US08563328B2
A method for biosensing that includes passing, via convective flow, a sample believed to contain one or more target biomarkers through a microfluidic channel and over the surface of an optical waveguide that has been prepared to bind the one or more target biomarkers, and sensing for an emission output from the optical waveguide at a wavelength that is characteristic of the binding of the target biomarker. A biosensor device that includes a module defining at least one microfluidic channel, an optical waveguide exposed along at least a portion of its length to fluid flow within the microfluidic channel, where a surface of the optical waveguide being prepared to bind a target biomarker, and an excitation source to couple an excitation wavelength of light into the optical waveguide. The device also includes a sensor for detecting emission light from the optical waveguide at an emission wavelength characteristic of binding of the target biomarker.
US08563316B2
The present disclosure describes simulants and methods of production thereof that imitate characteristics of known explosives, including characteristics at the microscopic and macroscopic level. For instance, the present disclosure includes a simulant with the same texture, granularity, bulk density, particle density, and porosity of a known explosive. The simulants described herein provide the macroscopic bulk physical properties and the microscopic scale properties of actual explosives.
US08563313B2
Particular aspects provide novel recombinant cells and cell lines (e.g., macrophage cell lines) that are permissive for propagation of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) propagation in vitro or in vivo. In certain aspects, novel nucleic acid sequences encoding porcine sialoadhesin were transfected into existing macrophage cell-lines from other species, rendering them permissive to PRRSV infection, and suitable for propagation of PRRSV. Particular aspects provide exemplary recombinant cloned cell lines that support the replication of PRRSV, with an obtainable PRRSV titre of between 2×105/ml and 2×106/ml. Additional aspects provide novel nucleic acid sequences and polymorphisms thereof that encode for porcine sialoadhesin. Further aspects provide PRRSV propagation and preparation methods using the novel recombinant cell lines, and methods for PRRSV antigen and vaccine production using same. Yet further aspect provide transgenic, chimerical or engrafted animals having cell comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding porcine sialoadhesin.
US08563309B2
The present invention provides a method of producing a cell mass capable of serving as a primitive organ-like structure comprised of a plurality of somatic cell types of somatic origin, comprising: preparing cultures containing the plurality of types of somatic cells; mixing the plurality of types of somatic cell cultures followed by adding a Wnt signal activator to the mixed cell culture; subjecting the culture containing the Wnt signal activator to non-plate contact culturing over a predetermined time period; and replacing the medium of the culture cultured by the non-plate contact culturing with medium not containing Wnt signal activator and further culturing for a predetermined time period; wherein, at least one type of the plurality of somatic cells is maintained in an undifferentiated state.
US08563301B2
A bioreactor processing unit (10) includes at least one cell culture module (200) comprising: a base (202) including a receiving station (204) for removably receiving a plurality of bioreactor vessels (400) at respective locations (206); and a clamp plate (240). The clamp plate (240) is removably connectable to the base (202). The system further includes a drive mechanism (226) and multiple fluid conduits. When the system is to be used for an experiment run, vessels (400) are loaded into the receiving station (204) and the clamp plate (240) is connected to the base (202), forming a connection between the drive mechanism and the vessels, for transmitting input motion from the drive mechanism (226) into multiple rotary motion outputs for turning a stirrer (416) in each vessel (400). At the same time, connection of the clamp plate to the base forms a fluid connection between the multiple fluid conduits and an input port (412) in each respective vessel via associated multiple outlet ports (256) in the clamp plate and associated fluid connectors. The system further includes at least one sensor (126a, 126b) that is mounted so as to be movable to a position adjacent to each respective vessel location (206) for monitoring the contents of each vessel (400).
US08563298B2
This invention features systems and methods for the detection of analytes, and their use in the treatment and diagnosis of disease.
US08563297B2
Disclosed are methods for controlling molecular interactions where at least one member of a pair of chemical entities having a pH-dependent affinity is immobilized on the surface of an electrode. By changing the potential difference between the electrode and a counter electrode, the affinity of the pair of chemical entities is changed, changing the tendency of the pair to bind or to dissociate. Disclosed are also devices useful for implementing the methods of the present invention.
US08563295B2
TRFs useful for identifying strains of interest are provided. A method of identifying one or more strain that can be used as a direct-fed microbial is also provided. One or more strain identified by the method is additionally provided. A method is also provided for administering to an animal an effective amount of the one or more strain. Additionally provided is an isolated strain chosen from at least one of Lactobacillus acidophilus strain PlB c6 (NRRL B-50103), Lactobacillus salivarius strain o246e 33w (NRRL B-50102), Pediococcus acidilactici strain o246e 42 (NRRL B-50171), and Pediococcus acidilactici strain PlJ e3 (NRRL B-50101). An isolated strain having all of the identifying characteristics of one of the strains listed above is also provided. One or more strain can be administered as a direct-fed microbial to an animal. Methods of preparing a direct-fed microbial are also provided.
US08563294B2
A cyanobacterial cell comprising a PSI complex which accepts electrons from at least one respiratory cytochrome is disclosed. Methods of generating same and use of same for the production of hydrogen gas are also disclosed.
US08563290B2
The present invention relates to pectate lyase variants exhibiting alterations relative to a parent enzyme exhibiting pectate lyase activity as its major enzymatic activity; to a method of producing such enzymes; and to methods for using such enzymes in the textile, detergent and cellulose fiber processing industries. Compared to the parent enzyme, the pectate lyase variants of the present invention exhibit improved stability in detergents.
US08563286B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US08563280B2
The invention relates to a nicotianamine derivative and to a process for chemical or enzymatic synthesis thereof. The nicotianamine derivative has the following formula (I). The invention finds use in the pharmacy field in particular.
US08563256B2
A process for measuring the amount of an antigen in a sample comprising the steps of binding the antigen to a solid phase, forming an antigen-antibody immunocomplex on the solid phase by applying a detection antibody that is specific for the antigen, liberating the detection antibody from the immunocomplex by applying a polypeptide that disrupts the immunocomplex by competing against the antigen for binding to the detection antibody, collecting the liberated detection antibody; and quantifying the liberated detection antibody to measure the amount of the antigen in the sample.
US08563253B2
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing hemolytic anemia or a predisposition thereof. It also relates to a method of determining whether a compound is capable of inducing hemolytic anemia in a subject and to a method of identifying a drug for treating hemolytic anemia. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a data collection comprising characteristic values of metabolites, a data storage medium comprising said data collection, and a system and a device for diagnosing hemolytic anemia. Finally, the present invention pertains to the use of a group of metabolites or means for the determination thereof for the manufacture of a diagnostic device or composition for diagnosing hemolytic anemia in a subject.
US08563251B2
The invention provides compositions (e.g., kits) and methods for determine the number of bacteria and other microbes in samples having low concentrations of microbes, for use, e.g., in biological warfare defense, microbe detection and agricultural and environmental sciences.
US08563247B2
A method of fragmentation of double stranded DNA is disclosed for use in nucleic acid analysis, notably in the multiplexed analysis of polymorphisms and mutations. The method produces a multiplicity of labeled sense and anti-sense fragments which are not complementary, and thus do not significantly re-anneal under conditions suitable for hybridization analysis (or capture-mediated elongation analysis) of the polymorphisms and/or mutations. The fragments display a desired or predicted length distribution. Cleavage sites can be selected such that the fragments are short, yet long enough to allow discrimination among fragments in an assay, and as a matter of statistical probability, such that the majority of fragments contain at least one labeled nucleotide to facilitate detection.
US08563238B2
A method measure expression of multiple target genes in a progenitor cell for bronchogenic carcinoma comprising the use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to allow simultaneous expression measurement of the multiple target genes is disclosed.
US08563234B2
Methods and systems for preserving tissues in situ using critical point drying are disclosed. Such methods and systems are particularly applicable to the preservation of a deceased body, such as a deceased person or animal, with or without removal of internal tissues or organs. A fixative can be perfused through the vascular system of the body while blood is removed from the body. The exterior of the body can also be immersed in a bath of fixative. The fixative in the vascular system and the bath can be replaced by subsequent washes of buffer, de-ionized water, and/or alcohol. The alcohol-infused and fixated body can be disposed in a pressure chamber and subjected to a critical point drying process using carbon dioxide. After the critical point drying process, the body is in a preserved state.
US08563230B2
A solvent vapor is made to adhere efficiently to the surface of a resist pattern without using an ultraviolet irradiation process to improve processing accuracy, to reduce processing time and to suppress the diffusion of the solvent outside a substrate processing system.The surface of a resist pattern R formed on a semiconductor wafer W by an exposure process and a developing process is coated with water molecules m. A solvent vapor of a water-soluble solvent, such as NMP, is spouted on the surface of the resist pattern R coated with the water molecules m. A surface layer of the resist pattern R is swollen by the solvent vapor combined with the water molecules m to achieve a smoothing process. The water molecules m and the solvent s remaining on the resist pattern R on the wafer W after the smoothing process are removed by drying.
US08563224B1
The present disclosure provides a dithering method of increasing wafer throughput by an electron beam lithography system. The dithering method generates an edge map from a vertex map. The vertex map is generated from an integrated circuit design layout (such as an original pattern bitmap). A gray map (also referred to as a pattern gray map) is also generated from the integrated circuit design layout. By combining the edge map with the gray map, a modified integrated circuit design layout (modified pattern bitmap) is generated for use by the electron beam lithography system.
US08563223B2
A photosensitive resin composition which has satisfactory compatibility in dry-film formation, has sensitivity equally to two lights of i-line and h-line, is excellent in resolution and adhesion, and can be developed with an alkaline aqueous solution. Also provided are: a layered photosensitive-resin product including the photosensitive resin composition; a method of forming a resist pattern on a substrate with the layered photosensitive-resin product; and a use of the resist pattern. The photosensitive resin composition comprises: (a) 20-90 mass % thermoplastic copolymer which includes comonomer units derived from an α,β-unsaturated monomer having a carboxy group and which has an acid equivalent of 100-600 and a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000-500,000; (b) 5-75 mass % addition-polymerizable monomer having at least one ethylenically unsaturated terminal group; (c) 0.01-30 mass % photopolymerization initiator comprising a triarylimidazolyl dimer; and (d) 0.001-10 mass % pyrazoline compound represented by a specific general formula.
US08563220B2
The present invention relates to a printing element having at least one polymer layer which has photoimageable constituents and a chemically functionalized polymer to make the polymer layer either more hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In one embodiment, the printing element comprises two adjacent polymer layers on a substrate in which the photoimaged layer comprises a polymer chemically modified with hydrophobic fluoroalkyl side groups to provide differential wetting with hydrophilic inks.
US08563217B2
A resist composition having; (A1) a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (I), (A2) a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (II) and being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid and (B) an acid generator, wherein R1, A1, R2, R3, and ring X1 are defined in the specification.
US08563209B2
A liquid developer includes: a carrier liquid and toner particles dispersed in the carrier liquid, including a binder resin which contains a thermoplastic resin having repeating units derived from a monomer having a styrene skeleton and repeating units derived from a monomer having an acrylic ester structure, and a thermoplastic elastomer resin that is a block copolymer, the block copolymer having a first block portion including repeating units derived from a monomer having a styrene skeleton, a second block portion including repeating units derived from an alkene having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and a third block portion including repeating units derived from a monomer having a styrene skeleton and these block portions being bonded in this order.
US08563206B2
A negatively chargeable developer includes: negatively chargeable toner mother particles including at least binding resin and colorant; and an external additive that is externally added to a surface of the toner mother particles, wherein the external additive includes polymethyl methacrylate that is within a range from approximately 0.4 parts by weight to approximately 0.8 parts by weight inclusive per 100 parts by weight of the toner mother particles and that has positive chargeability.
US08563205B2
Provided is a magenta toner containing toner particles that contain a colorant and a binder resin, wherein the colorant contains C.I. Pigment Red 57:1 and C.I. Pigment Yellow 180, a mass ratio between the C.I. Pigment Red 57:1 and the C.I. Pigment Yellow 180 being 99:1 to 10000:1, and wherein the binder resin contains a polyester resin that has a repeating unit derived from bisphenol A ethylene oxide represented by formula (1): wherein each of m and n independently represents an integer of 2 to 4.
US08563202B2
A method for stitching a first field mask to a second field mask on a wafer includes providing a photomask with a first set of targets and a second set of targets, printing images of the first set of targets and the second set of targets onto the wafer where the photomask is applied to the wafer having no previous alignment marks formed thereon for the photomask to align to. A first set of alignment marks is formed from the first set of targets and a second set of alignment marks is formed from the second set of targets. The method includes aligning a first field mask to the first set of alignment marks and aligning a second field mask to the second set of alignment marks. The images of the first field mask and the second field mask are thereby stitched together on the wafer.
US08563201B2
A mask and methods for making the mask and monitoring mask haze using the mask are provided. The mask includes chip areas that are separated by scribe lanes. A scribe lane includes a monitoring area that contains a primary pattern and an associated assist feature. The assist feature includes two parallel scattering bars. Regions in the monitoring area other than the primary pattern and the associated assist feature are covered with a phase shift layer having a transmittance smaller than that of the primary pattern and the assist feature. When the mask is exposed to a light source, the assist feature is not transferred onto a wafer but cooperates with the primary pattern to generate a primary transferred pattern on the wafer. When a region between the two scattering bars has mask haze thereon, a defect identification pattern is generated on the wafer near the primary transferred pattern following exposure.
US08563199B2
An elongated, chromeless, bridging feature is formed on a photolithography mask with an etching depth that causes a nominal phase difference of more than 180 degrees to energy passing through the photolithography mask. A corresponding photoresist feature is formed using the bridging feature. The phase difference may be chosen to minimize dimensional variation of the corresponding photoresist feature.
US08563194B2
An electrolyte membrane (1) includes a base material layer (1) containing a hydrocarbon-based electrolyte as a main component, and a surface layer (5) laminated with the base material layer (1). The surface layer (5) is a layer containing, as a main component, a polymeric material having a hydroxyl group and a proton conductive group. The polymeric material that constitutes the surface layer (5) contains, for example, a first polymer having a hydroxyl group, and a second polymer having a proton conductive group. A matrix is formed by cross-linking the first polymer, and the second polymer can be held in the matrix.
US08563193B2
A fuel cell system includes n fuel cell modules and a control device for controlling the power generation amount of each of the fuel cell modules. An m-th fuel cell module of the fuel cell system includes an m-th exhaust gas discharge channel for discharging an exhaust gas from the m-th fuel cell module, and an m-th exhaust gas supply channel branched from the m-th exhaust gas discharge channel, for supplying the exhaust gas from the m-th fuel cell module to an (m+1)-th fuel cell module for warming up the (m+1)-th fuel cell module.
US08563191B2
A fuel cell system according to one aspect of the invention is operated in an ordinary mode and in a gas leakage detection mode. The fuel cell system includes fuel cells, a fuel gas supplier configured to supply a fuel gas to the fuel cells, a shutoff valve provided in a flow path for leading a flow of the fuel gas supply from the fuel gas supplier to the fuel cells and configured to shut off the fuel gas supply, and a variable pressure regulator provided in the flow path between the shutoff valve and the fuel cells to regulate a pressure of the fuel gas in a downstream in a flow direction of the fuel gas supply to a variable pressure value. In the ordinary mode, the fuel cell system sets the pressure value of the variable pressure regulator to an ordinary power generation pressure value for ordinary power generation. In the gas leakage detection mode, on the other hand, the fuel cell system closes the shutoff valve, sets the pressure value of the variable pressure regulator to a higher value than the ordinary power generation pressure value, and performs leakage detection of the fuel gas from the shutoff valve. Such setting of the pressure value in the variable pressure regulator desirably enables high-speed reduction of the fuel gas pressure in the flow path between the shutoff valve and the variable pressure regulator.
US08563189B2
A fuel cell system including a plurality of single-cell units, each of which include an electrolyte membrane disposed between an anode and a cathode and which generate electric power by a reaction of a fuel gas in the anode and an oxidizer gas in the cathode, and a fuel cell in-which the plurality of single-cell units are stacked. A plurality of voltage measurement devices measure the voltages of the single-cell units, respectively. A control unit determines the humidification state of the fuel cell based on the voltage of a second single-cell unit wherein when the voltage of the second single-cell is equal to or lower than an insufficient-humidification-determining voltage which is higher than the predetermined voltage the control unit determines that humidification of the fuel cell is insufficient, disposed in the vicinity of a first single-cell unit, the first single-cell unit having a voltage that is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage.
US08563185B2
The invention relates to a process for the production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock, comprising: a) supplying a gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstock and steam to a reaction zone comprising a steam reforming catalyst and catalytically reforming the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock to produce a reformed gas comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide; b) supplying a molecular oxygen-comprising gas to the permeate side of a first hydrogen separation membrane; c) contacting a part of the hydrogen with a first hydrogen separation membrane, allowing the hydrogen to permeate through the first hydrogen separation membrane and combusting the hydrogen with the molecular oxygen at a permeate side of the first hydrogen separation membrane to produce all heat necessary for catalytic reforming the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock; d) contacting the remainder of the hydrogen with a second hydrogen separation membrane, which is separate from the first hydrogen separation membrane, and allowing the hydrogen to permeate through the second hydrogen separation membrane to obtain a first effluent comprising a substantially pure stream of hydrogen; and e) removing a stream rich in carbon dioxide from the reaction zone as a second effluent. The invention further related to a reactor for such process and to a fuel cell system comprising in series such reactor and a fuel cell.
US08563181B2
A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell having plural membrane-electrode assemblies and plates, fuel and oxidant humidifiers and heater exchanger. Heat exchange between a supply inlet and discharge outlet is carried out between first and second heat exchange mediums. Fuel gas and oxidant gas are directed to flow parallel to each other in the fuel cell. A circulation path is established through the fuel and oxidant humidifiers and the heat exchanger by interconnection among discharge outlet, heat exchanger, fuel and oxidant humidifiers, and inlet.
US08563167B2
A battery apparatus including a case, a battery cell, a battery-side terminal, and an engaging piece. The case has a width, a thickness, and a length. The battery cell is housed in an inside of the case. The battery-side terminal is disposed on a side surface at one end of the case in a length direction and electrically connected to the battery cell. The engaging piece is disposed at the one end of the case at which the battery-side terminal is positioned such that the engaging piece extends in a length direction a same distance as the case at the one end portion. The engaging piece is at an edge of the case in a width direction.
US08563165B2
The disclosure is directed to an assembled battery that includes a plurality of battery modules and unit cells. The unit cells of each battery module are electrically connected through a plurality of collars placed around a shaft member that secures the battery modules. The shaft member may also electrically connect the unit cells in some embodiments. In other embodiments, axial force from the securing shaft member deforms the collars to create the electrical connections. Alternative embodiments include engagement members secure the battery modules in order to eliminate the need for axial force from a shaft member to complete the assembled battery.
US08563163B2
A battery housing of a tool battery has a hook accommodation chamber and a battery cell accommodation chamber defined therein. A hook is accommodated within the hook accommodation chamber and is operable to lock and unlock the tool battery against a tool body of a power tool. Battery cells are disposed within the battery cell accommodation chamber. The hook accommodation chamber and the battery cell accommodation chamber are partitioned from each other.
US08563147B2
A hard bias (HB) structure for producing longitudinal bias to stabilize a free layer in an adjacent spin valve is disclosed and includes a composite seed layer made of at least Ta and a metal layer having a fcc(111) or hcp(001) texture to enhance perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in an overlying (Co/Ni)X laminated layer. The (Co/Ni)X HB layer deposition involves low power and high Ar pressure to avoid damaging Co/Ni interfaces and thereby preserves PMA. A capping layer is formed on the HB layer to protect against etchants in subsequent process steps. After initialization, magnetization direction in the HB layer is perpendicular to the sidewalls of the spin valve and generates an Mrt value that is greater than from an equivalent thickness of CoPt. A non-magnetic metal separation layer may be formed on the capping layer and spin valve to provide an electrical connection between top and bottom shields.
US08563143B2
An organic electroluminescent (EL) device having improved efficiency and service life is provided. The organic electroluminescent device has a stack structure including an emitting layer and an electron-transport layer positioned between an anode and a cathode. The electron-transport layer includes a first layer adjacent to the emitting layer which may be a mixture of at least two materials, and a second layer adjacent to the cathode which may be a mixture of at least two materials. The mixture of at least two materials may be a mixture of an organic compound and one or more other organic compounds, or may be a mixture of a metal or inorganic compound and one or more other metal or inorganic compounds, or may be a mixture of one or more organic compounds and one or more metal or inorganic compounds.
US08563133B2
Ligand compositions for use in preparing discrete coated nanostructures are provided, as well as the coated nanostructures themselves and devices incorporating same. Methods for post-deposition shell formation on a nanostructure, for reversibly modifying nanostructures, and for manipulating the electronic properties of nanostructures are also provided. The ligands and coated nanostructures of the present invention are particularly useful for close packed nanostructure compositions, which can have improved quantum confinement and/or reduced cross-talk between nanostructures. Ligands of the present invention are also useful for manipulating the electronic properties of nanostructure compositions (e.g., by modulating energy levels, creating internal bias fields, reducing charge transfer or leakage, etc.).
US08563124B2
Methods of forming an electrically-conductive mesoporous carbon structure with interconnected pores or highly interconnected pores, and the resulting structures are described. The structure is formed by providing a mesoporous template, filling the mesopores with an organic precursor, polymerizing the organic precursor, pyrolyzing the polymerized organic precursor, and etching away the template.
US08563118B2
A door facing blank is provided that includes a central portion, first and second side portions adjacent to and integral with opposite sides of the central portion, opposite interior and exterior major surfaces, and a design element including a molded portion and an embossed portion. The side portions include stile-receiving areas that are substantially planar. The molded portion is molded in the central portion to establish a first groove portion in the exterior surface region of the central portion and a protrusion on the interior surface region of the central portion. The embossed portion is embossed in the first side portion to establish a second groove portion in the exterior surface region of the first side portion but no protrusion on the interior surface region of the first side portion. The first and second groove portions establish a continuous groove in the exterior major surface.
US08563117B2
Nano-scale or micro-scale adhesive structures comprising an array of nano-fabricated, pillars, the pillars having coated upon, or having disposed on a working surface thereof, a protein-mimetic, marine-adhesive coating. Methods of fabricating the nano-scale pillars, synthesis of the protein-mimetic coating or wet adhesive and application of the adhesive to the pillars are described.
US08563108B2
Disclosed is an EVOH resin composition which exhibits coloration resistance and thermal resistance even at high temperature, and which has excellent adhesiveness to a thermoplastic resin composition. Such EVOH resin composition can provide a multilayer structure having excellent appearance. The EVOH resin composition comprises (A) an EVOH resin, (B) an alkaline earth metal, (C) an alkali metal, and (D) a carboxylic acid having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, wherein the contents of the components (B), (C) and (D) are adjusted to the specific range.
US08563105B2
A water-soluble film that is resistant to contact with small amounts of water and methods of making the same from water-soluble film-forming compositions, such as polyvinyl alcohols having a salt applied to a surface of the film and a method of making articles made therefrom.
US08563101B2
The present invention relates to a new pharmaceutical blister with reduced permeability to water vapor and gas. It is proposed according to the invention to coat conventional blisters with a silicon oxide-containing functional layer to protect against gases, water vapor and organic molecules.
US08563099B2
An artificial turf structure, in particular for sports fields, consists of a synthetic mat, having a substrate from which grass-resembling filaments project, and a filling layer formed by an infill material arranged between the filaments; the infill material forming the filling layer comprises a coconut-based vegetable material, in particular coco fiber and/or coco peat or other similar vegetable material in fibrous, ground and/or shredded form.
US08563077B2
A method of manufacturing a magnetic disk glass substrate has a cleaning step of cleaning the glass substrate. In the cleaning step, the cleaning is performed under an acidic condition using a cleaning liquid containing oxalate ions and bivalent iron ions. In parallel with the cleaning step or before or after the cleaning step, trivalent iron ions generated by oxidation of the bivalent iron ions contained in the cleaning liquid are reduced by ultraviolet irradiation.
US08563076B2
Provided are a substrate structure and method of forming the same. The method of forming the substrate structure may include etching a substrate to form an etched portion having a vertical surface, forming a diffusion material layer on the whole substrate or in part of the substrate; annealing the diffusion material layer to form a seed layer diffused downward toward the surface of the etched portion, and forming a metal layer on the seed layer. Accordingly, surface characteristics of the etched portion of the substrate may be enhanced by the seed layer, and therefore, a metal layer with improved adhesion and a uniform thickness may be formed on the vertical surface of the etched portion.
US08563070B2
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing citrus snacks. In this method, citrus fruits are sliced in a natural state and dried under reduced pressure so that the citrus fruits may be dried while containing the same nutrients as when fresh, thereby avoiding nutritional damage due to high temperature drying. Further, the citrus fruits containing various nutrients are provided to users in a snack form that allows more convenient ingestion, so that the citrus fruits may be easily ingested by children and the elderly to whom the supply of nutrition is essential.
US08563066B2
Nutritional compositions delivered in vivo in a time controlled manner sustainable over long periods of time, provide enhancing athletic performance, increased hand/eye coordination and concentration on the task at hand.
US08563062B2
A method for reducing sorbic acid precipitation in a volume of stable preserved syrup. A sorbate is dissolved in fluid having a temperature between about 150° F. and about 200° F. and is added to an agitated volume of bulk fluid having a temperature between about 150° F. and about 200° F. to form a sorbate-containing volume of fluid having a volume of at least 90 volume percent of the syrup volume. Acid is dissolved in fluid at a temperature of between about 150° F. to about 200° F. and added to the sorbate-containing volume to form the volume of stable preserved syrup.
US08563060B2
The invention relates to a plant food material comprising at least one cryoprotective agent present in the intracellular space of the cells of said plant. The invention also relates to a freezing method for a plant food product comprising the steps of; providing a plant food material comprising at least 70% water, applying a pulsed electrical field to said plant food material, adding a cryoprotective agent to said plant food material, applying a pressure to said plant food material followed by, a resting period of at least 30 minutes and freezing said plant food material. Thereby it is for the first time possible to conserve a plant food material and maintaining the texture as well as the taste of the plant food material.
US08563055B2
The present invention relates to an ensiling agent for forage, as well as a method for ensiling forage by adding said ensiling agent to forage.
US08563054B2
An anti-inflammatory agent which includes an oil-soluble licorice extract, prepared by subjecting at least one of a leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza and a water extraction residue of a leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza to an extraction treatment with an organic solvent and which has at least one effect selected from an inhibitory effect on hyaluronidase activity, an inhibitory effect on hexosaminidase release (i.e., inhibitory effect on histamine release), an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation, and an inhibitory effect on phospholipase A2 activity.
US08563053B2
A composition and method for treating a bone condition of an animal. The composition includes a nanoformulation of active ingredients. The active ingredients include Lepidium Sativum or other Lepidium extracts, calcium, vitamin D, and antioxidants. The method for treating a bone condition includes introducing the composition into the animal.
US08563051B2
Herbal extracts composition suitable for weight management in mammals is disclosed. The composition comprises a mixture of Garcinia extract, Green tea extract, Green coffee extract and Banaba extract. The method of reducing weight, and treating diabetes in mammals involve oral administration of the composition. The invention further relates to a method of producing and standardizing the individual extract useful for human health.
US08563044B2
In a dissolving step, a poorly soluble drug and a dispersion stabilizer are dissolved in a volatile organic solvent. In a fixing step, the organic solvent, contained in a solution obtained in the dissolving step, is removed by evaporation, pellet-form residues 1 are obtained by the organic solvent removal, and the residues 1 are fixed on respective bottom surfaces of a plurality of locations of a container 30. In a water injecting step, water 2 is injected into each of a plurality of recesses 31 of the container 30. In an irradiating step, laser light L, emitted from a light irradiating unit 20, is irradiated simultaneously or successively on the residues 1 fixed on the respective bottom surfaces of the recesses 31 of the container 30, and the residues 1 are thereby pulverized and made into microparticles and a microparticle dispersion liquid, constituted of the microparticles being dispersed in the water 2, is manufactured.
US08563042B2
The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition containing micronized fenofibrate, a surfactant and a binding cellulose derivative, as solubilizing adjuvant, preferably hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. The cellulose derivative represents less than 20 wt. % of the composition. The association of micronized fenofibrate with a binding cellulose derivative, as solubilizing adjuvant and a surfactant enables enhanced bioavailability of the active principle. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said composition without using any organic solvent.
US08563037B2
Disclosed are compositions, methods, and kits for joining together non-conjoined lumens in a patient's body including vascular lumens. More particularly, in various aspects, this invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for joining such non-conjoined lumens, including small lumens typically requiring microsurgical technique.
US08563033B1
An oral methylphenidate powder which is reconstitutable into a final oral aqueous sustained release formulation containing at least about 50%, or at least about 80% by weight water based on the total weight of the suspension, is provided. The powder is a blend containing a combination of an uncoated methylphenidate—ion exchange resin complex, a barrier coated methylphenidate—ion exchange resin complex—matrix, and a water soluble buffering agent such that upon formed into an aqueous liquid formulation, the formulation has a pH in the range of about 3.5 to about 5, or about 4 to about 4.5. Following administration of a single dose of the oral aqueous methylphenidate suspension, a therapeutically effective amount of methylphenidate is reached in less than one hour and the composition provides a twelve-hour extended release profile.
US08563031B2
This invention relates to matrix patches for the topical (i.e., transdermal) delivery of piroxicam and methods for the treatment of acute and chronic pain and inflammation therewith, particularly pain and inflammation caused by sports injuries or other muscle aches or injuries requiring the application of analgesic and/or anti-inflammation medication, in this instance, piroxicam.
US08563029B2
Compositions (including pharmaceutical compositions, foods, supplements, toys and treats) comprising a microbial exopolysaccharide are provided as well as methods for preventing or reducing diarrhea in a mammal wherein the method comprises administering a therapeutically amount of a microbial exopolysaccharide to a mammal in need thereof.
US08563020B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 4 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride. Preferred functionalizing agents include amino acids, thiols, hydrophilic polymers emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants.
US08563015B2
A cosmetic composition for caring for and/or making up the skin, lips and/or keratinous substances combines at least one ester of a C16 to C24 ethylenic acid and of a C16 to C24 ethylenic alcohol, said acid and/or said alcohol being of trans configuration, with at least one hydrocarbon wax with a melting point of greater than 70° C.
US08563013B2
Devices and methods for distributing a fluid, e.g., a fluid drug, are disclosed. Fluid-drug distribution can be advantageously utilized to help patients suffering from a disorder that affect fine motor skill usage, e.g., Parkinson's Disease. Some aspects are directed to dosing containers that are adapted to distribute one or more selected dosages of fluid from the container. In some instances, the containers are adapted to be operable by patients with hindered fingertip motor control to help dispense a fluid-drug, such as a fluid including carbidopa and levodopa. Other aspects are directed to a kit for distributing a fluid drug that can be stored with a longer shelf life in solid form. Also discussed herein are methods for distributing a fluid drug for treating a disorder such as Parkinson's Disease.
