US08178135B2
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTIONTo provide aqueous solutions of conophylline and/or conophyllidine; methods for purifying conophylline and/or conophyllidine from the aqueous solutions; methods for producing the aqueous solutions, water-soluble compositions containing conophylline and/or a conophyllidine useful for food compositions or pharmaceutical compositions or methods for preparing the same; as well as food compositions or pharmaceutical compositions containing the water-soluble compositions.MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEMSIt has been found that conophylline and/or conophyllidine can be efficiently extracted from a plant producing conophylline and/or conophyllidine with an acidic aqueous solution having a pH equal to or less than 4. The extract thus obtained, i.e., aqueous solution of conophylline, and/or conophyllidine is useful for production of, for instance, food compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, etc.
US08178133B2
A composition for administration to a subject, such as oral administration to a subject, for example, has been provided. Such a composition may comprise at least one magnesium-counter ion compound. A magnesium-counter ion composition described herein may be useful for any of a variety of applications provided herein, such as maintaining, enhancing, and/or improving health, nutrition, and/or another condition of a subject, and/or cognitive, learning, and/or memory function. A magnesium-counter ion composition provided herein may be useful for administration to a subject presenting magnesium deficiency, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ALS, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, migraine, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and/or hypertension. A kit, method, and other associated technology are also provided.
US08178132B2
A composition for administration to a subject, such as oral administration to a subject, for example, has been provided. Such a composition may comprise at least one magnesium-counter ion compound. A magnesium-counter ion composition described herein may be useful for any of a variety of applications provided herein, such as maintaining, enhancing, and/or improving health, nutrition, and/or another condition of a subject, and/or cognitive, learning, and/or memory function. A magnesium-counter ion composition provided herein may be useful for administration to a subject presenting magnesium deficiency, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ALS, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, migraine, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and/or hypertension. A kit, method, and other associated technology are also provided.
US08178128B2
A nanoparticle capable of delivery of an encapsulated molecule into a living cell. The nanoparticle includes an encapsulation media and an isolated nucleic acid homolog sequence. The encapsulation media is primarily polymeric. The nanoparticles release the encapsulated molecule over an extended period of time. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and articles of manufacture including nanoparticles and methods of preparing and using the nanoparticles.
US08178124B2
An astrocyte-specific drug carrier containing a retinoid derivative and/or a vitamin A analog as a constituent; a drug delivery method with the use of the same; a drug containing the same; and a therapeutic method with the use of the drug. By binding a drug carrier to a retinoid derivative such as vitamin A or a vitamin A analog or encapsulating the same in the drug carrier, a drug for therapeutic use can be delivered specifically to astrocytes. As a result, an astrocyte-related disease can be efficiently and effectively inhibited or prevented while minimizing side effects. As the drug inhibiting the activity or growth of astrocytes, for example, a siRNA against HSP47 which is a collagen-specific molecule chaperone may be encapsulated in the drug carrier. Thus, the secretion of type I to type IV collagens can be inhibited at the same time and, in its turn, fibrosis can be effectively inhibited.
US08178122B2
Materials and methods, for preparation of coatings based on titanium dioxide for osteointegrated biomedical prostheses. The coatings may comprise nanomaterials having antibacterial properties. For example, an endo-osseous implant is provided with a coating comprised of nanocrystalline material comprising nanoparticles of formula (I) (L-Men+)i, (I) where AOx represents TiO2 or ZrO2; Men+ is a metallic ion having antibacterial activity, with n=1 or 2; L is a bi functional organic molecule which can simultaneously bind to the metal oxide and to the metallic ion Men+, and i is the number of L-Men+ groups bound to one nanoparticle of AOx.
US08178113B2
A cosmetic composition is provided including about 25 wt % to about 55 wt % Aloe vera gel, about 9 wt % to about 33 wt % exfoliant, about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % vitamin C, and about 0.25 wt % to about 1.0 wt % retinyl propionate (vitamin A), wherein said composition has a pH of about 2.0 to about 3.7. Methods of using said composition are also included.
US08178112B2
A wide variety of pharmaceutically and commercially acceptable dosage forms of ketoprofen are prepared by dissolving ketoprofen in pharmaceutically acceptable solvents.
US08178103B2
This invention relates to two attenuated strains of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and immunogenic compositions comprising one or more strains of attenuated porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV).
US08178086B2
Methods for activating HCV-specific T cells are described. The methods utilize one or more administrations of HCV protein compositions, followed by one or more administrations of a viral vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding a least one HCV epitope that is present in the first composition. The protein compositions can further comprise an immunostimulatory nucleic acid and or other adjuvants and immune stimulatory compounds.
US08178075B2
A tubular reactor and method for producing a product mixture in a tubular reactor where the tubular reactor comprises an internal catalytic insert having orifices for forming fluid jets for impinging the fluid on the tube wall. Jet impingement is used to improve heat transfer between the fluid in the tube and the tube wall in a non-adiabatic reactor. The tubular reactor and method may be used for endothermic reactions such as steam methane reforming and for exothermic reactions such as methanation.
US08178072B2
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an alkali metal titanate, the method including at least a first step of mixing a titanium compound and an alkali metal compound to prepare a first mixture and sintering the first mixture, and a second step of adding the alkali metal compound to the sintered body, which is formed at the first step, to prepare a second mixture and sintering the second mixture. The present invention provides the alkali metal titanate having a desired composition and a single-phase.
US08178061B2
Processes and systems are disclosed that relate to the removal of impurities and separation the light olefins from an MTO product vapor stream. Specifically, the processes and systems relate to recovery of light olefins during regeneration of an adsorber in an oxygenate removal unit. Processes and systems for recovering light olefins during regeneration of an adsorber in an oxygenate removal unit can include recycling residual effluent stream to an upstream operation unit upstream of the oxygenate removal unit. Processes and systems for recovering light olefins during regeneration of an adsorber in an oxygenate removal unit can also include recycling residual effluent gas produced by depressurizing residual effluent in the first adsorber, as well as preferably venting an effluent gas from the first adsorber to a compressor upstream of the oxygenate removal unit.
US08178051B2
A reactor for hydrogenation of a silicon tetrahalide and metallurgical grade silicon to trihalosilane includes a bed of metallurgical silicon particles, one or more gas entry ports, one or more solids entry ports, one or more solids drains and one or more ports for removing the trihalosilane from the reactor. Fresh surfaces are generated on the bed particles by internal grinding and abrasion as a result of entraining feed silicon particles in a silicon tetrahalide/hydrogen feed stream entering the reactor and impinging that stream on the bed of silicon particles. This has the advantages of higher yield of the trihalosilane, higher burnup rate of the MGS, removal of spent MGS as a fine dust carryover in the trihalosilane effluent leaving the reactor and longer times between shutdowns for bed removal.
US08178047B2
An apparatus, according to one aspect, may include a chromatograph and a bulk acoustic resonator. The chromatograph may include a channel that is defined at least partially in a monolithic substrate. The channel may have an inlet to receive a sample and an outlet. A chromatography material may be included in the channel. The bulk acoustic resonator may have a first electrode and a second electrode that has a chemically functionalized surface. The chemically functionalized surface may be included in a chamber that is defined at least partially in the monolithic substrate and that is coupled with the outlet of the channel. Methods of making and using such apparatus, and systems including such apparatus, are also disclosed.
US08178045B2
An interchangeable preconcentrator assembly comprises an outer housing and an inner housing defining a chamber. A biased urging member is held at least partially within the outer housing and slidably biased toward a surface of the inner housing. When the biased urging member is at least partially retracted, a space is defined between the urging member and the surface of the inner housing for accommodating at least one preconcentrator chip. A continuous fluid flow path is defined through the outer housing and through the space. The interchangeable preconcentrator assembly may further comprise at least one modular preconcentrator carriage.
US08178041B2
A method and apparatus for performing coronary perfusion and cardiac reoxygenation that enables accurate control of oxygen levels in blood used for the coronary circulation. Deoxygenated blood and oxygenated blood are collected and oxygen levels are measured by sensors. The deoxygenated and oxygenated blood is then mixed and the mixed blood is measured by another sensor. The sensors provide data used to provide real-time oxygen level measurement and adjustment for blood supplied for coronary circulation.
US08178040B2
A medical fluid management apparatus which includes a plurality of processor systems with respectively associated software programs. The fluid management apparatus has a fluid treatment component and/or a fluid source which can be connected to a patient via a fluid line. The processor systems are connected via a data transfer system to a data input apparatus via which an updating of the software programs belonging to the respective processor systems can take place. After actuation of an operating mode switch, a detection system, while taking into account the existing version of the software programs and/or the existing processor systems, determines which software programs have to be loaded via the data input apparatus. The medical fluid management apparatus allows a simple and user-friendly updating of the operating software even with a complex design of the apparatus.
US08178031B2
Methods for making a crosslinked elastomeric composition and articles made of the same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, an elastomeric composition comprising at least one propylene-based polymer is blended with at least one component selected from the group consisting of multifunctional acrylates, multifunctional methacrylates, functionalized polybutadiene resins, functionalized cyanurate, and allyl isocyanurate; and blended with at least one component selected from the group consisting of hindered phenols, phosphites, and hindered amines. The propylene-based polymer can include propylene derived units and one or more dienes, and have a triad tacticity of from 50% to 99% and a heat of fusion of less than 80 J/g. The blended composition can then be extruded and crosslinked. The extruded polymer can be crosslinked using electron beam radiation having an e-beam dose of about 100 KGy or less. The crosslinked polymers are particularly useful for making fibers and films.
US08178019B2
A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb structure comprising the steps of machining end surfaces of an unsintered or sintered ceramic honeycomb structure, and ejecting a gas from a slit-like orifice moving relative to an opposing end surface without contact, thereby removing dust and/or cut pieces from end surface portions.
US08178014B2
An extruded, low-density, ethylenic polymer foam including from about 86% by volume to about 98% by volume open cells and a continuous, impervious surface skin is disclosed. The foam possesses superior compression recovery and lower compression resistance when compared with similarly comprised ethylenic closed-cell foams and superior moisture resistance and handling characteristics when compared to open-cell foams. A precursor composition and method for making the extruded, low-density, ethylenic polymer foam are also disclosed.
US08178013B2
Tissue engineering is a growing field where new materials are being developed for implantation into the body. One important area involves bone graft materials to replace areas of bone lost to trauma or disease. Traditionally, graft material may be harvested from the bone of the individual receiving the graft material. However, this requires an additional surgery and additional recovery. Bone also may be taken from others, or even cadavers, but this introduces biocompatibility problems as well as the risk of disease transfer. Ideally, a biocompatible material is sought that will act as a filler with appropriate mechanical strength, encourage bone healing, and degrade to allow new bone ingrowth without the risk of disease transfer. The present invention is a new composite bone graft material made from biocompatible poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and nano-sized hydroxyapatite particles exposed on its surface using a gas foaming particle leaching (GF/PL) method. A further embodiment of this invention involves coating this PLGA/hydroxyapatite biomaterial with an adherent, fast, uniform coating of a mineral such as apatite. The PLGA polymer portion of the composite provides sufficient mechanical strength to replace bone and is degradable over time to allow new bone tissue ingrowth. The incorporated hydroxyapatite particles increase the composite material's osteogenic properties by providing sites for tissue attachment and propagation. Finally, a uniform coating of mineral apatite on the surface of this novel biomaterial composite further enhances its osteogenic qualities.
US08178007B2
A method for producing a solar cell electrode, comprising the steps of: applying on at least part of a light-receiving surface of a semiconductor substrate a conductive paste comprising conductive component, glass frit, and resin binder, wherein the conductive component comprises alloy particles comprising silver and a metal selected from the group consisting of Pd, Ir, Pt, Ru, Ti, and Co; and firing the conductive paste.
US08178006B2
A fiber aggregate contains fine carbon fibers and fine boron nitride fibers. Desirably the boron nitride fibers form an outer layer portion of the fiber aggregate and the fine carbon fibers form a core portion of the fiber aggregate. Desirably the fine carbon fibers and the fine boron nitride fibers are twisted with each other. Desirably the fine carbon fibers are carbon nanotubes and the fine boron nitride fibers are boron nitride nanotubes. Desirably the fiber aggregate further contains boron-containing fine carbon fibers. The fine boron nitride fibers are formed by substituting carbon atoms of fine carbon fibers by boron atoms and nitrogen atoms. The fiber aggregate is fabricated by mixing a fiber aggregate that contains fine carbon fibers with boron and heating the fiber aggregate mixed with the boron in a nitrogen atmosphere to transform some of the fine carbon fibers into fine boron nitride fibers.
US08178003B2
A hydrocarbon-reforming catalyst comprising a composite oxide having a composition represented by the following formula (I) in which Co, Ni and M are dispersed in the composite oxide and a process for producing a synthesis gas by using the catalyst are provided. aM.bCo.cNi.dMg.eCa.fO (I) wherein a, b, c, d, e, and f are molar fractions, a+b+c+d+e=1, 0.0001
US08178002B2
A blue or yellow persistent phosphor composition is provided, along with methods for making and using the composition. In one embodiment, the phosphor comprises a formula of Aa-b-c-BdCe(Of-gNg):Eub,-REc, wherein, A may be Sr, Ca, Ba, or a combination thereof; B may be Mg, Zn, Co, or a combination thereof; C may be Si, Ge, or a combination thereof; a is between 1 and 2.0; b is between 0.0005 and 0.1; c is between 0.0005 and 0.1; d is between 0.9 and 1; e is between 2 and 2.1; f is between 6 and 7; g is between 0.001 and 0.1; and RE is Dy, Nd, Er, Ho, Tm, Yb or a combination thereof. Embodiments use Sr, Mg and Si to produce blue phosphors or Ca, Mg and Si to produce yellow phosphors. In other embodiments, methods for making and applications for using, including uses in toys, emergency equipment, clothing, and instrument panels, are provided.
US08178001B2
A method for producing a CASN phosphor which has an emission peak wavelength in a long wavelength range and which is prevented from being reduced in emission peak intensity, a phosphor suitable for use in displays having a NTSC ratio higher than that of conventional one, a composition containing the phosphor, a light-emitting device containing the phosphor, a display, and a lighting system. A method for producing an inorganic compound represented by the following formula from a feedstock in which the amount of Si is greater than one mole and less than 1.14 moles per mole of Al: M1aM2bAlSiX3 (I) where M1 represents an activation element containing at least Eu, M2 represents one or more selected from alkaline-earth metal elements, X represents one or more selected from the group consisting of O and N, and a and b each represent a positive number satisfying the inequalities 0
US08177982B2
The present invention relates to a method of producing novel monodisperse chelate resins based on crosslinked polymer beads containing aminomethyl groups and/or aminomethyl nitrogen heterocyclic groups that have a high uptake capacity for heavy metals and rapid kinetics.
US08177977B2
The invention concerns a water purification system (100) comprising a closed water recirculation loop (106) supplied at one point by a water inlet (101) with water to be purified, (and having) at least one outlet point of use of the purified water (102) and (further comprising) pumping means (103) and water purification means (150) on the loop respectively downstream of the inlet point and upstream of the at least one outlet point (102), in the water flow direction which system is characterized in that it includes two independent valves: a first valve (130) on the loop upstream of the pumping means (103), and a second valve (120) upstream of the at least one point of use outlet point (102). The invention also relates to a water purification method.
US08177972B2
An adapter is provided for fastening a filter element in a cylindrical receiving opening of a bottom part of a lower piece of a filter housing. The adapter has at least one seal arranged in a peripheral groove on the circumference of the adapter to permit fluid-tight separation of a non-filtrate chamber, which surrounds the external jacket of the filter and from which medium to be filtered can be delivered to the filter, from a filtrate chamber into which the filtrate can be introduced from the filter. The seal is connected by injection molding to a base surface of the peripheral groove and is at a distance from at least one side wall delimiting the base surface of the groove.
US08177971B2
A filter assembly for removing material entrained in a fluid stream includes a housing having a head part and a body part, and inlet and outlet ports for the fluid that is to be filtered, in which at least one of the ports is provided in the head part, the head part having a chamber port fluidly connected to the at least one port in the head part, the head and body parts having first formations which enable them to be connected to one another and separated by relative rotation. The assembly includes a filter element for removing material entrained in the fluid stream that can be received in the body part, the filter element and body part having second formations which restrict relative rotation between them, the filter element having a filter port, in which a fluid tight connection can be provided between the filter port and the chamber port by sliding one of them into the other along a first axis. One of the head part and the filter element provides an inclined surface which is inclined relative to the first axis, and the other provides an ejector part which can act against the said inclined surface so as to push the filter element away from the head part as the head part and the body part are separated by relative rotation, so as to free the filter port from the chamber port.
US08177969B2
The present invention relates to a filter cartridge for insertion into a water supply tank of a beverage dispenser, such as an espresso machine or the like, in which filter bed formed from filter material is arranged, wherein a connection to the outlet of the filter cartridge is provided to a connector element of the water tank. The invention is characterized in that in the filter bed (4) at least one region is provided through which flow passes from top to bottom.
US08177965B2
This invention relates to an ultrafiltration process for separating a heavy hydrocarbon stream to produce an enriched saturates content stream(s) utilizing an ultrafiltration separations process. The enriched saturates content streams can then be further processed in refinery and petrochemical processes that will benefit from the higher content of saturated hydrocarbons produced from this separations process. The invention may be utilized to separate heavy hydrocarbon feedstreams, such as whole crudes, topped crudes, synthetic crude blends, shale oils, oils derived from bitumen, oils derived from tar sands, atmospheric resids, vacuum resids, or other heavy hydrocarbon streams into enriched saturates content product streams. The invention provides an economical method for separating heavy hydrocarbon stream components by molecular species instead of molecular boiling points.
US08177960B2
Use of a biodegradable molecule or a mixture of biodegradable molecules having tetrapyrrolic rings, as stabilizers for the asphaltenes present in crude oil and crude oil derivatives.
US08177957B2
A multiple frequency method for the operation of a sensor to measure a parameter of interest using calibration information including the steps of exciting the sensor at a first frequency providing a first sensor response, exciting the sensor at a second frequency providing a second sensor response, using the second sensor response at the second frequency and the calibration information to produce a calculated concentration of the interfering parameters, using the first sensor response at the first frequency, the calculated concentration of the interfering parameters, and the calibration information to measure the parameter of interest.
US08177952B2
Disclosed herein is a method of preparing uranium metal by electrorefining uranium metal, comprising: applying a predetermined current to an anode electrode included in an anode basket receiving fuel segments made of uranium metal and a cathode electrode of carbon material; electrodepositing uranium on the cathode electrode in accordance with the reaction initiated by the applied current; and collecting the electrodeposited uranium by self-weight. An apparatus for electrorefining uranium metal used in the method according to the present invention, comprises: an anode basket (6) receiving fuel segments made of uranium metal and comprising an anode electrode; and a reactor including a cathode electrode (5) made of carbon material and a uranium collector (10) therein. According to the method of the present invention having the above mentioned constitution and the apparatus thereof, it is possible to separate only pure uranium metal with a high capability from the spent metal nuclear fuels conveniently and economically.
US08177948B2
A method for carbon deposition using a pulsed, plasma-supported vacuum arc discharge, having an anode, a target cathode made of carbon, a pulsed energy source and at least two ignition units. The at least two ignition units are positioned in the edge area of target cathode and each have two planar metallic electrodes and a planar ceramic insulator positioned between the electrodes. The planar shape of ignition units and their positioning on target cathode enables homogeneous utilization of the entire target surface and homogeneous coating of workpieces.
US08177940B2
A web stabilizer adapted to stabilize a web moving across a span between two components of a web machine or machines, the stabilizer including: a surface facing and adjacent the moving web, and at least one transition in the surface of the stabilizer, wherein the transition is a protrusion or recess in the surface between a leading edge of the stabilizer facing a direction of web travel and a trailing edge of the stabilizer.
US08177930B2
A process for the production of a structural element in which at least two units of concrete are assembled by gluing, the compressive strength of the concrete being greater than 80 MPa. A structural element includes at least two glued units of concrete, the compressive strength of the concrete being greater than 80 MPa.
US08177923B2
A magnetic alloy having a composition represented by the general formula of Fe100-x-yCuxBy (atomic %), wherein x and y are numbers meeting the conditions of 0.1≦x≦3, and 10≦y≦20, or the general formula of Fe100-x-y-zCuxByXz (atomic %), wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si, S, C, P, Al, Ge, Ga and Be, and x, y and z are numbers meeting the conditions of 0.1≦x≦3, 10≦y≦20, 0
US08177917B2
To achieve complete cleaning of a tank (11) by means of a cleaning head (4, 5) having nozzles (6) mounted on a liquid supply pipe (3), the cleaning head (4) according to the invention is provided with one or more nozzle openings, nozzles (7), which eject a jet/jets (8, 9) against the supply pipe/suspension (3). This ensures that the stationary parts of the cleaning equipment (3, 10) are cleaned effectively during the turning (4a) of the cleaning head (4) and thereby of the nozzle/nozzles (7).
US08177905B2
A fluidizing admixture for use with sprayable cementitious compostions, the admixture consists of 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and at least one selected polymer derived from ethylenically-unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acids. Citric acid may optionally be present. The admixture has good fluidizing properties and outstanding shelf-life.
US08177902B2
A method for producing a liquid composition containing pigment particles is provided including (1) maintaining a mixture of a solvent and pigments of at least two types including a pigment A insoluble in the solvent at a normal temperature and a normal pressure, and a pigment B soluble in the solvent at the normal temperature and the normal pressure, at a temperature exceeding the normal temperature and a pressure exceeding the normal pressure, thereby obtaining a pigment solution in which the pigment A and the pigment B are dissolved; and (2) cooling the pigment solution to a temperature precipitating a deposition of the pigment A or lower, thereby precipitating pigment particles containing the pigment A and the pigment B.
US08177892B2
The present invention relates to a membrane wherein said membrane comprises a continuous non-porous layer comprising a polymerized composition that comprised prior to polymerization at least one type of compound having a molecular weight of at least 1500 Da and comprising at least 75 weight % of oxyethylene groups and at least two polymerizable groups each comprising a non-substituted vinyl group. The invention further relates to the use of this membrane for separating polar gases and vapors.
US08177886B2
A method of continuously removing nitrogen from a blast furnace exhaust stream containing oxygen, nitrogen and unburned hydrocarbons in order to form a supplemental feed to a gas turbine engine containing residual hydrocarbon fuel by first removing entrained solid particulates in the blast furnace exhaust stream to create a substantially particulate-free gas, passing the particulate-free stream through at least one separator bed containing an adsorptive material capable of adsorbing nitrogen from air, adsorbing substantially all of the nitrogen as interstitial nitrogen on solids within the separator bed, feeding non-adsorbed hydrocarbon fuel and oxygen components leaving the separator to a gas turbine engine and removing the adsorbed nitrogen from the separator bed.
US08177871B2
In a vitrified bonded grinding wheel that is formed so that superabrasives formed of cubic boron nitride (CBN) grains or diamond grains are bonded and held with a vitrified binder, the vitrified binder is formed of oxide particles and amorphous glass, and the vitrified binder has no open pore that is in fluid communication with outside air.
US08177868B2
A multiple adiabatic bed reforming apparatus and process are disclosed in which stage-wise combustion, in combination with multiple reforming chambers with catalyst, utilize co-flow and cross-flow under laminar flow conditions, to provide a reformer suitable for smaller production situations as well as large scale production. A passive stage by stage fuel distribution network suitable for low pressure fuel is incorporated and the resistances in successive fuel distribution lines control the amount of fuel delivered to each combustion stage. The fuel distribution system allows relatively constant fuel and air flow during turn up or turn down conditions. High efficiency is achieved by capturing heat from reforming syngas product to preheat gases before entering the reformer. Conditions that would produce unwanted coking or metal dusting are also eliminated or localized to locations within the apparatus outside the heat exchangers, but which locations can be cost effectively protected.
US08177858B2
Aqueous laundry detergent compositions containing surfactants and fatty acid, having a pH of from about 6 to about 11 and containing a polymer having a number average molecular weight of from about 700,000 to about 4,000,000 and comprising monomeric units including: nonionic monomers selected from acrylamide, N,N-dialkyl acrylamide, methacrylamide, N,N-dialkylmethacrylamide, hydroxyalkyl acrylate and vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof; cationic monomers selected from N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, methacylamidoalkyl trialkylammonium chloride, acrylamidoalkylltrialkylammonium chloride, vinylamine, quaternized vinyl imidazole and diallyl dialkyl ammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof; and anionic monomers selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonic acid, acrylamidopropylmethane sulfonic acid (AMPS), salts thereof, and mixtures thereof; in a specified mole ratio.
US08177850B2
Systems and methods for determining placement of prosthetic components in joint including defining patient-specific frame of reference for joint, determining patient-specific postoperative range of motion of joint, evaluating patient-specific range of motion of joint, automatically planning placement of components balancing need for range of motion with prosthesis stability through bony coverage, and applying manual adjustments to the automatically planned placement of component by giving greater or lesser weight to need for range of motion or prosthesis stability through bony coverage. Apparatuses for defining center of prosthetic femoral head and axis of prosthetic femoral neck including primary cylinder, first alignment receptacle and second alignment receptacle, and a divot on exterior of primary cylinder, divot having normal parallel to longitudinal axis of second alignment receptacle and position of the divot being translated toward an opening of the first alignment receptacle on the primary cylinder. Methods for using apparatuses. Apparatus for mounting spatially tracked device to impactor for impacting prosthetic cup into reamed socket.
US08177845B2
An osteogenic material packing device is used to pack osteogenic material onto a spinal fusion device. The packing device has a cavity defined therein, which is adapted to receive the spinal fusion device. The packing device further includes an access port, which intersects the cavity to receive the osteogenic material. A cannula is coupled to the packing device and an inserter is coupled to the fusion device in order to insert the fusion device into the packing device. Osteogenic material is packed through the access port around the fusion device. The fusion device then is slid through the cannula and inserted in the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae.
US08177840B2
A ligament incorporated into a prosthetic joint exhibiting a plasticized, elongated and deformable material. A fibrous material is internally disposed within the deformable material, the fibrous material terminating in first and second enlarged bead portions arranged in proximity to enlarged pocket defined ends associated with the deformable materials. First and second bones define a joint region therebetween, the deformable end pockets and bead portions being inserted through associated holes defined in joint proximate locations associated with the bones, so that actuation of a projection location of the fibrous material causes the bead portions to outwardly deflect the end pockets, resulting in the ligaments being anchored in place between the bones.
US08177833B2
The present invention provides a system and a method for forming in vivo a junction between a first and a second element of a modular endovascular prosthesis used for repairing defects in vessels and other lumens within the body of a patient. The first element is adapted to have a receiving element, and the second element is adapted to have a protruding element. In the final deployed configuration of the endovascular prosthesis, the protruding element of the second element is adapted to be engaged with the receiving element of the first element, substantially preventing axial separation of the elements relative to each other. The receiving element of the invention may have various forms, and may include a fold in the wall of the first element, an expandable framework having protruding struts, or a flexible thread. The protruding elements of the invention may be formed from an expandable framework having protruding struts, or may be formed from a fold in the wall of the second element, or may comprise a flexible thread.
US08177830B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and systems for a catheter assembly including a catheter shaft, a balloon positioned on the catheter shaft, where the balloon has a first balloon waist, a first lead extending longitudinally through the catheter shaft, and a first sealing member adjacent the first balloon waist and coupled to the first lead, where the first lead can provide electrical current to reversibly transition the first sealing member from a nonactivated state to an activated state in response to a temperature change in the first sealing member, and where at least a portion of the balloon rotates relative the catheter shaft in the nonactivated state and the first sealing member engages the first balloon waist to form a fluid tight seal and to prevent rotation of the balloon relative the catheter shaft in the activated state.
US08177806B2
Dilation catheters including a mechanism used in, for example, removing gas or air from the catheters are disclosed. A dilation catheter may include an elongated tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a proximal handle proximate the proximal end of the tubular member, and an inflatable balloon proximate the distal end of the tubular member with inflatable balloon being in fluid communication with a fluid port to supply inflation liquid to the inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon may include an opening for permitting gas to exit the inflatable balloon. In the proximate location of the opening, an expandable material or a barrier material that permits gas to exit through the opening, while retaining inflation liquid in the inflatable balloon.
US08177803B2
The present invention is directed to improving the cutting efficiency and reducing the manufacturing costs associated with endoscopic cutting instruments by eliminating the distal bearing surfaces or providing means for making the contact at the distal bearing intermittent so that surfaces do no undergo high localized heat and galling. In one embodiment, this goal is achieved by modifying or removing the axial constraints on the inner sliding member that are characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers. In another embodiment, the improved cutting efficiency and reduced manufacturing cost is achieved by eliminating a closed end characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers (e.g., removing the closed end of either the inner sliding member or the outer sliding member to thereby eliminate the associated bearing surface formed therebetween).
US08177791B2
A sheath attached to a guide wire, a tubular shaft member slidable on the guide wire and a filtering assembly constricted within the sheath are movable in a vessel to a position distal to a lesion in the direction of fluid flow. The filtering assembly may be formed from a plurality of angularly spaced splines and a mesh disposed on the splines having properties of passing fluid in the vessel while blocking the passage of emboli in the fluid. The splines may be provided with shape memory for expanding against the wall of the vessel when released from constriction by the sheath. The sheath may be moved relative to the filtering assembly and the support member to release the filter for expansion against the vessel wall. An interventional device can be used to treat the lesion. Any emboli released into the vessel as a result of the interventional treatment are blocked by the filter member while fluid is allowed to pass there through.
US08177790B2
The invention relates to a device for the extraction of a spiral from a blood vessel with said device comprising a guide wire (3) which bends back on itself in its distal region where it forms into an arched structure and thus an anchoring part. The free end (7) of the guide wire (3) points towards the proximal end of said wire (3) and can be hooked onto the spiral (8) that is to be extracted.
US08177786B2
A hip screw assembly for fixation of a fractured femur is provided. The hip screw assembly includes a screw for engagement with the femur. The hip screw assembly also includes a barrel defining a cavity in the barrel. The barrel is fixedly secured to the plate. The screw including a portion thereof fitted in the cavity of the barrel. The hip screw assembly also includes a stop positionable in the barrel. The stop provides a limit on the movement of said screw in said barrel. The screw and the barrel have a first arrangement between each other in which the screw slides in the cavity of said barrel a first selectable predetermined distance and a second arrangement in which the screw slides a second selectable predetermined distance. The second distance is greater than the first distance.
US08177785B2
The instant invention is a novel method for definitive pelvic stabilization. The method uses the already established principles of anterior external fixation combined with internal hardware placed in a minimally invasive fashion. Pedicle screws are affixed to the ilia and a rigid, bowed fixation rod is connected between the pedicle screws. Preferably the pedicle screws are attached to the supra-acetabular area of each of the ilium of the pelvis and the fixation rod is bowed anteriorly away from the pelvis.
US08177784B2
Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrosurgical device that include one or more floating electrodes and are specifically adapted to remove, cut, resect, ablate, vaporize, denaturize, drill, coagulate and form lesions in soft tissues, with or without externally supplied liquids, preferably in combination with a resectoscope, particularly in the context of urological, gynecological, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and ENT procedures. Specific adaptations for urological and gynecological applications, for example kidney stone removal and BPH treatment, are also described.
