US08314184B2
The present invention relates to a liquid silicone elastomer composition comprising an unsaturated polyorganosiloxane having at least two unsaturated bonds, a hydrogenopolyorganosiloxane having at least two silicon-hydrogen bonds, a hydrosilylation catalyst, and silica. The invention is remarkable in that the composition further comprises an unsaturated organic polymer having at least two unsaturated bonds, and a cross-linking agent specific to said unsaturated organic polymer.
US08314182B2
A resin composition having good scratch resistance includes about 5 to about 50 parts by weight of core-shell graft resin (A) and about 95 to about 50 parts by weight of resin (B) which includes about 40 to about 100% by weight of (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester. The outer shell of the core-shell graft resin (A) comprises (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester.
US08314176B2
Desirable composites of polysiloxane polymers and inorganic nanoparticles can be formed based on the appropriate selection of the surface properties of the particles and the chemical properties of the polymer. High loadings of particles can be achieved with good dispersion through the polymer. The composites can have good optical properties. In some embodiments, the inorganic particles are substantially free of surface modification.
US08314160B2
A thermoplastic resin foam which has both high reflectance and superior shape-retention properties, suitable for use in backlights and illumination boxes for illumination signboards, lighting fixtures, displays and the like. The thermoplastic resin foam is manufactured by a manufacturing method including a procedure for holding a resin sheet composed of thermoplastic resin (A) and thermoplastic resin (B), which has a functional group having an affinity with thermoplastic resin (A), within a pressurized inert gas atmosphere to enable the resin sheet to contain inert gas, and a procedure for foaming by heating the resin sheet containing inert gas at a temperature higher than the softening temperature of thermoplastic resin, under normal pressure.
US08314153B2
Methods of treating or suppressing pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) including; autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), Rett's disorder, and PDD-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds as disclosed herein.
US08314152B2
Compounds that cause reversible night blindness may be used to treat ophthalmic conditions associated with the overproduction of waste products that accumulate during the course of the visual cycle. We describe methods and compositions using such compounds and their derivatives to treat, for example, the macular degenerations and dystrophies or to alleviate symptoms associated with such ophthalmic conditions. Such compounds and their derivatives may be used as single agent therapy or in combination with other agents or therapies.
US08314143B2
A compound, pharmaceutical composition and method for the treatment of mammals wherein the active therapeutic agent is a compound having the structure: wherein: R1 is an electronegative substituent, R2 is R1 or alkyl, R3 is H or O-alkyl, R4 and R5 are the same or different and are alkyl and R6 is H or OH.
US08314141B2
The present invention relates to Formula (II) compounds having the structure as well as to their use in methods and pharmaceutical compositions for inhibiting proteases, particularly serine proteases, and more particularly HCV NS3 proteases.
US08314139B2
The present invention is directed to the tosylate salt of trans-N-ethyl-3- fluoro-3-[3-fluoro-4-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-cyclobutanecarboxamide (1): to solvates (e.g., hydrates) thereof, to polymorphs thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions thereof and to a method of treating depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, cognitive disorders, Alzheimer's disease, attention-deficit disorder (ADD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychotic disorders, sleep disorders, obesity, dizziness, epilepsy, motion sickness, respiratory diseases, allergy, allergy-induced airway responses, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, allergic congestion, congestion, hypotension, cardiovascular disease, diseases of the GI tract, hyper- and hypo-motility and acidic secretion of the gastro-intestinal tract comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount thereof.
US08314138B2
The present invention provides heterocyclic derivatives of formula I that modulate the activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase. Methods of using such derivatives to modulate the activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such derivatives are also encompassed. wherein Q is
US08314132B2
Invention is related to novel compounds -5-aryl-4-(5-substituted 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3-thiadiazoles with general formula (I). The compounds can be used in biomedicine as active ingredients in pharmaceutical formulations, because they inhibit Hsp90 chaperone which participate in cancer progression. This invention is also related to new intermediate compounds which are used for the synthesis of thiadiazoles of general formula (I).
US08314126B2
The present invention relates to compounds which have therapeutic effects against disorders in the central nervous system, and in particular new 4-(ortho,meta-disubstituted phenyl)-1-alkypiperidines and piperazines. wherein R1, R2, R3 and X are as defined.
US08314116B2
Provided herein are 2-S-benzyl pyrimidine compounds having CRTH2 (G-protein-coupled chemoattractant receptor, expressed on Th2 cells) antagonistic activity, useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with CRTH2 activity, including the treatment of allergic diseases, eosinophil-related diseases and basophil-related diseases.
US08314112B2
Compounds of formula I in free or salt or solvate form, wherein X, T1, T3 and T4 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating diseases mediated by the ALK-5 and/or ALK-4 receptor. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described.
US08314098B2
The present invention has searched for a variety of compounds which show IL-12/IL-23 production-inhibitory activities and herein provides a pharmaceutical composition and an agent for preventing or treating IL-12/IL-23 excess production-related diseases, which comprise the compound.
US08314096B2
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) having pharmacological activity towards the sigma receptor, to processes of preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use for the treatment and or prophylaxis of a disease in which the sigma receptor is involved.
US08314094B2
[PROBLEMS]To provide a compound useful as an agent for the treatment of circulatory diseases, nervous system diseases, metabolic diseases, reproductive system diseases, and digestive tract diseases.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS]The compound, which is for use as an active ingredient, is represented by the formula (I): [wherein R1 represents optionally halogenated C1-6 alkyl, etc.; R2 represents, e.g., a group represented by the formula (II-1) or (II-4) (wherein W represents C1-6 alkylene, etc. and R represents C1-6 alkyl, etc.); R3 represents hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, etc.; X represents —O—, —NH—, etc.; and Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4 each independently represents —CH—, —N—, etc.].
US08314091B2
The present invention relates to N-benzyl,N′-arylcarbonylpiperazine derivatives having the general formula I to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and to the use of a these N-benzyl,N′-arylcarbonylpiperazine derivatives for the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing atherosclerosis and related disorders associated with cholesterol and bile acids transport and metabolism.
US08314085B2
An agent comprising, as an active ingredient, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor such as 2-[3-cyano-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl]-4-hydroxythiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine potassium salt, 2-[3-cyano-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl]thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine, 2-(3-cyano-4-phenoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxythiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine, 2-(3-cyano-4-phenoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxythiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine potassium salt, 2-(3-cyano-4-phenoxyphenyl)thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine, TMX-67, and FYX-051, which can be used as an agent for overcoming anti-cancer agent resistance.
US08314080B2
The method of treating type I diabetes includes the treatment of diabetic patients with choline in order to control the patient's lipid profile. The treatment method includes the step of administering to the patient a therapeutically effective dosage of choline or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In human patients, the effective dosage of choline is preferably approximately 10 mg., delivered daily. Although the choline may be injected in solution, it is preferably delivered orally to the patient.
US08314076B2
Provided is a method for enhancing an immune response to a desired antigen in an individual. The method is performed by administering to the individual an agent capable of inhibiting class A macrophage scavenger receptor (SR-A) and optionally administering the desired antigen. Also provided is a method for enhancing an immune response to an antigen by administering to an individual a composition containing antigen presenting cells that are characterized by specifically inhibited SR-A. Substantially purified populations of mammalian dendritic cells characterized by specifically inhibited SR-A are also provided.
US08314074B2
A therapeutic and/or cosmetic formulation comprising at least one anti-sense polynucleotide to a connexin protein together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle is useful in site specific down regulation of connexin protein expression, particularly in reduction of neuronal cells death, wound healing, reduction of inflammation, decrease of scar formation and skin rejuvenation and thickening.
US08314067B1
Described herein is the discovery that human interleukin-1β convertase (ICE) is structurally similar to the protein encoded by the C. elegans cell death gene, ced-3. Comparative and mutational analyses of the two proteins, together with previous observations, suggest that the Ced-3 protein may be a cysteine protease like ICE and that ICE may be a human equivalent of the nematode cell death gene. Another mammalian protein, the murine NEDD-2 protein, was also found to be similar to Ced-3. The NEDD-2 gene is implicated in the development of the murine central nervous system. On the basis of these findings, novel drugs for enhancing or inhibiting the activity of ICE, ced-3, or related genes are provided. Such drugs may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases and/or diseases characterized by cell deaths, as well as cancers, autoimmune disorders, infections, and hair growth and hair loss. Furthermore, such drugs may be useful for controlling pests, parasites and genetically engineered organisms. Furthermore, novel inhibitors of the activity of ced-3, ICE and related genes are described which comprise portions of the genes or their encoded products.
US08314066B2
The invention relates to use of a GH secretagogue (e.g. GRF or an analog thereof) for (1) altering a lipid parameter in a subject; (2) altering a body composition parameter in a subject, (3) treating a condition characterized by deficient or decreased bone formation in a subject (4) improving daytime vigilance and/or cognitive function in a subject, (5) improving a metabolic condition in a subject, (6) improving anabolism in a catabolic condition in a subject, and/or (7) improving and/or reconstituting immune function in a subject.
US08314064B2
The present invention provides methods of stimulating or enhancing production of a cellular membrane, improving a cognitive function or a neurological function, treating or ameliorating a decline in a cognitive function or a neurological function, increasing cytidine levels, or treating a neurological disorder in a subject, comprising administering a uridine, a uridine precursor, or a derivative or metabolite thereof to the subject. The invention also provides methods of improving neural function, comprising contacting the neuron with a uridine, a uridine precursor, or a derivative or metabolite thereof.
US08314062B2
The present invention relates to macrocyclic compounds of formula (I): wherein W, n, m, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, Ra, M, Z and ring B are defined herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and their use for the treatment or prevention of infection by hepatitis C virus.
US08314057B2
The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactants blends and cleaning composition. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended anionic surfactants, linker surfactants, and a multiply charged cation component. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. In another embodiment anionic surfactants are combined with a solvent, and amine oxide to remove sunscreen stains. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.
US08314056B2
The invention relates to low-alkaline and bleach-free dishwasher detergents having a pH value (20° C.) between 8 and 12, comprising a) 10 to 60 wt % of citrate, b) 1.5 to 30 wt % anionic copolymer, comprising i) unsaturated monocarboxylic acid(s) A ii) unsaturated dicarboxylic acid(s) B, characterized by good cleaning action, particularly improved cleaning of tea.
US08314055B2
The embodiments of the present invention provide improved materials, apparatus, and methods for cleaning wafer surfaces, especially surfaces of patterned wafers (or substrates). The cleaning materials, apparatus, and methods discussed have advantages in cleaning patterned substrates with fine features without substantially damaging the features. The cleaning material includes polymers of one or more polymeric compounds. The cleaning materials can be used in a wide range of viscosity and pH to clean different types of surfaces. The cleaning materials are in liquid phase, and deform around device features to capture the contaminants on the substrate. The polymers entrap the contaminants preventing their return to the substrate surface. The cleaning apparatus is designed to dispense and rinse cleaning materials with a range of viscosities.
US08314050B2
A material for pressure measurement is provided, the material having a substrate made of plastic, a color forming agent layer containing a colorless electron-donating dye precursor and a color developing agent layer containing an electron-accepting compound, the material for pressure measurement forming a color utilizing a color forming reaction between the colorless electron-donating dye precursor and the electron-accepting compound, wherein the colorless electron-donating dye precursor is included in a microcapsule containing an urethane bond, wherein at least one kind of the electron-accepting compound is a metal salt of salicylic acid having a substituent, and wherein the microcapsule satisfies a relation δ/D=from 1.0×10−3 to 2.0×10−2, where δ is a number-average wall thickness (μm) of the microcapsules, and D is a median diameter (μm) of microcapsules on a volume basis.
US08314047B2
A process for the preparation of a desulfurization material includes: (i) forming a zinc/aluminium hydrotalcite composition, and (ii) calcining the composition to form a zinc oxide/alumina material, in which one or more nickel compounds are included in the hydrotalcite formation step, and/or are impregnated onto the hydrotalcite composition and/or the calcined zinc oxide/alumina material, and the resulting composition dried and recovered.
US08314045B1
A porous solid acid catalyst having high concentration of acidic sites and a large surface area includes a porous silica support and a sulfonated carbon layer disposed within the pores of the silica support. The catalyst, in certain embodiments, has a concentration of —SO3H groups of at least about 0.5 mmol/g and a predominant pore size of at least about 300 Å. The catalyst is used to catalyze a variety of acid-catalyzed reactions, including but not limited to alkylation, acylation, etherification, olefin hydration and alcohol dehydration, dimerization of olefin and bicyclic compounds, esterification and transesterification. For example, the catalyst can be used to catalyze esterification of free fatty acids (FFAs) and, in certain embodiments, to catalyze transesterification of triglycerides in fats and oils. The catalyst is prepared by impregnating a silica support with a phenol-containing material, processing the material to form a polymer, carbonizing the polymer to form a carbon layer within the silica support, and sulfonating the resulting carbon layer to form sulfonated carbon.
US08314043B2
A process is disclosed for the regeneration of a deactivated wax covered Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, a pumpable suspension of deactivated catalyst being injected into a hot gas stream and the regenerated catalyst then being separated off from the gas stream, optionally further treated by calcination and/or reduction.
US08314041B2
Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
US08314040B2
A nonwoven web made from a polymeric fiber blend comprising at least one elastomeric polyolefin and at least one nonelastomeric polyolefin useful as the elastic base sheet for a nonwoven laminate is disclosed. Preferably, the polymeric blend will comprise a nonelastomeric resin in the range of from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight, and an elastomeric resin of from about 90 to about 10 percent by weight. The elastomeric polyolefin will have a density of less than about 0.885 g/cm3 and the nonelastomeric polyolefin will have a density of at least about 0.890 g/cm3. In one particular embodiment, the polymeric blend may comprise about 50 percent to about 90 percent by weight of a narrow molecular weight distribution polyethylene and about 50 percent to about 10 percent by weight of a nonelastomeric polyolefin such as a linear low density polyethylene.
US08314039B2
The invention relates to surfaces with hydrophilic properties and a method for producing such surfaces. Surfaces are provided with hydrophilic properties by applying a coating containing hydrophilic silicic acid by means of the inventive method. Said surfaces can be textile or polymer surfaces, metallic or wooden surfaces. The silicic acid can be permanently connected to the polymer surface or be in the form of a non-fixed coating. The inventive hydrophilic silicic acid is applied in a very simple manner by applying a suspension containing silicic acid particles in a solvent on the corresponding surface, whereupon the solvent is removed or the silicic acid particles are fixed to the surface by means of a carrier. Condensing devices of dehumidifiers, foams or sponges are examples of surfaces that can be provided with the inventive hydrophilic surfaces.
US08314037B2
A fluoropolymer composition comprising monomers copolymerized in the following percentages by weight: (a) from about 20% to about 95% of a fluoroalkyl monomer, or mixture of monomers, (b) from about 5% to about 80% of at least one of: (i) an alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer having a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group of from about 6 to about 18 carbons; or (ii) one or more ionizable water solvatable monomers; and (c) from about 0.05% to about 2% non-fluorinated polymerizable nanoparticles.
US08314036B2
A method of forming fine patterns of a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes forming plural preliminary first mask patterns, which are spaced apart from each other by a first distance in a direction parallel to a surface of a substrate, on the substrate; forming an acid solution layer on the substrate to cover the plural preliminary first mask patterns; forming plural first mask patterns which are spaced apart from each other by a second distance larger than the first distance, of which upper and side portions are surrounded by acid diffusion regions having first solubility; exposing the first acid diffusion regions by removing the acid solution layer; forming a second mask layer having second solubility lower than the first solubility in spaces between the acid diffusion regions; and forming plural second mask patterns located between the plural first mask patterns, respectively, by removing the acid diffusion regions by the dissolvent.
US08314034B2
Methods for semiconductor device fabrication are provided. Features are created using spacers. Methods include creating a pattern comprised of at least two first features on the substrate surface, depositing a first conformal layer on the at least two first features, depositing a second conformal layer on the first conformal layer, partially removing the second conformal layer to partially expose the first conformal layer, and partially removing the first conformal layer from between the first features and the second conformal layer thereby creating at least two second features. Optionally the first conformal film is partially etched back before the second conformal film is deposited.
US08314031B2
A planarization process for a pre-damascene structure is described, wherein the pre-damascene structure includes a metal hard mask that is disposed on a first material layer with a damascene opening therein and a second material layer that fills the damascene opening and covers the metal hard mask. A first CMP step is conducted using a first slurry to remove the second material layer outside the damascene opening. A second CMP step is conducted using a second slurry to remove the metal hard mask.
US08314016B2
A low-defect gallium nitride structure including a first gallium nitride layer comprising a plurality of gallium nitride columns etched into the first gallium nitride layer and a first dislocation density; and a second gallium nitride layer that extends over the gallium nitride columns and comprises a second dislocation density, wherein the second dislocation density may be lower than the first dislocation density. In addition, a method for fabricating a gallium nitride semiconductor layer that includes masking an underlying gallium nitride layer with a mask that comprises an array of columns and growing the underlying gallium nitride layer through the columns and onto said mask using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition pendeo-epitaxy to thereby form a pendeo-epitaxial gallium nitride layer coalesced on said mask to form a continuous pendeo-epitaxial monocrystalline gallium nitride semiconductor layer.
US08314014B2
A laser processing apparatus including a laser beam applying unit. The laser beam applying unit includes a laser beam generating unit, a focusing unit, and an optical system for guiding a laser beam from the laser beam generating unit to the focusing unit. The optical system includes a first polarization beam splitter for splitting the laser beam generated from the laser beam generating unit into a first laser beam and a second laser beam, a half-wave plate inserted between the laser beam generating unit and the first polarization beam splitter, a first mirror for reflecting the first laser beam transmitted through the first polarization beam splitter to an optical path parallel to the optical path of the second laser beam, a second mirror for reflecting the second laser beam in a direction perpendicular to the direction of incidence of the second laser beam, and a second polarization beam splitter located at a position where the first laser beam reflected by the first mirror intersects the second laser beam reflected by the second mirror.
US08314011B2
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to epitaxial lift off (ELO) thin films and devices and methods used to form such films and devices. In one embodiment, a method for forming a thin film material during an epitaxial lift off process is provided which includes forming an epitaxial material over a sacrificial layer on a substrate, adhering a non-uniform support handle onto the epitaxial material, and removing the sacrificial layer during an etching process. The etching process further includes peeling the epitaxial material from the substrate while forming an etch crevice therebetween and bending the support handle to form compression in the epitaxial material during the etching process. In one example, the non-uniform support handle contains a wax film having a varying thickness.
US08314005B2
In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes: providing a structure having a first layer overlying a substrate, where the first layer includes a dielectric material having a plurality of pores; applying a filling material to an exposed surface of the first layer; heating the structure to a first temperature to enable the filling material to homogeneously fill the plurality of pores; after filling the plurality of pores, performing at least one process on the structure; and after performing the at least one process, removing the filling material from the plurality of pores by heating the structure to a second temperature to decompose the filling material.
US08313999B2
A channel strained multi-gate transistor with low parasitic resistance and method of manufacturing the same. A gate stack may be formed over a semiconductor fin having a gate-coupled sidewall height (Hsi), an etch rate controlling dopant may be implanted into a source/drain region of the semiconductor fin adjacent to the gate stack and into a source/drain extension region of the semiconductor fin. The doped fin region may be etched to remove a thickness of the semiconductor fin equal to at least Hsi proximate a channel region and form a source/drain extension undercut. A material may be grown on the exposed semiconductor substrate to form a regrown source/drain fin region filling the source/drain extension undercut region.
US08313997B2
A manufacturing method for a semiconductor memory having a memory cell area, a peripheral area and a boundary area having a specific width provided therebetween, including performing a first exposure to the memory cell array area using a first mask formed of a first patterned transparent substrate and a first light shielding portion provided on the first transparent substrate and positioned above the peripheral circuit area; and performing a second exposure to the peripheral circuit area using a second mask including a second patterned transparent substrate and a second light shielding portion positioned above the memory cell array area. The first and second masks have respective first and second unpatterned areas positioned above the peripheral circuit and boundary areas, and the memory cell array area, respectively, the first and the second exposures forming a same wiring layer above the semiconductor substrate.
US08313994B2
A method is provided for forming a high-k gate stack with a reduced effective oxide thickness (EOT) for a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a silicon-containing substrate, forming an interface layer on the silicon-containing substrate, where the interface layer has a first equivalent oxide thickness, depositing a first high-k film on the interface layer, and heat-treating the first high-k film and the interface layer at a temperature that forms a modified interface layer, where the modified interface layer has a second equivalent oxide thickness that is equal to or lower than the first equivalent oxide thickness. The method further includes depositing a second high-k film on the modified interface layer. According to one embodiment, the first high-k film includes lanthanum oxide and the second high-k film includes hafnium silicate.
US08313992B2
A lithography mask includes a plurality of patterning features formed on a mask substrate and a first plurality of sub-resolution assist features (SRAFs) formed substantially perpendicular to the patterning features on the mask substrate.
US08313991B2
A method is provided for fabricating a high-K metal gate MOS device. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a surface region, a gate oxide layer on the surface region, a sacrificial gate electrode on the gate oxide layer, and a covering layer on the sacrificial gate electrode, an inter-layer dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate and the sacrificial gate electrode. The method also includes planarizing the inter-layer dielectric layer to expose a portion of the covering layer atop the sacrificial gate electrode, implanting nitrogen ions into the inter-layer dielectric layer until a depth of implantation is deeper than a thickness of the portion of the covering layer atop the sacrificial gate electrode and polishing the inter-layer dielectric layer to expose a surface of the sacrificial gate electrode, removing the sacrificial gate electrode, and depositing a metal gate.
US08313985B2
Power amplifiers and methods of coating a protective film of alumina (Al2O3) on the power amplifiers are disclosed herein. The protective film is applied through an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The ALD process can deposit very thin layers of alumina on the surface of the power amplifier in a precisely controlled manner. Thus, the ALD process can form a uniform film that is substantially free of free of pin-holes and voids.
US08313983B2
A fabrication method for a resin encapsulated semiconductor device includes the steps of: (1) die-bonding a semiconductor device to a first electrical connection metallic terminal of a wiring substrate; (2) electrically connecting an electrode of the semiconductor device and a second electrical connection metallic terminal of the wiring substrate via an electrical connector; (3) surface treating such an assembly by applying a solution to a surface of the assembly and baking the applied solution; and (4) transfer-molding an insulating encapsulating resin onto the surface-treated assembly.
US08313982B2
A method of through substrate via (TSV) die assembly includes positioning a plurality of TSV die with their topside facing down onto a curable bonding adhesive layer on a carrier. The plurality of TSV die include contactable TSVs that include or are coupled to bondable bottomside features protruding from its bottomside. The curable bonding adhesive layer is cured after the positioning. A plurality of second IC die each having a plurality of second bonding features are bonded onto the plurality of TSV die to form a plurality of stacked die assemblies on the carrier. Debonding after the bonding separates the carrier from the plurality of stacked die assemblies. The plurality of stacked die assemblies are then singulated to form a plurality of singulated stacked die assemblies.
US08313977B2
Provided are an image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The image sensor comprises a semiconductor substrate, an interconnection and an interlayer dielectric, a lower electrode layer, an image sensing device, a first via hole, a barrier pattern, a second via hole, and a metal contact. The semiconductor substrate comprises a readout circuitry. The interconnection and the interlayer dielectric are formed on the semiconductor substrate. The lower electrode layer is disposed over the interlayer dielectric. The image sensing device is disposed on the lower electrode layer. The first via hole is formed through the image sensing device. The barrier pattern is formed on a sidewall of the first via hole. The second via hole is formed through the lower electrode layer and the interlayer dielectric under the first via hole. The metal contact is formed in the first and second via holes.
US08313973B2
A method for producing a photovoltaic module by contacting at least one layer of liquid encapsulant and a plurality of solar cells. The liquid encapsulant has two components. The first component is an acrylic polyol having a terminal hydroxy group, an average number of hydroxy-functional monomer units per polymer chain from 2 to 25 and Mn from 1,000 to 10,000. The second component is an aliphatic polyisocyanate with an average functionality of at least two. The molar ratio of non-terminal hydroxy groups in the polyol to isocyanate groups in the aliphatic polyisocyanate is from 0.5:1 to 1:0.5.
US08313972B2
The present invention relates to a photodetector using nanoparticles, and more particularly, to a novel photodetector wherein surfaces of nanoparticles synthesized by a wet colloidal process are capped with organic materials which then serve as channels for electron migration, or nanoparticles, from which organic materials capped on the surfaces of nanoparticles are removed to form a close-packed particle structure, directly serve to transport electrons. In accordance with specific embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to improve performance of the photodetector and simplify the manufacturing process thereof.
US08313968B2
Using a laser lift-off (LLO) nonbonding technique, freestanding 4-layer GaN/AlGaN heterostructure membranes have been formed. A 4×4 mm mask was attached to the area at the center of the most-upper AlGaN layer was attached using a nonbonding material such as vacuum grease. A microscopic slide attached by an adhesive provided support for the structure during the laser lift-off without bonding to the layers. The vacuum grease and the mask isolated the adhesive from the structure at the center. The microscopic slide served as a temporarily nonbonding handle substrate. Laser lift-off of the sapphire substrate from the heterostructures was performed. The remaining adhesive served as a supporting frame for the structure making a free-standing 4-layer GaN/AGaN heterostructure membrane. Other frameless freestanding membranes can be fabricated for a variety of applications including further III-nitride growth, heterogeneous integration, packaging of micro systems, and thin film patterns.
US08313962B2
Hybrid integration of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) and/or other optical device components with silicon-based integrated circuits. A multitude of individual VCSELs or optical devices are processed on the surface of a compound semiconductor wafer and then transferred to a silicon-based integrated circuit. A specific sacrificial or removable separation layer is employed between the optical components and the mother semiconductor substrate. The transfer of the optical components to a carrier substrate is followed by the elimination of the sacrificial or separation layer and simultaneous removal of the mother substrate. This is followed by the attachment and interconnection of the optical components to the surface of, or embedded within the upper layers of, an integrated circuit, followed by the release of the components from the carrier substrate. It is possible to place and interconnect VCSELs directly within the physical structure of the integrated circuit, thus greatly reducing the power requirements, the distance of interconnecting lines, and the resultant operational speed. A variation allows the selective placement of groups of physically-connected VCSELs, and the collection and placement of large numbers of fabricated VCSELs onto foreign substrates using a vacuum plating tool.
US08313961B2
An apparatus and method for manufacturing a light emitting devices by separating a semiconductor layer from a substrate includes a laser beam source for emitting a laser beam, a mesh-typed mask having a plurality of apertures through which the laser beam passes to provide a plurality of unit beams; and an imaging lens for forming a plurality of beam spots by focusing the plurality of unit beams at an interface between a substrate and a semiconductor layer to separate the substrate from the semiconductor layer.
US08313959B1
A semiconductor device and a method of manufacture are provided, such as a MTJ device and a method of manufacturing a MTJ device. The MTJ device may include a bottom electrode, a MTJ stack, and a top electrode, wherein the top electrode is formed using a hole-filling technique. The top electrode may have slanted sidewalls. The MTJ stack may be formed by depositing corresponding MTJ layers. A patterned mask may be formed and patterned over the MTJ layers to form an opening defining the top electrode. The opening is filled with a conductive material to form the top electrode. The top electrode is then used as a mask to pattern the MTJ layers, thereby forming a MTJ stack.
US08313948B2
Disclosed herein is a sample supply device that alternates between the supply of samples from one sample line while cleaning a second sample line and then supplying a second sample from the second sample line while cleaning the first sample line. This is repeated in rapid succession to allow greater speed in analyzing a plurality of samples in a shorter amount of time.
US08313935B2
The invention relates to a method for isolating polyhydroxyalkanoates from production cells which comprises i) disintegrating the production cells, subsequently ii) separating off the cell fragments from the polyhydroxyalkanoate grains by means of a continuous jet separator; iii) the concentrated polyhydroxyalkanoate grains are washed with an aqueous alkali solution and then iv) with an aqueous acid.
US08313933B2
An L-amino acid can be produced by culturing an L-amino acid-producing bacterium which belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family and which has been modified so that the expression of a yggG gene is enhanced.
US08313930B2
The invention relates to kits and methods for assessing skin health for a human and the human's susceptibility to skin disorders. The methods involve assessing occurrence in the human's genome of one or more polymorphisms (e.g., single nucleotide polymorphisms) that occur in one or more genes associated disclosed herein and that are associated with a disorder in humans. Preferred assessment and scoring methods are disclosed, as are kits for performing the methods.
US08313920B2
A method of screening a compound which modulates dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) activities comprises the steps of adding a peptide substrate of DPPI to a reaction mixture which comprises DPPI and a compound, wherein the peptide substrate of DPPI has at least 3 amino acids and binds to a binding site of DPPI in addition to the S1-S2 site; and measuring the molecular weight of the substrate, wherein a change in the molecular weight of the substrate is indicative of the presence of DPPI activity.
US08313905B2
A detection oligomer and method for controlling the quality of a biochip using the detection oligomer are provided. The detection oligomer includes a template having a first and second end and having a sequence that is complementary to a specific sequence of an oligomer, and a hairpin connected to the first end of the template.
US08313897B2
A method for preserving viral particles comprises: (i) providing an aqueous solution of one or more sugars, a polyethyleneimine and said viral particles wherein the concentration of polyethyleneimine is 15 μM or less based on the number-average molar mass (Mn) of the polyethyleneimine and the sugar concentration or, if more than one sugar is present, total sugar concentration is greater than 0.1 M; and (ii) drying the solution to form an amorphous solid matrix comprising said viral particles.
US08313891B2
A method for making printed circuits and printed circuit boards which includes coating a non-metallized substrate and plating an image of a desired circuit design directly onto the coated substrate without the need to image the circuit design on an intermediate silver halide polyester film or diazo and utilizing existing imaging, developing and etching subtractive techniques in conventional printed circuit board processing. One exemplary embodiment of the method for making printed circuit boards includes coating a non-metallized substrate with a palladium based material including a ferric based solution combined with palladium.