US08563009B2
Here we identify MMG and its alpha- and ketomycolic acid derivatives as highly bioactive lipids derived from M. bovis BCG (Copenhagen) capable of stimulating and activating human DC's at exceedingly low doses. In addition to their direct role as immunostimulators of human DC's we demonstrate their use in the development of a new generation of adjuvants suitable for human administration. We furthermore identify a number of highly active synthetic MMG analogues with great potential in cancer treatment, and for vaccine adjuvants against both infectious disease and disorders like Alzheimers disease.
US08563004B2
The present invention provides isolated polypeptides isolatable from a Yersinia spp. Also provided by the present invention are compositions that include one or more of the polypeptides, and methods for making and methods for using the polypeptides.
US08563002B2
This disclosure provides recombinant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigens and methods for making and using them, including immunogenic compositions (e.g., vaccines) for the treatment and/or prevention of RSV infection.
US08562999B2
The present invention addresses an ongoing need in the art to improve the stability of immunogenic compositions such as polysaccharide-protein conjugates and protein immunogens. The invention broadly relates to novel formulations which stabilize and inhibit precipitation of immunogenic compositions. More particularly, the invention described hereinafter, addresses a need in the art for formulations which stabilize and inhibit particulate formation (e.g., aggregation, precipitation) of immunogenic compositions which are processed, developed, formulated, manufactured and/or stored in container means such as fermentors, bioreactors, vials, flasks, bags, syringes, rubber stoppers, tubing and the like.
US08562996B2
The invention provides antibodies and functional equivalents thereof which are capable of specifically binding RSV, and means and methods for producing them.
US08562993B2
We have discovered that administering anti-ceramide antibody treats and prevents an array of diseases mediated by cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTLs)-induced killing and by damage to endothelial microvasculture, including radiation-induced GI syndrome, Graft vs. Host diseases, inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. We have also discovered new anti-ceramide monoclonal antibodies, that have therapeutic use preferably in humanized form to treat or prevent these diseases.
US08562980B2
Compositions of the present invention, comprising at least one digestive enzyme (e.g., pancrelipase) are useful for treating or preventing disorders associated with digestive enzyme deficiencies. The compositions of the present invention can comprise a plurality of coated particles, each of which is comprised of a core coated with an enteric coating comprising at least one enteric polymer and 4-10% of at least one alkalinizing agent, or have moisture contents of about 3% or less, water activities of about 0.6 or less, or exhibit a loss of activity of no more than about 15% after six months of accelerated stability testing.
US08562970B2
The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and the use of the nucleic acid or polypeptide in preventing and/or treating cancer. In particular, the invention relates to improved vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes encoding tumor antigens for use in immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer.
US08562968B2
The present invention relates to the use of a composition containing stem cells as well as CD6 depleted stem cells for the induction of a tolerance to allogenic transplants and/or for the treatment of blood, immune, and cancer diseases for time-staggered application wherein first the stem cells are applied followed by application of the CD6 depleted stem cells. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a compound preparation containing stem cells and CD6 depleted stem cells.
US08562964B2
A structured drug system that is useful for delivering a drug payload to a specific tissue or cell type is disclosed. The system is based on purified polymalic acid. This polymer isolated from natural sources is biocompatible, biodegradable and of very low toxicity. The polymer is extremely water soluble and contains a large number of free carboxyl groups which can used to attach a number of different active molecules. In the examples disclosed N-hydroxysuccinimide esters of the carboxyl groups are used to attach such molecules. The active molecules include monoclonal antibodies to promote specific cellular uptake and specific pro-drugs such as antisense nucleic acids designed to modify the cellular metabolism of a target cell. The pro-drugs are advantageously linked by a somewhat labile bond so that they will be released under specific conditions. In addition, the system contains amide-linked valine to encourage membrane disruption under lysosomal conditions. Polyethylene glycol groups are attached to extend the drug system's circulation half-life. In addition, fluorescent reported groups can be readily included to aid in visualizing and confirming drug system targeting. The drug system can deliver treatments for a wide range of diseases and is specially advantageous for treatment of neoplasms.
US08562963B2
A topical ophthalmic composition comprised of povidone-iodine 0.01% to 10.0% combined with a steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This solution is useful in the treatment of active infections of at least one tissue of the eye (e.g., conjunctiva and cornea) from bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal, or amoebic causes, as well as treatment to prevent such infections in appropriate clinical settings (e.g. corneal abrasion, postoperative prophylaxis, post-LASIK/LASEK prophylaxis). Additionally the solution is effective in the prevention of infection and inflammation in the post-operative ophthalmic patient.
US08562959B2
The present invention provides a foam composition comprising an active agent. In particular, the foam composition produces a water resistant, preferably very water resistant, film upon application.
US08562958B2
A hair cosmetic composition, containing the following Components (A) to (E): (A) benzyl alcohol, from 0.1 to 2% by mass; (B) dipropylene glycol, from 0.5 to 20% by mass; (C) malic acid or a salt thereof, from 0.2 to 10% by mass, in terms of the malic acid; and (D) lactic acid or a salt thereof, from 0.2 to 10% by mass, in terms of the lactic acid; and (E) a nonionic surfactant at 2% by mass or less, wherein a Component (E)/Component (A) mass ratio is from 0 to 5, and wherein a Component (B)/Component (A) mass ratio is from 1 to 50.
US08562957B2
Conventional hair cosmetic materials have difficulty in achieving both high improvement effects on damaged hair and excellent sensation upon use. The present invention provides an oil-based hair cosmetic material to realize hair cosmetics having both high improvement effects on damaged hair and excellent sensation upon use, and a production method of the same.The oil-based hair cosmetic material of the invention is those which comprise (A) a dibasic acid ester compound of general formula (1): wherein R1 is an alkylene group having a carbon number of 2-4, which may be mono- or poly-substituted, R2 and R3 are, independently of one another, an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1-4, which may be mono- or poly-substituted, R4 and R5 are, independently of one another, hydrogen or a methyl group or ethyl group which may be mono- or poly-substituted, m and n are, independently of one another, an integer of 0-4 with m+n≧1 (provided that the cases wherein R2 and R3 are both an ethyl group and m and n are both 1 are excluded), and (B) one or more oil agents selected from the group consisting of a volatile oil, an ester oil, a hydrocarbon oil, an animal/plant oil, and a silicone oil. Using this, it is possible to realize hair cosmetic materials and hair cosmetics that have both high improvement effects on damaged hair and excellent sensation upon use.
US08562955B2
A method of whitening teeth comprises the steps of contacting a stained tooth surface with an organic metal-ligand complex and an oxidizing compound, and exposing the stained tooth surface to actinic radiation.
US08562954B2
A one-component prescription fluoride treatment composition having both fluoride efficacy and sensitivity relief is disclosed. The composition includes at least one metal fluoride and a nerve desensitizing agent such as potassium nitrate. The invention further includes a composition having at least one metal fluoride less than about 1.15% by weight of at least one metal fluoride; less than about 5 percent by weight of at least one alkali metal salt having desensitizing effect; at least one carrier; and at least one foaming agent that has thickening property. The composition may be formulated into a gel, a paste or any other convenient form, some of which contain abrasives.
US08562953B2
A dendritic polymer and a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent employing the same. The magnetic resonance contrast agent includes the dendritic polymer according to the structure of SP-DZ-L)i)j or SP-DX-Z-L)i)j, wherein, S is cyclosilane moiety with j silicon oxygen residual groups, and j is not less than 2; P is CH2CH2Ol, and l is not less than 1; D is a C3-30 dendritic moiety having n oxygen residue, and n is not less than 3; X is C3-30 moiety having bi-functional groups; Z is a C3-20 moiety having a plurality of functional group; and L is a metal cation.
US08562949B2
This invention relates to a method of imaging vesicular monoamine transporters and to labeled compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of making labeled compounds useful in imaging vesicular monoamine transporters. This invention also relates to compounds, and methods of monitoring progression of a disease related to vesicular monoamine transporters.
US08562940B2
A process for preparing a mesoporous alumina is described, comprising the following steps: a) mixing, in aqueous solution, at least one source of aluminum constituted by an aluminum alkoxide, at least one cationic surfactant and at least one organic solvent selected from methanol and ethanol; b) hydrothermally treating the mixture formed in said step a); c) drying the solid formed in said step b); d) calcining the solid formed in said step c).
US08562932B2
The present invention relates to a method of purifying a material using a metallic solvent. The present invention includes a method of purifying silicon utilizing a cascade process. In a cascade process, as the silicon moves through the purification process, it contacts increasingly pure solvent metal that is moving through the process in an opposite direction.
US08562916B2
When a polyethylene bag with medical wastes received therein is supplied to a cylindrical-shaped housing and a compression device is used to lower a piston to compress the medical wastes, the piston is repeatedly caused to go up and down to accomplish stepwise compression whereby the polyethylene bag with medical wastes received therein is prevented from entering into a clearance between an inner wall of the cylindrical-shaped housing and the piston and from bursting due to rapid compression, and when cake obtained by melt sterilization and volume reduction with heating compression is discharged, a gate is fully opened to lower a lower surface of a heating device of the piston to a point distant several millimeters from an upper surface of a heating device of the gate to enable forcedly scraping off the cake adhering to the heating device tightly joined to the piston upon closing of the gate.
US08562914B2
A system for producing a deodorizing or odor neutralizing fog includes a tank with an input port and an exit port, and a fogging portion located within the tank. A deodorizing or odor neutralizing liquid is added to the tank upon which the fogging portion is configured to float. Compressed air is input through said input port and is expelled on the deodorizing or odor neutralizing liquid through at least one nozzle located on the fogging portion, thereby vaporizing the deodorizing or odor neutralizing liquid. The vapor combines with the compressed air within the tank to form the deodorizing or odor neutralizing fog.
US08562910B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus by which PCBs in insulating oil can be analyzed with high accuracy in a convenient, inexpensive, and rapid manner. The method for analyzing polychlorobiphenyls by measuring the concentration of polychlorobiphenyls in insulating oil comprises a step of, as pretreatment, bringing particles of a copolymer that contains divinylbenzene and a methacrylate organic monomer as monomer components into contact with insulating oil containing polychlorobiphenyls, so as to separate polychlorobiphenyls in insulating oil from oil content that is an impurity. The methacrylate organic monomer preferably has a diol type hydroxyl group.
US08562907B2
A hand sanitizer (2) comprises: (a) a first part (14) comprising a chlorite solution and contained in a first dispenser (4) whereby it will be dispensed as a spray or jet of liquid; and (b) a second part (16) comprising an acid solution and contained in a second dispenser (6) whereby it will be dispensed as a second spray or jet of liquid; wherein the chlorite and the acid will react to provide chlorine dioxide when the first part is mixed with the second part; and wherein a mixture (18) of equal quantities of the first part and the second part contains at least 15% alcohol by weight; and wherein at least a part of the alcohol comprises 3-methoxy-3-methylbutan-1-ol (MMB).
US08562904B2
A method for a powder-metallurgical production of metal foamed material and of parts made of metal foamed material includes mixing a pulverulent metallic material including at least one of a metal and a metal alloy; pressing, under mechanical pressure, the mixed pulverulent metallic material so as to form a dimensionally stable semi-finished product; placing the semi-finished product into a chamber that is configured to be sealed pressure-tight; sealing the chamber; heating the semi-finished product to a melting or solidus temperature of the pulverulent metallic material; once the melting or solidus temperature has been reached, reducing the pressure in the chamber from an initial pressure to a final pressure so that the semi-finished product foams so as to form a metal foam; and lowering the temperature of the metal foam so as to solidify the metal foam.
US08562889B2
A method produces a plastic cylinder head cover having an oil control valve holder as an integral part thereof by insert molding. The method includes a step of setting the oil control valve holder in one of a pair of molds that can approach and separate from each other; and a step of clamping the pair of molds and injecting plastic material. In the step of injecting plastic material, the oil control valve holder is set in the one mold with an insert pin being inserted in a hole thereof.Another a method produces a plastic cylinder head cover having an oil control valve holder as an integral part thereof by insert molding. The oil control valve holder includes a mounting surface on which it is mounted to a cylinder head, a hole oriented along an axis inclined to a plane direction of the mounting surface, and two faces containing open ends of the hole. The method includes a step of setting the oil control valve holder in one of a pair of molds that can approach and separate from each other; and a step of clamping the pair of molds and injecting plastic material. In the step of injecting plastic material, the oil control valve holder is set in the one mold with an abutment insert being abutted against the mounting surface near one of the two faces having a larger area than the other.
US08562885B2
Disclosed are multilayer film structures having annular profiles, and methods and apparatus of making the structures disclosed. The annular multilayer articles have a uniform thickness, at least four layers and comprise overlapped and non-overlapped circumferential areas; wherein the layer structure of the non-overlapped area is doubled in the overlapped layer. A method of making the structure includes providing a multilayer flow stream with at least four layers of thermoplastic resinous materials; feeding the multilayer flow stream to a distribution manifold of an annular die to form an annular multilayer flow stream; and removing the annular multilayer flow stream from the annular die to form the annular multilayer structure. Also disclosed is an apparatus, comprising: a feedblock, with optional layer multiplier, that provides a multilayer flow stream of at least four layers to the manifold of an annular die; and an annular die having at least one distribution manifold that extrudes a multilayer flow stream.
US08562883B2
An apparatus and method for the pelletization of waxes, wax-like and other materials having a sharp melt point include a vessel for forming the wax into a hot molten material. A heat exchanger then cools the molten wax to a temperature just above its melt temperature. The cooled liquid wax is fed to an extruder which further reduces the temperature and mixes the liquid wax into a thoroughly mixed extrudable solid wax. The solid wax is then extruded through die orifices of a die plate into a cutting chamber, and a rotary cutter cooperating with the die face of the die plate cuts the extruded solid wax strands into pellets. The die plate, cutting chamber and rotary cutter can have the same structure as an underwater pelletizer, but operating without water or liquid as a dry face pelletizer. The thus formed wax pellets drop out of the cutting chamber by gravity through an opening in the bottom thereof.
US08562873B2
A flame retardant resin composition comprising a specified metal oxide and/or trivalent phosphorus compound (A) and a specified phosphazene compound (B) together with an aromatic resin (C) added according to necessity. This flame retardant composition when mixed into resins, can provide resin compositions excelling in flame resistance, low smoke emission, heat resistance, moisture absorption resistance, dielectric performance, extrudability, mold release, thermal stability, mechanical properties, etc.
US08562869B2
Provided are a porous anode active material, a method of preparing the same, and an anode and a lithium battery employing the same. The porous anode active material includes fine particles of metallic substance capable of forming a lithium alloy; a crystalline carboneous substance; and a porous carboneous material coating and attaching to the fine particles of metallic substance and the crystalline carboneous substance, the porous anode active material having pores exhibiting a bimodal size distribution with two pore diameter peaks as measured by a Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) pore size distribution from a nitrogen adsorption. The porous anode active material has the pores having a bimodal size distribution, and thus may efficiently remove a stress occurring due to a difference of expansion between a carboneous material and a metallic active material during charging and discharging. Further, the anode electrode and the lithium battery comprising the anode active material have excellent charge/discharge characteristics.
US08562861B2
The present invention provides an oxygen-scavenging composition and articles formed therefrom. The oxygen-scavenging composition preferably includes an oxygen-scavenging polymer having an unsaturated bicyclic group, a based polymer, and an optional oxidation catalyst. The base polymer preferably includes a substituted or unsubstituted addition backbone, which may include heteratoms.
US08562850B2
The present invention relates to an emulsion for vibration damping materials, including an emulsion obtainable by emulsion polymerization of a monomer component, wherein the emulsion is obtainable by emulsion polymerization using an anionic emulsifier and/or a reactive emulsifier, and emulsion particles have an average particle diameter of 100 to 450 nm, and an emulsion for vibration damping materials, comprising acrylic emulsion particles each having a core part and a shell part, wherein the acrylic emulsion particles are obtainable by polymerizing a monomer component including a monomer having a Q value of 0.6 to 1.4 and an e value of −0.4 to −1.2.
US08562845B2
The present invention provides an ink jet print head having a channel shape that meets an intended purpose, and a method for manufacturing the ink jet print head. In the method for manufacturing the ink jet print head, an SIO SOI substrate is prepared which has a first silicon layer, a second silicon layer, and an insulating layer. A sacrifice layer is formed on the first monocrystal silicon layer. An etching stop layer is formed over the sacrifice layer. An energy generating element is formed on a surface of the SOI substrate. Etching is performed on the second silicon layer and the insulating layer to form an ink supply port. The supply port is formed by etching. The first silicon layer is etched to form a liquid channel. A part of the etching stop layer is removed to form an ejection port.
US08562844B2
Block copolymers can be self-assembled and used in methods as described herein for sub-lithographic patterning, for example. The block copolymers can be diblock copolymers, triblock copolymers, multiblock copolymers, or combinations thereof. Such methods can be useful for making devices that include, for example, sub-lithographic conductive lines.
US08562840B2
A spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.
US08562834B2
A modular assembly for a portable hemodialysis system may include a dialysis unit, e.g., that contains suitable components for performing hemodialysis, such as a dialyzer, one or more pumps to circulate blood through the dialyzer, a source of dialysate, and one or more pumps to circulate the dialysate through the dialyzer, and a power unit having a housing that contains suitable components for providing operating power to the pumps of the dialysis unit. The power unit may be selectively connected to the dialysis unit and provide power (e.g., pneumatic power in the form of pressure and/or vacuum) to the dialysis unit for the pumps when connected to the dialysis unit, but may be incapable of providing power to the dialysis unit when disconnected from the dialysis unit. The dialysis unit and the power unit are sized and weighted to each be carried by hand by a human.
US08562832B2
A three-stage separator system for separating the solids and liquids from a slurry includes a first stage having an inclined housing defining a liquid channel. A slot sieve is disposed over an open surface of the channel. A mechanical vibrator assembly imparts mechanical vibration to a vibration zone of the slot sieve. A slurry delivery apparatus delivers the slurry to the slot sieve. A second stage includes an inclined conveyer positioned to convey partially-separated solids and includes a drive mechanism driven at a speed to cause the partially-separated solids to tumble as they are transported up the conveyor. A third stage includes a press positioned to accept partially-separated solids passing out of the tunnel press restrictor.
US08562828B2
A wastewater treatment apparatus (10) that treats the wastewater containing persistent substances, according to the present invention, includes a wastewater treatment bath (12) for treating a wastewater (11), an oxidizing reagent adding unit (14) for adding an oxidizing reagent (13) in the wastewater treatment bath (12), and an alkaline reagent adding unit (16) for adding an alkaline reagent (15) in the wastewater treatment bath (12). By making the wastewater in the wastewater treatment bath (12) in the alkaline condition, it is possible to completely decompose the persistent substances in the wastewater by the oxidation treatment using an oxidizing reagent.
US08562826B2
The plunger used as the upper enclosure in a preparative chromatography column is suspended by one or more rods that are supported by a frame through coupling connections on the frame that can fix the position of the rod(s) relative to the frame, while the position of the rod(s) is controlled by a motorized drive system that is suspended above the column. The drive system is mounted either to the column lid or to a functional plate positioned a short distance above the column lid. These constructions allow the plunger to be raised and lowered so that the column and its parts can be exchanged, all without the need for a hoist or crane.
US08562815B2
Provided is a glucose sensor including a titanium dioxide-graphene composite having a porous structure. More particularly, the glucose sensor includes a working electrode having the titanium dioxide-graphene composite having the porous structure and an enzyme to provide features that allow a current flow to be excellent, a current to be sensitively changed depending on a change in electric potential, sensitivity to be high, and a low voltage characteristic to be excellent.
US08562810B2
Methods for enhancing alkalinity and performance of ash-based detergents are disclosed. Nonhazardous ash-based detergent alkalinity is enhanced through increasing the ratio of sodium hydroxide to ash-based alkalinity. Methods according to the invention do not require the addition of chemical ingredients, do not generate additional waste streams and use the entirety of the ash-based detergent. The methods according to the invention provide alkalinity-enhanced detergent use solutions that are sufficiently concentrated for adequate cleaning capability while only requiring minimal amounts of the use solution to be dispensed for an in situ cleaning process.
US08562809B2
A method of forming a bioelectronic device including a protein on an electrically conductive substrate, by electrodepositing aminopolysaccharide chitosan on the substrate while applying a cathodic voltage to the substrate, to form an aminopolysaccharide chitosan film thereon, applying an anodic voltage to the substrate in the presence of NaCl to activate the aminopolysaccharide chitosan film so that it is reactive with protein. The method also optionally includes reacting the aminopolysaccharide film, after activation thereof, with the protein, so that the protein assembles on and is coupled to the substrate, thereby forming a bioelectronic device. The protein can include single or multiple protein species, and including biosensing proteins. Additional methods include biosensing of electrochemically active compounds either present in a sample or generated during a biological recognition event and devices useful in such methods. The resulting devices are useful as sensors in hand-held devices, textiles, garments and the like.
US08562804B2
Indirect detection and/or identification of analytes by ITP can be enhanced by adding a mixture of labeled carrier ampholytes (CAs) to the sample to provide a continuous range of mobility markers. Each analyte can be detected and quantified by corresponding gaps in the CA signal. This approach does not require a priori choice of fluorophores and can be readily applied (without extensive and specific design) to a wide range of analytes. Analyte identification can be expedited by computing a normalized signal integral (NSI) from the CA signals. Empirical calibrations can relate the NSI to effective mobility. Effective mobility results under two or more different pH conditions can be used to determine analyte pKa and fully ionized mobility, which are analyte properties that can facilitate analyte identification.
US08562803B2
A fluid treatment apparatus for treating a fluid comprises an electrochemical cell having fluid orifices to receive and release fluid, and a fluid passageway connecting the orifices with a water-splitting ion exchange membrane is exposed to the fluid in the passageway. First and second electrodes are positioned about the membrane. The apparatus also comprises a controller to control and operate a power supply and valve system. The power supply supplies a current to the first and second electrodes at sufficiently high current density to result in bacteriostasis, deactivation, or a reduction in the microorganisms in the fluid. The controller can also operate a set of cells to deionize fluid and regenerate the cells.
US08562798B2
A physical vapor deposition reactor includes a metal sputter target, a D.C. sputter power source coupled to the metal sputter target and a wafer support pedestal facing the metal sputter target. A movable magnet array is adjacent a side of the metal sputter target opposite the wafer support pedestal. A solid metal RF feed rod engages the metal sputter target and extends from a surface of the target on a side opposite the wafer support pedestal. A VHF impedance match circuit is coupled to an end of the RF feed rod opposite the metal sputter target and a VHF RF power generator coupled to said VHF impedance match circuit. Preferably, the reactor of further includes a center axle about which the movable magnet array is rotatable, the center axle having an axially extending hollow passageway, the RF feed rod extending through the passageway.
US08562791B2
A system and method for decontaminating water and generating water vapor includes introducing contaminated water in to a vessel. The water is moved through a series of rotating trays alternately separated by stationary baffles so as to swirl and heat the water to effect the vaporization thereof to produce a vapor having at least some of the contaminants separated therefrom. The vapor is removed from the vessel for condensing apart from the separated contaminants and the remaining water. The vapor may be passed through a turbine connected to an electric generator. Sensors in a controller may be employed to adjust the speed of rotation of the trays or water input into the vessel in response to the sensed conditions. The treated water may be recirculated and reprocessed through the vessel to increase the purification thereof.
US08562789B2
A process for manufacturing fiberboard by preparing a fiber slurry mixture including containing cellulose fibers and water then atomizing a liquid bituminous material, such as asphalt. The liquid bituminous material is atomized by mixing it with a pressurized gas, such as compressed air, forming a mist comprising droplets of bituminous material having a diameter between 20 microns and 50 microns. A water spray solidifies the bituminous material droplets thereby forming bituminous particles which fall into the fiber slurry within the spray chamber. From there the slurry is sheared, dewatered, and dried, forming a finished fiberboard.
US08562779B2
Methods and apparatus provide for laminating a plastics molding with spatial surface contours, in particular for interior trims of motor vehicles, using a backing layer and a decorative layer, where an edge region of the decorative layer, which edge region is provided as a bent-around region, extends beyond the nearby corresponding edge of the backing layer with an exposed rear-side region, including: heating a strip-shaped mold part and placing the heated mold part on the bent-around region of the decorative layer and melting part of the bent-around region; turning the bent-around region over the nearby edge of the backing layer and placing the rear-side region of the bent-around region on the second side, which is positioned opposite the first side, of the backing layer, and pressing the bent-around region onto the backing layer with a second mold part, situated opposite the first mold part.
US08562775B2
A coating composition is based on a polyester mixed with an alkyl-etherified melamine formaldehyde. The coating composition is partially cured in a first stage to provide a thermoformable partially cured, tack-free, non-blocking, coating layer, followed by application to generally a contoured substrate and thermoforming to conform thereto. The contoured partially cured coating layer is then heat cured to form a cured coating. A hydroxyl-terminated polyoxetane containing repeat units derived from oxetane monomers having one or two pendent —CH2—O—(CH2)n—Rf groups, wherein Rf is partially or fully fluorinated, can be esterified with polyester-forming reactants to form a fluorinated polyoxetane-modified polyester.
US08562768B2
The main subject of the present invention are solid compounds capable of generating hydrogen by a self-sustaining combustion reaction. Their composition comprises borazane and/or polyaminoborane and at least one inorganic oxidant, advantageously chosen from ammonium nitrate, alkali metal nitrates, alkaline-earth metal nitrates, metal nitrates, metal oxides, oxidants of the family of dinitramines and mixtures thereof. It also relates to the generation of hydrogen by self-sustaining combustion of at least one such compound.
US08562760B2
Disclosed herein are iron-based alloys having a microstructure comprising a fine-grained ferritic matrix and having a 60+ Rockwell C surface, wherein the ferritic matrix comprises <10 μm Nb and W carbide precipitates. Also disclosed are methods of welding comprising forming a crack free hardbanding weld overlay coating with such an iron-based alloy. Also disclosed are methods of designing an alloy capable of forming a crack free hardbanding weld overlay, the methods comprising the steps of determining an amorphous forming epicenter composition, determining a variant composition having a predetermined change in constituent elements from the amorphous forming epicenter composition, and forming and analyzing an alloy having the variant composition.
US08562757B2
An Mg-based alloy plated steel material superior in adhesion and corrosion resistance characterized by being provided with a hot dip Mg-based alloy plating layer (preferably containing Zn: 15 atm % to less than 45 atm %).
US08562755B1
A lead-free solder composition including about 90% to about 99% by weight of a lead-free tin solder based on the total weight of the lead-free solder composition and about 1% to about 10% by weight of a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane based on the total weight of the lead-free solder composition.
US08562753B2
Disclosed are a nozzle cleaning apparatus and a nozzle cleaning method, which are capable of effectively cleaning a nozzle for discharging a process liquid to a substrate. A nozzle 30 is accommodated in a cleaning container 2 having a funnel-shaped portion 2b. A solvent T as a cleaning liquid is supplied along an inner surface of the funnel-shaped portion 2b. The solvent T forms a vortex flow whirling around the nozzle 30. By exposing the nozzle 30 to the vortex flow, the nozzle 30 can be effectively, thoroughly cleaned.
US08562751B2
A dry cleaning method of a substrate processing apparatus includes forming a metal oxide by oxidizing a metal film adhered to the inside of a processing chamber of the substrate processing apparatus; forming a complex by reacting the metal oxide with β-diketone; and sublimating the complex to be removed. A cleaning gas containing oxygen and β-diketone is supplied into the processing chamber while heating the inside of the processing chamber. A flow rate ratio of oxygen to β-diketone in the cleaning gas is set such that a formation rate of the metal oxide is lower than a formation rate of the complex.
US08562750B2
A method and apparatus for processing a bevel edge is provided. A substrate is placed in a bevel processing chamber and a passivation layer is formed on the substrate only around a bevel region of the substrate using a passivation plasma confined in a peripheral region of the bevel processing chamber. The substrate may undergo a subsequent semiconductor process, during which the bevel edge region of the substrate is protected by the passivation layer. Alternatively, the passivation layer may be patterned using a patterning plasma formed in an outer peripheral region of the processing chamber, the patterning plasma being confined by increasing plasma confinement. The passivation layer on outer edge portion of the bevel region is removed, while the passivation layer on an inner portion of the bevel region is maintained. The bevel edge of the substrate may be cleaned using the patterned passivation layer as a protective mask.
US08562731B2
The present invention describes a fungal modified chitosan adhesive for binding a fibrous material and the method of producing the adhesive. The adhesive is produced by providing a chitosan containing raw material; a fungal growing medium; a fungal culture; mixing the raw material, the growing medium and the fungal culture together to produce a suspension; incubating the suspension to produce a broth comprising a modified chitosan solid, an at least partially-consumed medium liquid and a fungal residue; separating the modified chitosan solid from the liquid and the fungal residue, and dissolving the modified chitosan solid to produce the adhesive resin.
US08562728B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing proton-conducting clay particles, successively comprising the following steps: a) a step of activating a clay powder, comprising a step in which the said powder is subjected to a gas plasma; b) a grafting step comprising a step of placing the activated powder obtained from step a) in contact with a solution comprising at least one compound comprising at least one group chosen from —PO3H2, —CO2H and —SO3H and salts thereof and comprising at least one group capable of grafting onto the surface of the said powder. Use of these particles for the manufacture of fuel cell membranes.
US08562722B2
A filter assembly is described herein for controlling the air passing therethrough. The filter assembly can include a housing comprising a cavity formed therein. The filter assembly can also include a filter positioned within the cavity and coupled to the housing. Further, the filter assembly can include a reinforcement structure coupled to an end of the housing and adjacent to a top end of the filter.
US08562720B2
A method of reducing silicosis caused by inhalation of silica-containing proppant, such as silica sand and resin-coated silica sand, and apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US08562710B2
This invention relates to a storage stable fertilizer composition in the form of pellets or granules comprising an organic fertilizer in admixture with a water absorbent polymer. This invention also relates to a process for producing a storage stable fertilizer composition, the process comprising: i) mixing an organic fertilizer and a water absorbent polymer to form a mixture; ii) pelletizing or granulating the mixture; and iii) drying the pellets or granules for a time and under conditions sufficient to form a storage stable fertilizer composition.
US08562709B2
A wire mesh mist collector pad having multiple density zones, the zones being arranged other than to provide a constantly increasing density gradient, provides a reduced pressure drop and increased capacity. For example, the pad can include at least three zones with the zones arranged so that the density gradient in the direction of gas flow through the pad varies from low to high to low or from high to low to high.