US08177782B2
A connection cable which allows various high-frequency surgical instruments to be used with various high-frequency surgical devices. The connection cable includes a first connecting means designed for connection to a socket of the high-frequency surgical device and a second connecting means designed for connection to the high-frequency surgical instrument. A programmable memory is provided which is connected to contacts of the first connecting means and controls adjustment of the high-frequency surgical device. The adjustment of the high-frequency surgical instrument is controlled in accordance with stored data sets in order to adapt device settings to the particular high-frequency surgical instrument.
US08177779B2
Devices, systems, and methods controllably cool blood vessels and other body lumens. The blood vessel will often be treated for atherosclerotic or other diseases by inflating a balloon so as to engage the surrounding luminal wall. Controlled cooling of the balloon effected by a change in phase of a cryogenic fluid within the balloon typically a change from a liquid phase to a gas phase can be provided with a controlled, gradual inflation of the balloon. A single control system can be used for any of a variety of alternative selectable balloon catheters having significantly differing cooling fluid flow characteristics.
US08177773B2
A flexible filament controlled locking medical catheter having a flexible tube with at least one drainage or feeding hole, a restraining portion at its distal end and a housing at its proximal end, and a filament having a proximal control portion for controlling the restraining portion of the tube. The flexible filament passes through an open port in the sidewall of the housing and an elastomeric cover as well as through the interface between the cover and a seal sleeve over the cover. A locking mechanism to lock the filament in position is provided and may comprise corresponding teeth with means for moving the teeth into tight engagement to clamp the flexible filament therebetween.
US08177766B2
A stretch laminate includes a first layer including an elastomer film, the first layer having a surface, and a second layer including a nonwoven material, the second layer having a basis weight of less than about 25 gsm and a surface that is attached to the surface of the first layer. The elastomer film has a strength of an engineering tensile strength, at an engineering strain rate of about 600/s, of at least one of about greater than about 14 MPa for a plain specimen or about greater than about 7 MPa for a notched specimen. A method of making the stretch laminate and an absorbent article having at least one region defined by the stretch laminate are also provided.
US08177763B2
A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a collection canister in fluid communication with the wound dressing. The canister includes a first vacuum chamber for drawing a vacuum and a second fluid chamber for collecting fluids removed from the wound dressing under the vacuum. The vacuum chamber may have a vacuum and a power source. The canister further includes a hydrophobic membrane separating the first and the second fluid vacuum chambers. The hydrophobic membrane is dimensioned to span a major portion of the cross-sectional area of the canister. The hydrophobic membrane may be dimensioned to substantially span an internal dimension of the collection canister. The hydrophobic membrane may include one or more outwardly extending lobes. The outwardly extending lobes may be arranged in staggered relation. The hydrophobic membrane may be releasably mountable to the canister, and, may be supported within a divider separating the first vacuum chamber and the second fluid chamber.
US08177762B2
Septum including at least one identifiable feature, access ports including same, and related methods
A septum for use in access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient is disclosed. More particularly, a septum including at least one topographical feature configured for identification of the septum is disclosed. An access port including such a septum is also disclosed. In addition, an access port comprising a septum and a means for identification of the septum is disclosed. Also, a method of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port is disclosed. Specifically, an access port including a septum may be provided and at least one topographical feature of the septum of the access port may be perceived. The subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature of the septum of the access port.
US08177759B2
A medicament delivery device includes distal and proximal housings; a medicament container having a slidable stopper partially, slidably arranged within the proximal housing; a plunger rod within the distal housing having a proximal end abutting the stopper; a driver within the distal housing operably connected to the plunger rod for driving the plunger rod and stopper toward the device's proximal end; and a priming device having a distal end including an engagement mechanism arranged to cooperate with an engagement mechanism at the housing's proximal end, an end wall abutting the container's proximal end, and a passage on the end wall. An engagement mechanism at the priming device's proximal end cooperates with a delivery member engagement mechanism. Distal displacement of the priming device relative to the proximal housing causes distal displacement of the container relative to the plunger rod, forcing proximal displacement of the stopper, thereby priming the container.
US08177756B2
A medical tubing securement assembly includes a base having a disc, and a retaining adapter removably and rotatably attached to the disc. The retaining adapter includes a longitudinal passage for receiving a locking adapter. The locking adapter includes a longitudinal passage for receiving a medical tube. Once the tube is inserted into the locking adapter, the locking adapter may be rotated within the retaining adapter, around the tube, to secure the tube within the securement assembly.
US08177754B2
A seal device having a substantially conical shape including a slit opening at its tip defined by a pair of planar surfaces, the opening reinforced by gussets on the exterior surface of the seal device and adjacent to the end regions of the slit. The gussets help bias the ends of the slit towards a closed position, even when an instrument is located within the slit, to thereby reduce “cat-eye”-ing and minimize leakage therethrough. The seal device may include ramps on respective inner surfaces of the device, the ramps functioning as a lead-in to the slitted opening such an inserted instrument contacts the ramps first and opens the slit prior to the instrument contacting the material of the slit. Along the outer surface of the device is a flexible body portion to minimize the effect on the opening when an instrument is inserted into the device.
US08177752B2
A medical tube set includes a tube and a stylet that improves the insertability of tube. The stylet structure comprises an inner core that can be inserted into the tube, an apical tip that is affixed to the apical end of inner core, and a movable expansion member that can move between apical tip of inner core and stop that is provided at a predetermined distance from apical tip. An engagement is formed at the posterior end of apical tip, and is able to engage the apical end of tube. By positioning movable expansion member within apical end of tube, apical end can expand radially outwards so that apical tip can pass through.
US08177750B2
An implantable infusion pump system is disclosed. The pump system preferably includes an implantable pump and a removable module. The module may provide for varying flow rates of fluid being dispensed from the pump or may provide for a constant flow rate of such fluid. In the case of varying flow rate capabilities, the module preferably includes one or more sensors to determine information relating to the flow rate, electronics for analyzing the flow rate information, and a mechanism for physically altering the flow rate. Methods of dispensing a medicament to a patient are also disclosed, as are variations of the pump system.
US08177740B1
An internal bladder agitator member(s), which are free to travel in the retained fluid when the bladders are in the filled state. When the bladders are not inflated, the agitator member(s) take up some of the free internal space of the bladder core, resulting in reduced retained fluid volume at the end of an infusion cycle. The free floating bladder agitator member(s) act in the dual role of elastomeric bladder support member(s) and agitator/mixer(s).
US08177736B2
The invention relates to a device and to a method for monitoring access to vessels during extracorporeal blood treatment. The invention forms a loop in the arterial and/or venous line and provides device for fixing a section of the line in a loop. When the line is stressed under tension, the loop contracts and the line finally kinks. The modification of the diameter of the line and the formation of a kink in the line leads to a rise of pressure in the line, which is monitored by a pressure monitoring device. If the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the aspirating cannula is in danger of slipping out of the vessel access or has partially or completely slipped out, thus allowing the threshold value to be determined for alarms.
US08177734B2
A portable controller unit for delivering pressurized air to a compression device does not require the use of tubing to make internal or external connections. The controller unit includes a molded, one-piece manifold base on which an air compressor and a valve mechanism are mounted. The manifold base includes a plenum formed inside the base during molding of the base and a connector component formed during molding of the base for releasably securing the base to the compression device. The plenum fluidly connects the air compressor to the valve mechanism. The plenum extends through the connector component and fluidly connects the connector to the valve mechanism so that when the base is secured to the compression device, air can be delivered from the air compressor through the connector component to the compression device.
US08177724B2
The invention provides a method for determining when a person is snoring by determining a candidate snore event by detecting the occurrence of a person's breath, and detecting the occurrence of a sound event. The method further includes confirming that the candidate snore event is not an isolated snore event by determining that breaths immediately preceding and following the candidate snore event include other candidate snore events.
US08177723B2
An automatic blood pressure monitor having a housing containing a first water and air tight chamber and a second air supply chamber, the chambers being separated by a common wall. Pneumatic equipment is mounted in the first chamber having a flow circuit for inflating and deflating a blood pressure cuff. A filtering unit is mounted in the common wall for retaining particulate material and moisture that is exchanged between the two chambers. The flow circuit has an air inlet port and an air exhaust port which are both located adjacent to the filter contained in the filtering unit whereby particulate material and moisture drawn into the flow circuit is retained upon the filter during inflation cycle and the particulate material and moisture retained on the filter is blown back into the air supply chamber during the deflation cycle. A drain is mounted in the floor of the air supply chamber through which particulate material and moisture collected in the chamber is discharged to the surrounding ambient. A restricted opening is provided in an outer wall of the air supply chamber which allows ambient air to enter the chamber through a tortuous path of travel.
US08177720B2
An apparatus for detecting vital functions has a pulse wave sensor attachable to a body and a control unit. The control unit checks if amplitude of pulse wave signals produced from the pulse wave sensor varies. The control unit further checks if a large change in the amplitude during a systolic phase of a pulse wave corresponding to the systolic phase of the heart. If a first large change in the amplitude during a diastolic phase of a pulse wave corresponding to the diastolic phase of the heart, it is highly probable that a motion artifact has occurred. Therefore, a motion artifact flag is set. Next, it is checked if the amplitude in the next diastole is changing by more than 30%. if it is presumed that the occurrence of cough is highly probable, a cough flag is set. if it is neither the motion artifact nor the cough, then a yawn flag is set.
US08177714B2
A surgery assisting instrument for retinal surgery includes a cylinder and a strip connected with each other. The cylinder and the strip are made of a soft and biocompatible material. The cylinder is preferably connected with the strip at a side surface and close to an edge of the strip. The surgery assisting instrument is placed in a fornix around an eye at a position according to a retinal tear. The cylinder is pressed against the eye and the strip is pressed against the eyelid. Thus the retina is forced toward the back wall of the eye.
US08177713B2
A motor driven seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures. The seal assembly includes a seal cap having a seal positioned within a housing, the housing includes a lower seal ring having a track which supports an upper seal ring for rotational motion relative thereto. The seal is supported between the upper seal ring and the lower seal ring for rotation between an open orientation and a closed orientation. A motor-driven drive assembly is associated with the lower seal ring and the upper seal ring for controlling relative to movement thereof.
US08177711B2
A steerable catheter or sheath control handle for steering a distal end of a tubular catheter body or sheath body having first and second actuation wires extending from a proximal end of the body comprises a grip portion, a bearing assembly, and an actuator. The first grip potion includes a pivot and an actuation wire pathway. The bearing assembly is located on the grip portion proximal to the pivot. The actuator is pivotally coupled to the pivot and includes first and second ends that are on opposite sides of the centerline from each other. When the distal end of the handle is coupled to the proximal end of the body, the first and second actuation wires extend along the pathway to the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly diverts the first actuation wire to a first connection point on the actuator and the second actuation wire to a second connection point on the actuator.
US08177708B2
Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods.
US08177707B2
A method for forming a valve-like mechanism in a body of a mammal having an esophagus extending through a lower esophageal sphincter to a stomach and formed by a wall having a muscle layer and a mucosal layer. The method comprises the step of forming at least one implant in the muscle layer of the wall in the vicinity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The at least one implant inhibits opening of esophagus at the lower esophageal sphincter and causes the mucosal layer to appose in the vicinity of the implants.
US08177696B2
A method is provided for milling a thermal barrier coated metal part. This method includes selectively removing a portion of a ceramic coating using a mechanical cutting tool, thereby forming a counterbore, and machining the metal part through the counterbore. A drilling head for drilling thermal barrier coated metal parts is also provided. The drilling head comprises a mechanical cutting tool, which is operable to mill through ceramic, and an electrode for electrical discharge machining. The electrode may be used to mill the metal part, and may be interchangeable with the mechanical cutting tool.
US08177693B2
A calf exercise machine has a floor engaging main frame, a user support pivot, a user support assembly pivotally mounted on the main frame via the user support pivot, and a pivotally mounted user engagement device. A user engaging foot plate assembly is pivotally mounted to track movement of the user's feet during a calf exercise, and may comprise either the user support in a standing calf machine or the user engagement device in a seated calf machine. A connecting link translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support so that pivotal movement in the user engagement device results in a self-aligning, pivoting movement of the user support.
US08177677B2
A multi-speed transmission for a vehicle is provided with a selectable one-way braking clutch (SOWBC). The transmission has one or more planetary gear sets, and a set of intermeshing gears, which may be a planetary gear set. Multiple torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in different combinations to establish at least one reverse speed ratio and multiple forward speed ratios between an input member and an output member. A selectable one-way braking clutch is configured to brake in one rotational direction and is selectively reversible to brake in an opposite rotational direction, and freewheels in some speed ratios.
US08177667B2
An intra-digital orthosis for use in shooting a ball such as a basketball comprising: index and ring finger receptacles each having an aperture; a middle finger backstop; and first and second shafts joining the index and ring finger receptacles to the middle finger backstop. The orthosis preferably spaces apart and/or encourages flexion of the distal phalanges of at least a user's index and ring fingers and/or facilitates an arch angle between those fingers and the user's middle finger that approximates the curvature of the ball being thrown so as to facilitate and enhance the user's ability to position the hand when shooting the ball.
US08177665B2
A four-piece solid golf ball construction is disclosed, including one or more core layers, an inner mantle layer, an outer mantle layer, and one or more cover layers. The inner mantle layer has a Shore D hardness in the range of 20 to 60, and the outer mantle layer has a Shore D hardness in the range of 40 to 80 and exceeding that of the inner mantle layer by at least 3. The solid golf ball provides a high spin rate when struck not only by a full 8-iron, but also by a soft pitching wedge, for short shots near a putting green.
US08177656B2
A putter training system includes a putter with putter head, an attachment secured adjacent the putter head, and a grid having sidewalls and a grid bottom. The putter head includes a bottom, a top and a face, where the top has at least one putter alignment line appearing thereon. The grid sidewalls are spaced apart by a distance larger than a length of the putter head. The grid bottom includes at least one grid alignment line cooperable with the at least one putter alignment line to facilitate alignment perception during a putting stroke. Additionally, the attachment is cooperable with the grid bottom to facilitate alignment feedback during the putting stroke.
US08177654B2
A golf training system includes a rearward and lower first laser beam defined by a rearward and lower first laser transmitting to a rearward and lower first receiving sensor with a first alarm. The golf training system also includes a forward and upper second laser beam defined by a forward and upper second laser transmitting to a forward and upper second receiving sensor, with a second alarm, located above the shoulder of the user. The first laser beam and the second laser beam are substantially parallel and define an extending ideal path along a designated club head path as a golfer swings. The extending ideal path corresponds to a desired club head path, if the club head crosses the first laser beam, the first alarm associated with the first receiving sensor is activated, and if the club head crosses the second laser beam, the second alarm associated with the second receiving sensor is activated.
US08177650B1
A billiard equipment storage structure, mainly includes: a bearing bracket, including a receiving space with a hand pulling portion; and a foldable extension mechanism, including two movable frames opposite to each other. Each movable frame has a upper fixing plate, a foldable stretching arm and a lower fixing plate coupled to each other in sequence, where the upper fixing plate is configured under a billiard table, and the lower fixing plate is connected to the bearing bracket. Whereby, the storage structure can be folded and suspended to hide under the billiard table, receive billiard equipment neatly so as to save storage space, and achieve the complete protection of billiard equipment and the convenience of taking them out for play anytime.
US08177633B2
The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides an award to one or more players for a non-occurrence of a designated event. The gaming system monitors a plurality of games played at a plurality of gaming devices. If the designated event occurs, the gaming system resets an event counter associated with tracking the non-occurrence of the designated event. If the designated event does not occur, the gaming system: (i) increments the event counter to account for the non-occurrence of the designated event, and (ii) determines if the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals a predetermined quantity of games played. If the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals the predetermined quantity, the gaming system provides one or more of the players an award for the non-occurrence of the designated event.
US08177627B2
An apparatus and method for a game having a paytable selection feature which may be implemented with a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. In one embodiment, the gaming device employs an initial paytable and enables a player pay a fee to purchase a different paytable for a plurality of plays of the game. If the player chooses to purchase a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for a plurality of plays of the game and provides any awards based on the different paytable. If the player does not choose to select a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for each of those plays and provides any awards based on the initial paytable. In one embodiment, the player has the opportunity to see the different paytable prior to paying the fee to purchase it.
US08177626B2
When a player starts playing a game by operating a MAXBET button (e.g. when the bet count is 30 bets) and determined that the currently owned credit count is insufficient to the credit count required for the MAX bet, the current game rate set in a slot machine (the credit count per bet required for betting) is changed to a lower game rate.
US08177625B2
A gaming machine is configured to present multiple individual games to a player. The individual games each have a plurality of symbol locations which display symbols to a user. The symbols displayed in the symbol locations corresponding to one or more primary paylines are compared to predetermined winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome. One or more secondary paylines corresponding to symbol locations in more than one of the individual games may be compared to the winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome as well. The winning symbol combinations may be defined and presented to players by a paytable. The primary and secondary paylines may be fixed or selected by the player and may constitute a bonus win having a higher payout.
US08177620B2
A gaming machine symbol-bearing reels which are used to play a main game involving, the selection and display of a symbol combination. Bonus events or modifiers are also selected and displayed. This may be an automatic machine function, or the player may have the opportunity to operate a further selection reel, or control buttons. The selected bonus event or modifier may be applied to features associated with or separate from the main game, such as a feature game display to which play can transfer from the main game, or may be applied to subsequent main games which may consist of free spins of the reels, or may be paid for by the player.
US08177613B2
A method and system for providing a pari-mutuel wagering environment is presented. The method includes receiving a wager amount at a server from each of a plurality of players, allocating a portion of each wager amount to a payout pool, and allocating a second portion of each wager amount to a jackpot. The method further includes simultaneously presenting a question to the plurality of players and receiving answers to the question from the players. The method also includes allocating pro rata shares of the payout pool to each player that answers the question correctly, and, if a specified percentage of the players answer the question correctly, allocating pro rata shares of the jackpot to each of the players that answered the question correctly. The system further includes a plurality of remote terminals and servers for performing the method.
US08177608B2
A fan-type grinding wheel comprises a rigid support plate and is provided with grinding elements. These grinding elements comprise a main portion forming a first working face and a bending portion forming a peripheral working face. Furthermore, they comprise an outer portion forming a second working face.
US08177605B2
A bowling ball surface treatment device for abrading, polishing or cleansing a bowling ball includes a housing, a ball displacing unit movably mounted to the housing for holding the bowling ball in a rotatable manner and for reciprocatingly displacing the bowling ball between a temporary waiting region and a surface treatment region, a surface treatment disc for supporting and spinning the bowling ball in the surface treatment region, the surface treatment disc having a surface treatment element for making frictional contact with the bowling ball, a temporary support disc for temporarily supporting the bowling ball in the temporary waiting region when the bowling ball is moved out of the surface treatment region, and a disc drive unit for rotatingly driving the surface treatment disc and the temporary support disc.
US08177598B2
In a display manufacturing method including bonding of a light-transmissive substrate onto a display surface of a display body, the bonding includes bending the light-transmissive substrate into an arch-like shape with a bonding surface thereof having a convex shape. An adhesive sandwiched is put between a bonding surface of the display body and a top of a bonding surface of the bent light-transmissive substrate. The bend of the light-transmissive substrate is released while moving two rollers from a center of the light-transmissive substrate in a direction of the bend of the light-transmissive substrate towards both terminal edges of the light-transmissive substrate in mutually reverse directions. The two rollers press a non-bonding surface of the light-transmissive substrate against the display body.
US08177595B2
A buoy that is adapted to resist entanglement with a trawler net that may be dragged over the anchor and buoy. The buoy may have an indentation on the body of the buoy that causes the buoy to pivot as a trawler net pulls the tether down and slides across the buoy. A lead-in ramp surface increases in thickness from the lower end to a transition area spaced from the lower end. A reorienting ramp surface extends from the transition area to the side of the housing that tips the buoy to a generally horizontal orientation as the object traverses the reorienting ramp surface.
US08177591B2
A terminal fitting 10 includes a main body 20 to be coupled to a mating conductor, and a crimp contact section 30 rearward from the main body 20. The crimp contact section 30 is crimped on an end of a core wire 42 in a covered electrical cable 40 so as to surround the end. The core wire 42 includes a plurality of metallic strands 41 and is covered with a sheath 43 to form the covered electrical cable 40. Serrations 34 are provided on a contact surface of the crimp contact section 30 for surrounding the core wire 42. Each serration 34 is a polygonal shaped recess with which the core wire 42 engages upon crimping. Both diagonal corner portions 34C of each serration 34 are rounded. Thus, the whole periphery of an opening edge around the recess penetrates an oxide layer on a core wire.
US08177590B2
A crimp terminal whose crimp state can be easily evaluated and to provide a method of manufacturing a terminal-provided wire comprising the crimp terminal. The crimp terminal includes a pair of conductor barrels which are crimped onto a conductor of an electric wire. The conductor barrel has an outer surface provided with a crimp state indicator for evaluating a crimp level thereof. The indicator may be a mark so shaped that a position of an internal end of an outwardly exposed part thereof is varied in a terminal axial direction corresponding to the crimp level, or include a plurality of marks spaced in a direction perpendicular to the terminal axial direction.
US08177585B2
A modular RJ-type connector includes a female receptacle having an internal cavity, and first and second sets of rigid contacts disposed in back-to-back spaced relation to each other and in spaced relation to interior surfaces of the female receptacle that define the internal cavity. The first and second sets of rigid contacts can be disposed adjacent an edge of a support that is positioned in the internal cavity facing an open, plug receiving end of the female receptacle. A male plug can be provided which includes first and second sets of spaced facing contacts that make contact with the contacts of the first and second sets of rigid contacts of the female receptacle when the male plug is inserted in the open, plug receiving end of the female receptacle.
US08177577B2
A printed wiring board includes a first substrate having a recess portion and multiple conductors, a second substrate having multiple conductors and inserted in the recess portion of the first substrate such that the first substrate has a surface exposing at least a portion of a surface of the second substrate. The multiple conductors in the first substrate is electrically connected to the multiple conductors in the second substrate, and the second substrate has density of the conductors which is higher than density of the conductors of the first substrate.
US08177572B2
An electric connection device for connecting a conductor having at least one contact bush of a conductive material with a clearing for a contact spring and a contact spring disposed thereat which clamps a conductor plugged into the contact bush from a plug-in side against the inner wall of the contact bush wherein the contact spring is pivotable outwardly through the clearing.
US08177563B1
A ground fitting allows electrical connection between a ground wire carried in a metal sheathing, and a ground point such as a water spigot on a short pipe extending from a wall. The pipe clamp is tightened on the short pipe or ground rod. The metal sheathing is cut to expose a short length of ground wire. The ground wire is inserted into the wire clamp, and the metal sheathing is inserted between a clamping plate and clamp seat at the near end of the wire clamp. A ground screw is tightened against the ground wire to hold the ground wire in the wire clamp and plate screws securing the clamping plate are tightened to secure the sheathing between the clamping plate and clamp seats. The wire clamp is attached to the pipe clamp selectively parallel or perpendicular to the short pipe or ground rod to compete the ground fitting.
US08177557B2
A dental bridge and a dental device. The dental device may include a structural portion extending along an axis and connectable to at least one tooth. A truss portion may depend from the structural portion and be operable to support a pontic, the truss portion may define a plurality of slots extending from a peripheral surface. The structural portion may have a first surface oriented toward the occlusal surface and an opposite second surface, the structural portion defining a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings extending transverse to the axis and between the first surface and the second surface. The structural portion may define an angled surface leading into at least one of the plurality of openings. A plurality of projections may be formed on a first surface of the structural portion, each of the projections having a projection surface spaced beyond the first surface toward the occlusal surface.
US08177548B2
Device for mounting a forced-air burner 2 to a combustion chamber housing 4, having an attaching section to attach the device to a combustion chamber housing 4 demarcating a combustion chamber or to a unit 5 located on a combustion chamber housing 4 and a seating section to absorb forces and/or moments caused by a forced-air burner 2 located on the device.
US08177544B2
A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. When a failed ignition of a burner is detected, the control system is configured to enter a soft lockout state if the voltage level of a burner of the fuel-fired appliance is low during the failed ignition and a hard lockout state if the voltage level of the burner is not low during the failed ignition. In some cases, if a period of time has elapsed and/or the voltage level of the burner has increased after the control system enters the soft lockout state, the control system may be configured to initiate one or more subsequent ignition trials. In some cases, if the one or more subsequent ignition trials fail, the control system may be configured to then enter the hard lockout state.
US08177543B2
A demolding device (10) for demolding a work piece from a mold comprises a hold-down element (18) that is disposed between the mold pieces in the closed state of the mold and extends up to or into a cavity provided for producing the work piece. A control sleeve (11) is connected to the hold-down element (18) and is coupled with one of the mold parts in a form-fitting manner via a guide device. The piston (11) is displaceable along a first path (w1) along the stroke direction limited by the guide device and is mounted in the guide device in a pivotable fashion. Upon a pivot motion, the end of the piston (11) facing the cavity moves away from the cavity. A first control piece (16) is connected to the other mold piece, the control piece blocking a pivoting of the piston (11) and/or the hold-down element (18) during the first path (w1).
US08177540B2
A process for the production of virtually full density polyolefin suitable for further processing by drawing to form a high tenacity, highly oriented polyolefin sheet comprising: a) feeding a metered amount of polyolefin powder into the nip between two heated calender rolls; b) rolling the powder through the nip under these conditions until a coherent sheet of polyolefin is produced. According to a highly preferred embodiment, initially, the nip is set at a gap smaller than the size of the smallest polyolefin powder particle and at a temperature above the melting point of the powder and once a coherent sheet of polyolefin exits the nip the temperature in the nip is lowered to a temperature below the melting point of the polyolefin powder and the gap increased to a desired level above the thickness of the largest powder particle.
US08177539B2
A device for melt spinning multi-component fibers including at least two melt inlets for introducing separately guided melt components is presented. The device includes a feed plate having a plurality of feed channels for distributing the melt components, a distributor block associated with the feed plate, and a nozzle plate adjoining the distributor block and including a plurality of nozzle bores, wherein the distributor block has several thin distributor plates stacked on top of each other and each have a hole pattern with multiple distribution openings. The thin distributor plates are configured inside the distributor block such that a plurality of melt channels form, which connect the feed channels of the feed plate to the nozzle bores of the nozzle plate. In order to implement high flow volumes, multiple distributor plates having identical hole patterns of the distribution openings are stacked in a tightly sealing manner inside the distributor block.
US08177527B2
At the time of an operation, high-pressure air 8 fed through an inlet 6 passes a stator vane 4 within a duct 15, so as to adjust its flow, and is supplied to a tip turbine rotor vane 3. The tip turbine rotor vane 3 is supplied with the high-pressure air 8 from the exhaust side 17 toward the intake side 16, so as to drive an upper fan 2 and a lower fan 14 to rotate in the same direction. This can shorten the distance H from a rotation surface 12 of the upper fan 2 to the end part of a fan casing 1 on the intake side 16, and thus reduce an area where a negative pressure occurs when receiving a crosswind 9, thereby lowering an external force 11 caused by the negative pressure.
US08177522B2
A mode changing apparatus for a scroll compressor is provided that may include a low-pressure passage that communicates with a suction side formed by an orbiting motion of an orbiting scroll, an intermediate-pressure passage that communicates with an intermediate-pressure side formed by the orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll, a block assembly mounted at the fixed scroll and having a connection channel that connects the low-pressure passage and the intermediate-pressure passage, a switching device disposed at the block assembly that opens/closes the connection channel, and a pressure supply device that selectively applies, to the block assembly, a discharge gas pressure discharged from the fixed and orbiting scrolls and a suction gas pressure sucked into the fixed and orbiting scrolls, to thereby operate the switching device. With such a simplified structure, the gas compression capacity of a scroll compressor may be varied, enhancing energy efficiency of a system.
US08177515B2
A sectional blade for a wind turbine comprising a first and a second blade section extending in opposite directions from a blade joint, and each blade section comprising a spar section forming a structural member of the blade. The blade sections are structurally connected by a spar bridge extending into the first and second blade sections to facilitate joining of the blade sections. The spar bridge comprises a stiffening member protruding from the spar bridge in a chord wise direction of the blade for increasing the edgewise stiffness of the blade, and wherein a part of the surface of the stiffening member is shaped to follow an inner surface contour of the blade. A method of manufacturing such a sectional blade is also disclosed.
US08177513B2
In one aspect, a method for assembling an outlet guide vane is provided. The method includes providing an outlet guide vane frame having a first side and a second side. The outlet guide vane includes a radially inward flange coupled to a radially outward flange by a leading edge. A trailing edge is coupled to the radially inward flange and the radially outward flange aft of the leading edge. A cavity is defined between the radially inward flange, the radially outward flange, the leading edge, and the trailing edge. A first and a second mating surface circumscribe the cavity on the first and second sides respectively. The method further includes coupling a filler portion within the cavity wherein the filler portion includes a third side and a fourth side, coupling a first skin to the third side and the first mating surface, and coupling a second skin to the fourth side and the second mating surface, wherein at least one of the first skin and the second skin are fabricated from a composite material.
US08177510B2
A braking system for a wind turbine is provided. The system includes one or more motors for driving a part of the wind turbine, a first group of brakes for braking the part of the wind turbine, and a second group of brakes for braking the part of the wind turbine. The first group of brakes is in a normally closed condition and the second group of brakes is in a normally open condition, so that a default brake torque can be selectively chosen that is less than a maximum brake torque.
US08177508B2
A helicopter is fitted with a main rotor (1) having at least two blades (10, 20), each blade (10, 20) being provided with attachment elements (11, 21) for attaching it to a hub (2) of the rotor (1). The rotor is also fitted with one lift element (12, 22) per blade (10, 20), each lift element (12, 22) being mechanically linked to a single blade (10, 20) to vary the pitch of the single blade (10, 20) with which the lift element (12, 22) is linked.
US08177504B2
A fan module including a fan frame, at least one fan unit, and a plurality of resilient pins is provided. The fan frame is provided with an accommodation space therein and is disposed with a plurality of mounting slots thereon. The fan unit is disposed in the accommodation space and has a base, in which the base has a plurality of mounting holes corresponding to the mounting slots. Each resilient pin has an insert end and a catch end. The insert end is penetrated through the corresponding mounting hole and the catch end is caught in the corresponding mounting slot, such that the fan unit is mounted to the fan frame by the resilient pins. Since the resilient pins are used to replace conventional screws in the present invention, the fan module is enabled to have a better damping effect, thereby meeting requirements for low-noise operation.
US08177491B2
A compressor nozzle device comprises a set of adjustable vanes which is interposed between two opposite wall members (3, 5), and a unison ring (7) for actuating said vanes (1). The unison ring (7) is arranged at a side of one of said wall members (3) opposite to the other side thereof facing the vanes (1).
US08177486B2
A fan frame has at least one protrudent connector and at least one recessed connector. The at least one protrudent connector is formed on a corner of a surface of the fan frame. The at least one recessed connector is formed on another corner of the same surface of the fan frame, opposite to the at least one protrudent connector and corresponding to the at least one protrudent connector of another same fan frame. Two fan frames can be securely connected against each other by engaging corresponding protrudent and recessed connectors.
