US08329139B2
The present invention relates to an industrial applicable process for the preparation of materials with nanometric dimensions and controlled shape, based on titanium dioxide. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of titanium dioxide nanorods with anatase phase composition, which are highly suitable for applications involving photovoltaic cells, particularly Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC), photoelectrolysis cells and tandem cells for the conversion of solar energy and the production of hydrogen.
US08329138B2
A nanostructure, being either an Inorganic Fullerene-like (IF) nanostructure or an Inorganic Nanotube (INT), having the formula A1−x-Bx-chalcogenide are described. A being a metal or transition metal or an alloy of metals and/or transition metals, B being a metal or transition metal B different from that of A and x being ≦0.3. A process for their manufacture and their use for modifying the electronic character of A-chalcogenide are described.
US08329136B2
The present invention relates to a graphite particle and a carbon-graphite composite particle both suitable for use in electrode for lithium ion secondary battery, as well as to processes for producing these particles. The graphite particle of the present invention has an average particle diameter of 5 to 50 μm, wherein one or more recesses having a depth of 0.1 to 10 μm are formed in the surface. The graphite particle is produced by a mixing step for mixing raw material graphite particles and recess-forming particles, a press molding step for press-molding the mixture composed of the raw material graphite particles and the recess-forming particles to obtain a molded article, a pulverization step for pulverizing the molded article, and a separation step for separating and removing the recess-forming particles from the pulverized molded article. The carbon-graphite composite particle of the present invention is produced by performing a thermal CVD step which comprises covering the surface of the above-mentioned graphite particle with a carbon layer.
US08329133B2
A method and apparatus for refining metallurgical silicon to produce solar grade silicon for use in photovoltaic cells. A crucible in a vacuum furnace receives a mixture of metallurgical silicon and a reducing agent such as calcium disilicide. The mix is melted in non-oxidizing conditions within the furnace under an argon partial pressure. After melting, the argon partial pressure is decreased to produce boiling and the process ends with directional solidification. The process reduces impurities, such as phosphorus, to a level compatible with solar-grade silicon and reduces other impurities significantly.
US08329132B2
A polycrystalline silicon manufacturing apparatus efficiently produces high-quality polycrystalline silicon. There is provided a polycrystalline silicon manufacturing apparatus, in which a plurality of gas supplying ports 6A for ejecting raw gas upward in a reactor 1 and gas exhausting ports 7 for exhausting exhaust gas after a reaction are provided on an inner bottom of the reactor 1 in which a plurality of silicon seed rods 4 are stood, the silicon seed rods 4 are heated and the polycrystalline silicon is deposited from the raw gas on the surfaces. The apparatus includes gas distributing tubes 9 that are respectively connected to the gas supplying ports 6A and respectively supply the raw gas to the gas supplying ports 6A, valves 21 that are provided on at least the gas distributing tubes connected to the gas supplying ports 6A adjacent to a center of the reactor 1 and open or close conduit lines of the gas distributing tubes 9, and a valve controlling device 22 that is connected to the valves 21 and controls the conduit lines to be closed for a predetermined time at an early stage of the reaction.
US08329131B2
The invention provides new methods for synthesis of large boron hydride clusters, e.g., boron hydride molecules of the formula BnHm where 5≦n≦96 and m≦n+8, wherein m and n satisfy the electron counting rules of macropolyhedral boranes. The invention is particularly useful for synthesis of octadecaborane (B18H22). Preferred methods of the invention include iteratively generating a conjugate acid from a salt of the [BaHb]c− or [Bn+2Hm−4]2− anion followed by degradation under conditions conducive to concentrating and drying of the conjugate acid to provide a borane BnHm and residual salt of the [BaHb]c− or [Bn+2Hm−4]2− anion which is reused in the method of synthesis. The invention further provides isotopically enriched boranes, particularly isotopically enriched 10B18H22 and 11B18H22.
US08329124B2
Solvent extraction compositions having an orthohydroxyaryloxime extractant, an anti-degradation agent, and a water-immiscible organic solvent, processes for extracting a metal from an aqueous acidic solution using same, and methods of reducing degradation of such compositions are provided herein.
US08329122B1
A method is presented for producing and isolating an isotopically enriched compound of a desired isotope from a parent radionuclide. The method includes forming, or placing, a precipitate containing a parent radionuclide of the desired daughter isotope in a first reaction zone and allowing sufficient time for the parent to decay into the desired gaseous daughter radioisotope. The method further contemplates collecting the desired daughter isotope as a solid in a second reaction zone through the application of temperatures below the freezing point of the desired isotope to a second reaction zone that is connected to the first reaction zone. Specifically, a method is presented for producing isotopically enriched compounds of xenon, including the radioactive isotope Xe-131m and the stable isotope Xe-131.
US08329119B2
A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body. A reagent reservoir containing a reagent is disposed within the body. A solution reservoir containing a solution is disposed within the body. The device further includes an activator movably coupled with the body to open the reagent reservoir and the solution reservoir. The activator is operable to mix the solution with the reagent to form a reagent mixture. A dispensing reservoir tip is coupled with the body. The dispensing reservoir tip is sized and shaped to dispense the reagent mixture from the device.
US08329095B2
The present invention relates to preservation of cosmetic formulations. More specifically, the present invention relates to a preservative composition for cosmetic formulations comprising thymol, monolaurin and magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis.
US08329089B2
A resist composition used for the imprint lithography process, a method for forming resist pattern using the same, an array substrate manufactured using the same, and method of fabricating the array substrate includes an additive and the adhesion promoter inducing the chemical bond of the base layer contacting to the UV curable resin. As a result, it is possible for the resist composition to form a high-resolution pattern and to improve the durability of the mold for molding a UV curable resin.
US08329085B2
A method of manufacturing a panel made of a composite material using a tool having a support on which a lay-up is performed, the lay-up producing a stack of plies of fiber prepregs, followed by consolidating the stack aiming to obtain the panel using a compacting plate arranged above the stack. The method is implemented such that a first set of polyimide films partially covering each other is located in contact with the stack of plies, between the latter and the compacting plate.
US08329068B2
A black resin composition capable of forming a black matrix having high OD value and high adhesion as well as high resistance is disclosed. The black resin composition is a black resin composition comprising at least a light shielding agent, a resin and a solvent, which light shielding agent contains at least titanium nitride compound particles, wherein the angle of diffraction 2θ of the peak originated from (200) plane of the titanium nitride compound particles when CuKα line is used as the X-ray source is not less than 42.5° and not more than 42.8°. Using this black resin composition allows a thin resin black matrix having a high light shielding property and high resistance to be readily attained.
US08329065B2
Disclosed is a carbon nanotube-containing composition which contains a carbon nanotube and a urethane compound obtained by a reaction between a hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylate and a isocyanate compound. Also disclosed is a composite having a coating film or a cured film composed of the carbon nanotube-containing composition on at least one surface of a base material. The carbon nanotube-containing composition and the composite are excellent in electrical conductivity, film-formability, moldability, and transparency without deteriorating the characteristic properties of the carbon nanotube itself.
US08329064B2
The present invention provides a water-soluble self-acid-doped polyaniline blends, comprising a 70-90% weight percentage polyaniline derivative and 10-30% weight percentage at least a water-soluble polymer. The blend can be used to produce a conductive polymer film and/or a conductive-polymer composite film. In the present invention, a water-soluble self-acid-doped polyaniline derivative is blended with a water-soluble polymer to enhance the mechanical properties and the coating-to-substrate adhesion of the electric conductive polymer film or the electric conductive-polymer composite film, and increase the conductivity of the blender. In addition, the blend containing a water-soluble self-acid-doped polyaniline of the present invention is biotoxicity-free and has free radical-capture capability. Thus it can be used as a biocompatible and conductive biomedical material.
US08329063B2
A method of use and a composition with reduced formaldehyde and amine emissions. The composition contains an N-formal, an emission reducing additive, and monoethylene glycol. The emission reducing additive may be urea, a urea derivative, an amino acid, guanidine, or a guanidine derivative.
US08329053B2
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment, a method of fabricating a transducer is described. The method comprises providing a transducer over a first surface of a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a thickness. The method further comprises patterning a mask over a second surface. The mask comprises an opening for forming a scribe etch. The method comprises etching through the opening in the mask and into but not through the thickness of the substrate to provide the scribe etch.
US08329052B2
A method of making an imprint template includes providing a transfer layer on a substrate and providing a layer of imprintable medium on the transfer layer, using a master imprint template to imprint a pattern into the imprintable medium, polymerizing the imprintable medium by exposing it to actinic radiation, then etching the resulting polymer layer, the transfer layer and the substrate such that the imprinted pattern is transferred to the substrate, the substrate thereby becoming an imprint template bearing a pattern which is the inverse of a pattern provided on the master imprint template.
US08329048B2
A method for trimming a structure obtained by bonding a first wafer to a second waver on contact faces and thinning the first waver, wherein at least either the first wafer or the second wafer is chamfered and thus exposes the edge of the contact face of the first wafer, wherein the trimming concerns the first wafer. The method includes a) selecting the second wafer from among wafers with a resistance to a chemical etching planned in b) that is sufficient with respect to the first wafer to allow b) to be carried out; b) after bonding the first wafer to the second wafer, chemical etching the edge of the first wafer to form in the first wafer a pedestal resting entirely on the contact face of the second wafer and supporting the remaining of the first wafer; and c) thinning the first wafer until the pedestal is reached and attacked, to provide a thinned part of the first wafer.
US08329044B2
A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.
US08329040B2
A new method for removing ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater is disclosed in this invention. It comprises steps as follow: introducing coking wastewater into a reaction pool into which magnesium and phosphate are added; adding sodium hydroxide to regulate the PH of the mixture around 9.0-10.5; separating the supernatant and the precipitate after proper agitation and natural precipitation; dehydrating the precipitate and then adding alkaline fly ash, water to the dehydrated precipitate and stirring the mixture; decomposing the mixture with heating and absorbing the ammonia gas thereof produced with acidic solution. In consideration of high concentration of ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater, this invention aims at quick and efficient treatment. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen in treated water meets the highest discharge standard stipulated in [China National] Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard (GB8978-96). Meanwhile, this invention provides a new way for beneficial utilization of the alkaline fly ash as well. The chemicals adopted for wastewater precipitation in this invention can be recovered for recyclable use, which consequently cuts down the total cost of the wastewater treatment.
US08329032B2
An exemplary liquid purifying apparatus includes beads in contact with the liquid, a rotating shaft, and a driving member. Each bead has a purifying coating comprised of a nano material. The rotating shaft has the beads positioned thereon and is configured for rotating the beads. The driving member is configured for driving the rotating shaft to rotate, thereby rotating the beads in the liquid.
US08329026B2
Analytes in a liquid sample are determined by methods utilizing sample volumes of less than about 1.0 μl and test times within about eight seconds. The methods are preferably performed using small test strips including a sample receiving chamber filled with the sample by capillary action.
US08329022B2
Provided are a method for quantifying a chemical substance with high accuracy by substitutional stripping voltammetry, and a sensor chip used therefor. A method for quantifying a chemical substance in a sample solution, comprising the following steps: (a) preparing a sensor chip having a stripping gel covered with a protection gel, (b) supplying the sample solution to the surface of the sensor chip to cover the surface with the solution, (c) applying a potential to the first working electrode with potentiostat, and connecting the second working electrode to the stripping electrode to generate reactions on the electrodes, (d) applying a potential to the stripping electrode in a condition where no potential is applied to either the first or the second working electrode to measure a current through the stripping electrode, and (e) calculating, on the basis of the current, the concentration of the oxidation-reduction substance to quantify the chemical substance.
US08329016B1
Disclosed is a novel microfluidic device enabling on-chip implementation of a two-dimensional separation methodology. Previously disclosed microscale immobilized pH gradients (IPG) are combined with perpendicular polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) microchannels to achieve orthogonal separations of biological samples. Device modifications enable inclusion of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the second dimension. The device can be fabricated to use either continuous IPG gels, or the microscale isoelectric fractionation membranes we have also previously disclosed, for the first dimension. The invention represents the first all-gel two-dimensional separation microdevice, with significantly higher resolution power over existing devices.
US08329010B2
The chip includes electrodes on a substrate. The electrodes include a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. The reference electrode is constructed so as to not have an intrinsic potential. A self-assembly monolayer is positioned on the reference electrode. The self-assembly monolayer includes spacers and active probes. The active probes are configured to have a higher affinity for a capture probe than the spacers have for the capture probe.
US08329006B2
An apparatus for establishing more uniform deposition across one or more faces of a workpiece in an electroplating process. The apparatus employs eductors in conjunction with a flow dampener member and other measures to provide a more uniform current distribution and a more uniform metal deposit distribution as reflected in a coefficient of variability that is lower than conventional processes.
US08328997B2
This invention relates to the design of a process by intermittent dielectric heating combined with a recycling system.This process consists in subjecting reagents to electromagnetic waves selected in the frequencies ranging between 300 GHz and 3 MHz intermittently using a recycling system.This process enables the treatment of oils that are hardly absorbent as well as great investment savings.This process enables operation on different scales, whether in laboratories, on a semi-industrial or industrial scale, without forfeiting the advantages of continuous dielectric heating.
US08328985B2
A method of making a fabric-creped absorbent cellulosic sheet includes compactively dewatering a papermaking furnish to form a nascent web having an apparently random distribution of papermaking fiber, applying the nascent web having the apparently random fiber distribution to a translating transfer surface that is moving at a transfer surface speed, and fabric-creping the web from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent utilizing a patterned creping fabric, the fabric-creping step occurring under pressure in a fabric creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping fabric, the web being creped from the transfer surface and wherein the creping fabric is adapted to contact the transfer surface and applies pressure to the web against the transfer surface such that the fibers of the web are redistributed on the creping fabric to form a web with a drawable reticulum.
US08328984B2
The present disclosure provides for a web substrate having at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof. The surface has surface area comprising from about 0.0 percent to about 1.2 percent dot embossments and from about 5.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments.
US08328983B2
A method of producing a modified pulp for use in paper or paper web products, the method comprising treating wood chips in an extraction process to remove hemicellose to form treated wood chips; and subjecting said treated wood chips to chemical or semichemical pulping to form a modified Kraft pulp wherein the amount of hemicellulose contained in the modified Kraft pulp is from about 5 to about 10% by dry weight of the modified pulp.
US08328979B2
The invention relates to a composition for an acrylic structural adhesive containing a mixture of block copolymers, of elastomer and of elastomeric polymer particles.
US08328976B2
A method of manufacturing root of megawatt wind-turbine blade includes the following steps: (1) manufacturing an independent female mould, and arranging a positioning stop-ring on the female mould; (2) clinging on one side of the positioning stop-ring, a plurality of glass fabrics and macroporous glass fabrics are laid on the curved surface of the female mould; (3) after laying the glass fabrics, sealing the female mould using a vacuum bag, and vacuumizing the female mould after a curved supporting board is arranged on the vacuum bag; (4) after laying a plurality of glass fabrics in the blade mould, slinging the prefabricated part and the curved supporting board to arrange them in the blade mould; (5) sealing the blade mould using another vacuum bag, vacuumizing the blade mould, thereafter infusing resin into the blade mould, after curing the root of the blade is finally formed. The method of manufacturing root of megawatt wind-turbine blade increases the production efficiency and production quality of the blade root, and prolongs the operation life of the blade root.
US08328973B2
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a radial tire for a construction vehicle, wherein when a cylindrical band is formed by using one layer of carcass layer formed of steel cords in a band making step, a shape retaining layer formed of at least one layer of organic fiber cords is wrapped on the outer peripheral surface of the carcass layer so that the organic fiber cords cross the steel cords of the carcass layer. The radial tire having excellent uniformity without any uneven widening between the steel cords can be provided without using a shape retaining auxiliary apparatus.
US08328968B2
Disclosed herein are methods of preparing a composite sheet material having strength and barrier properties suitable for use as a housewrap, the methods comprising extrusion coating a polyolefin film layer onto a surface of an area-bonded, spunbond nonwoven substrate to form a composite sheet material, the composite sheet material having a grab tensile strength of at least 178 Newtons in at least one of the machine direction (MD) or the cross-machine direction (CD), and stretching the composite sheet material to impart to the composite sheet material a hydrostatic head of at least 100 cm, and a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 35 g/m2/24 hr at 50% relative humidity and 23° C.
US08328959B2
The invention proposes a lever-type cam follower (1) made without chip removal out of a sheet steel for use in a valve train of an internal combustion engine for actuating at least one gas exchange valve. This lever-type cam follower (1) is characterized by being made of a cold-forming, core-hardening heat-treatable steel.
US08328953B2
An appliance for washing objects in which is employed a pump system for varying the spray velocity of washing fluid dispensed from spray jets affixed at an angle relative to a spray arm. In one embodiment, the pump system includes a pump having a pump motor such as a synchronous motor responsive to a variable frequency, single-phase alternating current input. The pump system also includes a pump motor control circuit configured to vary the frequency and voltage of the input, which in one example effectuates changes in the rotational speed of the pump motor in accordance with one or more operational cycles. The pump motor control circuit incorporates in one example a rectifier and an inverter that permits operation of the appliance when coupled to supply mains.
US08328948B2
The present invention relates to an improved method for the purification of crude sugar beet juice. The present invention relates moreover to methods for the manufacture of non-sucrose substance combinations from crude sugar beet juice, as well as two devices for the purification of crude sugar beet juice. The measures according to the invention allow a reduction of lime consumption during the purification.
US08328942B2
In one of the many embodiments, an apparatus for processing a substrate is provided which includes a substrate processing chamber where the substrate is positioned within the substrate processing chamber so the substrate at least partially separates the substrate processing chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The apparatus further includes a first chamber inlet configured to input a first fluid of a first temperature into the first chamber at a first pressure and a second chamber inlet configured to input a second fluid of a second temperature into the second chamber at a second pressure wherein the first pressure and the second pressure are substantially equal. The second temperature is capable of being utilized to manage substrate temperature.
US08328941B2
The apparatus for fabricating an organic electroluminescent device which can distribute stress applied to the mask uniformly to form precise and reliable light emitting layers is disclosed. The apparatus for fabricating an electroluminescent device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of grippers disposed in a zigzag state at a periphery of a mask for clamping the mask, a plurality of jaws formed on each gripper and contacting with the mask, and power supplying units for supplying power to the grippers to stretch the mask. Each of the grippers is divided into a connecting section connected to the power supplying unit and a head section integrated into the connecting section, and a plurality of jaws are formed on the head section of each gripper, and odd (or even)-numbered grippers disposed at each side of the mask are disposed in a more forward position than even (or odd)-numbered grippers. Accordingly, the head section of each even (or odd)-numbered gripper is placed between the connection sections of two adjacent odd (or even)-numbered grippers. The head sections of even-numbered grippers and the head sections of odd-numbered grippers are arranged alternatively in two different imaginary lines. Also, the jaws are arranged in a line on the head section of each gripper or are arranged in a zigzag state on the head section of each gripper. At this time, the jaws are arranged by equal distance from each other.
US08328938B2
A buffer apparatus and a thin film deposition system are provided. The buffer apparatus is connected between a liquid material supply apparatus and a deposition machine. The buffer apparatus includes a container and a baffle. The container is used for containing a liquid material supplied from the liquid material supply apparatus. The top of the container has an input hole and an output hole. The baffle is disposed in the container and located under the input hole.
US08328936B2
A process of producing a diamond thin-film includes implanting dopant into a diamond by an ion implantation technique, forming a protective layer on at least part of the surface of the ion-implanted diamond, and firing the protected ion-implanted diamond at a firing pressure of no less than 3.5 GPa and a firing temperature of no less than 600° C. A process of producing a diamond semiconductor includes implanting dopant into each of two diamonds by an ion implantation technique and superimposing the two ion-implanted diamonds on each other such that at least part of the surfaces of each of the ion-implanted diamonds makes contact with each other, and firing the ion implanted diamonds at a firing pressure of no less than 3.5 GPa and a firing temperature of no less than 600° C.
US08328918B2
The invention relates to a mist eliminator system for gas scrubbers and the like. Said mist eliminator system comprises front and rear mist elimination layers in relation to the direction of the flow of gas, which layers are composed of respective rows of parallel mist elimination profiles, one layer of which being configured in the shape of a V or of an upturned V and the lateral sections of this layer extending away from the corresponding lateral sections of the other layer or extending in parallel thereto. Both mist elimination layers can be or are received on a single common carrier structure by a common lateral wall or a common supporting structure on which the lateral walls of the mist elimination layers are stationarily or detachably arranged.
US08328912B2
An air dryer having an internal orifice designed into an outlet end cap that eliminates the need for external valves or regulators to control the flow of air through the dryer. The internal orifice, which can be press-fit or threaded into the end cap, provides a consistent and stable outlet flow and dew point and eliminates the need for instruments to measure outlet flow and dew point. The orifice size can be easily changed for changing outlet flow and dew point. A protective tubular shroud is provided for shielding a membrane module of the dryer, and for routing sweep gas to a bottom vent.
US08328906B2
The present disclosure relates to a high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. Such high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers are useful in forming crosslinked polymer membranes for the separation of fluid mixtures. According to its broadest aspect, the method of making a crosslinked membrane comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polyimide polymer comprising carboxylic acid functional groups from a reaction solution comprising monomers and at least one solvent; (b) treating the polyimide polymer with a diol at esterification conditions in the presence of dehydrating conditions to form a monoesterified polyimide polymer; and (c) subjecting the monoesterified fiber to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked fiber membrane, wherein the dehydrating conditions at least partially remove water produced during step (b). The crosslinked membranes can be used to separate at least one component from a feed stream including more than one component.
US08328904B2
An active wheel desiccant dehumidifier is controlled for improved energy savings by modulating operation characteristics including process air flow, reactivation air flow, temperatures, and wheel rotation in response to changing conditions.
US08328903B2
Determining effluent concentration profiles and service lives of air purifying respirator cartridges
A method for determining at least one of an effluent concentration profile, a breakthrough time and a filter cartridge recommendation includes receiving at least one input parameter, determining at least one of the effluent concentration profile, the breakthrough time and the filter cartridge recommendation based on the input parameter, and graphically displaying at least one of the effluent concentration profile, the breakthrough time, and the filter cartridge recommendation. The effluent concentration profile includes a plot of a concentration of a chemical species over a period of time. The breakthrough time includes a time at which a predetermined concentration of the chemical species passes through a filter cartridge.
US08328898B2
The present invention relates to environment-friendly, synergistic carbon-nano complex fertilizers comprising carbon-containing-fertilizer. The complex fertilizers comprise carbon nanomaterials, which have the particle size in a range from 5 nm to 200 nm and particularly 5 nm to 100 nm, and optional ammonia stabilizer or nitric acid reductase inhibitor. The weight ratio of the carbonic fertilizer and the carbon nanomaterials is in a range from 100:0.1 to 100:1. The weight ratio of the carbon-containing-fertilizer and the ammonia stabilizer or nitric acid reductase inhibitor is in a range from 100:0.1 to 100:1. Said carbon-containing-fertilizer is ammonium bicarbonate, urea, or a combination thereof. The complex fertilizers show synergistic emission reduction. The present invention also relates to compound fertilizers, which comprise said complex fertilizer and organic fertilizer.
US08328896B2
A filter pack includes filter media formed into a filter structure having a front, a back and at least one side surface; and a frame adhered to the at least one side surface and comprising an adhesive and an adhesive carrier. The adhesive carrier can be a sheet of material which can be impregnated with the adhesive, one example being a sheet of the filter material itself. The adhesive carrier can alternatively be a single use tray mold for holding the adhesive while it cures, and which is left into the final product.
US08328887B2
A method for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification, by: feeding biomass, carbonizing to yield pyrolysis gas and charcoal, pulverizing the charcoal, and gasifying in a gasifier. The heat source for the carbonizing step comes from a direct combustion reaction between external combustible gas and external oxygen in a carbonization furnace. Also provided is a device for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification, containing at least: a supercharging feeding system for biomass, a carbonization furnace containing at least a burner nozzle, a pulverizing system, a transportation system for charcoal powder, a gasifier, a pneumatic conveying system, and a plurality of connecting pipes therefor; the burner nozzle of the carbonization furnace is connected to an external combustible gas pipe and an external oxygen pipe respectively.
US08328882B2
Cosmetics for oxidatively dyeing and/or lightening keratin fibers, especially human hair, containing, in a cosmetic carrier, at least one oxidant chosen from hydrogen peroxide and/or the solid addition products thereof attaching to inorganic or organic compounds, at least one alkanolamine of formula (I), NH3-x(CH2CH2OH)x(I), where x is one of the numbers 1, 2, or 3, and at least one alkanolamine of formula (II), where R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl group or R1 and R2 form a ring along with the carbon atom of the alkano-lamine, said ring having 4 to 8 ring atoms and optionally containing 1 to 2 heteroatoms, provided that R1 and R2 do not simultaneously represent hydrogen, wherein the cosmetic is ammonia-free.
US08328864B2
This invention relates generally to an expandable intraluminal medical device for use within a body passageway or duct, and more particularly to a stent having at least a first hoop section and a second hoop section. The first hoop section comprises a tubular configuration of structural elements having proximal and distal open end, and defining a longitudinal axis extending there between. The second hoop section comprises a tubular configuration of structural elements having proximal and distal open end, and extending along the longitudinal axis defined by the first hoop section, but is rotationally offset from the first hoop section about the longitudinal axis.
US08328860B2
This invention is directed to implantable coils and, more particularly, to a coil implant having a stretch-resistant member internal to the coil. The implant of the invention is able to freely articulate and torque prior to delivery. Once delivered, the implant is no longer stretch resistant and is therefore able to substantially conform to the vascular site.
US08328848B2
The present invention provides interspinous vertebral and lumbosacral stabilization devices, and methods of using these devices for treating spinal instability conditions. The invention includes interspinous vertebral stabilization devices adapted for placement between the spinous processes of two or more adjacent vertebrae. The invention also includes lumbar stabilization devices adapted to be placed between a lumbar vertebra and an adjacent vertebra, including the first sacral vertebra (S1), to stabilize the lumbosacral region of a patient, and method for using such devices.
US08328845B2
An improved device and method for the removal of objects from orifices is provided; a pair of tweezers comprising two arms, each arm having a distal end and a proximate end, the arms being connected together at their proximate ends, either or both arms including stop means for limiting a depth of insertion of either or both distal end into an orifice; and, a method of removing mucus from a nostril, including the steps of providing a pair of tweezers comprising two arms, each arm having a distal end and a proximate end, the arms being connected together at their proximate ends, either or both arms including stop means for limiting a depth of insertion of either or both distal end into an orifice; inserting the distal ends of the arms into a nostril; gripping said mucus by the squeezing together of said arms; and withdrawing said tweezers from said nostril.
US08328844B2
A surgical access apparatus includes a liner base and an access housing for positioning outside the body. The liner base includes an inner member adapted for insertion through an opening within body tissue for positioning within the body; a sleeve member connected to the inner member and dimensioned to extend from the inner member through the opening within the body tissue, and a plurality of tensioning elements connected to the inner member and associated with the sleeve member to impart a tensioning effect on the sleeve member. The access housing includes a first element and a second element. The second element is operatively connected to the tensioning elements and adapted for rotational movement relative to the first member to cause the tensioning elements to displace the inner member toward the access housing and to cause the sleeve member to engage and retract tissue defining the opening within the body.
US08328841B2
A system and method for ultrasonically guided endoscopic (EUS) delivery of one or more embolization coils to an internal body site. The embolization coil delivery devices are preferably ultrasonically guided to the selected internal body site after being advanced through the working channel of an endoscope with its distal end located near the selected internal body site. In one aspect, the system and method may be utilized to deploy an embolization coil into a lesion to promote thrombosis and/or prevent bleeding.
US08328832B2
A work 10 made of a hard wire rod of austenitic stainless steel is pressed at a rolling reduction of 60% or greater, into a paddle-shaped end 10b, and then subjected to work hardening, making the hardness of the end 10b 550 Hv or greater. Afterwards, the paddle-shaped end 10b is cut through machining, forming a main body 10c of a medical knife and cutting blades 10d. As a result, a medical knife, which is easily fabricated, is corrosion resistant, has sufficient hardness and sharpness, high toughness preventing cracks, can be provided.
US08328824B2
A device for snaring cord-like objects is provided. The device comprises a hollow shaft having a pointed distal end, a rod having a pair of wires attached to its distal end, the wires being spring biased away from one another, and housing. The rod and wires are located in the lumen of the shaft in reciprocally movable relationship with each other. The housing is attached to the proximal ends of the shaft and the rod so as to allow controlled movement of the rod and wires relative to the shaft. One of the wire-like elements defines a hook-shaped configuration at its distal end. The device allows the wire-like elements to be selectively located within the distal end of the shaft or in a configuration where the wire-like elements extend outwardly from the distal end of the shaft in flaring relationship to one another.
US08328820B2
A medical device and method for breaking a concretion in a body into smaller pieces and removing the pieces from the body are described. The device has a dilator sheath, a lithotripsy probe, a tubular member, and a retrieval basket. The dilator sheath adapted to penetrate into a passage of the body to reach the location where the concretion is located. The lithotripsy probe is configured for shattering the concretion into smaller pieces. The tubular member is mounted within the dilator sheath adapted to permit the lithotripsy probe to be inserted into the tubular member. The retrieval basket is coupled to the tubular member, and configured for entrapping the concretion and the smaller pieces for their extraction from the body. The retrieval basket has a structure constituted by a plurality of filaments extending from a basket proximal end towards a basket distal end, and then returning to the proximal end after forming a plurality of filament loops in the basket distal portion, and a plurality of filament strands at the basket proximal portion.
US08328819B2
A medical device includes a sheath defining a lumen, a first elongate member, and a second elongate member. The first and second elongate members are movably disposed within the lumen. The medical device further includes a basket comprising a plurality of legs and a mesh portion. A proximal end of each leg of the plurality of legs is connected to the first elongate member, and a proximal end of the mesh portion is connected to the second elongate member.
US08328817B2
A lock indicator gauge is provided to provide an indication as to whether a bone screw construct is in a locked or an unlocked condition when the lock indicator gauge is operatively engaged with the bone screw construct. A plunger longitudinally disposed within a housing of the lock indicator gauge translates within the housing by a distance that corresponds to the relative positions of inner and outer housings of the bone screw construct, wherein the relative positions of the inner and outer housings is dependent on whether the bone screw construct is in a locked or an unlocked condition.
US08328816B2
A femoral gauge for sizing a femoral head implant and locating osteophytes or structural abnormalities comprising a gauge portion, the gauge portion having a concave gauge surface and an opposing back surface, the gauge surface defined by a pair of opposing lengthwise sides and a pair of widthwise sides, the gauge surface having a substantially spherical contour, the spherical contour sized for selection of a correspondingly sized femoral head implant, and a handle portion extending from the gauge portion, the handle portion positioned and configured for use in positioning the gauge surface. A plurality of different sized gauges can be provided. Areas of potential infringement can be located by rotating the femoral gauge around the juncture of the natural or implant femoral head and the natural femoral neck. Areas of impingement are removed until the femoral gauge can be rotated around the juncture without lifting off of the femoral head.
US08328811B2
A method of removing bone material including the steps of drivingly connecting a bone removal tool to an output shaft; and rotating a plurality of drive shafts in an open frame, one of the plurality of drive shafts being connected to the output shaft.
US08328807B2
An intramedullary fixation device having a distal section; a proximal section; a connecting member for adjustably securing the distal and proximal sections end to end along a longitudinal axis; a screw securing the proximal section to a first bone; and a screw securing the distal section to a least one different bone. The connecting member is rotated to provide compression across a bone arthrodesis site to be stabilized and fused. Also described is a method of utilizing the intramedullary fixation device with an outrigger assembly.
