US08629626B2
A system and method that contemplates operating an LED at its characterized current (e.g. 400 mA) for any luminous intensity. A Direct Current Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal is employed, wherein the pulse width of the pulse width modulated signal is used to control the luminous intensity of the LED. Optionally, the LED can be biased to reduce the intensity of the pulses used to operate the LED.
US08629622B2
In light emitting diode circuits (1) comprising serially coupled first and second circuits (11, 12) with first and second light emitting diodes, third circuits (13) are coupled in parallel with the second circuits (12) for controlling the first light emitting diodes in the first circuits (11) and/or third light emitting diodes in fourth circuits (14). This allows more options, more optimizations, more flexibility and/or more efficiency. The light emitting diode circuit (1) receives a supply voltage from a source (2, 3) for feeding the light emitting diode circuit (1). The third circuit (13) receives a feeding voltage from the second circuit (12) for feeding the third circuit (13). The feeding voltage may be a voltage present across the second circuit (12). The third circuit (13) may further control the second light emitting diodes in the second circuit (12). Said controlling may comprise controlling a current flowing through said light emitting diodes for the purpose of dimming, flicker suppression, color control and/or temperature protection.
US08629617B2
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a lighting assembly module disposed in the housing assembly and coupled to a set of line terminals. A control circuit is configured to provide a modulated lighting control signal to the lighting assembly module when AC power is being provided. The modulated lighting control signal is configured to adjust an intensity of the light emitted by a light emitting device such that the intensity is a function of the ambient light level. The control circuit is further configured to provide a second lighting control signal configured to turn the lighting assembly ON at a predetermined intensity for a predetermined period of time when AC power is not being provided by the source of AC power, the second lighting control signal being provided by a rechargeable electrical storage device.
US08629607B2
The lighting device includes: a light emitting module including a substrate and a light emitting device disposed on the substrate; a member disposed on the light emitting module, the member including: a base having a hole configured to receive the light emitting device; a projection configured to reflect light from the light emitting device; and a predetermined inclined surface coupled to an outer circumference of the base, a cover surrounding the light emitting module and the member; and a heat sink including a flat surface on which the light emitting module is disposed, and coupled to the cover.
US08629604B2
An apparatus for providing a photoluminescent light source is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a light source that emanates light of a particular spectrum, a camera, and a selective mirror placed between the light source and camera. The selective mirror transmits light of a spectrum detected by the camera and reflects light of a spectrum generated by the light source. The light source is transparent to light incident on its face.
US08629603B2
An organic light-emitting device (100) comprising: an active layer for producing electroluminescent radiation and decoupling the electroluminescent radiation; and a thermally -conducting layer (206) located in a decoupling path of the electroluminescent radiation for dissipating heat generated during an electroluminescence process; wherein the thermally -conducting layer (206) has a thermal conductivity of more than 200 W/mK, in particular more than 500 W/mK.
US08629597B2
An electric machine includes a stator and a rotor configured to rotate about an axis of rotation in a direction of angular rotation. The rotor includes a first claw-pole segment and an opposing second claw-pole segment. The first claw-pole segment includes a plurality of fingers extending from an end ring. Each finger includes a distal end and a proximal end with the proximal end fixed to the end ring. Each finger also includes an interior side and an exterior side with the exterior side facing the stator. A leading side and a trailing side are defined on each finger by the direction of angular rotation. A chamfer is formed on the exterior trailing side of each finger at the proximal end of the finger.
US08629593B2
There is provided a spindle motor including: a sleeve rotatably supporting a shaft; a sleeve holder supporting the sleeve and formed through a pressing process; a stator core fixedly mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve holder; and a pulling magnet fixedly mounted on an upper surface of the stator core, wherein the stator core includes a burr insertion stepped part formed in a lower portion of an inner diameter portion thereof.
US08629589B2
A dynamoelectric machine includes a rotor having a plurality of adjacent coils; and a spaceblock disposed between adjacent coils so as to define at least a first cavity adjacent the spaceblock and between mutually adjacent coils, the spaceblock including a channel disposed in a coil facing surface of the spaceblock for intercepting and redirecting a circulating coolant flow to the first cavity.
US08629588B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating power by a direct current supply brush that rotates with a field pole generator, the apparatus comprising: a field pole generator which has a plurality of iron cores having a coil or wire wound around; a winding wire used for power generation, the winding wire being formed in such a manner as to wind around the field pole generator; a commutator which is disposed at one end of the field pole generator and has a plurality of commutator segments arranged in a circular shape; a rotating body which has a direct current supply brush adhered to the outer surface of the commutator; a motor for rotating the rotating body; a slip ring secured to a shaft of the motor; and a direct current supply unit for supplying direct current power to the slip ring.
US08629587B2
A water-cooling structure for electric motor includes a motor main body, a heat-dissipation base, and a vortex-forming section. The motor main body is externally fitted around the heat-dissipation base. The heat-dissipation base is provided around an outer circumferential surface with at least one main flow passage. The vortex-forming section is provided in the main flow passage to create vortex effect on a type of cooling liquid flowing in the main flow passage, so as to enable an increased heat transfer efficiency of the water-cooling structure.
US08629578B2
A wireless power transfer system for computer peripherals, includes a source magnetic resonator, integrated into a source station and connected to a power source and power and control circuitry, and a device magnetic resonator, integrated into a computer peripheral wherein power is transferred non-radiatively from the source magnetic resonator to the device magnetic resonator, and wherein the source magnetic resonator is configured to transfer power during predefined intervals.
US08629574B2
An emergency ballast for a fluorescent lamp includes a rechargeable battery. The emergency ballast also includes a circuit for receiving an electrical voltage and providing a recommended charging voltage to the battery. The electrical voltage is one of two amplitudes, and the circuit provides a charge to the battery without regard to the amplitude of the electrical voltage. The first amplitude of the electrical voltage can be 120 volts, and the second amplitude can be 277 volts. The emergency ballast includes a capacitor electrically coupled to the circuit that provides an additional voltage to the rechargeable battery when the electrical current is 120 volts. The emergency ballast also includes a switch for electrically decoupling the capacitor from the circuit when the electrical current is 277 volts.
US08629571B2
A power generation system 1 comprising a first water container, a hydropower system, a second water container and a pump system. The hydropower system 2,3,4 harness water energy coming from the first container and directed it to the second container. The water at the second container circulates to the first container by the pump system located at the second water container. The pump system is energized or powered by an external source and energy generated from the water displacement due to gravity at said pump.
US08629569B2
An electromechanical generator for converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy, the electromechanical generator comprising an electrically conductive coil assembly and a magnet assembly, the magnet assembly comprising at least one magnet and a two-part magnetic core, the two parts of the core being mounted by a biasing device so as to be relatively vibratable at a resonant frequency along an axis about a central position thereby to cause a change of magnetic flux linked with the coil assembly to generate an electrical potential in the coil assembly.
US08629566B2
A multichip module has a substrate, which receives several flip chip and for other semiconductor die on one surface and has vias extending through the substrate from the flip chip bottom electrodes to solder ball electrodes on the bottom of the substrate. Passive components are also mounted on the top of the substrate and are connected to further vias which extend to respective ball contacts at the substrate bottom. In one embodiment, the bottom surfaces and electrodes of the die are insulated and their tops (and drain electrodes) are connected by a moldable conductive layer. In another embodiment the top surface of the substrate is covered by an insulation cap, which may be finned for improved thermal properties. The passives are upended to have their longest dimension perpendicular to the substrate surface and are between the fin valleys. The insulation cover is a cap which fits over the top of the substrate, with mold lock depressions contained in the junction between the cap peripheral interior edge and the substrate mating edge surfaces.