US08177484B2
An impeller of a blower is disposed with circular support plates that are made of a resin and rotate about an axis of rotation and a plurality of blades that are made of a resin. The blades are disposed on outer peripheral portions of the circular support plates so as to be parallel to an axis of rotation, and serrated shapes are formed on the blades by cutting out blade tips at plural places. Additionally, a step is formed in a blade face of each of the blades at a position a predetermined distance from the blade tip where the serrated shape is formed.
US08177483B2
A gas turbine with an active clearance control system includes a plurality of actuators circumferentially spaced between an inner shroud and an outer casing. The actuators are configured to eccentrically displace the shroud relative to the outer casing. A plurality of sensors circumferentially spaced around the shroud detect a parameter that is indicative of an eccentricity between the rotor and shroud as the rotor rotates within the shroud. A control system in communication with the sensors and actuators is configured to control the actuators to eccentrically displace the shroud to compensate for eccentricities detected between the rotor and shroud.
US08177482B2
A wind power conversion apparatus driven by a fly wheel includes a wind channel, a fly wheel and a rotating shaft. The wind channel is configurated into a long hollow tapered tubular shape with both ends open. One end, which being larger is cross section, serves as a wind inlet, while to other smaller one serves as a wind outlet so as to conduct the wind flow into the apparatus via the wind channel. A fly wheel with several wind vanes is installed in the wind channel proximate to the wind outlet so as to convert the wind force into an adjustable rotating torque of the fly wheel. The fly wheel is able to keep rotating about the rotating shaft by its inertia for a certain duration of time even after the wind ceases to blow. With this apparatus, the kinetic energy of the wind blow is converted into an adjustable and storable mechanical energy to utilize.
US08177471B2
A goods handling' apparatus for a cargo storage and transport vehicle includes a movable cargo platform continuous with a portion of cargo enclosure floor, when the cargo platform is in an upper position. Cargo may be slid between the trailer floor and the cargo platform. A vertical actuator raises and lowers the cargo platform between the upper position and a lower position atop the ground or other vehicle support surface whereupon cargo may be slid between the cargo platform and the ground or other positions. The cargo platform is disposed substantially within the plan perimeter of the floor of the cargo module during raising and lowering. A modular system may be integrated into the cargo enclosure, or may be incorporated into a modular enclosure for appending to a cargo box of the prior art. An underside is disposed in vertically adjusting communication with the cargo platform.
US08177469B2
An apparatus and method for handling disks as part of a magnetic disk manufacturing process is provided. In one embodiment, during a drying process the disks are engaged at the inner diameter rather than the outer diameter to eliminate the formation of residue on the surface of the disks at or proximate data zones. The disks may be engaged individually or in pairs.
US08177446B2
A carbon ribbon retaining mechanism includes a barcode-printer base, an upper cover, a printing head device, and at least one pair of resilient fastener elements. The barcode-printer base has an upper portion forming a receiving space. The upper cover is coupled to the receiving space of the barcode-printer base for being downward closed to and covering the receiving space. At least one pawl is respectively formed on opposite edge portions of the upper cover. The printing head device is accommodated in the receiving space. A carbon ribbon retention shaft is arranged above the printing head device. The resilient fastener elements are mounted above the printing head device. By means of the engagement effected between the pawls of the upper cover and the resilient fastener elements, the upper cover is fixed to and above the printing head device to cover the receiving space. Further, by flapping the upper cover upward, the pawls of the upper cover are disengaged from the resilient fastener elements to allow opening of the upper cover and thus expose the carbon ribbon retention shaft for replacement and/or maintenance.
US08177443B2
A handheld pattern creating device and method of use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rotational member is rotatably positioned within a housing under the power of a first drive mechanism to angularly traverse an x-y plane. A rail track is disposed on the surface of the rotational member in order to provide a radial path for a carriage that houses a tool tip. A guide track disposed on a surface of the rotational member includes a curved portion that provides a non-linear path. A second drive mechanism drives the carriage transversely along the radial path of the rail track such that a flexible rack gear travels the non-linear path of the guide track.
US08177439B2
A capillary tube holds an optical fiber. The capillary tube includes an insertion hole for inserting and fixing the optical fiber formed therein, a cylindrical surface as an outer circumferential surface, and a groove formed in the cylindrical surface in an axial direction thereof. Regions from the cylindrical surface to both inner side surfaces of the groove each have a projecting curved surface, and regions from both the inner side surfaces of the groove to a bottom of the groove each have a recessed curved surface.
US08177430B2
A system and method to perform image acquisition of a subject is provided. The system includes a mobile device to move an imaging system across a floor, and a brake system that restrains movement of the mobile device. A controller includes a memory having program instructions to instruct a processor to perform the steps of: instructing movement of the mobile device in support of the imaging system to a first position for image acquisition of the subject; receiving feedback that the mobile device is located at the first position; and applying a brake force to restrain movement of the mobile device. The step of applying the brake force includes generating a vacuum in restraint of movement of the mobile device with respect to the floor.
US08177429B2
In accordance with one aspect, imaging system (10, 190) includes a plurality of detector heads (12, 14, 80, 100, 202) and a frame (20) on which the plurality of detector heads are mounted. The frame is configurable in (i) an operational configuration in which the detector heads are arranged to be manipulated by the frame to acquire imaging data, and (ii) a shipping configuration in which the detector heads remain mounted on the frame and the imaging system is reduced in size along at least one dimension compared with the operational configuration.
US08177425B2
A temperature-measuring device with a sensing head and a pipe piece is disclosed. The sensing head is embedded in the pipe piece. The pipe piece is provided for conducting a medium whose temperature is detected by the sensing head.
US08177423B1
The present invention provides a thermal history sensor having a plurality of substrates positioned adjacent to an item. The substrates include different compositions, such that the substrates respond to thermal exposures with different changes in electrical conductivity or magnetic permeability. By measuring the electrical or magnetic properties of the substrates following thermal exposure, information about the thermal history may be obtained.
US08177414B1
An improved screw feeder assembly is provided for interconnection between the outlet of a preconditioner and the inlet of an extruder barrel. The assembly includes an upright housing with a pair of elongated shafts equipped with auger flighting within the housing and driven by means of motor. Preferably, the housing is mechanically coupled to the outlet and inlet with the shafts extending through the preconditioner vessel and downwardly to a point within the inlet and closely adjacent the screw(s) within the extruder barrel; the flighting is provided along the length of the housing, from a point closely adjacent the outlet and into the extruder inlet. This provides a positive conveyance of preconditioned material from the outlet to the inlet. Use of the assembly allows maintenance of superatmospheric pressures and temperatures above 212° F. within the preconditioner, which permits more efficient processing.
US08177405B2
In an endoscope in which light transmitted from an optical fiber bundle using a positive lens is irradiated as illumination light, a glass rod having a diffusion face disposed on one of end faces is arranged between an aperture diaphragm that adjusts an amount of light from a light source and the optical fiber bundle that guides the light from the aperture diaphragm to a distal end portion of the endoscope, and light without a biased angular component is supplied to the optical fiber bundle so as to eliminate illumination light unevenness.
US08177401B2
The invention is related to an exterior rear view mirror assembly with a mirror base and a mirror head comprising at least one of the following features as mirror glass, mirror glass actuator, power fold actuator, lighting elements, indicators and at least one opening for a turn signal indicator light module. The assembly comprises a housing covered by a lens, at least one light guide with a first LED feeding light into the cross sectional area of the light guide, and at least a second LED placed apart the light guide, wherein a decorative, none reflective garnish is fixed between none reflective housing and transparent lens.
US08177397B1
A heat management system has a first heatsink coupled to a support surface. At least one heat pipe has a heat absorbing end in thermal connectivity with the first heatsink and a heat releasing end in thermal connectivity with a second heatsink.
US08177394B2
The invention is a novel stereoscopic illumination system for a microscope which delivers at least two collimated light beams to a subject surface. Each of the two collimated light beams is delivered for an eye of the user. Additionally, a third light beam is provided at an angle oblique to the other two collimated light beams.
US08177392B2
A light strip comprises an elongate core layer of insulating material having a plurality of light mounting apertures extending through the core layer between the two opposed faces of the core layer and receiving respective light emitting diodes therein. Two conductive elements extending in the longitudinal direction along the outer surface of the elongate core layer between which the light emitting diodes are connected. A cover layer spans in the longitudinal direction adjacent each one of the two opposed faces of the elongate core layer to enclose opposing ends of the light mounting apertures with the light emitting diodes therein.
US08177391B2
A light emitting diode (LED) lighting apparatus that may be used as interior lighting or advertisement lighting is disclosed. The LED lighting apparatus includes a channel-type or tube-type optical housing with a light emission surface and an LED array arranged in the optical housing. The light emission surface includes a valley line and a first inner ridge and a second inner ridge disposed on opposing sides of the valley line, and the LED array includes a plurality of LEDs whose centers are arranged along the valley line.
US08177387B2
An illumination device is installed in a box body of a toolbox of a construction machine, and is protected by a protective cover. Water that flows into the box body through a weep hole formed in a lid is received by the protective cover and is guided to a water drain hole formed in a bottom plate of the box body. Then, the water is drained to the outside of the box body.
US08177385B2
The T-bar includes an elongate rigid spine extending between terminal ends including either a fixed anchor or adjustable anchor for attachment to adjacent T-bars or other supports. An upper heat sink is provided on an upper portion of the spine to enhance heat transfer from the T-bar to air surrounding upper portions of the T-bar. A light housing is provided on a lower portion of the T-bar which is configured to support a lighting module therein, such as a light emitting diode (LED) light. A lower heat sink is provided above this light housing and integrated into a rest shelf which supports ceiling tiles adjacent the T-bar. A power supply is provided which can be removably attached to the T-bar and provide appropriately conditioned power for the lighting module.
US08177379B2
A backlight module, a liquid crystal display using the backlight module, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The backlight module includes a bottom plate, a plurality of light source sets and at least one partition wall. A plurality of lighting areas is formed on the bottom plate and light source sets are disposed on the lighting areas, respectively. The partition wall is disposed on the bottom plate and between each two adjacent lighting areas to fully or partially block/reflect the light emitted from the lighting areas. The partition wall includes a first light-penetrable wall and a light reflective layer formed on a wall surface of first light-penetrable wall. The light reflective layer is erected on the bottom plate through the support provided by the first light-penetrable wall and its wall surface.
US08177376B2
An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing, an electro-optic reflective element and an information display. The information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element and is operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle, with the information including video images captured by a camera of the vehicle. Information displayed by the information display is viewable by the driver of the vehicle viewing through the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element when the information display is displaying information, and, when the information display is not displaying information, the presence of the information display behind the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element is substantially not discerned by the driver of the vehicle normally viewing the reflective element in the vehicle.
US08177373B2
A projector includes a projection section which projects a calibration image onto a projection target through a projection panel, a shape determination section which determines a shape of the projection target, a correction target area setting section which sets a correction target area, an aspect ratio calculation section which calculates an aspect ratio of the correction target area, a determination section which determines whether or not a value which indicates a difference between the aspect ratio of the correction target area and a reference aspect ratio satisfies a set condition, and an image generation section which generates an image having the shape of the correction target area on the projection panel when the set condition is satisfied, and generates an image having the reference aspect ratio on the projection panel when the set condition is not satisfied.
US08177365B2
An opthalmological apparatus (1) comprises a base station (11) having a light source (51) for generating light pulses, and an application head (3) which can be mounted on an eye (2) having a light projector (58) for the focussed projection of the light pulses for punctiform breakdown of eye tissue (22). The application head (3) additionally has movement drivers (57) for moving the light projector (58) in a feed direction and in a first scanning direction. A scanner (52) is arranged in the base station (11) in order to deflect the light pulses in a second scanning direction. In addition, the opthalmological apparatus (1) comprises an optical transmission system for transmitting deflected light pulses from the base station (11) to the application head (3), and for superimposing the light pulses deflected in the second scanning direction onto the movement of the light projector (58) in the first scanning direction. It is possible to use light sources with high light pulse rates, for example femtosecond lasers, without the need for impractical enlargement of the overall size of the application head (3) owing to the scanner. In addition, it is possible while safeguarding a manageable overall size of the application head (3) to make use of light sources with high light pulse rates, something which increases the accuracy of treatment and reduces the burden on the eye (2).
US08177363B2
Detecting position information related to a face, and more particularly to an eyeball in a face, using a detection and ranging system, such as a Radio Detection And Ranging (“RADAR”) system, or a Light Detection And Ranging (“LIDAR”) system. The position information may include a location of the eyeball, translational motion information related to the eyeball (e.g., displacement, velocity, acceleration, jerk, etc.), rotational motion information related to the eyeball (e.g., rotational displacement, rotational velocity, rotational acceleration, etc.) as the eyeball rotates within its socket.
US08177353B2
A sheet transport device and an image forming apparatus using the sheet transport device are disclosed. The sheet transport device includes a transport belt rotating around rollers that transports a sheet by attaching the sheet to the transport belt by an electrostatic force, and a charging unit that is unitized by including a charging member for charging the transport belt. The charging unit includes a unit case containing springs for pushing the charging member onto the transport belt. An Ac bias voltage is applied to the transport belt via the charging member.
US08177350B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes (A) a carriage that moves a nozzle ejecting a liquid which is cured by irradiation of an electromagnetic wave in a moving direction, (B) a first irradiation section that is installed on the carriage and irradiates electromagnetic waves on dots formed by landing the liquid which is ejected from the moving nozzle, on a medium, and (C) a second irradiation section that is installed on the carriage and irradiates electromagnetic waves on the dots which are irradiated by the electromagnetic waves from the first irradiation section, in which an irradiance level of the electromagnetic waves from the second irradiation section is different from that of the electromagnetic waves from the first irradiation section.
US08177336B2
A method of driving a piezoelectric actuator has the step of driving a piezoelectric actuator including a diaphragm, a lower electrode formed on one surface of the diaphragm, a piezoelectric film formed in epitaxial growth or oriented growth on an opposite side of the lower electrode to the diaphragm so as to be preferentially oriented in a (111) direction, and an upper electrode formed on an opposite side of the piezoelectric film to the lower electrode, by application of an electric field in a direction opposite to a direction of polarization of the piezoelectric film.
US08177332B2
An apparatus prints and/or fixes ink on a substrate, such as in ink-jet printing with UV-curable inks. A conformable member is positioned to contact an ink-bearing side of the substrate at a nip. The conformable member substantially comprises a silicone-based elastomer having a conformability from about 20 shore A to about 10 shore A. A radiation source directs radiation to the ink-bearing side of the substrate at the nip, the radiation suitable for curing the ink on the substrate. The apparatus is particularly useful for printing onto corrugated cardboard or otherwise non-planar surfaces, since the resulting ink image is impressed uniformly onto the substrate by the conformable member without voids in the ink layer in the recesses of the non-planar surface.
US08177318B2
An orifice health detection device includes a fixed array of ink ejecting orifices, the ink ejecting orifices configured to eject at least one ink drop, a light source that produces a light beam configured to scatter light from the at least one ejected ink drop, and a light detector configured to detect light scattered from the at least one ejected ink drop.
US08177313B2
An image forming apparatus includes a print head to eject droplets, a subtank to supply ink to the print head, a main tank to supply the ink to the subtank, a supply pump to supply the ink from the main tank to the subtank, a pump driver to drive the supply pump, an amount sensor to sense an ink amount in the subtank and output a signal when the ink amount in the subtank is at a predetermined level, and a unit to drive and control the pump driver, which is configured to decrease an ink supply rate of the supply pump in response to the signal outputted by the amount sensor and to stop the supply pump when predetermined time has passed after the signal is outputted by the amount sensor.
US08177297B2
There is provided a high chair (1) for seating of an infant or toddler comprising a seat (10), including a seat base portion (14) and a seat backrest portion (12); a support (20) for supporting the seat (10) in a raised position relative to a floor surface; a central post (30) projecting away from the sea base portion (14) and having an upper end; and mounting to the upper end of the central post (30), a tray assembly. (40) including a tray (42) laterally movable backwards and forwards relative to the seat (10). The central post (30) mounts to the seat (10) or to the support (20) by an adjustable central post mounting (32) that allows for adjustment of the position of the upper end of the central post (30) relative to the seat (10).
US08177282B2
A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion including a seating part, a front leg which is rotatably attached to the seating part at a front side, and rear legs which support a rear side of the seating part; and a seatback is provided rotatably to the rear side of the seat cushion. The front leg is rotatably attached to a vehicle floor, the rear legs are detachably attached to the vehicle floor, and the vehicle seat is adapted to be arranged into a seating mode and a storage mode. In the seating mode, the seatback is locked on the seat cushion in an upright state, and the rear legs are locked on the vehicle floor, and in the storage mode, the seat cushion is turned forward by unlocking the lock on the seatback and the locks on both of the rear legs.
US08177277B2
A vehicle having a vehicle body component and a body panel. The vehicle body component has a body mating feature. The body panel has a body panel mating feature that engages the body mating feature to secure the body panel to the vehicle body component.
US08177271B2
An increased capacity portable retriever for collecting and dispensing tennis balls utilized on a flat surface comprising a horizontally elongated container having a front retrieving section with a top handle, a rear collecting section pivotably supported by two wheels coaxially mounted at a bottom wall and a front wall dispensing opening with a cover. The front retrieving section contains bottom parallel rods spaced from each other a distance smaller than the tennis ball diameter. The container has horizontal retrieving and vertical dispensing positions. The container includes a compartment capacity regulating element for dispensing balls individually. First method of retrieving, collecting and dispensing tennis balls includes repetitive transferring a substantial group of balls from the retrieving section towards the collecting section. Second method includes cyclical reducing the container compartment capacity correspondingly to a volume of balls group resided in the compartment after dispensing a comfortably reachable balls portion from the container.
US08177270B2
A dog feces collecting device includes two loops and a plurality of connecting members for holding the two loops together forming a plurality of bag-clamping sections each comprising two loop segments. A rim portion of a bag is inserted between the two loop segments of each bag-clamping section. The two loops are hinged connected to a telescopic shaft. A method of collecting dog feces is also disclosed.
US08177246B2
Axle seats are disclosed for incorporation into vehicle suspensions of the type having a laterally extending axle and a longitudinally extending leaf spring. The axle seat includes a seat portion, a clamp group mounting surface, and an air spring mounting flange. A sidewall of the axle seat connects the seat portion to the clamp group mounting surface and the air spring mounting flange. The clamp group mounting surface and air spring mounting flange are configured to be positioned at different heights when the seat portion is connected to an axle. A second sidewall and air spring mounting flange may be provided, in which case the air spring mounting flanges may be spaced apart to provide an area through which a leaf spring may extend.
US08177245B2
A suspension is provided for non-steered wheels on a motor vehicle body. The suspension includes, but is not limited to a twist-beam rear axle with a Watt linkage. A top rocker arm of the Watt linkage is mounted on the motor vehicle body. The Watt linkage prevents the motor vehicle from oversteering during cornering. The damping bushes can be disconnected in part from wheel-guiding functions as the Watt linkage performs a major part of the wheel guiding functions, which leaves some freedom for designing the characteristics so as to significantly increase motoring comfort.
US08177243B2
A trailerable load-transferring assembly is removably attachable to the rear portion of a load-bearing vehicle. The load-transferring assembly includes a pivot connection, an auxiliary axle, an elongate abutment member that extends between a free end and an abutment end, and an actuator assembly disposed between the free end of the abutment member and the auxiliary axle. When the load-transferring assembly is connected to the vehicle by the pivot connection, the actuator assembly is actuated such that it applies a lifting force on the free end relative to the auxiliary axle. The lifting force causes the abutment member to pivot about the pivot connection, bringing the abutment end of the abutment member into an abutting engagement with an abutment surface attached to the frame of the load-bearing vehicle. The lifting force and abutting engagement prevents transverse movement of the load-transferring assembly relative to the vehicle and transfers a portion of the load from the vehicle's rear axles to the auxiliary axle.
US08177226B2
A sheet processing apparatus and associated method are provided. The sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet conveying path, a sheet stack tray, a sheet discharging member, a sheet guide member, and a sheet contact portion. The sheet conveying path is configured to convey a sheet, the sheet discharging member discharges the sheet to the sheet stack tray, and the sheet stack tray receives the sheet. The sheet guide member is movable from a first position that guides the sheet discharged from the sheet discharging member to a second position that opens a sheet discharge path of the sheet discharging member. The sheet contact portion is arranged at an upstream side of the sheet discharging member with respect to the sheet conveying path, and responds to the sheet conveyed through the sheet conveying path in order to move the sheet guide member between the first and second positions.
US08177222B2
A sheet feeding apparatus which feeds each of sheets lifted by blowing air, wherein the amount of movement of a tray from the detection of the tray which stacks a plurality of sheets by a lower position detecting sensor to the detection of the uppermost position of the sheets on the tray by a sheet surface detecting sensor is m, wherein the amount of movement of the tray until the sheet on the tray is positioned within a predetermined range when the sheet on the tray is outside from between the lifting lower limit sensor and the lifting upper limit sensor (the predetermined range) is q, wherein the amount of the sheets stacked on the tray is calculated from the amount of movement m+q of the tray and is then displayed on a remaining amount displaying portion.
US08177215B2
The present invention provides a post-processing apparatus that can handle recording sheets set to be stapled and recording sheets not set to be stapled in a single job and reliably prevent post-processed recording sheets from falling off a tray. The post-processing apparatus includes a post-processing section 5 that performs stapling processing based on an input condition and two trays 8a and 8b on which processed recording sheets are loaded. The input condition includes mixed-processing information about first processing that involves stapling processing and second processing that does not involve stapling processing. The control section 90 performs the first processing and second processing on the recording sheets in a single job based on the mixed-processing information. The control section 90 loads the recording sheets subjected to the first processing and recording sheets subjected to the second processing onto different trays 8a and 8b.
US08177207B2
A fixture that allows for quickly preparing, painting and finishing a plurality of door panels that have opposed side surfaces interconnected by a relatively narrow edge. The fixture includes upper and lower horizontal support bars. A plurality of spaced vertical support bars extend between and are slidably attached to the upper and lower horizontal support bars so that the spacing between vertical support bars may be adjusted to accommodate the size of the door panels. A plurality of mounting stations are on the vertical supports. A pair of pins are received by the mounting stations and engage the opposite edges of a panel for pivotal movement, painting and finishing of the panel there between.
US08177197B1
The present invention provides a method and compact apparatus for providing a continuous flow of carbonated water. The apparatus atomizes the water into microscopic particles allowing for significantly increased interaction between the water and the carbon dioxide. The water and the carbon dioxide then travel into a mixing chamber where further mixing takes place. The invention does not require the use of a pump or the use of a large carbonator vessel.
US08177173B2
A rail which can be bound, by means of a strap, to an elongate object, in particular a cable harness or a line, and has a bearing surface, which is intended to rest against the object, and a binding surface , which is directed away from the bearing surface and accommodates the strap. The binding surface has a plurality of protrusions which are compliant in the direction transverse to this surface. A strap arranged at any desired location of the binding surface is positioned transversely over one or more protrusions, in which case these protrusions are pressed down. Adjacent protrusions which have not been pressed down are located on one side and/or the other, and these resist the lateral displacement of the strap.
US08177170B2
An aircraft including: a fuselage and two wings to which engine nacelles are attached and that are each connected laterally to the fuselage, one on each side thereof, by a central fairing. The central fairing includes, facing each wing, two opposed surfaces connected one to a suction face side and the other to a pressure face side of the wing and that extend longitudinally along the fuselage. At least one of the two surfaces includes at least one local geometric deformation configured to generate lateral aerodynamic disturbances on the central fairing toward the wing to control the flow of air over the wing.
US08177166B2
A tail structure for an aircraft or spacecraft, which adjoins a fuselage section of the aircraft or spacecraft, includes a support construction for supporting at least one craft component, and a bulkhead unit intended for the pressure-tight sealing of the fuselage section and able to be coupled both to the support construction and to the fuselage section so as to form a force flow path between the at least one craft component and the fuselage section.
US08177161B2
An air vehicle includes a bag skirt extendable along a portion of a hull of the air vehicle. The bag skirt is inflatable to provide an air cushion during touchdown and deflatable during flight of the air vehicle. The air vehicle also includes a cover roller adjacent the bag skirt, and a cover portion coupled to the cover roller. The cover roller is operable between exposed position and unexposed positions to expose and hide the bag skirt with the cover portion. The cover roller includes an extensible shaft and a pad securely wrapped around the extensible shaft. The extensible shaft is capable of being rotated along a shaft axis. One end of the extensible shaft is pivotally coupled to the hull by an anchor. A circumference of the cover roller is configured as a function of a distance between the exposed and the unexposed positions.
US08177152B2
The asphalt roofing material is delivered into a treatment chamber of a processor. Hot oil is passed through a jacket surrounding the treatment chamber. Heated asphalt forms a hot solid and/or a liquefied slurry. The hot solid and/or the liquefied slurry is then removed from the treatment chamber. The asphalt roofing material in the treatment chamber can be agitated to promote mixing. The asphalt is heated to a temperature in the range from 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 650 degrees Fahrenheit within the treatment chamber. The solid and/or liquefied slurry is milled after it has been removed from the treatment chamber. The solid and/or the liquefied slurry is cooled after it exits the treatment chamber, preferably to a temperature in the range of approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot solid and/or the liquefied slurry is passed through a hammer mill after the hot solid and/or the liquefied slurry exits the treatment chamber to reduce the particle size of the solid particles.
US08177150B2
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing dispersed mineral products by grinding the mineral raw material, sizing the same in a flow classifier, sorting the same in dispersion in air, and climinating the dispersion air. Also disclosed are devices and installations for carrying out said method. In prior art, mineral raw materials cannot be purified or are purified very inefficiently such that only very pure and high-quality starting raw materials, which are available in limited quantifies only, can be used for manufacturing high-quality dispersed mineral products, especially fillers. The aim of the invention is therefore to create a method for manufacturing dispersed mineral products, particularly fillers, in a dry process as well as devices for carrying out said method. Said aim is achieved by triboelectrically charging the dispersed mineral particles of the particle-air dispersion during the sizing process and directing the same through an electrostatic separation chamber in order to separate the foreign particles from the valuable particles.
US08177147B2
A handheld showerhead assembly is provided which provides for a plurality of spray patterns. In a preferred embodiment, the showerhead assembly provides for four spray patterns including an oval shaped spray pattern. The showerhead is rotatably attached to the handle so that the showerhead can be rotated relative to the handle without altering spray patterns, other than their orientation. Furthermore, the handheld shower assembly includes a push button controller located within the handle.
US08177142B2
The invention is an apparatus and methods for optimizing the performance and protecting one or more aerosol generating transducers from deterioration while operating in a chemically reactive aqueous solution by utilizing one or more protective barrier techniques to eliminate chemical interaction between the aqueous solution and the transducers, among other features of the generator including these transducers. The method of the present invention produces an aerosol producing transducer with the transducer housing and assembly to be constructed in such a way as to assure its efficient and effective long-term and problem free operation in an aqueous solution that is chemically reactive.
US08177137B2
A first base having a first antenna receiving electromagnetic waves and a second base having a sensor portion are separated. An antenna is provided over each of the first base and the second base such that the antennas are electromagnetically coupled. The first antenna constantly receives electromagnetic waves to generate electromotive force and charges a power storage portion. Since the electric power of the power storage portion is also used for driving of a sensor portion, the sensor portion operates even without communication with the external device. Provision of the first antenna receiving electromagnetic waves and the sensor portion on different bases permits miniaturization of a base having the sensor portion. Further, provision of the power storage portion storing electric power converted from electromagnetic waves received by the antenna enables operating the sensor actively.
US08177136B2
A method of embedding an optical signature in a document and document produced therefrom. The optical signature uses an invisible optical pattern or covering that can reflect light in non-visible wavelengths, such as light in infrared, or fluoresces when exposed to a particular wavelength of light, such as ultra-violet light. The invisible optical pattern can be a covering over another optical pattern, or a base pattern upon which a second optical pattern is embedded.
US08177126B2
An exemplary system includes an automated banking machine (322) which is operable to conduct transactions including cash dispensing for users responsive to communication with a transaction host (336). The machine is also operative to provide output signals which drive external displays (328, 330) which are separate from the machine. The machine is operable to receive visual and audio content from one or more broadcast content sources (342, 343) and to store the content in the machine. The content is then output through the external displays. The machine is also operative to receive and store a plurality of advertising messages. The advertising messages are output in a targeted manner to users of the machine.
US08177125B1
A graphical checkout identifier is used to facilitate automatic checkout of a user on a webstore. A graphical identifier checkout system receives a request from a webstore for a onetime use graphical checkout identifier. In response to the received request, a onetime use graphical checkout identifier to be displayed by the webstore is generated. A request for checkout completion information by the webstore is encoded in the graphical checkout identifier, which is transmitted to the webstore for display. The onetime use graphical checkout identifier being displayed by the webstore is captured by a registered user operated computing device. In response, the requested checkout completion information is transmitted to the webstore, such that the user is automatically checked out on the webstore, without the user manually logging in to the webstore or entering the requested checkout completion information.
US08177124B2
An online system uses, in various embodiments of the invention, credit report information, loan affordability screening and credit approval and management functionality to facilitate the purchase and finance of products online. The online system may include both sellers of products and lenders that offer financing to buyers seeking to purchase the products. The system may automatically obtain a buyer's credit report information and use that information to determine if the buyer is pre-approved, for example, to obtain financing for a particular product or products. The system also enables use of buyer credit information to identify only those of a seller's products for which the buyer is pre-approved, for example, to finance using one or more loans. The system then enables selection of an identified product or products for purchase, and selection of a loan, for example, for financing of the selected product or products. Credit approval (or pre-approval) may be performed automatically, and along with credit processing, may be performed completely online.
US08177120B2
A device which collects donations of paper currency by allowing a person to insert paper currency and subsequently cause it to be floated through one or more tubes to a collection box by means of air flowing through the tubes is disclosed. A user of the device may use a diverter box to select one of several collection boxes to receive the donation. An audible or visual signal announces that a donation has been made.
US08177118B2
A demountable packing box of the present invention comprises a main body, an upper cover located at the upper portion of the main body, a lower cover located at the lower portion of the main body, and a plurality of connecting bands respectively connected to the upper cover and the lower cover. The main body is a flat plate with two connecting portions at opposite sides thereof after disassembled. A pair of fixing parts matable with each other is respectively disposed at the two connecting portions of the main body. The upper cover is a flat plate with a predetermined shape. A plurality of upper tabs respectively extends outwards from the periphery of the upper over. The lower cover is a flat plate with a shape corresponding to the upper cover. A plurality of lower tabs extends outwards from the periphery of the lower cover. The upper portion of the main body is provided with a plurality of upper positioning parts corresponding to the upper tabs of the upper cover. The lower portion of the main body is provided with a plurality of lower positioning parts corresponding to the lower tabs of the lower cover.
US08177117B2
In accordance with the invention, a method of manufacturing containers and resulting containers and associated pre-assemblies and blanks are provided, which, when utilized, result in containers that have increased side panel strength and corner strength so as to enable effective vertical stacking of containers when the containers include product.
