having a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions. The core sections are bonded together to form a core having a desired length by applying adhesive to the serrated coupling faces. A plurality of upper boards made of the same material as the core is bonded to a top side of the core. A plurality of lateral boards made of the same material as the core is bonded to each of two lateral sides of the core.
US08123297B2
A latching fitting for a vehicle seat for releasably locking a first part and a second part that are movable with respect to each other, particularly for adjusting and locking a backrest part with respect to a seat part of the vehicle seat, includes a pawl connected to the first part. The pawl is pivotable about a pawl bearing and includes a latching toothing which in a locked state of the latching fitting engages into a counter latching toothing of a locking piece connected to the second part. The latching toothing of the pawl and the counter latching toothing of the locking piece include different tooth shapes along the radial direction, such as a trapezoid shape and a triangle shape corresponding to each other.
US08123294B2
A car seat is formed with a harness storage cavity in the car seat shell for placement of the five-point harness to permit the conversion of the car seat into a belt positioning booster configuration without requiring the harness to be removed from the car seat shell. The headrest and back panel pads on the back rest are removed to provide access to the harness storage cavity which is covered by a hinged door. The harness buckle and the chest clip, still attached to the harness webbing, are placed into the storage cavity and the door closed to provide a flush surface on the seat back so that the child has a smooth supporting surface. The harness webbing projects out of slots to allow the webbing to lie flat beneath the headrest and back panel pads when replaced over the closed door to the storage cavity.
US08123289B2
In one aspect, the present invention relates a reclining lift chair frame used in a reclining lift chair. The reclining lift chair frame utilizes a position holding mechanism to eliminate the free (idle) fall of the footrest of the reclining lift chair.
US08123281B2
A power or motive source for an extensible fairing for an articulated motor vehicle is based on a fluid power system. The fluid power system is disposed on the vehicle to be exposed to airflow around the vehicle resulting from forward movement of the vehicle. A coupling mechanism responsive to exposure of the fluid power system to airflow for extending and retracting the extensible fairing responsive to changes in vehicle speed.
US08123275B2
The invention relates to a convertible top for a convertible vehicle, comprising a convertible top material having a cutout, a profile part, and a window element, the profile part comprising a first connecting region and a second connecting region, wherein the first connecting region is assigned to the window element and wherein the second connecting region is assigned to the convertible top material, wherein a first adhesive layer is substantially encompassed by the first connecting region and the window element, said first adhesive layer defining a first adhesive connection between the window element and the profile part. A convertible top for a convertible vehicle which has an improved connection to a window element is provided in that the profile part is connected to the second connecting region of the convertible top material using a stitched connection.
US08123268B1
A heavy load protective pad for use on industrial slings includes fasteners on a sleeve forming member which are secured together to encircle and secure the protective pad on an industrial sling at a desired location. Pockets formed in the protective pad house a pair of block spacers which, in one configuration, serve to space the protective pad and underlying sling away from the load which is being lifted or pulled.
US08123261B2
A lid lock structure of a storing box for a vehicle includes an elongated sliding hole formed in an arm portion for rotatably connecting a lid to a box main body. A slide restraining device, when force (F5) acts in a sliding direction on a slider configured to be slidable along the elongated sliding hole, restrains the slider from sliding if the magnitude of the force (F5) is not larger than a predetermined value, and releases the slider from the restrained state if the magnitude of the force (F5) is larger than the predetermined value. A twist spring causes the slider to quickly slide from an end portion R side to an end portion L side of the elongated sliding hole when the slider is released from the restrained state; and a stopper portion restrains an arm portion from rotating in a direction in which the lid opens, by locking the slider when the slider is located in the end portion L side of the elongated sliding hole.
US08123254B2
A non-cellulose based deformable substrate having at least one fold line is configured to be able to be directly mounted on a frame or included in a publication. The substrate is configured to reduce the propagation of stress along the at least one fold line.
US08123250B2
An airbag apparatus includes an airbag that includes a bag body provided with an insert hole for receiving an inflator and a sealing cloth arranged to cover a peripheral area of the insert hole. The sealing cloth includes on the location corresponding to the insert hole a through hole for receiving the inflator. The sealing cloth further includes around the through hole a slit that encircles the through hole generally wholly in a circumferential direction and enables relative slip movement between a peripheral area of the through hole on the sealing cloth and the peripheral area of the insert hole on the bag body in generally radial directions about the through hole.
US08123248B2
A plurality of vent holes are formed on an airbag body and each vent hole is blocked by an elongate blocking member. An end of the blocking member is fixed to the airbag body and other portions are temporarily fixed to an opposite inner surface of the airbag body. When the airbag body is inflated, at a portion abutting a shoulder of an occupant, the connecting member is loose, the blocking member blocks the vent hole, and thereby gas is not discharged. At portions other than the portion abutting the shoulder of the occupant, a temporary joint portion of the blocking member is pulled and peeled off, the vent holes are opened, and thereby the gas is discharged forward.
US08123245B2
A mobile vehicle or wheelchair has the ability to provide stabilized transport to at least one individual on a variety of surfaces, slopes and/or terrains. The mobile unit or wheelchair may travel across smooth and very rough surfaces, slopes of varying or different angles and various outdoor terrains (including grassy, rocky, sandy, muddy and/or hilly terrains). In one aspect, the height of any part of the unit or the overall height of the device may be adjusted preferably to raise or lower the center of gravity. For example, the height of the device may be lowered to provide more stable transportation. In another aspect, the device may be adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the footprint (or any part of the footprint) of the device. For example, the footprint of the device may be enlarged to provide more stable transportation. Preferably, both the height of the device (or any part of the device) and the size of the footprint (or any part of the footprint) may be adjusted preferably to provide more stability.
US08123242B2
A foldable steering column of vehicle including a steering member with a steering fork. The foldable steering column includes a base coupleable to the steering fork; a steering tube pivotally coupled to the base between at least a first position aligned with the base and second position not aligned with the base; and a sleeve operably associated with the base and the steering tube for positioning between a first position where the steering tube is secured to and aligned with the base and a second position where the steering tube is free to pivot relative to the base.
US08123240B2
A leaning vehicle has a frame that pivots relative to a pivotable frame member about a pivot axis. A torque exerted on a steering assembly in a first direction causes the frame to pivot relative to the pivotable frame member in a second, opposite direction at least when the speed of the vehicle is above a first threshold speed, to steer the vehicle in the second direction. An actuator urges the frame toward an upright position when the frame is in a leaning position and a speed of the vehicle is below a second threshold speed. A method is also described, in which a torque is exerted on the frame in the direction opposite the steering torque when the speed above the first threshold speed. The torque exerted by the actuator is opposite the leaning angle when the speed of travel is below the second threshold speed.
US08123237B2
Mobile power generator apparatus includes: left and right wheels attached to a frame having a power generator mounted therein; three guide rollers provided for each of the wheels for rotatably supporting the rim of the wheel at three positions of the rim; and mounting sections for respectively mounting the three guide rollers on a side wall of the frame, so that each of the wheels is rotatably supported by the three guide rollers on one of the side walls of the frame.
US08123228B2
A gas turbine engine augmentor has a centerbody within a gas flowpath from upstream to downstream. The augmentor has upstream and downstream shell sections, a downstream rim of the upstream shell section meeting an upstream rim of the downstream shell section shell section. A plurality of vanes are positioned in the gas flowpath outboard of the centerbody. An augmentor spray bar fuel conduit extends through the centerbody and a first of the vanes to deliver fuel to the centerbody. A seal is mounted to the spray bar and positioned in a recess extending from at least one of the downstream rim of the upstream shell section and upstream rim of the downstream shell section shell section. The seal has a first portion and a second portion engaging the first portion in a backlocked interfitting.
US08123221B2
A device for pulling in flat-stock pieces and precisely-aligned transporting of the flat-stock pieces at a work station of a machine for processing the flat-stock pieces has a gripper apparatus that grabs a forward edge of a piece of flat stock and accelerates the flat-stock piece, and a sheet pick-up roller that picks up the accelerated piece of flat stock from the gripper apparatus, whereby the sheet pick-up roller has a roller gripper effective at a circumference thereof for grabbing the accelerated piece of flat stock. The roller gripper can move between a closed position in which the piece of flat stock is held fast and an open position in which the piece of flat stock is released. Suction holes operable to be charged with intake air are disposed in a part of a circumference of the sheet pick-up roller following in a direction of rotation behind the roller gripper.
US08123217B2
Provided is a sheet-conveying apparatus including: a skew-feeding correction member having an abutting portion which is brought into contact with a conveyed sheet; and a positioning portion positioning the skew-feeding correction member and having a biasing member for biasing the skew-feeding correction member to a direction opposite to a direction to which the skew-feeding correction member rotates by the sheet. The sheet-conveying apparatus is set so that a formula M+MS
US08123216B2
Methods and systems are disclosed for registering and moving a sheet article along a path that can use an actuator to mimic a biased device such as a spring-loaded device. The actuator can include a solenoid and an arm. The movement of the arm with the solenoid can be done by pulse-width modulation by providing a high pulse-width modulation duty cycle to the solenoid to provide a resistive force on the arm and providing a low pulse-width modulation duty cycle to the solenoid to provide a less resistive force on the arm. Inserting stations use in sheet article inserting system that employ the actuator are also provided.
US08123209B2
A sheet collecting apparatus has a sheet discharge outlet, a tray device for bearing and storing sheets, a regulation stopper disposed in the tray device; a forward/backward rotation roller, a roller lifting/lowering device, a sheet pressing guide disposed between the forward/backward rotation roller and the regulation stopper; a pressing force reducing device for reducing a pressing force, and a control device for controlling the forward/backward rotation roller, the roller lifting/lowering device and the pressing force reducing device. The control device is configured to rotate forward the forward/backward rotation roller in the operating position to move forward a carried-in sheet in the sheet discharge direction by a predetermined distance, and then rotate backward the forward/backward rotation roller. The control device has two operation modes that are selectively executed a first operation mode and a second operation mode.
US08123207B2
A nacelle lifting tool and method for lifting the nacelle of a wind generator in relation to the rotating ring. The inventive tool is formed by first and second fixing devices which replace brake callipers that are disposed on front and rear lifting devices. The aforementioned lifting devices are supported by supports which are fixed in the form of braces to the vertices of a regular polygon formed by beams. The inventive method consists in removing the brake callipers in order to install the fixing devices in an alternating manner and fixing said devices vertically. The first and second fixing devices include rear and front callipers and the lifting devices include hydraulic jacks.
US08123195B2
A pressure control butterfly valve includes a valve disc rotatable in a vertical direction relative to a flow passage in a body, a seat ring reciprocating in a direction of the flow passage to allow a valve seat seal part to abut on and separate from the valve disc, and a valve opening/closing mechanism provided with an airflow path to which air is supplied in a direction of separating the seat ring from the valve disc and with a spring for biasing the seat ring toward the valve disc. The valve opening/closing mechanism is for nonslidably rotating the valve disc from which the seat ring has been separated by supply of air to the airflow path and for allowing the seat ring to abut on and separate from the valve disc by means of the supply of air to the airflow path and the biasing force of the spring when the valve disc has been rotated to a valve-closed state, thereby controlling pressure in the flow passage.
US08123192B2
Communication between microchannels of a microfluidic circuit is controlled through a combination between a membrane and a pin-actuated valve arrangement. The deformable membrane contributes to the formation of the surface of the microchannels. Alternatively, or in addition, the valve arrangement is operated through combination of the membrane with a control fluid. Systems, devices and methods based on such communication are shown. Also shown are methods to manufacture a system having a fluidic circuit and a control arrangement.
US08123189B2
The invention provides a reading stand. The reading stand may comprising a base portion including at least one base portion sidewall, the base portion sidewall being supported by the base portion; and a platform portion forming a support surface to support the document, the platform portion including at least one page holder to retain the document. The reading stand may further include a side support clip extending from the platform portion such that the base portion sidewall is receivable between the platform portion and the side support clip in an assembled position, the side support clip having a protuberance disposed thereon, the protuberance engageable with the base portion sidewall. The assembled position affords side reading.
US08123183B2
A fastening device for a fitting or housing of plastic such as a swivel lever control, socket wrench control, or sash closure which can be fixed in at least one preferably rectangular opening in a thin wall such as a sheet metal cabinet door and with tongues which project from the fitting or housing so as to be integral therewith, the free ends of the tongues being supported on the rear rim area or the edge of the opening. A supporting spring which is made of spring metal and which is bent to form a profile that is U-shaped in cross section encloses the free end of the tongue.
US08123178B2
The present invention provides a hard-to-fall fixing structure of wire harness contributive to cost reduction in which VOC is not generated and flapping sound (noise) of wire harness is hard to occur. In the fixing structure of a wire harness to a vehicle interior material according to the present invention, a silencer pad (acoustical material) is fixed to the vehicle interior material, and the silencer pad is provided with a latching piece formed by cutting a portion of the present silencer pad, and the wire harness is latched to the latching piece.
US08123154B2
A seat belt retractor for motor vehicles with a vehicle-sensitive or belt webbing sensitive controllable locking device, or both, for the belt shaft, having a profiled head that acts as a support for a displaceably mounted locking member that locks the belt shaft in the housing, and a two-stage force limiting device having two force limiting elements that are switchable between a high level and a low level of force limitation via an interposed coupling (19, 20) that is controlled by means of a control device having a countergear which determines an amount of belt webbing that is extended from the belt shaft.
US08123152B2
The present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable feed roller to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements. The feed roller moves in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position to engage and disengage the stack when advancing the paper therethrough. Alternatively, a rotatable cam may be used. In an embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable drum or rotatable belt with an internal vacuum to lift paper from the stack and feed into the shredder mechanism.
US08123142B2
A ventilation system comprising a fan to bring air into a building or exhaust air out of the building, a rechargeable battery to power the fan in the absence of an alternative energy source, and an alternative energy harnessing device to power the fan and to recharge the rechargeable battery in the presence of an alternative energy source. A sensor may be operatively connected to a controller or logic circuit to measure environmental factors, wherein the controller utilizes the measured environmental condition to select the power source with which to activate the fan. The ventilation system is configured to be a modular device with versatile fasteners for easy installment in windows or attics without the need for modification of the building, such as cutting holes.
