US08497439B2
A secondary disconnect apparatus for a circuit breaker, for making a slidable electrical connection with a mating enclosure-side secondary disconnect apparatus, is disclosed, having a pair of stop plate surfaces coupled to the circuit breaker defining a first linear distance D1, and a lateral adjustment portion in slidable communication with a pair of a guide members configured to guide movement of the lateral adjustment portion along an axis in one of a first and a second direction. The apparatus includes and a pair of adjustment member surfaces coupled to the lateral adjustment portion defining a second linear distance D2, wherein the adjustment member surfaces are configured to cooperate with the stop plate surfaces to limit the travel of lateral adjustment portion, and wherein a total predetermined lateral distance of travel of lateral adjustment portion 250 is defined based on at least the difference between first distance D1 and second distance D2.
US08497431B2
The circuit-connecting material for connection between circuit members each having a board and a circuit electrode formed on the primary surface of the board, comprising an adhesive composition that cures in response to light or heat and an organic compound containing a urethane group and an ester group.
US08497428B2
A high performance data cable which has an interior support or star separator. The star separator or interior support extends along the longitudinal length of the data cable. The star separator or interior support has a central region. A plurality of prongs or splines extend outward from the central region along the length of the central region. Each prong or spline is adjacent with at least two other prongs or splines. The prongs or splines may be helixed or S-Z shaped as they extend along the length of the star separator or interior support. Each pair of adjacent prongs or splines defines grooves which extend along the longitudinal length of the interior support. At least two of the grooves have disposed therein an insulated conductor. The interior support can have a first material and a different second material. The different second material forms an outer surface of the interior support.
US08497425B2
A toneable conduit includes an elongate polymeric tube having a sidewall with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a main channel for holding communication or power cables. A sub-channel extends longitudinally between the exterior and interior surfaces of the tube. An electrically continuous, toning signal wire is located within the sub-channel. The toning signal wire is formed of an annealed metal or metals and is capable of elongation to a certain extent without breakage, wherein the certain extent approximates or exceeds the extent of elongation of the tube at the point of failure.
US08497424B2
A universal electrical box which includes a body having at least one opening for receiving an electrical device. The device can also include at least one mounting bracket coupled to the body, and at least one frame configured to be coupled to the at least one body. In addition there is at least one duplex electrical mounting plate configured to couple to the at least one frame. In this case, the duplex electrical mounting plate is configured to receive a duplex electrical device. In addition, there is at least one sealing gasket configured to be coupled to the body between the at least one frame and the body. This design allows for a universal configuration which allows for multiple different types of electrical devices to be coupled to the enclosure.
US08497422B2
A light concentration device includes: a plate including two principal faces and an edge between the two principal faces, a refractive index gradient existing between the two principal faces, and a diffraction grating functioning in reflection or semi-reflection that cooperates with one of the principal faces of the plate having the highest refractive index, the principal face having the lowest refractive index forming a front entry face for the light, at least one exit zone for the light being disposed on the edge.
US08497418B2
In one embodiment, an electronic cymbal system includes a first pickup configured to generate an electrical signal representative of vibrations in a first cymbal, and a controller configured to receive the first electrical signal and to process the first electrical signal to generate an output. The controller includes a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to subject a version of the first electrical signal to a digital signal processing technique. The digital signal processing technique includes one or more of dynamic range compression, expansion, frequency equalization, harmonic excitation, comb filtering, and pitch shifting. The cymbals may be any of variety of known cymbals, such as hi-hat, crash and ride cymbals, and may be of the perforated type configured to reduce noise for indoor use. Lighting control may be provided to illuminate the cymbal for functional or aesthetic purposes.
US08497416B2
There is provided a musical score display apparatus which can display a musical score at multiple levels ranging from a partial part to all parts and can display a comment relating to the displayed musical score based on the creation date and time, and a program for realizing a musical score display method. Comment data created in a setting period are displayed on a timeline by using comment icons at positions corresponding to creation date and time. When the highest level button among level selection buttons is operated, the comment icons relating to all parts are displayed on the timeline. When the lowest level button is operated in this state, the comment icon relating to the part to be deleted when the lowest level is selected is also deleted from the timeline in the display musical score of all parts.
US08497413B1
A novel hybrid maize variety designated X5K677 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X5K677 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X5K677 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize hybrid variety X5K677, the hybrid seed, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of hybrid maize variety X5K677. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from hybrid maize variety X5K677 and to the maize is varieties derived by the use of those methods.
US08497401B2
The invention is directed to a ternary azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of effective amounts of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, and hydrogen fluoride.
US08497391B2
An insulating film material for plasma CVD represented by a chemical formula (1) shown below, a method of film formation using the insulating film material, and an insulating film. According to the present invention, an insulating film having a low dielectric constant and a superior copper diffusion barrier property suitable for an interlayer insulating film or the like of a semiconductor device can be obtained. In the chemical formula (1), n represents an integer of 3 to 6, and each of R1 and R2 independently represents one of C2H, C2H3, C3H3, C3H5, C3H7, C4H5, C4H7, C4H9, C5H7, C5H9 and C5H11.
US08497389B2
Embodiments of the present application provide methods for processing biodiesel from feedstock using a single-step process. The methods can include, for example, use of a gaseous catalyst as part of the esterification/transesterification process. Embodiments of the present application also provide systems for the methods thereof.
US08497374B2
A synthetic process for producing bortezomib comprising converting racemic boronic esters, such as the pinacol α-aminoboronic ester, into mixtures of diastereomers [6] by reaction with a suitably protected L-phenylalanine derivative (see Scheme 3), such as N—BOC-L-phenylalanine. The protecting group of the L-phenylalanine moiety is then removed, such as by reacting the diastereomers [6] with an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, to form a mixture of amine salt diastereomers [7] which is then subjected to conditions under which the desired diastereomer (R,S)-[7] is selectively isolated, such as by crystallization, chromatography or stereoselective hydrolysis. The separated desired diastereomer (R,S)-[7] is then converted into bortezomib or bortezomib anhydride.
US08497370B2
A series of amine salts including a structure of formula (I) and formula (III) have provided. In formula I or formula (III), R1, Ra and RX are as defined in the specification. The amine complex salts disclosed in the present invention are characterized in a pro-drug active form and various pharmaceutical function.
US08497369B2
The present invention relates to spirocyclic heterocycles of general formula (I) the tautomers, the stereoisomers, the mixtures thereof and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids, which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibitory effect on signal transduction mediated by tyrosine kinases, the use thereof for the treatment of diseases, particularly tumoral diseases as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), diseases of the lungs and airways, and the preparation thereof.
US08497367B2
A process for the extraction of sucralose from an aqueous solution containing at least sucralose, other chlorinated saccharides, sodium chloride and dimethylammonium chloride into an organic solvent for sucralose by contacting said organic solvent with said solution to extract sucralose into the organic solvent. The ratio of sodium chloride to dimethylammonium chloride in the aqueous solution is increased prior to or during contact so as to increase the partition coefficient of sucralose into said organic solvent.
US08497366B2
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
US08497365B2
The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising polymeric moieties covalently attached to therapeutic agents, wherein the therapeutic agent is attached to the polymeric moiety through a tether. By selecting from a variety of tether groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein.
US08497356B2
Methods for producing biomolecule-polymer conjugates, such as polypeptide-polymer conjugates, include attachment of an initiator agent to a biomolecule and in situ polymerization of a polymer from defined sites on the biomolecule. The conjugates may have desirable pharmacological properties and may be used therapeutically.
US08497350B2
The invention relates to Factor H gene polymorphisms and haplotypes associated with an elevated or a reduced risk of AMD. The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosis and treatment of AMD.
US08497320B2
A process is provided by which a polyrotaxane including cyclic molecules having a relatively long graft chain is easily obtained. Also provided is a polyrotaxane which includes cyclic molecules having a radical polymerization initiation site and is for use as a raw material in the process. The polyrotaxane comprises: a pseudo-polyrotaxane comprising cyclic molecules clathrated with a linear molecule, the cavities of the cyclic molecules having been pierced by the linear molecule; and blocking groups disposed respectively at both ends of the pseudo-polyrotaxane so as not to release the cyclic molecules. The cyclic molecules in the polyrotaxane have a radical polymerization initiation site.
US08497318B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer by free-radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid and/or a salt thereof, at least one ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and/or an anhydride and/or a salt thereof, in the presence of hypophosphorous acid and/or a salt thereof. The invention also relates to a polymer composition obtainable by this process. The invention also relates to the use of such a polymer composition as detergent additive, e.g. as dispersant, scale inhibitor or sequestrant for laundry detergents.
US08497308B2
A process for carrying out at least two unit operations in series, the process comprising the step of: (a) directing a feed stream into an integrated assembly which comprises a first microchannel unit operation upon at least one chemical of the feed stream to generate a distributed output stream that exits the first microchannel unit operation in a first set of discrete microchannels isolating flow through the discrete microchannels; and (b) directing the distributed output stream of the first microchannel unit operation into a second microchannel unit operation as a distributed input stream, to continue isolating flow between the first set of discrete microchannels, and conducting at least one operation upon at least one chemical of the input stream to generate a product stream that exits the second microchannel unit operation, where the first microchannel unit operation and the second unit operation share a housing.
US08497299B2
The present invention relates to cannabinoic quinone compounds, and especially to their medical use. In particular five cannabinoic quinones, designated HU-331, HU-336, HU-345, HU-395 and HU-396, are described as active agents in pharmaceutical compositions. These compounds and compositions thereof are intended for the treatment of inflammatory, infectious, auto-immune and particularly hyperproliferative disorders. Thus, the compounds of the invention may be used as anti-tumor agents, or for the treatment of cancer. Furthermore, three of these compounds, HU-345, HU-395 and HU-396, are novel cannabinoic quinones.
US08497297B2
Molecular mimics of Smac are capable of modulating apoptosis through their interaction with cellular IAPs (inhibitor of apoptosis proteins). The mimetics are based on a monomer or dimer of the N-terminal tetrapeptide of IAP-binding proteins, such as Smac/DIABLO, Hid, Grim and Reaper, which interact with a specific surface groove of IAP. Also disclosed are methods of using these peptidomimetics for therapeutic purposes. In various embodiments of the invention the Smac mimetics of the invention are combined with chemotherapeutic agents, including, but not limited to topoisomerase inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, NSAIDs, taxanes and platinum containing compounds use broader language.
US08497296B2
The invention is directed to a compound of Formula (I), wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom and unsubstituted or substituted phenyl group; R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom and unsubstituted or substituted phenyl group; X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom or halogen atom; and Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom, halogen atom, C1-C4 alkyl group, nitro group, and —OCF3 group, as well as for its use in therapy, preferably for the treatment of cancer, and to a related pharmaceutical composition, the use of the compound for the manufacture of a medicament for the respective medical indication, and a method of synthesis of the compounds of the invention.
US08497295B2
The present invention relates to modulators of muscarinic receptors. The present invention also provides compositions comprising such modulators, and methods therewith for treating muscarinic receptor mediated diseases.
US08497291B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation which comprises (i) a capsule, and (ii) a core comprising crystalline 2′-cyano-2′-deoxy-N4-palmitoyl-1-β-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine and a liquid carrier.
US08497288B2
The invention provides novel compounds having the general formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3 and A are as described herein, compositions including the compounds and methods of using the compounds. These compounds are useful as inhibitors of hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) and may be used in the treatment of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, myocardial dysfunction, inflammation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
US08497280B2
An analgesic composition, in parenteral unit dosage form or in a unit dosage form suitable for delivery via the dermis or mucosa, comprises buprenorphine and an amount nalmefene such that the ratio by weight of buprenorphine to nalmefene delivered to or reaching the plasma of a patient is in the range 22.6:1 to 40:1. The analgesic action of the buprenorphine is potentiated by the low dose of nalmefene. Also provided are a method of treatment of pain and the use of nalmefene and buprenorphine for the manufacture of a medicament.
US08497268B2
Maleate salts of (6-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)carbonyloxy]-7-oxo-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazine) are provided. The salts are useful to provide blood levels of eszopiclone that are independent of fasting state.
US08497265B2
Heteroaryloxyheterocyclyl compounds, and compositions containing them, and processes for preparing such compounds. Provided herein also are methods of treating disorders or diseases treatable by inhibition of PDE10, such as obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes, schizophrenia, Huntington's Disease, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the like.
US08497260B2
2-arylbenzothiophene derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, a preparation method thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition for the diagnosis or treatment of degenerative brain disease containing the same as an active ingredient. Since the 2-arylbenzothiophene derivatives of Formula 1 have a relatively high binding affinity for β-amyloid, they can be used as diagnostic reagents for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease at an early stage by non-invasive techniques when they are labeled with radioisotopes: wherein R1-R4, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined in the Detailed Descript of the specification. Further, when the pharmaceutical composition containing the 2-arylbenzothiophene derivative binds with a low-molecular weight β-amyloid peptide binding compound, generation of malignant high-molecular weight β-amyloid deposits is minimized. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical composition can be used as a therapeutic agent of degenerative brain disease such as Alzheimer's disease.
US08497255B2
The present invention relates to novel phosphonic acids derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.
US08497253B2
Osteogenic compositions composed of a coprecipitate that contains at least one insoluble calcium salt and at least one complex between an osteogenic protein and a polysaccharide, the coprecipitate being in divided form, are described. Kits are also described, as are a process for preparing the coprecipitate in divided form, containing at least one insoluble calcium salt and at least one complex between an osteogenic protein and a polysaccharide.
US08497232B2
A bis-type alkenyl-substituted succinimide which is prepared by reaction of succinic anhydride substituted with 2-alkenyl group having a branch structure in β-position with alkylenepolyamine and its derivatives derived from the bis-type alkenyl-substituted succinimide by post-treatment are of value as friction modifiers, particularly for incorporation into lubricating oils for automatic transmissions.
US08497227B2
Diphenylsulfone bridged compounds of the general formula: (1) wherein n is an integer of 1 to 10. Further, there is disclosed a thermal recording material comprising a support and, superimposed thereon, a thermosensitive color forming layer containing a color forming substance for thermal recording consisting of any of the diphenylsulfone bridged compounds and a color forming substance consisting of a colorless or light-colored leuco dye. This thermal recording material excels in the storability, especially wet heat resistance and oil resistance, of image areas and further exhibits excellent characteristics in the storability, especially heat resistance, of undeveloped areas.
US08497223B2
A process for production of a DDR-type zeolite membrane, which comprises: both a seed crystal-forming step of immersing a porous substrate in a seed crystal-forming raw material solution which contains a DDR-type zeolite powder dispersed therein and performing hydrothermal synthesis to form plural DDR-type zeolite crystal particles on surface of the porous substrate, and a membrane-forming step of immersing the resulting porous substrate with DDR-type zeolite crystal particles on the surface in a membrane-forming raw material solution which is free from DDR-type zeolite powder and performing hydrothermal synthesis to form a DDR-type zeolite membrane on the surface of the porous substrate. According to the process, a dense DDR-type zeolite membrane can be formed, and the vessel used in the synthesis can be prevented from being damaged.
US08497209B2
The present invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) composition comprising an amino compound, a radical-forming oxidizing agent, a radical trapping agent capable of inhibiting radical-induced oxidation of the amino compound, and an aqueous carrier therefore. The radical trapping agent is a hydroxyl-substituted polyunsaturated cyclic compound, a nitrogenous compound, or a combination thereof. Optionally, the composition comprises a metal oxide abrasive (e.g., silica, alumina, titania, ceria, zirconia, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing abrasives).
US08497205B2
In an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor layer having regions into which a p-type impurity, an n-type impurity and a (p+n) impurity are respectively introduced is formed as a surface layer by being heat-treated. An impurity segregation layer on these regions is removed, and a film of a metallic material is thereafter formed on the regions and is heat-treated, thereby forming a silicide film on the semiconductor layer. In another embodiment, an impurity is introduced into the impurity segregation layer, and a film of a metallic material is thereafter formed on the impurity segregation layer and is heat-treated to form a silicide film.
US08497201B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided which includes providing a substrate. A material layer is formed over the substrate. A polymer layer is formed over the material layer. A nano-sized feature is self-assembled using a portion of the polymer layer. The substrate is patterned using the nano-sized feature.
US08497200B2
Method of forming a solder alloy deposit on a substrate comprising i) provide a substrate including a surface bearing electrical circuitry that includes at least one inner layer contact area, ii) form a solder mask layer on the substrate surface and patterned to expose at least one contact area, iii) contact the entire substrate area including the solder mask layer and the at least one contact area with a solution to provide a metal seed layer on the substrate surface, iv) form a structured resist layer on the metal seed layer, v) electroplate a first solder material layer containing tin onto the conductive layer, vi) electroplate a second solder material layer onto the first solder material layer, vii) remove the structured resist layer and etch away an amount of the metal seed layer sufficient to remove the metal seed layer from the solder mask layer area and reflow the substrate.
US08497199B1
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a thin film formed with a uniform single-size monolayer of spherical AZO nanoparticles. Because of its own advantages in cost and transparency, Al-doped ZnO (AZO) transparent conductive film is becoming the most commonly used transparent conducting oxide (TCO) replacement for solar cells. In this invention, a colloidal chemical means is adopted for enabling a chemical reaction between metal salts, water, and polyhydric alcohols at a room-temperature environment, and thereby, a process for fabricating spherical AZO nanoparticles in a diameter ranged between 100 nm to 400 nm according to different parameter configurations can be achieved while controlling the actual Al/Zn ratio to be ranged between 0.1% to 3%. In addition, a dip coating means is adopted for densely distributing the spherical AZO nanoparticles on a substrate into a monolayer close-packed structure.
US08497183B2
A method of making a device. The method comprises providing a first layer including a first material on a surface of a substrate, removing a portion of the first layer and a corresponding portion of the substrate to form an opening in the first layer and a recessed portion in the surface of the substrate, and supplying a liquid mixture to the opening and the recessed portion. The liquid mixture includes a first component having a first chemical affinity to the first material and a second component having a second chemical affinity to the first material, which is smaller than the first chemical affinity. The method also includes removing the second component and forming a second layer including the first component. The second layer covers the recessed portion and adheres to an edge portion of the first layer, such that the second layer and the recessed portion define a cavity.
US08497177B1
A method for fabricating a fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) device includes providing a substrate having a first fin at a first location, and epitaxially growing a second fin on the substrate at the first location. The epitaxial growth is performed at a first temperature. The method further includes performing a thermal annealing at a second temperature in oxygen ambient on the substrate with the second fin thereon to grow an interface wrapping over the second fin. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature.
US08497171B1
Methods and structures for forming semiconductor FinFET devices with superior repeatability and reliability include providing APT (anti-punch through) layer accurately formed beneath a semiconductor fins, are provided. Both the n-type and p-type APT layers are formed prior to the formation of the material from which the semiconductor fin is formed. In some embodiments, barrier layers are added between the accurately positioned APT layer and the semiconductor fin. Ion implantation methods and epitaxial growth methods are used to form appropriately doped APT layers in a semiconductor substrate surface. The fin material is formed over the APT layers using epitaxial growth/deposition methods.
US08497166B2
An electronic device in which a metal wire (119) is bonded to an electronic component (111) contained in a case (110) by wire bonding and a bonding surface (121, 122) to which the metal wire (119) is bonded is covered with a synthetic resin (130) is manufactured by injecting an amount of synthetic resin (130) into the case (110) such that at least a portion of the metal wire (119) is exposed from a top surface of the synthetic resin (130); and leaving the case (110) to which the synthetic resin (130) is injected under reduced pressure so as to raise a liquid surface of the synthetic resin (130) due to the reduced pressure, and covering the metal wire (119) exposed from the top surface of the synthetic resin (130) with the synthetic resin (30, 130).
US08497163B2
A semiconductor substrate and a copper sheet stacked with an insulating resin layer are bonded together at a temperature of 130° C. or below (first temperature) so that an element electrode provided on the semiconductor substrate connects to the copper sheet before a thinning process. Then the semiconductor substrate and the copper sheet, on which the insulating resin layer has been stacked, are press-bonded at a high temperature of 170° C. or above (second temperature) with the copper sheet thinned to thickness of a wiring layer. Then the wiring layer (rewiring) is formed by patterning the thinned copper sheet.
US08497153B2
A process for making a back-contact solar cell module is provided. Electrically conductive wires of an integrated back-sheet are physically and electrically attached to the back contacts of the solar cells of a solar cell array through openings in a polymeric interlayer dielectric layer using an electrically conductive binder before thermal lamination of the module.
US08497149B2
A method of fabricating a micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) apparatus on a substrate (10) comprises the steps of processing the substrate (10) so as to fabricate an electronic circuit (11); depositing a first electrode (15) that is operably coupled with the electronic circuit (11); depositing a membrane (16) so that it is mechanically coupled to the first electrode (15); applying a sacrificial layer (50); depositing a structural layer (18) and a second electrode (17) that is operably coupled with the electronic circuit (11) so that the sacrificial layer (50) is disposed between the membrane (16) and the structural layer (18) so as to form a preliminary structure; singulating the substrate (10); and removing the sacrificial layer (50) so as to form a MEMS structure, in which the step of singulating the substrate (10) is carried out before the step of removing the sacrificial layer (50).
US08497146B2
Vertical solid-state transducers (“SSTs”) having backside contacts are disclosed herein. An SST in accordance with a particular embodiment can include a transducer structure having a first semiconductor material at a first side of the SST, a second semiconductor material at a second side of the SST opposite the first side, and an active region between the first and second semiconductor materials. The SST can further include first and second contacts electrically coupled to the first and second semiconductor materials, respectively. A portion of the first contact can be covered by a dielectric material, and a portion can remain exposed through the dielectric material. A conductive carrier substrate can be disposed on the dielectric material. An isolating via can extend through the conductive carrier substrate to the dielectric material and surround the exposed portion of the first contact to define first and second terminals electrically accessible from the first side.
US08497144B1
A method for manufacturing a light emitting chip comprises: providing a substrate with a catalyst layer formed thereon, the catalyst layer being etched to form a number of patterns which are spaced from each other by multiple gaps; forming a buffer layer in the multiple gaps of the patterned catalyst layer, the buffer layer comprising a patterned carbon nano tube structure formed along an extending direction of the substrate, the carbon nano tube structure being comprised of nitride semiconductor; removing the catalyst layer from the substrate; growing a cap layer from the substrate to cover the buffer layer; and growing a light emitting structure from a top of the cap layer, the light emitting structure sequentially comprising a first cladding layer, a light emitting layer, and a second cladding layer.
US08497142B2
Methods of forming conductive patterns include forming a conductive layer including a metal element on a substrate. The conductive layer is partially etched to generate a residue including an oxide of the metal element and to form a plurality of separately formed conductive layer patterns. A cleaning gas is inflowed onto the substrate including the conductive layer pattern. The metal compound is evaporated to remove the metal element contained in the residue and to form an insulating interface layer on the conductive layer pattern and a surface portion of the substrate through a reaction of a portion of the cleaning gas and oxygen. The residue may be removed from the conductive layer pattern to suppress generation of a leakage current.
US08497141B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device capable of largely increasing the yield and a semiconductor device manufactured by using the method is provided. After a semiconductor layer is formed on a substrate, as one group, a plurality of functional portions with at least one parameter value different from each other is formed in the semiconductor layer for every unit chip area. Then, a subject that is changed depending on the parameter value is measured and evaluated and after that, the substrate is divided for every chip area so that a functional portion corresponding with a given criterion as a result of the evaluation is not broken. Thereby, at least one functional portion corresponding with a given criterion can be formed by every chip area by appropriately adjusting each parameter value.
US08497140B2
An encapsulant layer for a photovoltaic module enabling recovering and recycling or reusing of reutilizeable resources such as a transparent front face substrate and photovoltaic cell and the like among constituents of a photovoltaic module, and a method for manufacturing a regenerated photovoltaic cell and a regenerated transparent front face substrate. The photovoltaic module is formed by laminating: a transparent front face substrate; a photovoltaic cell carrying a wiring electrode and a takeoff electrode, and an encapsulant layer is placed on at least one surface; and a rear face protecting sheet. The encapsulant layer is a separable layer formed mainly of a thermoplastic resin, and an output maintenance factor of photoelectronic power of the photovoltaic module using the encapsulant layer is in a range of 80% to 100%.
US08497132B2
An ozone gas concentration measurement method that can easily measure the concentration of ozone gas. A process gas containing ozone gas is produced from a raw gas containing oxygen gas. The number of moles of gas molecules contained in the process gas is measured. The concentration of the ozone gas contained in the process gas is calculated based on the number of moles of gas molecules contained in the process gas.
US08497121B2
The invention provides a composition including isolated small living tissue particles, a method of making the tissue particles, and a method of using the composition to ameliorate a tissue defect. The tissue particles are composed of cells and their associated extracellular molecules and are sized, in certain embodiments, to be smaller than about 1 mm. Another aspect of the inventive tissue particles is the large percentage of viable cells. In certain embodiments, the tissue particles are made from cartilage and the composition may also contain additives such as adhesives, solutions, and bioactive agents.
US08497113B2
A microorganism having an ability to oxidize sulfur even at high chloride ion concentration is provided. Specifically, a microorganism belonging to the genus Acidithiobacillus having the ability to oxidize sulfur even at high chloride ion concentration is provided. A method for bacterial leaching of copper sulfide ores and a method for improving alkaline soil using the microorganism are also provided.
US08497112B2
The present invention provides a method for the manufacture of a preparation comprising virus antigens comprising a) inoculation of cells with infectious virus in a fluid, b) propagation of said virus in said cells, c) collecting said propagated virus, d) inactivating said collected virus, and e) treating said inactivated virus with a detergent, resulting in a preparation comprising viral antigens.
US08497110B2
Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods of at least partially degrading, cleaving, or removing polysaccharides, lignocellulose, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, chitin, polyhydroxybutyrate, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.
US08497109B2
The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase II activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US08497105B2
Processes and systems for production of bioproducts such as biofuels are provided. The bioproduct production processes and systems utilize pretreatment of a carbohydrate-containing feedstock to produce soluble sugar molecules and continuous conversion of the pretreated feedstock to a bioproduct by an immobilized fermenting microorganism.
US08497101B2
The use of the human or animal MCM9 gene, or parts of the gene, or transcripts thereof, or antisense nucleic acids able to hybridize with part of the gene or transcripts, or silencing RNA derived from parts of the transcripts and able to repress the MCM9 gene, or proteins or peptidic fragments translated from the transcripts, or antibodies directed against the proteins or peptidic fragments, for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a human or animal pathology linked to a dysfunction of the expression of the MCM9 gene, or of human or animal cancers.
US08497097B2
The instant invention pertains to the use of chlorine dioxide in new processes for treating lignocellulosic feedstocks, as well as, new compositions suitable for, for example, bioalcohol production. Advantageously, the processes and compositions of the present invention may be used in more environmentally friendly, cost-efficient production of fuels and, if desired, may be coupled with other biomass processing facilities such as Kraft pulp bleaching mills.
US08497093B2
The present invention relates to a novel isolated leafhopper ecdysone receptor polypeptide. The invention also relates to an isolated nucleic acid encoding the leafhopper ecdysone receptor polypeptide, to vectors comprising them and to their uses, in particular in methods for modulating gene expression in an ecdysone receptor-based gene expression modulation system and methods for identifying molecules that modulate leafhopper ecdysone receptor activity.
US08497075B2
The present invention relates to modulators of the interaction between Epstein-Barr Virus induced receptor-2 (EBi2) and cholest-5-ene-3b,7b,25-triol (7,25-dihydroxycholesterol) (“7,25DHC”) and/or cholest-5-ene-3b, 7b-diol (7-hydroxycholesterol) (“7HC”). The modulator maybe a small chemical molecule, antibody or other therapeutic protein. Methods of medical treatment and methods of identifying modulators are also described.
US08497073B2
A nonlinear optical technique, such as second or third harmonic or sum or difference frequency generation, is used to detect binding interactions, or the degree or extent of binding, that comprise conformational change. In one aspect of the present invention, the nonlinear optical technique detects a conformational change in a probe due to target binding. In another aspect of the invention, the nonlinear optical technique screens candidate probes by detecting a conformational change due to a probe-target interaction. In another aspect of the invention, the nonlinear optical technique screens candidate modulators of a probe-target interaction by detecting a conformational change in the presence of the modulator.
US08497070B2
The invention relates to the use of angiogenin, or a fragment or variant thereof, to treat diseases or conditions characterized by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration, especially neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The invention also describes a plurality of mutations of the human angiogenin gene which are associated with a neurodegenerative disease phenotype, and particularly a ALS phenotype. Also described is a method of assessing whether an individual is afflicted with, or generically predisposed to develop, a disease or condition characterized by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration.