US08177109B2
A catch plate is provided for supporting the weight of a tool by a connected cable. The catch plate includes an elongate formable body with a through opening at one end for attaching the plate to a vertical surface, and a hook feature formed in the elongate body at the end opposite the through opening, the hook feature disposed at an angle away from the plane of the elongate body and formable around the connected cable.
US08177099B2
A cartridge for storing and dispensing substances that are in paste form and/or capable of flow is formed by at least one tube, in which a closure piston and a dispensing piston adjustable by means of a piston rod are disposed, so as to form a seal, in such a manner that a chamber is formed between the pistons. At least one passage opening is provided in the closure piston, and at least one projection is provided in the tube assigned to this closure piston and/or an outlet opening, whereby the passage opening and the projection are adapted to one another, in terms of their shape, in such a manner that the closure piston can be displaced between a closure position, in which the chamber is closed, and a dispensing position, in which the chamber stands in a flow connection with the outlet opening, by means of the passage opening.
US08177098B2
A one-piece plastic container includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and having an upper portion, a sidewall portion and a base portion. The upper portion has a spout defining an opening into the container and a finish offset radially outwardly from the spout. A trough defines a passage into the body. The trough slopes toward the passage and defines a non-orthogonal angle relative to the longitudinal axis. According to other features, the sidewall portion is integrally formed with and extends from the upper portion to the base portion. The base portion closes off an end of the container. The finish defines at least one thread, for attaching a closure thereon.
US08177097B2
Personal hydration systems include a flexible bladder, a fill port assembly, an exit port, and a dryer mechanism. The dryer mechanism is configured to be selectively positioned to engage the outer surface of the flexible bladder and deform the flexible bladder from a non-drying configuration into a drying configuration in which opposing side portions are spaced further apart from each other and further away from the central axis of the flexible bladder than when the flexible bladder is in the non-drying configuration to enable circulation of air in the internal compartment of the flexible bladder. In some embodiments, the dryer mechanism is coupled to the fill port assembly. In some embodiments, the dryer mechanism includes at least one elongate member that is pivotally coupled to the fill port assembly.
US08177091B2
A container is disclosed. A lid is affixed to a base at a hinged connection. The base includes an enclosure, and the lid includes a catch, the catch being opposite the enclosure. A latch assembly is disposed within the enclosure and includes a button within an opening in the enclosure, a latch, and at least one spring member. The latch extends from the button into sliding relationship with an actuating member, which is configured to actuate the latch when the button is depressed. When the lid is in a closed position, the latch engages the catch. The spring member extends away from the button into sliding relationship with the base. When the button is depressed, the latch disengages the catch, and the spring member resiliently flexes as the end of the spring member slides along a portion of the base.
US08177086B2
A stand for an electrical box is provided to maintain an electrical box having at least one hub a predetermined distance from a concrete form prior to and during the concrete being poured. The stand has extensions with ribs thereon at different longitudinal positions from the base permitting the electrical box to be supported by the stand at different heights with respect to the concrete form to permit access to the hubs of the electrical box with electrical tubing and to accommodate concrete slabs of different thicknesses using the same height of electrical box. The electrical box and stand assembly have a locking mechanism to lock the electrical box to the stand at the selected predetermined distance from the form. The locking mechanism has hooks which engage indentations on mounting tabs of the electrical box. The mounting tabs have grooves which guide the hooks to the indentations. The stand can be attached to the cement form during building construction to maintain the electrical box at the predetermined distance above the cement form.
US08177085B2
A tooth protector device is disclosed for attachment to the top of a glass bottle to provide protection against injury, including chipping of teeth that can occur during drinking from a glass bottle. One embodiment comprises a monolithic structure for insertion into the mouth of a glass bottle and comprises inner, outer and top portions. The inner portion and the outer portion are substantially concentric structures defining an annulus for engaging the mouth of the bottle, and the top portion joins the inner and outer portions and protects the consumer from the top edge of the bottle. The length of the outer portion is selected such that the bottom part of the consumer's mouth is protected from the bottle. When installed, a tooth protector according to the present invention cushions the teeth and mouth from any blunt force or impulse that can occur when a bottle is hit or blocked.
US08177077B2
A supporting device for exhibiting golf clubs enabling the easy dismounting and storing of the golf clubs from and onto the supporting device for exhibition when users actually dismount the golf clubs from the supporting device for exhibition, hold them within their hands, and perform a test swing. The supporting device includes a plurality of guide parts for hooking the heads of golf clubs thereto and hooking parts connecting respective guide parts to each other, wherein when the clubs are hooked to the guide parts, they are always arranged in a specified direction at all times. The guide parts are so formed that the inlets of guide parts supporting suspended shafts of the clubs are opened in the front direction so that the shafts of the clubs can be suspended therefrom are visible from the front direction of the supporting device.
US08177072B2
A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.
US08177062B1
A protective case for a retractable item, such as a magnifier or digital media. The case is a hollow shell bisected from end to end to form two halves. At each end of each half there is a pivotal hinge. The hinges at one end join the halves mutually. The hinges at the other end support two arms separately. The two arms at their ends support the item mutually via a pivotal hinge. The case halves may be affected to remain apart by a spring and to remain joined by a releasable hook. To use the item, the halves are parted, the arms extend the item, and the halves are re-joined. To protect the item, the halves are parted, the arms retract the item, and the halves are re-joined.
US08177061B2
A cover for the ski of a snowmobile mountable to the ski portion thereby protecting the ski portion from damage due to exposure to the elements, especially damage from the sun during off-season storage.
US08177049B2
A chain driven by two sprockets spaced a short distance apart along their common axial centerline. The chain includes elongated pins that extend beyond the outer surfaces of the chain link plates, on both sides, by a distance about equal to the width of the spaced apart sprockets. The chain is aligned midway between the sprockets, and the sprocket teeth drive on the extended portion of the chain pins. Where a flight is attached to the chain links, the pins are extended still further, to fit into the indentations or holes in the flights. This provides an exposed length of each pin in alignment with the sprocket on each side for driving purposes. The chain has a piece extending between the plates to reduce the likelihood of a pin extending further outside of one side plate or the other. A shoulder on the pin further reduces the likelihood of this happening.
US08177046B2
A banknote validator takes both reflection and transmission optical measurements at different wavelengths. An emitter and sensor on one side of the banknote path are used to make a calibration measurement using light reflected from a window on the other side of the path, overlying another optical device. Each measurement is normalized on the basis of multiple measurements of different wavelengths, distributed over a substantial area, such as along the relevant scan line, preferably using a value representing the dispersion of the measurements.
US08177045B2
A hydraulic system for controlling a motor vehicle transmission having automated actuation of clutches. The hydraulic system includes a first valve connected downstream from a hydraulic energy source for producing a system pressure to control and/or regulate a clutch pressure. A second valve is connected downstream from the first valve and ahead of two clutches of the motor vehicle transmission to control and/or regulate the clutch pressure, wherein the second valve includes a regulating circuit to regulate the clutch pressure.
US08177041B2
A damper assembly includes damper body, a piston assembly and a pulser. The damper body is operable to maintain a fluid. The piston assembly may include a piston rod and a piston plunger. The piston plunger and at least a portion of piston rod is slidably positioned within the damper body. The pulser is operable to generate hydraulic waves within the fluid toward the piston assembly to alter the damping force of the damper assembly.
US08177038B2
A thrust transmitting plate 14b on a cylinder hole bottom side portion of an adjuster nut 14, a drive side cam plate 12, and a cam spring 15 for biasing the thrust transmitting plate 14b toward the drive side cam plate 12 are accommodated in a generally cylindrical housing 16. Parts of the arc face of the circumferential wall of the housing 16 are deformed inwardly to form flat portions 16d. Engaging apertures 16e are formed in the flat portions 16d such that the engaging protrusions 14d are movable only in the cylinder axis direction when they are engaged. Portions of the circumferential wall of the housing 16 are protruded outwardly in convex shapes by presswork to form plural locking parts 16g arranged in the circumferential direction. The housing 16 is configured so as to be mounted in a cylinder hole 8 by latching those locking parts 16g to a circumferential groove 8f formed in the cylinder hole 8.
US08177037B2
A brake system of the present invention is a dual braking system, which includes an ECU that controls parts for braking when a brake pedal is operated, a main brake that is controlled by ECU by locking a wheel disc for braking in normal braking, and a sub-brake that is mounted on the wheel disc and achieves sub-braking function to achieve emergency braking for safety by locking the wheel disc by control of ECU that has detects failure of main brake. Therefore, it is possible to improve safety by achieving emergency braking while achieving F-S (Fail-Safe), when the motor of main brake fails. Further, it is possible to also achieve stable FR (Failure Rate) in an EWB or an EMB that is practically applied to a vehicle, as in a hydraulic brake system, and to expedite common use of brake systems where a BBW (Brake By Wire) technology, such as EMB and EWB, is applied.
US08177029B1
The tool and supply bag includes a frame that can rest atop a stepladder, and further includes a tool and supply bag that attaches about the exterior of said frame. A removable box or cooler accompanies the tool and supply bag and provides further storage when carrying the device to and from a stepladder via a shoulder strap. The tool and supply bag still provides access to the paint holder accessory of a ladder. At least one optional holster is included on the tool and supply bag as a means of supporting a tape measure, cordless drill, or like-handled tool.
US08177024B2
The present invention relates to an acoustic attenuation device for an intake line of an internal combustion engine and to an intake line such as this incorporating same. An acoustic attenuation device according to the invention is intended to have a flow of pressurized gaseous fluid passing through it and comprises: a conduit structure which has a tubular wall ending in two ends, these respectively being the fluid inlet and fluid outlet ends, which are able to be incorporated into the intake line, and at least one resonance chamber which is arranged on the outside of this structure and which communicates therewith via at least one opening formed in said wall, the or each chamber being axially delimited by two transverse partitions. According to the invention, the or each chamber further comprises at least one gravity discharge orifice for discharging condensate which is formed in said wall in the vicinity of one of the transverse partitions, the or each chamber being delimited by two longitudinal walls which are joined together by these transverse partitions thereby forming a housing which is closed by a cover formed as one piece with this housing.
US08177023B2
The invention relates to a sound dampening housing for a rock drill which moves along a feed beam in a longitudinal direction thereof, the sound dampening housing being attachable to the feed beam of the rock drill on its both sides so that together with the feed beam the sound dampening housing constitutes a substantially closed space. The sound dampening housing is double-shelled, and an airspace is provided between its inner shell and its outer shell.
US08177022B2
Wall partitioning between outside and inside of a room has an opening portion closed with a film. Sound insulating plate, comprising a lamination of a sound reflecting plate and a sound absorbing member, is supported in opposed relation to the opening portion and at an interval from the opening portion. Sound transmitted from outside of the room into the room through the film is reflected from the sound reflecting plate and then diffracted via sides of the interval, defined between the sound reflecting plate and the wall, to behind the reflecting plate to reach a human listener. Thus, with a mechanical construction, sound, propagated from outside the room into the room, can be made to be heard as sound of frequency characteristics desired by a human listener present in the room.
US08177021B1
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.
US08177020B2
A control device for the active steering of a vehicle comprising a driving differential that is positioned between a steering wheel and steering control means, said differential which furthermore receives at a first input a counter-steering command supplied by a turn correction motor, wherein said steering wheel is linked to a second input of said differential by non-return means preventing any force feedback from said differential to said steering wheel.
US08177019B2
It is one object of the present invention to provide a steering device for a vehicle improving a resolution of detecting a steering reaction force thereby to control precisely a reaction actuator and to improve a steering feeling.The steering device for the vehicle is equipped with a reaction actuator 19 acting a steering reaction force on a steering wheel 1. This device further includes a steering angle sensor 11 detecting a steering angle δh of the steering wheel 1, a controller 20 controlling the reaction actuator 19 according to the steering angle δh, a torque sensor 12 detecting a steering torque Th acted on the steering wheel 1. The controller 20 controls in a feedback way the reaction actuator 11 based on the steering torque Th in a predetermined range including a middle point of the steering angle. The controller 20 drives, in a open-loop way without feed-backing the steering torque Th, the reaction actuator 19 out of the predetermined range of the steering angle δh.
US08177004B2
A control system for a drive unit of a hybrid vehicle, which is capable of preventing an uncomfortable feeling, when a vehicle is driven by a power of an electric motor. The control system includes an electric motor, another power unit other than the electric motor, and a transmission, including a speed change inhibiting mechanism for inhibiting a speed change operation of the transmission in case the vehicle is run by a power of the electric motor.
US08177000B2
A modular back reamer to be used in subterranean drilling includes a drive stem connected to a drill string and configured to support a reamer body, the reamer body providing a plurality of receptacles, wherein the receptacles are configured to retain a cutting leg assembly at varying heights within a predetermined range, and a plurality of shims engaged within the receptacles to secure the cutting leg assemblies at a specified height within the predetermined range, wherein the cutting leg assembly is secured to the reamer body with at least one mechanical fastener.
US08176998B2
A method in core drilling, wherein a tubular drill bit (8) being arranged at the end of a tubular drill string (6) is driven under rotation against a material intended for drilling, and wherein for the purpose of core retrieving, a tool (17, 20) is brought inside the drill string to an operative position in the area of the drill bit. Acoustic vibrations (24, 25) from the drill string are sensed when the tool is brought to its operative position, sensed acoustic vibrations are analysed for detecting the occurrence of acoustic vibrations characteristic for when the tool has reached its operative position, and an output signal is emitted when the occurrence of vibrations characteristic of when the tool has reached its operative position has been detected. The invention also concerns a device and a drill rig.
US08176994B2
The invention relates to a gearbox device, in particular, for a hammer drill or chisel, with a torque transmission mechanism, which has a first torque transmitting region for transmission of a torque to a first component and at least one second torque transmitting region for transmitting a torque to a second component. According to the invention, the first torque transmitting region and the second torque transmitting region at least partly have a corresponding partial contour for transmitting the torques.
US08176993B2
A ripper plough for soil tillage includes a body having an upper mounting attachment end, a lower soil engaging end, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and opposed sides. A ploughshare support extends outwardly from the body from the leading edge toward the trailing edge at a plough angle of between 40 degrees and 55 degrees and extends outwardly and downwardly relative to the body at a thrust angle of between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. Ploughshares are mounted on the ploughshare support. The ploughshares have a length between a leading edge and a trailing edge of at least 1.5 feet and are spaced apart at the trailing edge by at least two feet, to provide an average lift angle of upward lift of between 10 degrees and 15 degrees.
US08176980B2
A method for producing bitumen or heavy oil from a subsurface oil sands reservoir, the subsurface oil sands reservoir and an overlying gas zone in fluid communication, the method includes providing an in situ combustion process in the overlying gas zone, to create or expand a combustion front within the overlying gas zone, providing a thermal recovery process in the oil sands reservoir, to create or expand a rising hot zone within the oil sands reservoir, and selectively operating the thermal recovery process or the in situ combustion process or both such that the rising hot zone does not intersect the overlying gas zone until the combustion front has moved beyond that portion of the overlying gas zone at the intersection.
US08176978B2
Processes relating to the production of methane, carbon dioxide, gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons, and other valuable products from subterranean carbon bearing formations, in-situ, are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, such production utilizes indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia that are capable of converting a carbon bearing material such as shale or coal to desired products. In a particularly preferred embodiment there is provided a process for bioconverting a carbon-bearing subterranean formation, wherein the process comprises injecting fluid into a carbon bearing deposit with at least one injection well and removing injected fluid and product from the deposit through at least one production well, and controlling fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit by use of the injected fluid, the pressure being controlled such that the fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit exceeds the fluid pressure that normally exists in that portion.
US08176961B2
A sliding screen assembly (1) with a screen (3), a pull bar (4) for movement between an open and a closed position, a series of guide wires (9,10) which pass through the screen (3) and pull bar (4) to be attached to an adjacent frame (2) of the assembly (1), the assembly (1) including a cassette (30) mounted to the frame (2) for fastening ends of the guide wires (9,10), the cassette (3) having an anchor block (32) to secure the cassette (30) in an associated upper track (7) and/or lower track (8) of the assembly (1) and a fastening mechanism (43) to adjustably secure the wires (9,10) to the cassette (30).
US08176956B2
There is provided a pneumatic radial tire for a motorcycle, which reduces a difference between rigidities of the center section and the shoulder sections of a tread section to simultaneously provide a long wear life, high grip force, and high-speed durability without impairing linear characteristics of handling. It is a pneumatic radial tire for a motorcycle having a carcass 1 and a belt layer 2. A tread section is formed of a center section rubber 3, disposed in a widthwise center region of the tire and on both sides of a tire equator, and both side rubber 4, disposed on both widthwise ends of the tire. In addition, the tread section has a structure in which the center section rubber 3 and the both side rubber 4 are successively laminated upon each other at both widthwise ends of the tire. Further, the ratio of the thickness of both side rubber 4 in the tread section increases towards both widthwise ends of the tire, and a modulus of the both side rubber 4 is less than a modulus of the center section rubber 3.
US08176949B2
A liquid crystal dispensing system includes a frame, a stage coupled to the frame; at least one liquid crystal dispenser moveably coupled the frame over the stage, and at least one measurement member operatively coupled to the liquid crystal dispenser, wherein the at least measurement member detecting an amount of liquid crystal material dispensed from the at least one liquid crystal dispenser.
US08176947B2
A container is filled to a predetermined target mass of a free-flowing substance with the help of a device that dispenses measured doses of the substance. The dispensing device has a valve for variably adjusting the mass flow rate of the substance from a reservoir into the container. The dispensing device further includes a device to measure the elapsed time from the beginning of the filling process, a balance for determining the mass of the substance in the container, and a controller unit with a valve control module. The controller unit includes an adjusting module, where a predetermined desired mass flow rate is stored. At an elapsed time, if the mass flow rate is smaller or larger than the desired mass flow rate, the flow rate is, respectively, increased or decreased by a flow rate adjustment. An adaptive filter of the controller unit determines the mass flow rate.
US08176938B2
A hydrocarbon transfer system comprising a first structure with a length direction and a transverse direction having a frame carrying a fluid transfer duct with at its end a fluid connecting member for connecting to a second structure which is moored alongside the first structure and wherein the fluid transfer duct is placed on a movable frame part which is displaceable in the transverse direction.
US08176933B2
A packing unit for a blowout preventer includes an elastomeric, annular body configured to be disposed about a longitudinal axis of the blowout preventer and configured to be displaced radially inward towards the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the blowout preventer. The elastomeric, annular body includes a first section having a first set of material properties and a second section having a second set of material properties. The packing unit includes a plurality of rigid inserts distributed at equal radial distances from each other within the elastomeric annular body and about the longitudinal axis of the blowout preventer.
US08176929B1
A spigot for a line-stopping sheath assembly includes a flange including a flange plate and a flange barrel. The flange barrel includes a wall extending from the flange plate, with an end of the wall of the flange barrel opposing the flange plate having a projection defining a periphery of a socket area for receiving an end of a pipe. The spigot also includes a pipe having an end disposed within the periphery of the socket area defined by the projection of the flange barrel.
US08176925B2
A device to aid in flossing teeth including a jaw hook body, a pair of floss retaining projections on one end of the jaw hook body, and a grip handle at an opposite end of the jaw hook body. The grip handle may be a closed loop, an open loop, a padded structure, a pivoting structure, a decorative structure, a structure for holding the tool upright on a surface, or some combination of these features.
US08176923B2
Provided is a method for reducing TPM cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and/or phenolic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the particulate phase of mainstream smoke. Also provided is a smoking article including tobacco material treated with a bismuth containing compound and optionally glycerin. The method includes forming a suspension of a bismuth containing compound, water, and optionally glycerin. Tobacco material is contacted with the suspension, and then dried to evaporate the water. The tobacco material is used to form smoking articles with potentially reduced TPM cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and/or targeted constituents in mainstream smoke.
US08176919B2
An adjustable respiratory mask includes: a mask body including a rear side, and a front cover having a connecting hole and projecting upwardly; an adjuster housing formed on top of the front cover, and having a sleeve that extends within the adjuster housing in a front-to-rear direction and that has a rear opening exposed from the adjuster housing; a forehead abutment member having a shank projecting forwardly from the forehead abutment member and extending into the sleeve through the rear opening; and an adjusting unit for adjusting a distance of the forehead abutment member from the adjuster housing. The shank is movable relative to the sleeve so that the forehead abutment member is movable toward and away from the adjuster housing.
US08176916B2
A filter and/or HME device including an upper shell suitable to be connected to ventilation means, a lower shell suitable to be connected to a tracheal or tracheostomy tube of a patient, a filter and/or HME element disposed between the upper shell and the lower shell and a condensation screen disposed in front of the filter and/or HME element and facing the lower shell wherein the condensation screen has a conical wall extending from the opposite part of the filter and/or HME element to produce, together with a portion of the lower shell a collection chamber for the condensation that forms.
US08176911B2
A method to regulate overfire air passing through an overfire air duct and entering a flue gas stream in a combustion system including: directing overfire air into an inlet of the overfire air duct, passing the overfire air through the duct and discharging the overfire air into the flue gas stream in the combustion system; adjusting a flow rate of overfire air entering the inlet using a damper adjacent the inlet, and moving the damper parallel along an axis of the overfire air duct to increase and decrease the overfire air entering the inlet, wherein the damper has an open position at which the damper is extended out of the inlet and a closed position in which the damper is substantially in the inlet and blocking air entering the inlet.
US08176910B2
A parasol heater comprising a moveable dish provided above a gas burner, wherein the dish is pivotably coupled to a first side of the burner, the heater comprising an actuator coupled to the dish and configured in use to effect movement of the dish relative to the gas burner, the actuator extending downwardly from the dish along a second side of the burner, the second side being opposite to the first side.
US08176902B2
The invention relates to an internal combustion engine system, especially in a motor vehicle, comprising an internal combustion engine, a make-up gas installation for supplying make-up gas to the internal combustion engine, an exhaust gas installation for evacuating the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, and an exhaust gas recirculation installation for extracting exhaust gas from the exhaust gas installation and introducing the extracted exhaust gas into the make-up gas installation. In order to improve the exhaust gas recirculation, two make-up gas paths through which make-up gas can flow in parallel are formed in a control section of the make-up gas installation, a make-up gas valve being arranged in each make-up gas path, for controlling the cross-section of the respective path through which gas can flow.
US08176900B2
The present invention provides a heated catalyzed fuel injector that dispenses fuel substantially exclusively during the power stroke of an internal combustion engine, wherein ignition occurs in a fast burn zone at high fuel density such that a leading surface of the fuel is completely burned within several microseconds. In operation, the fuel injector precisely meters instantly igniting fuel at a predetermined crank angle for optimal power stroke production. Specifically, the fuel is metered into the fuel injector, such that the fuel injector heats, vaporizes, compresses and mildly oxidizes the fuel, and then dispenses the fuel as a relatively low pressure gas column into a combustion chamber of the engine.
US08176892B2
The invention concerns an internal-combustion engine, the engine comprising an engine housing having a combustion chamber and a piston travelling within the combustion chamber along a path of movement delimited between an upper dead center position and a lower dead center position. The engine housing comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, the first housing part and the second housing part delimiting portions of the combustion chamber, abutting each other, and defining a parting plane, the parting plane being arranged parallel to the path of movement of the piston.
US08176891B2
A multi-cylinder engine with a plurality of cylinders may include at least one variable cylinder that performs a power stroke or is deactivated, normal cylinders that perform power strokes at equal rotation intervals, and a control portion that activates or deactivates the at least one variable cylinder according to a predetermined load condition, wherein deactivation position of the at least one variable cylinder is determined based on rotation angle of a crankshaft.
US08176890B2
An engine oil pan structure includes a lower case having a pair of side walls and a plurality of bearing cap sections for connection between the side walls. A balancer device provided under the lower case, mounts on a mounting section formed at positions of the bearing cap section adjoining the side walls. An oil pan covering the balancer device is joined to lower end portions of the side walls. A reinforcing rib having a horseshoe-shaped form and surrounding the balancer device is provided on an external surface of the oil pan, and two end portions of the reinforcing rib are joined or monolithic with portions of a flange section for joining the oil pan to the side walls adjoining the mounting section to reduce noise of an engine having a balancer device.
US08176885B2
A system and method for reducing fouling. In one embodiment, the system includes a housing and a plurality of channels contained within the housing. The system also includes a fouling reduction element that passes through at least one channel of the plurality of channels, wherein the fouling reduction element is movable such that it reduces fouling inside of the at least one channel. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the fouling reduction element efficiently cleans the inside of the channels of the cooling system.
US08176882B2
A boiler for combustion of solid fuel, especially biomass, a first combustion stage with a primary air supply, an igniter, a fuel supply, a second combustion stage a burn-up and calcination space, a combustion chamber which is upwardly open and with a flue, the burn-up and calcination space being located underneath the combustion site such that fuel can be moved from the combustion site of the first combustion stage into the burn-up and calcination space. The primary air supply is located within the combustion chamber above the combustion site such that air can be blown into the first combustion stage, flue gases which form in the burn-up and calcination space are routed essentially passed the primary air supply means and the combustion site so that the flue gases of the second combustion stage do not adversely affect the combustion of the fuel at the combustion site.
US08176880B2
A pet boot having therapeutic properties is worn on a pet's injured or sensitive paw to facilitate healing and or provide protection. The therapeutic pet boot includes an external boot member having a shaft and a paw portion constructed to form a cavity integrated therein appointed to receive an injured paw of a pet. The therapeutic pet boot further includes an internal therapeutic member appointed to be received within the cavity of the external boot member and is appointed to intimately contact the injured paw. The therapeutic pet boot is appointed to be worn on the injured paw of the pet to facilitate healing. The internal therapeutic member may comprise a gel bootee having a massaging gel sole or may comprise a gel inner layer or gel insole. Advantageously, the internal therapeutic member may directly deliver medicament to the paw and/or provide cold treatment or hot treatment therapies to the paw, while providing cushioning, shock absorption and protection from dirt and debris.
US08176876B2
An aquarium pump having LED lamps, wherein the coil unit of a motor unit in the pump housing is used as a primary coil unit, and a first insulating layer is used to envelop the primary coil unit, then a secondary coil unit is used to wind the primary coil unit; taking advantage of induction of the secondary coil unit to the primary coil unit to generate a low voltage for using by the LED illuminating lamp set. Kinetic energy during rotation of an internal magnet of a motor for the pump is used as induction potential, this is the energy required that can get an effect of energy saving and carbon reducing.
US08176873B2
A milking liner for an automated milking machine includes a barrel that moves between an uncollapsed position and a collapsed condition when it is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. The barrel defines at least three parallel channels open to the inner surface of the barrel. The configuration of the sidewall of the barrel and the channels cause the barrel to uniformly collapse when the barrel is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. In one configuration, ribs protrude from the barrel sidewall and define channels with the same wall thickness as the sidewall segments disposed between the ribs.
US08176872B2
A tubular element (9) tubular element (9) provides an inner space forming a passage for conducting milk, with a first material portion (9a) which constitutes the main part of the tubular element (9) and an additional material portion (9b) which includes a vent passage (9b) adapted to supply air to the inner space of the tubular element (9). The first material portion (9a) and the additional material portion (9b) are fixedly connected to each other in a contact area (9d) such that the material portions (9a, b) form an integrated unit. A method of manufacturing the tubular element.
US08176868B2
A coupling to engage and retain two adjacent buoyant marine bodies in a side to side abutting relationship, is described. The coupling has two coupling portions (9), one each on one of the two adjacent buoyant marine bodies. The coupling portion (“first coupling portion”) including a downwardly directed receiving recess that includes at least one bearing surface (7) that faces away from a plane of abutment of the two marine bodies and that increases in distance away from the plane of abutment from top to bottom. The coupling also having a locking bar to be retained by the other coupling portion (second coupling portion) in a manner to allow it to move vertically thereto and to project from the second coupling portion for engagement with the first coupling portion, the locking bar including a receiving surface (16) to abut with the bearing surface (7). The relative movement of the two marine bodies together causes the locking bar to drop down the receiving recess thereby holding the two marine bodies together, in more restrained juxtaposition.
US08176861B2
An embroidery data processor includes an embroidery data storage that stores embroidery data for sewing embroidery patterns by an embroiderable sewing machine; an embroidery data preparator that prepares the embroidery data of the embroidery patterns to be sewn by reading the embroidery data from the embroidery data storage or by receiving the embroidery data from external source; and a data generator that generates temporary stitch data for temporarily sewing an interlining on an underside of a workpiece cloth prior to embroidery sewing based on the embroidery data prepared by the embroidery data preparator.
US08176847B2
The plausibility of at least one measured value, that is determined in a printing press, and that includes a density of an ink applied to a stock, is assessed. The stock is conveyed through the printing press and the ink is applied to the stock in several inking zones. A relation is formed between a measured ink density value, which is determined for a specific ink in a selected ink zone, and a measured ink density value determined for the same ink in at least one other inking zone. The measured ink density value for the specific ink in the selected ink zone is rejected as being implausible, and is not used for automatically regulating the ink in the printing press, if the relation between the measured value and the measured value for the same ink in the at least one other inking zone inadmissibly either exceeds or lies below at least one predefined threshold value.
US08176846B2
A method for positioning a printing plate includes supporting the printing plate on a support surface. A first force is applied to the printing plate to move the printing plate over the support surface along a path. A second force is applied to the printing plate to alter the movement of the printing plate along the path. The printing plate is pivoted on the support surface while applying the first force and the second force to the printing plate, wherein the printing plate is pivoted about a pivot point located on the printing plate at a location different from each of the locations on the printing plate to which the first and second forces are applied.
US08176845B2
A form cylinder of a printing machine includes a plurality of sections in series in an axial direction of the cylinder surface. At least one printing form is arranged in each one of these sections. The form cylinder has at least one channel, also extending in the axial direction of the cylinder. That channel has an opening on the surface of the form cylinder. At least one holding device for each of the sections is arranged in this channel. Each such holding device can be pneumatically actuated in sections. At least one recess, open to the cylinder surface, is formed outside of these sections. A device that is usable to distribute compressed air to the respective sections of the form cylinder is provided in this at least one recess. The device for distributing the compressed air is configured as a plurality of valves. At least one control device is provided outside of the form cylinder and is used to activate the plurality of valves in a non-contact manner. The control device associated with each valve is oriented toward the surface of the form cylinder and acts in a radial direction.
US08176832B1
A system and a method for obstruction deflection for a vehicle. The system generally includes a guide; and a support structure. The support structure includes one or more supports; one or more guide connectors; a fixed single support bracket; a tilt bracket; and a fixed multiple support bracket. The fixed single support bracket, the tilt bracket, and the fixed multiple support bracket are mounted to the vehicle, a first end of each of the supports is installed onto the fixed single support bracket, the tilt bracket, and the fixed multiple support bracket, a second end of each of the supports is installed onto the guide connectors, and the guide is rotatably attached to the guide connectors such that the guide is positioned longitudinally on the vehicle and the guide is curved with the vehicle on the inside of the curve. When the tilt bracket is locked to prevent tilting, and the vehicle is operated in either of a first direction and a second direction, and an obstruction is encountered by the guide, cooperative flexing of the guide and of the supports in combination deflects the obstruction away from the vehicle.