US08123126B2
Anti-counterfeit marking for a product, comprising: a tamper evident marker attached to or integrated with a product or packaging for a product and having a random mark; and an electronic memory element containing data about the random mark, the memory element being attached to or integrated with the product or packaging for the product in a tamper evident manner.
US08123122B2
An automated banking machine (10) operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records such as user cards. The exemplary machine includes a lockable first fascia portion (20) which when unlocked enables access to a chest lock input device (104), inputs to which enable opening a chest door (18) of the machine. Opening the first fascia portion also enables access to an actuator (116) which enables moving a second fascia portion (22) for conducting service activities. A controller (72) in the machine selectively illuminates light emitting devices (118, 126) for purposes of facilitating user operation of the machine. Sensing devices (128) adjacent a card reader slot (28) on the machine enables the controller to detect the presence of unauthorized card reading devices. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article (98) which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data and via remote communication.
US08123121B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for accepting and dispensing or returning bank notes, including a pocket which is dividable by means of a dividing element into two areas for inputting and dispensing or returning bank notes, wherein the dividing element can be moved within the pocket in order to form the two areas, with a clamping element which can be moved within the pocket independently from the dividing element, in order to clamp bank notes disposed in the pocket inside the pocket and to transport them, wherein for clamping bank notes the clamping and transport element is moved in a first direction within the pocket on top of bank notes disposed in the pocket, and transports bank notes to be dispensed or returned out of the area of the dividing element at least for the most part. The dividing element is subsequently moved out of the area of the bank notes disposed in the pocket within the pocket past the clamping and transport element in a second direction that is contrary to the first direction.
US08123116B2
A system for providing dispensing of fuel for refuelling vehicles, comprising a control unit and at least two switches. Each of said switches is connected to the control unit and comprises a microcontroller for storing a unique identifier, which identifier is associated with the switch and readable by the control unit, for allowing the control unit to identify each of the at least two switches.
US08123100B2
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.
US08123096B2
A driving machine including: a driver blade for striking a fastener; and a nose portion having formed therein an injection passage which slidably guides the driver blade, and into which the fastener is fed to be injected therefrom, wherein an injection hole from which the fastener is injected is specified at a leading end in an injecting direction of the injection passage, wherein the injection hole being defined by a first guide portion and a second guide portion which is movable relative to the first guide portion so as to change a cross section, perpendicular to the injecting direction, of the injection hole, and wherein a positioning apparatus is provided to dispose the second guide portion at a plurality of positions relative to the first guide portion.
US08123090B2
Disclosed is a combination backpack and seat cover apparatus which may be used with seats and benches without the need to use straps or buckles to hold the apparatus in place. A rigid, removable support for the apparatus is provided.
US08123088B2
Techniques for dispensing fusible material onto a surface, wherein the fusible material is in molten form, are provided. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a dispensing assembly dispenses the fusible material and a gas environment surrounding a portion of a seal structure of the dispensing assembly is controlled to regulate an oxidation rate of the fusible material.
US08123087B2
A fluid container may have a body that defines a void for receiving a fluid. A neck extends outward from the body, and a spout the spout is at least partially located within the neck. The spout is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When the spout is in the retracted position, a majority of the spout is located within the neck and the fluid is prevented from flowing out of the container through the spout. When the spout is in the extended position, however, the spout extends outward from the neck and the fluid is free to flow out of the container through the spout. An exterior surface of the spout may be at least partially formed from a deformable material, and a protrusion in the neck contacts the material and extends into the material to form a seal.
US08123075B2
A system and method delaying refilling of a reservoir in a beverage dispensing system or dispensing of a mixed volume to prevent undesirable characteristics in the dispensed beverage. First, a volumetric freezing rate is determined for the product. Next, a volume of frozen product is dispensed. The rate the dispensed volume is refilled is controlled to be no faster than the volumetric freezing rate.
US08123072B2
A carton with an improved dispenser at one of the carton which preserves the integrity of the carton when the carton is opened by permitting a bottom end flap attached to the bottom panel to remain in place and also a portion of each side end flap that is adjacent to the bottom end flap. This dispenser may also provide a safety net for the first container that is automatically dispensed when the carton is opened.
US08123070B2
A storage cover for a storage case is provided. The storage cover for the storage case for opening and closing an opening formed on one side of a storage case to take in and out stored goods includes a plate-shaped cover unit for covering the upper part of the opening and a flexible rim extended along the edge of the cover unit in the direction of the thickness of the cover unit, made of an elastic material to be elastically extended, and pulled back toward the upper part of the cover unit when the opening is opened and pulled back toward the lower part of the cover unit when the opening is closed to surround the external circumference of the opening. Therefore, opening and closing operations are simply performed so that the storage cover can be conveniently used and that airtight coupling force can be maintained in spite of the repeated opening and closing operations.
US08123069B1
A halo or ring system is described for holding cups for use with a large beverage cooler, such as those commonly used at sporting events. A first large ring has a diameter sized to fit around an upper portion of a beverage cooler, and a second ring is attached to the first ring. The second ring is sized to hold a stack of one or more cups for easy use with the beverage cooler.
US08123049B2
A pot stand has a deployed position and a folded position and includes vertical members and horizontal members. The horizontal members are connected to the vertical members at a junction. The horizontal members are elongated planar members. Top faces formed on the horizontal members. Down bends are formed on the horizontal members. Down bends continue from the top faces. Lower faces are formed on the horizontal members. Lower faces continue from the down bends. A connector assembly has a top connector and a bottom connector. The top connector is pivotally connected to an upper surface of the lower faces. The bottom connector is pivotally connected to a lower surface of the lower faces. There is a top level formed from horizontal members for storing articles on the top level. A middle level is for storing articles on the middle level, and a bottom level.
US08123046B2
A method and apparatus is provided for removing fluids, particularly entrained and/or adherent fluids, from drill cuttings created during the well drilling process. An apron assembly collects drill cuttings and deposits such cuttings on a central rotor having multiple distinct chambers. A first chamber is loaded with drill cuttings. The central rotor thereafter cycles to a second position wherein a pressure seal is formed around the loaded first chamber. An air knife or similar device is used to blast compressed gas at the cuttings in the sealed chamber and force the cuttings against a screen. Solid components of the cuttings remain in the sealed chamber, while liquid components pass through the screen and are collected using an auger assembly. Following such separation, the rotor is cycled again, allowing dried cuttings to empty from the first chamber. The process is repeated for each chamber of the rotor.
US08123044B2
An improved actuator for use in a microfluidic particle sorting system utilizes a staggered packing scheme for a plurality of actuators used to selectively deflect a particle in an associated sorting channel from a stream of channels. An actuator block may be provided for housing a two-dimensional array of actuators, each configured to align with an actuation port in an associated sorting chip containing a plurality of sorting channels. The actuator block may include a built-in stressing means to pre-stress each actuator housed by the block. An actuator comprising a piezo-electric stack may employ contact-based electrical connection rather than soldered wires to improve packing density. The actuator may be an external actuator. That is, the external actuator is external to the substrate in which the sorting channels are formed.
US08123040B2
The invention is a device for characterizing the particle size distribution of powders, comprising a supply member, a discharge member, a weighing member, a continuous vibration member, a screening member and, optionally, a control member, said device being characterized in that the screening member is a member that rotates about a horizontal axis and has at least four positions corresponding to two screens of different mesh size, one release space and one anti-shock plate. Another subject of the invention is the use of such a device for characterization of the particle size distribution of powders and especially their in-line characterization, that is to say characterization during their manufacturing process.
US08123039B2
A packaging assembly includes a frame member and a retention member which is not permanently affixed to the frame member. The frame member can include a variety of features which allow the retention member to be tightened around an article to be packaged and thus protected from shocks and impacts during transport, display, and/or retail use. The retention member can be formed as a sleeve or with pockets for engaging the frame member.
US08123037B2
A child-resistant medicate container includes a housing having a top segment fixedly attached to and extending from a bottom segment. Each of the bottom segment and the top segment include a generally flat first sidewall and an opposing generally flat second sidewall that define the storage cavity. Each sidewall defines a plane and each plane extends generally parallel with respect to the remaining planes. The planes defined by the first and second sidewalls of the bottom segment are spaced-apart a greater distance than a distance between the planes defined by the first and second sidewalls of the top segment. A cover is movably attached to the housing and surrounds at least a portion of the first and second sidewalls of the top segment of the housing. One of the cover and the top segment of the housing include an aperture formed in a sidewall thereof.
US08123033B2
A container for beverages has a container body, an electronic device provided with a display for displaying electronic images, and an additional element for holding the electronic device on the container body and including an element connected with the electronic device so as to form together a circumferentially extending unit which is fittable on a surface of the container body and tightly held on the latter.
US08123024B2
A vibrating feeder provided with a feeder ball 14a having a circular bottom wall and a conveyance path formed along the periphery of the bottom wall 141a; a feeder body 16a supporting the feeder ball 14a so as to apply torsional vibration and conveying substance supplied on the bottom wall 141a along the conveyance path; and a main body supporting member for supporting the feeder body; the conveyance path comprising an ascending rail and descending rail disposed in the downstream of the ascending rail in the conveyance direction; the main body 18a supporting member supporting the feeder body 16a on a horizontal floor so that a torsion axis C, which becomes the center of the torsional vibration, is inclined relative to the vertical direction; the ascending rail and descending rail conveying the conveyed objects upwardly or downwardly relative to the horizontal direction while the feeder body being supported by the horizontal floor via the main body supporting member.
US08123023B2
A compliant conveyance system for processing mailpieces along a feed path, e.g., printing on a first surface of a mailpiece, while being registered against a contact surface of a registration plate. The conveyance system comprises at least one conveyor belt opposing the contact surface of the registration plate, a continuous, uninterrupted, compliant deck disposed beneath and supporting an underside surface of the conveyor belt, and a spring biasing device operative to bias the compliant deck and the conveyor belt toward the contact surface of the registration plate. The conveyor belt includes a drive surface for engaging a second surface of each of the mailpieces for conveyance along the feed path. As each of the mailpieces pass the registration plate, the compliant deck and spring biasing device urge the second surface of each mailpiece into engagement with the contact surface during processing.
US08123021B2
Methods for singulating laterally abutting conveyed articles in a conveyor (60). The method includes separating laterally abutting articles by means of a first conveyor section (62) having in-line rollers (64) or oblique rollers rotating at a first speed in a conveying direction (70) and a second laterally adjacent conveyor section (63) having oblique rollers (65) rotating at a second speed in a direction causing articles atop the oblique rollers (65) in the second section (63) to diverge from articles atop the rollers in the first section. Differing the roller speeds helps the abutting articles to increase their separation in the conveying direction.
US08123011B2
A hydrokinetic coupling device (10), which comprises an axis of rotation (B) and a torque converter (12), comprising a turbine wheel (22) mounted rotationally around a rotary driven shaft, as well as a circumferential damping device (40), comprising a damper plate (42) with a radial flange (44), rotationally linked without play to the turbine wheel (22) by a connecting element (62) and which is linked with circumferential damping with the rotary driven shaft. A locking clutch (14) that comprises at least one annular friction disc (56A, 56B) sliding axially, which rotates together with the flange (44) of the damper plate (42). The friction disc (56A, 56B) is carried by the connecting element (62), which directly connects the turbine wheel (22) to the flange (44) of the damper plate (42).
US08123007B2
The invention provides a carry-on wheeled luggage (1) for photographic equipment that has an interior compartment (80) deep enough to accommodate a large article of photographic equipment such as at least a 400 mm 2.8 f-stop aperture telephoto lens.
US08123002B2
A system and method for minimizing compensation rope sway by altering the natural frequency of compensation ropes using servo actuators. The rope sway may be minimized by moving the compensation sheave to adjust the tension of the compensation rope or adjusting the position of the termination of a compensation rope to account for changes in the position of a structure. Servo actuators may also be used to re-level the elevator car to account for rope stretch.
US08122997B2
To enhance the noise reducing effect of a sound insulation structure which includes a cover member for covering a power unit from the outside so as to reduce the radiant sound generated from the power unit, and a resonator. A sound insulation structure includes an armor cover for covering a left case half and a left cover constituting a side part cover of the power unit from the left side so as to reduce the radiant sound generated from the side part cover and enhance an appearance quality of the power unit, and the resonator capable of resonating at a specified frequency of the radiant sound. The resonator is disposed in a space formed between the side part cover and the armor cover in the state of being out of contact with the armor cover, and is attached to the side part cover in contact with the latter.
US08122996B2
A speaker diaphragm is configured by a compound mixed with resin and bamboo fiber. The diaphragm satisfying the advantage of the bamboo fiber of high sound quality and a large degree of freedom in the setting of the characteristic value of the diaphragm and the advantage of the diaphragm made of a resin with improved humidity resistance reliability and strength, excellent external appearance, and enhanced productivity and dimension stability is obtained.
US08122989B2
In the preferred embodiments, a novel system and method is for mounting a battery box within a vehicle is disclosed. The system and method includes, among other things, a novel battery box that is mounted between two chassis frame members that extend lengthwise along the vehicle. The battery box is supported on the frame members via a plurality of uniquely designed and arranged bracket members.
US08122984B2
A vehicle includes: an engine driven with gasoline; a lid member opening/closing an opening of an accommodation room that accommodates a nozzle receiving unit when gasoline is supplied; a rotating electric machine driven on electric power; a charging/power feeding unit receiving electric power; a lid member opening/closing an opening of an accommodation room accommodating a charging/power feeding unit; and an open/close control mechanism setting the other of the lid member and the lid member in the closed position when one of the lid member and the lid member is set in the open position.
US08122983B2
There is provided a hybrid vehicle which stops an engine in a state in which a drive source element connection by a clutch is released; a transmission is used to couple only one of the motors to a drive shaft; and one of the motors is caused to output power; at this time, in order to start the engine, a rotation speed of the other one of the motors which does not correspond to a current speed ratio and is not connected to the drive shaft is adjusted so as to enable the drive source element connection; and the clutch is connected as well as the engine is cranked by one of the motors.
US08122980B2
In one aspect of the invention a rotary drag bit has a bit body intermediate a shank and a working surface. The working surface has a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the working surface. At least one blade has a cutting element with a carbide substrate bonded to a diamond working end with a pointed geometry. The diamond working end has a central axis which intersects an apex of the pointed geometry such that the axis is oriented within a 15 degree rake angle.