US08497059B2
A method of producing a toner comprising toner particles containing a binder resin composed of a non-crystalline polyester resin having a crosslinked structure and a crystalline polyester resin is disclosed, the method comparing steps of; a process to form an oil phase liquid by dissolving or dispersing a non-crystalline polyester resin having a polymerizable unsaturated double bond and a crystalline polyester resin in an organic solvent, a process to form an aqueous dispersion liquid of oil droplets of the oil phase liquid by dispersing the oil phase liquid in an aqueous medium, a process to form oil droplets containing the non-crystalline polyester resin having a crosslinked structure by adding a radical polymerization initiator to the aqueous dispersion liquid of oil droplets, and an organic solvent removing process to form toner particles by removing organic solvent.
US08497058B2
An image forming method comprising the step of: forming a toner image employing toner particles containing at least a resin on an image supporting substrate having thereon a toner holding layer via a toner image holding process to form an image print, the toner image being held in the toner holding layer in the toner image holding process, wherein at least the toner particles or the image supporting substrate is separated from the image print via a separation process; and at least the separated toner particles or the separated image supporting substrate is recyclable as an image forming material.
US08497050B2
A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a non-crystalline carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The non-crystalline carbon layer includes an activated surface which is hydrophilic. Moreover, the flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.
US08497049B2
One embodiment disclosed includes a product comprising a fuel cell bipolar plate comprising a substrate comprising a first face, a reactant gas flow field defined in the first face, and a layer over at least a portion of the first face, wherein the layer comprises a zeolite.
US08497047B2
A solid oxide fuel cell stack obtainable by a process comprising the use of a glass sealant with composition 50-70 wt % SiO2, 0-20 wt % Al2O3, 10-50 wt % CaO, 0-10 wt % MgO, 0-6 wt % (Na2O+K2O), 0-10 wt % B2O3, and 0-5 wt % of functional elements selected from TiO2, ZrO2, F, P2O5, MoO3, Fe2O3, MnO2, La. Sr—Mn—O perovskite (LSM) and combinations thereof.
US08497045B2
The present invention provides a purge system for a fuel cell, which can reduce the time required to thaw a frozen valve during cold start-up and reduce the whole start-up time, thus improving the cold start performance. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a purge system for a fuel cell with improved cold start performance, the system preferably including a main pipe connected to a purge gas outlet of a fuel cell stack to discharge a purge gas purging the fuel cell stack and impurities; an auxiliary pipe branched from the main pipe; a purge valve installed in each of the main pipe and the auxiliary pipe to perform an purge operation; a cut-off valve installed at an upstream side of the purge valve in the auxiliary pipe; and a controller for controlling the operation of the purge valves and the cut-off valve.
US08497026B2
A porous metal foil of the present invention comprises a two-dimensional network structure composed of metal fibers. This porous metal foil has superior properties and can be obtained in a highly productive and cost effective manner.
US08497019B2
Plant biomass particles coated with a bioactive agent such as a fertilizer or pesticide, characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to a grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. In particular, the L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers, the W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers, and the L×W dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces.
US08497016B2
Described herein is a method of forming a composition including mixing an anhydride, a silane and a solvent to form a solution. Carbon black and an isocyanate are mixed to form a carbon black mixture. The solution and the carbon black mixture are homogenized to form a carbon black dispersion.
US08497014B2
The invention relates to a coated glass pane with a low-e and/or solar controlcoating comprising—in sequence from the glass surface—at least the following layers: —a lower anti-reflection layer, comprising: a base layer of an (oxi)nitride of aluminum, a middle layer of an oxide of Zn and Sn, a top layer of a metal oxide; —a silver-based functional layer; —a barrier layer; —an upper anti-reflection layer comprising a layer of an (oxi)nitride of aluminum 10 having a thickness of more than 10 nm.
US08497001B2
A first substrate and a second substrate are provided. An alignment process is performed on a surface of the first substrate and a surface of the second substrate respectively. A liquid crystal mixture is prepared, where the liquid crystal mixture includes a liquid crystal molecule and a liquid crystal monomer having a functional group of diacrylates, and the liquid crystal monomer having the functional group of diacrylates occupies 0.01-2 wt % of the liquid crystal mixture. The first substrate and the second substrate are assembled, and the liquid crystal mixture is filled therebetween. A polymerization curing process is performed such that the liquid crystal monomer having the functional group of diacrylates is polymerized to respectively form a liquid crystal polymer film on the aligned surfaces of the first and second substrates. The method enhances anchoring energy and reduces problems of V-T shift, surface gliding, and residual image.
US08496995B2
Encapsulated switches are disclosed which substitute non-toxic gallium alloy for mercury. In one embodiment, wetting of the interior surfaces of the housing is prevented by coating the surfaces with an electrically insulative inorganic non-metallic material, such as alumina or boron nitrate. According to another embodiment, a perfluorocarbon liquid is employed as the anti-wetting agent.
US08496992B2
A method of coating a substrate, with the method comprising: providing a substrate; dispersing nanodiamond powder in a liquid to provide a coating precursor; converting the liquid of the coating precursor to a vapor; introducing the coating precursor to a vapor deposition process; and operating the vapor deposition process to produce a nanocrystalline diamond-containing nanocomposite coating on the substrate, the nanocomposite coating produced using the coating precursor and comprising the nanodiamond particles.
US08496978B2
According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a botanical anti-fever composition is provided. In at least one embodiment, the botanical composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of admixture of parts or extracts of at least one plant species from each of genus Baptista and genus Swertia. In at least one particular embodiment, the botanical composition contains Baptista Tincoria. In at least another particular embodiment, the botanical composition contains Swertia Chirata.
US08496973B2
Provided herein are pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods for determining the total non-purgable organic carbon in a sodium thiosulfate-containing sample. Further provided herein are methods for producing pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate. Still further provided herein are methods of treatment comprising the administration of pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate.
US08496970B2
A conformable tissue implant is provided for use in repairing or augmenting a tissue defect or injury site. The tissue implant contains a tissue carrier matrix comprising a plurality of biocompatible, bioresorbable granules and at least one tissue fragment in association with the granules. The tissue fragment contains one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the tissue carrier matrix. Also provided is a method for injectably delivering the tissue implant.
US08496969B2
The invention relates to an immediate release tablet capable of being chewed or disintegrated in the oral cavity, which comprises a pharmaceutically active ingredient having an optional tastemasking coating, and a matrix comprising hydroxyalkylcellulose having a weight average molecular weight of from about 60,000 to about 5,000,000. The tablet possesses exceptionally good mouthfeel and stability.
US08496960B2
A method of effectively treating benign prostatic hypertension in humans is achieved by administering amorphous terazosin via a transdermal formulation. Preferably, the transdermal formulation is applied to the skin of the patient and maintained in contact with the skin for at least about 24 hours, and preferably for about 3 to about 8 days.
US08496947B2
A dental whitening strip which includes a carrier support having a whitening composition adhered to said carrier where the whitening composition comprises (a) dextrin; (b) a peroxide; (c) a non-toxic water soluble inorganic salt; (d) a acceptable hydroxy compound which is a plasticizer.
US08496937B2
The present invention concerns the preparation of substantially purified agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof as well as their use in the treatment of X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof and to a method of treating X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. Finally, the present invention concerns a pharmaceutical kit comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof.
US08496932B2
The present invention relates to an antibody which has multiple specificities. In particular the antibody of the present invention binds to (cross react with) human IL-8, Gro-alpha, Gro-beta, Gro-gamma, and ENA-78.
US08496929B2
The present invention shows that site-specific antibodies to the (Na++K+)-ATPase exert a potent biological effect in cardiac myocytes and demonstrates a key structural region of the enzyme that participates in the regulation of cardiac contractility. These results establish an important link between a biological action and a precise molecular structure of the (Na++K+)-ATPase. Furthermore, the antibody-induced positive inotropic effect is independent of inactivation of the enzyme may reveal a novel mode for (Na++K+)-ATPase to regulate cardiac function. The data provide new molecular insights into the structural and functional relationship of the ubiquitous (Na++K+)-ATPase.
US08496927B2
It is intended to provide a tool, a procedure and so on which are useful in developing a therapeutic strategy efficacious in inhibiting or overcoming the resistance against a CD20-directed molecular-targeted drug. Thus, a CD20-negatively converted B-cell malignant lymphocyte cell line is provided. Also, a model animal indicating the pathological conditions of CD20-negatively converted B-cell malignant lymphocyte is provided. Further, a method of screening a substance, which is efficacious against CD20-positive B-cell malignant lymphocyte or CD20-negatively converted B cell malignant lymphocyte, is provided. Furthermore, a drug against CD20-positive B-cell malignant lymphocyte or CD20-negatively converted B-cell malignant lymphocyte, which is characterized by being used together with a CD20-directed molecular-targeted drug, is provided. In one embodiment, a DNA methylase inhibitor or a histone deacetylase inhibitor is employed as the active ingredient.
US08496924B2
This invention relates to the selection and use of nonpathogenic, lysine-uptake stimulating lactic acid bacteria strains, and products and methods using such strains for example for improvement of fur-coat and claws quality in pet-animals.
US08496920B2
Novel acrylamide and methacrylamide hydantoin monomers which can be reacted with other acrylamide, methacrylamide, acrylate, and methacrylate monomers to form copolymers, which upon halogenation, provide oxidative coatings which are biocidal for use with various materials including, but not limited to, textiles, filters, and latex paints.
US08496916B2
A cosmetic composition is provided including a water-insoluble UV-A organic sunscreen agent having a max ranging from 330 to 380 nm, a UV-B organic sunscreen agent having a max ranging from 280 to 400 nm, and a photoprotective enhancing agent which is a polyhydroxy quaternary ammonium salt such as bis(dihydroxypropyl)dimethylammonium chloride, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, and wherein the composition exhibits an SPF value which is 1 to 30 units higher than in the absence of the photoprotective enhancing agent.
US08496915B2
Object: To provide a composition for preventing periodontal diseases (prophylactic agent of periodontal diseases), the composition having an excellent cariostatic property, being safe and stable for prolonged use and having less effects on flavor.Means for Resolution: A non-cariogenic material prepared by blending a rare sugar in the D form as selected from the group consisting of D-psicose, D-sorbose and D-tagatose, a rare sugar in the L form as selected from L-fructose, L-psicose and L-tagatose, or allitol as a rare sugar derivative, singly or in combination. A cariostatic agent comprising D-psicose, D-sorbose, D-tagatose, L-fructose, L-psicose and/or L-tagatose. A cariostatic agent in combination with catechins.
US08496914B2
The present invention provides an antibacterial oral rinse formulation having enhanced antibacterial activity against oral bacteria associated with infectious and inflammatory processes for preventing and/or treating inflammatory diseases or inflammatory processes associated with diseases in an individual by inhibiting the transient bacteremia associated with oral hygiene activities by the individual. Also provided is a method for preventing and/or treating inflammatory diseases or inflammatory processes associated with diseases in an individual by inhibiting transient bacteremia associated with oral hygiene activities by the individual, comprising rinsing with the antibacterial oral rinse formulation for a period of time immediately prior to engaging in oral hygiene activities.
US08496906B2
A biological process for removing hydrogen sulphide from biogas is disclosed. The process involves injecting a small quantity of air into the gas phase or the liquid phase of a psychrophilic bioreactor to allow microbial flora to convert the hydrogen sulphide into elemental sulphur.
US08496891B2
A reaction container holder capable of inhibiting the lowering of the transfer efficiency of heat transferred from a rotating member to a bottom surface of a reaction container, and an analyzer comprising the reaction container holder, are provided. In a reaction container holder comprising: a retaining member unit comprising a plurality of container retaining sections for retaining reaction containers, which house a reaction liquid containing a reagent and a specimen; and a circular rotating member for detachably fixing the unit from above and rotating, the holder keeping the container at a constant temperature by transferring heat from a heat source through the rotating member to the container, the rotating member comprises a level difference section, an upper surface of which is positioned below a bottom surface of the container retained by the unit and above a bottom part of the section, when the retaining member unit is fixed.
US08496870B2
This invention relates to a method of making lead-free piezoelectric ceramic films. Specifically, the invention is directed to a method for fabricating lead-free piezoelectric free standing films having enhanced piezoelectric properties. The films may be used for a number of applications including incorporation in microelectronic devices such as energy harvesting devices and sensor technologies.
US08496866B2
A method for the targeted introduction of cleavage lines or predetermined breaking lines in ceramic substrates for subsequent separation, wherein, in a thermal treatment step or methods step, the cleavage line or predetermined breaking line is heated locally and then cooled suddenly by a coolant in such a way that targeted cracking or material weakness occurs along the cleavage line or predetermined breaking lines.
US08496864B2
Methods of cyclically heating and cooling an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to reduce an electrical resistivity and/or to increase a tensile strength of the article, and methods of irradiating an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to increase a tensile strength of the article. Also disclosed herein are articles formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, and processed in accordance with methods disclosed herein. Such an article may include, for example and without limitation, a cable strap to wrap, support, and/or secure one or more wires or cables, such as a cable tie.
US08496848B2
A birefringent film which comprises a compound having a proton-accepting group and a compound having a proton-donating group; and a birefringent film which comprises a compound having a proton-accepting group and a proton-donating group. The proton-accepting group and proton-donating group are combined with each other through intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
US08496846B2
The present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of stabilizer that may be at least one phenol or a mixture of at least one phenol with other stabilizers. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers, and heat pumps, as well as in applications as foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol propellants, fire extinguishants, and sterilants.
US08496844B1
High quantum yield InP nanocrystals are used in the bio-technology, bio-medical, and photovoltaic, specifically IV, III-V and III-VI nanocrystal technological applications. InP nanocrystals typically require post-generation HF treatment. Combining microwave methodologies with the presence of a fluorinated ionic liquid allows Fluorine ion etching without the hazards accompanying HF. Growing the InP nanocrystals in the presence of the ionic liquid allows in-situ etching to be achieved. The optimization of the PL QY is achieved by balancing growth and etching rates in the reaction.
US08496843B2
A method for chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate is provided, comprising: providing a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises polysilicon and at least one of silicon oxide and silicon nitride; providing a chemical mechanical polishing composition, comprising, as initial components: water; an abrasive; and an alkyl aryl polyether sulfonate compound, wherein the alkyl aryl polyether sulfonate compound has a hydrophobic portion having an alkyl group bound to an aryl ring and a nonionic acyclic hydrophilic portion having 4 to 100 carbon atoms; providing a chemical mechanical polishing pad with a polishing surface; moving the polishing surface relative to the substrate; dispensing the chemical mechanical polishing composition onto the polishing surface; and, abrading at least a portion of the substrate to polish the substrate; wherein at least some of the polysilicon is removed from the substrate; and, wherein at least some of the at least one of silicon oxide and silicon nitride is removed from the substrate.
US08496840B1
A grease containment apparatus arranged to receive grease discharged by a fan-type rooftop grease exhauster includes multiple sumps and at least one trough disposed between the sumps. An apparatus may be disposed along two, three, or four sides of a rooftop grease exhauster, including corner sumps assemblies and/or end sump assemblies, preferably including associated rain shields, and optionally including one or more end caps. Components may be fabricated of UV-resistant polymeric materials such as ABS. Use of grease absorbent media may be avoided. A drain conduit may receive water from a sump, with at least a portion of the drain conduit being disposed at a level above a bottom edge of the sump.
US08496836B2
A process for continuous or quasi-continuous purification of a multi-component mixture (F) by means of individual chromatographic columns through which the mixture is fed by means of at least one solvent(s). The multi-component mixture (F) at least comprises light impurities (A), an intermediate product (B) to be purified and heavy impurities (C), and the columns are grouped into at least four sections (α,β,γ,δ). After or within a switch time (t*) the last column from the first section (α) is moved to the first position of the second section (β), the last column of the second section (β) is moved to the first position of the third section (γ), the last column of the third section (γ) is moved to the first position of the fourth section (δ) and the last column of the fourth section (δ) is moved to become the first column of the first section (α).
US08496834B2
Method of fractionating a mixture of polyisocyanates in the liquid phase, optionally in the presence of a suitable solvent or mixture of two or more solvents, by means of a selectively permeable membrane into a permeate stream and a retentate stream of polyisocyanate compositions different to each other and different to the original mixture.
US08496832B2
A process for wastewater treatment, comprising aerating and mixing wastewater containing organic and/or inorganic pollutants and bentonite clay in a vessel at a first temperature and for a time sufficient to reduce the concentration of said pollutants, raising the temperature of said mixture to at least 100° C. to evaporate water vapor, passing said water vapor through a fritted membrane and into a condenser, and collecting condensed water.
US08496831B2
Processes for removing water from organic compounds, especially polar compounds such as alcohols. The processes include a membrane-based dehydration step, using a membrane that has a dioxole-based polymer selective layer or the like and a hydrophilic selective layer, and can operate even when the stream to be treated has a high water content, such as 10 wt % or more. The processes are particularly useful for dehydrating ethanol.
US08496825B1
The present invention is directed toward spiral wound modules including membrane sheets with regions (70,72) having different permeabilities. Said regions are arranged either axially or radially or both.
US08496818B2
A high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) capillary column device, system and method for processing a HPLC sample with a cartridge housing a packed capillary column; at least one inlet connection to the capillary column for a sample fluid; and at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid. The outlet connection is able to accommodate either a spray tip for atomizing the sample fluid or a transport tube for transporting the sample fluid from a spray tip column to a spray tip. Inlet connections enable supply of electrical power to the capillary column through electrical connections disposed within the cartridge housing; and gas for evaporating the sample liquid is supplied to at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid through a gas supply line within the cartridge housing. The temperature of the sample liquid can be controlled through a heat connection.
US08496812B2
An oil sump, preferably made of plastic or metal, is provided for engines or transmissions, the oil sump comprising a filter housing including a filter housing top shell, a filter housing bottom shell, a filter medium, a filter inlet, and the filter outlet, and having an oil drain opening in a floor area of the oil sump, implemented in such a way that it is closable using an oil drain screw having external thread, which comes from the oil sump outer side. The oil sump also includes a carrier unit having a frame, on which the filter housing is fastened and which is used as a seal upon fastening of the oil sump on the associated unit, in particular on an engine block or a transmission unit.
US08496810B2
A device for being received within a downspout of a rain gutter assembly is provided. The device is configured for being received in a downspout of the type having an inlet at a top portion thereof and an outlet at a bottom portion thereof. The device includes a housing defining a longitudinally extending passageway for allowing flow of uncollected water therethrough, at least one laterally extending collection aperture defined in the housing for allowing flow of collected water therethrough, a collection chamber in communication with the at least one drain for collecting water, and a drain outlet in communication with the chamber for allowing flow of collected water therethrough. A storage tank such as a flexible bladder may also be provided. The storage tank may be in communication with a siphon pump assembly. The storage tank may also be provided with a camouflaging pattern and ultraviolet and rot resistant materials.
US08496809B2
A kidney failure treatment system includes: (i) a dialysate supply; (ii) a weighing device; a control container coupled operably to the weighing device; (iii) a diffusion membrane; (iv) a drain; first and second pumps; (v) a first fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the dialysate supply and the diffusion membrane, the first fluid conduit coupled operably to the first pump; (vi) a second fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the control container and the drain, the second fluid conduit coupled operably to the first pump; and (vii) a third fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the diffusion membrane and the control conduit, the third fluid conduit coupled operably to the second pump.
US08496800B2
Methods are disclosed for reducing the shift in EMF bias in a magnesium ion selective electrode, comprising the step of: contacting the electrode with a composition comprising a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant; wherein the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant has an HLB greater than about 18. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to methods, comprising the steps of: contacting a magnesium ion selective electrode with a composition comprising a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant, wherein the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant has an HLB greater than about 18; and measuring a biologically relevant level of a blood electrolyte in a blood composition with the electrode. In certain embodiments, the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant is polyoxy ethylene (100) stearyl ether and the blood electrolyte is magnesium ion.
US08496794B2
A biosensor includes a working electrode 101, a counter electrode 102 opposing the working electrode 101, a working electrode terminal 103 and a working electrode reference terminal 10 connected to the working electrode 101 by wires, and a counter electrode terminal 104 connected to the counter electrode 102 by a wire. By employing a structure with at least three electrodes, it is possible to assay a target substance without being influenced by the line resistance on the working electrode side.
US08496793B2
Vacuum treatment installation or vacuum treatment method for carrying out a plasma method, wherein the treatment is carried out in a vacuum chamber, in which are disposed a device for generating an electric low voltage arc discharge (NVBE) comprised of a cathode and an anode electrically interconnectable with the cathode via an arc generator, and a workpiece carrier electrically interconnectable with a bias generator for receiving and moving workpieces, as well as at least one feed for inert and/or reactive gas. At least a portion of the surface of the anode is therein fabricated of graphite and is operated at high temperature.
US08496790B2
An electrochemical processor may include a head having a rotor configured to hold a workpiece, with the head moveable to position the rotor in a vessel. Inner and outer anodes are in inner and outer anolyte chambers within the vessel. An upper cup in the vessel, has a curved upper surface and inner and outer catholyte chambers. A current thief is located adjacent to the curved upper surface. Annular slots in the curved upper curved surface connect into passageways, such as tubes, leading into the outer catholyte chamber. Membranes may separate the inner and outer anolyte chambers from the inner and outer catholyte chambers, respectively.
US08496785B2
A combination of a press felt with a pressure and/or suction roll covering for a papermaking machine, including a porous press felt with a carrier structure. The pressure or suction roll covering having a circumferential groove surface structure having a groove width in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, a distance between grooves in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 mm and a groove depth in the range of 1.5 mm to 4 mm. A percentage of an open surface relative to an overall surface of the pressure roll covering is in a range of 20% to 50%. The suction roll covering additionally having an arrangement of holes with a plurality of suction holes completely penetrating through the suction roll covering, whereby a percentage of an open surface in relation to an overall surface of the suction roll covering is in a range of 30% to 50%.
US08496783B2
The present disclosure provides for a web substrate having at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof. The surface has surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments.
US08496781B2
The invention provides a plasma processing apparatus which is based upon a dry etching apparatus and which can inhibit the contamination of a work piece caused by sputtering onto a wall of a vacuum chamber, the occurrence of a foreign matter, the increase of a running cost for replacing the walls of the vacuum chamber and the deterioration of a rate of operation. The plasma processing apparatus according to the invention is based upon the dry etching apparatus having parallel plate structure and is characterized in that a low-pass filter having high impedance to a frequency of a high frequency power source for generating discharge, having small resistance to direct current and grounded is connected to an electrode for generating discharge which is arranged in a position opposite to the work piece and to which the high frequency power source for generating discharge is connected or a low-pass filter having small resistance to direct current and grounded and a direct-current power source connected in series with it are connected to the electrode for generating discharge.
US08496775B2
A method for attaching a release paper to a backsheet having depressed regions.
US08496774B2
Approaches to providing z-filter media constructions are provided. Preferred corrugated media, filter constructions having such corrugated media, and filter systems using such filter constructions are provided. Also, preferred methods of forming filter constructions are provided.
US08496773B2
A laminated web from which diaper closure elements may be punched is made by first applying at least two pairs longitudinally extending and transversely spaced bend-resistant strips to a first longitudinally extending nonwoven tape. Then a respective longitudinally extending strip of an elastically stretchable polymer is applied to the first nonwoven tape between each of the pairs of the bend-resistant strips with the polymer strip partially overlapping both of the bend-resistant strips of the respective pair. A second longitudinally extending nonwoven tape that covers and extends transversely to both sides of the polymer strip is applied over the bend-resistant strips and the polymer strips to form a laminate with the polymer strip between the first and second nonwoven tapes.
US08496772B2
A tire building method and a tire building facility according to the invention attains reduction of an installation space of the tire building facility and substantially equal building cycles for respective building stages to increase building efficiency and facilitate arrangement switching. For attaining these, a step for building a cylindrical carcass band, a subsequent step for building a cylindrical green case, a step for building a cylindrical belt and tread band, a step for combining the green case and the belt and tread band to build the final shape are divided as first through fourth building stages (S1) through (S4) having individual building drums (D1) through (D4) corresponding to the respective steps. Formations in the respective building stages (S1) through (S4) are simultaneously performed by shifting the carcass band built in the first building stage (S1) to the second building stage (S2), the green case built in the second building stage (S2) to the fourth building stage (S4), and the belt and tread band built in the third building stage (S3) to the fourth building stage (S4).
US08496768B2
A base structure and associated method for converting the base structure into an operable vane on a shade for an architectural opening. The base structure includes a back sheet and a front sheet attached together in engagement regions spaced along the length of the back sheet and front sheet. The front sheet is separated into front strip sections having a free end. Operating elements are positioned along the back sheet and situated so as to move relative thereto. The operating elements are attached adjacent to a free end of the front strip. Movement of the operating elements actuates the free end of the front strip to move from a closed position to an open position as desired by the user.
US08496765B2
A system and method correct crystal pulling motor speed deviations in a crystal pulling mechanism. In a first embodiment, a processor implements a tracking filter by estimating new filter state based on previous state and the since-then-travelled nominal distance, and then updating the filter state based on estimation error and filter gains which are also functions of the travelled nominal distance. In a second embodiment, a harmonic tracking filter suppresses residual harmonic modulation and allows a short time constant. Rapid variations of pulling speed may thus be corrected.
US08496762B2
A method of preparing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate to accept an adherent coating thereon is provided. The method includes the steps of degreasing the substrate, deoxidizing the substrate, and providing a prepaint conversion coating on the degreased and deoxidized substrate. The prepaint conversion coating composition comprises i) a source of fluoride ions; ii) a source of zirconium ions; iii) an acrylic resin; and iv) an optical brightener and forms a colorless, chromium-free conversion coating on the aluminum substrate that can be observed by exposing the treated substrate to UV light.
US08496756B2
Methods for processing substrates in twin chamber processing systems having first and second process chambers and shared processing resources are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method may include flowing a process gas from a shared gas panel to a processing volume of the first process chamber and to a processing volume of the second process chamber; forming a first plasma in the first processing volume to process the first substrate and a second plasma to process the second substrate; monitoring the first processing volume and the second processing volume to determine if a process endpoint is reached in either volume; and either terminating the first and second plasma simultaneously when a first endpoint is reached; or terminating the first plasma when a first endpoint is reached in the first processing volume while continuing to provide the second plasma in the second processing volume until a second endpoint is reached.
US08496748B2
The invention relates to a polymer composition formed from a biologically degradable polymer and a material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or at least two components selected from the group consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions. The invention additionally relates to a molded article formed from the polymer composition. The molded article may be packaging material or fibrous material, in the form of fibrous material as a mixing component for the production of yarns, and in the form of fibrous material for the production of nonwoven fabrics or woven fabrics.
US08496747B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink set which makes it possible to obtain recorded images that have a broad color reproduction range and a high saturation, as well as glossiness without conspicuous graininess caused by dot expression, and which in particular makes it possible to achieve an extreme suppression of graininess caused by dot expression in cases where the ink set is used on media that have a coating layer, and to obtain recorded images with extremely superior coloring characteristics in cases where the ink set is used on ordinary paper. The present invention provides an ink set comprising at least a yellow ink (Y), magenta ink (M), cyan ink (C) and red ink (R), wherein the L* values in the CIE-stipulated Lab display system of aqueous solutions of the respective inks diluted 1000 times by weight are in the following ranges: (Y): at least 89 but no more than 94, (M): at least 76 but no more than 93, (C): at least 74 and no more than 87, (R): at least 55 and no more than 74.
US08496740B1
An atmospheric oil, water and gas separator designed for oilfield applications having ground level inlet, internal water leg, internal piping, a degassing chamber, a horizontal inlet fluid swirl wing distributor that creates centrifugal spiraling of inlet fluids to slow and increase flow residence time, a horizontal swirl wing baffle above the inlet that minimizes oil re-entrainment by preventing turbulence at the oil-water interface, an inverted upper spreader that prevents solids plugging and performance deterioration, an oil conduit extending from the lower surface of the inverted upper spreader to the oil layer to prevent re-entrainment of separated oil in the inlet water turbulent zone, an externally adjustable slide tube for the water leg spillover weir tube, engineered water and oil spillover weirs that prevent separator upsets and overflows, and a water leg adjuster providing fine tuning of the height of the water leg from outside the vessel without shutdown.
US08496738B1
A mixed gas is separated with collection of at least one constituent gas. An inlet leads to a blower or other gas compression element through a valve. This blower feeds a chamber which contains media which selectively adsorbs the constituent gas to be collected, such as nitrogen from air. An exhaust from the chamber leads to an exhaust through a check valve. The blower can be reversed after nitrogen has been adsorbed within the chamber to desorb nitrogen and deliver nitrogen back through the blower. The inlet valve is closed after blower reversing and a separate diversion pathway is opened so that nitrogen is delivered from the blower to a nitrogen collection region. A variant system also includes an oxygen collection region on a side of the chamber opposite the blower for collection of both nitrogen and oxygen separated from air simultaneously, or collection of other constituent gases.
US08496734B2
A sorbent structure comprising a continuous activated carbon body in the form of a flow-through substrate; and an additive provided on the flow-through substrate, wherein the additive is capable of enhancing the sorption of CO2 on the sorbent structure. Methods of making the sorbent structure, its use for CO2 capture, and methods for regenerating the structure for further use.
US08496732B2
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.
