US08492253B2
Methods of forming contacts for back-contact solar cells are described. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a thin dielectric layer on a substrate, forming a polysilicon layer on the thin dielectric layer, forming and patterning a solid-state p-type dopant source on the polysilicon layer, forming an n-type dopant source layer over exposed regions of the polysilicon layer and over a plurality of regions of the solid-state p-type dopant source, and heating the substrate to provide a plurality of n-type doped polysilicon regions among a plurality of p-type doped polysilicon regions.
US08492252B2
A method includes patterning a photoresist layer on a structure to define an opening and expose a first planar area on a substrate layer, forming doped portions of the substrate layer in the first planar area, removing a portion of the photoresist to form a second opening defining a second planar area on the substrate layer, and etching to form a first cavity having a first depth defined by the first opening to expose a first contact in the structure and to form a second cavity defined by the second opening to expose a second contact in the structure.
US08492249B2
Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based devices and technology for their fabrication are disclosed. The planar, multiple layer deposition technique and simple methods of change of the nanotube conductivity type during the device processing are utilized to provide a simple and cost effective technology for large scale circuit integration. Such devices as p-n diode, CMOS-like circuit, bipolar transistor, light emitting diode and laser are disclosed, all of them are expected to have superior performance then their semiconductor-based counterparts due to excellent CNT electrical and optical properties. When fabricated on semiconductor wafers, the CNT-based devices can be combined with the conventional semiconductor circuit elements, thus producing hybrid devices and circuits.
US08492248B2
A surface of a single crystal semiconductor substrate is irradiated with ions to form a damaged region, an insulating layer is formed over the surface of the single crystal semiconductor substrate, and a surface of a substrate having an insulating surface is made to be in contact with a surface of the insulating layer to bond the substrate having an insulating surface to the single crystal semiconductor substrate. Then, the single crystal semiconductor substrate is separated at the damaged region by performing heat treatment to form a single crystal semiconductor layer over the substrate having an insulating surface, and the single crystal semiconductor layer is patterned to form a plurality of island-shaped semiconductor layers. One of the island-shaped semiconductor layers is irradiated with a laser beam which is shaped to entirely cover the island-shaped semiconductor layer.
US08492247B2
Programmable field effect transistors (FETs) are provided using high-k dielectric metal gate Vt shift effect and methods of manufacturing the same. The method of controlling Vt shift in a high-k dielectric metal gate structure includes applying a current to a gate contact of the high-k dielectric metal gate structure to raise a temperature of a metal forming a gate stack. The temperature is raised beyond a Vt shift temperature threshold for providing an on-state.
US08492240B2
The invention relates to a solar-cell marking method comprising the steps of: providing a substrate with a substrate surface for producing a solar cell (1) that comprises an active zone (5); and producing at least one indentation (21, 31) in the substrate surface with the use of laser irradiation, wherein the at least one indentation (21, 31) forms a marking (2, 3) for marking the solar cell (1), and producing the indentation (21, 31) is carried out prior to carrying out a solar-cell manufacturing process or during carrying out a solar-cell manufacturing process. According to the invention the substrate is designed as a semiconductor wafer with a wafer surface, and the marking (2, 3) is positioned on the wafer surface such that the marking (2, 3) is in the active zone (5) of the solar cell (1) formed by the semiconductor wafer. Furthermore, the invention relates to a semiconductor-wafer solar cell (1) whose marking is easily recognizable and thus positioned so as to be reliably readable, without this impeding the functionality of the solar cell (1).
US08492238B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for fabricating piezoresistive polysilicon on a substrate by low-temperature metal induced crystallization by: (1) providing the substrate having a passivation layer; (2) performing, at or near room temperature in a chamber without breaking a vacuum or near-vacuum within the chamber, the steps of: (a) creating a metal layer on the passivation layer, and (b) creating an amorphous silicon layer on the metal layer, wherein the metal layer and the amorphous silicon layer have approximately the same thickness; (3) annealing the substrate, the passivation layer, the metal layer and the amorphous silicon layer at a temperature equal to or less than 600° C. and a period of time equal to or less than three hours to form a doped polysilicon layer below a residual metal layer; and (4) removing the residual metal layer to expose the doped polysilicon layer.
US08492233B2
An integrated circuit containing a configurable dual n/p-channel 3-D resurf high voltage MOS field effect transistor (MOSFET) is disclosed. An n-channel drain is coterminous with a p-channel source in an n-well, and a p-channel drain is coterminous with an n-channel source in a p-well. A lateral drift region including n-type drift lanes and p-type drift lanes extends between the n and p wells. A resurf layer abuts the lateral drift region. The n-channel MOS gate is separate from the p-channel MOS gate. The p-channel MOS gate may be operated as a field plate in the n-channel mode, and vice versa. An n-channel MOS transistor may be integrated into the n-channel MOS source to provide an n-channel cascode transistor configuration, and similarly for a p-channel cascode configuration, to debias parasitic bipolar transistors under the MOS gates. Circuits using the MOSFET with various loads are also disclosed.
US08492222B2
A method is provided for forming a pixel of an electroluminescence device. The method provides a substrate; defines at least a first area for capacitors, a second area for a transistor on the substrate and a third area for an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) on the substrate; forms first conductive, first dielectric, second conductive, second dielectric, and third conductive layers over the first area; forming a third conductive layer over the second dielectric layer over the first area; wherein the first conductive layer over the first area is directly connected to a power supply voltage, wherein the second conductive layer is electrically connected to a fourth conductive layer and wherein the first conductive layer, the first dielectric layer, and the second conductive layer over the first area collectively form a first one of the capacitors over the first area, the second conductive layer, the second dielectric layer.
US08492221B2
A method for fabricating a power semiconductor device is provided. A substrate with a first conductivity type is prepared. A semiconductor layer with a second conductivity type is formed on the substrate. A hard mask pattern having at least an opening is formed on the semiconductor layer. A first trench etching is performed to form a first recess in the semiconductor layer via the opening. A first ion implantation is performed to vertically implant dopants into the bottom of the first recess via the opening, thereby forming a first doping region. A second trench etching is performed to etch through the first doping region, thereby forming a second recess.
US08492207B2
A method and an eFuse circuit for implementing with enhanced eFuse blow operation without requiring a separate high current and high voltage supply to blow the eFuse, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The eFuse circuit includes an eFuse connected to a field effect transistor (FET) operatively controlled during a sense mode and a blow mode for sensing and blowing the eFuse. The eFuse circuit is placed over an independently voltage controlled silicon region. During a sense mode, the independently voltage controlled silicon region is grounded providing an increased threshold voltage of the FET. During a blow mode, the independently voltage controlled silicon region is charged to a voltage supply potential. The threshold voltage of the FET is reduced by the charged independently voltage controlled silicon region for providing enhanced FET blow function.
US08492201B2
A semiconductor device is made by providing a first semiconductor wafer having semiconductor die. A gap is made between the semiconductor die. An insulating material is deposited in the gap. A portion of the insulating material is removed to form a first through hole via (THV). A conductive lining is conformally deposited in the first THV. A solder material is disposed above the conductive lining of the first THV. A second semiconductor wafer having semiconductor die is disposed over the first wafer. A second THV is formed in a gap between the die of the second wafer. A conductive lining is conformally deposited in the second THV. A solder material is disposed above the second THV. The second THV is aligned to the first THV. The solder material is reflowed to form the conductive vias within the gap. The gap is singulated to separate the semiconductor die.
US08492192B2
A composition for forming a semiconducting device includes an organic semiconducting material, an agent capable of inhibiting and/or preventing dewetting, and an additional substance, wherein the additional substance is provided in an amount capable of preventing initial crystallization of the composition and reducing the melting point or glass transition temperature of the composition below the melting point or glass transition temperature of the organic semiconducting material. The additional substance may be naphthalene, phenylnaphthalene, anthrance, or diphenylanthrance.
US08492188B2
A method for producing a micromechanical component is described. The method includes providing a substrate having a layer system including an insulating material situated on the substrate, a conductive layer section and a protective layer structure connected to the conductive layer section, which borders a section of the insulating material. The method furthermore includes carrying out an isotropic etching process for removing a part of the insulating material, the conductive layer section and the protective layer structure preventing the removal of the bordered section of the insulating material; and a structural element being developed, which includes the conductive layer section, the protective layer structure and the bordered section of the insulating material.
US08492179B2
A method of mounting a light emitting diode (LED) module (100) to a heat sink (102), the method comprising the steps of placing the LED module (100) in a hole (120) in the heat sink (102); and expanding a portion of the LED module (100) such that the LED module (100) is secured to the heat sink (102). The method provides a cost efficient way of securing an LED module to a heat sink where the mount has a high reliability over time.
US08492165B2
The method for making microfluidic connections includes the steps of providing a system including a base, a movable device in communication with the base, and a sealing component attached to the movable device; delivering a microfluidic device to the base; aligning the sealing component and the microfluidic device, wherein the moveable device is capable of adjustably positioning the sealing component and capable of optical alignment, to bring the sealing component and the microfluidic device into fluid communication; and compressing the sealing component and the microfluidic device into contact thereby forming a microfluidic connection by creating a leak-resistant seal between at the interface of the sealing component and the microfluidic device.
US08492157B2
A microfluidic device and a method for measurement of biomaterials using the same. The microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure including: a sample chamber which receives and accommodates blood; a reagent chamber which contains a luminescent reactant; a first detection chamber which contains a first material that is positively charged; a second detection chamber which is connected to the first detection chamber, and contains a second material having a boronate moiety; and at least one channel which connects the sample chamber, the reagent chamber and the first and second detection chambers.
US08492155B2
An automated immunoassay apparatus is disclosed comprising a single optical reading device (2a, 2b) for reading two microtitre plates (9, 14). A first microtitre plate (9) is loaded into an upper plate holder (8) which is linearly translated at a fixed height. A second microtitre plate (14) is loaded into a lower plate holder (13). The lower plate holder (13) runs along a contoured track which varies the vertical height of the second microtitre plate (14).
US08492135B2
An apparatus and method is described for seeding and culturing cells on a sample. The apparatus includes a chamber in which the volume of the chamber may be adjusted without compromising the seal or sterility of the chamber. The apparatus enables the seeding of cells in a reduced volume and culturing of cells in an increased volume. Further, the apparatus enables application of forces, strains and torques to a sample during seeding, culturing or transportation of the sample.
US08492117B2
Compositions and methods are provided for expression of a toxic protein in a host cell preferably a bacterial host cell where at least one T7 RNA polymerase gene Is contained on the host cell chromosome and one or more genes encoding a T7 RNA polymerase inhibitor is located on an F′ plasmid or on the chromosome.
US08492114B2
A genetically modified organism comprising: at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid isolated from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and encoding a polypeptide involved in at least partially degrading, cleaving, transporting, metabolizing, or removing polysaccharides, cellulose, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, sugars, sugar oligomers, carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, chitin, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups; and at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide involved in fermenting sugar molecules to a product. Additionally, enzymatic and/or proteinaceous extracts may be isolated from one or more genetically modified organisms. The extracts are utilized to convert biomass into a product. Further provided are methods of converting biomass into products comprising: placing the genetically modified organism and/or enzymatic extracts thereof in fluid contact with polysaccharides, cellulose, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, sugars, sugar oligomers, carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, chitin, heteroxylans, glycosides, and/or xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups.
US08492110B2
The present invention discloses novel mechanisms in the aging process and describes novel methods for high-throughput screening to identify, detect, and purify agents to be used for improving mitochondrial function, maintaining the cell cycle-arrested state in senescent and post mitotic cells, and thus preventing or treating age-related diseases or disorders associated with accelerated mitochondrial function loss, telomere dysfunction, and/or deterioration of the growth-arrested state. The present invention also discloses a number of compounds or compositions identified from this method. The present invention further provides the use of low doses of rapamycin or its analogs as a mimic of caloric restriction in preventing age-related diseases or disorders.
US08492108B2
Disclosed are methods for treating conditions characterized by anemia or red blood cells dysfunction by administering an agent that increases the level of endogenous LCAT or LCAT activity. Additionally disclosed are methods of treating conditions wherein red blood cells have reduced function in relation to deformability, oxygenation, increased adhesion and aggregability, reduced nitric oxide function, or decreased life-span, increased free cholesterol, or abnormal phospholipid content. Also disclosed are methods for treating conditions characterized by an abnormal concentration of free cholesterol in red blood cells and methods of normalizing the free cholesterol content of red blood cells.
US08492107B2
The present invention identifies biomarkers that are diagnostic of nerve cell injury and/or neuronal disorders. Detection of different biomarkers of the invention are also diagnostic of the degree of severity of nerve injury, the cell(s) involved in the injury, and the subcellular localization of the injury.
US08492106B2
The transporter that translocates ergothioneine has been identified. Described are methods for identifying and obtaining compounds capable of modulating ergothioneine transport as well as the use of such compounds for the treatment of diseases ergothioneine may be involved in such as autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other diseases arising from cell damage caused by radiation, radicals and relative oxidant species. Furthermore, diagnostic means and methods for determining the presence or susceptibility to such a disease are provided.
US08492101B2
A chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay method for quantifying antigen or antibody using 1,1′-oxalyldiimidazole (ODI) derivative or 1,1′-oxalyldisodium benzoate (ODB) derivative chemiluminescence (CL) detection was developed. Also, various enzymes were quantified using ODI derivative or DOB derivative CL detection. Fluorescent compound formed from a substrate (non-fluorescent compound) through the enzyme assay methods emitted CL when the fluorescent compound received energy from high-energy intermediate formed in ODI derivative or ODB derivative CL reaction.
US08492099B2
The invention relates to a method of measuring the immunological activity of a vaccine preparation in the form of a mixture of one or more allergenic enzyme(s) and an oxygen-containing metal salt adjuvant, wherein the mixture comprises a liquid phase and a solid phase, and wherein at least a part of the allergenic enzyme(s) is adsorbed to the solid phase, the method comprising the steps of measuring the enzymatic activity of the mixture in an enzyme activity assay, and using the measurement obtained as an indication of the immunological activity of the vaccine preparation, or using the measurement obtained for quantifying the amount of allergenic enzyme.
US08492098B2
Methods are described for detecting reaction components with affect a reaction. Biomolecules such as enzymes can be addressed at the single molecule level in order to discover function, detect binding partners or inhibitors, and/or measure rate constants.
US08492092B2
A region of the Chlamydia trachomatis pmpA gene has been identified which is useful for performing amplification assays to determine specifically whether C. trachomatis is present in the sample being tested. Oligonucleotides useful for performing thermal Strand Displacement Assay (tSDA) reactions on this gene are disclosed. The disclosed oligonucleotides can be used in an assay which is specific for multiple strains of C. trachomatis and which does not show cross reactivity with the genomes of other microorganisms or with human DNA.
US08492079B2
A second photoresist having a second photosensitivity is formed on a substrate. A first photoresist having a first photosensitivity, which is greater than second photosensitivity, is formed on the second photoresist. Preferably, the first photoresist is a gray resist that becomes transparent upon exposure. At least one portion of the first photoresist is lithographically exposed employing a first reticle having a first pattern to form at least one transparent lithographically exposed resist portion, while the second photoresist remains intact. The second photoresist is lithographically exposed employing a second reticle including a second pattern to form a plurality of lithographically exposed shapes in the second photoresist. The plurality of lithographically exposed shapes have a composite pattern which is the derived from the second pattern by limiting the second pattern only within the area of the at least one transparent lithographically exposed resist pattern.
US08492074B2
A method of controlling the shape of a plurality of relief dots created in a photosensitive printing blank during a digital platemaking process is provided. The photosensitive printing blank comprises a laser ablatable mask layer disposed on at least one photocurable layer. The method comprises the steps of: a) laser ablating the laser ablatable mask layer to create an in situ negative in the laser ablatable mask layer; b) applying a barrier membrane to the photosensitive printing blank; c) exposing the at least one photocurable layer to actinic radiation through the in situ negative; and d) developing the imaged and exposed photosensitive printing blank to reveal the relief image therein, said relief image comprising the plurality of relief dots.
US08492072B2
A description is given of methods and devices for product marking of objects using a light-sensitive layer applied to the objects and a light source. The invention may be used, for example, to simultaneously mark or label a first plurality of objects at a first time with individual marks or labels, and to mark or label a second plurality of objects at a second time with individual marks or labels.
US08492069B2
A lithographic printing plate precursor, comprising a support having thereon an image-recording layer containing (A) an infrared absorbing agent, (B) a radical polymerization initiator, (C) a radical polymerizable compound, (D) a polymer compound containing a polyoxyalkylene structure and (E) an ultraviolet absorbing agent and being capable of forming an image by supplying at least one of printing ink and dampening water on a printing machine after imagewise exposure to remove an unexposed area of the image-recording layer.
US08492053B2
A flow field plate having a low resistance coating for fuel cell applications is described. In one embodiment, the flow field plate includes a metal plate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface defining a plurality of channels for directing flow of a first gaseous composition; and an activated carbon coating disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the plate, the activated carbon coating having a surface resistance of less than about 20 mΩ·cm2, the surface resistance being stable. Fuel cells incorporating the flow field plates and methods of making the flow field plates are also described.
US08492051B2
The present invention provides a novel integrated valve system for a fuel cell stack, in which an air shut-off valve for preventing the inflow of air when a fuel cell shuts down and a dry gas purge valve for improving cold startability are coaxially coupled to each other so that the air shut-off valve and the dry gas purge valve simultaneously open or close.
US08492043B2
A fuel cell of the present invention includes cell blocks (101, 102) each formed by stacking cells (51, 52) and a cooling medium connecting channel (103) connecting a cell block internal cooling medium channel (153A) of the cell block (101) and a cell block internal cooling medium channel (153B) of the cell block (102) in series. A catalyst layer includes a catalyst support and polymer electrolyte adhered to the catalyst support, the catalyst support containing an electrode catalyst and carbon powder supporting the electrode catalyst. The catalyst layer in the cell 52 of the cell block (102) located downstream of the cooling medium connecting channel (103) is higher or larger in at least one selected from the group consisting of a density of an ion exchange group per unit volume of the catalyst layer, an electrode catalyst supporting amount of the catalyst support of the catalyst layer, and a catalyst supporting rate of the catalyst layer, than the catalyst layer of the cell 51 of the cell block 101 located upstream of the cooling medium connecting channel 103.
US08492040B2
A fuel cell system is equipped with a drive motor, a fuel cell, and a controller. The controller performs normal electric power generation under a condition that the fuel cell is not warmed up, warm-up electric power generation with lower electric power generation efficiency than normal electric power generation, and controls performance of warm-up electric power generation on a basis of a predetermined index on a necessity to warm up the fuel cell. The controller controls an operation state of the fuel cell during warm-up electric power generation on a basis of a correlation between the system loss required for warm-up of the fuel cell and a warm-up output required for driving of a load including the drive motor during warm-up of the fuel cell.
US08492035B2
A polymer composition for a rechargeable lithium battery including a polymer of a first monomer selected from methylmethacrylate (MMA), acrylonitrile (AN), or a combination thereof, and a second monomer of ethylene oxide (EO), as well as a lithium salt.
US08492026B2
A rechargeable battery including a battery cell, and a battery case housing the battery cell, the battery case including a silane-based compound.
US08492022B2
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly in a battery case, and a buffer sheet between the electrode assembly and the battery case, the buffer sheet contacting the electrode assembly and the battery case.
US08492016B2
Disclosed herein is a middle- or large-sized battery pack including a module assembly constructed in a structure in which a plurality of battery modules, each of which includes a plurality of battery cells or unit modules mounted in a module case while the battery cells or unit modules are connected in series to each other, are arranged such that the battery modules are disposed in contact with each other in the lateral direction, and a coolant flow channel is vertically formed, a plurality of support members for supporting opposite sides and the bottom of the module assembly and maintaining the arrangement state of the module assembly, and a pack housing for surrounding the module assembly and the support members, wherein the battery pack is constructed in a cooling structure in which a coolant is introduced through one side upper end (or lower end) of the module assembly along a hermetically sealed space defined by the support members, flows vertically through the module assembly, and is discharged through the other side lower end (or upper end) of the battery assembly.
US08492011B2
In a magnetic disk that has at least a magnetic layer, a carbon-based protective layer, and a lubricating layer formed in this order over a substrate, the lubricating layer contains a lubricant compound including a compound which has a perfluoropolyether main chain in a structure thereof, an aromatic group located at a position except each end of a molecule thereof, and a polar group at each end of the molecule.
US08492010B2
A silicon/gold (Si/Au) bilayer seed structure is located in a film stack between an amorphous or crystalline lower layer and an upper layer with a well-defined crystalline structure. The seed structure includes a Si layer on the generally flat surface of the lower layer and a Au layer on the Si layer. The Si/Au interface initiates the growth of the Au layer with a face-centered-cubic (fcc) crystalline structure with the (111) plane oriented in-plane. The upper layer grown on the Au layer has a fcc or hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) crystalline structure. If the upper layer is a fcc material its [111] direction is oriented substantially perpendicular to the (111) plane of the Au layer and if the upper layer is a hcp material, its c-axis is oriented substantially perpendicular to the (111) plane of the Au layer.
US08492004B2
The invention provides a friction joining structure comprising steel products, a friction joining steel plate inserted there between, and a fastening device, which are mutually friction joined by a compressive force derived from the fastening device. A portion of projected streaks on the friction joining steel plate is designed to have a Vickers hardness at least 3 times greater than the surface of the steel products, which allows the projected streaks to more easily enter the steel products thereby increasing the friction coefficient between the steel products. The friction joining structure is constituted by a slip resistance mechanism which can be easily validated from a theoretical or an experimental point of view and is also small in variance of the friction coefficient. Therefore, a friction coefficient used in design can be set at a high value with high accuracy to realize a rational design.
US08491997B2
Disclosed herein are polysiloxane/polyimide block copolymer blends and the application of these blends in conductive wires.
US08491983B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a glass substrate having plural through-holes which is not likely to peel from a silicon wafer, even though laminated on and jointed to a the silicon wafer and then subjected to heat treatment. The above object is accomplished by a glass substrate having an average thermal expansion coefficient of from 10×10−7 to 50×10−7/K within a range of from 50° C. to 300° C., having plural through-holes with a taper angle of from 0.1 to 20° and having a thickness of from 0.01 to 5 mm.
US08491979B2
Flexlock non-textile fabrics use intimately linked elements that are formed from formable, preferably solid phase forgeable materials into generally triangular shapes with hinging connection features along edges of a generally triangular overall shape. These hinging connection portions permit other elements to rotate about axes that intersect at intersections. Buttressing portions are located near these intersections and include cylindrical or conical shapes that abut the buttressing portions of adjacent formed elements. This abutting can occur even when adjacent elements are rotated or twisted out of a common plane. Connection portions include direct formed engagements with knuckles of the other elements. These connection portions and the engaged knuckles can include headed pintles, axles, or oppositely facing conical protrusions, and may be configured to permit the non-textile fabric to bend on itself within its own thickness without undue strain on the connection features.
US08491957B2
In a method for production of a polycrystalline ceramic film on a substrate: a) the substrate is prepared with the substrate surface and preparation of at least one source for the ceramic particles of the ceramic film and b) a particle stream of the ceramic particles is generated from the source of ceramic particles in the direction of the substrate surface on the substrate, with deposition of the ceramic particles on the substrate surface on the substrate with formation of the ceramic film. At least one screen is arranged within the gap, for adjusting an average incidence angle of the ceramic particles relative to a plane normal of the substrate surface, such that the ceramic particles are deposited on the substrate surface at a preferred direction and a relative position of the substrate surface and the screen is altered while the gap remains essentially the same.
US08491949B2
An ice confection is provided comprising: 1 to 8 wt % fat; a total solids content of from 10 to 25 wt %; an ice structuring protein (ISP); and at least 0.1 wt % aerating agent; the confection being obtainable by a process comprising aerating a mix with an aerating gas which contains at least 50% by volume of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide or mixtures thereof. A process for producing the ice confection is also provide.
US08491948B2
Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine comprising an enclosure containing one or more beverage ingredients, filtering means delimiting at least one filtering side of the enclosure, beverage flow guiding means for guiding the beverage to a beverage outlet of the capsule, a shell and a protective cover that is attached to the shell in order to form a gas tight container for the beverage ingredients. The capsule further comprises an overflow wall that is positioned in the path of the brewed liquid after the filtering means and comprises at least one overflow aperture. The capsule further comprises opening means comprising an opening element configured to open the gas-tight container in order to create the beverage outlet. The beverage flow guiding means and the opening element are integrally housed in the gas-tight container.
US08491946B2
An elastase inhibitor that contains as active ingredients thereof raspberry extract and hydroxyproline, and optionally further contains yeast extract.
US08491939B2
This document provides dietary supplements. For example, compositions having a combination of ingredients useful in providing a broad scope of antioxidant protection for human or animal consumption are provided.
US08491930B2
The invention consists of a new formulation of ibuprofen and codeine in the form of a tablet, which comprises L-leucine in a concentration ranging between 4%-15% as a lubricant, in order to prevent the formulation mixture from adhering to the punches and to other elements of the compression machine during the compression process. The new formulation additionally comprises talc (0.5%-5.0%) and silicified microcrystalline cellulose (30%-80%). The formulation is preferably arranged in the form of a core that comprises the active principles and, amongst others, the L-leucine, part of the talc and the silicified microcrystalline cellulose; this core is coated with a composition that contains a copolymer of methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate. The tablets of the invention do not exhibit flaking problems, have an adequate hardness with a convenient attrition to allow for subsequent coating, offer disintegration values of less than 5 minutes, with dissolution values for both active principles in accordance with those specified for rapid-release tablets.
US08491928B2
Compositions and nanoemulsions containing lipid nanocapsules dispersed in a hydrophilic phase, such nanocapsules including at least one avermectin compound, are useful for the treatment of dermatological pathologies, e.g., rosacea.
US08491919B2
Naturally occurring lecithins and/or oleic acid stimulate the growth and lactic acid producing activity of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species of probiotic bacteria, and replace polysorbate 80 for those products. They can be used in naturally occurring form, or where they are to be combined with probiotics in a carrier, or they can be treated to yield a stable powdered form of these naturally oily compounds. They can be sold as combined prebiotic/probiotic formulations in the same carrier, or sold as separate dietary supplements, e.g., in capsule or tablet form, to be used with the probiotic formulation as desired.
US08491904B2
Disclosed herein are methods for the isolation and purification of anti-IL-13 antibodies wherein the use of an affinity chromatographic step results in an antibody composition sufficiently pure for pharmaceutical uses. The methods described herein comprise pH viral reduction/inactivation, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, affinity chromatography (e.g., Protein A affinity chromatography), ion exchange chromatography, and hydrophobic chromatography. Further, the present invention is directed toward pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more antibodies of the present invention.
US08491903B2
Isolated, monoclonal, human, anti-β-amyloid antibodies are provided which bind to dimeric forms of Ab with higher affinity than to monomeric forms of Ab and when bound to an Aβ polypeptide comprising Aβ(21-37) shield Aβ(21-37) from proteolytic digestion. The antibodies were shown to inhibit fibril formulation and reduce plaque size in vivo and to not bind brain vessel walls. Accordingly, the antibodies are useful in human and veterinary medicine for the treatment and prophylaxis of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodementing diseases. Methods of detecting or measuring the progression of a neurodementing disease also are provided.
US08491902B2
A medicament having a higher therapeutic effect than that provided by administration of a recombinant antibody against human CC chemokine receptor 4 or an antibody fragment thereof or an agent alone is provided.
US08491901B2
The present invention relates to novel humanized, chimeric and murine antibodies that have binding specificity for the human CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20). The present invention further relates to heavy chains and light chains of said antibodies. The invention also relates to isolated nucleic acids, recombinant vectors and host cells that comprise a sequence which encodes a heavy chain and/or a light chain of said antibodies, and to a method of preparing said antibodies. The anti-CCL20 antibodies of the invention can be used in therapeutic applications to treat, for example, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders and cancer.
US08491896B2
Described herein are compositions and methods of use of anti-pancreatic cancer antibodies or fragments thereof, such as murine, chimeric, humanized or human PAM4 antibodies. The subject antibodies show a number of novel and useful therapeutic characteristics, such as binding with high specificity to pancreatic and other cancers, but not to normal or benign pancreatic tissues and binding to a high percentage of early stage pancreatic cancers. In preferred embodiments, the antibodies bind to pancreatic cancer mucins. The antibodies and fragments are of use for the detection, diagnosis and/or treatment of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer. The antibodies, such as PAM4 antibodies, bind to a PAM4 antigen that shows unique cell and tissue distributions compared with other known antibodies such as CA19.9, DUPAN2, SPAN1, Nd2, B72.3, and Lea and Le(y) antibodies that bind to the Lewis antigens.
US08491892B2
The invention relates to the use of a particulate active carbon, in particular in the form of active carbon particles, preferably active carbon beads, for the field of medicine and/or for the production of a medicament, wherein the active carbon employed has a large micropore volume content, based on the total pore volume of the active carbon. A microporous active carbon of this type if particularly suitable for medicinal use.
US08491891B2
A number of human beta-glucuronidase variants having higher enzymatic activity at physiological pH as compared with wild-type beta-glucuronidase and uses thereof in prodrug therapy. Also disclosed herein is a method for identifying enzyme variants having elevated enzymatic activity using a mammalian surface display system.
US08491873B2
Provided is a dentifrice which exhibits sufficient shape retentivity even when a polymer-based binder is not incorporated, which does not leave a taste or white residues even when the amount of powder incorporated is small, and which has satisfactory dispersibility in the oral cavity and a light feeling of use.A dentifrice containing the following components (A), (B) and (C): (A) 0.1 to 10% by mass of a thickening silica having an oil absorption of 150 to 500 mL/100 g, (B) 0.1 to 8 % by mass of heavy calcium carbonate, and (C) 40 to 70 % by mass of water at a mass ratio (B:A) of the component (B) and the component (A) of 2:1 to 0.5:99.5.
US08491871B2
A method of determining risk of heart failure in a mammal is provided comprising the steps of measuring in a biological sample obtained from a mammal the level of each of IL-6, MCP-1, IL-10, VEGF, and EGF biomarkers in the sample, wherein a positive result of at least three of said biomarkers is indicative of a risk of heart failure in the mammal.
US08491863B2
A method for forming a carbon nanotube array is related. A substrate with a catalyst layer on a surface of the substrate is provided and placed into a reaction device. At least two kinds of carbon source gases including different kinds of single carbon isotope are introduced into the reaction device at the same time. The reaction device is heated to different reaction temperatures to react the carbon source gases under different temperatures to grow a carbon nanotube array on a surface of the catalyst layer.
US08491862B2
An apparatus and a method for producing trichlorosilane are provided, which effectively suppresses the reaction converting trichlorosilane to tetrachlorosilane and the formation of polymers, thereby achieving a high recovery ratio of trichlorosilane. The apparatus for producing trichlorosilane includes: a converter reactor for converting a raw material gas containing tetrachlorosilane and hydrogen into a reaction product gas; a cooler for cooling the reaction product gas fed from the converter reactor; and a plurality of provided in the cooler for spraying cooling liquids. Average droplet diameters of the cooling liquids sprayed from a plurality of the nozzles are different from each other, and a cooling liquids volume sprayed from each of the plurality of nozzles is able to be individually adjusted.