US08122979B1
An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole.
US08122976B2
A selectively operable downhole valve for use with core sampling apparatus, the valve comprising a throughbore through which a first body may pass, and an obstructing member which is capable of selectively obturating the throughbore, the obstructing member being arranged to open or close the throughbore by movement of the first body with respect to the valve. A core sample of the formation may then be obtained and retrieved from the bore under pressure since the valve seals the bore downhole. Retrieving the sample under pressure maintains the integrity of the core sample so that subsequent analysis of the sample will more closely reflect the true characteristics of the formation.
US08122975B2
In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore includes an act of drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid through a tubular string disposed in the wellbore, the tubular string comprising a drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof. The drilling fluid exits the drill bit and carries cuttings from the drill bit. The drilling fluid and cuttings (returns) flow to a surface of the wellbore via an annulus defined by an outer surface of the tubular string and an inner surface of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of measuring a first annulus pressure (FAP) using a pressure sensor attached to a casing string hung from a wellhead of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of controlling a second annulus pressure (SAP) exerted on a formation exposed to the annulus.
US08122974B2
Apparatus for controlling a drilling machine to drill a series of parallel holes, where the drilling machine comprises a carrier vehicle movable over the terrain, a boom mounted on the vehicle for movement side to side on the vehicle, a mast carried on an outer end of the boom and movable about two separate axes relative to the end of the boom, includes a first sensor responsive to an azimuth angle relative to the earth's magnetic north direction and two additional sensors, which are used to measure the two inclinations relative to two vertical planes transverse to and longitudinal of the boom. The sensor system is mounted in an housing on the mast close to the longitudinal center of the mast and offset to the side. A controller calculates from the sensed values of the azimuth and inclination angles required target angles for the mast for drilling each hole.
US08122973B2
A micro assembly having a substrate and an operating plane coupled to the substrate. The operating plane is movable from an in-plane position to an out-of-plane position. One or more electric connections provide electric power from the substrate to the operating plane in the out-of-plane position. A tool is coupled to the operating plane. The tool is operable to receive electric power from the operating plane to perform work.
US08122961B2
An apparatus and a method are provided for discharging a plurality of fluids downhole. In one aspect, the apparatus may include a first chamber and a second chamber separated by movable barrier, wherein draining the fluid from the first chamber causes the barrier to move and allow an actuating member to drain the second fluid from the second chamber.
US08122960B2
Coiled tubing spears for retrieving a section of cut coiled tubing comprises a mandrel having attachment members, e.g., spears, at upper and lower ends for facilitating connection of the upper end of the mandrel to a spooled section of coiled tubing and the lower end of the mandrel to a section of cut coiled tubing disposed in a wellbore. Coiled tubing spears comprise one or more centralizers that are releasably secured to the mandrel. The centralizer(s) facilitate lining up a lower attachment member, or spear, with the bore of the section of cut coiled tubing so that the mandrel can be secured to the cut coiled tubing for retrieval. During retrieval of the cut coiled tubing, the centralizer(s) are released from the mandrel so that the mandrel and attachment members can continue through an injector head.
US08122954B2
A method for determining depth in a wellbore uses inertial navigation in conjunction with a database having one or more measured parameters correlated with depth. The measured parameter may be the lengths of stands forming a drill string, prior survey data relating to a naturally occurring feature such as formation lithology, or data relating to a human made feature such as collars in a casing string. The downhole processor may use accelerometer measurements to calculate a measured depth of a BHA and access the database to retrieve a predicted depth that corresponds with one or more sensor measurements (e.g., motion indicating the addition of a stand to a drill string). Thereafter, if the downhole processor determines that the predicted depth is in agreement with the calculated depth, the processor stores the predicted depth and/or associates the predicted depth with directional surveys taken along the wellbore.
US08122953B2
Systems and methods for drainage of a heavy oil reservoir via a horizontal wellbore. A method of improving production of fluid from a subterranean formation includes the step of propagating a generally vertical inclusion into the formation from a generally horizontal wellbore intersecting the formation. The inclusion is propagated into a portion of the formation having a bulk modulus of less than approximately 750,000 psi. A well system includes a generally vertical inclusion propagated into a subterranean formation from a generally horizontal wellbore which intersects the formation. The formation comprises weakly cemented sediment.
US08122946B2
An inexpensive heat exchanger is disclosed, wherein the heat exchanger is made up of a plurality of plates and each plate has at least one channel defined in the plate. The plates are stacked and bonded together to form a block having conduits for carrying at least one fluid and where the exchanger includes an expansion device enclosed within the unit. The plates include construction to thermally insulate the sections of the heat exchanger to control the heat flow within the heat exchanger.
US08122945B2
A securing device includes a securing member defining a securing hole therein, and a fastener extending through the securing hole. The fastener includes a spring, and a bolt having a main portion, a bottom fixing portion, and a top head portion. The securing hole includes a large portion, a small portion, and a concave around the small portion. A diameter of the small portion is greater than the main portion and smaller than the fixing portion. A diameter of the large portion is greater than the fixing portion and smaller than the spring. The main portion extends through the small portion with the fixing portion tightly abutting the securing member. The spring is mounted around the main portion and received in the concave. The spring is compressed between the head portion and a step of the securing member in the concave.
US08122941B2
The present invention is directed to an aluminum alloy including aluminum as a basic component, silicon, copper, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, nickel and the like in a predetermined composition ratio, and a method of manufacturing of a vehicle cylinder liner having excellent wear resistance and heat resistance using the aluminum alloy.The method of manufacturing a vehicle cylinder liner includes the steps of: adding 50˜500 ppm of phosphorus (P) to the aluminum alloy while maintaining a temperature of the aluminum alloy at 700˜800° C. in a holding furnace, stabilizing the molten aluminum alloy including the phosphorus (P) for 30˜60 minutes to reform the molten aluminum alloy, and then continuous-casting the reformed molten aluminum alloy to form a round bar; hot-forging the round bar to forming a cylindrical liner; and machining an internal surface of the cylinder liner, with which a reciprocating piston comes into contact, to allow silicon particles to protrude.
US08122934B2
Disclosed is a mold 10 for forming cast rods including: a segment assembly 12 including a plurality of segments 14 being placed side by side, and a plurality of cavities 26 extending along a longitudinal direction 16; and clamping means (18 to 21) for clamping the segment assembly 12 in directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 16. The mold 10 has one or more cavity-forming portions 28 each forming a part of one of the peripheral surfaces of the cavities 26. Each cavity 26 is formed by a combination of two or more segments 14, and at least one of the plurality of segments 14 has two or more cavity-forming portions 28.
US08122929B2
The machine (1) has a heated plate (5), conveyor means (6) for conveying the elements (4) along a conveyor path leading across the heated plate (5), a top part (8) which can be moved vertically with respect to the heated plate (5), a membrane (9) disposed on the top part (8) and a separating film (10) disposed between the membrane (9) and the heated plate (5) which can be moved synchronously with the conveyor means. The separating film (10) is divided into sections (11) and every section (11) is retained exclusively by a single edge oriented transversely to the conveying path by retaining means (32). The sections (11) therefore sit loosely on the elements (4) free of tension. The membrane (9) lies against a peripherally extending peripheral face (46) of the top part (8) facing the heated plate (5) and can be moved directly onto the plane of the surface of the heated plate (5) in order to form a closed chamber with it. Finally, the membrane (9) is connected to clamping means (25, 26, 27).
US08122926B2
This CTI Valve manifold of this invention creates a wheel-manifold-CTI Valve combination such that an air passageway coming from the wheel hub through the manifold brings air to the valve, and an airway from the valve through the manifold provides air to the tire cavity, preferably via an air passageway in the wheel. The manifold also allows for the CTI valve to deflate the tire, a typical operational requirement for central tire inflation systems.
US08122923B2
A drug mixing system including at least one receptacle port adaptor adapted to be inserted into a port of a fluid receptacle, at least one syringe adaptor adapted to be attached to a syringe and to the at least one receptacle port adaptor and at least one vial adaptor adapted for connection to a vial containing a drug and adapted for connection to the at least one syringe adaptor, the system being characterized in that at least one of the receptacle port adaptor, the at least one syringe adaptor and the at least one vial adaptor being vented to the atmosphere in a manner which prevents release to the atmosphere of possibly harmful contents of the vial in a liquid, solid or gaseous form.
US08122919B2
Disclosed herein is an LNG transferring arm. The LNG transferring arm includes a cylindrical support base. A main body is rotatably provided on the support base. A boom assembly is connected to a side of the main body to rotate up and down. A support assembly supports the boom assembly and is bent along with the boom assembly. A transfer pipe and a return pipe are arranged along the boom assembly. An end of each of the transfer pipe and the return pipe is connected to a tank to which LNG will be transferred. A balance weight is rotatably supported above the main body via a bracket, and is hinged at one end thereof to the boom assembly, thus maintaining balance. A rotary branch means is provided in the main body, and includes two pipes having different diameters and arranged concentrically.
US08122917B2
A foam transfer device is described, for use with aerosol canister apparatus for producing a sclerosant foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins. The device enables diversion of an initial quantity of below-specification foam from the canister to waste, e.g. to an integral waste chamber, before dispensing a further quantity of foam for use in treatment. The switching of the flow from the waste chamber to a different outlet for use is accomplished without interrupting the flow from the aerosol canister since this would cause the foam to drop below specification again. The waste chamber may be transparent so that the foam entering it can be observed and a decision made by a user when to stop diverting foam to waste. Alternatively, the foam may be diverted automatically e.g. when a set time has elapsed or a set volume of foam dispensed. The foam for use is normally dispensed into a syringe for subsequent injection into a varicose vein of a patient.
US08122915B2
A fabric, in particular for shading purposes, formed of interwoven warp and weft threads based on fluoropolymer plastics, wherein the fabric includes an upper side and an underside having colors that are different from one another. The fabric is interwoven from the warp and weft threads in a three by three twill weave with step two, wherein the warp threads and (n+2) consecutive weft threads are made in the color of the upper side of the fabric and n following consecutive weft threads are made in the color of the underside of the fabric and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.
US08122912B2
The gas flow restrictor includes a cylindrical body having threads for mounting the body in a gas flow line. One end of the body is closed and includes a plurality of angularly spaced plugs having a predefined diameter that may be the same or different from each other. Each plug is selectively removable from a correspondingly sized orifice, singly or in combination, to set the desired gas flow and thereby reduce incoming gas flow pressure through the lines.
US08122908B2
A three-way valve body comprises a throat defining a generally cylindrical throat cavity. At least one flow diverter is carried by the valve body and extends into the throat cavity. The flow diverter advantageously interrupts any circulatory fluid flow within the throat cavity, thereby increasing the efficiency at which fluid flows through the valve body. In one embodiment, the at least one flow diverter can comprise one or more ribs integrally formed with the valve body and disposed parallel to a central axis of the throat cavity.
US08122905B2
The disclosure relates to a method and an arrangement for diagnosis of a final control element, which is actuated by a pneumatically operated actuating mechanism under the control of a control device, and which emits acoustic signals during conventional use. It is proposed to detect acoustic signals fed back into the pneumatic system of the actuating mechanism, and to derive from them the status data of the final control element. For this purpose, an acoustic sensor is arranged in the pneumatic-fluid supply line of the actuating mechanism, with the acoustic sensor being electrically connected to an analysis device. A pressure sensor is used as the acoustic sensor.
US08122892B2
By providing an ear plug product incorporating water absorbing capabilities, a highly effective and easily employed ear plug product is realized which is capable of being used for removing water contained in the ear canal of an individual. In one preferred embodiment, the ear plug product of the present invention incorporates water absorbing material integrally formed in the ear plug which immediately draws the water from the ear canal into the ear plug product for being retained in the ear plug. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the ear plug product incorporates at least one elongated, longitudinally extending channel or passageway formed along substantially the entire length of the ear plug product. By incorporating the elongated, longitudinally extending passage-way or channel in the ear plug product, the desired water absorption is achieved.
US08122888B2
An arm positioning system for a diagnostic procedure such as an MRI can include a positioning block and a retention device (such as a thumb strap). The retention device and the positioning block can be coupled together (e.g. by hook and loop fasteners) to allow them to position a patient's arm in various desired positions. The retention device and positioning block can be composed of materials that do not interfere with the diagnostic device. The retention device and positioning block also can be configured to accommodate left and right arms and variation among arm, hand, and digit sizes of patients.
US08122887B2
A patient interface that is comfortable for a user to wear is disclosed. The patient interface includes a forehead rest and cushion. In particular the cushion includes a deformable resilient member that when compressed creates a uniformly and gradually increasing force while evenly distributing the pressure on the forehead of the patient.
US08122883B2
Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings include a system and method for monitoring the ventilation support provided by a ventilator and automatically supplying a breathing gas to a patient via a breathing circuit that is in fluid communication with the lungs of the patient.
US08122880B2
An improved method and apparatus for delivering medication to the lungs is described. Acoustic ink printing technology is modified to operate as an inhaler that generates tiny droplets near a patient's nose or mouth. The tiny droplets are easily carried by air currents into the patient's lungs. The inhaler itself is preferably a battery operated portable device that can be easily carried and easily cleaned to avoid contaminating the medication.
US08122875B2
A burner assembly for a radiant heating type gas burner is provided. The burner assembly includes a burner chamber that receives a mixed gas, a burner mat on top of the burner chamber for making combustion, and a baffle part between a bottom of the burner mat and a side of the burner chamber. The mixed gas is introduced into the burner chamber through the baffle part for uniform distribution of the mixed gas to an entire part of the burner mat.
US08122874B2
A detachable quiver mount assembly comprises a bow mounting portion connectable to an archery bow and a quiver mounting portion releasably connectable to the bow mounting portion. At least one of the mounting portions includes at least one magnet for attracting and holding the other of the mounting portions.
US08122869B2
An air-fuel ratio control system of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine provided with a throttle valve and opening characteristic control means, which system performs feedback control of an air-fuel ratio based on an output of a sensor detecting an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas and is capable of performing more accurate air-fuel ratio control, is provided. In the feedback control, the relationship of the output of the sensor and a feedback value is corrected based on a feedback learning correction value learned and determined based on the output of the sensor during the feedback control, and, when newly learning the feedback learning correction value, the intake air amount is controlled by only the throttle valve.