US08562706B2
An air filter is provided that includes, but is not limited to an air filter housing, which encloses an air filter chamber having an ambient air volume and a filtered air volume separated from the ambient air volume by a filter device. At least one interior side of the air filter housing enclosing the ambient air volume has ribs. The ambient air volume has air flowing through it in a flow direction operation of the air filter and sections of the ribs are situated parallel to this flow direction of the air and curved.
US08562698B2
Device for production of synthesis gas with a gasification reactor with a subsequent quenching space
The invention relates to a device for producing a crude gas containing CO or H2 by gasification of an ash-containing fuel with oxygen-containing gas at temperatures above the fusion temperature of the ash in a gasification reactor and with a connected gas cooling chamber and a tapered connecting channel running from one chamber to the other. The aim of the invention is avoiding known problems and reducing the amount of fly ash and the amount of ungasified fuel, wherein a weak eddy is achieved in the inlet to the subsequent apparatuses in order to avoid deposits there with a very compact device, wherein the risk of solidification of the slag in the outlet is also avoided. The aim is achieved, wherein in the tapered connection channel (5) eddy reducing or eliminating wall surfaces (6) running over only a part of the cross-section of the connection channel are provided.
US08562694B2
Reactive dyes of the formula (1) wherein B is an aliphatic bridging member, G is a sulfo naphthalene group or a sulfo benzene group of the formula (2a) or a pyridone radical of the formula (2b), R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently of the others hydrogen or unsubstituted or substituted C1-C4alkyl, (R5)h denotes h identical or different substituents selected from the group sulfo, C1-C4alkyl and C1-C4alkoxy, R6 is hydrogen, sulfo, halogen, carboxy, C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy or a fiber-reactive group Z1 of the formula —SO2—Y (3a), —NH—CO—(CH2)1—SO2—Y (3b), —CONH—(CH2)m—SO2—Y (3c), —NH—CO—CH(Hal)-CH2-Hal (3d) or —NH—CO—C(Hal)=CH2 (3e), R7 is amino, C1-C4alkyl or a fiber-reactive group Z2 of the formula —NH—(CH2)n—SO2—Y (3a), (R8)j denotes j identical or different substituents selected from the group sulfo, C2-C4alkanoylamino, ureido, C1-C4alkyl and C1-C4alkoxy, R9 is hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl or C1-C4alkoxy, R10 is hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl, R11 is hydrogen, cyano, carbamoyl or sulfomethyl, and R12 is hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, or phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy, C2-C4alkanoylamino, ureido, halogen or sulfo, X1 and X2 are halogen, Hal is chlorine or bromine, h and j are each independently of the other a number 0, 1 or 2; k is a number 1, 2 or 3; I, m and n are each independently of the other a number 2, 3 or 4, and Y is vinyl or a radical —CH2—CH2—U and U is a group removable under alkaline conditions, with the proviso that the dye of formula (1) contains at least one fiber-reactive group Z1 or Z2 are suitable for dyeing cellulosic or amide-group-containing fiber materials.
US08562673B2
A percutaneous stented valve delivery device including an inner shaft, a sheath, and a delivery capsule. The sheath slidably receives the inner shaft. A capsule proximal zone is attached to the sheath. A capsule distal zone is configured to transition between normal and flared states. A diameter of the distal zone is greater in the flared state, and the capsule includes a shape memory component that naturally assumes the normal state. The device is operable to perform a reversible partial deployment procedure in which a portion of the prosthesis is exposed distal the capsule and allowed to radially expand. Subsequently, with distal advancement of the capsule, the distal zone transitions to the flared state and imparts a collapsing force onto the prosthesis, causing the prosthesis to radially collapse and become recaptured within the delivery capsule. The capsule can include a laser cut tube encapsulated by a polymer.
US08562671B2
The invention relates to scaffolds for artificial heart valves and vascular structures comprising a biocompatible block copolymer. A method and means for producing said scaffold are also provided.
US08562660B2
Minimally invasive delivery with intercellular and/or intracellular localization of nano- and micro-particle solar cells within and among excitable biological cells to controllably regulate membrane polarization and enhance function of such cells. The cells include retinal and other excitable cells.
US08562656B2
A retaining mechanism for use in affixing a stratum to bone is disclosed. The retaining mechanism comprises a stratum, a shoulder element and a retaining element. The stratum comprises a first surface, a second surface, and at least one hole extending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the second surface is configured to engage at least a portion of the bone. The shoulder element is configured to engage the stratum and configured to at least partially overlap the at least one hole. The retaining element is configured to engage the stratum and configured to at least partially overlap the shoulder element such that the shoulder element helps prevent inadvertent backing out of a fastener after the fastener has been fully inserted into the at least one hole.
US08562648B2
An implant unit used in surgery has a body made from osteogenic implantable material and including an implant portion and a retaining portion, which is coupled to and extends transversely to the implant portion. The retaining portion is attached to the sidewall of the adjoining vertebral body or mammal bone to prevent displacement of the implant portion relative to the vertebral body or mammal bone and to accelerate fusion therebetween.
US08562641B2
Laparoscopic instruments and trocars are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. A generally C-shaped trocar provides increased work space between the hands of the surgeon as well as S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the trocar when laparoscopic instrument-trocar units are placed through the umbilicus. In order to facilitate retraction of intra-abdominal structures during a laparoscopic procedure, an angulated needle and thread with either one- or two sharp ends is provided. Alternatively, an inflatable unit having at least one generally C-shaped trocar incorporated within the unit's walls can be placed through the umbilicus following a single incision. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments may be placed through the generally C-shaped trocars to facilitate access to intra-abdominal structures.
US08562637B2
The present invention provides a method of deploying a medical filter within a channel in a patient's body and filter systems which can be used in such a method. Such a filter may include a radially expandable body 52 having an opening 56 in a proximal length thereof. In one method, the filter is urged along a length of the channel with the filter body in a radially reduced configuration. This body is expanded to substantially fill the lumen of the vessel and orient the opening in the body proximally. Body fluid is permitted to enter the filter body through the proximally oriented opening and pass distally through the distal length of the body so that the distal length of the body filters from the body fluid particulate material entrained therein. The proximal length of the body can be drawn into the retrieval catheter, thereby effectively closing the proximally oriented opening within the catheter to retain the particulate material within the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the filter body 52 is formed of a porous, resilient fabric having pores therein and the proximal opening 56 is at least five times the size of such pores.
US08562633B2
The present invention is a composite medical device having a non-bioabsorbable implantable tissue repair or reconstruction component and a resilient bioabsorbable support member component that aids in deployment and placement of the implantable component at a surgical site. Following deployment, the support member component is readily bioabsorbed and removed from the implantable component. The invention is particularly useful in laproscopic, endoluminal, and other surgical procedures.
US08562630B2
A method for inserting a stitch through tissue around a hole in an abdominal muscle or a hollow organ includes: inserting into the hole a body assembly having penetration members that move from an in-line position to a deployed position, and a suture cartridge assembly secured to a forward end of the body assembly, the suture cartridge assembly having opposing arm members that move from an in-line position to a deployed position and each holding a capture sleeve to which an end of a suture cord is secured; simultaneously deploying the penetration members through the tissue around the hole and into the arm members such that the penetration members capture the capture sleeves; and simultaneously retracting the penetration members and the arm members such that the ends of the suture are retracted with the penetration members through the tissue around the hole and into the body assembly.
US08562629B2
Suturing instruments and methods for placing mattress stitches in soft tissue allowing the practitioner to selectively control placement of each stitch of the mattress stitch and/or place the stitch deeper into tissue by pulling tissue farther into the device are described herein.
US08562624B2
A stone catching instrument for use, for example, as a stone catching basket and a wire filter unit for medical instruments, and method for producing the same, are provided. The stone catching basket instrument has a multiwire basket unit with several wire sections connected with one another as a cohesive wire complex, the wire complex cut in one piece out of a planar material in a rosette-shape and bent to form the wire basket unit. The wire sections extend essentially radially and are cohesive with one another at their inner radial ends at a wire linkage area. The wire basket unit when in a widened condition is arranged to catch particles caught through spaces between the wire sections, and when moved to a drawn-together condition, holds particles in the wire basket unit.
US08562621B2
A method includes providing a surgical instrument comprising a clear passageway, a first stationary finger, a first adjustable finger, and a first pull nut; inserting the first stationary finger and the first adjustable finger between two vertebrae; rotating the first pull nut with a hex drive, thereby separating the first adjustable finger from the first stationary finger and distracting the two vertebrae; removing a damaged disc from between the two vertebrae; and inserting an implant through the clear passageway and placing the implant between the two vertebrae. An apparatus includes a tray having a base, a first side wall, a second side wall, a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the base, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a passageway; at least one first finger coupled to the distal end of the tray; at least one second finger coupled to the distal end of the tray; at least one pull nut coupled to the proximal end of the tray; and wherein rotation of the at least one pull nut adjusts a distance between the at least one first finger and the at least one second finger.
US08562614B2
A medical device that is composed of a sterilizable material, is used to create thin cartilage discs, and includes a device body and a cover with a plurality of holding devices, each of which includes a section that with a recess located in the top side of the device body, the recess being entirely or partially enclosed by a delimiting ridge, and being closable via a projection located on the top side of the cover, and in which the lateral delimiting ridge has a guide slot, into which a cutting blade is inserted and guided via an end face of the section and extends, at a distance that differs for each section, parallel to the bottom surface of the particular recess. It is therefore possible to create thin cartilage discs having certain, different thicknesses and a consistent level of quality, even without using the known shims.
US08562606B2
An ankle fusion device has a proximal portion generally aligned with a first longitudinal axis. The proximal portion includes a proximal end and a first fastener hole. The proximal portion has an arcuate curve such that the proximal end is spaced a distance from the first longitudinal axis in a first direction. The first fastener hole is configured to receive a first fastener along a first fastener axis. A distal portion of the ankle fusion device extends to a distal end from the proximal portion along a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis is angled in second and third directions relative to the first longitudinal axis. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction being opposite the first direction. The distal portion includes a second fastener hole configured to receive a second fastener along a second fastener axis.
US08562599B2
An electro-surgical system actively maintains an optimal heating profile at the electrode-patient contact surface under varying load resistivity, thereby reducing the risk of burns and maximizing patient comfort. A set of temperature sensors is integrated within the electrode assembly of the electrosurgical system. The sensors are located both at the center and the edges of the electrode. The sensors are thermally coupled to the electrode-patient contact surface. As RF power is applied, a control loop monitors the temperature at the center and edges of the electrode. If the edge temperature of the electrode is high compared to its center temperature, then the control loop increases the operating frequency, effectively driving heat towards the center of the electrode. Conversely, if the edge temperature of the electrode is low compared to its center temperature, then the control loop decreases the operating frequency, effectively driving heat towards the edges of the electrode.
US08562598B2
An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.
US08562596B2
A laser-assisted method for fully or partially separating tissue such as collagen-containing tissue is provided. In one embodiment, the method pertains to a capsolurorhexis whereby the laser-assisted method is applied to the lens capsule. A light-absorbing agent is added into or onto the tissue. A light beam with a wavelength capable of being absorbed by the light absorbing agent is then directed at the tissue to cause a thermal effect at the tissue following a predetermined closed curve with the goal to avoid irregularity or potential tears in the resulting rim of the tissue.
US08562595B2
A method of retinal regeneration which improves retinal function by reversal of the degradation of the transport properties of Bruch's membrane. The method involves irradiation through the cornea of the eye to the retinal pigmented epithelium by a laser pulse or sequence of laser pulses having a pulse duration in the range of 10 ps to 20 μs and at a wavelength in the range of about 500 nm to 900 nm. The method applies a radiant exposure which results in the damaging or altering of the retinal pigmented epithelium cells in such a manner as to trigger cellular responses which improve the hydraulic conductivity of Bruch's membrane without causing irreversible damage to adjacent retinal structures and layers.
US08562583B2
A fluid transfer assembly, drug container, and method for enabling fluid transfer in an infusion system is taught. The assembly includes a fluid container containing an infusion fluid, and a drug container. The fluid container has at least one inlet port for receiving a medical substance from the drug container. The assembly further includes at least one fluid barrier controlling fluid passage between the drug container and the fluid container. The inlet port exhibits a first luer-lock connector, and the drug container is sealed by a cap exhibiting a second luer-lock connector for attachment to the first luer-lock connector. The fluid barrier is designed and arranged to be ruptured by an external force to allow the fluid passage.
US08562577B2
Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.
US08562572B2
The present invention relates to a sterile sample collection device for fluids and a method of using the same. It is comprised of a transfer device having a body with a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger. The body has a first and a second end. The first end contains a face designed to be attached to the upstream component. The second end is connected to tube which is then connected to a collection bag. The plunger has corresponding first and second ends. The first end of the plunger when in the closed position is in alignment with the face of the body which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the rest of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components.
US08562565B2
A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, other internal components in the housing, and a keypad external to the housing. The device includes a number of features and elements that enhance its operation, manufacturability, reliability, and user-friendliness. These features and elements include a shock absorbing element for a battery of the device, a keypad actuator layer that overlies a keypad assembly and forms a water resistant seal with the housing, and an offset element for a piezoelectric speaker that is located inside the housing.
US08562558B2
An integrated system for the monitoring and treating diabetes is provided, including an integrated receiver/hand-held medicament injection pen, including electronics, for use with a continuous glucose sensor. In some embodiments, the receiver is configured to receive continuous glucose sensor data, to calculate a medicament therapy (e.g., via the integrated system electronics) and to automatically set a bolus dose of the integrated hand-held medicament injection pen, whereby the user can manually inject the bolus dose of medicament into the host. In some embodiments, the integrated receiver and hand-held medicament injection pen are integrally formed, while in other embodiments they are detachably connected and communicated via mutually engaging electrical contacts and/or via wireless communication.
US08562556B2
A device for nasal lavage is described. The device ejects a gentle flow of fluid under pressure. The fluid stream provides a high quantity of fluid at low pressure. The low pressure fluid stream is more comfortable for a user than a high pressure fluid stream that are delivered by various types of pressurized cans of solution.
US08562555B2
The control of fluid introduction into and out of body conduits such as vessels, is of great concern in medicine. As the development of more particular treatments to vessels and organs continues it is apparent that controlled introduction and removal of fluids is necessary. Fluid delivery and removal from such sites, usually referred to as irrigation and aspiration, using fluid exchange devices that control also need to be considerate of potential volume and/or pressure in a vessel or organ are described together with catheter and lumen configurations to achieve the fluid exchange. The devices include several electrically or mechanically controlled embodiments and produce both controlled and localized flow with defined volume exchange ratios for fluid management. The applications in medicine include diagnostic, therapeutic, imaging, and uses for the introduction or removal of concentrations of emboli within body cavities.
US08562554B2
A device for inserting a flexible silicone intubation stent into the lacrimal drainage system of a patient. The device has an oblong hollow semi-rigid probe having the flexible stent releasably secured to its blunted distal end. The probe and stent are oriented in a side-by-side configuration for endwise insertion into the punctum. The stent can be temporarily secured to the distal end of the probe by engaging the probe's distal opening. The stent can be detached by injecting a pressurized fluid through the channel of the probe thereby forcing the distal end of the stent to pop off. The proximal extremity of the stent is secured in the patient by an integrated or separate punctal anchor.
US08562540B2
Methods and systems for modifying or enhancing vision are described. In exemplary embodiments, neural or neuromuscular activity is analyzed to determine a focus or other quality of a visual input, and the focus or quality information used as a basis for controlling an adjustable lens system or optical system.
US08562519B2
A cannula for a patient includes an elongate body having a length of at least 70 cm and a channel extending through the body defining a wall. The cannula includes a wire embodied within at least a portion of the wall. The body has a proximal end, a distal end having a tip opening through which the channel extends and a plurality of side holes through the wall in proximity to the tip for unimpeded flow of blood at the distal end. The cannula includes a barbed fitting at the proximal end. The cannula includes a suture wing for securing the elongated body to the patient. A system for assisting a patient's heart. A method for assisting a patient's heart.
US08562517B2
The invention relates to a medico-technical device for at least partially introducing into a body passage. Said device comprises an elongate, tubular, flexible internal body (2), an elongate exterior enveloping body (3) which surrounds, at least partially, said internal body (2) on the periphery thereof, and a device (4) for transferring the device (1) from a flexible state to a rigid state and vice-versa. The invention is characterized in that the internal body (2), which is in the form of a double tube (5), comprises an inner tube (6) which forms an inner wall (8) of the internal body (2) and an external tube (7) which forms an external wall (9) of the internal body (2), said external tube (7) surrounding the inner tube (6) in a concentric manner on the periphery thereof. The invention is characterized in that the device (4) for transferring the device (1) from a flexible state into a rigid state and vice-versa is embodied in such a manner that the external tube (7) lengthens in a radial manner by increasing the pressure in an annular shaped intermediate chamber (10) and exerts pressure on the enveloping body (3).
US08562513B2
An endoscope device comprising: an elongated tubular insertion part; a plurality of arm members which is provided in the distal portion of the insertion part so as to protrude forward and is capable of treatment with a treatment tool inserted thereinto; an observation main body provided in the distal portion of the insertion part so as to freely separate from the insertion part; an energization member which energizes the observation main body disposed within the distal portion of the insertion part toward the direction opposite to the plurality of the arm members in the radial direction of the insertion part; and a holding mechanism which resists the energization member to hold the observation main body in a state where the observation main body is disposed within the distal portion of the insertion part and is capable of releasing the holding state.
US08562511B2
A system for inducing a subject to fall to sleep includes a light pattern generator for generating a time varying light pattern in view of the subject. Further, the system includes a breathing rate measuring unit for measuring a breathing frequency of the subject. In addition, the system includes a control unit connected to the breathing rate measuring unit and the light pattern generator, for controlling the light pattern generator such that the generated light pattern has a pattern frequency substantially between the measured breathing frequency and a pre-selected desired frequency.
US08562505B2
Systems and methods for magnetic targeting of therapeutic particles are provided. Therapeutic particles comprise one or more magnetic or magnetizable materials and at least one therapeutic agent. Therapeutic particles are specifically targeted using uniform magnetic fields capable of magnetizing magnetizable materials, and can be targeted to particular locations in the body, or can be targeted for capture, containment, and removal. Also provided are bioresorbable nanoparticles prepared without the use of organic solvents, and methods for therapeutically using such bioresorbable nanoparticles.
US08562500B2
Method for producing cardboard tubes by winding a plurality of ribbons (U, L) onto a spindle (1), a preset number of the ribbons (U, L) being glued in correspondence of the lower or radial inner surface thereof, characterized in that a predetermined amount of supplementary quick setting glue is applied on the lower surface of the last ribbon (U) destined to be wound on the spindle (1), in proximity to at least a longitudinal edge (BU) of the ribbon (U) forming a corresponding stripe of quick setting glue (G) astride of a section (ST) of the same ribbon interested or intersected by a subsequent cutting action executed downstream of the spindle (1).
US08562498B2
Press rolls for washing or dewatering pulp are disclosed including a core, a mantle section attached around the core, at least one perforated roll plate extending around the circumference of the press roll, and including a plurality of mounting openings disposed between the end edges of the perforated roll plate and distributed around the entire circumference of the press roll, and a plurality of fixing pins corresponding to the mounting openings, each being anchored to the mantle section and surrounded by the corresponding plurality of mounting openings whereby movement of the perforated roll plate relative to the mantle section in a circumferential direction of the press roll is prevented.
US08562489B2
A device for monitoring athletic performance of a user has a wristband configured to be worn by the user. An electronic module is removably attached to the wristband. The electronic module has a controller and a screen and a plurality of user inputs operably associated with the controller. The user inputs include a user input configured to be applied by the user against the screen and in a direction generally normal to the screen.
US08562480B1
A powertrain includes an Electric Torque Converter (ETC) assembly interconnecting a primary power source and a transmission. An ETC clutch connects a clutched ETC input from the ETC assembly to an output of the primary power source. A primary transmission clutch connects a clutched input of the transmission to the output of the primary power source. An ETC output from the ETC assembly is directly connected to a fixed input of the transmission. The ETC assembly includes a planetary gearset interconnecting the clutched ETC input and the ETC output of the ETC assembly. An electric motor is coupled to the planetary gearset and configured to provide a torque thereto. The torque may be directed to either the fixed input of the transmission through the ETC output of the ETC assembly, or to the output of the primary power source through the clutched ETC input of the ETC assembly.
US08562474B2
Through holes are formed in a revolving gear which revolves while being engaged with a ring gear, and penetration pins for extracting rotation of the revolving gear are inserted in the through holes. The inner circumference of each through hole has a shape which becomes narrow toward its one end. A sliding member having a shape which becomes thin toward its one end is engaged with each penetration pin. The sliding member is biased in a tapered direction thereof by a biasing member to be in contact with the inner circumference of the through hole.
US08562472B2
A rotational shaft is provided in a spindle, a wheel mounting cylinder is provided which is mounted through wheel support bearings on an outer peripheral side of the spindle, and a planetary gear reduction mechanism is provided for decelerating rotation of the rotational shaft, which is transmitted to the wheel mounting cylinder. A carrier forming a part of the planetary gear reduction mechanism is mounted in a non-rotating state on an open end side of the spindle. A cylindrical coupling member is provided between an open side of the spindle and the carrier. An oil guide path is formed between a one-side end surface of each of planetary gears and an opposing surface portion of a cylindrical coupling member for guiding lubricant oil ejected from a meshing part therebetween to a planetary gear bearing.
US08562468B2
There is provided a pulley for use with a toothed belt capable of reducing the noise generated when the pulley engages with the toothed belt, while reducing the manufacturing costs and time used to manufacture the pulley. The pulley includes a disk whose inner circumference is fitly attached to a rotary shaft. The outer circumference of the pulley has teeth to be engaged with the toothed belt and flanges erected on both sides of the tooth, wherein the flanges have a plurality of through holes that penetrate through the flanges in a direction of the rotary shaft.
US08562467B2
A tensioning device for a belt or chain drive with a tensioning lever (2) which is provided with a rotatable tension roller (6) mounted rotatably a drag bearing (3) constructed as a plain bearing on a base housing (4), and radially at a distance from the axis of rotation (5) of the drag bearing (3); with a pretensioned torsion spring (11), which is constructed as a helical spring (12, 12′), disposed coaxially with the drag bearing (3) and connected at the spring ends (13, 14) thereof at the housing side to the base housing (4), and at the lever side to the tensioning lever (2); and with a brakeshoe (16, 16′ 29) which is disposed at one spring end (13, 14) and which can be pressed by the spring end against a component which can rotate about the axis of rotation (5) of the drag bearing (3) relative to the spring end (13, 14). In order to achieve good heat dissipation of the friction damping device and uniform stress on the drag bearing (3), the brake shoe (16, 16′) is constructed and is disposed at the lever-side spring end (13) of the helical spring (12, 12′) such that the brake shoe (16, 16′) is clamped peripherally between the spring end (13) and a radially directed stop surface (23, 23′) of a catch attached to the tensioning lever (22, 22′) and, via a contacting force (FS—R) resulting from the two peripheral tangential forces (FF—T, FF—T) from the helical spring (12, 12′) and on the helical spring (12, 12′), can be pressed with an outer cylindrical friction surface (17) largely radially against a cylindrical inner wall (19) of the base housing (4).
US08562466B2
A novel tensioner for use with flexible drives, such as serpentine accessory belts on automobiles includes a tensioner arm to spindle pivot design which employs a frustoconical bushing between an inner pivot surface of the tensioner arm and a spindle shaft. The frustoconical design of the bushing resists off axis movement of the tensioner arm and a wear take up mechanism biases the bushing into contact with the inner pivot surface to compensate for normal wear of the bushing and/or pivot surface. A thrust plate is mounted to the end of the spindle shaft and rides in a thrust washer, the thrust plate and thrust washer being held captive in the tensioner arm such that the tensioner arm can pivot about the bushing and the spindle and the thrust plate and thrust washer assist in inhibiting off-axis movement of the tensioner arm. In one embodiment, the biasing force which biases the bushing against the inner pivot surface of the tensioner arm can be varied to change the amount of dampening of the tensioner.
US08562462B2
A racket frame 2 includes a body 4 and a first vibration-damping portion 6 fixed to the body 4. The body 4 includes a head 8, a shaft 12, a pair of throats 10 extending from the head 8 to the shaft 12, and a grip 14 connected to the shaft 12. The body 4 includes a second vibration-damping portion 18, and the material of the second vibration-damping portion 18 is different from the material of the first vibration-damping portion 6. The ratio (R2/R4) of a side pressure rigidity R2 to a throat rigidity R4 is 0.26 or greater, a moment of inertia around an axis at a position of 10 cm from a grip end is less than 300 kg·cm2, and a vibration damping rate in an out-of-plane secondary mode is equal to or greater than 0.70 but equal to or less than 1.0.
US08562459B1
A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60), an aft body (61), and a sound modifying sole and crown design is disclosed herein. The face component, which may be composed of a metal material, (60) has a striking area portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61), which may be composed of a non-metal material such as composite or thermoplastic material, is composed of a crown portion (62) and a sole portion (64). The sound modifying design, which may include deep pockets or pillars extending from the sole portion (64) to the crown portion (62), alters the sound of the golf club head (42) when it impacts a golf ball.
US08562453B2
A golf club includes: a shaft case being inserted into a hosel from the upper end side of a hosel hole in a head; an extending member with a lower end side which is screwed into the upper end side of the hosel hole, into which the screw member is screwed; and a pair of attachments which is fit onto the shaft and interposed between an upper end surface of the shaft case and a lower end surface of the screw member and each of which has a half-split cylindrical shape, wherein: the shaft case is fixed to the hosel hole by the screw member pressing the shaft via the attachments; and the shaft case is fixable to the hosel hole by removing the extending member and the attachments and screwing the screw member onto the upper end side of the hosel hole.
US08562448B2
A joint structure includes a sleeve, a connecting shaft, a plurality of elastic pieces and a cross-limiting stopper. The sleeve defines a receiving shaft hole and a first cross slot communicating with the receiving shaft hole. The connecting shaft is partially assembled and received within the receiving shaft hole of the sleeve, the connecting shaft defines a second cross slot corresponding to the first cross slot. The plurality of elastic pieces is elastically received within a space formed between the sleeve and connecting shaft. The cross-limiting stopper is mounted to and partially received within the second cross slot, and partially received in the first cross slot, to enable the connecting shaft to be radially and adjustably installed within the sleeve and prevent the connecting shaft from rotating relative to the sleeve.
US08562445B2
Systems and methods for a flexible, dynamically configurable, process of connecting together modules or elements of a hybrid game having an entertainment game component and a gambling game component over a wide area network or the Internet. The systems and methods enable the modules or elements of the hybrid game to dynamically connect, and then perform their functions, without having to be pre-compiled or integrated. Such systems and methods dynamically bring together modules or elements to create a gaming environment in conjunction with a game of skill in the context of a networked gaming environment, such as a communication network within a casino, or a wide area network, such as the Internet.
US08562444B2
Items may be transferred between participants in a multi-participant gaming application through an item sharing object. The item sharing object may be activated by a participant during game play. After activating the item sharing object, a state of the item sharing object may be determined. If the state indicates that a prior participant has left behind an item that is available, then the left behind item may be presented to the current participant activating the object. Alternatively, if no items are available, the processing device may present the current participant with a quest, the completion of which may result in the current participant leaving behind an item for a subsequent participant activating the item sharing object.
US08562442B2
Systems and techniques relating to interactive gaming are described. A described system includes one or more site servers providing game instances to one or more devices in communication with the one or more site servers via a wired network, a wireless network, or both. The system includes a server system in communication with the one or more site servers; and one or more wireless mobile devices in communication with the server system. The server system can be configured to provide information about one or more of the gaming instances at one or more sites to the one or more mobile devices; receive, from the one or more mobile devices, an indication of a selected gaming instance of the gaming instances; relay gaming information between the one or more site servers and the one or more mobile devices; and provide gaming content and one or more gaming functions to the site servers.
US08562440B2
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that accumulate a presence history of an entity within a persistent virtual environment by repeated gathering of virtual presence information. The virtual presence information includes an entity identification value and a sampling time value. Once the virtual presence information is collected, the technology performs a general least-squares-fit to a set of basis functions on a portion of the presence history to create a coefficient vector. The coefficient vector represents a temporal profile consistent with the presence history and includes coefficients responsive to the general least-squares-fit. Once the coefficient vector is created, the technology characterizes the entity responsive to its coefficient vector and presents the characterization of the entity.
US08562439B2
A system and method are disclosed for facilitating development of computer games that depict or represent actual, real world geographic areas as part of the play scenarios of the games. A source database contains data that represent geographic features in a region including roads in the region. The data in the source database includes attributes suitable for use for providing navigation-related functions. In addition to providing data from the source database for navigation-related functions, data from the source database are also used to form a template database, wherein the template database represents an imaginary locale. The template database is provided for computer game development.
US08562436B2
A method of user interaction with an entertainment device comprises generating an audio-visual output for use with audio-visual reproduction equipment, initiating an audio-visual event as part of the generated audio-visual output, receiving input data from one or more game control devices associated with the entertainment device, analyzing the received input data to evaluate an involuntary physical response by a user interacting with the or each game control device occurring within a predetermined period associated with the initiation of the audio-visual event, and adjusting subsequently generated audio-visual output responsive to the evaluation of the user's involuntary physical response.
US08562434B2
An embodiment provides a system and method for sharing between computing devices via a sharing interface, a speech recognition program profile for one or more applications. Another embodiment provides a system and method for sharing between computing devices via an sharing interface, a speech recognition program profile for one or more games. In an embodiment of the invention a personal computer or tablet may comprise a computing device and or a sharing interface. In an embodiment of the invention a cell phone may comprise a computing device and or a sharing interface. In an embodiment of the invention a game play device may be a computing device and or a sharing interface.
US08562428B2
A system and method for playing component games in a gaming environment, where a component game is a game in which a physical prize, the prize to be won, is rendered in a graphical format and further divided into components (clearly recognizable parts of the graphical image). Individual component prizes are designed to be won by a player during individual game plays, that is, upon the occurrence of specific winning events while playing a chance or fixed-pool game. To win the component game prize, each of the components must be won and the combination redeemed. The component prizes are not intended to be separately redeemable game credits. In particular, the player may play for regular game credits or may choose to play for component prizes or portions thereof, not both. Component games create a highly enticing situation where players can be rewarded for long term play over a variety of machines.
US08562404B2
A card game program is executed in a computer device for playing a game using a plurality of cards. The identification information of each card is used to generate a combination of the cards for a game player. The combination of the cards is changed in response to an instruction of the game player.