US08313888B2
The present invention provides a photosensitive flexographic printing original plate provided with a heat sensitive mask layer having high light blocking effect and durability yet prepared as a thin film. A photosensitive flexographic printing original plate including at least (A) a supporting member, (B) a photosensitive resin layer, (C) a protective layer and (D) a heat sensitive mask layer that are successively laminated, wherein the heat sensitive mask layer (D) contains carbon black and, as a dispersion binder therefor, a butyral resin as well as polyamide containing polar group selected from the group consisting of polyamide containing a tertiary amine group, polyamide containing a quaternary ammonium salt group, polyamide containing an ether group and polyamide containing a sulfonic group.
US08313887B2
Flexographic printing plates and other relief images can be formed from a laser-ablatable element having a laser-ablatable layer that is from about 300 to about 4,000 μm thickness. The laser-ablatable layer includes a film-forming material that is a laser-laser-ablatable material or the film-forming material has dispersed therein a laser-ablatable material. The laser-ablatable material is a polymeric material that when heated to 300° C. at a rate of 10° C./minute, loses at least 60% of its mass to form at least one predominant low molecular weight product. The laser-ablatable material also comprises at least 0.01 weight % of a depolymerization catalyst that is a Lewis acid or organometallic based catalyst. The element can be imaged by ablation at an energy of at least 1 J/cm2 to provide a relief image.
US08313880B2
The present disclosure relates to a magenta toner formulation that may be used in a toner printer cartridge for an electrophotographic printer. The magenta toner may include polymer resin binder containing three polymer resins with different number average molecular weight values. The concentration of such polymer resins may be selected to provide a desired temperature versus viscosity behavior for the magenta toner that may be configured to conform to the viscosity versus temperature provide for yellow, cyan and black toner.
US08313870B2
The present disclosure relates in part to a flow field structure comprising a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part communicably attached to each other via a connecting interface. The present disclosure further relates to electrochemical cells comprising the aforementioned flow fields.
US08313867B2
The fuel cell system in accordance with the invention is used for the generation of current and heat from liquid and gaseous fuels. Said system comprises a reformer and a fuel cell stack having an operating temperature above 120° C. and providing exhaust heat that is utilized for the generation of steam in the evaporation channels (2). The evaporation channels (2) are arranged so as to be in direct thermal contact with the stack (1) that is to be cooled. A pressure-maintaining device at the outlet of the evaporation channels (2) is disposed to adjust the pressure in said channels to a value that results in the desired stack temperature.
US08313857B2
A pouch type lithium secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including electrode tabs respectively connected to two electrodes, the two electrodes having different polarities; and a case to house the electrode assembly such that the electrode tabs extend to the outside of the case, wherein one stepped part through which the two electrode tabs simultaneously extend is formed in a sealing portion of the case. In the electrode sealing portion of the pouch type lithium secondary battery having short width, sealing of the case is improved by the one stepped part, thereby improving efficiency of the manufacturing process of the battery.
US08313853B2
A thin, flexible, porous ceramic composite (PCC) film useful as a separator for a molten-salt thermal battery comprises 50% to 95% by weight of electrically non-conductive ceramic fibers comprising a coating of magnesium oxide on the surface of the fibers in an amount in the range of 5% to 50% by weight. The ceramic fibers comprise Al2O3, AlSiO2, BN, AlN, or a mixture of two or more of the foregoing; and the magnesium oxide coating interconnects the ceramic fibers providing a porous network of magnesium oxide-coated fibers having a porosity of not less than 50% by volume. The pores of the film optionally can include a solid electrolyte salt. A laminated electrode/PCC film combination is also provided, as well as a thermal battery cell comprising the PCC film as a separator.
US08313846B2
A magnetic artificial superlattice is composed of laminated thin films including two or more kinds of magnetic flaky particles (magnetic titania nanosheets) obtained by exfoliation of a layer titanium oxide in which Ti atoms in the lattice have been substituted with magnetic elements.
US08313845B2
A quinoxaline derivative represented by General Formula (G1) is provided. The quinoxaline derivative is bipolar and has excellent electron-transporting and hole-transporting properties. Also, the quinoxaline derivative has a high glass transition temperature and excellent thermal stability. By using the quinoxaline derivative, a light-emitting element and a light-emitting device with high efficiency can be obtained.
US08313844B2
A phosphor operable to absorb ultraviolet or visible light and emit visible light with longer wavelength and a process for producing same is disclosed. A wavelength converter phosphor material comprising Eu, Mg, Mn, and Si as essential components converts the wavelength of light emitted from a light-emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) into a changed wavelength for emission. An illumination device such as a luminaire may be equipped with the wavelength converter.
US08313824B2
A decorative material capable of achieving both surface endurance such as abrasion resistance, and internal endurance such as subsidence resistance, water resistance and oil resistance. The decorative material is produced by laminating an ionizing radiation curing resin coating paper onto a thermosetting resin impregnated paper, and heat pressing for the integration. A surface layer and a base material layer are laminated and integrated on the rear surface thereof. The surface layer has at least a surface resin layer made of a cured material of an ionizing radiation curing resin, a blocking layer for blocking the ooze out of the uncured material of the thermosetting resin, and an impregnated paper layer formed by a paper impregnated with a thermosetting resin and cured, laminated from the surface side. At least the uppermost surface of the base material layer has an impregnated paper layer formed by a paper impregnated with a thermosetting resin and cured.
US08313822B2
A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet includes a sheet-like base and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer integrally laminated on one side of the sheet-like base, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has on the surface thereof two or more waved groove portions. Each of the waved groove portions has convex arcuate groove portions and concave arcuate groove portions disposed alternately and connected at connecting portions, and the total wavelengths of adjacent waved groove portions are different from each other. Each of the waved groove portions is configured such that all connecting portions of the convex arcuate groove portions with the concave arcuate groove portions are located on a virtual straight line; the virtual straight lines of all the waved groove portions are parallel to each other, and the intervals between the virtual straight lines of the waved groove portions are not constant.
US08313821B2
A container liner comprises at least one sheet bounded along portions thereof to form at least one peripheral seam, with the at least one sheet including a first fluoropolymer layer, a barrier film layer, and a third layer bonded along at least peripheral portions thereof. Any of such layers may be peripherally bonded to form a gap or pocket therebetween, or bonded along substantially entire major surfaces thereof. Surface modification may be employed to facilitate bonding of materials having otherwise dissimilar surface energies. The resulting liner is adapted for storing and dispensing high purity chemical reagents, e.g., by placing the liner in an overpack, and applying pressurizing gas to a space between the liner and the overpack for progressive compaction of the liner to dispense its contents.
US08313820B2
An exemplary actuator based on CNT yarns includes a base and a composite film mounted on a surface of the base. The composite film is extendable in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the base in response to light irradiation applied thereupon. The composite film includes a polymer layer, a plurality of semiconducting CNT yarns dispersed in the polymer layer, and a plurality of metallic CNT yarns dispersed in the polymer layer. A longitudinal of each semiconducting CNT yarn is substantially parallel with the direction. Each semiconducting CNT yarn includes a plurality of twisted semiconducting CNTs. A longitudinal of each metallic CNT yarn is substantially parallel with the direction. Each metallic CNT yarn includes a plurality of twisted metallic CNTs.
US08313819B2
An implantable medical device including a plurality of components on a substrate, and a biocompatible multi-layer coating applied by vapor deposition to conform to and sealingly cover at least a portion of the components and/or the substrate. The coating is applied in at least two sets, each set having first, second and third layers. At least one of the first, second and third layers consist essentially of a polymer such as parylene and at least one of the other two layers of the set consist essentially of inorganic material such that each layer differs in at least one diffusion barrier property from the other layers in the set and adds to an overall barrier effect of the coating.
US08313815B2
The technical problem of this invention is to laminate the outer layer onto a main body of a tube, wherein a projecting portion or portions are formed, while maintaining certain uniformity. The object of this invention is to provide the laminated tube and molded tube products comprising the laminated tube, which shows the decorative effect, derived from the laminated outer layer, and enables the user to identify the tube only by touch. The outer layer is laminated onto the main body of the tube. By changing the number, width, or shape of the projecting portions, it is possible to give the decorative effect and identifiable features to the laminated tube. The laminated tube can be used to mold tube products, such as tubular containers and pouch containers.
US08313803B2
Spin coating method for a recording medium having a hole in the center, including moving a tip of a feeding nozzle to an initial position at a distance X above a recording surface and a distance A radially apart from a periphery of the hole, feeding a coating liquid onto the recording surface for a predetermined period of time while rotating the recording medium at a predetermined speed, and moving the tip from the initial position along a radial direction towards an outer periphery of the recording medium while keeping the tip above the recording surface at the distance X. X satisfies X≦2 [3 r γ/(2 g C)]1/3, where γ and C respectively are surface tension and density of the coating liquid, r is the outer radius of the feeding nozzle, and g is the acceleration of gravity. A satisfies A≧r+X/3.
US08313780B2
Disclosed is a silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent which exhibits superior heat resistance, chemical resistance, processability and long-lasting waterproofness.The present invention was completed based on the finding that the problems can be solved by a silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent represented by the following Formula (1) containing zirconium pyrophosphate (ZrP2O7). AgaMbZrcHfd(PO4)3.nH2O (1) (In Formula (1), M is at least one ion selected from an alkali metal ion, an ammonium ion, a hydrogen ion and an oxonium ion, a, b, c and d are positive numbers satisfying 1.75<(c+d)<2.2 and a+b+4(c+d)=9, and n is 2 or less).
US08313776B2
An antibiotic product is comprised of at least three dosages forms, each of which has a different release profile, with the Cmax for the antibiotic product being reached in less than about twelve hours. In one embodiment, there is an immediate release dosage form, a delayed release dosage form, and a sustained release dosage form, with each of the dosage forms having a different release profile, wherein each reaches a Cmax at different times.
US08313770B2
The present invention includes compositions and methods for delivering one or more unit dosage units by modifying the release profile of an optionally coated drug-resin complex suspended in an ionic salt solution, wherein the optionally coated drug-resin complex includes one or more active agents loaded on to one or more ion-exchange resin particles, and wherein the release of the one or more active agents is modulated by the one or more ionic salts in solution.
US08313769B2
A dosage form which is, in particular, sheet-like and rapidly disintegrating or soluble in an aqueous environment for rapid release of active ingredients in the oral cavity, in body orifices or in body cavities, where the dosage form comprises a matrix which comprises one or more water -soluble polymers as base substances, and comprises at least one active ingredient, is characterized in that the dosage form is provided with spaces or cavities which are present in the polymeric matrix and whose contents differ in terms of the state of aggregation from the matrix.
US08313759B2
A therapeutic-agent release region is described, which comprises: (i) a first phase comprising a plurality of miscible polymers that are miscible with one another and (ii) a second phase comprising an additional polymer, which can be immiscible with any or all of the plurality of miscible polymers or a blend of the miscible polymers. Also described is a therapeutic-agent-releasing medical device, which comprises: (a) an implantable or insertable medical device substrate; (b) the above release region, disposed over at least a portion of the implantable or insertable medical device substrate, and (c) a therapeutic agent. The release region regulates the rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the medical device upon implantation or insertion of the device into a patient. Also described are methods for making an implantable or insertable medical device, for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient, and for modulating the release rate of a therapeutic agent.
US08313757B2
Encapsulation of sensitive liquid components into a matrix to obtain discrete shelf-stable particles
A liquid encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant, such as a live microorganism or an enzyme dissolved or dispersed in a liquid plasticizer is admixed with a plasticizable matrix material. The matrix material is plasticizable by the liquid plasticizer and the encapsulation of the active encapsulant is accomplished at a low temperature and under low shear conditions. The active component is encapsulated and/or embedded in the plasticizable matrix component or material in a continuous process to produce discrete, solid particles. The liquid content of the liquid encapsulant component provides substantially all or completely all of the liquid plasticizer needed to plasticize the matrix component to obtain a formable, extrudable, cuttable, mixture or dough. Removal of liquid plasticizer prior to extrusion is not needed to adjust the viscosity of the mixture for formability. Release of an active component from the matrix may be delayed or controlled over time so that the active component is delivered when and where it is needed to perform its intended function. Controlled release, discrete, solid particles which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component such as a heat sensitive or readily oxidizable pharmaceutically, biologically, or nutritionally active component are continuously produced without substantial destruction of the matrix material or encapsulant.
US08313754B2
Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of two polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity.
US08313747B2
An antikine antibody binds to two, three, four, five or more CC chemokines, such as RANTES/CCL5, MIP-1α/CCL3, MIP-1β/CCL4, or MCP-1/CCL2. Methods for affinity maturation and humanization of antikine antibodies as well as the production of hybridoma cell lines producing antikine antibodies by sequential immunization are also disclosed.
US08313741B2
The present invention relates to new use of medulliadrenal chromaffin cells or opioid-peptidergic cells, in particular to their use for treating and/or relieving withdrawal syndrome resulting from drug addiction or drug abuse.
US08313739B2
Methods for treating patients with cancer and autoimmune disorders using IL-28 and IL-29 molecules. The IL-28 and IL-29 molecules include polypeptides that have homology to the human IL-28 or IL-29 polypeptide sequence and proteins fused to a polypeptide with IL-28 and IL-29 functional activity. The molecules can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other known cancer and/or autoimmune therapeutics.
US08313738B2
A pharmaceutically acceptable agent able to acidify the cell cytoplasm, for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition useful for causing immunosuppression in a person or animal, where an effective amount of the agent is administered in an essentially non-dissociated form to the person or animal, and where the agent is admixed with a carrier to adjust the pH of the composition to the pH range 6.1 to 7.0. A pharmaceutical composition is also disclosed.
US08313737B2
The present disclosure relates to a hair treatment process that comprises applying to the hair a composition comprising at least one ceramide compound in a cosmetically acceptable medium and applying an iron to the hair wherein the iron temperature is at least 60° C. and raises the temperature of the hair. The process may be used for smoothing the hair.
US08313729B2
This invention is directed to the general method of transforming non-photoactive bioactive small molecule compounds of known structure and function into photoactive analogs of the small molecules which exhibit both photoactivity and the original biological targeting activity. The general method for the design of the photoactive analogs of the small molecules includes: (a) selecting a desired bioactive molecule; (b) identifying the region of the molecule that contains an aromatic or a heteroaromatic motif; and (c) either replacing said motif with a photoactive functional group of similar size, or modifying said motif to make it photoactive. Other aspects include photoactive analog compounds and photodiagnostic and phototherapeutic uses thereof.
US08313728B2
The invention relates to compounds and methods for targeting radionuclide-based imaging agents to cells having receptors for a vitamin, or vitamin receptor binding derivative or analog thereof, by using such a vitamin as the targeting ligand for the imaging agent. The invention provides a compound of the formula for use in such methods. In the compound, V is a vitamin that is a substrate for receptor-mediated transmembrane transport in vivo, or a vitamin receptor binding derivative or analog thereof, L is a divalent linker, R is a side chain of an amino acid of the formula H2NCHRCOOH, M is a cation of a radionuclide, n is 1 or 0, K is 1 or 0, and the compound can be in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. The vitamin-based compounds can be used to target radionuclides to cells, such as a variety of tumor cell types, for use in diagnostic imaging of the targeted cells.
US08313722B2
In a process for producing ammonia from urea which process comprises: (a) heating a liquid phase reaction medium comprising an aqueous solution of urea, or a mixture of urea, containing biuret or ammonium carbamate on site, in a hydrolysis reactor such that a pressurized gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product is obtained which is essentially free of urea, biuret, or ammonium carbamate; (b) separating the gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product from the liquid phase reaction medium at the prevailing pressure; (c) retaining the liquid phase reaction medium in the reactor for further conversion to gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide, and/or recycling at least a portion of the said reaction medium back into the reactor, a urea dissolver, or feed solution to the reactor for further conversion; and (d) withdrawing the gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product separated in step (b) at a controlled rate to meet varying ammonia demand requirements; the improvement wherein the operating pressure of said reactor is set or adjusted such that excess water for the reaction is maintained in the reactor and the dew-point of said gaseous ammonia and carbon-dioxide-containing product is below the operating temperature of said reactor.
US08313720B2
In the growth of a SiC boule, a growth guide is provided inside of a growth crucible that is charged with SiC source material at a bottom of the crucible and a SiC seed crystal at a top of the crucible. The growth guide has an inner layer that defines at least part of an opening in the growth guide and an outer layer that supports the inner layer in the crucible. The opening faces the source material with the seed crystal positioned at an end of the opening opposite the source material. The inner layer is formed from a first material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second, different material forming the outer layer. The source material is sublimation grown on the seed crystal in the growth crucible via the opening in the growth guide to thereby form the SiC boule on the seed crystal.
US08313706B2
Provided are a gasket, a reactor using the same for sealing a spiral, and a manufacturing method thereof. Spirials are continuously installed in the longitudinal direction between an inner pipe and an outer pipe coaxially arranged to form a flow path for a heat medium, so the seal between the spiral and the outer pipe is stably maintained and fabrication of the reactor is facilitated. The gasket is inserted in and coupled with the spiral, and thus does not need additional processing for combining the gasket. The gasket and spiral are coupled by lodging the spiral into a channel of the gasket. Furthermore, since the gasket is evenly coupled in the outer circumference of the spiral, in which a cushion plate made of resilient material is installed, breakage of the gasket during assembly of the outer pipe is effectively prevented and the post-assembly seal between the spiral and the outer pipe is stabilized.
US08313700B2
The water gas shift reactor includes a gas reaction tank including a reaction chamber formed in the shape of a hollow body provided with a porous plate installed therein to divide the inside of the reaction chamber into an upper reaction space and a lower collection space and a catalyst stacked on the upper surface of the porous plate to convert carbon monoxide into hydrogen, and an insulating layer provided at the outer surface of the reaction chamber, a syngas storage tank to store the syngas, a syngas supply pipe to supply the syngas to the gas reaction tank, after the syngas is heated by a preheater, a steam supply pipe to supply steam generated from a steam generator to the gas reaction tank such that the steam reacts with the syngas, after the steam is heated by a preheater, and a reaction gas discharge pipe.
US08313692B2
An Mg-base alloy shows that an Mg-base alloy, which is added Zn and Al to magnesium, has a composition represented by (100-a-b) wt % Mg-a wt % Al-b wt % Zn, and satisfying 0.5≦b/a. The alloy can reduce yield anisotropy, which is a serious problem for the wrought magnesium alloy, while maintaining a high strength property. The alloy is produced by additive elements, such as Zn and Al, which are easily obtained in place of rare earth elements.
US08313691B2
An austenitic stainless steel having low nickel and molybdenum and exhibiting comparable corrosion resistance and formability properties to higher nickel and molybdenum alloys comprises, in weight %, up to 0.20 C, 2.0-9.0 Mn, up to 2.0 Si, 16.0-23.0 Cr, 1.0-5.0 Ni, up to 3.0 Mo, up to 3.0 Cu, 0.1-0.35 N, up to 4.0 W, up to 0.01 B, up to 1.0 Co, iron and impurities, the steel having a ferrite number of less than 10 and a MD30 value of less than 20° C.
US08313690B2
A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material using a molten bath based direct smelting process is disclosed. The plant includes an offgas duct assembly to facilitate flow of offgas from the vessel, the offgas duct assembly including two offgas ducts of matching diameter extending outwardly from the vessel.
US08313686B2
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a container and method of making a container. In one example, a preform is disposed into a mold cavity having a base forming assembly. The base forming assembly includes a base insert and a movable ring insert. The preform is blown against the mold cavity to form a body defining a base portion. The movable ring insert is advanced into the base portion to form a thinned flex point in the base portion while keeping the base insert fixed. The container is hot-filled with a commodity. The commodity is allowed to cool causing a vacuum in the container that results in the upward movement or inversion of a central inset portion defined at the thinned flex point.
US08313685B2
The invention relates to an injection-molding tool and to a process for producing pin-shaped blanks as end products, a two-dimensional skin cavity and blank cavities connected to said skin cavity being provided at a runner, in order to be able to form a molding, including a sprue, a skin and the blanks formed on said skin via defined predetermined breaking points. In this case, the injection-molding tool makes it possible before and at the beginning of the injecting operation to create a negative pressure in the cavities and makes it easier after the molding material has solidified to demold the molding obtained by introduced compressed air. In this case, the injection-molding tool is constructed in such a way that the demolding of the blanks is performed separately from the demolding of the skin and the sprue, the demolding also being accompanied by detachment of the blanks from the skin by the lifting movement during the opening of the injection-molding tool, and the blanks being discharged with preference without being acted upon by a manipulator, on account of the loss of form fit and under the action of gravitational force, and the injection-molding tool being made operationally ready again at the end of the cycle by a closing operation.
US08313680B2
A first separator to which a resin film is joined beforehand is set in a cavity formed between a lower die and an upper die of an injection molding machine. At the time of die locking by moving the upper die toward the lower die, in the case where the total thickness of the resin film and the first separator is larger than a predetermined dimension, the resin film is pressed by the lower die or the upper die, and thus, the resin film is deformed by compression within its elastic deformation range.
US08313678B2
The present invention discloses a microporous high-density polyethylene film for a battery separator, and process for preparing the same. The microporous high-density polyethylene film according to the present invention comprises of high-density polyethylene with weight average molecular weight of 2×105˜4×105, containing not more than 5 wt % of molecules with molecular weight of 1×104 or less and not more than 5 wt % of molecules with molecular weight of 1×106 or more, and has the properties of puncture strength of 0.22 N/μm or more, Darcy's permeability constant of 1.8×10−5 Darcy or more, and shrinkage of 4% or less in machine and transverse direction, respectively. Particularly, the microporous high-density polyethylene film has excellent extrusion-compoundability and stretchability with high productivity and enhances performances and stability of the battery using the film.
US08313675B2
Methods, devices, and systems for demolding lens mold assemblies are described in which the lens mold assemblies are positioned below a puncher header each with at least one punch pin. The puncher header is then moved against the lens mold assemblies so that the at least one punch pin of each puncher punches through a lens mold layer of a first mold part to then push against a second lens mold layer of a second mold part to separate the two parts in a demolding process.
US08313669B2
The present invention relates to a liquid-crystal (LC) display of the PS (polymer stabilized) or PSA (polymer sustained alignment) type, and to polymerizable compounds and LC media for use in PS (polymer stabilized) and PSA displays.
US08313668B2
A composition for chemical soil improvement includes a synthetic fluid or base oil, a pour point depressant, polyisobutylene, and synthetic fibers, and various combinations thereof.
US08313659B2
A method for forming a multi-dimensional microstructure, such as but not limited to a three dimensional (3-D) microstructure coil for use in a data transducer of a data storage device. In accordance with some embodiments, the method generally includes providing a base region comprising a first conductive pathway embedded in a first dielectric material; etching a plurality of via regions in the first dielectric material that are each partially filled with a first seed layer that contacts the embedded first conductive pathway; and using the first seed layer to form a conductive pillar in each of the plurality of via regions, wherein each conductive pillar comprises a substantially vertical sidewall that extends to a first distance above the base region.
US08313654B2
Methods for aggregating suspended solid particles in an aqueous medium involving mixing the aqueous medium with an effective amount of a flocculant to aggregate the solid particles to form aggregated solid particles, and optionally separating the aggregated solid particles from the aqueous medium. The flocculant is obtained from animal blood. The pH of the aqueous medium may be adjusted to a pH of about 4.5 to about 5.7 by the addition of at least one acid or acidic buffer. The temperature of the aqueous medium may be adjusted to a temperature range of about 10° to about 50° C.
US08313650B2
A system for regulating a reverse osmosis system to obtain zero wastewater. A reverse osmosis apparatus filters water from the fresh water supply into a concentrate rinse stream and a permeate rinse stream. A concentrate storage tank and a permeate storage tank are downstream of the reverse osmosis apparatus and receive the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively. A concentrate solenoid valve and a permeate solenoid valve control the flow of the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream from their respective storage tank. An institutional dishmachine receives the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream during a rinse cycle of the institutional dishmachine. A control system is operatively connected to the concentrate solenoid valve and the permeate solenoid valve and control flow of the rinse streams into the institutional dishmachine.
US08313649B2
A method of starting up a filtration plant for the filtration of a process liquid, after cleaning of the filtration plant, and a filtration plant which is arranged to be able to started up in accordance with this method.A secondary liquid supply unit connected to the post-treatment equipment during the starting up of the plant provides a flow of e.g. sterilized water to the post-treatment equipment, so that this can be held in a condition in which it is ready for operation. Thereafter, the process liquid is led to the filtration equipment, and the flow of liquid from the secondary liquid supply unit to the post-treatment equipment is shut off when a flow of filtered process liquid is obtained, and which thereafter replaces the liquid from the secondary liquid supply unit.
US08313636B2
A method of manufacturing a metal housing (14) includes providing a first passage (10) through the metal housing (14) and providing a second passage (12) through the metal housing (14), wherein the second passage (12) includes a region of intersection (20) which intersects the first passage (10) to define an opening (22, 122, 222) into the first passage (10). The method further includes subjecting the metal housing (14) to a heat treatment process to carburise an internal surface of the first and/or second passage (10, 12) and, subsequent to the carburization process, applying a hard stage electrochemical machining process to the carburised internal surface of the first and/or second passage (10, 12) to improve surface finish. Another aspect of the invention includes providing a second passage (12) through the metal housing (14) by means of a tool (46), such as an electrochemical machining electrode, having an active region without rotational symmetry about its axis (Y-Y). The active region is shaped to provide the region of intersection (20) with a generally conical taper (29, 31) to the opening (22; 122; 222).
US08313633B2
A molecular recognition sensor system is provided incorporating a molecular imprinted nanosensor device formed by the process steps of: (a) fabricating using photolithography a pair of metallic electrodes separated by a microscale gap onto a first electrical insulation layer formed on a substrate; (b) applying a second electrical insulation layer on most of a top surface of said pairs of electrodes; (c) depositing additional metallic electrode material onto said electrode pairs using electrochemical deposition, thereby decreasing said microgap to a nano sized gap between said electrode pairs; (d) electrochemically polymerizing in said nanogap conductive monomers containing a target analyte, thereby forming a conducting polymer nanojunction in the gap between electrode pairs; and (e) immersing resultant sensor device in a solution which removes away the target analyte, and intermittently applying a voltage to the conducting polymer while it is immersed in said solution, thereby swelling and shrinking the conducting polymer to effect a more efficient extraction of target analyte from the conducting polymer.
US08313627B2
A drag through electro-deposition system and a method of performing a drag through electro-deposition process on a vehicle body is disclosed. The system may include pairs of anodes, with each pair having a corresponding anode pair power supply. As a vehicle body is carried through the electro-deposition tank, the electric power to each pair is individually adjusted relative to the vehicle body position in the tank.
US08313621B2
A method and apparatus for anodizing a porous valve metal pellet in a flowing liquid electrolyte is described. The apparatus comprises an insulative container comprised of a lower region, a central region including a cavity for holding the pellet, an upper region, and a continuous passageway extending through the lower, central, and upper regions. Lower and upper screens serving as lower and upper electrodes are disposed in the passageway in the lower and upper container regions, respectively. During anodizing, the electrolyte flows through the lower container region including the lower screen, the porous pellet and then the upper container region including the upper screen. The lower and upper screens are at an opposite electrical polarity as the pellet so that a dielectric oxide is formed on the exposed valve metal including interior portions of the pellet that are exposed to the flowing electrolyte.
US08313618B2
The invention relates to an arrangement for obtaining a fiber suspension for producing a web of paper, cardboard, tissue, or other fibers from at least one high-consistency flow containing fibrous material and filling material in the approach flow system of a fiber web manufacturing machine, at least one high-consistency flow being directed through at least one screening device. In order to reduce the screening effort, the accept from the screening device is directed to the headbox of the machine, and the reject from the screening device is redirected upstream into a high-consistency flow.
US08313604B2
A method for temporarily fixing a member with a curable composition that includes (A) a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate, (B) phenol 2-mol ethylene oxide-modified acrylate, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, (D) a polar solvent, and (H) at least one granular material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene particles, crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate particles and crosslinked polystyrene particles.
US08313603B2
An object is to improve use efficiency of an evaporation material, to reduce manufacturing cost of a light-emitting device, and to reduce manufacturing time needed for a light-emitting device including a layer containing an organic compound. The pressure of a film formation chamber is reduced, a plate is rapidly heated by heat conduction or heat radiation by using a heat source, a material layer on a plate is vaporized in a short time to be evaporated to a substrate on which the material layer is to be formed (formation substrate), and then the material layer is formed on the formation substrate. The area of the plate that is heated rapidly is set to have the same size as the formation substrate and film formation on the formation substrate is completed by one application of heat.
US08313596B2
A container provides sealed storage for contents. The container includes a composite top member formed of a panel and a frame. The panel includes an opening for providing access to the contents of the package. The frame includes a closure member that is molded in an open position, and which can be moved to a closed position for closing the opening in the panel. The container is formed of a container body in the form of a tubular member formed to a desired shape. The container body is closed using the top member that closes a top opening of the container body, and a bottom member that closes a bottom opening of the container body.
US08313587B2
A method for producing a torque transmission device such as a fixed constant velocity ball joint constructed as an opposed track joint in which the curvatures bases of the tracks of the joint deviate in their axial course from the curvatures of the ball contact lines. The method is characterized in that prior to the formation of a longitudinal profile of a joint component, the component is brought to an increased hardness by a hardening process and a diffusion layer is partially or completely removed in the region of the longitudinal profile.
US08313580B2
A method for processing a substrate is provided. The method includes generating a controlled meniscus using a proximity head. The proximity head has a face in close proximity to a surface of the substrate, and the face includes a substantially flat surface. The controlled meniscus is generated by delivering a chemical to the meniscus through discrete nozzles formed in the face of the proximity head. The method includes moving the proximity head over the substrate so that an area of contact between the meniscus and the surface of the substrate moves from a first location to a second location on the substrate. The moving of the proximity head causes a chemical remainder to be left behind on the surface of the substrate at the first location. The chemical remainder being a layer of the chemical from the meniscus that adheres to the surface of the substrate. The method also includes balancing an amount of chemical being delivered to the proximity head with an amount of chemical removed from the meniscus so that the meniscus maintains a substantially constant volume of the chemical. The amount of chemical removed from the meniscus includes at least the chemical remainder left behind on the surface of the substrate.