US08491858B2
In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for removing carbon dioxide and/or additional components of waste gas streams, comprising contacting the waste gas stream with an aqueous solution, removing carbon dioxide and/or additional components from the waste gas stream, and containing the carbon dioxide and/or additional components, in one form or another, in a composition. In some embodiments, the composition is a precipitation material comprising carbonates, bicarbonates, or carbonates and bicarbonates. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises carbonate and/or bicarbonate co-products resulting from co-processing SOx, NOx, particulate matter, and/or certain metals. Additional waste streams such as liquid, solid, or multiphasic waste streams may be processed as well.
US08491853B2
A substrate for bioassay comprises a substrate and a group of reaction regions serving as a field where interaction between substances proceeds and formed in the substrate, and a group of information pits used to obtain positional information of individual reaction regions and/or substance information used in the reaction regions. The group of reaction regions and the group of information pits are not formed in the same substrate surface. A bioassay apparatus using the substrate and a method for making the substrate are also provided.
US08491852B2
An indicator device adapted give a detectable signal when the antioxidant capacity of a sample of a mammalian wound fluid exceeds a predetermined minimum level which is characteristic of an infected wound. Also provided system for use in the diagnosis and treatment of wounds comprising the inventive diagnostic device and a wound dressing comprising at least one antimicrobial agent for selective application to infected wounds. Also provided are methods of diagnosis and treatment by means of the inventive device and system.
US08491845B2
According to one embodiment, described herein is an exhaust gas after-treatment system that is coupleable in exhaust gas stream receiving communication with an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas after-treatment system includes a low temperature SCR catalyst configured to reduce NOx in exhaust gas having a temperature below a temperature threshold. The system also includes a normal-to-high temperature SCR catalyst configured to reduce NOx in exhaust gas having a temperature above the temperature threshold.
US08491840B2
Provided are a microfluidic device, a method of analyzing a sample using the microfluidic device, and a method of measuring dilution ratios. The microfluidic device includes: a sample chamber which accommodates a sample to be tested; a dilution chamber which accommodates a diluent, receives the sample from the sample chamber, and provides a sample diluent; a first concentration detecting chamber which receives the sample from the sample chamber; and a second concentration detecting chamber which receives the sample diluent from the dilution chamber.
US08491839B2
Manufacturing execution systems (MES) are disclosed herein. The MES and methods described herein provide an ability to control and monitor manufacturing processes (for example, chemical and pharmaceutical) and can ensure data and product integrity and ultimately minimize overall manufacturing cost.
US08491837B2
A Ni-based brazing composition at least containing, in mass %, 1.0% or more and 1.3% or less of B, 4.0% or more and 6.0% or less of Si, and the balance consisting of Ni and unavoidable impurities, wherein the brazing composition forms wherein the brazing composition forms dispersed phase containing B or Si in a metal texture after the brazing, and a maximum length of the dispersed phase is 30 μm or less.
US08491834B2
A laminate type ceramic electronic component includes a thick film resistor and an overcoat layer so as to prevent defects such as delamination from being caused and to prevent the thick film resistor from being cracked after laser trimming, even when a method is adopted in which an unfired composite laminate is subjected to firing in such a way that an unfired ceramic laminate, an unfired thick film resistor, and an unfired overcoat layer are each integrally sintered. The unfired overcoat layer includes a glass ceramic material containing a ceramic and glass having substantially the same constituents and compositional ratio as those of the glass contained in the unfired ceramic layer. The respective glass ceramic materials constituting the unfired ceramic layer and the unfired overcoat layer are adjusted so that the ratio of a crystalline phase with a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the fired ceramic layer is higher in the overcoat layer than in the ceramic layer.
US08491823B2
To obtain a water-resistant polarizing film free from deterioration in dichroic ratio caused by water-resistant treatment, it is critical that adjacent sulfonic acid groups or sulfonate groups in the organic dyes to be used for the polarizing film are spaced at moderate intervals. In a process for producing a water-resistant polarizing film of the present invention, the polarizing film before water-resistant treatment includes an organic dye which comprises an azo compound 20 represented by the following general formula (1) or (2)
US08491822B2
A tin oxide particle having at least two diffraction peaks at 2θ (deg) of 9±1° and 28±1° in XRD measurement by Cu/Kα radiation. The tin oxide particle preferably shows diffraction peaks at 2θ (deg) of 19±1°, 48±1°, and 59±1°. The tin oxide particle preferably has electroconductivity. The tin oxide particle is preferably produced by mixing an aqueous solution containing tin (II) and a hydroxyl-containing organic compound in a heated condition with an alkali.
US08491820B2
An organic light emitting functional device with organic electron injection layer to improve the injection of electrons from the cathode in an organic light emitting diode. In particular, the device relates to the use of electron transport layer 4,7-di phenyl-1,10 phenanthroline (herein after called as BPhen) and another organic semiconductor Tetracyano quino dimethane (herein after called as TCNQ) and optimizing the thickness and doping percentage of the composition in an organic light emitting device. The main use of the composed injection layer is to balance the injection of holes from the anode side and the injection of electrons from cathode side and thus increase the efficiency of Organic light emitting diodes.
US08491819B2
Provided are compositions having high conductivity and high work-function. The compositions comprise an aqueous dispersion or solution of an electrically conducting polymer and a perfluorinated polymeric acid. The conductive polymers may be made from conjugated monomers or comonomers and a non-fluorinated polymeric acid, and the perfluorinated polymeric acides may be derived from perfluoroolefins having perfluoro-ether-sulfonic acid side chains. Devices embodying such compositions are also provided.
US08491810B2
The present invention provides a lubricating oil for a compression type refrigerator including a polyvinyl ether-based compound containing an alkylene glycol or polyoxyalkylene glycol unit and a vinyl ether unit in a molecule and having a molecular weight in a range of 300 to 3,000; and an organic carboxylic acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol in which the ester contains two or more free hydroxyl groups. The lubricating oil for a compression type refrigerator of the present invention has high miscibility and high viscosity index, and is excellent in wear resistance and also corrosion prevention property under carbon dioxide atmosphere.
US08491809B2
A process for producing an aluminum wheel includes a cleaning step, in which the surface of the aluminum wheel is chemically etched with an alkali cleaning liquid which contains an alkali builder, an organic builder, and a chelating agent to such an extent that the Si atomic ratio of metal Si to oxide Si is from 0.01 to 9, and a shot blast treatment step can be omitted for cleaning the surface of the aluminum wheel.
US08491796B2
An emulsion treating unit and process. A subcooled boiling zone in the unit comprises a heat transfer surface to contact an emulsion at a temperature in excess of the saturation temperature of an aqueous phase in the emulsion, wherein the boiling zone is atmospherically vented. The unit also provides means for recovering an oil-rich layer from adjacent a vapor-liquid interface; and means for recovering an aqueous-rich layer from below the oil-rich layer. The process provides operation of the treating unit to heat an emulsion in the subcooled boiling zone, wherein the boiling zone is atmospherically vented, recovering an oil-rich layer and recovering an aqueous-rich layer from below the oil-rich layer. In one embodiment the boiling zone comprises a heat transfer surface having a temperature in excess of the saturation temperature of the aqueous-rich layer, wherein the vapor-liquid interface is subcooled with respect to the saturation temperature of the aqueous layer.
US08491784B2
A process for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed is provided in which a hydrocarbon-containing feed comprising at least 20 wt. % of heavy hydrocarbons is mixed with hydrogen and a catalyst to produce a hydrocarbon-containing product. The catalyst is prepared by mixing a first salt and a second salt in an aqueous mixture under anaerobic conditions at a temperature of from 15° C. to 150° C., where the first salt comprises a cationic component in any non-zero oxidation state selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ag, Co, Mn, Ru, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu, Dy, Ni, Zn, Bi, Sn, Pb, and Sb, and where the second salt comprises an anionic component selected from the group consisting of MoS42−, WS42−, SnS44−, and SbS43.
US08491781B2
The present invention describes a reaction zone comprising at least two fluidized reactors, a principal reactor for cracking a heavy hydrocarbon cut, the other, additional, reactor for cracking one or more light cuts, the effluents from the two reactors being treated in a common gas-solid separation and quench zone. Performance is enhanced because the thermal degradation reactions in the reaction zone are controlled in an optimum manner.
US08491776B2
A flowcell 2 is constituted of insulating substrates 2a and 2b. The two substrates 2a and 2b have been directly bonded to each other by a bonding method for attaining tenacious bonding, for example, anodic bonding or hydrofluoric acid bonding. A channel 6 has been formed at the interface between the substrates 2a and 2b. Part of the substrate 2a which faces the channel 6 has a carbon electrode 4a formed thereon by sintering a pasty carbon material, the electrode 4a extending along the channel 6. On the other hand, the substrate 2b has a groove 6a serving as the channel 6, and has an electrode 4b made of a metal film formed on a bottom surface of the groove 6a.
US08491773B2
Methods of replenishing indium ions in indium electroplating compositions are disclosed. Indium ions are replenished during electroplating using indium salts of certain weak acids. The method may be used with soluble and insoluble anodes.
US08491771B2
A three-electrode electrolyzer cell is described that can produce either alkaline water or acid water, by selecting polarity and ion exchange membrane type. The cell has a middle chamber and two side electrolysis chambers bordering the middle chamber. Each of the side electrolysis chambers is separated from the middle chambers by a membrane, which is the same on both sides. Porous electrodes are placed on the electrolysis side of each membrane. The electrolysis chamber electrodes are placed next to the membranes, and they are both charged with either positive or negative polarity at the same time. The electrode in the middle chamber is charged with the opposite polarity to the electrolysis chamber electrodes. Each of the electrolysis chambers has inlets and outlets for flowing a solution to be electrolyzed through the cells. The electrolyte solution is in the middle chamber. It is not circulated, or is only circulated to replenish electrolytes or remove gases. The electrolyzer of the invention is significantly more efficient than prior art electrolyzers, when only one type of water (acid or alkaline) is required.
US08491770B2
Disclosed herein are functionalized polymers comprising ethylene and substituted ethylene segments. These functionalized polymers are useful as film forming resins in cathodic electrocoating compositions. Also disclosed herein are aqueous dispersion compositions comprising the functionalized polymers and a process for coating various electrically conductive substrates.
US08491766B2
The invention at hand concerns a novel class of gas sensors, in particular for hydrogen or hydrogen-containing fluids (gases or liquids), such as hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulphides or more complex gas mixtures or gas compositions which contain hydrogen or hydrogen compounds.
US08491765B2
A microlectrode comprising a diamond layer formed from electrically non-conducting diamond and containing one or more pins or projections of electrically conducting diamond extending at least partially through the layer of non-conducting diamond presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond.
US08491756B2
A device is provided for determining the water content of a target (1), the device having at least one source of target radiation (2), at least one source of reference radiation (4) directed to a target surface (10), and at least one detecting element (3) for measuring the intensity of radiation reflected back by the target surface. During use the at least one source of target radiation (2), the at least one source of reference radiation (4), and the at least one detecting element (3) are arranged immediately opposite the target surface (10). A pressurizing device using air or gas is provided, by which an artificial movement of the air or gas atmosphere can be created in the area of the optical paths between the at least one source of target radiation (2) and the target surface (10), and/or between the at least one source of reference radiation (4) and the target surface (10), and/or between the target surface (10) and the at least one detecting element (3).
US08491753B2
A composition and method for improving retention and drainage in a papermaking process is disclosed. An unexpected synergistic effect has been observed when certain amounts of a promoter are used in conjunction with a microparticle. Optionally, a flocculent is also used to further improve the observed synergism. The microparticle includes an inorganic anionic or cationic siliceous material. The promoter includes a modified diallyl-N,N-disubstituted ammonium halide polymer. The flocculant includes one or more high molecular weight, water-soluble cationic, anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, or amphoteric polymers.
US08491748B1
Provided is a gluing method for assembling an optical transceiver module. In the gluing method, a substrate, a lens and a lens barrel are provided. The lens barrel is mounted on the substrate and includes a top surface and an inner surface. The lens includes an upper surface. A rotatable platform is provided to hold the substrate. The lens is positioned in the lens barrel, with the upper surface being lower than the top surface relative to the substrate. A gluing syringe containing glue is positioned above the upper surface. The gluing syringe is moved toward the lens such that a syringe needle of the gluing syringe is closer to the substrate and is yet spaced from the upper surface. The syringe needle is then moved to contact the inner surface. The rotatable platform is rotated and the glue is output to glue the lens to the inner surface.
US08491736B2
The present invention relates to a method for crystallizing ammonium dinitramide (ADN), through spontaneous nucleation and crystal growth, from a solution containing said ammonium dinitramide (AND) dissolved in a solvent. Said solvent characteristically has a viscosity greater than or equal to 0.25 Pa s (250 cP) when said spontaneous nucleation is implemented. The ADN crystals obtained by said method have a median shape factor of 1 to 1.5 and are perfectly suitable for placement in the composition of energy materials.
US08491731B2
An alloy composition of FeaBbSicPxCyCuz. Parameters meet the following conditions: 79≦a≦86 atomic %; 5≦b≦13 atomic %; 0≦c≦8 atomic %; 1≦x≦8 atomic %; 0≦y≦5 atomic %, 0.4≦z≦1.4 atomic %; and 0.08≦z/x≦0.8. Or, parameters meet the following conditions: 81≦a≦86 atomic %; 6≦b≦10 atomic %; 2≦c≦8 atomic %; 2≦x≦5 atomic %; 0≦y≦4 atomic %; 0.4≦z≦1.4 atomic %, and 0.08≦z/x≦0.8.
US08491730B2
A magnetic material includes a main alloy having a rhombohedral crystal structure and a composition represented by CoyCuxPtz, wherein x ranges from 3 to 32, y ranges from 18 to 47, and z ranges from 40 to 60, with the proviso that x+y+z=100. The rhombohedral crystal structure of the main alloy includes a magnetic Co—Pt alloy region and a nonmagnetic Cu—Pt alloy region.
US08491726B2
A liquid processing apparatus includes: a processing part 80 configured to process an object to be processed by a process liquid; a supply path 1 connected to the processing part 80, the supply path 1 being configured to guide the process liquid to the processing part 80; a solvent supply part 7 configured to supply a solvent to the supply path 1; and a chemical-liquid supply part 5 configured to supply a chemical liquid to the supply path 1 through a chemical-liquid supply path so as to generate a chemical liquid diluted with the solvent. A measuring part 10, which is configured to measure a conductivity of the chemical liquid diluted with the solvent, is disposed in the supply path at a position downstream from a connection points 25a, 35a, 45a, to which the chemical-liquid supply path 6 is connected. An additional chemical-liquid supply part 1, which is configured to supply an additional chemical liquid different from the chemical liquid through an additional chemical-liquid supply path 3, is connected to the supply path at a position downstream from a measuring point 10a on which the measuring part 10 is disposed.
US08491722B2
A method of monitoring a tube or pipeline, wherein an IP comprising an electronics module arrangement, is driven along the interior of the tube or pipeline by fluid pressure, wherein the IP transmits monitoring signals through the fluid that provides the pressure to the wall of the tube or pipeline, receives signals returned from the wall, analyzes the returned signals and stores data relating to the condition of the wall of the pipeline.
US08491719B2
The present invention provides a high resistivity, high quality, large size SiC single crystal, SiC single crystal wafer, and method of production of the same, that is, a silicon carbide single crystal containing uncompensated impurities in an atomic number density of 1×1015/cm3 or more and containing vanadium in an amount less than said uncompensated impurity concentration, silicon carbide single crystal wafer obtained by processing and polishing the silicon carbide single crystal and having an electrical resistivity at room temperature of 5×103 Ωcm or more, and a method of production of a silicon carbide single crystal.
US08491714B2
An ink composition contains a water-soluble copper compound and an anthrapyridone dye represented by the following formula: wherein M1 represents a hydrogen atom, NH4, or Na; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substitutable alkyl group, a substitutable aryl group, or a substitutable benzoyl group; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a substitutable alkyl group; R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substitutable alkyl group; R4 represents a hydrogen atom, NH4 which may be substituted, or a substitutable sulfo group; and R5 represents an acyl group or a group represented by the following formula: where X and Y independently represent a chlorine atom, hydroxy group, amino group, monoethanolamino group, diethanolamino group, morpholino group, anilino group, or phenol group in which hydrogen atoms may be substituted by one or more substituents.
US08491711B2
A moving granular bed includes a filter granule channel, an inlet unit of gas, an outlet unit of gas, a first detecting unit and a feedback control unit. The inlet unit of gas is disposed at one side of the filter granule channel, and the dirty gas is fed into the filter granule channel through the inlet unit of gas. The inlet unit of gas has a first flow-guiding plate. The outlet unit of gas is disposed at the other side of the filter granule channel. The first detecting unit detects the gas velocity at the inlet unit of gas site. The feedback control unit is electrically connected with the first detecting unit, and controls the angle of the first flow-guiding plate and flow rate of filter granules according to a detecting result of the first detecting unit. A gas guiding system used in the moving granular bed is also disclosed. The moving granular bed and gas guiding system can make the dirty gas have different velocity or distribution while passing through the filter granule channel so as to improve the usage of the filter granules.
US08491705B2
A method for capturing CO2 from the ambient air by the use of solid tethered amine adsorbents, where the amine adsorbents are tethered to a substrate selected from the group of silica, metal oxides and polymer resins. The tethered amines are joined to the substrate by covalent bonding, achieved either by the ring-opening polymerization of aziridine on porous and non-porous supports, or by the reaction of mono-, di-, or tri-aminosilanes, with silica or a metal oxide having hydroxyl surface groups. The method includes the adsorption of CO2 from ambient air, the regeneration of the adsorbent at elevated temperatures not above 120° C. and the separation of purified CO2, followed by recycling of the regenerated tethered adsorbent for further adsorption of CO2 from the ambient atmosphere.
US08491701B2
A system and method for recovering a metal value from a metal-bearing ore material are provided. A metal-bearing ore can be mixed with certain substances and to form an agglomerated ore. In an intermediate state, between agglomeration and heap formation, bacteria can be added to the metal-bearing ore material to produce an augmented ore. The augmented ore can then be formed into a heap.
US08491698B2
The present invention is directed to a method for producing novel metal nanoparticles and nanomaterials. The method involves mixing one or more metal halide starting materials, one or more lithium reducing agent and one or more solvents. In an exemplary embodiment, the resultant metal nanoparticles are substantially free from impurities and have a novel porous and substantially hollow structure.
US08491694B2
An efficient phosphate fertilizer composition is provided, comprising organic material such as lignite treated with ammonia and phosphoric acid in various proportions to derive direct phosphate fertilizer or ammoniated phosphate.
US08491692B2
A water-dispersible particle is provided that includes organic origin potash in an amount ranging from 5% to 99.9% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. A binder component is present in an amount from 1% to 95% by weight. The organic origin potash and the binder component on that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces.A process for making a water-dispersible particle includes mechanical aggregation of the potash into a pellet. A binder component is present in the particle in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight. The potash and the binder component are present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. The pellet is then dried and ready to be applied.
US08491685B2
A dust collection arrangement employs a variable frequency drive to supply AC to its fan motor. A current sensor measures the current drawn by the motor, and this is compared with a preset value. The variable frequency drive adjusts the frequency of the AC applied to the motor to maintain the motor current at the preset level. This keeps the flow of air in the system optimal as dust producing tools are added or taken off.
US08491684B2
Z-filters capable of cleaning particulate matter from airflow streams in dust collectors, including reverse flow, reverse air, and reverse pulse systems.
US08491672B2
The invention provides a method of manufacturing a metal foil for an electrolytic capacitor. In the case of slitting a wide metal strip subjected to etching treatment into a predetermined size with a cutting blade, a slitting portion of the heated wide metal strip is slit to provide the metal foil with few burrs and cracks at the slit edge surface.
US08491671B2
The present invention relates to a mixture of at least two different dispersing agents, an aqueous dispersion containing a UV absorber selected from benzotriazoles, benzotriazines and benzophenones and a mixture of at least two different dispersing agents and a method for reducing the differential pressure in the static dyeing process.
US08491670B2
Anthocyanin pigments/dyes are extracted from corn kernels by adding corn kernels with less than 5% by weight of corn kernels comprising broken kernels to an aqueous medium to form an aqueous-corn medium. The corn kernels have in excess of 0.1 mg of anthocyanin pigment/dye per gram of corn kernel therein. The anthocyanin pigment/dye in the corn kernels has greater than 40% by weight of anthocyanin as an acid or acylated form of the anthocyanin. The aqueous corn medium is agitated at a temperature above 35° C. The solid corn kernels are separated from the aqueous corn medium to form an extract of anthocyanin in aqueous medium having less than 1.0% solids therein before concentration or purification steps are performed on the extract.
US08491668B2
Methods are provided for uniform deposition of particles on curved surfaces such as fibers and coatings formed by the particles. Particles in the size range of 10-2000 nm are deposited onto a fibrous material via electrostatic interaction between charge modified fiber material surfaces and oppositely charged particles or metal ions. Various nonmetallic, bimetallic or other charged particles are deposited onto a fibrous material via electrostatic interaction between charged modified fibrous material surfaces and oppositely charged particles. Particles can be directly assembled onto a surface of a fibrous material by controlling hydrogen bonding interactions between interfaces of fibers and functionalized particles. Metal particles can also be deposited by in situ synthesis. A method is also provided for layer-by-layer deposition of particles over a fibrous material.
US08491664B2
An apparatus for orienting a prosthetic femoral head relative to an acetabulum comprises a femoral stem and a femoral head member. The femoral stem is configured to be received within the intramedullary canal of a femur. The femoral head member is configured to couple to the femoral stem and further configured to be received in the acetabulum. The femoral head member further comprises an indicia configured to orient a relative position of the prosthetic femoral head to the acetabulum such that the indicia signifies proper relative position of the prosthetic femoral head in the acetabulum.
US08491662B2
A knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having two condyles and an asymmetrical cam extending between the condyles. The cam has a medial end and a lateral end. The knee prosthesis also includes a tibial component having bearing surfaces and a post disposed between the bearing surfaces. The femoral component and tibial component are engageable by contact between the femoral condyles and tibial bearing surfaces, and by contact between the cam and post. The cam includes a first curvature defined by a first plane passing through the cam, and a second curvature defined by a second plane passing through the cam, the first curvature having a first vertex, and the second curvature having a second vertex, the distance between the first vertex and a medial plane being greater than the distance between the second vertex and the medial plane.
US08491660B2
A data transmission system connected to a bone implant has an extra-corporeally arranged external transmitting unit an implantable internal first receiving unit adapted to be actuated by the external transmitting unit. An internal transmitting unit is adapted to be coupled and implanted to the implant. A second transmission section is located between the external transmitting unit and the internal first receiving unit, via which the internal transmitting unit is actuated. A second receiving unit and a first transmission section is located between the internal transmitting unit and the second receiving unit. The first transmission section operates with acoustic vibrations or waves.
US08491659B2
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.
US08491657B2
The disclosure relates to an expanding device intended to be implanted between the vertebral end-plates of two adjacent vertebrae, in particular for a stabilization operation for intervertebral fusion. The inventive device comprises: a cage forming a peripheral part that surrounds a central cavity, said peripheral part being formed by a leading edge and a thicker manipulation edge which are connected by two lateral edges provided with lateral housings; and a retractor received in the lateral housings, which can be moved between an insertion position, in which it is located close to the manipulation edge, and a locking position, in which it is located at the leading edge, increasing the height of same. The invention is characterized in that the retractor is provided with abutment means designed to maintain the retractor in the locking position and to oppose the release of the retractor from the cage.
US08491656B2
Spinal arthrodesis is accomplished by implanting an intervertebral spacer made of a biocompatible material that promotes tissue ingrowth and bony fusion. The spacer is implanted into a graft bed formed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The spacer includes a body portion having anterior and posterior end faces. Opposed flanges project outwardly from the body portion at axial locations adjacent the anterior and posterior end faces. The flanges taper radially outwardly to an outer edge that is sharp enough to penetrate vertebral end plates. After a graft bed has been formed, and after the vertebral bodies have been distracted, the spacer is inserted into the graft bed and positioned such that the flanges are adjacent the vertebral end plates. Upon release of the distraction, the vertebral bodies will move toward each other and the flanges will be pressed into the end plates. The effect of the pressing action is to secure the spacer tightly in place within the graft bed such that migration of the spacer is prevented.
US08491652B2
An apparatus for anchoring at least two graft ligaments within a longitudinal bone tunnel includes a longitudinal sleeve having at least two radially spaced ligament-contacting surfaces located in lateral opposition to a sleeve inner lumen. The sleeve is configured for at least partial insertion into the bone tunnel with each graft ligament positioned laterally adjacent a different ligament-contacting surface. The graft ligaments are at least partially located between the bone tunnel and the sleeve. An actuating member has longitudinally separated proximal and distal actuating member ends. An asymmetrically offset profile is defined by at least one of the sleeve and the actuating member. The asymmetrically offset profile has a plurality of longitudinally spaced engagement thresholds. The actuating member is inserted longitudinally into the sleeve to cause frictional engagement of each graft ligament with both the bone tunnel and at least one ligament-contacting surface. The frictional engagement of each graft ligament is temporally spaced apart from the frictional engagement of at least one other graft ligament. The temporal spacing is provided by the plurality of engagement thresholds. A method of anchoring at least two longitudinally extending graft ligaments within a bone tunnel is also provided.
US08491647B2
A medical prosthesis having a low profile for delivery into a body lumen is disclosed. The stent includes a plurality of wire strands woven to form a plurality of joints at the intersections, some of which are helically wrapped. The helically wrapped joints may be offset form the joints of a second plurality of wire strands concentric to the first. Alternatively, the helically wrapped joints can doubled forming box nodes.
US08491644B1
A portable patient cooling apparatus is provided that includes a self-contained refrigerator and on-board power storage supply for stand alone operation. The apparatus is interconnectable to one or more heat exchange devices (e.g. patient contact pads or intravascular catheters) through which a cooled fluid may be circulated for patient cooling. Such fluid may be liquid contained within a reservoir comprising the apparatus during periods of non-use. The apparatus preferably defines a total volume of less than about 0.04 m3, while having a total weight of less than about 15 kg to yield a total circulated fluid cooling capacity of at least 200 watts.
US08491643B2
An anterior bone plate system is provided that promotes osseous fusion and allows subsidence while restricting extension. The bone plate system requires a minimum number of screws for securing the plate onto bone, thus reducing the amount of osseous tissue damage incurred by the bone structures to which they are attached. The system is also simple to use and provides for independent screw placement while incurring minimal soft tissue damage from lateral retraction. A method for implementing the system is also provided.
US08491640B1
A coupling assembly is presented. The coupling assembly is used to selectively couple a bone screw having an elongate shaft and a head to an elongate rod. The coupling assembly has a coupling element configured to engage the head of a bone screw, as well as the elongate rod. When the elongate rod is engaged by the portion of the top of the coupling element, the coupling element does not extend above a top most portion of elongate rod.
US08491635B2
Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements.
US08491634B2
Prostheses and methods for repair of cervical fact joints. In one aspect, the articulating surfaces of the natural facets of a facet joint are removed only a sufficient amount to allow the insertion of flat or slightly curvilinear portions of protheses therebetween in an overlapping relationship. The portions are so inserted and the prostheses mounted by attachment to adjacent vertebrae. Also, a single natural facet may be similarly repaired with a single prosthesis. In another aspect, the invention provides a single prosthesis that is useful in repairing articulating surfaces in more than one cervical facet joint.
US08491633B2
Intervertebral spacer to be placed between two adjacent, upper and lower cervical vertebrae, the spacer comprising a spacer body and retention member for retaining the spacer body in position against said vertebrae. The retention member includes a strap and fastener member that are removable and self-blocking, enabling the ends of the strap to be secured to the spacer body. The spacer body including: a spacer part having two opposite ends, a portion of the first end configured to be inserted between the vertebrae; and top and bottom flanges connected via their bases to the second end of the spacer part and extending on either side thereof, each flange presenting an anterior face facing towards the spacer part and configured to bear against the posterior portion of the lamina of the upper or lower vertebra, respectively.
US08491628B2
A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes a guidewire and/or other surgical implement extending from the wound. A hemostatic material is advanced over the surgical implement and into contact with an area of the blood vessel surrounding the wound. The surgical implement is removed. Blood soaks the hemostatic material, and blood clotting is facilitated by the hemostatic agent within the material. A sealing layer of adhesive can be applied to the hemostatic material, confining the blood flow to the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by natural blood clot formation.
US08491619B2
This invention is a transvascularly placed punch, further including internal steerability and the ability to articulate in a direction at right angles to its longitudinal axis at or near its distal end. The punch is generally fabricated from stainless steel and includes an outer tube, an intermediate tube, a central stylet, hub structures, and a distal articulating region. The punch can be advanced through a body lumen in its straight configuration and then be selectively articulated or curved to permit negotiation of tortuous curvature or to permit optimal approach or access to a puncture site. The punch is able to create holes in the atrial septum of the heart or other structures and is easier to use than punches that are pre-curved near their distal tip since it is easier to advance through accessory catheters.
US08491610B2
The present embodiments provide a clip device for engaging tissue. The clip device comprises at least first and second arms having proximal and distal ends. The clip device comprises an open state when a spring member is in a compressed state in which the distal end of the spring member is spaced further apart from the distal ends of the first and second arms. In the open state, the distal ends of the first and second arms tend to be spaced apart from each other. Further, the clip device comprises a closed state when the spring member is in a relaxed state in which the spring member is biased to extend distally and the distal ends of the first and second arms are adjacent to each other and may engage tissue and promote hemostatis. A delivery system and methods for deploying one or more clip devices also are provided.
US08491599B2
An easy to use mechanical apparatus intended for aiming a surgical tool is provided. Embodiments of the apparatus offer movement in multiple planes while guaranteeing, given proper placement of the leading end of a locator tool at a target, that the leading end of a second tool be placed at precisely the same target. Methods of using the apparatus as well as kits including the apparatus are also provided.
US08491597B2
Surgical positioners may include platforms, surgical item positioners and/or surgical references as well as methods for using stabilizer platforms, surgical item positioners and/or surgical references. Stabilizer platforms may include low profile platforms rigidly mounted to portions of an individual's anatomy. Various items may be secured and/or stabilized by the stabilizer platform, including support platforms as well as surgical references. Support platforms may stabilize and assist surgeons in using, navigating, aligning and positioning surgical items. Surgical references may include modular fiducial systems that may be secured to stabilizer platforms, support platforms, surgical items and/or directly to portions of an individual's anatomy.
US08491592B2
An application device for bone substitute material is disclosed. A cylinder contains a piston rod having an elastically deformable piston. The cylinder is closed via an attachment, through which a wetting liquid phase can be inserted via an injection opening. After a period of time, the wetted bone substitute material is compressed, with excess liquid phase being pressed out through drainage openings. Thereafter, the attachment can be removed and if applicable discharging takes place through a curved discharge nozzle, with the piston being able to adapt itself to the curvature with the benefit of total emptying of the device.
US08491591B2
A device for straightening and stabilizing the vertebral column, particularly for stabilizing broken vertebrae, includes a supporting implant which is plastically expandable by internal pressure. The supporting implant can be placed into the interior of a vertebral body which has been fractured under compression or between adjacent vertebral bodies. A pressure balloon to which pressure fluid can be admitted may be arranged in the interior of the supporting implant for producing the internal pressure.