US08562395B2
A system for a hand-held power tool has a tool housing, a receiving unit fixed to the tool housing and a guard unit connected with the hand-held power tool. The guard unit includes a guard extending at least partially around a rotatable tool. A guard anti-rotation lock device includes a clamping band fixedly connected to the guard that establishes a frictional connection between the guard unit and the receiving unit. The receiving unit includes a receiving flange and a connecting element that are together surrounded by and clamped in a clamping region by the clamping band to effect the frictional connection. In a case where the rotatable tool bursts into pieces during operation, the connecting element counteracts rotational movement of the guard unit with respect to the receiving unit by changing a cross-sectional shape of the clamping region.
US08562392B2
A polishing apparatus includes a polishing table with a polishing pad at an upper surface, and a conditioning disc carrying out conditioning of the polishing pad, and a moving mechanism (constructed, for example, from a swing arm) capable of moving the conditioning disc to a standby position above the polishing pad, and a spraying mechanism (constructed, for example, from a washing water nozzle) that sprays liquid to the conditioning disc positioned at the standby position so as to wash or wet the conditioning disc.
US08562387B1
A driving mechanism for a radio-controlled toy vehicle is disclosed comprising a radio controlled drive assembly with a frame, two (2) large central wheels, and two (2) small motor driven drive wheels. The large wheels are driven by two (2) independent motors with drive wheels attached which engage the outer perimeter of each large wheel. The drive train and power supply are positioned upon a platform of the frame. Front and rear midpoints of the frame are provided with a finger protrusion to support the vehicle when changing directions or when balance is lost. The wheels are driven independently enabling one (1) wheel to be driven forward while the other one (1) is driven backwards to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a center point. The motors can be driven in a simultaneous manner to propel the vehicle forward or backward. Proportional steering enables the vehicle to turn corners and produce movements that follow curves or arcs.
US08562385B2
A figure includes a body with a first portion including an inlet and a second portion including an outlet. The first portion is submersible in a liquid. A conduit extends between the inlet and the outlet. A pump mechanism is coupled to the conduit. The pump mechanism is operable by a user to draw liquid into the inlet, move the liquid through the conduit, and discharge the liquid from the outlet.
US08562378B2
An electrical connector assembly includes an insulative housing (1) with a trapezoid space (11), a contact module (2) assembled to the insulative housing, a shell (4) enclosing the insulative housing and a front cover (5) enclosing the shell. The shell has a top shell (41) and a bottom shell (42) assembled with each other, and the top shell comprises a base portion (411) and an extension portion (413) extending backwards from the base portion. The front cover includes a main portion (51) and a head portion (52) extending forwards from the main portion, and the head portion is enclosing the base portion, with the main portion enclosing the extension portion of the top shell and the bottom shell.
US08562376B2
A cable connector assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (10) defining a plurality cavities, a first connector (20) received in a cavity, a pair of second connector (30) received in other cavities, a cable electrically connected with the first connector and the second connectors, a metallic shell (40) shielding on the insulative housing and a capacitor (50) defined in the insulative housing. The capacitor is assembled behind the connectors, and includes two linking points (500, 501). The second connector has a plurality of grounding legs (300) electrically connected with each other, one linking point of the capacitor is connected with one of the grounding legs of the second connector, and the other linking point is connected with the metallic shell.
US08562374B2
A harness connector having a header assembly that includes a header housing that extends between a plug end and a mounting end. The header housing holds header contacts. Optionally, the header housing may be mounted to a printed circuit board at the mounting end with the header contacts being electrically connected to the printed circuit board. One or more plug assemblies are received in the plug end of the header housing along a plug axis. The plug assembly includes a plug housing holding receptacle terminals. The receptacle terminals extend along terminal axes parallel to the plug axis between mating ends and terminating ends. The mating ends are mated with corresponding header contacts. The terminating ends have insulation displacement contacts configured to receive, and be electrically connected to, corresponding wires. The wires extend from the insulation displacement contacts along wire axes that are generally perpendicular to the terminal axes.
US08562370B2
A power feeding side connector (electrical connector) has a locking lever adapted to lock together the power feeding side connector and a power receiving side connector at the time of engagement therebetween, a microswitch adapted to detect halfway fitting of the locking lever to interrupt electrical conduction, and a release lever adapted to release locking by the locking lever after charging. In the halfway fitting state, an intermediate portion of the locking lever is brought into contact with a spring piece of the microswitch to push it so that normally-closed contacts of the microswitch are opened to interrupt electrical conduction.
US08562358B2
A patch panel (100) for use with infrastructure management systems that utilizes a plurality of cables interconnected to end-user devices and work area outlets, and integrated circuits to monitor the status of these end-user devices and outlets includes a pair of circuit boards. A plurality of connective jacks (31) are mounted on the first (36) of the two circuit boards, and are interconnected to other network devices. Wires from the jacks extend to and connect with network devices and the first circuit board has a plurality of first integrated circuits (45) mounted thereon which monitor the status of the network devices connected to the jacks. The second circuit board (49) is spaced apart from the first circuit board and it includes a plurality of second integrated circuits (52) that convey the status information obtained from the network work area outlets on the network to network devices, such as switches and scanners of the network (104).
US08562357B2
A computerized educational method and system that provides educational content using a simulation situation. In one embodiment, one or more medical conditions and a question may be presented about a hypothetical patient using a video display system. The learner may select from a plurality of potential responses to the question. Typically, the plurality of potential responses are categorized into a correct category, a reasonable category, and a wrong category. Upon receiving a selection from the plurality of potential responses, the learner is provided with the category to which the selected response corresponds.
US08562354B2
A method and system for supporting and enhancing time management skills. Through the use of an electronic time management device, such as a cell phone or other portable digital computer based device programmed to support this method, the user enters information about a task which is then verified and “banked points” are given for correct entry. The banked points can then be used toward a socially desirable reward, such as sending text messages or playing music or watching videos. This is particularly effective in teaching time management skills to young students who may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
US08562352B2
Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed involving cosmetics brushes and face charts for strategic application of make-up. In particular, embodiments of the invention involve cosmetics brushes having markings color-coded to match make-up types, locations, and application steps within a sequence, as depicted on a corresponding face chart for the strategic application of make-up to achieve a desired look, using, for example, a code key to explain the face chart. Each desired look may have a specific face chart that uses color-coded markings to match a brush with a make-up type, location, and step, for a given purpose. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08562347B2
A dental implant has a dental implant fixture with a fitting hole at the oral cavity-side end, and an abutment with a fitting portion at one end which is to be fitted, not to be rotatable, in the fitting hole in the dental implant fixture.The dental implant fixture has at a side of the fitting hole opposite to the oral cavity an internal thread with which external threads formed on a cover screw and healing abutment are to be put into engagement. The abutment has a truncated-conical gum piercing portion with a cross section which is larger in area as it goes away from the fitting portion, and a columnar portion which is not circular in cross section and to which a dental prosthesis fixing device is to be attached. The fitting portion has an internal thread smaller in inside diameter than that in the dental implant fixture.
US08562344B2
A dental implant system includes a base member that is adapted to be embedded within a patient's jawbone at a treatment site. The base member has a generally flat top side defining an outer periphery, a bottom side, and a central opening. At least one recess is included in the top side for receiving an alignment pin. The system further includes an implant screw that has a head and a threaded end. The threaded end is adapted to pass through the central opening of the base member and into the patient's jawbone. Also, the head is adapted to be seated within the central opening of the base member after the threaded end is screwed into the patient's jawbone. The implant screw further includes a threaded opening in the head.
US08562343B2
A dental handpiece uses a single airflow input to drive both a rotor and provide a hydrostatic bearing. The fluid flow in the form of compressed air is applied first to the hydrostatic bearings and then subsequently to the turbine blades of the rotor without the use of any moving mechanical parts by the design of the air passageway being more direct for the hydrostatic bearing. This passageway is the form of a manifold insert which may be mounted within the handpiece. The handpiece includes a pair of frusto-conical cages separated by a C-shaped spacer which enables precise fabrication. The frusto-conical ends of the rotor and the mating frusto-conical inner surfaces of the cages are provided with a diamond like carbon coating.
US08562341B2
Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal.
US08562332B2
The invention relates to a device for producing goods for consumption, consisting of a fat mass, in particular a fat mass containing cocoa or a chocolate-type fat mass, said goods contains a large number of hollow moulds (1a, 1b) that can be filled with the fat mass (M) when the latter has been heated and is in a free-flowing state, the moulds being configured as depressions in a mould block (1). The inner surface of each hollow mould (1a, 1b) shell-shaped goods for consumption that are to be produced. The device also comprises a plurality of die-type cooling bodies (3a, 3b), which are displaceably mounted on a suspension device (4), a respective cooling body (3a, 3b) being lowered into a respective hollow mould (1a or 1b) and the outer surface of the respective cooling body (3a, 3b) determining the inner surface of the shell-shaped goods for consumption (M) that are to be produced. According to the invention, the plurality of cooling bodies (3a, 3b) that is mounted on the suspension device (4) consists of individual cooling body groups (3), in which several cooling bodies (3a, 3b) are coupled together and mounted on the suspension device (4). The individual cooling body groups (3) are mounted independently of one another on the suspension device (4).
US08562331B2
A pipe end is expanded with the aid of an expander tool (1). The expander tool (1) comprises a plurality of jaws (10) that are radially movable between a retracted and an expanded position. The jaws (10) have outer jaw surfaces which are intended for engagement with the inner surface of the pipe end and which lie adjacent to one another in the retracted position of the jaws (10) and have an at least generally circular arcuate shape in cross-section. The expander tool (1) further comprises a piston (2) or cone with a tapered end for moving the jaws (10) between the retracted and the outer expanded positions and the piston (2) is moved in a reciprocating manner in the axial direction before expanding the pipe end gradually in the stages. The axial reciprocating movement of the piston (2) is guided to rotate the jaws (10) to a certain extent in a circumferential direction after each expansion stage.
US08562323B2
An imprint apparatus is disclosed that forms, by pressing a resin applied onto a substrate and a mold against each other, a pattern on the substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a substrate stage that holds the substrate, and a control unit for controlling the position of the stage by outputting a manipulating variable on the basis of a position error between a position of the stage which has been measured by position measurement unit and a target position. The control unit reduces a ratio of the manipulating variable to the position error while the substrate and the mold are in contact with each other until mold release.
US08562316B2
In a variable capacity vane pump, a space between adjacent vanes is 1 pitch. A line that connects a half-pitch-advanced position from an end edge of an inlet port or from an end edge of an outlet port and a driving shaft center in a no-load state is termed a port reference line. A line that connects a center of a cam ring inner circumference side and the driving shaft center when an eccentricity amount of a cam ring is a maximum is termed a high pressure cam profile reference line. A line that connects the center of the cam ring inner circumference side and the driving shaft center at a low pressure when the eccentricity amount of the cam ring is a minimum is termed a low pressure cam profile reference line. The three reference lines; the port reference line, the high pressure cam profile reference line and the low pressure cam profile reference line, is set to be substantially parallel to each other.
US08562311B2
A linear compressor has a hollow piston with crown and sidewall. The piston reciprocates in a cylinder. A piston rod connects the piston to a spring. A connection between the piston rod and the piston transmits axial forces directly to the piston crown. The connection transmits lateral forces to the piston at an axial location away from the piston crown. The connection allows rotational flexibility between the piston and the piston rod transverse to and uniformly around the piston reciprocation axis.Other improvements in or relating to linear compressors are disclosed and claimed.
US08562309B2
A compressor includes a rotary shaft, a cam, a cylinder block, pistons, a thrust bearing, a rotary valve, and an oil passage. The rotary shaft has an in-shaft passage formed therein. The cam rotates integrally with the rotary shaft. The pistons are coupled to the rotary shaft through the cam. The thrust bearing is provided between the cam and the cylinder block. The thrust bearing includes a first race in contact with the cam, a second race in contact with the cylinder block, and rolling elements retained between the first and second races to form a gap therebetween. The oil passage extends from the gap to the in-shaft passage and includes an oil retaining space formed in at least one of the cam and the cylinder block.
US08562303B2
A fuel supply system has an in-tank module. The in-tank module is provided with a pump, a filter, a pressure regulator and a pressure sensor detecting a fuel pressure. The pressure sensor is disposed on or at a vicinity of the fuel pump so that the pressure sensor easily detects a pulsation component due to the pump. A fuel pump controller includes a speed detection module which detects the rotation speed of the fuel pump based on a cycle of the pulsation component of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. Thus, the rotation speed of the fuel pump can be indirectly detected by means of the pressure sensor.
US08562290B2
An air seal for use with rotating parts in a gas turbine engine has a matrix of agglomerated fine hBN (hexagonal boron nitride) powder, the particles of which having a first dimension, and of a fine metallic alloy powder, the particles of which having a second dimension. An hBN (hexagonal boron nitride) powder, the particles of which have a third dimension that is greater than the first dimension, is mixed with the matrix.
US08562289B2
A method and system for a fan assembly that includes a fan casing having a longitudinal centerline axis extending from an upstream inlet opening to a downstream outlet opening is provided. The fan assembly also includes a first substantially cylindrical casing segment extending circumferentially about and substantially axially aligned with tips of a plurality of blades extending from a rotor hub, the first casing segment including a first inner diameter that is greater than the rotor diameter, a second casing segment configured to extend axially in a direction opposite a flow of fluid through the fan casing, the second casing segment including a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter less than the first inner diameter and the rotor diameter, and a third casing segment including the first inner diameter along a first circumferential edge, the second inner diameter along a second circumferential edge, and a surface extending therebetween.
US08562287B2
A pump is provided including a cutter plate disposed at a pump inlet including a plurality of holes. Multiple embodiments provide that the pump includes a rotatable cutter blade disposed substantially adjacent to the cutter plate. Embodiments include those wherein the plurality of holes are angled in a direction of rotation of the cutter blade. In some embodiments, the cutter blade has at least one relief hole and at least one cutting edge. Additional embodiments include those wherein a ring extends outward from the pump inlet for channeling material toward the pump inlet in a substantially perpendicular approach with respect to the cutter plate.
US08562283B2
A fan array fan section in an air-handling system includes a plurality of fan units arranged in a fan array and positioned within an air-handling compartment. One preferred embodiment may include an array controller programmed to operate the plurality of fan units at peak efficiency. The plurality of fan units may be arranged in a true array configuration, a spaced pattern array configuration, a checker board array configuration, rows slightly offset array configuration, columns slightly offset array configuration, or a staggered array configuration.
US08562282B2
A large capacity wind power generator is provided, which includes an outer rotor including an upper partitioning plate having a plurality of spokes formed along a circular circumference of the upper partitioning plate at equal intervals and a side partitioning plate formed on one side surface of the outer rotor, the outer rotor having a lower surface and the other side surface which are open; and a windmill formed inside the outer rotor to be rotated by wind flowing through the outer rotor. The side partitioning plate is formed to have an area that is smaller than a half of the entire circumferential area of the outer rotor, and spaces between the respective spokes are open so as to facilitate an inflow of the wind through the side surface of the outer rotor.
US08562278B2
A side-discharge chipper body to be mounted on vehicle used to pull a tree limb chipper. The side-discharge chipper body includes a forestry box adapted to receive chipped landscape materials from a chipper, a side door pivotally mounted to the forestry box, and a conveyor assembly disposed within the forestry box and adapted to discharge chipped landscape material stored within the forestry box out the side door. The side-discharge chipper body can be mounted to a truck chassis. A chipper can be towed behind the vehicle with the side discharge body to provide a landscape removal system.
US08562272B2
In various exemplary embodiments described herein, a system includes a plurality of carrier arms each having concentrically mounted midpoints between opposing ends of the carrier arms with a wafer carrier mounted on each of the opposing ends of the carrier arms. A hub includes a plurality of concentrically mounted drives where each of the plurality of drives is coupled near the midpoint of a respective one of the plurality of carrier arms. Each of the plurality of drives is configured to be controlled independently of the remaining plurality of concentrically mounted drives. A respective motor is coupled to each of the concentrically mounted drives and is configured to move the coupled carrier arm in a rotary manner. A linear wafer transport mechanism moves wafers to or from select ones of the wafer carriers on the plurality of carrier arms to an easy handoff location for a load/unload robot.
US08562267B2
In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively.
US08562264B2
A restraint device for securing a tire to an apertured surface and which fits in a safe space under a vehicle includes a base, a support, an abutment and an activation system. The base secures the restraint device to an apertured surface. The abutment, which is attached to the support, which in turn is slidably attached to the base, is moved into engagement with the tire using the activation system to prevent movement of the tire. The activation system has a rotational device such as a lever. The abutment may have a wedge shaped lateral support, and a positioning spring to maintain the abutment in a retracted or extended position. The restraint device may have an indicator to show that the device is properly set in the apertured surface, and a handle that collapses into the safe space when not in use.
US08562256B2
There is disclosed a floating system positioned in a body of water having a water bottom, the system comprising a host member floating in the water; an elongated underwater line structure, comprising a top connected to the host; a bottom extending to the seabed and adapted to connect to a flowline lying on the seabed; a first portion of the line structure being shaped concave upward; a second portion of the line structure being shaped concave upward; and a transition segment between being shaped concave downward, the transition segment located between the first portion and the second portion.
US08562252B2
Systems for treating contaminated soil are described herein. One system includes a soil chamber that includes one or more walls and at least one floor; at least one heater attached to or inside of at least one of the walls; and at least one heater coupled to or in the floor. Two or more of the walls enclose an interior of the soil chamber. At least one of the walls is configured to move between a closed position during heating of the soil chamber, and an open position that allows a soil moving vehicle to access an interior of the soil chamber to provide or remove soil to and from the soil chamber. At least one wall heater and at least one floor heater provide heat that transfers from the heaters to the contaminated soil in the soil chamber.
US08562251B2
A fluid containment apparatus with a floor and a side wall is provided. A wall support is included that supports the side wall and can be moved between an initial supporting position and a collapsed position. The side wall is movable from an initial containment position to a collapsed state to allow access for vehicles or other objects to the floor. The wall support and side wall are subsequently movable back to their initial positions. In some arrangements, the wall support is movable back to the initial supporting position from the collapsed position but is not movable beyond the initial supporting position. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments the wall support remains in the collapsed position until a returning force is applied to move the wall support back.
US08562240B2
A connection device for assembling a receiver first section member presenting an inner cavity and a fastener second section member presenting at least one groove having a constricted opening, the connection device to be received in the inner cavity of the receiver member and including a cage forming a pair of jaws for engaging the groove of the fastener member through its constricted opening. The device includes a spacer member for spacing the jaws apart, and an actuator mechanism for moving the spacer member relative to the jaws, the actuator mechanism including a pivotable lever that pivots about a first pivot pin. Then actuator mechanism includes a connection bar connected to the lever via a second pivot pin and to an abutment element via a third pivot pin, the three pivot pins are parallel, the distance between the first pin and the third pin being variable by actuating the lever.
US08562236B2
An articulated device comprises a first member that is provided with a first set of teeth fixedly connected thereto. A second adjacent member is provided with a second set of teeth fixedly connected thereto. A coupling section is also provided on which the first set of teeth is hingeably supported around a first hinge axis and on which the second set of teeth is hingeably supported around a second hinge axis wherein the first set of teeth engages with the second set of teeth. A positioning device sets an angular position of the first and second members relative to the coupling section.
US08562228B2
A tape printer includes a tape cassette including a housing, a cassette housing portion, a feeding device, a printing device, a plurality of detecting switches that protrude toward a side surface of the housing of the tape cassette installed in the cassette housing portion, a first determining device that, if a part of the detecting switches is pressed, determines that the tape cassette is installed, and a second determining device that, if a specific detecting switch among the detecting switches is pressed, determines that the tape cassette is not installed at a proper position. The tape cassette includes a first pressing portion that, if the tape cassette is installed at the proper position, presses a part of the detecting switches, and a second pressing portion that, if the tape cassette is not installed at the proper position, presses the specific detecting switch.
US08562221B2
Disclosed herein is a spindle motor including: a shaft; a sleeve supporting the shaft; a hub including the shaft coupled to the center of rotation thereof; a sealing member including an operating fluid provided between the shaft and the sleeve and formed to be spaced apart from an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve; an oil sealing part including an oil interface formed between an inner peripheral surface of the sealing member and the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve facing each other, and a sealing surface layer formed on an outer side of the oil interface. The sealing surface layer is formed from an inner side of the oil interface formed in the oil sealing part of a fluid dynamic pressure bearing part toward the outer side thereof, thereby making it possible to improve an oil sealing effect in the oil interface.
US08562216B2
A tearable closure and a container with a tearable closure is disclosed. The tearable closure includes non-penetrating perforations or score lines in and across the tearable closure on a first side, and has continuous film material on the second side. Such tearable closure can be incorporated into one of numerous types of containers, including envelopes, boxes, and bags. The tearable closure can be a flap, a lid, or a tape.
US08562215B2
There is described a package (10) of laminated multilayer material (PM) with at least two layers (17, 18) coupled to each other, for granular products, the package (10) consisting of a parallelepiped container including, in the position of use, a bottom wall (11), a top wall (12), a rear wall (14) and two side walls (15). The at least two layers (17, 18) of multilayer laminated material (PM) have areas of non-total coupling at the front (13), rear (14) and side (15) walls.
US08562202B2
The present disclosure allows concrete to be produced on the work site, as and when required, and to limit the space occupied by the production plant.
US08562198B2
Disclosed are an optical member and a display device. The display device includes a light source, a plurality of wavelength conversion particles to convert a wavelength of a light emitted from the light source, a receptacle receiving the wavelength conversion particles and having a protrusion on an inner surface thereof, a sealing part inserted into the receptacle to seal an inner part of the receptacle, and a display panel to display an image by receiving a light converted by the wavelength conversion particles.
US08562187B2
Embodiments of a base for a lamp are shown and described, said base including a base member, having an attachment member adapted to attach a combined adjustable arm and lamp to the base member, wherein said base member has a mass sufficient to support the combined adjustable arm and lamp in all possible orientations; at least one outlet module housed in the base member; and a printed circuit board disposed within the base member, said printed circuit electrically connected to a household power outlet, said printed circuit board adapted to electrically connect the at least one outlet module to the household power supply, and wherein said printed circuit board includes a transformer adapted to transform the household power supply into an output power suitable for powering the lamp, and wherein the transformer is electrically connected to the lamp.
US08562181B2
A light emitting diode bulb comprises a heat sink, an insulator cover, a light emitting device package, a plurality of conductive terminals, a driving circuit, a holder, a metal screw thread, and an electrode. The light emitting device package, disposed between the insulator cover and heat sink, is covered by the insulator cover which exposes a portion of the light emitting device package. The conductive terminals are connected with the insulator cover and extend outwardly to be connected with the light emitting device package. The driving circuit converts an AC signal into a DC signal and includes upper conductive rods and lower conductive rods. The conductive rods are connected with the conductive terminals. The holder is connected with the metal screw thread and heat sink. The metal screw thread is connected electrically to one of the lower conductive rods. The electrode is connected electrically to the other lower conductive rods.
US08562178B2
The present invention relates to a passive heat radiator and a streetlight heat radiating device. The passive heat radiator includes: a heat radiating base plate; a slablike upstanding plate connected to the heat radiating base plate by soldering, and perpendicular to a horizontal plane when the heat radiating base plate is under a mounting status; a heat absorbing ending face disposed at one side of the heat radiating base plate deviated from the upstanding plate, and adapted to mount a heat generating element; and heat radiating fins connected to a surface of the upstanding plate by soldering, and perpendicular to the horizontal plane when the heat radiating base plate is under the mounting status. The heat radiating device includes a mounting seat and connecting seats. The heat absorbing ending face is provided with a bulb holder, or a circuit board is layout in the heat absorbing ending face, and connected with the streetlight bulb by soldering; the mounting seats are connected to the sides of the heat radiating base plate respectively; and the connecting seats are fixed and connected to the sides of the mounting seats. The present invention adopts an upstanding plate and heat radiating fins substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane to form a heat radiating channel with a direction consistent with that of hot air flowing, which improves heat radiating effect.
US08562177B2
A lighting device which can illuminate a large range with a simple configuration, and in which the LEDs or the mounting portions thereof are not likely to be damaged even when vibrations occur as a light source device which uses an LED as a light source, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The present invention includes a deformable flexible circuit board having an insulating film made of thermoplastic resin, a wiring layer formed on the insulating film, and an insulating layer formed on the wiring layer and made of thermoplastic resin, and in which a bent portion with a curvature radius “R” (mm) is formed at at least one position, and a plurality of LEDs mounted on the flexible circuit board.
US08562176B2
A light diode with a lighting body and connecting wires for operating a light diode are disclosed. The lighting body is connected with a separate cooling body associated to the light diode, wherein the light diode is maintained on the circuit board by means of a clamping mechanism.
US08562174B2
A lamp assembly, comprising a lens, a lamp housing in the form of an integral metal part, the lamp housing cooperating with the lens to at least partially define a lamp chamber that is generally fluidly isolated from an ambient atmosphere outside the lamp chamber, and at least one lamp provided in the lamp chamber and carried by the lamp housing. The lamp housing itself defines a heat sink exposed to the ambient atmosphere outside the lamp chamber such that heat from the at least one lamp is transmitted to the ambient atmosphere.
US08562166B1
An illuminated headgear (10), with an energy absorbing support structure (11), operationally coupled to an outer shell (12), with illuminated graphical display units, containing graphical representations that are illuminated by lights (25a-25f) energized in a timed mode of operation, the illuminated graphical displays being integrated with the outer shell and supported by the window instead of disposed in the supporting structure (11), and further comprising graphical support membrane (82), enabling individuals to make and apply their own unique graphical representations to light-transmissive windows (13, 14) in the generally opaque outer shell (12).
US08562165B2
Exemplary embodiments comprise a lighted glove with an infra red light source which can be activated by applying a force to a pressure sensor that is in electrical communication with the light source. Exemplary embodiments are useful in night vision applications.
US08562160B1
An apparatus for dispensing chemiluminescent or fluorescent material where the material(s) for the production of the chemiluminescent or fluorescent material are housed in separate compartments and mix when they exit those compartments. Also disclosed is a method of illumination by dispensing materials housed in an apparatus where the materials do not mix until they exit that apparatus.
US08562156B2
The present invention relates to a mirror and mirror system which can be used in connection with large vehicles, such as school buses, to provide the driver of such vehicles with the ability to view the entire side of the vehicle. While such vehicles currently include side view mirrors attached to the front of the vehicle, these mirrors contain blind spots, such as the area immediately in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The current invention overcomes such blind spots by attaching a second mirror to the rear portion of the vehicle that provides a forward view from the rear of the vehicle, including a view of such blind spots. Such front and rear mirrors may be aligned so that the view of the rear mirror is portrayed within the view of the front mirror. As such, the present invention provides the driver with a complete view of the passenger side of the vehicle.
US08562155B2
An on-vehicle multidirectional visual-recognition device includes a first visual-recognition mechanism including a front door window and a door mirror of a door mirror mechanism. A second visual-recognition mechanism includes a first mirror provided in a door-mirror housing of the door mirror mechanism so as to show a range from a side of a vehicle including an area below the door mirror mechanism to a front side of the vehicle. A sub window transmits light reflected by the first mirror and extends continuously from the front door window toward the front side of the vehicle via a frame. A second mirror reflects the light transmitted through the sub window toward a vehicle occupant. Brightness of the light to be received by the vehicle occupant is set substantially equal to brightness of the light at the first visual-recognition mechanism.
US08562150B2
A projection type display apparatus in which an inclination and a positional deviation of optical axes among a plurality of light sources can be easily corrected to obtain a high quality projection image. Green, blue and red laser beams emitted from light sources are converted into collimated beams by condenser lenses, and the positions and angles of the optical axes of the beams of the three colors are evaluated by position detection imaging device and angle detection imaging device, respectively. The positions and angles of the light sources are adjusted by respective actuators so that the positions and angles of the optical axes match each other. Consequently, the laser beams emitted from the light sources can be combined with high accuracy to thereby realize a high definition projection type display apparatus.
US08562149B2
A digital micromirror device module includes a flexible connection device, a digital micromirror device and a connecting interface. The flexible connection device includes a plurality of conducting wires and an external insulation layer, wherein the conducting wires are discretely arranged and encapsulated by the external insulation layer. The digital micromirror device unit is disposed on the external insulation layer of the flexible connection device and electrically connected with the conducting wires of the flexible connection device. The connecting interface is arranged at a lateral end of the flexible connection device and connected with the conducting wires.
US08562148B2
A control device that controls a video signal to be input to a display device and controls the luminance of a light source that causes light to be incident on the display device includes: a light source luminance control section that controls the luminance of the light source by means of a light source luminance control signal; a storage section that stores relationships between light source luminance control signals and video correction amounts; a video correction signal generating section that generates, on the basis of the video correction amount that is stored in the storage section and corresponds to the generated light source luminance control signal, a video correction signal that is used to correct the video signal; and a video signal correcting section that corrects the video signal by means of the video correction signal.
US08562144B2
An image projection device includes a replaceable air filter placed near an opening of a housing, a switcher for switching step by step a working area of the air filter, an air-speed meter for detecting a pollution level of the air filter, and a controller for controlling the switcher. When the air-speed meter detects that the pollution level of the air filter reaches a given threshold, the controller prompts the switcher to switch the working area of the air filter, and then detects a pollution level of the air filter after the switchover for determining whether or not the working area before the switchover needs to be switched.
US08562139B2
An image display apparatus includes: a light source emitting light; a spatial light modulator having a display region, and modulating the light emitted from the light source in accordance with an image signal; a projection device projecting the light modulated by the spatial light modulator onto a projection surface including an illumination region; and a deflecting section deflecting the light that is emitted from the light source and is then incident on the spatial light modulator. In this structure, the light emitted from the light source illuminates a part of the display region of the spatial light modulator, the light is deflected by the deflecting section, and the illumination region illuminated by the light moves on the projection surface.
US08562134B2
A vision shift amount measuring method includes: forming a reference mark indicating a distance eye point on a surface of a spectacle lens attached to a spectacle frame practically worn by a wearer, and forming a plurality of opaque lines in an area expected to contain a shifted vision on the surface of the spectacle lens with a predetermined space between the adjoining lines; and allowing the wearer wearing the spectacle frame to select the line closest to a position through which the vision passes from the plural formed lines.
US08562130B2
An optical device with at least one interconnection tab is provided. The optical device includes a pair of opposed substrates with a gap therebetween filled with an electro-optic material. Each substrate has a facing surface with a substrate electrode disposed thereon. A sealing material is disposed between the pair of opposed substrates to contain the electro-optic material. At least one interconnection tab is interposed between the substrates. The interconnection tab includes an insulator layer with opposed surfaces. A tab electrode is provided on each surface, wherein each tab electrode is in electrical connection with a corresponding substrate electrode facing the tab electrode. And a pad electrode is also provided on each surface, wherein each pad electrode is in electronic connection with the substrate electrode facing the opposed surface of the insulator layer.