US08328801B2
An electrosurgical device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and a dielectric material disposed therebetween. An elongated electrically-conductive member is longitudinally disposed at a distal end of the inner conductor; a balun structure is disposed on the outer conductor. An electrically-conductive cylinder is coaxially disposed around a distal portion of the balun structure and a dielectric structure is disposed substantially adjacent to a distal end of the electrically-conductive cylinder and configured to extend to a distal end of the electrically-conductive member. An elongated handle assembly is coaxially disposed around a portion of the outer conductor proximal to the dielectric structure and a shell assembly is disposed at a distal end of the elongated handle assembly. A portion of the shell assembly is configured to extend distally beyond the distal end of the electrically-conductive member.
US08328800B2
An electrosurgical device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and a dielectric material disposed therebetween. An elongated electrically-conductive member is longitudinally disposed at a distal end of the inner conductor. A balun structure is disposed on the outer conductor. The device also includes an electrically-conductive cylinder coaxially disposed around a distal portion of the balun structure, and a dielectric structure disposed substantially adjacent to a distal end of the electrically-conductive cylinder, wherein the dielectric structure longitudinally extends from the distal end of the electrically-conductive cylinder to a distal end of the electrically-conductive member.
US08328795B2
Non-ablative skin resurfacing can include generating electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 1920 nm to about 1950 nm and a fluence of about 3 J/cm2 to about 6 J/cm2. The electromagnetic radiation is delivered to a target region of skin to cause thermal injury to the epidermis in the target region sufficient to elicit a healing response that produces a substantially improved skin condition without detachment of the epidermis (e.g., within 3 days of treatment).
US08328792B2
The present disclosure relates to a pre-wetted intermittent catheter apparatus including a collapsible container having a conduit positioned therein as well as a wetting fluid. The conduit has a lubricious coating disposed thereon such that the coating is hydrated upon contact with the wetting fluid in the container, providing a slippery surface for the conduit, which facilitates introduction of the conduit into a user. An introduction member may be incorporated into the distal end of the container and a disposal member may be incorporated into the proximal end, each respectively being positioned in an opening in the container and in communication with the conduit such that fluid flow through the conduit (positioned in the container) is enabled. A bag may be attached to or incorporated into the disposal member to provide a closed system such that the user or assistant is not exposed to potential contaminants. The collapsible container may be rigid or more flexible, but in either case, collapse of the container in use is easily accomplished by the user or assistant during introduction of the conduit into the user. Methods for inserting the catheter into a patient and draining urine from a patient are also disclosed.
US08328791B2
Catheter assembly including an elongate shaft comprising a thermoplastic polymer such as a thermoplastic shape memory polymer having a pre-selected glass transition temperature (Tg) and a means for heating the thermoplastic polymer, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is in a rubbery state at temperatures above the glass transition temperature and is in a glassy state at temperatures below the glass transition temperature. The elongate shaft may be selectively heated and cooled to provide sufficient flexibility and retention during a medical procedure.
US08328786B2
A method of controlling a medication delivery system is used to deliver medication to a patient. The system includes an electronic controller, at least one control button, a patient label, and a removable overlay label disposed on top of the patient label for controlling an amount of the medication to be delivered to the patient. The method comprises the steps of selecting the amount of the medication in accordance with a first set of explanatory indicia on the removable overlay label; locking the system such that the selected amount of the medication to be delivered to the patient is unable to be modified; removing the removable overlay label to reveal the patient label; and operating the system in accordance with a second set of explanatory indicia on the patient label.
US08328766B2
A safety device for shielding the sharp tip of a medical needle has a needle mount which either directly supports a medical needle, or indirectly supports the needle for instance where the needle is provided as a part of a syringe. A sleeve is carried directly or indirectly on the needle mount and is slidably movable to a needle shielding position where the sleeve surrounds the needle sharp tip. A spring including forwardly projecting spring blades when sufficiently loaded acts on an internal conical surface of the sleeve to drive the sleeve to its shielding position and a locking mechanism then locks the sleeve in that position. A camming mechanism serves to load the spring blades in the course of the use of the safety device such that thereafter the interaction of the blades with the conical surface urges the sleeve to its shielding position, the camming mechanism being activated by movement of the sleeve to expose the needle for use.
US08328764B2
Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) and secures the catheter in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some embodiments, the anchor device can secure the catheter in an operative position relative to the skin without the use of sutures or skin tapes. In particular embodiments, the anchor device can be adjusted to a folded condition so that subcutaneous anchors are partially rotated prior to removal from the skin penetration point.
US08328763B2
The invention relates to a clamp (10) for a flexible tube, in particular an infusion tube, composed of a substantially U-shaped plastic band, the free end (111) of the first branch (11′) of the U being bent over, so as to form the head (11) of the clamp, to the free end (121) of the second branch, called the back (12), in such a way that, in the closed position, the free end (121) of the back (12) is situated resting under the free end (111) of the head (11), whereas, in the opened position, the free end (121) of the back (12) is situated at a distance above the free end (111) of the head (11), the clamp having a pair of openings (114, 134) to allow a flexible tube to extend through the clamp and be supported by the latter, and two opposite projections (113, 123) for obturating the flexible tube by compressing it when the clamp is in the closed position. The invention also relates to a pump provided with means for opening a clamp according to the invention, to an infusion kit provided with a clamp according to the invention, and to a combination of a pump according to the invention and an infusion kit according to the invention. According to the invention, locking means (112, 122) are provided in order to ensure that the head end (111) does not move away from the back end (121) when the clamp (10) is in the closed position.
US08328762B2
Embodiments of a catheter insertion device are discussed comprising: an approximately hollow cylindrical catheter sleeve, at whose distal end a catheter is attached; a needle sleeve with a hollow needle, which is attached thereto and which, when ready for use, extends through the catheter sleeve and the catheter, and; a needle protective element that is arranged inside the catheter sleeve while being able to move on the needle. Said needle protective element has an engaging section that engages with an engaging device, which is formed in the vicinity of the needle tip, when the hollow needle is withdrawn from the catheter sleeve. A check valve is placed inside the catheter sleeve between the catheter and the needle protective element. The hollow needle, when ready for use, extends through said check valve, and the check valve automatically closes once the needle is withdrawn.
US08328757B2
A bladder arrangement is provided for a microneedle-based drug delivery device. The bladder arrangement includes a flexible membrane having an inner surface, an outer surface and an outer periphery. A bladder member, having a rigidity greater than the flexible membrane, includes an inner surface, an outer surface and an outer periphery. The inner surface of the flexible membrane and the inner surface of the bladder member define a chamber for receiving a drug therein. At least one microneedle is operatively connected to the bladder member. The at least one microneedle has an input and an output receivable within the individual. A valve operatively connects the input of the at least one microneedle and the chamber.
US08328756B2
An abdominal cavity balloon for preventing a haemorrhage in a patient's pelvic region, comprising an inflatable balloon, wherein the balloon is provided with a smooth surface and with a strip that is flexurally stiff and formed to follow the balloon's shape for positioning the balloon.
US08328754B2
Some embodiments of a wearable infusion pump system can include a pump device having a drive system to dispense a medicine to a user, an activity sensor that detects a possible change in an activity level of the user, and a controller to activate the drive system to dispense the medicine to the user. The controller device can query the user to indicate whether a detected activity level of the user represents an actual change in the activity level of the user. The controller device can alter the medicine dispensing schedule based on the user indicated changes in activity level.
US08328751B2
The present invention is thus directed to methods and apparatus for decreasing pressure in a first portion of a vessel of the cardiac structure of a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside said first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in said first portion is released. Preferably, the first portion comprises the left ventricle and the pressure reduced is the end diastolic pressure, which is accomplished by having the shunt communicate with the left ventricle so a small volume of blood is released from the left ventricle to reduce the end diastolic pressure. Most preferably, the shunt selectively permits flow when a pressure differential between the left ventricle and another chamber of a heart above a threshold pressure, whereby shunting is prevented during left ventricular systole, or, alternatively, selectively permits flow when a pressure differential between the left ventricle and another chamber of a heart is between a lower threshold and a higher threshold, whereby shunting is again prevented during left ventricular systole. In certain embodiments a semi-passive check-valve is controlled and actuated by an external signal, either using a signal generated by an intra-corporeal electrical battery or an externally coupled energy source. In certain embodiments, the shunt has a pump with an input connected to the left ventricle, or other portion with excessive pressure, and an output connected to a volume of lower pressure. The preferred method of implanting the shunt to effect the present invention is by deploying a tubular element having two ends and a tissue affixation element disposed at each of said ends via a catheter, preferably, the fixation element is a shape retaining metallic material that returns to its original shape as part of the retention aspect of its function. In preferred embodiments of the apparatus, the tubular element is comprised of a biologically inert non-metallic material.
US08328737B2
An integrated lancing test strip device includes a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test strip coupled to the lancet for analyzing body fluid. A retention mechanism acts as a detent to hold the lancet in a static position relative to the test strip before forming the incision. The retention mechanism is configured to release the lancet for retracting the lancet relative to the test strip to reduce smearing of body fluid by the lancet during collection of the fluid with the test strip. In one form, the retention mechanism includes breakable tabs that are broken to release the lancet, and the lancet is retracted via translational movement. The retention mechanism in another form includes one or more dimples that release the lancet when the lancet is retracted via rotational motion. In a further form, the entire integrated device is rotated to collect fluid.
US08328735B2
An analytical system for detecting an analyte in a body fluid comprises a disposable integrated puncturing and analyzing element and a reusable analytical system. The integrated element includes a puncturing element having a tip for generating a puncture wound in a body part and an elongated flat test strip having a top side and a bottom side. The integrated element is held in a holder such that, in a sample application position of the test strip, the top side of the test strip is facing upward. A sample application area for manual application of a drop exiting from the puncture wound of the body part is provided on the top side of the test strip such that, in the sample application position, the drop is applied to the sample application area from directly above.
US08328734B2
A urine meter is provided for use in a urine collection system. The urine meter includes a housing defining at least one fluid receptacle and having a concave upper wall having first and second ends and a central portion of reduced height. The housing defines first and second drain openings positioned adjacent respect ends of the upper wall. The housing also defines an inlet port extending through the central portion of the upper wall. A drain tube having a discharge end is positioned through the inlet port to direct fluid into the fluid receptacle. The drain tube has an internal surface having substantially no discontinuities. In one embodiment, the housing defines a centrally located first fluid receptacle and a second fluid receptacle which is positioned about the first fluid receptacle.
US08328727B2
An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter by measuring a non-calibrated value of the parameter non-invasively, and inducing a stress of the circulatory system while measuring a second parameter. The response of the circulatory system to the stress is determined directly from the subject, and a calibration function is derived from the response and applied to the non-calibrated measured value to produce a calibrated measure of the actual value of the hemodynamic parameter. Methods of using backscattered acoustic energy for determination of hemodynamic markers are also disclosed.
US08328724B2
Heart diseases are detected by producing a series of ultrasound images that depict the blood flow pattern in the left ventricle at successive phases of the cardiac cycle. The blood flow pattern images are produced by injecting a diluted contrast agent and tracking the contrast agent particles as they flow through the left ventricle by acquiring ultrasound images at a high frame rate.
US08328723B2
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasound probe 1, in which a plurality of transducer elements are arrayed and which converges and radiates an ultrasound on a patient and detects a reflection wave thereof, and images a tomogram of the patient, using the reflection wave, wherein an expansion detector 22 operates a difference between a radial component of a therapeutic converging beam of a movement amount of each part, and an integral amount integrated from the radial component, and extracts a tissue expansion generated at a part of the patient from the tomogram, and wherein the movement amount is calculated by performing a pattern matching between tomograms imaged with different frames.
US08328716B2
A retracting two-piece cannula for distracting soft tissue from bone (e.g., the articular surface of a knee) to provide a surgical workspace for osteochondral repair. After inserting an outer cannula provided with a threaded outer surface into an incision (preferably widened by one or more dilators), the outer cannula is rotated to engage the threaded outer surface with the soft tissue to be distracted. An inner cannula is then inserted into the outer cannula and advanced until it contacts the articular surface. Further relative movement between the inner and outer cannulas causes the outer cannula to be drawn away from the articular surface, thereby retracting the soft tissue and establishing the workspace. The inner and outer cannula are then locked together to maintain the workspace, and an osteochondral core may be introduced through the inner cannula.
US08328715B2
An optical system which can be detached and attached is constituted such that it is arranged at the object side of an objective optical system for endoscope in which an incidence pupil is arranged, and a middle image of the objective is formed at its inside, and in the arrangement state, the incidence pupil of the objective optical system for endoscope is relayed at a predetermined position which is more projected toward the utmost object side than a surface at the object side in the endoscope. (An incidence pupil which is conjugate with an incidence pupil is arranged at a position which is more projected toward the object side by a predetermined amount than a surface which is at the utmost object side in the endoscope).
US08328700B2
A resistance apparatus for use with exercise devices includes an axle and outer housing for rotatably mounting the axle therein. At least one inner housing includes an opening for receiving the axle therethrough so that the inner housing is fixably mounted on the axle. The inner housing is rotatably mounted inside the outer housing to permit rotation of the inner housing along with the axle within the outer housing. At least a first tensioned member is disposed within the inner housing. The first tensioned member includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the inner housing. The second end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the outer housing. The tensioned member creates a rotational restoring force between the inner housing and the outer housing.
US08328699B2
An exercise step with air-cushioning legs. The exercise step (1) includes a plate-shaped panel (10), and air-cushioning legs (30). Each of the air-cushioning legs is provided under the panel to support the panel, and absorbs a load applied to the panel by air cushioning effect. The exercise step has a high air cushioning effect, thus protecting a user's knees from injury, allowing the user to exercise in comfort and safety, and minimizing noise generated during a cushioning operation. Further, the exercise step prevents the panel from being deformed due to a load applied to the panel.
US08328697B2
A device for varying a load applied to a vertical axis comprises a basic burden capable of vertical movement, a hinge with a horizontal axis, a lever having an end coupled to the hinge and capable of rotating around the horizontal axis, and a revolving means (a roller or pinion) for revolving about an axis mounted on the basic burden and extending essentially parallel to the horizontal axis, wherein the lever freely leans against the revolving means. In embodiments, the device may preferably comprise a supplemental burden secured in the region of the other end of lever. The lever may consist of two parallel rods fixedly attached to each other and pivotable around a common axis, or the rods can be independent, pivotable around the corresponding axis. The device provides convenient changing the load in the positive and negative phases of movement. It's usable in fitness, or for other purposes.
US08328680B2
A motor vehicle having a drive train and a motor unit which can be coupled to the drive train, and at least one electric machine. A freewheel mode is activated to increase the energy efficiency so that the motor vehicle is neither powered nor decelerated by the motor unit, thus allowing the wheels of the motor vehicle to essentially roll freely. In the freewheel mode, the electric machine is operated as a motor which introduces a freewheel mode pull torque to the drive train.
US08328664B2
A motion tackler for simulating an opponent during tackle training. The motion tackler has an elongated frame with a first side and a second side. A dummy module is attached to the first side of the elongated frame. A handle frame is attached to the second side of the elongated frame. A plurality of wheels are attached to the elongated frame. The motion tackler further has a resistance bar capable of engaging with the ground upon the dummy module being lifted.
US08328663B2
An iron-type golf club head is disclosed having a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, a front portion, a rear portion, and a striking face. A back wall is also disclosed in the rear portion enclosing a portion of the rear portion to create an enclosed cavity. The cavity is defined by at least a rear surface of the striking face, an inner back wall surface, and the sole portion. A plug and a filler material is located within the enclosed cavity. The filler material surrounds the plug and is configured to hold the plug in place. The plug is lighter than the filler material.
US08328660B2
A muscle-back iron golf club head includes a blade-like upper mass, a muscle-like lower mass, a planar front surface, a top surface, a sole surface, a heel surface, a toe surface, and a rear surface having a first contour. A recess is in the rear surface, the recess having a first portion in the blade-like upper mass and a second portion in the muscle-like lower mass. An insert may be provided in the recess, and such insert may substantially fill the recess and may include a back surface having a second contour which is different from the first contour of the club head rear surface.
US08328658B2
A golf club with a plurality of rails wherein the plurality of rails is capable of improving turf interaction for various turf conditions with various turf undulations is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a metal wood type golf club having a plurality of rails on its sole that is capable of changing the lie angle of the metal wood type golf club head by varying the combination of the rails on the sole that comes into contact with the ground to provide improved turf interaction for various types of lies.
US08328656B2
A golf club shaft having a weight distribution such that the balance point percentage is less than or equal to 44.50%. The weight distribution of the shaft allows for an increase in length and/or club head weight of a golf club while having a reduced impact on the swing weight.
US08328653B2
A system and method for detecting object location and movement utilizes a first viewing area (40) observed by a first camera (42) cooperating with a light (43) and a second camera (44) cooperating with a light (45). A third camera (46) can be added to observe a second viewing area (47) encompassing the first viewing area (40). The first camera (42) acquires images at time spaced points (51) and (53) along a first trajectory line (55). The second camera (44) acquires images at time spaced points (52) and (54) along a second trajectory line (56). This information is combined to generate the 3-D trajectory line (50) of the object.
US08328640B2
The invention is a system for displaying objects within an interactive game program, in which, the objects can be added during the game program creation and afterwards. Additionally, a component within the game program itself updates these objects and communicates with a centralized server that manages and controls the objects through a number of utilities. One embodiment of the invention is a system providing dynamically changing advertisements within interactive video games. Additionally, a centralized server communicates with an internal Ad Engine to update interactive game ads without impeding on the game performance or affect the game play in any unintended way. Furthermore, the invention provides various management suites for interactive game program developers, game program publishers, and advertisers to update and manage the advertising objects within the game program.
US08328639B2
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that accesses coefficient vectors each of which represent an entity within a persistent virtual environment. Each accessed coefficient vector includes coefficients having coefficient values related to the represented entity. The coefficients represent a temporal profile of the entity in the persistent virtual environment. This aspect assigns a coefficient weight to at least one of the coefficients. and partitions the coefficient vectors responsive to the coefficient weight and at least one of the coefficients of each of the coefficient vectors into clusters. Finally, the technology presents a recommendation responsive to the clusters. Furthermore, a compatibility metric can be determined by comparing weighted coefficient vectors of two entities, and the compatibility metric can also be presented.
US08328631B2
A gaming system which includes a plurality of progressive awards in an MLP configuration. In a triggered bonus event, a player begins at the lowest progressive award level of the MLP and attempts to reach a higher progressive award level based on their decisions in the bonus event. If as a result of their play in the bonus event, a player is provided a progressive award other than the lowest level progressive award, one or more of the remaining lower level progressive awards (i.e., a progressive award associated with a lower level of the MLP than the provided progressive award) are shifted to account for the provided progressive award. The lowest level progressive award (which is temporality left vacant by the shifting of the remaining progressive awards) is reset to a set value, thus providing that the progressive award hierarchy is preserved regardless of which progressive award is provided to the player.
US08328627B2
A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. The gaming machine further comprises a selector applicable to a game feature where, upon a trigger condition occurring in a base game, a player is afforded an opportunity of predicting an outcome of the feature and, if the player's prediction is correct, a bonus is awarded to the player.
US08328626B2
A method of conducting a group wagering game that includes a special award that is attainable by players at a plurality of gaming machines. The method includes receiving wagers from players at the plurality of machines for playing individual wagering games. In response to a triggering condition that is associated with one of the machines, the group wagering game is presented including an opportunity to fulfill at least one of a plurality of victory conditions. In response to all of the plurality of victory conditions being fulfilled, the special award is awarded to the machine associated with a next triggering condition.
US08328616B1
A gaming system comprises at least one input device, at least one display device, at least one processor, and at least one memory device. The memory device stores a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to receive a wager to play a wagering game, display an array of symbols randomly selected from a plurality of possible symbols, trigger a bonus feature if the displayed array includes a bonus triggering outcome, and, in response to the displayed array including at least one bonus triggering symbol, change one or more of the symbols adjacent to the bonus triggering symbol to respective other symbols selected from the plurality of possible symbols, and awarding an enhanced award that is greater than a basic award resulting from the bonus feature and any winning combinations of the symbols in the displayed array. The basic award is otherwise provided when the at least one bonus triggering symbol is absent from the displayed array.
US08328611B2
A game apparatus has a touch panel for designating an arbitrary position within a screen on which a plurality of moving objects are arranged. A CPU repetitively detects the position designated via the touch panel, draws a line along the detected positions on the screen, every time that the detected position is in contact with any object within the screen, aligns the object on the line every time that the detected position is in contact with any object on the screen, moves the object aligned on the line to a trailing end direction of the line at a velocity V1 with the drawn line erasing from a leading end at a velocity V2 (>V1) and executes clearing processing in a case that an array of the objects on the line satisfies a matching condition with a goal condition array before the leading end of the line catches up with the object on the line.
US08328604B2
A carcass processing system is provided. The carcass processing system includes housing, a splitting arrangement for splitting a carcass, elongate members attached to the housing for loosening unpalatable materials from the carcass, and vacuum suction ports coupled to the housing for collecting the loosened unpalatable materials.
US08328603B2
An apparatus for stress shot peening of a coil spring is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention is constructed such that coil springs, which are compressed and clamped by corresponding spring clamping units (20) facing each other, are rotated on their own axes and are simultaneously supplied into the shot room (10) for shot peening. Therefore, the present invention can markedly enhance the internal stress of the coil spring, compared to a coil spring treated by the conventional shot peening apparatus. Furthermore, in the present invention, because the coil springs are clamped by the corresponding spring clamping units facing each other and are simultaneously rotated and moved into the shot room for shot peening, various kinds of side load coil springs, as well as a typical cylindrical coil spring, can be evenly treated throughout the entire surface thereof by shot peening.
US08328602B2
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass substrate for information recording medium, the method including: a lapping step of lapping a circular glass plate made of an alkali aluminosilicate glass; and a subsequent cerium oxide polishing step of polishing the circular glass plate with a slurry containing a cerium oxide abrasive, in which a difference (SiO2−Al2O3) obtained by subtracting an Al2O3 content from an SiO2 content in the alkali aluminosilicate glass is 62% by mole or less; and in which the method further includes: subsequently to the cerium oxide polishing step, a cleaning step of cleaning the circular glass plate with a cleaning liquid having a sulfuric acid concentration of 20% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less and a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less at a liquid temperature of 50° C. or higher and 100° C. or lower, and after the cleaning step, a finish polishing step of polishing a main surface of the circular glass plate with a slurry containing a colloidal silica abrasive.
US08328598B2
A contouring support bra made from soft stretchable cotton knit and light, and power-net support fabrics particularly suited for pregnant and nursing women for comfortably providing an alluring, lifted tear drop breast shape analogous to that provided by properly-fitted traditional underwire bra structures.
US08328582B1
A shortened adapter for a light bulb socket with highly overlapped male and female parts with an insulating hand-ring that extends only partially over the external surface of the adapter's female threading so it fits into the unthreaded collar of a light bulb socket, thereby significantly reducing the light bulb displacement. The shortened adapter can respond to an incoming signal and control the output of a light bulb. A reversible ring on the insulating hand-ring can change the adapter from being a dimmer to being an on-off control. A mechanism is disclosed to reversibly lock the adapter onto a light bulb. A miniature remote controller to work with the adapter is provided that has many advantages because of its very small size and compact shape. Further, one such controller can control several lights and several such controllers can control a single light in arbitrary combinations selected by the user.
US08328577B1
A coaxial cable connector suitable for assembly with one of a series of coaxial cables having one same specification and different wire outer diameters is disclosed to use a plastic bushing for compressing by a barrel to wrap about the coaxial cable and compress an inner tube against the aluminum foil and insulation spacer of the coaxial cable, protecting the coaxial cable against weather and extending the lifespan, an O-ring in a locating groove around a front neck of a body shell or on an annular rear contact face of a screw nut to seal the gap between the screw nut and the body shell, and a curved spring plate for stoppage between an annular front stop face of the body shell and an annular rear contact face of the screw nut for grounding to enhance signal transmission reliability.
US08328575B2
A device for connection of multiple switchgear devices having a first connection plane including at least one plug-in socket for receiving a switchgear device pluggable in a plug-in direction. The device includes a second protection plane with a removable cover having at least one opening for the control means of a device to pass through. The removable cover also includes at least a first pressing area for pressing against a second pressing area of at least one switchgear device, pressing of the first pressing area on the second pressing area at the time the removable cover is positioned providing a holding force for the at least one switchgear device.
US08328570B2
A system for driving an electric handpiece in response to a pneumatic control signal may provide for fast interchange of handpieces, self-calibration and wide dynamic range of operation with precise speed control. The system may be incorporated into virtually any dental treatment center using traditional pneumatic drive handpieces, and a conversion kit may facilitate such conversion. The system may provide not only for controlling the speed and torque of a tool coupled to an electric drive handpiece responsive to a pneumatic control signal, it may also provide for coupling cooling air and treatment media, such as air and/or water to the handpiece. Coupling of a handpiece to an operating base of the system, including coupling of media lines and electrical connections may be made with a simple press and twist action using quick connection structure.
US08328565B2
A receptacle connector includes contacts having posts and contact tails extending from the posts. The contact tails are configured to be mounted to a circuit board. The contacts have mating sections extending from the posts. The mating sections are configured for mating with a mating connector. The contacts define signal contacts and ground contacts with the signal contacts arranged in pairs and the pairs of signal contacts being separated by at least one ground contact. The receptacle connector also includes a housing holding the signal and ground contacts in parallel at a predetermined pitch. The housing has a front and a rear with a cavity at the front being configured to receive the mating connector. The housing has walls defining channels that receive the signal and ground contacts. The channels holding the signal contacts have air pockets between the signal contacts such that the amount of air between adjacent signal contacts is greater than the amount of air between signal contacts and adjacent ground contacts.
US08328563B2
System, methods, and apparatuses produce simulated human physiological waveforms such as electrocardiograph (ECG) and blood pressure signals where the microcontroller and/or digital-to-analog converters may be switched to a lower power-consuming state by programmable instructions and switched on in response to a programmable sleep timer.
US08328562B1
A motor programming tool is disclosed for associating with a connection block of a motor and sending signals to a programmable controller of the motor, where the connection block includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the controller. The programming tool includes a tool body with an interface generally corresponding with the connection block of the motor, wiring operable to carry the signals, and a plurality of terminal connecting assemblies to associate with the motor terminals. In one embodiment, each connecting assembly includes a mounting element connected to end of the wiring and a plunger element shiftable relative to the mounting element while maintaining electrical connection therewith. Each plunger is biased toward an extended condition and is yieldably retracted inwardly relative thereto when the tool body is associated with the connection block. Embodiments of the programming tool also include circuitry connected to the wiring and including a time-delay relay element.
US08328560B2
The present invention relates to a laparoscopic apparatus. In particular, it relates to an apparatus for the training of medical professionals, particularly those engaged in the field of laparoscopic surgery. The apparatus comprises a housing; an opening in the housing through which a laparoscopic tool can pass; retaining means in operative association with the opening and adapted to guide the laparoscopic tool through the opening, the retaining means providing resistance to movement of the laparoscopic tool. Accordingly, the present invention provides a realistic surgical experience by mimicking the sensation of carrying out surgical techniques on a patient.
US08328558B2
In a method for teaching a vocabulary, a computer receives a user selection of a chapter from a plurality of chapters in a Chinese-English textbook, a user selection of a language in which to display questions in a user interface, wherein the language in which to display the questions is one of English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Pin Yin, and a user selection of a language in which to receive answers to the questions in the user interface, wherein the language in which to receive the answers is another of the one of English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Pin Yin. The computer determines a question including a vocabulary word in the chapter and in the language in which to display the questions. In response to receiving an answer to the question in the language in which to receive the answers, the computer determines if the answer is correct.
US08328552B2
An endodontic tool is provided to facilitate the removal of the smear layer and to enhance deep lateral cleaning of a root canal system. The tool is comprised of a sonic or ultrasonically driven activator which is made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth. A snap-on coupler is adapted to attach the tool to a driver via a snap on action and without the use of tools. The driver will vibrate, sonically or ultrasonically, the flexible activator within a root canal of a tooth. The tool can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered through the activator and into the root canal space during endodontic procedures.
US08328531B2
A scroll compressor comprises a first scroll member having a generally spiral wrap and a second scroll member having a generally spiral wrap. The generally spiral wraps interfit to define compression chambers. A pair of ports leads from the compression chambers. A pair of valves selectively blocks flow of refrigerant from the ports leaving the compression chambers. The valves selectively control the flow such that flow may pass from neither of the two ports, from both of the two ports, or from only one of the two ports to provide three levels of capacity control.
US08328529B2
An electrical submersible pump assembly has a pump discharge head with an integrally formed pump discharge pressure port. The discharge head is mounted directly to the pump and couples the pump to production tubing. A static pressure port extends directly through the side wall of the discharge head. The pressure port includes a tubing connector for hydraulic tubing to run down to the gauge. Inside the discharge head, a flow limiter is located in the pressure port to stop the loss of fluid if there is a break in the tubing connector or hydraulic line. Alternatively, the discharge head may incorporate a venturi or other pressure drop structure to allow the fluid flow to be measured via a pressure drop across an orifice. The venturi may be configured as an insert to permit it to be replaced after it has become worn by abrasive flow.
US08328528B2
A sucker rod pump with no travelling valve consisting of, from the bottom: hold down with pump inlet, lower standing valve, hollow coupling, upper standing valve suspended within the coupling, relief valve, hollow pump housing, solid piston within the housing, and barrel to clean and retain the piston in the housing. The piston attaches to and reciprocating with the rod string. Peripheral channels in the relief valve communicate between the coupling and the housing. A central channel in the relief valve communicates between the upper standing valve and the pump's outlets. The upstroke pulls fluid from the bottom of the well upward through the open lower standing valve, around the closed upper standing valve and into the housing chamber. The down stroke pushes fluid from the housing chamber past the closed lower standing valve and through the open upper standing valve to the pump's exit into the tubing.
US08328523B2
The present invention provides a new and unique method and apparatus for operating and running multiple pumps in a system together at a substantially synchronous torque to achieve a desired setpoint. Each of the multiple pumps may be operated with a variable speed drive. The present invention may also take the form of the system having the multiple pumps with a system controller for operating and running the multiple pumps, a pump for operating and running in such a system, a system control module for such a system controller, as well as a pump control module for running and operating such a pump.
US08328517B2
A cooling system for a turbine airfoil of a turbine engine having at least one diffusion film cooling hole positioned in an outer wall defining the turbine airfoil is disclosed. The diffusion film cooling hole includes a first section extending from an inner surface of the outer wall into the outer wall, a second section extending the first section toward an outer wall, and a third section extending from the second section and terminating at an outer surface of the outer wall. The diffusion film cooling hole may provide a metering capability together with diffusion sections that provide a larger film cooling hole breakout and footprint, which create better film coverage and yield better cooling of the turbine airfoil. The diffusion film cooling hole may provide a smooth transition, which allows the film cooling flow to diffuse better in the second and third sections of the diffusion film cooling hole.
US08328509B2
A turbomachine comprises a housing (71) defining a bearing cavity (71) and a turbine chamber (77a) separated by a first wall. A heat shield (72) is disposed between the first wall and the turbine wheel (77), a heat shield cavity (78) being defined between the first wall and the heat shield (72). The shaft (81) extends through a passage (85) defined at least in part by a first aperture (86) in said wall and a second aperture (87) in the heat shield (72). A first seal (88) is provided between the shaft (81) and said first aperture (86). The housing defines a first gas channel (79) communicating with the heat shield cavity (78) for connection to a pressure source for raising pressure within the heat shield cavity (78). A second channel (92) is provided between the heat shield cavity (78) and said passage (85), the second channel opening to said passage (85) on the opposite side of said first seal (88) to said bearing assembly (82). A second seal (89) is provided between the shaft (81) and said second aperture (87).
US08328504B2
A gas turbine engine has a nacelle, a plurality of pipes and a drains assembly, the drains assembly including a drains mast that extends through the nacelle and provides an outlet for the pipes. The engine is characterised in that drains assembly has a connection block defining internal passages and is arranged to connect between the pipes and the drains mast. The connection block also has lateral connections to the pipes enabling the nacelle to have a lower profile; thereby reducing aerodynamic drag.