US08496730B2
A process for the direct reduction of iron ore when the external source of reductants is one or both of coke oven gas (COG) and basic oxygen furnace gas (BOFG). Carbon dioxide (CO2) is removed from a mixture of shaft furnace off gas, obtained from a conventional direct reduction shaft furnace, and BOFG. This CO2 lean gas is mixed with clean COG, humidified, and heated in an indirect heater. Oxygen (O2) is injected into the heated reducing gas. This hot reducing gas flows to the direct reduction shaft furnace for use. The spent hot reducing gas exits the direct reduction shaft furnace as shaft furnace off gas, produces steam in a waste heat boiler, is cleaned in a cooler scrubber, and is compressed and recycled to join fresh BOFG. A portion of the shaft furnace off gas is sent to the heater burners. The BOFG and COG are also employed for a variety of other purposes in the process.
US08496726B2
A clayish composition for forming a sintered silver alloy body capable of forming a sintered silver alloy body, which is not easily discolored even in the atmosphere and has excellent tensile strength, flexural strength, surface hardness (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as ‘mechanical strength’), elongation or the like, powder for the clayish composition for forming a sintered silver alloy body, a method for manufacturing the clayish composition for forming a sintered silver alloy body, a sintered silver alloy body and a method for manufacturing the sintered silver alloy body.
US08496725B2
The invention relates to a composition for producing magnetic or magnetizable moldings, comprising from 95.5 to 98.95% by weight of a powder made of a magnetic or magnetizable material, from 1.0 to 4% by weight of a mixture made of at least one epoxy-novolak resin, and also of at least one hardener, and comprising from 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of at least one additive, based in each case on the total weight of the composition. The mixture made of the at least one epoxy-novolak resin and of the at least one hardener comprises from 85 to 95% by weight of the epoxy-novolak resin and from 5 to 15% by weight of hardener. The hardener has been selected from (cyclo)aliphatic amines and their adducts, polyamides, Mannich bases, amidoamines, phenolic resins, imidazoles, and imidazole derivatives, dicyandiamide, and BF3-monoethanolamine. The invention further relates to a process for producing the composition, and also to a process for producing a molding made of the composition.
US08496722B2
The present invention relates to a spunbonded filament nonwoven fabric and a method of preparing the same, and particularly to a multilayered spunbonded filament nonwoven fabric of which the fineness of the filaments decreases from an air inlet part toward an air outlet part, and a method of preparing the same. The spunbonded nonwoven fabric of the present invention can be used as an air filter for power generation equipment for a gas turbine, because it can reduce a pressure loss, promote filter efficiency, and extend the lifetime for use by using fiber layers having different denier.
US08496721B2
A hollow body includes an integrated oil separator unit, a swirl generator located in a cavity of the hollow body, at least one first supply opening in the camshaft case for introducing gas that is charged with oil into the cavity, and at least one discharge opening for carrying away separated oil and for carrying away gas that has been cleaned of oil. The swirl generator also has elements that are used to variably influence the pressure prevailing at a predetermined point in the cavity.
US08496704B2
Systems, methods and devices for tensioning posterior cruciate ligaments during cruciate or bi-cruciate ligament-sparing arthroplasty. Non-limiting examples of such systems may include at least one series of tibial inserts of equal size; the at least one series of tibial inserts having at least one set of tibial inserts of equal thickness. The at least one set of tibial inserts of equal thickness may include at least two tibial inserts having different geometries in a posterior portion, the different geometries being configured to change the tension in the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The different geometries in the posterior portions of the tibial inserts are configured so as to allow the posterior cruciate ligament to be tensioned or loosened independently of the tibial insert thickness and/or size. By providing different posterior geometries for each insert within a set of a series, a surgeon may be provided with more flexibility in choosing an insert that satisfies stability requirements in a non-invasive manner.
US08496698B2
An endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen can be configured to inhibit structural fatigue, crack formation, and elastic recoil while providing improved crimping and expansion uniformity and radial strength. As such, the endoprosthesis can include at least one multi-stage crest element connecting adjacent bar arms. The multi-stage crest element and, optionally, the connection or transition between the multi-stage crest element and the bar arms can form a plurality of undulations or curves to improve the distribution of the strains experienced by the endoprosthesis. The improved strain distribution can improve the structural integrity and prevent failure of the endoprosthesis.
US08496686B2
The invention discloses methods, devices, systems and kits for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. An implantable facet joint device of one embodiment comprises a cephalad facet joint element and a caudal facet joint element. The cephalad facet joint element includes a member adapted to engage a first vertebra, and an artificial cephalad bearing member. The caudal facet joint element includes a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebra at a fixation point and an artificial caudal bearing member adapted to engage the cephalad bearing member. The artificial caudal bearing member is adapted for a location lateral to the fixation point.
US08496681B2
A system for conducting a vitrectomy includes: a gas source; a vitrector including a cutting mechanism that opens and closes according to a pressure at the vitrector; and a pulse-generating system receiving gas from the gas source and generating pulses at the vitrector. The pulses cause the pressure at the vitrector to vary according to a cycle, and the varying pressure at the vitrector causes the cutting mechanism of the vitrector to open and close. At a first time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system, raises the pressure at the vitrector to a maximum pressure. At a second time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system reduces the pressure at the vitrector to a minimum pressure that is greater than ambient, the pressure at the vitrector being maintained at least at the minimum pressure. The difference between the maximum pressure and minimum pressure is minimized to reduce gas consumption.
US08496678B2
A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a rotatable, flexible, hollow drive shaft having a fluid impermeable wall defining a lumen of the drive shaft and, an abrasive element mounted to a distal end portion of the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from a distal support element formed at a distal end of the drive shaft. The distal support element is inflatable by pressurized fluid which flows in an antegrade direction through said lumen of the drive shaft and is least partially re-directed into the distal fluid inflatable support element. The distal fluid inflatable support element has an outer wall comprising an outflow opening.
US08496674B2
An endoscopic stitching device is provided including a tool assembly having a pair of juxtaposed jaws each defining a needle receiving recess formed in a tissue contacting surface thereof; a selectively rotatably camming hub defining a helical groove formed in an outer surface thereof; a pair of axially translatable needle engaging blades slidably supported, one each, in a respective jaw, each blade having an advanced position wherein a distal end of the blade is engageable with a suture needle, and a retracted position wherein the distal end of the blade is out of engagement with the suture needle, wherein a proximal end of each blade is configured for slidable engagement in the helical groove of the camming hub; and a suture needle operatively associated with the tool assembly.
US08496665B2
A drill sleeve is provided for guiding a bone drill in alignment with the screw holes and drill guides. The drill sleeve includes a cylindrical body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The cylindrical body includes a longitudinal bore therethrough that is sized for passage of a bone drill. The drill sleeve also includes a frictional retaining element for exerting a bearing force against the surface of the bone drill, such that the frictional retaining element may support at least the weight of the drill sleeve on the bone drill. The bone drill has graduated indicia, and a portion of the drill sleeve may be referenced relative to the indicia so as to be used as a depth gauge for determining the length of a drilled hole in order to select a screw fastener having the appropriate length.
US08496652B2
A system for treating uterine disorders includes a balloon catheter having a cannula with a proximal end and a distal end, and an inflatable balloon secured over the distal end of the cannula. The device includes a heating assembly coupled with the distal end of the cannula and disposed inside the inflatable balloon, and an impeller disposed inside the heating assembly. In one embodiment, the heating assembly includes an elongated heating tube having a heating film covering an outer wall thereof, at least one fluid inlet extending though the outer wall and a fluid outlet located at a distal end of the elongated heating tube. The impeller is rotatable for drawing fluid through the at least one fluid inlet and into the elongated heating tube for heating the fluid, and discharging the heated fluid from the fluid outlet for circulating the fluid throughout the inflatable balloon.
US08496650B2
The safe therapeutic window for laser medicine tends to decrease as pulse length decreases. This problem is addressed by use of beam shapes and/or pulse shapes that improve temperature uniformity in the treated tissue. A beam shape with an adjustable on-axis intensity minimum improves spatial temperature uniformity in treated tissue. A pulse shape with a relatively intense early part (to set the temperature rise), followed by a less intense late part having decreasing intensity with time (to maintain a constant or nearly constant temperature rise) improves temporal temperature uniformity in the treated tissue. A therapeutic window (TW) of at least 3 is often required to provide a sufficient safety margin in practice. In one experiment, it was demonstrated that the minimum pulse length to provide a TW of 3 could be decreased from 20 ms to 10 ms following these principles.
US08496641B2
A fastening member used for, e.g., a disposable absorbent article is disclosed. The fastening member extends in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction and has a lateral centerline. The fastening member comprises a base panel and a shaped tab extending laterally from the base panel. The shaped tab has a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, a distal portion and a proximal portion. The shaped tab has a contour edge comprising a shaped upper edge and a shaped lower edge. The shaped upper edge and the shaped lower edge are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the shaped tab when relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction and are asymmetric with respect to the lateral centerline of the fastening member.
US08496637B2
A tri-folded disposable absorbent article comprising a substantially cellulose free absorbent core located in a chassis between a topsheet and a backsheet and comprising absorbent particulate polymer material. An array of absorbent article packages comprising disposable absorbent articles comprising a substantially cellulose free absorbent core is also disclosed.
US08496636B2
The present invention relates to a system for unfolding and dispensing diapers. The system includes a dispenser and a folded diaper that is within the dispenser. The folded diaper includes a first longitudinal fold that is between a main portion and a first side portion and a second longitudinal fold that is between the main portion and a second side portion. The dispenser includes a first projection that unfolds the first longitudinal fold as the diaper is removed from the dispenser and a second projection that unfolds the second longitudinal fold as the diaper is removed from the dispenser. The system may make it easier for care givers to perform multiple diaper changes per day.
US08496628B2
A needle-based medical device including a needle guide and a method for constructing the same are disclosed. The needle-based medical device includes a tube having a first lumen; a needle guide which is dimensioned to be inserted into the lumen of the tube, and a needle. The needle is inserted such that an end is positioned in the needle guide. A glue may also be provided to secure the needle guide to the tube. In one embodiment, the tube may be made of extruded plastic.
US08496627B2
A passive latch ring safety shield for use with medical injection devices is disclosed. The safety shield includes an inner sheath defining a channel which is dimensioned to receive an injection device and an outer sheath defining a channel which is dimensioned to slidably receive the inner sheath. A biasing member is provided between the inner and outer sheaths to urge the outer sheath in relation to the inner sheath from a retracted position to an advanced position. A resilient latch ring is supported on the safety shield in a position to prevent movement of the outer sheath in relation to the inner sheath from a retracted to and advanced position. The latch ring is deformable in response to actuation of the injection device to disengage the outer sheath from the inner sheath and allow the biasing member to move the outer sheath from the retracted position to the advanced position in relation to the inner sheath.
US08496621B2
The present invention relates to a device for injecting a pharmaceutical into the human or animal body by means of a simply and quickly exchangeable motorized pump head.
US08496612B2
A syringe adapter includes an adapter body having a first connecting portion that may be received into a power injector unit used to deliver contrast media. The adapter also includes a second connecting portion configured to receive the rearward end of an associated syringe. The adapter includes means for encoding information about the associated syringe that may be communicated to the power injector unit through one or more sensors. The means for encoding information may include a mechanism that moves linearly laterally back and forth to activate an actuator used to convey the encoded information. In particular, the action of installing the adapter may be decoupled from the action of encoding information.
US08496611B2
An apparatus having a tube section and an expanded end. The tube section is flexible while the end section is rigid. The apparatus has a central bore, large enough to loosely receive an endoscope tube, and the end section has two peripheral bores which communicate with the central bore. There is a collar around the central bore which allows formation an air- and water-tight seal with the head of an endoscope. The tube may be fenestrated at its proximal end and may include medial pleats. This apparatus is mainly used by: sliding an endoscope into the central bore until the endoscope head forms an air- and water-tight seal with the central bore; connecting a lavage tube to one peripheral bore and a vacuum tube to the other peripheral bore; inserting the endoscope and the apparatus into a GI tract; and manually controlling the apparatus to apply lavage and vacuum.
US08496606B2
A membraneless separation device can be applied to a variety of treatments, such as the ultrafiltration of blood for a patient with end stage renal disease. An ultrafiltration device can include a membraneless separation device, which separates an incoming blood flow into a substantially cytoplasmic body-free plasma flow and remaining fraction, and a dialysate-free second stage, which selectively removes excess fluid, toxins and other substances from the plasma flow and returns the processed plasma to the membraneless separation device. A treatment protocol can include ultrafiltering blood of a patient using the ultrafiltration device and performing a secondary treatment on the blood of the patient at a reduced frequency compared to the ultrafiltering. The membraneless separation device can also be applied to treatment, analysis, and/or exchange of plasma from blood, or combined with conventional dialyzers to perform dialysis on a cytoplasmic body-free plasma fraction.
US08496605B1
A traction device includes a base panel having a frame member pivotally attached to an edge thereof. The frame member is formed of a telescoping leg with a telescoping arm extending from its upper end. The frame member supports a tensioning cable having a neck harness at a distal end for fastening to a patient's head. A proximal end of the cable is attached to a tensioning mechanism slidably mounted on the leg. The tensioning mechanism includes a telescoping, pneumatic cylinder that is extended with a compressible bulb. The cylinder engages a pivotal lever that pulls the cable downwardly when the cylinder is extended, thereby applying tension to the harness.
US08496602B2
An automatic apparatus for obtaining and analyzing a blood sample contains a supply of lancets and test strips, which are located alternately on a carrier band. A lancet or alternatively a test strip may be clamped on a holder, which is mounted so it is movable. The movement controller of the holder comprises a three-dimensional control curve and a guide element, which engages at different depths in the control curve as a function of its relative position. The control curve comprises two guide paths, which run on different parallel planes. The contour of the first guide path determines the movement path of the lancet and the contour of the second guide path determines the movement path of the test strip. The test strip executes a transverse offset perpendicular to the puncture axis of the lancet.
US08496601B2
A lancet driver is provided wherein the driver exerts a driving force on a lancet during a lancing cycle and is used on a tissue site. The driver comprises of a drive force generator for advancing the lancet and a processor coupled to the drive force generator capable of changing the direction and magnitude of force exerted on the lancet during the lancing cycle. The driver further includes a human interface on the housing providing at least one output for communicating with the patient.
US08496585B2
A system for producing an image using an imaging system includes a) transmitting at least one signal of energy toward an object to be imaged by using two transmitters having the same output amplitude but of an opposite sign, or by using one transmitter to perform the task; b) exciting at least one transducer element to produce limited-diffraction array beams or their square-wave approximations with two levels of quantitations for both sine and cosine functions, c) weighting the received signals spatially with limited-diffraction array beams, their square-wave approximations, or spatial Fourier transform, and d) digitizing and then transferring received signals through high-speed optical fibers to a system for image reconstructions.
US08496582B2
An apparatus for expanding a chest cavity of a patient includes a tapered member and an expansion assembly coupled to the tapered member. The expansion assembly is configured to engage a sternum.
US08496578B2
An endoscopic assembly for an endoscope is disclosed. The assembly comprises a ligator barrel having proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion has a seat and a receiving wall extending to a proximal end. The receiving wall has a first threaded portion formed thereon. The assembly further comprises a connector for connecting the ligator barrel about the endoscope. The connector has a scope portion and a tip portion. The scope portion has a receiving end through which the endoscope is disposed to engage the seat for connecting the ligator barrel about the endoscope. The tip portion has a second threaded portion formed thereon and are configured to cooperate with the first threaded portion to receive the receiving wall and attach the connector with the ligator barrel. The first and second threaded portions are configured to cooperate with each other to tighten the connection of the ligator barrel about the endoscope as the threads increase surface area contact therebetween.
US08496573B2
A capsule includes a main body with at least one tail connected to the main body. At least two coils are disposed on each tail such that the coils are responsive to a magnetic field interacting with the coils such that a force is exerted on the tail. The capsule is controlled through application of a varying magnetic field with a constant current in the coils and/or by providing varying a current in the coils that interact with a constant magnetic field. The capsule can be disposed in a cavity, and the magnetic field can be provided from outside the cavity to affect movement of the capsule. An MRI device can be configured to control and image the capsule.
US08496572B2
A mechanized dildo having a body with a plurality of vibrator assemblies, each vibrator assembly comprising a motor and a housing; a processor electrically coupled to each of the plurality of vibrator assemblies; a battery electrically coupled to the processor; at least one mode control switch electrically coupled to the processor; a phallic sleeve comprising an elastic material covers the plurality of vibrator assemblies; and a housing containing the processor, the battery and the at least one control switch; wherein the processor is configured to operate separate vibrator assemblies in different combination modes, such modes being selected using the at least one mode control switch.
US08496566B2
Regulating member (1) carried by an operating unit (100) provided with a frame (10) coupled in a slidable manner to a support member (M); the regulating member (1) comprising a handle (2) suitable to move the frame (10) relative to the support member (M); a blocking device (70) comprising a pin (72) movable between an engagement position (PI) and a regulating position (PR) transversally to the support member (M) to connect the frame (10) to the support member (M) in a longitudinal position definable at will; a switching member (76) being hinged to the first pin (72) to move it between the engagement position (PI) and the regulating position (PR); the handle (2) being connected rigidly to the switching member (76) to actuate the pin (72) transversally to the support member (M) and move the frame (10) along the support member (M) with the pin (72) arranged in the regulating position (PR).
US08496561B2
A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine coupled to a transmission, a fluid coupling including an impeller and a turbine wherein the impeller is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the electric machine and the turbine is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the internal combustion engine. The fluid coupling is effective to fluidically couple torque from the electric machine to the internal combustion engine when the impeller and turbine are not mechanically locked.
US08496551B2
A continuous variable clutch is provided. The continuous variable clutch includes a first sheave member and a second sheave member. The first sheave member includes a first central hub and a first conical-faced surface extending radially from the first central hub. The second sheave member includes a second central hub and a second conical-faced surface that extends radially from the second central hub. The second central hub of the second sheave member is received in a cavity of the first central hub such that the first conical-faced surface of the first sheave member facing the second conical-faced surface of the second sheave portion. The second central hub moving axially within the first central hub based on an amount of torque on the continuous variable clutch. The first sheave member and the second sheave member further forming a central passage to receive an input shaft of a transmission.
US08496541B2
A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, a sleeve including a top portion, a middle portion connected to the top portion is described. The middle portion includes a thin wall thickness. A bottom portion is connected to the middle portion including a plurality of engaging surfaces. A central longitudinal axis and an offset angle offset from the central longitudinal axis is described. The offset angle allows a maximum loft change of about 0.5 degrees to about 4.0 degrees. The total weight of the sleeve is less than 9 g.
US08496540B2
A golf club with an improved interchangeable hosel is disclosed herein. More specifically, the improved interchangeable hosel is independent of the golf club head as well as the shaft; and has a non-threaded connection mechanism that releasably connects the shaft to the golf club head quickly and easily. The non-threaded connection mechanism disclosed in accordance with the present invention may generally utilize a circumferentially constricting clamping force to secure the shaft of the golf club to the head of the golf club.
US08496535B2
A racking frame kit including a storage container housing three shaped side members that can assembled into an equilateral triangular enclosure for receipt of a group of balls in a compressed position. The racking frame providing a portable device that allows pool players to obtain the repeatability necessary from location to location. The kit further provides for the tightening of the formation of balls to obtain the maximum transfer of energy from a cue ball impact which will allow a predictable and disperse spread of balls across a playing surface. Various embodiments include a latching release, a magnet release, a tongue & groove release, and an elastic band.
US08496531B2
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a gaming method, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving, from a live participant, a request for game play, the request including desired opponent information; (b) in response to the request, evaluating prior game play data associated with the live participant to assess the live participant's recent success in gaming, forming a satisfaction score; (c) in further response to the request, causing another user's prior game play data to be selected and retrieved based on the following (i) a substantial match with the desired opponent information; and (ii) a substantial match with the satisfaction score; and presenting a multi-player game environment where the live gaming participant can play against and have two-way interactions with an apparently live opponent, the apparently live opponent's interaction being based on the other user's prior game play data.
US08496529B2
A game system for a game where plural players partake and are combined on the basis of subjective data on the players. A game machine comprises a game control device for controlling a game executed with a game machine operated by a player who is combined with a player operating the game machine itself, an evaluation obtaining device for obtaining evaluation data which is evaluation to the player P4 by the player, a history evaluation updating device for, when obtaining the evaluation data to the player, updating the history evaluation information included in player information of the player by information based on the evaluation data. The server comprises a combination determining device for determining based on the history evaluation information, a combination of game machines partaking the game.
US08496520B2
A gaming system and method that enables the odds of obtaining a winning outcome or a designated outcome for a play of a game to change without modifying the paytable of the game. The gaming system makes a first determination using a first processor based on a paytable of a game. The gaming system makes a second determination using a second processor, where the second determination may be based, at least in part, on the wager amount. The gaming system displays a single game outcome to the player and either provides the player with the highest award resulting from the determinations or any awards resulting from the determinations.
US08496519B2
A communal game is displayed by a gaming system. A plurality of gaming devices each enable a player to wager on plays of a primary game and determine an eligibility status. The communal game repeatedly generates at least one communal game symbol from a plurality of communal game symbols regardless of whether any player is wagering on plays of a primary game. The communal game triggers a bonus event based on the generated symbols. Any eligible gaming devices may participate in the bonus event. For each eligible gaming device, the gaming system applies at least one symbol or gaming element from the communal game to the primary game of the eligible gaming device. Each eligible gaming device provides an award based on any winning symbol combinations generated by application of the communal game symbol or gaming element.
US08496505B2
An electrical conductor, e.g., a terminal pin, includes a conductor body, a first layer at least partially applied to the conductor body, and a second layer at least partially applied to the first layer, the material of the second layer containing thiol, and the material of the first layer containing nickel.
US08496499B2
A device for electrically interconnecting and packaging electronic components. In one embodiment, a modular non-conducting base member having one or more component recesses and a plurality of lead channels formed therein is provided. At least one electronic component is disposed within the recess, and the wire leads of the component routed through the lead channels to a conductive lead terminal. A plurality of lead terminals, adapted to cooperate with the non-conducting base member, are received therein, and adapted to place the device in signal communication with an external printed circuit board. The modular non-conducting base members are assembled or stacked to form a unitary modular assembly. Methods for fabricating the device are also disclosed.
US08496486B2
A receptacle connector is provided for mating with a pluggable module having a plug and a printed circuit. The receptacle connector includes a housing having a mating receptacle and a slot. The mating receptacle is configured to receive the plug of the pluggable module therein. The slot is configured to receive the printed circuit of the pluggable module therein. A receptacle contact is held by the housing. The receptacle contact includes a receptacle mating segment that extends within the mating receptacle and is configured to engage a mating contact of the plug of the pluggable module. A slot contact is held by the housing. The slot contact includes a slot mating segment that extends within the slot and is configured to engage the printed circuit of the pluggable module.
US08496482B2
A handwriting instrument to provide visual and tactile cues to teach and improve handwriting includes a writing medium, a rectangular writing box on the writing medium. The rectangular writing box consists of first and second vertical end lines connecting ends of an upper horizontal line, a lower raised horizontal line and a dashed line located between the upper and lower horizontal lines extending from the first vertical line to the second vertical line. The area between the lower raised horizontal line and the dashed horizontal line is shaded a different color than the writing medium to provide further visual cues for handwriting.
US08496475B2
Embodiments of a magnetostrictive device, a dental lighting system, a method of illuminating a lighting apparatus and a lighting apparatus are disclosed. The embodiments may include a lighting apparatus with a light source, an electrical power storage device and a switch. When the switch detects a magnetic field, the switch may complete an electrical connection between the electrical power storage device and the switch, thus illuminating the light source. The magnetic field may be magnetostrictively or non-magnetostrictively generated, and maybe be produced by a receptacle, a hand-piece or the lighting apparatus itself. A user may switch the light source on and off. In a magnetostrictive device, the light may be illuminated even when a tip is not activated, and the electrical power storage device may be inductively re-charged. The lighting apparatus may be included in an insert of a magnetostrictive device, such as a magnetostrictive ultrasonic hand-held dental device.
US08496467B2
A device and method are disclosed for the production of hollow bodies, especially plastic bottles, wherein a section of a plastic flexible hose is placed in a cavity of a blow mold by an extruder head according to a predefined clocked pulse. The plastic flexible hose is inflated inside the blow mold by a blow mandrel by overpressure according to the blow mold cavity. The manufactured inflated hollow body is subsequently removed from the mold. The plastic hose can be continually held on opposite sides of the blow mold arrangement during the entire extrusion and blow cycle.
US08496465B2
Methods and systems of forming barbed sutures from blown films are provided. A method for forming a barbed suture includes providing a blown film, cutting slits into an outer edge of the blown film, and twisting the blown film such that the slits protrude from the twisted blown film to form a barbed suture. A system for forming a barbed suture includes a set of heating rollers configured for stiffening an outer edge of a blown film, a set of cutting rollers configured for forming slits in the outer edge, a set of twisting rollers configured for twisting the blown film into a suture, and a heat source to set the suture.
US08496463B2
A feed section for an extruder machine including a housing having one or more walls defining an interior area within the housing. The feed section includes a shaft mounted to one or more of the walls and a feed roll assembly disposed at least partially in the interior area and pivotally coupled to the shaft for pivotal movement of the feed roll assembly relative to the housing. The feed roll assembly includes a seat portion releasably coupled to a cap portion. The cap portion is pivotally coupled to the shaft for pivotal movement of the cap portion relative to the housing and the seat portion. The feed roll assembly includes a feed roll rotatingly mounted between the seat and cap portions for conveying material to be extruded between an inlet and outlet of the housing.
US08496455B2
A flow set for administration of liquid when using a liquid pump is disclosed. The flow set of the present invention permits identification of the flow set by a liquid pump that uses this flow set and prevention of pumping tube-segment over stretching.
US08496450B2
A compressor system supplies compressed air to a commercial vehicle. The compressor system includes a compressor, a clutch, and a hydraulic pump and can be driven by way of a drivetrain. The compressor can be completely disconnected from a driving engine by way of the clutch. The drivetrain encompasses a geared drive mechanism which allows the hydraulic pump to be driven, and the clutch is arranged between the geared drive mechanism and the compressor. A method for operating the compressor system is provided.
US08496449B2
A rotary air motor driven hydraulic pump has separate pressure and return actuators and first and second stage eccentric driven pistons 180 degrees out of phase and driven by the motor through a gear reduction unit. The pressure and return actuators are on/off/proportional valves and the pump has two pressure relief valves with one adjustable from outside of the pump for a user to set a pressure limit of the pump. Above a certain output pressure limit, a bypass valve shunts flow in excess of that needed to precharge the second stage compression chamber from the first stage piston to an elastic reservoir from which the hydraulic fluid pumped by the pump is drawn. To make the pump stall at a certain output pressure, a pressure limiting valve can be used that cuts off the air supply to the pump at the desired output pressure.
US08496442B2
A combining structure for the decorating shell of a ceiling fan includes an outer shell and a decorating cover. The bottom of the outer shell has a connecting hole. The rim of the connecting hole is formed upward with at least two opposite notches. Each of the notches is bent downward with a blocking rim that gradually converges. The decorating cover has an annular shape, and is mounted on the bottom of the outer shell. The inner rim of the decorating cover is protruded upward with an inner rim wall that goes through the connecting hole of the outer shell. The outer surface of the inner rim wall is protruded outward with a protruding part for each of the notches on the outer shell. The protruding parts go through the notches and urge and position on the blocking rim at the bottom of the outer shell.
US08496436B2
A propeller assembly has a plurality of propeller blades, and a pitch change mechanism including at least one motor. A drive input drives the plurality of propeller blades to rotate about a central drive axis. The pitch change mechanism is operable upon driving of the motor to move the propeller blades relative to the drive input. The drive input includes a drive input gear transmission to change a pitch angle of the blades when the blades are moved relative to the drive input by the pitch change mechanism. Further, a method of operating a propeller assembly to change a pitch angle is disclosed and claimed.
US08496432B2
A compressor rotor compresses and delivers compressed air across a turbine rotor. The turbine rotor is connected to the compressor rotor such that rotation of the turbine rotor drives the compressor rotor. A shaft is connected to rotate with the turbine rotor and the compressor rotor. A thrust bearing is provided by a member extending perpendicular and radially outwardly of the shaft. The member rotates with the shaft and faces a first housing wall. A hollow chamber is formed on an opposed side of the first housing wall. A cooling air path supplies air across a thrust bearing surface, and between the member and the first housing wall. The first housing wall has a communication hole for communicating cooling air from the cooling air path into the hollow cavity to drive air within the hollow chamber. Also, a housing incorporating the communication hole is disclosed.
US08496431B2
A turbine ring assembly for a gas turbine, the assembly having a complete ring forming a single piece of ceramic matrix composite material (CMC), a metal structure for supporting the CMC ring having metal annular supports between which the CMC ring is placed while allowing differential expansion at least in a radial direction between the CMC ring and the annular supports, an arrangement for centering the CMC ring, and at least one element for preventing turning of the CMC ring about its axis.