US08562126B1
A coating composition for pre-treating a substrate prior to inkjet printing thereon, and an inkjet receiving medium comprising a substrate and having a topmost layer coated thereon, where the coating composition and topmost layer comprise one or more aqueous-soluble salts of multivalent metal cations, a cationic polyelectrolyte comprising amidine moieties, and one or more second polymer which is distinct from the cationic polyelectrolyte and which is selected from the group consisting of a polyamide-epichlorohydrin, a polyamine solution polymer, and a waterborne or water-dispersible polyurethane. The topmost layer is advantageously at a solid content of from 0.1 to 5 g/m2, and comprises from 30-90 wt % of the one or more aqueous soluble salts of multivalent metal cations, at least 0.01 g/m2 of the cationic polyelectrolyte comprising amidine moieties, and at least 0.005 g/m2 of the second polymer which is distinct from the cationic polyelectrolyte comprising amidine moieties.
US08562121B2
A method of decreasing L*min and reducing stacked haze in a black region of an ink-jet printed image is disclosed which includes providing an ink-jet ink receptive medium and ink-jetting at least one ink-jet ink onto the medium to form a printed medium including an image having at least one black region. At least one of the ink-jet inks includes a black ink-jet ink including a liquid vehicle and a certain black azo dye having the Formula 1. The method includes stacking the printed medium, to obtain a printed medium having decreased L*min and reduced stacked haze in the black region(s).
US08562113B2
The present invention provides a piezoelectric thin film comprising an electrode film with a (001) orientation, a (NaxBi0.5)TiO0.5x+2.75—BaTiO3 film with a (001) orientation (x represents not less than 0.29 and not more than 0.4) and a (Na,Bi)TiO3—BaTiO3 piezoelectric layer, the electrode film, the (NaxBi0.5)TiO0.5x+2.75—BaTiO3 film, and the (Na,Bi)TiO3—BaTiO3 piezoelectric layer being laminated in this order.The lead-free piezoelectric thin film of the present invention has low dielectric loss and high piezoelectric performance.
US08562109B2
A liquid ejection head includes a recording element substrate having a member with a liquid ejection orifice, and a substrate having an energy-generating element for ejecting the liquid; a wiring substrate including wirings connected to terminals that are formed along an end portion side of a surface of the substrate where the element is formed and are electrically connected to the element; and a support member including a support supporting the recording element substrate through adhesive, a groove formed along the support and a wiring support supporting the wiring substrate. A sealing material is applied to a connection portion between the terminals and wirings and is applied to a bottom surface of the groove formed on an end portion side of the surface where no terminal is formed. A part of a side of the substrate corresponding to the end portion side is exposed without being covered with the sealing material.
US08562101B2
A method for aligning a printhead to compensate for printhead roll when an image receiving member moves laterally during printing has been developed. The method includes generating at different times a plurality of marks in a process direction with different inkjets in a printhead and identifying relationships between marks in each plurality. Lateral motion is thereby detected and removed from the analysis identifying the magnitude of the roll corresponding to the locations of the marks in the pluralities of marks.
US08562095B2
Provided are various methods and devices for electrohydrodynamic (E-jet) printing. The methods relate to sensing of an output current during printing to provide control of a process parameter during printing. The sensing and control provides E-jet printing having improved print resolution and precision compared to conventional open-loop methods. Also provided are various pulsing schemes to provide high frequency E-jet printing, thereby reducing build times by two to three orders of magnitude. A desk-top sized E-jet printer having a sensor for real-time sensing of an electrical parameter and feedback control of the printing is provided.
US08562093B2
A printhead and a method of ejecting liquid droplets are provided. The method includes providing a printhead operable to eject liquid drops having a plurality of drop volumes Vi, for i equal to 1 through n, where n≧2, with Vj>Vi when j>i. One of the plurality of drop volumes is a minimum drop volume Vmin, and a difference in drop volumes between successively larger drops equals (Vk+1−Vk) which is less than Vmin, for k equal to 1 through n−1. The method also includes ejecting liquid drops through the printhead.
US08562088B2
A refrigerator having a storage box. The storage box may be configured to move back and forth in a storage compartment having a fixed rail. The storage box includes a guide unit provided at one side of the storage box, and a moving rail slidably coupled with the guide unit and accommodated in the fixed rail. The moving rail slidably moves back and forth along the fixed rail and the guide unit when the storage box moves back and forth. Since the guide unit is slidably coupled with the moving rail that moves back and forth along the fixed rail, a drawing length of the storage box is increased.
US08562083B2
A wooden piece of furniture for changing shoes has a cabinet with two parallel benches upon the sides of the cabinet. Each bench has a seat and storage rack beneath the seat. At the end of each bench, a cabinet stores slippers, footwear, and outerwear upon shelves behind doors and within a drawer. This furniture also includes a compartment within the cabinet for hanging storage of items, hooks within the compartment, seats stiffened by rails and a beam, and a cabinet stiffened by panel diaphragm action. This furniture can store both footwear and articles of clothing temporarily placed thereon by guests and other visitors.
US08562078B2
A system for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation includes one or more substantially horizontal or inclined tunnels extending from one or more shafts. A production system is located in at least one of the tunnels. The production system is configured to produce fluids from the formation that collect in the tunnel.
US08562073B2
A backrest frame is provided with a cushion plate of one substantially square plate form positioned behind the waist from the upper part of the back of a vehicle seat occupant, movably back and forth by way of a plurality of upper and lower parallel seat springs, one end of either one of a pair of right and left seat springs of the plurality of upper and lower parallel seat springs is connected to a pair of lower link mechanisms provided rotatably on the backrest frame, and a rear end collision sensor is formed by the cushion plate between the seat springs for moving a headrest forward, and a coupling part of the other end of the seat spring is directly attached to the lower link mechanism.
US08562072B2
A headrest can be rotated with respect to a seatback, and support strength in a vertical direction of the headrest can be improved. In a vehicular seat, lower side curved surfaces of headrest supports, to which leg portions of a headrest are coupled, slide on lower ends of support brackets and upper side curved surfaces of the headrest supports slide on upper ends of the support brackets, whereby rotation of the headrest supports about an axis along a horizontal direction of a seatback with respect to the support brackets is guided. Further, the lower side curved surfaces touch the lower ends of the support brackets and the upper side curved surfaces touch the upper ends of the support brackets, whereby movement of the headrest supports in a vertical direction of the seatback with respect to the support brackets is suppressed.
US08562068B2
When front side members are bent by a front-rear-directional collision of a vehicle, the front side members come in surface, not point, contact with an adjacent member in the vehicle by a contact surface formed at a contact portion. Accordingly, the front-rear-directional collision load is stably transmitted to a member, such as an adjacent engine, such that it is possible to efficiently improve the effect of distributing and reducing the load in a collision. Further, since the bent front side members stably come in surface, not point, contact with the adjacent member, such as the engine in the vehicle, it is possible to decrease the possibility of unexpected fracturing of the front side members.
US08562060B2
A vehicle seat device in which a seat can be simply and reliably held at a storage position. In a vehicle seat, a vehicle width direction outer side end portion of a seat cushion is supported so as to be capable of rotating around a drive shaft having an axis along a vehicle front-rear direction, and the seat cushion can be switched between a seating configuration at which an occupant can be seated and a storage configuration at which the seat cushion stands erect along a vehicle cabin inner side surface, due to being rotated around the drive shaft by a driving motor. Further, the vehicle seat which is in the storage configuration is held at the storage configuration by a striker.
US08562055B2
A machine tool includes: a hydraulic pump that supplies pressure oil; a fixture plate that positions a workpiece; a fixture base that detachably holds the fixture plate and that moves relative to a tool during machining; a hydraulic cylinder performs an attaching/removing operation for attaching or removing the fixture plate to or from the fixture base; an accumulator that accumulates the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump and that supplies the pressure oil to the hydraulic cylinder; and a manual valve that is manually switched to supply the pressure oil in the accumulator to the hydraulic cylinder to thereby control the attaching/removing operation of the hydraulic cylinder.
US08562052B2
A component engagement apparatus for use in automated systems is provided. The engagement apparatus includes a main body and at least one retaining member coupled to the main body. The retaining member is configured to couple a component to the engagement apparatus such that the component is retained within the component engagement apparatus in a first predefined position. A plurality of alignment members are coupled to the main body such that each of the alignment members are positioned a predefined distance from the retaining members. The alignment members are each configured to align the component within the engagement apparatus when the component moves, via gravity, from the first predefined position to a second predefined position.
US08562050B1
Self-aligning and engaging concrete cylinder and mold lifting tool including a plurality of arms pivotally connected to a rod. The rod travels thru a tube and is connected to a handle. The plurality of arms are also pivotally connected to the tube. The plurality of arms are actuated in unison, synchronously, simultaneously, or otherwise to move together radially by lifting the handle up and down. Thus when the handle is drawn upward, the plurality of arms close around the circumference of the concrete cylinder mold. The circumference of the concrete cylinder mold can be any diameter ranging between the fully extension diametrical position of the plurality of arms and the fully retracted diametrical position of the plurality of arms. A demolded concrete cylinder gripper attachment can be removable attached to the lifting lugs to securely engage the demolded concrete cylinder for lifting and moving the demolded concrete cylinder.
US08562046B2
A merchandising grapple is disclosed for removing retail items such as beverage cans, bottles, boxes, and the like from shipping containers in groups and placing them in groups on display shelves within a retail establishment. The grapple has spaced features that receive and hold the items in groups of several items and may have a handle for gripping the grapple and a slip joint for adjusting a width of the grapple. A method includes stocking display shelves by removing items in groups from shipping containers and placing them in groups on display shelves.
US08562031B2
A locking device for an aircraft door in a fuselage section of an aircraft includes at least one fuselage fitting disposed in a region of a sill of the fuselage section and at least one door fitting disposed in a region of a lower edge of the aircraft door and corresponding in number to the at least one fuselage fitting. The at least one fuselage fitting and the at least one door fitting are each configured to transfer at least one of a circumferential load and a radial load.
US08562027B2
A fuel piping connection device for aircraft includes a male end fitting and a female end fitting that are configured to engage one another. The male and female end fittings are made of a resistive material that is an insulating material loaded with conducting fibers. Each of the male and female end fittings is configured to be bonded to a radial outer wall at an extremity of a respective tube in the fuel piping or to a radial outer wall at an extremity of a respective piping connector. Each of the male and female end fittings includes an inwardly projecting shoulder configured to engage with an axial end surface of the respective tube in the fuel piping or with an axial end surface of the respective piping connector.
US08562026B2
The invention concerns a security element (3′) having a top side and an underside and a process for the production thereof. The security element has a transparent layer (33′) with a non-homogenous refractive index, in which a plurality of Bragg planes are formed by a refractive index variation. The transparent layer (33′) is of a layer thickness of between 5 μm and 200 μm and the transparent layer (33′) has a plurality of first zones (41) of a smallest dimension of less than 300 μm, which are arranged in accordance with a first grid raster in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional succession in mutually adjacent relationship and in which the Bragg planes of the transparent layer are respectively shaped to provide a respective transmissive optical imaging function.
US08562023B2
The first invention relates to a vehicle with pneumatic tires characterized in that the vehicle comprises a cooling unit which expels a fluid to cool the pneumatic tire from the outside thereof at least when the air pressure of the pneumatic tire decreases. And, the second invention relates to a tire cooling method in the vehicle with pneumatic tires comprising: a step of monitoring the air pressure of the pneumatic tire during running, and a step of expelling a fluid toward the pneumatic tire so as to cool the pneumatic tire from its outside when the air pressure falls below a predetermined value.
US08562015B2
A side airbag with interior partitioned into plural chambers. The side airbag configured in a bag shape by an outer cloth and an inner cloth is partitioned by partitioning members into a lower chamber (one or more high pressure chambers) on the high pressure side during inflation and deployment and a upper chamber (low pressure chamber). The partitioning members are each configured from a single piece of cloth or from plural pieces of cloth that have been integrated together in advance. The partitioning members are each provided with a partitioning wall, a diffuser and a non-return valve.
US08562004B2
Knee boards for riding in a kneeling position on a ground surface and methods of riding the same. Knee boards include a body with a knee support region, front and rear wheel assemblies, and a gripping member. The body defines an open kick region laterally adjacent to the knee support region. The open kick region permits a user to extend his/her foot to contact and kick the ground surface to propel the knee board and the user along the ground. Some knee boards include a left knee support region and a right knee support region laterally spaced from the left knee support region, and which collectively define the open kick region therebetween. Some knee boards include a central knee support region and a body that defines a left kick region and a right kick region to the left and right of the knee support region, respectively.
US08562001B2
A tool holder includes: a collet chuck main body having a tapered hole formed in its tip end portion so as to be tapered toward an axial rear end; a tapered collet having a tool insertion hole that extends in an axial direction, a main tapered surface that fits in the tapered hole, and a tip end tapered surface positioned on an axial tip end side of the main tapered surface, and tapered toward an axial tip end; a cylindrical lock nut having internal threads that are screwed on external threads formed on an outer periphery of the tip end portion of the collet chuck main body, for reducing a diameter of the tool insertion hole by pressing the tapered collet into the tapered hole; a tip end tapered member having a tapered abutting surface that fits on the tip end tapered surface, the tip end tapered member being pressed toward the axial rear end by the lock nut; and a plain bearing positioned in a plane perpendicular to a direction in which the tip end tapered member is pressed by the lock nut, the plain bearing being inserted between the lock nut and the tip end tapered member.
US08561998B2
This invention refers to the solution of problem of spalling of the nitrided layer in piston rings for Flex-fuel engines, without jeopardizing the wear resistance, suggesting for such purpose a nitrided piston ring (100,100′) equipped with two nitrided layers (1,2), with metallic base (3) composed mainly of iron and whose superficial hardness presented is of about 800 Vickers, decreasing in a substantially linear manner up to about 400 Vickers for a distance to the surface of up to 90 microns (μm).
US08561995B2
A metal-to-metal seal is used to seal between two tubular members. In one embodiment, a metal-to-metal seal forms a seal in an annulus housing between an inner and outer diameter of tubular members of an adjustable casing sub. The seal can have an inner and an outer sealing ring, or more than one pair of inner and outer sealing rings, that can be set in place by a running tool. An energizing ring can have a tapered or bulbous surface, and can create a pre-load force against the sealing rings.
US08561994B1
The present invention relates to a game vending machine. The game vending machine includes: at least one premium hooking unit and a puller unit. The premium hooking unit hooks premium, and the puller unit pulls a front plate included in the premium hooking unit to allow the premium to drop down into a premium discharge part.
US08561989B2
A platform 12 is set on a game table 20, and a card shooter 22 is mounted on the platform 22. The platform 12 is provided with a card guide unit 50, and the card guide unit 50 guides cards, which are pulled out one by one from the card shooter 22, onto the game table 20. The card guide unit 50 is provided with black light sensors 60 that read from a card an ultraviolet-ray reaction code including the number of the card. There is provided a card reader that is capable of utilizing an existing card shooter, is high in reading precision, and is high in the threshold value of the card speed at the time of reading.
US08561972B2
Certain embodiments of the present technology present a low pressure gas transfer device for transferring gas into a liquid stream. The gas transfer device has a primary pipe branch with a gas injector, and a secondary pipe branch intersecting the primary pipe branch. A liquid stream passing through the secondary pipe branch mixes with the liquid stream passing through the primary pipe branch. The primary outlet port delivers a dispersion stream that is a mixture of gas-injected liquid passing through the primary pipe branch and the secondary liquid stream passing through the secondary pipe branch.
US08561969B2
The present invention relates generally to deck handrails, and more particularly to wooden deck handrails. Specifically, the invention relates to a protective deck handrail cover for deteriorating wood deck handrails constructed in most decks and porches exposed to the harsh effects of extreme weather conditions.
US08561967B2
An assembly comprising: a protective sheath and a loading device for loading a self-expandable prosthesis into the sheath, the loading device having a conical distal section, which radially compresses the prosthesis and an annular lip that engages with the interior of the distal end of the sheath to guide the prosthesis into the sheath while protecting the sheath from damage.
US08561962B1
A vibration mount having a body for coupling to an object to be supported by the vibration mount, a flexible member forming a foot on the body and together with the body, forming a chamber therein, a center member within the chamber and coupled to move in unison with the body, a valve having a first valve member coupled to move in unison with the central member and a second valve member coupled to move in unison with the flexible member, a connection for coupling air under pressure to the chamber through the valve member, and a vent for venting the chamber though the valve. The valve couples air under pressure from the connection to the chamber when the first and second valve members are in a first relative position, couples air in the chamber to the vent when the first and second valve members are in a second position, and does not couple air under pressure from the connection to the chamber or couple air in the chamber to the vent when the first and second valve members are between the first and second positions.
US08561946B2
Different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus to increase a clearance of a cargo area of an aircraft. The apparatus and method may comprise an aircraft with a cargo area. A tray system may have a plurality of segment trays with each segment tray positioned between a plurality of floor beams located underneath a surface of the floor of the cargo area. A plurality of rollers in the tray system may be configured to allow an object to be moved across the cargo area.
US08561945B2
The invention relates to a skid-type landing gear (1) for a helicopter (2) comprising bow shaped crosstubes (10-13) directed symmetrically towards a left- and a right-hand side of a longitudinal mid axis (9) of the helicopter (2) with respective skids (14, 15) at outboard ends thereof and main beams (5-8) in a fuselage (4), the crosstubes (10-13) being connected to the main beams (5-8) via supports (16-23) fixed to the main beams (5-8). The skid-type landing gear (1) is retractable. A method for operating such a skid-type landing gear (1) for a helicopter (2) is provided.
US08561942B2
A connection for mounting an aircraft engine to an aircraft pylon includes a plate to be connected to a portion of an engine, and a body that extends rearward from the plate. A back-up connection, including a pin positioned within a slotted hole, is provided between the portion of the engine and the body. When there is a normal connection between the plate and the body, there is clearance between the pin and the slotted hole.
US08561940B2
An arrangement (1) for suspending a jet engine (12) to a supporting structure (5) attached to an aircraft fuselage, includes a suspension beam (6) to which the engine casing (13) is fitted by a forward suspension (7), a rearward suspension (8) and at least one thrust rod (9) arranged at an angle relative to the suspension beam (6). In order to provide an arrangement for the suspension of a jet engine (12) which enables weight to be saved and deformation of the jet engine (12) to be reduced, the rearward suspension (8) and the thrust rod (9) are connected to the engine casing (13) by a lightweight framework (11).
US08561936B2
The system includes a keel fitting that can be rigidly attached directly to the keel of the hang glider. It also includes two elongated frame members symmetrically mounted on opposite sides of the keel fitting. At least one electrical motor is mounted on each frame member and there are at least two propellers, each in driving engagement with a corresponding one of the electrical motors. The system further includes an electrical power unit mounted on the back of the pilot. The electrical power unit includes at least one battery and a pilot-actuated control circuit to vary the electrical power supplied to the electrical motors. The system gives the pilot the capability of taking off from a flat terrain. Once airborne, the system is not operated and the hang glider can then be used as an unpowered one.
US08561935B2
An STOL and/or VTOL aircraft comprises (1) a fuselage having a front end, a rear end and two lateral sides, the fuselage defining a substantially horizontal central longitudinal axis of the aircraft; (2) an aircraft tail arranged at the rear end of the fuselage and including a rudder and an elevator on each side of the fuselage with movable surfaces for controlling the aircraft; and (3) a wing on each side of the fuselage having a front edge, a trailing edge and an upper surface extending from the front edge to the trailing edge. A device for controlling the airflow over the upper surfaces of the wings comprises openings in these upper surfaces for the egress of air from interior spaces within the wings and air pump apparatus for pressurizing such interior spaces.
US08561928B2
A machine for distributing loosefill insulation is provided. The machine includes a shredding chamber having an outlet end. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill insulation. A discharge mechanism is mounted at the outlet end of the shredding chamber. The discharge mechanism is configured for distributing the loosefill insulation into an airstream. The discharge mechanism includes a shaft mounted for rotation within a housing. The shaft includes a plurality of vanes extending radially from the shaft. A plurality of seals is mounted to the shaft and to the vanes. The seals are configured to seal against the housing as the shaft rotates. A blower is configured to provide the airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism. The shaft and the vanes are a one-piece structure.
US08561927B2
A pneumatic continuous impact pulverizer includes an outer tube, an inner tube located in the outer tube, an air intake material feeding port located at a front end of the outer tube, an air pump located at the air intake material feeding port, and a plurality of impact tubes. The impact tubes respectively run through the tubular wall of the inner tube, and each has an airflow passage which includes a bell-shaped opening communicating with the outer tube, a middle branch opening located at one side of the airflow passage close to the air intake material feeding port and communicating with the inner tube, and an outlet communicating with the inner tube. High pressure gas and powders enter through the air intake material feeding port. The high pressure gas carries the powders to pass through the impact tubes where the powders collide with each other to become nano powders.
US08561920B2
In the present invention, functions of both a nozzle change drive mechanism configured to move a desired one of a plurality of nozzles to an ejection position and a nozzle moving drive mechanism configured to move the desired nozzle to apply a fluid to an application surface are realized by the nozzle moving drive mechanism.The present invention includes: a rotating portion (27) having first to third nozzles (23); a base portion (28) configured to support the rotating portion (27); a variable nozzle (22) configured to move a desired one (23) of the first to third nozzles to an ejection position (T) to eject a fluid, supplied from the base portion (28) side, from the desired nozzle; an engaging portion (47) provided at the rotating portion (27); and an engaged portion (48) provided at a mounting base (50), wherein the desired nozzle (23) is moved to the ejection position (T) by moving the base portion (28) by a robot arm with the engaging portion (47) engaging with the engaged portion (48).
US08561917B2
A liquid heating assembly including a heat-conductive displaceable element and a liquid heating enclosure defining a liquid heating volume including a primary liquid heating volume portion and a secondary liquid heating volume portion, separated by the heat-conductive displaceable element, the primary liquid heating volume portion including a heat exchanger for directly heating liquid in the primary liquid heating volume portion and for indirectly heating liquid in the secondary liquid heating volume portion via the heat-conductive displacement element.
US08561914B2
The temperature-responsive fluid flow control apparatus of the present invention comprises: a housing installed between the inlet and the outlet of a fluid pipe in which a fluid flows; a valve block installed inside the housing to allow inflow of the flowing fluid in the housing and to discharge a portion of the flowing fluid to the outside according to the change in the internal pressure; and a temperature-responsive device for generating a pressure difference in the valve block according to the temperature change of the temperature-responsive fluid filled therein. The temperature-responsive fluid flow control apparatus prevents the fluid flowing pipe from freezing by discharging a portion of the fluid flowing in the housing to the outside, when the temperature of the temperature-responsive fluid reaches a preset temperature as the external temperature drops.
US08561910B2
Memory programming devices include a print head that moves across a substrate to deposit memory material on the substrate to form an array of memory cells and programming circuitry coupled to the print head so that the programming circuitry moves across the substrate along with the print head and that, for individual memory cells of the array, is positioned proximate the individual memory cell and writes data to the individual memory cell. Memory programming methods include depositing memory material above a first portion of an electrically conductive bitline printed on a substrate to form a memory cell and using programming circuitry positioned proximate the memory cell, storing data in the memory cell by altering a characteristic of the memory cell, the characteristic remaining altered after the programming circuitry is moved away from the memory cell.
US08561908B2
An information processing system including an IC chip, a client driving the IC chip to carry out predetermined processing, a server connected to the client by a communication network, wherein the client has a processing-command requesting section configured to request for transmission of a processing command to the server; an ID-acquisition-command sender section configured to transmit an ID acquisition command; a chip-ID extraction section configured to extract the chip ID; and a processing-command sender section configured to embed the extracted chip ID into the processing command and transmit the command. The server has a command-group sender section configured to send the command. The IC chip has a chip-ID sender section configured to transmit data; a chip-ID determination section configured to determine whether the chip ID in the command is identical with the chip ID of the IC chip; and a processing execution section configured to carry out the predetermined processing.
US08561907B2
A flicker-free illumination apparatus (28) for a code reader (10) has an illumination control (26) which is configured for a pulsed operation with an illumination intensity varying between light pulses (30) and pulse pauses (32). The illumination control (26) is further configured to maintain a non-zero illumination intensity during the pulse pauses (32), such that a basic intensity (34) remains.
US08561903B2
A decodable indicia reading system can be provided for use in locating and decoding a bar code symbol represented within a frame of image data. The system can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory communicatively coupled to the CPU, and two or more image sensors communicatively coupled to the CPU or to the memory. The system can be configured to select an image sensor for indicia reading by cycling through available image sensors to detect an image sensor suitable for an attempted indicia reading operation by comparing a measured parameter value to a pre-defined sensor-specific threshold value. The system can be further configured to select the first suitable or the best suitable image sensor for the attempted decodable indicia reading operation based upon the comparison result. The system can be further configured to notify the system operator which image sensor has been selected. The system can be further configured to obtain a decodable indicia image by the selected image sensor.
US08561899B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide time-varying barcodes for information exchange. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for communicating information between electronic devices via a time-varying barcode image sequence. In a typical embodiment, information to be transmitted is divided into packets. A barcode image is generated from each packet. Each barcode image is displayed sequentially with varying display times based on the complexity of the barcode image. A second electronic device reads and decodes the barcode image sequence until the entire information is received.
US08561898B2
An example method includes receiving output voltage data from an array of at least four thermopiles placed around the circumference of a projectile such that for any rotation of the projectile during flight thereof, at least a pair of the thermopile having upwardly-facing fields of view referenced to the earth-fixed coordinate system. The method includes determining the pair of upwardly-facing thermopiles based on the output voltage data from the array, with the respective pair of thermopiles including a thermopile p and next adjacent thermopile p+1. The method includes determining a ratio of the output voltage data from thermopiles p and p+1, and applying the ratio to a function associating, for any pair of thermopiles n and n+1, a ratio of output voltage data from thermopiles n and n+1, and a roll angle θn of thermopile n referenced to the earth-fixed coordinate system.
US08561891B2
Apparatus and methods for an enhanced cash withdrawal transaction option are provided. The enhanced cash withdrawal transaction option may include using an ATM to display an initial ATM display. The initial ATM display may display multiple transaction options, the multiple transaction options including at least one cash withdrawal amount. Apparatus and methods for an additional enhanced cash withdrawal transaction are provided. The additional enhanced cash withdrawal transaction may enable a user to type an ATM PIN in an ATM keypad followed by a cash withdrawal amount. Apparatus and methods for an enhanced ATM customer display are also provided. The enhanced ATM customer display according to the systems and methods of the invention may customize an ordered ATM customer flow based on historical customer usage data.
US08561889B2
A portable terminal operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The user cards include credit and/or debit cards. Data corresponding to the card data is stored in at least one memory of the terminal. The terminal includes a wireless communication device. The terminal operates to wirelessly communicate data corresponding to card data to one or more remote computers to cause financial transfers to or from selected accounts. The terminal also operates to provide outputs corresponding to account balances and to receive data corresponding to receipts.
US08561876B2
A preferable golf club 2 is provided with a head 4, a shaft 6, a sleeve 8, and a screw 10. The head 4 is provided with a head body 14 and an engaging member 16. The head body 14 is formed by joining a plurality of members. The plurality of members includes a face member 112, a crown member 110, a sole member 114, and a hosel member 116. Preferably, the face member 112, the crown member 110, and the sole member 114 are produced by press processing a rolled material. Preferably, a through hole 130 into which a lower end part of the hosel member 116 can be fitted is formed in the sole member 114. In the golf club 2, the head body 14 and the shaft 6 are detachably mounted to each other without destruction of a bonding agent.
US08561875B2
The invention relates to a method for shaping pipes with the steps connecting a pipe end with a coupling of a connection device for pipes, in particular a quick connector, through friction welding and controlling the region of formation of the molten mass formed during friction welding. The contamination of the inside of the pipe due to welding beads can be prevented with the aid of the invention.
US08561870B2
A surgical stapler can comprise an anvil comprising a staple pocket formed in a tissue contacting surface. The staple pocket can comprise a midline or centerline, a first forming cup, and a second forming cup. The first forming cup can comprise a first interior sidewall comprising a first vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. The second forming cup can comprise a second interior sidewall comprising a second vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. The first vertical portion and the second vertical portion can extend through the centerline, wherein the first interior sidewall and the second interior sidewall can comprise a trap for deforming a first staple leg of a staple to a first side of the centerline and for deforming a second staple leg of the staple to a second side of the centerline.
US08561869B2
A pneumatically driven setting tool for driving in fastening elements, includes a chamber (17) forming a storage chamber (22) for storing the pressure medium produced by the compression device (30, 130) and an expansion chamber (26) adjoining the drive-in piston (13), which is displaceable in a guide (12), at a side of the drive-in piston (13) remote from the piston stem (14), communicating with the storage chamber (22), and having an opening (18) connecting the expansion chamber (26) with the drive-in piston (13), at least one check valve (44, 54, 142) arranged between the compression device (30, 130) and the chamber (17), and a piston retaining device (47) for retaining the drive-in piston (13) in its initial position (80) in which the chamber (17) is sealed against the guide (12).
US08561862B2
A securing apparatus for a handheld device or object is comprised of a sleek, fashionable, flexible elastic strip or band, enhancing a user's gripping capability, thereby preventing abuse and accidental dropping of the device. The elastic strip is removably attached to the device by removable attaching means connected or integrated to each end of the strip. The apparatus may be further provided with a discrete lift mechanism, either attached or integrally formed with the elastic strip. The apparatus retains its form after stretching, and is taut against a surface of the device to avoid catching against exterior objects, fitting discretely on any surface of the device. The securing apparatus can be installed for easy use and minimal dexterity for all users and can be made in different sizes, color, and of different materials having elastomeric properties.
US08561859B2
A dispensing device for dispensing liquid media having a housing, an outlet opening for the medium, a medium reservoir for storage of the medium and a conveying device for transporting the medium from the medium reservoir to the outlet opening, wherein a flow brake is provided in a medium duct between the conveying device and the outlet opening. The flow brake has a first flow brake component which can be arranged and fixed relative to the housing or to a second flow brake component during assembly in several differing relative positions, wherein differing flow resistances of the flow brake are achieved depending on the selected relative positions.
US08561856B2
A beverage valve assembly includes a bottom wall section; a tubular part extending downward from the bottom wall section; an outer apron extending upward from the bottom wall section; and at least one positioning device. The tubular part has a top opening to receive a dispensing element. The top opening is arranged in the middle section of the upper outer surface of the bottom wall, and the tubular part has an upper inner tubular wall section with at least one sealing surface. The outer upward standing apron is arranged at a distance from the top opening of the tubular part. The bottom wall includes at least one valve positioned between the top opening of the tubular part and an inner sidewall section of the outer upward standing apron. The positioning device has at least one opening or gap.