US08328502B2
A method for manufacturing a torque converter includes providing an outer race of a one way clutch, contacting the outer race with a side plate, and casting a stator housing together with the outer race and the side plate. A torque converter is also provided.
US08328500B2
A system for controlling at least two variable-geometry equipments of a turbomachine, in which the first equipment is a variable pitch stator blade stage of a compressor of a first core moving between a closed position at idle speed and an open position at high speed, and the second equipment is at least one bleed valve of a compressor of a second core moving between an open position at idle speed and a closed position at high speed, is disclosed. The actuator operates over a portion of its travel a first branch of an angle transmission member which actuates the first equipment and leaves this branch at rest on an abutment over the rest of its travel. The actuator operates the second equipment via a sliding junction member arranging a free travel in the actuation of said second equipment.
US08328497B2
A grain cart includes a wheel supported frame supporting a container having front and rear walls connected by an inclined left side wall and an inclined right side wall. An auger conveyor has a lower section having an inlet to receive grain from the container and an upper section pivotable between a storage position adjacent the container and an extended discharge position projecting laterally outwardly from the cart. A side wall extension panel is pivotally connected to the inclined right side wall of the container and is movable from a retracted position projecting above the right side wall and an inclined extended position projecting laterally outwardly from the right side wall beyond a right support wheel. A set of inclined brace members are pivotally connected to the extension panel and are adjustably connected to a corresponding set of horizontal tie members rigidly connecting the side walls of the container.
US08328496B2
A bottom unloader for conveying feed material from a silo is disclosed. The unloader may have a housing with a drive unit and discharge, a conveyor positioned in the trough of a silo and a rotating cutter arm. The bottom unloader may be equipped with heavy-duty hooks having a wide uniform forward profile to prevent breaking and clogging of the conveyor. The hooks may be arranged in a repeating sequence to optimize unloading. The silo trough may have a wide chamfered section to prevent bridging. A discharge cover may extend from the conveyor to cover the top of the trough within the silo. The discharge cover remains fixed to conveyor backbone and is removed from the silo with conveyor.
US08328486B2
A wheel retention nut includes a body having a front face and a rear face. A central bore with internal threads extends through the body. A first outer perimeter of a first diameter is positioned adjacent to the front face. The first outer perimeter defines a polygon adapted to receive a wrench. A second outer perimeter of a second diameter, which is larger than the first diameter, is positioned adjacent to the rear face. The second outer perimeter is sized to retain an eccentrically rotating wheel.
US08328483B2
There is provided a blind rivet (10) comprising an axially extending hollow tubular body (18) having a tail end face (22) at one end and a pre-formed radially enlarged flange (20) at the other end, together with a mandrel (30) having a stem (32) which extends co-axially though the body (18) and having enlarged head adjacent the tail end (22) of the body, the stem having a weakened region immediately adjacent the head, whereby the mandrel head having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the body, usually by between 4% and 9%, and which has a uniform conical shoulder (38) extending between the outer diameter of the head and the stem (32), so as to exert a setting force having an axial component for compressing the rivet body axially and an angular component effecting conical deformation of the tail end radially.
US08328482B2
A tensioner for tensioning foundation bolts generally used in securing large utility towers is provided. The tensioner generally comprises a hollow outer body through which the foundation bolt can extend. The lower end of the body, which is adapted to abut onto the foundation surface from which the bolt extends, is provided with an opening allowing access to a foundation nut threaded onto the foundation bolt. The upper end of the outer body slidingly receives therein an inner body with which it defines an annular hydraulic piston, the inner body being configured with a seat portion for receiving and engaging a split nut mounted to the foundation bolt. Upon providing hydraulic fluid to the tensioner, the hydraulic piston urges the split nut, engaged to the foundation bolt, upwardly, thereby tensioning the foundation bolt. The load in the bolt is then maintained by threading down the foundation nut until it abuts onto the foundation surface.
US08328475B2
An arbor assembly for connecting a cutting tool to a power tool includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and having an end portion configured to couple to the cutting tool, and a plate surrounding a portion of the shaft adjacent to the end portion. The plate has a first surface configured to engage the cutting tool when the cutting tool is coupled to the shaft and a second surface substantially opposite the first surface. The plate is movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the shaft. The arbor assembly also includes a wedge member positioned adjacent to the second surface of the plate and defining an opening to receive a portion of the shaft. The wedge member is movable relative to the plate from a first position, in which the plate is inhibited from moving along the longitudinal axis away from the end portion, to a second position, in which the plate is movable along the longitudinal axis away from the end portion.
US08328473B2
A drill in which no positional shift on a drilled hole and no irregularities on an internal wall are formed. A torsion angle of a shaving discharge groove of a drill is set in the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees. In this manner, a positional shift of a through hole to be drilled can be reduced. In addition, shavings of the drill are properly discharged, and thus, drilling is not precluded by the shavings. Therefore, a printed wiring board having excellent electric connectivity and reliability can be obtained.
US08328470B2
An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines. The device is retracted and driven repeatedly to achieve densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.
US08328467B2
A method and apparatus for deploying a plurality of seismic sensor units into a water column is provided. In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The marine vessel includes a node storage and handling system disposed on a deck of the vessel. The node storage and handling system comprises a cable handler positioned adjacent a workstation proximate to a stern of the vessel, a node storage rack positioned between a bow and the stern of the vessel, the workstation being substantially parallel to a length of the node storage rack, and at least a first conveyor and a second conveyor positioned between the node storage rack and the workstation, wherein one of the first conveyor or the second conveyor is vertically movable relative to the node storage rack.
US08328461B2
Increased resistance to displacement of a barrier or barrier sections thereof in response to a lateral force without anchoring or bolting barrier sections together is achieved by providing an attachment arrangement near the top of an end of barrier sections which is capable of carrying a tensile force and developing that tensile force using a tightening bolt/nut arrangement located at deflection stops at lower corners of the barrier sections to develop a compressive force. The barrier sections are thus rigidly attached together such that a lateral force applied to one or more barrier sections is partially transferred to additional attached barrier sections effectively increasing the mass against which the lateral force is applied. The tightening bolt/nut arrangements are retained by and are captive to the respective barrier sections when barrier sections are disassembled from each other.
US08328459B2
A coupler for an excavator, the coupler comprising first and second recesses for receiving the pins of an attachment, a latching hook movable into and out of a latching state in which it closes the second pin-receiving recess, and a blocking bar movable into and out of a blocking state in which a portion of the blocking bar closes the first recess. The arrangement is such that, when the blocking bar is engaged in use by an attachment pin contained within the first recess, the action of the pin on the blocking bar urges the blocking bar into its blocking state. The blocking bar is further arranged so that, in the blocking state, it lies in the path of the latching hook and that, upon movement of the latching hook out of the latching state, the latching hook engages with the blocking bar to retain it in the blocking state.
US08328451B1
A toothbrush has one or two part-spherical pockets formed in the brush surface. Balls or pellets of matching shape of dehydrated toothpaste are placed in the depressions, the brush is wetted and the pellets turn to a gel, ready for brushing. The pellets may be of various colors and flavors to entice children to brush their teeth and may be dispensed from a storage chamber carried in the tooth brush handle.
US08328446B2
A chuck unit (4) for grasping a writing lead (10) and a rotor (6) arranged to be movable in a direction of rotation and an axial direction within a body cylinder (1) are provided. First and second cam faces (6a) and (6b) are respectively formed at one end face and another end face of the rotor in the axial direction, and first and second fixed cam faces (13a) and (17a) are arranged on the body cylinder side to face the first and second cam faces respectively. The first cam face in the rotor is brought into abutment with and meshed with the first fixed cam face by retreat operation of the chuck unit under writing pressure, and the second cam face in the rotor is brought into abutment with and meshed with the second fixed cam face by releasing the writing pressure, so that the rotor rotates, whereby the writing lead also rotates.
US08328445B2
A package with a refill cartridge for baton shaped products, such as lipsticks and face bases. The package comprises an outer envelope comprising a cap and a body portion, from the base of which the inner axial protrusion extends, and a refill cartridge to be fitted into the base of the outer envelope. The refill cartridge comprises two tubular walls that cooperated to raise and lower the baton-shaped product for the application to the user. The end of the second tubular wall of the cartridge is folded inwards and upwards so as to form a holding surface that receives the axial protrusion and keeps it motionless.
US08328444B2
An apparatus and method for presenting a substrate/print media having favorable surface conditions and optimum spatial orientation for printing purposes. The apparatus/method includes a mechanism for maintaining the substrate/print media in a substantially orthogonal spatial orientation relative to the direction of ink deposition, and a pressurization device for developing a pressure differential across a face surface of the substrate/print media such that positive pressure is applied to a surface opposing the face surface. The pressurization device provides a cushion of air to support the substrate/print media during ink deposition. The apparatus/method may further include a system for transporting the substrate/print media beneath or across a print head assembly for in-line printing on a mailpiece.
US08328439B2
A camera platform may be stabilized by reducing or avoiding oscillating movement, when active stabilization systems are not used. A passive dampener resists the back driving of the motors used in the active stabilization system. This dampening or resistance to back driving the motors in turn dampens movement of the camera platform. Oscillations are reduced or avoided and the camera platform may return more quickly and smoothly to a level position. The dampener may be provided as an add-on or temporarily electrically switched in accessory. The dampener may include a circuit that connects the first and second motors of the active stabilization system in series, and connects the series output of the two motors to a variable resistor through a rectifier. A transistor may be with the variable resistor to provide for more linear adjusting and a more compact variable resistor.
US08328431B2
A multiple conductor optical cable may be coupled to an undersea device, such as a cable joint, branching unit, or repeater, with one or more isolated bypass conductive paths being provided across the undersea device. At least one conductor may be terminated within a housing of the undersea device and at least one conductor may be coupled to a conductive bridge member that provides the isolated bypass conductive path across the device. Multiple conductor optical cables may be coupled to undersea devices in optical networks using independent power paths, for example, to deliver power to different powered components at different voltage potentials.
US08328413B2
The timepiece includes a chronograph whose hands are driven by a first gear train (4), which in turn drives a first resonator (5) and a watch whose hands are driven by a second gear train (8) independent of the first gear train, wherein the second gear train in turn drives a second resonator (9). The first (4) and second (8) gear trains are driven from a single energy source (10).
US08328405B2
A light emitting apparatus includes multiple Light Emitting Diode (LED) device controller integrated circuits and multiple LEDs of same color, but of different electrical and/or optical characteristics. A respective LED is electrically connected to a respective LED device controller integrated circuit. The respective LED may also be mounted on the respective LED device controller integrated circuit. The LED device controller integrated circuits are configured to independently control a current and/or voltage that is provided to the LED that is electrically thereto, so as to compensate for the different electrical and/or optical characteristics of the LEDs of the same color.
US08328404B2
A display device including: a display panel displaying an image; a light source unit supplying light to the display panel; a light guide including: an incidence plane facing the light source unit; an emission plane facing the display panel; and a light guide protrusion protruding in a direction perpendicular to a side of the light guide at an edge of the light guide; a reflection sheet arranged opposite to the surface of the emission plane of the light guide, and including a reflection protrusion protruding in a direction perpendicular to a side of the reflection sheet at an edge of the reflection sheet; and a supporting frame supporting an edge of the display panel, the light guide, and the reflection sheet, the supporting frame including: a light guide protrusion receiving groove receiving the light guide protrusion; and a reflection protrusion receiving groove receiving the reflection protrusion.
US08328383B2
A container includes a container body and an image presentation arrangement. The container body includes a solid base and a surrounding wall, wherein the solid base has a refraction face at a bottom face of the solid base and a viewing face at an outer surrounding face of the solid base to define a refraction angle between the refraction face and the viewing face. The image presentation arrangement includes one or more characters integrally formed at the refraction face of the solid base, wherein the virtual images of the characters are projected on the viewing surface by means of refraction for enhancing a decorative aesthetic appearance of the container body.
US08328382B2
A rotatable downlight frame assembly comprises a pan having a pivot aperture therein, a collar disposed in the pan for rotating in the pivot aperture, the collar having a trim aperture wall depending through the pan, the collar having one of a square, rectangular, non-circular, or asymmetrical trim opening for positioning of a lighting trim, the collar being rotatable relative to the pan through 360 degrees, at least one fastener passing through the collar, a tool-less fastener assembly, the tool-less assembly having one of a first position and a second position for tightening the collar at an angular position relative to the pan via frictional engagement, and the other of the first position and the second position allowing for pivotable motion, and, a lighting assembly positioned on the collar for pivotal movement with the collar.
US08328378B2
Provided are a package, a light uniformization structure, and a backlight module using same. The package helps improving uniformity of light and includes a multi-lateral transparent body, which has a top face and lateral faces, which are all planar surfaces. The transparent body has a bottom face in which a semispherical cavity is formed and extends inward into the body. With the package capped over a light-emitting diode with semispherical cavity set to correspond to the light-emitting diode, the light shape and the energy of light from the light-emitting diode is re-distribution and utilized by the package to thereby provide a light uniformization structure that shows high brightness, high performance, and high uniformity of light. One or a plurality of such light uniformization structures can be provided on a backlight module to enhance light uniformity for a displaying panel.
US08328377B1
In order to provide temporary lighting solution in sometimes extreme conditions, this application has improved upon a prior patent by specifically incorporating a stabilizing rod to protect against extremely high winds or other inclement weather as well as electrical circuitry to enable a sufficient cool down period prior to stowing the device.
US08328369B2
The projecting zoom lens includes, sequentially from its magnification side, a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, a negative third lens group, a positive fourth lens group, a positive or negative fifth lens group, and a positive six lens group, while the reduction side of the projecting zoom lens is formed as a telecentric system. When the power of the zoom lens is varied, the first lens group and sixth lens group are fixed, while the second to fifth lens groups move. In such power varying operation, the movement of the third lens group advances from the magnification side to the reduction side as the zoom lens goes from the wide angle end toward the tele end.
US08328367B2
A projection system for projecting light such as images or content upon a liquid surface such as a lake or pool surface. The system includes an agitation assembly selectively operable to agitate a portion of the upper surface of liquid to form a projection screen. The system includes a projector assembly projecting or focusing light onto the projection screen on the upper surface of the liquid. The liquid is translucent to light, but the projection screen on the upper surface reflects a portion of the projected light due to the agitation. The agitation assembly may include an aeration system with a distribution manifold and is positioned below the liquid surface and has outlets discharging gas into the liquid such that air bubbles for the screen. The manifold outlets may be provided at two or more depths, whereby two or more portions of the projection screen are generated at differing times.
US08328366B2
A projector includes: a projecting unit that projects a first image on a projection target area; an imaging unit that picks up a first pickup image of the projection target area during the projection of the first image and picks up a second pickup image of the projection target area during single-color image projection or during non-projection with automatic exposure; an imaging control unit that changes an exposure setting value on the basis of the first pickup image and an exposure setting value during the last imaging and causes the imaging unit to pick up an image of the projection target area during the projection of the first image at the exposure setting value after the change and regenerate the first pickup image; a first coordinate information generating unit that generates first coordinate information; and a second coordinate information generating unit that generates second coordinate information.
US08328359B2
A camera stabilizer includes a grip for cameras that provides for stability of the camera without a shoulder mount or shoulder mount harness. The current camera stabilizer attaches around the arm of the user then extends through a member roughly parallel to the forearm to a grip that is held by the user. The grip is attached to the member by a ball joint that allows free positioning of the grip relative to the member but may then be locked in position for use. The camera is then attached to the grip. This allows the user to stabilize the camera by holding the elbow closer to the torso, by resting the elbow on a steady object, or by simply flexing the wrist which applies tension to the member thereby providing a more stable grip on the camera and a resulting more stable picture. A kit is also disclosed that includes the camera stabilizer and a harness for tethering the camera stabilizer to a camera operator.
US08328354B2
A device for at least one of diagnosis and treatment of binocular vision disorders is disclosed. The device comprises a portable, wearable viewing apparatus that includes a left eye electronic display and a right eye electronic display, a dual data channel input, wherein each data channel corresponds to a respective one of the left eye and right eye electronic displays, a left eye adjustable optic structure adjusting a view of the left eye electronic display, and a right eye adjustable optic structure adjusting a view of the right eye electronic display. The device also includes a controller in communication with the dual data channel input that renders a first image at the left eye electronic display and a second image at the right eye electronic display simultaneously, in which the first and second images are different, and a memory in communication with the controller configured to store at least one of a diagnosis image pattern and a treatment image pattern for said binocular vision disorders for display by the viewing apparatus.
US08328346B2
An ink jet recording method includes an image formation step of forming an image on a recording medium having an ink-receiving layer by ejecting an ink from an ink jet recording head and a humidification step of humidifying a gap between the recording head and the recording medium, in which in the image formation step, at least a cyan ink containing a specific dye and a magenta ink containing a specific dye are used.
US08328341B2
The invention provides an ink jet recording ink containing a self-dispersion pigment, to the surface of which an anionic functional group represented by the following general formula (I) has been bonded directly or through another atomic group, water, a water-soluble substance having a coefficient of hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity of 0.37 or more as defined by the following equation (A) and a water-soluble substance having a coefficient of hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity of 0.25 or less as defined by the equation (A), and having a surface tension of 34 mN/m or less. wherein M1 and M2 are, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, alkali metal, ammonium or organic ammonium; Coefficient of hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity=[(Water activity value of a 20% aqueous solution)−(Molar fraction of water in the 20% aqueous solution)]/[1−(Molar fraction of water in the 20% aqueous solution)] Equation (A)
US08328336B2
Provided is an inkjet printhead integrated circuit that has a wafer substrate that has an ink passage, and a nozzle plate supported on the substrate by side walls to define an ink chamber supplied with ink via the ink passage. The nozzle plate has an ink ejection port corresponding to the ink chamber. A heater element is bonded to the nozzle plate inside the chamber for vaporising ink to generate a vapor bubble that ejects ink through the ejection port. The heater element is bonded to the nozzle plate with a low thermal product layer. The thermal product thermal product is less than 1495 Jm−2K−1s−1/2, the thermal product being (ρCk)1/2, where ρ is the density of the layer, C is specific heat of the layer and k is thermal conductivity of the layer.
US08328335B2
A liquid dispenser is provided that includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid dispensing channel, and a liquid return channel. The liquid dispensing channel includes a wall. The wall includes a surface. A portion of the wall defines an outlet opening that includes a downstream edge relative to a direction of liquid flow through the liquid dispensing channel. The downstream edge is sloped relative to the surface of the wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid is provided that flows from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A liquid drop is caused to be ejected from the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel by selectively actuating a diverter member to divert a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.
US08328333B2
One of an electric wiring substrate and a retaining member includes a section having an absorptance with respect to a laser beam, and the other one of the electric wiring substrate and the retaining member includes a section having a transmittance with respect to the laser beam. The electric wiring substrate and the retaining member are welded to each other by irradiation with a laser beam. At this time, the electric wiring substrate and the retaining member are welded to each other at least at a part of an outer peripheral section of the electric wiring substrate.
US08328330B2
A nozzle plate for bonding to a chip for configuring a printhead of a printing device is disclosed. The chip comprises a plurality of energizing elements. The nozzle plate comprises a substrate layer, an adhesive layer and a plurality of nozzle holes perforated in the substrate layer and the adhesive layer. The each nozzle hole is capable of being associated with an energizing element of the plurality of energizing elements. The each nozzle hole comprises an asymmetric flow-feature configured by ablating at least a portion of a wall of the each nozzle hole prior to bonding the nozzle plate to the chip. The nozzle plate provides a substantially symmetrical flow-feature for the each nozzle hole on bonding to the chip.
US08328328B2
A registration device for use in combination with an array of print head nozzles and operative to deposit ink on a substrate material. The registration device is operative to maintain a prescribed separation distance between an array of print head nozzles and a substrate material during print operations and includes a registration surface which opposes a face surface of the substrate material and is textured to define a plurality of contact points. The contact points are substantially evenly distributed over, and engage, the face surface of the substrate material, to reduce the total surface area in contact with the substrate material and the particulate matter which may be shed from, and/or produced by frictional engagement with, the substrate material.
US08328324B2
A maintenance device that is mounted in a printer, which has a recording head including nozzles ejecting ink, and maintains the recording head is provided. The maintenance device includes a plurality of wipers capable of wiping a nozzle forming surface of the recording head, an electric motor that drives each of the wipers movably in a wiping direction, and a selecting portion. The selecting portion selects at least one of the wipers and causes the selected wiper to wipe the nozzle forming surface when the wiper moves in the wiping direction.
US08328309B2
According to one embodiment, an ink jet head includes pressure chambers filled with liquid, nozzles discharging the liquid that is in the pressure chambers, actuators changing the capacity of the pressure chambers, and a processor. The processor repeatedly outputs a waveform voltage including an expansion pulse, a ground potential, a contraction pulse, and a ground potential in this order, as a driving voltage with respect to the actuators.
US08328304B2
In one embodiment, a plot width for an image to be printed is determined. A carriage return time that is a function of the plot width and a first carriage speed in a first printmode is calculated. A change is made from the first printmode to a second printmode according to an objective if the carriage return time is less than a media advance time.
US08328288B2
A detent fitting for locking two vehicle parts comprises a first vehicle part, a second vehicle part which is arranged pivotably about a rotational axis with respect to the first fitting part and three locking pawls which are arranged displaceably on the first fitting part, the locking pawls being designed and provided to be brought into engagement with a toothing of the second fitting part for locking the first fitting part with respect to the second fitting part and to be brought out of engagement with the toothing of the second fitting part for releasing the locking. Each locking pawl is associated with a free-pivoting section on the second fitting part, the locking pawl interacting with the free-pivoting section when turning the second fitting part relative to the first fitting part and the free-pivoting section being designed and provided to prevent an engagement of the locking pawl with the toothing of the second fitting part in a predefined angular range. According to the invention it is provided that at least one of the free-pivoting sections (62, 66, 72; 811, 821, 831) is displaced in the axial and/or radial direction with regard to the rotational axis (A) with respect to the other free-pivoting sections (62, 66, 72; 811, 821, 831). In this way a detent fitting comprising three locking pawls is provided which comprises a larger pivoting range.
US08328278B2
A child positioning insert including a frame with a first column and a second column, where the first and second columns are positioned vertically. The first column has a first guide and the second column has a second guide, where the first and second guides extend along a portion of the length of each column. A shoulder roll connects to the frame via the first column and the second column, so that the shoulder roll is perpendicular to the first column and the second column. The shoulder roll has a backing that connects to the first guide and to the second guide such that the backing can move vertically along the first and second guides. A head support member connects to the frame in a position above the frame and above the shoulder roll, so that the head support member includes a first support member to substantially prevent lateral motion of a person's head in a first direction and a second support member to substantially prevent lateral motion of the person's head in a second direction.
US08328277B2
A slide fastener element, cushion arrangement, vehicle seat or interior covering part. The slide fastener element includes a flexible, foamable lattice that is provided with a plurality of holes, and a plurality of slide fastener teeth secured directly to the lattice.
US08328273B2
A vehicle including at least one glass pane, bodywork, and at least one layer of viscoelastic material interposed between the glass pane and the bodywork.
US08328256B2
A tool configured to grasp objects, and to expand and/or retract while holding the objects is disclosed herein. The tool can include a pair of handles disposed on a first end of an expandable assembly, such as a scissor like assembly. The pair of handles can be adapted to expand the expandable assembly when they are moved towards one another and retract the expandable assembly when they are moved away from one another. A gear assembly can be disposed on a second end of the expandable assembly. The tool can allow users to reach, grasp, move, and release remote objects.
US08328243B2
A conduit coupling includes first and second conduits, an annular adapter and a clamp. The first conduit has an annular flange on an outer surface adjacent to a first end. The adapter is coupled to the outer surface of the first conduit and has an annular first engagement surface positioned adjacent to the flange and an annular second engagement surface that is spherical and convex. The second conduit has a flared end with an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface includes an adapter engagement surface that is spherical and concave and engageable with the second engagement surface. The outer surface includes a clamp engagement surface and the clamp includes a flared end engagement surface that is engageable with the clamp engagement surface. The clamp is configured to urge the flared end, adapter and annular flange together.
US08328235B2
The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats.
US08328231B2
A side airbag device for a vehicle seat comprises an inner connection member having a clip hole in an inner end portion thereof, an outer connection member having a clip hole in an inner end portion thereof, and a clip inserted in the respective clip holes of the inner and outer connection members and a clip-locking hole of a seat frame. The clip is inserted in the clip holes of the inner and outer connection members under a condition that the inner end portion of the inner connection member and the inner end portion of the outer connection member are overlapped on each other to allow the clip hole of the inner connection member and the clip hole of the outer connection member to be aligned with each other. The clip is locked to the clip-locking hole.
US08328228B2
A roof airbag apparatus for a vehicle may include an inflator generating pressurized gas, an airbag cushion provided between a roof of a vehicle body and a head-lining to expand downwards towards a passenger who may be sitting on a seat when the pressurized gas may be supplied to the airbag cushion from the inflator, and a support panel provided on a lower portion of the airbag cushion to contact and screen the passenger's face when the airbag cushion expands.
US08328220B1
A wheelchair foot support retention assembly and method are provided for preventing misplacement or loss of foot supports that may be removed from a wheelchair to facilitate a user entering or exiting the wheelchair. The assembly includes a wheelchair having a frame and a seat coupled to the frame. A receiver is coupled to the frame of the wheelchair and a foot support is detachably coupled to the receiver for selectively supporting a foot of a user seated on the seat of the wheelchair. A line is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end of the line is coupled to the frame of the wheelchair and the second end of the line is coupled to the foot support.
US08328218B2
Disclosed commuter vehicles include a chassis that includes a frame, opposed first and second steerable front wheels, a trailing rear wheel, and a linear-input steering mechanism for controlling an orientation of the first and second steerable front wheels. The commuter vehicles also include a drive-train for transmitting rotational motion and torque from a power-input source to rotational motion of the trailing rear wheel, and a body defining a cockpit and being supported by the chassis. An outer-most lateral dimension of the body corresponds to a maximum outer-most lateral dimension of the commuter vehicle. Embodiments of linear-input steering mechanisms compatible with commuter vehicles being so dimensioned as to fit through an open door are described.
US08328215B2
A wheelchair comprises a base frame, a backrest frame and a hinge assembly. The base frame has first and second side frame members. The hinge assembly connects the backrest frame to a portion of the base frame for selective pivotal movement. The hinge assembly includes a locking mechanism configured to provide selective discrete locking positions of the backrest relative to the base frame. The locking mechanism includes a locking pin and a plurality of cooperating locking apertures. The locking pin is adapted to selectively engage one of the plurality of locking apertures to define a backrest angle relative to the base frame. One or more plugs are adapted to engage one or more of the plurality of locking apertures to prevent the locking pin from cooperating with the plugged locking aperture.
US08328214B2
The present invention is related to a manpower driven device being able to do particular bi-directional pedaling to provide constant directional output for driving the loading wheel train, wherein its pedaling direction is selected by the rider according to his/her operating statuses of the muscles and joints, or the same directional outputs of different speed ratios is made further through the different driving directional inputs.
US08328209B2
A wiggling freewheeled vehicle comprises a folding assembly disposed between a main frame and two carrying frames. The folding assembly includes a pivot movably disposed on the main frame, clasp members integrally formed on the carrying frames, and a fastener able to fix the clasp members. Wherein, the clasp members are pivotally engaged with each other at a place where the pivot could fitly penetrate. By wrapping the main frame in the clasp members that are fixed by the fastener, the vehicle is available for a smooth operation. Oppositely, by releasing the main frame from the clasp members, the vehicle could be folded or collapsed while bending the main frame. Moreover, the collapsed vehicle allows the main frame to be arranged tightly abreast the carrying frames for achieving a compact structure. Thus, the collapsed freewheeled vehicle contributes to a reduced dimension and is beneficial for transportation and storage.
US08328203B2
A sealing system, in particular for sealing multiple part exhaust-gas lines for an internal combustion engine, has at least a first flange part (9) and a second flange part (11) guiding a flow of heat (5). The flange parts (9, 11) delimit a receiving space (33) for at least one sealing element (31) between them and adjoin one another. Each flange part forms an outwardly projecting annular flange (13) facing away from the flow of heat (5), and extending transversely with respect to the heat flow. Chambering of the receiving space (33) is formed for the sealing element (31) by an annular groove (45) open at the end face (17) of at least one flange part (11) and recessed axially into said end face (17). At least one covering element (47) is arranged in the annular groove (45) and provides thermal shielding for the sealing element (31) at least on its side facing the end face (17) of the flange part (11).
US08328199B2
A seal device has a magnetic force generator for generating a magnetic force in a vicinity of a shaft. A first magnetism transmission member for transmitting the magnetic force generator is disposed adjacent to one side of the magnetic force generator. A second magnetism transmission member for transmitting the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator is disposed adjacent to another side of the magnetic force generator. A slide bush is disposed and secured between an inner flange of the second magnetism transmission member and the shaft. A seal member for sliding relative to an outer peripheral surface of the shaft, is accommodated in a sealing. And, a magnetic fluid is held between the shaft and the magnetism transmission member by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator.
US08328187B2
In a sheet conveying apparatus a first shape information that expresses at least a part of the outer shape of a sheet. An obtaining unit obtains second shape information that expresses at least the part of the outer shape of the sheet. A correction amount computing unit computes a correction amount of the sheet for correcting an image to be formed on the sheet and/or correcting the position and/or orientation of the sheet based on the first shape information and the second shape information. A correction amount computing unit computes a correction amount for correcting the position and/or orientation of the sheet relative to the conveying direction from the computed skew amount. A position and/or orientation correction unit corrects an image to be formed on the sheet and/or the position and/or orientation of the sheet, according to the computed correction amount.
US08328181B2
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet stacking unit, a suction conveyance unit configured to convey an uppermost sheet stacked on the sheet stacking unit, a suction unit configured to adsorb the sheets onto the suction conveyance unit, and an adsorption completion detection unit. In the sheet feeding apparatus, when the tab-attached sheets are stacked on the sheet stacking unit and fed such that their tab portions are on the downstream side in a sheet feeding direction, the suction unit starts to adsorb the sheet in response to a sheet feeding signal, and the suction conveyance unit starts to convey the sheet immediately after the adsorption completion detection unit detects the completion of the adsorption. When the sheets other than the tab-attached sheets are fed, the suction unit previously adsorbs the sheet onto the suction conveyance unit, and the suction conveyance unit starts to convey the sheet in response to the sheet feeding signal.
US08328180B2
A paper feeding mechanism, an image forming apparatus employing the same and a paper feeding method thereof are disclosed. In an image forming apparatus capable of performing the printing operations at a particular printing operation that calls for a particular corresponding reference paper feeding speed, a reduction in the paper feeding noise may be achieved by providing a pickup roller operable at pickup/feeding speed that is slower than the reference feeding speed called for by the particular printing speed and a registration roller operable at the reference feeding speed. In addition, the pickup period at which the pickup roller picks up successive sheets of paper may be shortened to account for the slower operating speed of the pickup roller.
US08328179B2
A transport-object transporting device includes a power-transmission blocking mechanism that blocks the transmission of power at an intermediate point of the cam driving gear train so as to maintain the discharge roller in the release position. The power-transmission blocking mechanism includes an engaged portion provided in the rocking arm, and an engaging portion whose engagement position thereof relative to the engaged portion is changeable by changing a rocking direction of the rocking arm. When the engaging portion is set at a predetermined engagement position relative to the engaged portion, the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear are both kept away from the cam driving gear.
US08328177B2
A mailpiece feed device comprising a mailpiece-receiving deck for receiving a stack of mailpieces, conveyor rollers for conveying the mailpieces along a longitudinal referencing wall and towards a separator device designed to separate the mailpieces one-by-one from said stack of mailpieces and to convey them downstream, and, incorporated vertically in said longitudinal referencing wall, at least one friction roller of varying roughness, with its coefficient of friction decreasing from the top to the bottom of said longitudinal referencing wall.