US08629560B2
An integrated circuit structure comprising an air gap and methods for forming the same are provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a conductive line; a self-aligned dielectric layer on a sidewall of the conductive line; an air-gap horizontally adjoining the self-aligned dielectric layer; a low-k dielectric layer horizontally adjoining the air-gap; and a dielectric layer on the air-gap and the low-k dielectric layer.
US08629555B2
A pressing portion of a fixture is put on a lid of a semiconductor package, and anchor portions on the opposite sides of the pressing portion are opposed to a baseplate. Two screw members are passed individually through opening parts formed spanning the pressing portion and anchor portions and threadedly engage with a heat sink through the baseplate. If the screw members are tightened in this state, the anchor portions are pressed by the baseplate, and the pressing portion presses the lid of the semiconductor package, whereby the baseplate is fixed to the heat sink in pressure contact with it.
US08629543B2
In die stack assembly configurations successive die in the stack are offset at a die edge at which die pads are situated, and the die are interconnected by electrically conductive traces. In some embodiments the electrically conductive traces are formed of an electrically conductive polymer. An electrically insulative conformal coating is provided having openings at die pads that are electrically connected.
US08629538B2
Disclosed herein is a power module package including: a first substrate having one surface and the other surface; a second substrate contacting one side of one surface of the first substrate; and a first lead frame contacting the other side of one surface of the first substrate. The power module package further includes: a first metal layer formed on one side of one surface of the first substrate; a first bonding layer formed on the first metal layer and contacting a lower surface of the second substrate; a second metal layer formed on the other side of one surface of the first substrate; and a second bonding layer formed on the second metal layer and contacting a lower surface of the first lead frame.
US08629533B2
In order to form a more stable silicon pillar which can be used for the formation of vertical transistors in DRAM cells, a multi-step masking process is used. In a preferred embodiment, an oxide layer and a nitride layer are used as masks to define trenches, pillars, and active areas in a substrate. Preferably, two substrate etch processes use the masks to form three levels of bulk silicon.
US08629521B2
A semiconductor device includes a Hall element, which is switched between a first and second mode. In the first mode, connection A between a first and second resistor and connection C between a third and fourth resistor are set to Vcc or GND. Connection D between the first and fourth resistor and connection B between the second and third resistor are set as output terminals. In the second mode, D and B are set to Vcc or GND and A and C are set as output terminals. When a first line placed along the second resistor and connected to A is set at Vcc in the first mode, a second line placed along the fourth resistor and connected to D is set at Vcc in the second mode. When the first line is set at GND in first mode, the second line is set at GND in the second mode.
US08629519B2
A tunneling magnetoresistance sensor including a substrate, an insulating layer, a tunneling magnetoresistance component and an electrode array is provided. The insulating layer is disposed on the substrate. The tunneling magnetoresistance component is embedded in the insulating layer. The electrode array is formed in a single metal layer and disposed in the insulating layer either below or above the TMR component. The electrode array includes a number of separate electrodes. The electrodes are electrically connected to the tunneling magnetoresistance component to form a current-in-plane tunneling conduction mode. The tunneling magnetoresistance sensor in this configuration can be manufactured with a reduced cost and maintain the high performance at the same time.
US08629506B2
A CMOS structure and a method for fabricating the CMOS structure include within a semiconductor substrate a first gate located over a first active region of a first polarity and a second gate located over a second active region of a second polarity different than the first polarity. The first active region and the second active region are separated by an isolation region. The first gate and the second gate are co-linear, with facing endwalls that terminate over the isolation region. The facing endwalls do not have a spacer located or formed adjacent or adjoining thereto, although sidewalls of the first gate and the second gate do. The CMOS structure may be fabricated using a sequential replacement gate method.
US08629502B2
MOSFETs and methods for making MOSFETs with a recessed channel and abrupt junctions are disclosed. The method includes creating source and drain extensions while a dummy gate is in place. The source/drain extensions create a diffuse junction with the silicon substrate. The method continues by removing the dummy gate and etching a recess in the silicon substrate. The recess intersects at least a portion of the source and drain junction. Then a channel is formed by growing a silicon film to at least partially fill the recess. The channel has sharp junctions with the source and drains, while the unetched silicon remaining below the channel has diffuse junctions with the source and drain. Thus, a MOSFET with two junction regions, sharp and diffuse, in the same transistor can be created.
US08629485B2
A semiconductor photodetection element SP has a silicon substrate 21 comprised of a semiconductor of a first conductivity type, having a first principal surface 21a and a second principal surface 21b opposed to each other, and having a semiconductor layer 23 of a second conductivity type formed on the first principal surface 21a side; and charge transfer electrodes 25 provided on the first principal surface 21a and adapted to transfer generated charge. In the silicon substrate 21, an accumulation layer 31 of the first conductivity type having a higher impurity concentration than the silicon substrate 21 is formed on the second principal surface 21b side and an irregular asperity 10 is formed in a region opposed to at least the semiconductor region 23, in the second principal surface 21b. The region where the irregular asperity 10 is formed in the second principal surface 21b of the silicon substrate 21 is optically exposed.
US08629479B2
A semiconductor device includes a first GaN layer provided on a SiC substrate, a second GaN layer provided on the first GaN layer, and an electron supply layer that is provided on the second GaN layer and has a band gap greater than that of GaN, the first GaN layer having an acceptor concentration higher than that of the second GaN layer.
US08629458B2
The present disclosure relates to a compound semiconductor light-emitting element comprising: a frame; an adhesive provided on the frame; a light-emitting part which is secured in position on the frame by means of the adhesive and which includes a substrate, a first compound semiconductor layer formed on the substrate and having a first type of conductivity, a second compound semiconductor layer having a second type of conductivity that is different from the first type of conductivity, and an active layer disposed between the first compound semiconductor layer and the second compound semiconductor layer to generate light via electron-hole recombination; and a spacer disposed between the light-emitting part and the frame to create a gap therebetween.
US08629444B2
A circuit board includes: a first wiring layer provided on a substrate; an insulating layer including an opening, the insulating layer being provided on the first wiring layer; a surface-energy control layer provided in a region opposed to the opening of the insulating layer on the first wiring layer, the surface-energy control layer controlling surface energy of the first wiring layer; a semiconductor layer provided in a selective region on the insulating layer; and a second wiring layer on the insulating layer, the second wiring layer being electrically connected to the semiconductor layer, and being electrically connected to the first wiring layer through the opening.
US08629441B2
The semiconductor device includes a driver circuit including a first thin film transistor and a pixel including a second thin film transistor over one substrate. The first thin film transistor includes a first gate electrode layer, a gate insulating layer, a first oxide semiconductor layer, a first oxide conductive layer, a second oxide conductive layer, an oxide insulating layer which is in contact with part of the first oxide semiconductor layer and which is in contact with peripheries and side surfaces of the first and second oxide conductive layers, a first source electrode layer, and a first drain electrode layer. The second thin film transistor includes a second gate electrode layer, a second oxide semiconductor layer, and a second source electrode layer and a second drain electrode layer each formed using a light-transmitting material.
US08629437B2
According to embodiments, there is provided a semiconductor device, including: a logic circuit; an interlayer insulating film formed above the logic circuit; an amorphous silicon layer including: a non-silicide layer formed on the interlayer insulating film; and a silicide layer formed on the non-silicide layer; a TFT formed on the amorphous silicon layer; and a contact plug formed to plug a through hole penetrating the interlayer insulating film, the contact plug being electrically connected to the logic circuit, an upper part of the contact plug being connected to the silicide layer.