US08313562B2
One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include: a first drier and a second drier adapted to receive a fluid including at least one reactant; and a reaction zone communicating with the first drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant and with the second drier to receive the regenerant. Generally, the first drier operates at a first condition to dry the fluid including at least one reactant and the second drier operates at a second condition during regeneration with a regenerant. The regenerant can pass through a fluid tapering device for regulating the flow of the regenerant to the reaction zone.
US08313555B2
A method and system for automated control of the operating temperature setpoint of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) scrubber within a pre-determined range of approach temperatures to the adiabatic saturation temperature of the CFB scrubber exhaust stream to maintain an optimal operating temperature, thereby reducing low temperature sulfuric acid corrosion and deposition of wet materials, and high temperature excess reagent use. A Dewcon® Moisture Analyzer (or equivalent) is connected in the exhaust stream of the CFB scrubber. The Dewcon® Moisture Analyzer transmits adiabatic saturation temperature data of the exhaust stream to the CFB scrubber system controller. Based on pre-programmed parameters, the system controller adjusts the CFB scrubber temperature setpoint.
US08313546B2
A fluid filter for preventing the introduction of fluid contaminants into an associated device is disclosed. The filter has a housing having an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The inlet chamber forms an inlet port of the fluid filter and the outlet chamber forms an outlet port of the fluid filter. A number of serially connected intermediate chambers are coupled between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. Each of the chambers contains an absorbent material for capturing the fluid contaminants and generally preventing their introduction into the associated device.
US08313545B2
A filter element for a combustion tool includes a filter medium having pores with a pore size greater than a target particle size.
US08313544B2
In a process for the synthetic generation of methane from a feed gas mixture, a feed gas mixture including carbon monoxide, hydrogen, water vapor, CO2, volatile hydrocarbons comprising C2 and higher, unsaturated C2 components and aromatic hydrocarbons in the range of 1 to 10 vol % is provided. The feed gas mixture is contacted with a fluidized bed catalyst having catalyst particles having a catalytic active component selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal compound and combinations thereof. The contacting occurs at an elevated temperature in the range of 250 to 450° C., a feed gas pressure in the range of 0.8 to 70 bar, a gas hourly space velocity of 1000 to 50000 h−1, and a concentration of H2/CO in the gas mixture in the range of 0.25 to 5.
US08313543B2
Compositions, and processes utilizing such compositions, are provided for reducing mercury emissions during fuel combustion Such compositions comprise a sorbent, a bromine source and a chlorine source Such compositions exhibit improved thermal stability as compared to that of the sorbent by itself.
US08313540B2
The present invention provides non-petroleum high-octane fuel derived from biomass sources, and a method of producing same. The method of production involves reducing the biomass feedstocks to sugars, fermenting the sugars using microorganisms or mutagens thereof to produce ethanol or acetic acid, converting the acetic acid or ethanol to acetone, and converting the acetone to mesitylene and isopentane, the major components of the renewable engine fuel. Trimerization of acetone can be carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of niobium, iron and manganese. The ethanol can be converted to mesitylene in a dehydration reaction in the presence of a catalyst of zinc oxide/calcium oxide, and unreacted ethanol and water separated from mesitylene by distillation. These ethanol-based, biomass-derived fuels are fully renewable, may be formulated to have a wide range of octane values and energy, and may effectively be used to replace 100 LL aviation fuel (known as AvGas), as well as high-octane, rocket, diesel, turbine engine fuels, as well as two-cycle, spark-ignited engine fuels.
US08313527B2
A method of texturing a soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell. A soft prosthetic implant with a textured external surface layer of silicone elastomer and having an open-cell structure is made by adhering and then dissolving round salt crystals. The resulting roughened surface has enhanced physical properties relative to surfaces formed with angular salt crystals. An implant having such a textured external surface layer is expected to help prevent capsular contraction, to help prevent scar formation, and to help in anchoring the implant within the body.
US08313515B2
Multi-level spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include at least one multi-level connector, one elongated member with an enlarged head, at least one pedicle screw, and at least one mechanism that supports three degrees of rotational freedom relative to both the elongated member and the pedicle screw each. The mechanism may include universal joint mechanisms or ball and socket mechanisms. In the case of the ball and socket mechanisms, the enlarged head of the elongated member cooperates with a first socket member of the multi-level connector to define a dynamic junction that allows the socket member to move relative to the enlarged head of the elongated member while remaining engaged therewith.
US08313514B2
A spinal fixation system including an interconnection device is provided. The interconnection device comprises a connector element including a passage structured to receive a component of the spinal fixation system therein. The passage is at least partially bound by a first wall portion and a second wall portion, wherein the first wall portion is movable between a first position to receive the component and a second position to restrain the component in the passage. The device further includes a retainer element which holds the first wall portion in the second position in order to lock the component in the passage.
US08313513B2
In order to improve an implant for the dorsal stabilization of a human or animal spinal column, comprising an attachment device for placing in position against and/or fixing to spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of the spinal column, such that it can be used for the dynamic dorsal stabilization of the spinal column, it is suggested that the implant comprise at least one spacer element which is associated with the attachment device and designed in such a manner that it alters its external shape and/or its elastic properties as a result of a change in ambient conditions and/or forces acting on it.Furthermore, an improved implant system for the dorsal stabilization of a human or animal spinal column is suggested.
US08313510B2
A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine which includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion depending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. The locking cap has discontinuous opposed engagement flanges that are received within opposed engagement slots of the head portion when the locking cap is rotated into a locked position.
US08313508B2
A biopsy incision closure device includes a base having a frame incorporated therein. Together, the base and frame define an opening for performing a biopsy incision when the device is placed over a tissue surface. The base is typically composed of an elastomeric material and the frame comprises resilient inelastic members which can be used to close the opening in a highly uniform manner with minimum distortion and stress introduced into the tissue edges being drawn together.
US08313506B2
A reattachable introducer and method of using such introducer is disclosed for inserting an embolic coil deployment system into the tortuous vasculature of the human brain for placing an embolic coil within an aneurysm. The introducer includes a sheath having a lumen, a side opening and a longitudinal slit and includes a cylindrical sleeve slideably disposed about the sheath. A deployment catheter with a conical expander member is slideably disposed through the side opening of the sheath and through the lumen of the sheath. The conical expander member detaches the introducer from the deployment catheter through the longitudinal slit of the sheath, while the cylindrical sleeve reattaches the introducer to the deployment catheter through the longitudinal slit.
US08313502B2
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).
US08313498B2
A surgical device for suturing vascular vessels is described, as well as methods for suturing tissue employing the surgical device. The device includes a distal member for insertion into a vascular vessel puncture wound. The distal member contains a suture and needle engaging fitting. At least one needle is advanced through tissue adjacent the puncture wound and into the needle engaging fitting to draw lengths of suture material which can then be used to close the puncture wound.
US08313496B2
A system for endoscopic suturing is provided having an endoscope, such as a gastroscope, with a distal end locatable in the body of a patient and a flexible shaft extending to the distal end, a flexible accessory tube coupled to the endoscope to flex relative to the endoscope's shaft, and a tip coupled to the shaft of the endoscope having an opening through which one end of the accessory tube is received. Tissue suturing and suture securing instruments are provided each having a sufficiently flexible shaft locatable through the accessory tube.
US08313495B2
A surgical instrument having the dual functions of gripping a suture needle and cutting a suture. The instrument performs one function when the handles are pivoted together and the other function when the handles are pivoted apart. The instrument also provides for a precise suture tail length when the suture is cut.
US08313491B2
A chamfer resection guide assembly for a distal total knee implant has an anchor member for anchoring into a resected distal surface of a femur, a block member including one or more cutting guide slots for guiding a cutting tool for making chamfer resections and a camming member. The camming member operably connects the block member and the anchor member and the position of the block member with respect to the anchor member is adjusted by operation of the camming member thus allowing adjustment of the position of the cutting guide slots with respect to the anchoring member.
US08313489B2
A surgical micro-burring instrument including an outer tubular member coaxially maintaining an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member defines a proximal section, a distal section, and a central lumen extending from the proximal section to the distal section. The distal section forms a pocket and an elevator tip. The pocket has a bottom wall and an opposed upper opening. The elevator tip extends distal the pocket. The inner tubular member forms a bur received within the pocket. Upon final assembly, at least a portion of the bur is exposed relative to the outer tubular member via the upper opening of the pocket. The elevator tip is configured to facilitate lifting of soft tissue, such as mucosa, while positioning the bur, via the pocket, in an appropriate location for cutting contacted harder tissue, such as turbinate bone or septal bone/cartilage.
US08313487B2
An intramedullary fixation assembly for bone fusion includes a first member positioned at a proximal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly, where the first member includes a plurality of first and second retaining screws, and a second member positioned at a distal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly, where the second member includes a plurality of third and fourth retaining screws. The first member is slideably coupled to the second member and provides for an interference fit with the second member.
US08313482B2
A method of ablating tissue, comprises anchoring a first electrode at a first location in a target portion of tissue, deploying a second electrode at a second location in the target portion of tissue and applying current between the first and second electrodes to ablate a first ablation portion of tissue in combination with moving an insulative cover relative to the first electrode to move a conductive portion of the first electrode to a third location within the target tissue, the third location being further from the second location than the first location, moving the second electrode to a fourth location within the target tissue, the fourth location being further from the first location than the second location and applying current between the conductive portion of the first electrode and the second electrode to ablate a second ablation portion of tissue surrounding the first ablation portion of tissue.
US08313481B2
In a fractional treatment system, an adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment. Illustrative examples of adjustable mechanisms include a set of spacers of different lengths, a rotatable turret with lens elements of different focal distances, an optical zoom lens, and a mechanical adjustment apparatus for adjusting the spacing between two optical lens elements. In one aspect, the fractional treatment is configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue decreases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1480-1640 nm). Desirably, the laser wavelength is primarily absorbed within a treated region of skin by water and has a thermally adjusted absorption coefficient within the range of about 7 cm−1 to about 26 cm−1.
US08313476B2
A inert sampling needle is provided for piercing a septum of a vial containing a sample. The sampling needle includes a hollow rigid support member having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a septum-piercing end. The sampling needle also includes a sheath member affixed to the rigid support member. The sheath member covers the septum-piercing end of the support member, the inner wall, and at least a portion of the outer wall adjacent the septum-piercing end to isolate the support member from the sample. Preferably, the sheath member is formed of polyetheretherketone and is affixed to the rigid support member by heat fusing. A method of forming, and a method of using the inert sampling needle is also disclosed.
US08313473B2
An absorbent garment, such as a diaper structure, includes a visually discernible alignment indicator visible from a body-facing surface. The alignment indicator includes at least one first reference point. The absorbent garment comes with instructions defining the location of the first reference point on the absorbent article, defining the location of a second reference point on a wearer, and instructing the consumer to position the absorbent garment so that the first reference point optically aligns with the second reference point, and to fasten the absorbent garment in the position.
US08313459B2
An insertion device for the introduction of a medical implement, the insertion device including a hollow body, a needle holder mounting portion, a needle holder, a needle adapted for a medical implement to be mounted therewith relative to the needle, biasing means to bias the needle and the needle holder into the hollow body, and a retaining mechanism adapted to at least temporarily retain the needle and the needle holder in a forward condition in which the needle extends forward of the hollow body against the biasing force of the biasing means. The retaining mechanism of the insertion device retains the needle and the needle holder in the forward condition until the medical implement is disassociated from the retaining mechanism and unless the retaining mechanism is operated independently to retain the needle holder and the needle in the forward condition.
US08313454B2
The disclosure provides an intraocular implant for allowing fluid flow from the anterior chamber of an eye, the implant comprising a tube having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a tube passage, wherein the inlet end is adapted to extend into the anterior chamber of the eye, and wherein the outlet end is adapted to be implanted adjacent scleral tissue of the eye. The implant may be adapted to drain aqueous humor into a suprachoroidal space or a juxta-uveal space. The disclosure also provides associated delivery devices, methods of use, and methods of manufacture.
US08313442B2
A system and method for monitoring cerebral compliance of a patient by placing a first pressure sensor in a first sub-dural location, preferably a sub-meningeal location, within the brain of the patient and placing at least a second pressure sensor in a second sub-dural location, preferably a sub-meningeal location, within the brain which is different from the first location. At least one parameter from each of the signals derived from the pressure sensors is compared to estimate cerebral compliance for the patient. Alternatively, at least a single pressure sensor is utilized with a generator of reference signals having at least two different frequencies. Preferably, any change in cerebral compliance is detected by determining a change in the compared parameter, and a perceptible indication is generated when cerebral compliance deviates beyond a pre-selected value.
US08313440B2
A breath collection apparatus is provided that includes a facemask to cover the nose and mouth of a patient to direct the breath into a collection bag or collection vial. A valve assembly containing a flexible valve member is provided between the facemask and the collection container to direct a breath sample to the collection container while permitting fresh air to enter the facemask upon inhalation. Between the valve assembly and the collection container is a collection container attachment fitting for engaging the valve assembly with the collection container. The collection container attachment fitting can be a two-piece fitting designed to accommodate a flexible bladder used to accumulate multiple breath samples for subsequent delivery to the collection container.
US08313439B2
An apparatus and methods for adaptive and autonomous calibration of pulse transit time measurements to obtain arterial blood pressure using arterial pressure variation. The apparatus and methods give pulse transit time (PTT) devices an ability to self-calibrate. The methods apply a distributed model with lumped parameters, and may be implemented, for example, using pulse transit time measurements derived from a wearable photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor architecture with an intervening pressurizing mechanism.
US08313438B2
The systems and methods described herein allow for the application of a bias voltage to one or more transducers implemented within a medical ultrasound imaging system. Bias circuitry is placed within an imaging device and used to apply a DC bias to one or more transducers requiring a DC bias to operate. The one or more transducers can be fabricated in a semiconductor manufacturing process and integrated with the bias circuitry on a common semiconductor substrate. Also provided is a method for operating the one or more transducers and bias circuitry using a communication channel having two signal lines.
US08313436B2
Actual ultrasound attenuation in tissue is used to calculate gain compensation profiles which are used to create a uniform image. Axial, lateral, elevation gain profiles are used to correct the attenuation and ultrasound variation in each direction. In addition, automatic activation of the automatic gain compensation is described.
US08313432B2
A surgical data monitoring and display system is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a data storage module that stores retrospective data and real-time surgical data concerning a patient, a first processing module that receives and processes the retrospective data into processed retrospective data, and a second processing module that receives and processes the real-time data into processed real-time data. Each of the first processing module and the second processing module transmits their processed data to first and second display modules, respectively, before or during performance by a healthcare provider of a medical or surgical procedure on the patient.
US08313429B2
A handheld device for performing an optical medical examination of a patient. The device comprises a handle; an image sensor positioned at an end of the handle; a trigger provided in the handle; an image memory for storing the image data upon activation of the trigger; a roll of print media mounted in the handle; an ink supply within a core of the roll of print media; a media transportation mechanism; a pagewidth print head extending longitudinally within the handle; a guillotine mechanism for severing a printed image from the transported print media; and a print engine controller.
US08313421B2
A device for treatment with magnetic fields is provided, which provides an easily transportable and storable device for the treatment with magnetic fields, which is also convenient for patients and in particular is economical to produce. The device comprises: a first device for generation of a first magnetic field, a second device for generation of a second magnetic field and a support with an upper side and a lower side, whereby the support is embodied for applying the treated body regions of the patient thereto.
US08313416B2
We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.
US08313407B2
A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a first power disconnection device. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within one of the first driveline and the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by either of the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode.
US08313403B2
A drive is disclosed that is useful with a variety of apparatus for either multiplying torque or increasing rotational speed. The drive includes a supported inner shaft having a sun gear at one end, the inner shaft receivable through a hollow outer coaxial shaft having an engageable transmittance (a spur gear, for example) intermediate first and second opposite ends thereof. A planetary gear set platform is located at one end of the outer shaft, planet gears rotatably mounted thereabout in engagement with the sun gear received through the platform for rotation in a stationary ring gear. A right angle translate gear is affixed to the inner shaft adjacent an end thereof opposite the sun gear, a rotational source engagable at one of the translate gear and the transmittance and a utility output engagable at the other.
US08313399B2
An arrow broadhead having a pair of cutting blades held in a retracted position during arrow flight and extending outwardly in an expanded position upon arrow contact. The subject broadhead includes a pair of pivot arms or sliding arm received in an elongated groove in a cutting blade housing body. The pivot arms or sliding arm are attached to one end of the cutting blades. At least a portion of the cutting blades are folded into the groove during arrow flight. Upon target contact, the pivot arms or sliding arm pivot the cutting blades outwardly from opposite sides of the groove into an expanded position for increased cutting and penetration in the target.
US08313398B2
A helical broadhead for an archery arrow may include a tapered ferrule having a tip end and an arrow end, and at least two helical blades which extend from the tip end to and towards the arrow end. The at least two helical blades may continuously helically curve from the tip end to the back side of the helical blades, and the helical blades may include a cutting edge. The broadhead may include a threaded shaft, and the helical blades may be a constant thickness. The helical blades may include a tapered cross-section, and the cutting edges may form a tip.
US08313397B2
A bat includes a handle having a handle joint, a barrel having a barrel joint and a barrel joint opening at an end of the barrel joint, and a connector connecting the handle joint and barrel joint together. The barrel joint has a first support hole formed proximal to the barrel joint opening, a second support hole formed distal to the barrel joint opening and having a larger diameter than the first support hole, and a receiver formed between the first and second support holes orthogonal to an axis of the holes. The connector has a handle connection connected to the handle joint, a first barrel connection formed on an outer periphery of the connector and engaging with the first support hole, a second barrel connection formed on an outer periphery of the connector and engaging with the second support hole.
US08313391B2
A golf club or implement comprising a grip region (14), a head (15), and a shaft (12) connecting the grip region (14) to the head (16). A fairing (20) is attachable to a trailing edge of the shaft (12). The fairing can reduce drag associated with the shaft (12) during a swing motion of the club or implement. The fairing can, on attachment, extend along a portion of the shaft (12) from a location proximal the head (16) of the club or implement.
US08313385B2
A torsional vibration damper arrangement such that an excessive radially outward flexing of spring units is effectively prevented while torsional vibrations occurring at low torques are nevertheless sensitively damped and the corresponding spring unit is protected against overloading at the same time.
US08313383B1
A system for playing an interactive voter choice game involving strategy, chance, a computer network, a game board, a plurality of players using remote terminals to access the game, electronic databases and a voting utility, in which players compete to develop strategies for setting legislative agendas and building voting blocs and coalitions of voting blocs to elect a candidate for public office to represent a fictive electoral district.
US08313381B2
There is provided a personalized game system comprising a user account database containing user accounts for a plurality of users, a pattern database containing recognition data for a plurality of patterns, a controller in communication with the user account database and the pattern database, and a game installation. The game installation comprises an audiovisual presentation system, an identification interface in communication with the controller to read a user identifier to identify a user account of a user from the user account database, and an optical interface in communication with the controller to optically read a card pattern on a game card to match the card pattern with a pattern in the pattern database, the game card having no physical contact with the game installation. The controller is configured to change a state of the game system based on the matched pattern.
US08313372B2
A gaming server, game playing apparatus and a method for facilitating play of a multiplayer game by multiple players each playing an instance of single-player wager game at a workstation having a display. Multiple single-player wager game instances are aggregated into a multiplayer game environment. In the single-player wager game, one of the possible rewards for a turn of play is an award of a multiplier credit useable in a bonus game. The bonus game is played by those players having accumulated at least one multiplier credit at the time the bonus game is triggered. A result in the bonus game is generated randomly by a bonus machine from a finite set of possible results. The winnings in the bonus game is the product of the player's multiplier credit multiplied by the result. Winnings are obtained from the game proprietor, are independent of results for other players, and are not shared with such other players. The bonus machine can take several forms, including a wheel, a reel, or a machine randomly selecting a numbered ball.
US08313352B2
A terminal assembly for a switch device includes a hollow case, two terminals, two slots respectively corresponding to the terminals and a contact piece. The terminal includes a curved portion and the slot includes a curved slot corresponding to the curved portion. The case has a protrusion disposed corresponding to the curved slot. When assembling the terminal with the case, the terminal is received in the slot, the curved portion is engaged with the curved slot and the protrusion is pressed against a concave side of the curved portion. Therefore, the terminal is securely connected with the case and the terminal does not move or get loosened during use.
US08313343B2
A terminal block cover includes a base having a base surface configured to be secured against a terminal block. First and second spaced apart sidewalls extend from and adjoin the base. An outer wall is spaced apart from the base and is secured to the base by and adjoins with the first and second sidewalls. A lateral wall is arranged at a first lateral side and extends between and adjoins the first and second sidewalls, the outer wall and the base, which together provide at least one terminal pocket. An inner surface is provided on the outer wall facing the terminal pocket and has first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces are at first and second distances respectively from the base surface, and the first distance is greater than the second distance. The second surface retains a terminal nut.
US08313341B1
Guide element (3) for a connector device (1), which element has a first and a second end (3a, 3b). The element (3) is adapted to be attached to a PCB (printed circuit board) (2) of the connector device. Further, the guide element comprises a first bevel (33) at the first end (3a), the surface of which is provided with a plurality of recesses (36), which recesses are adapted to receive a plurality of conductive connector tongues (4) of the connector device (1). Further, a connector device (1) for establishing a connection between a test device and a test system, a connector arrangement (11) for test procedures comprising at least one connector device (1) and a method of manufacturing a connector device (1) is comprised as well.
US08313340B2
A wiring connector back shell having a plurality of cable exit angles is disclosed. The back shell has a single transition element with a number of holes fashioned therein, which allow a cable retaining device to be fastened thereto. The cable retaining device provides strain relief for the cable exiting the back shell, as well as determining the exit angle of the cable. The cable retaining device has integral pins which mate with hole patterns in the transition element, and are locked in place with a retaining collar. Alternatively, cable ties or tie wraps may be utilized to fasten the cable to the transition element. The system provides a high reliability, low mass method for cable back shells wherein cable exit angles are easily changed or chosen in the field.
US08313336B2
An assembly having a male and female plug. The female plug has an elongate cavity extending along a longitudinal axis and having in the cavity signal conducting elements. The male plug has an outer surface positioned partly within the cavity with signal conducting elements provided on the outer surface, and clicking elements. The female plug has clicking elements that click or latch together with the clicking elements of the male plug when it is introduced into the female plug along the longitudinal axis. The signal conducting elements engage one another when the clicking elements of the male and female plugs are clicked together. The clicking elements of the female plug are positioned, in a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, symmetrically relative to a center point, in the plane, between positions of the clicking elements.
US08313334B2
An electrical ground connector including a first frame member, a second frame member and a spring. The first frame member has a section with a general hook shape. The general hook shaped section forms a first conductor receiving area adapted to receive a first conductor. The second frame member is slidably connected to the first frame member. The spring biases the second frame member towards the general hook shaped section of the first frame member. The first and/or second frame members form at least one second conductor receiving area adapted to receive a second conductor and locate the second conductor directly against the first conductor in the first conductor receiving area.
US08313331B2
A printed circuit board used in server, which has a golden finger interface at one side thereof. The golden finger interface includes a plurality of parallelly arranged metal sheets which conform to the USB standard. The golden finger interface is used to be engaged with a USB socket for transmitting the electrical signal.
US08313330B2
Systems and methods for medical tool auto-capture are described. One described system for simulation of a medical procedure comprises a first grasper comprising a first grasper proximal end and a first grasper distal end. The system further comprises a first sensor coupled to the first grasper distal end and configured to identify a first medical tool approaching the first sensor, wherein the first grasper is configured to automatically grasp the first medical tool upon the first sensor identifying the first medical tool. The system also comprises an actuator to provide a haptic effect to a user.
US08313329B2
An improved sketching device is disclosed having a substantially flat base and a regular grid of at least 20×20 bumps disposed on the base. A bottom of the each of the bumps can be spaced apart from a bottom of an adjacent bump by a first distance comprising between 0.005-5 mm. The raised bumps can be sized and positioned to form a plurality of intersecting grooves.
US08313323B2
Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.
US08313322B2
The apparatus is constituted from a mold (1, 17, 14) formed by a central body (14) and a first head (1) and a second head (17) connected on opposite sides of the central body (14), as well as it having a rigid and perforated guide (5), which is axially centered inside the mold (1, 17, 14) whereon the blank pipe (10) is coupled longitudinally. This guide is provided with orifices (9) for the passage therethrough of an expansion fluid (18) which causes the expansion of the blank pipe (10) against the inner walls of the mold (1, 17, 14) without any heat exchange between the blank pipe (10) and the mold (1, 17, 14).
US08313319B2
A post cure inflator of the present invention is an apparatus for inflating and cooling a vulcanized tire T by sealing high pressure air into the vulcanized tire, and includes an annular rim for gripping the vulcanized tire at a bead portion, a connecting member fixed at one end portion thereof to the rim, a rim supporting member provided in a body frame, and a clamping device provided in the rim supporting member to clamp the connecting member to the rim supporting member unclampably. This construction permits a post cure inflator in which replacement of the rim is easy and an existing rim can be used.
US08313315B2
To provide a circulating pump, comprising a housing, in which a pumping space is arranged, a suction connector, which is in fluid connection with the pumping space, and a pressure connector, which is in fluid connection with the pumping space, which can be produced in a simple manner and can be used in a reliable manner, wherein the suction connector and/or pressure connector are formed on at least one connector element, which is a separate part from the housing, and wherein the connector element is fixed to the housing, it is proposed that the housing have a fixing region for fixing the at least one connector element, which is arranged above the pumping space.
US08313309B1
A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered pressure washer is mounted in a rigid frame formed of tubular steel elements. A pair of aligned wheels is pivotally mounted independently to each opposite side of the frame. Each pair of aligned wheels is provided with a pivot pin mechanism that enables the rear wheels to be lifted of the ground to facilitate pivoting the unit on the front wheels. The internal combustion engine is mounted toward the front end of the frame, and the pump toward the rear end of the frame. The upper front portion of the frame houses a fuel tank completely within the outline of the frame, and the tank holds more than two gallons of fuel.
US08313307B2
In an inverter control apparatus in which a control circuit board is fixed by use of pin-like terminals provided in a power board, the breakage of the pin-like terminals is prevented. The power board 160 is provided with a plurality of signal transmission terminals 210a, 210b, 220a, 220b for signal transmission to and from the control circuit board 150 and for grounding along each of a pair of opposed sides, the control circuit board 150 is electrically connected to the plurality of signal transmission terminals 210a etc. and is fixed by soldering to the plurality of signal transmission terminals 210a etc., and the plurality of signal transmission terminals 210a etc. are arranged along each of the pair of sides in a plurality of rows.
US08313299B2
An inline centrifugal wheel has a back plate and a hub extending from the back plate. A front plate has a diameter greater than the back plate and is inclined to extend downwardly from a central aperture to its outer perimeter. Blades extend between the back and front plate and have an outer edge extending between the outer edges of the front and back plate. The blades extend tangentially to the central aperture of the front plate.
US08313295B2
A lightning protection system is provided for protecting a device for exterior use, in particular a wind turbine, from damages based on a lightning stroke. The lightning protection system includes a choke element. The choke element is adapted for being mounted around a shaft of the device in such a manner that a current flow through the shaft causes a magnetic flux in the choke element.
US08313286B2
A diffuser apparatus in a turbomachine is provided comprising a diffuser structure and stabilizing structure. The diffuser structure includes inner and outer walls defining a flow passageway through which gases flow and diffuse such that kinetic energy is reduced and pressure is increased in the gases as they move through the passageway. The stabilizing structure stabilizes a separated gas recirculation zone.
US08313275B2
A wedge fastener configured for use in extreme ambient conditions includes a pin or bolt having a head and a shank with an elongate slot through the shank. The wedge fastener also includes a wedge sized so that at least a portion of the wedge may extend through the elongate slot to grip a flange between the head and the wedge. The wedge fastener also includes a locking mechanism for locking the wedge in a gripping position against the flange. In one example, the locking mechanism includes locking keys with angled ridges configured to slide in angled slots on the wedge until the locking keys engage the shank. In another example, the locking mechanism includes a jack plate attached to the wedge and adjustment screws for engaging the shank to pull the wedge through the elongate slot.
US08313271B2
The present invention provides a method for machining a part from a workpiece. The workpiece is divided into a plurality of sectors and a plurality of fiducials are disposed within each sector. The separation distance between each fiducial is then calibrated to a workpiece distance unit. The present invention then includes the steps of a) positioning the workpiece into the desired position relative to a cutting machine; b) calibrating the cutting machine to the workpiece distance units of one sector; c) cutting one sector with the calibrated cutting machine; d) repeating steps a-c until the part is completed.
US08313266B2
Provided is a construction apparatus for safe and smooth construction of a floating offshore wind turbine generator in deep sea. The construction apparatus for constructing the offshore wind turbine generator with a crane ship includes a guide member attached to the crane ship in a work position perpendicular thereto such that a bottom end of the guide member is disposed under the sea and at least one pair of arm units that include grippers capable of holding and releasing a tower member divided into a plurality of segments in an axial direction and that slide along the guide member.
US08313259B2
A keyboard includes a housing defining a dust opening, a plurality of rows of keys mounted in the housing with two of the a plurality of lines of the keys forming a horizontal gap and at least one cleaning device. Each of the cleaning devices is secured in one of the horizontal gaps. The cleaning device includes a driving rod and a cleaning brush. One end of the driving rod is rotatably fixed to the sidewall of the housing, and the other is driven to rotate the driving rod. The driving rod defines an outer threading thereon. The cleaning brush includes a sleeve and a plurality of arms fixed on the outer surface of the sleeve. The sleeve defines an inner thread cooperated with the outer thread of the driving rod. The driving rod rotates to move the cleaning brush along the driving rod.
US08313250B2
An inlet device is described herein for inserting a telecommunication cable into a telecommunications enclosure. An exemplary inlet device comprises a housing, and a compression member. The housing can include a compressible portion at the second end of the housing and a securing zone adjacent to the first end of the housing. The securing zone can include a plurality of deformable locking elements which protrude from opposite sides of the housing to lock the inlet device in a close fitting port of a telecommunication enclosure.