US08491582B2
A bone compression and distraction system which has an apparatus and a plurality of pins. The apparatus includes a body, a worm screw and a pair of pin attachment members. The worm screw is placed in the body and the pin attachment members are coupled to the worm screw, and constrained from rotation relative to the worm screw, wherein the worm screw has opposing threads extending away from a central region. Upon rotation of the worm screw, the pin attachment members travel in opposite directions, either toward each other or away from each other to either decrease or increase the spacing therebetween. A pin may be coupled to each of the pin attachment members.
US08491574B2
A force sensor apparatus, operatively mounted in a surgical instrument includes the force transducer. The force transducer includes a transducer body having a coefficient of thermal expansion, and at least one optic fiber, fixedly attached to the transducer body, including a Bragg grating; and having a coefficient of thermal expansion matched to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the transducer body to mitigate polarization and calibration drift effects on the force transducer. The transducer body comprises a metal transducer body, and the metal transducer body is selected from a group of metal bodies including an aluminum alloy transducer body, a stainless steel alloy transducer body, a maraging steel alloy transducer body, and a titanium alloy transducer body. The at least one optic fiber comprises an optic fiber having a negative thermo-optic coefficient, such as a phosphate glass optic fiber reducing the thermal sensitivity of the transducer.
US08491571B2
An orifice device for delivering one or more drugs includes an inner member having a proximal end and a distal end; and a winding helically wound around the inner member. The winding includes a plurality of distinct wires helically wound in parallel around the inner member. The winding and the inner member define at least three separate channels for carrying one or more drugs therethrough. An inlet is at the proximal end of the winding and an outlet is at the distal end of the winding for the plurality of distinct wires. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of distinct wires have a different dimension. An outer member is used over the winding. Also, at least two of the at least three separate channels have a different fluid flow rate. And, in some embodiments, at least two of the at least three separate channels carry a different drug.
US08491570B2
A wearable infusion pump assembly including a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver the infusible fluid from the reservoir to an external infusion set. The fluid delivery system includes a volume sensor assembly configured to receive a quantity of the infusible fluid from the reservoir. The volume sensor assembly includes an acoustically contiguous region having a volume that varies based upon the quantity of infusible fluid received from the reservoir, and an acoustic energy emitter configured to provide acoustic energy at a plurality of frequencies to excite a gas included within the acoustically contiguous region.
US08491565B2
Disclosed is a therapeutic fluid reservoir to be used with an ambulatory portable infusion device. The reservoir includes a pliable shell defining a varying inner volume that varies based on the volume of therapeutic fluid held inside the reservoir, the varying inner volume having a predetermined maximum volume for containing a corresponding volume of therapeutic fluid and an outlet port for communicating fluid from the reservoir to a patient, the varying inner volume decreasing upon therapeutic fluid being communicated through the outlet port. Upon the reservoir reaching the predetermined maximum volume when being filled with therapeutic fluid, any therapeutic fluid in excess of the predetermined maximum volume driven into the reservoir causes a substantially corresponding amount of therapeutic fluid to exit out of the reservoir via the outlet port and/or at least one other port provided in the pliable shell.
US08491558B2
An absorbent article includes a backsheet having a longitudinal axis, a topsheet attached to the backsheet and having a body-facing surface, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The article may also include barrier leg cuffs. The article further includes a sensation member, which sensation member may be defined in part by the topsheet or may be separate from the topsheet. The sensation member may be a wetness sensation member, a temperature sensation member, a tactile agent, or a combination thereof. Visible and/or tactile indicia may be associated with the sensation member.
US08491542B2
A tube clamping system includes a Bowden cable with an inner member and an outer casing. A first jaw element has a first tube abutment surface, a passage, and a first sliding latch portion. The inner member passes through the passage. A second jaw element has a second tube abutment surface, a cable guide, and a second sliding latch portion. The inner member has a first end held in the mated sliding latch portions so that sliding of the inner member results in selectably positioning the first and second tube abutment surfaces together or spaced apart. An actuator coupled to a second end of the outer casing and a second end of the inner member applies a force to slide the inner member within the outer casing, the passage, and the cable guide. The Bowden cable substantially isolates the tube being clamped from the weight of the actuator.
US08491534B2
It is an objective to provide a microneedle and a microneedle array formed from a self-dissolving base which can realize higher absorption efficiency and a higher pharmacological availability. A preparation 1 for body surface application has two sections divided in the insertion direction, namely, an acral portion 5 and a rear end portion 6. The acral portion 5 is a section including a body surface insertion end 2, and holds a target substance soluble in base. The rear end portion 6 is a section including a pressing end 3, and is formed mainly only from the base. The rear end portion 6 does not hold the target substance. When the preparation 1 for body surface application is inserted into a body surface such as the skin, since the target substance is contained in the acral portion 5, even if part of the rear end side thereof is subsequently not fully inserted into the body surface, high absorption efficiency and high pharmacological effect can be realized where the actual dose of the target substance is not below the desired amount of the drug.
US08491532B2
A surgical access assembly includes a cannula, a housing mounted to the cannula, and a seal disposed within the cannula. The cannula is adapted for insertion through tissue to permit access to an underlying tissue site. The cannula defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal passageway for passage of a surgical object for positioning with respect to the tissue site. The housing is adapted for movement relative to the cannula in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The seal has a passage for reception of the surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith. The access assembly may further include a support member mounted to the cannula. The support member adapted to maintain a predetermined distance between the housing and the tissue. The support member may be securely affixed to, or selectively positionable along, the cannula with respect to the longitudinal axis.
US08491520B2
A method for delivering RF energy to living tissue includes the steps of extending a guidewire to a tissue treatment site in a body. A controllable stiffness catheter is provided with a stiffness device having non-metallic properties and a temperature-changing device. The stiffness device is in a stiff state below a given temperature and in a soft state above the given temperature. While supplying power to the temperature-changing device, the catheter is threaded along the guidewire up to the treatment site in the soft state. Power is removed from the temperature-changing device to alter the non-metallic properties of the stiffness device and directly result in a change of the stiffness device to the stiff state without straightening the catheter. The RF energy supply device is physically contacted with the treatment site and RF energy is delivered to the treatment site from the RF energy supply device.
US08491517B2
Methods and devices for providing dialysis treatment are provided. The device includes a resin bed including zirconium phosphate, zirconium oxide, and urease.
US08491515B2
The invention is a sleeve for application to a human extremity. The sleeve has a tubular structure with distal and proximal openings, a pre-flexed section between the openings, and distal and proximal contact zones on opposing sides of the pre-flexed section. At least the distal contact zone extends from the pre-flexed section in a conically tapering manner. A distal end zone is disposed between the distal contact zone and the distal end. The distal end zone may also be conically tapered toward the distal end, and in one embodiment has a different degree of taper that the distal contact zone.
US08491511B2
The invention relates to an orthotic joint, in particular ankle joint for a leg orthosis, comprising a joint part with a splint mounting and a stirrup which is connected to the joint part to be pivotable about an axis A and has a dorsal and a plantar abutment surface wherein on both sides of the axis A, on the joint part is formed a channel, in which one function means, each, for forming a dorsal or plantar abutment for the stirrup or its abutment surfaces is arranged, which is characterized in that each function means comprises a cup spring arrangement.
US08491509B2
Apparatus and methods for therapeutically treating bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions, postural instability, or other conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease and kidney and gall bladder stones. An oscillating platform apparatus supports a body to be treated. An oscillator is positioned within the platform apparatus and is configured to impart an oscillating force on the body. Two accelerometers are mounted to the platform apparatus for determining the acceleration and weight of the body. Once the weight of the body is determined, the amplitude of the frequency of the oscillating force and/or frequency of the oscillating force is adjusted to provide a desired therapeutic treatment to the patient. Information received from the two accelerometers is also used to determine the posture of the patient and the transmissibility of the mechanical vibration energy generated by the oscillating force through the body.
US08491507B2
An automatic chest compressor (10) for repeatedly compressing the chest of a patient, is constructed to have a small thickness (H) and light weight so it can be readily carried by an emergency worker. The chest compressor includes a piston support (34) at the top, a pressing part (40) at the bottom that presses towards the chest of the patient, and piston side walls (36) that repeatedly elongate to depress the pressing part. The piston side wall are flexible material that is repeatedly curled and uncurled as the side walls move the pressing part respectively up and down.
US08491501B2
A fluid handling module that is removably engageable with a bodily fluid analyzer is provided. The module may comprise a fluid handling element, and a fluid component separator that is accessible via the fluid handling element and configured to separate at least one component of a bodily fluid transported to the fluid component separator. The fluid handling element may have at least one control element interface.
US08491497B2
An apparatus for morcellating tissue specimens comprises a housing and a cutting member. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue specimens into morcellated or minced tissue pieces. The cutting member may include one or more screens. One of the screens may be rotatable or capable of reciprocating relative to the housing. One screen may cooperate with another screen to provide shearing of the tissue specimens. The cutting member may include a plurality of discs that are rotatable relative to the housing. The discs may include inwardly directed notches formed in their outer perimeter, with the notches cooperating with an interior wall of the housing to cut tissue specimens. The discs may include perimeters having ovular or elliptical shapes that cooperate with a cylindrical interior wall of the housing to cut tissue specimens. The apparatus may be a stand-alone apparatus or may be incorporated into a tissue harvesting apparatus.
US08491492B2
Apparatus and methods are described including a mechanical sensor configured to detect a physiological signal of a subject. A control unit receives the signal over a time duration of at least two hours at a given period of a first baseline day, and determines a baseline physiological parameter of the subject in response thereto. The control unit receives the signal over a time duration of at least two hours at a given period of a second day, the period on the second day overlapping with the period over which the signal is detected on the first baseline day. The control unit determines a physiological parameter of the subject based upon the detected signal on the second day, and compares the parameter to the subject's baseline physiological parameter. The control unit generates an alert in response to the comparison. Other applications are also described.
US08491487B2
Methods for detecting parameters in cardiac output related waveforms are described. The methods include methods for detecting individual heart beat cycles in a cardiac output related waveform, methods for detecting an error in an assigned starting point for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform, methods for detecting a dichrotic notch for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform, and methods for detecting an error in an assigned dichrotic notch for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform. The identification of these parameters is important for a clinician as these parameters form the basis for the calculation of many other cardiac output related parameters.
US08491485B2
An electromedical implant (100, 101, 102, 103) for monitoring a cardiac blood flow (B1) of a patient includes a detector (10, 10′, 10″) which obtains a first measurement signal (S1) associated with the cardiac blood flow (B1) and a second measurement signal (S2) associated with the epithoracic, peripheral blood flow (B2). A monitoring assembly (20) then generates a first parameter (P1) from the first measurement signal (S1) which is indicative of a time (tsys) at which blood is ejected from the heart, and a second parameter (2) from the second measurement signal (S2) which is indicative of a time (tgef) of a blood pulse in the thoracic tissue which is associated with the ejection of blood. An evaluation unit (30) then generates a pulse transit time (Δt=tgef−tsys) from the first parameter (P1) and the second parameter (P2). The detector (10, 10′, 10″) includes an impedance measuring unit (12) having an electrode assembly (11, 11′) for detection of at least the second measurement signal (S2) in the form of an impedance signal.
US08491476B2
A bias gate part supplies a bias current to a transmission pulse generator. The transmission pulse generator receives the supply of the bias current, amplifies an input voltage, and supplies an output voltage obtained by the amplification to array transducer elements. In accordance with the timing of transmitting ultrasound waves from the array transducer elements and the level of the output voltage supplied to the array transducer elements, the bias gate part supplies the bias current to the transmission pulse generator while changing the timing of supplying the bias current.
US08491472B2
Instruments, systems, implants, and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, and a mucosal resection device. A submucosal implant device for diagnosing and treating disorders of the body may be implanted. A passive submucosal implant device may take the form of a drug delivery depot in which a therapeutic agent within the depot elutes from the depot according to a predetermined elution profile. An active submucosal implant device may take the form of a drug delivery device that incorporates a self-contained diagnostic system to determine the appropriate delivery time and dosage of a therapeutic agent to be administered.
US08491467B2
An endoscope including, an insertion section, a distal end section body which constitutes a distal end section of the insertion section and has at least an observation window, a first flow path which is formed to supply a liquid to the distal end section body side and communicates with a first fluid source, a second flow path which is formed to supply a gas to the distal end section body side and communicates with a second fluid source, and a nozzle having a jet outlet which jets a mixture fluid, in which a fluid supplied from the first flow path and a fluid supplied from the second flow path are mixed, toward the observation window, wherein the observation window is disposed, relative to the jet outlet, on a side of one of the first flow path and the second flow path, which has a smaller fluid supply amount.
US08491458B2
An apparatus includes a support member, a strap extending from the support member, and a sleeve releasably disposed over at least a portion of the strap. The support member is configured to support a portion of a body of a patient. The strap is configured to be inserted through at least a portion of a tissue of the patient. The sleeve is releasably coupled to the strap by a releasable joint. The sleeve is configured to be removed from the strap when at least a portion of the strap is disposed within the tissue of the patient.
US08491444B1
A method of controlling a machine transmission includes determining a first target torque of the transmission. The first target torque includes a combination of a torque limit associated with a power source of the machine and a virtual retarding torque. The method also includes directing the transmission to generate a first output corresponding to the first target torque. The first output of the transmission increases a speed of the power source from a first power source speed to a second power source speed and decreases a travel speed of the machine from a first travel speed to a second travel speed. The method further includes determining that the first target torque is not equal to the torque limit, and determining a second target torque of the transmission in response. The second target torque is less than the first target torque.
US08491440B2
A transmission gear unit includes a carrier including a first disc formed with a first chamfer, and a second disc, a one-way clutch including a first ring contacting the second disc, and a second ring, located radially outboard of and surrounding the first ring, and formed with a second chamfer, and pinion shafts, each shaft supported on the first disc and first ring, engaging the first and second chamfers and supporting a pinion thereon.
US08491431B2
A gear train may include a first planetary gear set, which may include a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a first carrier. The gear train may also include a second planetary gear set, which may include a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a second carrier. Additionally, the gear train may include a first clutch configured to selectively connect the first carrier with the second carrier, as well as a second clutch configured to selectively connect the first sun gear with the second sun gear. The gear train may also include a first brake configured to selectively fix the second sun gear, as well as a second brake configured to selectively fix the first carrier.
US08491430B1
A roller chain assembly includes an attachment chain having links that carry bent leg plates extending over a frame. The leg plates each carry a number of roller pins supporting the plate against the frame at predetermined, multiple points on the plate. The chain links have connecting pins extending outwardly from the chain links that are received in grooves formed in the frame.
US08491426B2
A continuously variable transmission for motor vehicles is provided with a driving pulley (1) and with a driven pulley (2) around which is arranged a drive belt (3) which, at least when the transmission is operating, is clamped between two substantially conical pulley sheaves (4, 5) of the two pulleys (1, 2). The cone surface (10) of the pulley sheaves (4, 5) of the driving pulley (1) in a cross-section including the central pulley axis (9) is provided with a convex curvature having a radius of curvature (R10) that decreases in radially outward direction and the cone surface (10) of the pulley sheaves (4, 5) of the driven pulley (2) in a cross-section including the central pulley axis (9) is provided with a convex curvature having a radius of curvature (R10) that increases in radially outward direction.
US08491416B1
A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60), an aft body (61), and a sound modifying sole and crown design is disclosed herein. The face component, which may be composed of a metal material, (60) has a striking area portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61), which may be composed of a non-metal material such as composite or thermoplastic material, is composed of a crown portion (62) and a sole portion (64). The sound modifying design, which may include deep pockets or pillars extending from the sole portion (64) to the crown portion (62), alters the sound of the golf club head (42) when it impacts a golf ball.
US08491413B2
A metal golf club head that allows a user to customize the location of the center of gravity. The metal golf club head comprises a hollow body with a weighting port. The weighting port allows a user to place weighting material inside the hollow body, customizing the location of the center of gravity, the swing weight, the total weight, and the balance of the golf club.
US08491411B2
The subject golf clubs have a shaft and clubhead. The shaft has a tip-end coupled to the clubhead, a butt-end, a reduced-EI portion located adjacent the tip-end, and a remaining portion extending between the butt-end and the reduced-EI portion. The portions are coupled together at an interface. The remaining portion exhibits a respective rate of stiffness reduction as a function of distance from the butt-end. The reduced-EI portion is typically shorter than and has less stiffness than the remaining portion. The reduced-EI portion exhibits a respective rate (which can be zero) of stiffness reduction as a function of distance toward the tip-end. These rates can be similar or different. The interface can exhibit a greater rate in stiffness reduction than the other portions.
US08491408B2
An adjustable length golf club shaft having a grip portion with an end point is disclosed. A locking element is located within the grip portion and a lower shaft having an inner surface that is in frictional contact with the locking element is also disclosed. The locking element is configured to engage the inner surface of the lower shaft. A total length of the golf club shaft is adjustable by a distance of at least one inch and a total weight of the golf club shaft in a weight zone is less than 110 g. The weight zone is defined as a region of the golf club shaft extending from the end point of the grip portion up to 11″ along a central axis of the golf club shaft toward a tip portion of the shaft.
US08491407B2
An iron-type golf dub includes a conventional-weight section, a lightweight section and a heavyweight section. The conventional-weight section includes the hitting face and at least a portion of the hosel. The heavyweight section, made of a denser material than the conventional-weight section, includes the sole and an optional back flange. The lightweight section, made of a material less dense than either of the other sections, includes a core to which the other two sections are secured, such as by co-molding the core to the other two sections. The heavyweight section includes anchoring structures to which the lightweight section can securely attach. This arrangement maintains the overall weight of the club head compared to a similarly proportioned conventional club head while shifting the center of gravity low and aft. As such, the club head provides benefits such as forgiveness for thin shots, heel/toe shots, and provides longer drives with less roll.
US08491402B2
A swing mechanism for an infant and child swing includes a swing arm, a swing angle adjustment assembly and a PWM motor driving unit. The swing arm is driven by a motor for swinging forth and back in a first direction and a second direction. The swing angle adjustment assembly includes a knob, a connecting arm and a sensor, wherein the knob is associated with the sensor by the connecting arm thereby moving the sensor to a reference point at a swing height of the infant and child swing by turning the knob. The PWM motor driving unit inputs an adjustable voltage to the motor for driving the swing arm, and interrupting the adjustable voltage thereafter when the swing arm arrived the reference point in the first direction. A method for controlling the infant and child swing uses the swing mechanism as described above.
US08491401B2
An infant support structure includes a frame, a seat portion rotatably coupled to the frame so that the seat portion is movably coupled to the frame, an engagement member coupled to the seat portion, and a lock bar pivotally coupled to the lower portion of the frame, the lock bar movable between a first position disengaged from the engagement member thereby permitting swinging motion of the seat portion, and a second position engaging the engagement member and inhibiting swinging motion of the seat portion.
US08491399B2
Provided is a method for manufacturing an FRP member with insert which enables to reduce a machining time to improve productivity. First, a threaded hole 11 is formed in an insert 3. An FRP member 2 where at least the threaded hole 11 of the insert 3 is covered with a coating 4 made of FRP is molded. A counter-bored hole 31 that penetrates the coating 4 of the FRP member 2 to communicate with the threaded hole 11 of the insert 3 is formed, to thereby obtain an FRP component 1 with insert. Accordingly, a machining step after molding the FRP member 2 in which dry machining is required includes only the boring step of forming the counter-bored hole 31 in the FRP member 2. Thus, the machining time can be reduced, and the productivity can be improved.
US08491393B2
The present invention discloses a cheat prevention method for an online game. The method includes: determining, by the game server, a partner for a player according to information submitted by a game client terminal used by the player, and sending information of the partner of the player to the game client terminal used by the player; and refusing, by the game client terminal used by the player, to send a message to the partner of the player. The present invention also discloses a system and a client terminal in accordance with the method. The present invention can effectively prevent cheat in online games.
US08491390B2
A gaming system and method providing a plurality of games, including a first type of game and a second type of game. The gaming system includes a progressive award which includes or is in the form of a progressive number or quantity of plays of the second type of game. The gaming system enables the player to play the first type of game. The gaming system increases the progressive award based on an occurrence of one or more incrementing conditions. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system determines the progressive award to provide to the player and provides the determined award to the player.
US08491389B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel.
US08491388B2
A controller includes at least one vibrator and a vibration control unit which converts an operation input signal which is input to a predetermined operation button into a vibration control signal so as to be supplied to a vibrator. A motion sensor in a sensor unit detects vibration caused by the drive of the vibrator. Sensor output signal value obtained as a result of the detection by the sensor unit is transmitted from a wireless communication module to a game device. A game device achieves a function of automatically firing in succession in a game, based on the sensor output signal value.
US08491385B2
In accordance with the invention a player may change the size of or “scale” first game information which is displayed by one or more video displays of a wagering gaming machine relative to other displayed game information. In a preferred embodiment, the size of primary game information such as the images of playing cards or the like may be changed relative to secondary game information such as pay table, credit, and other information. The player may change the scale of displayed game information via player input, such as to a touch screen which overlays a displayed graphical slider. The size of the game information may change proportional to the distance of player input to the touch screen.
US08491382B2
A method for use with a plurality of linked gaming machines, the plurality of linked gaming machines each having a game controller. The method comprises initiating a feature at the end of the play of a game on at least one of the plurality of gaming machines, enabling a bidding sequence during the feature, the bidding sequence ending at a time that is unknown to the players playing at the plurality of the linked gaming machines, enabling at least one of the players playing at the plurality of linked gaming machines to place at least one bid during the bidding sequence, and awarding a feature award to the player who places a highest bid during the bidding sequence.
US08491380B2
Example systems and methods related to providing rewards for an online game in response to non-gaming online activities are presented. In an example, an identifier of a user related to a proposed online action not involving a game of an online gaming system is received at the online gaming system. Also received is an identification of the proposed online action. An in-game reward based at least in part on the identification of the proposed online action is determined. The in-game reward for the user is provided in response to the user performing the proposed online action.
US08491377B2
The invention described herein includes a system for playing a game on a gaming machine using non-monetary chattel. The system includes a bank for storing, depositing, and withdrawing non-monetary chattel based upon play outcome on the gaming machine. The system also includes a mechanism for relaying data regarding the non-monetary chattel between the bank and the gaming machine; and redemption mechanism for converting the non-monetary chattel in the bank to an exchange medium.
US08491362B2
In an automated deboning device for deboning a bone-in leg of livestock carcass, a clamp unit 12 suspending the work w includes a servomotor 104, a threaded shaft 106 connected to an output shaft of the servomotor 104 and a lifting and lowering block 108 threadably mounted on the threaded shaft 106. A lifting and lowering roller 92 mounted on a lifting and lowering shaft 70 travels in a traveling path 94 to lower and transfer the work w to a next work station. By bring a swinging roller 84 mounted on the lifting and lowering shaft 70 in contact with the cam plate 170, 180, 182, the lifting and lowering shaft 70 is rotated by a setting angle so that the work w faces round cutter blades 22, 64. Thus, the pathway of the round cutter blades 22, 64 can be approximately straight, thereby simplifying and reducing the cost of the moving mechanism.
US08491357B2
A crankshaft is machined by first securing it in first and second radially displaceable grippers of first and second holders rotatable about a common grinding axis and orienting the workpiece axis coaxial with the grinding axis. Then the crankshaft is released from the first gripper, and the second holder is rotated to align the first crankpin radially with the grinding axis. Subsequently the crankshaft is regripped by the first gripper and released by the second gripper and the second holder is rotated relative to the crankshaft until the second holder is aligned with its displacement direction lying in a common plane with the grinding axis and the displacement direction of the first gripper. Finally, both the grippers are shifted parallel to each other in their displacement directions to center the first crankpin on the grinding axis, and the crankshaft is about the grinding axis while machining the first crankpin.
US08491347B2
A quiescently flush resilient portion of a water jet exit channel that distends under controlled fluidic pressure to narrow the flow channel to trade off power for speed in a water-jet-powered watercraft and/or to suppress impeller cavitations during standing starts. The resilient portion may be a continuous annular portion or may be segmented for thrust vectoring. The resilient portion may be built into a water jet exit channel or may be in an add-on nozzle that can be attached to the water jet exit channel, especially for aftermarket improvements. The control system, the water jet exit structure, the water jet, and the watercraft and included. A resilient ring with top and bottom radially outwardly extending flanges mounted on a rigid ring and compressed within a canister between an annular canister floor and a compressive annular cap may provide the plenum and resilient portion of the water jet exit channel.
US08491342B1
A compliant mount for use in a connector or connection adapter is disclosed. The compliant mount may be used in a connection between a portable electronic device and another electronic device, such as a docking station. A compliant mount connector adapter may include a first end connector engageable with a portable device and a second end connector engageable with another device, the first and second end connectors coupled with a compliant mount allowing movement of the first end connector engaged with the portable device relative to the second end connector when engaged within the other electronic device. The compliant mount may include any or all of: elastomers, springs, torsion bars, elastomers, rigid members or housing, ball and socket joints, resilient bendable members, and dongles to allow for controlled resistance to bending or torsional forces applied to the portable device when connected to the other electronic device with the connector adapter.
US08491338B1
A battery connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of contact terminals, conductive terminals and elastic elements which are disposed to the insulating housing. Each elastic element is restricted between the contact terminal and the conductive terminal. The insulating housing defines a plurality of terminal cavities and two inserting slots. Each contact terminal has two resisting arms slidably located in the inserting slots. Each resisting arm protrudes downward to form an abutting arm located in the terminal cavity. Each conductive terminal has two connecting slices inserted in the inserting slots, and a holding slice stretching in the terminal cavity. An electrical connection is realized between the contact terminal and the corresponding conductive terminal by means of the resisting arms electrically abutting against the corresponding connecting slices and the abutting arms electrically clamping the holding slice therebetween under the bias of the connecting slices acting on the resisting arms.
US08491327B2
An electrical terminal component having an insulating material housing, a busbar installed in the insulating material housing and at least one clamping spring, which springs are arranged on the busbar so as to form clamping points for electrical conductors, is described. The busbar has a flat busbar region in which at least four conductor leadthrough openings, which are each surrounded by side walls projecting from the flat busbar region and a contact wall projecting from the flat busbar region and having a clamping contact point for making contact with an electrical conductor are made, two conductor leadthrough openings being arranged behind one another in the direction of longitudinal extent (T) of the conductor leadthrough openings, and at least two such pairs of conductor leadthrough openings arranged behind one another being arranged beside one another in a width direction (B) which extends over the narrow side of the conductor leadthrough openings.
US08491318B2
A thin socket allowing reception of a power source through a power source input interface, said thin socket comprising a first case, a second case, a plurality of metal clamping parts and a movable part. The second case and the first case conjunctively form a first accommodating space and the movable part is movably embedded into the first accommodating space or protrudes out of the first accommodating space. The first case has a plurality of holes used for insertion of a plurality of conductive terminals in a plug. The second case has an opening whose position on the second case corresponds to the positions of the plurality of holes on the first case. The movable part movably passes through the opening on the second case and has a second accommodating space.
US08491314B2
A connecting tab connected between an electrode terminal of a cap plate and an electrode terminal of a protection circuit module (PCM) in a secondary battery. The connecting tab includes a PCM mounting portion, a bent portion and a terminal connecting portion. The PCM mounting portion is connected to the electrode terminal of the PCM. The bent portion is extended from the PCM mounting portion and makes a predetermined angle with the PCM mounting portion, and has at least one cut-away portion formed therein. The terminal connecting portion is formed bent portion on the same plane with the bent portion, and extended in a lateral direction from an upper portion of the bent portion. Accordingly, an electrical connection between a secondary battery cell and the PCM can be performed only through a simple process by using the connecting tab provided with the bent portion.
US08491308B2
It is intended to provide an endurance test apparatus whereby the behaviors of a vessel caused by a biomechanical burden can be simulated using a relatively simple constitution so that the endurance of a medical instrument (for example, a stent or an artificial vessel after anastomosis) can be tested in a similar state to an actual vessel, and an endurance test method therefor. Namely, an endurance test apparatus (10) comprises a simulated vessel (31) made of an elastic body, first and second holding members (32, 33) respectively supporting the both ends in the axial direction of the simulated vessel (31) and making the both ends relatively rotatable and interval-adjustable, and first and second motors (14, 15) operating these holding members (32, 33). The simulated vessel (31) is supported by the first and second holding members (32, 33) in a state stretched from its inherent length under a tensile force. Due to the driving motors (14, 15), the holding members (32, 33) elongate and contract the simulated vessel (31), which is in the stretched state as described above, while twisting it.
US08491306B2
In general, the invention relates to techniques for registering a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system of a physical model of a patient's tooth structure to a 3D coordinate system of a virtual model of the same tooth structure. Techniques are described to register the complex geometries of the physical and virtual tooth structures by using a known physical characteristic of a pedestal associated with the physical model.
US08491298B2
A method is disclosed for the sealing of hard shell capsules having coaxial body parts which overlap when telescopically joined. Also described is an apparatus to seal the capsules.The method comprises the steps of holding the capsule in a precise and upright position and injecting a known quantity of sealing fluid in the overlap of the body parts.An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sealing clamp (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) to hold the capsule in an upright position and means (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65) to inject the sealing fluid in the overlap of the body parts.
US08491294B2
An extruder system for extruding material through a die/extrude insert in an opening in an extruder plate.
US08491293B2
A magazine apparatus including a plurality of receiving elements that are constructed and arranged to separately receive individual blow molds each having a plurality of parts and each configured to shape plastic-material pre-forms into plastic-material containers. The magazine apparatus being constructed and arranged to store a plurality of blow molds outside the working operational area of a blow molding machine.
US08491279B2
An electric pump for supplying a hydrogen gas to a fuel cell includes a rotary shaft rotatably inserted through an electric motor, a transmitting member provided on one of an outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the electric motor so as to be rotatable therewith, and a groove formed in the other of the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the electric motor for the transmitting member to be inserted therein. The groove transmits a rotary torque of the electric motor to the rotary shaft by contacting an inner surface of the groove and the transmitting member and has an opening width along a rotary direction of the rotary shaft which is larger than the width of the transmitting member. The groove and the transmitting member produce an impact torque when the electric pump is started.
US08491275B2
A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles has a compressor assembly; a canister assembly containing sealing fluid; and releasable connecting means defining an assembly direction and for connecting the compressor assembly to the canister assembly. The kit has a control device for controlling turn-on of the compressor assembly, and at least one movable electric terminal connected to the control device and loaded elastically into a predetermined position; and the canister assembly has a sensor, and at least one electric contact connected to the sensor and cooperating with the movable electric terminal to transmit a signal from the sensor to the control device when the canister assembly is connected to an inflatable article; the movable electric terminal being designed to exert force on the canister assembly to move the canister assembly in the assembly direction when the releasable connecting means are released.
US08491274B2
The disclosure describes a system for operating an air conditioning compressor from alternative sources. The system includes primary and secondary torque supply sources, each in communication with the input shaft of an air conditioning compressor by first and second respective pulley belts.
US08491269B2
The invention relates to a machine through which a main flow (E) of water passes, including a turbine wheel (4), with at least a turbulent zone, reduced-pressure zone or cavitation zone (8, 10, 33) being formed close to said wheel. The wheel includes blades (6) disposed between a ceiling (28) and a belt (30). The machine also includes means for injecting a flow (E2) drawn from the main flow into the aforementioned zone (8, 10, 33) such as to alter the main flow (E) locally or increase the pressure in said zone (8, 10, 33). Said injection means inject the drawn flow (E2) from the ceiling (28) or from the belt (30) through holes (31, 32) provided in the ceiling (28) or belt (30).