US08328171B2
A linkage clamping system that may be used both for moving a clamp laterally and for rotating the clamp. The device includes a linear actuator, a rotational linkage assembly, and a clamping member. The linear actuator may first rotate the clamp, then move the clamp laterally, or may be configured to move the clamp laterally first, then rotate it. Both the lateral and rotational movements are achieved in distinct motions with a single linear actuator. The clamp may be rotated about 180 degrees and the lateral movement may only be limited by the lateral movement provided by the linear actuator. The linkage clamping system may be used to secure equipment, such as a material handler for unloading an open top railroad car.
US08328166B2
In a preferred embodiment, a restraint system is described for restraining a standing occupant in a vehicle such as a plane or helicopter. The restraint system includes a webbing strap that winds and unwinds from a spool assembly. The spool assembly includes a trigger assembly that locks a spool from rotation, a manual release assembly for manually releasing the trigger assembly and lock, and an adjustable payout assembly that determines the maximum length that the webbing strap can be pulled out before stopping (i.e., the number of rotations of the spool). The trigger assembly can trigger the lock assembly from one or more sensors. Further, the trigger assembly can be arranged to automatically unlock after a triggering event, manually unlocked after a triggering event or a combination of the two for different sensors.
US08328162B2
A pivotable control valve assembly may be used with a water treatment device in a water treatment system. A pivotable control valve assembly may be pivotable relative to the water treatment device to allow user controls on the pivotable control valve assembly to be oriented in a desired user access position. In a water treatment system including a plurality of water treatment devices, for example, one or more pivotable control valve assemblies may be pivoted such that user controls for each of the water treatment devices are in desired user access positions.
US08328160B2
Seals, ball valve assemblies, and methods of operating ball valves assemblies are provided. The seal includes an annular jacket, a restrictor, and a spring energizer. The annular jacket includes a first annular pocket and a second annular pocket. The restrictor is disposed in the first annular pocket and is capable of restricting shrinkage of the first annular pocket to a predetermined diameter range, if the seal is exposed to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range. The spring energizer is disposed in the second annular pocket and is configured to supply a force against the annular jacket to maintain the seal against a contact surface.
US08328159B2
A vacuum valve device is used with a bag and has a base and a clip. The base has a tube, a clipping flange and a valve. The tube mounted through a sheet of the bag and has a central hole and at least one outlet hole. The clipping flange is formed on the tube. The valve is mounted slidably in the tube and selectively seal the at least one outlet hole. The clip is mounted detachably around the tube of the base and cooperates with the clipping flange to hermetically clip the sheet of the bag. The vacuum valve device may be reused, is economical and marketable.
US08328155B2
The invention relates to a rail adjustment system for a motor vehicle seat, wherein the rail adjustment system includes an electromotive spindle drive and a threaded spindle that can be coupled to a flexible drive shaft for the longitudinal adjustment of a rail pair. The rails of said rail pair are connected to one another by means of a retaining element, which includes an integrated guide duct for holding the drive shaft.
US08328153B2
A display apparatus includes a display body for displaying information and a stand for supporting the display body. The stand includes a base, a first supporting member comprising a first positioning portion adjustable disposed on the base and a first supporting portion connecting with the display body; and a second supporting member comprising a second positioning portion adjustable disposed on the base and a second supporting portion pivotally fixed on the first supporting portion to form a triangle. A distance between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion is changeable.
US08328137B2
The invention relates to an emergency exit hatch for exiting a cabin module for an aircraft in an emergency and entering the cabin module. Said emergency exit hatch comprises a first mechanism for visually inspecting a zone below the emergency exit hatch by at least partly opening the emergency exit hatch by means of the first mechanism, and a second mechanism for entirely opening the emergency exit hatch . The first mechanism is not the same as the second mechanism.
US08328129B2
A preferred embodiment of a pylon has six pylon mounting links for mounting the pylon to an airframe. Each link is considered “near-rigid” and has a spherical-bearing rod-end on both ends such that the link can only transmit axial loads. At least one of the links has a mass carried within the link and selectively moveable by an actuating means along the axis of the link in an oscillatory manner for attenuating vibrations traveling axially through the link. The actuating means may be an electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or piezoelectric system. By mounting each link in a selected orientation relative to the other links, the actuating means may be operated in a manner that attenuates axial vibration that would otherwise be transmitted through the link and into the airframe.
US08328122B2
An outlet head (22) for a spray device (10), the outlet head (22) comprising an inlet section (31) having an opening (30) adapted to receive an output section (20) of a spray material container (16), said opening (30) forming a first end of a fluid channel for spray material from the spray material container (16), the outlet head (22) also comprising an outlet portion (14) adapted to eject spray material and forming a second end of the fluid channel for spray material, wherein the inlet section (31) has a first, major, lateral axis and a second, minor, lateral axis, said first and second axes being substantially at right angles to one another, wherein the size of the inlet section along the first, major, axis is greater than the size of the inlet section along the second, minor, axis.
US08328117B2
A lawn sprinkler providing water distribution over an irregular or unique shaped water receiving area. The apparatus includes a water impeller, a first water regulator, a second water regulator, and a bypass channel. The sprinkler regulates the delivery of water according to the shape of the area to be irrigated, so that water is not wasted on adjacent areas which do not require irrigation.
US08328116B2
A method and system for the spray application of epoxy materials is provided. The system includes a dual walled tank structure as a reservoir for containing and preheating the epoxy materials in preparation for mixing and spray application. Each component of the epoxy material is preheated before the components are mixed. After preheating, the components are then mixed together and spray applied. The method and system of the present invention provides a high quality spray applied epoxy coating while reducing equipment down time and cleaning.
US08328115B2
This wicking apparatus includes a liquid reservoir, a wick holder, and a wick. The wick holder has a top part for fitting on the reservoir neck and a bottom part for insertion into the reservoir opening, the top part being plate-formed with a central opening, and with two peripheral projections that are spaced apart and that extend downward from the plate towards the reservoir body, projections for contacting inner and outer walls of the reservoir neck, and a second projection for contacting an outer wall of the reservoir neck, the bottom part having wick supporting arms that extend downwards and have flexible end portions projecting inwardly towards the center of the reservoir opening. The wick is step-shaped with a larger diameter part, and a smaller diameter part; the interface between them defines a shoulder which is supported and held in place by the flexible end portions of the supporting arms.
US08328103B2
A transponder circuit includes an antenna for receiving radio frequency signals and an extraction unit for extracting therefrom energy for the transponder circuit, a non volatile memory unit, a control logic unit that activates a received energy evaluation unit when a write operation is received. The evaluation unit is arranged directly at the antenna to provide the control logic unit with a signal representative of the status of energy available in the antenna indicating whether the available energy is greater than a minimum level for ensuring a proper write operation or not, wherein the control logic unit is arranged for performing, or not performing, the write operation. The evaluation unit includes a resistive divider including a set of resistors or a programmable current source and rectifier means on each connector of the antenna for simulating a write operation in the memory and energy recoverable by the power supply.
US08328089B2
A method, system, and program provides for hands free contact database information entry at a communication device. A recording system at a communication device detects a user initiation to record. Responsive to detecting the user initiation to record, the recording system records the ongoing conversation supported between the communication device and a second remote communication device. The recording system converts the recording of the conversation into text. Next, the recording system extracts contact information from the text. Then, the recording system stores the extracted contact information in an entry of the contact database, such that contact information is added to the contact database of the communication device without manual entry of the contact information by the user.
US08328084B2
An apparatus for accepting and/or dispensing payment and/or for processing value documents having a housing in which there is disposed a control device for controlling at least one part of the apparatus, the housing having a housing body with a housing opening, a housing element movable relative to the housing body, and a housing element holding device that holds the housing element movably on at least one part of the housing body, and a display device controlled by the control device for displaying operating and servicing information which is held on the housing element. The housing element holding device is configured so that the housing element reciprocates between an operating position in which the housing element at least partly closes the housing opening, and a servicing position in which the housing element at least partly releases the housing opening, where the display device in the operating position is oriented with respect to the display device in the servicing position so as to be rotated by an angle that is smaller than 90°.
US08328070B1
A wire handling facilitator in the form of a backpack. An apparatus that is useful for handling small rolls of wire that is to be welded into channels of metal surfaces.
US08328057B2
A roof rack assembly is provided for a motor vehicle roof. The roof rack assembly includes a support member adapted to be fixedly secured to the roof. The support member includes first and second flanges extending out therefrom. A crossrail is releasably coupled to the support member for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The crossrail is engageable with the first flange when in the stowed position and engageable with the second flange when in the deployed position.
US08328056B2
A device is disclosed for carrying sets of documents of various sizes utilizing at least a document support tray supported on the forearm of a carrier by a forearm supporter secured by a single arm and hand of a carrier such that the documents may easily be delivered utilizing the free arm of the carrier to selectively pick from one of the stacks made available through the device. The device also includes a holder to secure an animal repellent container. The device also permits a novel method of delivering mail whereby the carrier may have free use of the hand and arm opposite to that engaged by the device.
US08328055B1
A holder for a handheld device such as a smartphone or personal digital assistant (PDA) worn securely on a wrist, that allows the device to selectively rotate to a plurality of desired positions while remaining on the wrist. The holder has a protective shell case rotatably connected to a wrist strap by a pair of interlocking assemblies. In a first embodiment, a spring assembly with a pair of tabs on the wrist strap connects to a socket assembly attached to the shell case. In a further embodiment, the socket assembly on the strap connects to the spring assembly on the case. The shell case holds the device, allowing a user to directly access and use the device single-handedly when worn on the wrist. The device rotates between portrait and landscape positions by grasping the shell case and twisting, and detaches quickly by squeezing the tabs, disengaging the interlocking assemblies.
US08328047B2
A package (52) is provided for containing and dispensing a fluent product. The package (52) includes a fitment body (18) having a tailpiece (40) defining a dispensing passage (19) extending along a longitudinal axis (23), and a collapsible pouch (12) for containing a fluent product to be dispensed, the pouch (12) defined by at least two opposing, flexible, web portions (24). The fitment body (18) extends from a dispensing end (33) of the pouch (12) with the tailpiece (40) being sandwiched between the flexible web portions (24), and the flexible web portions (24) being welded to each other and to the tailpiece (40) to define a robust weld structure (54).
US08328043B2
A collapsible container or reservoir including at least one side wall region (4-7) and a basal wall region or base (8) surrounding a containment region having an upper opening or mouth (10) surrounded by a perimeter flange (9) at the ends of the side walls distal from the basal wall region, the side walls include a region of concertina (14) whereby, upon squeezing or compression of the side walls, the basal wall region of the container is compacted more, relative to the extent of the upper opening. The container can be used for dispensing foods such as pet food, sauces, yogurt, custard or the like, or other liquids or semi fluid materials such as oil, grease, glue or resin.
US08328040B2
A liquid storage tank includes a vessel comprising sidewalls, end walls, a floor and a roof that define a closed interior cavity within the vessel, with at least a first of the sidewalls of the vessel having a multi-walled construction comprising an interior wall and an interior wall. The tank further comprises a manway assembly in the first sidewall. The manway assembly comprises exterior and interior openings and exterior and interior doors for closing the exterior and interior openings, respectively. The exterior and interior openings and the exterior and interior doors are arranged relative to each other and the interior door is sufficiently small so that while the exterior door is open the interior door can be opened by pivoting the interior door into the exterior opening.
US08328038B2
A plastic closure includes a shell having a base wall with a skirt for securement to a container finish and a lip that extends radially inwardly from the skirt at a position adjacent to and spaced from the base wall. A liner is compression molded in situ against the base wall, and between the base wall and the lip. The lip has a plurality of circumferentially spaced passages that extend through the lip for venting air during compression molding of the liner.
US08328036B2
There is provided a double rib overcap with a plug for a container with a removable membrane. The skirt of the overcap includes two inside surfaces axially separated a rib. The container opening is encircled by a rim and the membrane covers the opening such that the membrane extends radially onto an outer surface of the rim. The two inside surfaces of the skirt are dimensionally sized to create an interference-fit with the rim when the overcap is connected to the container when the membrane is either attached or removed. The overcap also includes a circumferential ring radially inward of the skirt that is axially positioned to engage the top surface of the membrane when the membrane is attached to the container and is diametrically dimensioned to engage an inner wall of the container when the membrane is removed from the container.
US08328034B2
A lunch box assembly having a main housing having a lid rotatably, hingedly attached to a base to provide access to an opened interior of one or more compartments is disclosed. The lid can have ferrously magnetic material and recesses to accept magnets. The magnets can be shaped to fit the recesses. The base can have compartments aligned with corresponding compartments in the lid. The base and the lid can form one or more closed food storage compartments that separate the contents from the neighboring compartments. A latch on the base and lid can produce a clamping force on a small lidded container or containers placed in one or more of the compartments. The clamping force can clamp the lidded container closed and prevent leakage of fluids in the container.
US08328018B2
A carded package includes a front card bonded to a rear card with a blister card captured therebetween. The blister card has upstanding blister compartments projecting through openings of the front card. The rear card extends over an opposite face of the blister card and is a laminate including a tear-resistant polymeric layer bonded to a paperboard layer. The polymeric layer extends adjacent the blister card and the paperboard layer of the laminate extends remote from the blister card forming an exposed surface of the rear card. The rear card includes perforations aligned behind the blister compartments. The perforations include a first set of perforations cut entirely through the paperboard and polymeric layers and a second set of perforations cut into the paperboard layer and not into or entirely through the polymeric layer. A method of assembling a carded package is also disclosed.
US08328017B2
Breachable product container 10 is formed by first lamina 10B and opposed second lamina 10C selectively pressed together. Perimeter seal 10S extends around the perimeter of the container. Product chamber 12P and inflatable breaching bubble 12 are between the selectively pressed opposed laminae, within the perimeter seal. Product 16 is contained within the product chamber. Inner divider 14D extends between the product chamber and the breaching bubble. Transfer passage 14 through the inner divider permits inflation of the breaching bubble in response to moderate pressure applied to the product chamber during an extended inflation period. Breaching edge 12E forms part of the perimeter seal around the breaching bubble. The breaching edge provides an edge breach by separating the opposed laminae along the breaching edge in response to substantial pressure applied to the breaching bubble during a brief breaching period. Opposed peel flaps 12C and 12B are formed along the edge breach by the separated opposed laminae. The end-user pulls the peel flaps apart causing detachment of the inner divider for permitting access to the product chamber.
US08328014B2
A consumer packaged good includes a case, a plurality of translucent vessels vertically stacked within the case, a beverage stored in each of the plurality of the vessels and a barrier sealed to each vessel for containing the beverage in the respective vessel. The case includes a base wall and at least one side wall extending upwardly from the base wall. The plurality of translucent vessels are surrounded by the sidewall. Each vessel includes an opening for drinking from the vessel and a base surface for supporting the vessel on an associated support surface. The barrier seals to each vessel for covering the opening and containing the beverage in the respective vessel. The barrier is peelable from the vessel without destroying the vessel to provide access to the beverage stored in the vessel.
US08328010B2
The storage chamber for secondary material applicable to the discharging direction of contents stored in the container consists of body with storage space and inseparable operating section mounted around the globe. If above operating section moves up, opening and closing hole made or formed in the storage space of storage is opened and contents stored in the storage space is dropped and mixed with contents stored in the container. The mixed contents are discharged via a vent mounted on the top of operating section. A vent is not opened until the operating section is opened, and closing section of opening and closing hole is provided so that the opening and closing hole may not be not clogged after being opened.
US08328008B2
A case incorporates a built-in stand for an electronic device, such as an electronic tablet computer, which the case houses. The case protects the electronic device and allows a user to view and access the device without removing it from the case. The built-in stand is adjustable and allows for multiple viewing angles.
US08328007B1
A package of business cards arranged in a stack. Each card has a main body bearing data and an end tab connected to one end of the main body along a tear line, and a cover. The cover includes a back panel having a segment underlying all the end tabs and a front panel hingedly connected to the back panel adjacent to the free ends of the main bodies so that the front panel may be swung between an open position wherein it exposes the main body of the uppermost card in the stack and a closed position wherein it covers that main body. Securements secure together all the end tabs of the stack and the segment of the lower panel. An end cap covers the end tabs and provides a knife edge to facilitate tearing the main bodies from their tabs along their respective tear lines.
US08328006B2
A return side conveyor belt support for a conveyor may comprise: a mandrel mountable to the far side of the conveyor and extending transversely toward the near side thereof; a member slidably and rotatably mountable to the mandrel from the near side of the conveyor for sliding thereon and for rotating about the mandrel; a return roller rotatable and supported by the member, wherein the return roller is transverse to the conveyor belt when the member is mounted to the mandrel, wherein rotating the member in a first direction moves the return roller to an operating position for supporting the conveyor belt and rotating the member in a second direction moves the return roller to a position wherein the member and return roller are removable from the support mandrel.
US08328004B2
A conveyor system for conveying at least one product comprises at least one first conveyor, which is adjacent to at least one second conveyor via a junction. The conveying direction of the first conveyor near the junction is different from the conveying direction of the second conveyor near the junction. The first conveyor has a first conveying surface and the second conveyor has a second conveying surface for supporting the product thereon. The orientation of the normal of the part of the first conveying surface adjacent to junction is substantially different from that of the normal of the part of the second conveying surface adjacent to the junction. A moving assembly is configured to move the product from the first conveyor to the second conveyor The first conveyor describes an arcuate path at least near the junction.
US08328003B2
A conveyor for moving a shopping cart between a first location and a second location. The conveyor including a movable conveyor that is adapted to engage and move the shopping cart along a path, and a gate assembly including a door that is movable between an open position allowing passage of the shopping cart along the path, and a closed position inhibiting passage of the shopping art along the path. The door is adapted to move from the closed position to the open position as the shopping cart approaches, and is adapted to move back to the closed position before the shopping cart has passed the door.
US08327995B1
A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes an environmental condition monitoring system including a plurality of sensors configured to monitor environmental conditions inside the housing of the cash recycler. In some arrangements, the temperature and/or humidity within the housing will be monitored. Upon sensing that the conditions are outside of a predetermined threshold, an indication will be sent to a controller that will adjust operation of the cash recycler based on the indications received from the sensors.
US08327992B2
The present invention provides a friction plate having a friction surface formed by sticking an annular friction material to a substantially annular core plate and wherein the friction surface is provided with a first oil groove having an opening portion opened to an inner peripheral edge of the friction plate and an end terminating at a point between the inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, and a second oil groove having an opening portion opened to the outer peripheral edge of the friction plate and an end terminating at a point between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge.
US08327989B2
A torque-transfer clutch includes a clutch reaction plate including an annular-shaped reaction element fixedly attached to a rigid plate element. The annular-shaped reaction element includes a preformed spring steel element and a plurality of undulations projecting orthogonal to a planar surface of the rigid plate element.
US08327985B2
A vibration isolating system is disclosed. The vibration isolating system comprises a passive mechanical system comprising a damping assembly, a first resilient member coupled in series with the damping assembly, and a second resilient member coupled in parallel with the series combination of the damping assembly and the first resilient member. The vibration isolating system further comprises a support member coupled in series with the passive mechanical system, a viscoelastic mount coupled to the support member, and a motion limiter coupled to the support member such that the passive mechanical system transmits a force to the support member when the passive mechanical undergoes longitudinal displacement greater than a predetermined displacement.
US08327984B2
A magnetorheolgical (MR) damper includes a piston assembly having a primary channel disposed along a longitudinal axis and contained in a cylinder. MR fluid is also contained in the cylinder. The piston assembly having a primary channel, or primary channel MR piston assembly, includes a piston body having a first end axially spaced from a second end and defining a hole therethrough. The primary channel is defined in an outer body surface of the piston body from the hole at the second end to a coil groove in the outer body surface about the axis. A secondary channel is defined in the outer body surface from the coil groove towards the first end to improve MR damper force performance at low primary channel MR piston assembly velocities.
US08327982B2
An actuator/coupler device having a housing connected to a towed vehicle and a coupler attached to a towing vehicle, wherein the coupler is secured to the housing through a pair of opposing roller shafts extending through a slot within the coupler and a hole in the housing. Rollers secured to the roller shafts bear on a surface within the generally hollow interior of the coupler. A brake actuator secures within the coupler, wherein a first end of the brake actuator is secured to the rear roller shaft and a second end is fixed to the coupler, wherein the brake actuator is in operable communication with the brakes of the towed vehicle such that the brake actuator is actuated by movement of the coupler relative to the housing. A coupler ball socket is included within the coupler for releasable attachment of the coupler ball connected to the towing vehicle.
US08327966B2
An article dump truck has a front tractor unit connected to an associated rear trailer unit with a tipping container by an articulated coupling. The articulated coupling is operable to allow the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit to pivot about a vertical pivot axis, rams being provided to turn the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit about the pivot to steer the dump truck. The articulated coupling also allows the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit to rotate relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of the dump truck. In addition, the front tractor unit has a front chassis mounted on a pair of wheels by an independent suspension system.
US08327964B2
A canister is provided which efficiently purges in a saddle-riding type vehicle having an engine disposed downwardly of a rider seat so as to develop a drive power for driving a rear wheel, a fuel tank storing fuel to be supplied to the engine, and a canister adsorbing fuel vapors generated in the fuel tank. An air guide path that guides exhaust air discharged rearwardly from a radiator, which circulates coolant with an engine, is formed inside a vehicle body cover. The canister is disposed in the air guide path.
US08327961B2
Walk-with apparatus (101), e.g. a powered golf-caddy (101), has a reference member (18), a handle (1) adapted to be used to hold and guide the apparatus, and rotary mechanical damping means (13, 14), the handle 1 being movable in a forwards and backwards direction (103) relative to the reference member (18) to produce electric signals (104) to vary the speed of the (apparatus 101), under the effect of the damping means (13, 14) thereby to inhibit hunting. In addition to spring means (6, 8) and a DC motor controller (110) with an acceleration ramp, the damping means (13, 14) is needed to give smooth motion. The handle (1) has rotary cam means (80, 81, 90) to lock it in any position along direction (103), with a 45° rotation either way at any angle. The handle (1) has a fold-flat articulation means (21a, 23a, 84-88) comprising two interengaging cogged parts (21a, 23a), each having a pivot (87), one part (23) a for handle land the other part (21a) for a support member (21) (on the main part of caddy (101)) for handle (1), and a tie (84, 84) tying the two pivots (87, 87) together. The handle (1) can swivel sideways (under rotary mechanical damping means (200a, 210, 210a)) to steer the caddy (101), with a potentiometer (207) to generate electric steering signals (104), e.g. to operate differentially the caddy's wheels (101a, 101b) for steering.
US08327960B2
A robotic vehicle (10,100,150A,150B150C,160,1000,1000A, includes a chassis (20,106,152,162) having front and rear ends (20A,152A,20B,152B) and supported on right and left driven tracks (34,44,108,165). Right and left elongated flippers (50,60,102,154,164) are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage (70,156,166) connects a payload deck assembly (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806), configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end (70A) rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot (71), and a second end (70B) rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot (73). Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers (72,74) operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots (71,73) to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806) with respect to the chassis (20,106,152,162).
US08327957B2
Downhole cutting tools such as blade mills comprise a body having a first end for connection with a rotating component of a drill string and a cutting end for rotation in unison with the body. The cutting end comprises at least two blades, each of the at least two blades comprising a front sidewall surface, a back sidewall surface, an inner end, an outer end, and at least one beveled portion disposed along the front sidewall surface toward the inner end of each of the at least two blades. At least one of the beveled portions comprise at least one cutting element disposed thereon that is disposed across a center point of the face of the cutting end to provide for cutting away an object disposed in a wellbore to occur across a center point of the cutting end.
US08327946B1
A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.
US08327944B2
An assembly is provided to attach a whipstock to a mill/drill bit. The assembly includes an upper collar adapted for installation around a shank of the mill/drill bit. At least one connecting member is mounted at a first end to the upper collar. The connecting member extends downwardly from the upper collar and is adapted to fit within a junkslot of the mill/drill bit to which the upper collar is attached. A whipstock attachment structure is mounted to a second end of the at least one connecting member.
US08327942B2
A method and an apparatus for establishing a hydrate free regime in a subsea production flowline before discharging into the subsea production flowline a production flow of hydrate prone hydrocarbon product pursuant to a shutdown or at an initial start of production. The hydrate free regime is achieved by injecting into the flowline a heated water volume in advance of discharging the hydrocarbon product from the subsea production system.
US08327940B2
A fracturing fluid containing proppant particles is injected into a fracture made in a low-permeability subterranean formation, providing a turbulent flow of the fluid in the fracture during injection. This allow to increase a fracture conductivity after its closure by means of preventing transverse migration of proppant particles within the fracture and the reduction of their setting rate.
US08327922B2
A heat sink comprises a plurality of individual plates. Each of the plates comprises a heat-dissipating portion and a binding portion connecting with the heat-dissipating portion. The binding portions are stacked together on each other to form a heat-absorbing portion. At least some of the heat-dissipating portions are bent at angles relative to the respective binding portions. At least a hoop encloses the heat-absorbing portion. A method of manufacturing the heat sink is also disclosed.
US08327917B2
An apparatus and a method for producing an amorphous alloy foil strip, which are capable of producing an amorphous alloy foil strip having a large sheet thickness in an industrial scale, are provided.A production apparatus 101 for an amorphous alloy foil strip S includes: a pair of cooling rolls 113a and 113b; a driving unit 111 configured to rotate the cooling rolls; and a crucible 114 configured to supply a molten alloy sequentially to an outer circumferential surface of the cooling roll 113a and an outer circumferential surface of the cooling roll 113b. The crucible 114 is movable along a moving unit 116. A molten alloy is supplied alternately to the cooling roll 113a and the cooling roll 113b while rotating and water-cooling the cooling rolls 113a and 113b.
US08327916B2
An apparatus for core gas removal in a low-pressure cylinder head die casting operation includes an upper die, a lower die, an ejector plate disposed above the upper die to eject a part that has been cast, a plurality of tight plugs fastened into cavities formed in the upper die, and a plurality of clean pins attached to the ejector plate, each clean pin corresponding to a location of one of the tight plugs. The clean pins and the tight plugs have matching geometries. The ejector plate lowers to eject a casted cylinder head from the upper die such that a portion of the clean pins extend axially into the tight plugs to clean core gas residue formed on inner walls of the tight plugs during the casting cycle.
US08327914B2
A semi-solid metal alloy injection feed system for reduced inclusion injection molding comprises a substantially closed injection chamber for containing a billet of semi-solid metal alloy, and thrusting the billet through the injection chamber into a mold, wherein the injection chamber has a first section defined by a wall with an inner contour for mating with a bearing surface for reciprocating motion of the bearing surface within the first section, along a center axis of the injection chamber; and the injection chamber has an outlet in fluid communication with the mold, the outlet provided at an opening in the injection chamber that is offset with respect to the center axis, and is disposed at an angle of 90° to 125° from the center axis. There is no neck or throttling between the chamber and the outlet. A butt end trap is preferably formed that requires inclusions that are principally on a bottom side of the injector to travel a relatively long ways to enter the outlet.
US08327909B2
A method for the casting of cast parts from an iron melt forming vermicular or spheroidal graphite, includes casting iron melt into a casting mold, which includes at least one casting mold part, which is formed from a mold material, which is mixed from a sand-type basic material and an organic binder, and then gassed with a gas containing sulphur in order to harden the binder, such that a mold part of stable form is obtained. The method provides embodiments in which molds produced in accordance with the SO2 process enable the risk of occurrence of local microstructure degeneration in the cast part to be reduced to a minimum. This is achieved in that, after the hardening of the mold part and before the casting, at least one of the surfaces, which comes into contact with the iron melt, is provided with a coating containing a non-volatile sulphide former.
US08327906B2
A tiltable double-layered fabric blind is provided, which includes a double-layered fabric, composed of transparent front and rear sheets and a plurality of opaque spacer veins, with a horizontal bar mounted to a lower end of the fabric, a rotator having a coupling pipe and a driving body mounted to one side of the coupling pipe, the coupling pipe being combined with the double-layered fabric, an angle regulator having a rotating pipe and a rotating body, the rotating pipe having a friction member, which makes one layer of the double-layered fabric brought into close contact with the circumference thereof, a connection plate having a protrusion, which is coupled through the rotator and the angle regulator, and control cords mounted on one side of the rotator and the angle regulator.
US08327897B2
Sealing and inflating system incorporated with a vehicular wheel including a tire rim and a tire mounted to the tire rim including a source of sealing and inflating compound arranged in connection with the tire or tire rim, a detecting mechanism for detecting a rupture in the tire, and a release mechanism coupled to the source and the detecting mechanism for releasing a quantity of the sealing and inflating compound from the source when the detecting mechanism detects a rupture in the tire. The source, detecting mechanism and release mechanism can all be arranged in the pressurized interior space defined by the tire and the tire rim. In this case, the source can be attached to the tire rim. One such construction of the source has two substantially semi-circular parts arranged around the tire rim and connected together, with a release mechanism being arranged in engagement with each part.
US08327895B2
A sealing body disposed about a rotating drive axle and forming an air chamber thereabout. The drive axle is provided with an air conduit extending therein and communicating air from the air chamber to the center of the drive axle and for delivery to tires via the wheel at the center of the axle flange. The sealing body includes an air conduit in communication with the air chamber, and is configured to secure to remain stationary about the drive axle axially rotating therein. The sealing body is typically disposed between the drive axle splines and the wheel and forms an air seal thereabout. The sealing body may comprise of a plurality of parts when the splines have a greater diameter than the remainder of the drive axle, but may also comprise of a unitary body configured to be axially disposed over the splines when the splines have a diameter consistent with the drive axle.
US08327892B2
A vaporizer filling system includes a filler assembly, a sump, and a valve. The valve controls fluid communication into the sump. A retaining device retains the valve in an open position. A delay is connected to the retaining device. The delay controls the operation of the retaining device in order to retain the valve in the open position until the delay detects a release condition. The delay then controls the retaining device to release the valve. A method of filling a vaporizer includes engaging a bottle of liquid anesthetic agent with a filler assembly. The bottle and the filler assembly are moved from a first position to a second position. The bottle and filling assembly are locked in the second position with a retaining device. Then the retaining device is released and the bottle and filler assembly are returned to the first position.
US08327886B2
A conduit repair structure in which solid objects are less likely to accumulate on a conduit bottom and that, even if solid objects accumulate on the conduit bottom, facilitates removal of the solid objects. A hollow frame-like reinforcement body laid substantially along a cross-sectional shape of a conduit (1) is constructed using a reinforcing member (2) having fixing parts (2p) arranged at predetermined intervals on the inner side of the conduit (2). Resin inner face bars (10) are attached to the inner side of the reinforcement body, and a curable filling material is placed in the space formed by the inner face bars (10) and a conduit inner wall (1a) to form a filling material layer (3). A body section (10c) of each inner face bar (10) is formed recessed in its width direction. The recessed shape of the body sections (10c) forms riblets on the bottom of the conduit, and this reduces resistance to water flowing in the conduit. Even in conduits, such as a horseshoe-shaped conduit and a rectangular conduit (box culvert), having flat bottoms and in which objects flow at low speed, the structure allows the objects to flow easier.
US08327883B2
There is provided a multi-way selector valve capable of suppressing any excessive rise in the pressure of a high-pressure refrigerant during a transitional phase of flow path switching and of preventing malfunctioning of a flow path switching operation, while also being capable of preventing situations in which erroneous judgments of anomaly/failure occurrences in the device are made by a fail-safe mechanism to cause the device to stop unduly. A high-pressure passage portion 55 to which a high-pressure fluid is introduced is formed in a valve member 50. A valve seat portion 65 provided with a first inlet/outlet 13 and a second inlet/outlet 14 that are selectively communicated with an outlet-side end portion 55a of the high-pressure passage portion 55, and a valve chest 61 into which a low-pressure fluid is selectively introduced via the first inlet/outlet 13 and the second inlet/outlet 14 are provided in a valve body 60. During the transitional phase of flow path switching, the outlet-side end portion 55a of the high-pressure passage portion 55 of the valve member 50 is made to slide while being pressed against a portion between the first inlet/outlet 13 and the second inlet/outlet 14 in the valve seat portion 65. There is formed between the first inlet/outlet 13 and the second inlet/outlet 14 of the valve seat portion 65 an escape passage portion 69 comprising a groove, notch, through-hole or the like for allowing the high-pressure refrigerant of the high-pressure passage portion 55 to escape to the side of the valve chest 61 during the transitional phase of flow path switching.