US08496430B2
A variable stator blade assembly of a compressor, in particular of a gas turbine, including a compressor casing with a counterbore and a receptacle, a stator blade with a spindle, a spindle bush and a seal is provided. The spindle bush is placed inside the receptacle and spindle is placed inside the spindle bush wherein the seal is placed radially between the spindle and the spindle bush. The spindle is the dynamic seal face and a face within the spindle bush is the static seal face.
US08496425B2
The end-effector includes an articulating frame mounted on an indexable boom. Tool modules mount on the end-effector and connect to a workpiece. Each tool module includes a flexible dress package including a cable carrier. A channel rail is supported by the end-effector frame and guides the cable carrier. A setup tool and associated process can reconfigure the positions of the tool modules and the frame and boom of the end-effector.
US08496423B2
A conveyance system and method for delivering at least one component of a windmill to a location is provided. The system is provided with a transporter and a transfer system. The transporter is positionable adjacent a base at the location. The transfer system is provided with a plurality of rails, a support and at least one slider. The rails are positionable on the base and the transporter. The support has a first portion of the rails of the transporter thereon. The support is positionable along a second portion of the rails on a surface of the transporter, and slidably movable between a retracted and an extended position whereby the support is selectively positionable adjacent the base. The slider carries the component(s) of the windmill. The slider is slidably movable along the rails of the transporter and the base whereby the component(s) is/are slidably transferrable between the transporter and the base.
US08496422B2
A threaded fastener-nut combination for attaching two work pieces together has means for preventing the intrusion of the fastener threads into the bores of each work piece, thus preventing damage to the work piece which may result from such intrusion. The stud member has a pawl member which extends radially outward to engage an aperture in the nut member, which locks the nut member to the stud member. The engagement of the nut member to the threaded portion of the stud member produces both audible and tactile feedback to indicate that the fastener is properly placed and engaged. Tactile feedback is returned through the emergence of the pawl through the aperture in the nut, and by the rotation of the entire fastener assembly upon the provision of further tightening effort. Auditory feedback is provided through a “click” or similar sound produced when the pawls engages the aperture of the nut.
US08496421B1
Apparatus and Method of use for an improved lock nut type of fastener. On a threaded rod, a set of one or two cavity locknuts are used with a sleeve like ferrule to lock a nut in a set position on the rod. For example a nut that is clamping a workpiece can be held in place (resisting if not preventing loosening) by suitable application of the ferrule and cavity locknut. The cavity locknut has a tapered funnel-like cavity in a nut face around the nut's threaded hole. Locking is accomplished by immobilizing the ferrule on the rod and against the nut to be held, orienting the cavity side of the cavity locknut toward the ferrule, and forcefully torquing the cavity nut against and around the ferrule so that it is crimped against the threaded rod by the tapered cavity in the nut.
US08496420B2
According to embodiments of the present invention, a clip includes: a plate spring member having a leg portion and flange portions; a pin member having a shaft portion and a head portion. The leg portion has: inclined portions outwardly extending from a bent portion; engagement portions inwardly extending from the inclined portions; and abutting portions connected between the inclined portions and the flange portions. The shaft portion has: a proximal-side diameter-expanded portion; and a distal-side diameter-reduced portion. When the plate spring member is assembled with the pin member and flange portions abut a front side circumference of the mounting hole, the diameter-expanded portion abut the abutting portions to expand the leg portion through a further pushing operation of the pin member thereby engaging the engagement portions with a back side circumference of the mounting hole.
US08496416B1
An apparatus may include a housing, a spindle system located in the housing, a tool guide associated with the housing, and a magnetic unit associated with the housing. The spindle system may be capable of rotating a tool about an axis of rotation. The tool guide may be capable of engaging a receptacle at a location on a workpiece. The magnetic unit may be capable of securing the tool guide in the receptacle when the tool guide is engaged with the receptacle.
US08496415B2
A negative insert has double-positive clearance surface.
US08496412B2
A system for controlling gas leakage in a solids delivery system is provided. The system includes a bulk solids pump comprising an inlet for a particulate material and an outlet for discharge of said particulate material. The system also includes a buffer gas channel configured to impede backflow of process gas into the bulk solids pump, such as from a downstream system or process. The system further includes a pressure differential system configured to control a flow rate of the buffer gas and maintain a positive differential in pressure between the buffer gas and the process gas.
US08496408B1
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for forming rolled up spiral shaped tubular inserts of interlocking seams of elongated strip material and for inserting the inserts into damaged channels such as damaged culverts, sewer lines, pipes, and the like. The inserts are released to expand outward and unravel until the walls of the unraveling insert abut against interior walls of the damaged channel forming a protective interior wall for the damaged channel. One side of the insert strips can have a hook, and an opposite side of the strips can have a longitudinal groove wherein the hook attaches to and slides within the groove. Slidable surfaces such as bushings, Teflon coatings and O-rings can be used along the interlocking seams to allow for reduced friction as the strip materials are rolled into contracted positions and later expanded out.
US08496406B2
A positioning apparatus includes a frame and two substantially vertically extending legs. The frame includes a suspension device adapted to suspend a sinking tunnel section. The legs include upper ends connected by a substantially horizontally extending beam and lower ends vertically movable relative to the sinking tunnel section. The legs include clamping members for engaging opposite transverse sides of the tunnel section that are settable substantially in a plane defined by the legs and beam of the frame. The frame is devised for extending with its legs outwardly of the two opposite transverse sides of the tunnel section and extending with the beam above a roof of the tunnel section.
US08496404B1
Reinforcement system for concrete panel wall, such as I-type flood wall, includes high tensile strength textile attached to wall by adhesive and reinforced by mechanical fasteners. Most preferred embodiment comprises a strip of fiber reinforced plastic spanning multiple panels, with the grain of the textile material extending horizontally. Alternative embodiment includes vertical FRP with bias-grain textile. Fasteners are preferably ductile fiber anchors.
US08496402B2
A compactor wheel tip for a landfill or soil compactor comprises a bottom wall having a wheel engaging surface, a top wall having a ground engaging surface, oppositely disposed front and rear walls having concave surfaces, and oppositely disposed side walls. The ground engaging surface of the top wall may be generally planar and have a “bow-tie”-shaped cross-section, or the top wall may define a pair of shoulders each extending inwardly from one of the side walls, and a rib extending between the shoulders and having a depth that is less than the depth of shoulders. The ground engaging surface may further define a pair of exterior pockets disposed on opposite sides of the rib and extending downwardly between the rib and corresponding portions of the front and rear walls.
US08496398B2
A rebar sleeve device comprising a tubular unit with an opening at least one end thereof for receipt of a rebar dowel is described. The tubular unit is typically positioned horizontally and can be elevated by a back extension component and a front extension component secured to the base unit. The front extension component comprises an opening through which the rebar dowel is inserted. The opening of the front extension component comprises a protective covering. The protective covering prevents concrete from filling in the opening, but allows for the insertion of a rebar dowel. A connection component connects a plurality of the rebar sleeve devices together to form a single unit.
US08496389B2
When a second cam gear and a first cam gear rotate one turn, a shutter device changes to a first state, a second state, and a third state in this order. In the first state, the second cam gear charges a mirror lever drive spring and a blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear holds the blade lever. In the second state, the second cam gear releases charging of the mirror lever drive spring and charges the blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear releases holding of the blade lever. In the third state, the second cam gear releases charging of the mirror lever drive spring and charging of the blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear releases holding of the blade lever.
US08496373B2
A test specimen having a to-be-photographed surface and an attachment surface which is a back side thereof is produced, and attached to a structure. An artificial abnormal portion is provided between a to-be-inspected surface of the structure and the to-be-photographed surface of the test specimen. The to-be-photographed surface of the test specimen is photographed by the infrared camera. When a surface temperature difference between the abnormal and the sound portions increases to a certain level on the to-be-photographed surface, it is capable of discriminating between the abnormal and the sound portions by an infrared thermal image of the test specimen. In a time zone in which discriminating between the abnormal and the sound portions is capable, the to-be-inspected surface of the structure is photographed by the infrared camera. If there is a damage in the surface layer of the structure, a damaged position can be discriminated by an infrared thermal image.
US08496368B2
A light guide plate is adapted for a backlight module having at least one light emitting device, and the light guide plate includes a light emitting surface, a surface opposite to the light emitting surface, a light incident surface connected with the light emitting surface and the surface, and a plurality of microstructures disposed on the light emitting surface or the surface. 90 percent or more of the surface or the light emitting surface is flat. At least one of the light emitting devices is disposed beside the light incident surface and capable of emitting a light beam. The light incident surface is capable of making the light beam enter the light guide plate and the light emitting surface is capable of making the light beam transmit outside the light guide plate. A backlight module is also provided.
US08496364B2
A housing for a light source, the housing including a base having a plurality of sidewalls which define an opening of a cavity for containing the light source; a flange having a z-shaped cross section attached within the cavity to a sidewall of the sidewalls; a hinge having first and second portions which are rotatably coupled to each other, the first portion attached to the flange; and a cover having a frame and a lens attached to the frame, the frame having an opening and being attached to the second portion of the hinge such that the cover and the base rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation.
US08496355B2
A reflector element is provided for a lighting device and includes a light transmission/reflection component that includes a light conductor containing therein light diffusion particles. The light transmission/reflection component includes a light entrance section, a light transmission/reflection section, and a light emission section. The reflector element is coupled to a light-emitting diode (LED) lighting unit, or a heat dissipation element, or a cover. The light entrance section of the reflector element is set in front of the LED lighting unit and the light transmission/reflection section is set at an opposite side to the light entrance section in order to redirect an incident light to the light emission section. Due to the effect provided by the light diffusion particles for refraction, light is uniformly distributed and emitted through the cover.
US08496341B2
One object is to reduce the weight of a lighting device including an electroluminescent material. An object is to achieve high reliability of a lighting device including an electroluminescent material. In a lighting device including a light-emitting element having an electroluminescence (EL) layer, a housing formed using an organic resin whose refractive index is greater than or equal to that of the EL layer is provided to cover a light emission surface and a top surface of the light-emitting element. In addition, an inorganic insulating film covering an inner wall of the housing provided with the light-emitting element and the top surface of the light-emitting element is preferably provided.
US08496340B2
Retroreflective elements and articles that include such elements. The retroreflective elements (100) include a solid spherical core (110) having an outer surface. A first complete concentric optical interference layer (112) overlays the outer surface of the core providing a first interface between the core and the first optical interference layer, and a second complete concentric optical interference layer (122) overlays the first optical interference layer to provide a second interface between the first optical interference layer and the second optical interference layer. In some embodiments, a third complete concentric optical interference layer overlays the second optical interference layer to provide a third interface between the second optical interference layer and the third optical interference layer. The retroreflective articles include a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface with a plurality of the retroreflective elements affixed along the first major surface of the substrate.
US08496337B2
The invention discloses a cover and an electronic apparatus with the cover. The cover is used for covering an opening of a casing of the electronic apparatus. The cover of the invention includes a covering body and a catching structure. Therein the covering body has an inner surface. When the opening is covered with the cover, the inner surface is toward the interior of the casing. The catching structure is formed on the inner surface for catching an object falling on the inner surface. The catching structure could be an adhesive layer or include a protrusive structure. If the catching structure is an adhesive layer, the object falling on the inner surface adheres to the adhesive layer. If the catching structure includes the protrusive structure, the object is confined by the protrusive structure.
US08496332B2
An illumination system adapted to a projection apparatus is provided, including a light source module, a light color modulating module, and a control unit. The light color modulating module has a plurality of light color modulating units and is disposed in a transmission path of a light beam. The light color modulating module is capable of moving so that the light color modulating units move into the illumination region of the light beam. When the control unit determines that a boundary of any two adjacent light color modulating units has moved into the illumination region of the light beam, the control unit switches the light source module to an off-state. When the boundary of any two adjacent light color modulating units has moved away from the illumination region of the light beam, the control unit switches the light source module to an on-state. An illumination control method is also provided.
US08496325B2
A liquid ejecting method using a liquid discharging apparatus, the method including: a first process, forming dots on a medium in a predetermined direction at a first interval by discharging liquid that is cured when electromagnetic waves are irradiated to the medium; a second process, irradiating the dots formed on the medium with electromagnetic waves; a third process, forming dots in the predetermined direction at the first interval so that the dots formed in the first process and the dots formed in the third process are positioned in the predetermined direction at a second interval which is shorter than the first interval; and a fourth process, irradiating the dots formed on the medium with electromagnetic waves.
US08496316B2
A liquid ejection head includes a head main body which discharges liquid, a flow path member main body on which a liquid reception member for receiving liquid supplied from the outside is formed, a first case, a second case, and a first insertion portion which is provided on the flow path member main body and through which a securing member for securing the first case, the second case, and the flow path member main body to one another is inserted. In the liquid ejection head, the first insertion portion is formed such that the outer wall covers an exposing portion from which the securing member is exposed.
US08496313B2
An image processing method of creating image data for forming an image on a recording medium by ejecting liquid droplets from a plurality of nozzles of a recording head onto the recording medium while causing relative movement of the recording medium and the recording head, includes: a correction coefficient storage step of determining correction coefficients for ejection failure correction based on difference of landing interference patterns of a plurality of types, and storing the correction coefficients for ejection failure correction according to the landing interference patterns, in a storage unit; an ejection failure nozzle position information acquisition step of acquiring ejection failure nozzle position information and a correction processing step of performing a correction calculation on input image data using a corresponding correction coefficient obtained by referring to the correction coefficients for ejection failure correction according to the ejection failure nozzle position information.
US08496309B2
A recording apparatus includes a controller and a cartridge accommodating section in which an ink cartridge of a predetermined type is mountable. The ink cartridge includes: an ink chamber; a first heat conductor that conducts heat to the ink; a pyroelectric portion that outputs an electrical signal; and a first electrical interface that connects to the pyroelectric portion. The cartridge accommodating section includes: a second electrical interface that connects to the first electrical interface when the ink cartridge is mounted in the cartridge accommodating section; a heater that applies heat; and a second heat conductor that conducts heat to the first heat conductor. The controller determines at least one of the type of the mounted ink cartridge and whether an amount of ink in the ink chamber is less than a predetermined amount based on the electrical signal inputted from the pyroelectric portion via the second electrical interface.
US08496308B2
The individual locker assembly for refrigerators is intended for use in the workplace for employees to secure their perishable foods and beverages. The locker assembly is also suitable for installation in refrigerators in medical offices and the like for the secure storage of controlled medications and the like that must be refrigerated. The locker assembly has a series of panels and dividers installable in an existing refrigerator unit, with the panels and dividers defining a series of individual lock boxes, each having its own lockable door. Alternatively, a specially configured refrigerator has an open front and a series of individual lock boxes installed therein. Each lock box is in contact with other boxes and/or the walls, floor, and top panels of the refrigerator, and is thermally sealed thereto. Each lock box has its own lockable door. The refrigerator includes a system for automating the lock box rental transactions.
US08496291B2
An emergency equipment system comprising an elongate member, an emergency equipment package, and a cutter. The elongate member may have a first end and an angled end. The emergency equipment package may have a sleeve on one side capable of receiving the elongate member from the angled end. The cutter may be attached to a side of the elongate member and may be capable of cutting the sleeve.
US08496284B2
A locking apparatus for a folding top of a vehicle includes a housing, a locking hook having a gripping end and a bearing end, a coupling device, and a driving apparatus. The coupling device is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook. The bearing end is pivotably mounted to the coupling device around a pivot axis oriented horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking hook such that the locking hook is horizontally adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the locking hook between closed and opened positions. The driving apparatus is connected with the bearing end through the coupling device for driving the locking hook to move between the closed and opened positions.
US08496281B2
A deck system for a vehicle having a cargo bed. The deck system includes a deck body that extends across at least a portion of the cargo bed. The deck body includes a plurality of planks, each plank having an upper surface, a lower surface, and first and second opposing edges, each first edge configured to interlock with the second edge of another plank. The plurality of planks are coupled together via their interlocking edges to form the deck body. The deck system may also include a rail assembly configured to be coupled to side rails of the cargo bed and to the deck body for supporting the deck body above the cargo deck. The first edge of each plank has at least one first hook member and the second edge of each plank has at least one second hook member, the at least one second hook member configured to engage with the at least one first hook member of another plank.
US08496280B2
A remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular is provided. The single joint elevator including a housing having an access opening configured to receive the tubular. The single joint elevator further including at least one closure member connected to the housing via a hinge pin. Additionally, the single joint elevator including a power assembly configured to rotate at least one closure member around the hinge pin to selectively open and close the access opening. In another aspect, a method of handling a tubular using a remotely operated joint elevator is provided. In yet a further aspect, a remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular.
US08496276B2
The combination of an over-the-road vehicle and a locking system. The vehicle has a frame bounding a cargo space and at least one access door. The one door has a first latch assembly thereon that cooperates with a second latch assembly on one of: a) the vehicle frame; and b) a second door to releasably maintain the one door in its closed position. The locking system includes a first locking assembly on the first door and a second locking assembly on the one of the vehicle frame and second door. The first and second latch assemblies are secured to the vehicle using fasteners. The first and second locking assemblies are secured to the vehicle using these same fasteners. The first and second locking assemblies can be maintained together either inside or outside of the cargo space.
US08496275B2
A latch including a housing, a rotary pawl, catch means for releasably holding the pawl in a closed configuration, and means for operating the catch means are disclosed.
US08496272B2
A device and method for coupling two or more objects together has a coupling that has at least two magnets or metal pieces and is removably attached to a first object. A second object has at least two corresponding metal pieces or magnets, wherein the first object and the second object are held together by magnetically attractive forces when the first object and the second object are engaged.
US08496262B2
A bicycle that includes a main frame, a front wheel mounted for rotation relative to the main frame, a rear dropout, and a rear wheel mounted for rotation relative to the rear dropout. The rear wheel defines a center plane of the bicycle. The bicycle further includes a rear stay that couples the rear dropout to the main frame. The rear stay has an inner surface facing the rear wheel and an outer surface facing away from the rear wheel. The rear stay includes a steep portion having an outer surface at a steep angle of between about 25 degrees and about 75 degrees relative to the center plane.
US08496258B2
A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.
US08496254B2
Provided is a boot for a constant velocity universal joint capable of being properly engaged with an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint and capable of increasing durability thereof. Over a shoulder portion (5) and a root portion (13) of a boot (1) for a constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention, there are formed a circular arc portion (14) adjacent to a large diameter portion (2) and having an axial sectional shape protruding radially outward and a linear portion (15) adjacent to the circular arc portion (14) and having a linear axial sectional shape. An innerperipheral surface (16) of the linear portion (15) is brought into contact with an opening end portion (17) of an outer joint member (7) of a constant velocity universal joint (6) such that a thickness from the circular arc portion (14) to the linear portion (15) is uniform.
US08496251B2
A sealing system is provided which is intended to achieve an improvement in durability. A dust seal is composed of a first dust seal and a second dust seal which is arranged at a location nearer to an atmospheric air side than the first dust seal, wherein each of the first dust seal and the second dust seal has a seal lip formed so as to be slidable with respect to an outer peripheral surface of the shaft. The first dust seal has seal lips made of urethane rubber, and the second dust seal has only a single seal lip which is made of a rubber higher in flexibility than urethane rubber, and which extends toward the atmospheric air side.
US08496246B2
A paper-sheet-thickness detecting device includes a reference roller provided on a fixed rotation shaft; a detection roller provided to face and come into contact with the reference roller; a detection block in which the detection roller is provided at one end and the other end is rotatably fixed around a fulcrum shaft so that the detection block is turned and displaced according to a thickness of a paper sheet passing through between the reference and detection rollers; a holding block that holds the fulcrum shaft; a first pressing member fixed to the holding block to maintain contact between the detection and reference rollers by pressing the detection block, the first pressing member being displaced according to rotation and displacement of the detection block when the paper sheet passes through between the reference and detection rollers; and a displacement detector that detects a displacement amount of the first pressing member.
US08496245B2
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a document processor and electronics connected to the document processor. The electronics includes a document sensor system and means for determining a document processing situation of a plurality of document processing situations. The document sensor system is connected to the means. The plurality of document processing situations include a single document situation and a double document situation. The double document situation includes a partially-overlapped, double document situation and a completely overlapped, double document situation. A method is also disclosed.
US08496224B1
A tunable valve assembly attenuates valve-generated vibration at one or more predetermined assembly resonant frequencies. The assembly comprises a valve body having a peripheral groove spaced radially apart from a central reservoir. An adjustable preload flange is centrally coupled to the valve body for changing assembly compliance and for imposing a shear preload by partially constraining a viscoelastic element in the reservoir. Assembly resonant frequencies are thus predictably altered. Further, the vibration spectrum is narrowed and its amplitude reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy at each such altered resonant frequency. At least a first predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through adjustment of shear preload, and at least a second predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through choice of a viscoelastic or composite element in the peripheral groove. The peripheral groove itself may be fenestrated, thereby increasing responsiveness to longitudinal compressive force on the tunable valve assembly.
US08496221B2
A table system for vacuum application has a base plate and a moving table guided by aerostatic bearing units. The bearing units (10) are connected to supply lines and suction lines for supplying and extracting the gas required for the operation of the bearing units and are provided in each instance with a sealing system having at least one stage and comprising suction channel and sealing gap for sealing relative to the vacuum. The table system is characterized in that the aerostatic bearing units (10) are constructed at least partially as swivel joints, and a push rod (4) which is actuated by a drive (5) for guiding the moving table laterally is connected to the rotating part (21) of each swivel joint, and in that the push rods (4) are hollow and constitute a component part of the suction lines for extracting the operating gas.
US08496212B2
A bipod comprises first and second tubular, spring-loaded telescopically extendable legs terminating distally in substantially triangular, claw-like end effectors. Each end effecter includes a substantially planar central segment having an upper surface defining a polygon resembling a truncated triangle with the first, second and third corners projecting downwardly at an acute angle. The first second and third downwardly projecting corner segments define substantially planar, triangular claw members, and so form a cup-shaped three pointed claw ideally well suited to grasp but not sink into any terrain surface.
US08496208B1
An orbital debris removal assembly is provided. The orbital debris removal and asset protection assembly includes a plurality of spaced layers of netting. Each netting layer includes a plurality of sub-layers of meshed composite fibers that are configured and arranged to break up debris that comes in contact with the assembly.
US08496202B2
This invention relates to a force transmission system (50) between a turboprop and an attachment pylon, comprising: a first and a second force transmission device (52a, 52b) each comprising a first hollow cylinder (54) with an axis (56) that will be made parallel to a first force transmission direction, said first cylinder defining a first space (58) full of a fluid (60) and closed off in a sealed manner at its two opposite ends, by a first damping layer (62) that will bear in contact with a bearing element (66) of the turboprop, and by a second damping layer (64) that will bear in contact with a bearing element (68) of the attachment device, said first and second layers possibly being compressed by the pressure of said fluid; and first means (70) of fluid communication between the two spaces (58, 58).
US08496199B2
A control system having a first loop configured to provide a longitudinal blowback value of a rotor blade during flight and a second loop associated with the first loop, the second loop being configured to provide a design maximum total flapping value and a lateral flapping value. A method includes calculating a flight control limit from the design maximum total flapping value and the lateral flapping value. An upper longitudinal cyclic control limit is calculated by adding the flight control limit to the longitudinal blowback value. A lower longitudinal cyclic control limit is calculated by subtracting the flight control limit from the longitudinal blowback value.
US08496196B2
An asphalt roofing material recycling system and method is used to recycle new and used (post consumer) asphalt materials, such as asphalt shingles, rolled roofing and tar paper that may include granules, fibers or other particles. The asphalt material, which may be in bundles, is broken up and separated and then provided to a cooled recycling vessel. Dry ice is added along with the asphalt material to be recycled. The dry ice removes any moisture present and super-cools the material making it brittle and easier to chip and break up. The recycle vessel includes a number of high speed shippers having tulip hear chipping teeth as well as one horizontal mixer element which stirs the material and makes sure all material is ground. The resulting course to fine powder can be separated by screening and stored as power or compressed into bricks or briquettes.
US08496194B2
A module for mounting on the end of a handle of a coating material dispensing device comprises at least a coating material fitting for coupling to a source of coating material. The module further includes a first fractional module component and a second fractional module component. The coating material fitting is captured between the first fractional module component and the second fractional module component when the first and second fractional module components are assembled together.
US08496188B2
A pressure washer device is provided that employs an unloader bypass valve that directs a selective amount of fluid via a small diameter bypass line back to a water storage tank. The small amount of fluid allows for the pump to remain working and introduces cooler water into a bypass circuit, thereby allowing the thermal relief valve to be omitted. The diameter of the bypass line is of such a diameter to prevent siphonage of the detergent associated with the pressure washer system into the water storage tank as well.
US08496185B2
A secure identification card is created. The secure identification card includes a first identifying item of information. A first covert marker is applied to the secure identification card. The first covert marker is associated with the first identifying item of information such that the secure identification card is recognized as authentic only if the association between the first covert marker and the first identifying item of information is recognized. The association between the first covert marker and the first identifying item of information is stored at a site that can be used to monitor the use of the secure identification card at a plurality of locations.
US08496170B2
The invention concerns a contactless portable object (11) featuring an electronic circuit (14) and an antenna (12) connected together enabling coupling between the electronic circuit and a reader associated with the portable contactless object. According to the main characteristic of the invention, the contactless portable object includes a set of field indicators (18) that provide the user with a measurement of the value of a physical quantity proportional to the quantity of the electromagnetic field which passes through the antenna (12).
US08496166B2
An assemblage for preparing and validating a smart label including an RFID inlay and selected symbology includes a workstation with a symbology printer and an RFID printer, and a validation station. The validation station includes a digital control device for storing software and housing digital hardware, a symbology reader, an RFID transceiver for reading data encoded on an RFID tag, an encoding and validation chamber, and a computer. The workstation is configured to occupy a minimal area for optimizing the preparation and validation of an associated RFID tag and symbology, and the associated RFID tag and symbology can be contemporaneously printed, encoded with data specific to an item to which the RFID tag and symbology are to be affixed, and validated individually and with respect to one another.
US08496154B2
A staple cartridge includes outer and inner rows of retention slots that are adapted and configured to retain staples. The staple cartridge further includes a staple pusher including a plurality of pusher plates. A staple pusher includes pusher plates that are laterally spaced apart to engage staples within the outer rows of at least three rows of retention slots.
US08496150B2
An apparatus for cutting a flat display panel prevents a light emitting surface of a flat display panel from being damaged due to a pit or a scratch. The apparatus for cutting a flat display panel includes a stage supporting a rear substrate of the flat display panel, a chip blocking unit disposed to correspond to a non-scrap portion of the flat display panel, and a scrap breaker to grip a scrap portion of the flat display panel that is to be separated from the flat display panel. A scribing line is formed between the scrap portion and a non-scrap portion of the flat display panel.
US08496144B2
A removable holder for a smart phone is provided to support the smart phone in front of a driver on a steering wheel. Close proximity of the smart phone allows easy access and good visibility of its display which helps in using the GPS navigation or other features of a smart phone while the vehicle is in motion. Retention of the smart phone assures its steady position when the steering wheel is turned but at the same time allows for its deflection out of the way in case of an airbag deployment. The attachment element of the holder includes two raised bars and an elastic band to form a 3-point contact area with the steering wheel. The smart phone retainer is length-adjustable to accommodate a variety of smart phones. The holder can be easily mounted and removed from the steering wheel without using hand tools.
US08496142B2
The foam-dispensing pump container according to the present invention has the valve seat portion which protrudes inwardly below the air-liquid mixing unit and which is formed of the flexible member that can come into contact with the outer peripheral face of the latch portion of the rod-shaped valve body, and immediately after the nozzle head starts rising, the flexible valve seat portion comes into contact with the rod-shaped valve body before the upper opening end of the liquid chamber comes into contact with the rod-shaped valve body, thereby significantly reducing a backflow of the foam or liquid into the air passage, and consequently improving the usability of the foam-dispensing pump container.
US08496141B2
A frozen beverage freezer machine is provided with two side-by-side freezer cylinders containing different flowable frozen beverage products. Draw valves are provided to draw the beverages separately for dispensing separately from the two beverage freezer cylinders. An additional draw valve, generally centered relative to the freezer cylinders, is provided to draw beverages from the two cylinders simultaneously for dispensing a mix of the two beverages. Clog breaker blades are coupled to the center draw valve assembly to inhibit clogging of passageways from the frozen beverage cylinders to the center valve, to facilitate reliable flow and mixing of the two beverages when the center valve is opened to dispense the mix into a user's receiver cup.
US08496132B2
A can end having a countersink bead, an inclined chuck wall and a strong seam, resists distortion from its circular profile when subjected to thermal processing or when packaging carbonated beverages. This high hoop strength affects the manner in which the can end ultimately fails when placed under extreme abuse conditions, even if buckle pressure performance is within industry specified standards. The can end of the invention has control features introduced which control the failure mode whilst maintaining specified buckle pressure performance. In one embodiment, the can end has a two part wall and a control feature that comprises expansion of the countersink bead to act as a trigger for local peaking, together with a groove in the chuck wall which prevents the peaking force from being concentrated at a single point which could result in leaking by the production of a pin hole.