US08122862B2
A method of purging air from an oil passage in communication with a lifter assembly in an engine assembly may include isolating the oil passage from a pressurized oil source while the lifter assembly is engaged with a base region of a cam lobe to operate the first lifter assembly in the activated mode. The pressurized oil may be provided to the lifter assembly via the oil passage after the isolating when the lifter assembly is engaged with a lift region of the cam lobe. The lifter assembly may be maintained in the activated mode after the providing. Air may be purged from the oil passage based on the pressurized oil provided to the oil passage.
US08122858B2
A coolant circuit circulates coolant between an internal combustion engine and a radiator of a vehicle and is provided with a thermostat. A control unit obtains radiator side released heat amount information, which indicates the amount of heat released from coolant through the radiator or information relevant to the amount of heat released from the coolant through the radiator. The control unit determines whether a thermostat open state abnormality exists by determining whether a predetermined thermostat abnormal time correlation exists between the radiator side released heat amount information and a vehicle speed of the vehicle in a warm-up incomplete temperature range of the coolant.
US08122850B2
A method of processing a polysilazane film includes a first heat process and a subsequent second heat process performed on a target substrate with a polysilazane coating film formed thereon. The first heat process is performed by supplying water vapor into a process area within a reaction container, which accommodates the target substrate, while setting the process area at a first temperature of from 390° C. to 410° C. The second heat process is performed by supplying water vapor into the process area, while setting the process area at a second temperature of from 600° C. to 800° C.
US08122844B2
A freeze indicator can include an indicator dispersion having an aqueous liquid medium and organic material indicator particles dispersed in the aqueous liquid medium. The indicator dispersion can have an initial appearance before freezing and an irreversibly different appearance after freezing and can exhibit a freeze-onset temperature of about −1.9° C. or higher. Some factors helpful to providing a relatively high freeze onset temperature are employment of a proteinaceous ice-nucleating agent, control of pH, use of a protein stabilizer and control of the ratio of protein stabilizer to ice-nucleating agent.
US08122838B2
Transplanter which can avoid skips when planting, which skips may occur when seeds in a tray row fail to grow into seedlings. This is accomplished by picking up an entire row of seedlings from a tray, transferring the seedlings to a mechanism which eliminates gaps between seedlings, and then discharging the seedlings one at time to the ground with a desired spacing between the seedlings. A novel tray indexing mechanism is provided which can index trays of varying sizes. The planting mechanism has an air knife mounted adjacent transfer disks for straightening out the foliage as stems of seedlings before they are received by the planting disks, and the planting and transfer disks may be moved towards and away from each other for seedlings of differing heights.
US08122833B2
A munition, such as a projectile formed of at least one reactive material, is provided. In one embodiment, the projectile includes a body portion formed of at least one reactive material composition wherein the at least one reactive material composition defines at least a portion of an exterior surface of the projectile. In other words, a portion of the reactive material may be left “unbuffered” or exposed to the barrel of a gun or weapon from which it is launched and similarly exposed to a target with which the projectile subsequently impacts. In one embodiment, the projectile may be formed with a jacket surrounding a portion of the reactive material to provide additional structural integrity. The projectile may be formed by casting or pressing the reactive material into a desired shape. In another embodiment of the invention, the reactive material may be extruded into a near-net shape and then machined into the desired shape.
US08122819B2
A machine for injecting liquids is disclosed including use of at least one air pump in fluid communication with at least one injection head having apertures for nozzles. High-pressure injectate flows from the air pump into the head, preferably through a threadlessly mounted filter located within the injection head. To further minimize contamination, fluid that enters the injection head will not contact any threading present in either the head or the nozzles. An air pressure regulator is included to ensure a steady stream of injectate of a desired pressure is delivered to an injection subject via each injection head and also helping to eliminate hesitation in delivery of the fluid by the air pump. Cleaning of the machine is simplified by moving sensitive components into a sealed enclosure, removing them from a wet working environment.
US08122810B2
A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The system is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.
US08122806B2
A system and apparatus for making pipe fencing which includes a support framework, a power supply mounted on the support framework, a press assembly and pipe notcher mounted on the support framework and connected to the power supply, and a saw mounted on the support framework and connected to the power supply. The apparatus may also include a measuring assembly mounted on the support framework for measuring pipe prior to cutting and a rail member removably attached to the press assembly to support cut pipes while notching the cut pipes.
US08122794B2
A torque socket assembly includes a base which has a receiving hole defined therein. A tube sleeves on the base. The tube has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a recess defined in an outer periphery thereof. The first portion partially sleeves on an outer periphery of the base. A torque setting unit includes a first teethed gear disposed in the receiving hole, a second teethed gear meshed with the first teethed gear, a resilient unit abuts against the second teethed gear and the second portion, and a rod passes through the tube. The second teethed gear has an indentation formed on an outer surface thereof. A securing unit includes a pin disposed in the recess. A spring sleeves on the first portion of the tube and contacts with the pin, and an outer sleeve sleeves on outer peripheries of the spring and the tube.
US08122785B2
The present invention relates to an improved rotor balancing system which allows for fine tune onsite adjustment for turbomachinery. The rotor balancing system comprises a rotor element having a row of locating slots and a device for reducing windage effects caused by the locating slots and protruding anti-rotation pins. In a preferred embodiment, the device for reducing windage effects comprises at least one balancing ring which partially or fully covers the locating slots and internal slots for engaging and disengaging that does not protrude outbound of the ring. Each balancing ring is preferably provided with two integrally formed anti-rotation members for engaging the locating slots. Each balancing ring is also preferably provided with a slot in a weighted portion of the ring for receiving a tool for positioning the balancing ring in a desired position. A method for positioning the balancing ring on a rotor element using the slot and the tool is also described herein.
US08122780B1
An Explosion Proof Vehicle (EPV) having an interior substantially filled with an inert fluid creating an interior pressure greater than the exterior pressure. One or more flexible tubes provide the inert fluid and one or more electrical conductors from a control system to the vehicle. The vehicle is preferably used in subsurface tank inspection, whereby the vehicle is submerged in a volatile fluid.
US08122778B2
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a probe assembly comprising a flange assembly, a probe platform, a platform extension, an extension enclosure, and a fluid coupling assembly is provided. The fluid coupling assembly comprises a removable portion and a retained portion. An engaging interface of the retained portion cooperates with an engaging interface of the removable portion such that, with engagement of the removable and retained portions, respective fluid passages of the removable and retained portions form one or more integrated fluid channels configured to permit passage of fluid through the fluid coupling assembly. The probe assembly is configured such that the probe platform, the platform extension, and the removable portion of the fluid coupling assembly are interconnected and are configured to be withdrawn simultaneously from the probe assembly independent of the retained portion of the fluid coupling assembly.
US08122770B2
A single wire interface for a transducer transmits the transducer output as a frequency modulated signal over one single wire during one interval. During a second interval a reference signal is transmitted as a frequency modulated signal. Both the transducer output and the reference signal output are processed by the same circuitry during the respective intervals to provide both frequency modulated signals. The frequencies of the two signals are measured and then the ratio of the two periods which is the reciprocal of the two frequencies is calculated. This ratio is the direct measure of the output of the transducer and when provided eliminates sources of errors.
US08122769B1
The present invention relates to a pressure sensor comprising multiple flexible diaphragms to which are affixed, within which are embedded, or which themselves constitute part of transducer elements that are connected together electrically, providing greater sensitivity and allowing the diaphragms to be made smaller, thereby increasing burst pressure to operating pressure ratio. This multi-diaphragm pressure sensor can therefore be used to accurately measure small changes in dynamic pressure in a fluid of overall high static pressure, for example, in a flow inventory control system as may be used in a fire suppression system, or for control of nuclear reactor systems.
US08122749B2
A mandrel mill is provided which can perform elongation rolling with a markedly increased working ratio and dimensional accuracy on a material which is inherently difficult to roll such as a hollow shell made of stainless steel or a thin-walled material. A mandrel mill for manufacturing a mother tube by performing elongation rolling of a hollow shell comprises a plurality of roll stands, having at least one 4-roll stand for wall thickness reduction of a hollow shell and at least one 2-roll stand including the final stand downstream of the 4-roll stand.
US08122748B2
A machine, tooling and method for cold forming complex metal parts such as a banjo style hose fitting starting with a near net shape volume of wire and continuing with multiple forging blows and an intermediate rotation of the blank to produce a hose coupling shell end, a transition neck, a large counterbored annular coupling body and a perpendicular alignment tang.
US08122747B2
A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.
US08122744B2
A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like article. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device and locked. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl. A top wall of the housing has a key receiving recess for positioning the key for unlocking the clip from the housing and releasing the spool. The housing has a rotatable handle for manually rotating the internal spool to further tighten the cable about the article after the cable slack is taken up by an internal spring. An alarm system in the housing actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions. Insertion of the clip into the housing automatically actuates the ratchet mechanism preventing movement of the cable in the unwind direction and activates the alarm system.
US08122741B2
The present invention provides a washing apparatus and control method thereof, by which laundry can be dry-cleaned through the loaded configurations of the wet pad cloth, the filth transfer cloth, the steam providing unit, the fragrance spraying unit, and the detergent supplying unit using either the wet pad cloth or the filth transfer cloth or without using both of the wet pad cloth and the filth transfer cloth.
US08122734B2
A refrigerator is provided that includes a housing and a dispensing device for flowable and/or pourable chilled material, the dispensing device being located in a front recess of the housing. The front of the housing is covered at least in part by an adjustable decorative plate. The recess is accessible through a hole in the decorative plate while a case that is open towards the dispensing device and the hole of the decorative plate is adjustably mounted in the recess.
US08122726B2
A combustion chamber of a combustion system has a combustion space, a support structure, a support element, and a heat shield. The heat shield has at least two segments, and each segment includes a liner element facing the combustion space and has an edge region, a gap communicating with the combustion space being formed between edge regions of adjacent segments, and a retaining device. The retaining device fixes the respective liner element on the support structure via the support element and forms a flange region that fits over the edge region of the respective liner element. The retaining device forms a first cooling passage with the support element and has at least one through-opening in the flange region. A cooling gas flows through the through.opening from the first cooling passage to the edge region.
US08122720B2
There are provided a fuel nozzle apparatus, a gas turbine, and a method of controlling a fuel nozzle apparatus, that prevent an occurrence of caulking while meeting the requirements of exhaust gas regulations. There are provided: a fuel pump that feeds fuel; a fuel flow passage formed with a circulation flow passage through which the fuel flows; a flow controller that controls a flow rate of the fuel flowing from the fuel pump into the circulation flow passage; a circulation pump that circulates the fuel within the circulation flow passage; a nozzle section formed with an injection nozzle that injects the fuel from the circulation flow passage to the outside; and an injection controller that controls an injection amount of the fuel to be injected from the injection nozzle.
US08122717B2
The present invention relates to a compressor-cooler module, having a housing, a compressor contained in the housing, and an air cooler disposed within the housing and positioned in the flow path of the compressor. The present invention also includes an intake in fluid communication with the housing, a cooler bypass valve operably associated with the air cooler and the compressor, and a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation passage operably associated with the cooler bypass valve, and the cooler bypass valve selectively directs exhaust gas to bypass the air cooler.
US08122702B2
A transcowl for a gas turbine engine thrust reverser includes an arcuate outer wall; an arcuate inner wall; and an arcuate baffle positioned between the inner and outer walls at a forward end of the transcowl. The baffle has an arcuate cross-sectional shape which defines a forward-facing interior area. An arcuate forward seal is carried at a forward end of the inner wall. The forward seal includes a plurality of axially-extending, spaced-apart arcuate seal teeth which collectively define a labyrinth seal.
US08122698B2
The air exit hole of the vent line (6) connected to a venting apparatus for the lubricating oil system of a jet engine is arranged behind the nozzle throat (2) on the periphery of the exiting engine jet (4). The exit hole is tangentially arranged on the periphery of the engine jet, or slightly enters the rim area of the engine jet. The vent line extends under the protection of an aerodynamically shaped fairing (5, 11). This arrangement of the air exit, while being simply designed, cost-effective and weight-saving, provides for clean, invisible discharge of air from the oil venting apparatus.
US08122697B1
An apparatus includes a cover defining an interior chamber, a cutting box, the cover being mounted on the cutting box. A blade reel assembly is disposed within the cutting box, the blade reel assembly including at least one blade, and being configured to rotate about an axle. A cutting bar is disposed adjacent to a circumference defined by the at least one blade. A mesh screen is disposed beneath the blade reel assembly, proximate to the circumference.
US08122688B2
An apparatus for winding an armed suture is provided. The apparatus includes a base member, a needle holder disposed in a region of the base member, and at least one needle having a quantity of a suture attached thereto. The apparatus further includes a retainer package disposed atop the base member, a plurality of rods engagable with and corresponding to the throughholes of the retainer package, and a holder having open and closed states. The plurality of rods are disposed in at least one array and the retainer package includes a first member having a plurality of throughholes. The holder is movable relative to the base member between a plurality of positions. The holder includes a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arms are in a spaced apart relation in the open state and at least a portion of the first arm are in substantial contact with at least a portion of the second arm in the closed state.
US08122686B2
A method and a device for the production of a plurality of packs of articles wrapped with a respective portion of a plastic film are disclosed. A continuous film web is printed by a printing unit positioned at a position (Pi) along a transport path. Thereby, several respective printing areas spaced from each other are printed in a respective portion of a plastic film onto the continuous film web. Another position (Pa) for the printing unit along the transport path of the continuous film web is detected to a rate of feed (vT) of the continuous film web in an area of the printing unit. At the detected other position (Pa), the rate of feed (vT) of the continuous film web is adjusted on a printing rate of the printing unit and on the rate of feed (vT) of the continuous film web in a wrapping film station subordinated to the printing unit. The printing unit is slid from the previous position (Pi) to the other detected position (Pa).