US08327871B1
A pressure regulator having a conduit with a plurality of adjustable valves inserted reversibly into the conduit. The valves are aligned along the axis of water flow. The interior of the conduit is divided into an inlet chamber and outlet chamber by a septum. The valves are inserted into the inlet chamber, and valve seats protrude through holes in the septum into the outlet chamber, thereby sealing the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber. Fluid flows into the conduit, into the inlet chamber, through the open valve, into the outlet chamber, and then flows out of the conduit. The valves regulate fluid pressure in the outlet chamber. The degree of pressure regulation can be adjusted for each valve by turning pressure adjustment knobs on the top of the valves to produce precise regulation of pressure and fluid flow. A conduit plug can replace a valve in the conduit.
US08327860B2
An improved hair styling device with heating elements and heat retaining clips inside the device's housing. The clips present double concave inner faces, and form an enclosed space when in a closed position. A heat retaining element with an elevated heat capacity is incorporated into the clips adjacent the inner surface of the jaws of the clips; and also presents a double concave surface to the inside of the clips when in a closed position. The heating elements are made up of elongated heating rods with multiple heating locations along their length. Each heating location has an enlarged double convex area on the surface of the heating rods. The heating locations are complimentary to the shape of the heat retaining element, and therefore heat the clips quickly and evenly.
US08327856B2
An environmentally degradable cigarette filter includes a filter element of a bloomed cellulose acetate tow and a plug wrap surrounding said filter element. A weak organic acid and a pH adjusted inorganic ester salt are encapsulated in a matrix material which is in contact with the tow. The pH adjusted inorganic ester salt has a pH less than or equal to 8. When the cigarette filter is discarded into the environment, water liberates the weak acid and the ester salt from the matrix material. The weak acid hydrolyzes the ester liberating a strong acid. The strong acid catalyzes the degradation of the cellulose acetate tow. (The weak acid also hydrolyzes the cellulose acetate tow, but after the strong acid is generated, the strong acid becomes the dominant acid catalyst for the cellulose acetate tow degradation.)
US08327851B2
This invention is a respiration-related mask with a user interface for custom fitting the mask to a person's face. It comprises: a respiration-related mask that directs a breathable gas into a person's nose, mouth, or both; two or more differentially and selectively movable members that are part of the mask, wherein differential and selective movement of these members changes the face-contacting contour of the mask; and a remote user interface that allows the person to differentially and selectively adjust the movable members so as to better fit the face-contacting contour of the mask to the person's face while the person is wearing the mask. The resulting mask can conform to the contours of a person's face so that there are no places around the mask that fit too tightly (causing irritation, skin marks, and pain) and no places that fit too loosely (causing air leaks). This can increase patient tolerance of wearing a mask and can improve the therapeutic efficiency of wearing a mask.
US08327848B2
A pressure reducing valve for use in a system adapted to deliver a breathing gas to a patient. The pressure reducing valve is structured to communicate a flow of breathing gas to such a patient's airway during an inspiratory phase. The pressure reducing valve is structured to isolate the flow of breathing gas from the patient's airway and to “dump” the flow of breathing gas and a flow of exhalation gas to atmosphere during the expiratory phase. The flow of breathing gas is dumped to atmosphere through a first number of ports; whereas a flow of exhalation gas is dumped to atmosphere through a second number of ports. Because the flow of breathing gas remains isolated from the flow of exhalation gas, less effort is required by a patient during the expiratory phase.
US08327844B2
A delivery device (20, 22) for and a method of delivering a substance to the nasal airway (1) of a subject, in particular the posterior region of the nasal airway, the delivery device comprising: a closure unit for causing the closure of the oropharyngeal velum of the subject; and a delivery unit for delivering a gas flow entraining a substance to one of the nostrils of the subject at such a driving pressure as to flow around the posterior margin of the nasal septum and out of the other nostril of the subject, wherein the delivery unit comprises a nosepiece (30, 40, 58, 82, 102, 132) which includes an outlet through which the gas flow is in use delivered to the one nostril and a sealing member for sealing the one nostril to the outlet such as in use to prevent the escape of the gas flow through the one nostril.
US08327835B2
A cooking appliance having first and second oven doors that combine to extend across and close off a frontal opening of a cooking chamber includes a latching mechanism for locking the first and second oven doors in a closed position. The latching mechanism includes a fixed support plate and a motor having an output shaft to which is rotatably mounted an eccentric drive member. Preferably, the motor is fixedly mounted to the support plate. The latching mechanism further includes first and second latch members each having a first end portion pivotally attached to the eccentric drive member extending to a second end portion defining a hook element. When the motor is activated, a guide mechanism directs the second end portions of the first and second latch members to a locking position leading the hook members into engagement with the first and second doors.
US08327833B2
A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.
US08327823B2
A compression ignition engine is supplied with a first fuel in a flow of air and a second fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. The first fuel comprises a more volatile fuel than diesel such as ethanol, LPG or other combustible gas; the second fuel comprises diesel or biodiesel; and the second fuel is injected in multiple pulses in each ignition cycle with the first pulse acting as a pilot pulse to trigger ignition, and the timing of the second pulse being such as to modify the temperature through evaporation of the second fuel and thereby reduce the combustion temperature and mitigate knock susceptibility. Preferably the pilot pulse is followed by a single further pulse of the second fuel in the ignition cycle. The engine may be controlled to operate in two different modes, one mode for light and medium load conditions when there is only a pilot pulse injection of the second fuel which reduces NOx and soot emissions, and the other mode for higher load conditions when there is a pilot pulse injection followed by a main pulse injection of the second fuel. The first fuel may comprise bioethanol and or one or more of the following: ethanol, butanol, propanol, lpg, natural gas, hydrogen.
US08327822B2
A diesel engine in which a lubrication oil on the wall surface of the cylinder liner is prevented from being burned and diluted, and a smoke resulting from the local lack of air in the combustion chamber is also prevented from being generated. The diesel engine comprises a group injection hole nozzle 20 and a piston 110. A step 115 having a height gradually increased toward the radial outer circumference of the piston is formed over the entire circumference of the top surface 111 of the piston. Furthermore, a tilted part 115b is formed as the step surface of the step 115.
US08327819B2
Constant velocity internal combustion engines/designs capable of converting linear motion to rotary motion or rotary motion to linear motion include a gearshaft rather than a crankshaft, at least one pair of opposed and reciprocating pistons, and the gearshaft controlling the reciprocal linear translation of the pistons.
US08327818B2
Apparatus and method for adding one or more additives to an engine lubricant, while the lubricant is circulating within an engine having an engine lubricant filter with a by-pass valve which opens when the pressure of the lubricant passing through the filter exceeds a pre-determined back-pressure value in which the apparatus further comprises an additive chamber containing one or more additives operably connected to the by-pass valve such that when the by-pass valve opens at the pre-determined back-pressure, at least some of the lubricant is caused to flow through the additive chamber and contact the one or more additives.
US08327817B2
A bearing for an automotive engine includes a base having a first bearing segment formed therein, and a bearing cap removably mounted to the base, with the bearing cap including fastener towers in contact with the base. A second bearing segment extends between the fastener towers. A number of non-contact stiffening ribs extend parallel to the fastener towers. The stiffening ribs are attached to outboard portions of the fastener towers. The stiffening ribs cause the bearing cap to avoid excessive flexing and distortion, while at the same time avoiding fretting corrosion which would occur were the clamp loads of the cap to the base be reduced by materially increasing the size of the fastener towers.
US08327812B2
A cooling system for a liquid cooled internal combustion engine having coolant passages and a heat exchanger selected to operate the engine cooling system in the region of nucleate boiling. A sensor detects the presence of nucleate boiling and a variable volume chamber has a flexible diaphragm urged on one side by controlled air pressure and responsive to the sensor maintain the coolant system pressure at a level maintaining optimum nucleate boiling to increase heat flux from the engine and reduce overall size of the system.
US08327811B2
When a cooling airflow used for cooling an engine etc. is discharged to a side of a machine as a discharge airflow, the airflow can be prevented from blowing to trees located at the side of the machine and to walkers passing the side of the machine. A rotary working machine has, inside a bonnet (10), an engine (8) and a discharge type cooling fan (45). An opening (10b) for discharging cooling airflow is provided in a side of the bonnet (10), and a movable louver (50) having blades (52, 52, . . . ) is provided in a duct (48) placed between the opening (10b) and the cooling fan (45).
US08327808B2
A dog leash that is capable of serving a multitude of purposes. The dog leash is made of resilient material, allowing it to stretch, which decreases the stress on both the user and the dog. The leash can be configured to lead one dog or two dogs at the same time. The leash can be used as a hands free lead, worn around the user's waist or shoulder. When worn around the waist, it allows 360 degrees of movement by the dog. The lead is also capable of being used as a seat restraint in a motor vehicle or as a tether. The leash is readily adjustable, suited for all size dogs, and can be especially useful for service dogs.
US08327805B2
An animal husbandry tunnel door with adjoining extrusions for closing a tunnel ventilation opening typically in a broiler house has opposing faces with top, bottom and side edges. The faces sandwich an insulation layer. The adjoining extrusions have a first door top, bottom and side extrusion, along with a second door side edge extrusion. The first door top, bottom and side edge extrusions each have parallel inner prongs with barbs and adjacent parallel outer flanges forming two slots therebetween for receiving the top, bottom and side edges of the opposing door faces as the inner prongs with barbs pass into the insulation and are held thereat. The second door side edge extrusion has parallel inner prongs adjacent parallel outer flanges forming two slots therebetween for receiving the other side face edges as the inner prongs with barbs pass into the insulation and are held thereat. The second extrusion has second opposing parallel skirt flanges with inward distal barbs adapted to impinge upon, securely capture and hold the outer flanges of one of the first extrusions of a second adjacent tunnel door.
US08327793B1
A door knocker including a front display piece that is in the form of an alpha character piece including a front facing surface for display of the alpha character and a rear facing surface having at least one rearwardly directed flange member that forms part of a pivot means for the front display piece, and a rear support piece that is adapted for attachment to the face of the door. The rear support piece includes at least a first leg for pivotal engagement with the flange member and forming another part of the pivot means, a second leg that is for attachment to the door, and a third leg that forms a knocker that is selectively engageable with the rear facing surface of the alpha character piece.
US08327787B2
A support head capable of generating suction upon the rotation thereof has a body that defines a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, a peripheral edge, and an open region formed in a central portion of the second surface. Work producing elements such as spray nozzles are mounted in the first surface. Each of a first plurality of holes extends between the first surface and the second surface. Each of a second plurality of holes extends between the peripheral edge of the body and the open region of the body. When the body is positioned over the surface with the first surface opposing same, suction forces are generated as the body is rotated.
US08327786B2
A personal watercraft system includes a watercraft, a frame, and a cover. The watercraft includes a deck and a hull and defines a hatch providing access to a cargo hold. The frame is coupled with the watercraft and defines a channel on a side of the hatch and a cavity in communication with the channel. The cover includes a fabric portion and a rod extending along and coupled with a side margin thereof. The cover is secured to the personal watercraft on an opposite side of the hatch. When compression is applied to the rod, the rod flexes to fit within the channel aligning an end of the rod with the cavity. When the compression is subsequently removed from the rod, the rod returns to its original length and the end of the rod slides into the cavity securing the cover to entirely cover the hatch.
US08327778B2
A lightweight portable fire resistant containment system has an outer shell and an inner shell that fits inside the outer shell, forming an insulating air gap. A lid closes the outer shell, defining a closed storage space. The outer shell, inner shell and lid are fabricated from high temperature resisting ceramic fibers and are bonded together with an inorganic or charred bond to form a light weight integral component. A stainless steel sheet wrap prevents ingress of flame and hot gas into the bonded ceramic fibers of the outer shell and lid. The inner shell outer surface has a metallic infrared reflecting wrap limiting radiation received from the inner surface of the outer shell. The inner surface of the inner shell has an encased ceramic porous body infiltrated with solidified phase change material, absorbing latent heat of fusion from the interior surface of inner shell and limiting temperature exposure of valuable stored documents and photographs.
US08327776B2
A pallet 10 having a hollow double-walled structure formed by blow molding includes a first wall 13 on which a cargo is placed, a second wall 14 spaced apart from the first wall 13 by a predetermined distance, and inner ribs that connect the first wall 13 and the second wall 14. In the pallet 10, the inner ribs are respectively formed by continuously abutting and integrating end surfaces of first inner ribs 13a and 13b projecting from the first wall 13 toward a hollow portion and end surfaces of second inner ribs 14a and 14b projecting from the second wall 14 toward the hollow portion.
US08327775B2
A transport pallet is provided with a chassis including feet on its underside from providing space for lifting using a fork lift truck or the like. The chassis is also provided with receptacles in the chassis for corner posts erectable at the corners of the chassis. The corner posts may also be provided with cross-members for increased stability. When not in use the corner posts and cross-members can be stowed in channels in the chassis, with the channels, posts and cross-members being color coded for ease of identification. The chassis can also be provided with straps for securing of the load.
US08327772B2
A bogie for a low floor type railway vehicle, in which the accuracy of the distance between left and right wheels is enhanced and which enables a vehicle body to be low-floored. The bogie has a bogie frame for supporting the body of the railway vehicle, a main axle and an auxiliary axle arranged so as to laterally extend at the front and rear in the traveling direction of the bogie frame, wheels attached to both the left and right sides of each of the axles, shaft boxes attached to both the left and right sides of each of the axles and supporting the axle, and shaft box support devices respectively supporting each of the shaft boxes by elastically joining the shaft boxes and the bogie frame together. The wheels attached to the main axle are large-diameter wheels, and the wheels attached to the auxiliary axle are small-diameter wheels having a smaller diameter than the large-diameter wheels.
US08327770B2
A trolley for transporting the rider supported by a harness on a cable or rope, the trolley having a mounting plate configured with a connection point to receive the rider's harness, a pulley rotatably mounted to the mounting plate to support the plate on the cable or rope, and a friction shoe mounted on the plate forward of the pulley to contact the upper portion of the cable or rope, wherein the connection point is located beneath the cable or rope between the centers of the pulley and the friction shoe. The apparatus may also provide a manually operated brake handle to allow the rider to selectively apply braking force to reduce the speed of the trolley on the cable as desired.
US08327760B2
In order to provide a cam slider shock absorbing member for a cam device which realizes a sufficient stroke, easy replacement, a compact profile, and an easy-to-machine property without necessity of adhesive agent, the shock absorbing member includes a mounting portion having an external dimension at least larger than an internal dimension of a mounting hole on the side of a lower end thereof and a deflecting portion having a predetermined distance for a deflecting margin with respect to an inner wall surface of the mounting hole on the upper side of the mounting portion, and an upper end of the deflecting portion projects upward from an opening end of the mounting hole and being formed to have a height which secures a length corresponding to the stroke to be compressed.
US08327755B1
An electrical beverage brewer (10) having a controller (26) responsive to a start switch (72) to operate a brew cycle by dispensing hot water from a tank (42) to beverage ingredient within a brew basket (38) through a bent tube (78) mounted to the water tank (42) for rotation about an axis aligned with an external horizontal rotary section (90) of the bent tube (78) between a closed position in which an inlet (80) of a swinging tubular section (79) is in a relatively elevated, closed position and an open position at a lower elevation relative to the closed position. A rotary electromechanical solenoid (96), a pneumatic rotary solenoid (134) or a stepper motor (126) or other like rotary, drive mechanism requiring no positional sensors has a rotary axis aligned with the central axis of rotation of the rotary section (90) and axially linked, inline, with the rotary section (90) to axially drive the rotary section (90) and thereby move the swinging section (79) between the open position and the closed position without applying lateral forces to the rotary section (90).
US08327754B2
A pod for holding an amount of mixable material. The pod may include a circular sidewall and a base. The base may include a number of apertures. A substantially stiff filter paper may be positioned about the base.
US08327748B2
A stout wall assembly which self-transports under remote control or onboard machine logic is disclosed. It combines three very well understood and proven technologies into a novel, new military system for creating protected positions behind very strong cover while a formation is in motion or stationary. The wall assembly is unmanned and is designed to sacrificially block any destructive effects directed at the protected object in its lee. It provides a non-pyrotechnical, passive, always-on, solid, physical barrier defense with no reaction or recycle time whatsoever, an unlimited duty cycle, and minimal possibility of fratricide or collateral damage. It can defeat or degrade kinetic energy, blast, fragmentation, fire, particulate, shaped charge, and high explosive squash head weapons and is uniquely capable against street-level improvised explosive devices.
US08327745B2
A retain-and-release member, which is coupled to a punch holder of a punch assembly, engages a punch tip against an end of the holder, such that a working portion of the tip extends from the end. A punch guide sidewall of the assembly includes an aperture aligned with an actuation interface of the retain-and-release member, when the punch holder and the engaged punch tip are slidably engaged within a guide bore formed by the punch guide sidewall. The aperture provides access for applying a force, to the actuation interface, in order to disengage the retain-and-release member from the punch tip, while the punch holder remains within the guide bore of the assembly. Following the removal, the same punch tip, or another, may be inserted into the guide bore and into engagement with the retain-and-release member.
US08327741B2
A torque wrench includes a wrench body, a torque sensor, an angle sensor, a gravity sensor and a processor. The wrench body can provide a torque to a workpiece. The torque sensor can sense whether the torque is greater than a predetermined torque value. The angle sensor can obtain a rotational angle value by measuring the rotation of the wrench body after the torque is greater than the predetermined torque value. The gravity sensor can sense the tilt angle of the wrench body. The processor is programmed to correct the rotational angle value according to the tilt angle of the wrench body.
US08327739B2
In order to provide a wheel nut wrench in which strength of a nut socket portion is allowed to be increased even though processes are facilitated under a situation where a tube made of carbon steel such as S45C is used as a material, and a manufacturing process thereof, an embodiment to implement the present invention is a wheel nut wrench made with a tube-shaped steel tube and provided with a nut socket portion at least one end, a nut socket shell portion whose inner and outer peripheries are both formed in a hexagonal shape is provided at an end portion of the steel tube, a sleeve made of a steel plate and having a cross section of a hexagonal shape is pressed into the nut socket shell portion, and a portion of the nut socket shell portion is deformed toward the sleeve to thereby achieve unification of the nut socket portion and the sleeve.
US08327737B2
A bicycle is disclosed. A direction control device thereof comprises a handlebar, a steering stem, two adjusting stems, and a quick switch device. The steering stem is connected to the main frame and comprises a longitudinal rod and a horizontal rod. Each adjusting stem comprises an adjusting main body, a first clamping portion, and a second clamping portion. Both ends of the horizontal rod are clamped by each first clamping portion; the handlebar is clamped by each second clamping portion. There are two clamping states of the first and second clamping portions: a fastening state and a non-fastening state. The quick switch device is coupled to each adjusting stem and controls the clamping state of each first clamping portion and each second clamping portion.
US08327728B2
Described is a torque amplifying device that is of centrifugal or gyroscopic type and has a unidirectional drive or drives. This device is used to control the body of a controlled object, such as an airplane, helicopter, land vehicle, cargo handling mechanism, earth moving machine or maritime device or vehicle. The torque amplifying devices are designed so that they supply a torque (momentum) to the body of the controlled object where it is connected. Thereby, the orientation or weight distribution of the body is controlled. The orientation is achieved without resorting to the physical properties of the surrounding environment (ground, water or air). Thus, it can apply a torque to this body in pitch, roll and/or yaw, so that it achieves the position or weight distribution the control system is calling for. The duration of the torque can be unlimited, until the conditions that produce it are intentionally changed.
US08327727B2
To eliminate or otherwise reduce unintended movement of a probe tip of a probe assembly being held by a probe arm, the probe assembly includes one or more resilient members that compensate for the contraction or expansion of the probe arm in accordance with the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material from which the probe arm is made. Thus, the probe tip can remain in contact with a sample being measured at the desired location on the sample, during an automated full or wide scale temperature range sweep.
US08327726B2
A microfluidic device includes a sample chamber accommodating a sample, a first sample distribution unit connected to the sample chamber and receiving the sample, a sample transfer unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and forming a path for transferring the sample, and including a first connection unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and a second connection unit, wherein the distance from the center of rotation to the second connection unit is greater than the distance from the center of rotation to the first connection unit, a second sample distribution unit connected to the second connection unit and receiving the sample transferred via the sample transfer unit after filling the first sample distribution unit, and first and second analysis units respectively connected to the first and second sample distribution units and analyzing ingredients of the sample.
US08327722B2
There is provided a rotary torque detecting device in which a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body are formed in substantially band shapes and third magnetic bodies are formed in substantially rectangular shapes, respectively, by forming the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body in the substantially band shapes and arranging the plurality of substantially rectangular third magnetic bodies at predetermined intervals between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body, and the magnets. With this structure, in the rotary torque detecting device mainly used for detection of rotary torque of a steering of an automobile, it is possible to reliably detect the rotary torque at low cost.
US08327720B2
A sampling system includes a collection module including a gas handler, and a flow controller in communication with the gas handler of the collection module. The flow controller controls the gas handler to move a selected volume of gas through the collection module.
US08327719B2
A measuring transducer comprising: a transducer housing, of which an inlet-side, housing end is formed by means of an inlet-side, flow divider having exactly four flow openings spaced, in each case, from one another and an outlet-side, housing end is formed by means of an outlet-side, flow divider having exactly four flow openings spaced, in each case, from one another; as well as exactly four, straight, measuring tubes connected to the flow dividers for guiding flowing medium along flow paths connected in parallel. The measuring transducer includes an electromechanical exciter mechanism for producing and/or maintaining mechanical oscillations of the four measuring tubes. The measuring tubes are excitable pairwise to execute opposite phase bending oscillations in, in each case, a shared imaginary plane of oscillation.
US08327716B2
An optical strain gage incorporates an optical waveguide or fiber that includes a sensing section with a fiber Bragg grating, which serves for detecting a strain in a strainable member on which the strain gage is mounted. At locations displaced away from the fiber Bragg grating section, on both sides thereof, the optical waveguide is covered by two fastening elements, which secure the optical waveguide in a force-transmitting manner on the strainable member or a bottom support. Between the two fastening elements, a relatively soft elastic fixing material surrounds the optical waveguide and fixes the fiber Bragg grating section on the strainable member or bottom support in a form-fitting and force-isolating manner.
US08327711B2
An electrostatic capacitive vibration sensor has a substrate, a through-hole, a vibrating electrode plate, and a fixed electrode plate opposite the vibrating electrode plate. The fixed electrode plate is subjected to vibration to perform membrane oscillation. Pluralities of acoustic holes are made in the fixed electrode plate. The vibrating and fixed electrode plate are disposed on a surface side of the substrate such that an opening on the surface side of the through-hole is covered. A lower surface of an outer peripheral portion of the vibrating electrode plate is partially fixed to the substrate. A vent hole that communicates a surface side and a rear surface side of the vibrating electrode plate is made between the surface of the substrate and the lower surface of the vibrating electrode plate. In addition, the acoustic hole has a smaller opening area except at the outer peripheral portion.
US08327704B2
An angular velocity detection circuit is connected to a resonator for making excited vibration on the basis of a drive signal and detects an angular velocity. The angular velocity detection circuit includes: a self-vibration component extraction unit that receives, from the resonator, a detection signal including an angular velocity component based on a Coriolis force and a self-vibration component based on the excited vibration and extracts the self-vibration component from the detection signal; a direct-current conversion unit including an integration unit that integrates an output signal of the self-vibration component extraction unit; and a temperature characteristic compensation unit that compensates for a variation due to a temperature in an output signal of the direct-current conversion unit.
US08327702B2
An adjustable measuring device that includes a container with a channel and a mating slider in the container. The slider is magnetically attached. Portion(s) not filled by the slider provide define at least one measuring chamber of variable volume depending on the positioning of the slider in the channel. Also, in an adjustable measuring device using a mating slider, measurement lines can be formed of elastomeric polymer to facilitate sealing.
US08327695B2
A restriction diagnostic system for a vehicle comprises a pressure difference module and a diagnostic module. The pressure difference module determines a pressure difference between an ambient air pressure and a filtered air pressure measured at a location between an air filter and a valve that is selectively opened to enable ambient airflow through the air filter to a fuel vapor canister. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses restriction of the airflow through the air filter when the pressure difference is greater than a predetermined pressure.
US08327694B2
Disclosed is a method for adapting mechanical tolerances of a timing wheel of a sensor unit of an internal combustion engine of a hybrid drive of a vehicle, the hybrid drive having at least one second motor, in particular an electric motor, in addition to the internal combustion engine, and the internal combustion engine being operated in a desired operating mode during adaptation operation. It is provided that the desired operating mode is performed in such a way that the internal combustion engine is driven using the second motor, in particular an electric motor, and no fuel is supplied to the internal combustion engine. A corresponding device is also disclosed.
US08327688B2
A system for the automated regulation of a gas permeation testing system is disclosed, wherein a control system in communication with a data processor facilitates more precise control of a pressurized fluid caused to flow through the gas permeation testing system.
US08327684B2
The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the resonant frequencies of a vibrating microelectromechanical (MEMS) device. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for adjusting the resonant frequencies of a vibrating mass including the steps of patterning a surface of a device layer of the vibrating mass with a mask, etching the vibrating mass to define a structure of the vibrating mass, determining a first set of resonant frequencies of the vibrating mass, determining a mass removal amount of the vibrating mass and a mass removal location of the vibrating mass to obtain a second set of resonant frequencies of the vibrating mass, removing the mask at the mass removal location, and etching the vibrating mass to remove the mass removal amount of the vibrating mass at the mass removal location of the vibrating mass.
US08327683B2
Example composite materials and calibration assemblies using the same. An example calibration assembly for use in calibrating a downhole formation evaluation tool includes a first body comprising a first material and having a first geometry, a second body comprising a second material formed to receive the first body, wherein the first and second materials and the first geometry are selected so that a calibration property of the calibration assembly substantially matches a corresponding calibration property of a third material.
US08327675B2
A lock cylinder having: a cylinder core having a key channel for inserting a key which is provided with profiling; at least one feeler element which is disposed in the cylinder core, is acted on by a spring and is held in a blocking position by the spring when the key is not inserted in the key channel; and a blocking element which, when the feeler element is in the blocking position, is held in a blocking position which blocks rotation of the cylinder core. The feeler element can be shifted against the return force of the spring into a release position by the profiling on the matching key inserted into the key channel, in which position the locking element can be deflected into a position releasing the cylinder core. In order to enable the lock cylinder to lock more securely, the feeler element includes a feeler arm for feeling the profiling, which feeler arm protrudes radially from a shaft rotatably supported in the cylinder core and which feeler arm, when the matching key is inserted, is acted upon such that the shaft rotates about the axis thereof into the release position.
US08327674B2
A locking mechanism (10) comprising a housing (16) and a shackle (14) having a first side (44) and a second side (46). The shackle (14) is slidable between a primary closed position in which the first and second sides (44 and 46) are each engaged with the housing (16) and a primary open position in which the first side (44) is engaged with the housing (16) and the second side (46) is free from the housing (16). A port (65) is provided in the housing (16) exposing a portion of the first side (44) of the shackle (14) in the primary closed position. Severing the shackle (14) through the port (65) allows the shackle (14) to move from the primary open position to a secondary open position, from which the shackle (14) can move back to a secondary closed position.
US08327672B2
A washing apparatus such as an automatic laundry washing machine includes a wash agent dispenser drawer including an additive compartment for storing various additives such as detergent, bleach and fabric softener. One or more water inflow tubes may extend downwardly into the additive compartment and may be configured to deliver water for diluting the additives contained in the compartment. The inflow tubes are of sufficient length to reach a sub-surface portion of additive held in the compartment. Water may simultaneously be delivered to the surface of the additive. Furthermore, inflow tubes have their outlets positioned adjacent to the base(s) of one or more siphon post/cap assemblies located in the additive compartments, such that a churning effect is produced from the injection of water through the tubes and the siphoning action of the siphon post, whereby mixing is enhanced and additive buildup may be avoided and/or removed.
US08327670B2
A motor controller including a vector controller that controls a permanent magnet motor including a rotor being provided with a permanent magnet having a coercivity low enough to allow modification in amount of magnetization and that executes a vector control by detecting current flowing at the permanent magnet motor; a speed/position detector that detects a rotational speed and a rotational position of the permanent magnet motor; a magnetization controller that increases or decreases the magnetization of the permanent magnet depending on the rotational position of the permanent magnet motor through adjustment in status of the magnetization of the permanent magnet by way of armature counteraction; and a demagnetization detector that detects a decrease in the magnetization of the permanent magnet magnetized by the magnetization controller during operation of the permanent magnet motor.
US08327668B2
A gravity bending mold for bending glass sheets, the gravity bending mold comprising a peripheral shaping rail, the peripheral shaping rail having at least one end section, and at least one auxiliary rail mounted on the peripheral shaping rail, the or each auxiliary rail being respectively mounted adjacent to at least a portion of a respective end section by at least one mount that is adapted to permit relative vertical movement of the auxiliary rail with respect to the respective end section, a tripping mechanism for selectively and temporarily disposing the auxiliary rail in a raised position with respect to the respective end section, and a latch mechanism connected to the tripping mechanism, the latch mechanism being adapted to be engaged by an external actuator to cause relative vertical movement of the auxiliary rail with respect to the respective end section, by operation of the tripping mechanism, so that the auxiliary rail is subsequently disposed in a lowered position with respect to the respective end section. There is also provided a method of bending glass sheets using such a mold.
US08327664B2
A method for producing transparent conductive glass by a) depositing two barrier layers on the surface of hot glass by chemical vapor deposition; and b) depositing two conductive film layers on the surface of the glass ribbon having the two barrier layers. The method is easy to control and suitable for mass production. The resultant transparent conductive glass has low surface resistance and moderate haze.
US08327659B2
A cooler is particularly configured for application of any selected design or marking. Any design may be easily applied to a standard cooler configuration. The design can be protected with a cover. The cooler also has structure for ease of mounting to different objects, and can be readily stacked. The lid can selectively retain cold or warm packs to cool or heat the interior.
US08327646B2
In a combustor section, wherein a forward sleeve is disposed to encircle a leading end of an impingement sleeve comprised of first and second impingement sleeve parts abutted along a longitudinal junction thereof, a retainer member disposed to overlie the longitudinal junction. The retainer member is welded to at least one of said forward sleeve and the impingement sleeve. The retainer member has first and second axial end edges disposed transverse to the longitudinal junction, and at least one of the axial end edges has a cutout defined therein and disposed to overlie the longitudinal junction.
US08327644B2
A micro gas turbine engine for use in a turbo heater or co-generation application is described. The micro gas turbine engine includes a fuel delivery system which minimizes the development of deposits in the air-fuel passageway. To this end, a fuel delivery channel formed between a fuel deflector and a slinger body is formed with a contoured or undulating surface. A fuel deflector ring is interposed between the fuel delivery channel and the slinger impeller to facilitate the flow of the air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber.
US08327641B2
An electricity generation system is presented. The electricity generation system includes a solar preheater for preheating compressed discharge air, a combustor to receive the heated compressed air from the solar preheater, burn a fuel using the heated compressed air to generate hot burned gas, a first turbine to receive the hot burned gas from the combustor, expand the hot burned gas to generate exhaust gas, a heat recovery steam generator to receive the exhaust gas from the first turbine, generate vapor by heating a condensed fluid using the exhaust gas, a solar evaporator/superheater to receive a heated working fluid from the heat recovery steam generator, generate solar vapor by heating the heated working fluid, and a second turbine to drive a second generator using vapor and the solar vapor.