US08629434B2
A display device includes a first wiring functioning as a gate electrode formed over a substrate, a gate insulating film formed over the first wiring, a second wiring and an electrode layer provided over the gate insulating film, and a high-resistance oxide semiconductor layer formed between the second wiring and the electrode layer are included. In the structure, the second wiring is formed using a stack of a low-resistance oxide semiconductor layer and a conductive layer over the low-resistance oxide semiconductor layer, and the electrode layer is formed using a stack of the low-resistance oxide semiconductor layer and the conductive layer which is stacked so that a region functioning as a pixel electrode of the low-resistance oxide semiconductor layer is exposed.
US08629430B2
An anthracene derivative represented by the following formula (1):In the formula (1), Z is a structure represented by the following formula (2). In the formula (2), at least one pair of adjacent two substituents of R11 to R18 form a ring represented by the following formula (3) or (4):
US08629417B2
An extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus used in combination with a laser system, the apparatus may include: a chamber provided with at least one inlet port for introducing a laser beam outputted from the laser system into the chamber; a target supply unit provided to the chamber for supplying a target material to a predetermined region inside the chamber, where the target material is irradiated with the laser beam; at least one optical element disposed inside the chamber; a magnetic field generation unit for generating a magnetic field around the predetermined region; an ion collection unit disposed in a direction of a line of magnetic force of the magnetic field for collection an ion which is generated when the target material is irradiated with the laser beam and is flowing along the line of magnetic force; and a gas introduction unit for introducing an etching gas into the chamber.
US08629415B2
A radiation therapy apparatus includes a gantry having a central aperture that defines a cavity, in which a patient is positionable. The apparatus also includes a positioning device, with which the patient is positionable in the central aperture of the gantry, and a radiation head for generating therapeutic radiation. The apparatus includes an extension mechanism for the radiation head. The extension mechanism may be operated, such that in a first operating mode, the radiation head is disposable inside the gantry, such that the gantry has, on a side facing the positioning device, a front surface that constitutes a front limit of the radiation therapy apparatus toward the positioning device. In the first operating mode, the radiation head is behind the front surface viewed from the positioning device. In a second operating mode, the radiation head, viewed from the positioning device, may be moved out in front of the front surface.
US08629414B2
Present embodiments generally relate to a novel clear or colorless overcoat composition that may be used for overcoating, for example, ink based images and xerographic images. The overcoat composition, which may be used as a base for a clear solid ink, comprises one or more ultraviolet (UV) absorbing additives. Also included in the present embodiments is a method for using and detecting the overcoat composition in connection with a substrate, for example, a substrate that includes printed images thereon.
US08629411B2
This invention relates to temperature-corrected photoluminescence spectroscopy which may be applied to semiconductors and, in particular, photovoltaic films.
US08629410B2
Disclosed is a high resolution and high throughput charged particle radiation device that attenuates the natural vibration of an ion pump in a short time, excited by a reaction force at the time of driving the stage, and prevents occurrence of a loop of force and a loop of current. The charged particle radiation device includes a sample chamber (4) for disposing a sample (3) therein, a charged particle radiation optical lens tube (1) for irradiating the sample (3) with charged particle radiation (10), ion pumps (2a, 2b) for evacuating the charged particle radiation optical lens tube (1), a frame (16) fixedly attached to the sample chamber (4), the frame (16) facing one end of each of the ion pumps (2a, 2b), and vibration absorbers provided between the frame (16) and the one end of each of the ion pumps (2a, 2b), each of the vibration absorbers including a layered structure which includes a viscoelastic sheet (20a, 20b) sandwiched between metal plates (18a, 18b, 21a, 21b).
US08629407B2
A method of forming a standard mask for an inspection system is provided, the method comprising providing a substrate within a chamber, and providing a tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) precursor within the chamber. The method further includes reacting the TEOS precursor with an electron beam to form silicon oxide particles of controlled size at one or more controlled locations on the substrate, the silicon oxide particles disposed as simulated contamination defects.
US08629399B2
This invention relates to methods and apparatuses for measuring biological processes using mid-infrared spectroscopy. The method includes the step of directing a mid-infrared signal into a sample of a biological process during a biologically active phase, and the step of detecting a sample spectrum from the mid-infrared signal to form a sample spectrum. The method includes the step of generating a reference spectrum through a reference media, and the step of combining the sample spectrum and the reference spectrum to form an adjusted sample spectrum.
US08629396B2
An uncooled infrared imaging element includes a pixel region, a device region, and a support substrate. The pixel region includes heat-sensitive pixels. The heat-sensitive pixels are arranged in a matrix and change current-voltage characteristics thereof in accordance with receiving amounts of infrared. The device region includes at least one of a drive circuit and a readout circuit which includes a MOS transistor. The drive circuit drives the heat-sensitive pixels. The readout circuit detects signals of the heat-sensitive pixels. The support substrate is provided with a cavity region to be under pixel region and the MOS transistor.
US08629386B2
An apparatus using reconfigurable integrated sensor elements with an efficient energy harvesting capability is described. Each sensor element has sensing and energy harvesting mode. In the sensing mode, the sensor element measures an environmental characteristic by generating electrical charge and outputs a time-encoded signal indicative of the measurement. In the energy harvesting mode, the sensor element itself is used to harvest energy from ambient energy source and makes it available to other sensor elements or circuit components. The sensing element is switched from the sensing mode to the energy harvesting mode when the electrical charge reaches a predetermined threshold. An image sensor device using asynchronous readout for harvesting energy from incident light while generating images is also described.
US08629380B2
A thermally insulated susceptor structure includes a dimensionally stable corrugated base, a first susceptor, and a second susceptor. At least one of the first susceptor and second susceptor may circumscribe one or more microwave energy transparent areas that allow the transmission of microwave energy through the respective susceptor and/or create localized fields that enhance heating, browning and/or crisping of an adjacent food item.
US08629378B2
A heating control device for a heating apparatus comprises a power control unit connected between an external power source and a heating unit of the heating apparatus to transfer power therebetween; a first temperature sensor provided near the heating unit for detecting the temperature thereof; a second temperature sensor provided at a portion of the heating apparatus for containing an object to be heated and for detecting the temperature of the object; a storage unit for storing temperature reference values; a micro controller unit electrically connected to the first and second temperature sensors, the power control unit and the storage unit, which is used to receive temperature signals from the sensors, compare the detected temperatures to the temperature reference values, and command the power control unit to supply the heating unit with different powers. A heating control method therefore is also disclosed.
US08629365B2
Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in and identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level.
US08629356B2
A magnetic field shielding raised floor panel having a plurality of grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES) sections. The orientation of each GOES section is parallel to a top surface of the section. The plurality of GOES sections can include sidewall and lip portions. The plurality of GOES sections can be perforated to permit air flow through the GOES section. Openings in adjacent perforated GOES sections do not substantially overlap.
US08629344B2
An input apparatus including: a first operation detecting section provided on a first operating section which detects acceleration and angular speed based on movement of the first operating section; a second operation detecting section provided on a second operating section which detects acceleration and angular speed based on movement of the second operating section; a judging section which judges whether or not the first and second operating sections have been held together, based on the accelerations and the angular speeds detected by the first and second operation detecting sections; a detecting section which detects a change operation based on the accelerations and the angular speeds detected by the first and second operation detecting sections, when the judging section judges that the first and second operating sections have been held together; and a changing section which changes a predetermined parameter in accordance with the change operation detected by the detecting section.