US08176815B2
Embodiments of the invention described herein pertain to a pneumatically powered shingle removing apparatus. The shingle removing apparatus includes a frame having a first end and a second end. A first pneumatic cylinder assembly is mounted adjacent the first end of the frame and a second pneumatic cylinder assembly is mounted adjacent the second end of the frame. The first pneumatic cylinder and the second pneumatic cylinder extend substantially parallel from the frame and each have a chisel extending at least partially from the respective first pneumatic cylinder assembly and the second pneumatic cylinder assembly, the chisels being moveable back and forth from a forward position. A stripping blade is attached to a front end of the chisels of the first pneumatic cylinder assembly and the second pneumatic cylinder assembly. A first air conduit delivers pressurized air to the first pneumatic cylinder assembly and a second air conduit delivers pressurized air to the second pneumatic cylinder assembly. The pressurized air moves the chisels of the first pneumatic cylinder assembly and the second pneumatic cylinder assembly back and forth from the forward position thereby forcing the stripping blade to move in a reciprocating motion for removing shingles from a roof.
US08176801B2
The present invention relates to devices for collecting and storing chemical samples and transferring those samples to analytical devices for analysis. In one implementation the device includes an interface for transferring samples and electrical signals. In another implementation, the device includes an analytical device having an interface for transferring samples and electrical signals with a sampling device. In another implementation, the device includes a sampling device having an interface for transferring samples and electrical signals with an analytical device.
US08176798B2
A method and apparatus for operating a laundry treating appliance that has a rotating treating chamber, which is rotatable about a rotation axis by a motor operably coupled to the rotating treating chamber, with the operation of the motor being controlled by an underdamped control scheme to determine a laundry load size.
US08176797B2
A system and method are provided for quantifying a degree of discontinuity of material flow from a meter roller. In an exemplary embodiment, flowable particulate material is fed into a meter roller. The meter roller is then rotated one revolution, and the output from the meter roller is collected and measured. Next, the meter roller is rotated one revolution in discrete increments, each increment having a substantially equal rotational angle. The output from the meter roller is then collected and measured for each increment. Finally, the measurement for each increment is compared to the measurement for the one revolution to determine a statistical parameter indicative of flow rate discontinuity.
US08176791B2
An elastic ceramic body and a pressure sensor. The elastic ceramic body comprises: a base body of an elastic ceramic material; and a cover layer, which covers at least one section of a surface of the base body, wherein the cover layer is of a material other than that of the base body, and the cover layer comprises microcrystalline Al2O3 (corundum). The cover layer is preferably prepared in a sol gel process. The pressure sensor, comprises: a disk-shaped measuring membrane, which is embodied as an elastic ceramic body according to the above definition; and at least one membrane support body, on which the measuring membrane is connected at its edge region along an encircling joint to form a pressure-tight measuring chamber between the membrane support body and the measuring membrane.
US08176785B2
The invention relates to the detection of liquid in a cavity of a structure, e.g. a sandwich-structure cell with honeycomb core and carbon fiber composite coating. The structure is subjected to a mechanical vibration, at a frequency fm in the audible range, by an excitation wave, the area being explored is subjected to an incident electromagnetic wave and the reflected electromagnetic wave is analyzed to deduce therefrom the presence or the absence of liquid in cavities. The Faraday wave induced on the surface of the liquid in the cavity comprises subharmonic frequencies of fm which modulate the reflected electromagnetic wave and make it possible to identify the presence of liquid. A detection apparatus comprises an excitation wave generation device for generating the vibration excitation wave, an electromagnetic wave generation device for generating the incident electromagnetic wave, a measuring device for detecting and measuring the reflected electromagnetic wave, and a signal processor.
US08176784B2
To provide an elastic wave device that is small sized and in which a frequency fluctuation due to a change with time hardly occurs, and an electronic component using the above elastic wave device. A trapping energy mode portion 2 provided in an elastic wave waveguide 10 made of a piezoelectric material excites a second elastic wave being an elastic wave in a trapping energy mode by a specific frequency component included in a first elastic wave being an elastic wave such as a SAW propagated from a first propagation mode portion 4, and a cutoff portion 3 provided in a peripheral region of the trapping energy mode portion 2 has a cutoff frequency being a frequency higher than that of the second elastic wave. A second propagation mode portion mode-converts the second elastic wave leaked through the cutoff portion to a third elastic wave being the elastic wave in the propagation mode to propagate the third elastic wave.
US08176772B2
A piezoelectric sensor senses a substance to be measured in a sample solution, thereby conducting high-precision measurement. A pressing member has a solution storage space with a bottom surface being one surface of a piezoelectric resonator, and covering a recessed portion of a wiring board. The wiring board includes an annular projection surrounding the solution storage space and pressing a surface of the piezoelectric resonator. The wiring board is made of an elastic material. The annular projection has side surfaces that get smaller in diameter toward a lower side. The side surface of the solution storage space makes an obtuse angle to its bottom surface. At a corner portion made by these surfaces, an upper side of the bubbles are opened, and therefore, bubbles, even if entering the solution storage space, can float up.
US08176769B2
Provided are apparatuses for measuring wetting, absorption, and/or other mechanisms of fluid transportation by a sample of particulates. The apparatus may include a container holding a fluid, a means for measuring fluid in the container, and a conduit having a fluid-conveying lumen that allows fluid to flow from the container to a conduit opening. Also included is a sample holder in fluid communication with the conduit opening. The holder may have a surface on which the sample may be placed to absorb fluid from the conduit opening against gravity without falling into the conduit opening. In addition or in the alternative, the holder may be constructed and situated in a manner effective to draw fluid from the conduit opening to provide a controlled reservoir of fluid for absorption by the sample against gravity. Methods using saturated a porous medium is also described.
US08176766B1
A liquid and solid trap which induces cyclonic motion of a breath flow to separate solids and liquids from a breath sample prior to that sample being provided to a breath detector for determining composition of the vapor portion of said sample. The trap is generally used on delivery type testing devices used for measuring breath alcohol content.
US08176763B2
A toothed rack has hollow sections and a longitudinal axis that extends parallel to a longitudinal direction and which in the hollow region includes a wall encompassing the longitudinal axis of the toothed rack in a circumferential direction and in at least a subregion comprises a toothing. In the circumferential direction spaced apart from the toothing, at least one local attenuation and/or holding edge is developed in the wall, which, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toothed rack, extends at least over a portion of the length of the toothing next to the attenuation.
US08176754B2
Particulate mineral material suitable for forming a fiberisable melt is melted in a flame formed by combustion of powdered carbonaceous fuel with preheated air and the particulate mineral material is then preheated, and the exhaust gases are subjected to NOx reduction, in a cyclone preheater (22).
US08176751B2
A loopable and wearable dining utensil comprises a rigid function portion for engaging food, a holder for holding the dining utensil, and a flexible connector for connecting the rigid function portion and the holder. One end of the rigid function portion also serves as a male linker and the opposite end has a first linking part. One end of the holder serves as a female linker for linking with the male linker, and the opposite end has a second linking part for linking with the first linking part. When the female linker is linked with the male linker, the dining utensil forms a loop, and when the second linking part is linked with the first linking part, the dining utensil forms a regular utensil. According to various connecting profiles, the multiple dining utensils can form a bracelet, necklace, belt or an ornament of handbag or hand-held mobile device.
US08176750B2
An evaporator includes two header tanks and a plurality of heat exchange tubes disposed therebetween. The interior of a refrigerant inlet header section of the first header tank is divided into two spaces by a first flow diverging plate. The heat-exchange-tube-side space of the refrigerant inlet header section is divided into a plurality of sections by a first partition plate. Flow diverging openings are provided in portions of the first flow diverging plate facing the sections. The interiors of first and second intermediate header sections of the second header tank are each divided into sections, equal in number to those of the refrigerant inlet header section.
US08176745B1
This disclosure teaches an apparatus suitable for playing a drinking game using drinking cups and thrown projectiles on a playing surface having a rack to rack up a pre-determined configuration of the drinking cups. The rack includes an insulator to at least partially insulate the drinking cups and an electric cooler to cool the drinking cups during game play.
US08176743B2
A refrigeration device includes a control unit, and a refrigerant circuit in which a compression mechanism, a radiator, a refrigerant cooling unit, a first expansion mechanism, a liquid receiver, a second expansion mechanism, and an evaporator are connected in sequence. The control unit performs refrigerant cooling control whereby the refrigerant is cooled by the refrigerant cooling unit so that the state of the refrigerant that has flowed out from the first expansion mechanism is near the saturation line and not near the critical point.
US08176741B2
A local air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a local air conditioning unit for performing one of a cooling operation and a heating operation for a predetermined portion of a seat of the vehicle. In the local air conditioning system, information regarding a user is acquired, and a current scene is identified based on the acquired information. The local air conditioning unit is controlled to perform one of the cooling operation and the heating operation for the predetermined portion of the seat on condition that the current scene is identified as a getting-in-vehicle scene in which the user gets in the vehicle and sits on the seat. For example, the predetermined portion of the seat is a portion corresponding to a high body temperature portion of a user, such as a nape of a neck and backs of knees.
US08176738B2
Methods and systems for converting waste heat from cement plant into a usable form of energy are disclosed. The methods and systems make use of two heat source streams from the cement plant, a hot air stream and a flue gas stream, to fully vaporize and superheat a working fluid stream, which is then used to convert a portion of its heat to a usable form of energy. The methods and systems utilize sequential heat exchanges stages to heat the working fluid stream, first with the hot air stream or from a first heat transfer fluid stream heated by the hot air stream and second with the flue gas stream from a second heat transfer fluid stream heated by the hot air stream.
US08176735B2
A control device for multi-stage turbochargers is provided that is capable of improving fuel consumption in transient and stationary states of an engine equipped with multi-stage turbochargers. A control device 1 for multi-stage turbochargers which are turbochargers 6, 7 of at least two or more stages provided in series at an engine 2 and in which the high-pressure stage turbocharger 6 is configured by a variable-capacity turbocharger 6 equipped with a variable vane 64 comprising detection means 11, 12 for detecting a boost pressure or an intake air amount of a turbocharger 7 of a stage with a pressure lower than that of the variable-capacity turbocharger 6, the opening degree of the variable vane 64 being controlled on the basis of a detection value of the detection means 11, 12.
US08176732B2
An apparatus for treating engine exhaust gas includes comprising an exhaust conduit for leading exhaust gases from an engine to an outlet, a particulate filter connected in the exhaust conduit to receive exhaust gas, a heat source connected in the exhaust conduit upstream of the particulate filter, and, a heat exchanger connected to receive exhaust gas exiting the particulate filter and arranged to heat a portion of the exhaust conduit upstream of the heat source and particulate filter. Heating the exhaust gases prior to entry into the particulate filter helps ensure oxidation of the trapped particulate matter.
US08176731B2
Exhaust gas aftertreatment system for internal combustion engines operated with a lean mixture, wherein nitrogen oxides are reduced by an SCR catalyst, and particulates are removed by a particle separator or filter. A thermolysis catalyst is located near the engine in the exhaust gas split stream downstream of the supply point of the reducing agent. At temperatures above 135° C., this thermolysis catalyst vaporizes the water component of the aqueous urea solution. It contains a catalyst material that is thermally stable at exhaust gas temperatures occurring near the engine and preferentially reacts with the urea to form isocyanic acid. A hydrolysis catalyst is located in the exhaust gas stream downstream of the return of the split stream into the main stream of exhaust gas. The hydrolysis catalyst converts the isocyanic acid formed during thermolysis to ammonia and carbon dioxide using water vapor formed in the thermolysis catalyst.
US08176727B2
The internal combustion engine control apparatus of the invention starts gradually delaying an ignition timing θ for catalyst warm-up, immediately after a start of an internal combustion engine. When the ignition timing θ is delayed to or below a preset reference timing θref, a fuel amount increase flag F1 is set to 1 to start increase correction of a fuel injection amount. The internal combustion engine control apparatus then starts gradually increasing a throttle opening TH to a preset target opening THset. The increase correction of the fuel injection amount is terminated after elapse of a preset time t3 since the increase of the throttle opening TH to the preset target opening THset. This arrangement enables the increase correction of the fuel injection amount according to the requirement, thus improving the fuel economy and the emission.
US08176726B2
A method for introducing a reagent medium into an exhaust gas conduit of an internal combustion engine, and an apparatus for carrying out the method. Provision is made for a diagnosis of the pressure sensor. In at least one first time interval in which a steady pressure state is expected, a check is made as to whether the pressure signal at least approximately corresponds to the steady-state pressure. In at least one second time interval in which a pressure change occurs, a check is made as to whether the pressure signal at least approximately corresponds to a predetermined test pressure and/or at least approximately exhibits a predetermined change with respect to the steady-state pressure. A fault signal is supplied if at least one of the conditions is not met.
US08176723B2
An external steam turbine main steam startup control valve bypass loop is provided to facilitate a full pressure combined cycle rapid response/fast start powerplant. The main steam startup bypass control loop particularly includes a main steam startup bypass control valve, which allows for the implementation of high efficiency, low pressure drop main steam control valve that otherwise would not be able to handle the severe throttling duty during a full pressure steam turbine startup and enhances the controllability of the steam turbine allowing for the high fidelity controls necessary to minimize steam turbine rotor stresses.
US08176722B2
The invention relates to a thermodynamic circuit with a working medium comprising at least two substances with non-isothermal evaporation and condensation whereby the working medium can decompose above a given temperature. According to the invention, the heat from heat sources at temperatures above the decomposition temperature of the working medium may be made useful with little complexity and with high operational security, whereby the heat from the heat source is transferred in a first step to a hot liquid circuit and, in a second step, from the hot liquid circuit to the circuit with the working medium comprising at least two substances with non-isothermal evaporation and condensation. The heat introduced to the circuit with the working medium comprising at least two substances with non-isothermal evaporation and condensation can be reduced by means of the intermediate hot liquid circuit, such that a decomposition of the working medium can be avoided. Furthermore, the circuit with the working medium comprising at least two substances with non-isothermal evaporation and condensation is embodied as a standardized solution for use with differing heat sources each at differing temperatures, whereby matching to the temperature of the heat source is achieved by means of the intermediate hot liquid circuit.
US08176718B2
A combined cable comprising a core cable of high-strength synthetic fibers, which take the form of a twisted bundle of monofilaments or a plurality of twisted bundles of monofilaments, and comprising an outer layer of steel wire strands, is characterized in that the bundle or bundles of monofilaments is or are stretched, with a reduction in diameter, and held in this state by a sheathing, in particular a braided sheathing. The extension under strain of the core cable under load is thereby reduced, so that the load distribution between the cross section of steel and the cross section of synthetic material of the cable improves.
US08176716B2
A flexible reel (100) for an agricultural harvesting head (115) includes a plurality of reel sections (102, 104, 106) coupled together with flexible joints (210), wherein bats (206, 218) mounted on one reel section (102, 104, 106) overlap and interleave with the bats (206, 218) of an adjacent reel section (102, 104, 106).
US08176712B2
A system for packing and shipping erosion control blankets that maximizes the use of the interior space of a shipping container. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the system relates to packing, handling, storing and shipping of erosion control blankets adapted for delivery to customers with the most efficient use of space during shipping.
US08176705B2
The present invention relates to a novel composite structure with enhanced toughness, which incorporates features mimicked from nacre (mother of pearl). The structure can be used in many industrial and clinical applications, including aeronautics (aircraft skin), the defense industry (armor materials); orthopedics and medical devices (tough, biocompatible coatings on prostheses) and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS; increased reliability for critical components).
US08176697B1
Plastic building blocks made from structural foam polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene are strong, lightweight and may be easily disassembled. The top surface of each block has frusto-conical posts which fit into corresponding bores in the bottom surface of adjacent blocks to provide interlocking capability.
US08176695B2
A wall panel frame arrangement is provided having vertical and horizontal frame rails for having a common cross-sectional profile which facilitates joining thereof at the corners of the frame. Additionally, an improved light block arrangement is provided as a rail which extends horizontally across the frame, which rail is also adaptable for use with respect to a support assembly for supporting power and data communication circuit components thereon. The bottom of the frame further includes connector arrangements which facilitate mounting of either a base raceway cover or a vertically-enlarged cover tile at the same base location of the panel frame.
US08176691B2
A beaded soffit panel and related method for buildings and the like includes a plurality of generally flat, imperforate base portions shaped to enclose at least a portion of the soffit when the soffit panel is mounted in a generally horizontal orientation under the eave. A plurality of generally M-shaped, contoured beads extend between the base portions, and have oppositely inclined sidewalls with center walls therebetween to create a decorative appearance on the soffit panel. A plurality of narrow vent slits extend through the exterior faces of the bead sidewalls at a predetermined acute angle to define angled tabs that extend inwardly, whereby when the soffit panel is installed, vision through the vent slits from a position generally underneath the eave is substantially blocked by the angled tabs.
US08176686B2
Disclosed is a structure that is a stage and roof system. The present invention is a system that allows a stage and roof system to be moved and folded up into a compact area in a very short period of time to be placed at an event location to broadcast talent directly on or near a terrain.
US08176678B2
A removable security structure interposed between two window configurations is comprised of interconnecting horizontal and vertical members. The vertical members engage a gear junction of the horizontal members such that upon rotation of the vertical members, the horizontal members telescopically collapse. The reduction of length of each horizontal member disengages each horizontal member from a frame housing the window configurations. The rotation of the vertical members also frees the upper portion of the vertical members of the security structure. With the upper and side portions of the security structure freed, the security structure can be rotated and removed from the frame allowing egress.
US08176674B2
A roller assembly for a fishing rod roller guide includes a roller having two receiving portions each receiving a bearing. A side cover is mounted to each of two ends of the roller and includes an inner side having a lip received in a first annular groove in the end of the roller. Each lip includes a second annular groove aligned with a peripheral flange on one of the ends of the roller. A ring made of soft material is partially received in each second annular groove. A gap is formed between each ring and a peripheral flange on one of the ends of the roller. A spacing portion is formed between the inner side of each side cover and one of the ends of the roller. Grease is received in the gaps and seals a portion of each bearing aligned with an end edge of one of the receiving portions.
US08176671B2
A weapon barrel of an automatic firearm is subject to bending oscillations during firing. A damping device is provided for damping the bending oscillations and to at least largely dissipate the kinetic energy of the bending oscillations by friction processes which are initiated by the bending oscillations, between two respective successive shots in the firing sequence.
US08176659B2
A shoe, especially a boot, which has a protective function against toxic chemical agents, especially chemical warfare agents, and a multilayer layered construction, which has an outer layer, which faces away from the foot when the shoe is worn, and an inner layer, especially an inner shoe lining, which is assigned to the outer layer and faces towards the foot when the shoe is worn, wherein, in addition, an adsorption layer based on an adsorbent material, especially activated carbon, which adsorbs toxic chemical agents, is arranged between the outer layer and the inner layer. In this way, efficient protection against toxic chemical agents, especially chemical warfare agents is achieved, and a high degree of wearing comfort is achieved at the same time.
US08176645B2
The invention relates to an adapter top for adapting a drilling with 3D-coordinate measurement technology, which may be placed on drilling adapter with a first housing for a first retroreflector with a first diameter, and the adapter top comprises a second housing for a second retroreflector with a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. The invention further relates to a positioning element for adapting a drilling with 3D-coordinate measurement technology by adjusting the relative position of a first standard drilling adapter with a first housing for a first retroreflector with a first diameter and an adapter fitting which is designed such that by combination of the first standard drilling adapter with the positioning element and the adapter fitting a standard drilling adapter with a second housing for a second retroreflector with second diameter can be emulated.
US08176643B2
According to a chain saw braking system, engagement between a front end portion of a belt and a main body by an engagement member is released at the time of application of an impact. When a front end portion is pulled by the spring force of a compression coil spring, an elongate hole for protrusion is engaged with a protrusion to restrict a rear end portion from being moved in the same direction as the front end portion. Thus, it is possible to strongly tighten a drum by the belt to thereby reliably stop the movement of a chain. With this arrangement, the chain can be prevented from being damaged when a chain saw is accidentally dropped onto the ground due to an impact applied thereto.
US08176635B2
Methods and systems to manufacture lattice-based sandwich structures from monolithic material. Such methods and systems eliminate the bonding process which is conventionally used to join lattice based truss cores to facesheets to form sandwich structures. This bonded interface is a key mode of failure for sandwich structures which are subjected to shear or bending loads because the nodes transfer forces from the face sheets to the core members while the topology for a given core relative density dictates the load carrying capacity (assuming adequate node-bond strength exists). An aspect comprises a core and related structures that provide very low density, good crush resistance and high in-plane shear resistance. An aspect of the truss structures may include sandwich panel cores and lattice truss topology that may be designed to efficiently support panel bending loads while maintaining an open topology that facilitates multifunctional applications.
US08176630B2
A liquid droplet ejection head includes: a nozzle plate that has a plurality of nozzles ejecting a liquid droplet; a flow path member that includes: pressure generating chambers that communicate with the nozzles; and liquid supply paths through which liquid is supplied to the pressure generating chambers; and a damper portion that is disposed in at least one part of a region, the region being on the nozzle plate, corresponding to the liquid supply paths, the damper portion reducing a fluctuation of an ejection amount of the liquid droplets to enable stable ejection.
US08176620B2
A composite superconducting wire and a method of manufacturing the wire is disclosed. Nano-particle dispersion strengthened copper is co-drawn with Niobium rod to produce DSC-1Nb wire. n numbers of DSC-1Nb wires are then stacked in a hollow DSC tube and drawn to form a DSC-n.Nb hexagonal wire. In a separate preliminary process, Tin rod is co-deformed with Copper tube to form a Cu-1Sn wire. m DSC-n Nb wires and 1 Cu-1Sn wires are then wrapped by Niobium foil and placed into a Copper tube. This entire assembly is then drawn to a finished size. The drawn composite is then subjected to heat treatment with a final stage at 650-700° C. for about 100 hours or longer. The new wire has higher electric critical current and higher mechanical strength than the controlled conventional ones.
US08176617B2
A method of making a resonating beam accelerometer (RBA). In an example process, a proof mass device and resonators are created from a quartz material. A direct bond is formed between the proof mass and the resonators by applying a predefined amount of pressure at a predefined temperature for a predefined amount of time. One or more damping plates are created from a quartz material. A direct bond is formed between the damping plates and the proof mass device. The proof mass device is created by applying a predefined amount of pressure at pressure at temperature to two bases, two proof mass portions, and a flexure. The proof mass bases are on opposite sides of the flexure. The proof mass portions are on opposite sides of the flexure. A gap is present between the proof mass bases and the proof mass portions.
US08176610B1
Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for precisely placing holes or attaching sub-components to vertical mullions or other workpieces of various shapes and material compositions. The apparatus, in its basic mode of operation, can accurately locate the positions of holes or groupings of holes to be drilled in the workpiece by means of the calibrated positioning, along the workpiece, of a plurality of fixtures affixed to specially-designed drill guide plates. When used in its advanced mode of operation, the fixtures of the apparatus are re-configured and loaded with a plurality of shear blocks or other connectors, and thereupon an operator, by calibrated placement of the fixtures, may simultaneously pinpoint the required fastening location of the shear blocks and sequentially attach specified fasteners through each shear block, directly onto the workpiece.
US08176598B2
A dual-component locking spacer assembly for insertion in a circumferential dovetail slot includes a stationary member having a platform configured to fit into a space between the adjacent rotor blade platforms. A first leg extends transversely from an underside of the platform. A longitudinally extending groove is defined in the platform. A slide member is movably engaged with the stationary member along the groove, and includes an upper plate and a second leg connected to the upper plate. The slide member is movable along the groove between a first unlocked position wherein the first and second legs are spaced apart a first distance so as to be insertable into the dovetail slot, and a second locked position wherein the first and second legs are spaced apart an extended second distance so as to engage against opposite walls of the dovetail slot and lock the stationary member in position in the dovetail slot.
US08176582B2
A mattress buckle for securing the position of a mattress (22) on the base (16) of an adjustable bed (10). The mattress comprises one of a pair of male and female elements of the buckle (12) secured to an upper surface of the bed base (16) and the other of the pair of male and female elements of the buckle (12) secured to the underside of the mattress (22). When these elements of the buckle are interlocked in snap-fit engagement, the mattress is constrained against movement on the base as the adjustable panels of the bed base are articulated relative to one another through various positions of adjustment.
US08176580B2
A diverter spout for alternatively supplying water to a bathtub or diverting water to a shower is provided with a rolling gate valve. The gate valve uses the force of flowing water to facilitate sealing, and there is a return spring to reset the gate valve.
US08176578B2
A bath includes in or associated with an upper wall or rim section of the bath at least one water connection, a neck water outlet fitting 2 interchangeably connectable to the water connection to when connected direct a flow of water generally centrally on to the neck and/or upper back of a bather reclining against the adjacent bath wall, and a shoulders water outlet fitting or fittings 15 interchangeably connectable to the water connection to when connected direct a flow of water on to the shoulders or front shoulder regions of a bather reclining against the adjacent bath wall.
US08176573B2
A boxer-style pant and methods of making a boxer-style pant having side seams and hanging legs. At least a portion of each of the hanging legs may be non-planar in an uncontracted state prior to formation of the side seams. The methods each involve providing at least one web. In some methods, a crotch panel is bonded to first and second regions of the web between two leg openings, and a distance between bonded regions of upper and lower edges of the crotch panel, measured parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pant, is shorter along a central region of the crotch panel and longer in distal regions of the crotch panel, such that the bonded region results in a bow-tie-shaped crotch panel. In some methods, a crotch region of the web is folded and stabilized along a longitudinal centerline of the web. In some methods, leg extensions are attached to at least a portion of each of two leg openings. Front and back regions may be joined together to form the side seams. An absorbent structure may be attached to the web.
US08176570B2
A garment having a substantially tubular body configured to cover at least one of an upper and a lower torso of a wearer, and at least one pair of tubular portions extending from the body and configured for surrounding corresponding limbs of the wearer, each tubular portion including a tubular insert having a length increasing around a perimeter thereof from a minimum length to a maximum length, the tubular insert providing excess material in the tubular portion along the maximum length to locally increase a width of the tubular portion. The garment can be for example pants or a jersey.
US08181264B2
It has been discovered that identifying files introduced into a system, particularly those originating from external sources, as being subject to security evaluation and deferring the security evaluation until access or attempted access of the file reduces security vulnerabilities of a system. A file introduced into a processing system is tagged with a security tag if the file is introduced via a supervised introduction point and/or introduced by a supervised program. Upon access or attempted access of the tagged file, security evaluation is initiated on the file.
US08181262B2
In a network user authentication system, a network user is identified for authentication purposes using the unique identifier for a dedicated physical communication line associated with the building in which the network user is located or a digital certificate which is associated with a secure component or communication line physically attached to a building. An authentication server initially verifies the identification of the dedicated communication line to be associated with a network service subscriber or issues a unique digital certificate to be associated with the dedicated communication line for authentication purposes. The digital certificate may be stored in a building gateway or in an edge site module which is connected to the secure components of a plurality of buildings and stores unique digital certificates for each building.
US08181261B2
A system and method for controlling the reproduction of documents containing sensitive information includes an input for receiving a document; a device for storing a digitized document; a detector for identifying encoded sensitive information; a decoder operatively connected to the detector, which extracts digitally encoded information from the sensitive information; a processor operatively connected to the decoder, which receives digitally decoded sensitive information; a user interface module for receiving a user identity and an access mediator for receiving decoded sensitive information from the processor, comparing the user identity with a decoding scheme associated with the document and allowing or disallowing the decoded sensitive information to be reproduced.
US08181257B2
An improved solution for allowing role based selective access to a document between a plurality of domains is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for allowing selective access to a document between a plurality of domains includes: obtaining a composed section of the document at a first domain; applying a security policy at the first domain to the composed section of the document; distributing the security policy from the first domain to a second domain, wherein the second domain is different than the first domain; and applying the security policy to the document at the second domain.
US08181249B2
Methods and systems are presented for detection of malware such as worms in which a network switch entices the malware into sending scan packets by allocating one or more ports as bait addresses, sending outgoing bait packets, and identifying compromised hosts that send unexpected incoming packets to a bait address.
US08181242B2
An interactive library system is disclosed which receives, by a library system computer, a user identification and password from a user computer. The library system computer compares the user identification and password with authorized user identifications and corresponding passwords stored in the library system to determine whether to grant access to the interactive library system. If comparison results in grant of access, the interactive library system provides a user with desired information and sets the user's privileges.
US08181235B2
Intended is to realize, in a server system operating on at least one BMC board mounted on each of a plurality of cell boxes, single sign-on with respect to an access from system management software or a client terminal. An authentication device of a server system 1 formed of at least one Web server 112 operable on baseboard management controllers 110 and 120 mounted on a cell box 10, which device includes a storage unit 70 in which authentication information is held, and an authentication management unit 140 which holds an authentication result of a client to be authenticated or an account to be authenticated in the storage unit 70 and synchronizes the authentication information between the Web servers to skip the authentication in a hyperlink access between the Web servers.
US08181219B2
A facility for receiving an embedded policy is provided. The facility checks an application program image for the presence of an embedded policy. If an embedded policy is detected, the facility extracts the policy from within the application program image. The facility may then apply the extracted policy to the application program image before the application program image is loaded and/or executed. Moreover, the facility may check the application program image's integrity prior to extracting the embedded policy.
US08181208B1
A media server located in the home has video processing and storage capability. The media server receives video programming and control data from the cable plant head-end and receives status and control data from set top boxes (STBs). The media server can also receive locally generated video programming. The media server transmits signals that implement head-end functions to set top boxes within the home, including video programming and control data. The media server receives status data from the STBs. A point of entry distribution device provides signal coupling and blocking to allow signals to propagate within the home and to the head-end but block certain signals from leaving the home to maintain isolation. The server communicates to legacy STBs and to new STBs and devices that do not use the legacy waveform. Legacy STBs can communicate with the server or with the cable head-end. New devices can communicate with the server and with each other over the in-home coaxial cable wiring. A network is formed using the in-home coaxial cable wiring.
US08181202B2
A digital multimedia terminal comprises a receiving unit to receive a broadcasting signal. The digital multimedia terminal also comprises an input unit adapted to receive input associated with a user preferred program characteristic. The digital multimedia terminal also comprises a controller, operatively coupled to the receiving unit and the input unit, adapted to extract program information from received broadcasting signals and to search extracted program information based on the user preferred program characteristic. The digital multimedia terminal may further comprise a display unit, operatively coupled to the controller, adapted to display program description information associated with the extracted program information that corresponds to a broadcast program having the user preferred program characteristic.
US08181200B2
A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.
US08181197B2
A system and method is provided for identifying popular intervals in online hosted videos. To determine popular intervals associated with a video, a plurality of votes for one or more intervals of the video are collected and organized into a plurality of groups. Each group includes votes for intervals of the video that are similar to each other. A group having the highest number of votes is identified, and a most popular clip of the video is formed based upon the intervals in the group with the highest number of votes. This process can be carried out to determine the groups having the second and third highest number of votes in a single video to form the second and third most popular clips in that video, as well as across numerous videos to identify the most popular clips within different videos.