US08327640B2
The present invention relates to an adjustment device (1) for adjusting a valve or a flap, in particular a pressure nozzle for actuating a bypass valve when a limit charge pressure on an exhaust-driven turbocharger is exceeded, which comprises a single- or multi-part housing (2), in particular a housing (2) having a housing lower part (3) and a housing lid. Essential to the invention is that a clip device (4) is provided, by means of which the adjustment device (1) is fastened to a part (6).
US08327634B2
An exhaust heat recovery system (10) includes: an exhaust heat exchanger (18) that is communicated with a catalytic converter (16) through an exhaust gas pipe (14A), and that recovers exhaust heat into a coolant; and heat transfer restriction means (50) provided between the catalytic converter (16) and the exhaust heat exchanger (18). The heat transfer restriction means (50) includes a heat insulator (56) disposed between a first exhaust gas pipe (52) and a second exhaust gas pipe (54) that constitute the exhaust gas pipe (14A), and. restrains a released heat from the catalytic converter (16) from reaching the exhaust heat exchanger (18).
US08327633B2
An exhaust pipe for a vehicle-mounted engine. An inner pipe inserted in an outer pipe contacts, at its outer end, with the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe at a first position, the outer pipe contacts the inner pipe at a second position different from the first position, and thus an expansion chamber is formed between the inner pipe the outer pipe. The inner pipe includes a plurality of communication holes for communicating the inside of the inner pipe and the expansion chamber, thereby forming a muffler. An exhaust gas purification catalyst is provided within the outer pipe adjacent to the expansion chamber. On the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe, a weir for stopping condensed water is provided between the outer end of the inner pipe and the exhaust gas purification catalyst. Consequently, in the exhaust pipe, deterioration of the purification function of the exhaust gas purification catalyst caused by contact of condensed water, which is produced when exhaust gas is cooled, with the exhaust gas purification catalyst can be suppressed.
US08327632B2
An exhaust system which has a catalysed soot filter (CSF), a control unit, and a catalyzed sensor. The exhaust system, controllable by the control unit, can increase hydrocarbon (HC) and/or carbon monoxide (CO) content in an exhaust gas flowing into the CSF resulting in combustion of the HC and/or CO in the CSF, a temperature increase of the CSF, and combustion of particulate matter collected on the CSF. The catalyzed sensor is disposed between an engine manifold and the CSF, and combusts CO and/or HC in the exhaust gas and inputs the control unit with a datum correlating with an enthalpy of combustion of HC and/or CO in the exhaust gas, thereby controlling the content of the combustible HC and/or CO in the exhaust gas flowing into the CSF. The catalysed sensor is the only catalysed component in the exhaust system disposed between the engine and the CSF.
US08327631B2
A platform mounted emissions control unit includes a first system to reduce Particulate Matter (PM), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and a second system to reduce Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). The systems serially process exhaust from a mobile or stationary pollution source. In one embodiment, first system is an Ionizing Wet Scrubber (IWS) and the second system is a Selective Catalytic Reducer (SCR), wherein the IWS processes the exhaust first to improve efficiency and service life of the SCR. A generator produces power required by the IWS and SCR, and heat from exhaust of the generator may be used convert urea to ammonia for use by the SCR, and to heat the exhaust flow into the SCR. The SCR may further include a heat exchanger to capture heat in the flow out of the SCR and use the captured heat to heat the flow into the SCR.
US08327627B2
Provided is an exhaust emission control device in which only a casing for a particulate filter can be easily taken out of position with a casing for a selective reduction catalyst being left on a vehicle body in a reliably supported state.The exhaust emission control device has a particulate filter 5 and a selective reduction catalyst 6 housed in casings 7 and 8, respectively, and arranged side by side with entry ends of them are directed in one and the same direction, and an S-shaped communication passage 9 which interconnects the casings 7 and 8 and is intermediately provided with urea water addition means 10. The communication passage 9 is intermediately provided with a separable portion for suitable separate-off, and the casing 8 for the selective reduction catalyst 6 is supported by a frame 15 on a vehicle body independently of the casing 7 for the particulate filter 5. The casing 7 for the particulate filter 5 is detachably mounted and supported on the vehicle body and on the casing 8 for the selective reduction catalyst 6.
US08327625B2
To adhere to legal exhaust-gas regulations, the exhaust gases of a lean-burn engine must be freed from soot particles and nitrogen oxides. It is proposed that the cylinders of the lean-burn engine be divided into two groups which discharge their exhaust gases into two associated exhaust lines which each comprise a soot filter and which are merged at an opening-in point into a common exhaust line. The common exhaust line comprises the catalytic converter for the removal of the nitrogen oxides. By regenerating the two soot filters at different times, the exhaust-gas temperature in the common exhaust line is limited to a mean temperature between the exhaust-gas temperature of normal operation and that of regeneration operation, and the catalytic converter for the removal of the nitrogen oxides is preserved.
US08327624B2
A system for purifying an exhaust gas may include a catalyzed particulate filter trapping particulate matters contained in the exhaust gas, a diesel oxidation catalyst oxidizing carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon in the exhaust gas, a selective catalyst reduction apparatus reducing nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas, a dosing module located upstream of the selective catalyst reduction apparatus and dosing a reducing agent into the exhaust gas, and a control portion controlling an operation of an engine, wherein the catalyzed particulate filter, the diesel oxidation catalyst, the selective catalyst reduction apparatus, and the dosing module are mounted on an exhaust pipe, and the selective catalyst reduction apparatus is mounted downstream of the catalyzed particulate filter and the diesel oxidation catalyst, and wherein the control portion controls flow of the exhaust gas and the engine to raise an exhaust gas temperature if a heating mode enter condition is satisfied.
US08327619B2
In a method for operating an internal combustion engine, the engine includes a plurality of cylinders each of which having at least one valve of a first type, an inlet valve, and at least one valve of a second type, an exhaust valve, arranged in an end part of the cylinder, each of the cylinders further having a piston movably arranged therein, the piston being adapted to reciprocate between a first end position and a second end position, wherein the first end position is located closer to the valves than the lower end position, the engine being adapted to allow deactivation of at least one cylinder by reducing its supply of fuel, the engine further being adapted to allow varying opening times of the inlet valves and/or the exhaust valves. The method includes extending the total opening time of at least one valve type of a deactivated cylinder compared to the opening time of the same valve type when the cylinder is active, the extension of the total opening time being performed such that at least one valve of the type is open at least partly both during a first engine stroke, wherein the piston moves in a direction towards its second end position, as well as during a second consecutive engine stroke, wherein the piston moves in a direction towards its first end position.
US08327618B2
A catalyst deterioration determination device for determining deterioration of an exhaust gas purging catalyst arranged in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The determination device forcibly changes an air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture, calculates an oxygen occlusion amount of the catalyst based on an oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas at a downstream side of the catalyst that varies after the forcible changing of the air-fuel ratio, and performs deterioration determination on the catalyst based on the calculated oxygen occlusion amount. The determination device includes a prohibition unit which sets a prohibition period when calculating the oxygen occlusion amount after the increasing correction ends to prohibit calculation of the oxygen occlusion amount immediately after the increasing correction ends. The prohibition unit variably sets the prohibition period to be longer as a total increased amount of fuel during the increasing correction increases.
US08327610B1
The present embodiments are directed to a medicinal extractor that may open and empty pharmaceutical capsules of variable sizes. The medicinal extractor may have a cover that swings open to expose an interior chamber for a powder-filled medication capsule to be dropped into, and the cover may then be closed. The medicinal extractor may have squeezable side depressors on each side for manually squeezing or holding the capsule in place horizontally. Once closed, the cover may be pushed down to compress two components of the medicinal extractor that are moveable with respect to each other. As the moveable components compress, the cover may press the capsule downward onto a hollow piercing element. The hollow piercing element may puncture the capsule to allow medication within the capsule to fall through the hollow piercing element and into a collection chamber or onto a surface below the medicinal extractor for collection.
US08327597B2
A plurality of columns are erected with predetermined spacing on a groundsill. Then, a wall panel composed of a plurality of paulownia plates laminated, with the grains of the paulownia plates being crossed, is fixed between these columns. One surface of the wall panel is used as an external wall and the other surface of the wall panel is used as an internal wall to form the walls of the wooden house.
US08327595B2
The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.
US08327592B2
A structural reinforcing panel system for reinforcing a structure against lateral or shear and uplift loads. The system includes a structural reinforcing panel which is installed between the studs in a wall of the structure. The panel is connected to the foundation of the structure and the sill or header. Two or more panels may be connected together at a corner, within a wall, ceiling or floor. The roof rafters of the structure may be attached to a top plate bracket mounted to the sill plate, which may also be connected to one or more structural reinforcing panels, provides uplift load support for the structure. For structures built on piers, a pier mount bracket provides a linkage to one or more structural reinforcing panels.
US08327591B2
An overhead panel assembly for coupling to a drop ceiling includes a support channel and a clip coupling the support channel to a grid member of the drop ceiling. The overhead panel assembly further includes a vertical panel received over and coupled to the support member with a plurality of binding members. A plurality of clips, support channels, and vertical panels may be positioned in series along a drop ceiling to form a decorative soffit, valance, display, or other structure.
US08327590B2
A support assembly for supporting a retrofit roof to be installed above an existing roof made of preformed panels. Elongated support assembly members are positioned along the roof line to provide additional points of attachment for the new roof, while at the same time forming a substantially even plane for new roof panels. Some of the support members fit in the channels between the ridges of the preformed panels, which can be R-panels or standing seam panels. Transverse top members secure the channel-mounted members in place, while strapping members positioned atop the top members form additional lateral support for the new roof. A plurality of bracket support assemblies is secured between the top members to the roofing panels to elevate the new roof support. The bracket support assemblies are formed of two engageable parts to increase resistance to wind forces.
US08327589B2
A modular accessory system is supportable on a vertical surface such as a wall, an office divider, or the like and includes a framework that support panels and/or functional modules to provide a desired appearance and/or functions for use in an area. The panels and modules are repositionable, and some may be oriented in two or more different orientations on the framework. Engaging members are provided at spaced intervals along each panel and module, with additional engaging members provided at spaced intervals along the framework. The engaging members along the framework releasably engage the engaging members on the panels and modules to support them on the framework. In addition, brackets may be coupled to the framework in either a vertical or horizontal orientation, such as alongside any panel or module, to support accessories thereon. Electrical wiring may be routed through the framework to supply certain panels, modules, or accessories.
US08327578B1
Blackberries are grown so that an additional blackberry crop can be harvested after the normal blackberry growing season has ended. During the normal growing season a distal portion of a blackberry plant is rooted in a planting medium. After the conclusion of the growing season the distal portion is severed from the original plant so that the distal portion is independent form the original plant. After subjecting the distal portion to a chilling period, the distal portion is moved to a warmer climate (or simply warmed) and thereby produces a second harvest of blackberries in the off-season months of December to May.
US08327564B2
One aspect relates to generating a repeatably displaceable emanating element display that may display at least part of an at least one synchronously modifiable oriented image based at least in part on alterable vehicle-related information, wherein the repeatably displaceable emanating element display may be synchronously modified as perceivable by a viewer at least partially by synchronizing an at least one repeatably displaceable display emanating element based at least in part on an orientation of the repeatably displaceable emanating element display as synchronously modified as perceivable by the viewer.
US08327559B2
Disclosed are articles of footwear and soles therefor, in particular sports shoe soles that include openings for ventilation and vapor exchange. The soles include an insole layer with a plurality of first openings, a support layer with a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings, and an outsole layer with at least one third opening that at least partially overlaps the plurality of second openings to provide fluidic communications through the sole from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. A substantial portion of the plurality of first openings in the insole are interconnected to provide a path for diffusion. The shoes and soles can include a cushioning layer, a tread layer, a breathable membrane, and additional support elements. In addition, the shoes can be used with climate control socks to further enhance the climate control properties of the shoes.
US08327556B2
A hydraulic micrometer system for remote measurement of inside dimensions such as the inside diameter of long straight/curved pipes and tubes adapted to go deep inside any long straight/curved pipe/tube by way of provision of flexible operative connection there between the micrometer head adapted for traversal deep inside the pipe/tube and the like and a remotely located control unit. Importantly, the micrometer system preferably includes a three-point micrometer for measurement of dimensions of internal diameter and the like or a two point micrometer for measurement of depth of a slot or groove and the like features. Advantageously, the hydraulic micrometer system have applications in manufacturing industries, process industries, power plants, chemical plants etc., including in hazardous and humanly inaccessible positions. The system is user friendly including PC-based control, display and data analysis provision for wide industrial application and use.
US08327553B2
The invention relates to a device and a method for determining the vertical spacing of objects while carrying out positioning tasks with a vertical travel portion. The object of providing a device and a method for determining the vertical spacing of objects while carrying out positioning tasks with a vertical travel portion, which, or with which, respectively, a vertical spacing determination can easily be carried out even after a power failure with a low outlay for apparatus, is achieved by a device for vertical spacing determination in that at least a first pressure sensor (4) is arranged on a first object (1) and at least a second pressure sensor (5) is arranged on a second object (2) and evaluation means are provided, the objects (1, 2) changing their vertical position relative to one another while the positioning is being carried out and the vertical travel portion between the positions of the objects (1, 2) being determinable by the evaluation means from the difference of the measured pressure values of the first and second pressure sensor (4, 5).
US08327549B2
A garden shears has a main cutting member, a minor cutting member, two applying arms, and two assembling members. The major and minor cutting members both have a first pivot aperture and an extended section. An end of each extended section is bent up to form an L-shaped pawl forming a first indentation; an arced limiting slot is adjacent to each first pivot, and a tool end is respectively formed at an opposite end of the major and minor cutting members. Each applying arm has a handle and an assembling portion, each assembling portion having a second pivot aperture and a second indentation. A top edge of each second indentation has driving teeth that respectively engage with the L-shaped pawls of the major and minor cutting members. Each assembling member has a third pivot aperture and two fourth pivot apertures corresponding to the first pivot apertures and the second pivot apertures.
US08327542B2
The invention relates to a method for the production of a drop-forged balancing shaft for a mass balancing gear of an internal combustion engine. The balancing shaft has an unbalanced plane formed by the rotational axis thereof and an eccentric mass center of gravity, and at least one bearing journal, the outer lateral surface of which serves as a track for a rolling bearing supporting the balancing shaft in the internal combustion engine. To this end, the balancing shaft is to be forged in a forging die having a parting plane extending in the direction of the rotational axis and rotated in relation to the unbalanced plane.
US08327539B2
A system and method are disclosed for facilitating proper assembly of an exhaust system. The system includes a first modular exhaust treatment unit connectable to a second modular exhaust treatment unit. At one end, the first modular exhaust treatment unit includes a substantially continuous collar that integrates a first docking element therein. The second modular exhaust treatment unit includes a second docking element configured to engage the first docking element. When connected, the first and second docking elements operate to rotationally align and properly order the first and second modular exhaust treatment units.
US08327531B2
In a production system general-purpose cell for general-purpose use in processing and transportation of a received workpiece in a production system of processing and delivering the workpiece, the production system general-purpose cell includes a base unit having a planar shape of quadrangle and supporting at least a robot for use in transportation of the workpiece such that the robot is movable on the planar area of quadrangle, a parts supply unit for supplying parts of the workpiece to the robot supported by the base unit, and a processing area extending outside the base unit. The robot supported by the base unit having a motion range set in a range from inside to outside the base unit in a form including at least part of the processing area.
US08327526B2
A micromachined thermal and mechanical isolator for MEMS die that may include two layers, a first layer with an active temperature regulator comprising a built-in heater and temperature sensor and a second layer having mechanical isolation beams supporting the die. The isolator may be inserted between a MEMS die of a disc resonator gyroscope (DRG) chip and the leadless chip carrier (LCC) package to isolate the die from stress and temperature gradients. Thermal and mechanical stress to the DRG can be significantly reduced in addition to mitigating temperature sensitivity of the DRG chip. The small form can drastically reduce cost and power consumption of the MEMS inertial sensor and enable new applications such as smart munitions, compact and integrated space navigation solutions, with significant potential cost savings over the existing inertial systems.
US08327525B2
A step portion for mounting a row bar is provided at a table stepping down from the face of the table, and by lowering a pair of hooks crossing over the step portion in its width direction, a row bar held by the hooks is mounted on the step portion. While interposing the row bar mounted on the step portion between a pair of hooks and a side face of the step portion, the side in longitudinal direction of the row bar and the bottom face thereof are butted to the bottom face and the standing up side face of the step portion to position two axes of the row bar among XYZ directions, successively, positioning of the row bar in one remaining direction along longitudinal direction of the row bar mounted on the step portion is performed by moving the table in the one remaining axial direction.
US08327512B2
A slide switch installed in a buckle apparatus includes a body 20, a slider 30 held slidably in the body 20, the slider 30 sliding when pressed by a movable part of the buckle apparatus, fixed contacts 41 to 43 placed in a direction in which the slider slides, on a surface of the body 20 that faces the slider 30, a movable piece 44 sliding on the surface of the body 20 on which the fixed contacts 41 to 43 are placed. The slider 30 has a size that obscures the fixed contacts 41 to 43 in the entire range in which the slider 30 slides. The fixed contacts 41 to 43 are unlikely to be affected by foreign matter etc. and adherence of foreign matter that degrades performance can be prevented.
US08327506B2
A socketing material (16), or mortar, for speltering wire rope, strand, and other tension members (14), comprising 35%-55% AL2O3; 32%-52% SiO2; 0%-20% CaO; and 0%-2% Fe2O3. The material (16) may have a continuous-use temperature of at least 1000 degrees, at least 2000 degrees, or at least 2500 degrees Fahrenheit. A speltered assembly (10) is produced by introducing the material (16) into and allowing it to cure within a cavity (24) of a terminal fitting (12) around the ends of a plurality of wires (31) of a tension member (16) which are arranged within the cavity (24) in a spaced-apart relationship.
US08327502B2
A centrifugal dehydrating device includes a bucket receiving a cylinder for receiving a mop. A shaft is mounted to a bottom of the cylinder. An annular sleeve is formed on the bottom of the cylinder and engaged with an annular fender on a mounting plate. A water fender includes a skirt having a top portion with an annular groove for receiving a rim of the cylinder. An annular wing extends radially inward from the top portion of the skirt. Water splashing upward from the cylinder during rotation of the cylinder is stopped by the annular wing. A top seat is fixed to a bottom side of the mounting plate and receives a gear train. The gear train meshes with and is driven by a rack on a pedal such that stepping of the pedal causes rotation of the gear train, the shaft, and the cylinder.
US08327486B2
A deployable ramp assembly including a fixed ramp portion and a pivotable ramp portion connected thereto through a direct pivot connection to pivot between stowed and deployed positions defined at a first angle from one another, a cover member pivotally connected to the fixed portion to pivot between closed and opened positions defined at a second angle from one another which is substantially smaller than the first angle, a drive assembly pivoting the cover member between the closed and opened positions, and a multiplier assembly interconnecting the pivotable portion and the cover member to transfer the pivoting motion of the cover member to the pivotable portion in an amplified manner, the multiplier assembly bringing the pivotable portion in the stowed position when the cover member is in the closed position and the pivotable portion in the deployed position when the cover member is in the opened position.
US08327483B1
A foldable pillow (10) is disclosed having a pillow base (11) and a flexible strap (12) coupled to and spanning the pillow base. The pillow base is generally rectangular in shape having a top surface layer (14) and a bottom surface layer (15) which form an outer covering. The pillow strap is coupled to the pillow base closer to one end side (18) than the other end side. In use, the pillow may be folded and maintained in a folded configuration by tucking one end of the pillow below the strap.
US08327478B2
A mattress and/or seat cushion for reducing pain and anaesthetization of parts of the human body include a stretchable fabric case made of textile threads and elastomer or rubber threads woven together to form a stretchable fabric. The case has a top layer with a top surface and a bottom surface and a bottom layer with a top or inner surface and a bottom or outer surface and the size to cover a cushion for a seat or mattress that fits on a cot or bed. The seat cushion or mattress also includes a relatively thin resilient pad disposed within the fabric case adjacent the bottom surface of the top layer and includes a number of passageways extending therethrough. In addition, a mass of cleaned sand and mountain salt is disposed within the fabric case below the resilient pad and below the bottom layer. Also included is a means for pumping air and medication into and out of the mattress which will impinge upon and pass around the body of an individual in order to wholly or partly enclose the person in a micro climate to promote healing, prevent bed sores and the like.
US08327476B1
A modular beach towel with an integral anchoring means designed to help keep the towel from blowing away while in use comprising additional enhancements is herein disclosed. The beach towel further comprises a plurality of grommets located along corner and perimeter areas. Each grommet receives a stake, thereby holding the beach towel down to a ground surface. The beach towel is fabricated of a layered textile assembly with internal cushioning, further having a removable protective waterproof mat and an attachable food and drink holder. The beach towel apparatus also comprises reflective zippered pouches at each corner position that provide storage of personal items as well as aiding in identifying the towel from a distance. The corner pouches may also be loaded with sand or weights to provide additional anchoring.
US08327475B2
A bedding foundation having a nestably stackable spring assembly, including a border wire having a generally rectangular cross-section. The foundation's spring assembly may be nestably stacked with numerous other such assemblies for transportation, thereby avoiding the need to compress and tie the assembly for shipping. Each foundation assembly includes a number of corrugated support wires having alternating peaks and valleys. The border wire is generally rectangular in cross-section to reduce wire costs without compromising beam strength of the border wire.
US08327473B2
A sauna cabinet is humidified and heated without airborne perceivable water drops by the use of a fine spray. The user can thus remain comfortably in the sauna cabinet that is free of airborne perceivable water drops. The user's view is also not clouded by mist. Accordingly, the user can enjoy viewing images and reading books in the sauna cabinet, and a user's sensible temperature distribution in the sauna cabinet is also uniform. This sauna equipment thus provides uniform temperature and humidity even in a large bathroom. The sauna equipment includes a first circulator and a second circulator for circulating air in the sauna cabinet, an air heater for heating supplied air, and a water atomizer for turning supplied water into fine water drops.
US08327468B2
The vest insert for tactical training is an insert kit for retrofitting an outer tactical vest or the like for tactical training purposes. The vest insert includes front and rear training plates adapted to be removably received within front and rear pockets of front and rear carriers of an outer tactical vest. Each of the front and rear training plates has an opening formed therethrough to indicate that the plate is for training purposes. Each of the front and rear training plates is formed from polyvinyl chloride. Additionally, a pair of front and rear fabric panels are provided to replace the inner panels of the outer tactical vest, each of the front and rear fabric panels being formed from woven polyvinyl chloride. The training plates and the front and rear fabric panels are sized and shaped to match the inserts and inner panels of a typical outer tactical vest.
US08332955B2
A method for carrying out a secure transaction in a 3D virtual space is desired from both an administrator side operating a facility and a user side. It is also desired to solve the problems such as the confidentiality of a transaction in the 3D virtual space and a phishing scam. In the present invention, a copy space of an original space of a facility in the 3D virtual space is created. Since only avatars permitted to enter the copy space can enter the copy space, a secure transaction can be carried out between the facility and a user avatar.
US08332945B2
A system is presented for detecting malware applications residing on a mobile device powered by a battery. The system includes a power monitoring module, a data analysis module and a data store that stores a plurality of known power signatures signifying a power consumption anomaly. The power monitoring module measures power drawn from the battery and the data analysis module extracts a power history signature from the power measures. The data analysis module then compares the power history signature with the plurality of known power signatures and initiates a protective operation if the power history signature is closely correlated to one or more of the known power signatures.
US08332941B2
Exploit nonspecific host intrusion prevention/detection methods, systems and smart filters are described. Portion of network traffic is captured and searched for a network traffic pattern, comprising: searching for a branch instruction transferring control to a first address in the memory; provided the first instruction is found, searching for a subroutine call instruction within a first predetermined interval in the memory starting from the first address and pointing to a second address in the memory; provided the second instruction is found, searching for a third instruction at a third address in the memory, located at a second predetermined interval from the second address; provided the third instruction is a fetch instruction, indicating the presence of the exploit; provided the third instruction is a branch instruction, transferring control to a fourth address in the memory, and provided a fetch instruction is located at the fourth address, indicating the presence of the exploit.
US08332932B2
A keystroke dynamics authentication system collects measurements as a user types a phrase on a keyboard. A first set of derived data values are computed based on the collected measurements, and then a second set of derived data values are computed based on the first set of derived values. The first and second sets of derived values are used to construct a template for identifying the user based on his typing.
US08332929B1
A system for and method of automatically enforcing a configuration change process for change requests of one or more configurable element within one or more configurable computation systems. The system comprises means for managing a configuration change process for one or more configurable elements within a corresponding configurable computation system, means for generation a configuration request, means for applying a set of authorization rules to the configuration change requests to generate selective authorization of the CEs, and means for selectively locking and unlocking changes to configurable elements within the configurable computational systems.
US08332925B2
A system and method for a distributed multi-processing security gateway establishes a host side session, selects a proxy network address for a server based on network information, and using the proxy network address to establish a server side session. The proxy network address is selected such that a same processing element is assigned to process data packets from the server side session and the host side session. The network information includes a security gateway network address and a host network address. By assigning processing elements in this manner, higher capable security gateways are provided.
US08332915B2
An information processing system including a computer and a mobile terminal that can communicate with the computer in a predetermined area is disclosed. In the information processing system, the computer sends code to the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal encrypts user information using the code sent from the computer, and sends the encrypted user information to the computer, the computer decodes the encrypted user information sent from the mobile terminal using the code, and compares the decoded information with user information that is registered beforehand. Then, when the decoded user information is the same as the user information that is registered, the computer permits access to the computer, but when the decoded information is not the same as the user information that is registered, the computer prohibits access to the computer.
US08332913B2
The present invention relates to fraud mitigation in a virtual universe through avatar identity determination. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: correlating an avatar in the virtual universe with a user; determining if the user is controlling a plurality of avatars in the virtual universe; and taking an action if it is determined that the user is controlling a plurality of avatars in the virtual universe.
US08332912B2
A server in a home domain for managing the authentication of clients that are subscribers of the home domain, but are attached to a visited domain. Based on knowledge of the type of security being used in an access network of the visited domain, the server determines whether a given client is to be authenticated by the visited domain or the home domain. The server then signals the result to the visited domain.
US08332905B2
A virtual set-top box (vSTB) for executing a middleware component, designed originally for use with the physical STB, including emulating hardware capabilities of the physical STB to process IPTV content received over a connection for presenting the IPTV content on a display of the electronic device.
US08332904B2
A method comprises establishing a session between a host and a display unit, including transmitting media content according to a television broadcasting standard, and implementing control traffic for the session on a bi-directional control link independent of the television broadcasting standard.
US08332901B2
Apparatus for establishing a packet-based connection between a video display equipment (such as a set-top box) having an analog modem and a remote computer. The translation apparatus receives a connection initiation request from the video display apparatus and responsive to the connection initiation request establishes a modem connection with the video display apparatus. The translation apparatus further receives communication data from the video display apparatus via the modem connection and transmits the communication data to the remote computing apparatus via a packet-based network. The translation apparatus can also receive communication data from the remote computer and relay the same to the video display apparatus. The connection can be established upon powering up of the video display apparatus, upon loading of an Interactive TV application or upon other pre-determined event. The connection can be maintained “always-on” or substantially “always-on”.
US08332898B2
A programming communication synchronizer embodiment communicates a portion of a program to a receiving device during a first time period, communicates a corresponding portion of the program to a mobile device during a second time period, and coordinates the first time period with the second time period so that the portion of the program is deliverable to a presentation device coupleable to the receiving device at approximately the same time the corresponding portion of the program is deliverable to the mobile device.
US08332894B2
In one embodiment, a method comprises detecting that a user has requested presentation of a media content item from a media series having a prescribed sequence of media series events, the media content item containing a subsequent media series event from the media series; determining that the user has not consumed an antecedent media series event, the antecedent media series event not in the media content item and preceding the subsequent media series event in the prescribed sequence of media series events; and sending a message notifying the user that the user has not consumed at least the antecedent media series event, enabling the user to defer presentation of the media content item and consume the antecedent media series event.
US08332891B2
An interface receives a file containing information about a plurality of characteristic words representing characteristics of television programs. A display section of an information processing apparatus displays one of the plurality of characteristic words in a different color than an other of the plurality of characteristic words. A communication section allows a selection of the one of the plurality of characteristic words. The interface transmits information about the one of the plurality of characteristic words to a recording and playback apparatus upon the selection. Further, the interface receives television program information about one of the television programs from the recording and playback apparatus in response to the information about the one of the plurality of characteristic words.
US08332890B2
A method, system and computer program product for identifying television stations in a user-friendly environment. An entertainment unit configured to receive broadcast signals for a plurality of television stations may display folders, e.g., news folders, where each folder may be associated with a particular classification. A classification may refer to a particular type of broadcast, e.g., news, sports, cartoons, movies. Each folder, e.g., news folder, may comprise one or more indications, e.g., icon of CNN™, associated with one or more television stations, e.g., CNN™, in the same classification, e.g., news, as the folder. Furthermore, the entertainment unit may display one or more indications associated with one or more television stations based on content-based input from the viewer. Upon the viewer selecting a particular indication, the television station associated with that indication may be displayed.
US08332889B2
Methods and systems are provided for generating a personalized video mosaic from multiple of video sources in a cable television services system. A head end receives a subscriber selection of video sources from multiple video sources broadcast in the television services system and generates a personalized video mosaic from those sources. The head end then transmits the personalized video mosaic to the subscriber for simultaneous viewing of the selected video sources on a broadcast channel in the cable television services system. The set-top box executes an application program enabling the subscriber to individually select the video sources which make up the personalized video mosaic and transmits the selections to the head end. The set-top box enables the display of the personalized video mosaic on the broadcast channel in the cable television services network.
US08332882B2
Disclosed is a spindle motor including a rotor yoke coupled with a rotation axis and having an optical disk mounted thereon; a clamp case that is arranged on the rotor yoke, inserted into an inner side of the optical disk and has a receiving groove formed on the side thereof; and a chuck clip having one side fixed to the clamp case corresponding to the receiving groove and the other side that elastically supports the inner side of the optical disk, the other side being corresponding to the one side.
US08332876B2
A memory interface circuit includes a plurality of data bus drivers and logic adapted to be operatively responsive to write driver mask information. If desired, the plurality of bus drivers and the logic may be implemented in separate integrated circuits. The plurality of bus drivers are adapted to be responsive to a write operation. The logic is also adapted to disable any one of the plurality of data bus drivers based on the write driver mask information during the write operation.
US08332871B2
In one embodiment, a mechanism for improved integration of JSLEE and SIP Servlets in a JAVA virtual machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes sending an event received at a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Servlet to a Java™ APIs for Intelligent Networks Service Logic Execution Environment (JSLEE) container through a fireEvent method, wherein the SIP Servlet and the JSLEE container are integrated in a same JAVA virtual machine (JVM). The method further includes receiving at the SIP Servlet an object that includes a getResult method, processing by a JSLEE application in the JSLEE container the event to produce a result, returning by the JSLEE application the result through a setResult method, and obtaining by the SIP Servlet the result via the getResult method.
US08332870B2
In one example, a system to integrate a first application with a second application may associate a component type in the first application with an engine object type in the second application. The component type and the engine object type may be program object types. The system may determine a hierarchical structure that includes an engine object of the engine object type from configurable rules that are associated with the component type. The system may initiate a copy of the engine object in the second application in response to receipt of a request to copy a component of the component type in the first application.
US08332869B2
A system includes a management controller coupled to and configured to manage a plurality of information handling systems. Each of the information handling systems may include a network interface device configured to receive wake-up messages remotely via a network. The management controller is operable to receive a wake-up message remotely via the network; identify a particular one of the information handling systems to be awakened from a non-awake state based on an address included in the wake-up message; and forward the wake-up message to the particular information handling system to cause the particular information handling system to awaken. The network interface device of the particular information handling system may remain unpowered while the wake-up message is received and forwarded by the management controller.