US08629343B2
An example computer of an information processing apparatus that reproduces music composed of one or more tracks is caused to function as: a reproduction section configured to reproduce the music; a meter change section configured to change the meter for reproduction of the music, while the reproduction section is reproducing the music; and a determination section configured to, based on the meter that has been changed, repeatedly determine whether or not to cause the reproduction section to reproduce the next beat supposed to be reproduced in a bar of the music that is currently being reproduced. The reproduction section reproduces the music, based on the result of the determination by the determination section.
US08629341B2
A system and method for defining proper embouchure mechanics for vocalization and for representing those mechanics symbolically, such that proper embouchure for vocalization can be taught consistently and can be included in written music, to be read and executed by a vocalist in real time while performing a piece of music.
US08629323B2
The invention provides isolated and at least partially-purified dicamba-degrading enzymes, isolated DNA molecules coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes, DNA constructs coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes, transgenic host cells comprising DNA coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes, and transgenic plants and plant parts comprising one or more cells comprising DNA coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes. Expression of the dicamba-degrading enzymes results in the production of dicamba-degrading organisms, including dicamba-tolerant plants. Finally, the invention provides a method of selecting transformed plants and plant cells based on dicamba tolerance and a method of selecting or screening transformed host cells, intact organisms and parts of organisms based on the fluorescence of 3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid produced as a result of dicamba degradation.
US08629322B2
A genome shuffling method for autogamous plants, including producing individuals having the following three traits in a tight coupling linkage by a gene engineering technique selected from a transgenic technique and a gene targeting technique: 1) dominant male sterility, 2) chemical tolerance and 3) lethality inducible by activating an inducible promoter, selecting, from progeny of the individuals, male-sterile individuals by means of the chemical tolerance described in 2) and male-fertile individuals by means of the lethality described in 3), arranging the male-sterile individuals and the male-fertile individuals close together in flowering periods thereof, so that the male-sterile individuals are crossed with the male-fertile individuals, harvesting seeds from the male-sterile individuals, and repeating outcrossing using the seeds from generation to generation.
US08629320B1
A novel maize variety designated X80B468 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X80B468 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X80B468 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X80B468, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X80B468. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X80B468.
US08629318B2
The invention relates to the generation of non-human transgenic animals comprising a reporter construct for producing a detectable amount of a reporter molecule operably linked to a transcriptional regulatory nucleic acid molecule from the human CYP3A4 gene located between the initiation of transcription site of the gene and a position located 13,000 nucleotides upstream from the site. The invention also relates to the use of these animals for determining the effect of a compound, particularly, but not exclusively, a xenobiotic or steroid, on the regulation of expression of the CYP3A4 gene in a human.
US08629316B2
A reusable absorbent article includes a hydrophilic top layer, a soaking layer adjacent to and beneath the top layer, a substantially liquid impermeable layer adjacent to and beneath the soaking layer, and a backing layer adjacent to and beneath the substantially liquid impermeable layer. All of the layers are secured together to form a unitary structure. The soaking layer is a non-woven fabric having a plurality of hydrophobic fibers of a generally circular cross-sectional shape and a plurality of hydrophilic fibers of a non-circular cross-sectional shape.
US08629311B2
Disclosed is a process for the production of alkylated aromatics by contacting a feed stream comprising an alkylatable aromatic, an alkylating agent and trace amounts of water and impurities in the presence of first and second alkylation catalysts wherein the water and impurities are removed in order to improve the cycle length of such alkylation catalysts. Water and a portion of impurities are removed in a dehydration zone. A first alkylation zone having a first alkylation catalyst which, in some embodiments is a large pore molecular sieve, acts to remove a larger portion of impurities, such as nitrogenous and other species, and to alkylate a smaller portion of the alkylatable aromatic compound. A second alkylation zone, which in some embodiments is a medium pore molecular sieve, acts to remove a smaller portion of impurities, and to alkylate a larger portion of the alkylatable aromatic compound.
US08629308B2
A method for producing hydrocarbons from biomass is provided. The method involves supplying a feed stream; supplying a heated hydrocarbon solvent; combining the feed stream and the heated hydrocarbon solvent to produce a reactor feed, and hydrodeoxygenating the reactor feed to produce hydrocarbons; where the feed stream includes a synthetic polymer as well as biomass having fatty acids, glycerides, or combinations thereof.
US08629306B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing 1,6-hexanediol, preferably with at least 99.5% purity, which are especially virtually free of 1,4-cyclohexanediols, from a carboxylic acid mixture which is obtained as a by-product of the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone/cyclohexanol with oxygen or oxygen-comprising gases and by water extraction of the reaction mixture, by hydrogenating the carboxylic acid mixture, esterifying and hydrogenating a substream to hexanediol.
US08629303B2
A 5-norbornene-2-spiro-α-cycloalkanone-α′-spiro-2″-5″-norbornene represented by the following general formula (1): [in the formula (1), R1s, R2, and R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or the like, and n represents an integer of 0 to 12].
US08629302B2
The present invention provides a method for making hypericin comprising the steps of converting a protohypericin to a protohypericin salt, and irradiating the protohypericin salt with visible light to form hypericin. The present invention also provides an apparatus comprising a transparent column having a top end and a bottom end, an inlet attached to the column at the top end to flow reactants into the column, a container attached to the column at the bottom end; and a visible light source positioned to cast light on to the column. The present invention further provides a method for making hypericin using said apparatus.
US08629297B2
Described are alkoxylated urethanes. Specifically, the alkoxylated urethanes are non-isocyanate urethanes (NIUs). The non-isocyanate urethanes that are described can be used as low-foam surfactants and, more particularly, as low-foam wetting agents.
US08629286B2
The present invention relates to heterocycles which have microbiocidal activity, in particular, fungicidal activity. The invention also relates to preparation of these heterocycles, to heterocyclic derivatives used as intermediates in the preparation of these heterocycles, to preparation of these intermediates, to agrochemical compositions which comprise at least one of the heterocycles, to preparation of these compositions and to use of the heterocycles or compositions in agriculture or horticulture.
US08629285B2
Compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) and methods of inhibiting Hsp90 in a cell, treating or preventing a proliferation disorder in a mammal and treating cancer in a mammal comprising administering a compound of formula (I) to a patient or a cell Variable R5 is an optionally substituted heteroaryl; an optionally substituted 6 to 14-membered aryl; a bicyclic 9-member heterocycle optionally substituted at any substitutable nitrogen or carbon atoms; or a substituent R18, defined herein. Ring A is an aryl or a heteroaryl optionally further substituted with one or more substituents in addition to R3. Substituent R3 is defined herein.
US08629267B2
A method for producing starch hydrolysate that includes processing in a high shear device a hydrolytic solution having a component selected from the group consisting of acids, hydrolytic enzymes, and combinations thereof, and an aqueous starch solution to produce a dispersion, wherein the high shear device is configured with a rotor and a stator; and transferring the dispersion from the high shear device to a reactor from which a starch hydrolysate product comprising dextrose is removed, wherein the operating temperature within the reactor is maintained at a temperature of less than about 160° C.
US08629260B2
The present disclosure provides methods of selecting and uses of anti-arthropod vector vaccines to prevent Leishmaniasis. The present disclosure also provides compositions for vaccines to prevent Leishmaniasis.