US08122683B1
A support panel for thin brick, comprising a metal sheet, an array of groove retaining tabs having first tab edges, said first tab edges protruding from said sheet having at an upward angle of less than about 45 degrees, for a distance of less than about one quarter inch, and an array of mortar lock tabs having second tab edges, said second tab edges protruding from said sheet at a downward angle of greater than about 45 degrees, said array of mortar lock tabs being offset vertically from said array of groove retaining tabs, wherein, said array of groove retaining tabs are adapted to engage shallow dovetail grooves formed in the rear of thin bricks, and said mortar lock tabs are adapted, when embedded within a cured mortar matrix, to exert, in response to a tensile force away from said metal sheet, a force along a vertical axis, on the brick, in an opposite direction to a force applied to the brick along a vertical axis by said groove retaining tab, to thereby retain the brick against the panel.
US08122681B2
A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel.
US08122677B2
A method and system for constructing a concrete waterstop joint between first and second concrete portions. The method may include applying a continuous longitudinal cementitious and reactive waterproofing grout strip to a joint area of the first concrete portion and then forming the second concrete portion over the grout strip. The system may include a first concrete portion having a joint area, a continuous cementitious and reactive waterproofing longitudinal grout strip connectable to the joint area, and a second concrete portion formable over the grout strip. There is also provided a use of a cementitious and reactive waterproofing grout strip in the construction of a concrete waterstop joint between first and second concrete portions.
US08122674B2
A grating system typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, longitudinal filler bars seated on the crossbars between the deep bars and axial joining bars which join the deep bars and filler bars to one another. The crossbars are inserted lengthwise through slots formed in the deep bars. The joining bars are inserted lengthwise into holes formed in the deep bars and filler bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the crossbars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are substantially flush with one another to form most of the upper surface of the grating system on which vehicular and pedestrian traffic typically travel.
US08122659B2
Disclosed is a cover for a conventional post, e.g., a T-post commonly used in landscaping, farming, and other fields. The cover has a partially hollow tubular body that is able to slidingly receive a post. A ratchet strip is included on the inside of the cover. Catches on the ratchet strip engage barbs on the post preventing removal. A release strap is provided which is receivable into the hollow cover. The strap comes between the catches and barbs allowing cover removal.
US08122657B2
Hollow metal “logs” each extending usually horizontally are arranged in adjacent, parallel, spaced-apart relation to form, or be part of, a wall or roof. Rigid insulating members are inserted between the logs. Each insulating member is shaped to fit around a log on either side of the insulating member. Each insulating member has a pair of outer faces respectively on either side of the wall or roof and lying substantially in respective planes parallel to the axes of the logs. The insulating members abut one another and collectively surround the logs and insulate the wall or roof.
US08122645B2
A drive unit for a door or a gate includes an electric motor, a detection unit for detecting the position of the door or gate, the detection unit being coupled to the motor and providing an identical pulse sequence with every rotation of the motor, wherein the duration of one pulse in the sequence is different from the duration of the other pulses in the sequence, which are equal. All detected pulses are stored in a non-volatile memory. The drive unit includes an electronic control and regulating circuit including an output stage for the electric motor and at least one memory, in which an operational program is stored providing a programmable learning procedure for an opening and closing movement of the door or gate based on the pulses provided by the detection unit.
US08122641B2
A plant watering device comprises a pair of water absorbent shells made from natural coconut husks. Cotton pads are placed between the shells for further water storage and slow persistent release. An amount of plant nutrient and water filtering carbon material is placed within the cotton pads for disbursement to the root system of a plant. The husks and cotton pads are stacked and wrapped in a mesh material. The device is buried in a planter in close proximity to a root system of a plant.
US08122625B2
In order to economically manufacture name badges with a comparatively high stiffness, it is proposed that they are produced as one-part injection moulded components, each with a curved front part (1) and a similarly curved rear part (2), which is connected to the front part (1) by pivot bearings (4) and both the front part (1) and the rear part (2) are provided with circumferential ridges (6, 7) which are orientated in the same direction when the front and rear parts (1, 2) are in the closed state.
US08122622B2
A ground engaging tool system comprises a ground engaging tool such as a tip, an adapter mounted to or part of a work tool, and a rotating lock member. The ground engaging tool is attached to the adapter, and a post portion of the adapter slides into a slot provided on the lock. The lock is rotated so that the entrance to the slot is blocked and the post cannot slide out of the slot. The lock in this position is in a locking position, and the retention of the post in the slot of the lock retains the ground engaging tool to the adapter.
US08122617B1
A shoe with retractable metal spikes on a heel area is herein disclosed. A bottom portion of a shoe heel comprises a plurality of metal spikes that retract in and out via a cam plate, driven by a cam lever and activated by a control dial located on the outside face of the heel. When the metal spikes are extended, they can be used to walk safely on snow and/or ice, and can also be used in wintertime sporting events. The metal spikes can be retracted by simply turning the dial and allowing them to retract flush or slightly below the surface of the shoe sole. The invention is viewed as being particularly useful for those in construction, public service, law enforcement or any profession in which walking outside in winter conditions and walking inside on finished floors is a regular and repeating part of their work day.
US08122614B2
The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a shoe upper part and an outsole joined to the latter, and also with a heel shell, which at least partially encloses the heel of the wearer of the shoe. To allow the shoe to be adapted to individual needs in a simple and low-cost way, the invention provides that the heel shell is interchangeably arranged in the shoe upper part, wherein it has in a surface region at least one projection or a recess, which interacts with a recess or a projection in the shoe upper part to fix the heel shell in the shoe upper part with a form fit, wherein the heel shell is joined to an insert sole and wherein the heel shell and the insert sole are formed as one piece.
US08122612B2
A system for indicating a depth of engagement of two threadably engaged surfaces of a support pedestal. The system includes at least a first thread protuberance disposed on a first threaded surface of the support pedestal and at least a second thread protuberance disposed on a second threaded surface of the support pedestal. The first thread protuberance impinges against the second thread protuberance when the first and second threaded surfaces are threadably engaged and rotated to provide sensory indication of a depth of engagement of the first and second threaded surfaces.
US08122611B1
A jig device for accurately measuring an opening when installing shelving, windowsills, molding, and similar construction material is provided. The jig device comprises a first elongated bar and a second elongated bar. First incremental measurements are marked on the first elongated bar with the first incremental markings reading right to left. Second incremental measurements are marked on the second elongated bar with the second incremental markings reading left to right. A first fastening mechanism slidably connects the first elongated bar to the second elongated bar and is tightenable to inhibit movement between the first elongated bar and the second elongated bar. A first angle paddle and a second angle paddle are provided. A second fastening mechanism slidably and rotatably connects the first angle paddle to the first elongated bar and is tightenable to inhibit movement between the first angle paddle and the first elongated bar and a third fastening mechanism slidably and rotatably connects the second angle paddle to the second elongated bar and is tightenable to inhibit movement between the second angle paddle and the second elongated bar. Upon positioning the jig device within an opening with the second sides of the angle paddles rotated and moved along the second and third fastening means and positioned on the outside of the opening, the alignment of a common number on the first incremental measurements and the second incremental measurements indicates a center point for the opening.
US08122610B2
Apparatus, systems and methods for an improved probe for a coordinate measurement machine (PCMM) is disclosed herein. The probe comprises a machine readable unique serial number, which the PCMM can read from the probe to identify the probe and obtain information relating to calibration of the probe by matching the unique serial number with unique serial number stored with the information relating calibration. The coordinate information device further comprises modules configured to store and provide the machine readable unique serial number, and also information relating to calibrating the probe.
US08122606B2
A powered wet razor has a handle and a cartridge selectively detachable from the handle. The cartridge has at least one blade with a sharp cutting edge and is characterized by an expected shaving utility. An electrical arrangement that detects and tracks utility of the razor and determines a remaining shaving utility based on the expected utility and the tracked utility. The razor includes an indicator for providing a remaining shaving utility signal to a user.
US08122603B2
Provided is an emission treatment system and method for simultaneously remediating the nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and gaseous hydrocarbons present in diesel engine exhaust streams. The emission treatment system has an oxidation catalyst upstream of a soot filter coated with a material effective in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) of NOx by a reductant, e.g., ammonia. Also provided is a method for disposing an SCR catalyst composition on a wall flow monolith that provides adequate catalyst loading, but does not result in unsuitable back pressures in the exhaust.
US08122595B2
A paste supply unit that is located in a side opposed to an electronic parts supply table 6 with a mounting table 8 sandwiched between them to supply a paste to a board 24 includes a transfer head 5 that transfers the paste to the board 24 and an dispense head 4 that draws an image by discharging the paste to the board 24, and either the transfer head 5 or the dispense head 4 is selected to supply the paste depending on the kind of an electronic parts.
US08122584B2
In a method of producing a honeycomb structure molding die composed of feed holes through which molding material is fed and slit grooves communicated with the feed holes for the use of molding a honeycomb structure body, the slit grooves are formed on one surface of a metal material in a lattice arrangement by repeatedly moving a thin circular grindstone blade which is rotating in a straight-line direction or a line direction approximating a straight line in order to cut the surface of the metal material. In particular, the method removes fine metal powder, generated by cutting the surface of the metal material, using polishing grooves formed in a dressing grindstone disposed in front of the metal material every cutting of the metal material during the slit groove formation.
US08122581B1
A method for mounting a plurality of tool rails of a tool mounting system according to a desired orientation. The method includes mounting a plurality of tool rail supports to a base, wherein each of the plurality of tool rail support has a releasable mount and a lug mount. Each of the plurality of tool rails is assembled to include a mount plug receivable within the releasable mount of the tool rail supports, and a lug receivable within the lug mount of the tool rail supports. At least one of the plurality of tool rail supports is fixed with the releasable mount spaced apart from the lug mount such that only a desired one of the plurality of tool rails can be received in a corresponding one of the tool rail supports.
US08122578B2
An apparatus 30 for coupling a first member 15 and a second member 17 by a clip and a screw is constituted by member moving means 131L, 131R for moving the second member 17 relative to the first member 15, reaction force detecting means 132L, 132R provided to the member moving means 131L, 131R for detecting a press reaction force generated when the second member 17 is matched to the first member 15, clip fitting determining means 135L, 135R for determining whether the clip is correctly fitted to a clip hole by reading the reaction force detected by the reaction force detecting means 132L, 132R, and screw fastening means 149 for fastening the screw when acceptable information is provided by the clip fitting determining means 135L, 135R.
US08122567B2
A floor mat clip assembly adapted to attach a floor mat to the interior carpet of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a floor clip attached to the carpet and a mat clip attached to the floor mat. The floor clip includes a base member and a top member having a locking member rotatably attached thereto. The base and top member of the floor clip are adapted to cut through the carpet and interlock to sandwich the carpet therebetween. The mat clip includes a top member and a base member, each having an aperture and adapted to interlock to sandwich the mat therebetween. The mat can then be positioned to insert the locking member of the floor clip through the aperture of the mat clip. A subsequent rotation of the locking member locks together the respective clips to secure the floor mat to the interior carpet.
US08122566B2
A vacuum cleaner having a base with a first air inlet, a rear housing, a removable handle and a socket on the housing to receive the handle. The handle has a grip, a second air inlet, and a hose connected to the second air inlet. The vacuum has a valve with a first inlet connected to the first air inlet, a second inlet connected to the flexible hose, a valve outlet connected to a vacuum fan, and a valve member that moves to connect the valve outlet to either inlet. The vacuum has a handle latch having one position in which it engages the removable handle to hold it in the socket and places the valve in one position, and a second position in which it releases the handle and places the valve member the other position.
US08122565B2
To obtain a hand-held powered suction device, which secures a high suction performance by a lightweight fan while preventing a blade of the fan from being damaged or being broken due to a sucked object. Forming an air intake opening along a driving axis of a fan in a portable-type fan case and providing a fan protection member to be rotated at an upstream side in an air intake direction of the fan within the intake opening being attached so as to be integrally rotated with the driving axis, a shock absorbing surface that is perpendicular in an air intake direction of the intake opening is formed on the fan protection member.
US08122562B2
An surface cleaning implement comprises a recovery tank and a suction nozzle in fluid communication with a recovery tank, a fan/turbine assembly including a turbine-driven suction fan for generating suction at the suction nozzle, which draws liquid and air into and through the accessory tool. A fluid dispensing assembly is disclosed for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. An agitator assembly can be moved from a use to a non-use orientation to alternately scrub the surface to the cleaned and to extract fluid from the surface to be cleaned.
US08122561B2
A wringer (1) for a mop (2) with a receptacle (3) in which the mop (2) can be wrung out by inward pressure, where the receptacle (3) consists of a number of wall parts (4), each of which has an inner leg (5) and an outer leg (6), which are connected together, where spacers (7) are arranged between the inner legs (5) and outer legs (6).
US08122549B2
Disclosed herein are a washing machine that is capable of maintaining the balanced state of laundry to more smoothly perform a spin-drying operation and a control method thereof. The control method of the washing machine including a drum to receive laundry and a motor to rotate the drum to reduce unbalance generated due to the nonuniform distribution of the laundry, includes wrapping the laundry by accelerating the drum such that the laundry sticks to an inner wall of the drum, detecting motor current during the wrapping of the laundry, determining an unbalanced state of the laundry based on the detected motor current, and controlling speed of the drum based on a result of the determination.
US08122547B2
A washing machine includes a main body defining an outer appearance, a tub supported in the main body, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a steam generating unit supplying steam into the drum, and a circulation pump returning washing water exhausted from a first side of the tub to a second side of the tub.
US08122546B2
A mattress assembly includes an inner core assembly 48 including a core portion 49 having a head end and a foot end defining a core longitudinal length; a left width adjustment portion 56 comprising a plurality of left width adjustment bladders 60, the left width adjustment portion extending laterally away from a left side of the core portion; a right width adjustment portion 58 comprising a plurality of right width adjustment bladders 62, the right width adjustment portion extending laterally away from the right side of the core portion; the left and right width adjustment portions each having a head end substantially longitudinally aligned with the head end of the core portion and extending footwardly a longitudinal distance less than the core longitudinal length thereby defining left and right relief portions 66, 68.