US08561854B2
A dispensing device having a housing capable of receiving a pre-packaged charge of pre-whipped topping or icing. The housing has an inner wall with a slot formed therein for receiving a rod. The rod engages with a pawl mechanism to move a piston in the axial direction to force the pre-whipped topping or icing through the outlet in its packaging. The pawl engages with the rod when it moves in a first direction and the pawl disengages with the rod when it is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction.
US08561853B2
The present invention relates to an airtight preservation system of a consumer fluid within a container, and in particular a system for the preservation of said fluid, typically intended for alimentary consumption, from contamination by contact with outside atmosphere, in particular during the phase of delivery. The system according to the present invention is of easy installation, by virtue of a compact structure applicable to any container size and of an operation marked by utmost rationality.
US08561850B1
A device for dispensing materials and a method for operating the device are disclosed. An embodiment of the device comprises a tube, a disk for transferring piston pressure to the material to be dispensed and a pliable cone-shaped plastic nozzle attached to the tube. A tab attached to the disk enables latching on with a hook and removal of the disk when the material is in the tube is depleted, thus allowing refilling the tube as needed. Metal in the form of wire strands, wire mesh or coil is imbedded in the walls of the nozzle and provides pliability to the nozzle, but prevents recoil due to the characteristic memory of plastics.
US08561848B2
The inventive concept is directed to a caulking gun which has been extended for a considerable length. This extending of the length enables an impaired person to reach areas that need to be caulked. It also enables a person to reach remote areas that only can be reached by a ladder but the person cannot negotiate a ladder. The extension of the basic caulking gun is achieved by placing longitudinal rods between the trigger mechanism and the forward end where the caulking cartridge is normally located. It is important that rods are being used to keep the weight of the gun on a reasonable level. The rods have spaced apart rings in the longitudinal direction to stabilize the rods. At the trigger end of the caulking gun there is located a handle that can be changed in location to accommodate left- and -right handed persons.
US08561845B2
Capsule (10) for two or more components of a material which are to be mixed together, comprising a cartridge (11) comprising an outlet (12), a first component chamber (13) for containing a first component, and a second component chamber (14) for containing a second component, the two chambers (13, 14) opening into the outlet (12); and a piston (15) which at least with its front end sits in the cartridge (11), lies with its rear end outside the component chambers (13, 14) and, when it is pushed forwards, presses the two components out of their component chambers (13, 14).
US08561841B2
A concentrated flavor dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a milliliter and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realizably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.
US08561838B2
Device for facilitating the loading of capsules into a machine for dispensing capsules or for preparing drinks based on these capsules comprising: a detachable tube (2) containing stacked capsules (8) furnished with an opening (24) for the capsules to pass through the tube, means (4) of aligning the tube allowing the tube (2) to be aligned through a capsule receiving zone (5) for the capsules to descend by gravity into this zone. The alignment means (5) comprise means (6) for retaining the capsules in their stack when the tube (2) is moved with its opening (24) oriented downwards, in the direction of the position in which the tube is aligned with the reception zone (5).
US08561837B2
An upright, tubular floor stand wipes dispenser is disclosed having a body portion containing an upper compartment from which the wipes are dispensed through an orifice and a lower compartment housing a container such as a waste basket for used wipes. A cover plate conforming to the body portion and having an opening through which used wipes are deposited into the waste basket hangs from an upper edge of the body portion by clips arranged along the top edge of the plate. The stand is readily serviceable from the front and does not have to be moved when removing the used wipes.
US08561836B2
A crate or container, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall includes an upper section and a lower section having a pair of rails extending upward therefrom. The upper section is selectably slidable on the rails between an upper, closed position and a lower, retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided through the front of the crate.
US08561830B2
A thermal beverage container provides an RFID tag anchored between dual walls of the container to be hermetically protected while scannable, thereby permitting the container to be used as a gift card to promote the use of reusable containers rather than disposable cups in the purchase of beverages.
US08561828B2
The invention relates to a receptacle (10) for pharmaceutical containers, wherein a plurality of containers are arranged in rows next to one another and behind one another, and each container is arranged in a tube-like receiver (15). According to the invention, the container is cylindrically shaped, and a stop element (16) is integrated in each receiver (15), said element limiting the axial movement of the container in the receiver (15).
US08561827B2
A storage vessel for storing a fluid substance, said storage vessel including a plurality of abutting individually sealed storage chambers, each chamber capable of withstanding super atmospheric pressure, with adjacent chambers forming at least one fluid passageway therebetween, characterized in that at least one said chamber includes an external peripheral seal configured to be relatively weaker than the remainder of said vessel.
US08561824B2
[Objective] To provide a box that allows easy tasks involved in assembling and disassembling and a novel plate material connecting structure adapted thereto.[Means to solve the problem] An assembly box comprises: a frame 1 (or 10) that is rectangular as seen from the top and whose four sides are formed from plate materials 11a and the like which are square as seen from the front; and a base 2 that has a placement plane 2a for the frame 1 and guides 21 and the like for supporting the plate materials constituting the frame 1 on the placement plane 2a. A first connecting part 111 and a second connecting part 122 (or a first connecting part 121 and a second connecting part 112) are positioned at corners of the frame 1 and have each a detachable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to separate two connected plate materials by inclining either one of the plate materials at a predetermined or larger angle with reference to the plate material connecting part.
US08561823B1
Stackable trays for food items are made from fibrous plant material, the source of which may be any fibrous plant or combination of fibrous plants, such as bamboo, wheat straw, bagasse or recycled paper or other paper products. Each tray includes a plurality of locking beads which define recesses. The locking beads and recesses of adjacent identical trays mate with each other when the trays are stacked. Likewise, the locking beads and recesses of two identical trays employed to provide a food container mate with each other to secure the two trays together in a food containment configuration.
US08561813B2
A cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for removing debris in a pumping system. The apparatus includes a valve rod, a cyclone component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The cup component is composed of a high density poly-fiber material that helps in creating a positive seal between the cup component and barrel interior during pumping operations, helping to direct solids into the cup component and thereby preventing them from travelling southward in the direction of the barrel and causing damage. The cup component can include a specialized leading edge adapted to direct solids into the cup component. The apparatus can include a carbide ring that prevents solids from traveling further down onto the pump plunger section. The carbide ring can incorporate ports that feed into a main channel flow. The apparatus can include a top plunger adapter capable of connecting with a sucker rod.
US08561810B2
A filter cartridge includes a housing, a lid, a filter element and a positioning cylinder. The lid is provided for covering an opening of the housing. The filter element is disposed in the housing. The positioning cylinder together with the filter element is disposed in the housing and defining a passageway for reception of the filter element. Further, the positioning cylinder includes a plurality of bulging portions disposed about the passageway and each protruding toward a centerline axis of the passageway. The bulging portions of the positioning cylinder have their highest points equally spaced apart from the centerline axis of the passageway.
US08561801B2
A packaging system and method for packaging a piece of machinery are provided. A first corner bracket is extended from a first exterior edge of the machinery. The first corner bracket comprises a first baseplate positioned along a bottom plane of the machinery, and a first plurality of side plates. Each of the first plurality of side plates is integrally attached to the first baseplate at a first angle. Each of the first plurality of side plates extends upwardly from the baseplate. Each of the first plurality of side plates is integrally attached to at least one other of the first plurality of side plates. The first plurality of side plates form a first interior edge that mates to the first exterior edge of the machinery.
US08561796B2
Disclosed herein is a package material for adhesive bandage which is used for packaging therein an adhesive bandage including a surface base having one surface, an adhesive layer provided on the one surface of the surface base and a releasing sheet attached to the adhesive layer so as to cover it. The package material comprises a first sheet having a first sheet base and a first cold seal layer provided on the first sheet base, and a second sheet having a second sheet base and a second cold seal layer provided on the second sheet base. The first cold seal layer faces the surface base of the adhesive bandage and the second cold seal layer faces the releasing sheet of the adhesive bandage when the adhesive bandage is packaged in the package material. Further, each of the first cold seal layer and the second cold seal layer is formed of a mixture of rubber and acrylic resin, and an amount of the rubber contained in the first cold seal layer is smaller than an amount of the rubber contained in the second cold seal layer.
US08561794B2
Devices for securing a junior golf bag to a golf cart and methods of use thereof are shown. A golf bag insert device and a tilted golf bag securing device each provide junior golfers to have better access to their clubs (both visually and physically) without worries of their clubs or bag becoming dislodged from the cart.
US08561791B2
A link which defines a link body that includes a multiple of link plates integral with a link body, the link body disposed at least partially forward of a forward edge of the multiple of link plates.
US08561789B2
A sorting apparatus sequentially receives and holds a plurality of transported items that are transported and sorts and supports the transported items, and includes an endless movement member disposed so as to form a constant revolving movement pathway, and a plurality of support members that are attached to the movement member so as to be arranged along the direction in which the movement member revolves and that are capable of supporting respective transported items. In a support region that is a region of the revolving movement pathway of the movement member in which the transported items are supported by respective support members, the highest position of the support members decreases the closer the support members are to the downstream side of the direction in which the movement member revolves.
US08561781B2
A diverter swing arm for diverting an article from a conveying surface comprises a central body having a unitary construction and including a pusher portion that has an external face for engaging and diverting a particular article from the conveying surface, and a linkage arm that facilitates connection to an actuator, and a pivot pin received in an opening defined by the central body, said pivot pin defining a pivot axis for rotation of the diverter swing arm relative to the conveying surface. There is no molded-in metal skeleton or frame in the diverter swing arm.
US08561772B2
A one-way clutch is provided that includes a first race, a second race having relative rotational movement with the first race, a locking mechanism to allow relative rotational movement between the races in one direction only and first and second backing plates connected with the first race.
US08561769B2
An interlocking case system includes a base case having a luggage receptacle and an overlying lid that together form a luggage compartment. One or more swivel wheels are located in proximity to one end of the base case and at least one non-swivel wheel is located at the other end. An upper case is configured to interlock with, and be supported by, the base case when the base case is supported by the first and second swivel wheels and the at least one non-swivel wheel. The case system may be towed using a flexible towing strap coupled to the base case.
US08561761B2
The oil pan arrangement of a motor vehicle has an oil pan in particular for a gearbox as well as an oil drain plug for closing a drain opening of the oil pan. On an exterior side of the oil pan, at least one rotation stop for the oil drain plug is arranged.
US08561760B2
A low-pressure pump supplies oil stored in a steering case to a steering device as lubricating oil via a steering lubricating circuit. A high-pressure pump supplies the oil stored in the steering case to a clutch via a high-pressure circuit. A transmission lubricating circuit branches off from the high-pressure circuit via a relief valve and supplies lubricating oil to a transmission device. A transmission-lubricating assist circuit is provided so as to branch off from the steering lubricating circuit and is connected to the transmission lubricating circuit. A transmission case stores the oil used to lubricate the transmission device. A scavenging pump returns the oil stored in the transmission case to the steering device.
US08561755B1
An electronic device includes a front frame that includes a planar portion, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall protruding from the planar portion. A back cover is coupled to the front frame. A speaker is attached to the front frame adjacent to the second sidewall of the front frame. The front frame includes several spaced first hooking members arranged on the first sidewall and the back cover includes several spaced second hooking members respectively engaged with the corresponding first hooking members. The first hooking members are used for cooperatively causing a natural frequency of the first sidewall to be greater than a resonance frequency of the speaker, thereby reducing noises caused by resonant vibration of the first sidewall induced by the speaker.
US08561754B2
A marine source sub-array and method for generating a pressure wave in a body of water. The marine source sub-array includes a float configured to float in the body of water; base plates connected to the float through cables; plural individual source elements connected to the base plates and configured to generate pressure waves underwater; and a coverage plate located between the plural individual source elements and the float. The coverage plate has a surface area larger than a surface area of the float.
US08561749B2
A vehicle comprising a frame, a seat coupled to the frame, and left and right wheels. Left and right drive shafts transmit power to the left and right wheels, and an input shaft transmits power to the left and right drive shafts. A differential including a housing assembly receives power from the input shaft and divides the power between the left and right drive shafts. A speed sensor is positioned through (e.g., threaded) the housing assembly such that an inner end of the sensor is positioned inside the differential. In one embodiment, the speed sensor includes left and right speed sensors, and the at least two housings comprise a left housing and a right housing. Preferably, both the left speed sensor and the right speed sensor are positioned in one of the left housing and the right housing.
US08561728B2
A subterranean drilling system may include a drill string and a rotary drill bit coupled to the drill string. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body and a cutting element coupled to the bit body, with the cutting element being structured to rotate in response to torque applied to the cutting element. The system also may include a cam assembly coupled to the drill string, a cam follower assembly in contact with a cam surface of the cam assembly, and a torque-applying structure coupled to the cam follower assembly. The torque-applying structure may be configured to apply torque to the cutting element in response to relative rotation between the cam assembly and the cam follower assembly.
US08561721B2
A drill head system and method of use is shown. Drill head systems shown provide for a secure drill head connection to a cylindrical portion or sonde housing, while still allowing for easy removal of a drill head without using pipe wrenches, breaker bars, etc. An internal fastener further provides easy assembly and disassembly of the drill head by protecting components from dirt or other debris. A tapered connection with male and female fittings are shown in one example that further provide a robust joint between components such as a drill head and a sonde housing.
US08561719B1
A computerized boring system provides real-time monitoring and control of a bore head during boring operations to prevent inadvertent damage to buried objects such as utility cables. A boring machine with a shaft, a bore head on an end of the shaft, and one or more proximity sensors for detecting underground target objects is controlled manually and by a computer control system in communication with the sensors, a programmable logic computer and/or electrical relay system providing control of rotational and longitudinal movement of the bore head in response to data generated by the sensors.
US08561716B2
A power tool capable of performing vibration damping action in working operation, without an increase in size. The working tool includes a motor, a housing in which an internal mechanism driven by the motor is stored, a tool bit disposed on one end of the housing, a hand grip continuously connected to the other end of the housing, and a dynamic damper. The dynamic damper is disposed by utilizing a space between the housing and the internal mechanism so that the damping direction of the dynamic damper faces the longitudinal direction of the tool bit.
US08561702B2
Combustion gases with relatively high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), steam, and/or hot water, may be used to improve recovery of heavy hydrocarbons from geologic formations and/or from surface mined materials. These gases reduce the viscosity and/or increase hydrocarbon extraction rates through improvements in thermal efficiency and/or higher rates of heat delivery for a given combustor an capital investment. Such high water/CO2 content combustion gases can be formed by adding water to combustion gases formed by burning fuel. The pressure to inject the combustion gases and extract heavy hydrocarbons may be provided by diverting high pressure expanded gases from wet combustion in a gas turbine, or by reducing the pressure drop across a turbine and using the expanded hot gases for extraction.
US08561691B2
A flow control device for use in a wellbore which has a nozzle with an output to provide a jet of fluid and a structure proximate the nozzle. The structure is positioned a set distance away from the output of the nozzle, where the set distance is greater than a length of a potential core of the jet of fluid.
US08561689B2
A downhole apparatus has a radially expanding portion comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid. A support assembly is operable to be deployed from a first retracted position to a second expanded condition. The support assembly comprises an inner surface arranged to face the radially expanding portion, and at least a portion of the inner surface is concave. The support assembly may be configured to direct a force from the swellable material to boost or energise a seal created between the radially expanding portion and a surrounding surface in use.
US08561688B2
This invention relates to a jar used to dislodge tools stuck in a well. The jar includes two housing portions movable with respect to each other. A release collet forms a portion of one of the housings. A release sleeve is carried by a mandrel and is located within the release collet. After a given amount of movement of the housing with respect to the mandrel, the release mechanism is activated and the two housing sections rapidly move with respect to each other. A hammer portion of the mandrel then strikes an anvil in the anvil housing, thus applying an upward force to the tool lodged in the well.
US08561684B2
An apparatus for holding and launching down-hole actuation devices that has a body, a bottom end, a top end and a long bore between the ends. Moveable and protruding into the long bore are retainers upon which down-hole actuation devices may rest. Retainers are moved by a lockable hydraulic drive system. Additionally, a method for loading the apparatus with down-hole actuation devices and for launching said devices into a well bore is provided.
US08561682B2
A tube for a heat exchanger is formed by bending a three-layer clad material of an aluminum alloy to have an overlapped portion. The three-layer clad material is formed by a core material layer containing Mg not smaller than 0.2 wt % after brazing, a brazing material layer on one surface of the core material layer, and a high melting-point material layer on the other surface of the core material layer. The brazing material layer has a thickness not smaller than 25 μm before the brazing, and has a melting point lower than 600° C. The high melting-point material layer has a melting point equal to or higher than 600° C. In addition, the brazing material layer and the high melting-point material layer opposite to each other in the overlapped portion are bonded by the brazing at a temperature not lower than 450° C. for a time within 12 minutes.
US08561661B2
A run-flat pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an elastomeric casing and a tire cavity formed therein. A longitudinally-extending and approximately planar length of strip material is helically arranged within the tire cavity to pre-stress the length of strip material for usage of the pneumatic tire during under-inflated and non-inflated conditions. A method of making a run-flat pneumatic tire assembly is also included.
US08561648B2
A flexible pipe and a method of producing it. The pipe has two tubular structures, internal and external, and a tubular axial blocking layer. The tubular blocking layer comprises two section wires each having a trapezoidal cross section. The trapezoidal cross section defines a base and two sloping lateral flanks. The base of one of the two section wires is oriented toward the internal tubular structure. The base of the other section wire is oriented in the opposite direction. The section wires are wound side by side forming contiguous coils. The internal tubular structure includes a wire having a wound structure to form transversely blocked coils. One of the two section wires is wound against said structure coils.
US08561642B2
A transport and storage container for fluids having a check valve that allows the contents of the storage container to be substantially completely emptied. A valve housing of the check valve has a valve face against which a valve flap rests against in its closed state.
US08561638B2
A check valve includes a main-casing, a sub-casing, a positive-pressure valve and a negative-pressure valve. The positive-pressure valve has through holes and a negative-pressure valve seat. The negative-pressure valve has leg portions. A cap is disposed within the positive-pressure valve. A positive-pressure spring is disposed between the positive-pressure valve and the sub-casing, and a negative-pressure spring is disposed between the positive-pressure valve and the cap. A positive-pressure flow path for releasing fuel vapor is formed between an outer circumference of the positive-pressure valve and an inner circumference of the main-casing, at further outward position than the positive-pressure spring. A negative-pressure flow path for introducing outside air is formed between an inner circumference of the positive-pressure valve and the leg portions and an outer circumference of the cap and between the through holes and the leg portions, at further outward position than the negative-pressure spring.
US08561636B2
System and method for controlling leakage and/or testing of pipe systems and discharge points for incompressible fluids, said system including one or more automatic valve arrangements (10) arranged in a pipe system in connection with the fluid supply to a processing plant or building comprising rooms (16) having one or more discharge points (17) to open and close the fluid supply. The system includes a control device (13) provided with communication devices and arrangements (24) to detect activity in rooms (16) with discharge points (17) or the processing plant. The system comprises a pressure control arrangement (20) arranged between the automatic valve arrangement (10) and rooms (16) having discharge points (17) or the processing plant. The pressure control arrangement (20) is arranged for increasing the pressure in the pipe system.
US08561631B2
The present invention discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for controlling liquid impact pressure in liquid impact systems. The liquid impact systems include at least one gas and a liquid, the gas having a density (PG) and a polytropic index (κ) and the liquid having a density (PL). The methods include the step of calculating a liquid impact load of the liquid on the object by determining a parameter Ψ for the system, wherein Ψ is defined as (PG/PL) (κ−1)/κ. The systems are also configured to utilize the parameter Ψ. The parameter Ψ may be adjusted to increase or reduce the liquid impact load on the system. Automatic, computer-implemented systems and methods may be used or implemented. These methods and systems may be useful in applications such as LNG shipping and loading/off-loading, fuel tank operation, manufacturing processes, vehicles dynamics, and combustion processes, among others.
US08561630B2
A dual gas source changeover valve comprises a valve body having a first inlet port, a second inlet port and an outlet port which are all in fluid communication with each other, a spool having a structure relative to an axial passage of the cavity of the valve body and which is slidably disposed therein, a first transition cavity formed by the cavity of the valve body and the spool between the first inlet port and the outlet port, a second transition cavity disposed opposite to the first transition cavity and formed between the second inlet port and the outlet port. By introducing delivered gas to the first transition cavity or the second transition cavity through connection channels, the present invention selectively connects or disconnects the first inlet port, the first transition cavity and the outlet port or the second inlet port, the second transition cavity and the outlet port.
US08561617B2
A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing an elongated element having a central buttress area and first and second arms extending from opposite ends of the central buttress area. The method includes implanting the central buttress area in a tongue so that a longitudinal axis of the central buttress area intersects an anterior-posterior axis of the tongue. The first and second arms are advanced through the tongue until the first and second arms engage inframandibular musculature. Tension is applied to the first and second arms for pulling the central buttress area toward the inframandibular musculature for moving a posterior surface of the tongue away from an opposing surface of a pharyngeal wall. The first and second arms are anchored to the inframandibular musculature for maintaining a space between the posterior surface of the tongue and the opposing surface of the pharyngeal wall.
US08561614B2
An inflatable cuff may be adapted to seal a vessel of a patient, such as a trachea when associated with a medical device, such as an endotracheal tube. In one embodiment, an inflatable cuff made from multiple layers is provided where one or more layers are chosen to improve sealing of the tube in the vessel. In exemplary embodiments, the individual layers may improve sealing by swelling in the presence of moisture, being wettable by the tissues of the trachea, or both. In one implementation, the inflatable cuff may be made of any combination of layers that perform either or both of these functions.
US08561612B2
A method for monitoring patient's breathing action response to changes in a ventilator applied breathing support, where a) a desired target range for a breathing gas indication of O2-consumption for the patient is first determined, after which b) the ventilator applied breathing support is changed, and c) the breathing gas indication of O2-consumption of said patient is measured and d) compared with the desired target range. At least the steps b)-d) are repeated to maintain the measured breathing gas indication of O2-consumption of said patient within the desired target range. A system for monitoring a patient's breathing action is also provided.
US08561609B2
A dry powder inhaler includes a chamber holding an actuator to which a powdered medicament is adhered. Air is drawn into the chamber through an inlet flow channel and exits through an outlet flow channel. The actuator oscillates in response to the air flow, dislodging powdered medicament to be entrained in the air flow and delivered to the patient. A retaining member prevents the actuator from exiting the chamber. Thus, the medicament may be delivered to the patient without the use of carrier particles.
US08561604B2
The invention provides methods and apparatus for nebulizing liquids. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a thin shell member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween. The apertures are tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface. A liquid supplier is further provided which delivers a predetermined unit volume of liquid to the rear surface. A vibrator vibrates the thin shell member to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the thin shell member.
US08561597B2
A flange for a fuel pump module and a manufacturing method thereof, in which the passage communicating a first valve seat with a second valve seat in the flange can be easily and simply formed by inserting a passage forming piece in a mold without requiring an additional process during an injection-molding process of manufacturing the flange.
US08561594B2
In an internal combustion engine controller, a clock trouble determination signal from a clock trouble determining circuit that diagnoses any clock input trouble is transmitted in parallel with an abnormality diagnosis signal outputted from an abnormality diagnosing circuit and causes it to be inputted to a trouble/abnormality signal output circuit, and the trouble/abnormality signal output circuit achieves logical summing to output one line of resultant trouble/abnormality output OR signals to a microprocessor (MP). The MP outputs to the trouble/abnormality signal output circuit a trouble/abnormality confirmation input signal, and makes definite any of an abnormal state, a clock trouble state and a normal state based on the result of switching control of the status level of the pertinent trouble/abnormality output OR signal.
US08561592B2
A method and a control module that includes a filter coefficient determination module that generates filter coefficients based upon an engine operating conditions. The control module includes a filter module that filters the in-cylinder pressure signal with a filter having the filter coefficients to form a filtered pressure signal and an engine control module that controls the engine using the filtered pressure signal.
US08561584B2
A camshaft assembly for extending duration of a valve event including a hollow outer shaft, an inner shaft received within the hollow outer shaft, a plurality of cam lobes, and a phaser located between the plurality of cam lobes approximately in the middle of the inner and outer shaft.
US08561582B2
A device for variably adjusting the valve timing of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine which has an input element, an output element and a camshaft. The input element can be brought in a driving connection with the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The output element is non-rotationally connected to the camshaft and swivelable in relation to the input element. An axial lateral face of the camshaft rests against an axial lateral face of the output element. A form-locking element on one of the axial lateral faces resting against each other aligns the output element on the camshaft with respect to its circumferential direction and engages in a mating form-locking element of the other component.
US08561580B2
In an engine, a block-side flow path for circulating cooling water to cool a cylinder block, and a head-side flow path for circulating cooling water to cool a cylinder head are formed. A head-side outlet temperature of cooling water flowing out of the head-side flow path is adjusted by using a water pump that pressure sends the cooling water to both the block-side flow path and the head-side flow path. A block-side outlet temperature of cooling water flowing out of the block-side flow path is adjusted by a first thermostat that changes a flow amount of the cooling water flowing out of the block-side flow path. The cooling water flowing out of the block-side flow path is used as a heat source of first and second heater cores for heating air.
US08561574B2
Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relating to animal specimen collection and animal specimen collection stations. In an embodiment, multiple chambers each contain a single animal, and wells on a removable floor on each of the chambers may collect animal specimens. The wells may be dimensioned with a depth and width such that the animals may not disturb, contact, or contaminate specimens contained within a well.
US08561572B2
Prior to wafer processing, pressure ratio control is executed on a divided flow rate adjustment means so as to adjust the flow rates of divided flows to achieve a target pressure ratio with regard to the pressures in the individual branch passages. As the processing gas from a processing gas supply means is diverted into first and second branch pipings under the pressure ratio control and the pressures in the branch passages then stabilize, the control on the divided flow rate adjustment means is switched to steady pressure control for adjusting the flow rates of the divided flows so as to hold the pressure in the first branch passage at the level achieved in the stable pressure condition. Only after the control is switched to the steady pressure control, an additional gas is delivered into the second branch passage via an additional gas supply means.
US08561568B2
An exemplary apparatus for manufacturing a light guide film having patterns simultaneously formed on two opposite surfaces thereof, includes a first conveyor roller, a second conveyor roller, a imprinting group roller, two coating devices, two solidifying devices, a first template and a second template. The imprinting group rollers are positioned between the first and second conveyor rollers, including a first imprinting roller and a second imprinting roller opposite to the first imprinting roller. The two coating devices are positioned between the first conveyor roller and the imprinting group roller. The two solidifying devices are positioned between the imprinting group rollers and the second conveyor roller. The first template has a first imprinting pattern, and is fixed on a circumferential surface of the first imprinting roller. The second template has a second imprinting pattern, and is fixed on a circumferential surface of the second imprinting roller.
US08561556B2
An installation for combustion (1) of carbon-containing solids includes an oxide reducing reactor (2), a first cyclone (5), a recuperator (6), an oxidation reactor (3), a second cyclone (4), wherein flows an oxide which is reduced then oxidized in each of the two reactors (2 and 3). In the installation, the fuel is ground before being introduced into the reduction reactor (3). The reduced size of the solid fuel particles enables more complete and faster combustion and enables almost 100% production of fly ashes which are separated from the circulating oxides.
US08561549B2
A foldable ramp for evacuation of a vehicle, the ramp including hingedly connected primary and secondary side members, a primary fixed panel fixedly attached the primary side members, a primary flipping panel extending between the primary side members adjacent the primary fixed panel and having a first end pivotally connected to the primary side members and a second end free from the side members, and a secondary flipping panel extending between the secondary side members and having a first end free from the side members and hingedly connected to the second end of the primary flipping panel and a second end pivotally connected to the secondary side members. The ramp is configurable between a folded and a deployed position, with the panels in the deployed position forming a ramp surface and the panels in the folded position being stacked one against the other.
US08561547B2
A track-guided vehicle wheel truck facilitates vehicle maintenance and enables reduction in costs. The track vehicle wheel truck includes guide frames arranged along the forward and rearward directions of the vehicle on the inside of the vehicle width direction in the running wheels, and fixed to knuckles; a tie rod arranged on the center side of the forward and rearward directions in the vehicle along the vehicle width direction, and interlock with the guide frames; guide wheel receivers disposed toward the inside of the vehicle width direction from the guide frames on the vehicle end side and the center side relative to an axis of the running wheels; and a steering axle arranged along the vehicle width direction, and are able to turn the running wheels, the knuckles, and the guide frames by installing a kingpin at both ends thereof.
US08561532B2
The invention relates to an agricultural piston bale press. This press includes a pressing piston arranged in a bale chamber, an intake device to take in crop material, and a stuffing device, wherein the stuffing device includes a feed passage and a stuffing mechanism, the stuffing mechanism includes an arm supporting tines, wherein said arm is movable by a first driving device to at least move the tines in and out of the feed passage and wherein said arm is pivotably supported by a fulcrum, the fulcrum being displaceable to selectively move the arm along the stuffing trajectory or load trajectory. The stuffing device includes a second driving device to displace the fulcrum, and in that the second driving device is mechanically independent of the main driving mechanism.
US08561522B2
A hydraulic cylinder includes a piston unit inside a cylinder to be free to slide within the cylinder; and a piston rod having the piston unit fixed to one end thereof and another end thereof projecting from the cylinder. The piston unit is inserted into a small diameter portion of the piston rod with an end surface thereof fixedly contacting a shoulder end surface of the piston rod. A round portion is formed as an annular concave in a base end portion outer periphery of the small diameter portion of the piston rod. A tapered portion is formed on an inner periphery of the piston unit from the end surface in alignment with a portion formed by concaving the small diameter portion. A length of the tapered portion in a piston unit axial direction is equal or greater than a length of the concave portion in a piston rod axial direction.
US08561521B2
There is provided a linear compressor, which can reduce parts production costs and simplify a part installation process by decreasing the number of main springs. The linear compressor comprises: a cylinder providing a space for compressing a refrigerant; a piston linearly reciprocating inside the cylinder to compress the refrigerant; an inner stator; an outer stator; a permanent magnet connected to the piston and linearly reciprocating between the inner stator and the outer stator; a supporter piston connected to the piston, at least part thereof being extended in a radial direction of the piston; a plurality of front main springs positioned on the same axis as the piston, one ends of which being supported by the supporter piston; and one rear main spring positioned on the opposite side of the piston, one end of which being supported by the supporter piston.