US08313247B2
An assembly of a mounting support and an optical fibre connector adaptor (20) mounted on the support, wherein the adaptor has a connector-receiving axis and at least one lateral (to the said axis) mounting projection (25) on at least a first one of its sides, and the mounting support comprises wall members (not necessarily flat or continuous) upstanding from the support on both sides of the said adaptor, which wall members on at least one side of the adaptor define mounting slots adapted to receive the said mounting projections of the adaptor, and wherein the slots are formed to permit movement of the adaptor between at least a first position in which the adaptor is supported with its said axis at an acute angle to the support, and a working position in which the adaptor is supported with its said axis lying substantially parallel to the support, and wherein the wall members define, in at least one of the said slots, at least one shoulder (30) on which one of the mounting projections (25) of the adaptor can be supported, and at least one resilient portion (35) of the wall member is arranged to retain that mounting projection removably on the said shoulder.
US08313246B2
An outer ring for rocking bearing (11a) includes a raceway surface (12a) on the inner diameter side and has flange parts (13a) and (13b) provided by bending both axial ends to the inner diameter side. The flange parts (13a) and (13b) are provided with bent parts (17a) and (17b) axially bent toward the raceway surface (12a) side so as to enfold a retainer arranged on the inner diameter side. Thus, the retainer can be enfolded by the bent parts (17a) and (17b). Therefore, even when the retainer comes to be moved to the inner diameter side of the outer ring for rocking bearing (11a), the retainer is caught by the bent parts (17a) and (17b), so that the movement of the retainer to the inner diameter side is restricted and rollers and the retainer can be prevented from dropping off.
US08313238B2
An X-ray imaging device includes an X-ray generator, a filter plate detachably attached to an X-ray outlet of the X-ray generator, and a FPD. The filter plate has a plurality of circular markers of different sizes. The smallest marker is disposed at the center of the filter plate. The other markers are disposed on lines radiating from the smallest marker in increasing order of size and at regular intervals. An X-ray radiation beam passes through the markers and patient's body, and is incident upon an imaging surface of the FPD. The FPD produces a preliminary radiographic image from the incident X-ray radiation beam. A deviation vector detector chooses adjoining two marker images of different sizes from the preliminary radiographic image, and identifies to which markers the marker images correspond based on a size ratio. Then, the deviation vector detector determines the center of an X-ray field.
US08313237B2
The present invention is directed to, inter alia, systems and methods for calculating a temperature associated with an analyte measurement component of a biosensing instrument (such as a blood glucose monitor), with a test strip that is inserted in a biosensing instrument, or both. The present systems and methods may employ at least two temperature sensors, and the acquired temperature information may be used to modulate data regarding an analyte in a biological sample, thereby providing a more accurate measurement of the analyte.
US08313232B2
A dynamic mixer for mixing components in different volumetric amounts comprises a rotor housing which is closed on the inlet side thereof by a cover, the cover defining inlets for the components. The inlet for the first component having the larger volumetric amount leads to an antechamber that communicates with a following mixing chamber by at least one passage. The mixing rotor includes a distributor body located in the antechamber for distributing the first component around the axis of rotation of the mixing rotor. The inlet for the second component having the smaller volumetric amount leads to at least one inlet opening located in the area of the passage to the mixing chamber transversely to the axis of rotation.
US08313226B2
A display including a light source for generating light, an optical waveguide for receiving and evenly distributing light in a light propagation direction by total internal reflections and a matrix of electromechanical picture elements for modulating light to produce an image.
US08313223B2
A taillight apparatus of a vehicle is arranged with a board provided with LEDs between a case and a lens. The board is arranged along a front and rear direction of the vehicle. A first reflector is provided at one end of the board on a side of the case, and is provided with a second reflector at the other end of the board on a side of the lens. The board is supported by interposing the board between the first reflector and the second reflector. The taillight apparatus configured in this manner has a reduced height dimension and a board with increased strength.
US08313211B2
A portable lamp bank in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes an elongated housing, a power source mounted in the housing and electrically connected to the external high voltage input voltage to provide a substantially constant driving voltage and a first light engine mounted in the elongated housing and electrically connected to the power source. The light engine includes a plurality of high output light emitting diodes that are driven based on the driving voltage of the power source to provide output light.
US08313205B2
An optical member 16 capable of light transmission and having a sheet-shape is installed in a chassis 13 of a backlight device 10 around an opening of the chassis 13. A cold cathode tube 15 capable of emitting light and having a substantially circle cross-section is installed behind the optical member 16 inside the chassis 13. A reflecting sheet 14 that reflects light emitted from the cold cathode tube 15 is installed behind the cold cathode tube 15 inside the chassis 13. The reflecting sheet 14 has a concave portion that surrounds the cold cathode tube 15 from the rear. The reflecting sheet 14 has an arch surface 26 at least in an area that faces the cold cathode tube 15 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the optical member 16. The arch surface 26 is formed in a concentric manner as the cold cathode tube 15.
US08313202B2
A hinge assembly for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle comprising a central shaft and a mirror housing pivotably arranged around the central shaft. In an embodiment, a bottom surface of the mirror housing is supported on a supporting surface at the base of the central shaft and, through cooperation, first and second run-on surfaces define a predetermined angular position between the central shaft and the mirror housing corresponding to a folded-out position of the mirror housing. In an embodiment, first run-on surfaces are provided on a side of the mirror housing remote from the supporting surface, and second run-on surfaces are connected with the central shaft to be axially compliant and rotation-coupled.
US08313199B2
A projection display system comprising a projection display unit including a light source, an image display element, a lighting optical system irradiating a beam of light on the image display element, and a projection optical system projecting an image light from the image display element toward a screen. The projection optical system including a lens group composed of a plurality of lens elements arranged in order toward the screen from the image display element and symmetrically with respect to an optical axis, and a reflecting mirror shaped to be axial-asymmetrical with respect to the optical axis. The projection display system further comprises a screen 5. The projection display unit projects the image light onto a projection plane of the screen to display an image.
US08313196B2
Apparatus for performing intraocular implant surgery, including surgical apparatus for performing intraocular implant surgery, an autorefraction device associated with the surgical apparatus, wherein the autorefraction device is configured to perform autorefraction on the aphakic eye to provide one or more aphakic refraction measurements, and a processor connected to the autorefraction device, wherein the processor is configured to process the aphakic refraction measurements and provide the user of the apparatus with information regarding the power of the intraocular lens.
US08313184B2
A waste liquid collector is detachably mounted on a device including a discharge unit discharging a waste liquid and stores the waste liquid discharged from the discharge unit when the waste liquid collector is mounted on the device. The waste liquid collector includes: an opening through which the discharge unit is inserted or extracted at the time of mounting or detaching the waste liquid collector on or from the device; a collector-side connection terminal which comes in contact with a device-side connection terminal included in the device when the discharge unit of the device is inserted into the opening; and a positioning unit which positions the collector-side connection terminal to come in contact with the device-side connection terminal when the waste liquid collector is mounted on the device.
US08313182B2
A solid ink loading system for a phase change ink imaging device includes an ink loader having a first end, a second end, and at least one feed channel extending between the first and the second end. The at least one feed channel includes an insertion region intermediate the first and the second end where ink sticks enter the at least one feed channel. The at least one feed channel is configured to guide ink sticks in a feed direction from the insertion region toward the second end. An ink stick retractor is configured for movement between a forward position and a rearward position substantially parallel to at least a portion of the at least one feed channel. The forward position is closer to the second end of the feed channel than the first position. The ink stick retractor is configured to selectively move ink sticks in the at least one feed channel in a retraction direction toward the first end.
US08313178B2
Various embodiments and methods relating to delivering fluid through a standpipe and one or more slots are disclosed.
US08313177B2
An actuator that includes a substrate; first conductive layers provided so as to extend in a first direction and to be disposed adjacent to each other on the substrate; a piezoelectric body layer having a first portion formed so as to cover the first conductive layers and openings between the first conductive layers, a second portion other than the first portions, and a contact to the first conductive layer; a second conductive layer having a third portion which overlap with the first conductive layers in the second direction, a fourth portion connected to the third portion being formed over the second portion of the piezoelectric body layer, and a fifth portion connected to the first conductive layer in the contact; and a wiring having a sixth portion which is formed over the fourth portion of the second conductive layer and a seventh portion connected to the fifth portion.
US08313172B2
The first and second cables overlap with each other while at an attitude where the wiring terminal formation surfaces face the same side, and the one-end-side common wiring terminal is located on the outside of the arrangement direction of the wiring terminals of the group of the one-end-side individual electrode wirings. The one end portions of the first and second cables are bent in the same direction so that the wiring terminals respectively face element terminals of piezoelectric elements, and the wiring terminals are respectively bonded to the corresponding element terminals.
US08313169B2
A liquid-ejecting head includes a recording element substrate that includes an energy generating element generating energy for ejecting a liquid from a discharge port, a supporting member that supports the recording element substrate and has a liquid chamber supplying the liquid to the recording element substrate, a first supply port formed in one surface thereof, communicating with the liquid chamber, and having fluid communication with the recording element substrate, a second supply port being smaller than the first supply port, formed in a surface opposite the one surface at a position corresponding to a longitudinal end side of the first supply port, and communicating with the liquid chamber, and a flow passage forming member that supplies the liquid to the second supply port. The cross-section of the liquid chamber in a direction extending from the opposite toward one surfaces gradually increases in part of the extending direction.
US08313162B2
There is provided a recording apparatus including a recording head which includes a nozzle plate having conductive property including an opening and for ejecting ink toward a medium to be recorded from the opening, an absorbing member disposed so as to oppose the nozzle plate in the ejecting direction of the ink from the recording head and for absorbing the ink not adhered to the medium to be recorded, an electrode disposed so as to make contact with the absorbing member, and an electric potential difference generator for generating an electric potential difference between the nozzle plate and the electrode and electrically attracting the ink not adhered to the medium to be recorded toward the electrode side. The electric potential difference generator generates an electric potential difference so that the magnitude of the electric potential difference is varied in accordance with a distance between a portion of the absorbing member to which the ink is absorbed and the nozzle plate.
US08313156B2
A stand for an LCD monitor includes a storage area and a front message center. The stand is box-shaped and has a flat top for the monitor. The sides are shaped like a trapezoid such that the hinged front door is slanted downwards and towards the user. The outer surface of the front door has a left dry erase side for writing notes and a right cork board side for posting messages. The inside of the stand has one or more sliding drawers with a variety of compartments for storing articles like pens and paper clips. The lower section of the inside of the stand also has convenient storage space. Lower adjustable feet allow the user to adjust the height of the monitor. A cup holder or phone holder can also be included on the top.
US08313149B2
A foot cover includes a pair of laterally spaced surface sections, first engagement portions on the insides of the lateral surface sections and configured to be engaged with a front side of a leg bracket, a second engagement portion at a rear side of the foot cover and configured to engage a rear side of the leg bracket, and an urging rib that urges the foot cover toward the rear side thereof. The first engagement portions have a fore-and-aft restricting surface that restricts the foot cover from being displaced rearwardly when mounted and a first inclination surface that abuts an associated front end portion of the leg bracket to restrict deformation of the associated lateral surface section into a separating direction of the lateral surface sections.
US08313146B2
A vehicle seat is provided, particularly for a center seat in a row of seats. The seat includes a back part swivel connected to a seat part so that the back part and seat part swivel away from each other in a seating position and swivel toward one another in a first stowage position. The seat back may be altered in its longitudinal extent between the first stowage position and a second stowage position such that the seat back has a seat length and a shorter stowage length. The seat further includes a traveling mechanism which automatically moves the back part longitudinally from the seat length to the shorter stowage length when the back part is folded into the first stowage position.
US08313141B2
The present disclosure is directed to a monobloc rocking chair. The rocking chair includes a seat, backrest, a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, and rockers extending between front and rear legs. The chair is molded of a single material include a downwardly opening cavity and formed to taper outwardly from top to bottom. The cavity is formed by the seat being supported directly from below by front legs and being supported directly from above by a backrest. Rear legs are spaced from the seat. This allows two identical chairs to nest when vertically stacked for compact shipping, storage, or display. The monobloc rocking chair can include one or more arms or be armless.
US08313137B2
A system and method for temporarily attaching an accessory component such as a fog light cover, to a vehicle body panel prior to a painting operation are described. The system and method eliminate the need for jigs or other support structures typically used to support the accessory during painting of the accessory and body panel.
US08313132B2
A container carrier system for securing and carrying at least two containers is provided. The container carrier system generally includes a handle and at least two retainer rings. The handle has a carrying portion and at least two attachment portions. A single retainer ring is secured to a single container, and each retainer ring includes at least one handle receiver for receiving and retaining a single attachment portion of the handle. Each attachment portion includes an upper leg-stop transition portion joined to an upper attachment stop. A lower attenuated attachment leg is joined to the upper attachment stop and terminates in a lower attachment stop. Each handle receiver includes first and second resilient jaws that define a receiver mouth and a receiver central opening. The resilient jaws are movable between a minimum retaining position and a maximum receiving position to facilitate securement of an attachment portion to a handle receiver.
US08313128B2
A door locking device has a central body, locking members, and elongated bands with receiving members extending from the central body. The receiving members can be releasably coupled to the locking members, which are shaped to grasp the receiving members, to secure the apparatus to a door.
US08313120B2
The present invention generally relates to articles for masking internal components of a motor vehicle steering column from the view of an occupant when the steering wheel is titled, or extended. Some embodiments relate to methods for making or using masking articles, or to methods for masking the internal components of a motor vehicle steering column when the steering wheel is titled, or extended.
US08313116B2
A mobility device includes at least a first front leg and at least a first rear leg connected to the first front leg connected to the first front leg. The first rear leg includes an upper member having a first end a second end and a lower member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to the first end of the lower member, and the lower member is preferably pivotal between an extended use position and a folded storage position.
US08313115B2
A stroller includes a frame, a seat, two retaining mechanisms, and two retaining seats. The frame has a pair of first side portions. The seat has a bottom plate portion, a pair of second side portions, and a backrest portion. The retaining mechanisms are disposed respectively on one pair of the pair of the first side portions and the pair of the second side portions. Each of the retaining mechanisms includes a resilient pressing portion and a retaining hook. The retaining seats are disposed respectively on the other pair of the pair of the first side portions and the pair of the second side portions. Each of the retaining seats has a retaining groove engaging the corresponding retaining hook. The resilient pressing portions can be pressed to remove the retaining hooks from the retaining grooves.
US08313112B1
A sand sled having a base preferably comprising a polymeric or foam board having a an open ended frame attached thereto with rails extending therebetween. As illustrated the back end of the top rail has a length greater than the bottom rail so that a toddler is in a reclined position while being pulled on the sand sled.
US08313107B2
A rolling boot is proposed that has a first fastening region and a fold region with at least a first fold having a first fold peak region and a first fold flank near the first fastening region and, opposite this first fold flank, a second fold flank which is adjoined by a fold trough, wherein a transition region having a base surface is arranged between the first fastening region and fold region, and an angle a having a range from approximately 90° to approximately 140° is formed between the base surface and an outer side of the first fold flank, and the fold trough has a depth T which is, at most, approximately 65 percent of a height H of the first fold.
US08313097B2
An automatic document feeder for automatically feeding a document placed on a document tray includes a paper feed section which includes at least a paper feed roller and a pickup roller and is tilted up and down around a roller shaft of the paper feed roller; and a shutter section including a shutter which is provided on a side plate of the paper feed section, placed at a document restriction position at which a position of the leading edge of the document is restricted before the paper feed section picks up the document, tilted by being pushed by the document to be picked up when the paper feed section picks up the document, and automatically returns to the document restriction position by its own weight after the picked up document has passed under the shutter.
US08313093B2
A portable vise, particularly for use in supporting elongated member, provides a convenient design for safely cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. An elongated member is inserted through an aperture of a vise body. The vise rests upon the ground or other work surface such that one end of the elongated member is supported over the work surface while the other end of the elongated member rests upon the work surface.
US08313091B2
Multi-fuel carburetors and related methods are provided for a combustion engine. A multi-fuel carburetor can include at least two fuel nozzles for providing fuel from a fuel source to a carburetor barrel to produce a mixture of fuel and air. A fuel control device movable with respect to at least one of the fuel nozzles can be used to selectively adjust the amount of fuel that can be drawn through that nozzle, thereby desirably adjusting the air/fuel ratio of the mixture produced in the carburetor barrel.
US08313085B2
An apparatus for controlling a fluid flow rate includes a main body having a fluid flow passage and a cavity adapted to receive a flow control body having two or more flow channels therethrough. The flow control body may be moved within the cavity to two or more positions, each position corresponding to fluid communication between the flow passage of the main body and a different one of the flow channels of the flow control body. The flow control body may be held in each position by a detent feature that resists movement of the flow control body until a movement force acting upon the flow control body exceeds a threshold.
US08313083B2
An electropneumatic position regulator for controlling a pressure-medium-operated actuating drive to which compressed air can be applied via a working connection of the actuating drive. Compressed air is made available to the position regulator via a feed pressure connection, and the pressure regulator includes an electronic control unit configured to assume a safety position in the event of a fault. When the electronic control unit assumes a safety position, a downstream signal output unit, which acts as a driver stage, generates at least one binary fault signal which is indicated in an externally perceptible manner (e.g., visually and/or audibly) by at least one signaling device fitted externally to a housing of the position regulator.
US08313081B2
An improved parallel-acting roller clamp is disclosed, for regulating fluid flow through a deformable plastic tube with improved control of fluid flow rate. The roller clamp achieves this improved performance by configuring a tapered relief groove formed in the clamp's bottom wall to have a reduced taper angle in the clamp's low-flow region. This minimizes variations in flow rate over time, due to cold flow, or creep, of the pinched, deformable plastic tube.
US08313079B2
The invention relates to a ceiling formwork system comprising several formwork elements, the bottom face of which is provided with supports that can be coupled to heads of vertical props. At least some areas of the cross section of said supports are embodied in a C-shaped manner, with two legs extending from a basic section. One of the legs is designed as a supporting surface that is to rest on a head of a vertical prop while the head of a vertical prop is provided with fixing elements which engage into one respective recess of a supporting surface. Said recess is configured so as to selectively couple the support to the vertical prop in two directions that are offset relative to each other by 90° at the end of the supporting surface which faces away from the basic section.
US08313077B2
An apparatus to lift an oilfield machine includes at least one lifting bellows, an alignment assembly extending between at least one lifting bellows and an adapter plate of the oilfield machine, the alignment assembly comprising an inner cylinder to reciprocate within a sleeve of the oilfield machine, and the alignment assembly comprising a top plate at an upper end of the inner cylinder, the top plate configured to transfer forces from the at least one lifting bellows and the inner cylinder to the adapter plate, wherein the sleeve is configured to restrict the inner cylinder to a substantially linear displacements therethrough.
US08313075B2
A lifting column for treatment tables, hospital- and care beds with a casing consisting of three telescopic members (11, 12, 13) with a drive unit located in the hollow of the intermediate member (12). The drive unit comprises a body element (22) with chain wheels (25, 33) and one chain (47) provided with driving rods (50, 51) secured to the two other telescopic members (11, 13). The drive unit further comprises a linear actuator (18) with an electric motor (19), which drives a spindle (21) located within the cross section of the body element (22) and a spindle nut (28) secured thereto for longitudinal displacement of the body element (22) with the chain wheels (25, 33), so that the telescopic members (11, 12, 13) are extended or retracted depending on the direction of rotation of the motor. Thus a compact structure is achieved as the guide is constructed as a casing and the actuator is integral with the body element which has one chain only.
US08313071B2
A micro-adjustable supporting device includes a mounting seat, a movable unit, and an adjusting unit. The movable unit includes a rotating assembly disposed rotatably in the mounting seat and rotatable about an axis, and a bottom seat assembly disposed under the mounting seat and rotatable about the axis. The adjusting unit includes a pair of spaced-apart first and second tilt-adjusting elements, and an angle-adjusting element. Each of the first and second tilt-adjusting elements extends through the rotating assembly to connect with the bottom seat assembly, and is movable relative to the rotating assembly in a direction parallel to the axis to adjust a tilt angle of the bottom seat assembly relative to the axis. The angle-adjusting element is operable to move relative to the mounting seat to thereby rotate the rotating assembly and the bottom seat assembly about the axis.
US08313069B2
A speaker system with a mount pivotally secured to a speaker frame for detachably securing the speaker system to a display monitor is disclosed. The mount pivots relative to the frame so as to allow the display monitor to be operably received between the mount and frame thereby holding the speaker system in place. A securing structure is preferably provided to hold the mount at a desired position, and resilient padding is preferably provided between the frame, mount and display monitor. The mount can also have a substantially planar bottom surface which allows the speaker system to rest on a desktop simply by positioning the substantially planar bottom surface of the mount on the desktop.
US08313067B2
A pole member for a stand, such as a medical stand, is defined by a first pole section and a second pole section. The first pole section includes a hollow end having a spline disposed therein for engaging a corresponding spline formed on a mating end of the second pole section. The splines are sized to interconnect wherein each spline includes tapering teeth and slots to create locking engagement therebetween and limit lateral play. A locking element engages the hollow end of the first pole section when inserted a predetermined distance therein.
US08313062B2
The invention relates to a deflector for an aircraft, comprising a discharge pipe for leading a fluid to be drained from the aircraft by way of an outlet end to the environment of the aircraft; an actuator, coupled to the discharge pipe, for swinging out, when required, the discharge pipe to at least one activation position, wherein in the activation position the outlet end is arranged so as to be spaced apart from the exterior skin of the aircraft, and the deflector guides the fluid to be drained so that it exits outside a flow boundary layer that is present on the exterior skin. The deflector according to the invention is activated when required and is able to discharge structure-damaging fluids to the environment in such a way that the exterior structure of the aircraft does not become wet, and at the same time the deflector according to the invention, normally accommodated within the contour of the aircraft, does not result in any additional aerodynamic resistance.
US08313057B2
The inventive aircraft with off-aerodrome landing consists of a body (1), a lifting wing (2) and the onboard part of a rope arresting and landing device comprising an arresting hook (5) which is provided with a grip (6). In the preferred embodiment, said aircraft is provided with a propeller (3) arranged in an annular empennage (4). Said arresting hook is arranged in such a way that it is rotatable around the transversal axis (8) of the aircraft situated in a longitudinal spacing of the aerodynamic mean chord of the wing. The aircraft leads for landing with the upwardly deployed arresting hook in such a way that the trajectory (12) of a top pickup point (6) is higher than the trajectory (13) of the highest top point of the aircraft and higher than a cable or rope (14) tensed on a landing area. The trajectory (13′) of the highest point of the aircraft located ahead of the arresting hook passes at a lower level than the cable (14). In said conditions, the grip of the arresting hook holds the cable which has a required effort for drawing it from a stationary arresting device. By overcoming said effort, the aircraft spends a flight kinetic energy and stops being suspended on the cable.
US08313056B2
A vehicle has a body and a source of a propellant. An engine is carried by the body. The engine reacts the propellant to produce thrust. The engine has a heat exchanger transferring heat from the reaction to at least a component of the propellant and generating electricity thermoelectrically.
US08313050B2
In one aspect of the invention, an abrasion resistant nozzle has at least two sintered diamond bodies having flat, mating, exterior surfaces and a thickness, the surfaces being held against each other under compression. An enclosure is formed between the mating surfaces, at least one surface having a groove forming a portion of the enclosure and the other surface forming a remaining portion of the enclosure. The enclosure connects an entry and an exit formed in at least one side of at least one of the bodies.
US08313048B2
A fuel injector, in particular for direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, has a valve needle, which is situated in a nozzle body and is operable by an actuator, and a valve closing body, which is operatively connected to the valve needle and, for opening and closing the valve, cooperates with a valve seat face formed on a valve seat body, the valve seat body being provided with at least one spray hole. The at least one spray hole has a first cylindrical section having a fuel inlet opening and a second cylindrical section situated downstream from the first cylindrical section and having a fuel outlet opening, the first and the second cylindrical sections not running coaxially to one another.
US08313043B1
A sprinkler includes a riser, an impeller mounted in the riser, and a nozzle rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly including a reduction gear train couples the impeller and the nozzle. A friction clutch is located in the drive assembly between an output gear of the reduction gear train and an input gear of the reversing mechanism and provides a positive drive connection under a normal load and slips under an excessive load. An alternate embodiment utilizes the friction clutch in a rotor-type sprinkler in which the nozzle rotates continuously through a continuous 360 degree arc.
US08313038B2
A system configured to provide cooling of electronic equipment in a shelter in combination with an air conditioning (A/C) system. The system includes one or more blowers for drawing air into the shelter, a damper arrangement for controlling air exhaust. The system further includes a DC powered controller coupled to the one or more blowers, the damper arrangement, and the A/C system. The controller is configured to receive at least a first analog input signal associated with a shelter-interior temperature, a second analog input signal associated with a shelter-exterior temperature, and a plurality of alarm input signals and to generate the one or more first control signals to control blower rotational speed, the second control signal to open/close the damper arrangement, and a third control signal to inhibit/activate the A/C system based on at least the first analog input signal, or the second analog input signal, or a plurality of alarm input signals, or a combination of these.
US08313034B2
The present invention provides a reference power supply circuit which does not require trimming and prevents occurrence of deadlock of a band gap reference circuit. An RFID tag chip related to the present invention has a reference power supply including a switch for switching between a band gap reference circuit and a Vth difference reference circuit. A reference potential in band gap reference of the band gap reference circuit and an output of the Vth difference reference circuit are compared by a comparator, and a transistor operating as a switch is controlled, thereby making the reference potential in band gap reference rise, hastening startup of the band gap reference circuit, and preventing occurrence of deadlock in the band gap reference circuit.
US08313028B2
A multiple antenna reading system suitable for use with contactless transaction devices, the system including at least one reader, at least first and second antennas having at least some inductive coupling therebetween and being coupled to the at least one reader and antenna function disabling circuitry automatically operative upon activation of at least a first one of the at least first and second antennas to disable antenna function of at least a second one of the at least first and second antennas.
US08313021B2
A system for managing enhancement features assigned to financial presentation devices such as credit cards. The system includes an accounts database and a feature management module. The accounts database stores account holder data containing assigned enhancement features for associated credit cards. The feature management module is capable of updating and managing the assigned features of an individual credit card independently of other cards so as to provide enhancement features that can be customized for each individual cardholder.
US08313018B2
An apparatus and method for are provided. The method includes determining that a barcode displayed on a mobile terminal has been scanned, retrieving metadata corresponding to the barcode when the barcode has been scanned, and triggering a context-aware action in the mobile terminal based on the barcode and/or the retrieved metadata.
US08313011B2
An aerosol system for dispensing sprayable material in a desired spray pattern.
US08313006B2
A foil container for storing components of a multi-component mass and for being inserted in a receptacle of an ejection device, includes a first foil bag (12) that stores at least one component (16) of the multi-component mass, a second foil bag (22) arranged next to the first foil bag (12) and that stores at least two components (26, 27) of the multi-component mass separately from each other, and a head portion (31) having at least two receiving sections (32, 36) for receiving respective ends (13, 23) of the first and second foil bags (12, 22).
US08313005B2
A plastic container for a particulate product includes a base and a surrounding wall member upstanding therefrom which generally define a container main interior volume. A top connects to the surrounding wall member and includes a large opening sufficient to receive about a 5 inch cylinder therethrough. The surrounding wall member includes a pair of pinch pockets having a lateral opening separation W which is not greater than about 2.5 inches and/or a lateral minimum separation C of not greater than about 2.0. In some embodiment, a thumb receiving cavity is provided above the pinch pockets. The pinch pockets are configured and sized for easy grasping and holding of the container.
US08312994B2
A cylindrical dedusting apparatus has an upper material infeed opening to introduce material into a frusto-conical infeed hopper centered over the tip of a conical wash deck supported over an air infeed conduit. Air is blown through slots and openings in the surface of the wash deck to separate dust and debris from the particulate material. The dust-laden air is discharged by passing between the infeed hopper and a cylindrical sleeve to enter into a circular collector for discharge from the apparatus. Flow rate of material over the wash deck is adjusted by vertically moving the infeed hopper within the sleeve relative to the wash deck, the tip serving as a stopper to define the dimension of the gap through which material flows onto the wash deck. Cleaned material passes through a lower discharge opening while dirty air is removed through a radially oriented discharge conduit from the circular collector.
US08312993B2
A container is disclosed for housing a tray or blister pack. The container includes a shell (40) with an internal volume for holding the tray or blister pack, and a cover (10) with a base (11), hinge (13), and lid (12) for enclosing the shell (40).
US08312980B2
An apparatus is provided to facilitate the transfer of baggage on conveyor systems at the junction between a sort conveyor and a take-away conveyor. The transfer apparatus includes a sweeper arm that rotates across the sort conveyor to sweep a baggage article thereon toward the take-away conveyor. The sweeper arm translates linearly relative to the sort conveyor so that the baggage remains in continuous contact with the sweeper arm. The rotation of the arm is coordinated with the translation so that the baggage will be fully diverted from the sort conveyor by the time the sweeper arm reaches the end of its translation.
US08312979B2
Workpiece conveying equipment provided with a workpiece conveying traveling body composed of a workpiece support carriage and an auxiliary carriage adjacent to at least one of the front and the rear in a traveling direction of the workpiece support carriage, a first conveying path where the workpiece support carriage and the auxiliary carriage travel integrally, a second conveying path where only the workpiece support carriage travels perpendicularly and horizontally with respect to the traveling direction of the first conveying path, and a carriage diverging means provided at a branching point from the first conveying path to the second conveying path so as to separate the workpiece support carriage from the auxiliary carriage and to diverge the workpiece support carriage into the second conveying path perpendicularly and horizontally.
US08312976B2
A high efficiency bicycle hub for near frictionless free wheeling comprising a hub having a toothed engagement ring, a driver having a retractable engagement member that can engage and disengage from the hub, and a retraction device to facilitate a disengaged configuration. The retraction device comprises a retaining ring having retraction members and the retractable engagement member comprises reciprocal retraction members to “catch” the retraction member to maintain a disengaged configuration. In use, forward rotation of the driver engages the retractable engagement member with the toothed engagement ring of the hub to drive the hub. Reverse rotation of the driver rotates the reciprocal retraction members underneath or behind the retraction member thereby disengaging the driver from the hub.