US08122522B2
The invention relates to metering dispensers for release of a product into a WC bowl of a toilet, comprising a fixing region which is constructed in order to fix the metering dispenser in the region of the toilet, in particular under a WC lid, and a storage container for accommodating the product. Such metering dispensers have the problem that the product can be metered only inaccurately and not very variably. This problem is solved according to the invention in that the storage container is constructed for accommodation of pre-portioned products and a delivery device which is constructed in order to deliver at least one pre-portioned product from the storage container into the WC bowl is provided.
US08127364B2
The electronic apparatus includes: a timer for measuring an elapse time duration under a component-disengaged state after detection of the disengaged state by the sensor; a copy controlling unit for making data stored in the recording unit to be copied in a storage unit of the information processing apparatus; and a deleting unit for deleting data stored in the recording unit. The copy controlling unit makes data stored in the recording unit to be stored in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus when the timer detects elapse of a first predetermined time duration, and the deleting unit deletes data stored in the recording unit when data stored in the recording unit is copied in the storage unit. This makes it possible to prevent loss of data stored in the recording unit of the electronic apparatus, and to improve data confidentiality, and to prevent confidential information leakage.
US08127361B2
Various quality versions of an electronic content are defined, and one or more distortion algorithms (22, 32) that are executable to generate a lower quality version of the electronic content by a distortion of the highest quality version (21, 31) are defined. Each quality version is selectively assigned a content key (CK) whereby an electronic content player (34, 70) will have the appropriate information when decrypting, decoding, and/or distorting the highest quality version (21, 31) of the electronic content.
US08127360B1
A method and apparatus for preventing leakage of sensitive information from a computer is described. The method includes identifying data entered into the computer system as sensitive data, tainting the sensitive data with at least one taint bit to form a tainted data, tracking the tainted data within the computer system and identifying at least one condition that compromises the security of the tainted data. The system is a computer system including taint analysis software for identifying data entered into the computer system as sensitive data, tainting the sensitive data with at least one taint bit to form a tainted data, tracking the tainted data within the computer system and identifying at least one condition that compromises the security of the tainted data.
US08127348B2
This invention provides a method for providing network security services, such as those provided by the IPSEC protocol, through network address translation (NAT). The method is based on determining the transformations that occur on a packet and compensating for the transformations. Because only TCP and UDP protocols work through NATs, the IPSEC AH/ESP packets are encapsulated into UDP packets for transport. Special operations are performed to allow reliable communications in such environments.
US08127346B2
In a security system for network communications with client devices, each client device has a communication module for communicating with at least one server over a network, a data storage module for storing one or more covert data values of one or more operational events at the client device, and a covert identifier generating module which creates at least one covert identifier based on the stored covert data values. The covert identifier is provided in one or more network messages to the server, or otherwise sent to the service provider, and may be provided in response to a specific request received over the network, or routinely in one or more messages normally involved in network communications. The server compares covert identifiers received from client devices having the same client identifier in order to detect possible clones.
US08127338B2
A system for automatically managing information privacy includes an input system for receiving a request that includes a call for information in a bean and a purpose for the call, which indicates a manner an information requestor intends to use the information, wherein the call is to a method within the bean referencing at least one privacy control rule, which governs access and/or use of the information, that is packaged with the bean, the privacy control rule being additional to the information and methods of the bean and being packaged as an element of a deployment descriptor; and a privacy control system for automatically determining whether the request should be granted by comparing the purpose to the at least one privacy control rule to determine whether the purpose is valid, wherein the request is granted if the purpose complies with the at least one privacy control rule.
US08127323B2
According to one embodiment, an information storage medium includes an organic dye material which records information with a light beam having a wavelength equal to or smaller than 620 nm.
US08127318B2
A disc device is disposed to include contact parts which are relatively and respectively disposed in a roller base member and a slider member in such a way that a movement of the roller base member which receives the spring force of a pushing member to move a conveying roller to a disk conveying position causes a backward movement force to be applied to the slider member after engagement between a rack and a driving gear is released and a driving action of a cam part on the conveying roller is released while the slider member retracts to a disc insertion standby position.
US08127307B1
Methods and apparatus for a storage virtualization system with distributed event processing. In an exemplary embodiment, a method comprises receiving an event by an intelligent switch in a storage virtualization system in which the intelligent switch is coupled to a control path cluster, identifying a type of the event to determine whether the event can be processed by the intelligent switch, processing the event by the intelligent switch where the event type is of a type that can be processed by the intelligent switch, wherein the intelligent switch continues to run in the absence of the control path cluster without direct communication between data path controllers, and processing the event at a control path cluster if the event type cannot be processed by the intelligent switch.
US08127292B1
A computer system includes a first portion of a Hypervisor is loaded into the memory as a part of an Extensible Firmware Interface upon start up and prior to loading of an operating system. The first portion is responsible for context switching, at least some interrupt handling, and memory protection fault handling. The first portion runs on a root level. An operating system is loaded into a highest privilege level. A second portion of the Hypervisor is loaded into operating system space together with the operating system, and runs on the highest privilege level, and is responsible for (a) servicing the VMM, (b) servicing the VMs, (c) enabling communication between code launched on non-root level with the second portion of the Hypervisor to perform security checks of trusted code portions and to enable root mode for the code portions if allowable. The VMM runs on the highest privilege level. A Virtual Machine is running under control of the VMM. Trusted code runs on non-root level. The first portion of the Hypervisor verifies trusted code portions during their loading or launch time, and the trusted code is executed on root level.
US08127291B2
A system and method are disclosed for using directory services to manage resources in a virtual execution environment. A directory repository is populated with resource, administration, roles, policy, and service-level agreement (SLA) objects. A service request is received by a virtual machine manager (VMM) administrator, which determines its requirements. The directory repository is queried with a directory service to identify available resources to fulfill the service request. The service request is routed to the VMM of the virtual machine (VM) host comprising the available resources. If an active VM comprises the available resources, then its roles, policy, and SLA objects are retrieved from the directory repository. The objects are then used to respectively determine if the service request has sufficient authentication and authorizations, if the VM's configuration meets the service request's resource requirements, and if service-levels requirements can be maintained.
US08127278B2
In a system and method for recalling a state in an application, a processor may store in a memory data representing a first set of previously executed commands, the first set representing a current application state, and, for recalling a previously extant application state different than the current application state, the processor may modify the data to represent a second set of commands and may execute in sequence the second set of commands.
US08127276B2
Apparatus, method, and computer readable medium for generating and utilizing a feature code to monitor a program are provided. The program is run in a secure environment at the beginning. The program calls a function through an application program interface. A return address of the application program interface is used to generate the feature code. When the application runs again at another time, the feature code is utilized to monitor the program. According to the aforementioned arrangement and steps, the application program interface can be monitored dynamically. Consequently, any program can be monitored by this approach, which results in a more secure environment. Further, fewer application program interfaces are required to be monitored, so the required computer resource is less.
US08127272B2
Automated source code generation is presented. Processing uses a parser call back function to identify relevant HTML tags in an HTML file. Processing extracts HTML tag information from the relevant HTML tags and stores the HTML tag information in a variable table. A user may configure the variable table to instruct processing to generate getter source code and/or setter source code on a tag-by-tag basis. Processing retrieves a source code template and generates java bean source code by combining the source code template with the information in the variable table.
US08127271B2
The present invention relates to method and system for accessing a resource implemented in a computer network, wherein a plurality of different runtime environments exist used by either one of the resources or by a systems management application accessing one of the resources, wherein the different runtime environments require the usage of a web service resource framework comprising a plurality of respective different, runtime-specific web service standards.
US08127270B1
An example embodiment of the present invention provides a process for abstracting an implementation-independent model to an implementation-specific model during transformation in a MDA system. In the example embodiment, the MDA system comprises a transformation engine whose components might include software tools such as AndroMDA and Muse. The transformation engine accepts as input an implementation-independent model written in a modeling language such as UML that provides graphical notation to describe inheritable classes and their attributes and relationships. The transformation engine also accepts a configuration file which allows the designation of a class in the model as a manageable resource. From these inputs, the transformation engine creates a manageable resource corresponding to the class, which resource includes any subclasses by inheritance from the designated class unless the subclass is specifically excluded in the configuration file. In one embodiment, the manageable resources created by the transformation engine are WSMD manageable resources.
US08127265B2
A verification method of an integrated circuit pattern includes extracting a pattern which is not greater than a preset pattern size, extracting a pattern edge as a target of lithography simulation from the extracted pattern, and performing the lithography simulation on the extracted pattern edge to verify the integrated circuit pattern.
US08127264B2
Methods of designing an IC and an apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: (1) creating a functional circuit for a functional block of an IC design, (2) verifying said functional circuit satisfies a rule-set for said IC design, wherein said rule-set is context-based with respect to said design flow, (3) synthesizing a logical circuit based on the functional circuit; (4) verifying the logical circuit satisfies the rule set; (5) implementing a physical layout of the logical circuit; and (6) verifying the physical layout satisfies the rule set, wherein each step of the method is carried out by at least one EDA tool.
US08127247B2
This invention provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that operates in connection with a machine vision detector or other machine vision system, which provides a highly intuitive and industrial machine-like appearance and layout. The GUI includes a centralized image frame window surrounded by panes having buttons and specific interface components that the user employs in each step of a machine vision system set up and run procedure. One pane allows the user to view and manipulate a recorded filmstrip of image thumbnails taken in a sequence, and provides the filmstrip with specialized highlighting (colors or patterns) that indicate useful information about the underlying images. The programming of logic is performed using a programming window that includes a ladder logic arrangement.
US08127239B2
In one aspect, one or more computer storage media can store executable instructions causing a processor to perform operations that include: providing a display environment including one or more object items; receiving a user selection of at least one of the object items; and, graphically transitioning the object item into an instance of an executing object within the display environment while retaining an aspect ratio associated with the object item.
US08127234B2
A screen program described with a non-object-oriented language is divided into a View performing a screen display and a Model that is an external processing logic of the screen display, and the View is associated with the Model by a binding setting. By associating plural Views with a Model, when the display has the same values in plural screens, the same processing result can be displayed on all screens only by processing the Model. The Model is associated with a schema describing a limitation of the input value from the screen, and a check of whether the input value from the screen is in the correct form or not is performed collectively.
US08127225B2
A content management system (CMS) provides a DITA specialization processing mechanism that provides the full functions of a content management system across the full functionality of the DITA architecture. A DITA specialization is used to generate an import descriptor that describes how to import the DITA specialization, which may include required modules, stylesheets, catalogs, and content rules into the repository of a content management system. When the DITA specialization is imported into the repository, a compound document is created with appropriate parent/child links. Dependency relationships between modules in the compound document are then created. In addition, new XML content rules for the DITA specialization may be automatically generated from existing content rules.
US08127224B2
A system for creating and editing mark up language forms and documents in a manner that is user friendly. The system dynamically generates a user interface that is customized to the particular form or document selected by the user. The user then enters information into the plurality of fields in the user interface for the form or document. Once the form or document is completed, the user can save the form or document in a document repository. The user can also transmit the form or document as an electronic filing document. Additionally, the data entry fields of the form or document can automatically expand or contract to accommodate data of varying length. Moreover, the user can create templates that include frequently used data.
US08127215B2
A loss-of-signal detector includes digital and analog monitoring of incoming data. The incoming signal is compared digitally to at least one predetermined pattern that may indicate a loss of signal, and also is monitored by an analog detector that detects transitions in the data. If the digital comparison fails to match any of the at least one predetermined pattern, or if transitions are detected by the analog monitoring, even if the digital comparison produces a pattern match, then loss of signal is not indicated.
US08127208B2
To derive a Hamming code to manage data errors a set of at least four parity bit positions is selected for parity bits which will protect a set of data bits (where each data bit has a data bit position in the data bit set). A syndrome is determined for each data bit position. This involves selecting a unique sub-set of at least three parity bit positions. The unique sub-set shares at least one parity bit position with at least one other unique sub-set of at least three parity bit positions. A parity bit value may then be calculated for each parity bit position based on the determined syndromes. The header of a packet may be provided with a word which defines the length of the packet and an error management code generated utilizing this word so that errors in the word may be detected and, possibly, corrected.
US08127206B2
A system and method for wireless communication of uncompressed video data includes concealing corrupted portions of video data. Video packets received are transmitted over a wireless channel. Each of the video packets includes data blocks forming video data representing at least part of a video frame. Each of the data blocks is encoded with an error correction code. A data block determined to be corrupted is replaced with an uncorrupted data block selected from the data blocks in the video packets. The corrupted data block includes a first displayable element on the video frame and the uncorrupted data block includes a second displayable element on the video frame. The uncorrupted data block is selected at least partially based on proximity between the first and second displayable elements on the video frame.
US08127197B2
A method (300) for radio link control padding is shown. In its simplest form, it can include the steps of: providing (310) N bytes of data from a base station; interleaving (320) the N bytes of data using a turbo-interleaver; pre-pending (330) K bytes of zero padding; and passing (340) the interleaved N bytes and the pre-pended K bytes to a convolutional encoder to provide an output comprising a parity sequence adapted for further processing and providing a radio link control block for an enhanced general packet radio service 2-B mobile device. The method (300) is particularly adapted for use with Chase and incremental redundancy combining, which can provide fast, reliable and efficient general packet radio service to a 2-B mobile device.
US08127196B2
Provided are a server and client for determining error restoration according to image data transmission, and a method thereof. The server includes a forward error correction (FEC) mode performer to output image data in which a redundant bit for error correction is added, an automatic repeat request (ARQ) mode performer to outputs the image data after receiving a response signal according to a data reception from a client that receives the image data, a mode determiner to determine whether to operate in an FEC mode or an ARQ mode so that error restoration is performed on the image data according to a reception buffering capacity of the client in regard to image data, and an interface to transmit image data outputted from the FEC mode performer or the ARQ mode performer to the client.
US08127189B2
The present disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus of using the JTAG TAP's TMS and TCK terminals as a general purpose serial Input/Output (I/O) bus. According to the present disclosure, the TAP's TMS terminal is used as a clock signal and the TCK terminal is used as a bidirectional data signal to allow serial communication to occur between; (1) an IC and an external controller, (2) between a first and second IC, or (3) between a first and second core circuit within an IC.