US08629258B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of plant molecular biology and agents useful in the manipulation of plant physiological or biochemical properties. More particularly, the present invention provides genetic and proteinaceous agents capable of modulating or altering the level of acidity or alkalinity in a cell, group of cells, organelle, part or reproductive portion of a plant. Genetically altered plants, plant parts, progeny, subsequent generations and reproductive material including flowers or flowering parts having cells exhibiting an altered cellular pH compared to a non-genetically altered plant are also provided.
US08629249B2
A polypeptide, designated as “Streptococcus uberis Adhesion Molecule” (SUAM), and fragments of SUAM, prevent internalization and adherence of Streptococcus uberis and other streptococcal pathogens to cells. The SUAM polypeptide and fragments may be used diagnostically and therapeutically. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the SUAM polypeptide and fragments are included in the invention.
US08629247B2
Antibodies (Ab) and antigen binding fragments capable of binding to prostate specific membrane antigen and which may be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes are provided herein. Formulation anti-PSMA antibodies which are stable under extreme storage condition are also provided.
US08629240B2
Peptides are disclosed that are useful for molecular imaging or diagnosis of a disease state, such as cancer, in which clusterin is upregulated.
US08629209B2
The disclose provides pressure-sensitive adhesives and adhesive sealants prepared from alkoxysilane modified, crosslinked isobutylene copolymers, and tape articles prepared therefrom.
US08629208B2
A polymeric flocculant is added to an aqueous solution comprising an organic acid and a basic compound to form a water-soluble fluid suitable for use in machining of rare earth magnet.
US08629202B2
A method includes using a composition in the production of cement, the composition including at least one dispersing agent and at least one sacrificial molecule to partially or totally retain the properties of the dispersing agent; being either in the form of a liquid solution, or an emulsion or a suspension; the quantity of the sacrificial molecule in the composition representing at least 5% by mass of the mass of dispersing agent; and being introduced before or during the grinding of the clinker.
US08629201B2
A composition for production of a prepreg for manufacture of thermoset composite laminates, a method for the production of a prepreg, the prepreg, and a thermoset glass fiber reinforced composite laminate manufactured by curing the prepreg. The composition includes unsaturated polyesters or vinylesters, a catalyst, a thickening agent, and a crosslinking initiator. A first component of the unsaturated polyesters or vinylesters includes reactive groups that react with the thickening agent. A second component of the unsaturated polyesters or vinylesters does not include any groups that react with the thickening agent. The composition also includes a polyether polyol.
US08629200B2
The present invention provides an organic/inorganic compositive dispersant and a method for producing the same. The compositive dispersant comprises a complex of inorganic clay and an organic surfactant. The compositive dispersant is produced by reacting inorganic clay with the organic surfactant in a solvent to generate a complex. The inorganic clay is layered or platelet. The organic surfactant is an anionic surfactant such as alkyl sulfates, or a nonionic surfactant such as octylphenol polyethoxylate and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether. The compositive dispersant may be used to produce electrolytes of a solar cell or to increase the hardness of an epoxy resin.
US08629198B2
Disclosed is a non-aqueous inkjet ink that includes a polyvinyl chloride resin synthesized by a suspension polymerization method or an emulsion polymerization method; an organic solvent that is a mixed solvent comprising diethylene glycol ethyl methyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether in which the polyvinyl chloride resin is dissolved; a pigment; and a radical polymerization inhibitor. In another embodiment, the mixed solvent includes N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. The radical polymerization inhibitor prevents the polyvinyl chloride resin from gelling in a short period and causing a discharge fault, clogging, etc. Also disclosed is an ink set of inkjet inks includes a combination of the non-aqueous inkjet inks above having respective colors and including at least a cyan ink; a magenta ink; a yellow ink; and a black ink.
US08629186B2
The present invention provides micelles having an anthracycline encapsulated therein, the micelles comprising a multiblock copolymer. The invention further provides methods of preparing and using said micelles, and compositions thereof.
US08629183B2
A method for modulating enzymatic degradation of articular cartilage in a dog comprises administering to the dog an enzymatic degradation modulating effective amount of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), for example as a component of a food composition. By practice of the method in a dog having arthritis, mobility of the dog can be increased, weight bearing in an arthritic limb can be increased, and/or pain associated with arthritis can be reduced.
US08629176B1
The present invention discloses β-diketones, γ-diketones or γ-hydroxyketones or analogs thereof, that activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling and thus treat or prevent diseases related to signal transduction, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthropathy; osteogenesis imperfecta, bone defects, bone fractures, periodontal disease, otosclerosis, wound healing, craniofacial defects, oncolytic bone disease, traumatic brain injuries related to the differentiation and development of the central nervous system, comprising Parkinson's disease, strokes, ischemic cerebral disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia; eye diseases such as age related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema or retinitis pigmentosa and diseases related to differentiation and growth of stem cell, comprising hair loss, hematopoiesis related diseases and tissue regeneration related diseases.
US08629170B2
Compounds, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating viral infections, by administering certain novel compounds in therapeutically effective amounts are disclosed. Methods for preparing the compounds and methods of using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are also disclosed. In particular, the treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections such as caused by hemorrhagic fever viruses is disclosed, i.e., including but not limited to, Arenaviridae (Junin, Machupo, Guanarito, Sabia, Lassa, Tacaribe, Pichinde, and LCMV), Filoviridae (Ebola and Marburg viruses), Flaviviridae (yellow fever, Omsk hemorrhagic fever and Kyasanur Forest disease viruses), and Bunyaviridae (Rift Valley fever).
US08629165B2
Disclosed herein are methods of treating a patient suffering a cognitive disorder.
US08629164B2
The invention relates to compounds of formulae (1) and (2): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for the treatment of cancer, inflammation, auto-immune diseases, diabetes and diabetic complications, infection, cardiovascular disease and ischemia-reperfusion injuries.
US08629153B2
The present invention relates to the use of quinazoline derivatives, which show EGFR inhibitory activity, for the prevention and/or treatment of virus-induced diseases, preferably virus induced respiratory diseases and exacerbation in chronic airway diseases such as COPD or asthma.
US08629147B2
The present invention provides compounds capable of modulating tyrosine kinases, compositions comprising the compounds and methods of their use.
US08629146B2
The invention relates to a method for the stereoselective preparation of a compound of formula (5), optionally in the form of the tautomers thereof,
US08629145B2
The main object of the present invention is to provide a novel agent for the treatment of spinal canal stenosis.The present invention relates to an agent for the treatment of spinal canal stenosis containing the heterocyclic derivative represented by the following general formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient; In the formula (1), R1 and R2 are the same or different and each represents an optionally substituted aryl; R3 and R4 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen atom or alkyl; R5 represents hydrogen atom, alkyl or halogen atom; Y represents N or N→O; A represents NR6, and R6 represents hydrogen atom, alkyl, etc.; D represents alkylene or alkenylene which is optionally substituted with hydroxy; E represents phenylene or a single bond; G represents O, S, etc.; and Q represents carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, etc.
US08629138B2
Disclosed is a compound represented by Formula (Im1): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, monohydrate, enantiomer or diastereomer thereof. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of Formula (Im1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, monohydrate, enantiomer or diastereomer thereof and methods of inhibiting 11β-HSD1 activity comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Im1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, monohydrate, enantiomer or diastereomer thereof. Values for the variables in Formula (Im1) are defined herein.
US08629130B2
A method of inhibiting growth of cancer cells comprising contacting cancer cells with a 6-substituted estradiol derivative in an amount at least partially sufficient to inhibit said growth is disclosed. The compounds have the general formula depicted below, herein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined herein.