US08496129B2
Provided are a cap capable of being easily and reliably opened and unsealed not limited in design even if an inner cap with a small diameter is used for the cap, producing no refuse after the unsealing, and not unnecessarily large in size, and a container with the cap. When an over cap (3) is rotated in the opening direction, a pair of screw threads (10a, 10b) as opening means are advanced in the direction in which they are tightened together, and this cuts off a planned opening section (4) from the inner cap (2). Thus, the cap has a relatively simple structure and can be simply and reliably unsealed by small force. Also, the planned opening section (4) is integrated with the over cap (3) after unsealing the inner cap (2), so that no refuse is produced after the unsealing, eliminating the need to clear it away from a table.
US08496128B2
A railcar coupler system that includes a yoke comprising a front end, a rear end, a top strap, and a bottom strap. The top strap and the bottom strap are positioned between the front end and the rear end. The front end comprises an internal bearing surface that is obliquely angled with respect to a central axis of the yoke that extends from the front end to the rear end of the yoke. The system also includes a connector configured to rotate within the yoke such that an axis of rotation of the connector is substantially aligned with the central axis of the yoke when the connector is positioned within the yoke. The connector includes an external bearing surface that is obliquely angled with respect to the axis of rotation of the connector and configured to correspond to the internal bearing surface of the yoke.
US08496125B2
A holder rack includes a supporting open frame, a rod baffle bonded to the supporting open frame in vertical, and a flat holder sheet member attached to the supporting open frame over the rod baffle for holding cap-shaped items vertically in a line. The flat holder sheet member has an upper opening, a lower opening, and an elongated slot connected between the upper opening and the lower opening and kept in proximity to the rod baffle.
US08496116B2
A method of forming a shaker screen includes forming a frame, and attaching a first sealing element to at least one side of an outer perimeter of the frame, wherein the attaching comprises aligning a first mating surface of the frame to a second mating surface of the first sealing element, and wherein the first mating surface of the frame includes an extension, and the second mating surface of the first sealing element includes a groove configured to align with the extension. A system of sealing shaker screens includes a first screen and a second screen disposed adjacent the first screen, wherein a first sealing element of a first frame and a portion of the second screen interact to provide a seal between the first screen and the second screen.
US08496115B2
The invention relates to a method for separating insoluble components from sylvinite, wherein the sylvinite is suspended in a saturated salt brine, a coagulating agent is added to the suspension, and a foaming agent is then added to the composition thus obtained, said foaming agent comprising and ether and/or ester, wherein a) the ethers of formula 1 correspond to R—O—R′ (1), where R is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl groups having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and R′ is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl groups having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; b) the esters are derived from monovalent or multivalent alcohols having 1 to 30 carbon atoms (alcohol radicals); or c) the ethers and/or esters are cyclic, wherein the ring size is 6 to 30 carbon atoms.
US08496113B2
An insert for a carrier board of a test handler is disclosed. In a first aspect, the latch block applying to the insert is detachably coupled to the insert body. The latch block can be reused, and thus this reduces wastage of resources and eliminates the insert replacement fee. In a second aspect, the insert pocket having hooks is detachably coupled to the insert body. The insert body can be reused. The latch unit is installed to the insert pocket, so that the damaged latch unit can be easily replaced. The insert forms a plurality of holes in the bottom of the loading part thereof, to expose the leads of the semiconductor devices through the holes downwardly. Thus, the insert can load semiconductor devices regardless of the dimensions of the semiconductor devices.
US08496108B2
A body washing system provides an integrated single-use package co-locating a moist towelette and a dry towelette, the latter sized and design to permit drying of an individual after applying the moist towelette to his or her body in a washing process. The compact size and availability of the dry towelette substantially increases at the availability of bathing systems to individuals to whom conventional bathing or showering is inaccessible.
US08496106B1
A kit for use by an airline traveler having an item of carry-on luggage in an airport having a security checkpoint where the traveler is required to remove the traveler's shoes for security inspection. The kit includes a pair of socks configured for wearing on the traveler's feet in order to keep unhygienic substances in proximity of the checkpoint away from the feet when the traveler walks through the checkpoint without the shoes. The kit includes a handheld travel pouch having an inner space and a pocket. The inner space is configured for storing the pair of socks. The pocket is configured for storing a card for providing proof of identity of the traveler. The pocket is configured for allowing of quick removal of the card for display at the checkpoint. The kit includes a means for securing the pouch to the item, the means coupled to the pouch.
US08496094B2
A coil spring suspension designed for a handlebar-steered vehicle. The coil spring suspension generally includes a first tube, a coil spring, a shaft and a guide. A first end of the coil spring is disposed within the first tube and fixedly supported proximate a first end of the first tube. The coil spring extends beyond a second end of the first tube. The shaft fixedly supports a second end of the coil spring. The shaft and the first tube are slidably displaced relative to each other upon suspension loading to lengthwise compress the coil spring. The guide is disposed within the first tube and connected to the coil spring between the first and second ends of the coil spring. The guide is displaced with the coil spring under suspension loading and limiting lateral displacement of the coil spring.
US08496090B2
The invention relates to a vehicle elevator, comprising: at least one carrier with a length direction for carrying a load thereon, such as a vehicle, and a lift under the carrier, which lift comprises at least two rotating components in a single line of assembly, wherein the rotating shaft extends along the line of assembly. The invention also relates to a lift for assembly in a vehicle elevator.
US08496084B2
A throttle sensor mounting structure for suppressing the influence on the arrangement of a lighting device located on the front side of a head pipe. A throttle sensor mounting structure in a saddle seat type vehicle includes a handle, a throttle grip rotatably mounted on the handle, a throttle sensor for detecting an operational amount of the throttle grip, a controller for controlling a power unit according to a detection value from the throttle sensor, a pair of right and left main frames extending to the rear from a head pipe, and a headlight provided on the front side of the head pipe. The throttle sensor is located on the rear side of the head pipe and between the right and left main frames so as to be superimposed on the main frames as viewed in a side elevation.
US08496083B2
A rear wheel suspension device of a motorcycle has rear end portions of an upper arm member and a lower arm rotatably joined to a knuckle member, which pivotally supports a rear wheel. The rear wheel suspension device can obtain a progressive cushion property while avoiding an increase in the number of parts. At the same time, the rear wheel suspension device can make the acquisition of extra rigidity of the vehicle body frame unnecessary. One end of a rear cushion unit is joined to one of an upper arm member and a lower arm member. A rear end portion of another of the upper arm member and the lower arm member is rotatably joined to a knuckle member in front of a rear wheel support portion of the knuckle member. Another end of the rear cushion unit is joined to one of another arm member and knuckle member.
US08496080B2
This invention relates to a wheel driven mechanism for a vehicle such as a wheelchair, an electrical bicycle, or a motorcycle, especially to a vehicle which has a wheel driven by power but without using an independent electric motor. The wheel driven mechanism comprises a rotor, a plurality of permanent magnets, a stator, and a plurality of electromagnets. The rotor is divided into a first block and a second block, and the permanent magnets are disposed within the first block to reduce the weight and the cost of the wheel driven mechanism. Furthermore, the user can easily rotate the handwheel mechanism during power off.
US08496077B2
A robotic two-wheeled vehicle comprising a connection body interposed between the two wheels are described. A drum can be coaxially located in a central region of the connection body and can support a hollow arm projecting radially from the drum. A tether can be inserted in the arm and connected to a second drum. Instruments and sensors can be accommodated in a case housed inside each wheel.
US08496071B2
A support stand for an implement such as farming equipment is provided. During use of the implement when the implement is connected to a tractor, the support stand is in a stowed position adjacent to a surface of the implement. When the implement is disconnected from the tractor, the support stand is rotatable outwards from the surface of the implement and downwards towards the ground and rests against the ground to maintain the implement in a generally upright position.
US08496070B2
A lift arm assembly is provided for a hitch having a hitch frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. The lift arm assembly includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frame and having a having a pivot bore therein. A second arm is adapted for coupling to an implement and has a pivot pin which is rotatably and slidably received by the pivot bore. The second arm is slidable with respect to the first arm from an inboard position to an outboard position. When the second arm is in its outboard position, the second arm is pivotal about the pivot pin from a lowered position to a raised position.
US08496066B2
A method of recovering petroleum from dormant oil wells or increasing the production of oil wells. An alkali or alkali earth carbonate is introduced into a water layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir and/or an explosive composition is introduced into an oil layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir. CO2 gas is produced by reacting the alkali or alkali earth carbonate with an acid and/or by detonating the explosive composition. An explosive composition can be introduced and detonated to achieve sufficient CO2 gas production to increase pressure within the subterranean petroleum reservoir. Petroleum recovery can be further enhanced through the use of techniques to reduce petroleum viscosity including sonication.
US08496062B2
The disclosure provides a goat head, as a mixing block, for multiple fluids in oilfield applications, the goat head having a reversing directional flow, mixing portion, wear reduction surfaces, and restricted outlet bore. The goat head provides an underneath approach for piping, reducing the overall height, and mixes the fluids dynamically within the goat head from angled flow paths. The goat head then reverses at least a component of the fluid flow direction that enters the wellbore below the goat head and exits the goat head into the well therebelow. The goat head to contains hardened wear surfaces, including surfaces in specific zones, to resist erosion caused by the reversing directional flow. A restricted outlet bore has a cross-sectional area that is less than the sum of cross-sectional areas of the inlets to assist in creating higher velocity and streamlined flow as the fluid exits the goat head.
US08496056B2
A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising at least in part shale formation, comprises providing a carrier fluid; providing a particulate blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 2000 microns and a second amount of particulates having a second average particle size between about three and twenty times smaller than the first average particle size, such that a packed volume fraction of the particulate blend exceeds 0.75; combining the carrier fluid and the particulate blend into a fracturing slurry; fracturing the formation with the fracturing slurry to create at least a fracture; and removing the second amount of particulates from the fracture.
US08496054B2
A method for sampling fluid in a subterranean formation includes, reducing a viscosity of a fluid, pressurizing a portion of the subterranean formation and collecting a fluid sample. Specifically, a viscosity of a fluid in a portion of the subterranean formation is reduced and a portion of the subterranean formation is pressurizing by injecting a displacement fluid into the subterranean formation. A sample of the fluid pressurized by the displacement fluid is then collected.
US08496050B2
Arrangement for the lifting of hydrocarbons in oil field wells, comprising a lifting assembly formed by a fluid collecting hose and a fluid suction tube within the well casing. The suction tube extends along the collecting hose, which has an open upper end, through which passes the upper section of the suction tube, which has an end attached to the pulling cable of the “collecting hose/suction tube” assembly.
US08496043B2
A blind slat (1) has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile extending between a leading end (2) and a trailing end (3). The profile defines an upper face (4) of the slat (1). The upper face (4) has a convex portion (6) extending from adjacent the leading end (2) towards the trailing end (3). The convex portion (6) has an apex (7) at which the upper face (4) is parallel to a reference axis (R) of the profile that extends laterally between the leading end (2) and the trailing end (3). The upper face (4) also has a concave portion (8) located between the convex portion (6) and the trailing end (3). The concave portion (8) has a base (9) at which the upper face (4) is parallel to the reference axis (R). An inflection (10) joins the convex portion (6) and the concave portion (8). The upper face (4) is inclined with respect to the reference axis (R) by at least 11° at the inflection (10). The profile has a depth measured between the leading end (2) and the trailing end (3) of between 105 and 150 mm.
US08496041B2
A ladder tape includes two pairs of warp strings, and two weft strings repeatedly passing through the warp strings in a predetermined way to form two cords and a plurality of bridge sections between the cords. The weft strings respectively are wound around one section of each pair of the warp strings only to form an opening between the warp strings that the ladder tape may engage with the rotary drum of the window blind in a fast and easy way. The weft strings are wound around the warp strings in a way that the ladder tape will not get entangled with other objects unexpectedly.
US08496034B2
Methods are provided for predicting warp of a lumber product at a given condition, such as relative humidity, temperature, moisture content, or the like. Note that this methodology may apply to any of crook, bow, twist, cup, or combinations of these quantities. The method involves measuring an original warp of a first wood product at a known condition; changing the condition of the first wood product to a new condition; measuring a second warp of the first wood product at the new condition; developing a prediction model based on data from the original warp and condition and the second warp; measuring an original warp and condition of the given wood product; and inputting data from the original warp and condition of the given wood product to the prediction model to determine warp at a given condition.
US08496029B2
A flow substrate including a body having a first surface and a second opposing surface, a plurality of pairs of ports defined in the first surface of the body, a plurality of fluid pathways extending between each respective pair of ports and in fluid communication with each port of the respective pair of ports, and at least one cap. Each fluid pathway is formed in the second surface of the body. The at least one cap has a first surface constructed to seal at least one fluid pathway, and a second opposing surface. At least one of the body and the at least one cap includes a weld formation formed in at least one of the second surface of the body and the second surface of the at least one cap constructed to surround the at least one fluid pathway and facilitate welding of the at least one cap to the body along the weld formation.
US08496024B2
A paint circulation system for use in painting a workpiece. The paint circulation system operates to deliver paint to a paint applicator placed adjacent a workstation such as a paint spray booth. The paint is continuously circulated through the system and is returned to a paint reservoir through a paint return conduit. A coiled tube back pressure regulator located on the paint return conduit between the paint return manifold and paint reservoir functions to achieve a desired pressure drop in the paint circulation system while reducing paint shear and degradation typically associated with conventional pressure regulators.
US08496013B2
A fingernail clipper holding device includes a housing having a hollow interior and having a generally ellipsoid ergonomic configuration that is easy to grip. An upper portion of the housing may include a channel having a configuration to receive the housing of a fingernail clipping device and to hold it securely. The housing defines a receiving area on which a user may position his finger adjacent the cutting head of the fingernail clipping device. A gripping member is attached to a lower portion of the housing to receive a user's fingers or hand. Stabilizing members may be attached to the bottom surface of the lower portion to hold the housing stationary on a flat surface.
US08496005B2
The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.
US08496004B2
A diversion device is provided for diverting breathing gas, which is laden with CO2, from a pressurized region of an arrangement that includes a breathing mask and serves for delivering a breathing gas at a pressure level that is above the ambient pressure. The device has a tubular stub structure which defines a breathing gas conduit that extends between an inlet cross section on the hose side and an outlet cross section on the mask side, and which is provided, in a region located between the inlet cross section and the outlet cross section, with an outflow orifice portion by way of which the breathing gas to be carried reaches the environment. In a region located between the outflow orifice portion and the outlet cross section on the mask side of the breathing gas conduit, a double-walled structure that surrounds the breathing gas conduit is embodied for sampling the breathing gas to be carried away from a mask interior, while largely circumventing the breathing gas conduit.
US08496001B2
A process and a device/system are provided for the automatic identification of the type of a breathing tube. A memory element (5) is connected to the breathing tube (4). The memory element carries stored data identifying the breathing tube (4). The data are read by a reading unit (6), which is part of a respirator (1). The data may be read when the breathing tube (4) is brought into the vicinity of the respirator (1) or connected thereto.
US08495998B2
A portable, handheld breath-actuated inhaler comprises a generally cylindrical body that comprises body portions 1, 3 that receive a canister 2 of pressured fluid such a nicotine to be inhaled in an aerosol by a user, a mouthpiece 7 in the first body portion 1 configured to deliver an amount of the aerosol to the mouth of the user from the canister. A trigger is cocked ready for releasing pressurized fluid from the canister by manually sliding the body portions 1, 3 towards one another. The trigger comprises a compression spring 26 and a cam 33 which engages a pressure sensitive puff lever 28 with a plate 29 that releases the cocked trigger when a user sucks on the mouthpiece and draws in air through air inlet opening 26. Release of the trigger releases spring 26 which slides the body portions apart and also opens a valve in the canister so as to deliver the aerosol to the mouthpiece.
US08495985B2
A fuel delivery pipe with damper function, being constructed of an elongate lower case provided at its bottom with a plurality of injection sockets for connection with fuel injection valves to be opened and closed by a controller unit; an upper case coupled with the lower case in a liquid-tight manner to form an internal space to be filled with fuel under pressure supplied from a fuel pump; a hollow partition wall member the whole periphery of which is brazed to an inner surface of the lower or upper case to form an air chamber isolated from the internal space; and a vent hole formed in the lower or upper case and sealed after communicating the air chamber with the atmosphere therethrough.
US08495982B2
A fuel shroud assembly (100) into which fuel (118) is injected for mixing with an air stream (120) in a fuel manifold. The shroud assembly (100) comprises a plurality of parallel fuel scoops (102) each receiving the injected fuel (118). The fuel stream (118) flows through each scoop (102), exiting at an open scoop end (114A). The air stream (120) flows between scoops, creating a shear region proximate each scoop end (114A) where the fuel exits. The shear causes mixing of the air (120) and the fuel (118) streams, wherein the degree of mixing is not dependent on the momentum ratio of the air (120) or fuel (118) streams.
US08495981B2
A control system for an engine includes a position determination module and a position control module. The position determination module determines a first cam phaser position for starting the engine prior to engine shut down, and determines a second cam phaser position for starting the engine while the engine is shut down. The position control module adjusts a cam phaser to the first cam phaser position at engine shut down. The position control module adjusts the cam phaser from the first cam phaser position to the second cam phaser at engine start up when a difference between the first cam phaser position and the second cam phaser position is greater than a predetermined difference. A method for controlling an engine is also provided.
US08495976B2
An oil control valve includes: a housing that is connected to an oil passage via which an oil is fed to and drained from a hydraulic device; an elongated spool that changes a state of oil feeding-drainage for the hydraulic device by moving in the housing; and a drain passage which is formed in the spool such that the drain passage extends in an axial direction of the spool and an outlet of the drain passage is provided at a radial side face of an axial end portion of the spool, and via which the oil that has entered the housing from the hydraulic device is drained, wherein the spool includes an elongated spool body, and an attachment that is separate from the spool body and is fixed at an axial end portion of the spool body.
US08495960B2
A rail vehicle comprising a vehicle body defining a vehicle interior, an internal combustion engine and an exhaust gas system in communication with the internal combustion engine for evacuating the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine, wherein the exhaust gas system comprises an additive supply unit designed to supply an additive for pollutant reduction to the exhaust gas stream of the internal combustion engine, and the additive supply unit comprises a reservoir for the additive and a supply section connected thereto for supplying the additive to the exhaust gas stream. The reservoir and/or the supply section is arranged in at least one body chamber of the vehicle body, wherein the at least one body chamber is provided with sound insulation and/or thermal insulation at least in the areas adjacent to the vehicle interior and/or the environment of the vehicle, which are frequented by passengers.
US08495954B2
In one embodiment, a piece of equipment for roasting edible seeds like coffee beans and the like includes a body sized to contain the product to be roasted, an air intake fan for conveying an air flow into the containing body, and a heater for heating the air flow. The containing body is fixed and houses a rotary shaft provided with one or more substantially radial arms or blades suited to stir the product during roasting, and may include a rotary drum that is integral or that may not be integral with the arms during rotation.
US08495952B2
A food removal device for removing food from a skewer, which device includes a body portion with a slot therein for fitting over a skewer so that the food or portion thereof may be removed from the skewer. The body portion of the device is connected to a handle via an arm at an angle with the body portion so as to facilitate the removal of the food from the skewer.
US08495951B2
A disposable packaging form is provided for brewed, hot drinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze out the brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each action can be performed multiple times before disposal. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention dispenses sweeteners, creamers, flavorings and condiments. The present invention frees the user of the inconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers, squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually.
US08495950B2
An information handling system (IHS) includes a coffee design application. The IHS receives first input information from a user that specifies a coffee design mode. The IHS receives second input information from a user that enables the IHS to define a unitless brew formula line ratio of water weight to coffee weight. The IHS displays a brew formula line on a universal brewing control chart graph, the brew formula line being dependent on the brew formula ratio. The IHS operates in a selected one of a brew water volume mode, a desired coffee yield mode and a ground coffee weight mode. The IHS converts input values to selected units and resultant output values to selected units in real time. The IHS projects a target total dissolved solids (TDS) % value on the brew formula line and plots a universal brewing control chart.
US08495943B2
To cut a backed ply material with an ultrasonic blade, an anvil is utilized to provide support. The backed ply material travels in a first direction, the ultrasonic blade includes a tip, and the ultrasonic blade is operable to travel along a path. This path is oriented in a transverse manner relative to the first direction. The anvil includes a rigid base for securing the anvil to a cutting assembly and a surface coinciding with the path. The surface is secured to the base. The anvil further includes a groove disposed upon the surface. This groove is in cooperative alignment with the tip.
US08495940B2
A tool unit for a cutting device includes a rotary blade, a blade case for covering at least a part of the blade case, and a drive device mounted to the blade case for rotatably driving the rotary blade. A handle is attached to the drive device. The blade case has a front support portion. The handle has a rear support portion. When the tool unit is used for a portable cutting device, the front support portion can be vertically pivotally supported by a front portion of the base, and the rear support portion can be supported by a guide member such that a position of the rear support portion can be changed relative to the guide member for enabling adjustment of a cutting depth of the rotary blade into the workpiece. When the tool unit is used for a table cutting device, the front support portion can be vertically pivotally supported by the table.
US08495938B2
The present invention relates to a displacement unit, serving to create a translational displacement movement of a cutting head of a cutting machine, particularly a slicer for slicing food products, wherein the head can be attached to the displacement unit. The displacement unit has a housing assembly and an actuator disposed in the housing assembly, the actuator comprising a stationary part in the displacement direction, and a part displaceable in relation to the stationary part in the displacement direction, for carrying out the displacement movement. The displacement unit further has at least one bearing that is attached to the housing assembly and is elastically deformable in the displacement direction, the displaceable part engaging on this bearing.
US08495935B2
A multi-scale mechanism comprising a rotatable driving shaft; a first scale mounted along the axis of said rotatable driving shaft, said scale including first and second sets of coarse scale divisions for indicating a coarse range of magnitude in two different systems of units as a function of the position of said first scale with respect to said rotatable driving shaft; a second scale for indicating a fine scale range of magnitude in one of said systems of units; a third scale for indicating a fine scale range of magnitude in the other of said systems of units; said third scale operatively connected to said rotatable driving shaft; and a gear assembly connected between said second scale and said third scale having a predetermined gear ratio such that said second scale is caused to move at a different rate than said third scale.
US08495927B2
A hexapod platform and a jack that can be used in the hexapod platform are provided. The jack includes a body, a piston capable of translational movement with respect to the body and a rod connected to the piston to follow its translational movement and by means of which the jack applies load. The rod is connected to the piston by means of a ball joint. The hexapod platform comprises six jacks according to the invention.
US08495926B2
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
US08495925B2
A gearbox includes two coaxial primary shafts carrying fixed gearwheels acting as driving gearwheels of the gear trains associated with the forward gears and with the reverse gear, a secondary shaft carrying idle gearwheels acting as driven or intermediate gearwheels of the gear trains associated with the forward gears and with the reverse gear and a lay shaft, and a lay shaft carrying a fixed gearwheel acting as parking gearwheel. The lay shaft is permanently cinematically connected to the secondary shaft via a gear train comprising a first fixed gearwheel carried by the lay shaft, a second idle gearwheel coaxial with the two primary shafts and a third fixed gearwheel carried by the secondary shaft, the first and third fixed gearwheels meshing permanently with the second idle gearwheel.
US08495923B2
A testing device for testing of rivets is provided. The testing device includes a first holding element and a second holding element that can be driven toward the first holding element to cooperatively define at least one hole on which at least one type of rivet can be installed. The second holding element also can be driven to separate from the first holding element to release the installed rivets for analysis.
US08495915B2
A circumferential angle of incidence αi of an ultrasonic wave transmitted from an ultrasonic probe 1 upon a tubular test object P and an axial angle of incidence βi of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 upon the tubular test object P are set based on a ratio of thickness to outer diameter t/D of the tubular test object P so that an internal refraction angle θk calculated from the circumferential angle of incidence αi, the axial angle of incidence βi, and the ratio of thickness to outer diameter t/D of the tubular test object may be not less than 35° and not more than 60°.
US08495914B2
A handheld ultrasound detection apparatus of the present disclosure has a housing comprising a display device and a flexible tube attached at its distal end to the housing, the flexible tube housing an ultrasound receiver for receiving ultrasound energy and converting the ultrasound energy into an electronic signal. The handheld ultrasound detection apparatus further has logic configured to receive the electronic signal and convert the electronic signal to digital data, the logic further configured to display data indicative of the digital data to the display device.
US08495913B2
An apparatus and method for the identification of different phases (11-20) in a multi-phase medium includes at least two arrays (26A, 26B) of ultrasound transducers capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasound through the medium separating them. The method and apparatus is useful for the location of phase interfaces in vessels such as oil separators.
US08495910B2
An air-fuel ratio estimating device can include an amount of fuel injected calculating unit which can estimate the amount of fuel injected GF for each cycle on the basis of a driving time Tout of a fuel injection valve. A proportional constant calculating section determines a proportional constant K, using the estimated charging efficiency CE and the amount of fuel injected Gf, when the output value of a sensor is in a transition region R. When the sensor output value is not in the transition region R, an air-fuel ratio A/F is estimated from the determined proportional constant K, a charging efficiency CE calculated by a calculating section, and the amount of fuel injected Gf.
US08495886B2
A method includes calculating an energy consumption model for at least one component of a building system, accessing actual weather data, applying the actual weather data to the energy consumption model, and determining an expected energy consumption value for the at least one component of the building system based on the applying.
US08495885B2
A system for locking control systems of an appliance includes a lock control that is configured to selectively place at least one of the user-controllable systems in a locked condition while allowing another of the user-controlled systems to remain in an unlocked condition. The system generally includes an appliance operation control, at least one interface and the lock control. The appliance operation control is configured to control user-adjustable controllable systems of the appliance in response to input received by the appliance operation control. The at least one interface is on the appliance and is in communication with the appliance operation control. The at least one interface is configured to receive input via the interface to control at least two of the user-controllable systems of the appliance. When a user-controllable system is in the locked condition, the locked control system is inoperative or unable to be adjusted. A method for selectively locking control systems of an appliance is also disclosed.
US08495882B2
A syngas cleanup section includes a water-gas shift reactor, a first operation unit and a second operation unit. The first operation unit includes a high permeance membrane with H2/CO2 selectivity in flow communication with the water-gas shift reactor to provide a H2-rich permeate stream and an H2-poor retentate stream. The second operation unit recovers H2 and CO from the retentate stream to produce a single, CO2-rich product stream, the entire content of which has a minimum pressure of at least about 10.0 bar. In one embodiment, the second operation unit includes a membrane with Knudsen selectivity for permeating H2, CO and CO2. In this embodiment, the permeate streams are combined to produce a H2 and CO-rich fuel stream used by a combined cycle power generation unit to produce electricity, and the retentate stream is sent to a catalytic oxidation unit to produce the CO2-rich product stream. In another embodiment, the second operation unit is the catalytic oxidation unit.
US08495877B2
The invention relates to an internal combustion engine having a turbocompound system. The turbocompound system encompasses an exhaust-gas turbocharger, a turbo intercooler, and a power turbine. The power turbine is connectable, via a transmission with clutch, to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. A connectable compressor, which is couplable either to the power turbine or to the internal combustion engine, is received in a multiple-flow intake pipe.
US08495872B2
In various embodiments, gas is compressed to store energy and/or expanded to recover energy to or from high pressures, and the gas is exchanges heat with a heat-exchange fluid that is thermally conditioned at low pressures.
US08495866B2
The invention relates to a mixing and/or evaporation device for an exhaust system, an internal combustion engine, having a tubular body on whose one axial end are arranged several blades adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction, protruding radially inward and leaving free a central passage such that the blades are set at an angle to the axial direction. For inexpensive manufacturing, the tubular body may be manufactured from a single sheet metal body by shaping together with the blades.
US08495865B2
A control unit for a turbocharged internal combustion engine is provided. The control unit includes a first exhaust valve that opens/closes a first exhaust passage that is communicated with a turbine; a second exhaust valve that opens/closes a second exhaust passage that bypasses the turbine; and a closing timing of the second exhaust valve that is controlled so that an opening period of the second exhaust valve overlaps with an opening period of an intake valve under high engine load. The opening characteristic of the second exhaust valve and a fuel injection amount are controlled so that the air-fuel ratio of gas that is filled in a cylinder approximates an output air-fuel ratio and the air-fuel ratio of gas flowing into a three-way catalyst that is arranged in a post-junction exhaust passage approximates a theoretical air-fuel ratio under high engine load.