US08127180B2
An electronic adapter device and an electronic system that comprises the electronic adapter device are described. The electronic adapter device comprises a device and a redundant device able to receive data from a first plurality of electronic devices and redundant data from a second plurality of electronic devices, and able to select therefrom first data and first redundant data respectively. The electronic adapter device also comprises a controller able to receive the selected first data and the selected first redundant data and is able to generate therefrom an error signal indicating a fault in an electronic device of the first plurality or a fault in the device.
US08127177B2
If an error occurs during workflow processing, the present invention interrupts job processing appropriately while dispersing a load to the devices. When executing a plurality of processing steps with a plurality of devices in accordance with workflow setting information that defines the sequence of processing, a workflow execution method of the present invention includes the steps of: interrupting the processing step being executed when an error occurs in a first device; searching the workflow setting information including the processing step in the first device in which the error has occurred; specifying a second device in which another processing step included in the searched workflow setting information is executed; giving a notification that the error has occurred in the first device to the second device; restarting the interrupted processing step when the first device is recovered; and giving a notification that the first device has recovered to the second device.
US08127166B1
Various techniques for managing power consumption of computing devices within a data protection system are disclosed. For example, one method involves accessing policy information, which the policy information indicates when one or more data protection system activities should be performed and identifies whether a computing device is participating in the data protection system activities. Based upon this policy information, the method then identifies whether power consumption of the computing device can be reduced. In response to identifying that the power consumption of the computing device can be reduced, a power management command is automatically sent via a network. Performance of the power management command reduces the power consumption of the computing device.
US08127165B2
Disclosed is a method of controlling power. Multiple paths via multiple I/O ports couple a server to a storage array. When I/O loads are low, it is determined if an I/O port may be deactivated and placed in a power saving mode. An I/O port may not be deactivated if deactivating that I/O port will affect a high-availability requirement or a performance requirement. Requests are stopped from being sent to an I/O port to be deactivated. When the port to be deactivated becomes idle, the I/O port is placed in a power saving mode. When I/O loads increase to a point where it is necessary to reactivate the I/O port, the I/O port is activated.
US08127156B2
Systems and methods for control of integrated circuits comprising body-biasing systems. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a desirable power condition of a computer system comprising a microprocessor is determined. Body biasing voltage information corresponding to the power condition is accessed. A voltage supply coupled to a body terminal of the microprocessor is commanded to generate a voltage corresponding to the body biasing voltage information corresponding to the power condition.
US08127150B2
In one embodiment, a method is provided that may include encrypting, based least in part upon at least one key, one or more respective portions of input data to generate one or more respective portions of output data to be stored in one or more locations in storage. The method of this embodiment also may include generating, based at least in part upon the one or more respective portions of the output data, check data to be stored in the storage, and/or selecting the one or more locations in the storage so as to permit the one or more respective portions of the output data to be distributed among two or more storage devices comprised in the storage. Many modifications, variations, and alternatives are possible without departing from this embodiment.
US08127149B1
A method, system and computer-readable medium for encrypting a file on a computer system based on the content of the file. The method is setting an encryption policy, wherein the encryption policy is at least one attribute related to content of at least one file, scanning at least one file on a computer system for content, matching the content of the scanned at least one file to the at least one attribute set in the encryption policy and encrypting the scanned at least one file with a key in response to a match between the content of the scanned at least one file and the at least one attribute set in the encryption policy. The system is a computer system that includes policy-based encryption software that performs the steps embodied by the method.
US08127137B2
The present invention provides encryption techniques useful with digital watermarking payloads. One claim recites: a method to secure a first digital watermark payload and a second digital watermark payload through encryption of only one of the first digital watermark payload or the second digital watermark payload. The method includes: utilizing a multi-purpose computer processor configured to: provide information redundantly in the first digital watermark payload and the second digital watermark payload, yet the first digital watermark payload includes at least some information that is unique relative to at least the second digital watermark payload; encrypt the first digital watermark payload; embed a first digital watermark in media, the media representing audio, imagery or video, the first digital watermark comprising the encrypted first digital watermark payload; and embed a second digital watermark in the media, the second digital watermark comprising the second digital watermark payload. Of course, additional claims and combinations are provided.
US08127131B2
A mobile UE includes a CPU, a secure DMA module, a secure cryptographic module, secure memory, and non-secure memory. The secure cryptographic module and secure memory allow access only by secure processes, including the secure DMA module. The CPU manages cryptographic keys and initializes DMA transfers in secure mode. The CPU executes the DMA transfers in non-secure mode. A first DMA transfer moves data encrypted in a first security domain to the secure cryptographic module, and moves clear text data to the secure memory. A second DMA transfer moves the clear text data to the secure cryptographic module, and data encrypted in a second security domain out of the secure cryptographic module. The data encrypted in the second security domain are transmitted to an external device. The secure memory protects the clear text data from being copied; only encrypted data is accessible by non-secure processes.
US08127128B2
Exemplary methods, systems, and computer program product embodiments for synchronizing a swappable module between modular computer systems are provided. Each of the embodiments has dual controllers and distributed copies of states. Upon an insertion of the swappable module in a storage system, a plurality of storage components are queried, including a partner swappable module, to determine if a quorum of identification information is present. If the quorum is present, at least one of the plurality of storage components having non-matching identification information is overwritten with the identification information of the quorum. If the quorum is not present, a reset to default procedure is performed. The reset to default procedure designates at least as many storage components of the plurality of storage components with the identification information sufficient to constitute the quorum.
US08127127B2
A system and method is disclosed for transferring configuration information to an embedded device associated with an option ROM during those periods in which the option ROM is disabled. The method of the present invention involves the enumeration of PCI devices within the system and the determination of whether the PCI devices are associated with an option ROM and whether the option ROM is enabled. If the embedded device is associated with an option ROM and if the option ROM is not enabled, the option ROM is loaded to a shadow memory and the command-line interface of the option ROM is called to transfer configuration data to the embedded device. The option ROM is later removed from shadow memory to remove the footprint of the option ROM in shadow memory.
US08127120B2
A method for executing by a processing unit a program stored in a memory, includes: detecting a piece of information during the execution of the program by the processing unit, and if the information is detected, triggering the execution of a hidden subprogram by the processing unit. The method may be applied to the securization of an integrated circuit.
US08127107B2
In a computing system having virtualization software including a guest operating system (OS), a method for providing page tables that includes: providing a guest page table used by the guest OS and a shadow page table and a shadow page directory used by the virtualization software wherein: at least a portion of the guest page table and the shadow page directory are the same; and the portions that are the same are shared in computer memory by the guest page table and the shadow page directory.
US08127089B1
The transmission of buffered data is coordinated between a storage medium and a host in response to a request from the host. One or more blocks of data are transferred from the storage medium to a buffer memory. One or more frames of data are transmitted from the buffer memory to the host, wherein the number of blocks ending in the frame is recorded in a blocks/frame register, and possibly also in a block count accumulator register. Buffer release pulses for releasing buffer space in memory are sent to the buffer memory, based on the number of blocks in the blocks/frame register, or the number of blocks accumulated in the block count accumulator register when a signal is received from the host. A pointer which points to the last block of data successfully transferred is updated in accordance with the buffer release pulses.
US08127085B2
Methods and apparatus for instruction restarts and inclusion in processor micro-op caches are disclosed. Embodiments of micro-op caches have way storage fields to record the instruction-cache ways storing corresponding macroinstructions. Instruction-cache in-use indications associated with the instruction-cache lines storing the instructions are updated upon micro-op cache hits. In-use indications can be located using the recorded instruction-cache ways in micro-op cache lines. Victim-cache deallocation micro-ops are enqueued in a micro-op queue after micro-op cache miss synchronizations, responsive to evictions from the instruction-cache into a victim-cache. Inclusion logic also locates and evicts micro-op cache lines corresponding to the recorded instruction-cache ways, responsive to evictions from the instruction-cache.
US08127081B2
A memory module includes a memory hub coupled to several memory devices. The memory hub includes history logic that predicts on the basis of read memory requests which addresses in the memory devices from which date are likely to be subsequently read. The history logic applies prefetch suggestions corresponding to the predicted addresses to a memory sequencer, which uses the prefetch suggestions to generate prefetch requests that are coupled to the memory devices. Data read from the memory devices responsive to the prefetch suggestions are stored in a prefetch buffer. Tag logic stores prefetch addresses corresponding to addresses from which data have been prefetched. The tag logic compares the memory request addresses to the prefetch addresses to determine if the requested read data are stored in the prefetch buffer. If so, the requested data are read from the prefetch buffer. Otherwise, the requested data are read from the memory devices.
US08127075B2
A storage device includes an interface for receiving and outputting messages for processing data units, wherein each data unit includes message input field parameters, message output field parameters, and content field parameters, a non-volatile memory for storing data units, a volatile memory, and a processor coupled to the interface, the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory, for manipulation of the parameter values in the data units, and storing the data units in at least one of the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory.
US08127073B2
A memory system includes a multi-bit flash memory device and a flash controller configured to control the multi-bit flash memory device. The flash controller is configured to output a series of commands, pointers, and addresses to the multi-bit flash memory device for read/program operations.
US08127071B2
A semiconductor memory device includes adjacent planes and a control module. The adjacent planes include a reserve field and a data field having multiple blocks. The blocks of each of the reserve and data fields are successively arranged over the adjacent planes to form a multi-plane operation group. The control module is configured to control the adjacent planes to conduct a first operation or a second operation in accordance with whether the reserve field includes free blocks corresponding to a unit of the multi-plane operation group. The first operation includes replacing blocks of the data field with free blocks of the reserve field in the unit of the multi-plane operation group. The second operation includes replacing one block of the data field with one free block of the reserve field.
US08127061B2
A processor chip includes data processing elements that each has dedicated to it a respective switch for dynamically establishing an interconnection between the data processing elements conditional upon verification of a validity of the interconnection, which verification is automatically performed by at least one of the data processing elements to be interconnected.
US08127060B2
The invention provides, in some aspects, improved apparatus for configuring a control system. The apparatus includes a model made up of objects representing devices of such a system, including, at least one device that defines and/or controls communications on at least a portion of a network within that system. That device is referred to, here, as a “bus master” and the portion of the network is referred to as a “segment.” The object (or objects) representing the bus master can include information defining timings, port assignments and/or other aspects of the configuration of the segment. A download service transfers configuration information from objects in the model to devices in the control system. This includes transferring to the bus master communications configuration information for the segment. A download service according to this aspect of the invention generates—e.g., for logging by a change tracking system—indicia of the configuration information transferred to the bus master. The download service can likewise generate for logging (by the change tracking system) information transferred from the model to other devices in control system.
US08127056B2
A data transfer control device including: a link controller which analyzes a packet received through a serial bus; a packet detection circuit which detects completion or start of packet reception based on analysis result of the received packet; first and second packet buffers into which the packet received through the serial bus is written; and a switch circuit which switches a write destination of the received packet. When a Kth packet has been written into one of the first and second packet buffers and completion of reception of the Kth packet or start of reception of a (K+1)th packet subsequent to the Kth packet has been detected, the switch circuit switching the write destination of the (K+1)th packet to the other of the first and second packet buffers.
US08127053B1
A host device includes a peripheral control module that includes a first memory register that receives data from a first memory and a direct memory access (DMA) module that communicates with the first memory. The host device also includes a host control module that receives data from the first memory. The host device also includes a DMA control module that communicates with the first memory register, the host control module and a second memory that includes a first memory array. The DMA control module compares contents of the first memory array to contents of the memory register and controls transfers of data from the first memory to the peripheral control module based on the comparison.
US08127052B2
A data transfer control device includes a control component (DMA controller 5) which acquires a data transfer instruction including, as its parameters, start memory addresses or start input/output addresses and data transfer size of the peripheral devices to be used as the transfer source and transfer destination when carrying out data transfer from a first peripheral device (peripheral (A)) to a second peripheral device (peripheral (B)); which reads out target data from the first peripheral device in accordance with the parameters; and which processes the target data and then transfers to the second peripheral device.
US08127047B2
Proposed is technology for shortening the time required for analyzing and processing commands issued from multiple hosts and speeding up the processing. When a controller receives a command including random IO processing and the reception of commands is complete, it determines whether the valid extents prescribed in seek parameters attached to an LOC command overlap, and executes extent exclusive wait processing which causes access to the logical volume to enter a wait state or access processing to the logical volume based on the determination result. If the reception of commands is incomplete, the controller determines whether the access ranges (extents) designated in a DX command overlap, and executes extent exclusive wait processing or access processing to the logical volume based on the determination result.
US08127046B2
A medical system includes an input assembly for receiving one or more user inputs. The input assembly includes at least one slider assembly for providing an input signal. Processing logic receives the input signal from the input assembly and provides a first output signal and a second output signal. A display assembly is configured to receive, at least in part, the first output signal from the processing logic and render information viewable by the user. The second output signal is provided to one or more medical system components. The information rendered on the display assembly may be manipulatable by the user and at least a portion of the information rendered may be magnified.
US08127042B1
A method of identifying a connectivity characteristic structure in a network provided between a plurality of nodes in a network comprises the steps of acquiring node information detailing for each port of each node a connection characteristic of that port; collating for at least a plurality of nodes forming a plurality of trails in the network each node's respective acquired node information to form a set of connection characteristics; and analyzing the set of connection characteristics to determine a set of at least one rule describing a connectivity characteristic structure of the plurality of nodes.
US08127038B2
Methods and Systems are provided for participating in distributed computing. The distributed computing program instructions are embedded in content delivered to a client computer. The client computer renders the content delivered from the server and executes the program instructions generating solutions for datasets delivered from the server, thus participating in distributed computing.
US08127032B2
One embodiment of the invention provides a method to identify a preferred system configuration for a distributed system to use for executing a given computing job. A benchmark profile may specify a collection of benchmarks representative of the job, and the collection of benchmarks may be executed across various permutations of compute nodes that are part of the distributed system. That is, the benchmark profile identifies one or more benchmarks which best represent the runtime characteristics of the computing job. The collection of benchmarks may be executed to predict the performance of the computing job using different permutations of available nodes, before deploying the job.