US08561515B1
Disclosed is a system for detonating a buried explosive device by discharging an electric discharge with at least five joules of energy to detonate the buried explosive device.
US08561509B2
A mechanical-activated inner diameter (ID) grooving tool includes a shank, a body, a stopper, an insert cartridge, a bushing and an end cap. The shank includes a tapered piston having an extension surface and a retraction surface. The insert cartridge includes a tapered piston pocket having a piston-engaging face and a piston-retracting face. Axial movement of the tapered piston in a first direction causes the extension surface of the tapered piston into contact with the piston-engaging face of the insert cartridge, thereby causing the insert cartridge to move in a radially outward direction. Axial movement of the tapered piston in a second, opposite direction causes the retraction surface of the tapered piston into contact with the piston-retracting face of the insert cartridge, thereby causing the insert cartridge to move in a radially inward direction.
US08561508B2
A micro-scale apparatus for supporting a tool for hard turning comprises a base, a pivot coupled to the base, an actuator coupled to the base, and at least one member coupled to the actuator at one end and rotatably coupled to the pivot at another end. A tool mount is disposed on the at least one member. The at least one member defines a first lever arm between the pivot and the tool mount, and a second lever arm between the pivot and the actuator. The first lever arm has a length that is less than a length of the second lever arm. The actuator moves the tool mount along an arc.
US08561506B2
A hand operated gripping tool comprises a first jaw unit having a workpiece engaging portion, a second jaw unit having a workpiece engaging portion and being movable relative to the first jaw unit such that a variable size workpiece receiving space is defined between the workpiece engaging portions and a handle for applying a force to the second jaw unit. The second jaw unit is engagable with a reaction surface such that, in use, in response to a force applied by the handle, the workpiece engaging portion is forced against a workpiece received in the workpiece receiving space. An elongate extension portion extends from the workpiece engaging portion. The lever arm is connected with the elongate extension portion and the extension portion has a bend promoting portion disposed between the workpiece engaging portion and the lever arm connection that is configured to promote bending of the extension portion.
US08561495B2
A gear unit having a drive element with a first tooth structure, an output element with a second tooth structure, wherein the tooth structures are able to be brought into engagement cogging with each other to form a gearing in at least one engagement area of the second tooth structure. The output element has at least one uncoupling area, in which the cogging engagement of the gearing is uncoupled. The first tooth structure has at least one first modified tooth element and the second tooth structure has at least one second modified tooth element wherein by a movement of the drive element, synchronization of the second modified tooth element with the first modified tooth element is possible in order to create a change from the uncoupled state to the engagement state.
US08561480B2
An erosion-resistant insert is provided for a flow measurement device having a fluid displacement member. The insert includes a flange and a sleeve extending axially from the flange. The sleeve may be inserted into a recess machined into a fluid conduit of the fluid measurement device to protect the inner wall of the conduit. The insert maintains a property of the flow measurement device.
US08561479B2
A Coriolis flow sensor including a loop-shaped Coriolis tube mounted in a housing with two ends lying next to one another, the ends being fixed in a fixation element, while the portion of the tube located between the ends lies free from the housing, which flow sensor includes an excitation element for causing the tube to oscillate about an excitation axis as well as a detection element for detecting displacements of portions of the tube during operation. The tube is connected through the fixation element to a balancing member, the assembly of the balancing member and the tube being resiliently arranged with respect to the housing, while the excitation element are arranged to rotate the tube and the balancing member with counter-phase about the excitation axis.
US08561477B2
A fluid flow monitoring system including one or more fluid flow dispensing valves each including a piston. Fluid flow sensors are associated with the fluid flow dispensing valves for measuring fluid flow. The fluid flow sensors include a housing with a magnet positioned therein and a piston follower is coupled to the magnet. The piston follower includes a shoulder portion positioned within the housing. A spring is operative to bias the magnet and piston follower towards the piston during operation so that piston movement is transmitted to the magnet. The housing includes a retainer portion disposed on the housing that confronts the shoulder portion of the piston follower whereby the magnet, piston follower, and spring are retained within the housing. The system also includes a fluid flow monitor that includes a microprocessor programmed to convert cycle signals from the sensors to fluid flow information.
US08561460B2
A volume sensing system for use in determining a volume of a variable volume reservoir can include a lower plunger that can have a first end adapted to move with a bottom of the reservoir. An upper plunger can be slidable relative to the lower plunger. A lower biasing member can be positioned substantially between a base of the reservoir and the upper plunger, and the upper biasing member can be positioned between the upper plunger and an interference member. The upper biasing member can have a predetermined stiffness relative to the lower biasing member such that upon movement of the lower plunger, the upper plunger can move at a predetermined fraction of the amount of movement of the lower plunger, where the predetermined fraction can be determined at least in part by the predetermined stiffness of the upper biasing member relative to the lower biasing member.
US08561458B2
The current invention relates to a bracket for use in conjunction with test coupons to allow for the consistent and long term monitoring of corrosive elements in a facility. The invention is able to have multiple coupons attached to a single bracket allowing for the testing various corrosive elements. Additionally the coupons can be placed at varying angles and locations to allow for a more complete analysis of the environments.
US08561456B2
A liquid detection device for detecting liquid at a location on a structure includes a nanoscale spectrometer-on-a chip, and a fluid-absorptive element for absorbing liquid at the location and also securing the chip to the structure. Fluid absorbed by the element is analyzed by the spectrometer.
US08561452B2
A forging apparatus is described, comprising forging tools (5) which are arranged in a centrically symmetrical way about a forging axis (2) and whose tool holders (4) radially guided in a frame (3) are connected with lifting drives (7), which each comprise one respective connecting rod (8) that is pivotably supported via abutments (9) on a housing (1) on the one hand and on the tool holder (4) on the other hand, and comprising a common drive for the lifting drives (7) which comprises a torsional vibration drive (11) for at least one actuator (12) for the one of the two abutments (9, 10) of the connecting rods (8), which actuator is rotatably held about the forging axis (2). In order to ensure advantageous constructional conditions, it is proposed that the frame (3) forms the actuator (12) of the common drive for the lifting drives (7), and that the torsional vibration drive (11) is provided between the housing (1) and the frame (3) which is rotatably held about the forging axis (2).
US08561447B2
A twisting device (10) is described adapted to simultaneously twist a plurality of bar electric conductors (11) for making a stator or rotor winding for an electric machine, comprising: at least one first body (12) extending around a twisting axis (Z-Z) and comprising a first circular array of channels (15) having center on such an axis (Z-Z); and—at least one second body (13), extending around and coaxial with the first body (12), comprising a second circular array of channels (16) with center on the twisting axis (Z-Z); associated with each of the channels (15) of at least one of said first and second arrays, a channel extension groove (15A) extending longitudinally in a direction parallel to the twisting axis (Z-Z) and projecting from the respective channel (15) in a direction (CC) circumferential with respect to said axis (Z-Z).
US08561444B2
A programmable cylinder lock includes a stator and a cylindrical rotor, mounted therein for rotation around its own axis and having a keyhole, a number of key followers movable along their own longitudinal and transversal directions, intended to cooperate with a key inserted into the keyhole, a number of locking pins movable along their own longitudinal direction, the key followers and locking pins forming together a number of pairs and having toothings cooperating to define the lock codification, the rotor including a stop bar cooperating with a longitudinal groove of the stator and having projections cooperating with notches of the locking pins to immobilize them when the stop bar engages them, and a change bar slidingly coupled with the key followers to normally keep them engaged with the locking pins and to disengage them therefrom when the change bar provides a lock programming position.
US08561443B2
A clutch for an electronic door lock includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a spring, a rheological fluid, and a plunger. The second shaft has an aperture therein and is axially co-aligned with the first shaft and is rotatably mounted adjacent the rotatable first shaft. The spring is disposed in the aperture in the second shaft. The rheological fluid is held within the aperture and is capable of changing viscosities in response to the application of an electrical current across the fluid. The plunger is biased by the spring into selective coupling engagement with the first shaft and is capable of selective motion into the aperture in response to contact by a camming surface of the first shaft due to relative rotation of the first shaft with respect to the second shaft.
US08561442B2
A steering shaft lock actuator may include a motor having an output shaft, a drive train, and a lost motion device. The drive train may be coupled to the output shaft and may linearly urge a locking member to an unlocked position when the motor is energized. The lost motion device may be configured to store energy when the locking member is in the unlocked position and utilize the stored energy to drive the locking member toward a locked position with a steering shaft when the motor is de-energized.
US08561436B2
A direct driving auxiliary yarn guide apparatus for a flat knitting machine which includes a chassis, a needle bar on the chassis, a slide track above the needle bar, a yarn feeder slidably mounted onto the slide track and a yarn delivery device. The auxiliary yarn guide apparatus includes a motor located on the chassis that is coupled with a spindle and a plurality of yarn guide wheels mounted on the spindle. The motor drives the spindle and the yarn guide wheels spinning to guide yarns via the yarn delivery device to the yarn feeder to be knitted through the needle bar. Thereby yarn guiding stability improves and quality of knitting products also is enhanced.
US08561435B2
A latch needle includes a pivot pin connected with the latch in a torque-proof manner, said pivot pin having mirror-symmetrically shaped bearing heads (29, 30) on both sides of the latch shank (20). The bearing heads (29, 30) are produced by plastic deformation (i.e., axial upsetting of a pin (27)) and have a cylindrical exterior shape.
US08561433B2
The present application describes a device and method for repairing dropped stitches and for correcting errors in previously knitted rows in a knitted article. The knitting repair tool of the present invention comprises a first hook and a second hook at opposite ends of a relatively short elongated shaft for recovering a first stitch and for recovering a second stitch in a knitted article, wherein the second stitch is recovered after the first stitch has been recovered, without releasing the recovered first stitch from the knitting repair tool. The present invention describes various methods for repairing dropped stitches in a knitted article wherein a first dropped stitch that is recovered is not released prior to recovering a second dropped stitch.
US08561432B2
The present invention provides an apparatus for fabricating porous glass preforms, in which any damages of a reaction vessel due to the increase in thermal load to the reaction vessel can be controlled without enlarging the reaction vessel. A wall of the reaction vessel includes a plurality of rectangular inner wall metal plates that defines at least apart of inner side walls of the reaction vessel, adjacent inner wall metal plates of a plurality of inner wall metal plates of which being weld bonded at their edges, and a plurality of metal frame members having higher stiffness than that of the inner wall metal plates and being arranged along each edge region of the opposite surface of the inner side walls of each of the plurality of inner wall metal plates and fixed to the edge region by a tightening or welding means.
US08561431B2
A method of manufacturing an optical fiber base material having very little impurity which deteriorates the transmission characteristic of an optical fiber is provided. The method of manufacturing an optical fiber base material including: producing a core member for the optical fiber base material by dehydrating and transparently vitrifying a base material formed by depositing glass particles; and drawing the core member and then adding a cladding thereto at a desired core to cladding ratio, wherein the dehydrating includes suspending the base material in a furnace tube having a heating region in a first atmosphere at a first temperature, the base material passing through the heating region as upwardly moving, and the transparently vitrifying includes situating the base material below once and then allowing the base material to pass through the heating region in a second atmosphere at a second temperature as upwardly moving again.
US08561421B2
A refrigerator which includes an outer case defining the outer appearance of the refrigerator, the inner case received in the outer case and defining a storage compartment, the insulation member filled in a gap between the outer case and the inner case for heat insulation, and a noise attenuation member disposed between an outer surface of the inner case and the insulation member to induce a sliding movement between the inner case and the insulation member. The insulation member is slidable relative to the insulation member when the inner case expands or contracts in accordance with a variation of temperature, whereby the generation of frictional noise due to friction between the inner case and the insulation member can be greatly reduced.
US08561420B2
An air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a compressor, a condenser, a first sub-cooler, a metering device, and an evaporator assembly. The evaporator assembly includes an evaporator and a second sub-cooler. The second sub-cooler is arranged below the evaporator such that water condensation from the evaporator drains onto the second sub-cooler to cool the second sub-cooler such that a temperature of the refrigerant exiting the second sub-cooler is less than a temperature of the refrigerant exiting the first sub-cooler.
US08561419B2
An island merchandiser including a first merchandiser module, a second merchandiser module, a third merchandiser module, and a fourth merchandiser module. The first merchandiser module includes a product display area maintained within a temperature range at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The second merchandiser module is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module. The third merchandiser module is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module. The fourth merchandiser module is positioned next to the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module opposite the third merchandiser module. The island merchandiser also includes a first insulation panel positioned between the first and second merchandiser modules and the third merchandiser module, and a second insulation panel positioned between the first and second merchandiser modules and the fourth merchandiser module.
US08561415B2
Method of making a structural reinforcement strut for a turbine exhaust case of a gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine case having a working fluid flow, includes inner and outer case portions defining an annular duct for directing the working fluid flow, and a plurality of struts positioned within the annular duct and extending between the inner and outer case portions. The struts are welded to the inner and outer case portions with a first weld along a peripheral line of the respective struts and with second weld, of fillet type, in selected locations for additionally connecting a portion of each strut to the respective inner and outer case portions.
US08561414B1
A gas turbine engine includes first and second stages having a rotational axis. A circumferential array of airfoils is arranged axially between the first stage and the second stage. At least one of the airfoils have a curvature provided equidistantly between pressure and suction sides. The airfoils extend from a leading edge to a trailing edge at a midspan plane along the airfoil. An angle is defined between first and second lines respectively tangent to the intersection of the midspan plane and the curvature at airfoil leading and trailing edges. The angle is equal to or greater than about 10°.
US08561410B2
An outlet guide vane structure for a gas turbine engine includes outlet guide vanes supported between inner and outer outlet guide walls. The guide walls form a diffuser aft of the guide vanes. The outer guide wall is secured directly to a compressor casing. A support structure, for example for supporting turbine nozzle guide vanes, is connected to an outer case of the engine at a flange. The support structure includes struts which pass through the outlet guide vane structure to provide a load path by which loads on the support structure are transferred to the outer case independent of the outlet guide vane structure.
US08561408B2
The amount of high-temperature steam supplied from external equipment is reduced. Provided is a hydrogen production system (1) including a reactor (3) that allows a humidified process fluid output from a humidifier (2) to react in the presence of a catalyst to transform carbon monoxide in the process fluid into carbon dioxide; a second channel (B) through which the high-temperature process fluid that has reacted in the reactor (3) flows; a circulation channel (C) through which excess water in the humidifier (2) is circulated; and a first heat exchanger (7), disposed at an intersection of the circulation channel (C) and the second channel (B), for heat exchange between the high-temperature process fluid that has reacted in the reactor (3) and the fluid circulated through the circulation channel (C).
US08561404B2
Turbocharger supercharged internal combustion engine, of which the exhaust manifold (22) comprises a first outlet (20) constantly supplying a turbine (18) for driving a compressor (12), a second outlet (34) equipped with means of sealing (36) synchronized with the rotation of the engine in order to supply a recycling conduit (46) of exhaust gas and a third outlet connected by a by-pass conduit (58) at the outlet of the turbine (18).
US08561390B2
An energy production and pressurized exhaust gas storage system including two combustion chambers aligned in opposition to each other, each of the two combustion chambers having a reciprocating power piston. A compression chamber is situated between the two combustion chambers and it includes a reciprocating compression piston. A shaft connects all of the pistons together. A solvent tank is connected to the two combustion chambers to receive the exhaust gas carbon dioxide. The solvent is preferably water maintained at about 32 degrees Fahrenheit and with a pressure above the water surface of about 100 pounds per square inch. Upon combustion, a pressurized carbon dioxide storage chamber receives compressed carbon dioxide from the compression chamber. Check valves are used to enable inflow of carbon dioxide to the compression chamber from the solvent tank and outflow of pressurized carbon dioxide in the compression chamber to storage.
US08561386B2
A wall-cooling device for cooling a wall subjected to a heat source and to an outer fluid. The device includes a cooling part with a fastening portion and a cooling portion. The cooling part is made of a thermally-conductive shape-memory alloy having a transition temperature T. The fastener portion is for fastening the device rigidly on a face of the wall. The cooling portion is shaped so that it takes up a first position that is substantially parallel to the wall when the temperature of the wall is lower than the temperature T and so that it takes up a second position in which a plane of the second portion defines, relative to a plane tangential to the wall, a dihedral angle lying in the range 45° to 90° .
US08561385B2
A flying object is provided with an engine comprising a combustion chamber with a combustion space and a nozzle with a nozzle space following the combustion chamber, the transition between combustion chamber and nozzle lying in a plane in which a cross-section of the combustion space converges, in which thrust control in terms of magnitude and/or thrust vector can be carried out in a simple manner, it is provided that a centre body adapted to have combustion products flowing around it is at least partially arranged in the nozzle space, outside of the combustion space, and at least three jet vanes are arranged at the centre body.
US08561377B2
A head for applying threaded caps to containers that are to be used in automatic machines for closing containers. The head may comprise a tubular bushing, a shaft that extends coaxially within the tubular bushing and that carries at a bottom end thereof an attachment for a cap gripping member, and a magnetic clutch set between the tubular bushing and the shaft.
US08561369B2
A molding profile assembly has a first and second molding profile. The first molding profile, whose upper surface is to form the upper surface of the molding profile assembly, has a groove formed into an under-surface of a first arm and a groove formed into a foot perpendicular to the arm. The second molding profile has first and second tabs which fit snugly into the first and second grooves of the first molding profile, respectively, interlocking the first and second molding profiles together. The molding profiles do not require scraping, stripping or other permanent alteration in order to be assembled together.
US08561366B2
The invention relates to the field of techniques for connecting construction elements suitable for use in the construction of buildings, in the sector of civil engineering. The connection system (1) connects a first construction element (2) to a second construction element (3) and comprises at least one retaining element (1a) integral with the first construction element (2) and an anchoring device (1b) connecting the retaining element (1a) to the second construction element (3); the anchoring device (1b) comprises two wings (4) and a middle part (5), which connects the two wings (4) and is placed in contact with the retaining element (1a); the intrados of the two wings (4) lies on a same plane; the axes of the two wings (4) provide an angle therebetween with the vertex pointing the first construction element (2); each of the two wings (4) is connected to the second construction element (3).
US08561362B2
A selectively releasable ground securing device that includes a ground member, a clamp body, and a lock assembly that selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body relative thereto. The ground member includes a drivable body that is constructed to be driven into a ground surface such that the ground member is generally flush with the upper layer of the ground surface. The lock assembly selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body and structure engaged therewith relative to the ground member. In a preferred embodiment, the clamp body cooperates with a rail of a goal assembly to prevent tipping or movement of the goal assembly when the lock assembly is engaged with the ground member.
US08561355B2
A system for extending the height of a cubicle wall is disclosed. The system comprises a vertical wall extender and a clamp. The clamp further includes an upper channel that receives the vertical wall extender, the upper channel further includes a fixing element that fixes the vertical wall extender to the upper channel, and a screw. The clamp also includes a lower channel that is mounted to the existing cubicle wall, the lower channel further includes two halves, the first half containing a nut channel with a nut disclosed therein, the second half containing a slot through which the screw can thread into the nut. Further improvements for the system are disclosed, along with a method for using the system.
US08561349B2
A barrier for the inside of a home. The barrier includes two partitions that slide relative to each other to increase and decrease a distance between ends of the barrier. The partitions slide into and out of confronting relationships with each other. The partitions engage each other at upper and lower locations and further at a medial location where an elongate member of one partition is received in a tube engaged to the other partition. A threaded piece upon being turned brings pressure to bear upon an end of the tube such that the partitions can be incrementally expanded apart and thereby pressurized between two locations within the home so as to block off one portion of the home. The threaded piece is slideable along the elongate member.
US08561348B2
A security kit is provided for automatic closing of a garage door after a predetermined time of garage door being open. The security kit comprises a replacement wall switch for operating the garage door operating mechanism. The replacement wall switch comprises a timer module and a sensor disposed to detect that the garage door is open or closed. The sensor is coupled to a timer input. The sensor and the timer cooperatively operate such that when the sensor detects that the garage door is closed, the timer is reset and disabled, and further cooperatively operate such that when the sensor detects that the garage door is open, the timer initiates timing a predetermined time period. The timer operates a switch at end of the predetermined time period to cause the garage door mechanism to close the garage door.
US08561345B2
An apparatus for displaying a plant is described. The apparatus includes a first substantially horizontal member that engages a first surface of a structure at a first vertical position. A second substantially horizontal member engages a second surface of the structure at a second vertical position that is lower than the first vertical position. The first surface is opposite to the second surface. A frame is coupled to the second substantially horizontal member and is shaped to support a pot containing the plant. The weight of the supported plant urges the first substantially horizontal member against the first surface of the structure and urges the second substantially horizontal member against the second surface of the structure, thereby securing the apparatus to the structure.
US08561335B2
A firearm includes a receiver and a barrel connected to the receiver. A hand guard extends from the receiver and defines a hand guard bore. The receiver includes a threaded end and the hand guard includes a flange extending into the hand guard bore and abutting the receiver about the threaded end. A hand guard nut abuts the flange of the hand guard and threadedly engaging the threaded end of the receiver. The hand guard nut sandwiches the flange between the hand guard nut and the receiver for attaching the hand guard to the receiver. The hand guard includes a first hand guard portion and a second hand guard portion removably attached to the first hand guard portion. The second hand guard portion is slid from an assembled position to a disassembled position to expose the hand guard nut in the hand guard bore.
US08561334B2
The invention pertains to a magazine holder for detachably holding a cartridge magazine in a grip part of a handgun. The magazine holder features an actuating element that can be operated from both sides of the grip part and a spring element for resetting the actuating element into a center position. A simple and inexpensive manufacture and assembly of the magazine holder can be achieved if the spring element contains one or more locking elements for engaging into locking grooves of the cartridge magazine in an interlocking fashion.
US08561331B2
A print medium and methods are provided for producing a die-cut portion easily separable from the print medium, thereby shortening the required time to separate the die-cut portion and reducing wasted consumption of print media. The print medium may include die-cut portions having a contour of a wristband, such as those used in a hospital on the wrist of a patient. The die-cut portions are formed sequentially at a constant interval on the print medium, and die-cut lines are formed between each die-cut portion as lines connecting adjacent die-cut portions. The print medium may be automatically cut at the position of a severance line perpendicular to the die-cut line referenced by a cut mark on the print medium. Because the edges of the severed print medium piece are perpendicular to the die-cut lines, separating the die-cut portion from the print medium can be easily started along the die-cut line.
US08561312B2
The present disclosure is directed to a construction device having a receptacle configured to provide an indication of a geometric shape of the receptacle on a panel of sheetrock. The receptacle includes walls having a thickness and a length, a cavity delimited by the walls, the cavity configured to provide an interface through the panel of sheetrock, a first end configured to abut the panel of sheetrock, the first end having a surface that corresponds to the thickness of the walls, a second end spaced from the first end by the length of the walls, and a plurality of integrally formed protrusions extending from the surface of the first end, the protrusions configured to at least indent the panel of sheetrock to form a pattern of indentations that indicate the geometric shape of the receptacle.
US08561307B2
A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target assembly secured to the vehicle wheel in a non-determined position, the optical target assembly having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of optical target elements disposed on a plurality of target surfaces. Images of the optical target elements are acquired by an imaging system, together with target identifying indicia, and utilized together with previously stored target characterization data to determine a spatial orientation of the optical target assembly and an alignment of the vehicle wheel onto which it is secured.
US08561303B2
A system for clipping and removing hair clippings from a clipped site is disclosed. The system includes a suction member having an integrated blade member, a hose member in communication with the suction member, and a vacuum source connected to the hose member. This device is particularly useful for use in clipping and removing the hair clippings from shaved surgical patients in a manner that prevents the hair clippings from falling into the patient's surroundings.
US08561297B2
Provided is a method for producing an engine valve by subjecting a stem portion having a hollow part to a drawing treatment using a series of dies such that the outer diameter and inner diameter of the stem portion become smaller in steps and the stem portion is thereby molded to the desired size, whereby, after the stem portion has been subjected to the drawing treatment until the inner diameter of the hollow part of the stem portion has reached a specific size, sodium metal in the form of a solid block is introduced to the hollow part of the stem portion, and a protective agent made from solid paraffin or naphthalene is also introduced to the hollow part of the stem portion such as to form a barrier between the sodium metal and the atmosphere, after which the stem portion is further subjected to a cold drawing treatment.
US08561281B2
The subject invention relates to a precision injection molding of multi-piece parts and the subsequent handling and assembly of those parts produced from the mold. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical suture package with a top part and a bottom part is molded and assembled. In such a method and system, the top parts and bottom parts are first molded utilizing a family mold and then are transferred to a stacker. The stacker is able to stack the top part and bottom part on top of one another on a pallet. The parts are then transported to a welder in order to weld the top part and bottom part together. The completed surgical suture packages are then transferred to a magazine for storage and shippage.
US08561277B2
A method of determining axial and/or radial runout due to workholding equipment and compensating for such runout during machining of a gear wherein axial and/or radial runout compensations are executed during the machining of each individual tooth slot.
US08561271B2
A method for making a capacitor having improved capacitance efficiency which results from increasing the effective area of an electrode surface is disclosed. Specifically, an improved “three-dimensional” capacitor may be constructed with electrode layers having three-dimensional aspects at the point of interface with a dielectric such that portions of the electrode extend into the dielectric layer. Advantageously, embodiments of a three-dimensional capacitor drastically reduce the space footprint that is required in a circuit to accommodate the capacitor, when compared to current capacitor designs. Increased capacitance density may be realized without using high k (high constant) dielectric materials, additional “electrode-dielectric-electrode” arrangements in an ever increasing stack, or serially stringing together multiple capacitors.
US08561265B2
A trim fastener includes a first fastener portion having a post, and first and second deflecting wings connected to an end of the post, each having a wing extending member, the first and second deflecting wings elastically deflectable toward the post. A second fastener portion connected to the first fastener portion includes a first resilient seal member. A second resilient seal member is integrally connected to a seal surface of the first resilient seal member. The second resilient seal member includes first and second wing enclosure portions connected to the wing extending members of the first and second deflecting wings. First and second through bores are oppositely positioned about the post. The first and second through bores temporarily collapse when receiving portions of the first and second wing enclosure portions when the first and second deflecting wings elastically deflect toward the post.
US08561259B2
A dampening hinge for example, for furniture, having a hinge cup with a U-shaped pin, a connecting arm and a hinge base, where one end of the connecting arm is attached to the upper arm of a U-shaped pin and the other end of the connecting arm is attached to the hinge base, the lower arm of the U-shaped pin is attached to a pull rod of a damper mounted on the hinge base by means of a hinge arm module; the hinge arm module includes a swinging arm and a movable swinging arm, where the middle portion of the swinging arm is attached to the hinge base, one end of the swinging arm is hinged with the lower arm of the U-shaped pin and the other end of the swinging arm is hinged with the movable swinging arm, the movable swinging arm is further connected to the pull rod of the dampener and the hinge base, is described.
US08561253B2
A method of controlling an electric machine that includes exciting a winding of the electric machine in synchrony with zero-crossings of back emf when operating over a first speed range. The method then includes exciting the winding in advance of the zero-crossings by a fixed period of time when operating over a second speed range, and exciting the winding in advance of the zero-crossings by a period of time that varies with speed when operating over a third speed range. Additionally, a control system for an electric machine, and a product incorporating the control system and electric machine.
US08561251B2
The invention relates to a mop (1) comprising a mop-head plate (2) and an interchangeable mop cover (3) with a mopping surface (4) that is attached to the mop-head plate (2). According to the invention, the mop cover (3) is equipped on two opposing sides with a respective fixing device (5), which engages in a respective retainer (6) of the mop-head plate (2). At least one retainer (6) is formed by a recess (7) and the corresponding fixing device (5) is held by a positive fit in the recess (7) so that it can be detached without sustaining any damage.
US08561250B2
An extendable application device which allows a user to apply soap, lotion, medication, or various other substances to areas of the body which may be difficult to reach. The device can function as a traditional scrubbing or application device but may also be extended so that the user's back, shoulders, or other areas can be addressed as well. Exemplary embodiments use an elastic member that can elongate to allow an extended reach. Some embodiments may be used in retail packaging assemblies in order to secure retail items and provide pleasing aesthetics.
US08561245B2
A cleaning implement (10) comprising a handle (12) a cleaning end (24) coupled to the handle, and a cleaning head (14). The cleaning head may be removably coupled to the cleaning end, and can include a pair of tabs (30) extending through an aperture (32) in the cleaning end. Each tab may have a finger grip (56), and the finger grips may be generally offset from one another. Each tab may have a ledge (50) for contacting an upper surface of the cleaning end near a perimeter of the aperture to retain the cleaning head to the cleaning end. The tabs may be movable such that the ledges are moved out of contact with the upper surface of the cleaning end when removing the cleaning head from the cleaning end.
US08561237B2
A weighted insole assembly, comprising a top thermoformable material layer, a bottom thermoformable material layer, and a weighted unit encapsulated between the top and bottom thermoformable material layers, the weighted unit including a heavy filler material and having a specific gravity between about 2.0 and about 4.0.
US08561232B2
A configurable cushion device is provided that protects from injury or discomfort caused by items in contact with a person. In one embodiment, the device includes a cushioned pillow wrapped in a protective case that includes a plurality of fastener straps for attaching the device to an object such as a seat belt. The protective case may include an internal or external pocket and may be made of a frictional material or include one or more grippers that provide additional friction against the object to keep the cushion device in a desired location with respect to the object or the person. The cushion device may also include a strap with a connector to allow the device to be secured around a larger object such as the waist of a person. The device may also include a drape cloth that is secured to the interior of the protective case and can be taken out and draped around an object or a person.
US08561230B2
A system for monitoring a mattress controller including a portable monitor having a memory, an input/output node in selective communication with the mattress controller, a processor programmed to maintain in the memory a data structure including a control data associated with the mattress controller, and selectively link with the mattress controller to communicate with the mattress controller to confirm or update the control data.
US08561221B2
A wave pool for producing periodic waves preferably having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves, and a second wave dampening portion having a relatively deep solid chamber floor and a raised perforated floor above it for dampening the waves. The wave dampening portion preferably dissipates the waves, which in turn, reduces wave reflections and rip currents that can otherwise interfere with the oncoming waves.
US08561216B2
The invention provides a helmet for protecting the head of a wearer and includes a helmet body and a strap for coupling the helmet to the head, the strap being secured to the helmet body. The strap has two halves, each with a front portion for passing under the wearer's chin and a rear portion for passing around the side and rear of the wearer's head. The front portion of each strap half has an end that is secured to the helmet body at a first location at the side and the second portion has an end that is secured to the helmet body towards the rear. An elastically deformable element, such as a suction cup and/or a pad, is located in a pocket towards the end of the second portion. This provides additional grip, comfort, and security.