US08495863B2
The present invention relates to a tank ventilation device (1) for a motor vehicle, with at least one storage device (2) for storing hydrocarbon gas, the tank connection (9) of which is connected via a ventilation line (12) to a fuel tank (5) of a vehicle, the engine connection (10) of which is connected via a regeneration line (13) to a fresh gas system (6) of an internal combustion engine (4) of the vehicle, and the environment connection (11) of which communicates via an environment line (15) with the environment (7) of the vehicle.In order to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, at least one conversion device (3) can be provided, which is used for materially converting hydrocarbon gas and is connected directly or indirectly to the fuel tank (5) via a feed line (18) on the input side.
US08495859B2
The present invention provides an exhaust gas waste heat recovery heat exchanger including a housing having a working fluid inlet, a working fluid outlet, an exhaust inlet, and an exhaust outlet, an exhaust flow path extending through the housing between the exhaust inlet and the exhaust outlet, and a working fluid flow path extending through the housing between the working fluid inlet and the working fluid outlet and having a first portion and a second portion. A flow of working fluid along the first portion of the working fluid flow path can be substantially counter to a flow of exhaust along the exhaust flow path, and the flow of working fluid along the second portion of the working fluid flow path can be substantially parallel to the flow of exhaust along the exhaust flow path.
US08495856B2
A rotary type rake having a plurality of finger wheel rotary raking elements mounted on a frame and movable thereon from one to the other of a raking position to rake material on the ground into a windrow and a retracted raised traveling position. The frame is partly supported by a pair of caster wheel assemblies that are disposed in spaced apart relation with respect to one another and a distal end of the frame which connects securely to a front end loader mounted on a tractor. Oscillatory movement of the caster wheel assemblies is restrained by a brake acting on the shaft of the caster wheel assembly by which it is mounted on the frame.
US08495855B1
A draper header has an endless belt conveyor supported on two arms that pivot with respect to the frame of the draper header. Both ends of the conveyor belt are supported on the arms such that the ends of the conveyor belt can rotate about respective generally vertical axes to thereby reduce uneven tension across the fore and aft width of the conveyor belt and reduce wear on the conveyor belt.
US08495854B2
A closure cap that is particularly suited for use with plastic containers in packaging malt based beverages such as beer and ale includes an upper portion and a generally cylindrical sidewall that depends downwardly from the upper portion. The cylindrical sidewall defines a threaded inner surface, which permits the closure cap to be threaded onto a threaded finish portion of a container. Most advantageously, the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall is stylized to resemble a conventional crown closure. In the disclosed embodiment this is accomplished by molding a plurality of fluted ribs into the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall. A method of packaging a beverage and a packaging assembly is also disclosed.
US08495841B2
A window assembly for a vehicle includes a frame configured to mount to a transit vehicle, a fixed window panel affixed to a portion of the frame, and a movable window assembly having a movable window panel circumscribed by a movable frame. The movable frame has opposite end members and a pair of opposite slide rail members. The slide rail members are slidably received in respective channels along opposite portions of the frame. Each of the slide rail members includes a co-extruded slide rail having a semi-rigid or rigid rail portion, a flexible window seal co-extruded with the rail portion for sealing against the movable window panel, and a flexible sliding seal co-extruded with the rail portion for slidably engaging the opposite portions of the frame when the movable window assembly is assembled to the frame and is moved between its opened and closed positions.
US08495835B2
A through-door arm access porthole assembly includes a first porthole member securely mounted upon an exterior side of a door. The first porthole member is a rigid plate having a front side, a back side, an opening disposed therethrough, and further having a tubular portion aligned with the opening and extending from the back side. The tubular portion extending through the door from the exterior side to an interior side thereof. A second porthole member is securely mounted upon exterior surface of the door. The second porthole member is a rigid plate having a front side, a back side, and further having an opening disposed therethrough. The first porthole member and the second porthole member are fastened together with fasteners with the opening of the first porthole member and the open of the second porthole member in alignment. A seal member is disposed across the opening of the first porthole member and across the opening of the second porthole member and includes a plurality of resilient flap members.
US08495832B2
The invention discloses a safety mechanism of a handgun which depends on a magazine and which prevents the triggering of a handgun when the magazine is removed. Additionally, a mechanism enables handgun disassembly without need for the triggering after the magazine has been removed from the handgun. A safety mechanism is positioned inside the handgun receiver; including a magazine, sear catcher, sear catcher spring, grip safety pin, sear, sear pin, firing pin safety lever and firing pin. When the magazine is inserted into the handgun, the sear catcher is pushed into position in which it cannot block the firing pin safety lever nor catch the sear. When the magazine is removed from the handgun, the sear catcher spring pushes the sear catcher into position in which it blocks the firing chain by blocking the firing pin safety lever. At the same time it brings the sear catcher into position where it can hold the sear below the plane of the cocking of the firing pin as soon as the sear is sufficiently rotated around the sear pin by retracting the slide.
US08495830B2
A quick exchange framing system having two frames that are assembled together via a quick-release means such as a magnetic or friction force to provide easy access to a display, such as a picture or document, for ease in exchanging the display.
US08495827B2
The present invention relates to a pressing machine to be used for pressing the upper portion of a pair of wrinkled pants. The pressing machine has the contour shape of the upper portion of a pair of pants. The shape of the pressing machine makes it easier for an operator to drape a pair of pants over the machine for pressing. The shape of the pressing machine allows pants of all sizes to be pressed. The pressing machine is operated manually by pressing on two foot pedals.
US08495826B2
A work implement includes a ground engaging tool with a first through-hole, an adapter with a second through-hole, a retaining pin, a metal bushing and a metal retainer. The retaining pin is inserted into the first and second through-holes disposed in a state in which the ground engaging tool is in contact with the adapter. The retaining pin is inserted in an inside of an cylindrical member of the bushing, which is disposed at an end portion of the retaining pin inside the first through-hole. The metal retainer prevents the bushing from coming loose from the retaining pin by sandwiching the bushing between the metal retainer and the adapter at the end of the retaining pin. The bushing is disposed in a state that allows movement in an axial direction of the retaining pin between the adapter and the retainer on an outer peripheral face of the retaining pin.
US08495818B1
A hand held, manually driven cutting device comprises a two part substantially inverted ‘V’ shaped body. The two body parts assemble to form an ambidextrous graspable handle, and a pair of axled wheels attach to the outer surface of a rear leg and a front leg of each body part. The dividable body is dismantled to receive a detachable blade that when affixed has its cutting edge protruding beneath the assembled body midway between the two rear wheels. Also mounted beneath the assembled body is a combined safety shield and material lifting element provided with a flow passage. Four wheels to the assembled body are configured with one wheel on either side of the front lower distal, one wheel either side of the lower rear body. During the cutting process the lamina material lies above the lifting and supporting element and below the rear wheels.
US08495810B2
A process for manufacturing a metal part reinforced with ceramic fibers, in which: a housing is formed for an insert in a main metal body having an upper face; an insert formed from a bundle of fibers with a metal matrix is placed in the housing; a metal cover is placed on the main body so as to cover the insert; the cover is welded onto the metal body; a hot isostatic pressing operation is carried out; and the part obtained is machined to the desired shape. The housing has the shape of a notch of L-shaped cross section with a face perpendicular to the upper face and a face parallel to the upper face, the cover having an internal notch of L-shaped cross section, this having a shape complementary to that of the metal body with said insert, the cover being shaped on the outside so that the pressure forces are exerted perpendicular to said faces of the notch.
US08495807B2
A prewinder apparatus attachable to a drive tool to install a helical coil insert includes a body connected to the drive tool. An adapter rotates and is releasably connected to the body at operator selected positions. A prewinder portion displaces in/out of the body. The prewinder portion translates into the body until a fastener engaged with the prewinder portion contacts a stop member defining a predetermined helical coil insert insertion depth. A mandrel axially extends from the prewinder portion when the prewinder portion moves into the body to rotatably insert the helical coil insert. A clutch engages/disengages the mandrel from a drive member. A second clutch or a stall device stalls the drive tool after coil insertion.
US08495804B2
A quick-release buckle for a shoulder strap and preventing unintentional release when tension exerted by the shoulder strap. The buckle includes a socket member, a plug member, and a locking member. The plug member has the shoulder strap connected thereto, and is replaceably engaged with the socket member. The locking member is an operative part of the socket member. The plug member replaceably engages in the locking member in such a manner so to be released therefrom, the locking member is released and the plug member has to be pulled in a direction opposite to that in which tension from the shoulder strap is exerted so as to prevent the unintentional release of the quick-release buckle when the tension is exerted by shoulder strap, while the tension exerted by the shoulder strap when the plug member is engaged in the locking member assures unintentional release of the quick-release buckle.
US08495799B2
The fleece layer for laying down a card web to form a fleece has a cross-lapping upper carriage, through which the card web is guided; a cross-lapping laying carriage, through which the card web coming from the upper carriage is guided and which serves to lay the card web down onto an output conveyor belt; and at least two card web conveyor belts for guiding the card web to the upper carriage and from there to the laying carriage. A cover belt is arranged to enclose the card web lying on the upper run of a first card web conveyor belt from above. The cover belt is smooth and is not moved when the card web is moved, thus serving as a stationary cover of the card web.
US08495792B2
A method for hanging an object and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes an apparatus comprising a track, an upper flange attached to a track, and a carrier disposed in said track. The carrier is laterally moveable along the length of the track. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a top unit and a base unit. The top unit comprises pins, a track, at least one carrier, and a lower flange. The base unit is affixed to a ceiling, and the top unit is affixed to the base unit via the pins. In one embodiment the anchors are not visible from below. Further, in one embodiment, the lower flange acts as a moisture barrier to protect the anchors.
US08495790B2
A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance includes a rotatable agitator and an agitator chamber housing the agitator. The agitator includes a flexible body and surface engaging members mounted on the body. The agitator chamber includes a downwardly-directed opening through which debris energized by the surface engaging members enters the cleaner head. The opening is located in a plane. The cleaner head includes a drive mechanism for rotating the agitator about a rotational axis which is inclined both relative to the plane of the opening and towards the rear of the opening so that, with rotation of the agitator, the surface engaging members protrude through the opening towards the front of the opening.
US08495789B2
A surface treating appliance includes a plurality of frusto-conical cyclones arranged in parallel. Each cyclone has a relatively wide, rigid frusto-conical portion and a relatively narrow, flexible frusto-conical portion connected to the relatively wide portion. The relatively wide portion includes at least one dirty air inlet, and the relatively narrow portion includes a dirt outlet. The relatively narrow portion vibrates during use of the appliance is dislodged dirt from the inner surface of the relatively narrow portion, the dislodged dirt being expelled from the dirt outlet.
US08495788B2
A vacuum cleaner has an improved filter locking arrangement. A locking tab protrudes upwardly from a motor housing. The tab is received within an aligned slot in the filter housing and extends into a pocket formed in the filter frame. The tab prevents the filter frame from being rotated with respect to the filter housing and the motor housing while the filter housing is mounted to the main housing.
US08495783B2
The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a burner by a burner cleaner. The method comprises removing a burner nozzle, partly inserting the burner cleaner into the burner, connecting a threaded guide of the cleaner to the burner at a thread of an inlet pipe, bringing a shaft being a part of the burner cleaner and partly surrounded by the guide to rotate by a motor, thereby bringing a flare brush connected to the other end of the shaft to hit inner surface of the burner and remove deposit from it, and moving the shaft with the flare brush in the guide enabling the flare brush to clean the inner surface of the burner. The invention further provides a burner cleaner, comprising a shaft, an annular, threaded guide mounted around and co-axially with the shaft, and being shorter than the shaft, a flare brush connected at one end of the shaft, and a motor connected to other end of the shaft.
US08495773B2
A bed sheet to cover a mattress may include a top sheet to cooperate with the substantially the top surface of the mattress, and a connector sheet to cooperate with the top sheet to stabilize the top sheet with respect to the mattress. The connector sheet and the top sheet may define an aperture to cooperation with a bottom corner of the mattress. The aperture may be substantially a rectangle, and the connector sheet may be substantially T-shaped. The connector sheet may be an inverted T-shaped sheet, and the connector sheet may include a base portion to connect the bottom edge of the top sheet. The connector sheet may include a top portion to connect to a side edge of the top sheet.
US08495772B2
A shower door apparatus is disclosed being secured to the top rim of a bath tub. The shower door apparatus has a base plate extending outward from, and beyond, the top rim of the bath tub. A shower door frame assembly having at least one shower door is secured to the base plate near the edge distal to the bath tub.
US08495770B2
In a nozzle device a spray hole for spraying washing water and a pipe forming a first flow path that introduces the washing water to the spray hole is provided. Further, the spray hole is provided in a cover that surrounds the pipe. The cover is integrally formed of a cylindrical metal whose front end is closed. A space between an outer surface of the pipe and an inner peripheral surface of the cover member forming a second flow path that introduces the washing water to the spray hole. Further, the second flow path surrounds surface of the pipe in a circumferential direction of the cover member.
US08495766B2
The present invention relates to an electrically conductive textile yarn for production of protective garments, comprising a first element which is made electrically conductive by means of a layer of silver, and a second element which is different from the said first element, and is provided with good resistance to fire; the first element can be in the form of filaments or fibers. The present invention also relates to a garment produced by means of a yarn of this type and to a method for production of the yarn itself.
US08495764B2
An ambidextrous glove that includes a thumb region, an index finger region, a middle finger region, a ring finger region and little finger region all aligned along a common axis. The index finger region is rotated through ninety degrees relative to the orientations of all of the middle, ring and little finger regions to provide for easier insertion of a hand into the glove. A textured pattern is provided on the surfaces of the glove used to grip objects. The pattern is one of a raised fan shape and raised diamond shape.
US08499345B2
An approach is provided that receives a user identifier from a user of the information handling system. The user identifier can include a username as well as a user authentication code, such as a password. Hardware settings that correspond to the user identifier are retrieved from a nonvolatile memory. Hardware devices, such as ports (e.g., USB controller), network interfaces, storage devices, and boot sequences, are configured using the retrieved hardware settings. After the hardware devices have been configured to correspond to the identified user, an operating system is booted.
US08499331B1
A network compliance application performs a method of coalescing violation data based on rule and policy violations by retrieving network event data indicative of compliance with a set of policies, in which each of the policies has a set of rules. Policy definition includes a template of rules, definition of rule severity, and a compliance threshold specifying a number of rules of a severity that render the policy non-compliant. The compliance application computes, for each of the policies, violations, each violation indicative of a deviation from a particular rule, and displays a series of views indicative of a plurality of policies in the set of policies, each of the views indicative of violations attributable to each of the policies. From the displayed view, the application receives a detail selection corresponding to a subset of the displayed violations for detailed report display.
US08499330B1
A method for desktop enterprise security management that addresses the multiple network and desktop security needs of an enterprise, facilitates the development, implementation, and enforcement of the enterprise's desktop security policies and procedures, and provides for review and revision of those policies and procedures. The method is based on a four-stage approach to desktop network security management. The first stage lays the foundation for the enterprise's network security policy. The second stage validates users and desktop devices according to the enterprise's desktop security policies, gathers data, and provides feedback to users regarding their compliance with the enterprise's desktop security policies. The third stage enforces the enterprise's desktop security policies by blocking access by desktop devices and/or users that do not comply with the enterprise's desktop security policies. The fourth stage includes periodic review of the enterprise's needs so that new desktop security support teams can be identified and the enterprise's desktop security policies implemented with the new teams.
US08499326B2
Described herein are techniques for facilitating the testing of cable television receivers during manufacturing and remanufacturing. More particularly, described herein techniques for simulating a conditional access module and/or cable television communication network/head-end for use during a testing process. The simulated conditional access module allows for the testing of a cable television receiver without the use of a head-end and/or fully functional conditional access module to verify all communication paths through the cable television receiver.
US08499323B2
A mobile communication device comprises receiver circuitry operable to receive broadcast real-time media data over a communication interface, and signal processing logic operable to extract real-time media content from the broadcast real-time media data, and output the extracted real-time media content via a user interface of the mobile communication device. In response to determining a partial loss of data for the broadcast real-time media data, the signal processing logic is operable to retrieve stored media content from a memory element of the mobile communication device, and output the retrieved media content via the user interface of the communication device.
US08499310B2
An information processing apparatus includes a stop instructing unit configured to cause a first device to stop a process of transmitting device information set in the first device to a second device; an acquiring unit configured to acquire, from the first device, transmission destination information indicating a transmission destination of the device information set in the first device; a registering unit configured to register the transmission destination information acquired by the acquiring unit; and a transmitting unit configured to, based on the transmission destination information registered by the registering unit, transmit device information to be set to a device corresponding to the transmission destination information.
US08499306B2
A microprocessor executes programs in a pipeline architecture that includes a task register management unit that switches a value of a task register to second register information that is used when a second task is executed after the execution of a first task is completed, if a switch instruction to the second task is issued when a plurality of units executes the first task, and a task manager that switches a value of a task identification information register to a second task identifier after the value is switched to the second register information, and grants each of the plurality of units permission to execute the second task.
US08499303B2
Methods to dynamically improve soft real-time task performance in virtualized computing environments under the management of an enhanced hypervisor comprising a credit scheduler. The enhanced hypervisor analyzes the on-going performance of the domains of interest and of the virtualized data-processing system. Based on the performance metrics disclosed herein, some of the governing parameters of the credit scheduler are adjusted. Adjustments are typically performed cyclically, wherein the performance metrics of an execution cycle are analyzed and adjustments may be applied in a later execution cycle. In alternative embodiments, some of the analysis and tuning functions are in a separate application that resides outside the hypervisor. The performance metrics disclosed herein include: a “total-time” metric; a “timeslice” metric; a number of “latency” metrics; and a “count” metric. In contrast to prior art, the present invention enables on-going monitoring of a virtualized data-processing system accompanied by dynamic adjustments based on objective metrics.
US08499292B2
A virtual execution environment (VEE) for a streaming Intermediate Language (IL), wherein the streaming IL represents a streaming program, communicates streaming data in queues, stores data-at-rest in variables, and determines data by functions, where inputs are read from the queues and the variables, and outputs are written to the queues and the variables.
US08499286B2
In one embodiment, a method for testing adjustment and configuration is disclosed. The method can include accessing source code of a test framework that is configured for testing a module, creating a configuration folder having a property override for a test suite for the module testing, determining a source root folder for the test suite, starting the test framework by passing in an identifier for the test suite, and adding a custom test to the source root folder using the configuration folder to customize the test suite. The method can further include compiling the test framework with each of the plurality of test folders enabled. The method also may use a refactoring tool to make changes in a file within the test framework.
US08499280B2
A solution for identifying build errors associated with a source code file for determining source code elements for refactoring. An embodiment of the invention utilizes a source code management system in combination with build logs generated by a build environment to determine source code elements that would benefit from refactoring.
US08499276B2
The invention provides systems and methods for developing multi-platform graphical user interface (GUI) for a target software application. In invention includes assessing one or more functional requirements of the target software application and defining a functional specification for the multi-platform GUI using the assessed functional requirements. The functional specification is used to develop source code for the graphical user interface. An abstraction framework that evaluates functions of the GUI source code and provides instruction to perform the functions in each of the plurality of operating environments is then developed and used as an intermediary between the GUI source code and each of the plurality of operating environments.
US08499260B2
Solutions for accounting for photomask deviations in a lithographic process during optical proximity correction verification are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: identifying a wafer control structure in a data set representing one of a first chip or a kerf; biasing the data set representing the first chip in the case that the wafer control structure is in the data set representing the first chip; biasing the data set representing the kerf or a second chip distinct from the first chip, in the case that the wafer control structure is in the data set representing the kerf or the second chip; simulating formation of the wafer control structure; determining whether the simulated wafer control structure complies with a target control structure; and iteratively adjusting an exposure dose condition in the case that the simulated wafer control structure does not comply with the target control structure.
US08499257B2
A system is disclosed for providing on-screen graphical handles to control interaction between a user and on-screen objects. A handle defines what actions a user may perform on the object, such as for example scrolling through a textual or graphical navigation menu. Affordances are provided to guide the user through the process of interacting with a handle.
US08499250B2
A system and method for interacting with multiple information forms across multiple types of computing devices and platforms is provided. A computer-readable storage media for interacting with multiple information forms across computing devices is also provided and includes computer-readable instructions to cause one or more computer processors to execute operations including authenticating a user; establishing a channel grid framework for the user on a first platform, the channel grid framework providing access to a first computer application displayed on a display device as a channel; deploying the channel from the channel grid framework on the first platform to a second platform in response to a user selecting the channel from the channel grid framework on the first platform and performing a copy operation of the channel to the second platform; and establishing a run time application of the first computer application on the second platform.
US08499249B2
A method is disclosed comprising selecting an action tool from a set of action tools on a screen display of a computer, the action tool being associated with a set of actions including at least two of the following: (1) a printing action, (2) an e-mailing action, and (3) an archiving action, and applying the action tool to an object with a single user command using the computer, the action tool processing the object in accordance with the associated set of actions. A corresponding document output management system also is disclosed.
US08499240B2
Systems, methods, computer program code, and means are provided for the rules-based presentation of log messages on a graphical timeline. Pursuant to some embodiments, a request to view log file information is received, and a plurality of log file messages are retrieved based on the request. The plurality of log file messages are aggregated based on timestamp information contained in each of the log file messages and the aggregated log file messages are displayed along a graphical timeline.
US08499231B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. As an example, a data processing circuit is disclosed that includes a data detecting circuit having: a first vector translation circuit, a second vector translation circuit, and a data detector core circuit. The data detecting circuit is operable to receive an input data set and at least one input vector in a first format. The at least one input vector corresponds to a portion of the input data set. The first vector translation circuit is operable to translate the at least one vector to a second format. The data detector core circuit is operable to apply a data detection algorithm to the input data set and the at least one vector in the second format to yield a detected output. The second vector translation circuit operable to translate a derivative of the detected output to the first format to yield an output vector.
US08499224B2
A redundant code generation method includes: dividing original data into data strings; dividing each data string into a number of bit strings that accords with an extended Galois field operation; storing each of the bit string in a different memory area of a memory; and executing an exclusive OR operation among vectors, which are extracted from the respective bit strings stored in the memory, according to an operational expression to compute bit strings that make up redundant code data strings without carrying out a bit shift operation within the vectors. A predetermined plural number of bits is taken as a data unit and the number of bits as elements constituting each vector is equal to the data unit. The operational expression includes a companion matrix of a primitive polynomial of the Galois field and defined the generation of the redundant code data strings.
US08499214B2
The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and a data processing method which can improve the tolerance to errors of data. A demultiplexer 25 replaces, in accordance with an allocation rule for allocating code bits of an LDPC code to symbol bits representative of symbols, mb bits from among the code bits and sets the code bits after the replacement as symbol bits of b symbols. For example, when m is 12 and b is 1, where the i+1th bits from the most significant bit of the 12×1 code bits and the 12×1 symbol bits of one symbol are represented as bits bi and yi, replacement for allocating, for example, b0 to y8, b1 to y0, b2 to y6, b3 to y1, b4 to y4, b5 to y5, b6 to y2, b7 to y3, b8 to y7, b9 to y10, b10 to y11 and b11 to y9 is carried out. The present invention can be applied, for example, to a transmission system for transmitting an LDPC code and so forth.
US08499210B2
A flash memory device includes a plurality of memory cells each configured to store k-bit data, where k is a natural number greater than one. The device is programmed by a method including reading (i−1)-th order data from a selected memory cell connected to a selected wordline before programming i-th order data in one or more adjacent memory cells connected to an adjacent wordline, wherein i is a natural number between two and k, storing as read data the (i−1)-th order data read from the selected memory cell, and programming i-th order data in the selected memory cell based on the stored read data.
US08499209B2
Test patterns for at-speed scan tests are generated by filling unspecified bits of test cubes with functional background data. Functional background data are scan cell values observed when switching activity of the circuit under test is near a steady state. Hardware implementations in EDT (embedded deterministic test) environment are also disclosed.
US08499206B2
A memory system includes an error detection circuit having an error counter. When a bit error rate (BER) determined by the error counter exceeds a reference BER, the memory system reduces the BER by adjusting its operating speed or operating voltage, re-performing data training or impedance matching, or by adjusting a data swing width. Accordingly, a method of controlling a bit error rate may be performed, and a system hang is prevented.
US08499198B1
A data storage device (DSD) test system is disclosed comprising a first DSD tester operable to download a first version of an operating system to a first DSD and execute a first test on the first DSD, and a second DSD tester operable to download a second version of the operating system to a second DSD and execute a second test on the second DSD while the first DSD tester is executing the first test on the first DSD.
US08499185B2
Methods, system, and computer program products are provided for determining redundancy of power feeds connecting a server to a power supply. Embodiments include receiving, by a redundancy monitoring manager, from each of a plurality of redundancy monitoring interposers, connection information, wherein each redundancy monitoring interposer comprises a device that provides an electrical contact between a power circuit and one of a power supply, the server, and another power circuit; in dependence upon the connection information, determining, by the redundancy monitoring manager, for each power feed provided to the server, which power circuits supply the power feed; determining, by the redundancy monitoring manager, if any of the power feeds are supplied by the same power circuit; and indicating, by the redundancy monitoring manager, that the server has at least one non-redundant power feed when multiple power feeds of the server are supplied by the same power circuit.
US08499180B2
An IC Card may include electronic components to receive a power supply and a main clock signal by a reader device. The power supply may be provided to a subset of the electronic components during a main clock stop status wherein the main clock signal is suspended for avoiding a maximum power consumption threshold. The IC Card may also include a low precision clock included in the subset of electronic components for measuring time in the main clock stop status.
US08499179B2
A power bus monitor for use in an electronic product is coupled to receive power from an external power supply. The power bus monitor includes a signal detector coupled to an output of the external power supply to receive and demodulate information encoded on the output of the external power supply into a sequence of bits. A decoder is coupled to receive the sequence of bits from the signal detector and decrypt the sequence of bits. A logical comparator is coupled to receive the sequence of bits decrypted by the decoder. The logical comparator is coupled to assert an authentication signal indicating the external power supply is authorized to provide power to the electronic product when the logical comparator recognizes the sequence of bits decrypted by the decoder as a key.
US08499176B2
Directly powering an information handling system non-volatile storage device through an external connector allows imaging of the non-volatile storage device through the external connector with the information handling system in a powered down state. Imaging in a powered down state by providing power and image data to the non-volatile storage device directly through an external connection allows imaging while the information handling system is packaged, such as at intermediate shipping locations.
US08499174B2
Resuming from a sleep state. A request may received to resume operation of a computer system from a sleep state to an executing state. A restoring process may be initiated to restore the computer system to an executing state. The restoring process may include loading information from a nonvolatile memory medium to a computer system memory medium. A request may be received from a processor of the computer system to access the computer system memory medium. The request may require access to a portion of the computer system memory medium in the executing state, and may be received prior to completion of the restoring process. It may be determined if the portion of the computer system memory medium has been restored. If the portion of the computer system memory medium has not been restored, the portion of the computer system memory medium may be restored from the nonvolatile memory medium ahead of other portions in the restoring process.
US08499170B1
Hackers and other malicious users are prevented from injecting harmful SQL into a database and from retrieving confidential data. SQL statements formed by an application in response to user input (e.g., user Id and password), are scanned and compared to patterns of SQL commands and data embodied in one or more anti-SQL injection policies. If there is a match, the SQL statement is in violation of the policy. A severity level of the violation may be checked, for example, it may be determined whether the violation is critical or non-critical (normal). Different actions are taken depending on the severity of the violation. If the violation is critical, the SQL statement is dropped and the administrator is notified immediately and a trace of the violation is provided. If the violation is not critical, the data is retrieved and is compared against data in a confidential data registry. If any of the data is found to be confidential, that data is encrypted and then sent to the hacker. The hacker is not able to use or read the encrypted confidential data.
US08499168B2
A solid state disk system is disclosed. The system comprises a user token and at least one level secure virtual storage controller, coupled to the host system. The system includes a plurality of virtual storage devices coupled to at least one secure virtual storage controller. A system and method in accordance with the present invention could be utilized in flash based storage, disk storage systems, portable storage devices, corporate storage systems, PCs, servers, wireless storage, and multimedia storage systems.
US08499166B2
A system for controlling access to a protected network includes a network access control module coupled to the network and configured to restrict access to the network to an authorized user through a computer coupled to the network. The system also includes a communication device associated with the computer, which automatically transmits a unique identifier corresponding to the communication device to the network access control module when a user uses the communication device to request access to the network via the computer. When the network access control module receives the unique identifier it is configured to authenticate the communication device, to authenticate the user via the communication device when the communication device is authenticated, and when the user is authenticated, to submit log-on information to a log-on interface of the computer associated with the communication device so that the user can access the network via the computer.
US08499159B2
The invention relates to a method and system for embedding in a digital media file user fingerprint which the user cannot detect when using the digital media file. In the method, a user-detectable watermark is first embedded in the digital media file. This watermark can be transformed in a client device to a non-detectable fingerprint of the user by utilizing digital media file-specific information issued by a digital media rights owner when the user has bought a user license. Afterwards the digital media rights owner can read the embedded user fingerprint from the digital media file if it is illegally distributed between other users.