US08332865B2
Managing the workload across one or more partitions of a plurality of partitions of a computing environment. One or more processors are identified in a partition to be managed by a quality weight defined according to characteristics of each corresponding processor. A load of each identified processor is measured depending on the requests already allocated to be processed by each corresponding processor. Each identified processor has a performance factor determined based on the measured load and the quality weight. The performance factor is a measurement of processor load. A new request is identified to be allocated to the partition, selecting a processor from the partition with the lowest performance factor. The new request is allocated to the selected processor.
US08332857B1
A database system includes an optimizer to generate resource estimates regarding execution of a request in the database system, and a regulator to monitor execution of a request and to adjust a priority level of the request based on the monitored execution and based on the resource estimates provided by the optimizer.
US08332853B2
Systems and methods for optimizing the task scheduling efficiency of firmware and/or software associated with optoelectronic transceiver devices. In one example, a scheduling module executes microcode that schedules tasks based on the operational parameters. The scheduling module compares operational parameters with their last known values and then flags necessary tasks to be initiated. The scheduling module flags only those tasks that rely on a particular operational parameter and only if the operational parameter has changed in value since the most recent time that it has been measured. Specifically, the scheduling module identifies leading tasks and dependent tasks and flags tasks only if data that relies on the operating parameter has changed since a previous task scheduling determination.
US08332852B2
For each thread of a computer program to be executed on a multiple-processor computer system, an affinity identifier is associated to the thread by the computer program. The affinity identifiers of the threads denote how closely related the threads are. For each thread, a processor of the multiple-processor computer system on which the thread is to be executed is selected based on the affinity identifiers of the threads, by an operating system being executed on the multiple-processor computer system and in relation to which the computer programs are to be executed. Each thread is then executed by the processor selected for the thread.
US08332849B2
The present invention is directed to an information handling system device for operatively coupling with a device implementing Input/Output (I/O) virtualization for data transmission. The information handling system device may be configured for executing an operating system control program to manage one or more guest operating systems on the information handling system device. The operating system control program may include a paravirtualization driver for formulating a work queue entry according to the I/O virtualization of the device. Data may be transmitted between the one or more guest operating systems and the device via the paravirtualization driver.
US08332845B2
A recovery virtual machine acquires execution frequency information from a file, and converts a procedure, of which execution frequency is high in the execution frequency information acquired, to native code, and the time for starting the conversion is thereby reduced. Furthermore, by performing conversion at a timing at which a target procedure is invoked, load occurring due to the conversion is distributed, to prevent occurrence of failure in execution of an application caused by the load occurring due to the conversion.
US08332833B2
A computer implemented method for facilitating debugging of source code. The source code is scanned to identify a candidate region. A procedure control descriptor is generated, wherein the procedure control descriptor corresponds to the candidate region. The procedure control descriptor identifies, for the candidate region, a condition which, if true at runtime means that the candidate region can be specialized. Responsive to a determination during compile time that satisfaction of at least one condition will be known only at runtime, the procedure control descriptor is used to specialize the candidate region at compile time to create a first version of the candidate region for execution in a case where the condition is true and a second version of the candidate region for execution in a case where the condition is false, and further generate code to correctly select one of the first region and the second region at runtime.
US08332830B2
A method for communicating between at least one environment-independent application logic code (AL code) and at least one environment which is a combination of hardware and software. The method includes creating at least one interaction style code (IS code) that is specific to and communicates with the at least one environment, and is provided with an interaction style interface (IS interface) for interfacing an interaction style with said at least one application logic code (AL code). The interaction style interface (IS interface) is independent of and does not specify properties of said at least one environment, and the at least one environment-independent application logic code (AL code) runs unchanged in all environments. The at least one interaction style code (IS code) is operable with all of a graphical user interface, a non-graphical user interface, an HTML-based web browser user interface, and no user interface.
US08332829B2
Within a data processing system, one or more register files are assigned to respective states of a graph for each of a plurality of clock cycles. A plurality of edges are inserted to form connections between the states of the graph, with respective weights being assigned to each of the edges. A best route through the graph is then determined based, at least in part, on the weights assigned to the edges.
US08332828B2
A computer language translator that translates all or any portion thereof of source code in an original computer language to source code in a target computer language, which may then be translated back to the original language while still maintaining concept, syntax, form of expression, and formatting of the original source code.
US08332817B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanism for certifying the compatibility of a software product by identifying the interfaces (API or ABI) used by that product. The source code or object code of a component is analyzed by a tool that traces which interfaces and data structures of an ABI/API are being utilized. For example, an ISV or IHV may be required to run the tool on their respective components in order to have that component certified with a particular version of an operating system and submit the results to a certification service. The certification service may collect this API/ABI information into an integrated database. The certification service may then use this database to analyze the impact of changes to an operating system at the binary interface level, proactively notify vendors prior to these changes, test compatibility and emulation libraries, and certify components are compatible with an operating system without the need of significant testing.
US08332813B2
A service re-factoring method and system. The method includes selecting by a computing system, a first service comprising a first name. The computing system receives a second name for a second service to be generated from the first service. The computing system executes a service refactoring software application, adjusts a granularity of the first service, and generates the second service. The computing system retrieves first traceability links associated with the first service and a first value associated with a first service identification technique. The first traceability links are created within the second service. The computing system generates a second value associated with a second service identification technique. The first service, the first name, and the first value are removed from the computing system. The computing system stores the second service, the second name, the second value, and the first traceability link.
US08332812B2
A method of exchanging data among software components includes acquisition by each software component of all the data that is to be provided by another software component, from a predetermined software component. Each software component delivers all data that is to be provided by it to another software component, to the predetermined software component. Providing and acquiring of all data is performed according to a predetermined standard, according to which the data comprises values and attributes. The respective data values are assigned to attributes, and semantically identical data values are assigned to the same attribute and are made distinguishable from each other by respective hierarchical information. A software component that delivers data to or acquires data from the predetermined software component, receives the respective hierarchical information from another software component. Acquiring and providing data by a software component includes transferring the respective hierarchical information.
US08332809B2
A workflow schedule authoring tool enables a user to author a workflow by arranging building blocks in a particular order. Building blocks may correspond to events, conditions or actions. Each building block is associated with source code that defines an action to be taken when the building block is processed. The order of the building blocks determines the workflow schedule process. The building blocks allow a user to establish logic conditions for how the tasks in the workflow schedule are executed. A building block may require a user to input parameters before the building block may be executed. The workflow schedule is associated with an event such that the workflow schedule triggers when the event occurs. The building blocks simplify workflow schedule authoring because the user does not need to write any code.
US08332808B2
A method, apparatus and a system for a quality assurance analytic technique and system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a client device includes determining a forecasted completion date of a communication of a quality assurance testing data from a quality center database to a server device comprising a processor to analyze based on an algorithm the quality assurance testing data. In addition, the method includes creating a quality assurance project status of a communication of a baseline complete date to the server device to analyze the baseline complete date and the forecasted completion date.
US08332799B2
An iterative technique is used to automatically route nets and alter spacing of an integrated circuit design to achieve a fully routed and compact result. After identifying solid and hollow channels, the technique automatically places route paths to connect pins of cells in the solid channels, where route paths may be placed within the solid channels or hollow channels. The technique can reduce a width of at least one hollow channel when an entire space of the hollow channel is not occupied by a placed route path.
US08332798B2
In one embodiment, a design methodology is described in which a functional description of each macro may be synthesized along with the other logic in a block. The resulting circuitry, including synthesized circuitry corresponding to each macro, may be placed within an area designated for the integrated circuit. The result may be analyzed, determining a location for the macro based on the location of the corresponding synthesized circuitry. For example, the geometric center of the synthesized circuitry may be located, and the geometric center of the custom circuitry associated with the macro may be placed at the same point as the geometric center of the synthesized circuitry. Because the macros are not placed in advance, the location of the macro may be controlled by other factors such as timing, space, wiring congestion, etc.
US08332795B2
Automated pin multiplexing for programmable logic device implementation of integrated circuit design
In an embodiment, a method to automatically select groups of signals to be multiplexed on pins of a programmable logic device in a programmable logic device implementation of at least a portion of an integrated circuit is contemplated. The set of signals that may be candidates for multiplexing may be received (e.g., the set may be output by programmable logic device design tool). Clock domain tracing may be performed, and signals that have matching clock domains may be identified as candidates for multiplexing. Signals from matching clock domains may be grouped (up to a maximum number of signals that may be multiplexed on one pin) and assigned to pins of the programmable logic devices.
US08332778B2
There is provided an image processing apparatus which comprises a receiver which receives primary image content; a communicator which communicates with at least one supply source which supplies related image content of the primary image content; a signal processor which processes and outputs the primary image content; and a controller which controls the communicator to request the supply source to supply the related image content, and controls the signal processor to process and play the related image content supplied from the supply source in response to the request if a user selects a key to play the related image content of the primary image content while the primary image content received by the receiver is processed by the signal processor.
US08332774B2
A display apparatus is provided including a display panel; a user input switch for inputting a first switching instruction and a second switching instruction from the user; and a processor. The processor is configured to manage a display order of image data files and associated text data; select text data to be displayed, the text data corresponding to image data from a selected one of the image data files; and display the selected text data on the display panel responsive to the first switching instruction. The processor is also configured to continuously switch the displayed text data in the display order; judge whether the second switching instruction has been input by the user when the text data is being displayed; and shift the display to a display of 1) an image corresponding to the displayed text data, and 2) an image string representing a plurality of the image data files which follow the image corresponding to the displayed text data in the display order when the second switching instruction is input.
US08332773B2
A method for providing a user interface for an industrial control system includes a computer and a plurality of process graphics having software objects for controlling and/or monitoring real world objects controlled by the control system. A display of selected process graphics, a designated view arranged with a tab or other selection mechanisms, is automatically generated. The designated view is generated dependent on selecting one or more logical groupings to which control system software objects representing the real world objects belong.
US08332770B2
An apparatus and a method for providing a character deletion function is provided. A plurality of deletion items having respective designated deletion schemes are displayed, when there is a request for a deletion mode while inputting characters. It is determined if a Drag event occurs after a Press event occurs in an area where one of the plurality of deletion items is displayed. It is determined if a Release event occurs when the Drag event occurs. A deletion function in a deletion scheme corresponding to a deletion item having an area where the Release event occurs is performed when the Release event occurs. Accordingly, a user has convenience with which, when inputting characters, the user receives various deletion schemes and can perform a desired deletion function in a simple way.
US08332756B2
A system and method for selecting graphic objects to insert in a text message when composed on a wireless device, each of the graphic objects representing a set of individual alphanumeric characters. The system comprises an object table for display on a user interface of the device, such that the table is configured for including a first object of the graphic objects associated with a first predefined input and a second object of the graphic objects associated with a second predefined input. The first input is different from the second input. The system also has a first input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the first input event component is configured for mapping to the first predefined input. The system also has a second input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the second input event component is configured for mapping to the second predefined input, the first input event component being different from the second input event component. A user of the device selects one of the graphic objects from the table by employing the respective one of the input event components mapped to the predefined input associated with the graphic object in the table.
US08332753B2
Plural headwords corresponding to a search character string are searched for through a dictionary-content data memory and displayed in a list form in a left area of a display screen, and heading data included in explanation contents concerning the headwords are read out from a headword table to be displayed in a right area of the display screen. When a headword is designated from among the plural headwords displayed in list form in the left area of the display screen, heading data contained in plural explanation contents concerning the designated headword are read out from an explanation data table and are displayed in list form over the heading data displayed in the right area.
US08332751B2
In accordance with certain aspects of the removal of redundant information from electronic documents, a package for an electronic document includes a plurality of parts. The package is accessed, and redundant information in one or more of the plurality of parts is identified. The identified redundant information is removed from the package.
US08332745B2
An electronic filing system registers and manages a document. For this purpose, the electronic filing system includes a style-sheet setting unit configured to set style sheet data in a storage unit, an input unit configured to input a document to be registered, a style-sheet acquisition unit configured to acquire style sheet data from the style sheet data set in the storage unit in which the input document is registered, and a conversion unit configured to convert the input document using the style sheet data acquired by the style-sheet acquisition unit. The electronic filing system further includes a reduced-image generation unit configured to generate a reduced image from the document converted by the conversion unit, and a registration unit configured to link the reduced image generated by the reduced-image generation unit to the input document.
US08332743B2
This invention provides a layout decision method, apparatus, and program which can preferably hide a container by performing masking corresponding to a template whose layout is decided in accordance with the size of contents pasted within the container in variable data printing. For this purpose, data are inserted into a plurality of flexible containers (2201, 2202) set in a page to be formed on a print medium. The layout is adjusted at the size of a partial area suitable to draw data to be inserted into the partial area. It is determined whether masking is set for each of the layout-adjusted containers. For the container (2202) having the masking setting, a mask area equal in size to the container is created to cover the container (2202).
US08332738B2
Methods for enforcing group oriented workflow requirements for multi-layered documents. Embodiments allow results of multi-layered operations to dictate the flow of tasks that occur on a multi-layered document. Flow is directed to roles and may be directed by the data values operated on in addition to multi-layered operation results. The system enables the workflow enabled creation and maintenance of multi-layered documents that minimize repeated data to ensure the highest possible data integrity when targeting a publication at multiple audiences. When a publication is changed and requires maintenance, use of a defined workflow for updating the publication ensures consistency in each publication. Embodiments may comprise performance metrics for monitoring and benchmarking publication processes.
US08332737B2
Methods, systems and computer readable media for controlling an instrument in communication with a host computer are provided. Operations of an instrument that must be completed on schedule are controlled via an embedded controller embedded in the instrument. A complete status packet is sent to a host computer from the embedded controller. Periodically, the embedded controller repeats the sending of a complete status packet to the host computer, wherein status values in the complete status packet are updated with each iteration of sending a complete status packet.
US08332736B2
A decoder provided according to an aspect of the present invention determines a type of each network abstraction layer (NAL) unit, and discards a NAL unit when the size of the NAL unit is inconsistent with the size according to the determined type. According to another aspect, a decoder corrects for errors in the non-pay load portions and uses the corrected non-pay load portions to recover the original data contained in the payload portions of the data stream. In an embodiment, various global parameters (which are applicable to the data stream unless changed further in the data stream) and the values in the slice headers are examined to correct the parameters in the slice headers. According to one more aspect, an end of frame is reliably detected by using an expected number of macro-blocks in a frame and a set of logical conditions of slice header parameters.
US08332730B2
A processing arrangement of a data communication apparatus is arranged to derive an ordered plurality of modulo-2 summations of respective selections of data bits of a binary data set. The data communication apparatus may either be transmitting apparatus with the processing arrangement serving to determine a target syndrome for subsequent use in error correction, or receiving apparatus with the data processing arrangement being arranged to effect error correction of received data. The processing arrangement effects its selections of bits from the binary data set in accordance with the interconnection of nodes in a logical network of nodes and edges that together define at least a continuum of cells covering a finite toroid. The structuring provided to bit selection by this continuum can be offset by randomness provided by other structures of the network and by the random association of bits of the binary data set with the nodes of the continuum.
US08332726B2
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells arrayed capable of storing information in accordance with variations in threshold voltage. A likelihood calculator has a plurality of likelihood calculation algorithms for deriving a likelihood value about a stored data bit from a threshold value read out of the memory cell. An error correction unit executes error correction through iterative processing using the likelihood value obtained at the likelihood calculator. A likelihood calculator controller changes among the likelihood calculation algorithms in the likelihood calculator based on a certain value of the number of iterations in the iterative processing obtained from the error correction unit.
US08332723B2
A receiving system and a data processing method are disclosed. The receiving system includes a signal receiving unit, an FIC handler, a manager, and a decoding unit. The signal receiving unit receives multiple Reed-Solomon (RS) frames comprising desired mobile service data for multiple ensembles and fast information channel (FIC) data including an indicator field, wherein the indicator field indicates whether or not the desired mobile service data are delivered through the multiple ensembles. The FIC handler obtains the indicator field from the FIC data. The manager determines at least one ensemble based upon the indicator field. And, the decoding unit decodes IP streams of the desired mobile service data from the RS frame of the determined ensemble.
US08332721B2
A method for receiving packet data at a communication channel and transmitting the packet data over serial links of the communication channel. The packet data is sliced into n-bit data portions which are concatenated with a header prior to transmitting an n-bit portion across one of the serial links of the communication channel. The header includes a CRC to provide improved error detection.
US08332709B2
An apparatus and method are provided for mapping control information to a multiple antenna array to transmit the control information in a mobile communication system. The method includes spreading the control information with an orthogonal sequence according to a spreading factor; and mapping the spread control information to the multiple antenna array based on a repetition index and a Physical Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) Indicator CHannel (PHICH) group index. The spread control information is mapped to the multiple antenna array in an alternating pattern in accordance with the repetition index.
US08332704B2
A wireless multi-hop relay communication system includes a terminal for transmitting an Automatic Retransmission reQuest (ARQ) block of a Media Access Control (MAC) layer in an access link, an access link relay station for determining if there is an error in the ARQ block received on the access link and for sending the ARQ block to an upper node over a relay link when the ARQ block has no error, and a base station for determining if there is an error in the ARQ block received over the relay link.
US08332702B2
A method and apparatus for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) transmission are disclosed. If a packet has not been successfully transmitted, it is determined whether an HARQ early termination condition is met. If the HARQ early termination condition is met, the HARQ process is terminated and the packet is discarded at the HARQ level. The HARQ early termination condition is met if a positive acknowledgement (ACK) has not been received until the number of retransmissions reaches a predetermined limit that is dynamically configured based on channel condition, measurement, etc. Alternatively, the HARQ early termination condition is met if a transmit power required for successful transmission of the packet is much higher than an actual transmit power. Alternatively, the HARQ early termination condition is met if a transport format combination (TFC) selected for retransmission is different from an optimal TFC. A higher layer may be notified of the early HARQ termination.
US08332701B2
An address generation apparatus for a quadratic permutation polynomial (QPP) interleaver is provided. It comprises a basic recursive unit, and L recursive units represented by first recursive unit up to Lth recursive units. The apparatus inputs a plurality of configurable parameters according to a QPP function Π(i)=(f1i+f2i2) mod k, generates a plurality of interleaver addresses in serial via the basic recursive unit, and generates L groups of corresponding interleaver addresses via the first up to the Lth recursive units, wherein Π(i) is the i-th interleaver address generated by the apparatus, f1 and f2 are QPP coefficients, and k is information block length of an input sequence, 0≦i≦k−1.
US08332691B2
A main step is retrieved from an operations process subject to verification. Mapping information is referenced to further retrieve a preventive measure against an error expected upon execution of the main step. Based on the order in which the preventive measure is executed within the operations process, it is determined whether the preventive measure has been incorporated into the operations process at a correct position and a result of the determination is output.
US08332688B1
A system and method are described for performing failover and recovery of a computing application hosted by a virtual instance of a machine. An example system may include an instance status monitor, an instance failure detector, and a failover module. The instance status monitor may be configured to monitor status of a virtual instance hosted by a virtualization service. The instance failure detector may be configured to detect that the virtual instance has failed or is running in a degraded or failed state and is thus to be considered a failed virtual instance. The failover module may be configured to facilitate launching a new virtual instance in a recovered state that reflects a last known operational state of the failed virtual instance.
US08332686B2
A method for recovering data from a failed tape cartridge is presented. The reliability of a tape cartridge is assessed via the number of read errors encountered. If the number or read errors is excessive, the tape cartridge is deemed unreliable and the tape cartridge is restricted from storing anymore data. A search is performed to look for duplicate data and if found a copy of the duplicate data is stored to a replacement tape cartridge. The replacement tape cartridge assumes all identity of the original failed tape cartridge.
US08332673B2
This invention manages a power consumption of a system including a computer and a storage in combination with a workload of a business application. More specifically, a power consumption per transaction processing count is employed as an index that an application user utilizes as a guide for adjusting a power consumption amount. Further, the invention provides means that adjusts a power consumption per workload based on a trade off between power consumption and system performance. When adjusting the power consumption, the system configuration is modified so as to increase or decrease computer resources such as a disk or a server that the application utilizes.
US08332666B2
A power management method and system. The method includes retrieving and storing by a computer processor, identification data identifying power consumption devices. Each power consumption device receives an input voltage signal and consumes power. The computer processor monitors a power consumption level for each power consumption device. The computer processor disables each power consumption device from receiving and consuming power. The computer processor generates an association list associating each power consumption level with the identification data. The computer processor generates and stores a prioritization list indicating an order of priority for disabling the power consumption devices.
US08332661B2
A method and an apparatus for securing stand-alone microdevices or parts of larger processing devices are arranged for prevention of tampering, unauthorized use, and unauthorized extraction of information from an information containing region of the secured microdevice. The method includes implementation of control protocols and hardware which monitor the conditions of secured microdevices and generate commands to trigger obliteration of information; establishment of a local energy storage device which stores energy to be used to perform the controlled obliteration of information; establishment of localized controlled release of the stored energy from the local energy storage device and deposition of the stored energy in the proximity of the information containing regions of the secured microdevices, upon generation of a command to trigger the obliteration of information; and maintenance of conditions for controlled release of the energy stored in the local energy storage upon generation of the command to trigger.
US08332652B2
A computing device for securely executing authorized code includes a protected memory for storing authorized code, which contains an original digital signature, and a processor in signal communication with the protected memory for preparing to execute code from the protected memory by verifying that a digital signature contained in the code is original in accordance with a public key, and if the original digital signature is verified, then branching to a copy of the authorized code in the protected memory to begin execution.
US08332647B2
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for dynamic, multi-attribute authentication are provided. In a particular embodiment, a method for authentication includes receiving, at an authentication web server, an authentication request comprising a workstation message and a user message, wherein the workstation message comprises a workstation object and a workstation signature, the workstation object comprises a workstation certificate associated with a workstation, the user message comprises a user object and a user signature, and the user object comprises a copy of the workstation message and a user certificate associated with a user of the workstation. The method further includes verifying the workstation signature and user signature, validating the workstation certificate and the user certificate, retrieving one or more caveats associated with the workstation and one or more caveats associated with the user, and determining one or more caveats associated with both the workstation and the user.
US08332639B2
A network device negotiates an encryption protocol with another network device, receives data from a trusted client device, encrypts the received data with the negotiated encryption protocol, and applies a label switched path (LSP) label to the encrypted data for transmission to the network device through an untrusted Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network.
US08332634B2
A cryptographic system includes encryption logic that is configured to encrypt input data by performing a mask operation on the input data using an address associated with the input data.
US08332629B2
A method and apparatus for generating a mail certificate is described. A client determines whether the client possesses a certificate. If a certificate is needed, the client sends a request to a certificate responder for a new certificate in response to the determination. The certificate responder generates and sends the new certificate back to the client.
US08332620B2
A method for executing an instruction, the method includes: executing a compare and configure mask instruction, wherein the executing comprises: performing a comparison to provide a comparison result; and configuring, in response to the comparison result, a multiple bit mask that is stored in a multiple-purpose register; wherein all bits of the multiple bit mask are configured to have the same value; and applying an algorithmic operation on the multiple bit mask to provide an algorithmic operation result; wherein the algorithmic operation result represents an outcome of a high level programming language conditional statement.
US08332613B1
Technology for minimizing disruptions when host data on a physical volume is encapsulated into a virtualization layer or de-encapsulated is disclosed. Evaluation of a physical volume used as data storage for a virtualization layer before committing to direct access to the physical volume is enabled by preventing direct access before presenting the physical volume directly to the host and by preventing the virtualization layer from moving data on the physical volume while redirecting to the physical volume a first plurality of I/O requests that were directed to the virtualization layer.
US08332610B2
A system on chip comprises N components, where N is an integer greater than one, and a storage module. The storage module comprises a first memory, a control module, and a connection module. The first memory includes M blocks of static random access memory, where M is an integer greater than one. The control module generates a first assignment of the M blocks to the N components during a first period and generates a second assignment of the M blocks to the N components during a second period. The first and second assignments are different. The connection module dynamically connects the M blocks to the N components based on the first and second assignments.
US08332600B2
In acquiring a snapshot, when data in a P-VOL is updated, it is determined whether the same data as target data to be stored in a certain second storage area specified by a certain second address of a D-VOL is already stored in a different second storage area specified by a different second address of the D-VOL, the target data being the differential data generated by the update. When the same data as the target data is stored, the target data is not newly stored in the D-VOL, and the different second address, specifying the different second storage area where the same data is stored, is registered in a snapshot management table (CoW table), in association with a certain first address specifying a certain first storage area where the data from which the target data has been generated is stored.
US08332594B2
Memory management of processing systems running in a virtual computer environment and of processes running in an operating system environment includes identifying a usage pattern of a page in memory. The usage pattern is identified by tracking operations conducted with respect to the page. The memory management also includes designating the page as a candidate for sharing when the usage pattern reflects that a number of updates made to the page does not exceed a predefined threshold value. The candidate page is allocated to a first process or virtual machine. The memory management also includes sharing access to the candidate page with a second process or virtual machine when content in the candidate page matches content of page allocated for the second process or virtual machine to an address space of the candidate page.
US08332592B2
Methods and apparatus that may be utilized to maintain coherency of data accessed by both a processor and a remote device are provided. The remote device may include coherency logic, referred to herein as a snoop filter, designed to filter memory access requests that do not require bus commands to be sent to the processor. The snoop filter may filter requests based on a remote cache directory designed to mirror the processor cache directory, such that only those requests that target cache lines indicated to be valid in the processor cache result in snoop commands sent to the processor. Other requests (targeting data that is not cached in the processor) may be routed directly to memory without the latency conventionally associated with snoop requests.
US08332583B2
A distribution medium (20) for providing an application to a host system (4) includes an interface element (21) for interfacing with the host (4), a memory or storage module (22) that stores application code representing the application and a hardware element (23). The hardware element (23) directly accesses application content stored in the memory (22), processes that application content to transform it to another form, and then provides the transformed content to the host system (4).
US08332579B2
According to one embodiment, a data storage apparatus includes a flash memory and a controller for controlling the flash memory. The flash memory is configured to store data is written in units of a prescribed size. In order to write data smaller than the prescribe size, the controller first isolates attribute data from each save data item of the prescribed size, which has been read from any flash memory, and then stores the attribute data to an attribute data memory, and finally transfers the user data contained in the save data, to a save data memory.
US08332577B2
A method of storing data onto a non-volatile memory includes receiving, from a host, first data that is originally assigned to a first storage area, programming the first data to a second storage area, receiving second data from the host, and while receiving the second data from the host, programming, to the first storage area, the first data that has been programmed to the second storage area, wherein the second data is received from the host simultaneously with the first data being programmed to the first storage area. The second storage area is capable of having data stored thereon faster than the first storage area.
US08332576B2
A data reading method suitable for a flash memory storage system having a flash memory is provided, wherein the flash memory is substantially divided into a plurality of blocks and these blocks are grouped into at least a data area and a spare area. The data reading method includes: respectively determining whether the blocks in the data area are frequently read blocks; allocating a buffer storage area corresponding to the frequently read block and copying data stored in the frequently read block to the buffer storage area; and reading the data from the buffer storage area corresponding to the frequently read block when the data stored in the frequently read block is to be read. As described above, data loss caused by read disturb can be effectively prevented.
US08332569B2
A memory system comprises a plurality of nonvolatile memory devices configured for interleaved access. Programming times are measured and recorded for various memory cell regions of the nonvolatile memory devices, and interleaving units are formed by memory cell regions having different programming times.
US08332566B2
Methods and apparatuses that utilize a serial bus, such as a universal serial bus (USB), for communications between a communications network, a computing device, and an auxiliary device are disclosed. Some embodiments comprise methods handling sideband communications using serial buses. One or more of the embodiments comprise differentiating in-band data from out-of-band data, transferring information of the in-band data between a communications network and a computing device, and transferring information of the out-of-band data between the communications network and an auxiliary device. Some embodiments comprise an apparatus having a communications network interface, an auxiliary device interface, and a computing device interface. Of the interfaces, one or more may be a serial bus interface. The apparatus may differentiate between in-band and out-of-band data and communicate information of the out-of-band data to an auxiliary device. In some embodiments, the apparatus may also transfer control information. In some embodiments, information may be routed based upon cyclic redundancy check (CRC) information.
US08332560B2
A system and method is disclosed for encoding a set of configuration data for a given expander and at some later point comparing the configuration data to a discovered configuration derived from an attempt to discover the operability of each phy or connection point of the storage system. The configuration identifies the phys or connection points that are operable and the mapping of operable connection points to wide ports communicatively of an expander.
US08332558B2
Methods and apparatus relating to compact trace trees for dynamic binary parallelization are described. In one embodiment, a compact trace tree (CTT) is generated to improve the effectiveness of dynamic binary parallelization. CTT may be used to determine which traces are to be duplicated and specialized for execution on separate processing elements. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08332550B1
A method of operating an input/output interface is described. The method comprises eliminating a current path into an output pin of an input/output interface while the input/output interface receives an operational power signal during a first mode of operation; and enabling the current path into the output pin of the input/output interface to limit a voltage magnitude externally applied to the output pin of the input/output interface during a second mode of operation.
US08332544B1
Systems, methods, and computer program products for assisting play are disclosed. In some examples, the system may include a portable computer including a user interface configured to receive input from a user, and a computer communication mechanism configured to transmit computer data based, at least in part, on the received user input; and a plurality of portable devices each including an enclosure, a device communication mechanism within the enclosure and configured to receive the computer data, a proximity sensor mechanism configured to detect proximity of one or more other portable devices of the plurality of portable devices, and an audiovisual output mechanism configured to generate at least one of an audio output and a visual output based on at least one of (1) the received computer data and (2) the detected proximity of the one or more other portable devices.
US08332543B2
In an embodiment, a peripheral component configured to control an external interface of an integrated circuit. For example, the peripheral component may be a memory interface unit such as a flash memory interface unit. The internal interface to the peripheral component may be shared between data transfers to/from the external interface and control communications to the peripheral component. The peripheral component may include a command queue configured to store a set of commands to perform a transfer on the interface. A control circuit may be coupled to the command queue and may read the commands and communicate with an interface controller to cause a transfer on the interface responsive to the commands. In an embodiment, a macro memory may store command sequences to be performed in response to a macro command in the command queue. In an embodiment, an operand queue may store operand data for use by the commands.
US08332539B2
A binary data transfer system is described to transfer data from data source (31) to data destination (32). The system partitions placement and type data from binary data to be transferred as independent data streams and retains binary format of data source (31) including type information, padding information and endian information for the network transfer. This eliminates data parsing overheads at a data source (31) and reduces data parsing overheads required at a data destination (32). In this system, data destination (32) decodes transferred binary data using software code (47) transferred from data source (31). This transferred software code (47) optionally decodes base sixty four encoding and uses the type information, padding information and endian information to extract data from binary data stream at data destination (32).This system is applicable to any binary data transfer system between any data source and destination like a web browser client that accesses a server on the web. Hence combining native data format of a data source (31) along with transfer of software code to decode and encode such data at data destination (32), eliminates processing overheads at server and reduces processing overheads at client.
US08332536B2
Provided is a method for the distribution and control of digital content such that Quality of Experience (QoE) is maintained. Content is protected from when the content is encrypted to when it is used. To ensure the QoE of particular content, a content owner embeds a list of required or preferred components that must be employed to render the content. The content owner's list of required or preferred components specifies specific components “trusted” to correctly process the content. The specified chain of preferred components is compared to possible devices in the system that processes the content. If there are multiple acceptable devices for a specific link, a preference system is employed to determine the device that executed the particular part of the chain. The preference system is based upon a number of factors, such as, but not limited to, performance characteristics, user preferences, expected stability, power requirements and system preferences.
US08332532B2
A method for establishing a TCP connection between two client terminals protected by stateful firewalls and comprising means for sending messages to each other via a messaging server. The client terminals agree on establishing a mutual TCP connection by sending a message, which indicates port numbers to be used on said connection. A TCP connection establishment procedure is started in both client terminals. After sending a first handshake message, a message indicating a sequence number of the first handshake message is sent from both client terminals to each other. When the firewalls of the opposite client terminals reject the first handshake message, an acknowledgement message to the first handshake message is created in both client terminals using a raw socket, which acknowledgement message includes the received sequence number as an acknowledgement number. Finally, the raw socket based acknowledgement message is sent to the opposite client terminal for completing the establishment of the TCP connection.