US08181194B2
A media measurement system uses media handlers to obtain information from presented media for collection by research data collection agents and dispatch to a controller. The controller registers media for measurement. One or more research data collection agents are assigned to measure each panel member's exposure to and interactions with media. A research data collection agent tracks a panel member and collects transmissions from the cooperative media handlers. The research data collection agent creates log entry objects from transmissions received from the cooperative media handlers, places the log entry objects into an unfiltered media queue, confirms the integrity of the messages, filters out unnecessary log entry objects from the unfiltered media queue to create a filtered media queue, creates dispatch objects using objects from the filtered media queue, places dispatch objects into a dispatch queue, and transmits dispatch objects from the dispatch queue to the controller.
US08181189B2
A system for driving a hardware device and processing data and a method thereof are provided. The system includes a storage unit, a processor, and the hardware device. The storage unit stores a multimedia application interface, a virtual window driving model (WDM) interface, and a multimedia application. The processor is electrically connected with the storage unit and used for executing a multimedia application. The hardware device receives or outputs first format data. When the multimedia application and the hardware device are active, the multimedia application interface and the virtual WDM interface are taken as communication interfaces between the multimedia application and the hardware device, and the virtual WDM interface converts the first format data to second format data and transmits the second format data to the multimedia application via the multimedia application interface, and the second format data is processed by the multimedia application.
US08181187B2
A gateway is provided that includes an integration gateway portion, a domain gateway portion, and a hyper-memory portion is provided. The integration gateway portion has an integration rules engine, a search engine, and a first virtual machine. The domain gateway portion has a domain rules engine. The hyper-memory portion has a hyper-memory engine, a hyper-memory, and a second virtual machine. The integration portion accesses a database via the integration rules engine and the first virtual machine or via the search engine and the first virtual machine. The domain gateway portion accesses datasets of the database that are resident in the hyper-memory via the domain objects rules engine and the hyper-memory engine or via the search engine, the second virtual machine, and the hyper-memory engine.
US08181186B1
A new and useful method is provided, of organizing and automating a hardware independent disk imaging deployment process, e.g. for Windows PC and other Server operating systems, that uses a server that both has a database of computer PC hardware data that can be electronically analyzed. a. electronically analyzing the database of computers, and grouping the computers into Compatibility Classes, each compatibility class having like model systems that also have been analyzed to have exactly and only the same hardware in common, thus accounting for hardware variance within model groups, b. electronically identifying candidate computers that will serve as collection targets for gathering (remote collection performed over the network) of device drivers for each compatibility class group, c. electronically extracting device drivers and other hardware related data from a selected candidate computer, and d. electronically configuring deployment jobs that will first perform a disk image of the computer.
US08181183B2
Deadlock situations within a computing environment are avoided by properly managing pools of threads used to service requests of the computing environment. When a server of the computing environment receives a request to be processed and that request is waiting on a response from a client of the computing environment, the set of eligible thread pools for the response is dynamically altered. This dynamic altering allows the response to be serviced by a thread pool different from the thread pool servicing the request, thereby avoiding a deadlock situation.
US08181174B2
A computing device configures virtual machines using configuration commands. Each of the virtual machines may boot from a corresponding virtual machine image file. As a virtual machine boots or executes, the virtual machine may read from or write to application and operating system files included in the corresponding virtual machine image file. Prior to the virtual machine booting, the computing device may get or set configuration properties of the operating system and applications to be booted in a respective virtual machine by reading from or writing to the application and operating system files included in the corresponding virtual machine image file. The computing device may execute configuration commands to get or set the configuration properties of the operating system and the applications.
US08181163B2
One embodiment is directed to synthesizing code fragments in a software routine using known inputs and corresponding expected outputs. A computer system provides a software routine with known inputs and corresponding expected outputs, infers software routine instructions based on the known inputs and corresponding expected outputs, and synthesizes a correctly functioning code fragment based on the inferred instructions. Another embodiment is directed to automatically resolving semantic errors in a software routine. A computer system provides the software routine with known inputs and corresponding expected outputs for portions of a program fragment where an error has been localized. The computer system learns a correctly functioning program fragment from pairs of input-output descriptions of the program fragment, determines the program statements that can transform given input states into given output states after execution of those program statements, and alters portions of the software routine with the learned program fragments.
US08181161B2
A tracing mechanism operates at a low level of detail during normal program execution and automatically provides an increased level of detail during exception situations. The tracing mechanism also discloses history information prior to the exception situation. Program activity trace data is used to control action of the configurable trace facility allowing history data of a program's activity to be combined with current trace data into a persistent log. The trace facility may also be configured to recognize specified trigger values from either hardware or software means.
US08181160B2
A system for monitoring a computer software system includes a first user actuated tuning knob for allocating space in memory for performance monitoring; a second user actuated tuning knob for a specifying time out value for in-flight units of work; and a transaction monitor responsive to the first and second user actuated tuning knobs for accumulating in synonym chain cells in the allocated space timing statistics for a plurality of in-flight units of work.
US08181151B2
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for modeling and managing heterogeneous applications. Application intent can be described in a relatively straight forward manner that abstracts underlying implementation details. Thus, application developers can develop applications without necessarily having to know extensive details of an underlying implementation environment. In any event, an application can be executed in different implementation environments without requiring changes to the corresponding model.
US08181144B2
Methods and apparatus for increasing the accuracy of timing characterization of a circuit including one or more cells in a cell library are provided. One method includes the steps of: performing cell library timing characterization for each of the cells in the circuit for at least first and second prescribed temperatures, the first and second temperatures corresponding to first and second PVT corners, respectively, in the cell library; calculating respective cell delays for the one or more cells in the circuit, the cell delay calculation being a function of temperature for each instance of the one or more cells; and incorporating the cell delay calculation into the timing characterization for each of the cells in the circuit to thereby increase the accuracy of the timing characterization.
US08181138B2
A system, apparatus and method for generating extracted timing model files, such as macro library files, are disclosed. A user interface or data template is provided to an engineer that allows for the population of data within particular fields related to timing characteristics of an IP block, cell or core. Various types of data and fields may be provided into the user interface or data template. The location of relevant files, such as a cell or core netlist, may be provided within the template. Additionally, one or more modes may be selected by the user to define the manner in which the ETM file(s) are to be generated. An ETM file is automatically generated using the information provided in the data template.
US08181132B2
In one embodiment, a method includes simulating by one or more computer systems a larger circuit to assign one or more values to one or more latch variables associated with the larger circuit, generating by the one or more computer systems one or more reduced circuits from the larger circuit according to the values assigned to the latch variables, generating by the one or more computer systems a transition relation (TR) for each reduced circuit, and generating by the one or more computer systems an initial state set for one or more instances of validation on the reduced circuits according to the TRs.
US08181127B2
A method for processing optical proximity correction is disclosed which eliminates a need for repeated implementation of experiments and result in a reducing the processing time as compared to trial and error. Furthermore, the method can realize an optimal insertion of the assist pattern by applying different conditions to specific layers. The method includes determining whether or not to insert an assist pattern around an outermost pattern. A shape of the assist pattern inserted around the outermost pattern is determined. The contrast of the outermost pattern is compared against a contrast of a cell array pattern. The contrast of the outermost pattern is repeated compared with the contrast of the cell array pattern under a defocus state.
US08181126B2
A method of designing a mask for projecting an image of an integrated circuit design in lithographic processing, wherein the integrated circuit layout has a plurality of segments of critical width. The method comprises creating a first mask design by aligning mask features used to assist in projecting critical width segments with the critical width segments of the integrated circuit design, such that the first mask design meets predetermined manufacturability design rules, and creating a second mask design by aligning mask features with the critical width segments of the integrated circuit design, such that the second mask design meets predetermined lithographic design rules in regions local to the critical width segments. The method then includes identifying design features of the second mask design that violate the predetermined manufacturability design rules, and then creating a third mask design derived from the second mask design wherein the mask features of the second mask design that violate the predetermined manufacturability rules are selectively replaced by mask features from the first mask design so that the third mask design meets the predetermined manufacturability design rules. By way of example, the mask features used to assist in projecting critical width segments may comprise alternating phase shifting regions or sub-resolution assist features.
US08181125B2
A system and method for providing compliant mapping between chip bond locations of an IC and corresponding package bond locations is disclosed. Package design information including package bond location information relating to the IC package and IC mask data including chip bond location information relating to the IC chip are integrated such that an internal physical design verification tool is operable to verify compliance between package bond locations and chip bond locations.
US08181121B2
When displaying on a display (46) a plurality of thumbnails respectively corresponding to a plurality of image files selected from an external memory card (40), the CPU 26 determines whether each image file is a moving image file or a still image file, and creates an enlarged thumbnails by clipping the center of the thumbnail corresponding to the moving image file and enlarging it by an electronic zoom processing circuit (37). Then, a first screen including the plurality of thumbnails and a second screen including the enlarged thumbnail in place of the thumbnail corresponding to the moving image file on the first screen are alternately displayed.
US08181119B1
A graphical user interface (GUI) having functionality for inline customization is disclosed. A first set of user manipulable elements are displayed within a GUI object. Each of the user manipulable elements of the first set is selectable for display within the GUI object. A selection of a second set of user manipulable elements from among the first set of elements is received. Unselected elements of the first set of elements are removed from the GUI object. The second set of user manipulable elements are displayed within the GUI object. In one aspect, a first user input renders the first set of user manipulable elements selectable for display within the GUI object, while a second user input renders the second set of user manipulable elements unselectable. In various aspects, the GUI object may be a window, a menu bar, or an object that describes properties of a file.
US08181118B2
A method and apparatus for integrating a personal information device (PID) on a mobile computer that includes activating a first mode to display data originating with the PID in a first display area of a display. The mobile computer switches to a second mode to display data associated with the second mode in a second display area of the display.
US08181108B2
In a system that performs object division of a manuscript and adds metadata, a method is provided which can edit the metadata by an intuitive operation when no appropriate metadata is added or when it is desired that the metadata be increased by adding. An image processing device, which divides an manuscript acquired through an input component into a plurality of objects and adds the metadata, has a user interface for editing the metadata of the objects, and switches, after selecting first and second objects, a retouching method of the metadata in accordance with the contents of the respective metadata of the first object and second object.
US08181104B1
A system and method are described for automatically generating style sheet formatting for stylistic edits to a Web page in a Web development environment. The Web development environment detects the user's selection of particular content of the Web page and captures any stylistic changes that the user makes to the content. Using the stylistic changes, the Web development environment searches a style data structure to determine whether any style rules already exist that correspond to the user's stylistic changes. If the Web development environment does not find a pre-existing style rule, it automatically generates one or more style rules for the stylistic edits and associates those rules with the selected content. If a pre-existing style rule exists within the style data structure, the Web development environment assigns the pre-existing style rule to the selected content.
US08181103B2
Systems and methods for detecting annotation digital ink strokes and further associating annotation digital ink strokes with word digital ink strokes are presented. Ink strokes are captured on a writing surface and then classified as words or annotations. Annotations are then anchored to corresponding words. When words are relocated or edited on the writing surface, the anchored annotations are also relocated and may even be reshaped according to the changes in the anchored words.
US08181101B2
The present application relates to a data bus system, its encoder/decoder and encoding/decoding method. The data bus encoder comprises: a bus-invert encoder for generating encoded data and invert-indication information by performing bus-invert encoding on data according to a predetermined bus-invert encoding scheme; a virtual bit-group generator for converting the invert-indication information into a virtual bit-group according to a predetermined code mapping; and an error-checking-and-correction encoder for generating an error-checking-and-correction code for a virtual word according to a predetermined error-checking-and-correction encoding scheme, wherein the number of error-checking bits is more than the number of error-correction bits at least by one in the predetermined error-checking-and-correction encoding scheme, the mapping is such that the Hamming distance between any possible value of the virtual bit-group and a reference virtual bit-group which cannot be converted into under the mapping is a fixed value, and not greater than the number of error-correction bits of the error-checking-and-correction encoding scheme, and the virtual word includes the data to be output, the virtual bit-group corresponding to the data, and at least one padding bit of a fixed value, which is configured as required by the error-checking-and-correction encoding scheme.
US08181100B1
Techniques, apparatus, and systems for injecting a memory fault can include obtaining first data and second data different from the first data, generating first error detection information based on the first data, writing the second data to a memory unit using a specified address, and using the first error detection information as error detection information for the second data to create a memory fault condition.
US08181096B2
A method of configurable decoding is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) receiving a variable value in a configuration signal, (B) calculating a plurality of first syndromes corresponding to a particular codeword of a plurality of codewords received in an input signal, the particular codeword having a plurality of information symbols and a plurality of parity symbols coded such that up to a fixed value of a plurality of errors in the particular codeword are correctable, the fixed value being greater than the variable value, (C) transforming the first syndromes into a plurality of second syndromes such that no greater than the variable value of the errors in the particular codeword are correctable and (D) generating an intermediate signal carrying the second syndromes.
US08181093B2
A method and apparatus for wireless communication of multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) data and unicast data using separate downlink carriers and are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) having a single receiver that is switchable to receive either carrier is provided. A network station, such as a Node-B, preferably encodes K MBMS data packets to N MBMS encoded packets using erasure correction coding where N is preferably significantly greater than (K+ν) which is a determined number of MBMS encoded packets sufficient to recover the K MBMS data packets. The Node-B preferably generates a superframe for carrying the N MBMS encoded packets for each MBMS and transmits the superframe via an MBMS carrier. The Node-B preferably schedules a unicast transmission such that the WTRU is provided with sufficient time to switch to the MBMS carrier to receive at least (K+ν) MBMS encoded packets per superframe.
US08181092B2
A method and system that dynamically adjusts link control parameters of a communications network. The communications network includes a transmitter coupled through a first data link to a receiver. The transmitter and receiver each have at least one associated link control parameter that affects the operation of that component. According to one method, data signals are transmitted over the first data link and the transmitted data signals are captured. The values of the captured data signals are compared to expected values for those signals, and the values of the link control parameters are adjusted to successfully capture the transmitted digital signals.
US08181085B2
An approach is provided for encoding short frame length Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes. An encoder generates a LDPC code having an outer Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghem (BCH) code. Structure is imposed on the LDPC codes by restricting portion part of the parity check matrix to be lower triangular and/or satisfying other requirements such that the communication between bit nodes and check nodes of the decoder is simplified. Further, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) encoder is supplied to encode the input signal according to a CRC code. This approach has particular application in digital video broadcast services over satellite.
US08181077B2
The disclosure describes transferring at least one data packet in a network from at least one server to a client through a point of interconnection. The point of interconnection executes a process of: receiving from the client at least one configuration map specifying at least one error correction mechanism, receiving from the server the at least one packet, detecting errors included in the at least one packet, and if the at least one packet includes at least one error, applying to the at least one packet at least one error correction mechanism specified in the at least one configuration map.
US08181076B2
Retransmitting a data sequence over a wireless network according to channel conditions proceeds by transmitting a first transmitting signal representing the data using a first set of beamforming weighting vectors generated according to a first channel condition. A request for re-transmitting the data sequence is received when the first transmitting signal suffers from unrecoverable errors. A re-transmission function is computed according to a second channel condition, and a second transmitting signal is transmitted as generated by using the re-transmission function that is created according to the second channel condition. The data sequence is demodulated and decoded using the first transmitting and the second transmitting signals.
US08181074B2
A soft error recoverable storage element suitable for use in latches, flip-flops, static ram memory cells and microprocessor pipeline stages. The storage element employs a redundant copy of the stored data value and a feedback loop. One embodiment employs an interlocking four inverter loop with gating devices that blocks the propagation of a soft error induced change of state and causes the storage element to recover its original stored data state.
US08181069B2
A system and method for problem determination using probe collections and problem classification for the technical support services monitor and collect data associated with a computer system, raise an alarm based on the monitored and collected data, probe the computer system for additional information, filter the monitored and collected data based on the additional information established from probing, and use the filtered data to label a problem associated with the raised alarm.
US08181068B2
A novel and useful apparatus for and method of associating a dedicated coverage bit to each instruction in a software system. Coverage bits are set every time the software application runs, enabling a more comprehensive and on-going code coverage analysis. The code coverage bit mechanism enables code coverage analysis for all installations of a software application, not just software in development mode or at a specific installation. Code coverage bits are implemented in either the instruction set architecture (ISA) of the central processing unit, the executable file of a software application, a companion file to the executable file or a code coverage table residing in memory of the computer system.
US08181067B2
An interface unit is provided in a JTAG test and debug procedure involving a plurality of processor cores. The interface unit includes a TAP unit. A switch unit is coupled to the interface unit and switch units are coupled to each of the plurality of processor/cores. When the processor/cores have advanced power management systems, a sleep inhibit signal can be applied to the processor/core state machine preventing the state machine from entering a lower power state. The parameters of the processor/core can be tested to determine when the test and debug procedures can be implemented. When the (power) parameters are to low to permit test and debug, the test and debug unit can provide a command forcing the state machine into a state for which test and debug procedures can be implemented.
US08181060B1
Transparent network devices intercept messages from non-transparent network devices that establish a connection. Transparent network devices modify these messages to establish an inner connection with each other. The transparent network devices mimic at least some of the outer connection messages to establish their inner connection. The mimicked messages and any optional reset messages are intercepted by the transparent network devices to prevent them from reaching the outer connections. Transparent network devices modify network traffic, using error detection data, fragmentation data, or timestamps, so that inner connection network traffic inadvertently received by outer connection devices is rejected or ignored by the outer connection network devices. Transparent network devices may use different sequence windows for inner and outer connection network traffic. To prevent overlapping sequence windows, transparent network devices monitor the locations of the inner and outer connection sequence windows and may rapidly advance the inner connection sequence window as needed.
US08181059B2
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for implementing an inter-processor communication channel including power-down functionality. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a first integrated circuit (IC), a second IC coupled to the first IC via a communication interface, wherein the first IC is in one or more low power states and unable to monitor the communication interface. The apparatus may further comprise an inter-processor communication (IPC) channel coupled between the first and second ICs, wherein the IPC channel is separate from the communication interface and wherein the second IC generates at least one advisory signal to the first IC via the IPC channel.
US08181057B2
To synchronize units of a formation evaluation/drilling operation evaluation system, a time delay associated with a communications link between a master unit and a slave unit of the formation evaluation/drilling operation evaluation system is determined. The master unit has a master time clock that provides universal time. The time delay associated with the communications link is used to enable synchronization of time provided by a slave time clock in the slave unit to the universal time.
US08181053B2
A power saving device is configured in an all-in-one PC and has a power module expandably composed of a plurality of Ni-MH cells linked up either in series connection or in parallel connection. When an external alternating power provides power supply for the PC, a charging circuit of the power saving device charges the power module. When the alternating power is out or the PC is operated to enter a power saving mode, a controller of the power saving device notifies the PC to enter the power saving mode, while the power module provides power for the memory and memory controller of the PC with low power consumption. The all-in-one PC consumes little power while in power saving mode and is capable of restoring to its normal mode in short time. The power saving device enhances the all-in-one PC with features of instant-on, long-time standby, and backup power provision.
US08181052B2
A power supply control circuit includes a standby control circuit, a microprocessor, and a power supply main circuit. The standby control circuit generates a pulse signal, outputs a first control signal, and sets the first control signal to an active state upon actuation of the switch member. The microprocessor outputs and sets a second control signal to first and second states upon first and second generations of the pulse signal, respectively. The standby control circuit maintains the first control signal at the active state when the second control signal is set to the first state, and sets the first control signal to an inactive state when the second control signal is set to the second state. The power supply main circuit outputs a power when the first control signal is set to the active state, and cuts off the power when the first control signal is set to the inactive state.
US08181031B2
A biometric sensor device, a portable electronic device including an actuatable biometric input device, and method of biometric authentication that includes an input device that generates a signal or completes a circuit when actuated, and a biometric reader that reads a biometric of a user when the user actuates the input device to generate the signal or complete the circuit. An authentication section authenticates the biometric read on the biometric reader to generate one of a data access allowance function based on authentication of the biometric input to the actuatable biometric input device and a data access prevention function based on non-authentication of the biometric input to the actuatable biometric input device. The data access allowance function permits data to be accessed at the data access interface, and the data access prevention function prevents reading and/or access to data anywhere on the data storage and access device.
US08181030B2
There is provided a bundle authentication system and method that can perform network access authentication and authentication at a service request in a next generation network utilizing a Bundled Authentication Key (BAK) generated by using an Extended Master Session Key (EMSK) that is an encryption key generated during access authentication.
US08181021B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for electronic commerce including secure transaction management and electronic rights protection. Electronic appliances such as computers employed in accordance with the present invention help to ensure that information is accessed and used only in authorized ways, and maintain the integrity, availability, and/or confidentiality of the information. Secure subsystems used with such electronic appliances provide a distributed virtual distribution environment (VDE) that may enforce a secure chain of handling and control, for example, to control and/or meter or otherwise monitor use of electronically stored or disseminated information. Such a virtual distribution environment may be used to protect rights of various participants in electronic commerce and other electronic or electronic-facilitated transactions. Secure distributed and other operating system environments and architectures, employing, for example, secure semiconductor processing arrangements that may establish secure, protected environments at each node. These techniques may be used to support an end-to-end electronic information distribution capability that may be used, for example, utilizing the “electronic highway.”
US08181016B1
An applications access re-certification system is disclosed. The system is used for approving and re-certifying a user's access rights to applications stored or existing in an institution's computer system based on reviewing in a configurable timeframe the user's functional roles by designated reviewers. The system is used to ensure security of the applications by means of a reviewing process. The system is used to automate the re-certification process by means of a computer-controlled re-certification system which automatically operates in a defined methodology under control of re-certification administrators. The system could perform a management summary of access rights to the applications, and a automated scorecard to monitor the re-certification progress. The system could carry out a control process to ensure the changes to existing permissions are effectively managed at source destinations. The system has a capability of initiating multiple approvers for re-certifying a user's access rights.
US08181013B2
A method for transmitting content in a call established via media gateway control protocol includes: encrypting an RFC, Request for Comment, 2833 message with a first key; and sending out the encrypted RFC2833 message. The key used for encryption and decryption may be configured in advance on a calling and a called media gateways, or be sent from a soft switch device once and for all, or be sent from the soft switch device every time when a call is initiated. The key sent from the soft switch device may be in clear text or be encrypted. The technical scheme of the present invention greatly improves the security of the content in the RFC2833 protocol transmission.
US08180992B2
A method for configuring a memory space, the method including reading a piece of configuration information in the memory space, determining a division of at least one part of the memory space into memory banks according to the configuration information read; and allocating to each of the memory banks an access number to be used to access a data location in the memory bank, in combination with a logic address of the location in the memory bank.
US08180989B2
A storage controller having a plurality of storage devices and a control circuit providing a plurality of virtual volumes, to each of which a storage area in a plurality of pool volumes provided with the plurality of storage devices can be mapped for writing data in response to a write access sent from an information processing apparatus to a logical area in one of the plurality of virtual volumes, respectively. The control circuit, according to a search of the plurality of pool volumes for a certain storage area in which a certain data pattern is written, releases the certain storage area from mapping to a logical area in the plurality of virtual volumes, so that the control circuit can use the released certain storage area for mapping to a virtual volume of the plurality of virtual volumes as a destination of another write access from the information processing apparatus.
US08180982B2
A method for archiving data comprises storing static information in a header compartment, the static information including one or more pointers. The method further comprises writing updated time stamps to a page compartment for one or more measurand updates, and writing, to a page compartment, a pointer to a data compartment entry. The method further comprises writing measurand data to a data compartment entry.
US08180960B2
When shifting the condition of a pair of a main volume and a sub-volume from a split condition to a pair condition according to a request from a user, an information processing unit which can access the sub-volume is inquired whether it mounts the sub-volume or not. As a result, if a managing computer receives a notice from the information processing unit that it mounts the sub-volume, the managing computer displays a warning on its display. Thereby, data on the sub-volume can be prevented from being erased by an operation mistake of the user.
US08180959B2
In a method of synchronizing with a separated disk cache, the separated cache is configured to transfer cache data to a staging area of a storage device. An atomic commit operation is utilized to instruct the storage device to atomically commit the cache data to a mapping scheme of the storage device.
US08180957B2
An object of the invention is to provide a memory control unit and a memory control method capable of making the operation setting of SDRAM without intentionally stopping access to the SDRAM. A switch signal generation section (18) for generating a switch signal to switch the operation setting of SDRAM (200), a switch control section (16) for switching the operation setting of the SDRAM (200) using a switch setup value (17) as the switch signal is output from the switch signal generation section (18), and an access control section (14) for suppressing acceptance of an access request to the SDRAM (200) in the time period from the switch start time of the operation setting to the switch completion time are provided. Accordingly, when the operation setting of the SDRAM (200) is changed, it is not necessary to intentionally stop access to the SDRAM (200) and it is made possible to change the operation setting of the SDRAM (200) without being affected by the access situation to the SDRAM (200).
US08180956B2
A method controlling a memory card including a nonvolatile semiconductor memory including plural write areas. The method: formats the plural write areas; creates a temporary file entry describing a reserved region size including a free part of the plural write areas and a start position of the reserved region; writes a file in the reserved region from the start position after creating the temporary file entry; when the file has been completely written, determines size of the file written and writes a final file entry describing the start position and file size; when the file has not been completely written, references the temporary file entry to recognize the start position; detects a final position in the reserved region; determines size of the unfinished file using the start position and final position; changes the temporary file entry to a final entry describing the start position and unfinished file size.
US08180954B2
Disclosed are techniques for flash memory management, including tracking payload data via one or more data structures configured to define the size of logical pages in a flash memory. In various embodiments, the logical page size may be larger than, equal to, or smaller than a physical page size of a flash memory chip.
US08180952B2
A system according to the invention reads/writes data by using a memory device performing a wear leveling. A host 4 reads/writes data from/in a flash memory device 2. A first protection code BC is added to the end of a logical block for every logical block of 512 bytes. A second protection code FC is added to the head of the logical blocks. The first protection code BC and the second protection code FC are configured to include data for specifying the logical address. When data is read from the flash memory device 2, the logical address obtained from the first protection code BC is compared to the logical address obtained from the second protection code. When both logical addresses are identical, it is determined that correct data is read.
US08180950B2
A hybrid optical and holographic data storage medium is disclosed. In addition, a method is disclosed to manage information using that optical and holographic data storage medium. The method reads information from the optical data storage layer before reading data from, or writing data to, the holographic data storage layer.
US08180949B1
Methods and apparatus are provided for virtualizing resources including peripheral components and peripheral interfaces. Peripheral component such as hardware accelerators and peripheral interfaces such as port adapters are offloaded from individual servers onto a resource virtualization switch. Multiple servers are connected to the resource virtualization switch over an I/O bus fabric such as PCI Express or PCI-AS. The resource virtualization switch allows efficient access, sharing, management, and allocation of resources.
US08180945B2
An adaptive USB extender is installed in a computer and includes a USB host controller mounted on a computer motherboard, a USB receptacle mounted on an I/O board, a USB cable interconnecting the I/O board and the USB host controller for transmitting USB-compliant signals, and an active signal driver mounted on the I/O board and connected between the USB receptacle and the USB cable for amplifying and buffering the USB-compliant signals, thereby maintaining the signal integrity of the USB-compliant signals.
US08180940B2
A method is disclosed for the transmission of cyclic and acyclic data by means of a transmission channel between at least two user devices connected to the transmission channel, with a protocol-specific cyclic data transmission being carried out at least between one user device functioning as a master and at least one user device functioning as a slave. During an impending transmission cycle, data to be transmitted is checked against corresponding data of a preceding cycle with regard to redundancy and currency. Upon detection of an impending transmission cycle for which redundant data without new information content is provided, acyclic data is inserted in lieu of said data in the data field provided for said data. The transmission channel effectively counteracts disadvantages previously resulting from a ring structure and a linear structure, and combines advantages of the one topology group with advantages of the other topology group.
US08180939B2
A memory device is configured to operate in first and second data input/output modes. The memory device includes a first electrode pad, a second electrode pad, a clock signal line, a first switching unit, and a second switching unit. The clock signal line is configured to transmit a clock to an integrated circuit inside the memory device. The first switching unit switches to electrically connect the first electrode pad and the clock signal line in response to a control signal occurring for the first data input/output mode. The second switching unit switches to electrically connect the second electrode pad and the clock signal line in response to an inverse signal of the control signal occurring for the second data input/output mode.
US08180935B2
Methods and systems for encoding and/or decoding digital signals representing serial attached SCSI (SAS) out of band (OOB) signals exchanged over an optical communication between two SAS devices. A SAS OOB signal to be transmitted from a first SAS device to a second SAS device is first encoded as a digitally encoded signal representing the analog SAS OOB signal and then transmitted over an optical communication medium to another SAS device. A receiving SAS device coupled to an optical communication medium decodes a received digitally encoded signal to detect a received, encoded SAS OOB signal and processes the received SAS OOB signal when receipt is detected. The digitally encoded signal may comprise an idle word portion and a burst word portion to represent various SAS OOB signals. Further, the digitally encoded signal may be precomputed in a variety of disparity forms and stored in a memory for lookup and retrieval.
US08180934B2
Device monitoring apparatus, control method therefor, device monitoring system, and recording medium
A device monitoring apparatus capable of effectively reducing load on and power consumption of a device monitoring system, even if there is a device not having a function of notifying restoration from a sleep state. When all of monitored object devices are brought in a simple polling state, a controller of the device monitoring apparatus determines that load on the controller becomes smaller and stops polling the monitored object devices. Instead, a LAN controller, which performs processing simpler than that of the controller, carries out simple polling simpler than normal polling.
US08180933B2
Multiple peripheral devices are used for various modes of communication in a unified communication application. Employing standard or custom protocols, connected peripheral devices can be configured automatically and different modes of communication such as audio, video, data, and text, are routed to available or selected peripheral devices. Incoming communication requests can be extended to multiple peripheral devices synchronously and users enabled to switch between peripheral devices seamlessly during a communication session.
US08180913B2
A system for providing access to a data stream by a plurality of users at a same time. A data stream splitter manager listens for new client device connections. When a new client device connection is identified, the data stream splitter manager generates a pseudo-terminal for the client device and adds the client device and pseudo-terminal information to a data stream splitter table. In addition, a data stream splitter is generated to handle the data transfer. The data stream splitter searches the data stream splitter table for client devices participating in a system resource sharing session. The data stream splitter sends a data stream associated with the shared system resource to the associated client device pseudo-terminals. Also, the data stream splitter sends data from the client devices to the pseudo-terminals and then to the data stream. Consequently, client devices involved in the session has shared system resource access.
US08180886B2
In one embodiment, a method for securing a network application is described. The method for securing a network application includes receiving network information within a network application and assigning a probability value to an independent aspect of the network information. The probability value is based on a verification of the independent aspect of the information against a profile of acceptable behavior. The method for securing a network application also includes aggregating the probability values of the independent aspects of the network information to determine the probability of the entire network traffic. In addition, the method for securing a network application includes determining whether the probability value of the entire network information is above or below a threshold probability value. The entire network information is screened out based on the probability value of the entire message with respect to the threshold probability value.
US08180873B2
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for subscribing to data feeds on a network. An user utilizes a transmitting device to transmit data packets that are split between a plurality of data centers for processing. The data packets are captured at the data centers. The data packets are recombined. The recombined data can be analyzed for fraud detection, marketing analysis, network intrusion detection, customer service analysis, and/or performance analysis. If fraudulent activity is detected, then the user can be interdicted to prevent further fraudulent activity.