US08491266B2
A fluid energy conversion device comprising a plurality of adjacent fluid catching modules that may be disposed about a central drive shaft, wherein the central drive shaft may be rotatably secured to a support frame. Each of the plurality of adjacent fluid catching modules may comprise two intake elements having a first fluid capturing aperture, an overlap portion, and a second fluid capturing aperture facing a direction opposite to that of the first fluid catching aperture. Adjacent fluid catching modules may be offset from each other by a predetermined angular position, thus allowing for at least one fluid catching aperture to be facing a directional fluid energy source at all times. The plurality of fluid catching modules may comprise different widths and form an overall conical configuration or the plurality of fluid catching modules may comprise equivalent widths and form an overall cylindrical configuration.
US08491260B2
An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in TABLE A. X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances can be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08491258B2
A method for manufacturing a machine structural element from a molded composite material includes manufacturing of an abradable layer made integrally from the material of the element. The method consists in adding a filler material to the resin at the surface to be made abradable, the filler material being able to disintegrate, such as e.g. transitioning to vapor phase, during the heat treatment of polymerizing the resin in order to create porosity inside the layer. The porosity thus created provides the relevant surface with properties of abradability.
US08491257B2
A method of assembling a crank arm (100, 200, 300) and vane assembly for a variable nozzle without requiring metallurgical bonding. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of providing a vane assembly comprising a vane (120, 220, 320) joined to a vane shaft (110, 210, 310) that extends from the vane and terminates in a distal end (112, 212, 312), providing a recess (114, 214, 314) in an outer surface of the vane shaft at a location between the vane and the distal end, providing a crank arm (100, 200, 300) having an aperture (102, 202, 302) therein, inserting the distal end (112, 212, 312) of the vane shaft into the aperture (102, 202, 302) until the recess (114, 214, 314) in the vane shaft is inside the aperture, and causing a retaining member (104, 204, 304) associated with the crank arm (100, 200, 300) to engage the recess (114, 214, 314) in such a manner as to fasten the crank arm to the vane shaft in a substantially immovable manner.
US08491239B2
An assembly for locating and/or restraining a load carried on a tray of a truck or other vehicle. The assembly includes at least one line of openings such as keyholes in the tray at spaced intervals along at least a part of the length of a tray. The assembly also includes at least one chock for locating and/or restraining a load against forward or rearward movement on the tray, with the chock having a locking member that is adapted to be received in the openings so that the chock can be supported and retained in a selected position on the tray. The assembly also includes at least one bearer for locating and supporting a load, such as long products, on the tray.
US08491225B2
A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing.
US08491224B2
A plastic, corrugated open bottom chamber includes features such as one or more of (i) sub-corrugation features on corrugation crests and/or corrugation valleys, (ii) stiffening fingers on the bottom of chamber foot portions, (iii) a viewport configuration that intersects only a single corrugation crest and (iv) a unitary end wall. A method of producing chambers with or without a unitary end wall using a common mold tool is also provided. A method of interconnecting chambers to form a chamber rows is also provided.
US08491223B2
A device for watering purposes, a method for the manufacture thereof, as well as means for the manufacture thereof are disclosed. The device includes a water-collecting container extending along the intended desired area to be watered. Internally in the container, there is a transverse double partition wall, which extends from the base portion of the container up to at least half the effective height of the container. Along the outside of the container, a liquid-sucking wick extends that is connected to the internal liquid-receiving spaces of the container at a mutual distance from each other, as seen along the length extension of the container.
US08491216B2
Crash attenuator guardrail apparatus includes an impact head and a backstop having a cable and guardrails supported by guardrail supports located between the impact head and the backstop. Frictional forces are applied to the cable to control and resist movement of the impact head toward the backstop and provide lateral resistance.
US08491215B2
The present invention discloses a connector for selectively coupling a first member and a second member that are configured to move relative to each other. Each of the first member and the second member includes an opening. A connector that includes a flexible body that has a projection may be inserted within one of the members. The projection is configured to extend through the openings of the members to couple the first member to the second member. The connector also includes a mechanism that selectively couples the connector relative to the first member.
US08491214B2
An applicator tip formed of a cup-shaped, internally threaded, cap is attached to the threaded neck of a bottle containing a liquid. A tubular spout extending from a hole in the base of the cap into the neck passes liquid through the hole into a porous pad on the base for application to a surface. A continuous, flange, surrounds the spout and is spaced uniformly inwardly of the cap threads to provide an inverted wedge-shaped annular space between the flange and the cap threads. The flange resiliently presses radially outwardly, and the cap threads press radially inwardly against the bottle neck to seal against liquid escaping over the rim of the neck.
US08491208B2
A printer includes a conveying path for conveying a printing medium therealong. The printer also includes a thickness detecting unit configured to detect change in thickness of the printing medium along the conveying direction, which is conveyed along the conveying path. The printer also includes a first print unit configured to print information on one surface of the printing medium whose thickness change is detected by the thickness detecting unit, and a second print unit configured to print information on another surface of the printing medium. The printer also includes a pressure mechanism configured to press the print head against the platen of each of the first and second print units, and a control unit configured to reduce pressure applied to the print head by the pressure mechanism if the thickness of the printing medium detected by the thickness detecting unit is greater than a predetermined threshold value.
US08491206B2
A light amount adjustment device capable of adjusting the amount of light at high speed and with accuracy. When a rotary plate is rotatively driven by a motor, diaphragm blades disposed between the rotary plate and a cam plate are rotatively driven by the rotary plate in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis. When a coil disposed on the cam plate through a back yoke is energized and a magnetic field is generated around the coil, a magnetic attracting force is applied to the rotary plate rotating under the magnetic field, whereby the rotary plate is displaced toward the back yoke and frictions between the diaphragm blades and the rotary plate, etc. increase, so that rotations of the diaphragm blades are decelerated.
US08491197B2
There is provided an optical connector module in which an adhesive is interposed between a lens and a distal surface of an optical fiber, wherein the module includes a transparent positioning device and an optical fiber fixed in the positioning device. The positioning device has a lens provided to an end surface, a concave insertion portion into which the optical fiber is inserted and which is disposed so that the bottom surface in contact with the distal surface of the optical fiber is positioned opposite the lens, and a debris receiving portion that extends from the bottom surface in a radial direction of the optical fiber and has a surface continuous with the bottom surface.
US08491192B2
The present invention features a lightweight compact pump design, a cloaking pouch to block wireless signals, a rescue enclosure for a litter basket, a sliding mechanism for a tent, a shoulder strap for a sleeping bag, a holding device for a tent pole, an interchangeable fly or cover for a tent and a modular sleep system.
US08491181B2
A chronograph timepiece includes heart cams, a start-stop button, a reset-to-zero button, and a start-stop lever and a reset-to zero instruction lever operated by the start-stop button and the reset-to-zero button, respectively, for undergoing rotation around a common rotation center. A hammer operating lever rotates in a first direction when the start-stop lever rotates and rotates in a second direction when the reset-to-zero instruction lever rotates. When the hammer operating lever rotates in the second direction, a hammer lever causes the heart cams to be reset to zero by bringing hammer portions of the hammer lever into engagement with respective ones of the heart cams. When the hammer operating lever rotates in the first direction, the hammer lever causes the hammer portions to be disengaged from the heart cams.
US08491179B2
A food mixing machine (20) has an agitator (25) to mix food in a cup (C). A cup holder (31) is provided with a flexible boot (32) which receives the cup (C). The cup holder (31) is moveable through an opening (90) in the machine (20) and carries a gripping assembly (33) and an actuator assembly (34). The actuator assembly (34) is moveable relative to the gripping assembly (33) and is biased by springs (35) to maintain fingers (56) of the gripping assembly (33) in engagement with the cup (C). When it is desired to release the cup (C), a release assembly (80) overcomes the bias of the springs (35). As the cup holder (31) moves through the opening (90), the area between the cup holder (31) and the opening (90) is sealed by a seal assembly (91) so that food materials cannot go through the opening (90).
US08491177B2
A high-pressure discharge lamp comprising a translucent lamp bulb (1), which extends along a longitudinal axis of the lamp and is attached to a plastic base (2; 302), which is essentially surrounded by a metal shielded enclosure (4; 104), a metal reference ring (8; 208; 308), which is attached to an inner base part (6; 106; 306) of the plastic base (2; 302), and can is adapted to be brought into contact with a lamp module or vehicle headlight, wherein the reference ring (8; 208; 308) has at least one contact section (16; 216; 316), which is in electroconductive contact with the shielded enclosure.
US08491176B2
A light guide plate (LGP) includes a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of light incident surfaces. The first surface is a light-emitting surface. The light incident surfaces connect the first surface and the second surface. The second surface has a plurality of ring-shaped grooves. Depths of the ring-shaped grooves are gradually decreased from a place close to a center of the LGP towards places close to the light incident surfaces. Each of the ring-shaped grooves has a first ring-shaped side wall surface and a second ring-shaped side wall surface. The second ring-shaped side wall surface is opposite to the first ring-shaped side wall surface and located between a geometry center of the ring-shaped groove and the first ring-shaped side wall surface. The first ring-shaped side wall surface is a tilted surface. In addition, a light source apparatus is also provided.
US08491173B2
A light source module includes a transparent element, a plurality of light-emitting devices, and a plurality of light diffusion micro-structures. The transparent element includes a transparent substrate having a light exiting surface and a bottom surface opposite to the light exiting surface, a plurality of first notches, and a plurality of second notches. The first notches are sunken at the light exiting surface. There is a reflection surface in each of the first notches. The second notches are respectively opposite to the first notches and sunken at the bottom surface. The second notches respectively have a light incident curve-surface. The light-emitting devices are respectively disposed beside the light incident curve-surfaces. Each of the light-emitting devices has a light exiting surface capable of providing a light beam. The light exiting surface is not conformal to the light incident curve-surface. The light diffusion micro-structures are disposed on the bottom surface.
US08491171B2
The present invention provides: a reflector 3 having a main reflector 2U and second additional reflection surfaces 9, 9; a semiconductor-type light source 5U; a light shading member 12U having first additional reflection surfaces 15U, 15U; and a shades 13U, 13U, 14U, 14U. The main reflection surface 2U reflects light L1 emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 5U and then emits a light distribution pattern LP for low beam. The first additional reflection surfaces 15U, 15U and the second additional reflection surfaces 9, 9 reflect light L2 emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 5U and then emit an additional light distribution pattern LP1. As a result, the present invention can form a main light distribution pattern and prevents the leakage of the light emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 5U through the light shading member 12U.
US08491170B2
A kitchen container make of flexible material (such as a silicone elastomer) for culinary applications. The flexible material is capable of being deformed into different positions befitting different uses, in particular cooking in a microwave and in a conventional oven. Opposite openings separated by portions of two sides of a perimetric wall of the kitchen container facilitate air circulation and partial retention of vapours while cooking.
US08491169B2
A frame, a light source device and a display device that are capable of preventing a wrinkle or distortion from occurring in optical members. The frame includes a first holding face (611) opposed to a border portion on one face in a thickness direction of a first optical member (701α, 701β) having a plate shape that includes a female engagement portion (7011α, 7011β) disposed on its border portion, a male engagement portion (62α, 62β, 62γ, 62δ) having a convex shape that is arranged to be engaged with the female engagement portion (7011α, 7011β), and a second holding face (612a, 612b, 612c, 612d) opposed to an end face in a plane direction of a second optical member (702) having a sheet shape or a film shape that is smaller than the first optical member.
US08491165B2
The invention provides systems and methods for providing illumination. A lighting unit may have a support structure, and one or more light emitting elements supported by a circuit board contacting the support structure. A first optical element and a second optical element may be provided. A remote luminescent material may be provided on one or more optical elements. Light emitting elements configured to excite the luminescent material such as highly efficient light emitting diodes may be directed towards the luminescent material. The support structure may be a heat dissipating element, which may conduct heat from a heat source to a surface of the support structure. The heat dissipating element may have a passageway permitting the formation of a convection path to dissipate heat from the support structure. Such lighting units may be used to replace conventional fluorescent light tubes or other lighting devices, or may be provided as standalone lighting units.
US08491160B2
A transparent sheet usable in the state where one of surfaces thereof is adjacent to a light emitting body, wherein the other surface of the sheet is divided into a plurality of tiny areas δ having such a size that a maximum circle among circles inscribed thereto has a diameter of 0.5 μm or greater and 3 μm or less with no gap; the tiny areas δ include a plurality of tiny areas δ1 randomly selected from the plurality of tiny areas δ, and the remaining plurality of tiny areas δ2; the tiny areas δ1 each include an area δ1a along a border with the corresponding tiny area δ2, and the remaining area δ1b; the tiny areas δ2 each include an area δ2a along a border with the corresponding tiny area δ1, and the remaining area δ2b; the height of the tiny areas δ1b is d/2; the height of the tiny areas δ1a is between zero to d/2; the depth of the tiny areas δ2a is d/2; the depth of the tiny areas δ2b is between zero to d/2; and d is in the range of 0.2 μm or greater and 3.0 μm or less.
US08491148B2
A waterproof portable lamp (10) comprises a housing (12); a light source (14) including a plurality of LEDs, a power supply (16) for said light source (14) and a switch (18) for energizing said light source (14) contained within said housing (12). An opening (20) is formed in said housing (12) permitting egress of light when said light source (14) is energized. A flexible, transparent cover (22) is peripherally sealed to said opening (20) in a watertight manner and a switch activator (24) is substantially centrally located on and fixed to said flexible, transparent cover (22). The lamp (10) is activated be depressing the center of the flexible cover (22), which moves the switch activator (24) into contact with the switch (18).
US08491137B2
A mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a reflective element and an auxiliary wide angle element. The reflective element has a front surface and a rear surface and a first reflector portion and a second reflector portion, with the first reflector portion having a first reflective coating disposed thereat. The auxiliary wide angle element is disposed at a rear surface of the glass mirror substrate of the reflective element and at the second reflector portion. The auxiliary wide angle element has a glass element having a curved rear surface with a second reflective coating disposed at the curved rear surface. An optical coupling element may be disposed between a front surface of the auxiliary wide angle element and the rear surface of the reflective element, the optical coupling element may be a substantially optically clear and flexible elastomer.
US08491131B2
A projector includes a first light source section a second light source section, a light combining section adapted to combine the first light beam and the second light beam, an adjustment device adapted to adjust a light path of the first light beam and a light path of the second light beam, respectively, in two steps, an homogenizing optical system adapted to equalize the first light beam and the second light beam processed by the light combining section, a light modulation section adapted to modulate the light beam from the homogenizing optical system in accordance with image information, and a projection optical system adapted to project an image beam processed by the light modulation section.
US08491127B2
A method for automatically focusing a projector includes a projection lens, a driver device and an image capturing device. The method sets an interval step according to a focusing range of the projection lens, reads a predefined picture from a storage system of the projector, and controls the projection lens to project the picture to a projection area. The method controls the image capturing device to capture an image of the picture from the projection area when the projection lens moves at every interval step, and analyzes a contrast of each of the images to determine an optimal image from the images. The method determines a current focus of the projection lens having the optimal image as an optimal focus of the projection lens, and drives the driver device to control the projection lens to move at the optimal focus.
US08491126B2
A projector includes an optical module, a lens and a heat conducting member. The heat conducting member is disposed between the optical module and the lens. The heat conducting member is used for conducting heat from the lens to the optical module.
US08491119B2
An anaglyphic image presentation system is provided to evaluate and train a user's depth perception abilities. In embodiments, anaglyphic image target components are presented to a user on a display device. The image target components are then viewed by the user through a set of transmission filter lenses. The transmission filter lenses present and block one or more target components based on the peak wavelength transmission associated with each lens. As a result, a user perceives an anaglyphic target image that is resultant from the perceived image target components when viewed through the transmission filter lenses.
US08491106B2
A method is provided for manufacturing a liquid supply member including a transmissive member and a transmissive member, one of which having a groove, and configured to supply liquid to a liquid ejection port. The method includes bringing the transmissive member and the absorptive member into contact, with the groove inside; forming a supply passage by radiating laser light, via the transmissive member, from a plurality of first laser light sources disposed along a longitudinal direction of the groove toward a first contact portion at a periphery of the groove to weld the transmissive member and the absorptive member; and radiating laser light, via the transmissive member, from a second laser light source provided in a vicinity of a laser light source at an end of the groove in the longitudinal direction toward a vicinity portion of the absorptive member.
US08491096B2
A liquid ejecting head includes: a head main body including a nozzle opening that ejects a liquid; and a fixed plate fixed to a liquid ejecting surface of the head main body, and including an exposure opening, the nozzle opening of the head main body being formed in the liquid ejecting surface of the head main body, the nozzle opening of the liquid ejecting surface being exposed to the exposure opening. A positioning hole open to the liquid ejecting surface and positioned with respect to the nozzle opening is provided in the head main body. The fixed plate is fixed to the liquid ejecting surface so as to close the positioning hole. The fixed plate includes an extension portion protruding from the liquid ejecting surface. At least two head positioning holes are provided in the extension portion.
US08491084B2
An inkjet recording apparatus efficiently recovers defective discharge while reducing the amount of waste ink, acquires position information of a defective discharge nozzle and, based on the position information, determines whether the defective discharge has been caused by a bubble or a dust particle, and selects an ink circulation mode or a wiping mode.
US08491077B2
A printing device includes one or more engines that are attachable to and detachable from the printing device and print an image on a recording medium. Each engine includes a plurality of head modules each having a plurality of heads that eject ink, one or more data transfer control units that control an image data, pixel by pixel, the image data being subjected to print and being transferred from an upper level device, and an output control unit that requests the data transfer control unit to transfer the image data in a pixel order in accordance with an ink ejection order determined by the engine mounted on the printing device, transfers the image data having been transferred in the pixel order to the head module, in the same pixel order, that is subjected to eject ink, and make the head module eject the ink onto the recording medium.
US08491070B2
A refrigerator is provided with a casing in the form of a shell that defines an internal storage compartment, such as a freezer or fresh-food section. A door is configured on the casing to provide access to the storage compartment, with the door closing on front edges of the casing. A hinge assembly connects the door to the casing and includes a hinge bracket having an insert end that extends through one of the front edges, for example the top front edge, and is fixed to an internal surface of the casing. The hinge bracket has an opposite end that is rotationally connected to the door for hinged support of the door on the casing.
US08491068B2
A drawer assembly includes a housing, a drawer body retractably mounted on the housing, two locking members mounted in the housing, and a control bar pivotally mounted on the drawer body and having two opposite ends each provided with a locking end that is movable to lock a respective one of the locking members. Thus, when the drawer body is retracted into and received in the housing, the locking end of the control bar is locked onto the respective locking member to lock the drawer body onto the housing so that the drawer body is locked onto the housing when the drawer assembly is closed and will not be moved outward from the housing when the drawer assembly is moved or declined to facilitate the user moving or transporting the drawer assembly.
US08491067B2
An electronic device includes an enclosure and a support device. The enclosure includes a securing portion. At least two securing holes are defined in the enclosure. The support device is fixed to the enclosure. The support device includes a protective pad and at least two elastic securing feet. The protective pad is fixed to an outer surface of the enclosure. The at least two elastic securing feet radially extend from the protective pad. Each of the elastic securing feet includes a block portion and a catch portion. The securing feet extend through the securing holes respectively from the outer surface of the enclosure to an inner surface of the enclosure. Each block portion abuts the inner surface of the enclosure. Each catch portion is elastically clasped to the securing portion of the enclosure.
US08491065B2
A cabinet forming a showcase is provided and includes at least one glass door fastened on a ferrule moving along a rail, and a latch housed in the structure of the cabinet. When the door is in a locking position, the bolt of the latch is engageable in a notch formed in the ferrule or in an endpiece mounted at the end of said ferrule. This notch-includes an internally chamfered wall with a rake angle to prevent the bolt from returning to the retracted position under the effect of movement transmitted via the door as a result of residual slack between the ferrule and the rail.
US08491062B2
The technology provides vehicle wheels that can include a hub coupling portion and a spoke. The spoke can have a waved portion at a portion of the spoke in the radial direction of the wheel and can be decreased in section modulus at a cross section of the portion of the spoke taken along a plane perpendicular to the radial direction of the wheel. The waved portion can be formed by displacing the spoke bottom wall and/or the spoke reinforcing walls in the axial direction of the wheel.
US08491061B2
A system for reducing ambient dust during drilling in a mine tunnel comprising securing a wire mesh upon the tunnel wall at the work area and temporarily suspending an attachment plate upon the wire mesh by hooks and a depending springy cable. A horizontally extending, rotatable arm having a rotatable clamp on its end is connected to the plate. The clamp holds the end of a water spray hose which may be manually directed to spray water on debris at the work area to reduce dust from the. debris/ The attachment my be moved from place to place along the tunnel wall and the waters spray redirected accordingly.
US08491058B2
A vest includes a vest body having a back portion, a first side portion connected to the back portion and a second side portion connected to the back portion. The first side portion has a first outer surface and the second side portion has a second inner surface. The first side portion has a first connector and the second side portion has a second connector so that when the first side portion overlaps the second side portion the first connector joins to the second connector connecting the first side portion and the second side portion in a closed position. A belt has a first end and a second end that are connectable so that the belt surrounds the back portion, the first side portion and second side portion of the vest body when the first end and the second end are connected in a connected position.
US08491051B2
A canopy adjusting mechanism comprises a base including a coupling fixture and a holder plate, and a rotary part fixedly joined with the canopy and pivotally coupled with the holder plate for defining a rotation axis of the canopy. The coupling fixture is adapted to affix on a support frame, and the holder plate is adapted to detachably assemble with the coupling fixture. One of the holder plate and the rotary part comprises at least a first and second latching groove, and the other one of the holder plate and the rotary part has a detent operable to engage with either of the first and second latching groove for holding the canopy respectively at a first and second angular position.
US08491050B2
A front-end part of a motor vehicle has a front panel with air inlet openings in a central region and lateral regions. A central air-guiding element (14) is positioned behind a central air inlet opening in the front panel and a lateral air-guiding element (15) is positioned behind at least one lateral air inlet opening in the front panel. An air scoop (18) is arranged between the central air-guiding element (14) and at least one lateral air-guiding element (15). The air scoop (18) can be moved between a pre-installation position where the air scoop is spaced from the central air-guiding element and an installation position where the air scoop is placed against or connected to the central air-guiding element.
US08491042B2
An energy-absorbing cowl structure for a vehicle is provided. The structure includes a first portion and a curved second portion extending from the first portion. A length of the first portion varies along a dimension of the cowl structure.
US08491034B1
A recreation vehicle has forward and rearward ends, sides, and a roof. At least one of the laterally spaced sides is a functional side with a rectangular vertical side aperture. A slide-out room has forward and rearward ends, a floor, a ceiling, sides, and a roof. Supports are extendable through the side aperture and reciprocably couple the slide-out room and the recreational vehicle. A roof aperture of a size to permit movement of a user there through is formed in the roof of the slide-out room. A hatch covers the roof aperture.
US08491033B2
A door trim for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a fixed body including an opening and a movable body that opens and closes the opening. At least one of the fixed body and the movable body includes an attachment portion. The door trim comprises an elongate shape and a cover. The cover is attached along the attachment portion in a manner to cover the attachment portion. The door trim comprises a reinforcing member for reinforcing the cover. The reinforcing member is provided between the cover and the attachment portion to directly oppose the attachment portion. At least one of the cover and the reinforcing member is directly assembled to the attachment portion.
US08491029B2
A tonneau cover device of a vehicle equipped with a rear opening portion formed at a rear portion of a vehicle body, a back door to open and close the rear opening portion, and a rear baggage compartment formed in front of the rear opening portion, comprises a tonneau board provided so as to extend substantially horizontally over the rear baggage compartment, the tonneau board comprising plural split boards which are split in a vehicle longitudinal direction, longitudinally-adjacent split boards being coupled to each other via a hinge portion extending in a vehicle width direction, and first and second connecting members as a folding mechanism pulling upwardly the split boards when the back door is opened so that the split boards bend around the hinge portion.
US08491026B1
A modification to a robot end of arm tool to improve the retention of pail goods during transport by the tool includes affixing to the lower surface of a of rigid, planar, substrate, one or more pail lifting apparatus, each apparatus including a plurality of pail engaging fingers and a spacer block mounted to the substrate between the plurality of fingers. Each finger includes a flipper arm that is selectively, hydraulically controllable to move from a vertical to a horizontal position. When the flipper arm is in the horizontal position, it is able to physically engage the outer surface or ledge of an associated pail to provide support to the pail. The spacer block, located above the lid of the associated pail, when the pail is engaged by the plurality of fingers, restricts vertical movement of the pail during transport. The combination of fingers and a spacer block form one pail lifting apparatus. Multiple such apparatus may be affixed to the tool substrate.
US08491020B2
A tongue latch with a protection comprising a metal part folded to form a first longitudinal extension and a second longitudinal extension, the longitudinal extension terminates with a circular form having a squared hole, wherein the second extension has a lowered edge with special cuttings to lock the protection is provided. The protection comprises a hollow part made from a plastic material with low coefficient of friction and a mouthpiece with thin walls to better adjust to the dimensions of the tongue.
US08491017B2
An engagement section of a holder is engaged with a metal gasket, the gasket is received in a tubular section, and the tubular section is fitted in a step of a connection pipe. Another connection pipe is placed close to and facing the connection pipe that holds the gasket through the holder, and a center ring is installed surrounding the outer peripheries of the flanges. While a trapezoidal section having slopes which define both sides is inserted into a groove, center ring segments are closed to form a ring shape. A bolt which penetrates through a cutout of a segment is screwed into a threaded hole of the segment. The screwing of the bolt causes the amount of insertion of the trapezoidal section, which has slopes which define both sides, into the groove to be increased. As a result, the distance between flanges is reduced and the contact pressure of projections against both sides of the gasket is increased.
US08491016B2
Formation of a sterile connection includes inserting a first aseptic coupling device into a second aseptic coupling device, removing a first membrane from the first aseptic coupling device and a second membrane from the second aseptic coupling device, and rotating a locking clip on the first aseptic coupling device to compress a first seal member of the first aseptic coupling device with a second seal member of the second aseptic coupling device to form a sterile fluid passageway.
US08491014B2
An end connector of a corrugated tube made of plastic material has a tubular elastomeric body produced by co-molding onto an end of the corrugated tube. The elastomeric body includes a connection portion arranged outside the corrugated tube and shaped for connection to an external component, and by an anchorage portion arranged inside the corrugated tube so as to fill grooves of the corrugated wall. A tubular insert which is made of plastic material and is partially incorporated in the elastomeric body and has a stem portion extending inside the corrugated tube and a flange portion which is in abutment with the end of the corrugated tube. The stem portion includes an anchorage zone provided with lateral ducts, in the region of the anchorage zone the stem portion of the insert is attached to the corrugated tube by the anchorage portion of the elastomeric body.
US08491012B2
A tube coupling including a body having a bore and an open end, a slidably movable jaw ring received in the bore, a bushing fitted into the body open end having a surface facing the movable jaw and defining a stationary jaw, and a resiliently expandable grab ring disposed in the bore between the movable and stationary jaw. With a tube end being inserted into the bore and through the grab ring, and with the tube being grabbed by the grab ring to retain the tube end in the bore, the movable jaw is responsive to fluid pressure received within the tube to slidably move towards the stationary jaw face such that a portion of the grab ring is clamped therebetween.
US08491011B2
A one-piece device for keeping a pair of skis together includes: (a) two opposite outer longitudinal side walls, each including a substantially straight central section; (b) two opposite, substantially straight end walls, an end of each end wall being connected with a corresponding end of one of the longitudinal side walls; (c) an inner longitudinal wall between the outer longitudinal side walls, which is attached at its opposite ends to the opposite end walls, and which includes a substantially straight central section; (d) preferably at least one convolution in each of the outer longitudinal side walls, and at least one convolution in the inner longitudinal wall; and (e) the inner longitudinal wall dividing an interior of the ski holder device into two substantially equal sized, ski-receiving, open-ended channels. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.
US08491008B2
An inflatable active bolster for a vehicle occupant, the bolster having a first body section and a second body section interconnected by a living hinge. The first and second body sections are folded about the living hinge to form a hollow chamber. The first body section provides an outer surface for facing the vehicle occupant, while the second body section provides a support surface for coupling the inflatable active bolster to a vehicle. At least one of the first and second body sections provides at least one expansible element such that upon pressurization of the hollow chamber, at least a portion of the at least one expansible element undergoes deformation to permit inflation of the hollow chamber, thereby displacing the outer surface of the first body section outwardly to an extended position.
US08491006B2
An airbag device is provided in which since part of a base fabric of the airbag (16) excluding an occupant restraining face (16d) is joined by stitchings (S1 to S3) having breaking strengths that increase in going from an already deployed portion toward a not yet deployed portion, during the process of deploying the airbag by gas generated by an inflator, the stitchings (S1 to S3) of the airbag (16) break from the already deployed portion toward the not yet deployed portion, and the airbag (16) is continuously inflated from the occupant restraining face (16d) side toward the inflator side. As a result, it is possible to stabilize the shape of the airbag (16) during the process of deployment and to inflate the occupant restraining face (16d) of the airbag (16) at an early stage, thus ensuring occupant restraining performance. Further, since the airbag (16) is provided with a vent hole (16e) on a base (16c) side, maintaining the vent hole (16e) in a closed state until the airbag (16) is completely deployed enables the airbag (16) to be quickly deployed, and opening the vent hole (16e) after deployment of the airbag (16) is completed can prevent the internal pressure from increasing excessively.
US08491001B2
An air bag device for a people protection system of a vehicle, having a folded air bag which forms an air bag package having a length and a height. An inlay element, directly connected to and/or placed into the air bag, is provided having a length which essentially corresponds to the length of at least a section of the air bag package and having a height which essentially corresponds to the height of the air bag package. The inlay element is provided and arranged to define the folded air bag regarding its cross-section dimensions and to thereby fix it with desired cross-section dimensions. The inlay element is designed as an elongated flat section and is made of multiple segments, succeeding one another in the longitudinal direction of the air bag. At least one segment of the inlay element has a bore.
US08491000B2
A folding stroller comprises a stroller frame and a foldable and detachable seat (4), the stroller frame (10) having a supporting rack (14) for providing a first engaging site (2) and a second engaging site (3). The foldable and detachable seat (4) can connect to the stroller frame (10) at the first engaging site (2) and the second engaging site (3), and can be released from the first engaging site (2) by folding its seat back (42), and thereafter disengaging from the second engaging site (3) by pulling a releasing member (64).
US08490992B2
A vehicle suspension arrangement for a vehicle of the type having a chassis rail and a longitudinal axle arranged substantially orthogonal to the chassis rail has a primary spring with a predetermined resilience characteristic coupled to the chassis of the vehicle and to the longitudinal axle. A primary leaf spring is pivotally coupled to the chassis of the vehicle at first and second ends, and an axle coupler portion is arranged intermediate of the first and second ends. A secondary leaf spring has a first end for pivotally coupling to the chassis of the vehicle, and a second end for coupling to the axle. A deflection limiting element is coupled to a selectable one of the primary and secondary leaf springs for controlling a distance therebetween. The deflection limiting element is configured as a J-shaped spring element.