US08499158B2
There is provided an anonymous service method of providing local linkability. The anonymous service method providing local linkability according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, an anonymous authentication operation based on a short group signature is performed, for which the concept of a local linkability is introduced to secure linkability within the same service domain. Namely, in the interior of a service provider, a virtual index having a fixed value is calculated for each service user, and in this case, although a plurality of service providers collude with each other, they cannot calculate a virtual index having the same value, whereby the linkability can be secured within the same service domain but not within the interiors of different service domains.
US08499155B2
A method for improving the reliability and performance of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) networks where digital certificates are necessary for message authentication and some messages may be lost in transmission. The method uses a variable inter-certificate refresh period to optimize communications throughput based on network conditions such as node density and bandwidth saturation. In some network conditions, the inter-certificate refresh period may be increased, such that more certificate digests are sent between full digital certificates, to decrease average message size. In other network conditions, the inter-certificate refresh period may be decreased, to allow for more frequent message authentication by receiving nodes. Empirical data and an adaptive controller are used to select the refresh period which will provide the best performance based on network conditions.
US08499149B2
Direct Anonymous Attestation involves a Signer using a credential supplied by an Issuer to anonymously prove to a Verifier, on the basis of a public key of the Issuer, the Issuer's attestation to the Signer's membership of a particular group. To facilitate membership revocation, the Issuer updates the public key at intervals, and also effects a complementary updating to the Signer's credential unless the Signer has ceased to be a legitimate group member. A non-updated credential is inadequate to enable the Signer to prove its Issuer attested group membership to a Verifier on the basis of the updated Issuer public key.
US08499138B2
Management of a UNIX-style storage pools is enhanced by specially managing one or more memory management inodes associated with pinned and allocated pages of data storage by providing indirect access to the pinned and allocated pages by one or more user processes via a handle. Direct access of the pinned and allocated pages by the user processes without use of the handles is prevented. Hardware status bits in the inodes are scanned to determine which pinned and allocated pages have been recently accessed and callback communication to each user process is used to determine which of the least-recently accessed pages can be deallocated, defragmented and compacted.
US08499123B1
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a command processing pipeline operatively coupled to an N-way cache and configured to process a sequence of cache commands. A way of the N ways of the cache with which an address of a cache command matches is a hit way for the cache command in case the cache command is a hit. In one embodiment, the command processing pipeline may be configured to receive a first cache command from one of the plurality of processing cores, select a way, from the N ways, as a potential eviction way, and generate, based at least in part on the received first cache command, N selection signals corresponding to the N ways, wherein each selection signal is indicative of whether the corresponding way is (A). the hit way and/or the eviction way, or (B). neither the hit way nor the eviction way.
US08499115B2
A control method for a memory is provided. The memory includes a plurality of storage units, each storing a plurality of bits. In a read mode, a read command is provided to the memory. The value of a most significant bit (MSB) of each storage unit is obtained and recorded. The value of the most significant bits is output. The value of a neighboring bit of each storage unit is obtained and recorded. The neighboring bit neighbors the most significant bit. The value of the neighboring bits is output.
US08499107B2
A field device for process automation, composed of at least two components coupleable with one another, wherein, in each of the components, a control/memory unit is provided, in which, in each case, a parameter set with defined parameters is stored, and wherein, for the case, in which the at least two components are coupled with one another, at least one of the control/memory units reads, and compares with one another, the parameter sets stored in the separate control/memory units of the components, and wherein, in the case of a deviation in the parameter sets, the comparing control/memory unit of the control/memory units makes available, to the components coupled with one another, the intersection of the parameters of the parameter sets.
US08499104B2
The embodiments of the present invention provide a method for switching a working mode, a USB device, and a host device. The method for switching a working mode includes: determining, according to the osvc key value in the registry of a host device, that a driver for a second working mode is installed on the host device, after the USB device is connected to the host device; and switching the current working state of the USB device from a first working mode to the second working mode. In the embodiments of the present invention, neither special auxiliary program nor additional driver needs to be developed. Therefore, the solution is easy to implement and a problem of incompatibility will not occur.
US08499102B2
Techniques are disclosed for managing data requests from multiple requestors. According to one implementation, when a new data request is received, a determination is made as to whether a companion relationship should be established between the new data request and an existing data request. Such a companion relationship may be appropriate under certain conditions. If a companion relationship is established between the new data request and an existing data request, then when data is returned for one request, it is used to satisfy the other request as well. This helps to reduce the number of data accesses that need to be made to a data storage, which in turn enables system efficiency to be improved.
US08499099B1
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for converting data into a shortened Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address is described. The system includes a memory for storing instructions to convert data, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to receive the data, convert the data into a first sequence of symbols, and divide the first sequence of symbols into second sequences of symbols. The processor is also configured to execute the instructions to include, in each of a plurality of first addresses, a respective one of the second sequences of symbols, and associate each of the first addresses with a corresponding shortened address. The processor is further configured to execute the instructions to combine a portion of each shortened address into an index address, and associate the index address with a shortened index address. Methods and machine-readable storage media are also described.
US08499098B2
The present invention makes it possible to reassess respective host paths and reset priorities in accordance with the current state of a storage system. A management computer 400, in a case where either a failure or a configuration change occurs inside the storage system, assesses the respective host paths 501 through 506 in accordance with the status of a first communication network 500 and the status of a second communication network 600. The management computer 400, based on these assessment results, resets the priority of each host path. an alternate path program 112 of the host 100 are notified of the priorities, which have been set.
US08499094B2
A process executed by a computing device uses commands having a first format to exchange data through a network with a storage device configured to execute commands having a second format. A storage device controller identifies a command type associated with a command received from the process and identifies one or more physical memory addresses associated with the command. The storage device controller identifies a command having a second format associated with the received command and generates a network request including the command having the second format, the one or more physical memory addresses, a device identifier associated with the storage device and a tag. The network request is transmitted through a network to the storage device which executes the command having the second format. For example, an AoE request including an ATA command is generated from a received SCSI command.
US08499090B2
A hybrid system and method for delivering “streaming” media within the home. According to the method, small portions of media items from a controlling device are received at a rendering device for pre-caching into a cache. Upon a user selecting a media item for playback, play of the media item is immediately started from the cache in real-time while the remaining portions of the selected media item are downloaded from the controlling device and appended to cache at a rate faster than real-time.
US08499089B2
When a target device as a target of the current communication is an SNMPv3-compatible device corresponding to both protocols of the SNMPv1 and SNMPv3, the protocol used in the previous communication is identified, the order of priority of the protocols used in communication with the target device is determined on the basis of the determination result, and the communication with the target device is attempted in accordance with the order of priority of the determined protocols.
US08499084B2
A system for conducting multi-media communication sessions between two or more terminals includes a smart client application to dynamically load application code and data from servers on demand using an application management protocol. In the present embodiment the smart client is maintained on each terminal and initially executes a core application. This core application provides a user interface for selectively establishing and maintaining a communication session with a remote terminal. The core application also provides a user interface for including shared applications in the session to which the remote terminal has access. The core application provides a further user interface for combining two sessions into one that includes all participants and shared applications from both original sessions. Each shared application provides a user interface to each participant of the session according to their access rights: the participant who added an application to a session will typically have full access, while other participants typically have more restricted access. The core application uses a session management protocol to maintain consistent session state between all terminals involved in a session.
US08499081B2
A method of sending information from a Session Initiation Protocol intermediate node to a first Session Initiation Protocol terminal. The method comprises, upon receipt of a session initiation request at the Session Initiation Protocol intermediate node, establishing a first Session Initiation Protocol dialog between the Session Initiation Protocol intermediate node and the first Session Initiation Protocol terminal, sending information over said first dialog, forwarding said request from the Session Initiation Protocol intermediate node to a second, destination Session Initiation Protocol terminal, before, during, or after establishment of said first dialog, and establishing a second Session Initiation Protocol dialog, between the first and second Session Initiation Protocol terminals.
US08499080B2
A cluster control apparatus, cluster control system, and computer-readable recording medium are provided. The cluster control apparatus includes a switching unit that disconnects a first computer from a first group and disconnects a second computer belonging to a second group from the second group to cause the second computer to belong to the first group, when a first computer is unable to execute a job to be processed and a job executing unit that causes the second computer belonging to the first group to execute the job to be processed after the second computer have belonged to the first group by the switching unit.
US08499079B2
Methods and apparatus for providing primary transport service discovery information over one or more alternate transports that are not normally associated with the primary transport services. In one embodiment, the primary transport comprises a first wireless interface (e.g., Bluetooth), and the alternate transport comprises a second wireless interface (e.g., WiFi or WiMAX). Service profile information relating to the primary transport is broadcast to other users over the alternate transport in a more efficient and streamlined manner than that available on the primary transport. The other users store this service profile information so that it can be subsequently accessed for service profile discovery of the transmitting device by those other devices, thereby obviating subsequent transfer of the data over any transport (primary or alternate).
US08499060B2
Rolling software upgrades may be employed for a network device in a modular chassis and/or virtual chassis. The network device may include memory devices to store a software upgrade package and a group of instructions, and a processor. The processors may install the software upgrade package on a backup routing engine; determine subsets of multiple line cards on which to perform a software upgrade, where ports in each of the multiple line cards are part of a link aggregation group (LAG); initiate a reboot process for each of the subsets of multiple line cards, in sequence, where the reboot process for each of the line cards results in a software upgrade without deactivating any LAG. The processors may also switch the backup routing engine and a master routing engine to create a new master routing engine and a new backup routing engine, and install the upgrade package on the new backup routing engine.
US08499059B2
A computer-implemented system and methods for buffering of real-time data streams are disclosed. The apparatus and method in an example embodiment includes: configuring a content server for an initial content quality type associated with a content stream; receiving the content stream with the initial content quality type from a content feed; detecting a low watermark condition as the content stream is played on a playback device; reconfiguring the content server for a modified content quality type associated with the content stream while receipt of the content stream is in progress; and receiving the content stream with the modified content quality type from the content feed.
US08499057B2
The present invention is directed towards a “flash crowd” technique for handling situations where the cache receives additional requests, e.g., nearly simultaneous requests, for the same object during the time the server is processing and returning the response object for a first requestor. Once all such nearly simultaneous requests are responded to by the cache, the object is flushed from the cache, with no additional expiry time or invalidation action needed. This technique of the present invention enables data to be cached and served for very small amounts of time for objects that would otherwise be considered non-cacheable. As such, this technique yields a significant improvement in applications that serve fast changing data to a large volume of concurrent users, such, for example, as real time stock quotes, or a fast evolving news story.
US08499054B2
Method for viewing an attachment of an email message on a portable electronic device in which the attachment has a renderable format is provided. The method includes: requesting to view the attachment in an attachment viewer of the portable electronic device, building a graph structure within an attachment server representing a map of the attachment, the graph structure including at least one renderable identifier corresponding to a page of the attachment, requesting rendering of the attachment, the rendering request being send from the attachment viewer to the attachment server and including the at least one renderable identifier, initializing a rendering library and storing rendering commands corresponding to command types of the graph structure in the rendering library, drawing the rendering commands in an off-screen bitmap, saving the off-screen bitmap as a JPEG file, sending the JPEG file to the electronic device and displaying the JPEG file in the attachment viewer.
US08499040B2
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving sponsor specifications designating story characteristics; monitoring an organic activity stream for entries matching the story characteristics; and, in response to identifying an entry as matching the story characteristics, providing for display the entry in a predetermined area of a web page.
US08499037B2
A method and system for managing mobile exchange of profile information between a requestor and a recipient. A mobile client is provided on a requestor's first mobile device. The requestor provides requestor profile to an information exchange server through the mobile client. The requestor requests for a connection with the recipient using the mobile client. The mobile client is provided on a recipient's second mobile device. The recipient provides recipient profile to the information exchange server through the mobile client. On acceptance of the request for connection by the recipient, the information exchange server transfers the recipient profile to the mobile client on the requestor's first mobile device and vice versa. The mobile client automatically updates the transferred recipient profile on the requestor's first mobile device based on changes made by the recipient to the recipient profile and vice versa.
US08499036B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for sharing information. The technique includes defining a stored data set maintained by a first entity to include a locked data set and an unlocked data set, and providing a second entity with access to the stored data set. The second entity has permission to view the locked data set and to change only the unlocked data set.
US08499032B2
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and system that receives a seed term, obtains a corpus of candidate terms, where each candidate term comprises the seed term or variants of the seed term, obtains network traffic information associated with each candidate term in the corpus of candidate terms, and compiles a set of domain names based on the network traffic information. Each domain name in the set comprises one of the corpus of candidate terms.
US08499029B1
A mechanism is provided for managing a process-to-process communication request. A call is received in an operating system from an application in the data processing system. The operating system passes the call to a host fabric interface controller in the data processing system without processing the call. The host fabric interface controller processes the call using state information associated with the call. The call is processed by the host fabric interface controller without intervention by the operating system.
US08499027B2
A method and system for exchanging information with a Relationship Management system that includes a connection unit to bridge first and second communications connections and capture information associated with the first and second communications connections. An interface unit is then used to receive communications connection information from the connection unit and deliver select portions of the communications connection information in a select format to the Relationship Management system.
US08499026B2
The present invention relates to a distributed packet processing system for high-speed networks and a distributed packet processing method using thereof, in which a FIFO-type packet processing engine having three packet processing steps is provided in plurality to process packet data in parallel in processing packets for high-speed networks, and, therefore, packet sequences are guaranteed, and packets can be further promptly process.
US08499022B1
Combining multiple clusterings arises in various important data mining scenarios. However, finding a consensus clustering from multiple clusterings is a challenging task because there is no explicit correspondence between the classes from different clusterings. Provided is a framework based on soft correspondence to directly address the correspondence problem in combining multiple clusterings. Under this framework, an algorithm iteratively computes the consensus clustering and correspondence matrices using multiplicative updating rules. This algorithm provides a final consensus clustering as well as correspondence matrices that gives intuitive interpretation of the relations between the consensus clustering and each clustering from clustering ensembles. Extensive experimental evaluations demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of this framework as well as the algorithm for discovering a consensus clustering from multiple clusterings.
US08499021B2
A circuit and method for computing the circular convolution of an input signal with a finite impulse response operates to store initial input samples of the input signal, perform convolution of the remaining input samples in the block of input samples and then supplying the stored initial input samples for convolution, thereby generating circular convolution output samples.
US08499017B2
A data processing apparatus is arranged to perform a fused multiply add operation. The apparatus 100 has multiplying circuitry 110 configured to multiply operands B and C to generate a product B*C having a high order portion 160 and a low order portion 170. The apparatus has adding circuitry 130 configured to: (i) add an operand A to one of the high order portion 160 and the low order portion 170 to generate an intermediate sum value; and (ii) add the intermediate sum value to a remaining one of the high order portion 160 and the low order portion 170 to generate a result A+B*C.
US08499010B2
Garbage collection processes are automatically tuned on a system comprising a plurality of virtual machines running on a physical processing device with multiple physical processors. Tuning is implemented for each garbage collection process, by updating a load variable to reflect that a new garbage collection process has started, the load variable having a value that is based at least in part on a number of garbage collection processes that are currently running on the system. Tuning further comprises creating a number of garbage collection threads based at least in part on the current value of the load variable and/or number of processors, where the garbage collection threads are used to perform at least a portion of at least one phase of the new garbage collection process. Tuning further comprises re-updating the load variable to reflect completion of the new garbage collection process.
US08499000B2
System and method for implementing a floating index navigation tool are described. In one embodiment, the method includes, in response to a user's updating a search term, building first and second search queries; issuing the first and second search queries to at least one database comprising a searchable index of content; and responsive to receipt of search results from the first and second search queries, displaying the first query search results in a first manner and displaying the second query search results in a second manner different than the first manner.
US08498998B2
Provided are a method, system, and computer program product for grouping identity records to generate candidate lists to use in an entity and relationship resolution process. Identity records provide attributes of entities and are grouped into a group of identity records. A composite query on values for selected attributes of the identity records in the group is generated and applied to an entity database to obtain composite results of entity records in the entity database. For the identity records in the group, an individual query on attributes of one of the identity records is performed against the composite results of the entity records to determine a candidate list of entity records. Resolution rules are applied to determine entity records in the determined candidate list related to one of the identity records in the group according to the resolution rules.
US08498996B2
A computer-implemented method and system allows generating a query and a first fourth generation language at a native system to a non-native database which is capable of processing queries in a second fourth generation language. A query initiated by a client applicant in a first fourth generation language is analyzed to determine if it can be processed by a non-native system capable of processing queries in a second fourth generation language. Non-standard syntax representative of a function and the query that cannot be evaluated by the non-native database system is identified. If the syntax is discovered, the query is transformed through the use of formats or through an algorithm process into an equivalent query expression that can be processed by the database system.
US08498992B2
A favorite item set making section makes a favorite item set. A first rate calculating section calculates, with respect to a first set of items, a first rate of the number of items satisfying recommended item conditions to the number of all items. A user characteristic value calculating section calculates a user characteristic value by using the first rate. An item selecting section selects, from items in the favorite item set, a plurality of items including items satisfying the recommended item conditions to make a result item set. When the user characteristic value satisfies prescribed conditions, the rate of the number of items in the result item set which satisfy the recommended item conditions to the number of all items in the result item set is greater than the first rate and smaller than 1 except for a case where the first rate is 1.
US08498990B2
A content and data analysis method for evaluating and improving a website, by accessing the website to be analyzed, analyzing the content and data associated with the website, scoring the website based on a multitude of criteria, generating suggestions for improving the website, and implementing changes and improvements to the website. An electronic content and data analysis system and software program including an accessing mechanism for viewing the website to be analyzed, an analyzing mechanism for reviewing the content and data associated with the website, a scoring mechanism for attributing scores to the website based on a multitude of criteria; a generating mechanism for providing suggestions for improving a website; and an editing mechanism for implementing changes and improvements to a website is disclosed.
US08498988B2
Data records in one or more databases may be scanned to create a search index. The search index may include an identifier for each data record scanned, and a list of fragments of data in one or more data fields of each scanned data record. Each fragment in the list may be created by extracting a fixed number of adjoining characters from data in each data field of a corresponding data record. The list of fragments may include all fixed number of adjoining character sequences in each data field of a data record. Multiple search indexes may be included, with each search index including a different fixed number of adjoining characters in the fragment list. Systems and methods may be provided.
US08498978B2
Slideshow video file detection. A method includes receiving a search query for video files of a desired type. A portion of a video file is extracted. A frame difference based histogram and an active pixel based histogram are generated for the portion. Further, the frame difference based histogram and an active pixel based histogram are provided to a machine learning tool. An indicator is determined for the portion based on a plurality of parameters. The video file is classified as the desired type based on the indicator. The video file is provided to the user.
US08498964B2
Techniques for writing data in a distributed database system having a plurality of members and a master are disclosed. In one embodiment, a write request is received at an originating member. The write request is applied to a version of a database on the originating member and is placed in a journal queue of items for propagating to the master in one single atomic action. The write request is propagated to the master. Whether the propagated write request is associated with a conflict is determined, and in an event it is determined that the propagated write request is associated with the conflict, an indication that the write request is associated with the conflict is sent to the originating member.
US08498959B2
An enforcement system may include a policy decision point and an adaptive grid. Requests for service from users are passed to the policy decision point which uses enforcer agents in the adaptive grid to enforce policies by selecting from available policy enforcement points. The adaptive grid may also include explorer agents for evaluating enforcement capabilities available to the enforcement system.
US08498958B2
A moving obstacle deciding apparatus includes a search signal transmitting and receiving section 1 for transmitting a search signal, and for receiving the search signal reflected from a search target as a detection signal; a decision reference value calculating section 6 for calculating a decision reference value based on the detection signal received by the search signal transmitting and receiving section 1; and a moving obstacle deciding section 10 for making a decision as to whether the search target is a moving obstacle or not in accordance with a compared result of a difference value between decision reference values obtained by the decision reference value calculating section 6 in time-series searches with a prescribed threshold.
US08498955B2
In accordance with the invention, a system, method, and apparatus for analyzing advertisement-related data are presented, which may include receiving data related to an aspect of an advertisement and modeling the aspect of the advertisement with a mathematical model. The mathematical model may include a control-signal-related component, a control-signal-independent component, and an error component. Each component may be updated based on at least one of a control signal, the received data, and a previous state of at least one of the components. An updated model may be created based on the updated components. The system, method, and apparatus may also include predicting the aspect of the advertisement using the updated model. Exemplary aspects of and data related to the advertisement may include one or more of the following: a number of impressions, “clicks,” or “conversions” and/or the impression-to-conversion, impression-to-click, or click-to-conversion ratios.
US08498950B2
A system for training classifiers in multiple categories through an active learning system, including a computer having a memory and a processor, the processor programmed to: train an initial set of m binary one-versus-all classifiers, one for each category in a taxonomy, on a labeled dataset of examples stored in a database coupled with the computer; uniformly sample up to a predetermined large number of examples from a second, larger dataset of unlabeled examples stored in a database coupled with the computer; order the sampled unlabeled examples in order of informativeness for each classifier; determine a minimum subset of the unlabeled examples that are most informative for a maximum number of the classifiers to form an active set for learning; and use editorially-labeled versions of the examples of the active set to re-train the classifiers, thereby improving the accuracy of at least some of the classifiers.
US08498949B2
Supervised nonnegative matrix factorization (SNMF) generates a descriptive part-based representation of data, based on the concept of nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) aided by the discriminative concept of graph embedding. An iterative procedure that optimizes suggested formulation based on Pareto optimization is presented. The present formulation removes any dependence on combined optimization schemes. Analytical and empirical evidence is presented to show that SNMF has advantages over popular subspace learning techniques as well as current state-of-the-art techniques.
US08498946B1
A method of promoting user participation in a social broadcast environment is disclosed. Based on an attribution criterion, it is determined that a user is to receive credit for affecting a broadcast of a content data designated by the user. A user profile data associated with the user is processed to include in a broadcast stream generated for the broadcast an attribution content associated with the user. A method of providing user participation in a social broadcast environment is disclosed. A network communication is received from a user of a broadcast that includes a preference data indicating a preference of the user that a promoted content be included in the broadcast. Via a responsive network communication, a feedback data is provided to the user that includes a predicted future time at which the promoted content may be included in the broadcast. A method of promoting user participation in a social broadcast environment is disclosed. Based on an attribution criterion, it is determined that a user is to receive credit for affecting a broadcast of a content data designated by the user. A processor is used to transform a data associated with the user to include in a broadcast stream generated for the broadcast an attribution content associated with the user.
US08498938B1
Methods, devices, and apparatuses are described for retroactively applying financial activity recorded at an electronic device temporarily disconnected from a network to an account. This may include a customer providing financial transaction information, wherein the financial transaction information comprises funds to be credited to or debited from the account. After a period of time, it may be determined that a previously unavailable network connection to the host computer system is available. The financial transaction information and a timestamp indicating when the financial transaction information was received at the electronic device may then be transmitted. The financial transaction may then be applied to the account retroactively at a time linked to the timestamp.
US08498932B2
The invention contemplates a method of funds transfer is disclosed involving opening one or more trust accounts associated with a plurality of accounts with at least one financial institution, creating a plurality of money account cards with each of the plurality of money account cards associated with a live account associated with the entire amount in the trust account opened and maintained by company with at least one financial institutions, distributing the money account cards to retailers, retailing the money account cards to customers for distribution of the cards to cardholders, receiving money from the customers, applying the money to predetermined accounts of the plurality of accounts, receiving requests from cardholders to access the money in the predetermined accounts, and dispersing funds from the predetermined accounts in response to the requests from cardholders.
US08498921B2
Systems and methods for determining a brokerage commission owed by a client of a brokerage firm based on the principal volume (“PV”) of the client's eligible transactions over a time period. The system may comprise: (i) a database storing information about the client's transactions; and (ii) one or more processors in communication with the database. The processor(s) is programmed to determine the client's brokerage commission by: (i) calculating the cumulative PV of transactions made by the client through the brokerage firm over a time period; and (ii) calculating the commission for a billing time period based on the calculated cumulative PV. The applicable commission may be determined based on a tiered marginal commission rate schedule.
US08498918B2
Systems and methods are provided to fulfill customer trading orders in an illiquid two sided market. Request for cross functionality may be implemented in a trading environment using a trading engine for the matching of trades involving financial instruments. Request for cross functionally integrates the benefits of a dual bid-ask continuous trading market model with the price and quantity trade matching systems and methods.
US08498909B1
This invention relates to an expense reporting system for viewing and manipulating a user's financial transaction data and a method for associating financial transaction data with a user's project data. The system includes a user's financial transaction data hosted in a data storage unit, addressable on a network, and accessible by a remote user on a user interface unit having a user input means and a display; and an expense reporting module having a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to define project category data and associate representations of the user's financial data with the user-defined project category data.
US08498908B2
Systems and methods for facilitating financial transactions over a network include a merchant device, a client device and a payment processing device. The merchant device is adapted to allow a merchant to provide items for purchase via the network. The client device is adapted to allow a user to access the merchant device via the network and view the items for purchase. The client device is adapted to provide a payment mechanism to the user. The user generates a purchase request for an item by selecting the one item, dragging the item to the payment mechanism, and dropping the item over the payment mechanism. The payment processing device is adapted to receive the purchase request from the client device via the network and authorize the user to purchase the item from the merchant based on information passed with the purchase request.
US08498903B2
A system and method for performing a security check at a checkout terminal is disclosed. Various heuristics are utilized to verify that a customer or clerk has properly identified an item being purchased. In various embodiments, the weight or other physical characteristics of an item placed on a product scale are measured and compared with expected physical characteristics for the item. If a mismatch is detected between the actual physical characteristics and the expected physical characteristics, the transaction may be flagged for further investigation.
US08498901B1
The invention relates to a method for representing a transfer of currency during a transaction. The method involves establishing a network connection with a computing device, receiving, from the computing device, transactional data associated with the transaction, receiving currency data associated with a financial account, and displaying a pictorial representation of currency based on the currency data, where a currency type and a currency denomination are depicted as a portion of the pictorial representation. The invention further involves designating an amount of currency from the pictorial representation to obtain image data, where the amount of currency is sufficient to complete the transaction, transmitting the image data to the computing device as part of the transaction, and sending instructions to transfer the amount of currency from the financial account based on the image data and the transactional data.
US08498899B2
A method of processing room service transactions in an institution such as a hotel, having a plurality of guest rooms includes displaying selected visual representations of food items at predetermined intervals with a user device including an interactive graphical user interface in a guest room, receiving inputs from a guest with the graphical user interface and transmitting the inputs to a food service server for fulfillment.
US08498895B2
An online behavior tracking system includes a unique ID module configured to determine attributes of a user device, and calculate a unique ID for a user from the attributes. The unique ID is used to track online behavior for the user across different domains. Also, the online behavior tracking system is used in a content evaluation system which delivers content treatments to users and tracks online behavior of the users in response to the delivered treatments.
US08498891B2
Systems and methods for product level projections of pharmacy prescriptions within product therapy classes are provided. Average wholesale dollar sales amounts are obtained or estimated at channel/outlet/product-therapy levels. All of the average wholesale dollar sales amounts are converted to prescription data at channel/outlet/product-therapy levels using a correlation function. The correlation function is derived by correlating samples of total prescription data where available with corresponding average wholesale dollar sales amounts.
US08498885B2
Embodiments of methods and systems for predicting provider negotiated rates are disclosed. One method includes obtaining claims data and provider data, grouping the claims data into priceable units, computing prices for each of the priceable units based on the claims data and the provider data, and estimating provider negotiated rates based on the priceable units and the computed prices for the priceable units.
US08498884B2
A portable, electronic and encrypted medical record device and management system that receives and stores a registrant's or patient's medical history in a secured database, records the medical history on a portable computer readable medical storage device, includes a multi-level encrypted security system to control access to the medical information on the storage device or in the system for authorizing modification or access to the medical information, allows authorized medical personnel to update recently acquired medical data, dictates the data that authorized medical entities or personnel have access to and includes a recognizable logo to alert medical personnel of the medical storage device.
US08498883B2
A method for providing a user with the ability to access and collect prescriptions associated with the user in a secure and private manner. The method may include associating access information with the user to access a server storing prescriptions associated with the user, providing a web-based user interface to remotely access the drug prescriptions stored on the server, receiving at the server the prescriptions associated with the user from health care providers, storing the prescriptions such that the prescriptions are accessible through the web-based user interface. The method may further include electronically sending from the server the prescriptions to a pharmacy selected by the user.
US08498870B2
A computerized integrated order entry and clinical documentation and voice recognition system enables voice responsive user entry of orders. The system includes a voice recognition unit for detecting spoken words and converting detected spoken words to data representing commands. A data processor, coupled to the voice recognition unit, processes the data representing commands provided by the voice recognition unit, to provide order and documentation related data and menu options for use by a user, by interpreting the data representing commands using an ordering and documentation application specific ontology and excluding use of other non-ordering or non-documentation application specific ontologies. The ordering application enables initiating an order for medication to be administered to a particular patient, or additional ordered services to be performed. A user interface processor, coupled to the data processor, provides data representing a display image. The display image, includes the order related data and menu options provided by the data processor and supports a user in selecting an order for medication to be administered to a particular patient.