US08629120B2
A method of treating a human to reduce the risk of malignancies or limit the spread of malignancies includes administering an FMR1 inhibitor to the human to block expression of an FMR1 gene. The FMR1 inhibitor blocks FMR1 genes in the human with at least one of two alleles with less than 26 triple CGG repeats.
US08629110B2
The present invention provides a therapeutic tool against intimal hyperplasia consisting of the use of Kv1.3 channel blocking substances, able to selectively stop cell migration and multiplication of VSMCs.
US08629107B2
Disclosed is a panel of biomarkers associated with angiogenesis, and the use of such biomarkers (genes, proteins, homologues and analogs thereof) to regulate angiogenesis. Methods for identifying compounds useful for regulating angiogenesis and conditions related thereto are disclosed.
US08629105B2
The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, medical food, dietary supplement or micronutrient for the treatment of a movement disorder comprising an NMDAR agonist or partial agonist as active ingredient therein in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US08629092B2
A hard surface cleaning composition comprising a malodor control component, and methods of cleaning hard surfaces are provided. In some embodiments, the hard surface cleaning composition comprises at least one volatile aldehyde and an acid catalyst.
US08629091B2
The present invention provides a lubrication system that improves the force of retaining a lubricating component of a foamed lubricant, is capable of minimizing the amount of exudation of the lubricating component which occurs owing to deformation of the foamed lubricant, is capable of compensating for a lubricating function even when the lubricating component exudes insufficiently from the foamed lubricant, and is capable of complying with a demand that the lubrication system has a long life and can be produced at a low cost. The lubrication system comprises a foamed lubricant containing a lubricating component in a resin thereof which foams, hardens, and becomes porous and a grease for auxiliary lubrication which is present together with the foamed lubricant in a portion to be lubricated. The grease for auxiliary lubrication satisfies a condition that (1) a penetration thereof is not less than 175 and less than 285 or that (2) a mixing ratio of a thickener to the grease for auxiliary lubrication is not less than 10 wt % and less than 40 wt %. As shown in the drawings, a foamed lubricant (9) and a grease (10) for auxiliary lubrication are present together inside a universal joint.
US08629086B2
The instant invention relates to compositions and methods for the control of nematodes and soil borne diseases using compositions comprising high terpene containing oils and one or more surfactants. The invention also relates to methods for increasing the wetted soil volume available for water utilization by plant roots using the disclosed compositions.
US08629085B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) an anionic compound having wetting and dispersing properties selected from the group of a1) an alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, a2) a naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate that may optionally be alkyl substituted and mixtures thereof, and b) a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkylamine alkoxylates, alkylamidoamine alkoxylates, alkanolamides and their alkoxylates, alkylamidopropylamines, betaines, amino acids, or any mixtures thereof, wherein the molar amount of anionic sulfonate and, if any are present, carboxylate groups in the composition is in excess of the molar amount of nitrogen-containing groups. These compositions exhibit synergistic wetting properties as compared to the surface-active components taken alone. Further, the compositions also exhibit an increased rainfastness. The compositions can be used as a wetting agent and/or as an agent for increasing rainfastness in cleaning or agrocultural formulations. The invention also relates to an agrocultural formulation per se.
US08629081B2
By printing a bar code (comprising dark and light regions) or parts of such a bar code with an ink containing a dye, which changes color in the presence of an acid or a base to remove the contrast between the regions of the bar code, and a neutral compound which releases an acid or a base on exposure to energising radiation, a bar code can be produced that becomes unreadable after a pre-determined interval. This can be used as a time/temperature indicator to ensure that products, which might be perishable, associated with such a bar code are not used by the public.
US08629079B2
The invention relates to a process for producing a catalyst for the oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide, which comprises a) providing a support which comprises alumina and has been impregnated with silver or with a silver-comprising compound and has a temperature T0; and b) heating the impregnated support from the temperature T0 to a temperature T1 at a heating rate of at least 30 K/min, and also the catalyst itself which can be obtained by this process.
US08629078B2
To provide an oxidation catalyst capable of burning PM of diesel engine exhausts gas at a low temperature, and hardly subjected to poisoning due to sulfur oxide. A composite oxide contains Ce, Bi, and M (wherein M is one or more elements selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) and oxygen, and is manufactured, with a molar ratio of Ce, Bi, M expressed by Ce:Bi:M=(1−x−y):x:y, satisfying 0
US08629068B1
The present invention addresses provides improved methods of preparing a low-k dielectric material on a substrate. The methods involve multiple operation ultraviolet curing processes in which UV intensity, wafer substrate temperature and other conditions may be independently modulated in each operation. In certain embodiments, a film containing a structure former and a porogen is exposed to UV radiation in a first operation to facilitate removal of the porogen and create a porous dielectric film. In a second operation, the film is exposed to UV radiation to increase cross-linking within the porous film. In certain embodiments, the curing takes place in a multi-station UV chamber wherein UV intensity and substrate temperature may be independently controlled at each station.
US08629067B2
Methods of forming dielectric layers are described. The method may include the steps of mixing a silicon-containing precursor with a radical-nitrogen precursor, and depositing a dielectric layer on a substrate. The radical-nitrogen precursor is formed in a remote plasma by flowing hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2) into the plasma in order to allow adjustment of the nitrogen/hydrogen ratio. The dielectric layer is initially a silicon-and-nitrogen-containing layer which may be converted to a silicon-and-oxygen-containing layer by curing and/or annealing the film in an oxygen-containing environment.
US08629053B2
A semiconductor device having a polymer layer and a method of fabricating the same is provided. A two-step plasma treatment for a surface of the polymer layer includes a first plasma process to roughen the surface of the polymer layer and loosen contaminants, and a second plasma process to make the polymer layer smoother or make the polymer layer less rough. An etch process may be used between the first plasma process and the second plasma process to remove the contaminants loosened by the first plasma process. In an embodiment, the polymer layer exhibits a surface roughness between about 1% and about 8% as measured by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) with the index of surface area difference percentage (SADP) and/or has surface contaminants of less than about 1% of Ti, less than about 1% of F, less than about 1.5% Sn, and less than about 0.4% of Pb.
US08629046B2
A semiconductor device with bi-layer dislocation and method of fabricating the semiconductor device is disclosed. The exemplary semiconductor device and method for fabricating the semiconductor device enhance carrier mobility. The method includes providing a substrate having a gate stack. The method further includes performing a first pre-amorphous implantation process on the substrate and forming a first stress film over the substrate. The method also includes performing a first annealing process on the substrate and the first stress film. The method further includes performing a second pre-amorphous implantation process on the annealed substrate, forming a second stress film over the substrate and performing a second annealing process on the substrate and the second stress film.
US08629041B2
According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method can include die bonding to bond a semiconductor element to a first position of a base member via a bonding layer provided on one surface of the semiconductor element. The method can include wire bonding to connect a terminal formed on the semiconductor element to a terminal formed on the base member by a bonding wire. In addition, the method can include sealing to seal the semiconductor element and the bonding wire. Viscosity of the bonding layer in the bonding is controlled not to exceed the viscosity of the bonding layer in the sealing.
US08629040B2
A method includes forming a hard mask over a substrate, patterning the hard mask to form a first plurality of trenches, and filling a dielectric material into the first plurality of trenches to form a plurality of dielectric regions. The hard mask is removed from between the plurality of dielectric regions, wherein a second plurality of trenches is left by the removed hard mask. An epitaxy step is performed to grow a semiconductor material in the second plurality of trenches.