US08490989B2
An axle-to-beam connection for axle/suspension systems includes a connector having a U-shaped cross section and includes two pairs of legs. Each of the legs is formed with an opening. The connector extends longitudinally along the axle and is also formed with a pair of window weld openings adjacent to the axle. The connector provides a conforming fit of the connector to the axle when the connector is pulled over the axle using the leg openings and is attached to the axle and beam of the axle/suspension system.
US08490978B2
Targets including bifacial target areas adjoining four planar extension arms that meet at a center and are set at angles of 109.5 degrees between adjacent arms. A method including providing a pair of symmetrical target portions each having two bifacial target areas adjoining extension arms that meet along a centerline. Slits are provided at centerline apexes, and the slits the two portions are merged. The two target portions are welded together along the merged slits. A method including positioning a target on a surface, with one extension arm projecting upward. A firearm is aimed at a face of the bifacial target area adjoined to the upwardly projecting arm. The firearm is fired to impact the face, the impact causing the target to flip into a new position The firearm is then aimed at a face of the bifacial target area adjoined to the new upwardly projecting extension arm.
US08490967B2
To provide a medium storing and advancing apparatus which orderly piles up bills even when not flat. The medium storing and advancing apparatus includes a tongue piece roller having tongue pieces having the length thereof predetermined. While the tongue piece roller is rotated to slap the rear end of a bill with the tongue pieces to orient the latter downward, the front end of a following bill is superimposed on the downward-oriented rear end of the preceding bill.
US08490960B2
A sheet processing apparatus is provided with a conveying path forming member that forms a sheet conveying path having a curved portion through which a front edge of the sheet passes, a sheet conveying unit that conveys the sheet along the sheet conveying path, a sheet folding unit that folds the sheet along the folding line in the sheet conveying path, and then conveys the sheet toward a discharge direction with the folding line discharged first as a front edge, and a sheet position defining unit that defines a position of the front edge of the sheet in the curved portion of the sheet conveying path so that a target position of the folding line on the sheet coincides with a folding position of the sheet folding unit. The sheet position defining unit can adjust an inclination of the front edge of the sheet.
US08490952B1
An apparatus for minimizing the transmission of vibrations from an un-sprung mass object to a sprung mass object through continuous control of system natural frequency and damping ratio including an air spring, a source of high pressure compressible gas, a vacuum source, a variable volume accumulator and a gas flow rate control valve to allow specified gas flow between the air spring and the accumulator thus generating variable system natural frequency and damping ratio.
US08490951B2
A high pressure water injection humidifier includes a high pressure pump driven by a stepper motor, which provides pressurized water to a plurality of exit nozzles, each exit nozzle having a precision orifice that atomizes the pressurized water into a mist, where the volume rate of the mist is dependent only on the motor speed and the diameter of the precision orifice. Proper nozzle flow can be determined by monitoring the torque of the stepper motor.
US08490950B2
A gate valve has a body, the body having a cavity and a flow passage intersecting the cavity. A seat ring is mounted to the body at the intersection of the flow passage and the cavity, the seat ring having an engaging face. A gate in the cavity has an engaging face that slidingly engages the face of the seat ring while being moved between open and closed positions. A friction-resistant coating is on at least one of the faces.
US08490949B2
A valve body defines a valve stem opening. A valve stem comprises an enlarged portion greater than the valve stem opening to thereby secure the valve stem within the valve body by limiting radially outward movement of the valve stem with respect to the valve body. A rotary member comprise upper and lower bosses. Upper and lower split trunnions, with split components that can be inserted from opposite sides of the valve body, are used to rotationally support the upper and lower bosses to permit rotation of the rotary member while preventing axial movement of the axial flow path of the valve.
US08490945B2
A valve includes a valve body, a valve element to selectively control flow through the valve, and a seal member and seat member together providing a fluid-tight seal between a valve cavity and a fluid passage in the valve body. A live-loaded biasing member is adapted to apply a live-loaded sealing force to the seat member to bias the seat member toward sealing engagement with the valve element. When the pressure in the fluid passage exceeds the pressure in the valve cavity, an unbalanced passage pressure load biases the seat member toward sealing engagement with the valve element. When the pressure in the valve cavity exceeds the pressure in the fluid passage, an unbalanced cavity pressure load biases the seat member toward sealing engagement with the valve element. The live-loaded sealing force is in parallel with each of the unbalanced passage pressure load and the unbalanced cavity pressure load.
US08490943B2
A valve of a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system includes an actuator with a housing and a shaft which is arranged at least partially in the housing and which can be coupled directly or indirectly to the valve such that the valve can be adjusted during a rotation of the shaft. A hand-operated element can be coupled to the shaft via an overload clutch arranged between the hand-operated element and the shaft which limits a torque which is transmitted onto the shaft by the hand-operated element to a predetermined maximum value. The overload clutch has a coupling element and a replaceable spring element which presses the coupling element against the shaft such that the maximum value for the transmittable torque is dependent on the replaceable spring element.
US08490930B2
A telescopic supportive apparatus includes an external tube, an internal tube, a mount, a toothed wheel, a handle, a first detent and a second detent. The internal tube is telescopically inserted in the external tube and formed with a series of recesses. The mount is secured to the external tube. The toothed wheel is supported on the mount and formed with teeth for insertion in the recesses. The handle is supported on the mount. The first detent is movably located on the mount and formed with a ratchet for engagement with the teeth. The second detent is movably located on the mount and formed with a ratchet for engagement with the teeth. The damping unit is located on the mount for damping the spinning of the toothed wheel and therefore the insertion of the internal tube into the external tube.
US08490924B2
A method for launching counter-measures from a launch opening of a dispenser mounted on an aeroplane. The counter-measures are launched in a direction obliquely forwards and downwards relative to the aeroplane. In order to facilitate launching of counter-measures, a low dynamic pressure is created permanently across the launch opening of the dispenser by a fixed element acting on the air stream. An arrangement for storing and launching counter-measures including an elongate body provided with at least one launch opening used for storing the counter-measures in compartments. The arrangement is designed to be mounted on an aeroplane with the longitudinal direction of the elongate body essentially coinciding with the flight direction of the aeroplane. The counter-measures are connected to a firing control unit for feeding firing signals to the counter-measures. The arrangement is designed to be mounted under the aeroplane. The compartments include openings and are intended for launching the counter-measures in a direction obliquely forwards and downwards relative to the aeroplane.
US08490921B2
A line system arrangement in an aircraft or spacecraft having a fuselage includes at least one receiving region for receiving at least one component of a line system, wherein the at least one receiving region is accessible, at least in some sections, from outside the fuselage of the aircraft and spacecraft for installation and/or maintenance of the line system; and an aircraft or spacecraft with a corresponding arrangement.
US08490919B2
A retractable helicopter landing gear has a suspension structure supporting one wheel, and is movable between a withdrawn position, to reduce drag on the helicopter, and a lowered position for landing and takeoff of the helicopter. The landing gear also has a skid, which is located between the axis of rotation of the wheel and the periphery of the wheel, is diametrically opposite the suspension structure, and is connected to the suspension structure by a connecting device having a torsion bar.
US08490912B2
An arbor mounted disc adjusting apparatus includes a tube that has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall has a pair of elongated breaks therein extending through the first and second ends to partition the tube into a first section and a second section. A coupler retains the first and second sections together in a tubular configuration. An actuation assembly is mechanically coupled to the first and second sections to selectively move the first and second sections toward or away from each other. A plurality of separator discs is mounted on the tube so that the tube extends through the discs. The discs are movable on the tube when the first and second sections abut each other and are retained in place by friction between the discs and the tube when the first and second sections are moved apart from each other.
US08490908B2
A spinning-reel drag switch device includes a return mechanism. The return mechanism includes a first arm, a second gear member, and a press member. The first arm is configured to pivot in conjunction with the operation member. The second gear member rotates about an axis that is positioned to interpose the rotation shaft between the axis and a spool such that a distance between the axis and a fishing-rod attachment is greater than a distance between a handle rotation shaft and the fishing-rod attachment. The second gear member is configured to receive rotation force from the first gear member. The press member is mounted to the second gear member to press the first arm. The return mechanism presses the first arm in conjunction with rotation of the handle in a fishing line winding direction to return the operation member to a first position from a second position.
US08490903B2
A thickness detecting system for a paper shredder having a lever arm extending into the shredder's throat. One or more sensors may be in communication with the lever arm and configured to measure the rotation of the lever. A first maximum thickness and second maximum thickness may correspond to the paper inserted into the throat before and during shredder, respectively. Circuitry may reverse the motor when the thickness is exceeded to ease the removal of the paper and to prevent further shredding. A touch structure and the preferential power supply switch may be used to engagingly interact with each other, so that the motor can be switched off when the plate is selectively positioned to close the paper feed opening, can be switched on when the plate is selectively positioned to open the feed opening, and can be switched off when unexpected items are introduced into the feed opening.
US08490898B2
An electrostatic spraying device comprises a capillary spray electrode having a spraying end, a reference electrode, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the spray electrode. In use, the electrodes are connected across a generator in order to establish an electric field between the electrodes and cause fluid in the reservoir to be sprayed from the spray electrode. The spray electrode has a focus that defines a point at which the electric field is focussed on the spraying end.
US08490891B2
A washing fluid supply structure of a water outlet device and a shower device, is arranged in the water supply pipeline of the water outlet device. It has a container for washing liquid, and a fluid supply device disposed in a main body which is a water flow pipeline. The upper end of the water flow pipeline is connected with a water supply pipeline, and the lower end of the water flow pipeline is connected with the water outlet device. A connecting pipe connects the container to the fluid supply device. The washing liquid flows into the fluid supply device through a pathway of one-way valves. The fluid supply device is connected to the water outlet device through a washing fluid delivery pipe. The washing liquid in the fluid supply device flows into the water outlet device through the pathway.
US08490890B2
A bathing apparatus includes an in-line mixing unit and a hand operated injecting unit. The mixing unit is coupled between a water supply pipe and a water dispensing device, such as a showerhead and is in fluid communication with the hand operated injection unit. The injection unit, upon user demand, draws a controllable predetermined quantity of bathing fluid from a standard off the shelf purchased bottle of bathing fluid, such as a bottle of bath oil, and then ejects, upon user demand and in a hands free operation, the drawn bathing fluid, at a user selected flow rate. The ejected bathing fluid passes to the mixing unit which causes the ejected bathing fluid to be mixed within a stream of water being delivered to the water dispensing device.
US08490889B2
A scent dispenser is provided to dispense liquid scent during a hunt for wild game. The inventive scent dispenser uses age old scientific and natural phenomena to enhance the speed of the wind. The provided dispenser uses a venturi wind channel to accomplish a wind speed increase. Supported at its center of gravity from above or below, allowing rotation, the funnel shaped wind channel is continuously aligned with the wind direction by a wind vane. Liquid scent is introduced in the constricted section of the venturi wind channel where the wind velocity is increased. This increased wind speed, and continuous alignment to wind direction, enhances the vaporization of liquid scents that attract wild game, and that mask the scent of a hunter from the wild game's keen sense of smell.
US08490881B2
An apparatus comprising: an assembly of components; a battery that is not part of the assembly of components and is configured for assembly by a user of the apparatus with the assembly of components; and a radio frequency identification tag arranged to have operational characteristics automatically dependent upon whether the battery is assembled with the assembly of components, wherein the apparatus has a first configuration in which the battery is not assembled with the assembly of components and the radio frequency identification tag is fully operational and the apparatus has a second configuration in which the battery is assembled with the assembly of components and the radio frequency identification tag is not fully operational.
US08490880B2
An identification token includes a body and an RFID IC embedded in the body. An antenna is also embedded in the body and is coupled to the RFID IC. A control integrated circuit (CIC) is embedded in the body and coupled to the antenna. A sensor is embedded in the body and is coupled to the CIC. The sensor is actuatable by a user of the identification token.
US08490879B2
The present invention relates to a security element for securing data carriers, having a three-layer thin-film element (20) composed of a reflection layer (22), an absorber layer (26) and a dielectric spacing layer arranged between the reflection layer and the absorber layer (24). According to the present invention, the reflection layer (22), the absorber layer (26) and the dielectric spacing layer (24) are coordinated with each other in such a way that, for viewing from the absorber layer side (26) at all viewing angles (28, 28′) and in the entire visible spectral range, the thin-film element exhibits a very low reflection and appears black.
US08490877B2
A digital-imaging based system for and method of reading graphical indicia, including code symbols, on objects such as, but not limited to, code symbol menus by the user simply pointing his or her finger at the particular code symbol on the code symbol menu to be read, while digital images of the code symbol menu and the pointing finger are automatically captured, buffered and processed.
US08490872B2
In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to a light-powered smart card and associated methods for automated information (static and dynamic) exchange pursuant to a commercial transaction. In a typical embodiment, the card (e.g., a credit card, a debit card and/or a smart card) comprises (among other things) an energy component for providing power to the card. Upon powering up via a light source, including light from the interfacing terminal's backlight, a terminal (e.g., a point of sale terminal) will scan/read card information shared between the card and the card company (e.g., upon swiping or placing of the card), and generate a corresponding source validation code (SVC). An optional imager/image array positioned on the back of the card will scan/read the SVC, and card validation code (CVC) logic on the card will generate a CVC based on the SVC (e.g., based on a validation result of the SVC).
US08490871B1
The present disclosure provides a number of systems and associated processes for using machine-readable codes to perform a transaction. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for consolidating and replacing various forms of payment (e.g. credit cards, debit cards, and cash) with a single payment system. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for reordering a product provided by a product provider. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for accepting a gift, or gift transaction, associated with a gift card. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for performing an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) transaction using a machine-readable code.
US08490861B1
A computer-implemented method for providing security information about quick response codes may include (1) identifying a matrix barcode embedded in a web page, (2) determining that the matrix barcode includes a link to an Internet resource, (3) determining the trustworthiness of the Internet resource referenced by the matrix barcode, and then (4) augmenting the matrix barcode with a visual augmentation that is based at least in part on the trustworthiness of the Internet resource. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08490853B2
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion; an actuation assembly operatively supported at a proximal end of the body portion; an anvil assembly movably mounted at the distal end of the body portion for movement toward and away from the body portion; an approximation assembly extending between the body portion and the anvil assembly for moving the anvil toward and away from the tubular body portion; a dispersion assembly operatively associated with the approximation assembly, the dispersion assembly including at least one angled surface defining at least one channel interposed between the anvil assembly and the body portion and being configured to dispense a fluid therefrom; and at least one conduit for conducting wound treatment material to the dispersion assembly.
US08490852B2
There is provided a surgical instrument including a handle having an elongated tubular member extending distally from the handle and one or more end effectors mounted on the distal end of the elongate tubular member. A driver is movably mounted within the handle and elongate tubular member in order to operate the end effectors. The surgical instrument includes an energy storage mechanism for storing and providing energy to move the driver and thereby actuate the surgical instrument. Various actuation mechanisms are disclosed which are operable on the energy storage mechanism to control the rate of release of the energy stored in the energy storage mechanism.
US08490847B2
An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.
US08490839B2
In a filtering dispenser container which includes a plug attached to a mouth portion of a bottle thereof and having a liquid discharge passage, and a filter and a check valve provided in the discharge passage, air lock is prevented, even if the container contains a highly percolative liquid, by preventing a very small amount of liquid percolating the check valve from reaching the filter. In the filtering dispenser container, a dam (14) is provided between the check valve (23) and the filter (25) for retaining a very small amount of the liquid percolating the check valve (23) when the check valve is closed. Thus, the filter (25) is prevented from being wetted with the liquid percolating the closed check valve (23) during storage or delivery of the container before the first use of the container.
US08490822B1
A combination beverage mixer and strainer is disclosed, comprising a first container and a second container, each container having a closed end, an open end, a peripheral wall defining an interior space therein. The area of each open end is greater than the area of each closed end. The first container includes a straining edge of the peripheral wall proximate the periphery of the open end and having a plurality of apertures traversing therethrough. The area of the open end of the second container is greater than the area of the closed end thereof but smaller than the area of the open end of the first container. The open end of the second container may be inserted fully into the open end of the first container such that the peripheral wall of the second container contacts the peripheral wall of the first container below the straining edge so that the internal spaces of each container are sealed and the contents of the containers shaken and mixed. The open end of the second container may then be partially pulled away from the first container to expose the straining edge of the first container, such that the internal spaces of each container are unsealed at the plurality of apertures and the contents of the containers may be strained thereby.
US08490816B1
An apparatus for inspecting discarded items prior to disposal has a receptacle suitable for fitting on an opening of a disposal container, a tray pivotally mounted in the inner opening of the receptacle so as to be movable between a generally horizontal first position and an angularly disposed second position, a handle connected to the tray and extending radially outwardly therefrom, and a latch cooperative with the handle for fixing the tray in the first position and for releasing the tray from the first position when a lifting force is applied to the handle. The second position is suitable for allowing discarded articles to pass into the container.
US08490811B2
A compactly foldable storage pouch includes a pair of resilient wire loops, a front fabric panel disposed over and covering the interior portion of the first wire loop, a rear fabric panel disposed over and covering the interior portion of the second wire loop, at least one sidewall fabric panel joining the wire loops, the side fabric panel circumscribing at least a portion of the periphery of the wire loops and defining an opening between the front and rear fabric panels and the opposing lateral ends of the sidewall fabric panel and a plurality of removeable lateral cross-members are positionable between the pair of wire loops to maintain the foldable pouch in an expanded configuration. Upon removal of the cross-members, adjacent wire loops can be twisted into a figure-8 configuration and folded over on itself to assume a compact, generally circular flat configuration for packaging, shipment and eventual storage by the user.
US08490803B2
A baby bottle including a nipple and separable compartments for holding powdered formula and water. By sliding or rotating a knob to a pre-selected mix position, apertures in the separable compartments are aligned thereby allowing mixture of the powdered formula from an upper compartment into a lower compartment containing the water. The bottle is shaken to thoroughly mix the formula and the water, after which, the bottle and formula mix are ready to use.
US08490798B2
A particular stacking configuration may be used for installing or orienting a plurality of hydrocyclones in a vessel in order to reduce vessel size and make process systems more compact at higher flow rates. Vessel size and footprint reduction may be achieved by stacking one or more hydrocyclone packs, modules or groups one above the other in a vertically oriented vessel.
US08490784B2
An article for smokers comprises a main body (1) of elongate form exhibiting a first end (11) and a second end (12). The main body (1) has a cavity (4) accessible from outside at the second end (12) adapted for receiving the lit end portion of a cigarette. An element (5), which is associated to the second end (12), is provided with a base (51) and with a cutting profile (52) for cutting the cigarette. The element (5) is translatable with respect to the second end (12) of the main body (1) between an open position (A) of the cavity (4) of the main body (1) and a closed position (C) of the cavity (4), with the displacement of the element (5) from the open position (A) to the closed position (C) determining the cutting of the cigarette by means of the cutting profile (52).
US08490781B2
A transport container system for spectacle lenses includes a base container having first and second insert receptacles. A first pair of identical inserts for the first and second insert receptacles are provided and each insert has a spectacle lens receptacle for receiving a spectacle lens in a positionally oriented manner. The inserts are insertable into the first and second insert receptacles so that the geometrical centers of the spectacle lenses are arranged at a first distance from one another. A second pair of identical inserts differing from the first pair is provided for the first and second insert receptacles. The inserts each have a spectacle lens receptacle for receiving a spectacle lens in a positionally oriented manner and are insertable into the first and second insert receptacles so that the geometrical centers of the spectacle lenses received therein are arranged at a second distance different from the first distance.
US08490775B2
A multiplex grouping apparatus for grouping sequentially fed articles includes at least one loading station with a feed sensor, at least one unloading station with a discharge sensor and at least two conveying devices. The conveying devices include a plurality of mechanically interconnected carriers and each conveying device can be moved by a respective controllable drive, which can be activated by a central control device using a respective speed controller. Articles can be transferred onto the carriers from each loading station and articles can be transferred from the carriers into each unloading station with each conveying device, during transfer of an article from the loading station to one of the carriers, moving synchronously with the feed sensor and, during transfer of an article into the unloading station, moving synchronously with the discharge sensor. Between transfer operations, the multiplex grouping apparatus accelerates and decelerates articles so that the spacing between two articles corresponds to a dimension predetermined by the grouping.
US08490768B2
A pressure plate is movable in an axial direction to cause multiple driving friction plates and driven friction plates to come in pressure contact with each other. The pressure plate is biased by a clutch spring in a direction to bring the driving friction plates and the driven friction plates in pressure contact with each other. When acceleration torque is changed, an assist mechanism increases the pressure-contact force of the pressure plate. A pressure plate and a clutch inner are connected together and are capable of being separated from each other in an axial direction. When an assist mechanism increases a pressure-contact force of the pressure plate, the pressure plate is moved in a direction to bring driving and driven friction plates into pressure contact with each other, while the clutch inner is moved relative to the pressure plate in the same direction so as to be detached from the pressure plate.
US08490764B2
A portable wardrobe storage and changing device for transporting uniforms and costumes to a performance site and then convert into a private changing station. The device includes a rigid internal frame with a lower frame and a perpendicularly aligned upward extending frame member. Attached to the lower frame are two wheels. Extending around the frame is a four-sided elongated bag with an adjustable upper lid. The elongated bag also includes a first vertical slide connector and a second horizontal slide connector that allows the bag to selectively opened or closed around the internal frame. Disposed between the lid and the elongated bag is a third slide connector that allows three edges of the lid to be selectively detached from the bag. When the three slide connectors are detached, the lid may be lifted and the two side panels and the two front panel sections maybe opened and extended to form a changing station.
US08490762B2
A magnetorheological (MR) piston ring includes an MR-piston-ring body disposable within a cylinder of an MR damper along a central longitudinal axis. The MR-piston-ring body has a radially inner surface defining a boundary of a longitudinally-extending MR passageway. The MR-piston-ring body includes a surface portion which is slidingly engagable with the cylinder and which has first and second longitudinal ends. The surface portion includes at least one surface groove each defining a secondary MR passageway and extending between the first and the second longitudinal ends. The surface groove is substantially straight and tilted with respect to a line drawn on the surface portion parallel to the central longitudinal axis. An MR damper including the MR piston ring is also described.
US08490761B2
A suspension device (S) comprises: an actuator (A) including a motion conversion mechanism (T) for converting a linear motion to a rotational motion and a motor (M) connected to a rotary member (1) which performs the rotational motion in the motion conversion mechanism (T); a fluid pressure damper (D) connected to a linear motion member (2) which performs the linear motion in the motion conversion mechanism (T); an outer cylinder (27) connected to the actuator (A); and a bearing (34) attached to a rod (31) or a cylinder (32) connected to the linear motion member (2) of the fluid pressure damper (D) and slidably contacting with the inner circumference of the outer cylinder (27). This suspension device can improve reliability and vehicle ride quality.
US08490759B2
A drum brake (10) is provided which has a pair of brake pads (12), each pad being moveable generally radially outwardly into contact with a brake drum by a respective operating lever (14) which is acted on at one end by a brake applying means (15) and pivoted (16) at the other end from a backplate (11). Each pad is contacted by a portion (14c) of the respective operating lever intermediate the lever ends and is moved radially outwardly between a pair of circumferentially spaced abutments (45) which extend generally perpendicular to the backplate (11) and which react braking torque when the brake is applied. The required pad to drum clearance is established by knock-back of the drum on the pads (12).
US08490757B2
A brake mechanism for a stroller includes an axle, a wheel and at least one brake fixing seat disposed at an inner side of the wheel. The brake fixing seat includes a brake assembly and a fixing seat. The brake assembly includes a pedal assembly and a brake member. The brake member has at least one abutting portion and at least one brake arm. The brake assembly includes a pushing member for pushing the abutting portion. A brake hub is disposed at the inner side of the wheel. A plurality of recesses is formed on the brake hub and arranged compactly. The axle passes through the pedal assembly, the brake member, and the fixing seat. The pedal assembly is used to drive the pushing member to push the abutting portion and the brake member moves toward the brake hub until the brake arm extends into the recesses.
US08490753B2
To alleviate the ear block discomfort of passengers without causing any undue reduction in the operational efficiency of an elevator. A travel distance calculating section 13 calculates a travel distance of a car room 1 based on destination floor information 12a and a car position command signal 3a, and output travel distance information 13a to a speed pattern generating section 14. The speed pattern generating section 14 compares the travel distance with a predetermined distance, generates a speed pattern 14a of a normal operation if the travel distance is short, and generates the speed pattern 14a of a partially low speed operation if the travel distance is long. The predetermined distance indicates a difference in height corresponding to a difference in air pressure that causes the Eustachian tube to open against ear block discomfort by a passenger. A speed control section 24 makes the car room 1 move up and down based on the speed pattern 14a. This allows the car room 1 to move at low speed after the first opening of the Eustachian tube, and therefore an interval in time when the car room 1 moves of a distance of the difference in height causing another ear block discomfort is made long. The ear block discomfort of passengers may thus be alleviated.
US08490750B2
A lifeline system includes a lifeline and a hub around which the lifeline is coiled. The hub deforms to absorb energy at a predetermined level of force exerted thereon by the lifeline. For example, the hub can be deformable to absorb energy so that a peak fall arrest force in a drop test of the lifeline system with a 220 pound mass attached to the lifeline over a distance of up to 6.56 feet is not more than 1900 pounds. In several embodiments, the peak fall arrest force is no more than 1500 pounds or no more than 1349 pounds.
US08490745B2
An exhaust system component (1) of an exhaust system (2) for an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle has an inner pipe (3) made of metal, which is exposed to exhaust gas during the operation of the exhaust system (2), a housing (4) made of plastic, which encloses a working space (6), and an outer pipe (5) made of metal. The outer pipe (5) is fastened at a first end area (7) to the inner pipe (3) and is rigidly connected at a second end area (9) to the housing (4) and encloses between these end areas (7, 9) an annular space (10) formed radially between the inner pipe (3) and outer pipe (5).
US08490739B2
A hydraulic energy recovery and a mechanical drive system in one unit that also provides integral mounting of hydraulic pump/motors for primary drive, secondary drive, and pumps for cooling, lubrication, and low pressure systems along with a mounting position for a power take-off device.
US08490738B2
A compressed air engine comprises a housing and an impeller body fixed on a primary power output shaft and located within the housing. An ejecting inlet ejects air to the impeller body in the housing. Working chambers are provided on the impeller body. The inner surface of the housing closes the working chambers so that the compressed air ejected to the working chambers pushes the impeller body to rotate and is temporarily stored in the working chamber, and an ejecting outlet is provided on the housing so that the compressed air temporarily stored in the working chamber expands outwards when the compressed air is rotated to the gas ejecting outlet and do work to further push the impeller body to rotate.
US08490737B2
A vehicle which includes an accelerometer to detect its lateral acceleration while in operation, a motor, and an input device activated by the operator of the vehicle and suitable to actuate in a controllable mode the mechanical power delivered by the motor so as to adjust the speed of the vehicle. Further, there is a processor including algorithms to compare the lateral acceleration signal detected by the accelerometer with a preset value corresponding to a preset lateral acceleration.
US08490734B2
An engine includes a crankshaft for transmitting rotational drive power to a drive wheel, a clutch mechanism for connecting or disconnecting the transmission of rotational drive power of the crankshaft, and clutch actuators. The crankshaft, clutch mechanism, and clutch actuators are accommodated in an engine case. The clutch actuators control the clutch mechanism and are positioned outside the clutch mechanism, viewed from the crankshaft direction.
US08490733B2
A seat rail constituting a rear portion of a vehicle frame, a rear cowl covering the seat rail, and a canister adsorbing a vaporized gas generated in a fuel tank disposed on a front portion of the vehicle frame are provided. As for the canister, a plurality of canisters are constituted to be connected in series. At least one of the canisters is disposed between one side of the seat rail and the rear cowl, and the other canister/canisters is/are disposed between the other side of the seat rail and the rear cowl.
US08490716B2
A boom arrangement (202) and a drilling rig having the boom arrangement for use in a mining or construction machine (200) the boom arrangement having a first boom section (203) with a first and a second end, in which the first end is designed to be fastened to a carrier (201), and the second end is designed to carry a drilling machine (210), the boom arrangement (202) also having a first rotational linking element (205) with a first axis of rotation (B1) and a second rotational linking element (206) with a second axis of rotation (B2). The first rotational linking element (205) is arranged at the first end of said first boom section (203) and the second rotational linking element (206) is arranged at said second end of the first boom section (203) such that the axes of rotation (B1, B2) are fixed in relation to each other, and the axes of rotation (B1, B2) form angles with vertical direction of the carrier, the angles being in the interval of 0 to 45°.
US08490711B2
A ripper assembly includes a linkage assembly and an actuator. The linkage assembly has a mounting section, a frame member with a frame axis, a carriage member and a connecting member. The actuator is movable along an actuator axis between a retracted position and an extended position. The linkage assembly is movable between a ground engaging position at which the actuator is at the retracted position and a raised position at which the actuator is at the extended position. An angle between the frame axis and the actuator axis is between approximately 40 degrees and 65 degrees when the linkage assembly is in the ground engaging position.
US08490703B2
A method of maintaining the structural integrity of heating conduit used to heat a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material enclosed within a constructed permeability control infrastructure. The method includes obtaining a heating conduit with corrugated walls and configured for transporting a heat transfer fluid, burying the heating conduit at a depth within the permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material and with an inlet end extending from the boundary of the constructed permeability control infrastructure, operably coupling the inlet end of the heating conduit to a heat source of the heat transfer fluid, and passing the heat transfer fluid through the heating conduit to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to the permeable body, with the corrugations in the corrugated walls mitigating longitudinal axis thermal expansion of the heating conduit and allowing the heating conduit to conformably bend in response to subsidence of the permeable body.
US08490699B2
A method and system are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The method comprises: combining a carrier fluid and a solids mixture into a slurry, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of particle size distribution modes such that a packed volume fraction exceeds 0.75; contacting a screen with leak-off control agent to form a bridge; positioning the screen and circulating the slurry through the wellbore in any order such that the solids mixture is deposited between the screen and the wellbore; degrading the degradable material to increase porosity and permeability of the pack; removing the bridge; and producing a reservoir fluid from the formation. The system comprises the slurry, a tubing string and slurry pump to position the screen and circulate the slurry to form the bridge on the screen.
US08490685B2
A method and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the method describes connecting multiple wells to a stimulation fluid pumping system via a pumping system manifold. The pumping system manifold is adjusted to provide a first well flow path from the stimulation fluid pumping system to a first well. Then, a first stimulation treatment is pumped into the first well. Concurrently with the pumping of the first stimulation treatment, a second well is prepared for a second stimulation treatment.
US08490681B2
The invention provides a fluid cooling system comprising a heat exchanger with an outer wall forming a chamber with an inlet and an outlet for circulating a heat exchange medium in the chamber. The chamber has an opening towards the component which is to be cooled, and to protect the component, the opening is closed by a flexible wall which is attached to the outer wall. To protect the cover and the component against overload, the flexible wall is attached to an inner wall inside the chamber. The cooling system could be applied to electronic systems, e.g. for cooling a DCB substrate or similar electronic components.