US08180870B1
A programmable access device for use in a network access system includes first and second network interfaces through which packets are communicated with a network, a forwarding table utilized to route packets communicated between the first and second network interfaces, and a packet header filter. The packet header filter identifies messages received at one of the first and second network interfaces on which policy-based services are to be implemented and passes identified messages via a message interface to an external processor for processing. In preferred embodiments, the packet header filter is capable of filtering packets for service processing based upon protocol information pertaining to protocol layers higher than layer 3. In preferred embodiments, the programmable access device may also include a usage monitor that reports events, such as session activity levels, to the external processor, a policer that polices packets by reference to programmed traffic parameters, and a scheduler that schedules the transmission of outgoing packets to support multiple quality of service classes.
US08180863B2
In order to prevent unnecessary APIPA process from being executed in a LAN environment which does not adopt APIPA, an ICMP echo request for a predetermined IP address is broadcast. Whether there are more than N apparatuses using APIPA is checked based on the replies, and if there are, IP address setting by APIPA is executed. In a LAN environment which adopts APIPA, whether the IP address to be assigned to an apparatus is already being used by another apparatus is checked. If the date and time when the other apparatus was assigned the IP address is earlier than the date and time when the apparatus was assigned the IP address, APIPA is executed to decide the IP address of the apparatus.
US08180858B2
A character having a plurality of attributes is created by a network user while within a character-enabled network site. Each attribute is defined by at least one of either audio data and/or visual image data and is selected by the user from a plurality of attributes presented to the user through a user interface. The combination of attributes defines a persona for the character. At least one of either an audio presentation and/or a visual image presentation is provided to the user interface. The presentations presented are selected from a plurality of presentations based on the character's persona. Data related to character attributes are stored in a database. One or more of the presentations presented to the user may be interactive, in that it allows for the user to make choices. In response to a user's interaction with the interactive presentation, additional audio presentation and/or a visual image presentation is provided to the user interface. Data indicative of user interaction with the interactive presentations is also stored in a database.
US08180850B2
A data transmission device receives an instruction from a user via a user interface to search for address information registered in an LDAP server. An address management module of the data transmission device acquires the address information from the LDAP server, and a list of the address information is displayed to the user. When instructed by the user to register a piece of the address information, the address management module acquires an absolute path from the LDAP server, and requests an address management device to register the absolute path. The address management device registers the absolute path and notifies the address management module that the absolute path has been registered.
US08180849B2
A system for managing a plurality of web services of a service oriented architecture (SOA) comprising a registry including a description of each of the plurality of web services registered in the registry, a service filter adapted to filter at least one request of a client invoking at least one of the web services registered in the registry, wherein the service filter is adapted for gathering run-time information about the request in accordance with the description of the respective web service in the registry.
US08180843B2
A NAS switch provides file migrations in a NAS storage network that are transparent to the clients. A source file server exports an original NAS file handles indicative of object locations on the source file server to the NAS switch. The NAS switch modifies the original NAS file handles to an internal file system and maps the original NAS file handles to a switch file handles independent of location. The NAS switch exports the switch file handles to a client. The client looks-up objects and makes NAS requests to the source file server using switch file handles. The NAS switch performs file migration by first replicating the namespace containing data to be migrated from source file server to a destination file server. Separately, the NAS replicates data which is a relatively longer process than the namespace replication. During data replication, namespace access requests for objects are directed to the replicated namespace. After data replication, file object requests for migrated objects are redirected to the destination file server in a process that is transparent to the client.
US08180833B2
Within a mail transfer agent of a message transfer system, a message is received and if the recipient entity resolves to a number of recipients exceeding a specified quantity, the original message is not processed. Instead, at least two messages are created, with each of the created messages addressed to a subset of the original set of recipients. The created messages are returned to the calling module for processing.
US08180829B2
Web content representing a first message is displayed in a window of a computer program. The first message is one of a plurality of messages posted to an online forum. A plurality of message summaries are displayed in the same window of the computer program, contemporaneously with the first message. The plurality of message summaries include first information derived from the first message and second information derived from a second message in the plurality of messages. The web content representing the first message may, for example, be displayed in a first frame of the window and the information derived from the first message may be displayed in a second frame of the same window. The online forum may, for example, be a web-based financial message board.
US08180826B2
Exemplary media browsing, searching and authoring tools allow for media interaction over a web. An exemplary method includes acquiring digital video data, coding the digital video data using scalable video coding to generate scalable coded digital video data, analyzing the scalable coded digital video data using one or more video filters to generate information pertaining to the scalable coded digital video data and providing web access to the information. Various other exemplary technologies are disclosed.
US08180817B2
Methods for transposing elements of a sequence according to a rule, wherein the rule is derived from pseudo-noise or pseudo-noise like binary and non-binary sequences are disclosed. Sequences of transposed symbols can be recovered by applying a reversing rule. Sets of orthogonal hopping and transposition rules are created by applying transposition rules upon themselves. Sets of orthogonal hopping and transposition rules are also created from binary and non-binary Gold sequences.
US08180814B1
Embodiments of the invention provide, among other things, an improved system and method for building logical associations (links) between files and for assigning attributes to the files and/or links. In embodiments of the invention, such attribute data is indexed in a data store according to Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) in each file header.
US08180812B2
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to configuring file shares. In aspects, a template is created that includes policies to apply to one or more shares. The template may derive or otherwise obtain policies from other templates and may also refer to other templates. The template may include opaque data to pass to a subsystem that configures a share with a policy corresponding to the data. After the template is created, the template may then be applied to one or more shares to configure the shares according to policies included in the template. When the template or any template upon which the template depends or to which the template refers is changed, shares associated with the template may also be automatically changed as appropriate.
US08180809B2
A digraph including a plurality of ordinary nodes, at least one of a composition node and a decomposition node, and a plurality of arcs interconnecting any of said nodes.
US08180807B2
Systems and methods of determining relationship information are provided. A system may include processing logic and memory accessible to the processing logic. The memory may include instructions executable by the processing logic to access communication data associated with at least one first party. The memory may also include instructions executable by the processing logic to analyze a plurality of communications between the at least one first party and at least one second party to determine relationship information descriptive of a relationship between the at least one first party and the at least one second party. The communication data may include a call log and an email log, and the plurality of communications may include at least one call and at least one email message.
US08180806B2
A schema identifies a field in a document as a key field. Using an XML schema, the key field can be identified by attaching a property to the element or attribute to be used as a key field (if the XML schema standard is modified to support properties). Otherwise, attributes can be used to identify the element or attribute that is to be a key field. Fields can be primary keys, secondary keys, or foreign keys, as supported by data stores. The data store can analyze the schema to determine which fields are key fields. The key fields can be duplicated in the native format of the data store for use in indexing, searching, and other data store functions on the documents. The documents themselves can be stored as objects, into which the data store cannot reach, or can be stored in the native format of the data store, as desired.
US08180803B2
An apparatus, and corresponding method, for generating a graph used in performing a search for a match of at least one expression in an input stream is presented. The graph includes a number of interconnected nodes connected solely by valid arcs. A valid arc of a current node represents a character match in an expression of a character associated with the current node. Arcs which are not valid may be pruned. Non-valid arcs may include arcs which point back to a designated node(s), or arcs that point to the same next node as the designated node(s) for the same character. Typically, the majority of arcs associated with a node are non-valid. Therefore, pruning the non-valid arcs may greatly reduce graph storage requirements.
US08180796B1
The present invention describes a method comprising of a services business language (SBL) providing a common interface for communication with one or more multiple providers in one or more vertical segments. In one embodiment, the vertical segments comprise one or more of package shipping, courier services, flights, hotels, rental cars, and dry cleaners. In another embodiment, the SBL documents of the SBL are defined by Universal Business Language (UBL). In one embodiment, the SBL document includes multiple namespaces that are used in documents as element types and attribute types.
US08180793B2
Presented is a method of operating a server to enable a client to access data stored by a file system. The method comprises: receiving from the client a request to perform an operation on the data; instructing the file system to perform a preliminary metadata operation and, before the metadata-operation has completed, instructing the file system to perform the operation on the data; waiting for the file system to complete both the metadata-operation and the operation on the data; and responding to the client.
US08180790B2
Search macros suggestions are provided to refine a user's search. When a search query is received from an end user, one or more search macros are determined to be relevant to the search query. The search macros are then provided to the end user as suggestions for refining the user's search. In some instances, the end user may chose to select one of the suggested search macros. A search is then performed using the search query and the selected search macro to provide search results to the end user that may be more relevant to the user's search.
US08180789B1
Techniques are presented for query generation, population, and management. Queries are generically defined with metadata. The metadata identifies specific queries and specific parameters associated with a given query. When a query instance is desired, parameter values are dynamically acquired and used to populate portions of the metadata associated with a desired query. The query instance may then be executed as desired.
US08180788B2
An Internet infrastructure that supports searching of images by correlating a search image with that of plurality of images hosted in Internet based servers, containing an image search server, and a web browser contained in a client device that supports displaying of the images. The image search server supports delivery of search result pages to a client device based upon a search string or search image, and contains images from a plurality of Internet based web hosting servers. The image search server delivers a search result page containing images upon receiving a search string and/or search image from the web browser. The selection of images in the search result page is based upon: (i) word match, that is, by selecting images, titles of which correspond to the search string; and (ii) image correlation, that is, by selecting images, image characteristics of which correlates to that of search image. The selection of images in the search result page also occurs on the basis of popularity.
US08180782B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for ranking resources. One or more signals reporting one or more actions by the plurality of users related to a respective resource are received, where a reported action is a presentation of the respective resource, an addition of the respective resource, or a deletion of the respective resource. The reported actions include one or more short deletions of the respective resource. A respective long-addition click-through rate (LACTR) is determined for the respective resource based on a number of reported presentations of the respective resource and a difference between a number of reported additions of the respective resource and a number of short deletions of the respective resource. The plurality of resources are ranked based on the respective LACTRs for the plurality of resources. The ranking of the plurality of resources are provided.
US08180781B2
An information processing apparatus for creating a retrieval result displaying a list of retrieval documents. Retrieval documents corresponding to a retrieval condition are classified into groups based on scores indicating degrees of relevance to the retrieval condition. A clustering process is conducted with respect to the retrieval documents in a group, for each of groups to which the retrieval documents belong.
US08180775B2
Inferences acquired by applying clustering analysis cannot be reliably assessed before data-originated errors are quantified, an exacting task that is often not performed. This invention presents a clustering method suited for this purpose. Designed for systems with normally distributed error, a common trait to many data systems, and built on a framework of agglomerative hierarchical clustering, this invention treats each observation as a Gaussian distribution function, uses an exact mathematical relation to track error, and gives results from which quantitative statistics are easily extracted.
US08180768B2
A method and a computer program product for identifying the domains, selecting for each domain one domain-specific search engine and data source to be involved, generating the domain-specific subqueries for each selected search engine, defining a strategy for sending requests to each search engine and data source, and receiving, merging and ranking results. The result of the multi-domain query is a list of combinations, where every combination consists of a tuple of data, each relative to one of the domains of the query; such data is present in the results returned either by search engines or by data sources. The method provides the combinations having the highest combination score, as computed by a monotone aggregation function over the combinations.
US08180763B2
A system and method for accelerating searches of B-trees. An auxiliary index that is optimized for use with a cache is used in conjunction with a B-tree. A hash type of auxiliary index maintains pointers to key entries in the B-tree leaf nodes. The hash type of index may be searched, and a resulting pointer is used to locate records of the B-tree, bypassing a search of the B-tree. A top level type of auxiliary index maintains pointers to leaf nodes or internal nodes of the B-tree. A top level index may be searched, and a search of the B-tree is performed beginning with the node found by using the top level index. A monitoring mechanism may automatically start, change, or discard the auxiliary index based on an amount of cache memory, types of searches, or other factors. The auxiliary index may be optimized for high performance in read only searches, while the B-tree provides transaction durability.
US08180736B2
Techniques for managing inodes of a file system are described herein. According to one embodiment, in response to a request received at the file system for committing a file to a storage, a first indirect block having multiple entries is allocated. At least one entry stores a pointer linked with a data block, where the first indirect block is referenced by a pointer stored within an inode associated with the file. A first set of data blocks having a first predetermined number of data blocks is allocated, where each entry is referenced by a pointer stored in an entry of the first indirect block. The first indirect block and the first set of data blocks are contiguous blocks with respect to each other, such that content of the first indirect block and the first set of data blocks can be retrieved via a single storage access operation.
US08180729B2
To ensure data consistency for a new data replica created for a computing system, the transmission and receipt of messages altering the data are monitored and replication of the data is permitted when all changes to the data that have been transmitted to the data have been received.
US08180727B2
A system and method of navigating modeling of a building, including: receiving nonparametric user input building design data, organizing the nonparametric user input building design data, and globally editing the non-parametric data element in multiple objects within a building design.
US08180724B1
A method of encoding knowledge is disclosed, which can be used to automatically detect problems in software application deployments. The method includes accessing a source of knowledge describing a problem known to occur in deployments of a particular software application, and which identifies a plurality of conditions associated with the problem. An encoded representation of the knowledge source is generated according to a predefined knowledge encoding methodology. The encoded representation is adapted to be applied automatically by a computer to analyze data representing a current state of a monitored deployment of the software application to detect whether the conditions and the problem exist therein. In various implementations, the encoded representation of the knowledge can include queries for deployment information, information concerning the relative importance of the conditions to a detection of the problem, and/or logical constructs for computing a confidence value in the existence of the problem and for determining whether to report the problem if some of the conditions are not true. The knowledge source can comprise a text document (such as a knowledge base article), a flowchart of a diagnostic troubleshooting method, and the like. Also disclosed are methods of at least partially automating the encoding process.
US08180723B2
A method of performing root cause analysis for use in a system comprising a plurality of inter-related elements, wherein at least some of the elements experience one or more abnormal conditions, comprising defining one or more conditions for more than one element symptomatic of abnormal operation of the element; defining one or more causal relationships between the conditions and results on one or more related elements; compiling the conditions and causal relationships of each element for which conditions and relationships have been defined, as at least one continuation in a continuation passing style (CPS); receiving one or more observed events symptomatic of abnormal operation of at least one element of the system; processing the received events using the conditions and the continuations; concluding at least one root cause of the received events consistent with the received events; and outputting the root cause.
US08180711B2
A computerized intellectual property trading exchange is disclosed for facilitating the trading of license contracts relating to intellectual property rights or pools of intellectual property rights. The exchange includes at least one intellectual property license contract relating to intellectual property rights or pools of intellectual property rights and a computer-accessible forum configured to allow a plurality of participants to trade the license contract. The plurality of participants includes at least one seller, which may be the owner, having the license contract and desiring to trade the license contract. The plurality of participants also includes at least one buyer desiring to obtain the license contract. The buyer may be an investor, speculator, market maker, or arbitrageur, who purchases the license contract to achieve appreciation. The buyer also may be a licensee, who purchases the license contract to practice the intellectual property rights.
US08180707B2
A system and method for managing a construction payment process. One method embodying the invention can include automatically generating an electronic notification in response to an event, the electronic notification including an action item selectable by a participant to perform an action in response to the event, and making the electronic notification available to at least one participant in a construction project.
US08180703B2
The present disclosure generally relates to financial data processing, and in particular it relates to lender credit scoring, lender profiling, lender behavior analysis and modeling. More specifically, it relates to rating lenders based on data derived from their respective consumers. Also, the present disclosure relates to rating consumer lenders based on the predicted spend capacity of their consumers.
US08180696B2
A method and system for determining investor participation driven stock purchase indices. Raw customer trading data is received from an accounting system. The raw customer trading data is then aggregated to generate daily transaction total counts for all stocks (that is, total shares bought and sold, total market value, etc.) as well as daily transaction total counts for each individual stock. Aggregation of the raw customer data also addresses customer privacy concerns. The aggregated data is processed to produce moving averages, stock purchase indices, and stock rankings. The stock purchase indices are based on a diffusion index technique of segregating buyers from sellers, and with these relative counts, measures the breadth of investor purchasing participation. The stock purchase indices are then displayed to a graphical user interface. The display includes stock buy and sell ranking lists.
US08180694B2
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for incorporating qualitative factors into an econometric model. Time series data describing the financial performance generated by corresponding marketing investments that are made as a function of time is provided to configure an econometric model. The econometric model includes linear coefficients that define a linear relationship between the financial performance and the corresponding marketing investments. The linear coefficients are adjusted in accordance with the qualitative factors received as inputs from experts, thereby enabling the qualitative factors to be quantified into the econometric model.
US08180693B2
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for quantifying financial impact of marketing investments. Time series data describing the financial performance generated by corresponding marketing investments that are made as a function of time is provided to configure an econometric model. The econometric model, which describes a linear relationship between the financial performance and the corresponding marketing investments, is transformed into an aggregated non-linear econometric model that includes non-linear factors causing the financial performance to change at a varying rate as a function of the marketing investments.
US08180692B2
The present embodiments are provided to facilitate the automatic trading of spreads in a fast and accurate manner. One or more market data feeds that contain market information for tradeable objects are received at an exchange. A spread data feed is generated in response to the market data feeds and from one or more spread setting parameters, which can be entered by a user. The spread data feed is preferably displayed in a spread window as bid and ask quantities associated with an axis or scale of prices. The user can enter orders in the spread window and the legs will be automatically worked to achieve, or attempt to achieve, the spread. In addition, other tools disclosed herein may be utilized to assist the user in making such trades.
US08180688B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for generating item recommendations based on broadcast media consumed by a user on a client device. An item recommendation application receives a quantity of media information associated with the broadcast media being consumed from the client device. The item recommendation application determines a pattern of media consumption behavior for the user based at least in part on an analysis of the user's consumption history. The item recommendation identifies other consumers of broadcast media that exhibit a substantially similar pattern of media consumption behavior. The item recommendation application then gathers items purchased by the other consumers and provides those items as the item recommendations to the requesting process.
US08180680B2
A product is recommended over a computer network by initiating a recommendation network by creating an active advertisement object of a product on an electronic medium. A recommendation request is received from a user viewing the electronic medium to recommend the product to at least one more viewer. The viewer may be a recommended user. The user and the recommended user or users form a recommendation network. The active advertisement object is recreated on another electronic medium. The recommendation request and the recreation may be repeated, and a recommendation chain is determinable.
US08180674B2
A system and method to facilitate targeting of advertisements based on mutual information sharing between devices over a network are described. Users access an entity over a network and further initiate various events, which are subsequently captured by selective processing servers within the network-based entity. Each of such events or actions initiated by the user is associated with one or more categories and is further stored within the entity along the respective categories. Subsequently, if the user connects to one or more media devices, and the media devices are coupled to the entity via the network, then the entity selects advertisements to be displayed within the viewing area of the media device, such that each advertisement is related to the stored events or actions and their respective categories. Alternatively, a user connects to one or more media devices and further performs specific actions. The actions are then transmitted to the entity via the network and are stored within the entity along with respective categories associated with each user action. Subsequently, if the user connects to the entity through a client machine and through the network, the entity selects advertisements to be displayed within the display area of the client machine along with content information requested by the user, such that each selected advertisement is related to the previously stored events or actions and their respective categories.
US08180667B1
A video hosting service automatically identifies, in a video database, a set of videos associated with an advertiser, and presents the identified videos to the advertiser for consideration. The videos may be selected based on analysis of their video content for images of logos associated with the advertisers. The video hosting service may then receive from the advertisers a listing of which of the presented videos should be given an award.
US08180664B2
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for forecasting with model-based PDF (probability density function) estimates. Some method embodiments may comprise: estimating model parameters for a time series, calculating a PDF for the time series, and generating a forecast from the PDF. The model parameters may comprise a variance for a hidden noise source, and the PDF for the time series may be based at least in part on an estimated variance for the hidden noise source.
US08180640B2
Described is the use of acoustic data to improve grapheme-to-phoneme conversion for speech recognition, such as to more accurately recognize spoken names in a voice-dialing system. A joint model of acoustics and graphonemes (acoustic data, phonemes sequences, grapheme sequences and an alignment between phoneme sequences and grapheme sequences) is described, as is retraining by maximum likelihood training and discriminative training in adapting graphoneme model parameters using acoustic data. Also described is the unsupervised collection of grapheme labels for received acoustic data, thereby automatically obtaining a substantial number of actual samples that may be used in retraining. Speech input that does not meet a confidence threshold may be filtered out so as to not be used by the retrained model.
US08180631B2
In one embodiment of the method, a block of digital audio data is stored in a buffer, and a set of parcor values are calculated for the block of digital audio data. Then, the parcor values are entropy encoded for transmission. The entropy coding includes selecting a table including offset values and entropy parameters from a plurality of tables based on a sampling rate of the block of digital audio data, wherein each offset is associated with a coded-coefficient and is different for each coded-coefficient in the first twenty coefficients, calculating parcor residual values based on offset values from the selected table, and encoding the parcor residual values using entropy codes defined by entropy parameters from the selected table.
US08180629B2
Disclosed herein is a computer implemented method and system of generating declared patterns from components of a sentence. Parts of speech in the sentence are tagged for identifying parts of speech of each word and phrase in the sentence. Sentence chunking is then performed using the identified parts of speech of each word and phrase to generate pattern units. A first dictionary and a database of equivalent pattern specification sets are then applied to identify grammatical roles and senses of the generated pattern units. A second dictionary and a conceptionary are then applied to identify an equivalent name set for each of the generated pattern units. The declared patterns are then generated for the sentence using the identified equivalent name set for each of the generated pattern units.
US08180622B2
A system for real-time modeling of electrical system performance is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a power analytics server and a client terminal. The power analytics server is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine and a power system simulation engine. The virtual system modeling engine is configured to generate predicted data output utilizing a first virtual system model. The analytics engine is configured to synchronize the first virtual system model when a difference between the real-time data output and the predicted data output exceeds a threshold. The power system simulation engine is configured to store and process patterns and facilitate modification of parameters on the first virtual system model to create a second virtual system model; and forecast an aspect of the electrical system operating under parameters of the second virtual system model. The client terminal displays the forecasted aspects.
US08180620B2
Verification tests perform hardware and software co-verification on a system under verification. Each signal interface controller coupled to the system performs a test action transferring at least one of stimulus signals and response signals between a corresponding portion of the system under verification and the signal interface controller during verification. A debugger controls an associated processing unit that executes software routines. A debugger signal interface controller performs test actions transferring stimulus signals and response signals between the debugger and the debugger signal interface controller during verification. A test manager transfers test controlling messages to these interface controllers identifying the test actions to be performed. As a result, the test manager controls the processing unit via the debugger signal interface controller and the debugger in order to coordinate the execution of the software routines with a sequence of verification tests.
US08180609B2
The computer-implementable method allows for the fast creation of a multi-unit interval data signal suitable for simulation. The created signal represents the output of an otherwise ideal Discrete Time Filter (DTF) circuit, and the quick creation of the signal merely requires a designer to input the number of taps and their weights without the need of laying out or considering the circuitry of the DTF. A matrix is created based on a given data stream, and the number of taps and weights, which matrix is processed to create the multi-unit-interval data signal. Noise and jitter can be added to the created signal such that it now realistically reflects non-idealities common to actual systems. The signal can then be simulated using standard computer-based simulation techniques.
US08180603B2
The present invention is concerned with a process for forming a very well defined pattern of particulate material in a composite material comprising a web material and particulate absorbent material. The present invention relates also to a method for determining the equipment design and process parameter for such a process. In a particular application, the present invention provides a process for preparing liquid absorbent structures, such as may be useful for disposable absorbent articles.
US08180598B2
A universal mesh for a building insulation model is established from a template representing a wide range of insulation profiles, with the mesh being used for conducting one, two or three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) regarding thermal insulation factors for the building. The system and method take into account a wide range of heat related factors, including structural materials of the building, insulation components encompassing both insulation materials employed in the building process and established air pockets or gaps, and even fasteners used in the construction process.
US08180597B2
One embodiment of the invention provides a method for modeling a variety of three-dimensional (3D) utility networks constructed from individual parts. In one embodiment, users may construct a utility network by selecting and assembling a network of inter-connected parts, where each part may be associated one or more design rules. When a part is placed within the model, the rules corresponding to the part may be applied. The network part rules may be configured to adjust the position, properties or attributes associated with a network part to comply with a rule. Alternatively, a user interface display may provide an indication of any network parts of a 3D model that violate a particular network part rule.
US08180591B2
The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable monitoring device comprising (i) a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user, (ii) a motion sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect motion of the user and, in response thereto, to generate motion data, (iii) an altitude sensor, disposed in the housing, to sample an altitude of the user in response to a sample signal, wherein, in response to sampling the altitude of the user, the altitude sensor generates change in altitude data, and (iv) processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to: generate the sample signal using the motion data, and calculate a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user using the motion data and the change in altitude data.
US08180590B2
A Railroad Surveying and Monitoring System configured on a mobile platform for surveying, monitoring, and analyzing rail position and superstructure and terrain substructure of railroad tracks (20a,b) or other structures. The system employs two or more High Accuracy Differential Global Positioning System devices (110,112), ground penetrating radar devices (116), terrain conductivity instruments (118), optical cameras (124), and data receivers and processors (126), which in turn process, display, and store the data in a usable database. Precise coordinate data generated from a High Accuracy Global Positioning System provides both location data for subsurface sensors and surface sensors and rail position coordinates to monitor track displacements during track inspection in real time.
US08180583B1
Methods and systems for determining that a device is currently within a given context are described. A device may include multiple sensors coupled to the device. A sensor utility value combining a rate of power consumption for a sensor and an accuracy score indicating a degree to which the sensor may provide outputs indicative of the device being currently in the given context may be determined for each sensor. Based on sensor utility values, the multiple sensors coupled to the device may be ranked. A sensor may be identified based on a ranking of the sensor. A probability associated with a determination that the device is currently within the given context may be assigned to the sensor. More sensors may be identified to determine with increasing probability and increasing power requirements that the device is currently within the given context.
US08180578B2
A method of analyzing phase transitions of fluid in an oilfield operation of an oilfield. The method includes determining phase boundaries of a multi-component multi-phase system based on geophysical parameters associated with the oilfield, predicting an amount of at least one fluid component in a liquid fluid phase of the multi-component multi-phase system by solving a set of flash equations based on phase boundaries, and performing the oilfield operation based on the predicted amount.
US08180577B2
Techniques for determining effects on a biological system include determining rate constants for a particular time interval starting at an initial time. Each rate constant indicates a rate of transition from one of four states to a different one of the four states for a component of a biological system in presence of an external factor. A temporal change in a probability that the component is in a particular state after the initial time is determined without numerical iteration over multiple time steps. This includes determining three relaxation time constants that describe exponential changes based on the rate constants. The effect of the external factor on the biological system is determined based on the temporal change in the probability that the component is in the particular state. The probability at an arbitrary time is determined based on the rate constants and initial probabilities.
US08180572B2
The present invention relates to methods and systems for the analysis of the dissociation behavior of nucleic acids and the identification of nucleic acids. In one aspect, methods and systems are disclosed for resolving a denaturation curve of a sample containing a first and second nucleic acid into a resolved denaturation curve for the first nucleic acid and a resolved denuration curve for the second nucleic acid.
US08180570B2
Navigation apparatuses, methods, and programs having conducted a search for an original driving route that goes through a plurality of destinations in a designated order and provided route guidance based on the original driving route, receive an input of a new destination. Upon receipt of the new destination, the apparatuses, methods, and programs designate an ordinal position of the new destination in terms of the designated order and receive an input of a destination change request. When the destination change request is received, the apparatuses, methods, and programs automatically delete one or more of the destinations in ordinal positions within the designated order that are before the ordinal position of the new destination, conduct a new search for a new driving route based on the new destination, and output the new driving route. When an added destination request is received, the apparatuses, methods, and programs conduct a search for the new driving route including the new destination, without deleting destinations in ordinal positions within the designated order that are before the ordinal position of the new destination.
US08180568B2
A method for operating a navigation system includes the following steps: a) computing a route from a starting point to a destination, wherein the route consists of a sequence of road segments and junctions between the road segments that is selected from a database, in which a geographic area is described in the form of road segments and junctions, with a route computation method, b) computing at least one maneuvering instruction that contains instructions for the user in order to follow the route from the current position, and c) computing and displaying a schematic maneuvering image on a display device, wherein the schematic maneuvering image graphically illustrates the maneuvering instructions in schematic form, wherein adjacent junctions that do not lie along the route and/or adjacent road segments that do not lie along the route and do not converge with a junction along the route are also analyzed during the computation of the schematic maneuvering image, wherein at least part of the adjacent road segments and/or adjacent junctions is illustrated in the schematic maneuvering image in addition to the maneuvering instruction that represents the route.
US08180567B2
The present invention relates to a navigation device (10). The navigation device (10) is arranged to display navigation directions (3, 4, 5) on a display (18). The navigation device (10) is further arranged to receive a feed from a camera (24). The navigation device (10) is further arranged to display a combination of a camera image fr>m the feed fr>m the camera (24) and the navigation directions (3, 4, 5) on the display (18).
US08180566B2
A navigation apparatus calculates a current position candidate of a vehicle based on absolute position information, and calculates a travelable area based on road width data and the like, and further calculates a center locus of the travelable area and an estimated position of the vehicle. The estimated position of the vehicle is then evaluated based on a distance between the estimated position and the center locus to yield a position candidate evaluation for displaying a current position mark on a displayed map.
US08180560B2
A method includes identifying a number of actuators used to release a material, where the identified number of actuators is less than a total number of actuators. The method also includes identifying a simulated speed of a vehicle based on the identified number of actuators. The method further includes controlling an amount of material provided to the actuators based on the simulated speed of the vehicle. The method could also include identifying an extent to which the identified number of actuators are opened. Here, identifying the simulated speed of the vehicle could include identifying the simulated speed of the vehicle based on the extent to which the identified number of actuators are opened.
US08180555B2
A method of determining a pressure at a dosing valve of a fuel metering device for metering fuel into an exhaust gas system of a combustion engine with a component of the combustion engine assigned to an exhaust gas system for a regeneration, a temperature impingement and/or a thermo management. The fuel is injected in a flow direction of the exhaust gas in front of the component, and metering of the fuel is determined by an injection valve from a cycle duration and a duty cycle relation for controlling a shut-off valve and the dosing valve depending on a difference pressure. The method includes determining a pressure before the dosing valve via acquisition and processing of at least one replacement value deduced from a pressure sensor signal of a pressure sensor arranged in a flow direction of the fuel behind the dosing valve for recording a measured pressure.
US08180552B2
In valve timing control after issuance of an engine stop instruction with a prescribed value set as a target phase, an ECU delays permission of an engine stop process within a prescribed time period while an intake valve phase has not yet reached the target value, so that a valve timing control operation is continued while the engine operation is continued in an idle state. After the lapse of a prescribed time period from the issuance of the engine stop instruction, however, the ECU permits the engine stop process no matter whether the intake valve phase has reached the target value or not. As a result, the amount of valve timing that can be changed by the valve timing control in the engine stop operation can be increased, without causing any uncomfortable feeling of the driver.