US08629034B2
A nonvolatile memory element and associated production methods and memory element arrangements are presented. The nonvolatile memory element has a changeover material and a first and second electrically conductive electrode present at the changeover material. To reduce a forming voltage, a first electrode has a field amplifier structure for amplifying a field strength of an electric field generated by a second electrode in a changeover material. The field amplifier structure is a projection of the electrodes which projects into the changeover material. The memory element arrangement has multiple nonvolatile memory elements which are arranged in matrix form and can be addressed via bit lines arranged in column form and word lines arranged in row form.
US08629032B2
A non-volatile memory cell structure and a method of fabricating the same. The method comprising the steps of: fabricating a portion of a floating gate from one or more first metal local interconnection layer (LIL) slit contacts deposited on a patterned dielectric layer; and fabricating a portion of a control gate from one or more second metal LIL slit contacts deposited on the patterned dielectric layer; wherein the first and second metal LIL slit contacts form a capacitive structure between the floating gate and the control gate.
US08629031B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing an SOI substrate having an SOI layer that can be used in practical applications with high yield even when a flexible substrate such as a glass substrate or a plastic substrate is used. Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a thin semiconductor device using such an SOI substrate with high yield. When a single-crystal semiconductor substrate is bonded to a flexible substrate having an insulating surface and the single-crystal semiconductor substrate is separated to manufacture an SOI substrate, one or both of bonding surfaces are activated, and then the flexible substrate having an insulating surface and the single-crystal semiconductor substrate are attached to each other.
US08629027B1
An asymmetric insulated-gate field-effect transistor (100 or 102) has a source (240 or 280) and a drain (242 or 282) laterally separated by a channel zone (244 or 284) of body material (180 or 182) of a semiconductor body. A gate electrode (262 or 302) overlies a gate dielectric layer (260 or 300) above the channel zone. A more heavily doped pocket portion (250 or 290) of the body material extends largely along only the source. The source has a main source portion (240M or 280M) and a more lightly doped lateral source extension (240E or 280E). The drain has a main portion (242M or 282M) and a more lightly doped lateral drain extension (242E or 282E). The drain extension is more lightly doped than the source extension. The maximum concentration of the semiconductor dopant defining the two extensions occurs deeper in the drain extension than in the source extension. Additionally or alternatively, the drain extension extends further laterally below the gate electrode than the source extension. These features enable the threshold voltage to be highly stable with operational time.
US08629021B2
A method for making an NMOS transistor on a semiconductor substrate includes reducing the thickness of the PMD layer to expose the polysilicon gate electrode of the NMOS transistor and the polysilicon gate electrode of the PMOS transistor, and then removing the gate electrode of the NMOS transistor. The method also includes depositing a NMOS-metal layer over the semiconductor substrate, depositing a fill-metal layer over the NMOS-metal layer, and then reducing the thickness of the NMOS metal layer and the fill metal layer to expose the gate electrodes of the NMOS transistor and the PMOS transistor.
US08629019B2
A method for providing self aligned contacts for a trench power MOSFET is disclosed. The method includes, etching trenches in a substrate through a mask of silicon nitride deposited on an oxide layer, forming a gate oxide layer on the walls of the trenches, applying polysilicon to fill the trenches and to cover the surface of the mask of silicon nitride, removing the polysilicon from the surface of the mask of silicon nitride and applying a photoresist mask to cover a location of a gate bus. The method further includes recessing polysilicon plugs formed in trenches that are located in the active area to form recesses above the polysilicon plugs, filling recesses formed above the polysilicon plugs formed in trenches that are located in the active area with an insulator, applying a fourth photo resist mask to define contact windows that are opened in the nitride layer, and selectively etching the silicon nitride film and leaving flat surfaced oxide buttons covering the trenches that are located in the active area. Moreover, electric contact trenches are defined using self-aligned spacer operations, and a fifth photo resist mask is applied to pattern metal contacts that reach the semiconductor device active areas.
US08629009B2
A method of fabricating a memory device is provided that may begin with forming a layered gate stack atop a semiconductor substrate and patterning a metal electrode layer stopping on the high-k gate dielectric layer of the layered gate stack to provide a first metal gate electrode and a second metal gate electrode on the semiconductor substrate. In a next process sequence, at least one spacer is formed on the first metal gate electrode atop a portion of the high-k gate dielectric layer, wherein a remaining portion of the high-k gate dielectric is exposed. The remaining portion of the high-k gate dielectric layer is etched to provide a first high-k gate dielectric having a portion that extends beyond a sidewall of the first metal gate electrode and a second high-k gate dielectric having an edge that is aligned to a sidewall of the second metal gate electrode.
US08629008B2
After formation of raised source and drain regions, a conformal dielectric material liner is deposited within recessed regions formed by removal of shallow trench isolation structures and underlying portions of a buried insulator layer in a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. A dielectric material that is different from the material of the conformal dielectric material liner is subsequently deposited and planarized to form a planarized dielectric material layer. The planarized dielectric material layer is recessed selective to the conformal dielectric material liner to form dielectric fill portions that fill the recessed regions. Horizontal portions of the conformal dielectric material liner are removed by an anisotropic etch, while remaining portions of the conformal dielectric material liner form an outer gate spacer. At least one contact-level dielectric layer is deposited. Contact via structures electrically isolated from a handle substrate can be formed within the contact via holes.
US08629006B2
The present invention provides architectures for hybrid integrated circuits and methods for producing these hybrid integrated circuits that contain both field programmable gate arrays and mask programmable gate arrays, a form of application specific integrated circuits. Methods for producing an integrated circuit that is field programmable as well as mask programmable include the steps of: designing wafer bank layers and finishing layers, where the wafer bank layers provide a plurality of selectable functional blocks; fabricating said wafer bank layers; designing mask programmed interconnect layers for said integrated circuit, where the interconnect layers interconnect selected ones of the plurality of functional blocks from the wafer bank layers; fabricating the interconnect layers on the wafer bank layers; and fabricating the finishing layers on the interconnect layers to produce the integrated circuit. Architectures for these integrated circuits can contain a field programmable gate array that is integrated with a mask programmable gate array in a ring structure.
US08629004B2
A semiconductor module having an integrated structure is manufactured by mounting a semiconductor chip on the side of a surface of a cooling plate via an insulating material, and by molding the semiconductor chip and the cooling plate by a resin-molded member. This method includes the steps of: (a) forming a sprayed insulating film as the insulating material on a surface of the cooling plate; (b) forming a sprayed conductive film on a face of the sprayed insulating film opposite to a face where the cooling plate is provided; (c) checking whether the sprayed conductive film is insulated from the cooling plate by using the sprayed conductive film and the cooling plate as electrodes and applying voltage therebetween; and (d) mounting the semiconductor chip on the upper side of the sprayed conductive film when the sprayed conductive film is insulated, and then resin-molding the semiconductor chip and the cooling plate.
US08629003B2
An adhesive includes an epoxy resin and a hardener. The hardener includes trioxdiamine, diaminodicyclohexylmethane, toluene diamine, and bisphenol-A dianhydride.
US08629000B2
In a thin film transistor, an increase in off current or negative shift of the threshold voltage is prevented. In the thin film transistor, a buffer layer is provided between an oxide semiconductor layer and each of a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer. The buffer layer includes a metal oxide layer which is an insulator or a semiconductor over a middle portion of the oxide semiconductor layer. The metal oxide layer functions as a protective layer for suppressing incorporation of impurities into the oxide semiconductor layer. Therefore, in the thin film transistor, an increase in off current or negative shift of the threshold voltage can be prevented.