US08566961B2
Techniques for performing an action, based on the present location of a client, to protect resources of the client from theft or unauthorized access. A server may intermittently receive, from a client, location information such as GPS information, triangulation information based on one or more Wi-Fi access points, and IP trace information. The server may determine the client's location by (a) determining, for an interval of time, whether GPS information, triangulation information, and IP trace information are available for the client, and (b) based on the available GPS information, triangulation information, and IP trace information, determining the present location of the client, e.g., by determining a weighted arithmetic mean or by using a sequence of types of location information ordered based on accuracy. In response to following a security policy, the server may perform an action, specified by the security policy, based on the present location of the client.
US08566956B2
A computer-implemented system and method of monitoring data access activity of a user of a system is presented here. The method maintains a respective score for each of a plurality of monitored data access events, resulting in a set of scores for the user. The method continues by monitoring behavior of the user to detect occurrences of the monitored data access events, and updating the set of scores in response to detected occurrences of the monitored data access events. The method initiates an appropriate course of action when the updated set of scores is indicative of unauthorized, suspicious, or illegitimate data access activity.
US08566955B2
Images are acquired from the touchscreen or touch panel and processed to determine first characteristics corresponding to fingers, hands or hand portions placed thereon. If the first characteristics match stored second characteristics with a sufficient degree of similarity, the user is identified as an authorized or verified user and then permitted to operate or use the electronic device.
US08566953B2
A named object view of a report is generated from an electronic data file. Objects in the file to be published are identified in the file. A named object view of the report associated with the file is generated by displaying published identified objects according to associated viewing rights. A viewer at a client is presented with the named object view of the report, according to the viewing rights, such that the viewer's attention is focused on the published objects.
US08566951B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for inhibiting data writing to an optical disc drive connected to a computer. A BIOS confirms presence of a security function of an optical disc drive. When the optical disc drive possesses the security function, the BIOS delivers a command to the optical disc drive to set it to a read-only mode. The optical disc drive that has received the command sets the drive per se to operate in the read-only mode. Since a command for setting it to the read-only mode and a command for releasing it are delivered to the optical disc drive only by the BIOS, when a control is transferred to an Operating System (OS), setting of the read-only mode cannot be released by the OS and other OS's, or application software.
US08566948B2
An acquisition unit of a user terminal acquires an initiator ID including a user ID and a computer ID. The initiator ID is transmitted by a transmitter unit, and then, received by a transmitter/receiver unit of a storage device. A LUDB stores information determining a LU corresponding to each user ID of several users. A masking unit refers to the LUDB to determine the LU corresponding to the user ID. If the received initiator ID differs from an initiator ID stored in a table corresponding to the determined LU, an access control unit refuses access to the LU by the user terminal.
US08566935B2
The subject disclosure presents a novel technique for balancing the tradeoff between security monitoring and energy consumption on mobile devices. Security/energy tradeoffs for host-based detectors focusing on rootkits are analyzed along two axes: a scanning frequency, and a surface of attack. Experimental results are applied to a hypervisor-based framework, and a sweet spot is identified to minimize both energy consumption and a window of vulnerability for critical operating system objects such as code pages and kernel data.
US08566924B2
A method for limiting devices and controlling the applications executed from USB ports on personal computers (PCs). More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for ensuring that only authorized devices and applications are accessed from USB ports using software and configuration files on the PC. Using the software application stored on the PC storage device in conjunction with functionality performed by a designed security file server, the use of USB applications and devices is limited to authorized applications and devices.
US08566922B2
A system for isolating a data communication network has been developed. The system includes an internal computer system with an internal computer that is in data communication with the internal computer system, and an external computer system with an external computer that is in data communication with the external computer system. The internal and external computers are connected with an ethernet adapter that only allows transmission of data from the internal computer system and prohibits the receipt of data by the internal computer system.
US08566920B2
A method and apparatuses are disclosed for handling digital data packets at a logical borderline that separates an untrusted packet-switched information network from a protected domain. A packet processor part intercepts a packet that is in transit between the untrusted packet-switched information network and the protected domain. The packet is examined at the packet processor part in order to determine, whether the packet contains digital data that pertains to a certain protocol. If the packet is not found to contain such digital data, it is processed at the packet processor part. If the packet is found to contain digital data that pertains to said certain protocol, it gets redirected to an application gateway part that processes the packet according to a set of processing rules based on obedience to said certain protocol. The packet processor part is a kernel mode process running in a computer device and the application gateway part is a user mode process running in a computer device.
US08566915B2
Techniques for mixed-mode authentication are described. In one or more embodiments, an authentication service may be implemented to selectively configure and issue authentication tokens based upon an optional secure mode that enables enhanced security. Clients may be provided with an option to choose between an insecure mode and a secure mode for authentications. Based on this choice, tokens may be configured to include an indication of whether the secure mode is disabled or enabled. When secure mode is disabled, an insecure token valid for both secure sites and other sites is issued to a client when the client is authenticated. When the optional secure mode is enabled, both secure and insecure tokens are provided to the client. The authentication services and/or other services may be configured to reject an insecure token when secure mode is enabled to prevent unauthorized use of a stolen token to access secure resources.
US08566909B2
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with row level security for a database table are described. One example method includes detecting an access statement seeking access to a row in a database table for which row level security is active. The method includes adding a predicate to the access statement. The predicate is based on an access control expression associated with the row. The access control expression depends on an instance of an expression data type associated with the row. The method includes populating an attribute of the predicate, and controlling access to the row based on a computed value for the predicate.
US08566904B2
An enterprise biometric authentication system for use with a network of client computing devices, each client computing device executing Windows® 7 operating system with Windows® Biometric Framework components including a client biometric service and a client engine adapter, comprises a client engine wrapper and a server subsystem further including a server database, a server storage adapter, a server engine adapter, and a server component. The client engine wrapper resides on a client computing device and is operable to intercept requests from the client biometric service to the client engine adapter and to transmit the requests. The server storage adapter may store and retrieve biometric templates from the server database. The server engine adapter may generate and compare biometric templates. The server component may receive the requests from the client engine wrapper, forward the requests to the server engine adapter, and transmit results of the requests to the client engine wrapper.
US08566902B2
A secure messaging system is disclosed wherein messages are transmitted to a user based on a feature unique to the user, such as an account number. The user authenticates himself, then messages associated with the user can be displayed.
US08566899B2
Techniques for securing checked-out virtual machines in a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for securing a checked-out guest virtual machine including receiving a request for checking-out a guest virtual machine hosted by a server network element, wherein checking-out the guest virtual machine comprises transferring hosting of the guest virtual machine from the server network element to a client network element. The method for securing a checked-out guest virtual machines may also include configuring a security module for the guest virtual machine in order to secure the guest virtual machine and providing the security module to the guest virtual machine when the guest virtual machine is checked-out.
US08566895B2
A system for gradually implementing network services to end users includes substantially redundant first and second control networks, connectable to the end users through a routable communications network. The first control network provides a first service capability to all the end users. The second control network provides a second service capability to a first portion of the end users, the second service capability replacing the first service capability of the first portion of the end users. The second control network subsequently provides the second service capability to a second portion of the end users, while continuing to provide the second service capability to the first portion, the second service capability replacing the first service capability of the second portion of the end users. The second service capability provided to the second portion of the end users may include revisions based on feedback from the first portion of end users.
US08566891B2
A system for monitoring, troubleshooting, controlling, calibrating and/or configuring a digital television is provided. The system includes a functionality module configured to perform one or more functions of a digital television. The system includes a testing module associated with the digital television, communicatively coupled to the functionality module and being configured to receive from the functionality module, data indicative of the one or more functions of the digital television. The testing module is configured to perform processing using the received data to determine whether to alter one or more parameters associated with the one or more functions of the digital television.
US08566886B2
Techniques for delivering video on demand channel content via streaming from a first edge aggregation device are provided. A processor is provided that is coupled to a memory. The processor can be operable to receive a request from a requesting device for video on demand channel content, search an index to locate the video on demand channel content, identify a location of the requesting device with respect to a first edge aggregation device and instruct the first edge aggregation device to forward the video on demand channel content to the location of the requesting device. Other embodiments are described.
US08566881B2
The present invention discloses a mosaic video channel and a system for generating the mosaic video channel. A system in accordance with the present invention indicates an audio input for a mosaic video channel displayed on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, and comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell having a respective audio portion associated with the video cell, an announcer audio portion, and an indicator, coupled to the respective audio portions, for indicating to an announcer that at least one of the respective audio portions is active.
US08566878B2
A system for presenting media programming guides is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media receiver having a controller element to generate a Media Program Guide (MPG) that groups media programs according to a redundancy of media programs and a viewing history of a subscriber of the media receiver. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08566877B2
In one embodiment, a system generates a customized interface based on displayed programming. The system stores a program that a user displayed through a media device; searches through a network for information related to the displayed program; and extracts data associated with the information related to the displayed program. A custom interface is generated based substantially on the data associated with the information related to the displayed program.
US08566867B1
Described herein are techniques related to pre-fetching ads while serving ads in a live streaming video. In one implementation, the pre-fetching mechanism will set up a default set of ads pre-fetching criteria on a client and then the client will parse new/extra ads pre-fetching criteria from a live stream. Next the default set of ads pre-fetching criteria on the client will update via the parsed new/extra ads pre-fetching criteria. Now a notification from the live stream to pre-fetch ads is received by the client and the pre-fetched ads are obtained from the live stream. The client will receive a notification from the live stream to show ads and pre-fetched ads will be shown on the client. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08566862B2
A video content network having a plurality of program channels is operated, and a target time slot for an enhanced advertisement is identified. At least some of the plurality of program channels have programs scheduled during the target time slot. The target time slot is signaled to a plurality of terminals connected to the video content network. Each of the terminals is viewing a given one of the program channels prior to the signaling. Responsive to the signaling, the programs scheduled during the target time slot are effectively paused at a program time corresponding to a beginning of the time slot, and the enhanced advertisement is caused to be displayed on the terminals. Responsive to an end of the enhanced advertisement, the programs scheduled during the target time slot are resumed at the program time corresponding to the beginning of the time slot. Thus, substantially all viewers of the video content network during the target time slot are exposed to the enhanced advertisement regardless of which of the plurality of program channels the viewers were watching during the target time slot.
US08566855B2
A method and apparatus for providing an audiovisual user interface based on learned user preferences is described. In one implementation, the method involves collecting a set of user preferences for a user; providing a metadata stream associated with an audiovisual input; comparing elements within the metadata stream with the set of user preferences to form a comparison; and outputting a message to the user if the comparison indicates that the metadata stream matches one or more elements of the set of user preferences. The message may be output either acoustically or visually, and may relate to the audiovisual input, which may be audio, video, or both audio and video. The audiovisual input may be blocked based on a restricted message, and may be accessed upon a successful password query.
US08566849B2
A naming service clustering method which permits naming service load balancing over a set of object references contained within the same cluster such that loads are equitably distributed among servers. Each cluster contains its own unique object binding table which contains object references which each typically represent a single server. Load balancing is performed using a load balance algorithm (e.g., Round Robin). The specific algorithm which is used to perform load balancing is specified upon creation of each naming service cluster. The method provides transparent load balancing among multiple object references in the same cluster. In addition, transparent “failover” among object references in the same cluster is achieved. The method also provides a dynamic addition of new object references into a cluster via binding, along with the dynamic removal of old object references from a cluster via unbinding.
US08566848B2
Methods for controlling complementary dual displays for use with an electronic device are presented including: receiving an input for display on a non-native display, where the input includes a native user interface (UI) input and a non-native UI input, and where the non-native display is a bistable, low frame rate display; if the input is the native UI input, sending the first native UI input to a corresponding application, processing the native UI input by the corresponding application, calling a non-native API for forwarding the processed native UI input to a non-native display driver, and sending a non-native display signal to the non-native display; receiving another native UI input for display on a native display, where the native display is a refresh-based, high frame rate display; and sending the other native UI input to the corresponding application.
US08566846B2
Driver systems and methods are provided, such as those that include identifying a process corner of a driver; and configuring the driver based on the identified process corner. Further embodiments provide a method that includes detecting a process corner of a driver, setting a reference voltage of a calibration circuit based on the process corner detected, and configuring the driver based on the reference voltage.
US08566845B2
A Multi-Pathing Optimization Module (MPOM) interfaces with a client to route a data access request along a most optimal path to a storage system serving data container stored on a striped volume set (SVS). The MPOM constructs and references a Location Data Structure (LDS) containing striping rules associated with the SVS, a list of network elements (N-blades) operatively connected to the client, and a list of disk elements (D-blades) sharing a node of the storage system with the listed N-blades. The MPOM executes a Client_Locate( ) function on a per data access request basis to identify the D-blade serving the volume which will receive the request. When possible, the MPOM routes the data access request directly to the N-blade sharing a node with the identified D-blade, thereby using the most optimal path from the client to the SVS.
US08566837B2
A job optimizer dynamically changes the allocation of processing units on a multi-nodal computer system. A distributed application is organized as a set of connected processing units. The arrangement of the processing units is dynamically changed at run time to optimize system resources and interprocess communication. A collector collects application specific metrics determined by application plug-ins. A job optimizer analyzes the collected metrics and determines how to dynamically arrange the processing units within the jobs. The job optimizer may determine to combine multiple processing units into a job on a single node when there is an overutilization of an interprocess communication between processing units. Alternatively, the job optimizer may determine to split a job's processing units into multiple jobs on different nodes where one or more of the processing units are over utilizing the resources on the node.
US08566831B2
Work units are transparently offloaded from a main processor to offload processing systems for execution. For a particular work unit, a suitable offload processing system is selected to execute the work unit. This includes determining the requirements of the work unit, including, for instance, the hardware and software requirements; matching those requirements against a set of offload processing systems with an arbitrary set of available resources; and determining if a suitable offload processing system is available. If a suitable offload processing system is available, the work unit is scheduled to execute on that offload processing system with no changes to the work unit itself. Otherwise, the work unit may execute on the main processor or wait to be executed on an offload processing system.
US08566830B2
A scheduler in a process of a computer system includes a local collection of tasks for each processing resource allocated to the scheduler and at least one general collection of tasks. The scheduler assigns each task that becomes unblocked to the local collection corresponding to the processing resource that caused the task to become unblocked. When a processing resource becomes available, the processing resource attempts to execute the most recently added task in the corresponding local collection. If there are no tasks in the corresponding local collection, the available processing resource attempts to execute a task from the general collection.
US08566819B2
A virtual installation map, and method involving installing a software functionality using the same, the virtual installation map including a first software installation map including a plurality of software elements representative of a related software file, the software elements also including at least one dependency to another software element. The virtual installation map further including a second software installation map also including a second plurality of software elements representative of related software file along with related dependencies. The first and second software installation maps may be hosted in separate databases and may relate to software products provided by different vendors. One or both software installation maps may include a pointer or other reference to the other installation map thereby providing a virtual installation map, in one example.
US08566810B2
A code optimizer is used to optimize a computer program that references a database by reading database metadata and making suitable optimizations based on the metadata. By taking into account the metadata of a database referenced in the computer program, the optimizer may make suitable optimizations to the computer program. Such optimizations include, without limitation, removing unnecessary calls to the database, removing unnecessary loops, removing unnecessary database operations, providing compile-time errors, and replacing dynamic calls with static data.
US08566797B2
A heuristic backtracer is described. In one embodiment, a scanner scans a stack of an application for a pointer to a word of a machine code of the application. A preceding byte locator identifies one or more bytes immediately preceding the pointed-to machine code. A parser parses the one or more bytes immediately preceding the pointed-to machine code of the machine code for a call instruction. A return address identifier determines the pointed-to as a return address when the one or more bytes constitute the call instruction.
US08566793B2
Embodiments of the invention provide database integration within an integrated development environment (IDE) tool for displaying database structure and other database information, query editing and execution, and error detection for database statements embedded in program source code. Embodiments of the invention integrate database connectivity and error detection into the IDE tool, thereby potentially reducing the time required for database-aware application development.
US08566791B2
The present invention provides an inexpensive, software-based security-retrofit solution to verify the integrity of program code in embedded systems, or accessories, without resorting to expensive hardware changes. All unused memory on an accessory that could be used to store a program code image is filled with random data. A host system also locally stores a copy of the accessory's program image containing the random data. The host system sends the accessory a list of memory addresses or memory ranges on the accessory, which is always different and random in nature. The accessory will then produce a digest using values stored in the memory addresses as inputs to a secure hash function. The host system verifies the integrity of the embedded program code by verifying the resulting digest produced by and returned from the accessory.
US08566786B2
A method for designing object-oriented software for implementing portlets, and an associated computer system and computer program product. The portlets are available to a user of the software who clicks on a link of a first page to identify an action object of an Action class and a state object of a State class. The software includes the State class, the Action class, and program code. The State class includes a method for displaying a view of a page. The Action class includes an actionPerformed method for performing an action and a setState method for setting the state object into the session. The program code is adapted to execute: the actionPerformed method of the action object to perform the action; the setState method of the action object to set the state object; and the method of the state object to display a view of a second page.
US08566773B2
An approach is provided in which a dynamic thermal relief generator retrieves a circuit board file that identifies power plane thru pin locations and a power plane layer. The dynamic thermal relief generator selects one of the power plane thru pin locations and identifies one or more electrical properties corresponding to a component assigned to the selected power plane thru pin location. As such, the dynamic thermal relief generator computes a conductive material exclusion amount based upon the identified electrical properties, which indicates an amount of area to exclude conductive material on the selected power plane layer. In turn, the dynamic thermal relief generator creates a thermal relief pattern based upon the computed conductive material exclusion amount that identifies conductive material voids on the selected power plane layer to exclude the substantially conductive material.
US08566772B2
A computer program for optimizing an architectural model of a microprocessor by configuring elements of the instruction set as nodes of the graph. The architectural model of a microprocessor represents an instruction set of the microprocessor. Determination is made whether nodes with identical bit position and value encoding are in the graph. If nodes with the identical bit position and value encoding are present, a path from a source node to a target node is separated into a common node for each node in the graph. The common node is reused to optimize common paths from the graph and the source node is directly connected to the common node in the graph using a forward edge. A back-edge is added from the common node to the source node through the target node and the above steps are recursively repeated until all nodes of the graph are processed.
US08566768B1
Searching for desired clock frequency for integrated circuit-based design may receive timing result of a hardware synthesis job executed based on a code specifying hardware design. One or more different timing constraints specifying respective one or more different clock frequencies than used in the hardware synthesis job may be automatically generated without modifying the code. One or more instances of the hardware synthesis job to run with the respective one or more different timing constraints may be automatically spawned. The automatic generation and spawning may repeat until a termination criterion is met, and/or a desired successful timing constraint is identified for the hardware design from the different timing constraints based on whether the one or more instances of the hardware synthesis job met their respective timing constraints.
US08566758B2
A design data dependency managing apparatus comprises an input/output data storing unit for storing design input/output dependency information indicating a dependency between design input/output data, which becomes an input/output of a design, and other design input/output data in association with the design input/output data, and a design execution environment constructing unit for generating design data dependency information indicating a version number, on which a dependency is made, of the design input/output data required for the design by using the design input/output dependency information, and for constructing a design execution environment.
US08566749B2
A computer facilitates multiple parameters data analysis by special visualization and navigation methods. Data to be analyzed is loaded from an external source the computer displays the data in response to user input using a variety of methods including data tables, slices of data spaces, hierarchically navigated data spaces, dynamic slice tables, filters, sorting, color-mapping, numerical operations, and other methods. Data and inputs are shared among multiple users for collaborative analysis.
US08566744B2
An method for use in a computer system for determining correspondence between at least two renditions of a single computer program includes enabling the identification of a selected screenshot related to navigation within the computer program and, as a response to the identification, accessing a reference screenshot captured during navigation within a first rendition and a corresponding screenshot captured during navigation within a second rendition. The reference screenshot and the corresponding screenshot are presented on a display, thereby enabling a same-display comparison of content of the reference and corresponding screenshots.
US08566735B2
A hardness tester includes a monitor capable of displaying a main screen and assistant screen. A first test location setter sets a coordinate point of an indentation formation location, and stores a setting condition of the set coordinate point and the surface image of a first test specimen. A second test location setter displays the surface image of the first test specimen in the assistant screen when a surface image of a second test specimen is displayed on the main screen, and, when a reference coordinate is set on the surface image of the second test specimen, determines a coordinate point of an indentation formation location based on the set reference coordinate and the setting condition of the coordinate point stored by the first test location setter.
US08566733B2
A content-management apparatus of a portable device. The apparatus includes a display unit to display content by time and function in a content area having a time axis and a function axis, and a content generation unit to combine at least two sets of content.
US08566727B2
Certain embodiments relate to providing automated, custom displays of images and tools for manipulating the images. Certain embodiments include a method for providing an automated user interface for healthcare workers. Certain embodiments of the method employ a network to execute the steps of retrieving an image from an image archive, processing the image to generate image-specific information, identifying data related to the image, mining the data related to the image, and displaying the image along with a custom selection of user interface tools.
US08566723B2
It is an object of the present invention to enable displaying of a desired Web page and also displaying of a Web page including a menu bar without first displaying a predetermined Web page which a user does not want on a second display area of the Web browser, and also to execute a content based on the content execution request accepted from a content execution input unit of the menu bar. In order to solve this object, processing means extract a portion from which a self-domain 211 is removed from the Web page identifier received from an external terminal device as a second Web page identifier. Next, the processing means newly create an information browsing screen configuration file, store information browsing screen configuration information 212 in the information browsing screen configuration file, also store a first Web page identifier 213 and a first display area identifier 214 in a correlated manner, and also store the extracted second Web page identifier and a second display area identifier 215 in a correlated manner.
US08566719B2
There is provided a control apparatus and method for controlling a sound reproduction apparatus. The control apparatus and method enables control of at least one parameter of audio reproduction depending on contact with a touch sensitive panel. The parameters which may be controlled include, for example, volume, bass, treble, equalizer settings and the like. The functions of the sound reproduction apparatus which may be controlled include, for example, radio channel selection, track selection, album selection and the like.
US08566717B2
Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and computer systems for intuitively surfacing a teaching animation that demonstrates a manual gesture recognized by a writing-pad tool are provided. Initially, the writing-pad tool is interrogated to determine a context of a computing environment associated with a touchscreen interface. Generally, determining includes recognizing a current condition of the writing-pad tool based on whether text is provided within a content-entry area generated thereby, ascertaining whether a focus of a cursor tool resides within the content-entry area based on whether a portion of the text is selected, and ascertaining which actions are available for invocation at the writing-pad tool based on the current condition and the focus of the cursor. The context of the computing environment is utilized to identify which teaching animations to promote to an active state. Typically the promoted teaching animations are associated with the actions ascertained as available for invocation.
US08566710B2
A system, method and computer readable medium for synchronizing web content is disclosed. The method includes retrieving a first web content in a first language from a web site, the first web content corresponding to a second web content wherein the second web content is a translation in a second language of the first web content. The method further includes dividing the first web content into a plurality of translatable components and generating a unique identifier for each of the plurality of translatable components. The method further includes matching each of the plurality of translatable components to a plurality of translated components of the second web content using the unique identifier of each of the plurality of translatable components. If a translatable component is not matched to a translated component, the method further includes designating the translatable component for translation into the second language.
US08566706B2
A display apparatus for displaying accumulated data items includes obtaining means for obtaining a plurality of data items accumulated, classifying means for classifying the plurality of data items into N groups on the basis of predetermined criteria, display-control means for controlling an indication on a display unit such that the plurality of data are displayed in N display regions corresponding to the N groups, and accepting means for accepting a specification of one display region from among the N display regions. When the accepting means accepts a specification of one display region from among the N display regions, the classifying means classifies a plurality of data items displayed in the specified display region into a further N groups, and the display-control means controls an indication on the display unit such that the plurality of data items are displayed in the N display regions corresponding to the N groups.
US08566703B2
It is confirmed whether or not page description data contain an object for stroking a path. If the page description data contain the object for stroking a path, then it is confirmed whether or not a curved path construction operator is contained in the object. If the curved path construction operator is contained in the object, line segments of a polygonal path which is approximated to a curved path of the curved path construction operator are determined, and the curved path construction operator is replaced with a plurality of straight path construction operators which correspond respectively to the line segments of the polygonal path.
US08566702B2
A method can output content of interest of a structured electronic document from a computer or distributed computer system having a processor and memory. The method includes loading a common expression and a data structure definition into memory, the common expression identifying a content element in a first structured electronic document, the data structure definition defined according to the common expression; creating in memory an instance of a data structure defined by the data structure definition; applying with the processor the common expression to a second structured electronic document to extract a content element from the second structured electronic document; storing the extracted content element in the instance of the data structure; and populating a template structured electronic document using the instance of the data structure to produce an output structured electronic document.
US08566695B2
Method for utilizing digital content is provided. The method includes controlling a throughput rate for utilizing the digital content by an accessing system, wherein the throughput rate is associated with information related to the digital content stored as a file.
US08566694B2
A system, method, and storage medium for generating visual content in plural versions for substantially simultaneous display on the same display device are provided. The system includes memory for storing static content having at least one document element common to a first and second version of a document, multi-dimensional content having at least one customized document element for each document version to be inserted into a variable area within the first and second versions of the document, and multi-dimensional parameters defining static areas, variable areas, and customized document elements for each document version. The system further includes a rendering module adapted to generate a first frame-image corresponding to the first document version and a second frame-image corresponding to the second document version by arranging the static content and multi-dimensional content of each document version according to the multi-dimensional parameters.
US08566691B2
An analyzer may include a body housing having a first ID, a first measurement module having a second ID that is different from the first ID, the first measurement module being releasably attachable to the body housing, a first memory in the body housing, the first memory being configured to store the first ID, first setting data and first correction data, a second memory in the first measurement module, the second memory being configured to store the second ID, second setting data and second correction data, a first CPU in the body housing, the first CPU being configured to detect the first measurement module having the second ID, and a first data transmission unit in the body housing, the first data transmission unit being configured to transmit the first setting data and the first correction data to the second memory.
US08566689B2
An integrity unit can be calculated from a first data unit, and a first storage device can be requested to store the first data unit. A second storage device, which can be separate from and/or a different type of device from the first storage device, can be requested to store metadata, which includes the integrity unit, in nonvolatile memory. Also, a second data unit can be received from the first storage device in response to a request for the first data unit. The integrity unit can be received from the second storage device, and the second data unit and the integrity unit can be analyzed to determine whether the second data unit matches the first data unit. Alternatively, a first integrity unit can be stored in a metadata region of a nonvolatile memory block, where the block also stores the data from which the first integrity unit was calculated.
US08566688B2
A first check code is computed by applying an algorithm to a proper subset of a first body of data. A second check code is computed by applying the algorithm to an equivalent proper subset of a second equivalent body of data. The two check codes are compared. The extent of the proper subset of the first body of data is determined by a semantic analysis of the first body of data. Multiple versions of an application, when the semantic changes between the applications are inconsequential, may then be certified by ignoring the non-significant modifications and ensuring the integrity of the remainder of the content.
US08566686B2
A method is disclosed for updating parity information in a RAID 6 system wherein only one parity block is read during each write operation. Both parity blocks may be updated from the new data, the data being overwritten and either of the old blocks of parity information. A method for load balancing in a RAID 6 system using this method is also disclosed.
US08566681B1
Data may be distributed using data carousels. After a device receives the data, or a portion thereof, the device may make available a data carousel that allows others to receive the data. Each data carousel may contain a portion of the data. Data carousels may also contain error correction information that can be used to reconstruct missing portions of the data being distributed. A carousel directory may keep track of the carousel structure and direct the behavior of devices that are receiving data and/or distributing data.
US08566671B1
Data errors in non-volatile memory inevitably increase with usage and with higher density of bits stored per cell. The memory is configured to have a first portion operating with less error but of lower density storage, and a second portion operating with a higher density but less robust storage. An error management provides reading and checking the copy after copying to the second portion. If the copy has excessive error bits, it is repeated in a different location either in the second or first portion. The reading and checking of the copy is accelerated by reading only a sample of it. The sample is selected from a subset of the copy having its own ECC, where the sample selected depends on the count of erase-program cycles that a block has experienced, where different count ranges can use different samples.
US08566666B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for min-sum based decoding of non-binary LDPC codes. For example, a non-binary low density parity check data decoding system is discussed that includes a variable node processor and a check node processor. The variable node processor is operable to generate variable node to check node message vectors and to calculate perceived values based on check node to variable node message vectors. The check node processor is operable to generate the check node to variable node message vectors and to calculate checksums based on variable node to check node message vectors. The check node processor includes a minimum and subminimum finder circuit operable to process a plurality of sub-messages in each variable node to check node message vector. The check node processor also includes a select and combine circuit operable to combine an output of the minimum and subminimum finder circuit to generate the check node to variable node message vectors.
US08566663B2
A method for protecting signalling information in a frame to be transmitted to a receiver in a communication system, comprising: encoding frame signalling information of the frame to protect the frame signalling information; and encoding Forward Error Correaction FEC block signalling information of FEC blocks in the frame by using Reed-Muller codes to protect the FEC block signaling information.
US08566662B2
An error pattern analysis unit specifies positions of discarded packets in continuously transmitted groups of packets. A QoS control unit estimates the cause of a communication error based on the specified positions of discarded packets, and performs QoS control based on the estimated cause of the communication error.
US08566661B2
An generation section which generates information indicative of a result of error detection on a downlink signal received, and a sending section which sends the information via a physical uplink control channel, and sends uplink data via a physical uplink shared channel at a different transmission frequency from the physical uplink control channel and in a same transmission time period as the physical uplink control channel, whereby the generation section and the sending section operate when receiving downlink scheduling information and uplink allocation grant in a same subframe. A receiving section which receives the information via the physical uplink control channel, and an uplink data receiving section which receives the uplink data via the physical uplink shared channel, wherein the receiving section and the uplink data receiving section operate after a predetermined time when sending the downlink scheduling information and the uplink allocation grant in the same subframe.
US08566660B2
Built-in-self-test using embedded memory and processor in an application specific integrated circuit
A test method for an ASIC uses an embedded processor in the ASIC to execute test routines from an embedded memory or an external memory. During ASIC production, the test routines can comprehensively test of the blocks of the ASIC without a complicated test pattern from test equipment. The test routines can also perform power-up tests in systems or end products containing the ASIC. Test selection, activation, and result output can be implement using a few terminals of the ASIC.
US08566654B2
An approach for debugging site errors in a multi-tenant database system is disclosed. An example method can include receiving a request from a site administrator to access an enhanced error message and determining if the site administrator is approved for viewing the enhanced error message by evaluating exceptions associated with the enhanced error message, the request, and the site administrator. The example method further includes modifying a detailed error message related to the request for generating the enhanced error message, and providing the enhanced error message to the site administrator based on the approval determination.