US08180551B2
A vehicular control apparatus that controls an engine mounted on a vehicle includes: a generating section that generates respective required values of the engine based on quantities of state in different units of measure; an adjusting section that converts the required values into values in a common unit of measure and obtains a desired value of the engine based on the values in the common unit of measure; a control section that controls the engine based on the obtained desired value; and a determining section that determines whether the vehicle is in an idling state using respective reference values set for the quantities of state, the required values, and the desired value. One of the reference values is converted into the remaining reference values in different units of measure.
US08180547B2
In one embodiment, a system and method are provided for detecting a slip condition between a vehicle tire and a road surface, processing contemporaneous vehicle data, such as torque or brake pressure applied, to determine a force of friction, and calculating a coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction and location of the slip are broadcast to other vehicles driving in the proximity of the slip. The broadcasts may be utilized to notify drivers of slippery driving conditions at or ahead of the vehicle, and/or to limit torque and braking pressure applied to vehicle wheels to enhance traction and avoid slip.
US08180542B2
A vehicle speed control system starts an automatic decelerating operation with a maximum permissible decelerating physical amount “Gmax”, when an electronic control unit determines that a necessary decelerating physical amount for decreasing a vehicle speed “v” to a target vehicle speed “vt” at a curve starting point becomes larger than the maximum permissible decelerating physical amount “Gmax”. The vehicle speed control system terminates the automatic decelerating operation, when required decelerating physical amount by a braking operation during the automatic decelerating operation becomes larger than an actual control decelerating physical amount for the automatic decelerating operation. The electronic control unit calculates the necessary decelerating physical amount “Gref” based on a distance “d” to the curve starting point and the vehicle speed “v”, in order to re-start an automatic decelerating operation with the decelerating physical amount “Gref”, when the required decelerating physical amount becomes lower than the decelerating physical amount “Gref”.
US08180540B2
A continuously variable transmission can have one or more rotatable output shafts, rotatable non-output shafts, continuously variable transmission elements selectively interconnecting at least one non-output shaft and one output shaft so as to permit variation of a transmission ratio therebetween. The transmission can also have one or more control elements for controlling the instantaneously prevailing ratio of the transmission including a sensor device for sensing the rotational position of a non-output shaft, and a processing device for determining the rotational position of the sensed, non-output shaft at a chosen instant. The processing device is connected to control elements to cause variation of the transmission ratio so that the output shaft attains a desired rotational position at a chosen instant.
US08180537B2
An engine control apparatus controls an engine rotational speed to a target rotational speed by using a detected input side transmission rotational speed of a manual transmission as the target rotational speed upon detecting a clutch pedal depression amount during shifting being equal to or larger than a first prescribed depression amount, which is equal to or larger than a depression amount corresponding to a clutch disconnect position. The engine rotational speed is controlled to the target rotational speed by using the smaller of a computed transmission rotational speed (based on vehicle speed and gear ratio using a shift position) and the detected input side transmission rotational speed, upon detecting the clutch pedal depression amount during shifting being smaller than the first prescribed depression amount and larger than a second prescribed depression amount, which is smaller than the depression amount corresponding to the clutch disconnect position.
US08180536B2
During control of a shift of a first friction engagement element from an engaged state into a disengaged state and a shift of a second friction engagement element from a disengaged state into an engaged state for a gear shift to a first target gear from a second target gear, a desired torque capacity of the first friction engagement element is set based on an actual transmission gear ratio by interpolation from values of the desired torque capacity corresponding to at least first and second reference transmission gear ratios, wherein the first reference transmission gear ratio is a transmission gear ratio at start of an inertia phase of the shift control. When the first reference transmission gear ratio is between the actual transmission gear ratio and the second reference transmission gear ratio, the desired torque capacity is set to the value corresponding to the first reference transmission gear ratio.
US08180535B2
The inventive method for controlling the gear change of an automatic gearbox provided with distinct shifting rules or variograms used according to a vehicle operating conditions consists in detecting and carrying out gear shifting requests sequential to the shifting rule or variogram switching, subject to the application of specific conditions only.
US08180531B2
A safety device for motor vehicles includes an impact detection system and a triggering device for triggering a braking operation as a function of a signal of the impact detection system characterized in that the triggering device is designed for the purpose of triggering the braking operation when the impact detection system indicates the beginning of an impact.
US08180528B2
Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling a wiper and washer. An apparatus for controlling a wiper and washer, includes a wiper to wipe a windshield of a vehicle, a washer to eject washer fluid to the windshield of the vehicle, and an intelligent multi-function module (IMFM) to utilize a temperature sensing function of the vehicle according to a selected intelligent multi-function mode, and control the wiper and washer according to a sensed temperature with respect to the vehicle.
US08180527B2
The invention relates to a method for the assistance of a driver of a vehicle during a journey along a road, in which bend data indicating the course of a bend in the road extending in front of the vehicle seen in the direction of travel and road condition data indicating the condition of the road surface disposed in front of the vehicle seen in the direction of travel are determined and a recommended maximum speed allowing a safe driving through the bend is determined with reference to the bend data and to the road condition data.
US08180525B2
A method for assisting a driver when parking or maneuvering a motor vehicle having at least one driver assistance system and a vehicle safety system is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting the surroundings and calculating a desired path in a calculation model, in which the differences in traveling distance between the individual wheels are monitored and determined by means of the vehicle safety system. The desired path is predicted in a calculation model by means of the differences in traveling distance, and detection of the surroundings is carried out by means of the driver assistance system. Furthermore, a system which is suitable to implement the method is provided.
US08180520B2
The electronic safing system is provided with a safing sensor, a comparator, and a microcomputer. The microcomputer has a programmable analog I/O port which is connected to a built-in AD-DA converter. The programmable analog I/O port can be switched to an analog input port and an analog output port according to an internal register. The programmable analog I/O port is connected to an input terminal of the comparator. When diagnosing the comparing circuit, the microcomputer switches the programmable analog I/O port to the analog output port and outputs a predetermined voltage for diagnosis. Then, the microcomputer diagnoses the comparing circuit by monitoring the output of the comparing circuit.
US08180517B2
A diagnostic system diagnoses a device and includes fault declaring module that selects one of a normal control mode, a temporary default action and a permanent default action. A counter module tracks a first number of successive test samples, a second number of failed samples that occur during the successive test samples, a third number of successive failed samples, a fourth number of failed samples, and a fifth number of samples since a last failed sample. The fault declaring module transitions to a temporary default action when at least one of the third number of successive failed samples is greater than a first value and the fourth number of failed samples is greater than a second value. The fault declaring module transitions to a permanent default action that is different than the temporary default action when the second number of failed samples is greater than a third value.
US08180516B2
An interface (10) allows a user to choose when incoming information is received. Thus, the user may choose to receive particular types of information according to a current need for the information and when appropriate attention may be given to the information. The interface (10) identifies for the user at least the type of information to be received and a criticality and/or time-sensitivity of that information. The interface (10) may include, for each of a first, second and third information sources (12-16) a respective button (18-22) and a respective visual indicator (24-28).
US08180497B2
Selective harvesting of a parcel of land by a harvesting machine including a motorised support structure on which are mounted a harvesting assembly adapted to deliver a harvested stream, at least two receptacles (1) for storage of the stream and a system for respectively feeding a receptacle (1) with the stream as a function of the location of the machine in the parcel. The parcel is divided into distinct geographical areas and each receptacle is dedicated to an area. The machine comprises upper conveyor means (3) for feeding the receptacles (1) along respective feed paths, a lower conveyor (6) and a device for guiding the harvested stream by opening and closing the feed paths and varying the conveying direction of the lower conveyor, as a function of the receptacle to be fed with the harvested stream.
US08180495B1
Described herein is an integrated data center that provides for efficient cooling, as well as efficient wire routing, and in particular a control system for controlling the temperature and pressure within the data center.
US08180491B2
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a solar affected environmental control system. The system includes a set of input devices, a priority device, an output device, and a control module. The input devices measure environmental values such as temperature, light, environmentally generated water heat, and environmentally generated electricity. The priority device interfaces with a user to define a goal that corresponds to a hierarchy of environmental objectives. The output device is an adjustable solar module that has an affect on the environmental values. The control module is an electrical device that includes a mathematical algorithm configured to correlate the environmental values and the user-defined goal so as to generate a set of output device settings. The control module is electrically coupled to the output device to facilitate adjustment according to the output device settings, so as to affect the environmental values in a manner consistent with the goal.
US08180489B2
A communication system for a water softener system that includes a controller configured for communicating with the water softener assembly and a remote display configured for sending and receiving at least one signal to and from the controller to a remote location.
US08180485B2
A medication dispensing cart (10) having a computer and monitor (12), a work surface (16) with pull out keyboard (18), and plural drawers (30) arranged as a vertical series of cassettes that can be added as needed. The battery powered device uses software and pass codes for controlling access to each drawer, and requires a second pass code for any drawer designated to contain narcotics. Records can be kept of who dispenses what medication and when for each cart in a system of carts. The cart in the system is in wireless communication with a system administrator. Emails alerting the system administrator of low battery power, of a cart switching to off, of an attempted break-in, and of inventory and usage data are sent automatically by email.
US08180483B2
In an overhead conveyance/storage system 1 including at least a storage area 100 for the storage of products (e.g., tires) 200, at least one transfer holder 300 adapted to move through a ceiling space in the storage area 100 in three dimensions, including vertical, transverse and longitudinal directions while holding the products 200, and unloader 500 for carrying out the products 200 from the storage area 100, a product receiving position (product unloading position) 501 of the unloader 500 is set to a nearly central part of the storage area 100 when seen in plan. The overhead conveyance/storage system 1 further includes loader 400 for carrying the products 200 into the storage area 100, and product discriminator 402 is disposed in the loader 400.
US08180482B2
The method for producing at least one rotationally symmetrical lens consisting of an opto-ceramic includes the step of moulding a ceramic green body for the lens, wherein the mould has a shaping surface, which is described by the following equation B: y 1 = cz 2 1 + 1 - ( k + 1 ) c 2 z 2 + a 1 z 2 + a 2 z 4 + a 3 z 6 + a 4 z 8 + … , ( B ) y1 gives a position on an optical axis; x designates a perpendicular distance from the optical axis to the surface; k, c, and a1, a2, a3, a4, . . . are constants describing a surface of the lens to be moulded and z=|x|+b, wherein b is a constant with a value greater than 0 and less than 0.3 mm, which is a measure of a deviation of the shaping surface from the surface of the lens.
US08180481B2
A system and method for operating an autoloop system on an electrical distribution system is provided. The system includes a first branch circuit having a first recloser and a midpoint recloser and a second branch circuit having a second feeder recloser and a midpoint recloser. A tie recloser is electrically coupled between the first branch circuit and the second branch circuit wherein the tie recloser closes only after a fault is detected. A master controller associated with the first and second branch circuits communicates with the reclosers of the first and second branch circuits. The master controller includes a processor for blocking a fast tripping function of a feeder recloser in response to the detection of a fault on the other branch circuit. The portion of a circuit where a fault is detected may be isolated to minimize the portion of the first and second branch circuits without power.
US08180479B2
The feed rate of an ultrasonic knife used to cut composite material is optimized using adaptive control. One or more parameters such as ultrasonic power or side load on the knife is sensed and used to generate feedback control signals. The feedback control signals are used to optimize the commanded feedrate of the knife.
US08180477B2
A machining status monitoring apparatus is provided on a machine tool, and has an actual CCD camera for imaging the tool and the workpiece and generating actual two-dimensional image data thereof, a virtual image generating section having a virtual CCD camera corresponding to the actual CCD camera, in which the tool and workpiece of three-dimensional model are imaged by the virtual CCD camera and virtual two-dimensional image data thereof are generated, and a display control section for receiving from a control device of the machine tool, information relating to the coolant supply state and checking whether coolant is being supplied to the contact portion of the tool and the workpiece, and displaying on a display device actual two-dimensional image data when coolant is not being supplied and displaying on the display device virtual two-dimensional image data when coolant is being supplied.
US08180475B2
An embroidery data processor that processes embroidery data for sewing an embroidery pattern comprising a plurality of subset patterns on a workpiece cloth with different needle thread colors by using a plurality of multi-needle embroidery sewing machines each provided with an embroidery frame drive mechanism that moves an embroidery frame holding the workpiece cloth in two predetermined directions, the embroidery data processor including a sew-time calculator that calculates required sew time for sewing each subset pattern based on subset pattern data being classified by thread color; and an allocator that produces an allocation schedule for allocation of the subset patterns to the multi-needle embroidery sewing machines based on the sew time calculated by the sew-time calculator, the allocation schedule being arranged to distribute equal or minimally-different sew time for each multi-needle embroidery sewing machine.
US08180461B2
Methods and apparatus for implanting a stimulation lead in a patient's sacrum to deliver neurostimulation therapy that can reduce patient surgical complications, reduce patient recovery time, and reduce healthcare costs. A surgical instrumentation kit for minimally invasive implantation of a sacral stimulation lead through a foramen of the sacrum in a patient to electrically stimulate a sacral nerve comprises a needle and a dilator and optionally includes a guide wire. The needle is adapted to be inserted posterior to the sacrum through an entry point and guided into a foramen along an insertion path to a desired location. In one variation, a guide wire is inserted through a needle lumen, and the needle is withdrawn. The insertion path is dilated with a dilator inserted over the needle or over the guide wire to a diameter sufficient for inserting a stimulation lead, and the needle or guide wire is removed from the insertion path. The dilator optionally includes a dilator body and a dilator sheath fitted over the dilator body. The stimulation lead is inserted to the desired location through the dilator body lumen or the dilator sheath lumen after removal of the dilator body, and the dilator sheath or body is removed from the insertion path. If the clinician desires to separately anchor the stimulation lead, an incision is created through the entry point from an epidermis to a fascia layer, and the stimulation lead is anchored to the fascia layer. The stimulation lead can be connected to the neurostimulator to delivery therapies to treat pelvic floor disorders such as urinary control disorders, fecal control disorders, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain.
US08180460B2
A flexible circuit electrode array with more than one layer of metal traces comprising: a polymer base layer; more than one layer of metal traces, separated by polymer layers, deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; and a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces. Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, or cortical stimulation many purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow.
US08180454B2
The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual subject. The response to electrical neural stimulation varies from subject to subject. Measure of impedance may be used to predict the electrode height from the neural tissue and, thereby, predict the threshold of perception. Alternatively, electrode height may be measured directly to predict the threshold of perception. Also, impedance measurement may be used to quickly identify defective electrodes and proper electrode placement.
US08180440B2
The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.
US08180436B2
Apparatus, devices, methods, systems, computer programs and computing devices related to autofluorescent imaging and ablation are disclosed.
US08180422B2
A system for determining an analyte concentration in a fluid sample (e.g., glucose) comprises a light source, a detector, and a central processing unit. The detector is adapted to receive spectral information corresponding to light returned from the fluid sample being analyzed and to convert the received spectral information into an electrical signal indicative of the received spectral information. The central processing unit is adapted to compare the electrical signal to an algorithm built upon correlation with the analyte in body fluid. The algorithm is adapted to convert the received spectral information into the analyte concentration in body fluid. Spectral information is delivered from the central processing unit to the light source and used to vary the intensity and timing of the light to improve the accuracy of conversion into analyte concentration.
US08180411B2
A mobile phone includes a phone core with operative components thereof in a one piece phone housing that is directly molded to the phone core. Operative components that require exterior access from the housing, e.g., ear speaker, microphone, loudspeaker, SIM card reader, display, and keypad, may be shielded from molding material during the molding process by shielding boxes integrally molded into the housing and/or by shielding cores in the mold of a plastic injection molding machine. A plastic injection molding machine with shielding cores may form the phone housing as an integral structure directly to and about the phone core. A method of making a mobile phone includes plastic injection molding using insert molding technique.
US08180409B2
A radio receiver includes a power control module for selectively powering down and powering up radio receiver elements in between known communication periods according to one aspect of the present invention. According to a second aspect of the invention, the radio receiver operates in a low power mode of operation and periodically “sniffs” to determine whether an access point has messages or communication signals to transmit to it.
US08180407B1
A method and system for conserving battery power in a portable communication device. When a user puts the device into a media player mode such as by invoking a media player application on the device, the device will automatically reduce the extent to which it engages in background wireless transmissions, such as radio link control messaging, presence update messaging, and so forth, to help conserve battery power. In turn, when the device exits the media player mode, the device may then automatically revert to its normal extent of background wireless transmission.
US08180396B2
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for providing a user augmented reality (UAR) service for a camera-enabled mobile device, so that a user of such mobile device can use the mobile device to obtain meta data regarding one or more images/video that are captured with such device. As the user points the mobile device's camera at one or more objects in one or more scenes, such objects are automatically analyzed by the UAR to identify the one or more objects and then provide meta data regarding the identified objects in the display of the mobile device. The meta data is interactive and allows the user to obtain additional information or specific types of information, such as information that will aid the user in making a decision regarding the identified objects or selectable action options that can be used to initiate actions with respect to the identified objects. The user can utilize the UAR to continuously pass the camera over additional objects and scenes so that the meta data presented in the display of the mobile device is continuously updated.
US08180395B2
A wireless communicator including a housing, wireless communication functionality located within the housing, native user interface functionality cooperating with the wireless communication functionality and including user interface surfaces located on at least one outer facing surface of the housing, and pouching responsive electrical interconnection functionality responsive to pouching orientation of the housing in a pouch of an enhanced function device for automatically causing the wireless communication functionality to adapt to interoperation with parenting user interface functionality forming part of the enhanced function device at least partially instead of with the native user interface functionality. A method is also described and claimed.
US08180391B2
A prohibiting-signal transmitting apparatus for use in a combined system such that there is at least a partial overlap between bands allocated to an old communications system and bands allocated to a new communications system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a unit which monitors for a band-in-use, over which communications are actually being conducted, out of the bands allocated to the old communications system; a unit which generates a prohibiting signal indicating that the band-in-use should not be used in the new communications system; and a unit which transmits the prohibiting signal to a communications apparatus of the new communications system.
US08180384B1
An RF transmitter that, during a transmission session, transmits multiple data slices, which are synchronized to each other by a transmit counter. Typically, the time between transmission of consecutive data slices is constant; however, to synchronize the transmission session with a base station, the time between transmission of consecutive data slices may be occasionally adjusted. By using the transmit counter to synchronize data transmissions, effects of uncompensated latencies or variances in latencies may be reduced or eliminated.
US08180380B2
A receiver for receiving wireless communication signals from a transmitter is arranged to operate in one of a plurality of states. The receiver is arranged to perform a state transition from the current state to another state among the plurality of states upon reception of a Paging Indicator Signal. The Paging Indicator Signal comprising an indication of the one of the plurality of states to which the state transition is to be performed.
US08180379B2
Location information is received at a mobile device from the memory of a vehicle device. The mobile device is updated based on the location information. Sensor data is received from at least one sensor measuring movement of the mobile device, and an estimated location of the mobile device is calculated based at least in part on the location information and the sensor data.
US08180371B1
A system is provided for mobile client-side location determination. The system includes a mobile device, which includes base transceiver station location data, a memory, a processor, and a location engine stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the location engine receives information that identifies multiple base transceiver stations. The location engine also reads a location for each of the base transceiver stations from the base transceiver station location data and calculates a location of the mobile device based on the location of each of the base transceiver stations. Additionally, the location engine provides the location of the mobile device in a defined portion of a communication transmitted by the mobile device.
US08180369B1
An interpersonal communication and an interactive information system, where a user can access a wireless local area network from any compatible mobile device and obtain information specific to the user's location and communicate with other mobile devices in the user's location through the wireless local area network.
US08180368B2
Illustrative embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein include, but are not limited to, the following: a femto-cell device, methods for use by a wireless location system (WLS) in locating a femto-cell device, and a wireless location system having certain features relating to the location of femto-cell devices. A femto-cell device used in a wireless communications system (WCS) includes a location subsystem configured to acquire information identifying the geographic location of the femto-cell device. The device also includes an antenna subsystem, a radio frequency (RF) block coupled to the antenna subsystem, a baseband block coupled to the RF block, and a communications block coupled to the baseband block. In addition, the device is configured to communicate with the WCS, including communicating at least some of the location information to the WCS.
US08180346B2
A method and apparatus for generating a measurement report request including media independent handover (MIH) information at a medium access control (MAC) device for use in configuring a physical layer measurement device to measure the physical layer and generate a MIH event report are provided. The request is sent to a physical layer measurement device which is configured using the MIH information. A physical channel is then measured based on the MIH information. A MIH event is generated at the physical layer device and sent to a higher layer device.
US08180342B2
An apparatus is provided which includes a server of a first broadcast/multicast system and an adaptation function. The adaptation function provides communication between the server of the first broadcast/multicast system and a server of a second broadcast/multicast system. The adaptation function is configured to envelop at least one content item of the second broadcast/multicast system within a program of the first broadcast/multicast system.
US08180341B2
A communication system for supporting communications with a target market area. The system includes one or more solar-powered aircraft maintained in, or successively passing through, flight stations or flight patterns around the market area. Each of the aircraft targets limited beamwidth communication antennas on a substantial portion of the target market area. The control system is configured to fly selective flight patterns depending on the aircraft characteristics and the flight conditions. The flight patterns may emphasize high-power-generation patterns such as flying away from the sun for aircraft with wing-mounted solar cells.
US08180327B2
A method, a device, and a mobile terminal for controlling locking and unlocking are provided. The method includes the following steps. An acceleration sensor is adopted to detect a location state of a mobile terminal. A stabilization timer is started and a stabilization timing value of the stabilization timer is monitored when the mobile terminal is in an unlocked or a locked state. The stabilization timing value is reset to restart timing when it is monitored that the location state of the mobile terminal is unstable. The mobile terminal is controlled to enter a stable and unlocked state when it is monitored that the stabilization timing value reaches a stabilization timing threshold. Through the technical solutions, it is determined whether the mobile terminal enters the stable and unlocked state according to the location state of the mobile terminal in the locked or unlocked state. In this manner, the mobile terminal may not be locked in the stable state, and the afterward operations may be facilitated, thereby increasing usability of the mobile terminal and improving user's experience.
US08180326B2
A method of protecting location privacy of a mobile station when the mobile station enters a network is disclosed. A method of supporting location privacy comprises the steps of transmitting a ranging code for performing initial ranging; and receiving a message including temporary station identifier after transmitting a ranging request message including MAC address of a mobile station. In this case, the temporary station identifier is used to provide security of a media access control (MAC) address or mapping information of the MAC address and station identifier, wherein the MAC address is to identify a mobile station within a base station.
US08180324B2
A method and apparatus for enabling anonymous communications from a first Bluetooth device to a second Bluetooth device is disclosed wherein a temporary identification number associated with the first Bluetooth device is obtained and used in transmissions from the first Bluetooth device to the second Bluetooth device. A temporary identification number provides no clear indication of the particular Bluetooth communications device transmitting messages.
US08180317B2
A technique to notify an emergency center of the position of a caller making an emergency call using a portable terminal equipped with a position information acquiring function is provided such that reliable and accurate notification of position information is performed in cases of emergency. Upon entry of an emergency call instruction on the portable terminal, a detailed positioning/notifying operation is initiated separately from an outgoing call operation. Even after the call is completed, the positioning operation is prohibited from interruption or termination until the positioning/notifying operation is completed. According to additional features of the invention, if the detailed positioning/notifying operation determines that the current area is not GPS-enabled, a charge wave is outputted and a notification of position information provided by an IC tag is given. Furthermore, if the portable terminal gets out of communication range before completion of the positioning/notifying operation, the positioning/notifying operation is maintained.
US08180313B2
Provided are a mixer and a transceiver having the mixer. The mixer includes: an local oscillation (LO) differential signal generator converting an input LO signal into a differential signal; and a mixing unit receiving the LO differential signal as a first input and a first signal having a first frequency as a second input and performing differential amplification on the LO differential signal and the first signal to output a second signal having a second frequency.
US08180308B1
A communication apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) apparatus. The RF apparatus includes an amplifier, and a signal detection circuit. The amplifier receives RF signals and amplifies those signals. The amplifier has an adjustable gain value. The signal detection circuit detects whether a received signal is an out-of-band radar signal depending on the gain value of the amplifier and a characteristic of the received signal.
US08180307B2
An electric device for receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal is provided. The electric device includes an antenna, a first power amplifier, a battery, a second filter and a second power amplifier. The antenna is used for receiving and outputting a RF signal. The first power amplifier is used for receiving the RF signal, amplifying the RF signal and outputting the RF enhanced by the first power amplifier and a feedback signal. The battery is used for providing a working voltage to the first power amplifier, and receiving and outputting the feedback signal. The second filter is used for receiving the working voltage provided by the battery and the feedback signal, filtering the feedback signal and outputting the working voltage. The second power amplifier is used for receiving the working voltage.
US08180305B2
There is provided a communication apparatus including a reference electrode; a signal electrode which electrostatically couples to a communication medium; a measurement unit for measuring an impedance of a circuit system including between the reference electrode and the signal electrode; and a transmission processing unit for creating a potential difference between the signal electrode and the reference electrode based on a transmission power corresponding to the impedance of the circuit system measured by the measurement unit, and transmitting a signal to another communication apparatus electrostatically coupled to the communication medium.
US08180283B2
The present invention provides a method involving a media server, a wireless network, and at least one media client associated with at least one air interface with the wireless network. The method includes accessing first information indicative of at least one state of the at least one media client. The first information is provided by the at least one media client. The method also includes accessing second information indicative of resources associated with the at least one air interface. The second information is provided by the wireless network. The method further includes providing at least one feedback parameter to the media server. The at least one feedback parameter is formed based on the first and second information.
US08180279B2
A hot spot system for permitting wireless communication for a wide variety of various manufacturers different wireless personal communication devices in an rf restricted environment, wherein the different wireless personal communication devices each have a radiative antenna, and wherein the hot spot system is arranged to permit wireless, controlled communication between a wide variety of various manufacturers of different personal communication devices located within the rf restricted environment and other communication devices located outside of the rf restricted environment.
US08180269B2
A fuser roll adapted to fuse toner on the surface of a recording medium is disclosed. The fuser roll includes a non-metallic core having an outer surface, and a resistive heating element covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the core. A current transmitter is provided for transmitting a current to said resistive heating element, and an insulation layer is provided for covering at least a portion of said resistive heating element. A toner release layer is provided for covering at least a portion of said insulation layer.
US08180257B2
An image forming apparatus includes a light irradiation unit configured to irradiate light on the surface of a photoconductive member and form an electrostatic latent image, a developing unit configured to form a developer image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductive member, a transfer belt configured to move between a first position where the transfer belt comes into contact with the photoconductive member and a second position where the transfer belt separates from the photoconductive member and transfer the developer image on the photoconductive member onto a sheet, a driving mechanism including a rotating lever and configured to drive the transfer belt between the first position and the second position, a shutter unit configured to open and close a light emission surface of the light irradiation unit, and a power transmission mechanism configured to drive the shutter unit by the torque of the lever.
US08180256B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive member; a charging member configured to charge the photosensitive member at a photosensitive member charging position to form an electrostatic image on the photosensitive member; a developing device configured and positioned to develop the electrostatic image with toner to form a toner image; a transferring device configured to transfer the toner image to an image receiving member at a transfer position; a first brush, disposed at a position downstream of the transfer position and upstream of the photosensitive member charging position with respect to a rotational direction of the photosensitive member, configured to charge a residual toner on the photosensitive member at a toner charging position to collect the residual toner to the developing device and to be supplied with a charging bias having a polarity opposite to a regular charge polarity of the toner; and a second brush, disposed at a position downstream of the toner charging position and upstream of the photosensitive member charging position with respect to the rotational direction, configured to charge the residual toner on the photosensitive member and to be supplied with a charging bias having the same polarity as the regular charge polarity. The first brush has a fiber density smaller than that of the second brush.
US08180249B2
An image forming apparatus includes an enclosure including a first opening provided at a front side thereof, a second opening provided at a left side thereof, and a third opening provided at a right side thereof. The enclosure further includes an image bearing member to bear a latent image on the surface thereof; an image forming unit including the image bearing member and detachably mountable from the first opening; an exposure unit to expose the image bearing member to form the latent image on the surface of the image bearing member and detachably mountable from either the second or the third opening that is opposite the opening from which an intermediate transfer unit is detachably mountable; the intermediate transfer unit to transfer the toner image and detachably mountable from either the second or the third opening that is opposite the opening from which the exposure unit is detachably mountable.
US08180246B2
An image forming apparatus includes multiple image forming units disposed adjacent to and horizontally aligned with each other to form respective single non-black color images, a first transfer member to sequentially transfer and overlay the respective single non-black color images thereon for forming a composite color image, a black image forming unit disposed separately from the multiple image forming units including a black image carrier and a black image developing unit, a second transfer member to transfer the black image from the black image forming unit onto a recording medium, a first cleaning unit to clean the surface of the black image carrier, and a second cleaning unit to clean the surface of the second transfer member. The black toner removed from the surface of the black image carrier is collected to the black image developing unit.
US08180244B2
A disclosed image forming apparatus accepts a selecting operation of selecting a button displayed on a touch panel and performs a process corresponding to the selected button. The image forming apparatus includes a moving region display unit displaying a region mark to be selected on the touch panel and moving the region mark as time passes and a button specifying unit specifying one or more buttons based on positional information indicating a position of the region mark and positional information indicating a pressed position of the touch panel.
US08180241B2
An image forming apparatus includes a power supply unit that controls a level of electrical power supplied to the heating lamp during a warm-up of the heating unit that involves at least a first warm-up stage. During the first warm-up stage, when power begins to be supplied to the heating lamp, the power supply unit gradually increases a level of power supplied to the heating lamp from zero to a defined supply level according to a phase control of an alternating current (AC) of the source power. If a second warm-up stage is included, during the second warm-up stage, the power supply unit may maintain the level of power supplied to the heating lamp at the defined supply level until the measured surface temperature of the heating unit has reached a defined target temperature.
US08180223B2
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for extending reach in a passive optical network (PON) is provided. In a particular embodiment, a method for extending reach in a PON includes transmitting traffic at a first wavelength from a transmitter at a first optical network unit (ONU) in a PON and transmitting traffic at a second wavelength from a transmitter at a second ONU in the PON. The method also includes receiving the traffic in the first wavelength at a first input port of a multiplexer at a distribution node in the PON and receiving the traffic in the second wavelength at a second input port of the multiplexer at the distribution node. The method further includes forwarding the traffic in the first wavelength and the traffic in the second wavelength to an optical line terminal (OLT) in the PON.
US08180217B2
Method for coordinating measurements and calibrations in a passive optical network, PON, in particular in a Gigabit PON, the method comprising: generating, in an optical line termination (3), OLT, a downstream frame (25), transmitting the downstream frame (25) from the OLT to a plurality of optical network terminations (6.1 to 6.n), ONTs, the downstream frame (25) comprising at least one allocation structure (10) for allocating to at least one targeted ONT (6.1 to 6.n) a time slot for transmitting upstream data, the allocation structure (10) indicating that the type of upstream data to be transmitted during the allocated time slot is measurement data (26) or calibration data.
US08180216B2
A device for measuring optical latency in a test path includes an optical source to generate an optical signal. An optical modulator modulates the optical signal based on a modulation signal. An output port outputs the modulated optical signal to the test path. An input port receives a return optical signal following propagation through the test path. Latency calculating logic calculates the optical latency for the test path based on the modulation signal and the return optical signal.