US08490678B2
A thermal energy transfer device attached to an object to dissipate thermal energy from the object is provided. The thermal energy transfer device includes a non-metal base plate and a first non-metal fin structure. The base plate has a first primary surface and a second primary surface opposite the first primary surface, and includes at least one groove on the first primary surface. The fin structure has a first primary surface, a second primary surface opposite the first primary surface, and a plurality of edges that are between the first and the second primary surfaces including a first edge. The first fin structure is attached to the base plate with the first edge received in a first groove of the at least one groove of the base plate.
US08490677B2
The present inventions provide a method for forming molds and a core which generates no gases with bad effects on the human bodies while the binders are heated. In particular, the present inventions provide a method for forming molds and a core comprising an aggregate material mixture consisting of granular aggregate materials, wherein the aqueous binders and water are foamed with stirring, filled into a space for forming molds, and caked with an evaporating water component. In an embodiment, molds can be further cured by adding cross linking agents before and after they are taken out from the space for forming. Further, an aggregate material mixture for forming molds used for the method for forming molds of the present inventions is provided.
US08490674B2
Methods of forming at least a portion of an earth-boring tool include providing particulate matter comprising a hard material in a mold cavity, melting a metal and the hard material to form a molten composition comprising a eutectic or near-eutectic composition of the metal and the hard material, casting the molten composition to form the at least a portion of an earth-boring tool within the mold cavity, and adjusting a stoichiometry of at least one hard material phase of the at least a portion of the earth-boring tool. Methods of forming a roller cone of an earth-boring rotary drill bit include forming a molten composition, casting the molten composition within a mold cavity, solidifying the molten composition to form the roller cone, and converting an eta-phase region within the roller cone to at least one of WC and W2C.
US08490656B2
A weaving apparatus includes a weaving machine and a shedding machine that carries out activatable and deactivatable movements of the shedding devices with a shedding drive that is controlled independently of a weaving drive of the weaving machine. After detection of an operating malfunction, e.g. a weft fault or a warp fault, the shedding devices are controlled such that measures for eliminating the operating malfunction can be carried out. In that regard, the rotational speed of the weaving machine is reduced, but the shedding machine is further operated at a relatively high rotational speed, preferably without stopping the shedding machine while the malfunction is eliminated. Then, the speed of the weaving machine is increased and again essentially synchronized with the shedding machine, to resume the regular weaving operation.
US08490654B2
A hydraulic directional control valve which has a valve housing and a control piston that is arranged therein in a displaceable manner. The valve housing has at least one outflow connection, at least one inflow connection and a working connection. The control piston has a main body and at least one control section. The control section controls a pressure medium flow from the inflow connection to the working connection and/or a pressure medium flow from the working connection to the outflow connection, and the control section is made separately from the main body and is fastened thereon.
US08490653B2
An improved ceramic valve core with snapping functions for the cold/hot separation point having a valve casing, rotary driving pedestal, brake valve stem, rotating axle, base and ceramic valve set. A protruding portion is formed onto one end of the rotating axle and protruded outside of the flanged tube of the rotary driving pedestal. An elastomeric snapping clip is assembled between the reducing circular frame of the valve casing and the flanged tube. A snapping flange is formed from the snapping clip, such that elastic clamping effect is generated when the protruding portion is mated with the snapping flange under the action of the rotary driving pedestal. An elastic locator is set correspondingly to the snapping clip such that the snapping clip can be assembled in a limited state. Minimized components are required to form the ceramic valve core, thus lowering the cost, improving the control and extending service life.
US08490652B2
Cage valve, flow trim components and methods for reduced fracturing of flow trim. The valve is of the type having flow trim arranged across an inlet bore and aligned with an outlet bore, and including a stationary tubular cage and an external cylindrical flow collar slidable along the side wall of the cage to cover or uncover one or more flow ports in the cage side wall. The tubular cage is formed such that, at least in the ported portion in which the flow ports are formed, the cage includes a tubular outer cage member and a tubular inner cage member, the inner cage member and the outer cage member being formed from a tungsten carbide material, being concentrically aligned, having a length to span at least the ported portion, and being joined together by bonding at an interface formed between the inner cage member and the outer cage member.
US08490646B2
A flush valve for a waste water system includes a valve body and a vent system. The valve includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a main valve element extending therebetween and adapted for movement to allow fluid flow therethrough based on a pressure differential across a portion of the main valve element. The vent system includes a control chamber, in flow communication with the fluid inlet of the valve and a vent outlet in flow communication with the fluid outlet of the valve. The flush valve further includes a relief system including a relief chamber with a relief inlet in flow communication with the control chamber and a relief outlet in flow communication with the vent outlet. A mechanical relief device is configured to open and close the relief inlet based on a predetermined fluid pressure at the relief inlet, thereby venting fluid from the control chamber to the vent outlet. The flush valve may further include a solenoid having a piston configured to open to establish flow communication between the control chamber and the vent outlet to effect opening of the main valve element, and to close to prevent fluid communication between the control chamber and the vent outlet to close the main valve element.
US08490639B2
Provided is a temperature-sensitive fluid flow interruption device for use in operational connection with a normally-closed poppet openable by overcoming a closure force. The device may comprise an elongated housing, an elongated displacement member, a spring, and a retention cap. An elongated housing may comprise an elongated first channel. An elongated displacement member may be engaged with said elongated first channel and may comprise a longitudinal axis, a first spring retention surface, and a poppet engageable end. The poppet engageable end may be adapted for engagement with said poppet and may be engaged with the housing in a manner determined by the temperature of the temperature-sensitive fluid flow interruption device with respect to a predetermined temperature. A spring may be engaged with the first retention surface. A retention cap may be engaged with the housing and may comprise a second retention surface engaged with the spring.
US08490638B2
A retrofit valve assembly for a frost-resistant hydrant comprises a replacement valve assembly and stem sufficiently long enough to enable the replacement stem to be cut and readily retrofit to existing frost-resistant hydrants of different lengths.
US08490634B2
A device for treating a disc-like article with a fluid, includes elements for dispensing a fluid onto the article and a chuck for holding and rotating the article around an axis perpendicular thereto. The chuck includes a base body, a drive ring, and gripping members for contacting the article at its edge. The gripping members are eccentrically movable with respect to the center of the article and driven by a drive ring rotatably mounted to the base body, so that the drive ring is rotatable against the base body around the axis. The relative rotational movement of the drive ring against the base body is carried out by either holding the base body and rotating the drive ring or by holding the drive ring and rotating the base body, whereby the to-be-held-part (drive ring or base body) is held without touching the respective to-be-held-part by magnetic force.
US08490627B2
This invention vaporizes a botanical substance for inhalation using a combustion generated heat source. A substantially planar non-porous heat exchanger transfers heat to the inhalation air and keeps combustion byproducts separated from the inhalation air. In use, air is drawn past the heat exchanger and then through a reservoir holding the botanical substance, vaporizing any volatiles in the substance. The heat exchanger assembly can be magnetically attached to the pipe assembly.
US08490626B2
Determining stability of a catheter is described. A first signal originating from a first region of a patient is monitored and a second signal originating from a second region of the patient is monitored. First components from a recurring interval of the second signal are extracted, where the recurring interval is defined by the first signal. The first components are compared to determine a first similarity value of the first components over time. The first similarity value is compared to a threshold value to determine a stability evaluation for a source of the second signal.
US08490622B2
A respiratory apparatus including an adapter assembly and a catheter assembly. The adapter assembly includes ventilator, respiratory, access, and flush ports. The access port includes a conduit defining a passageway. The flush port projects from the conduit and is fluidly open to the passageway at an outlet. The catheter assembly includes a catheter assembled to a fitting. The fitting includes a hub and a tube, with the tube defining an exterior surface, an interior surface forming a lumen, a circumferential groove in the exterior surface, and a plurality of apertures fluidly open to the lumen and the circumferential groove. The tube is sized to be slidably received within the passageway such that upon final assembly, a fluid pathway is formed between the flush port and a distal end of the catheter via the flush port outlet, the circumferential groove, the plurality of apertures, and the lumen.
US08490618B2
A solar energy conversion system may include a receiver with a first heat transfer fluid channel having at least two opposite sides. Each side may present an external surface facing in a direction opposite to that of the external surface of the other opposite side. Each side may be configured to contact a heat transfer fluid carried in the first heat transfer fluid channel. A heliostat field may be configured to direct solar energy to each of the at least two opposite sides during the course of a day such that a thermal stress tending to bend the channel remains below a specified level.
US08490614B1
The invention discloses a gas grill with multiple enhancements to allow for easy grilling of foods, subsequent clean-up, and replacement of parts. In lieu of a top-opening lid, the apparatus provides a plurality of removable and insertable drawers, comprising a plurality of burner units, a plurality of grill trays, and a drip tray located in a vertical configuration therein a base unit. All drawers are interchangeable as desired. A storage compartment is located on the bottom directly below the drip tray and an exhaust assembly is located on the top for directing smoke away from the apparatus. The invention is adaptable to propane or natural gas. Additional drawers and burner assemblies are provided and may be used for charcoal or wood burning, bun or food warming, and water steaming. All drawers are easily removable on slides with a safety catch system for easy care and cleaning.
US08490600B2
The present invention provides a common rail formed by bonding a common rail body and a common rail holder which has a pressing surface and a convex bonding surface, by means of a heat pressure bonding process and a liquid phase diffusion bonding process, wherein the height H of the convex bonding surface satisfies 1 μm≦H≦50 μm, and the common rail holder includes a deformation introducing portion in which an area of a cross-section parallel to the pressing surface is smaller than the area of the pressing surface.
US08490599B2
An engine ECU performs a process including the steps of performing an external EGR and advancing ignition timing of all cylinders of an engine, retarding ignition timing cylinder by cylinder in sequential order when no knocking had occurred before performing the external EGR and advancing the ignition timing and knocking occurred after performing the external EGR and advancing the ignition timing, and determining that a passage provided for a cylinder in which the retardation of ignition timing caused a shift from a state in which knocking occurs to a state in which no knocking occurs is clogged.
US08490591B1
A valve arrangement for a four-cycle internal combustion engine is described.The arrangement includes a single poppet valve mechanically-timed by a unified single lobe cam in such a manner as to be totally dosed during the compression cycle and the power cycle and to be open during the exhaust cycle and the inlet cycle.During the period when the poppet valve remains open, the correct direction of the combustion gas exiting through the exhaust port and the air charge (direct fuel injected spark engines and compression ignition engines) or fuel/air mixture (indirect fuel injected and carburetted engines) entering through the inlet port is maintained by two passive unidirectional reed valves, preferably located close to the exit from the exhaust port and close to the entrance to the inlet port respectively.The invention requires substantially fewer mechanically-timed components, delivering key advantages in terms of cost, efficiency and adaptability.
US08490590B2
A hydraulic lash adjuster capable of retaining a Large amount of hydraulic oil in a reservoir communicated with a high-pressure chamber when the engine is stopped. The hydraulic lash adjuster including: a cylindrical body (24) having an upper open end, a closed bottom, and a second oil supply hole (27a) formed in the sidewall of the cylindrical body; and a plunger having a top end serving as a plunging end, a sidewall, a bottom end, a high pressure chamber (29) at the lower bottom, and a first oil supply hole (24b) formed in the sidewall, the plunger being slidabic on the inner wall of the body. The plunger has a reservoir (28) that communicates with an external oil supply line (32) via the first oil supply hole (24b) and the second oil supply hole (27a).
US08490589B2
A rotor (10), in particular for a camshaft adjuster, comprises a rotor base body (8) that comprises a hub part having a central oil inlet (14). In addition, at least one vane (18) arranged in a radial manner on the hub part (12) and also oil channels (16) that extend through the hub part (12) on both sides of each vane (18) and are connected to the central oil inlet (14) in such a manner as to allow the flow of oil are provided in the hub part (12). The process of manufacturing the rotor base body (8) is considerably simplified as the rotor base body (8) is divided along a dividing plane (T), so that it comprises two base body parts (6).
US08490587B2
The present invention relates to a cam drive (1) having a camshaft and having cams (18, 18′)arranged thereon and having at least one rocker arm (3) which has a cam follower (2) and which is operatively connected by means of its first arm (4) to a plunger-like bearing (5) and by means of its second arm (6) to at least one gas exchange valve (7) of an associated cylinder. The cam drive (1) also has a device (10) for varying the lift of the at least one gas exchange valve (7). Here, it is essential to the invention that the device (10) is embodied as a clutch device which acts between the plunger-like abutment (5) and the rocker arm (3, 3′, 3″)and which has an actuating element (12) which is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis (13) of the plunger-like abutment (5) at least between two positions, wherein a valve lift in a first, coupled position of the actuating element (12) is varied in comparison with a second, decoupled position.
US08490585B2
The invention relates to a portable, hand-held work apparatus such as a chain saw, a cut-off machine, a brush cutter or the like with an air cooled combustion engine. A cooling air blower (4) which includes a cooling air spiral (6) and a fan wheel (5), moves a cooling air flow (13) for cooling the combustion engine. Further a combustion air channel (30) leads from the cooling air blower (4) to the combustion engine (2) and branches off from an air output window (20) provided in the base (14) of the cooling air spiral (6). The diverting device (21) includes a guide wall (22) which extends into the cooling air spiral (6) between the fan wheel (5) and the air output window (20). In order to divert a large volume of combustion air (19) with minimal disruption to the cooling air flow, the pass-through cross-section of the air output window (20) tapers in the direction of the diverted combustion air (19) from a first pass-through area (29) to a second pass-through area (31).
US08490581B2
A fired heater unit is disclosed having at least one radiant heating section with each of the at least one radiant heating section having a heating element located therein. The unit includes a convection section operatively connected to the at least one radiant heating section, wherein the convection section having at least one vertically oriented convection tube. Each of the at least one convection tube being operatively connected to the at least one radiant heating section. Each of the at least one convection tube includes an inner tube having process fluid flowing therethrough, wherein the process fluid being heated by the at least one radiant heating section, and an outer tube extending along a predetermined portion of the inner tube, wherein the outer tube is spaced from the inner tube to form a flow path therebetween.
US08490571B2
A coater (1) includes: a droplet jet part (4) which ejects droplets of a first solution toward an object to be coated (2) to apply the droplets to the object to be coated (2); and a remoisturizing-drying part (6) which gives a residue of the first solution applied on the object to be coated (2) a solvent capable of dissolving the residue to form an applied body with a second solution containing the residue as a solute, and which dries the formed applied body with the second solution.
US08490561B2
Apparatus and methods for attaching a safety device to the hull of a boat. In one embodiment, the safety device is a net that is held tightly in tension against the hull. The net is attached to the boat while it is in the water, and if the weather or sea state is threatening. If the boat capsizes, there will be sufficient tightness of the net against the hull such that the arms of an unconscious person can be placed through the netting, and the person will be kept safely above the water line. In yet other embodiments, a sheathing is attached to the hull that is a substantially continuous cover. The cover is attached to the boat prior to beaching the boat and protects the hull against abrasion by sharp objects.
US08490545B2
A printing screen unit including a printing screen having two pairs of opposite edges and a frame including interface members bonded to opposite edges of the printing screen and coupled together at corners of the frame, wherein the frame holds the printing screen in an untensioned state when no tension is applied thereto by external tensioning mechanisms separate to the frame, and the frame is substantially rigid when in the untensioned state, but allows for relative movement of the respective pairs of interface members by a tension applied by external tensioning mechanisms separate to the frame to tension the printing screen.
US08490542B2
A single serving beverage vender incorporates a device for automatically brewing and dispensing single cups of coffee or other beverage through a controlled vending machine. The vender includes a flipper assembly, for an individual packet of grounds, and can process that packet through various sequences including presenting a support from within an enclosure, in preparation for drip brewing of a beverage, brewing a cup or a mug of beverage from the grounds packet, then disposing of the packet, and providing access to the flipper assembly, following the brewing of a cup of beverage for consumption.
US08490535B1
A flash hider, a sound suppressor and a quick-disconnect coupler that holds the sound suppressor to a flash hider is disclosed. The quick-disconnect coupler enables the suppressor to be attached to the flash hider so that the hider forms a nozzle at the entrance to the sound suppressor to facilitate the operation of the suppressor. The coupler includes a collar that threads to the first part of the suppressor over plural holes formed therein. Camming latches set in these holes are held firmly against flat surfaces on the exterior of the flash hider by the collar. A spring lock holds the collar against rotation until it is released.
US08490534B1
A flash hider has a central bore for receiving the barrel of a firearm at one end and three tapered tines at the opposing end with a gap formed between each pair of adjacent tines. Just past the muzzle-seat in the central bore is a flared entrance leading to the gaps thereby allowing hot air and combustion gases to expand radially through the gaps between the tines, thereby cooling the hot air and gases. The lateral faces of the tines are stepped to cause turbulent mixing of the cooler air surrounding the flash hider with the exiting gases so as to further expand and cool in order to prevent re-ignition and thereby reduce secondary flash. Long tines help to hide all but direct viewing of primary flash.
US08490531B2
A mine roller assembly for a mine roller is provided for detonating mines located in or on an underlying ground surface. A bracket is adapted for attachment to a mine roller system frame. An arm is pivotally connected to the bracket. A spring and damper system extends between the bracket and the arm. A wheel assembly is rotatably connected to the arm and is configured to interact with the underlying surface.
US08490527B2
Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools for cutting workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a mechanism having a moveable component adapted to move upon detection of the dangerous condition by the detection system. Movement of the moveable component contributes to one or more of the following actions to mitigate or prevent injury to the person: deceleration of the cutting tool, retraction of the cutting tool, and placement of a barrier over at least a part of the cutting tool. An actuator is adapted to move the moveable component at a high acceleration when the dangerous condition is detected.
US08490517B2
A method of driving a nut on a bolt comprising using a motorized socket drive tool having an open drive socket located in a drive head portion, is provided. A support assembly having a spring loaded biasing portion configured for travel along a torque arrest path, where a torque arrest member is coupled with the spring loaded biasing portion in an operative position, is provided in a coupled arrangement with the motorized socket drive tool. The open drive socket is directed to pass over the nut and the torque arrest member is directed to engage the bolt such that the open drive socket may drive the target nut, while the torque arrest member holds the bolt from rotation. The open drive socket and torque arrest member are respectively released from the nut and the bolt after the nut reaches a predetermined destination on the bolt.
US08490515B2
A transmission for a motor, which gives a normal rotation and constant speed output to an output cover when a driving shaft of the motor rotates in a normal direction and a normal rotation and speed-changed output to the output cover when the driving shaft of the motor rotates in a reverse direction, is provided. Interference caused by a reverse input can be prevented although rotation is reversely input from the output cover. The driving shaft includes a polygonal outer circumference; a ball-mounting ring is coupled to the outer circumference, the ball-mounting ring including, therein a constant speed ball and a speed changing ball spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so that upper and lower sides of them protrude; and the ball-mounting ring is frictionally fixed by an additionally fixed friction pin.
US08490510B2
A robot arm mechanism includes a first shaft assembly, a second shaft assembly, a first motor, a second motor, and an air tubing assembly. The second shaft assembly is rotatably assembled with the first shaft assembly. The first motor is selectively assembled within the first shaft assembly or the second shaft assembly. The air tubing assembly is assembled within the first shaft assembly or the second shaft assembly, and surrounds the first motor for cooling down the first motor, surrounds the second motor for cooling down the second motor, and cooling down the inner temperature of the robot. A robot using the robot arm mechanism is further provided.
US08490502B2
The present invention removes an air bubble attaching to a detection part arranged in a concave portion on a wall surface in a flow path or an air bubble generated in the vicinity without requiring an external driving force, in a simple configuration. Specifically, the present invention includes: a liquid sample flow path for circulating a liquid sample; a detection part contained and arranged in a stepwise concave portion formed on an inner wall surface of the liquid sample flow path; and a projection part provided at a position facing to the stepwise concave portion on an inner wall surface of the liquid sample flow path, for generating a turbulent flow on a front side of an opening of the stepwise concave portion.
US08490494B2
A relative pressure sensor for registering pressure of a medium relative to surrounding atmospheric pressure includes: a pressure measuring cell having a measuring membrane and a platform, wherein pressure of the medium can act on a first side of the measuring membrane facing away from the platform, and wherein the platform has a reference air opening, through which surrounding atmospheric pressure can act on a second side of the measuring membrane facing the platform. A support body, through which a reference air duct extends between a first surface section and a second surface section of the support body is provided, wherein the pressure measuring cell is affixed to the support body with a pressure resistant, bonded adhesive. The reference air opening communicates with the reference air duct, in order to form a reference air path to the measuring membrane, wherein the bonded adhesive surrounds the reference air path, and the relative pressure sensor further includes a shield element, which protects the bonded adhesive from direct contact with reference air.
US08490492B2
The invention relates to a process for the destruction-free testing of metallic pipes, in particular seamlessly produced steel pipes, in which method the entire length of the pipe is scanned following the circumference precisely and in this case, in addition to the wall thickness (WD) and the external diameter (Da) being determined, the inner and outer surfaces of the pipe are examined for faults, the faults determined in this process are compared with a predefined permissible reference fault depth RFT (RFT=fault threshold of×% of the nominal wall thickness), the pipes are sent to reworking means if the fault threshold is exceeded, and a requisite minimum wall thickness (WDmin) has to be present in the reworked region after the processing has been carried out.For this purpose, the invention provides for the pipes containing faults to be released for reworking only when the determined geometrical parameters have been correlated with one another beforehand in an evaluation step, and the following conditions are met: WD−RFT>WDmin for faults on the inner and outer sides of the pipe and Da−RFT>Da min for faults on the outer side of the pipe.
US08490486B2
A motion detector includes a chamber, a resilient cantilever arm, a gimbal joint, an air bearing slider, and at least one piezoresistive sensor. The chamber has a front plate and a back plate located on opposite sides of the chamber, and each of the front plate and the back plate has a first through hole and a plurality of second through hole formed therein. The resilient cantilever arm is arranged in the chamber and has a free distal end. The air bearing slider is moveable coupled to the free distal end of the resilient cantilever arm via the gimbal joint. The at least one piezoresistive sensor is attached on the air bearing slider for sensing pitch, roll and yaw associated with the motion of the motion detector.
US08490483B2
A micromechanical yaw-rate sensor comprising a first yaw-rate sensor element, which outputs a first sensor signal, which contains information about a rotation around a first rotational axis, a second yaw-rate sensor element, which outputs a second sensor signal, which contains information about a rotation around a second rotational axis, which is perpendicular to the first rotational axis, a drive, which drives the first yaw-rate sensor element, and a coupling link, which mechanically couples the first yaw-rate sensor element and the second yaw-rate sensor element to one another, so that driving of the first yaw-rate sensor element also causes driving of the second yaw-rate sensor element.
US08490481B2
A device for mounting on a structure surface includes a component, a circuit, a moisture barrier, and a protective cover. The moisture barrier is within the protective cover. The component and the circuit are within the moisture barrier. The component is for bonding to the structure surface with a bond susceptible to damage from moisture. The circuit includes a radio frequency transmitter. The circuit is for providing data derived from the component to the radio frequency transmitter for external transmission.
US08490478B2
A tire-pressure mount apparatus having a compartment in communication with a wheel and tire assembly. The compartment has a removable closure with a tire-pressure sensor and a valve stem mounted thereon so as to permit simultaneous removal of the tire-pressure sensor and valve stem when the closure is removed from the compartment, thus providing access thereto without requiring disassembly of the wheel and tire assembly.
US08490475B2
The present invention relates to a multi-zone furnace for heating and tempering reactors and pipes in devices. The multi-zone furnace according to the invention is modularly constructed, wherein it is e.g. possible to efficiently heat or cool the furnace or also individual zones of the furnace. Furthermore, exchangeable cassettes provide the advantage that the reactors and the components, which are connected to the reactors, are particularly well accessible, wherein reconverting work is facilitated.
US08490469B2
Methods and systems for multiforce high throughput screening are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter includes a high throughput screening system that includes a multiforce plate having a plurality of field forming poles where each field forming pole is positioned on the multiforce plate at a location corresponding to a well in a multiwell plate. The system also includes an exciter assembly with excitation poles positioned at locations corresponding to the field forming poles. The excitation poles are utilized for electrically or magnetically coupling to the field forming poles and for delivering at least one of an electric and magnetic field in the vicinity of the field forming poles. The coupled field forming poles apply force via the field(s) to probes located in the wells of the multiforce plate in order to move the probes and test mechanical properties of specimens in the wells.
US08490467B2
A gas sensor includes a substrate having a low thermal conductivity. Localized heating can be produced using a serpentined heater carried by the substrate. The low thermal conductivity of the substrate substantially confines the generated heat to a region local to the heater thereby reducing required power to operate the sensor. Multiple sensing elements can be deposited onto the substrate adjacent to respective heaters and relatively close together because of the thermal isolation provided by the substrate. In one embodiment, the sensor can include the ceramic substrate, the heater, catalytic material overlying the heater with a gas impermeable layer overlying, at least in part the catalytic material.
US08490458B2
A device for configuring foil comprising a first portion comprising a first configuration; a second portion comprising a second configuration; the foil dispenser adapted to dispense foil between the first and second portions, the first and second portions imparting a configuration to the foil as the foil exits the dispensing device. A method of creating a cross sectional configuration in foil comprising: passing the foil through an opening; the opening having first and second portions which impart a configuration to the foil; the first and second portions being configured to create elevated portions along the longitudinal axis of the foil.
US08490454B2
An apparatus for drawing a metal sheet. In one implementation the apparatus includes a fixed head having a first window through which the metal sheet to be drawn may pass and a first holder for holding a first portion of the metal sheet within the first window during a drawing process. The apparatus also includes a moving head that is moveable relative to the fixed head. The moving head has a second window through which the metal sheet to be drawn may pass and a second holder for holding a second portion of the metal sheet within the second window during a drawing process. A support assembly is attached at one end to the fixed head and extends longitudinally through the second window of the moving head. The support assembly forms a part of an actuator assembly that is operable to situate the moving head in different and fixed longitudinal positions relative to the fixed head prior to a drawing process.
US08490441B2
A washing machine is provided that includes a tub having an open front side and a closed rear wall, and a drum rotatably mounted within the tub. A portion adjacent to a gate part, which allows resin to be injected in an injection-molding process of the rear wall of the tub, is thicker than other portions, thereby improving inflow of the resin.
US08490439B2
In a laundry washer, relatively short bursts of operation of a recirculation pump are coordinated with corresponding brief intervals of tub rotation during the initial fill periods. The aim is to thoroughly wet the clothes early in each wash/rinse phase to thus improve the wash/rinse effectiveness, while also avoiding excessive suds formation. Following the initial fill periods and during regular wash/rinse agitations, the recirculation system may also be employed to “recharge” the laundry load with detergent that has settled in the bottom of the tub. In a further aspect of the invention, some or all of the conventional intermediate spin extractions are omitted. In this manner, more water is carried over in the clothes from one wash/rinse cycle to the next. An intermediate spin of reduced speed (RPM) and duration as compared to typical normal intermediate spins may be employed between the wash phase and first rinse.
US08490426B2
Provided is a door basket of a refrigerator including a lighting device capable of emitting light. According to above-described configuration, illumination can be improved at the door basket, and an outer appearance thereof can be elegant.
US08490423B2
In a container 1 with an end wall 5, an air treatment system 6 that is arranged in the end wall 5 and comprises an opening 14 on its bottom side, through which it emits an air flow, a floor 2 provided with channels guiding the air flow in a direction away from the end wall 5, and an air guide 15 forming, in an operation position, together with a part of the end wall 5 and a part of the floor 2 an air channel 16 that guides the air flow between the opening 14 and the channels in the floor, it is endeavoured to prevent the air guide from being damaged by the forks of a fork lift truck. This is achieved in that the container 1 comprises a spring arrangement that counteracts a movement of the air guide 15 in the direction of the end wall 5.
US08490420B2
A refrigerating device for deep-frozen products has a coolant loop including a compressor, a condenser, a throttle, and an evaporator. The device also has a product chamber temperature-impinged by the evaporator, and a control unit provided for deicing, which works together with the coolant loop in such a way that upon deicing, both the evaporator and also a drainage channel provided for receiving the condensed water are heated. The evaporator impinges the temperature of the product chamber via the side wall of the product chamber, and at least the side wall impinged by the evaporator has the drainage channel, the evaporator at least partially heating the drainage channel upon deicing of the product chamber.
US08490412B2
A personal environment appliance and a vent for a personal environment appliance are provided. The appliance includes at least one thermoelectric module over at least one inlet port. The appliance further includes at least one main outlet port spaced from the at least one inlet port and at least one waste outlet port spaced from the at least one inlet port. The appliance further includes at least one filter between the at least one inlet port and the at least one thermoelectric module. The vent includes a plurality of first tubular conduits generally parallel to one another and each first tubular conduit having a ratio of the length divided by the width, The vent further includes a plurality of second tubular conduits generally parallel to one another and having a ratio of the length divided by the width. The plurality of second tubular conduits generally surrounds the plurality of first tubular conduits. The ratios of the second tubular conduits are sufficiently large such that air flow from the second tubular conduits is substantially laminar.
US08490411B2
An accessory system for a gas turbine engine includes a main case which defines an accessory gearbox axis. A cover is removably mountable to the main case and a first gear set at least partially within the cover along a first accessory axis transverse to the accessory gearbox axis.
US08490410B2
An accessory system for a gas turbine engine includes an accessory gearbox which defines an accessory gearbox axis. A crossover gear set generally along the accessory gearbox axis interconnects a first gear set and a second gear set.
US08490409B2
A fluid-conveying device including an inner tubular member with a circumferential end portion, a non-elastomeric ring received in a depression of the end portion, and an outer tubular member. The ring has a peripheral surface with a rounded contour defined along a longitudinal direction configured to remain out of the depression to engage the outer tubular member and facilitate sealing thereof.
US08490399B2
A wall assembly (30) for separating a first fluid at a highest pressure and lowest temperature outside (86) the wall assembly from a second fluid at a lowest pressure and highest temperature inside (88) the wall assembly. The wall assembly (30) having: a structural cold wall (32) for exposure to the first fluid and partly defining a first cavity (78), and a structural cold wall aperture (42) for creating a first pressure drop (52); a structural middle wall (34) partially defining the first cavity (78) and partially defining a second cavity (84), and a structural middle wall aperture (44) for creating a second pressure drop (54); and a floating wall (38) for exposure to the second fluid and partially defining the second cavity (84), and a floating wall aperture (46) for creating a third pressure drop (56).
US08490395B2
A regulated two-stage turbocharger system is provided. The turbocharger system includes high-pressure and low-pressure turbochargers in communication with one another. The turbocharger system includes a valve system having valves that are independently controllable so as to selectively control the gas flow into the turbine portions of the high-pressure turbocharger and the low-pressure turbocharger. The valves are asymmetric with differing perimeters, diameters, and sizes with respect to one another.
US08490392B2
An arrangement for a supercharged combustion engine including a first compressor subjecting air to a first compression step, a second compressor subjecting the air to a second compression step, a first cooling system with a circulating coolant, a second cooling system with a circulating coolant which is at a lower temperature than the coolant in the first cooling system, a first charge air cooler applied to an air inlet line to the engine for cooling compressed air, the first cooler is located between the first compressor and the second compressor and is cooled by coolant from the second cooling system, a second charge air cooler applied to the air inlet line at a location downstream of the second compressor and is cooled by coolant from the first cooling system, and a third charge air cooler applied at a location downstream of the second charge air cooler and cooled by coolant from the second cooling system.