US08312970B2
A method for installing, securing, or installing and securing at least one rope pulley of an elevator may include: arranging a set of ropes of the elevator and the at least one rope pulley, in a rigged or unrigged state, near an elevator car of the elevator or in a shaft of the elevator; and detachably mounting the at least one rope pulley to the elevator car, a frame structure of the elevator car, or a guide rail of the elevator car using a quick coupling. The elevator may include the ropes, the at least one rope pulley, the elevator car, and elevator car guide rails. The ropes may pass around the at least one rope pulley. The at least one rope pulley may be adapted to detachably mount to the elevator car, the frame structure, or one of the elevator car guide rails using a quick coupling.
US08312968B2
An automatic transmission comprises a converter case storing a torque converter, a transmission case storing a transmission mechanism, the transmission case connecting to the converter case at a front thereof and having a rear wall portion to close an end at a rear thereof, a lubricating-oil introduction passage provided at the converter case to introduce lubricating oil, a rear-side lubricating-oil supply passage provided at the rear wall portion to supply the lubricating oil to the transmission mechanism, a lubricating-oil supply pipe extending toward the rear wall portion in the transmission case, an upstream end of which connects to the lubricating-oil introduction passage and a downstream end of which connects to the rear-side lubricating-oil supply passage, wherein the lubricating-oil supply pipe is supported between the converter case and the rear wall portion.
US08312959B1
A vehicle steering system transmission comprising a housing, an input shaft journalled to the housing, an electric motor connected to the housing and coupled to the input shaft, an output shaft journalled to the housing, the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a first pair of sprockets having a first belt trained therebetween and having a first ratio, the first belt and first pair of sprockets comprising a helical tooth configuration, the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a second pair of sprockets having a second belt trained therebetween and having a second ratio, and the input shaft and the output shaft coupled by a third pair of sprockets having a third belt trained therebetween and having a third ratio.
US08312952B2
A battery positioning structure reliably positions battery modules on a vehicle chassis even when battery modules have different sizes and heights. The battery positioning structure includes a bracket having at opposite ends not only check plates which are configured to be positioned on a body of the electric vehicle but also locks at opposite side edges of the bracket, the bracket being configured to be attached to outer surfaces of the battery modules and to unite the battery modules, and bands configured to extend across the bracket, and linked to the locks at opposite ends of the bracket. The battery modules and the bracket are positioned on the body of the electric vehicle.
US08312950B2
A modular vehicle front end comprising a frame, a cooling unit mounted to the frame, a conduit running through the cooling unit, and a bracket for securing the conduit to the frame. The bracket can comprise an attachment portion configured for attachment to the frame and a retainer overmolded on the conduit. The bracket can further comprise at least one flexible clamp portion configured to receive and retain a second conduit. A vehicle comprising an engine and the modular front end taught herein is also disclosed.
US08312944B2
A percussion drilling assembly for boring into the earth. In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a tubular case having a central axis, an upper end, and a lower end. In addition, the assembly comprises a piston slidingly disposed within the tubular case. Further, the assembly comprises a driver sub coaxially coupled to the lower end of the tubular case. The driver sub includes an upper end disposed within the case and a lower end extending axially from the lower end of the case. Still further, the assembly comprises a hammer bit coaxially disposed within the driver sub. The hammer bit including an upper end disposed within the driver sub and a lower end extending from the lower end of the driver sub. The upper end of the driver sub extends axially from the upper end of the hammer bit and is adapted to receive the piston.
US08312943B1
Embodiments of the invention relate to thermally-stable polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) elements, polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”), and methods of fabricating such PCD elements and PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD body including bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The PCD body includes a first volume having a first portion of the interstitial regions and a second volume having a second portion of the interstitial regions. The second volume is bonded to the substrate. At least one interstitial material is disposed in the first portion of the interstitial regions and a metallic infiltrant is disposed in the second portion of the interstitial regions. The at least one interstitial material exhibits a negative coefficient of thermal expansion.
US08312941B2
A modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit body includes a blade support piece and at least one blade piece fastened to the blade support piece. A modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit and methods of making modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit bodies and bits also are disclosed.
US08312934B2
A line retention system includes a positionally fixed retainer having one or more recesses therein that are receptive to one or more lines. The system further includes one or more spline recesses in the positionally fixed retainer receptive to one or more position splines and one or more position splines that are receivable in the one or more spline recesses. A method for retaining one or more lines is included.
US08312928B2
Apparatus and methods for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. At least a portion of the exhaust gas from a combustor may be routed through a heat exchanger to produce the processing gas, the composition of which may be adjusted so that it contains approximately 1% oxygen or less. The subsequent condensation steps may be carried out in at least one cooled chamber having a sequence of critical orifices maintained at a negative pressure. Carbon sequestration steps may be performed wherein recovered carbon dioxide is delivered down the hole following the recovery of the hydrocarbonaceous products. Various physical parameters may be adjusted to vary the recovery of crude oil or other products or contaminants from the effluent gas.
US08312927B2
Apparatus and methods are described for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. The effluent gas is maintained under a negative pressure from the hole and through the initial and subsequent condensation steps. This provides numerous advantages, including the adjustment of various physical parameters during the extraction process. Such adjustment allows the ratio of oils types to be varied, the ratio of hydrocarbonaceous products to non-crude products to be varied, contamination control, and other disclosed advantages.
US08312924B2
The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the subterranean injection of reactive substances like propellants into wellbores and subterranean reservoirs. These methods and apparatuses controls the temperature of a reactive substance for safe handling at surface and controls the decomposition rate of the substances in the subterranean environment. In addition, these methods and apparatuses provide a means for safe dilution of reactive fluids in the event of a leak or spillage of the reactive substance.
US08312923B2
A gravel pack service tool is lowered into a well. At least one sensor proximate a well region to be gravel packed measures at least one characteristic of the well, where the measuring is performed during a gravel pack operation by the gravel pack service tool. The gravel pack service tool is removed from the well after the gravel pack operation.
US08312922B2
A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. The exterior surfaces of the outer and inner walls contain a soft metal inlay. A wicker profile with a slick area is located on the outer surface of the inner wellhead member and on the inner surface of the outer wellhead member. An energizing ring is moved into the slot to force the outer and inner walls of the seal into sealing engagement with the inner and outer wellhead members. The soft metal inlays deform onto the slick area on the wellhead members. The wickers on the wellhead members embed into the walls of the seal ring.
US08312919B2
A tray for a vacuum deposition apparatus includes a base having an upper surface, a number of cooling pipes fixed to the base each having a plurality of alternately arranged cooling portions and conduits, and a number of engaging members. The cooling portions protrude from the upper surface and each has a cooling channel therein. Two ends of the cooling channel communicate with two adjacent conduits. Each of the engaging members each has a hole surrounding a corresponding cooling portion therein.
US08312918B2
A system and method for detecting low levels of humidity (i.e. less than 10%) inside an automotive vehicle is provided whereby the total absolute humidity inside the vehicle is determined by multiplying the number of occupants in the vehicle by an absolute humidity factor to obtain a total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants. The absolute humidity outside the vehicle is added to the total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants to arrive at a total vehicle cabin absolute humidity.
US08312917B2
A method of controlling the formation of crocodile skin surface roughness on thin cast strip by forming a casting pool of molten metal of less than 0.065% carbon supported on casting surfaces above a nip, assembling a rotating brush to contact the casting surfaces in advance of contact with the molten metal, and controlling the energy exerted by rotating brushes against the casting surfaces of the casting rolls to clean and expose a majority of the projections of the casting surfaces of the casting rolls by providing wetting contact with the molten metal of the casting pool. The cleaning step is controlled by controlling the energy of the rotating brush against the casting rolls based on the difference between the detected light reflected from the casting surfaces and the light reflected when the casting surfaces are clean, and automating the method.
US08312916B2
Method and apparatus employing a casting mould including a liquid feed end for supplying the casting mould with molten second alloy and an exit end with an outlet for casting molten second alloy downwardly. While continuously moving the mould and an elongated solid first alloy substrate relative to one another, casting molten second alloy passes downwardly through at least one outlet of the mould onto an upper surface of the substrate at a temperature wherein the substrate locally at least partly remelts beginning at a reference point of a remelting zone and mixes at least partly with molten second alloy to form an alloy pool. After remelting the molten alloy pool continuously cools and solidifies at a location away from the reference point and joins the substrate to form composite ingot including at least two separately formed layers of one or more alloys before discharging from the mould.
US08312914B2
A mold for forming a plurality of rotors includes a plurality of lamination stacks, wherein each lamination stack defines at least one void therethrough; a tube having a central longitudinal axis, wherein each lamination stack is concentrically spaced apart from the tube to define a channel therebetween; a plurality of washers each having a shape defined by a first diameter and a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, wherein each washer is configured to concentrically abut the tube and define a feed conduit interconnecting with the channel; and a shell disposed in contact with each lamination stack and concentrically spaced apart from each washer to define a plurality of ducts, wherein each duct is interconnected with the at least one void of at least one lamination stack. A mold system and a method of forming a plurality of rotors are also described.
US08312911B2
A portable golf cart curtain assembly that is able to be installed by one golfer in a matter of minutes on any golf cart and provide a substantial barrier to the elements. Its extensible framework is designed for quick attachment to a plethora of different carts and to remain in place despite the twisting of the golf cart frame and any jostling of the golf cart as it traverses about the course. A set of rubber grommets keeps any movement of the assembly quiet as metal on metal contact is eliminated.
US08312909B2
Device for treating paper webs or plies, comprising a couple of overlapped rolls (2,3) for compressing a paper web or ply passing between them. Each of said rolls (2,3) features a fixed central shaft (20,300) supported by a corresponding holder (10,83) at its ends, on which shaft a tubular jacket is fitted, with the interposition of low-friction connecting members (21,310) which are positioned on opposite sides with respect to the center line of the fixed central shaft axis, so that said tubular jacket, which is destined to come into contact with the paper webs or plies to be treated, is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
US08312894B2
A vacuum cleaning machine has a cannister with an inlet port and at least two outlet ports. At least two filters are disposed inside of the cannister, one in pneumatic communication through each of the outlet ports. At least two valves are disposed outside of the cannister. Each valve is in pneumatic communication between a vacuum source and an outlet port so as to permit air to be drawn by the vacuum source from the inlet port simultaneously through the filters. A controller operates the valves to switch the filters from the vacuum source to ambient air so as to permit ambient air to be sequentially intermittently drawn through corresponding valves and filters into the cannister. Preferably, the controller includes a timing mechanism for setting the delay time of the sequential valve operation and a timing mechanism for setting the intermittent time of connection of each filter to ambient air.
US08312892B2
A control valve assembly is capable of diagnosing malfunctions in the control valve assembly and discerning a location of a control fluid leak in the control valve assembly. The control valve assembly includes a control valve, an actuator and a positioner. The actuator includes an actuator vent in an actuator housing, the actuator vent being connected to a flow switch. By determining a flow condition through the actuator vent, the positioner determines whether a control fluid leak is located in a control line or in a diaphragm.
US08312884B2
An intra-oral device used for people that snore or have sleep apnea is designed to move a user's lower jaw forward relative to the user's immovable upper jaw and to prevent the user's mouth from inadvertently opening while sleeping. The device includes upper and lower appliances fitted to the user's respective upper and lower dental arches. The lower appliance possesses a partially embedded bracket. An adjustment element is integrated into the upper portion of the bracket. With the user's mouth closed and the upper and lower appliances positioned over the user's respective dental arches, the adjustment element is moved rearward by worm action into load bearing contact against the forward facing immovable vertical contact wall of the upper appliance. This action moves the lower appliance forward, and thus, the user's lower jaw with its anatomically attached tongue are also moved forward relative to the mouth which in turn opens the user's airway. Also, a forward facing horizontal shoulder positioned at the lowest portion of the vertical contact wall acts against the adjustment element to prevent the user's mouth from opening while sleeping.
US08312882B2
Disclosed is an artificial respiration device that includes a tubular element, which forms a main channel having an upstream part at the proximal end of the tubular element and a downstream part at the distal end of the tubular element. Auxiliary channels open into the main channel and deflecting means are located internal to the main channel. The deflecting means are configured to deflect jets of respiratory gas injected into the main ckannel through the auxiliary channels so as to converge the gas at a point of convergence inside the main channel. The tubular element also includes at least one lateral safety orifice that extends through a lateral wall of the tubular element at a location sustantially opposite the point of convergence, and which is configured to communicate air from outside the tubular element to the downstream part of the main channel.
US08312880B2
A system and method of automatic delivery of appropriate flow rate of oxygen to a person flying in a pressurized aircraft cabin is disclosed. In one embodiment, an adaptable demand dilution oxygen regulator for use inside a pressurized aircraft cabin, includes an oxygen initiation and demand regulation system adapted to be responsive to differential gas pressure in a first altitude range based on a pulmonary capacity of a person flying in the pressurized aircraft cabin and to control flow of pressurized oxygen to a breathing outlet during the first altitude range. The adaptable demand dilution oxygen regulator further includes a cabin air dilution and delivery system, coupled to the oxygen initiation and demand regulation system, adapted to be responsive to differential gas pressure in a second altitude range and to output progressively enriched mixture till 100% pressurized oxygen into a breathing apparatus during the second altitude range.
US08312877B2
A modular medical care system, housing a plurality of different modules providing different functions used in delivering healthcare to a patient, includes a plurality of different modules including: (a) a patient monitoring module for acquiring and processing signals derived from sensors suitable for attachment to a patient; and (b) a patient treatment module for delivering treatment to the patient. A processor processes signals derived from the plurality of different modules. A communication interface provides bidirectional communication between the processor and the plurality of different modules via a network.
US08312872B2
An outdoor gas heater used in the field is provided. The outdoor gas heater includes a primary combustion net having a dual net structure. A wind-proof cover is provided to protect a thermocouple. Fuel gas is concentrated into a fuel gas discharge hole formed in the wind-proof cover so that an initial ignition performance is improved. A support is provided to support the outdoor gas heater from the top surface of a gas container. A fuel gas inlet tube is vertically installed between a head unit and a safety valve while being spaced apart from an adjustment handle, and a fire extinguishing safety device is provided behind the fuel gas inlet tube, so that the fire extinguishing safety device is hidden by the fuel gas inlet tube, thereby minimizing a volume of the gas heater without degrading aesthetic appearance of the gas heater.
US08312870B2
Among other things, methods and apparatus regarding collection, dissemination and display of information concerning paintball loaders and markers are disclosed. A loader includes a heads-up display, electronic devices for gathering, storing and disseminating information, and an antenna for sending and receiving data. Wireless voice communications among paintball players is possible via associated headsets.
US08312868B2
A device and a method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder and a tank ventilation system with a line designed to provide pneumatic communication between the tank ventilation system and the at least one cylinder. The line has at least one sensor for determining a hydrocarbon content of a gas flow. A determination, as a function of a measurement signal from the sensor, of a hydrocarbon content of a gas flow flowing from the tank ventilation system to the at least one cylinder is performed. At least one characteristic variable for a fuel quantity to be metered is determined as a function of the determined hydrocarbon content. A metering of fuel into the cylinder is determined as a function of the at least one determined characteristic variable.
US08312860B2
Extension of the application of multiple injection HCCI combustion strategy from idle to medium load
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine includes monitoring an engine operating state and selectively operating the engine in a multiple-injection, multiple-ignition combustion mode comprising three injection events based upon the engine operating state. The selective operation includes controlling a first injection during a recompression period of the combustion cycle, controlling a second injection event effective to establish a homogeneous fuel charge prior to a main combustion, and controlling a third injection late in the compression phase of the combustion cycle.
US08312856B2
A method of making a forged piston includes the steps of providing a workpiece made of an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy or a titanium alloy; and forging the workpiece with stress applied thereto in a predetermined direction (forging direction). The method further includes, before the step of forging, the step of working the workpiece such that fiber flows of the workpiece are nonparallel to the predetermined direction.
US08312848B2
An engine block assembly for an internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder portion having a plurality of cylinder walls disposed therein. A water jacket, having opposed side walls, extends about the plurality of cylinder walls to define a coolant flow path. A coolant inlet in fluid communication with the water jacket delivers coolant thereto and a coolant outlet in fluid communication with the water jacket removes coolant therefrom. Opposed sealing shoulders extend into the coolant flow path from the water jacket side walls and a longitudinally extending coolant baffle is disposed in the water jacket adjacent to the sealing shoulders. The coolant baffle includes a baffle sealing face configured to engage the opposed sealing shoulders to direct the coolant entering the water jacket in a single direction around the cylinder walls of the cylinder portion.
US08312842B2
A bird feeder apparatus, which utilizes an elastic member to removably secure a removable bottom end portion to a feed storage chamber of the feeder apparatus. In one embodiment, the removable bottom end portion is a feed tray and in another embodiment the removable bottom end portion is a bottom end cap of the feed storage chamber.
US08312839B2
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to obtaining a substantially uniform plasma distribution within a large area processing chamber. For large area processing chambers that utilize RF voltages, standing waves can lead to deposition and/or etching non-uniformities. By applying RF voltage in at least two separate locations at two separate, but close frequencies with or without phase modulation, the wave interference pattern moves across the electrode. By moving the standing wave across the electrode, the plasma generated in the chamber can, over time, be substantially uniform.
US08312831B2
A hydrofoil boat stabilizer having a cross-sectional area with the configuration of a true hydrofoil is provided. The hydrofoil includes a slip-on yoke designed to compressively fit on a cavitation plate of a boat motor lower drive unit. The wings of the hydrofoil include at least one angle of attack, and preferably, a plurality of angles of attack. The hydrofoil is shaped to reduced drag and minimize cavitation. A low-drag surface is included on at least a portion of the outer surface of the hydrofoil.
US08312829B2
A ventilator wind scoop system is disclosed for attachment to a boat deck hatch having a hinged hatch cover which opens to uncover the hatch opening whereby the scoop system communicates through such opening with the boat's below deck space. The scoop system has a deflector unit formed of wind-resistant fabric. The deflector, which is anchored to the inner face of the hatch cover and to supports inside the lower deck, is positioned as desired. The opposing portion of the deflector is anchored within the lower deck, preferably to the ceiling or sides to allow air flow to be forced to the front of the boat or in any direction needed. The wind scoop system is easily customized to fit a wide variety of hatch sizes and when not is use folds into a compact size for easy storage.
US08312820B2
A mount for carrying a display and like devices. The mount includes a base and a support pivotally coupled to the base. The support includes a mounting surface to carry at least one device. At least one rail constrains movement of the base along a horizontal plane. A pivot actuator is configured to pivot the support between a vertical position and a horizontal position. The mounting surface is substantially orthogonal to the horizontal plane in the vertical position. In the horizontal position, the mounting surface is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.
US08312816B2
Handbag or carrying case includes a retaining compartment for retaining objects which is defined by structure having a plurality of apertures extending from the compartment to an exterior thereof, and at least one snap fastener which snaps into a respective aperture to thereby be secured to the compartment defining structure. An object may be coupled to the snap fastener such that the object is secured to the structure defining the compartment. The position of the object is variable depending on which aperture the snap fastener snaps into, with the user selecting where to locate the object by selecting the location at which the snap fastener connected thereto will engage with the compartment defining structure.
US08312812B2
A reloadable munition having a reusable shell base having a hollow cavity on a bottom face to accept a propulsion system reload and a reusable projectile inserted into a top portion of the shell base, and a mechanical retainer for the propulsion system reload in the shell base to provide reloading and reusing of the munition by hand.
US08312800B2
A system for providing pneumatic power to a vitrector includes first and second output ports, an output valve, an isolation valve, and three manifolds. The first and second output ports provide pressurized gas to power a vitrector. The output valve alternately provides pressurized gas to the first and second output ports. The isolation valve provides pressurized gas to the output valve. Two manifolds fluidly connect the output valve to the first and second output ports. A third manifold fluidly connects the isolation valve to the output valve. When the isolation valve provides pressurized gas to the output valve, the output valve operates at a high rate of speed to alternately provide pressurized gas to the first and second output ports thereby powering the vitrector.
US08312794B2
A ratcheting wrench having ratchet structure, a ratchet body, a socket wheel, and a ratchet clutch. The ratchet body is received into the ratchet structure and is rotatable about a first axis. The socket wheel is received in an aperture in the ratchet body and includes a plurality of tool members that are spaced circumferentially apart from one another about a second axis that intersects the first axis but is not coincident with the first axis. The ratchet clutch is configured to control relative rotation between the ratchet structure and the ratchet body about the first axis.
US08312790B2
A one touch combination structure of a knob for an automatic transmission may include the knob which is provided with an operation button, an insert which is interposed inside the knob, a lever pipe which is housed in the insert and a lower end portion of which is hingedly supported to regulate shift speeds, and an operation rod which is slidably inserted into the lever pipe and elastically supported therein so as to vertically move according to an operation of the operation button, wherein a first fitting protrusion and a second fitting protrusion having different width and length are provided at an inner circumference of the insert, and a first cut groove and a second cut groove respectively responding to the first fitting protrusion and the second fitting protrusion are formed at an upper end portion of the lever pipe.
US08312780B2
An in situ autosampling method and associated sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Methods of the present invention make use of a sampling device having an extendable sample capture element with a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. Ports in the sample capture pocket may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element to allow for the in situ processing of a material sample, and the subsequent discharge of the sample to an analyzer or another downstream location.
US08312779B2
The invention makes it possible to determine a force vector that is applied to a tip of a minimally invasive surgical instrument. The force acts upon the housing, is directed to the base, and causes a deformation there in special beam structures. Said deformation is detected by tension-sensitive/extension-sensitive resistors whose changes are a measure for the applied force vector. The inventive measuring element comprises special mounting elements so as to be integrated into tube-type instruments such as guiding wires, fastening zones for additional components, an overload protection, and a head shape that is adapted to the treatment process.
US08312777B2
Shear test apparatus for gold and solder balls of a semiconductor substrate comprises a support element (21) on which is provided a piezo-electric crystal (24) in the direct shear load path. The crystal (24) may have a shield (25). The interface between shield and crystal, and crystal and support element may include an epoxy resin layer to distribute force and retain the components as a unit.
US08312773B2
A laser ultrasonic device is disclosed. The laser ultrasonic device comprises an ultrasonic generation system capable of generating ultrasonic waves on a surface of a sample, said system comprising a first collection of optical fiber output ends arranged in a first pattern.
US08312741B2
In a cleaving apparatus for a glass film, an initial crack, which is formed at a leading end portion of a preset cleaving line of a glass film, is propagated along the preset cleaving line by a thermal stress generated in the glass film through localized heating performed along the preset cleaving line and cooling of a heated region resulting from the localized heating. At this time, a resin sheet having higher flexibility than the glass film is arranged in a cleaving region, and the resin sheet is floated by blowing a gas on a lower surface of the resin sheet by a floating unit. Then, a preset cleaving portion of the glass film including the preset cleaving line is lifted and supported while being covered with the floated resin sheet from below, and in this state, the glass film is cleaved.
US08312740B2
Disclosed are synthetic silica glass body with a birefringence pattern having low fast axis direction randomness factor and glass reflow process. The glass reflow process comprises steps of: providing a glass tube having a notch; and thermally reflowing the glass tube to form a glass plate. The process can be advantageously used to produce fused silica glass plate without observable striae when viewed in the direction of optical axis. Also disclosed are optical members comprising the fused silica glass body and a process for reflowing glass cylinders.
US08312727B2
Fuel injector assemblies with frictionally damped fuel supply members, including fuel feed strips. More particularly, the invention provides friction dampers and/or assemblies that frictionally damp movement of fuel supply members in at least one direction as a function of frequency. Accordingly, low frequency vibration can be undamped, while vibration above a prescribed frequency can be damped. Some of the embodiments provide a friction damper that is easily serviceable, and can be installed after final assembly of a fuel injector. Aspects of the invention are applicable to other components of fuel injectors and gas turbine engines in addition to fuel supply members.
US08312723B2
A system for injecting a mixture of air and fuel into a turbomachine combustion chamber is disclosed. The system includes a fuel injector and a Venturi with an interior surface delimiting a premixing chamber. The Venturi includes an internal annular airflow cavity which is connected by air outlet ducts to the premixing chamber. The air outlet ducts open onto the interior surface of the Venturi so as to prevent to deposition of soot and the formation of coke on this surface.
US08312718B2
A method for operating a turbocharged engine includes adjusting turbocharger rotational acceleration or deceleration in response to one or more resonant frequencies. Additionally in some examples, the method may further include increasing turbocharger rotation in response to one or more resonant frequencies during a first condition, and increasing turbocharger deceleration in response to one or more resonant frequencies during a second condition, the second condition different from the first condition. In this way, it is possible to enhance the useful life cycle of the turbocharger and associated engine by limiting the operating time in a resonant frequency band.
US08312715B2
The invention relates to a mobile machine having a traction drive and working hydraulics. The drive unit has a radial piston pump which is driven by a drive set and supplies working hydraulics. The radial piston pump is arranged on the axis of the output drive shaft of the drive set, between the drive set and a gearbox which is connected thereto via the output drive shaft. The drive set, the radial piston pump and the gearbox in this case form a compact drive unit.
US08312711B2
An internal combustion engine wherein an HC treatment catalyst (12) having the function of adsorbing the HC in the exhaust gas is arranged upstream of the NOx selective reducing catalyst (14), an urea aqueous solution fed from the reducing agent feed valve (15) is arranged upstream of the HC treatment catalyst (12), urea, and NOx contained in the exhaust gas, and HC adsorbed on the HC treatment catalyst 12 are reacted with each other to form intermediate products having cyano groups, oximes, and amino groups, and these intermediate products are sent to the NOx selective reducing catalyst (14).
US08312710B2
A method for starting an engine of a motor vehicle, the engine having an intake manifold, an intake throttle controlling admission of air into the intake manifold, and a plurality of combustion chambers communicating with the intake manifold, the method comprising providing a reduced pressure of air in the intake manifold prior to delivering fuel or spark to the engine, the reduced pressure of air responsive to a temperature of the engine; delivering fuel to one or more of the plurality of combustion chambers in an amount based on the reduced pressure of air; and delivering spark to the one or more combustion chambers to start the engine.
US08312704B2
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a propulsion device that ionizes a portion of a medium and ExB drifts the ionized portion providing thrust where the ionized portion is created using high pressure field emitters comprising: a substrate layer; a gate layer; a field emitter tip; and a cover layer, wherein the field emitter tip is configured to emit electrons in a region when there is a potential difference between the gate layer and the field emitter tip, where the cover layer separates an ambient environment at a pressure from the region, and where a substantial portion of the electrons pass through the cover layer.
US08312701B1
A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.
US08312698B2
An inserting apparatus for inserting documents into envelopes comprising an envelope holder for holding an envelope in a document inserting position, wherein a first upstream end of the envelope is in an open position for receiving the document, a document displacement arrangement for displacing the document along a document inserting path into the envelope, wherein the apparatus further comprises a document steering arrangement arranged opposite to an envelope crease line provided between an envelope flap and an envelope body. The arrangement comprises steering elements spaced apart along a central axis that in use is substantially aligned with the envelope crease line. The steering elements are interconnected such that in use the respective steering elements are rotatable about the central axis in a similar direction with a similar speed during a similar time interval.
US08312690B1
Various embodiments of a system and method of forming a decorative pervious concrete system are generally described. In some embodiments, the pervious concrete system comprises a coarse pervious layer, a binder layer, a decorative pervious layer and a decorative layer sealer. In some embodiments, the decorative pervious layer comprises a decorative aggregate which may be at least partially exposed.
US08312688B2
The present invention relates to a glazing unit comprising a glazed element (10) provided with a peripheral frame or with peripheral elements made of plastic overmolded onto said glazed element (10), said peripheral frame or said peripheral elements incorporating at least one element (13′, 14′, 15, 16, 17, 18′, 19′, 19″, 20) for reinforcing the glazed element, this reinforcing element being connected to said peripheral frame or said peripheral elements by an overmolding plastic (9) and consisting of a profile comprising a web part (11) that is arranged parallel or substantially parallel and close to the glazed element (10) and bears at least one projecting part (12) distal to the glazed element, characterized in that the projecting part or parts (12) does not or do not form a pocket that is open in the direction of the glazed element (10).
US08312683B2
The present disclosure is directed to a concrete sandwich panel. The sandwich panel may comprise a first reinforced concrete panel; a second reinforced concrete panel; an insulating panel sandwiched between the first reinforced concrete panel and the second reinforced concrete panel; a tie comprising a generally triangle wave-shaped pattern having a period defined by peaks spaced at a regular interval and a peak-to-peak amplitude greater than the thickness of the insulating panel; wherein the insulating panel has a plurality of generally linear slots defined at the regular interval of the tie for receiving the tie such that opposing ends of the tie terminate adjacent to the insulating panel, and the plurality of generally linear slots are filled utilizing an insulating material upon insertion of the tie to reduce thermal bridging; and wherein the peaks of the tie mechanically join the first and second reinforced concrete panels to the insulating panel.
US08312676B2
A shutter panel having multiple louvers that may be opened or closed in unison and which provide a flat, non-overlapping surface when placed in the closed position. Each louver is provided with a pivot post and a drive post, and the drive posts of each louver are interconnected to one or more control rods hidden within the stiles of the shutter panel. Each louver is beveled to encourage movement between the open and closed positions, and to assist with the formation of a substantially flat surface when the louvers are placed in the closed positions. The substantially flat surface formed when the louvers are closed may include an aesthetic design applied thereon or engraved therein.
US08312645B2
An article of footwear or other product may include a material element having a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and at least one strand. The second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, and the second layer is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. The strand is located between the first layer and the second layer, and the strand lies substantially parallel to the second layer for a distance of at least five centimeters. In this configuration, the thermoplastic polymer material may join the first layer and the third layer to the second layer. The thermoplastic polymer material may also join the strand to the second layer.
US08312638B2
A multiple laundry treating machine, in which an auxiliary laundry treating device (120) is coupled to a general laundry treating device (110), is disclosed. The multiple laundry treating machine includes a main laundry treating device (110) for washing or drying laundry contained in an interior of the main laundry treating device (110), an auxiliary laundry treating device (120) arranged at one side of the main laundry treating device (110), the auxiliary laundry treating device (120) having a volume and a height respectively smaller than a volume and a height of the main laundry treating device (110), and having a laundry container (121) formed in an interior of the auxiliary laundry treating device (120), and a connecting unit (300) for connecting the main and auxiliary laundry treating devices (110, 120), to enable communication or control operations between the main and auxiliary laundry treating devices (110, 120). In accordance with the multiple laundry treating machine, it is possible to achieve a convenience in use and to save energy because a small amount of clothes or shoes can be dried by the auxiliary laundry treating device (120), without driving a laundry treating device (120) having a relatively-large capacity.