US08498868B2
The invention relates to a method for operating a technical medical system during a medical procedure, wherein a parameter correlated with the quality of the performance of the procedure is continuously registered while the procedure is being performed, the parameter is evaluated based on a quality criterion correlated with the procedure's fault-free performance, and an auxiliary procedure for the medical procedure is initiated as soon as the parameter has violated the quality criterion. The invention also relates to a technical medical system for performing a medical procedure according to the inventive method.
US08498867B2
Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different voices. Further disclosed are techniques and systems for generating an audible output in which different portions of a text are narrated using voice models associated with different characters.
US08498864B1
Methods and systems for predicting a text are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to receive one or more typed characters that compose a portion of a text; and receive, a voice input corresponding to a spoken utterance of at least a portion of the text. The computing device may be configured to determine, based on the one or more typed characters and the voice input, one or more candidate texts predicting the text. Further, the computing device may be configured to provide the one or more candidate texts.
US08498860B2
A modulation device including: a modulation unit for modulating a carrier in an audible sound range by an encoded transmission signal to generate a modulated signal; a masker sound generation unit for generating a masker signal outputted as a masker sound for making the modulated signal harder to hear when transmitted with the modulated signal; and an acoustic signal generation unit for inserting the masker signal in the modulated signal to generate an acoustic signal.
US08498858B2
The present invention relates to the translation of a portion of text to be communicated in a text-based communication in a communications network. A communications device for composing the text-based communication queries a translation service with a portion of text in a first language to obtain a replacement for the portion in a second language. A user may trigger a replacement query by composing the portion using at least one trigger symbol monitored by the communications device. Replacement may be confirmed with the user and at least one alternative replacement sought in response to the confirmation. The communications network may comprise a wireless network and the communications device a wireless mobile communications device.
US08498850B2
A hybrid simulation system to model cascading events within a black box system may include a tessellated field operable to allow a plurality of black box components to execute on a processor and communicate without needing a direct connection between the black box components. The black box components have transfer functions defined over a common coordinate system and time.
US08498833B2
A method of inspecting a stack body of at least a porous layer and a dense layer comprises the first step of measuring the length of the stack body before the stack body is fired, the second step of measuring the length of the stack body after the stack body is fired, the third step of calculating a shrinkage rate of the stack body based on a first measured value from the first step and a second measured value from the second step, the fourth step of determining whether the calculated shrinkage rate of the stack body is acceptable or not based on the calculated shrinkage rate, the fifth step of calculating an S/N ratio of the stack body based on the first measured value and the second measured value, and the sixth step of determining whether the current-voltage characteristics of the stack body are acceptable or not based on the calculated S/N ratio.
US08498816B2
A system includes a head-mountable display and a mobile device. The mobile device includes a position acquisition device that acquires positional information indicating a position of the mobile device. The mobile device includes a first orientation acquisition device that acquires first orientation information indicating an orientation of the mobile device with respect to a reference direction. The mobile device includes a first display that displays content based on the positional information and the first orientation information on the mobile device when a condition is satisfied. The mobile device includes a first receiver that receives second orientation information indicating an orientation of the head-mountable display with respect to one or more of the reference direction and the orientation of the mobile device. The mobile device includes a first transmitter that transmits content based on the positional information and the second orientation information when the condition is not satisfied.
US08498809B2
Techniques are provided for predicting a destination for a ground-based vehicle. Travel patterns are accessed and a series of locations of a ground-based vehicle are received. At least some of the received locations are related to at least one accessed travel pattern, and a destination of the ground-based vehicle is predicted based on relating the received locations with the travel patterns. An existence of an event may be predicted using the predicted destinations of a ground-based vehicle.
US08498806B2
In a hydraulic shovel positional guidance system, an optimal work position calculation unit is configured to calculate an optimal work position of a main vehicle body where a diggable range in which a target surface and an operability range overlap is largest. A display unit is configured to display a guidance picture showing the optimal work position.
US08498789B2
An ECT torque controlling system sets a torque demand amount. The torque demand amount set by the ECT torque controlling system is converted by a converter of a power train manager into a torque demand amount changing with a delay relative to the set torque demand amount. A selector of the power train manager switches between a state of converting the set torque demand amount into the torque demand amount changing with the delay relative to the set target value and a non-conversion state. An engine controlling system controls an engine so as to achieve the torque demand amount.
US08498786B2
A method and apparatus for managing undesired material in an area. A sensor system monitors the area for the undesired material. A number of operations is performed on the area using a vehicle system. The vehicle system comprises a vehicle and a structure connected to the vehicle. A computer system receives data for the area from the sensor system. The computer system identifies a presence of the undesired material along a number of paths in the area using the data to form an identification. The computer system initiates removal of the undesired material based on the identification.
US08498773B2
A stability enhancing system for a vehicle having a suspension system including a spring is disclosed herein. The stability enhancing system includes, but is not limited to, a processor that is mounted on the vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The sensor is configured to detect a dynamic condition of the vehicle. A locking mechanism is connected to the spring and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The locking mechanism is configured to inhibit the spring from releasing a stored energy when the locking mechanism is locked. The processor is configured to obtain the dynamic condition from the sensor, to utilize the dynamic condition to determine whether a wheel lift event will occur, and to provide commands to the locking mechanism to lock if the processor determines that a wheel lift event will occur.
US08498753B2
Systems and methods for reducing the cycling time of a climate control system. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems can receive from a database a target time at which a structureis desired to reach a target temperature. In addition, the system acquires the temperature inside the structure and the temperature outside the structure at a time prior to the target time. The systems use a thermal characteristic of the structure and a performance characteristic of the climate control system, to determine the appropriate time prior to the target time at which the climate control system should turn on based at least in part on the structure, the climate control system, the inside temperature and the outside temperature. The systems then set a setpoint on a thermostatic controller to control the climate control system.
US08498752B2
A power system controller using a 2×2 decoupling controller, a model reference, and feedback with delay. Embodiments provide control of microgrid frequency F and voltage V. In addition, this technique can also be used to control the real and reactive power delivered from the microgrid to the connected macrogrid. The control engineering approach is the same in both cases, but the roles of the four variables involved are reversed.
US08498750B2
A system for monitoring a transient flow of a fluid for the presence of contaminants is disclosed. The system includes a fluid control valve having a body defining a fluid flow path therethrough. A fluid monitoring device is in fluid communication with the fluid flowing through the control valve. The fluid monitoring device is adapted to monitor the fluid flowing through the control valve for contaminants.
US08498749B2
A method of managing energy use of a network device located at a site with a mobile device is provided. The method proceeds by determining a plurality of zones about the site and detecting a current location of the mobile device relative to the plurality of zones. The method continues by altering the operating condition of the network device in response to detecting the mobile device changing zones. A graphical user interface (GUI) is displayed within the display screen of the mobile device. A map presenting the site location, the plurality of zones disposed about the site location, and the current location of the mobile device is displayed within the GUI along with a distance selector including selectable distance values. The method further includes automatically scaling the plurality of zones and the map in response to changing the selectable distance value using the distance selector.
US08498747B2
A drapery assembly extends and retracts a drape with a powered carrier. The carrier receives both a power signal and a command signal from a controller via an electrically powered surface of a drapery rod. The carrier supports a portion of the drape and moves linearly along the length of the drapery rod in response to the control signal.
US08498741B2
A humanoid robot includes a torso, a pair of arms, a neck, a head, a wrist joint assembly, and a control system. The arms and the neck movably extend from the torso. Each of the arms includes a lower arm and a hand that is rotatable relative to the lower arm. The wrist joint assembly is operatively defined between the lower arm and the hand. The wrist joint assembly includes a yaw axis and a pitch axis. The pitch axis is disposed in a spaced relationship to the yaw axis such that the axes are generally perpendicular. The pitch axis extends between the yaw axis and the lower arm. The hand is rotatable relative to the lower arm about each of the yaw axis and the pitch axis. The control system is configured for determining a yaw angle and a pitch angle of the wrist joint assembly.
US08498733B2
A method and system are provided which reorders a sequence of operations of a part program to reduce the number of tool changes during execution of the program. The reordered sequence maintains a sequence of at least a first portion of the operations.
US08498731B2
Provided are a process-parameter prognostic system for predicting the shape of a semiconductor structure, a semiconductor fabrication apparatus having the process-parameter prognostic system, and a method of using the same. The process-parameter prognostic system may have a process prediction unit and a process-change point corresponding unit. The process prediction unit and the process-change point corresponding unit may obtain predicted parameters using measured parameters of semiconductor structures and sensor parameters of plasmas corresponding to the semiconductor structures.
US08498726B2
The present invention relates to a bi-directional broadcasting system for a small space. More particularly, multiple users enjoy the optimum surround sound and pursue the best convenience simultaneously by wirelessly connected an external receiver, multiple headphones, and external speakers which can be installed and composed variously, while watching a video media which was received through a television transmitting and receiving antenna or external signal input devices by a host television, that was related to a bi-directional broadcasting system for a small space.
US08498722B2
Systems and methods for incorporating online user generated media content (e.g., videos) into an interactive video gaming environment are provided. Reward or penalty media assets generated by users are stored on a remote server. A player action is received by the remote server and ranked. Based on the rank associated with the player action, the video asset server selects a reward or penalty media asset of the stored media assets. The selected reward or penalty media asset is presented to the player.
US08498716B2
An improved integrated external controller/charger system useable with an implantable medical device is disclosed. The system comprises two main components: an external controller and an external charging coil assembly that is coupleable thereto. When the external charging coil assembly is coupled to the external controller, the system can be used to both send and receive data telemetry to and from the implantable medical device, and to send power to the device. Specifically, the external controller controls data telemetry by energizing at least one coil within the external controller, and the external controller controls power transmission by energizing a charging coil in the external charging coil assembly, which is otherwise devoid of its own control, power, and user interface. The result is a cheaper, simpler, more compact, and more convenient data telemetry and charging solution for the patient having a medical implant.
US08498707B2
An exemplary method for treating obesity includes calling for delivery of electrical energy to a vagal nerve, detecting pre-prandial activity and, in response to the detection of pre-prandial activity, calling for delivery of electrical energy to the stomach for a pre-determined amount of time to induce satiety. Various other technologies are also disclosed.
US08498705B2
An implantable medical device provides ventricular pacing capabilities and optimizes AV intervals for multiple purposes. In general, intrinsic conduction is promoted by determining when electromechanical systole (EMS) ends and setting an AV interval accordingly. EMS is determined utilizing various data including QT interval, sensor input, and algorithmic calculations.
US08498704B2
Described are methods and devices for improving diastolic function with electrostimulation in heart failure patients who exhibit relatively normal systolic function. Such patients are characterized by impaired myocardial relaxation during diastole that prevents adequate filling of the ventricles during diastole to thereby reduce cardiac output. An implantable device is described for effecting strategic and periodic stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system to elicit myocardial adrenergic activation for improved myocardial relaxation.
US08498703B2
A method and apparatus for treating or preventing neurocardiogenic syncope is disclosed. Upon detection of bradycardia or a drop in blood pressure indicating the onset of syncope, electrostimulation pulses are delivered during the heart's refractory period. The pulses are non-excitatory but increase myocardial contractility and thereby increase cardiac output.
US08498702B2
In an implantable medical device and a method for monitoring ventricular synchronicity of a heart. In particular, impedance signals are measured and an occurrence of a notch is detected in the impedance signal coincident with a period including a change from rapid to slow filling of a ventricle. The notch is indicated by a first positive slope change in a negative slope in a predetermined time window during a diastolic phase of a cardiac cycle. A degree of synchronicity is determined based on the notch feature, wherein a decreasing notch feature indicates an increased degree of synchronicity in the filling phase of the ventricles.
US08498701B2
An AED includes defibrillation circuitry housed within an enclosure, a first processor programmed to periodically test the operability of the defibrillation circuitry and a second processor in communication with the first processor. The AED further includes a visual indicator, such as a red/green LED, positioned at the exterior of the enclosure that is operatively connected to the second processor. The second processor is programmed to control the visual indicator in response to the periodic test results provided to it by the first processor.
US08498697B2
Embodiments are disclosed relating to classification of somatosensory evoked potential waveforms.
US08498676B2
A terminated call alert process involves detecting, via a processor, that a voice connection initially established between a vehicle-dedicated communications device disposed inside a vehicle and a facility has been terminated and identifying a method used to terminate the initial voice connection. Via the vehicle-dedicated communications device, the method further involves transmitting a data message to the facility, where the data message includes information pertaining to the method used to terminate the initial voice connection. Also disclosed herein is a system for accomplishing the same.
US08498672B1
The wireless communication device which displays images retrieved from camera, three-dimensional images, and incoming images.
US08498666B2
A method includes enabling interoperability between different types of wireless communication systems operating with different types of air interfaces to provide downlink radio resource aggregation for a user equipment. Enabling includes establishing a first connection between a medium access control (MAC) protocol layer of a first wireless communication system and a physical layer of the first wireless communication system; establishing a second connection between the MAC protocol layer of the first wireless communication system and a MAC protocol layer of a second wireless communication system; using the first connection, performing wireless communications with the user equipment via one or more component carriers over a first air interface of the first wireless communication system; and communicating data over the second connection, the data used in wireless communications via one or more component carriers over a second air interface of the second wireless communication system. Apparatus and program products are also disclosed.
US08498660B2
Enhanced Group Calling Features for Connected Portfolio Services in wireless communications networks, such as a mobile or cellular phone communications networks. The Connected Portfolio Services include Mobile Conferencing (Scheduled/Instant/Reservationless Conference), Family Connect, Buddy Connect, and Quick Reach, while the Enhanced Group Calling Features include Voicemail Diversion (the recognition of a diversion to voicemail and dropping the leg), Reverse Quick Reach (where a terminating subscriber defines how a call dialed to his/her mobile number should be handled and directed), and Single Number Group Calling (an optimal design implementation of single number based group calling).
US08498658B2
Techniques, apparatuses and systems for providing communications based on time reversal of a channel impulse response of a pulse in a transmission channel between a transmitter and a receiver to enhance reception and detection of a pulse at the receiver against various effects that can adversely affect and complicate the reception and detection of the pulse at the receiver.
US08498655B2
A method of using radio signals transmitted for reception by mobile user equipment that includes receiving, with mobile user equipment (UE), radio signals having at least one format; monitoring, with the mobile user equipment, at least one property of the received radio signals; identifying a pattern in said monitored property or properties; and in response to identifying said pattern, triggering at least one action according to the identified pattern, and/or providing the UE with an indication of a location of the UE based at least part of the identified pattern.
US08498653B2
A load sharing method, device, and system are provided in the disclosure. The method includes obtaining a current load value. If the current load value exceeds a preset load threshold value, a sharing base station is selected. Information of a shared load that needs to be shared is transmitted to the selected sharing base station.
US08498648B2
A conventional wireless device constantly measures the signal strength of its server base station and the strength of signals from surrounding base stations for handoff purposes. The wireless device transmits this information to its serving base station, which discards the information a short time afterward, following handoff. The present system and method store the formerly discarded information in one of several existing network elements or in a separate computer system. This information is used to generate a carrier to interference ratio, which indicates the level of interference between station pairs, and to also generate a carrier to interference matrix, including identifying potential interference for each station pair. The frequency of occurrences during predetermined desired periods of time and the volume of traffic affected by each level of interference may also be calculated. This provides comprehensive, continuous, real-time information for wireless frequency planning.
US08498647B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate dynamically forming clusters in a wireless communication environment. A set of non-overlapping clusters can be formed dynamically over time and in a distributed manner. Each of the clusters can include a set of base stations and a set of mobile devices. The clusters can be yielded based upon a set of local strategies selected by base stations across the network converged upon through message passing. For example, each base station can select a particular local strategy as a function of time based upon network-wide utility estimates respectively conditioned upon implementation of the particular local strategy and disparate possible local strategies that can cover the corresponding base station. Moreover, operation within each of the clusters can be coordinated.
US08498645B2
The present disclosure provides for a method for allocating by a plurality of source base stations of a cellular wireless communication support infrastructure a temporary resource request identifier to a wireless communication device for accessing a target base station. The method includes identifying a list of temporary resource request identifiers associated with the target base station for use by one or more wireless communication devices, wherein the list includes a subset of one or more part time temporary resource request identifiers whose respective assignment to a corresponding grouping of one or more source base stations at a particular time is rotated between more than one of the plurality of corresponding groupings of one or more source base stations.
US08498638B2
A method of creating a candidate list of available cells for access by a wireless communications device, the method comprising, for each of a plurality of supported frequencies: measuring a received signal strength, and suppressing cell detection on a frequency if: a stored result of a determination of whether a cell was previously detected on the frequency is negative; and the measured received signal strength for the frequency is below a threshold criterion.
US08498635B2
Model based fault analysing in a base station in a mobile telecommunication system, the base station having a fault manager and resources adapted to transmit fault indication signals to the fault manager. The fault analysing including functions for receiving into the fault manager a predetermined fault rule model of said resources in a fault rule configuration file; implementing a fault analysis algorithm of predetermined rules for analysing received fault indication signals dependent on said predetermined fault rule model; generating an analysis tree data structure dependent on the fault rule configuration file; receiving from one of said resources a fault indication signal indicating identification and classification information; retrieving an applicable fault rule in the analysis tree data structure dependent on said fault indication signal; evaluating the result of the retrieved fault rule applied on said fault indication signal; generating an alarm signal dependent on said result of the applied fault rule.
US08498633B2
This disclosure discloses a method, system and device for initializing an internet device. The method mainly comprises: an application module queries, through a handshake negotiation with a communication module, network standard information, sends the hardware configuration information needed to the communication module, and then informs the communication module of the determined hardware configuration information; and the communication module initializes hardware devices according to the initialization operation information in a stored set of available initialization operation information matched with the hardware configuration information. This disclosure avoids the setting of different software versions corresponding to different hardware ports and parameter configurations and reduces the complexity of system maintenance and management. Besides, the application module can use the same set of codes to adapt to communication modules of different network standards, thus further reducing the complexity of system maintenance and management.
US08498631B2
The present disclosure relates to activation of applications based on a vibration of a portable electronic device. A portable electronic device comprises: a vibration detecting unit configured to detect a vibration of the portable electronic device, acquire the vibration response profile of the vibration, and detect, based on the vibration response profile, a vibration of which the vibration response has an intensity and an effective width within respective predetermined ranges as an effective vibration event; and an application activating unit configured to be triggered in response to the effective vibration event being detected by the vibration detecting unit, so as to activate an associated application provided in the portable electronic device. According to the present disclosure, some special application functions of the portable electronic device can be conveniently enabled, and particularly, a call transfer setting/cancelling operation of a mobile phone can be conveniently carried out.
US08498629B2
A software-defined radio includes an executable radio software system operable with a radio circuit and conforming to the software communications architecture (SCA) specification and defining an operating environment that allows a waveform application to operate with a radio circuit for transmitting and receiving voice and data. An extensible Human-Machine Interface (HMI) plugin module is operable for allowing a selected waveform application to integrate with the radio circuit and provide an HMI user interface.
US08498624B2
An apparatus (100, 200) and method are disclosed for managing voicemail messages. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a voicemail system (100) having a communications interface (110) and a controller (102) for managing operations of the communications interface. The controller is programmed to store (310) voicemail messages corresponding to a communication device (102), transmit (316) a log of the voicemail messages to the communication device, and receive (318) from the communication device a request to delete a voicemail message selectively chosen from a user interface corresponding to the voicemail log. The present disclosure further describes embodiments for the communication device.
US08498616B2
The present invention concerns a method for enabling a first base station to be included within a wireless cellular network, the wireless cellular network comprising a server, a plurality of second base stations and a telecommunication network linking the base stations and the server, the base stations managing cells. The first base station transfers a first message comprising at least an identifier of the first base station and information representative of the location of the first base station to the server, receives from the server a second message comprising an identifier of a second base station which manages a cell which is neighbor of a cell of the first base station and a certificate proving that the first base station is authorized to communicate with the second base station, transfers to the second base station a third message comprising the certificate in order to establish a communication with the second base station.
US08498609B2
A mobile station is configured to use, a reception quality of GPS electric wave received by a mobile station, time needed in obtaining GPS location information (or the reception quality of preset television or radio broadcasting) as surrounding environmental information of the mobile station and to control, based on the surrounding environmental information, measurement of a link status (reception quality) and/or reporting of the measurement to a base station. A report from the mobile station is transmitted via the base station and a gateway to a management server which optimizes radio parameter based on the report.
US08498603B2
Systems are disclosed that utilize AC-coupled filtering to reduce DC offset, with aspects dynamically correcting instantaneous DC offset generated from the AC-coupled filtering. A DC offset correction circuit for an radio frequency (rf) receiver, comprising a switchable high pass filter configured to receive a signal, the switchable high pass filter including a plurality of high pass filters connected in parallel, wherein at least one of the plurality of high pass filters has a tunable corner frequency.
US08498598B2
An RF-demodulator includes an RF-input, a demodulator output, a mixing and amplification stage coupled between the RF-input and the demodulator output, and a calibration circuitry. The calibration circuitry is configured to apply a calibration input signal at the RF-input and sense a resulting calibration output signal at the demodulator output to derive a gain of the mixing and amplification stage based on the relationship between the calibration output signal and the calibration input signal.
US08498595B2
A preset device and an automatic preset application for ranking a group of content providers (e.g., radio stations) and for assigning one or more preset channels to the content providers with the top rankings. The preset device may include a timer configured to be coupled to a receiver, the timer configured to time a plurality of durations of a plurality of signals received from a plurality of content providers, a memory coupled to the timer, the memory configured to store the plurality of durations, and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to rank the plurality of content providers based on the respective plurality of durations, and configured to preset the tuning device based on the ranked plurality of content providers.
US08498592B2
Improved battery life for mobile wireless devices communicating using standard network protocols is obtained by measuring an energy profile of the transmitter circuitry with respect to transmission rate and transmission energy and adjusting operating conditions according to measured or deduced error rates. Additional energy savings are obtained reducing the total number of bits transmitted using payload compression and header truncation making use of application layer communications between the remote device and a power-unconstrained proxy device.
US08498578B2
Methods and apparatuses for dynamic interference management for wireless networks are disclosed. A node in a wireless network is configured to determine whether to cease transmissions during a period of time designated for a first node to transmit to a second node based on at least parameter relating to a channel between the first and second nodes.
US08498557B2
A developer supply device is provided, which includes a bias controller that, during an image forming operation by an image forming apparatus, applies a first bias to a first transfer board and applies a second bias to between a developer holding body and the first transfer board, so as to make the developer holding body hold development agent thereon while transferring the development agent along a first developer transfer path of the first transfer board. At least one of before and after the image forming operation, the bias controller applies the first bias to the first transfer electrodes without applying the second bias to between the developer holding body and the first transfer board, so as to transfer the development agent along the first developer transfer path without making the developer holding body hold the development agent.
US08498556B2
A developing device includes developing units each including a first gear and a development roller; a rotation supporting member; a cam member having a cam surface surrounding the rotation axis, and being secured to and rotating together with the rotation supporting member; and a driving force transmission member including a cam receiving roller and a second gear. The cam surface includes a curved surface whose curvature is less than a curvature of the cam receiving roller so that, as the first gear approaches a driving position where the first gear receives the driving force from the second gear by the rotation of the cam member, the cam receiving roller is moved away from the rotation axis once, after which the cam receiving roller is moved towards the rotation axis, thereby starting engagement of the first gear with the second gear before the first gear reaches the driving position.
US08498555B2
A rotary driving device includes a rotary shaft supported rotatably about an axis thereof on a predetermined supporting member, a rotary load body mounted on the rotary shaft to project radially outward from the rotary shaft in such a manner that the rotary load body can rotate integrally with the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a driver for rotating the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a disk mounted on the rotary shaft coaxially therewith for integral rotation with the rotary shaft, the disk having a mounting hole formed therein, a pendulum loosely fitted in the mounting hole, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a relative position relationship between a central axis position of the mounting hole and a center of gravity position of the pendulum under conditions where the disk is rotating.
US08498554B2
The image forming apparatus includes a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a drum drive input member; a developing cartridge configured to be movably mounted to the drum cartridge, the developing cartridge comprising a developing roller disposed so as to face the photosensitive drum and a developing drive input member; a drum drive transmission member configured to engage with the drum drive input member and configured to transmit drum driving force to the drum drive input member while permitting a positional gap of the drum drive input member within a predetermined range; and a developing drive transmission member configured to engage with the developing drive input member and configured to transmit developing driving force to the developing drive input member while permitting a positional gap of the developing drive input member within a predetermined range.
US08498553B2
A cartridge includes: a rotational body; a joint member having a first joint-side engagement part configured to be engaged to a rotational body-side engagement part with a predetermined moving range in a rotational direction, and a press member, wherein the joint member has a second joint-side engagement part configured to be engaged with a transfer-side engagement part with central axes of the joint member and the driving force transfer member being substantially matched, and wherein when the second joint-side engagement part is contacted to the driving force transfer member at a position at which the central axes of the joint member and the driving force transfer member are not matched, the joint member is rotated within the predetermined range and the second joint-side engagement part is thus moved, so that the second joint-side engagement part is engaged with the transfer-side engagement part in the rotational direction.
US08498545B2
A demodulator for a DPSK-modulated optical signal of bit frequency 1/T, comprises an interferometric structure (3) having an input port (1) for receiving the DPSK-modulated optical signal, an output port (8), and first and second arms (4, 5) extending from said input port (1) to said output port (8), adjustment means (5, 7, 14, 16) for fine tuning a propagation delay difference of said two arms (4, 5) in a range comprising T, an optical/electrical converter (10) connected to the output port (8) of the interferometric structure (3), and a bandpass filter (12) connected to an output of the optical/electrical converter (10), the passband of which does not include 1/T. The adjustment means (5, 7, 14, 16) is adapted to tune the propagation delay according to the output power level of the bandpass filter (12).
US08498541B2
Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to an optical transceiver module having a diagnostic communications link, wherein the link is configured to access diagnostic and other data contained within the transceiver controller via a backdoor interface. Controller data, including operational parameter values and module setup values, is accessible while the transceiver operates in conjunction with an external host and may be retrieved, and sometimes modified, in real time without interrupting normal transceiver operation or suspending the transmission of data over optical fibers. The data is accessed with an external user device via a backdoor interface on the outside of the transceiver module.
US08498537B2
The present invention relates to an optical cross-connect apparatus supporting plural directions, and provides a method of effectively performing an alarm indication by a node supervisory unit of the optical cross-connect apparatus. The node supervisory unit includes an alarm indication information storage unit that manages a management table for each of the plural directions. The management table manages not only received alarm indication information but also “internal WSS input/output port optical fiber connection state”, “WSS optical path setting state on DROP/THROUGH selection side”, “transponder destination location”, and “destination direction”, with respect to each direction. Then, a process flow is added to match received FDI information with the management information stored in the management table for each direction, and to specify an alarm destination.
US08498536B2
The invention at hand concerns a method and a system for transmitting data in an optical transmission system. A measuring signal is generated having a wavelength which differs from the wavelengths of a data signal that includes the data to be transmitted. The measuring signal is coupled in the optical transmission system, reflected after passing through the transmission path and decoupled again. The coupled measuring signal is compared with the decoupled reflected measuring signal. By taking into account the comparison results, a compensation of the change of the data signal resulting from the dispersion in the fiber is performed in such a way that the data included in the data signal can be used.
US08498535B2
A receiver for a communications link includes a receiver module and a host receiver. These two components can be tested independently. In one embodiment, the receiver module is characterized with respect to noise and distortion. The noise performance can be determined by comparing input and output signals of the receiver module, to determine the relative noise of the receiver module. The distortion performance can be determined by comparing the distortion of input and output signals of the receiver module, using a reference host receiver that includes an equalizer. The host receiver can be tested by using a reference receiver module.
US08498531B2
An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.
US08498526B2
A high speed cooking apparatus employing a low voltage high current system for heating foods employing a novel wire mesh heating element. The system herein described providing the benefits of high speed cooking like that further described by U.S. Provisional Application 60/822,028 filed on Aug. 10, 2006, but yet providing significant cost benefit and simplicity over said system.
US08498524B2
A vaporizer device of the type which is connected to the electric mains by a plug (1), incorporating a single container (6) equipped with a body of two or more independent receptacles (8) which hold different liquid fragrances in which respective wicks (2) are immersed and a lid (9) which closes the body (7) and renders the receptacles (8) independent. The lid (9) comes with openings (10) in correspondence with the positions of the wicks (2) for the egress and vaporization of the fragrance by actuation of one or more resistance elements (3), located in opposition to the openings (10), either with use of a manual pushbutton (4) or automatically in accordance with a pre-established program, diffusing the fragrances in a sequential or combined manner during predetermined intervals of time.
US08498520B2
A video system and process in which a series of video frames are encoded for fast forward and/or fast reverse playback, wherein a subset of frames are encoded as reference frames that have a hierarchical relationship with each other. The reference frames are I frames and predicted frames, such as P, B, or IDR frames.