US08490389B2
In an exhaust gas purification apparatus for an engine includes a bubble generation device, the bubble generation device for mixing nano-sized to micro-sized bubbles into a liquid reducing agent or a precursor thereof injection-supplied from an injection nozzle is disposed in a reducing agent supply system running from a reducing agent tank to the injection nozzle. When the liquid reducing agent or the precursor thereof is injection-supplied from the injection nozzle, the liquid reducing agent or the precursor thereof is divided by bubbles, and the bubbles are radically inflated and burst by a pressure change and a temperature change at the time of injection-supplying, so that microparticulation of the liquid reducing agent or the precursor thereof is facilitated.
US08490386B2
Disclosed is a method for detecting abnormality in a reducing agent replenished into a reducing agent tank in an exhaust emission control device for reduction and removal of NOx through addition of the reducing agent from the tank to a selective reduction catalyst incorporated in an exhaust pipe. Replenishment of the reducing agent to the tank is detected to wait elapse of a removal-rate stabilization period, i.e., a period from the detected replenishment to stabilization of the NOx removal rate. It is determined that a dilute reducing agent or/and a different material are replenished into the tank if an abnormal lowering of a measured NOx removal rate is detected during a determination period after the removal-rate stabilization period.
US08490378B2
The invention relates to a shortening device (1) for shortening a chain strand (23), the shortening device comprising a connecting section (3) with at least one connecting opening (7), a shortening member (4, 26), at least one anchoring receptacle (7) for receiving an end link (24a) of the chain strand (23), said anchoring receptacle being arranged on a side of the connecting section (3) which faces the shortening member (4, 26) and being closed by a retaining pin (8) inserted into a cutout (32), and a web (5) which connects the connecting section (3) to the shortening member (4, 26) and is arranged at an end of the cutout (32) pointing in the longitudinal direction. In order to provide a lighter and smaller shortening device (1), it is provided according to the invention that the connecting opening (7) is designed as a closed eye (7).
US08490377B2
An apparatus is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an accessor to physically transport tape cartridges in a tape library. A flexible cable assembly is connected to the accessor that enables the accessor to move relative to the tape library and enables one of power and communication signals to be transmitted to the accessor. The flexible cable assembly includes a flexible channel and multiple twisted wire pairs loosely routed through the flexible channel. The multiple twisted wire pairs independently and substantially freely move within the flexible channel. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
US08490375B2
A collector coupled to a baler defining a target for receiving crop material projected toward the baler from a combine harvester.
US08490369B2
A system for dispensing items comprises trays each adapted to support items to be dispensed. A casing comprises a restocking volume receiving trays with items thereon for subsequent storage. A storage volume accommodates the trays in storage. An outlet is used to dispense any selected items on the trays. An arm displaces trays within the casing, and displaces items from the trays to the outlet. A controller unit receives an identification of each item in the trays when positioned in the restocking volume, and monitors a position of each identified item within the trays in the casing to control the actuation of the arm to dispense items through the outlet as a function of an order entered through the user interface.
US08490368B2
Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.
US08490363B2
A modular concrete building is made of a plurality of precast concrete panels which may be assembled to provide a building. The panel sections include lower frame panels or support members, wall panels, floor panels, and flat roof panels. The building may be assembled by securing the floor panels to the support members, securing the wall panels to the floor panels, and securing the roof panels to the wall panels and to adjacent roof panels. The roof panels may have rigid insulation. The roof panels may have tapered rigid insulation or the modular building may be constructed with the roof panels in a tilted position.
US08490352B2
Improved concrete form insert assemblies (20) are provided for use in the construction of thermally insulated poured concrete sandwich wall structures (22). The insert assemblies (20) include a central sheet (32) of insulative material such as synthetic resin foam, which is preferably encapsulated by a sheath (78) to enhance the structural integrity of the sheet (32). A pair of reinforcing bar assemblies (46, 48) preferably made up of welded-together horizontal and vertical bars (50, 52) are respectively positioned adjacent the side surfaces (34, 36) of the sheet (32). The bar assemblies (46, 48) are secured to sheet (32) by means of connector elements (54) extending through the sheet (32) and presenting oppositely outwardly extending, apertured segments (56, 58). Connector bars (60) extend between adjacent horizontal bars (50) and include an elongated channel section (62) abutting the sheet (32) and a pair of endmost ears (64) which are secured to the bars (50) to thereby support the bar assemblies (46, 48) in standoff relationship to the sheet (32). The insert assemblies (20) are preferably prefabricated and installed at a construction site between upright concrete form panels (26, 28), as straight wall and corner units (80). The assemblies (20) may also be field-modified by installation of electrical wiring including boxes (94) and conduit (96). Concrete (30) is then poured, resulting in a complete sandwich wall structure (22). Use of the assemblies (20) significantly reduces construction time and costs, and thereby permits more economical usage of the form panels (26, 38).
US08490342B2
A support means (100) for engaging a batten, joist or the like (200), includes a circular rotatable plate (110). The plate has depending legs (112) for engaging the support means with a support structure such as a pedestal jack or the like, in a manner which allows the support means to be rotated about a vertical axis passing through the centre (111) of the plate. The support means (100) further includes two opposed upstanding walls (120, 122) defining a gap for receiving the batten, joist or the like. The walls are disposed either side of the axis and extend from a centermost position closest to the axis (111) to a distal end farthest from the axis. The walls are at least partly convex, and the gap between the walls measured in a direction perpendicular to tangents to the walls decreases from the centermost part of the wall to the distal end of the wall, so that for a joist batten or the like having a predetermined width and positioned between the walls (120, 122), rotation of the support means about the axis in one sense causes the walls (120, 122) to tend to abut edges of the joist and in the opposite sense causes the walls (120, 122) to tend to move away from the edges of the joist. The walls define apertures (129) for fastening the walls to the joist with nails, screws or the like.
US08490334B2
A glass run includes an upper side portion, a front vertical portion, a rear vertical portion, a front corner portion, a rear corner portion and an ornamental molding portion. An upper end of the molding portion is integrally jointed to the rear corner portion, and a lower end of the ornamental molding portion extends obliquely so as to be positioned frontwardly of the rear corner portion. The ornamental molding portion includes a base part and an ornamental lip part. The base part and the ornamental lip part hold a tip end of an outer panel of the door frame. The ornamental lip part is formed such that an upper end thereof is formed continuously with an outer cover lip of the rear corner portion, and a lower end thereof contacts an outer weather strip.
US08490333B2
Sealing gaskets are provided for forming a seal between the door of an appliance and the cabinet of the appliance when the door of the appliance is closed onto the cabinet of the appliance. The gaskets are adapted to be mounted to the door of the appliance and comprise a first bellows chamber that can be compressed when the door of the appliance is closed onto the cabinet of the appliance, a pocket contiguous with the first bellows chamber for holding a magnet and a second bellows chamber adapted to be nearer the cabinet of the appliance than the pocket and engage the cabinet of the appliance prior to the pocket engaging the cabinet of the appliance when the door of the appliance is closed. A gasket mounting section is contiguous with the first bellows chamber and includes a first portion that is held in a mounting space.
US08490331B2
A roller for sliding a movable panel includes a housing and a plurality of wheels positioned within the housing. The housing is positionable in a space defined between a bottom surface of the panel and a channel which receives a guided edge of the panel.
US08490321B1
A UV reflective fishing lure system for consistently illuminating underwater for prolonged periods and at multiple depths to attract various fish species. The UV reflective fishing lure system generally includes a base substance, a UV reflective substance and a colorant all mixed together and solidified to form at least a portion of a fishing lure. The UV reflective substance is comprised of barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, or powdered sugar, while the base substance is comprised of a liquid rubber or plastic and the colorant is comprised of a water based coloring. The formed fishing lure reflects UV light to be seen by fish species at various depths within water.
US08490319B2
A flexible fishing lure is provided that includes a outer shape having a transverse opening for receiving a plurality of alternatively formed lure fin members allowing a user to change the action of a lure by fin selection without replacing the lure. Multiple internal channels within the lure are adaptively provided for receiving a variety of scent sticks, sound generators, light generators, flavor generating means. Flow internal channels extend from a front opening to gill openings allowing a water flow along an inserted scent or flavor stick member to pass through the lure body and exit proximate fin, nair, belly, or other locations simulating an injured or wounded fish leaking bodily fluids or blood. Other features to simulate wounded features. Replacement fins and weighting constructions allow a user to tailor a weight and action enabling a circling or injured motion during retrieval. The lure includes a flexible holographic-type attractive film and physical shape having a level-maintaining physical shape.
US08490316B2
A clamp used to attach a flashlight to a firearm having a rail thereon. In the preferred embodiment, the clamp utilizes a sleeve configured to accept a handle of the flashlight. The sleeve has at least one tooth configured to engage the rail on the firearm. A wedge is movably secured to the sleeve such that a simultaneous action by the operator both forces the wedge up a ramp on an interior aspect of the clamp and secures the clamp by compressing the rail between a bracket (which engages both the clamp and the rail) and the tooth on the sleeve.
US08490315B2
The weapon sights can be used simultaneously in conjunction with another optical sight and can be mounted on the same weapon accessory rail as the other optical sight. The weapon sights include a front sight and a rear sight that detachably mount to the weapon's accessory rail, but are cantilevered and off-set so that they do not interfere with the optical sight mounted to the same accessory rail. The cantilevered configuration and off-set orientation of the rear sight assembly and the front sight post also allow the shooter to transition quickly between the weapon sight of this invention and an optical sight by simply canting the weapon 45 degrees to bring the desired sight on target and into the vertical of the weapon.
US08490313B2
The Accessory Mounting Apparatus uses a quick release clamp for mounting and securely attaching accessories to a dove-tail shaped accessory rail. This apparatus allows for quick assembling and disassembling of accessories and tactical equipment on a weapon accessory rail system. The Accessory Mounting Apparatus consists of a base, latching arm, and over-centered lever to apply clamping force, where the base of the clamping device is keyed to align with a dove-tail shaped rail and fix its location in the direction of the barrel. The latching arm is slid over the dovetail in the accessory rail and the over-centered lever is closed to clamp the device securely around the accessory rail, fixing it in all directions.
US08490310B2
A firing mechanism for a sporting rifle includes a piston, a rigid profile, a trigger and a trigger safety catch. A wall is firmly attached to the rigid profile. The trigger and safety catch are on one of the faces of said wall. A first stud is firmly attached to the trigger. A cover partially covers the trigger and safety catch. The cover includes an aperture, in the form of a slider, allowing the first stud to pass through it and for movement of the first stud along the length of the aperture. A slider is arranged over the cover. When the barrel is in the broken position, the slider will block the movement of the stud along the length of the aperture, thus immobilizing the trigger. When the barrel is in the closed position, the slider allows movement of the first stud along the aperture.
US08490303B2
An outer sole for a golf shoe includes a plurality of cleats distributed along a forefoot area and a heel area. The cleats are integrated with the outer sole and extend from a surface of the outer sole that faces away from the shoe. The cleats are essentially cross-shaped, and the arms of the cross are preferably connected via arc sections. Such outer sole for a golf shoe gives good traction on the golf course but is also useable as a casual shoe off the golf course.
US08490302B2
An article of footwear having a sole structure with openings formed therethrough is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper for receiving a foot of a wearer and a sole structure attached to the upper and positioned generally below the foot. The sole structure has at least one opening formed therein that extends through the sole structure. The at least one opening formed through the sole structure exposes the plantar surface of the foot of the wearer to a ground surface when the article of footwear is worn by the wearer, and is constructed so as to allow contact between the plantar surface of the foot and the ground surface.
US08490295B2
An insole includes an upper foot contacting substrate and a lower substrate, wherein openings are provided in both the upper foot contacting substrate and the lower substrate. These openings are at least partially kept in alignment with each other to receive a flexible, shock absorbing unit therein. The insole according to the invention provides a good absorbance and at the same time improves the air flow inside the insole. Therefore, the moisture around the wearer's foot can easily escape, thus keeping foot dry.
US08490294B2
A cleaning device for a component disposed within a process air circuit of a domestic tumble dryer, in particular for a heat exchanger, including a cleaning brush and a drive mechanism including a drive rod for moving the cleaning brush along the component, the cleaning device including a guiding element operatively associated with the drive mechanism for guiding the drive rod, and at least two flexible sealing elements for protecting the drive mechanism against fluff or similar soiling, wherein the drive rod is passed between the at least two sealing elements for movement along the guiding element.
US08490290B2
A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration which are calibrated prior to use. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly.
US08490288B1
A locking mechanism for a folding knife. The locking mechanism has a locking sleeve and an opposed locking bolt which are coaxial and biased to a locking position by a spring. In the locked position, either with the blade extended or folded, both a lug on the bolt and a surface on the sleeve engage a locking surface on the blade tang area. Simultaneous manual force must be applied by the user to oppositely release buttons on the opposite handles to move both the locking bolt and locking sleeve to positions to disengage them from the locking surface to allow the blade to be folded or unfolded.
US08490283B2
A method of manufacturing a hollow fiber spinning nozzle in which supply bores and a nozzle structure connected to these and having a mass discharge opening and a needle with a coagulation agent bore are formed in a base body. At least two plate-shaped bodies structured by means of micro-structure technology are joined together to form the base body.
US08490281B2
A method of manufacturing a metal component from metal powder comprises preparing (12) a metal powder, providing (14) gallium on at least part of the surface of at least some of the metal powder particles, encapsulating (16) the metal powder in a container, evacuating (18) the container to remove air and/or gas from the container, sealing (20) the container, hot isostatically pressing (22) the container to consolidate the metal powder particles to produce the metal component and removing (24) the container from the metal component. The process is used to produce gas turbine engine metal components, for example turbine discs with improved fatigue properties.
US08490279B2
A method of forming a hard bias (HB) structure for longitudinally biasing a free layer in a MR sensor is disclosed. A HB layer is formed with easy axis growth perpendicular to an underlying seed layer which is formed above a substrate and along two sidewalls of the sensor. In one embodiment, a conformal soft magnetic layer that may be a top shield is deposited on the HB layer to provide direct exchange coupling that compensates HB surface charges. Optionally, a thin capping layer on the HB layer enables magneto-static shield-HB coupling. After HB initialization, HB regions along the sensor sidewalls have magnetizations that are perpendicular to the sidewalls as a result of surface charges near the seed layer. Sidewalls may be extended into the substrate (bottom shield) to give enhanced protection against side reading.
US08490274B2
A positioning-jig 1 used to mount a face plate 15 on the female-die 21, and the positioning-jig 1 comprises a female-part 2 which has a concave part and is attached into the positioning-holes 24 at the male-die 22 detachably, a male-part 6 which comprises an axial part inserted detachably into the concave part of the female-part and a dish-shaped head part connected to the axial part, and further provides a positioning method comprising the following steps; set the positioning-jigs 1 on each positioning-holes 24 and set the marking-members 12 on each positioning-jigs 1; and test run the stamping machine to attaches the male-die 22 and the female-die 21, and adhered the marking-members 12 on the female-die 21; and adhered the face plate 15 on the female-die 21 for the marking-members 12 inside each through-holes.
US08490267B2
An apparatus, method and system for assembling lighting fixtures where reflective inserts are installed into a reflector frame to create a reflective surface for the fixture. According to one aspect of the method, some type of worker-perceivable indication prompts a worker as to which reflective insert should be installed at which mounting location on the reflector frame. The worker does not have to guess or translate written instructions. The method can be used sequentially to provide such assistance for each of a plurality of reflective inserts for a plurality of mounting locations. The method is particularly helpful if the reflective inserts are not identical for each mounting location. According to one aspect of an apparatus according to the invention, a reflector frame is removably mounted to a machine that holds the reflector frame in an indexed position. A controller generates a signal that produces the worker-perceivable indication that correlates for the worker the assigned reflective insert for each mounting position. This can be done with LEDs or other types of lights.
US08490258B1
In a cremation remains system for memorializing a decedent the cremation remains of the decedent may be sealed in a cremation remains capsule. The cremation remains capsule is placed in a chamber formed in a memorial monument and concealed from view so that the memorial monument is not distinguishable from other cemetery memorials.
US08490257B2
A functionally decorative fastening system includes first and second fastener portions, each fixable to an article, so as to selectively allow for the articles to be secured together purposes such as transit, storage or laundering. Complementary mating surfaces of each fastener portion include decorative features, such as artwork, logos, trademarks, or the like. The decorative mating surfaces serve functionally to selectively lock the two fastener portions together when aligned and pushed together. Such integrated fastening is accomplished via mechanical interaction between the decorative mating surfaces.
US08490256B2
Arrangement with one or more buckles, wherein each buckle has at least two buckle parts that are detachably connectable with each other, at least one release mechanism, actuatable by means of pressure for detaching the buckle parts from each other, and at least one pressure accumulator connected via at least one pressure line with the buckle(s) for actuating the release mechanism of the buckle, and with at least one release valve for opening a pressure connection guided via the pressure line between the pressure accumulator and the buckle or the buckles, and with at least one trigger for actuating the release valve, wherein the arrangement has a pump for the build-up of pressure in the pressure accumulator.
US08490255B1
An apparatus for securing an article to an external object includes at least one cuff member. The at least one cuff member may be adapted to receive a portion of the article. Further, the at least one cuff member may include a strap member extending from an outer surface thereof. The strap member is adapted to be adjustably wrapped and secured around the at least one cuff member and a portion of the external object for securing the article to the external object.
US08490249B2
A hinge plate for connecting a leaf of a door to a frame includes a frame hinge plate part comprising a frame fastening part and a frame hinge part. A leaf or sash hinge plate part comprises a leaf or sash fastening part and a leaf or sash hinge part. A primary coil is disposed in the frame hinge part and a secondary coil is disposed in the leaf or sash hinge part, each being configured to surround a hinge plate pin defining a hinge axis. The hinge plate pin is provided as a core for both the primary coil and the secondary coil and is configured to conduct magnetic flux lines. The hinge plate pin comprises a support element configured to transmit a mechanical force between the leaf and the frame. A flux element is configured to conduct the magnetic flux lines between the primary coil and the secondary coil.
US08490248B2
A hinge is mounted between a cover and a body of an electronic device and has an eccentric sleeve and a resisting assembly abutting against each other. When the cover is pivoted, the eccentric sleeve is rotated as well. Because the eccentric sleeve has sectors with varied radiuses, the resisting assembly is compressed to conduct various resisting forces when the eccentric sleeve is rotated. When the cover is opened to a normal visual angle, the hinge provides a constant largest torque. Therefore, the cover is held at the normal visual angle even though the user hits the touch panel on the cover.
US08490245B2
A hinge plate for connecting at least one of a leaf, a door, a window or the like to a frame so as to be hinged about a hinge axis includes a frame hinge plate part configured to be fastened to the frame. The frame hinge plate part includes a leaf hinge part, a frame fastening part and a frame hinge part. A leaf hinge plate part is configured to be fastened to the leaf. The leaf hinge plate part including a leaf fastening part. A hinge plate pin is configured to define the hinge axis, the hinge plate pin being mounted in bearing bushes which include electric coils. The bearing bushes are disposed in each of the frame hinge part and in the leaf hinge part. The hinge plate pin is provided as a flux guiding element configured to guide electromagnetic flux lines between the electric coils.
US08490243B2
A wheel assembly for an infant carrier apparatus can include a shock absorber, and at least a wheel pivotally coupled with the shock absorber. Examples of the infant carrier apparatus can include an infant stroller apparatus. In some embodiments, the shock absorber can be directly connected with a support frame of the infant carrier apparatus. In other embodiments, the wheel assembly can include a mount base through which the shock absorber is connected with the support frame.
US08490236B2
A combination brush and sticky roller apparatus used to clean a carpet or upholstery. The present invention comprises of a uniquely shaped bracket with a rubber brush and sticky roller. The rubber brush makes use of a plurality of rubber fingers that is able to reach into the deep layers of carpet or upholstery to dislodge and uproot dirt and debris. The uprooted dirt and debris are then accessible by the sticky roller to be collected and removed from the carpet or upholstery.
US08490235B2
A device and method for cleaning a channel of an endoscope, the device including a flexible elongate body (102) with a sponge (104) disposed adjacent one end and optionally including a lumen (108) and openings (106) for directing a cleaning fluid through the elongate body.
US08490230B2
A diaper bag having an integral changing pad is disclosed which comprises a bag having an interior compartment with the bag having a top portion and a bottom portion, a cover for covering the interior compartment with the cover attached to the top portion for folding the cover over the top portion of the bag, and a changing pad having a first section connected to a second section and the second section connected to the bottom portion with the first section and the second section for being folded up in the interior compartment or unfolded out of the interior compartment.
US08490227B2
Play yards and methods of operating the same. An example includes a lower frame having a collapsed position and an erected position; an upper frame having a collapsed position and an erected position; and a plurality of posts joining the upper frame and the lower frame. The upper frame has a rounded rectangular shape when in the erected position.
US08490214B2
Ballistic material side elements are shaped to cover portions of a wearer's face and selectively attached to a ballistic helmet. The side elements cover the sides of the wearer's head, but leave room to avoid interfering with hearing needs and goggles. These side elements are held in place by connecting them to the existing helmet shell with an encircling strap and band, or to the straps and hardware of the helmet retention system by receiving portions of the straps through loops on the interior of the side elements. A front ballistic member may join the side elements to cover a significant portion of the wearer's face. The ballistic material is formed of a plurality of layers with a resin and joined by the application of pressure. Higher pressure in the forming of the side elements produces stiff members which stay in place when attached to the helmet.
US08495756B2
The present invention provides an information processing apparatus capable of dynamically changing a security level according to significance of overall data saved in a terminal. A portable telephone terminal 100 includes a lock function to inhibit (allow) use of predetermined functions (part of or all of the functions) of the terminal when a lock-in condition (an unlock condition) is satisfied. The terminal 100 includes a secret level evaluating section 16 for calculating a secret level of the overall apparatus on the basis of scores set respectively to saved data items and a lock-in condition setting section 15 for making, in response to the secret level, the lock-in condition (unlock condition) more mitigated or more severe. Due to the configuration, for example, when significant data is received, the secret level of the overall terminal increases and the lock-in condition (unlock condition) is made more mitigated (more severe).
US08495753B2
A device management system includes a meeting support system that is configured to generate and transmit a plurality of electronic meeting invitations to a plurality of mobile wireless devices that correspond to a plurality of meeting participants and receive responses indicating whether the plurality of participants will attend the electronic meeting. The device management system receives identification data that identifies one or more documents or information that will be made available to the plurality of participants. The meeting support system determines whether the plurality of participants is authorized to access the one or more electronic documents or information. If any of the participants are not authorized to access any of the electronic documents or information, the meeting support system notifies the meeting organizer. The device management system may also include a meeting session management system that is configured to share information among the plurality of mobile wireless devices.
US08495751B2
A computer-implemented method is provided for controlling use of a file on a user device. The method includes transmitting authentication information to a system and downloading the file from the system over the network upon successful authentication by the system. The method also includes limiting access of the file to a client application of the user device and preventing altering of the file, printing of the file and opening of the file outside of the client application. Notes corresponding to the file can be stored in a local storage area.
US08495746B2
This disclosure details the implementation of apparatuses, methods and systems of an application security management platform (hereinafter, “ASMP”). ASMP systems may, in one embodiment, implement a live platform on a computerized system, whereby the platform may receive security data associated with a running application from multiple security tacking systems, evaluate the security performance of the application, generate an application security summary report for review and manage review processes for security professionals.
US08495732B2
A secure method, apparatus or computer program incorporates a method for entering private information such as a user identifier, password or other secret code comprising at least one symbol or character. According to method in one illustrated embodiment, the user selects characters for input starting from presentation of an initial suggested character, moving under user control to presentation of a user's desired input character, and then followed by the selection by the user of that presented character as a character for data input. The method includes randomizing the timing of the display and/or reaction time to user input so that the number and timing of the key presses required to select any specific desired character for input is made unpredictable. This makes it difficult during entry of information to determine by covert means what specific information is being entered.
US08495726B2
Methods, devices, and systems are provided for filtering packets and other communication messages or portions thereof. Particularly, mechanisms are provided for efficiently determining and applying a set of trust-based filtering rules. Trust scores may be assigned to various connections and packets received on a particular connection may have filtering rules applied thereto in accordance with the trust score of the connection.
US08495725B2
The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for adaptive packet filtering. One method includes identifying at least one subset of rules and an ordered set of firewall packet filtering rules that defines a firewall policy such that the subset contains disjoint rules. Disjoint rules are defined as rules whose order can be changed without changing integrity of the firewall policy. Rules in the subset are sorted to statistically decrease the number of comparisons that will be applied to each packet that a firewall encounters. Packets are filtered at the firewall using the sorted rules in the subset by comparing each packet to each of the sorted rules in the subset until the packet is allowed or denied and ceasing the comparing for the packet in response to the packet being allowed or denied and thereby achieving sub-linear searching for packets filtered using the sorted rules in the subset.
US08495724B2
A double firewalled system is disclosed for protecting remote enterprise servers that provide communication services to telecommunication network customers from unauthorized third parties. A first router directs all connection requests to one or more secure web servers, which may utilize a load balancer to efficiently distribute the session connection load among a high number of authorized client users. On the network side of the web servers, a second router directs all connection requests to a dispatcher server, which routes application server calls to a proxy server for the application requested. A plurality of data security protocols are also employed. The protocols provide for an identification of the user, and an authentication of the user to ensure the user is who he/she claims to be and a determination of entitlements that the user may avail themselves of within the enterprise system. Session security is described, particularly as to the differences between a remote user's copper wire connection to a legacy system and a user's remote connection to the enterprise system over a “stateless” public Internet, where each session is a single transmission, rather than an interval of time between logon and logoff, as is customary in legacy systems.
US08495721B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for specifying a data network security policy. In one aspect, a system includes a device-agnostic firewall policy that defines one or more rules for regulating data traffic on a data network. The device-agnostic firewall policy includes a policy definition and a security component. The policy definition delineates regulation of the data network traffic to be implemented by a firewall and a policy token definition that delineates a token used in the policy definition. The security component is implemented in hardware, in software executed on a data processing device, or in a combination thereof and is configured to permit a first group of one or more individuals to change both the policy definition and the policy token definition and a second group of one or more individuals to change the policy token definition while restricting the second group from changing the policy definition.
US08495710B2
Secure access in a computing environment is provided. One implementation involves a client generating a sequence for tapping server ports, and the client identifying itself to the server by tapping the server ports based on the sequence. The server verifies if the tapping sequence is correct. If the tapping sequence is correct, access is provided from the client to the server.
US08495705B1
A computer-implemented method for data-loss prevention may include: 1) identifying data associated with a user, 2) determining that the data is subject to a data-loss-prevention scan, 3) identifying a data-loss-prevention reputation associated with the user, and then 4) performing a data-loss-prevention operation based at least in part on the data-loss-prevention reputation associated with the user. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08495694B2
A system and method that provide media content owners the capability to achieve community building goals by exploiting video processing capabilities using rich, interactive and compelling media content on a network or Internet website. The system and method additionally provide website community building mechanisms to community members, thereby allowing the members to customize the actual community websites that many companies and website owners seek in order to enhance e-commerce revenue generation.
US08495693B2
Systems and methods may provide for control of one or more feeds of a multi-feed channel. Such control may implement functions such as pausing, playing, rewinding, fast forwarding, slowing, replaying and zooming. The control may be selectively applied to the feeds so that one, selected ones or all of the feeds are controlled. Thus, implementations may allow a user to selectively interact with video feeds, as well as corresponding audio feeds, while viewing the multi-feed channel.
US08495689B2
A system and method of delivering video content over a network in communication with a subscriber having an associated electronic device is disclosed. A plurality of staggered streams of video content is delivered over a network. A segment of the video content is pushed onto the electronic device. A request for the video content is received at the electronic device, the pushed segment of video content is retrieved from the electronic device and the pushed segment of video content is displayed to the subscriber. A staggered stream of video content delivered over network is located and recorded on the electronic device.
US08495683B2
A system for accurately modeling of buyer/purchaser psychology and ranking of content objects within a channel for user initiated browsing and presentation contains a neuropsychological modeling engine, a ranking application, and a behavior modeler which communicate with each other and a presentation system over communication networks. The neuropsychological modeling engine utilizes metafiles associated with content objects, a purchaser/viewer model and a channel model to derive a value ψ representing an individual's mood and a value m representing an individual's motivational strength to select a content object. If the value ψ is within an acceptable predetermined range, the value m is used to determine a ranking for the content object relative to other content objects associated with the channel model. Also disclosed are a system and technique for simultaneously presenting multiple, s content object data streams on the user interface in a manner which encourages multidimensional browsing using traditional navigation commands.
US08495679B2
A method for displaying a TV program to a viewer, comprising receiving a plurality of TV programs, allowing the viewer to select one of the plurality of received TV programs for viewing, and responding to the viewer selection by controlling the programming displayed to the viewer in accordance with the viewer selection and with previously determined viewing preferences of the viewer. Controlling the programming displayed to the viewer may include displaying the viewer selected program and additional programs selected in accordance with the previously determined viewing preferences of the viewer. The additional programs may include advertisements.
US08495671B1
This application discloses a system and method for the delivery of television programming comprising of: a video source connected to a subscriber network to transport a primary video signal; a message source connected to said subscriber network to transport a supplemental video signal; wherein the primary and supplemental video signals are combined to display the primary and supplemental video signals concurrently. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the subscriber receives discounts relative to the amount of supplemental video signal that is viewed by the subscriber.
US08495663B2
Scorecard data is received, processed, and visualizations provided by a performance metric application. Real time collaboration between users is facilitated through context based selections from the visualizations through one or more communication applications. Performance metric application may be embedded in the communication application or vice versa through local implementation or in a service based architecture.
US08495661B2
Methods, systems and products are provided for relevant alert delivery with event and alert suppression including identifying by the event analyzer in dependence upon the event arrival rules one or more alerts; closing, by the event analyzer in dependence upon the events pool operation rules, the events pool; determining, by the events analyzer in dependence upon the event suppression rules, whether to suppress one or more events in the closed events pool; identifying by the event analyzer in dependence upon the events pool closure rules and any unsuppressed events assigned to the events pool, one or more additional alerts; assigning by the alert analyzer the identified alerts to an alerts pool; determining by the alert analyzer in dependence upon alert analysis rules and the alerts in the alert pool whether to suppress any alerts; and transmitting the unsuppressed alerts to one or more components of the distributed processing system.
US08495659B1
A method, system and computer program product for eliminating redundancy in instance data of different versioned classes in communication between object request brokers (ORBs). An ORB derives common class definitions for the class for both the client and server ORBs from an intersection of the fields present in the different versions of the class maintained at the client and server. The common class definition for the class for the server ORB/client ORB will be relative to the version of the class existing at the client/server. When a common class definition of a class exists, a server/client ORB serializes an instance of the class using its common class definition for the class thereby including only the fields useful for the client/server ORB. By deriving common class definitions for the class, redundant fields are no longer being transmitted between the client and server ORBs thereby reducing the size of data being transmitted.