US08312637B2
An alignment tool determines the parallelism between the anvil face of an anvil of an ultrasonic welder and the horn faces of a replacement horn mounted on the welder by a rotary mount. The tool includes a tool base having a face plate contacting with the anvil face and a clamp for clamping the tool base on the anvil. A plate member is mounted on the tool base for swiveling movement and contacts the horn faces. Springs urge the plate member into contact with the horn faces while the replacement horn is rotated relative to the anvil. Transducers sense the relative positions between the face plate and the plate member so that the repairman can determine that the replacement horn has been rotated to the desired position in which the horn face has become parallel with the anvil face. Then the replacement horn can then be tightened against further rotation.
US08312634B1
A positioner and method of use thereof, wherein the positioner is comprised of a positioner first and second side. A flap having a flap first and second side may be hingedly mounted to the positioner. Both the positioner first and second sides and flap first and second sides may be fashioned with grids, wherein an aperture may be positioned at each node of each grid, and wherein one indicator corresponds to each apertures. The positioner may be used to easily and accurately position markings adjacent window frames, sills, or other structures having right angles thereon.
US08312629B2
In a method of making a tubular support bar for a dashboard support, a sheet metal blank is placed in a first forming tool and pressed in a first shaping step by a ram into a U-shaped cavity of a first bottom die to form a U-shaped member. While remaining in the first bottom die, the U-shaped member is provided with connecting elements in the form of weld nuts by a automated placement device. Subsequently, the U-shaped member is transferred to a second forming tool and undergoes a second shaping step between a top die and a second bottom die to form a slotted tube. The longitudinal edges of the slotted tube are then joined together to form the support bar.
US08312621B2
A handheld tool device to facilitate maintenance and installation of hollow through-hole audio input jacks on electrical guitars and other electronic musical devices. The tool has an expandable tip that can be placed inside the hollow opening of the through-hole audio input jack, and then be expanded by the operator. The device enables the operator to hold the audio input jack in a fixed position while a nut or other jack fastening device is tightened. Other applications for the device include stabilizing a large variety of different through-hole connectors, embedded in a wide variety of different surfaces.
US08312608B2
An installation and removal system for a toilet unit is provided. The system includes a base having floor engaging wheels coupled thereto. At least one of the floor engaging wheels is adjustable to maintain the base substantially level relative to the floor. An actuator is disposed on the base. A pair of spaced apart support elements are coupled to the actuator and adapted to engage an underside of the toilet unit. An angle of the support elements relative the base is adjustable. The system includes a retaining system coupled to the spaced apart support elements and adapted to couple with the toilet unit. The retaining system militate against an undesired movement of the toilet unit relative the support elements. A kit and method for using the system are also provided.
US08312600B2
A quick release apparatus for rapid disconnection of a rescue worker's waist belt from a self-contained breathing apparatus support frame. The apparatus includes a belt connection apparatus for connection to a wearer's waist belt, an SCBA frame connection apparatus connected to the SCBA frame, and a coupling apparatus including at least one pullable rapid release member that moves in a first direction to couple the belt connection apparatus to the SCBA frame connection apparatus and in a second direction to rapidly decouple the belt connection apparatus from the SCBA frame connection apparatus in such a manner that the SCBA frame is disconnected from the waist belt and the wearer can entirely remove the SCBA from his or her body while leaving the waist belt and any accoutrements attached thereto in place and on his or her person.
US08312595B2
A castor wheel construction for furniture pieces and the like comprises a hub including an annular supporting element supporting a cylinder having two end portions thereon two wheels are respectively mounted, one for each cylinder portion, the annular supporting element also including a vertical attachment portion for receiving a peg element integral with the furniture pieces, to allow the castor wheel construction to turn about a vertical axis, each wheel comprising a cylindric portion operating as a tread, coupled to a flange portion, the wheels being fixedly coupled to the cylindric portion.
US08312591B1
A new wall-mountable vacuum cleaner and bracket combination provides easy locking. Both the vacuum cleaner and the bracket have mounting rims. When the vacuum cleaner is on the bracket, a support surface on a proximal end of one of the two mounting rims engages a terminal edge of the other of the two mounting rims. The vacuum cleaner can be secured in place by moving a movable arm from an extended position to a retracted position in which the vacuum cleaner is locked in place. To accommodate the required movement of the movable arm, the bracket has a deflectable locking edge that moves between a rest position and a deflected position. In the rest position, the distance between the locking edge and the terminal edge of the bracket mounting rim exceeds the distance between the terminal edge of the vacuum mounting rim and the base surface, but is less than the distance from the terminal edge of the vacuum mounting rim to the part of the vacuum cleaner that lies directly beneath the locking edge when the vacuum cleaner is stored on the bracket.
US08312586B2
A device for holding and manipulating compressible cleaning implements is disclosed wherein the cleaning implements may be made from a compressible material and may have a compressible portion. The device may include a handle. A blade may be attached to the handle. An outer blade edge may surround the blade. An opening through the blade may be defined by an inner blade edge. A channel may pass through the blade and may extend from the inner blade edge to the outer blade edge, and may be defined by a first channel edge and a second channel edge. The compressible portion of the cleaning implement may be passed through the channel into the opening and may be held in the opening by engagement with the inner blade edge. Each of the first and second channel edges may respectively define first and second circumferentially directed points configured to poke into the compressible material.
US08312583B2
Discs having recessed areas, or pockets, in their undersides are detailed. The pockets allow provision of increased suction in localized regions, especially useful when the body of an associated cleaner pivots from side to side. Downwardly-extending wear surfaces may be present as well within the pockets.
US08312573B2
The invention provides an inflatable receptacle which may easily be brought along, and which in the inflated state may serve as a stable seat with comfortable seat height for a person. This is achieved by an inflatable receptacle which is peculiar in that the inner membrane side and the outer membrane side are interconnected by at least one membrane joint, preferably by welding the two membrane sides at the centre part of the receptacle, where the at least one membrane joint extends partially or entirely between the lower and upper ends of the receptacle.Great stability is achieved hereby, as optimal possibility for transferring an action of force applied to the upper end of the receptacle in parallel with the support face is created in order to absorb the action of force in a large part of the support face placed upon the base. This improved ability of transferring actions of force to the base arises because shear forces by disc action are transferred along a membrane joint according to the invention between the partial air chambers produced by establishing the membrane joint.
US08312566B2
A training garment (10) for developing an athlete's inspiratory muscles, comprises a resistance band (12) and adjustment means (13). The resistance band (12) is configured such that when the training garment (10) is in use during the performance of aerobic exercise, the resistance band (12) embraces the athlete's thorax and imparts a resistive load thereto. The adjustment means (13) enable the athlete to vary the applied resistive load. The training garment (10) resists the expansion of the athlete's thorax during the performance of aerobic exercise, but without restricting the athlete's range of motion.
US08316460B1
Computer-implemented methods for temporarily storing history of a private web browsing session using encryption are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request to temporarily store viewing session information for a web browsing session, and receiving a request to view a web page during the web browsing session. The method also includes generating an encryption key for the viewing session information for the web page during the web browsing session, encrypting the viewing session information for the web page using the encryption key, and storing the encrypted viewing session information in non-volatile memory and the encryption key in volatile memory. Access to the encrypted viewing session information is controlled by the encryption key in volatile memory. Systems, graphical user interfaces, and machine-readable media are also provided.
US08316459B2
A data processing system for securing information transfer from a removable media, comprising a security server and networked devices. Each networked device comprises a first operating system arranged to operate it; a second operating system, substantially differing structurally from the first operating system, and arranged to communicate with the security server over a secure communication link; and an I/O port arranged to allow connecting the removable device thereto. Each networked device is arranged to communicate with the removable device only via the second operating system responsive to the connection of the removable device to the port. The second operating system receives the information from the removable media via the I/O port and sends the information to the security server, which applies thereon operations relating to information security and in reference to predefined security criteria, such that the information is secure for use in the networked devices.
US08316457B1
A network system provides IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service from a network service provider to a customer. A plurality of network elements are connected to form a core domain of the network service provider. A master IMS instance is configured within the core domain and includes a core call session control function (CSCF) and a core home subscriber server (HSS). A partitioned IMS instance is configured as a virtual core within the core domain and includes a partitioned CSCF and a customer HSS accessible by a user of the customer from outside the core domain. A virtual IMS service control interface is coupled between the master IMS instance and the partitioned IMS instance so that the partitioned CSCF has access to the core CSCF for transfer of media.
US08316445B2
A software, system and methodology for protecting against malware key logger attacks that utilize, for example, form-grabbing techniques. The application protects the browser from key logging malware attacks, and the loss of critical user confidential information often entered into internet forms for the purpose of buying items or logging into financial institutions. An embodiment of a method for blocking form-grabbing attacks including the following steps. Upon detecting a form submission event from the browser, and immediately after allowing the data to be properly submitted, the form input fields are cleared of data. The method prevents hook-based key loggers or form-grabbing key loggers from capturing form input data, thereby protecting the user from theft of passwords or credentials.
US08316443B2
A system may include an attack preventing creator module that is configured to create at least one attack preventing head block for a message having message elements in a tree structure with one or more of the message elements being signed, wherein the attack preventing header block includes structure specific information that comprises at least a digest value of a pre-order traversal list of the tree structure and for each signed message element a unique ID attribute, a depth, a parent's name and a parent's ID attribute. The system may include an attack preventing verifier module that is configured to verify the at least one attack preventing header block by comparing the structure specific information which can be derived from the message with the structure specific information carried by the first attack preventing header block.
US08316424B2
A Virtual Single Account (VSA) system and method that provides a mobile user with automatic authentication and connection to a remote network via local access networks with a single password, where the local access networks may be independent of the remote network. A mobile user has a single authentication credential for one VSA that is utilized by a VSA client installed on a mobile computing device. The VSA client provides for automatically authenticating and connecting the user's mobile device to a current local access network, and the target remote network such as the user's office network. All authentication credentials are encrypted using a key generated from the user's VSA password that is generated from the user's single password. The VSA client derives the key from the submitted VSA password and decrypts all authentication credentials that are required in order to connect the mobile device to the current local access network and thereafter to the office network.
US08316419B2
A system for controlled access to information contained in a terminal (10) of a user of a telecommunications network (R). The system includes, in the terminal (10), an information server (11) adapted to supply said information; and in the network (R), a privacy server (20) in which conditions for access to said information defined by the user in said privacy server (20) are stored. The system further comprises a security module (12) in the terminal (10) adapted to receive said access conditions from the privacy server (20) at the time of a request to access said information. Application to mobile telephone networks.
US08316412B2
An application program executing a method and an apparatus for improving the speed of executing an application program for a digital television (DTV) are provided. If log information exists for a resource used by an application program, the resource indicated by the log information is requested, and the application program is executed using the resource transmitted as per the request. Accordingly, it is possible to rapidly provide the application program with the resource used by the application program, thereby increasing the speed of executing the application program.
US08316410B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a display device having a controller to wirelessly receive media; wirelessly receive control signals for presentation of the media from a mobile communication device; and selectively disable control by the display device over presentation of the media on the display device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US08316408B2
In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content provider subsystem providing media content over a closed media network and a closed media network access device communicatively coupled to the media content provider subsystem by the closed media network. The closed media network access device is configured to receive the media content over the closed media network, provide at least a component of the media content to an output device for presentation to a user, receive audio input including user voice input provided by the user, and utilize the user voice input in at least one of a voice command application and a communication application.
US08316403B2
In the case where the receiving apparatus 1 obtains, from a content archive, and reproduces a first video content having the same content as a program being broadcast, the difference of the ending time between the first video content being played and the program being broadcast is detected (S701). In the case where there is a difference in the ending time (YES in step S702), the receiving apparatus 1 obtains, from the content archive, a second video content having the same content as the next program started following the program being broadcast (S703, S704), and reproduces the second video content following the first video content being played (S705 to S709).
US08316397B2
A digital video broadcasting system, digital video broadcasting terminal, and method for providing file information in a file download service are provided. To this end, the digital broadcasting system includes a broadcasting server for transmitting an Electronic Service Guide (ESG) comprising a schedule event fragment wherein, if files that provide the file download service comprise a file set generated by grouping at least one file, the schedule event fragment comprises the information about files included in the file set, and a terminal for receiving the ESG, for evaluating the schedule event fragment of the ESG upon receipt of a request for downloadable file information, and for evaluating the information about the files included in the file set and displaying the information if the schedule event fragment comprises the information about the file set.
US08316393B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system having a controller to retrieve a user profile, cause a set-top box (STB) to present an avatar having characteristics that correlate to the user profile, receive from the STB one or more responses of the user, detect from the one or more responses a change in an emotional state of the user, adapt a search for media content according to the user profile and the detected change in the emotional state of the user, adapt a portion of the characteristics of the avatar relating to emotional feedback according to the user profile and the detected change in the emotional state of the user, and cause the STB to present the adapted avatar presenting content from a media content source identified from the adapted search for media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08316390B2
A system and method that allows content to be broadcast without commercial interruption, yet lets the company or companies that sponsor the broadcast to offer advertisements and discounts and various special offers to the viewers at a later time. The amount of time a viewer spends watching a particular broadcast is recorded along with information about the sponsoring companies or organizations for the broadcast. The viewer later accesses a central database, which sends back to the viewer advertisements, coupons, discounts, contests, and other enticements to purchase products, based on the amount of time the viewer spent watching broadcasts or segments of broadcasts that were sponsored by the advertiser.
US08316379B2
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for encapsulating Unstructured Operation Markup Language (UOML) into an Application Programming Interface (API), including: mapping an object of an UOML operation to a data type of a programming language, mapping the UOML operation to an API function prototype in the programming language, wherein an attribute or sub element of the UOML operation is mapped to a parameter of the API function prototype; wherein, when an API function is invoked, the API function issues a corresponding UOML operation instruction to a docbase management system according to the mapping relations; after an operation defined by the UOML operation instruction is executed by the docbase management system, the return result from the docbase management system is converted into a data type of the programming language by the API function. In this way, API functions in different programming languages, which correspond to the UOML, can be implemented, and the application developers of the programming languages may invoke suitable API functions directly to implement applications on the docbase management system, thus the development efficiency can be improved.
US08316375B2
A process is selected for movement from a current node to a new node, based on an inertia of the process. The inertia is a quantified measure of the impact resulting from the process being inaccessible while being moved. The inertia can take into account the number of current external connections to the process; the larger the number of current external connections is, the greater the inertia. The inertia can take into account the extent to which the process accepts external connections; the greater the extent to which the process accepts external connections is, the greater the inertia. The inertia can take into account the desired availability of the process; the greater the desired availability is, the greater the inertia. The inertia can take into account a specified quality of service of the process; the higher the specified quality of service is, the greater the inertia.
US08316360B2
Methods and apparatus to optimize the parallel execution of software processes are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a first software process that processes a set of data, locating a first primitive in the first software process, and decomposing the first primitive into a first set of one or more sub-primitives. The example methods and apparatus additionally perform static fusion and dynamic fusion to optimize software processes for execution in parallel processing systems.
US08316359B2
The present invention provides a method and system for optimization of an intermediate representation in a graphical modeling environment. A first intermediate representation is provided. At least one optimization technique is applied to the first intermediate representation. A second intermediate representation is generated responsive to the application of the at least one optimization technique to the first intermediate representation.
US08316357B2
The efficient use of type descriptors with frozen objects. A frozen object might actually include several type descriptors, a primary type descriptor that is canonical according to a set of canonicalization rules, and an auxiliary type descriptor that is not identical to the primary type descriptor. The auxiliary type descriptor may be used to access the canonical type descriptor. When performing an operation, if the auxiliary type descriptor can be used to perform the operation, then that auxiliary type descriptor may be used. If the canonical type descriptor is to be used to perform the operation, the auxiliary type descriptor is used to gain access to the canonical primary type descriptor. The primary type descriptor is then used to perform the operation.
US08316356B2
There is described a method, wherein an interpreter program is executed on a control device and is adapted to access scripts having display components and program architectures. Said program architectures are enabled to access operating data of the firmware of the control device, said operational data being convertible to display data of a defined display format and vice versa. The scripts are run, the program architectures compiling the corresponding result in the form of display components with optionally the display data in the defined display format and making the result available to the operating/monitoring device. A display program is executed on the reporting/monitoring device in order to display at least the display components in the defined display format. References to at least one script on the control device are deposited in the display components. These references are connected to an event, and the interpreter program initiates and runs the corresponding script when this event occurs. The operating/monitoring device can no longer directly access the sensitive firmware of the control device. Communication is carried out via an interpreter program. Access to the actual control application is no longer possible.
US08316354B2
Data relating to execution flows at a computer system is compressed and aggregated across multiple execution flows by categorizing each execution flow into an execution flow shape. The execution flows may represent sequences of software components that are invoked. The execution flow shapes are developed by observing the execution flows at the computer system and applying lossy compression rules, such as representing multiple iterations of a loop as a single iteration, skipping certain types of software components, such as those having a specified call stack depth, treating some of the software components as being optional, and ignoring recursive calls by the software components. The aggregation and compression allow the information from all execution flows to be combined into a small enough data set that can be reported without consuming unduly large processing overhead while still preserving as many of the interesting aspects of the execution flows as possible.
US08316352B2
Transactional programming promises to substantially simplify the development and maintenance of correct, scalable, and efficient concurrent programs. Designs for supporting transactional programming using transactional memory implemented in hardware, software, and a mixture of the two have emerged recently. However, various features and capabilities that would be desirable for debugging programs executed using transactional memory are absent from conventional debuggers. Because transactional memory implementations provide the “illusion” of multiple memory locations changing value atomically, while in fact they do not, there can be significant challenges involved with integrating debuggers with such programs to provide the user with a coherent view of program execution. We describe use of transactional memory access tracking mechanism for implementations of watchpoints on memory locations that correspond to transactional variables.
US08316347B2
An SOA solution architecture generation method and system. The method includes retrieving by a computing system, a service model and an SOA solution architecture model. The computing system retrieves and loads a configuration file comprising mapping data. The mapping data comprises data associating elements of the service model to architectural layers of the SOA solution. Each element is processed. The computing system identifies each architectural layer that corresponds to an associated element based on the mapping data. Each element is placed in an associated layer of the architectural layers. The computing system generates a UML model. The UML model comprises each element in an associated layer of the architectural layers. The computing system loads the UML model.
US08316339B2
A leakage power optimization system optimizes leakage power of a circuit design which includes a set of logic gates. The system selects a leakage-power-reducing transformation for a logic gate, and determines a zone around the logic gate. This zone includes logic gates within a first predetermined number of levels in the logic gate's fan-out, the logic gate's fan-in, and a second predetermined number of levels in the logic gate's fan-in's fan-out. The system propagates arrival times within the zone to obtain updated slack values at endpoints of the zone. Then, in response to determining that the updated slack values at the endpoints of the zone do not degrade one or more circuit timing metrics, the system applies the leakage-power-reducing transformation to the logic gate.
US08316338B2
A method of simplifying a combinational circuit establishes an initial combinational circuit operable to calculate a set of target signals. A quantity of multiplication operations performed in a first portion of the initial combinational circuit is reduced to create a first, simplified combinational circuit. The first portion includes only multiplication operations and addition operations. A quantity of addition operations performed in a second portion of the first, simplified combinational circuit is reduced to create a second, simplified combinational circuit. The second portion includes only addition operations. Also, the second, simplified combinational circuit is operable to calculate the target signals using fewer operations than the initial combinational circuit.
US08316324B2
A touchless sensing unit (110) and method (200) for operating a device via touchless control is provided. The method can include detecting (210) a finger (310) within a touchless sensory space (101), and handling (220) a control of the device (100) in accordance with a movement of the finger. A first finger movement can be recognized for acquiring a control, and a second finger movement for selecting a control. The method can include estimating (230) a location of the finger in the touchless sensory space for acquiring the control, and identifying a finger movement (250) of the finger at the location for selecting the control.
US08316303B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device, including a controller to: transmit a client program having a graphical user interface (GUI) to a media device operating in an interactive television (iTV) network, wherein the client program presents a symbolic overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate comments with the media content received at the media device, and wherein the comments are presented by at least one symbol in a temporal vicinity of the media content; and perform a highlighting event when a cursor of an input device is positioned at or near the at least one symbol of the presentation of the symbolic overlay. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08316293B2
A system renders presentation pages such as in a wireless communications system. A server includes an extensible stylesheet transformation (XSLT) module. A storage medium contains at least one of images and text. The XSLT module is operative for calling an XSL extension and rendering the at least one of images and text into a presentation page based on a language requirement at a foreign locale.
US08316284B2
Methods of error correction code (ECC) debugging may comprise detecting whether a bit error has occurred; determining which bit or bits were in error; and using the bit error information for debug. The method may further comprise comparing ECC syndromes against one or more ECC syndrome patterns. The method may allow for accumulating bit error information, comparing error bit failures against a pattern, trapping data, counting errors, determining pick/drop information, or stopping the machine for debug.
US08316282B2
Coding a data stream is provided, wherein the data stream comprises at least one packet having a given packet length and respective partitions of the at least one packet are coded with different error protection rates, the respective lengths of the respective partitions being determined by respective predetermined percentages of the packet length or a fraction of the packet length.
US08316280B2
An error correction device is provided. The error correction device includes a code storage unit where a plurality of error correction codes are stored, a first error correction unit to correct a data error detected from input data by using one of a plurality of error correction codes and to output correction data, a buffer to store the correction data, and a second error correction unit to generate a new correction code from the correction data, to compare another of a plurality of error correction codes with the new correction code and to output a comparison result.
US08316277B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for ensuring data validity in a data storage process. A data receiver module receives a storage block and existing parity information. An ECC generation module generates error correcting code (“ECC”) check bits for the data of the storage block in response to receiving the storage block and the existing parity information. The ECC check bits for the storage block are generated using a block code, a convolutional code, etc. A pre-storage consistency module uses the data of the storage block, the existing parity information, and the ECC check bits to determine if the data of the storage block, the existing parity information, and the ECC check bits are consistent. A data storage module stores the data of the storage block and the ECC check bits the data storage device without storing the existing parity information.
US08316275B2
There are provided a turbo decoding system of a CDMA mobile communication terminal, a transmission power control method, and a CDMA mobile communication terminal in which interference in the other users is suppressed by not increasing the transmission power of a base station to a value over the necessary value and excessive repetitive processing is prevented in the turbo decoding section to reduce consumption power.There are disposed a BLER measuring section 10 to measure BLER as reception quality for each number of decoding bits on the basis of a CRC judge result after an error correction by the turbo decoding section 4 and an outer loop power control and iteration control section 11 to control transmission power of a base station and to control the iteration count of turbo decoding on the basis of the reception quality of each number of decoding bits. The outer loop power control and iteration control section 11 controls the transmission power of the base station by producing a target SIR according to the reception signal such that SIR of the reception signal is the target SIR and adaptively controls to make the iteration count optimal on the basis of the convergence state of the outer loop transmission power control.
US08316265B2
Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise techniques that can be used to generate scan chain test patterns and improve scan chain failure diagnosis resolution. For example, certain embodiments can be used to generate high quality chain diagnosis test patterns that are able to isolate a scan chain defect to a single scan cell. At least some embodiments can be used to locate faults over multiple capture cycles in the scan chain.
US08316254B2
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus having a power-saving function includes a power-saving control module, a power consumption measuring module, a log accumulation module, and a log display module. The power-saving control module sets each of predetermined components in the information processing apparatus in either a normal operation state or a power-saving state, based on power-saving parameters corresponding to the predetermined components. The power consumption measuring module measures a total power amount consumed by the apparatus in a predetermined time period. The power-saving effect calculation module calculates a power-saving effect value indicative of a power amount reduced in the predetermined time period by the setting of the power-saving parameters. The log storing module stores information indicative of the total power amount and the power-saving effect value. The log display module displays cumulative values which are periodically accumulated the total power amounts and the power-saving effect values.
US08316247B2
A method and apparatus for user activity-based dynamic power management and policy creation for mobile platforms are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the monitoring of one or more sensor values of a mobile platform device to gather sensor activity data. Once the sensor activity data is gathered, the user state may be predicted according to the gathered user activity and an updated user state model. In one embodiment, the user state model is updated according to the sensor activity data. In one embodiment, a switch occurs from the present power management policy to a new power management policy if the new user state differs from a present user state by a predetermined amount. In one embodiment, at least one time-out parameter of a selected power management policy may be adjusted to comply with a predicted user state. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08316246B2
A network system includes a server computer connected to at least one client device and configured to perform at least one operation corresponding to an operation signal received from the at least one client device, and transmitting result data based on the performed operation to a corresponding client device and the at least one client device configured to transmit the operation signal in response to an input from a user, receive the result data transmitted from the server computer and processing the result data, wherein the at least one of the client devices configured to determine whether the result data from the server computer is normal and perform power halting operation for a predetermined time period based on a determination that the result data is abnormal.
US08316236B2
A system for determining security associations using binary output sequences is described. In an example systematic embodiment, a first device is coupled over a network to a second device. Each device includes a processor and an indicator mechanism coupled to the processor. The indicator mechanism is configured to output a binary representation of a security state established between the devices to a user in perceivable proximity to at least one of the devices. A computer readable storage medium is coupled to the processor and includes executable instructions for the processor. The instructions when executed by the processor initiate a security transaction between the devices. The security transaction includes a protocol that uses one or more public keys to establish a security state between the devices. The indicator mechanism then outputs the binary representation to the user based on the established security state.
US08316233B2
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for accessing secure and certified electronic messages using a combination of biometric security, a separate and secure network and email infrastructure, email management processes, and the addition of text, audio and visual format options to sending emails messages.
US08316230B2
A revocation determination service determines for a client whether a particular digital certificate as issued by a particular certificate authority (CA) has been revoked by such CA. In the service, an engine receives a query from the client, where the query identifies the particular certificate and the CA that issued the particular certificate. At least one provider is resident at the service, where each provider corresponds to a revocation information repository and represents the corresponding repository at the service, and connects to the corresponding repository. Each repository has revocation information from at least one CA. A configuration store includes a configuration information record corresponding to each provider resident at the service. Each configuration information record includes an identification of the provider and of each CA that the repository corresponding to such provider has revocation information for.
US08316229B2
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method is deployed for loading a user CA certificate into the trusted certificate storage of a network device. The method comprises a number of operations. A first operation involves a downloading of addressing information. Thereafter, a communication session is established using the addressing information for retrieval of a bootstrapping digital certificate that can be digitally verified by the network device using its factory settings. Keying information is extracted from the bootstrapping digital certificate and the keying information can be used to verify that the communication session is between the network device and a certificate server being different than a source for the addressing information. Upon verification that the network device is in communication with the certificate server, the user CA certificate is downloaded from the certificate server using a secure channel that is established based on the bootstrapping digital certificate.
US08316226B1
Adaptive failover occurs between a Layer Three (L3) based network tunnel and a Layer Four (L4) based network tunnel. An example of a L4 based network tunnel is a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) tunnel and an example of a L3 based network tunnel is an Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) tunnel. SSL tunnels work through most firewalls and proxies, but may introduce latency and other performance problems. IPSec tunnels provide a more efficient performance, but may not work through some firewalls and proxies. The techniques include dynamically selecting a tunneling protocol in order to achieve a more efficient network tunnel performance when possible while maintaining consistent L3 connectivity from a variety of remote network environments.
US08316225B2
A system and method are provided for establishing a communication link between an on onboard computer system (OCS) of a mobile platform and a central computer system (CCS) located remotely from the mobile platform. A message containing data to be downloaded from the OCS to the CCS is sent from a first portion of an electronic log book function (ELB1) of the OCS to a second portion of a communications management function (CMF2) of the OCS. The message is configured into a transmittable data file and placed into an outgoing queue of the CMF2. The CMF2 automatically selects at least one desired communication channel from a plurality of available communication channels utilizing a configuration file of the CMF2. The CMF2 establishes a secure link between the OCS and the CCS utilizing the automatically selected communication channel and sends the transmittable data file to the CCS, via the secure established link over the automatically selected channel.
US08316224B2
In order to track actions performed by a package manager or a configuration management system, a computing system can be configured to include a tagging tool. The tagging tool can be configured to cooperate with the package manager and the configuration management system in order to determine and generate a history of the actions performed by the package manager and the configuration management system. The history can include a description of the actions, the reasons why the actions were performed, and a list and description of the software programs, files, and software libraries that are affected by the actions.
US08316220B2
Processors, data structures and methods for operating two or more processors over a network are disclosed. A processor can load, store and save information relating to the operation of one or more of its secondary processors in a unit of migration that includes either contents of exclusively associated memories of two or more secondary processors related to the execution state of a suspended process or contents of exclusively associated memories of one or more secondary processors related to the execution state of a suspended process and shared initialized data for the process. Such a unit of migration may be embodied in a processor readable medium.
US08316219B2
Provided are techniques for the managing of command queue dependencies and command queue synchronization. Incoming commands are actively tracked through their dependency relationships. Command dependencies may be tracked across multiple lists, including a submission list and a completion list. Each command on the submission list is prepared for processing and ultimately submitted to command processing logic. Command completion processing is performed on each command on the completion list, including by not limited to removing dependencies from pending commands and possibly queuing pending commands for submission to the command processing logic. Also provided as features of a command queue are a standby barrier, an active barrier and a marker. Standby and active barriers are employed to synchronize and track commands through the command queue. Markers are employed to track commands through the command queue.
US08316209B2
A non-volatile memory data address translation scheme is described that utilizes a hierarchal address translation system that is stored in the non-volatile memory itself. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a hierarchal address data and translation system wherein the address translation data entries are stored in one or more data structures/tables in the hierarchy, one or more of which can be updated in-place multiple times without having to overwrite data. This hierarchal address translation data structure and multiple update of data entries in the individual tables/data structures allow the hierarchal address translation data structure to be efficiently stored in a non-volatile memory array without markedly inducing write fatigue or adversely affecting the lifetime of the part. The hierarchal address translation of embodiments of the present invention also allow for an address translation layer that does not have to be resident in system RAM for operation.