US08127026B2
A wrapper 300 includes a message processing function 310 which receives a processing request for requesting a process for an existing Web system 500, an execution definition storing unit 410 which stores execution definition 400 corresponding to the processing request and defines user operation for the existing Web system 500, a definition executing engine 320 which reads the execution definition 400 corresponding to a processing request from the execution definition storing unit 410, based on definition of user operation shown by the execution definition 400, generates and outputs an operating request to instruct to operate a browser engine for the existing Web system 500, and a browser engine operating function 330 which inputs the operating request from the definition executing engine 320, generates the browser engine 340, and operates the generated browser engine according to the operating request inputted.
US08127011B2
Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide for methods and systems for negotiating resources in a communication system. One exemplary method includes transmitting, by a service manager, a request for a service, wherein the service request either explicitly provides, or implicitly refers to, a list of a plurality of service options for providing the service. Additionally, a resource manage can receive the transmission request from a service manager and process the request based upon either the explicitly transmitted list of service options or the reference to a list of service options.
US08127010B2
A method for optimizing enterprise server resources in a computer system is described. The method comprises monitoring at least one metric of the computer system capable of indicating a performance level thereof; determining whether the performance level needs to be improved; and responsive to a determination that the performance level needs to be improved, implementing a best method to improve the performance level by adaptively manipulating one or more threads in a pool of threads in the computer system.
US08126997B2
Provided is a hot data management method based on hit counter, which prevents loads from being concentrated on a specific data server due to hot data by efficiently managing the hot data in the asymmetric storage system. Each of data servers of an asymmetric storage system checks hit counter for data stored in the corresponding data server to maintain hit counter information on the data in a latest state. The data server transmits the hit counter information to a metadata server at predetermined intervals. The data server makes or deletes a copy of the data according to the determination of the metadata server whether the data is hot data.
US08126992B2
A method and system for optimally scheduling a web conference managed by a web application. Date and time ranges are initialized with predefined values. A tentative start date included in the date range and a tentative start time included in the time range are automatically calculated, and are included in a tentative schedule for the web conference. A time period is determined by the tentative schedule and a duration of the web conference. The automatic calculation prevents the time period from overlapping a time interval during which processors utilized by the web application are to experience a peak load. The tentative schedule is presented to the user via the interface, and is recalculated and redisplayed in response to the user updating a load-related parameter. The user selects a final schedule, which is the tentative schedule or a user-specified schedule different from the tentative schedule.
US08126980B2
A method for detecting an undesirable condition within a messaging network. A message is received and a source of the message is identified. If an entry in a database for the source has not been created, an entry is created. A source counter for the source is then set to one and a timestamp is created for the source. If an entry in the database for the source has been previously created, the source counter is incremented by one and the timestamp is updated. The source counter is then compared to a source threshold, and if the source counter exceeds the source threshold over the course of predetermined amount of time, a source alarm is triggered. A sliding with respect to the predetermined amount of time may also be implemented to account for total counts that may fall across or be split by set periods of time. The invention is particularly useful for detecting “spam” events and undesirable routing loops.
US08126970B2
A method for engineering change management, includes providing access to at least one notification template, the notification template including predefined information for providing notification information to at least one party and providing a system for managing notifications sent to parties, the notifications including information messages, wherein the notifications can be created using the at least one notification template.
US08126969B1
Disclosed is a system and method for policy based dissemination control of controlled content (e.g., electronic messages). Upon detection at a receiving device that a user is attempting further dissemination (e.g., forwarding) of controlled content, the receiving device sends a query to a policy control server. The policy control server uses the information received in the query to perform a database lookup in order to determine dissemination control instructions. The dissemination control instructions are sent to the receiving device and the receiving device enforces the instructions with respect to the attempted dissemination. The dissemination control instructions may, for example, allow further dissemination, deny further dissemination, or allow further dissemination only upon receipt of permission from the content owner. The dissemination control instructions may also indicate that the content owner is to be notified of the attempted dissemination.
US08126958B2
A determination is made whether a first application server of a group of N application servers, N being at least two, is a coordinator of the group. Responsive to determining that the first application server is the coordinator of the group, a connection to a billing system is established, via a terminal server, by the first application server. A determination is made whether a second application server of the group of N application servers is the coordinator of the group. Responsive to determining that the second application server is not the coordinator of the group, a periodic check is made whether the second application server of the group of N application servers is the coordinator of the group. The second application server may later be determined to be the coordinator of the group, when the first server experiences difficulty. Once it is determined that the second application server now is the coordinator of the group, a connection is established to the billing system, via the terminal server, by the second application server.
US08126956B2
A computer-implemented method for determining computational units for computing interactions among sets of bodies located in a computation region includes, for each computation associated with one of the sets of bodies, determining, according to an assignment rule that provides a mapping from a location of each of the bodies to a determined computation unit from the plurality of computation units, a computation unit from a plurality of computation units for performing the computation.
US08126954B2
Methods and systems for detecting underflow in a floating-point operation are disclosed. In accordance with an example disclosed method a plurality of comparator circuits and a plurality of logic devices coupled to the plurality of comparator circuits are operated to determine whether performing a floating-point operation using a floating-point hardware unit will generate an underflow condition. The operating of the plurality of comparator circuits and the logic devices involves inputting a multiply-add operation result value to at least some of the plurality of comparator circuits. In addition, a plurality of logic outputs are outputted via the plurality of logic devices. The plurality of logic outputs are indicative of comparison operations performed by at least some of the comparator circuits based on the multiply-add operation result value. An underflow indicator is outputted based on the plurality of logic outputs. The underflow indicator is indicative of whether performing the floating-point operation using the floating-point hardware unit will generate the underflow condition.
US08126952B2
The present invention provides a unified inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) microcode processor engine, which is able to process IDCT with different video standards and also achieves the processing speed requirement. The microcode processor engine comprises a read unit for reading input data; a shift left unit comprising: a first shift left block for left-shifting input data; and a second shift left block for left-shifting input data; an add unit for adding data output from the shift left unit; and a shift right unit for right-shifting data output from the add unit. The present invention also provides a system of inverse discrete cosine transform.
US08126949B1
A reconfigurable filter node including an input data memory adapted to store a plurality of input data values, a filter coefficient memory adapted to store a plurality of filter coefficient values, and a plurality of computational units adapted to simultaneously compute filter data values. Filter data values are the outputs of a filter in response to input data values or a second plurality of filter coefficients to be used in subsequent filter data value computations. First and second input data registers load successive input data values input data memory or from adjacent computational units. Each computational unit comprises a pre-adder adapted to output either the sum two input data values stored in the computational unit or alternately to output a single input data value, and a multiply-and-accumulate unit adapted to multiply the output of the pre-adder by a filter coefficient and accumulate the result.
US08126947B2
Information processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program are provided. An information processing apparatus includes the following elements. A receiver receives a command requesting for the execution of predetermined processing. A storage unit stores data and first information indicating, among a plurality of stages in a lifecycle of the information processing apparatus, the current stage determined by the stored data and second information indicating an executable command in the current stage, the executable command being determined for each of the plurality of stages. A determining unit determines on the basis of the first information and the second information whether the command received by the receiver is an executable command in the current stage.
US08126941B2
A memory management method and a system for performing garbage collection. The method includes the steps of providing in a memory space a heap partitioned into a plurality of areas including an area for object allocation and a To area for future object allocation. In garbage collection, an object reachable from a root set among objects allocated in the area of use is copied into the To area. In addition, a finalizable object among the objects allocated in the area of use is set as a finalization target. Here, the finalizable object is an object unreachable from the root set and has a finalize method. After the garbage collection is completed, the finalizable object of finalization target allocated in the area of use is finalized.
US08126939B2
A method for selectively utilizing a plurality of disparate solid state storage locations is disclosed. The technology initially receives class types for a plurality of disparate solid state storage locations. The characteristics of the received data are determined. The received data is then allocated to one of the plurality of disparate solid state storage locations based upon the determined characteristics of the received data.
US08126937B2
Methods, systems, and computer program products, implementing techniques for visual database modeling. The techniques include receiving in a web browser user input defining a structure for a database, the structure including one or more tables and one or more relations between the tables; and displaying in the web browser a visual model of the defined database structure, the visual model including one or more graphical objects representing the tables and relations.
US08126928B2
Systems and method in accordance with the presently claimed invention call embedded application to merge values into documents using applications on frontend devices. In some embodiments, the frontend application may be placed in an outplace view so that it will not be visible on the output viewed by the user. Further, in some embodiments, the front end device may trigger the saving of the documents that are created by the front end application.
US08126927B1
A data structure, method, and computer program provide a linked list in a first dimension and a plurality of linked lists in a second dimension. In use, a linked list in a first dimension is provided. Further, the linked list in the first dimension includes a plurality of nodes. Additionally, each node includes a head pointer and a tail pointer. In addition, a plurality of linked lists in a second dimension is provided. Furthermore, the tail pointer of one of the nodes in the linked list in the first dimension points to a first node in one of the linked lists in the second dimension.
US08126925B2
A method and apparatus for automatically and dynamically generating a user interface for a client based upon a database model. An application server creates a user interface description in accordance with the database model. The description is then distributed to the client, which interprets the description and creates the user interface therefrom.
US08126914B2
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for selecting a resource manager to satisfy a service request. A catalog indicating a plurality of resource managers and at least one service offered by the resource managers is provided. Further provided is resource manager information indicating resource availability information for resource managers offering at least one service. A request for a requested service from a subscriber is received. The catalog is processed to identify resource managers publishing the requested service and the resource manager information is processed to determine at least one identified resource manager publishing the requested service that also satisfies at least one rule applicable to the service request.
US08126908B2
Techniques are provided for creating and updating a entity hierarchy (taxonomy) based on information captured about user interaction with a system. Techniques are also provided for using the taxonomy to determine the nature of entities represented by terms submitted to a search engine. Search logs analyzed for related sets of entities, and used to improve the taxonomy for storing information. Once the taxonomy is created, information across data sources are fetched and aggregated based on the taxonomy. When the system is queried, the query is modified to a predefined template, and the best fit result is promptly returned. A feedback mechanism is also provided to enhance taxonomy and entity data based on search volumes. This system enables search engines to provide accurate answers when entities, their attributes and relationships are involved.
US08126907B2
Embodiments including a system for searching through a database using two or three dimensional data or data derived from the two three dimensional data. The database may be populated by searching a network environment to compile two dimensional image or three dimensional model data. A search for two or three dimensional data may be utilized to determine related advertisements that may be shown on a results page in connection with the search results. A database being searched may contain pricing data related to products that are associated with two or three dimensional data.
US08126905B2
A system, method, and computer-readable medium for optimizing the performance of outer joins in a parallel processing system are provided. Predicates involving only attributes of a left table of a left outer join are pushed down to the outer relation for left outer joins having join predicates involving left table attributes and/or predicates involving attributes of both the right and left table. In such an instance, the rows of the left table may be partitioned into two sub-relations according to the predicate involving only attributes of the left table. Rows of the left table are allocated to a first sub-relation if the rows satisfy the predicate involving only attributes of the left table and rows of the left table are allocated to a second sub-relation if the rows fail to satisfy the predicate involving only attributes of the left table. Accordingly, only rows of the first sub-relation are required to be left outer joined with the right table. Advantageously, a reduction in the requisite number of rows to be redistributed and joined is facilitated. The disclosed embodiments may be similarly applied for optimization of right outer joins. Further, embodiments for optimizing full outer joins are disclosed.
US08126898B2
A computer method includes receiving a query from a user system; searching a plurality of data objects of a first type for data objects that substantially match the query; generating a first-relevance score for each data object of the second type that is associated with at least one data objects of the first type identified in the search; searching a plurality of data objects of the second type for data objects of the second type that substantially match the query; generating a second-relevance score for each data object of the second type identified in the second search; generating a list of data objects of the second type that are identified in the first and second search steps; ranking the data objects of the second type in the list of data objects based on the relevance scores; and transferring the list of data objects to the user system.
US08126897B2
A method for information retrieval includes extracting from a video document visual data items and textual data items that occur in the document at respective occurrence times. Indexing records, which index both the visual and the textual data items by their respective occurrence times, are constructed and stored in a memory.
US08126885B2
A method, a device and a computer readable storage medium for enhancing user experience associated with searching data associated with one or more applications/services accessible on a mobile computing device. The result of the search is selected organized based on previous history of user actions to present the most relevant data entries to the user. Options associated with the searched data entries are also selected and organized based on previous history of user actions to facilitate performing of the user's intended functions on the mobile computing device. Further, searched data entries may be presented to the user in an argument oriented presentation mode where the searched data entries represent arguments for functions or a function oriented presentation mode where the searched data entries represent functions to be performed on the mobile computing device.
US08126881B1
In one embodiment, a system and method of predicting sale transaction conversion rate of an item operates through a search of information in response to a query over a network. The item can be included in a category of items. Information for other relevant items of the category is available through network query and historical data, among others. Respective information for the other items of the category is available to the method. The system and method includes discovering available information of the item of interest, extracting certain of the available information of the item, analyzing the certain information for the item by comparing the information to other item information for the category of items, weighting the information for the commercial item in comparison to other items of the category, calculating a predictive score for the commercial item of interest, and presenting the information of the commercial item of interest ranked according to the predictive score as compared to other items of the category.
US08126879B2
In a method of assisting in management of a collection of bookmarked web pages, browsing information is received. The browsing information is related to a history of web browser use. A ranked list of web pages is generated from a plurality of web pages which is received in the browsing information. The generating is based upon a function including one or more statistical elements of the browsing information. Management information is provided based upon the ranked list of web pages. The management information is for assisting in management of a collection of bookmarked web pages.
US08126874B2
A computer-implemented method includes calculating first statistics about a user-identified event within a first subset of a database of events; selecting a second subset of the database of events based on said first statistics; calculating second statistics about the user-identified event within the second subset of the database of events; merging the first and second statistics as statistics of the user-identified event within the entire database of events; and generating a result including at least a portion of the merged statistics of the user-identified event.
US08126870B2
A system and methodology for parallel query optimization using semantic-based partitioning is described. In one embodiment, for example, in a database system comprising a database storing data in database tables, a method is described for improving query performance by dynamically partitioning the data, the method comprises steps of: receiving a query requesting data from the database; generating a plurality of subplans for executing the query, each subplan including one or more operators for performing relational operations; adding operators for partitioning data and performing a given relational operation in parallel to at least some of the plurality of subplans; and building a plan for execution of the query based, at least in part, upon selecting subplans having favorable execution costs.