US08495657B1
Technologies for virtualized management objects are presented herein. Through the utilization of the technologies and concepts presented herein, a management entity may be able to access a management object through a computer firmware that utilizes a virtualized layer that interfaces a management interface server and a CIM provider associated with the management object. According to one aspect, a method for virtualizing management objects includes receiving a request for data associated with a management object from a management entity. The request for data may be in a first standard. The request is then converted into a command in a second standard. The command is then executed and a response to the command is generated. Next, the response to the command is converted to a response to the request in the first standard. The converted response to the request is then sent to the management entity.
US08495654B2
Intranode data communications in a parallel computer that includes compute nodes configured to execute processes, where the data communications include: allocating, upon initialization of a first process of a compute node, a region of shared memory; establishing, by the first process, a predefined number of message buffers, each message buffer associated with a process to be initialized on the compute node; sending, to a second process on the same compute node, a data communications message without determining whether the second process has been initialized, including storing the data communications message in the message buffer of the second process; and upon initialization of the second process: retrieving, by the second process, a pointer to the second process's message buffer; and retrieving, by the second process from the second process's message buffer in dependence upon the pointer, the data communications message sent by the first process.
US08495639B2
This disclosure provides a system and method for normalizing job properties. In one embodiment, a job manager is operable to identify a property of a job, with the job being associated with an operating environment. The job manager is further operable to normalize the property of the job and present the normalized property of the job to a user.
US08495629B2
A system to address virtual machine relocation may include a computer system and a host operating system executing on the computer system. The system may also include a second computer system and a second host operating system executing on the second computer system. The system may further include a virtual machine executing on the host operating system. The system may additionally include a tool to relocate the virtual machine to the second host operating system based upon the host operating system's needs, the second host operating system's availability, and/or the virtual machine's relocation eligibility.
US08495628B2
A para-virtualization method is provided. The method comprises implementing a virtual machine (VM) for guest software running on first host software. In response to a privileged instruction, the guest software causes a first VM exit. If the first host software is not running directly on hardware, the privileged instruction is managed without causing a second VM exit. Otherwise, the privileged instruction is managed normally.
US08495624B2
A method for provisioning a suitable operating system environment to a client machine in a client-server architecture including the at least one client machine in communication with a plurality of servers over a network. A pre-execution boot program is executed on powering the client machine, the pre-execution boot program being configured to identify a Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) server to obtain an Internet Protocol (IP) address for the client machine. Next, the client machine establishes contact with an installation server, which is coupled to the client machine over a network. Thereafter, the client machine receives a first software module from the installation server based on processor type of the client machine. The first software module scans the client machine using to obtain a list of hardware elements on the client machine and the client machine transmits the list of hardware elements on the client machine to the installation server. Finally, the client machine receives from the installation server a suitable Operating System Environment (OSE), including an operating system and device drivers for hardware elements previously identified on the client machine.
US08495618B1
Technologies are provided herein for seamlessly updating firmware in a high availability enabled solution. A system for updating firmware in a high availability enabled solution includes a first active node that is functional on the system and which is connected to a firmware update client and a second passive node that is in an active-passive relationship with the first node. The first node receives a firmware update command and retrieves the updated firmware from the firmware update client. The first node then updates firmware of the second node using the updated firmware. Upon updating the firmware of the second node, the first node sets an indicator flag associated with the second node, which notifies the second node to become the active node upon being rebooted. The first node then reboots the second node, which then updates the firmware of the first node with the updated firmware.
US08495616B2
Disclosed is a method for updating communication equipment through a server in a communication system, where the server stores the updated files used for updating the communication equipment. In this method, configuration data in the communication equipment are backed up in the server at first, and then the updated files are downloaded to the communication equipment from the server, and the updated files are loaded to the communication equipment to implement the communication equipment update; at last, the configuration data backed up in the server are recovered to the communication equipment. The disclosed method can guarantee the successful update of the communication equipment and no data loss after the update, thus the security of the communication equipment update is greatly improved.
US08495610B2
A method and a system for process upgrade are disclosed. A source process implements data interaction, via a socket interface, with a far end entity connected with the socket interface. When the source process intends to upgrade itself, the source process copies its process data to a target process and determines if the data from the far end entity received via socket interface is complete. If it is determined that the data is complete, the source process ceases data interaction with the socket interface and copies the received data to the target process. After the data is copied, the source process sends an upgrade and switch indication to the target process and enables the target process to send an upgrade and switch request to the socket interface. The socket interface then switches a socket interface service to the target process. Accordingly, the technical solutions according to the present invention realize a reliable and smooth process upgrade without disconnecting the socket connection.
US08495602B2
The present disclosure includes a shader compiler system and method. In an embodiment, a shader compiler includes a decoder to translate an instruction having a vector representation to a unified instruction representation. The shader compiler also includes an encoder to translate an instruction having a unified instruction representation to a processor executable instruction.
US08495599B2
An apparatus and method for power savings are provided. The apparatus includes a register analysis unit and a register change unit. The register analysis unit determines if registers among bit-switching targeted registers are one of changeable and unchangeable. The register change unit searches for a register pair having a minimum bit switching frequency among registers determined to be changeable, and changes at least one register.
US08495597B2
A method and apparatus for processing multimedia instruction enhanced data by the use of an abstract routine generator and a translator. The abstract routine generator takes the multimedia instruction enhanced data and generates abstract routines to compile the multimedia instruction enhanced data. The output of the abstract generator is an abstract representation of the multimedia instruction enhanced data. The translator then takes the abstract representation and produces code for processing.
US08495596B1
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for interfacing an automated operational support system (OSS) with a legacy OSS. In use, a legacy OSS that operates manually at least in part is automated, utilizing an adapter. Furthermore, an automatic OSS is interfaced with the legacy OSS based on the automation, utilizing the adapter.
US08495593B2
A state machine program is generated from a state machine. The state machine has states, transitions and events. A basic structure for the state machine program is generated. The basic structure has therein a structure that operates in non-final states. A statement is generated within the structure for detecting an event. A statement is generated within the structure for evaluating the detected event based on a current state to identify if the current state is valid for the detected event. A statement is generated within the structure for determining a next state if the current state is valid. A statement is generated within the structure for transitioning the current state to the next state.
US08495584B2
A plurality of user interactions in a baseline computing system are intercepted and recorded, in an artifact file, with a benchmarking tool. The recorded user interactions from the artifact file are replayed and injected to a software stack of a system under test (whose performance is to be compared to the baseline system), using the benchmarking tool. During the replay, screen updates in the system under test are sequentially compared with expected screen images from the artifact file, until a match is observed in a given case. A response time associated with each of the matches is recorded.
US08495571B2
A computer method and apparatus for managing revisions to engineered products includes a repository, a local data store (working copy) and a revision manager. Each engineered product is formed of one or more assets. The repository holds the plurality of assets and tracks changes of the assets. For a given asset, the revision manager provides, together in a certain screen view, display of (a) indications of changes made to a working copy of the given asset relative to the given asset as held in the repository, and (b) indications of changes made to the given asset in the repository relative to the working copy of the given asset. The certain screen view in one embodiment employs a tabular format with sortable columns, color coded symbols, textual summaries of changes made to assets and textual description of changes made to assets in the repository.
US08495569B2
The present invention provides a software analyzer supporting development of derived products by allowing efficient selection of software components to be simultaneously reutilized or changed based on the past record of developments and changes of software products. A software analyzer according to the present invention analyzes a plurality of software components included in existing software products and correlations between the plurality of software components. The software analyzer includes product line analysis means adapted to create product line configuration data numerically expressing a set of the plurality of software components included in the existing software products, from existing product configuration data including, for each of the existing software products, data on the plurality of software components and data on the correlations between the plurality of software components, inter-component distance analysis means adapted to calculate inter-software-component distances numerically quantifying the correlations between the software components based on the product line configuration data, component cluster analysis means adapted to group the software components based on the inter-software-component distances, and an output section outputting results obtained by the product line analysis means, the inter-component distance analysis means, and the component cluster analysis means.
US08495566B2
A system and method that can be used to create a new API via a combination of existing APIs, e.g., given a set of existing APIs. The system and method also allow the user to remove existing API elements from the generated API, and to add new API elements to the generated API.
US08495561B2
As to a plurality of components in a system, a state transition path covering transitions defined by a behavioral specification of a component is specified to satisfy an input restriction of the component. Action sequences are acquired from the state transition path. By selecting a pair of components connected in the system, it is verified whether an output action sequence of a first component as one of the pair satisfies an input restriction of a second component as the other of the pair. If unsatisfied, the input restriction of the second component is relaxed to satisfy the output action sequence of the first component, or an input restriction of the first component is tightened to acquire a new output action sequence satisfying the input restriction of the second component. Above processing is repeated for each pair of components, so that output action sequences of one and the other of a pair satisfies input restrictions of the other and the one of the pair respectively.
US08495553B2
A computer-implemented method of determining threshold voltage levels within a macro of integrated circuit cells. In one embodiment, the method includes: referencing a library of the integrated circuit cells in the macro; estimating a leakage power and a dynamic power for a first integrated circuit cell in the macro; comparing the leakage power with the dynamic power; switching the first integrated circuit cell to a low threshold voltage level in response to determining the dynamic power is greater than the leakage power; and updating the library with a voltage level of the first integrated circuit cell.
US08495541B2
A characterization device capable of extracting the characteristic values of high-reliability hard macros at high speed. A characteristic value extraction unit calculates the delay time at measurement points within the hard macro and extracts the characteristic values by applying a slew to the signal waveform that is inputted to the hard macro and making a static path search. A dynamic verification unit verifies whether the characteristic values are adequate or not by carrying out a dynamic verification of the hard macro utilizing the characteristic values extracted by the characteristic value extraction unit. The characterization device can therefore shorten the time required to make a dynamic verification, and further is capable of extracting the characteristic values of high-reliability hard macros at high-speed.
US08495539B1
A method for compiling an HDL specification for simulation includes elaborating the HDL specification and determining singly-driven and multiply-driven nets of the elaborated circuit design. For each singly-driven net, a respective memory location is assigned to store a value of a corresponding driver of the net at runtime. For each multiply-driven net, a contiguous block of memory is assigned to store values of corresponding drivers of the net at runtime. For mixed language designs, this contiguous block contains values for drivers from all HDL languages involved. Simulation code that models the circuit design is generated. For each singly-driven net, the simulation code is configured to store a value of the corresponding driver of the singly-driven net in the respective memory location. For each multiply-driven net, the simulation code is configured to store the values of the corresponding drivers in the assigned block of memory. The generated simulation code is stored.
US08495527B2
A method for edge correction in pattern recognition includes generating a pattern recognition output for a pattern recognition process, including receiving, in the processor, a design layout, receiving a sample plan based on the design layout, receiving a first user-generated edge input, generating a pattern recognition recipe output from the design layout, the sample plan and the user-generated edge input, wherein the pattern recognition recipe output is configured to drive the pattern recognition process, generating a measurement model from the pattern recognition process, generating a measurement model pattern recognition output for an measurement model pattern recognition process, including receiving a second user-generated input and generating a measurement model pattern recognition recipe output from the measurement model and the second user-generated edge input, wherein the measurement model pattern recognition recipe output configured to drive the measurement model pattern recognition process.
US08495524B2
A mechanism is provided for optimizing a photolithograph mask. A given target pattern is received. An initial fictitious mask is generated from the given target pattern and an initial value of α2 is selected where the initial value of α2 is used to determine a light intensity and a wafer image. The light intensity for each pixel in the initial fictitious mask and the wafer image for each pixel in the initial fictitious mask are then determined. A determination is then made as to whether a convergence has been achieved by comparing the wafer image generated from the fictitious mask to the given target pattern. Responsive to a convergence of the wafer image generated from the fictitious mask to the given target pattern, a final mask is generated to use to transfer an image to a wafer.
US08495523B2
A mechanism is provided for optimizing a photolithograph mask. A given target pattern is received. An initial fictitious mask is generated from the given target pattern and an initial value of α2 is selected where the initial value of α2 is used to determine a light intensity and a wafer image. The light intensity for each pixel in the initial fictitious mask and the wafer image for each pixel in the initial fictitious mask are then determined. A determination is then made as to whether a convergence has been achieved by comparing the wafer image generated from the fictitious mask to the given target pattern. Responsive to a convergence of the wafer image generated from the fictitious mask to the given target pattern, a final mask is generated to use to transfer an image to a wafer.
US08495519B2
The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for generating a dynamic, live thumbnail representation of the underlying process. Using the methods and apparatus herein, users can easily understand the functions of a sub-process.
US08495511B2
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to user interfaces and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for graphically labeling widgets in a mashup dashboard. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for graphically labeling widgets in a mashup dashboard can be provided. The method can include identifying a widget, assigning a care label to the identified widget based on a type of datafeed payload information associated with the identified widget and displaying the identified widget with the assigned care label in a user interface to enable a user to make a visually matched selection of widgets to create a self service dashboard.
US08495508B2
The system provides a system for monitoring a plurality of communications mediums on a network such as the Internet or an enterprise intranet and for providing context based supplemental information based on the conversation. The supplemental information is presented in one embodiment in the form of a matching media object (MMO) and can be easily shared between users of the system, either concurrently or on a time delayed basis (i.e. the next time a user logs onto the system). The system provides a communications tool that facilitates chats, blogs, discussions, or any type of social media for a plurality of users. Conversations on the tool are parsed to determine an area of interest to the users and appropriate MMOs are provided based on that context.
US08495505B2
A method for perspective based tagging and visualization of avatars in a virtual world may include determining if another avatar has moved within a predetermined proximity range of a user's avatar in a virtual world. The method may also include allowing the user to tag the other avatar with information in response to the other avatar being within the predetermined proximity range of the user's avatar.
US08495504B2
The invention provides customizable branch navigational area control. Navigational area branches are displayed on a device. Expansion of the navigational area branches is controlled. Selection is accepted for particular navigational area branches. The selected particular navigational area branches are prevented from collapsing upon exceeding a predetermined maximum number limit, by collapsing other navigational area branches to maintain the predetermined maximum number limit. The predetermined maximum number limit represents a limit of navigational area branches allowed to remain in an expanded state.
US08495497B2
The invention provides a method and system for graphically mapping compatible processing updates. The method includes employing a processor for tracking updates for processing instruction packages. The method further includes determining compatibility between each of the processing instruction packages. The method additionally includes linking combinations of compatible processing instruction packages together. The method also includes providing a map of one or more combinations of linked compatible processing instruction packages and tracked updates for the plurality of processing instruction packages to a graphical user interface for facilitating selection of tracked updates for the plurality of processing instruction packages.
US08495490B2
Systems and methods of summarizing documents for archival, retrieval, and analysis can be used to provide a convenient summary of the content of scanned document(s). After scanning a document or set of documents, character recognition software identifies the text on the pages. Software can produce a summary of the subjects/themes/keywords in the document(s). This summary can take several forms; e.g. an index of subjects/themes/keywords which can then be printed out as a cover sheet for that stack of documents. Alternately, the summary can be in the form of a topic cloud or histogram. The topic cloud can be made dynamic to allow a user to progressively scroll through pages of documents and watch the topic cloud evolve. The histogram can be made searchable to allow the user to view content of selected pages easily and conveniently.
US08495487B2
An integrated web-based dealership management system providing accounting ,financial reporting, parts and service sales tracking, vehicle and parts inventory, vehicle sales tracking, and customer management software developed on a relational database on a web server and with web application tools.
US08495483B1
Web quotes are gathered from web pages that link to a web page of interest. The web quote may include text from the paragraphs that contain the hypertext links to the page of interest as well as text from other portions of the linked web page, such as text from a nearby header. The obtained web quotes may be ranked based on quality or relevance and may then be incorporated into a search engine's document index or into summary information returned to users in response to a search query.
US08495480B2
A method of estimating signal-to-noise ratio in a Viterbi decoder comprising: setting a threshold SNR value; determining a dependence on SNR of the average decoding path length; filling branch metrics matrix, minimal path metrics matrix, path metrics matrix and paths matrix with initial values; receiving packets from a communication channel; calculating the matrices that contains paths stored during operation of Viterbi algorithm in its rows, and a minimal path metrics matrix, including calculating an estimate of a decoding path length, where all the paths converge, based on the paths matrix; calculating current SNR estimate using an estimate of a decoding path length, based on results of previous steps; setting a decoder control signal to an active state if the current estimated SNR does not exceed the threshold, and to an inactive state otherwise; if the decoder control signal is in active state, the branch metrics matrix, the minimal path metrics matrix, the paths metrics matrix and the paths matrix are filled with the initial values; generating a decoded symbol; and repeating the steps on a next packet if one is available.
US08495474B2
The present invention relates to a method and system for data transmission in a data network. According to the method, a data packet is sent from a sender to a receiver. If a data packet is incorrectly received on the receiver, a repeat request is sent from the receiver to the sender. Upon receiving the repeat request on the sender, the data packet is resent from the sender to the receiver. After having received on the sender a predetermined number of repeat requests requesting the resending of the same data packet, a predetermined quantity of copies of the data packet is sent from the sender to the receiver, wherein the predetermined quantity includes at least two copies, or a predetermined quantity of additional information packets is sent from the sender to the receiver.
US08495472B1
A system and method for performing financial reconciliation of two systems using checksums generally consists of a primary and a secondary system connected via a communications network, wherein each system includes a data source and is adapted to independently calculate one or more checksums pertaining to the data according to the same formula and at the same time. Information, such as data pertaining to financial transactions, may be stored in the primary data source and replicated to the secondary data source via asynchronous messages. The data in the primary and secondary data sources may be reconciled at regular intervals by comparing the checksum calculated by the primary system with the checksum calculated by the secondary system at a given time. If the checksums match, the data is considered to be reconciled. If the checksums do not match, then a recovery process may be initiated to ensure that the data in the primary system is completely and accurately transferred to the secondary system.
US08495470B2
A method for efficiently rewriting data to tape is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a method includes writing a data set to tape, the data set comprising S sub data sets of fixed size, each sub data set comprising N code word interleaves (CWIs). The method further includes reading the data set while writing it to the tape to identify faulty CWIs. While reading the data set, the method buffers the faulty CWIs (such as by storing, identifying, and/or marking the faulty CWIs) for later retrieval. When the end of the data set is reached, the method writes corrected versions of the faulty CWIs to the end of the data set. A corresponding apparatus is also disclosed and claimed herein.
US08495460B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for reconfiguring an array of solid-state storage elements. The method includes determining that one or more storage elements are unavailable to store data. The storage elements are configured in an array of N storage elements that each store a portion of a first ECC chunk and P storage elements that store first parity data corresponding to the first ECC chunk. The method includes generating a second ECC chunk comprising at least a portion of the data of the first ECC chunk. The method includes storing the second ECC chunk and associated second parity data across (N+P)−Z storage elements where 1≦Z≦P.
US08495459B2
An encoding/decoding apparatus and method using a low-density parity-check code (LDPC code) is disclosed. Basic column group information, serving as a set of information regarding positions of rows with weight 1, is extracted from a reference column in each column group of a predetermined parity-check matrix. Column group information transforms the positions of rows with weight 1 into positions whose lengths are within a required parity length. A parity-check matrix is generated according to the generated column group information. Data is encoded or decoded based on the generated parity-check matrix.
US08495458B1
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an error correction method. The error correction method comprises receiving a digital signal and processing the digital signal to perform a first error correction. The first error correction includes a first correction for data insertions or deletions and a first correction of data errors to generate a reference signal. The reference signal corresponds to the digital signal having been corrected to a first correction accuracy. The digital signal and the reference signal may be processed to perform a second correction for data insertions or deletions to generate a synchronized signal. The second correction of the digital signal is based on the reference signal, and the correction accuracy of the second correction is more accurate than the first correction accuracy.
US08495454B2
Methods, apparatuses, systems, and architectures for providing fast, independent, and reliable retrieval of system data (e.g., metadata) from a storage system, which enables minimal degradation in the reliability of user data. Methods generally include encoding the system data at least twice, at least once independently and at least once jointly along with user data. Methods can also include decoding the system data first, and upon a decoding failure, jointly decoding the system data and the user data.
US08495447B2
A controller for a communications device, comprising: a receiver arranged for receiving a first data block and a second data block, each data block comprising a plurality of analogue signals; a digitizer arranged for converting each analogue signal into a digital value and marking each digital value as saturated when the digital value exceeds a digital range; and a processor arranged for modifying at least one digital value of the first block by combination with a corresponding digital value of the second block except where the digital value of the first block is marked as saturated and marking each modified value as saturated when the modified value is outside a defined range.
US08495437B2
A semiconductor memory device including a data bus inversion (DBI) determination unit, a first inverter, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) calculation unit, a second inverter, and a DQ pin. The DBI determination unit is configured to determine whether to perform DBI based on first data on a main data line and configured to generate DBI data. The first inverter is configured to invert or non-invert the first data according to the DBI data to generate second data. The CRC calculation unit is configured to generate CRC data based on the second data and the DBI data. The second inverter is configured to invert or non-invert the first data according to the DBI data to generate third data. The DQ pin is configured to output the third data externally.
US08495436B1
An electronic circuit includes first and second circuits that include corresponding built-in-self-test (BIST) engines to perform memory testing operations on corresponding first and second memory block and generate first and second memory repair data. A multiplexer receives the first and second memory repair data and selectively transmits the first memory repair data during a first test cycle and the second memory repair data during a second test cycle. A shadow register buffers the first memory repair data during the first test cycle and a fuse processor sequentially receives and stores the first and second memory repair data during the second test cycle.
US08495435B2
An apparatus, system, method, and machine-readable medium are disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus includes an address swap cache. The apparatus also includes memory segment swap logic that is capable of detecting a reproducible fault at a first address targeting a memory segment. Once detected, the logic remaps the first address targeting the faulty memory segment with a second address targeting another memory segment. The logic stores the two addresses in an entry in the address swap cache. Then the memory segment swap logic receives a memory transaction that is targeting the first physical address and use the address to perform a lookup process in the address swap cache to determine if an entry exists that has the faulty address. If an entry does exist for that address, the logic then swaps the second address into the memory transaction for the first address.
US08495434B2
A server management system includes a management server and a mail server. The management server includes a source determination unit and an alert mail creator. The source determination unit determines as a source a symbol identifying a failure cause of a system according to the failure cause. The alert mail creator creates an alert mail with the source and with the system administrator of the system as a destination. The mail server sends the alert mail to a terminal device that the system administrator uses.
US08495433B2
The present invention is related to a microcomputer mutual monitoring system in which mutual monitoring is performed between a first microcomputer 11 and a second microcomputer 12, characterized in that if a reset of the second microcomputer is performed due to an occurrence of an abnormal event in the second microcomputer, the monitoring of the first microcomputer is performed by an alternative monitoring function 142 incorporated in the first microcomputer instead of the monitoring of the first microcomputer by a monitoring function of the second microcomputer during the reset. With this arrangement, the microcomputer mutual monitoring system, which can prevent reduced marketability while maintaining reliability as a system, can be obtained.
US08495430B2
Disclosed is a computer implemented method, computer program product, and apparatus for generating diagnostic data for a thread. A service processor may begin by executing the computer usable program code to allocate a first thread to a monitoring function. The service processor determines if a second thread is running, wherein the second thread is associated with an operation. The service processor obtains an object pointer from a list of running threads, wherein the object pointer references a time data structure associated with the second thread, the time data structure comprising a maximum running time interval and a check time. The service processor calculates the check time as a maximum running time interval added to an initially sampled timestamp. The service processor determines if a current time exceeds the check time. In addition, the service processor generates an error log, responsive to a determination that the current time exceeds the check time.
US08495426B2
Techniques for meta-directory control and evaluation of events are provided. Disparate events from heterogeneous processing environments are collected as the events are produced by resources within the processing environments. The events are filtered and organized into taxonomies. Next the filtered and organized events are assigned to nodes of a Meta directory, each node defining a relationship between two or more of the resources and policy is applied. Finally, additional policy is evaluated in view of the events and their node assignments with other events, and one or more automated actions are then taken.
US08495422B2
Described herein are a method, system, and computer readable medium for resetting a subsystem of a communication device. The method involves utilizing a subsystem error handler to generate a reset request signal indicating the subsystem has experienced an exception; distributing to a software component, residing externally to the subsystem, a status message indicative of a current state of the subsystem; performing a reset of the subsystem in response to the reset request signal; and rebooting the subsystem. When the subsystem can be reset without performing a system wide reset of the communication device, communication device downtime is reduced, which facilitates a positive user experience.
US08495421B2
The invention relates to a method for packet-switching transmission of media data and a device for processing media data. Media data may be video, audio or text data, or other data. Transmission of the data is usually effected according to a streaming method. The data is therein transmitted in packets and re-assembled in the receiving device. For Internet applications, the real-time transport protocol is very widely used in the transmission of data streams. However, this data transmission protocol does not enable a secure transmission which is based on a repetition of the defectively transmitted data. Sequence counters are used according to this protocol so that left-out data packets can be detected in the receiving device. According to the invention, it is provided that error information data is inserted in the destination media data record which is generated from the received data in the receiving device when, according to the transmission protocol, transmission errors are detected in the analysis of the data packets received. The transmission errors are then documented in the destination data record. The stored error information can be analyzed upon reproduction of the destination data record so that it can be evaluated, in particular, whether the recorded original data is so seriously defective that a new recording is inevitable. In particular, this is advantageous in video production where it is necessary to quickly evaluate whether a recorded film or video scene is of acceptable quality (if necessary, taking potential retouching into account) or whether it must be repeated and recorded again.
US08495420B2
According to certain aspects, a method is disclosed for registry key management in a network. The method includes detecting registry keys stored in a registry of a plurality of client computing devices and storing on a remote database a copy of the registry keys. The remote database is in communication with each of the client computing devices. The method further includes tracking with a management module running on the client computing devices modifications made to the registry of the first client device. In addition, the method includes modifying the copy of the registry keys on the remote database to reflect the modifications to the registry of the first client computing device; detecting a rebuild operation of the first client computing device; and automatically reinstalling registry keys on the first client computing device based on the copy of the registry keys stored on the remote database.
US08495418B2
Techniques for achieving high-availability using a single processor (CPU). In a system comprising a multi-core processor, at least two partitions may be configured with each partition being allocated one or more cores of the multiple cores. The partitions may be configured such that one partition operates in active mode while another partition operates in standby mode. In this manner, a single processor is able to provide active-standby functionality, thereby enhancing the availability of the system comprising the processor.
US08495416B2
A system comprising an interface, a plurality of storage arrays, a data processing module, and a switch module. The interface receives data blocks from a host via a network. The data processing module connected between the interface and the plurality of storage arrays, wherein the data processing module is configured to (i) determine which ones of the data blocks each of a plurality of target processing modules of the storage arrays is to perform error checking and correcting processing, and (ii) transfer each of the data blocks from the interface to a respectively assigned one of the plurality of target processing modules. The switch module provides communication paths between the data processing module and the plurality of storage arrays.
US08495402B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for limiting power consumption of a non-volatile memory (NVM) using a power limiting scheme that distributes a number of concurrent NVM operations over time. This provides a “current consumption cap” that fixes an upper limit of current consumption for the NVM, thereby eliminating peak power events. In one embodiment, power consumption of a NVM can be limited by receiving data suitable for use as a factor in adjusting a current threshold from at least one of a plurality of system sources. The current threshold can be less than a peak current capable of being consumed by the NVM and can be adjusted based on the received data. A power limiting scheme can be used that limits the number of concurrent NVM operations performed so that a cumulative current consumption of the NVM does not exceed the adjusted current threshold.
US08495390B2
Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable storage media for obfuscating data based on a discrete logarithm. A system practicing the method identifies a clear value in source code, replaces the clear value in the source code with a transformed value based on the clear value and a discrete logarithm, and updates portions of the source code that refer to the clear value such that interactions with the transformed value provide a same result as interactions with the clear value. This discrete logarithm approach can be implemented in three variations. The first variation obfuscates some or all of the clear values in loops. The second variation obfuscates data in a process. The third variation obfuscates data pointers, including tables and arrays. The third variation also preserves the ability to use pointer arithmetic.
US08495386B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for encryption of a memory device with wear leveling. In one aspect, a method includes accessing an address map of the memory device, the address map referencing first memory locations and second memory locations of the memory device, wherein the first memory locations store data that are to be encrypted by a full disk encryption operation on the memory device; designating the second memory locations as being encrypted without performing an encryption operation on the second memory locations; and encrypting only the data stored in the first memory locations of the memory device so that the data of the first memory locations and the second memory locations are designated as being disk encrypted.
US08495381B2
This invention provides a simple and secure PIN unblock mechanism for use with a security token. A set of one or more passphrases are stored on a remote server during personalization. Likewise, the answers to the passphrases are hashed and stored inside the security token for future comparison. A local client program provides the user input and display dialogs and ensures a secure communications channel is provided before passphrases are retrieved from the remote server. Retrieval of passphrases and an administrative unblock secret from the remote server are accomplished using a unique identifier associated with the security token, typically the token's serial number. A PIN unblock applet provides the administrative mechanism to unblock the security token upon receipt of an administrative unblock shared secret. The remote server releases the administrative unblock shared secret only after a non-forgeable confirmatory message is received from the security token that the user has been properly authenticated. The administrative unblock shared secret is encrypted with the token's public key during transport to maximize security.
US08495376B2
Disclosed is a broadcasting signal receiving apparatus for controlling use of a broadcasting program using a signature in program information and a method thereof. The broadcasting signal receiving apparatus includes a communicating unit for receiving a broadcasting signal, an extracting unit for extracting a broadcasting program and program information from the received broadcasting signal, and a determining unit configured to generate a temporal signature for confirmation (confirmation signature) which determines whether the program information is changed or not from the original program information and determine validity of the program information by comparing a signature included in the extracted program information with the confirmation signature.
US08495375B2
Methods and systems for secure channel initialization between a client network element and a server network element are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes: sending a secure channel initialization request from the client network element to the server network element; receiving the secure channel initialization request at the server network element; creating a server credential and a client credential at the server network element; and sending a secure channel initialization response from the server network element to the client network element, the secure channel initialization response including the server credential and the client credential, wherein said server credential and said client credential are used to establish a secure session.
US08495373B2
The present invention relates to security systems for communication networks. More precisely, the invention relates to a method for generating a shared key between a first node (D1) and a second node (D2) for secure communication in a network (1), the first node storing a first node keying material share based on a root keying material and the method comprising the following steps: a) the first node receiving an identifier of the second node, b) the first node evaluating the first node keying material share at a second node's identifier, to generate the shared key, wherein the first node keying material share is a polynomial-based keying material over a finite field Fq and step b) comprises: b1) the first node applying a Horner's rule to factorize the first node keying material under the form of a combination of monomials, b2) the first node computing the result of each monomial operation by evaluating at a predetermined point a polynomial of degree r−1 with coefficients in a sub-field of Fq. The invention also relates to a network and a computer program thereof.
US08495370B2
In an information processing apparatus, when a command does not include information relating to whether to perform or not to perform authentication of firmware or a first control unit, authentication or authentication bypassing is performed based on a power state and an operation table, and when the command does include the information, the authentication or the authentication bypassing is performed based on the command.
US08495367B2
In a data level security environment, the data level security mechanism operates on plaintext data. Data level security operations identify a point in the information stream where plaintext data is available for interception. Typically this is a point in the processing stream just after the native DBMS decryption functionality has been invoked. A database monitor intercepts and scrutinizes data in transit between an application and a database by identifying a transition point between the encrypted and plaintext data where the cryptographic operations are invoked, and transfers control of the data in transit to a database monitor application subsequent to the availability of the data in plaintext form.