US08316204B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses versioned pointers to facilitate reusing memory without having to reclaim the objects solely through garbage collection. The system operates by first receiving a request to allocate an object. Next, the system obtains the object from a pool of free objects, and sets an allocated/free flag in the object to indicate that the object is allocated. The system also increments a version number in the object, and also encodes the version number into a pointer for the object. The system then returns the pointer, which includes the encoded version number. In this way, subsequent accesses to the object through the pointer can compare the version number encoded in the pointer with the version number in the object to determine whether the object has been reused since the pointer was generated.
US08316201B2
The embodiments described herein provide methods for executing a command to write data from a source location to a destination location in a memory device. In one embodiment, a memory device receives, from a host device, a command to write data from a source location to a destination location in the memory device. The memory device executes the command by changing the memory device's logical-to-physical address map without reading the data from the source location and writing the data to the destination location and without a need of further involvement of the host device after the host device sends the command to the memory device.
US08316179B2
Command suspension in response, at least in part, to detected acceleration and/or orientation change
In an embodiment, an apparatus is provided that may include circuitry to, in response at least in part to detected change in at least one of acceleration and orientation of storage, request suspension of at least one command currently stored in at least one pending command queue that is intended for execution, at least in part, by the storage. The at least one command having been previously issued by the circuitry but being currently unexecuted, at least in part, by the storage. The circuitry also being to store, in response at least in part to the detected change, at least one copy of the at least one command for later re-issuance by the circuitry, and to request replacement of at least one command in the at least one queue with at least one other command to park at least one head of the storage.
US08316171B2
Quality-of-Servitrce (QoS) is an important system-level requirement in the design and implementation of on-chip networks. QoS requirements can be implemented in an on-chip-interconnect by providing for at least two signals indicating priority at a transaction-level interface where one signal transfers information in-band with the transaction and the other signal transfers information out-of-band with the transaction. The signals can be processed by the on-chip-interconnect to deliver the required QoS. In addition, the disclosed embodiments can be extended to a Network-on-Chip (NoC).
US08316157B2
Methods and systems are disclosed to enable a smart card having relatively low data rate and low computational power to control a high data rate communications channel without degradation of performance. The smart card and an associated monitor/interface, which can be implemented in a network access device, are interposed between transmitting and receiving nodes in a network, and configured to intervene when conditions of rules stored in the smart card are met. For example, the smart card can intervene when a packet header indicates sufficient change in information, such as the exceeding of a predefined threshold or a requirement for user authorization/authentication. In one mode of regulating packet flow, the smart card selectively enables or disables packet transmission, reception, or both, according to the rules stored therein. In another mode, the smart card, upon activation, provides rules and modifications for packet data, headers, or both. The rules and modifications can implement communication policies of the entity providing communication services to the user of the services, and can be stored in the smart card to prevent alteration or tampering.
US08316156B2
Systems which utilize a series of managers to handle resource management. Three types of managers are preferably used, with each manager being in one of two states, active or available. The types of managers are Global Interface Manager (GIM), Resource Manager (RM) and Access Manager (AM). Associated with each device driver for a given function is a GIM. The device driver may be associated with one or more RMs and/or AMs. Among managers of a given type, one is the active manager and all other managers of that specific type are available and work with the active manager to handle resource requests. As there can be RMs for different resources, the active manager concept is applied to the RMs associated with each resource. Mechanisms are present to allow the active manager and related information to be transferred to an available manager if necessary.
US08316155B2
Technology is provided for synchronization of clock information between networked devices. One or more of the devices may include one or more applications needed access to data and a common time reference between devices. In one embodiment, the devices have applications utilizing data shared in a network environment with other devices, as well as having a reference to a local clock signal on each device. A device may have a layer of code between the operating system and software applications that processes the data and maintains a remote clock reference for one or more of the other devices on the network.
US08316154B2
A first playback device, upon receiving a synchronized playback command while content playback is in progress, transmits, to a second playback device, information that pertains to the playback content and a synchronized playback start time obtained by adding a predetermined additional time to an elapsed playback time for the content. The second playback device starts receiving content data that begins from the synchronized playback start time from a server. After the data that is memorized in a memory reaches a specified volume, the second playback device transmits a playback preparation completion notification to the first playback device. Once the elapsed playback time for the content reaches the synchronized playback start time, the first playback device transmits a playback start command to the second playback device. Upon receiving this command, the second playback device starts playing back content data that begins from the synchronized playback start time.
US08316151B1
A network device may be configured to filter network traffic using multiple filters bound to different interfaces, such as different ports or other logical interfaces associated with the network device. Multiple filters may be merged to obtain a number of merged filter sets. A rank may be calculated for the merged filter sets and used to maintain a required ordering of the merged filter sets when performing a lookup.
US08316147B2
Techniques are described for synchronizing multiple time-based data streams with independent clocks wherein relationships between clock rates of timing devices associated with the time-based data streams are determined, and based on these relationships, times in at least one of the time-based data streams may be translated to times in any of the other time-based data streams despite the data streams having independent clocks.
US08316145B2
A method is disclosed of data transfer between a source computer and multiple target computers. The method includes: transmitting a multi-media formatted transmission from the source computer over a first network to a server configured to receive the multi-media formatted transmission; extracting a data stream from the multi-media formatted transmission; transmitting the data stream in an Internet format over a second network to the target computers, the target computers each configured to receive the data stream in a finite set of protocols over the second network, the finite set of protocols including Internet protocols but excluding multi-media protocols; and extracting data from the data stream and reformatting the extracted data into a multi-media format at each target computer, wherein each target computer is able to reformat the extracted data into different multi-media formats.
US08316134B2
Communication is established between communication terminals arranged in different LANS while realizing dynamic response to reduction in server load, movement of communication terminal, and the like. A relay server is arranged in a LAN and can communicate with an SIP server arranged in a WAN. For instance, a first relay server exchanges account information of the communication terminals in the respective LAN with a second relay server. If exchanged account information is changed in one relay server, the account information after the change is notified to the other relay server. One relay server determines the other relay server based on the exchanged account information and relays communication data between the communication terminals through the other relay server.
US08316132B2
Provided are apparatuses and methods in a digital broadcast transmission system for deducing the contents or topology of an ESG fragment, transport object, container or session. In one example, descriptors may be transmitted on a first channel that may correspond to ESG fragments transmitted on a second channel. The first and second channel can be received at a subscriber terminal. The subscriber terminal may thus be apprised of the topology of the ESG fragments to minimize the amount of information the subscriber terminal needs to receive. This provides an optimized overall retrieval of the ESG fragments.
US08316129B2
Described are sequence numbers for client-server communication, to control a client's use of server resources. A server grants the client credits, and the client consumes a credit for sending each command to the server. Each credit corresponds to a sequence number, with the set of sequence numbers forming a valid command window. The server enforces that for each received command, the command includes a sequence number that is within the valid command window and that the sequence number has not been used with another command. The server may also maintain a maximum window size, such that clients with credits cannot send a command with a sequence number that beyond a maximum sequence number. When incorporated into a data communication protocol, quality of service, combating denial of service, detection of message loss, division of server resources, secure message signing, and other numerous benefits result.
US08316121B2
A method for arranging a plurality of nodes in a cluster is disclosed. The invention proposes a scheme for creation of a cluster having optimum number of connections and with a diameter of two, meaning any two nodes are at most two edges away from each other. The present invention uses Singer Difference Set for deriving networks with a smaller number of connections per node for clusters of the same size. Further, the method envisaged by the present invention allows multiple computers to be placed at each node with the computers sharing the network in a non-conflicting manner, resulting in a powerful cluster at reduced cost.
US08316117B2
A personal presentity presence service provides support for heterogeneous presentities. Presentity types including personal presentities are registered with a presentity manifest store that includes information such as type names, addresses of applications associated with actions related to the presentity type, application parameters, icons for watcher application, and the like. Personal presentity service identifies the personal presentity types associated with the user and automatically organizes these into a personal presence group for management and presentation purposes. Users (watchers) can then register for different groups of personal presentities, which are devices and systems personally associated with the user, based on a type of presentity and receive updated presence information.
US08316112B2
A decision management system simulates a communications network service deployment using business and technology changeable parameters, a base case model, a network cost model and a bandwidth model. The simulations may be performed for different sets of changeable parameters to generate multiple candidate solutions. These solutions are analyzed to identify a solution for deploying the communications network service.
US08316103B2
[PROBLEMS] To pass long data which cannot be passed conventionally by the GET method, by using the GET method.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] [1] Long data which cannot be passed by the GET method is read from storage means, divided into a plurality of data pieces of the length which can be passed by the GET method, and stored in storage means. [2] A number of program execution regions corresponding to the number of the divided data pieces are generated. [3] The data pieces stored in the storage means are distributed to the generated program execution regions by the GET method. [4] In the respective program execution regions which have received the data pieces by the GET method, transfer programs are executed and the respective transfer programs search regions for executing a program performing coupling. [5] The data pieces are passed to the regions for executing the program performing coupling of the data searched from the respective transfer programs. [6] In the program execution regions which have received the data pieces, the coupling program is executed so that the coupling program couples the respective data pieces to reproduce data of the length which cannot be passed by the GET method and stores it in the storage means.
US08316102B2
In order to allow a user to backup data, a backup system is used to transfer data from an information terminal to a backup device via a relay device. The information terminal includes a storing unit storing the data to be backed up, and includes a communication unit transmitting the data to the relay device and transferring condition information indicating a condition to be satisfied by the relay device. Further, the relay device includes (i) a storing unit storing information relating to transfer destination devices, (ii) a receiving unit receiving the data and the transfer condition information, and (iii) a transfer control unit selecting a transfer destination device that satisfies the condition indicated by the transfer condition information, and controlling transfer of the received data in accordance with the selection. The backup device includes a receiving unit receiving the data transferred by the relay device, and a storing unit storing the received data.
US08316099B2
Dividing a set of leaf objects having the same path of a directory namespace allows the divided path data sets to be distributed over separate physical stores (e.g., directory servers, network storage, separate memory, etc.). Distribution of divided path data sets over separate physical stores enhances scalability of a directory namespace and facilitates efficient utilization of resources. A directory distributor maintains information that indicates distribution of data path sets of a directory namespace and directs requests for the directory namespace to appropriate stores in accordance with this information.
US08316096B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for generating, sending, and delivering a message addressed using an image of an intended message recipient of the message. In one embodiment, a central server receives a message including an image of an intended message recipient from a first user device of a first user. The central server then identifies a second user as the intended message recipient based on the image of the intended message recipient. Then, before delivering the message, the central server obtains an image of a user at a second user device associated with the second user and sends the image to the first user device where the image is presented to the first user. Upon receiving authentication from the first user device that the user at the second user device is the intended message recipient, the central server delivers the message to the second user device of the second user.
US08316094B1
A computer-implemented method for identifying spam mailing lists may include identifying a plurality of clients that receive e-mail messages. The computer-implemented method may also include, for each client in the plurality of clients, receiving, from the client, information identifying at least one e-mail message received by the client. The computer-implemented method may further include, for each client in the plurality of clients, recording the identifying information in a database. The computer-implemented method may additionally include identifying at least one mailing list by identifying at least one group of clients within the plurality of clients with similar patterns of identifying information. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08316092B2
A system and method for automatically processing and responding to large volumes of customer requests regarding Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE) and other service disruptions. The process combines manual and automated steps, and includes routing, filtering, aggregating, validating, ticketing, custom and automated responses, tracking, analyzing, and closing each validated request. The process can be used by the Customer Support Center (CSC) of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to insure that all complaints are handled successfully, that promotion of complaints is done correctly, that legal aspects of certain criminal or fraud related incidents are handled correctly, and that portions of the processing of complaints are handled automatically.
US08316080B2
The present invention is generally directed to a method, system, and article of manufacture that provides an internationalization service in a generalized message-oriented middleware system. In one embodiment, the internationalization handler for the MOM messages exists on both the message-producing and the message-consuming sides. The front-end server and back-send server application containers pass control to the internationalization handlers at predefined points during message production and consumption. On the message production side, the message producer passes control to the internationalization handler after the creation of the MOM message is complete but before the message is dispatched by the MOM for routing and delivery. On the message consumption side, the back end application passes control to the consumer side JMS internationalization handler just before invoking an “onMessage” method or similar message listener method. Some embodiments may also include a reply indicator to indicate whether or not the message is a reply to a service request.
US08316077B2
Provided is a data flow-parallel processing apparatus and method. The data flow-parallel processing apparatus may include a lower layer processing unit to identify a flow of inputted first data, a distribution unit to select, from among a plurality of upper layer processing units, an upper layer processing unit corresponding to the flow, and to transmit the first data to the selected upper layer processing unit, and an upper layer processing unit to process an upper layer packet of the first data, based on a local memory corresponding to the flow from among a plurality of local memories.
US08316073B1
An optical processor that incorporates optical computing in a monolithic, i.e. single unit, structure that can take the place of, or operate as a coprocessor with, traditional processor devices such as vector processors, digital signal processors, RISCs, CISCs, ASICs, FPGAs among others. The optical processor incorporates photonic devices that perform algorithmic functions on optical signals. The optical processor takes one or more incoming digital signals, converts the digital signal into an optical signal, performs the algorithmic function(s) in the optical domain, and then converts the result back into a digital signal, all in a monolithic or single unit structure.
US08316055B2
A system and method to manage data acquired from a medical device is provided. The system can detect a spare capacity to store a file of data associated with a unique patient identifier acquired from the medical device to a first removable data storage medium, can detect the first removable data storage medium to be below a threshold spare capacity to receive the file of data associated with unique patient identifier acquired from the medical device, and can automatically cause to stop communicating data for storage to the first removable data storage medium and to start communicating the file of data associated with the unique patient identifier for storage to a second removable data storage medium, and can create a graphic display illustrative of the removable data storage medium that is active to receive the file of data associated with the unique patient identifier.
US08316052B2
Embodiments may include receiving various media files, such as pictures, videos, and music, for users within a telecommunication environment. The users may send the media files through various communication devices including cellular phones and computing devices. Embodiments may allow access to the received media files to the users through the communication devices. Access may be limited to the media files by membership within a group or other access levels associated with a particular media file or a corresponding media folder. Embodiments may also include receiving a media file in a first format from a transferring communication device, and converting and sending the media file in a second format that is suitable for a requesting communication device.
US08316044B2
Techniques for provisioning databases for users on a wide area network such as the Internet include a first party managing one or more database systems. Second parties subscribe to database services supported by the managed database systems. The first party provides, over a network, to database applications of the second parties, access to database services to which the second parties are subscribed. The database systems may use database appliances hosting both database process(es), and non-database process(es) tailored to the needs of the database process(es). A user is therefore able to obtain database resources from an Internet Database Service Provider (IDSP) without incurring the full costs of database administrator(s), dedicated database equipment facilit(ies), or even dedicated database device(s), depending on usage. Meanwhile, the IDSP incurs minimum staffing loads because of self-service tools. Costing model and automatic billing are also described.
US08316042B2
A roadside device (15) is provided with a corresponding table in the case where there is an item of a new version of a taste data table to take over from user taste information in an item of an old version of the taste data table. In the corresponding table, item numbers “52”, “53”, “62” and “63” in the old version of the taste table, for example, are made to correspond to item numbers “52”, “53” and “63” in the new version of the taste table. An ITS vehicle-mounted device (17) sets user taste data in the item numbers of the old version corresponding to the item numbers of the new version to default values of the items in the new version for a transmitting-destination user of the taste data table of the new version and transmits the default data to an ITS vehicle-mounted device (17) of the transmitting-destination user. Because of the structure set forth above, a proper default value is set for a version change of the taste data table in the roadside apparatus (15) corresponding to road-vehicle communication in a town car life multi-contents data format, thereby reducing user's input trouble.
US08316036B2
Tools and techniques are described herein for checkpointing iterators during search. These tools may provide methods that include instantiating iterators in response to a search request. The iterators include fixed state information that remains constant over a life of the iterator, and further include dynamic state information that is updated over the life of the iterator. The iterators traverse through postings lists in connection with performing the search request. As the iterators traverse the posting lists, the iterators may update their dynamic state information. The iterators may then evaluate whether to create checkpoints, with the checkpoints including representations of the dynamic state information.
US08316035B2
Methods and arrangements of text entry are discussed. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic to select segments of text from text files based upon the number of words in phrases of the text files, upon the number of letters in words of the text files, or upon other patterns of the text in the text files. The text files may include web sites and news indexes. Embodiments may also involve indexing the selected segments of text, matching text currently being entered by the user (current text) into an application to a portion of a segment of the indexed text, and entering a remaining portion of the segment of the indexed text into the application based upon the matching. In some embodiments, the matching may be based upon an attribute of text such as a time period, a source, or a recipient.
US08316033B2
There is provided a method for managing the lifecycles of one or more media assets. The method comprises importing the one or more media assets into a system for managing the lifecycles of the one or more media assets, determining one or more metadata tags for association with the one or more media assets by evaluating the one or more media assets with one or more tagging filters, associating the one or more metadata tags with the one or more media assets after determining one or more metadata tags for association with the one or more media assets, and grouping the one or more media assets according to the one or more metadata tags associated with the one or more media assets by evaluating the one or more metadata tags with one or more grouping filters to generate one or more media asset groups.
US08316030B2
A method of operating a computerized document search system where information is matched against a database containing documents in response to user queries includes receiving a query identifying a source document that has information content related to the documents within the database. Important words within the source document are detected automatically, where at least one of the important words has been processed using at least two dictionary functions consisting of Derived Words, Acronym, Word Capitalization, and Hyphenation. An importance value is generated for important words in a processed document using a WordRatio and at least one of a selected set of values. A score is generated for a processed document based partly on the importance value of at least one important word in that document. A document list is created for identifying documents that are related to a source document.
US08316023B2
A computer implemented system for processing selected data from a raw data file having a plurality of data sets arranged according to a repeating fixed format includes a plurality of processing sequences. A first sequence creates output files, each corresponding to a data set and having a common format, by sequentially processing the data sets according to a first meta-program. A second sequence generates a first data structure by processing each output file according to a second meta-program, the first data structure including data arrangements corresponding to the output files. A third sequence generates a second data structure by processing the first data structure according to a third meta-program, the second data structure including a tabular arrangement of data including data from each data arrangement. A fourth sequence processes the second data structure and provides an output configured to facilitate analysis of the data.
US08316019B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for personalized query suggestion are disclosed. The personalized query suggestion utilizes a personalized profile tree constructed using search history associated with a user. The personalized profile tree is a hierarchy of nodes representing categories of information that the user has previously searched or selected from search results. When a search query is received from the user, a ranked list of related queries can be generated for the received search query. Each of the related queries is compared against the nodes in the personalized profile tree, and a relevance score is given to the related query based on the depth of a matching node in the tree, and a child count for the matching node. The related queries are re-ranked based on their respective relevance scores. After the re-ranking, top-ranked related queries are presented to the user as query suggestions.
US08316015B2
Systems and methods for providing representative information for a geographic area of interest are disclosed. In one embodiment, a media service tracks media interaction histories (e.g., play histories) for a number of users registered with the media service, where each media interaction history identifies media items interacted with by the corresponding user as well as the locations at which at least a subset of the media items were interacted with by the corresponding user. The media service receives a request from a requesting user for representative information for a geographic area of interest. In response to receiving the request, the media service determines representative information for the geographic area of interest based on at least a subset of the media interaction histories of the users and effects presentation of the representative information to the requesting user.
US08316014B2
A computer readable recording medium stores an information attachment program for attaching meta-information to multimedia data executed by a computer. The program causes the computer to perform an acquisition step of acquiring a search word of a text search done at a search site; a monitoring step of monitoring whether or not a search frequency of the search word acquired in the acquisition step satisfies a predetermined criterion; a determination step of determining whether or not at least a portion of the search word matches a character recognition processing result of the multimedia data when the search frequency of the search word is determined to satisfy the predetermined criterion in the monitoring step; and a registration step of registering the search word as meta-information of the multimedia data when, as a determination result of the determination step, the search word matches the character recognition processing result.
US08316013B2
A method, system and article of manufacture for processing a database query result that includes multiple data elements in a single result field. One embodiment provides a method of processing a query result. The method includes receiving a query result that includes at least one result field having multiple data elements that are in a many-to-one relationship with a second result field. The received query result is parsed to identify the multiple data elements from the first result field. Then, a result set is generated on the basis of the identified multiple data elements. The generated result set only includes one-to-one relationships between different result fields. Advantageously, the generated result set is suitable for programmatic access in order to allow an automated processing of the generated result set.
US08316012B2
A computer readable storage medium comprises executable instructions to provide a query interface for formulating continuous queries of multi-dimensional data streams. The query interface is populated to generate a plurality of continuous queries. The plurality of continuous queries are executed. The plurality of continuous queries are modified at run-time.
US08316010B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for scheduling one or more queries for execution with one or more cloud computers by applying a service level agreement (SLA) analysis using an SLA-tree data structure to each query in a query queue; using the SLA-tree data structure to determine an overall profit in the query queue; and generating a profit-oriented schedule to select the next query for execution by the cloud computers.
US08316009B2
Histograms formed based on samples of a population, such as histograms created from random page-level samples of a data store, are intelligently scaled to histograms estimating distribution of the entire population of the data store. As an optional optimization, where a threshold number of duplicate samples are observed during page-level sampling, the number of distinct values in the overall population data is presumed to be the number of distinct values in the sample data. Also, during estimation of distinct values of an overall population, a “Chao” estimator can optionally be utilized as a lower bound of the estimate. The resulting estimate is then used when scaling, which can take domain knowledge of the data being scaled into account in order to prevent scaled estimates from exceeding the limits of the domain. Also, a “sum of the parts” mathematical relationship can be taken into account during scaling that the sum of the scaled distinct values for each bin of an estimate histogram should total an estimate for the total distinct values of the entire population.
US08316000B2
A method and apparatus for using tag topology for enhancing search capabilities, e.g., searching over the web, are disclosed. For example, the present method receives a user query contain a search term from a user. The method then generates a search result containing at least one entity, wherein the at least one entity is found based on a plurality of user provided tags that is associated with the at least one entity.
US08315997B1
A computer-implemented method for document management includes extracting from an input document a set of terms, each term including a fixed number of words. Respective numbers of the terms that occur in each of a group of stored documents are counted, and a respective association rate is computed between the input document and each of at least some of the stored documents responsively to the respective numbers of the terms that were counted in the stored documents. One or more of the stored documents are identified as versions of the input document responsively to the association rate, and an identification of the stored documents that are versions of the input document is outputted.
US08315993B2
There is provided, in a computer processing system, an apparatus for storage lifecycle management for a plurality of managed objects. The apparatus includes a policy decision manager for creating and managing a policy decision stash. The policy decision stash is associated with predictive policy decisions for the plurality of managed objects and is configured to allow the predictive policy decisions for the plurality of managed objects to be incrementally updated and accessed in the policy decision stash by a policy identifier and an effective timestamp.
US08315990B2
A new approach for handling stream imperfections based on speculative execution involves the retraction of incorrect events facilitated using operators to remove speculatively produced incorrect output. Additionally, parameters are disclosed that define a spectrum of consistency levels. A first parameter, maximum blocking time, exposes a tradeoff between a degree of speculation and latency. A second parameter, the maximum time data is remembered before being purged from the system, exposes a tradeoff between state size and correctness. Varying these two parameters produces a spectrum of consistency levels (e.g., strong, middle, weak) which address the specific tradeoffs built into other systems. Retraction is accomplished using operators that include Select, AlterLifetime, Join, Sum, Align, and Finalize.
US08315988B2
Embodiments consistent with the present invention relate to methods and systems for verifying data or data communication operations of an application system. Consistent with exemplary embodiments, such methods and systems may verify a data communication operation by an application system. The methods and systems may, for example, communicate a message including data copied from a first data set and store messaging data describing the communicated message. As described, the methods and systems may then verify the communication of the message based on the first data set and the stored messaging data.
US08315982B2
In a state where the migration source NAS apparatus is continuously operated, a migration processing program confirms the update date and time of files stored in the migration source NAS apparatus, and migrates only the files that were not updated from a specific time to the start date and time of migration processing. Or, the migration processing program migrates the files stored in the migration source NAS apparatus sequentially from the oldest file. The migration performance is calculated based on the capacity and migration time of the migrated files, and the time required for migrating the non-migrated files is calculated based on the size and migration performance of the non-migrated files.
US08315979B2
A node device connected to other node devices has a particular obtaining unit that obtains search information including, a first determination unit that applies a predetermined rule to determine whether the search information obtained by the particular obtaining unit is required to be stored in the node device. The node device has a first storage unit that stores search information when required, and a second determination unit that determines whether the search information obtained by the particular obtaining unit is newly published in the network. A second storage unit stores the search information when the second determination unit determines that the storage information is newly published. A search unit searches the content data, based on the search information stored in at least one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit.
US08315977B2
Methods, systems, and articles for simultaneously maintaining copies of data in a data center and a cloud computing environment providing network based services. Synchronizing applications monitor modifications to data records made in the data center and the cloud computing environment. The synchronizing applications are also configured to convert modified records from the data center into a format compatible with databases in the cloud computing environment prior to updating the databases in the cloud computing environment, and vice versa.
US08315969B2
A method includes performing quantum state tomography from the statistics of a collection of measurements, each of which has only two possible outcomes and has the feature of being a measurement of a single qubit. By carefully choosing the measurements it becomes possible to infer the state of a quantum system from the statistics. Moreover, the function which computes the state from the measurement statistics can be computed efficiently in the dimension of the underlying system. Reconstructing the quantum state is performed in accordance with the following expression: ρ = ( 2 d ∑ i = 1 d 2 - 1 p i P i + ( 1 - p i ) ( 1 - P i ) ) - ( d 2 - 2 d ) I d , where d is the dimension of the quantum mechanical system, ρ is the state of the quantum mechanical system, Id denotes the identity operator, Pi is one of the plurality of measurement projectors, and pi is the probability for the measurement projector Pi.
US08315961B2
An average environmental condition for a specified target date and time is determined by indexing a database of time series data to retrieve the environment condition for each day and time where an orbital position of the earth with respect to the sun is nearest to the orbital position of the earth on the target date and time. The average environmental condition is then determined from the retrieved environmental conditions.
US08315960B2
A computer implemented method employing experience transfer to improve the efficiencies of an exemplary configuration tuning in computing systems. The method employs a Bayesian network guided tuning algorithm to discover the optimal configuration setting. After the tuning has been completed, a Bayesian network is obtained that records the parameter dependencies in the original system. Such parameter dependency knowledge has been successfully embedded to accelerate the configuration searches in other systems. Experimental results have demonstrated that with the help of transferred experiences we can achieve significant time savings for the configuration tuning task.
US08315957B2
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to predicting phenotypes. In aspects, a probabilistic predictor is used to summarize a relationship between a set of biological predictors and a phenotype. The probabilistic predictor may use a function that is selected based on the type of the phenotype (e.g., binary, multi-state, or continuous). The probabilistic predictor may use genetic and/or epigenetic information. The probabilistic predictor may be trained on a portion of the data in conjunction with predicting phenotypes in another portion of the data. The probabilistic predictor may be used for various analyses including genome-wide association analysis and gene-set enrichment analysis.
US08315953B1
A method for generating a database of activities associated with places of interests having names that are non-descriptive of the activity includes, providing a social network that includes a plurality of unique users, each user having a social network user account; providing a social network user interface for creating a place of interest entry, wherein the user input interface requests from the social network user an activity that can be performed at the place of interest; for each of the plurality of unique users creating a plurality of places of interest entries by (i) obtaining a location of the place of interest having a name or type of a place of interest (POI) associated therewith; and (ii) receiving from the particular user, an activity that can be performed at the place of interest, wherein the name or type of the place of interest is non-descriptive of the activity that can be performed at the place of interest. In addition, the method includes, for each of the place of interest entries, storing the location, the activity, and optionally the name or type of the POI in a relational database.
US08315949B2
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide an electronic marketplace that matches units of content from secondary content providers with suitable vacancies from primary content providers. Vacancies may constitute, or be included in, any digital transmission containers, such as a television or radio programming, web pages, and the like. Specifically, the electronic marketplace automatically matches content offered by secondary content providers with vacancies offered by primary content providers thus filling the vacancies in these containers through a real-time content trading, placement, and distribution system. To do so, attributes associated with the vacancies and with units of secondary content are used to trade and match suitable vacancies with suitable content. This invention enables both secondary content owners and vacancy owners (primary content providers) to obtain the full commercial benefit of their secondary content and containers.
US08315945B1
A check service provider enables users to make and receive payments from a financial account via a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer. The device includes a check module and a camera. A user can capture an image of a check using the camera and the check module deciphers information, such as an account number, bank routing number, and information regarding the account holder, from the image of the check. The user can then make payments from and receive payments into the financial account associated with the imaged check via the check module without having the physically write or deposit a check. The check service provider interacts with the ACH to settle payments directly between the user's accounts without handling the money. Users can be notified of pending payments via text, voice, and e-mail messaging.
US08315942B2
Share of Wallet (“SOW”) is a modeling approach that utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a consumers spending capability, tradeline history including balance transfers, and balance information. These outputs can be appended to data profiles of customers and prospects and can be utilized to support decisions involving prospecting, new applicant evaluation, and customer management across the lifecycle. A SOW score focusing on a consumer's spending capability can be used in the same manner as a credit bureau score.
US08315933B2
Commercial size of spending wallet (“CSoSW”) is the total business spend of a business including cash but excluding bartered items. Commercial share of wallet (“CSoW”) is the portion of the spending wallet that is captured by a particular financial company. A modeling approach utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a company's spend capacity. Government agencies, procurement departments, and others that patronize small businesses can use CSoW/CSoSW to determine businesses that should be awarded contracts and businesses that should be denied. CSoW/CSoSW may also be used to manage approved vendor lists.
US08315926B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing tax declaration. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service interface operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include an Accounting process component, a Due Item Processing process component, and a Payment Processing process component.