US08332526B2
Described is a data communication protocol, in which a client and server negotiate in a manner that does not require the client to retry negotiation when servers are not capable of the client-desired protocol. In one example implementation, the desired protocol is SMB 2.0 or greater. The protocol describes a create command with possibly additional context data attached for built-in extensibility, and a compound command comprising a plurality of related commands or unrelated commands. A multi-channel command requests data transfer on a separate data channel, a signed capability verification may be used to ensure that a secure connection is established, and the protocol provides the ability to transfer extended error data from the server in response to a request.
US08332525B2
Service groups are dynamically created and members are dynamically assigned. A network element receives a request for a subscriber session and transmits an authentication request to a AAA server. The network element receives an authentication reply from the AAA server that includes dynamic service group configuration information that indicates that the subscriber session should be part of a service group and defines the criteria for the network element to dynamically create and join that subscriber session to a service group if an appropriate service group does not exist or dynamically join that subscriber session to an existing service group. The network element derives a dynamic service group identifier from attributes of the subscriber session based on instructions in the dynamic service group configuration information. Based on that dynamic service group identifier and service group attribute information in the configuration information, the network element dynamically creates and joins the subscriber session to a service group if an appropriate service group does not exist or dynamically joins the subscriber session to an existing appropriate service group.
US08332510B2
Embodiments provide methods, apparatus, and systems that enable an embedded processor to detect and configure one or more network access settings. The network access settings may enable the embedded processor to communicate over a network, via out-of-band messages, with a management server or service. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.
US08332503B2
In order to provide a message abnormality automatic detection device, method and program for accurately detecting messages indicating abnormalities requiring response from a large amount of messages, the message abnormality automatic detection device 1 comprises a message collection unit 2 for collecting messages, a learning unit 3 for extracting patterns from the collected messages, a normal pattern memory unit 4 for storing normal patterns, a collation unit 5 for collating the collected messages with normal patterns and detecting message abnormalities, a warning unit 6 for outputting abnormalities to display 9 and the like, and a definition unit 7 for storing the definition data related to normal patterns.
US08332501B2
Methods and apparatus provide formation and management of intelligent application clusters in a storage area network. Disk arbitration mechanisms ensure that a cluster is owned by a single member. In the event of a network partition, each cluster member involved arbitrates to gain ownership of a cluster. High availability mechanisms allow monitoring of system resources and effective failover capabilities.
US08332494B2
A device management system includes a first server and a second server that is different from the first server. The first server includes a first management unit configured to update and delete device information of a management target device to be managed by the first server. The second server includes a second management unit configured to update and delete device information of a management target device to be managed by the second server and a display unit configured to display device information of a device which is not to be managed by the second server.
US08332490B2
A method, apparatus and program product for automatically detecting the configuration of a hardware platform, generating the communications necessary to request the correct OS for the platform, authenticating the request at a remote server, detecting the image class based on a class node policy, and downloading the correct OS to the requesting platform while avoiding any necessity of inventorying or entering node-specific information such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address or UUID (Universally Unique Identifier).
US08332482B2
Advertising on P2P networks can include a three-step system in one embodiment of the disclosure. The first step can include the review of search requests, followed by a response linking to a media file containing an advertisement. The second step can be a delivery process. The advertising cannot be considered spam as the user can be redirected towards information that can directly correlate to the users search. The advertising can be done with the full cooperation and volition of the media company or companies involved. The advertisers' contract with the media companies can allow for payment and the media companies can then expose their product to potential buyers. The third step can be contacting an advertising server any time that media file is played. In this third step it can be determined what the optimal advertisement for this media file is.
US08332481B2
A system and method of sending subject line messages is provided. A particular method includes receiving a call setup signaling message. The call setup signaling message includes a message identifier. The method further includes determining a subject line message associated with the message identifier of the call setup signaling message. The message identifier is replaced with the subject line message. The method further includes transmitting the call setup signaling message to a called party.
US08332479B2
An application server system includes a main server and one or more clients controlled by the main server. The clients execute one or more applications in one or more virtual client environments. Each virtual client environment includes a lightweight server operable to instantiate one or more application objects in response to receiving configuration information from the main server. The application objects are each associated with an application being executed at the client. The application objects store operating information related to the associated application. The lightweight server is further operable to receive operating information from the application objects relating to the operation of the associated applications and to communicate the received information to the main server. Furthermore, the lightweight server is operable to control the applications based on at least one of: (i) the configuration information received from the main server and (ii) further instructions received from the main server after instantiation of an application object.
US08332465B2
A method and system for message subscription management is presented. In one embodiment, the method includes sending a subscription request from a subscriber to a publisher. The subscription request is intercepted and redirected to a broker. Upon intercepting the subscription request, additional information, which includes an instruction to send event messages to the subscriber, is added to the subscription request and forwarded to the broker.
US08332464B2
Systems and methods for remote network access are provided. The described methods may be implemented in a computer-readable-medium and executed on a processing device. Software modules resident on one or more networks servers and one or more client computing devices cooperate to provide the client computing device(s) with remote network access.
US08332457B2
A method and system for privacy-preserved distributed computing on large networks using a tile-based architecture is disclosed. An expression for a tile seed assembly characterizing a problem, such as an NP-complete problem, may be determined. The solution to the tile seed assembly is a full tile assembly including a plurality of tile types. In a network of participating nodes, a tile type may be assigned to each node. A description of a tile type specific to a node may be provided to each node. A tile seed assembly may be established on selected nodes. Through progressive recruitment and replication, the tile assembly may mature, in response to the problem being solvable, into a full tile assembly having a solution. The solution may be received by the client computer.
US08332455B2
An apparatus and method is disclosed for processing of multiple sources of data in a single execution process to synchronize the data to be analyzed by multiple analysis routines. A control program is given the criteria for each of the analysis routines and then reads data from each source meeting the criteria, converting the data from each source to a common format, controlling the analysis routines for each source for time synchronization of the data from the multiple sources and executing each analysis routine in time order. Specifically the following subroutines are used: (1) a routine to read and process a set of controls to describe data by time and type for each analysis routine; (2) a routine to read and process a set of controls to describe the sources of input; (3) a routine for reading data from each of the sources of input a record at a time, deciding whether the time and type for the record is requested for the current analysis, and if not, reading another record or, if so, setting up to process and return the current time and type of record for the source in a common format; and (4) a routine to decide which time from the current record for each source is the earliest and then execute the appropriate analysis by type of data requested for that source record by calling the appropriate analysis routine.
US08332446B1
Based on the root-product polynomial form, this method compresses essential information of a polynomial by transforming polynomials into a form which eliminates cancellation error, when evaluating polynomials, of one unknown, for real, complex, and quaternion, which are implemented with floating point numbers. Additional filtering methods simplify evaluation, including the elimination of extremely small and large root factors, which can cause out-of-range errors. The usual setup problem for root-product forms, that of needing potentially unlimited root precision and floating point range, is largely eliminated for real polynomials, and greatly mitigated for complex and quaternion, and other hypercomplex polynomials.
US08332445B2
When an arithmetic operation is performed on an inequality, a solution notation pattern composed of a combination of a symbol and an inequality sign symbol is determined on the basis of an expression, a solution, and an inequality sign symbol. With Line I/O being set as the calculation result display mode, the solution notation pattern data, for example, [A≦X≦B], is displayed in the upper part of a display unit. The values of the solutions [X1] [X2] corresponding to the symbols [A] [B] shown in the pattern data are displayed as [A=X1] [B=X2] in the lower part of the display unit. This makes it possible to display the solution of the inequality in an easy-to-understand manner.
US08332423B2
The present invention discloses a content sharing method and apparatus and pertains to the Internet field. The content sharing method includes: receiving a shared content access request which carries an identity (ID) of a sendShareUser, an ID of a receiveShareUser, and an contentID of a shared node; authenticating the receiveShareUser according to the ID of the sendShareUser, ID of the receiveShareUser, and contentID of the shared node; and providing the shared content to the receiveShareUser according to the contentID of the shared node after the authentication succeeds. The apparatus includes a receiving module, an authenticating module, and a shared content providing module. The present invention separates the management and maintenance of a node from the sharing relation of the node, so that the maintenance and management of the node do not affect the sharing relation of the node.
US08332421B2
The invention, in general, comprises systems and methods for finding information relevant to a user on the World Wide Web. In various embodiments, the invention comprises using one or more of the following: ready-made English-language queries; an ISO Technical Standards Specification Terminology database; an economic activities database based on North American Industry Classification (NAICS); a language interface configured to enable a user to use his native language for constructing an initial query sentence based on subject structure and to obtain a corresponding English language query; an automated method of extracting site (URL) information on products, services and economic activities on the Web; and providing records showing search histories (with URLs), user names, and time data for marketing or research purposes.
US08332415B1
Methods, computer-readable media, and systems for determining spam in information collected by a source are described. A frequency of occurrence of a phrase included in text items received from a source is determined. The text items are associated with business entities and do not include any spam. Another frequency of occurrence of a phrase included in text items received from another source is determined. The text items received from the other source may or may not include spam. From the frequencies, likelihoods that a phrase is spam are determined. From the likelihoods, another likelihood that a different text item includes spam is determined.
US08332413B1
A method for presenting relationship closeness, relating to the field of communications, includes: acquiring an identifier of a contact object selected by a user; acquiring, according to the identifier of the contact object, at least one contact factor of contact between the user and the contact object in a period; calculating a value of closeness between the user and the contact object according to the contact factor, where the value of closeness is used to indicate closeness between the user and the contact object; and displaying the value of closeness as a graphical object. The device includes: a first acquiring module, a second acquiring module, a calculation module and a display module. Through the present invention, the relationship closeness can be presented objectively.
US08332412B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example network device having a controller to receive multiple streams of content for portions of a multimedia work (MMW), perform a high level analysis for features in each of the streams for the MMW, perform a specialized analysis on the portion having a detected general feature to generate a content analysis output, correlate the content analysis output with other content analysis of the MMW, and output a weighted content description based on the correlation function. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08332411B2
A system described herein includes a trainer component that receives an estimated gradient of cost that corresponds to a first ranker component with respect to at least one training point and at least one query. The trainer component builds a second ranker component based at least in part upon the received estimated gradient. The system further includes a combiner component that linearly combines the first ranker component and the second ranker component.
US08332403B2
An information processing apparatus detecting a characteristic amount of a group of contents of a series configured of contents corresponding to episodes, the information processing apparatus including: a first generating means for detecting a characteristic amount in a time series of the contents corresponding to the episodes and generate a characteristic amount in the episode based on a detected result; a computing means for computing a representative value of the generated characteristic amount in the episode; a second generating means for arranging the computed representative values corresponding to the episodes in a time series and generate a characteristic amount in the series indicating a characteristic amount in a time series of the group of the contents of the series; and a database means for storing the generated characteristic amount in the series in a database in association with the group of the contents of the series.
US08332397B2
A computer-implemented method for positioning targeted sponsored content on a cellular phone includes the steps of (a) assessing a likelihood of an interaction by a user of the cellular phone with a sponsored content, wherein the assessment is based on a plurality of user characteristics associated with the cellular phone, such as a purchase of a good or a service, a payment history associated with the user; and a predefined hardware or software characteristic of the cellular phone; (b) prioritizing the placement of the sponsored content within one of a plurality of predefined areas of a graphical user interface of the cellular phone over the placement of other sponsored content within the same area, wherein the prioritization is based on the assessment of the likelihood of the interaction of the user of the cellular phone with the sponsored content; and (c) presenting the sponsored content within the one of a plurality of predefined areas of the graphical user interface of the cellular phone.
US08332395B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a multifaceted tool (e.g., graphical representation/object) for searching and displaying data (e.g., search results). Specifically, aspects of the present invention build on “seed” terms to find and display related words, presenting them in a graduated manner by closeness to the seed. The tool allows a user to select variable weights which indicate the desired degree of closeness to the seed word/idea, or it may be randomly generated. Additionally, this tool may be used to create brainstorm teams with a desired level of variance from a target subject. In a typical embodiment, the a search or seed term and corresponding results are displayed in a hub and spoke-like graphical representation whereby the seed term is positioned in a center window of the graphic, and results are displayed in branches that extend radially from the center. Each branch can correspond to a different information source from which the corresponding results were obtained.
US08332393B2
A search system may use a stateful session that suggests new keywords for refining a search with each iteration of a search sequence. The keywords may be derived from a set of previous search results, or may be identified from a taxonomy of terms. A user may be able to select the keywords to include or exclude from a user interface to further refine the search. In some embodiments, the user interface may also include various metadata parameters to include or exclude. The system may use one or more conventional query-based search engines and may be implemented as a client application, intermediate service, or as part of a search engine.
US08332389B2
In an embodiment, a portion of the execution plan is executed to produce a portion of records in a partial result set. If a first join of a table is performed that eliminates more than a first threshold number of records from the partial result set, a determination is made whether an estimated cost of a forced primary join is less than an estimated cost of a star join. If the estimated cost of the forced primary join is less than the estimated cost of the star join, then the table is moved first in a join order in the execution plan, the portion of the records in the partial result set is discarded, and the execution is re-started with a different portion of the execution plan to produce a different portion of the records.
US08332386B2
Techniques and systems are provided for capturing relationships between items in “bonds”, and using the bonds to facilitate searches against the items. It is described how bonds that reflect relationships between searchable items are stored. The degree of separation between any two given searchable items is based on the minimum number of bonds that have to be traversed to arrive at one of the two searchable items when starting at the other of the two searchable items. The bonds are used to respond to a search request, performing a search relative to a designated searchable item. For example, the search mechanism may search only those searchable items that are within a particular degree of separation of the designated searchable item. As another example, the search mechanism may determine the order in which searchable items are compared against search criteria of the search request based on the degree of separation of the searchable items from the designated searchable item. In addition, the search mechanism may ranking the searchable items that match the search based, at least in part, on the degree of separation between the searchable items and the designated searchable item.
US08332385B2
A method and system is provided for computing an approximation of the results of a query. The approximation represents a superset of all possible results, by computing a set of records of types (as opposed to a set of records of values, which is the normal result of a query). This is different from conventional systems, which typically infer types for each field individually. For each record of types, one may also keep track of equalities of fields to improve the precision of the approximation. The approximation can be used to detect erroneous parts of queries that always return an empty result, regardless of the contents of the data source. Furthermore, the same approximation is also useful in performing optimizations: first, by eliminating parts of procedure calls that are guaranteed to be irrelevant to the calling context, and second, by eliminating unnecessary type tests in the query.
US08332384B2
Systems and methods are provided for expressing a body of knowledge in standard or normalized terms. A topic hierarchy comprises topics related to the body of knowledge, with one or more topics comprising subtopics, and with subtopics themselves possibly comprising further subtopics. Principles are found within documents that are related to the body of knowledge, and standard terminology is selected to express those principles. Documents may be associated with the standard expressions corresponding to the respective principles found in the documents, and one or more of the standard expressions may be associated with at least one topic, subtopic, or both.
US08332383B2
A method and system to process a data search request. The system includes a query controller module to receive the data search request that includes constraints; a reduced constraint builder module to formulate a plurality of search definitions that are formulated to exclude at least one constraint; and a search engine to perform searches of a data source to generate search results and to utilize the search results to calculate counts of data items that respectively correspond to the search definitions. The query controller module communicates the counts of data items and the corresponding search definitions to a client machine. Each of the search definitions is formulated to include a constraint set.
US08332376B2
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a distributed data repository system including a plurality of symmetric data repository nodes. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the distributed data repository system is message-centric operative to store message payloads transmitted from client nodes. In certain embodiments, the distributed data repository system is BLOB-centric, maintaining binary data objects and indexes of attribute values that map to the binary data objects. Of course, the present invention can be utilized to store a great variety of digital data contained in message payloads. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the attribute indexes are fully replicated across all data repository nodes, while the message payloads (e.g., data objects or other content) are exchanged across data repository nodes as needed to fulfill client queries. In this manner, each data repository node in the distributed system can fulfill any client request, while reducing the storage and memory requirements for each data repository node. The reduced storage and computational requirements enable each distributed data repository node to be hosted by an inexpensive hardware platform and, therefore, allow for the deployment of large numbers of distributed data repository nodes to achieve a distributed data repository system featuring high availability and reliability. In certain embodiments, each distributed data repository node is further equipped to act as an instant messaging (or other one-way messaging) server to allow client nodes to establish instant messaging connections with the data repository nodes in the distributed system.
US08332373B1
A database system constructs representation for predicate expressions invoking user-defined routines. A first representation is constructed if an indicator has a first value, and a second representation is constructed if the indicator has a second value. Based on which representation is used, an optimizer in the database system selects use of indexing and/or statistics and/or other performance-enhancement features in generating a query plan.
US08332371B1
Techniques for extracting information from a database are provided. A database such as the Web is searched for occurrences of tuples of information. The occurrences of the tuples of information that were found in the database are analyzed to identify a pattern in which the tuples of information were stored. Additional tuples of information can then be extracted from the database utilizing the pattern. This process can be repeated with the additional tuples of information, if desired.
US08332369B2
A data resiliency layer provides manageable data resiliency policy options for email related applications. Through one or more APIs such applications are enabled to query whether a data resiliency policy is satisfied for a given mailbox or database at a given point in time. Email related applications may consume this information to modify their behavior such as to wait, repeat, or fail the actions at hand to the point where data committal is guaranteed to a degree specified by the data resiliency policy.
US08332366B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method of automatically generating weights for matching data records. Each field of a record may be compared by an exact match and/or close matches and each comparison can result in a mathematical score which is the sum of the field comparisons. To sum up the field scores accurately, the automatic weight generation process comprises an iterative process. In one embodiment, initial weights are computed based upon unmatched-set probabilities and default discrepancy weights associated with attributes in the comparison algorithm. A bulk cross-match is performed across the records using the initial weights and a candidate matched set is computed for updating the discrepancy probabilities. New weights are computed based upon the unmatched probabilities and the updated discrepancy probabilities. Test for convergence between the new weights and the old weights. Repeat with the new weight table until the weights converge to their final value.
US08332360B2
A method for lifecycle management for file systems has several steps. At least one storage container adapted to support a file system is allocated. The at least one storage container and the file system are associated with a service class. The file system is created in the storage container. The service class is used during lifecycle actions performed on the file system. Lifecycle actions may comprise, e.g., creating, extending, replicating, moving, or migrating a file system. The service class for the file system may also be maintained for a lifecycle of the file system.
US08332356B2
A networked system includes a master agent and at least one state agent. When upgrading the software of the master agent and the state agents, only the binary files at a shared location at the master agent are changed. To accomplish the change, a watchdog process at the state agent watches for the presence of a marker file at the master agent. The master agent produces the marker file if the master agent will accomplish a software upgrade. When the marker file is present, the state agent stops execution. The watchdog continues to monitor the presence of the marker file until the marker file is deleted at the end of the installation process. When the marker file is deleted, the state agent installs the new binary files associated with the software upgrade and resumes execution.
US08332354B1
Technologies are described herein for skipping snapshots during a snapshot replication process in order to maintain an established recovery point objective. A first snapshot is selected after a previously replicated snapshot. A creation time of the first snapshot is retrieved. A difference between a current time and the creation time of the first snapshot is computed. A determination is made as to whether the difference is less than a recovery point objective. If the difference is less than a recovery point objective, then the first snapshot is replicated in the snapshot replicated process. If the difference is not less than a recovery point objective, then the first snapshot is skipped through the snapshot replication process.
US08332351B2
A method for migrating files. The method includes receiving a first file system (FS) operation request for a target FS, making a first determination that migration for a source FS is not complete, and making a second determination that the first FS operation request specifies a directory and that the directory is un-migrated. In response to the first and second determination obtaining meta-data for content in the directory, and creating a directory entry (DE) for a first file in the directory on the target FS. The method further populating the DE for the first file on the target FS using file data, creating a DE for a second file in the directory on the target FS, linking the DE for the second file to the file data and the file level attribute, and servicing, after the linking, the first FS operation request using target FS.
US08332350B2
A method and system for providing an automated security access policy in a document management system are described. The security policies are applied based on metadata rules. Once a document is added to the document managements system, the metadata rules are evaluated using the metadata of the document. Based on the results of the evaluation security access policies are applied to the document.
US08332340B2
Embodiments of the present invention include hybrid microscale-nanoscale neuromorphic integrated circuits that include an array of analog computational cells fabricated on an integrated-circuit-substrate. The analog electronic circuitry within each computational cell connected to one or more pins of a first type and to one or more pins of a second type that extend approximately vertically from the computational cells. The computational cells are additionally interconnected by one or more nanowire-interconnect layers, each nanowire-interconnect layer including two nanowire sublayers on either side of a memristive sublayer, with each nanowire in each nanowire sublayer of an interconnect layer connected to a single computational-cell pin and to a number of nanowires in the other nanowire sublayer of the interconnect layer.
US08332331B2
A method includes accessing project information that includes values for one or more parameters of a project. The method further includes determining from the project information a project duration for the project, a time value of money for the project, a variability for the project, and an expected project price. A price premium for the project is generated according to the project duration, the time value of money, the variability value, and the expected project price, using an option-pricing mathematical model for financial instruments.
US08332322B2
A system and methods that enables and utilizes the conversion of an individual's ability to access multiple secure accounts to establish and validate the individual's digital primary identity. The control for the digital primary identity validation is user-centric so that the individual controls the amount of information supplied and therefore the level of assurance achievable. The level of assurance can be added to the digital primary identity. An identity card for digital primary identity validation can be used online or in-person. Validation and level of assurance is reviewed regularly or continuously. Levels of assurance can be increased by validating primary sources of identification.
US08332314B2
A system and method enables trusted sources to easily approve requests for money transfers by simply typing in a yes or equivalent.
US08332311B2
A system, according to one embodiment, includes a hybrid account provided by an issuer to a user, the hybrid account having a balance, the balance being either positive, zero, or negative; and a financial instrument including a hybrid card, the hybrid card providing access to the hybrid account, in which transactions using the hybrid card provide interchange income to the issuer, the issuer charges interest to the hybrid account when the balance is negative, and the issuer pays interest to the hybrid account when the balance is positive.
US08332307B1
Systems and methods are provided in which a first module is configured to execute a trade of a securities futures product on an underlying financial instrument for which a valuation relative to at least one of (a) a net asset value and (b) a closing price, is calculated and published at or after a specified time. A second module determines a price for the executed trade, in which the price is specified relative to the valuation and/or the valuation with a basis adjustment. The second module may be configured to use a price which is (a) a first price which is at a specified discount, (b) a second price which is substantially equal, and/or (c) a third price which is at a premium, to the valuation or valuation with basis adjustment. A third module is configured to submit the executed trade for settlement at the determined price.
US08332303B2
Systems, methods, apparatus, computer program code and means for generating quality data associated with an option order are provided. In some embodiments, an option order is received, the option order including information identifying a customer, and information identifying a desired option. The option order is associated with an order time. First national best bid and offer (NBBO) data are identified for the desired option at the order time. Execution information associated with the option order are identified, where the execution information includes information identifying a price, an exchange, and an execution time. Second NBBO data for the desired option at the execution time is identified, and the execution information is compared with at least one of the first and second NBBO data.
US08332302B1
An electronic auction system which Includes a Central Auction Controller (CAC) that allows sellers to list items for auction and users to enter bids and rank srdorings Is disclosed. The CAC maintains a central database comprising a database of user information, a database of Items and bids and a database of vendor information. Administration of the system is accomplished via an I/O device and CPU and an optional e-mail processor allows automated messaging to users. This methodology allows users to effectively bid on a large number of mutually exclusive items but receive at most one item at the end of the auction.
US08332301B2
Methods, systems and apparatuses are described for calculating a performance bond amount for a portfolio including interest rate swaps. A risk calculation module (or risk processor) may assist in the calculation. In some examples, values, such as swap (DV01) dollar values and volatility values, and adjustments/factors, such as calendar charge adjustments and liquidity charge minimums, may be used to enhance the margin calculation. These values may be maintained and updated in various ways, including but not limited to, lookup tables, matrices, and other structures. The margin calculations may be used by an exchange or clearinghouse to request a portfolio holder to deposit additional funds towards a performance bond associated with the portfolio.
US08332296B1
Determining election reauthorization is disclosed, including using a system to: receive one or more inputs of values, determine an available cash flow based at least in part on the inputted values; determine whether a reauthorization of bonds is required based at least in part on the determined available cash flow; and determine that an aggregate of an amount of bonds issued so far and an amount of bonds to reauthorize does not exceed a limit associated with a bonding capacity associated with a state statute.
US08332295B1
A method for mapping a business transaction involves obtaining a transaction record of the business transaction, where the transaction record includes business information associated with performing the business transaction, analyzing the transaction record to determine available business information, submitting available business information to a mapping service to obtain a map of a business location, and displaying the map.
US08332293B2
Methods for applying end user specified preset parameters to use a ratio and/or an amount threshold to pay a portion of, or leave wholly unpaid, a posted point of sale (POS) transaction amount, and/or not pay a portion or an entire posted POS transaction amount, among a plurality of posted POS transaction amounts posted to an initial credit balance, wherein an unpaid portion of, or an entire amount of, a POS transaction amount remains unpaid as a partial, or wholly remaining, debit to said initial credit balance; and wherein a credit balance provider of said initial credit balance pays product or service providers for POS transaction amounts pertaining to pos transactions for products or services provided to an end user.
US08332289B2
A system and method for associating payments with spending vehicles so that an individual who is entitled to receive periodic or special payments, such as tax refunds or social security checks, receives in place of the payment a spending vehicle, such as a debit card, pre-paid credit, or other card having funds stored thereon. An individual who wishes to receive a spending vehicle rather than the regular payment selects the spending vehicle he or she would like to receive. The individual then assigns his or her right to receive the payment to a third party. The third party then arranges to give a spending vehicle to the individual and to transfer the individual's payment to a sponsor of the spending vehicle. The third party may take a portion of the payment as compensation for the service.
US08332279B2
A method and apparatus for creating a computerized market for used and collectible goods by use of a plurality of low cost posting terminals and a market maker computer in a legal framework that establishes a bailee relationship and consignment contract with a purchaser of a good at the market maker computer that allows the purchaser to change the price of the good once the purchaser has purchased the good thereby to allow the purchaser to speculate on the price of collectibles in an electronic market for used goods while assuring the safe and trusted physical possession of a good with a vetted bailee.
US08332275B2
Method and apparatus to facilitate programmatic access to a network-based commerce facility via a network. The method includes receiving a request from a third party application via the network at the network based commerce facility. The request performs an action pertaining to electronic commerce and being one of a plurality of requests recognized by the network-based commerce facility. In responsive to the request, the method performs the action pertaining to the electronic commerce and communicates from a result of the action from the network-based commerce facility to the third party application in a programmatically accessible format.
US08332268B2
A method and system to schedule delivery of items of content selectively to online users are described. Expected values relating to each user being online is determined during a given time period. An ordered list of the items of content to be selectively delivered to the users is generated based on the expected values. The ordered list may be prioritized to meet delivery requirements associated with the items of content.
US08332264B1
A method and system are provided for visualizing and analyzing spectrum assets. License, channel, and lease data from a communications authority is collected and formatted into individual polygon maps. The maps could be drawn according to county or state boundaries, or by some other mapping standard. The maps are then divided and redrawn into several market service areas and several basic trading areas. The maps are also divided and redrawn according to the bandwidth spectrum of one or more channels. Since the maps are drawn with several different boundary conditions, the layout of all of the maps result in some maps being partially overlaid onto other maps for the same region. These regions containing partially overlaid maps are redefined as superblocks. Each superblock contains all of the data from each overlaid map portion for that particular region. These superblocks provide a means of displaying or representing a completely mapped region, such as the continental United States in a completely non-overlapping manner. Several methods analyze the newly formed non-overlapping data map for purposes of deriving current assets and forming future marketing strategies.
US08332259B1
A method for evaluating expansion of a business where the business is located in a first geographic area. The method includes receiving information about the business, querying a business information source and a demographic information source using the information, receiving data from the business information source and the demographic information source in response to the querying, processing the data using business expansion factors to obtain a rank order, where the data comprises a plurality of potential geographic areas for expanding the business, where the plurality of potential geographic areas are evaluated on the business expansion factors to determine a similarity to the first geographic area to obtain a rank order, and presenting, in the rank order, each of the plurality of potential geographic areas.
US08332251B1
A computer-implemented method is provided for optimizing allocation of resources across stories for a release within an Agile development environment. The method includes receiving (i) resource information representing a plurality of resources available for allocation to the stories, (ii) one or more story definitions, each story definition comprising a unique identifier and one or more story-level constraints corresponding to a story, (iii) release information, (iv) iteration information, and (iv) one or more optimization criteria. The method also includes generating a plurality of story-level allocation scenarios and determining one or more optimized story-level allocation scenarios from the plurality of story-level allocation scenarios. Each story-level allocation scenario satisfies the one or more story-level constraints associated with each story definition. Each optimized story-level allocation scenario optimizes assignment of iterations or allocation of resources to the stories to satisfy the one or more optimization criteria.
US08332246B2
This invention relates generally to a computer system and method for integrating insurance policy underwriting. In one aspect it integrates the older legacy insurance policy generating systems to on line systems where users access the system through browsers. The computer system to perform the process of underwriting, rating, quoting, binding, and booking an insurance policy includes browsers, data bases, processors and a dispatcher that parses the information to select an insurance process. Suitable software programs review messages received from users to determine if certain messages are less than a prescribed limit. If a message is greater than the limit, then the message is parsed into a header information and one or more data fields whereby the header information is provided to a legacy processor and to policy generation software for further creation of policy related information and documentation.
US08332242B1
A system, method, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for providing routing-based insurance. A telematics device exchanges information related to a user's traversal of a route with a routing-based insurance system. The telematics device determines the current location and destination of the user, which it provides to the routing-based insurance system, for processing to determine available route segments between the two locations. A set of risk score data is generated for each of the available route segments, which in turn is used to generate a set of risk score differential data. Route advisement data, comprising routing instructions and the set of risk score differential data for the route segment, is generated and provided to the telematics device. A route segment is selected by the user and then traversed. The set of risk score differential data associated with the traversed route segment is determined and associated with the user's insurance policy. Insurance policy price data, corresponding to the traversed route segment, is generated and in turn is processed to generate insurance policy adjustment data. The insurance policy price adjustment data is then processed to modify pricing data associated with the user's insurance policy.
US08332239B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses for automatic patient record creation for messaging. Embodiments provide messaging systems, devices and methods for electronic clinical messaging with transmission of a record or data from a sender to a recipient and automatic creation of patient records upon receipt by a recipient.
US08332231B2
An interactive voice and data response system that directs input to a voice, text, and web-capable software-based router, which is able to intelligently respond to the input by drawing on a combination of human agents, advanced speech recognition and expert systems, connected to the router via a TCP/IP network. The digitized input is broken down into components so that the customer interaction is managed as a series of small tasks performed by a pool of human agents, rather than one ongoing conversation between the customer and a single agent. The router manages the interactions and keeps pace with a real-time conversation. The system utilizes both speech recognition and human intelligence for purposes of interpreting customer utterances or customer text, where the role of the human agent(s) is to input the intent of caller utterances, and where the computer system—not the human agent—determines which response to provide given the customer's stated intent (as interpreted/captured by the human agents). The system may use more than one human agent, or both human agents and speech recognition software, to interpret simultaneously the same component for error-checking and interpretation accuracy.
US08332224B2
A system and method are provided for receiving speech and/or non-speech communications of natural language questions and/or commands and executing the questions and/or commands. The invention provides a conversational human-machine interface that includes a conversational speech analyzer, a general cognitive model, an environmental model, and a personalized cognitive model to determine context, domain knowledge, and invoke prior information to interpret a spoken utterance or a received non-spoken message. The system and method creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context of the speech or non-speech communication and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.