US08315925B1
A shutdown notice may indicate that a primary CCF system is expected to shutdown soon. This notice may be received by a CTF system after the CTF system delivers an ACR Start message to the primary CCF system, but before it delivers an ACR Stop message relating to the same chargeable session to the primary CCF system. In response to this shutdown notice, the CTF system may be configured to deliver an ACR Stop message relating to the same chargeable session to the primary CCF system before the primary CCF system shuts down. Also in response to this shutdown notice, the CTF system may be configured to deliver an additional ACR Start message and an ACR Stop message relating to the same chargeable session to a secondary CCF system.
US08315924B1
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates automated accounting. During operation, the system receives a check voucher at a system, wherein the check voucher corresponds to a check. Next, the system performs an optical character recognition (OCR) operation on the check voucher to identify a set of tokens printed on the check voucher. The system then searches a dictionary of tokens for open invoices to identify a match between the set of tokens printed on the check voucher and tokens associated with an open invoice. Next, the system determines an amount of the check by determining the value of an amount token printed on the check voucher. Finally, the system applies a payment for the amount of the check to the open invoice.
US08315922B2
Included are embodiments for providing investment data. One embodiment of a method includes providing an interface with predetermined criteria and at least one field, the at least one field configured to receive user input, the interface configured to provide investment data for at least one piece of property and receiving user input for the at least one field. Some embodiments include automatically determining investment data for the at least one piece of property, based on the received user input for the at least one field.
US08315915B1
Providing offers of an item constituting a good or a service to users of a system, utilizing an electronic communications device, comprises at least the following: establishing a communication via the electronic communications device between a given user and the system for purpose of a primary transaction for a first good or service, obtaining primary transaction data with respect to the primary transaction, including the purpose of the primary transaction, obtaining the identity of the given user, utilizing at least in part the primary transaction data including the purpose of the primary transaction and the identity of the user, and determining at least one item for offer to the given user, and offering the item to the given user.
US08315906B2
Systems, methods, and a user interface for automatically scheduling a media play is disclosed. The user can specify criteria for play of the media play, including times, stations, and/or external criteria such as a weather condition or the occurrence of an event. Information relevant to the entered criteria is received and assessed against the criteria to determine if the criteria are met. Responsive to the received information meeting the criteria for play of the media play, an accessor accesses the media play inventory and inserts the media play into a media feed.
US08315904B2
A computer implemented method for producing a promotion list for a promotion management campaign is described. The method includes assigning one or more promotion instances to the promotions list, and storing the promotion list in an electronic medium.
US08315901B2
Systems and methods of workforce scheduling are disclosed. One example embodiment, among others, comprises a computer-implemented method of scheduling workers. Each worker is associated with one of a set of flexibility classifications, which include non-flex-time and at least one flex-time. The method includes generating a set of shift instances to cover forecasted demand over a planning period, and assigning the shift instances to the set of workers by iterating through the each of the workers to assign at least a portion of the shift instances to a selected one of the workers. The assigning is such that total hours assigned to the selected worker depends on a number associated with the classification of the selected worker.
US08315900B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing service procurement. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include an Accounting process component, an Internal Request Processing process component, a Purchase Request Processing process component, a Purchase Order Processing process component, a Goods and Service Acknowledgement process component, a Supplier Invoice Processing process component, a Payment Processing process component, an RFQ Processing process component, a Project Processing process component, a Source of Supply Determination process component, a Due Item Processing process component, a Balance Of Foreign Payment Management process component, a Pricing Engine process component, and an Accounting Coding Block Distribution Processing process component.
US08315898B2
A system is provided to allow for planning and scheduling the work flow for reconfigurable production systems having a plurality of modules, which may have alternative capabilities. The system includes a system controller, at least one planning function for planning the production of work units without utilizing off-line modules, and at least one scheduling function for scheduling the production of work units without utilizing off-line modules.
US08315891B2
A system for evaluating and scoring software products in which illustration engines relating to insurance products are run based on a common set of inputs. The illustration engines output a set of output metrics which are common to all illustration engines. The output metrics of products selected for comparison or evaluation are mathematically combined with each other and with the corresponding metrics of from all other illustration engines to determine a score which can be used to compare quickly and accurately the selected product against all other products in the database. The score may be determined by a weighted average in which the weights assigned to output metrics are adjustable at the user's discretion.
US08315888B2
An apparatus for analyzing liabilities including a claims analyzer. The claims analyzer can be configured to create a preliminary model of employment history of at least one organization, create a pre-audit model of the at least one organization; and create a preliminary estimate of liability associated with the at least one organization based on the preliminary model of employment history and the pre-audit model. The preliminary estimate of liability is configured to reveal an unpaid liability associated with the at least one organization.
US08315886B2
Methods for delivering a drug to a patients in need of the drug, while restricting access to the drug by patients for whom the drug may be contraindicated are disclosed. The methods are of the type in which prescriptions for the drug are filled by a pharmacy only after a computer readable storage medium has been consulted to retrieve a prescription approval code. Embodiments are provided wherein the patients are assigned to risk groups based upon the risk that taking the drug will lead to an adverse side effect, and certain additional information, such as periodic surveys and diagnostic tests probative of the ongoing risk of the side effect developing are obtained before prescriptions for the drug are approved.
US08315877B2
An encoding data processing apparatus generates a marked version of an audio signal. The marked copy is generated by embedding data representative of a payload data word into the audio signal. A code word generator that generates a water mark code word from the payload data word and reads data representing the water mark code word into a shuffle data store. A shuffle processor that generates pseudo randomly at least one address within an address space of the shuffle data store for each predetermined period and reads data representing the water mark code word out from the data store at locations identified by the randomly generated address. A data embedding processor that receives the audio signal and embeds the data representing the water mark code word read out from the shuffle data store into the audio signal for each predetermined period.
US08315874B2
A voice user interface authoring tool is configured to use categorized example caller responses, from which callflow paths, automatic speech recognition, and natural language processing control files can be generated automatically within a single, integrated authoring user interface. A voice user interface (VUI) design component allows an author to create an application incorporating various types of action nodes, including Prompt/Response Processing (PRP) nodes. At runtime, the system uses the information from each PRP node to prompt a user to say something, and to process the user's response in order to extract its meaning. An Automatic Speech Recognition/Natural Language Processing (ASR/NLP) Control Design component allows the author to associate sample inputs with each possible meaning, and automatically generates the necessary ASR and NLP runtime control files. The VUI design component allows the author to associate the appropriate ASR and NLP control files with each PRP node, and to associate an action node with each possible meaning, as indicated by the NLP control file.
US08315869B2
A speech recognition apparatus for recognizing a plurality of sequential words contained in a speech includes an acoustic model reading part for reading an acoustic model, a dictionary management part for reading required data from dictionary data, and a recognition part for successively recognizing the sequential words by matching a group of words represented by the dictionary data with the inputted speech, using the acoustic model, wherein the dictionary data contains a beginning part dictionary representing beginning parts of words, and a group of ending part dictionaries storing data representing ending parts, the ending part dictionary and/or the beginning part dictionary are read in accordance with the word recognized by the recognition part, and the recognition part matches a subsequent speech with the beginning parts of words contained in the beginning part dictionary while the dictionary management part is reading the ending part dictionary and/or the beginning part dictionary. Because of this, the speech recognition apparatus can delete a delay in speech recognition processing caused by the read of a word dictionary from an auxiliary storage in an apparatus having a constraint for a memory.
US08315861B2
A wideband speech decoding apparatus has means for producing an excitation signal from coded data, means for producing a synthesis filter, and means for decoding a speech signal from the excitation signal and the synthesis filter. The wideband speech decoding apparatus comprises acquisition means for acquiring identification information which identifies the speech signal to be decoded is narrowband. The wideband speech decoding apparatus further comprises control means for controlling decoding means based on the identification information.
US08315856B2
Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for processing a signal representing speech. According to one embodiment, processing a signal representing speech can comprise receiving a region of the signal representing speech. The region can comprise a portion of a frame of the signal representing speech classified as a voiced frame. The region can be marked based on one or more pitch estimates for the region. A cord can be identified within the region based on occurrence of one or more events within the region of the signal. For example, the one or more events can comprise one or more glottal pulses. In such cases, cord can begin with onset of a first glottal pulse and extend to a point prior to an onset of a second glottal pulse. The cord may exclude a portion of the region of the signal prior to the onset of the second glottal pulse.
US08315853B2
A post-filtering apparatus and method for speech enhancement in a modified discrete cosine transform (MDCT) domain are disclosed. In the apparatus and method, previous and current MDCT coefficients are used for obtaining a speech spectrum coefficient similar to a real speech spectrum, and a convex function is used for transforming the speech spectrum coefficient and obtaining a post-filter coefficient so that difference can increase in the case where the speech spectrum coefficient is small but decrease in the case where the coefficient is large. Then, the post-filter coefficient is applied to the MDCT coefficient. With this configuration, both the current and previous MDCT values are used, so that it is possible to obtain a spectrum coefficient similar to the real speech spectrum and to obtain a more accurate filter coefficient. Further, the coefficient is adaptively transformed through the convex function, thereby enhancing speech quality.
US08315850B2
A web translation server discovers a document address for a document. The document is accessed and parsed for text data in a first language. The parsed text data is translated into text data in a second language and stored in a database. A client accesses the document and sends a request including the document address to the web translation server. The translated text data in the second language is retrieved from the database based on the document address and sent to the client. The client renders the translated text data in the second language.
US08315845B2
A method for building a depositional space corresponding to a geological domain includes the steps of (i) partitioning the present day geological domain with at least one conformal mesh sensibly matching the boundaries of said geological domain, (ii) calculating depositional coordinates defining a depositional space, wherein the depositional coordinates calculations includes calculations of fields of displacement including simulations of mechanical deformations in the geological domain, using a solid material deformation model. A computer program implementing the method is also described.
US08315825B2
A method includes retrieving at least one first measurement associated with material in a tank from a memory at a level gauge. The method also includes comparing the at least one first measurement to at least one second measurement associated with the material in the tank. The method further includes determining whether a difference between the at least one first measurement and the at least one second measurement exceeds a threshold. In addition, the method includes identifying a current level of the material in the tank in a first manner if the difference does not exceed the threshold or a second manner if the difference does exceed the threshold. The first manner could include correcting a level measurement using the difference between the at least one first measurement and the at least one second measurement. The second manner could include identifying an offset value based on differences between pairs of level measurements.
US08315816B2
The invention relates to methods for genetic analysis of DNA sequences containing complementary duplicons which are duplicated and linked DNA sequences separated by an intermediate sequence. Furthermore, the invention relates to the Bidirectional Amplification of Complementary Duplicons (BACD) using a single primer. The amplification of complementary duplicons can be used for a variety of purposes such as, determining the species from which a genomic DNA sample is derived, or used as a marker for a trait of interest. Also provided are methods for analyzing large datasets which can be used to identify primers useful for the genomic analysis methods of the invention.
US08315806B2
A method for determining the color perception of multi-layer dispersive materials or biological materials for layer thicknesses that are respectively selective, by the determination of the diffuse reflectance based on the respective intrinsic optical parameter using Monte Carlo simulations and taking into consideration the measurement geometries, anisotropy and the dispersion phase function in order to correctly take into account the multiple internal dispersion of the material. The color effect is calculated from the diffuse reflectance based on the various color systems in accordance with different algorithms.
US08315804B2
A method is provided for analyzing data from an electromagnetic survey of a region so as to indicate the presence of a hydrocarbon reservoir. The survey provides vertical magnetic dipole data and electric dipole data, or provides measurement data from which these dipole data may be determined. The amplitude of the vertical magnetic dipole data is determined, optionally after normalising the data with reference date relating to the same region. Similarly, the amplitude of the electric dipole data is determined, optionally after similarly being normalised. The amplitudes are then compared to provide an indication of the likelihood of the presence of hydrocarbons in the region.
US08315798B2
A setting section sets a determination region, which is a certain geography range around a destination in a map specified by map data. A generating section generates a new road, which is not registered in the map data, based on a moving track of a navigation device when a current position of the navigation device deviates from an existing road registered in the map data. A new road registering section registers the generated new road in a storing section when a determination section determines that the set determination region includes at least a part of the generated new road. The navigation device performs the routing assistance to the destination using both the existing road registered in the map data and the registered new road.
US08315782B2
An internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas tract with a first and a second exhaust gas catalyst downstream of the first one, a first exhaust gas sensor, which is disposed upstream or in the first catalyst, and a second exhaust gas sensor, which is disposed downstream of the first catalyst and upstream of the second catalyst. During trailing throttle operation, the measurement signal of the second sensor is monitored for a signal characteristic that is typical of a maximum possible saturation state with oxygen that the first catalyst can achieve, upon which a characteristic variable is determined for a saturation state of the second catalyst with oxygen as a function of an engine operating variable. Outside the trailing throttle operation, an enrichment mode is controlled by enriching the air/fuel mixture, specifically as a function of the characteristic variable for the saturation state of the second catalyst with oxygen.
US08315778B2
A first judgment circuit and a second judgment circuit are adapted to set a judging signal high when a judgment data sent from a microprocessor indicates failure. The high level judging signal triggers a forced idle command connected to a motor driver, to be high level whereby the motor is forcibly suspended. Subsequently, when a reset command is accidentally transmitted by the microprocessor due to an unexpected fault, a first judging signal from the first judgment circuit is reset to low level. However, a second judging signal from the second judgment circuit remains high level. As a result, the forced idle command stays high level.
US08315773B2
A brake force maintain control device for a vehicle determines whether the vehicle is in a rapidly-pressed state. The rapidly-pressed state is a state in which the brake pedal of the vehicle has been further pressed rapidly. While the vehicle is in the rapidly-pressed state, the brake force maintain control device allows the brake force maintain control to start if a condition for starting the brake force maintain control is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the brake force maintain control from being needlessly executed even though the driver does not have an intention of executing it.
US08315767B2
A control device for an automatic transmission 10 having shift control means 88 operative to select a manual shift mode is provided for preventing acceleration response from deteriorating in the automatic transmission 10. The control device includes automatic up-range control means 90 for switching a range to a “D” range when high oil-temperature determining means determines presence of a high oil-temperature state, and high oil-temperature down-range permitting means 92 for permitting a down-range during a manual shift operation until a selected uppermost gear position GSELECT reaches a determining gear position GJUGE when the accelerator-on drive determining means 86 subsequently determines presence of an accelerator-on drive. Even when obtaining a drive force is attempted during an accelerator-on drive mode after switching the range, the down-range by the manual shift operation is permitted until the selected uppermost gear position GSELECT reaches the determining gear position GJUGE. Thus, a drop in acceleration response in comparison to that of an automatic shift mode is prevented.
US08315764B2
A method to control a vehicle having a plurality of wheels includes monitoring desired vehicle dynamics, determining a desired corner force and moment distribution based upon the desired vehicle dynamics and a real-time closed form dynamics optimization solution, and controlling the vehicle based upon the desired corner force and moment distribution. The real-time closed form dynamics optimization solution is based upon a minimized center of gravity force error component, a minimized control energy component, and a maximized tire force reserve component.
US08315762B2
A communication system for a vehicle includes a server that includes a real time operating system, at least one cabin function application that runs on the real time operating system, and at least one in-flight entertainment application that runs on another operating system on top of the real time operating system. Thus, an in-operation entertainment system is capable of providing audio and/or visual content to a large number of locations in a cabin of the vehicle, and a cabin function system is capable of providing various cabin applications, e.g., lighting level control, attendant calling, air conditioning control, etc. at different locations in the vehicle cabin in a manner that is isolated and prioritized over the entertainment system.
US08315758B2
A road surface frictional coefficient estimating apparatus has a device for determining a first estimated value of a yaw moment Mnsp_estm generated at an NSP of a vehicle due to the resultant force of road surface reaction forces acting on each wheel by using, for example, a frictional coefficient estimated value that has been determined, and a device for determining a second estimated value of a yaw moment Mnsp_sens generated at the NSP from the observed value of motional state amounts defining an inertial force moment at the NSP. The increasing/decreasing manipulated variable of the frictional coefficient estimated value is sequentially determined on an error (Mnsp_sens−Mnsp_estm) such that the error is converged to zero, and the road surface frictional coefficient is updated on the basis of the increasing/decreasing manipulated variable.
US08315757B2
In vehicular driving support apparatus and method and a vehicle equipped with the vehicular driving support apparatus, a running state of a vehicle is detected, a plurality of running state distributions is calculated on a basis of the detected running state data, a difference quantity between the plurality of running state distributions is calculated, and an unstable driving state is detected from a magnitude of the difference quantity. If the unstable driving state is detected, an alarming is issued to call attention to a vehicle driver.
US08315756B2
Method and system of vehicular path prediction for a vehicle travelling on a road. A yaw rate of the vehicle is estimated over a prediction time period based on vehicle sensor information and map information for the road. Then, a further path of the vehicle on the road is predicted for the prediction time period based on a speed and a direction of the vehicle, and the estimated yaw rate. Map information includes a geometry for a portion of the road on which the vehicle is travelling, and the vehicle sensor information includes yaw rate information from a yaw rate sensor on the vehicle, and location information of the vehicle relative to the map information from a positioning device on the vehicle. A vehicle provided for path prediction includes a communication system for transmitting the predicted path to other vehicles for collision avoidance.
US08315746B2
A thermal manager has a digital filter whose input is to receive raw temperature values from a sensor and whose output is to provide processed or filtered temperature values according to a filter function that correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at another location in the device. The thermal manager has a look-up table that further correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at the other location. The look-up table contains a list of processed temperature sensor values, and/or a list of temperatures representing the temperature at the other location, and their respective power consumption change commands. The thermal manager accesses the look-up table using selected, filtered temperature values, to identify their respective power consumption change commands. The latter are then evaluated and may be applied, to mitigate a thermal at the other location. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08315737B2
An apparatus and a method of locating a moving robot are disclosed. The apparatus includes a storage unit storing information on straight lines of wall on a map, a state quantity detection unit detecting quantity of state of the robot running along the wall, and a control unit estimating an interior position of the robot by obtaining straight line information based on the detected state quantity and matching the obtained straight line information with the stored straight line information.
US08315726B2
Provided is a music genre judging device capable of judging a genre of music with a comparatively simple configuration.The music genre judging device comprises: a signal processing unit 10 for outputting integration value and differential value for each of low-frequency component and high-frequency component of music reproduction signal inputted from a music reproduction device 100 to a line input terminal 4; a data generation unit 30 for inputting the integration value and the differential value outputted from the signal processing value by each predetermined sampling unit time, judging whether or not each of the integration value and the differential value exceeds a predetermined level within the sapling unit time, and generating analysis data obtained by totalizing for each sampling cycle, the number of times of judgments that the value exceeding the predetermined level is detected; and a data analysis unit 31 for judging a genre of music outputted from the music reproduction n device 100 based on the totalized value of the analysis data.
US08315723B2
A recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes a microphone, a semiconductor memory, an operating section and a controller. An output signal from the microphone is written in the semiconductor memory and the written signals are read out from the semiconductor memory. The operating section performs input processing for writing a digital signal outputted by an analog/digital converter, reading out the digital signal stored in the semiconductor memory and for erasing the digital signal stored in the semiconductor memory. The control section controls the writing of the microphone output signal in the semiconductor memory based on an input from the operating section and the readout of the digital signal stored in the semiconductor memory. The control section operates so that, if, when the signals written in the storage section is read out from it, an input for erasure is entered by the operating section, the signal being read out from the storage section is erased when, after reading out the signal from the storage section for a pre-set period, an input for erasure is again entered from the operating section.
US08315709B2
Waveforms are digitally sampled and compressed for storage in memory. The compression of the data includes generating a truncated entropy encoding map and using the values within the map to obtain good compression. An encoder further sub-selects values to be encoded and values to remain unencoded to provide an overall compression of the data.
US08315708B2
A patient device (PD) for wireless data communication with an implant. The PD can be at least in an unpaired state or a paired state. In the paired state the PD is paired to a specific implant specified by an implant's identification code (IIC). The IIC is stored in PD memory. Automatic pairing of the PD to a specific implant is performed upon receiving an incoming data packet containing an IIC when the PD is in its unpaired state with no valid IIC stored in memory. Thus, the PD is tentatively paired to an implant identified by the IIC contained in the incoming data packet by storing the IIC in the memory. Tentative pairing is cancelled if no further communication occurs within a predetermined period of time. A soft paired state is entered if further data communication does occur.
US08315702B2
One aspect of the present subject matter relates to an implantable medical device. An embodiment of the device comprises a rechargeable power supply adapted to be recharged through an ultrasound signal, a neural stimulator connected to the rechargeable power supply, and a controller connected to the rechargeable power supply. The neural stimulator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for delivery to a neural stimulation target through an electrode. The controller is further connected to the neural stimulator to control the neural stimulator according to a neural stimulation protocol. Other aspects are provided herein.
US08315696B2
A method for mapping includes receiving electrical inputs measured by a probe at respective locations in a chamber of a heart of a subject. The electrical inputs are processed to identify complex fractionated electrograms. At each of the respective locations, a respective contact quality between the probe and a tissue in the chamber is measured. A map of the complex fractionated electrograms in the chamber is created using the electrical inputs and the measured contact quality.
US08315686B2
An electrode device and a method of installing the electrode device in the vicinity of the brain. The electrode device includes a plurality of electrode assemblies, each with at least one electrode lead, extending from a common base. The base is configured to be positioned on an outside of the patient's cranium with each electrode assembly projecting individually through a hole in the patient's cranium such that the electrode lead is in the vicinity of the brain. The method of installation includes carving a recess out of the patient's cranium and inserting the base therein. Each of the electrode assemblies are placed in their respective holes in order to stimulate, monitor or record neurological activity. The electrode device may be used over long periods of time for chronic treatment or recording.
US08315670B2
In an antenna interface system of a wireless network base station, each sector of the base station is outfitted with two dual-band duplexer assemblies, each of which includes a tower-mounted antenna unit, an RF filter unit (e.g., triplexer), and an RF feed or antenna cable that interconnects the two. One antenna unit transmits in one communication band, and the other transmits in a second band. Both units receive signals over the two bands. The RF filter units pass transmit data on to the cables and filter receive data of both bands for separate output. The antenna units and filter units act as cable-end interfaces for multiplexing and de-multiplexing the transmit and receive data on and off the cables. Thus, each cable carries transmit data for one communication band and receive data for both bands, for a total of two cables per sector for dual-band applications.
US08315668B2
In a mobile communication system including an access gateway (AGW) comprising a C-AGW for handling control messages and a plurality of U-AGWs for forwarding data packets, the C-AGW is provided with a management table indicating an address of U-AGW to be an endpoint of tunnel, in association with each of mobile station IDs. When a tunnel setup request message including a mobile station ID is received from one of base stations, the C-AGW searches the management table for the address of U-AGW corresponding to the mobile station ID and notifies the base station of the U-AGW address, and if the mobile station ID is not found in the management table, the C-AGW notifies the base station of an address of a particular U-AGW selected out of the U-AGWs, so that the base station establishes a tunnel for forwarding data packets toward the notified U-AGW.
US08315665B2
An apparatus and method for operating multiple Operating Systems (OSs) in a multi-modem mobile communication terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of modems and a multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) module. The modems support an access to different wireless networks. The MUX/DEMUX module receives data of the corresponding wireless network from the modems, searches for OSs corresponding respectively to the modems with reference to a modem-OS mapping table, and provides data of the corresponding modems to the searched OSs.
US08315649B1
Systems and methods for providing geographic location of device are provided. Method includes receiving query for location of device. Query includes indicia of one or more access points. Method includes determining whether query includes indicia of only single access point or multiple access points. Method includes, if query includes indicia of only single access point, facilitating providing low resolution version of location of device. Low resolution version of location of device is not determined based on indicia of access points. Method includes, if query includes indicia of multiple access points, determining whether distance between locations of two of multiple access points exceeds distance threshold, and if distance between locations exceeds distance threshold, facilitating providing low resolution version of location of device, or if the distance between locations does not exceed distance threshold, providing high resolution version of location of device determined based on the indicia of multiple access points.
US08315646B2
A method for communication to/from a multimode terminal operable to communicate via multiple alternative communication technologies. Each region definition indicates a region name and one or more of the communication technologies and/or operating modes plus an activation range and a deactivation range for the communication technologies and/or operating modes. The multimode terminal determines its position and retrieves a stored region definition relating to the region closest to the multimode terminal's determined position. It then compares its determined position with the activation range and a deactivation range of the retrieved region definition. Based on said comparison, the multimode terminal activates and deactivates the multiple alternative communication technologies and/or operating modes indicated by the retrieved region definition.
US08315645B2
System and method for scheduling spectrum sensing in cognitive radio systems. A method comprises sensing an availability of a spectrum band, computing a duration of an inter-sensing time block based on the availability of the spectrum band, and scheduling an occurrence of the spectrum sensing operation using the duration of the inter-sensing time block. Computing the duration of the inter-sensing time block based on the availability of the spectrum band allows for an optimization of communications of the cognitive radio system, thereby increasing spectral efficiency and reducing interference to licensed communications.
US08315632B2
Position determination assisting data is provided for performing position determinations based on this assisting data. The position determination assisting data comprises area definitions, each of which being related at least to a respective cell relation configuration. The cell relation configuration is determined at least by cell-IDs of cells fulfilling a specific radio condition criterion when received. Preferably, the cell relation configuration is also dependent on relative radio conditions between different cells and/or transmission mode. The area definitions are in particular example embodiments polygons, which preferably are re-calculated successively, automatically and on-line. The recalculations are based on high-precision position measurements of opportunity, clustered at least with respect to prevailing cell relation configuration for that user equipment performing the high-precision position measurements. Preferably, the area definitions are calculated with a predefined confidence level.
US08315627B2
Providing access for a mobile node to a communication network comprising multiple access networks operating according to different access technologies, wherein said communication network is configured to communicate by means of different access technologies with said mobile node, comprising, upon an access request of the mobile node at a first access network, preparing the access networks, other than the first one, for providing access for the mobile node in case of a handover of the mobile node to one of these other access networks.
US08315620B1
Methods and apparatus are disclosed to associate a mobile device with a panelist profile. An example method includes initializing a metering application on the mobile device to operate with partial functionality, parsing a message log with the metering application to identify an installation message, extracting a telephone number from the installation message and saving to a memory of the mobile device, sending an initialization message based on the extracted telephone number to prompt an authorization message, and enabling full functionality of the metering application in response to receiving the authorization message.
US08315617B2
This provides for controlling mobile device functions and features. For example, it limits or disables the use of some of mobile device features which could cause distraction to the user, when the user is engaged in another activity. In an example, it enables other mobile device features based on occurrence of events related to the user or environment. Another example addresses controlling the mobile device features, such as SMS, while the user is in a vehicle or driving. Another example restricts the ability of the driver of a vehicle to text, while the vehicle is in motion, by automatically disabling the texting ability of mobile device within and around the perimeter of the driver's seat. Other variations, examples, improvements, detection mechanisms, models, techniques, calculations, verification mechanisms, and features are also described in details.
US08315616B2
The present solution can include a configurable interface for controlling data sent from a mobile device. This interface can include multiple, configurable options that permit a mobile device user to control how often outgoing data is sent from the device. These options can include: a push on schedule option, a push within a time counted from when outgoing data was queued for delivery option, a push on volume option, a push immediately option, an auto-adjusting push option, and a customized push option based upon a user-adjustable sliding scale between two competing considerations.
US08315613B1
When a mobile device receives an incoming call from a telephone number: it identifies a number of digits associated with the telephone number and determines whether the number of digits exceeds a threshold. Upon determining that the number of digits exceeds the threshold, the incoming call is identified as an international call and the telephone number is identified as an international telephone number. The mobile device identifies a reference country from which the international call is originated and stores the international telephone number in association with the reference country in its memory.
US08315610B2
A system and method is provided for using location-based services (LBS) for mobile terminals of a mobile telephony network, a user dispatching an information request via the mobile terminal for information matched to the location of the user; the user dispatching the information request as an USSD code which belongs to a class of USSD codes specified in the mobile telephony network for location-based services (LBS-USSD), so that a USSD handler of network operator identifies the incoming USSD code for location-based services (LBS-USSD) and routes them on together with the address of the requesting user to an LSB further processing entity (WVI), by which the USSD code for location-based services (LBS-USSD) is interpreted with the aid of the parameterization, and the matching location-based information is made available for transmission to the user.
US08315604B2
A system and method are provided that incorporate subjects or subject lines into instant messaging sessions or conversations on a mobile device. During an instant messaging session, the user is provided with an option to specify a subject for at least the current portion of the session or for the entire session. The subject is proposed to the other users in the session, who can accept, ignore or modify the subject at their end. Multiple subjects can be specified for a single conversation if desired, and the subjects can be displayed with the contact in a message list. The instant messaging sessions may then be searched using search tools that are typically used for search email and other data messages.
US08315596B2
A transmission process restriction method according to the present invention includes the steps of transmitting a notification information notifying of a restriction rate for each access class and a restriction rate for each traffic class, causing the mobile station to determine a restriction rate of the mobile station on the basis of the notification information received by the mobile station, an access class of the mobile station, and a traffic class of the mobile station, causing the mobile station to compare a random number generated by the mobile station to the restriction rate of the mobile station, and causing the mobile station to decide whether or not to block the connection request transmission processing in accordance with a result of the comparison.
US08315595B2
Electronic communication is susceptible to SPAM, phishing attacks, and other unwanted communications because of a recipient's limited control over communication transmitted by a sender. Functionality can be implemented to employ a multi-level approach to establishing trust between a sender and a recipient prior to transmitting any communication to prevent unwanted content from being transmitted to a recipient. Initial levels of trust may be established by requiring the sender to provide trust establishment information about the recipient. Based on the validity and percent accuracy of the provided trust establishment information, the communication may be discarded or transmitted to the recipient. A final level of trust depends on the approval of a trust validation request sent to the recipient on behalf of the sender. Such a system configured to provide trusted communication can reduce the probability of the recipient receiving large scale SPAM, phishing attacks, telemarketing calls, and other unwanted communication.
US08315592B2
A voice radio communication system prioritizes radio voice communications so that higher priority voice transmission is given precedence. The communication system comprises a transmitter that inserts a digital watermark into a voice communication. Software in a receiver decodes the digital watermark to determine a priority requested by the sender, and other information about the sender and the message. The software determines the message priority based on multiple factors. Voice transmissions are digitally recorded and played in order of priority. Options exist for the user to control the playback.