US08628997B2
A method for fabricating a thin film photovoltaic device is provided. The method includes providing a substrate comprising a thin film photovoltaic absorber which has a surface including copper, indium, gallium, selenium, and sulfur. The method further includes subjecting the surface to a material containing at least a zinc species substantially free of any cadmium. The surface is heated to cause formation of a zinc doped material. The zinc doped material is free from cadmium. Furthermore the method includes forming a zinc oxide material overlying the zinc doped material and forming a transparent conductive material overlying the zinc oxide material.
US08628993B2
Disclosed is a method for removing individual layers of a layer stack. The layer stack includes a semiconductor layer disposed onto an optically dense electrically conductive layer which in turn is disposed upon an optically transparent layer. A laser at a first power level is projected through the optically transparent layer and onto the optically dense electrically conductive layer. The semiconductor layer is removed through heat evaporation imparted by the laser at the first power level without removing the optically dense electrically conductive layer. Optionally, the laser at a second power level, which is greater than the first power level, is projected onto the optically dense electrically conductive layer through the optically transparent layer. The optically dense electrically conductive layer is removed through heat evaporation imparted by the laser at the second power level without removing the optically transparent layer.
US08628989B2
Semiconductor structures include a trench formed proximate a substrate including a first semiconductor material. A crystalline material including a second semiconductor material lattice mismatched to the first semiconductor material is formed in the trench. Process embodiments include removing a portion of the dielectric layer to expose a side portion of the crystalline material and defining a gate thereover. Defects are reduced by using an aspect ratio trapping approach.
US08628977B2
Reagents and methods are provided that permit simultaneous analysis of multiple diverse small molecule analytes present in a complex mixture. Samples are labeled with chemically identical but isotopically distinct forms of the labeling reagent, and analyzed using mass spectrometry. A single reagent simultaneously derivatizes multiple small molecule analytes having different reactive functional groups.
US08628967B2
The present invention is related to a new method for replacing or deleting DNA sequences in Clostridia, with high efficiency, easy to perform and applicable at an industrial level. This method is useful to modify several genetic loci in Clostridia in a routine manner. This method is based on a replicative vector carrying at least two marker genes.
US08628965B2
A pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition comprising a cell line callus culture of grape berry cells grown in vitro, whereby the cell line callus culture of grape berry cells is derived from one or more of grape-berry cross section, grape-berry skin, grape-berry flesh, grape seed, grape embryo of seeded or seedless cultivars or grape seed coat.
US08628963B2
The present invention relates to a medium composition comprising neuropeptide Y, effective for proliferation and maintenance of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells, and a method for culturing undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells using the same. The present invention improves the culture conditions for undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells, and ultimately, the present invention can be effectively used for the development of large-scale culture systems, thereby acquiring clinically applicable pluripotent stem cells. Further, the present invention relates to a dedifferentiation medium composition comprising neuropeptide Y (NPY), and a method for inducing dedifferentiation (or reprogramming) using the same. The present invention improves the culture conditions for dedifferentiation and contributes to develop technology of producing clinically applicable induced pluripotent stem cells, thereby being used for the development of stem cell therapy.
US08628953B2
In order to make a process of capturing and testing air-borne microorganisms more convenient and quick, a capturing device which comprises the capturing carrier comprising a polymer which is in a gel phase at the time of capturing the microorganisms but undergoes a phase transition under heating to a sol phase at the temperature at or less than 40° C. (especially in the temperature range between 15° C. and 37° C.), and a vessel to contain the capturing carrier is used. Further, by comprising a test reagent in the polymer, the test reagent can be eluted upon said phase transition from a gel phase to a sol phase. By heating the capturing carrier, a phase transition to a sol phase can occur at or less than 40° C. As such, since recovery of microorganisms and addition of a test reagent to the microorganisms can be carried out simultaneously, the process can be simplified and the process time can be shortened.
US08628952B2
The invention relates to sensor compositions comprising a composite array of individual arrays, to allow for simultaneous processing of a number of samples. The invention further provides methods of making and using the composite arrays. The invention further provides a hybridization chamber for use with a composite array.
US08628950B2
The invention relates to a method for separating adult stem cells from fatty tissue, wherein the fatty tissue is mixed with a fluid and the stem cells are subsequently separated. The fatty tissue with fat cells and adult stem cells is exposed to a fluid jet (38) having a pressure adjusted such that the adult stem cells are separated from the fat cells and the adult stem cells are separated from the fat cell-stem cell-fluid mixture. A container (12) is provided for receiving fatty tissue removed from a biological structure, which includes fat cells (62) and adult stem cells (64), wherein the container (12) has a feed device (28) for a pressurized fluid and the feed device (28) includes an outlet the arrangement (30) for the fluid which is introduced or can be introduced into the fatty tissue.
US08628948B2
Combining controlled open-ocean iron enrichment with a system for collecting the ensuing biological growth can lead to a fundamental shift towards using marine biomass feedstock for large-scale global biodiesel production. The literature review reveals that open-ocean enrichment effectively reduces both the atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressure and ocean acidity. A semi-closed ocean system is provided that allows for the efficient cultivation and harvesting of a high tonnage biomass feedstock generated by iron fertilization. The concept methodically capitalizes on the ocean's free nutrients, kinetic/potential energy, and expansive surface area to ensure that the mass, energy, and cost balance equations favor our system while taking care to preserve the ocean's ecosystem. The system is modular, portable, easily scalable system, and minimizes waste. In addition to the above benefits, our concept allows continued adherence to the NEPA and London Protocol by culling the biomass produced by fixing carbon dioxide and limiting iron exposure to the vessel's interior.
US08628939B2
The present invention relates to a membrane protein expression vector containing the major envelope protein P9 of Cystovirus phi6 as a fusion partner, to cells transformed by the expression vector, and to a process for producing membrane proteins using the cells. Target proteins can be effectively expressed by the expression vector of the present invention.
US08628934B2
System and method for quantifying fragile X mental retardation 1 protein in tissue and blood samples
A system and method for the detection and quantification of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) in human tissue and blood samples. The system includes several high avidity monoclonal antibodies that may be provided on Xmap microspheres to capture FMRP from a tissue or blood specimen. The resulting complex is reacted with a polyclonal anti-FMRP rabbit antibody and then mixed with an anti-rabbit IgG antibody conjugated to phycoerythrin. Fluorescence emitted from the resulting complex is a function of the amount of FMRP present in the specimen.
US08628932B2
The invention is directed to methods of screening for HLA antibodies comprising detecting antibodies specific for native HLA antigens and denatured HLA antigens. The invention also provides for methods of removing antibodies specific for denatured HLA antigens or antibodies specific for native HLA antigens from a serum sample. In addition, the invention also provides for method of predicting whether a transplant recipient has an increased risk for rejecting the transplanted organ.
US08628926B2
Primers and probes are provided for selectively detecting tubercle bacillus, and methods for detecting low copy numbers of human tubercle bacillus (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) using the same are presented. Oligonucleotides comprising a part of or an entire sequence of the nucleic acid sequence described in SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:S, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7 or SEQ ID NO:8, or a part of or an entire sequence of the complementary sequence thereof are disclosed, wherein the oligonucleotide has a property of hybridizing with the nucleic acid sequence of IS6110 gene in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Primers and probes containing such oligonucleotides, and methods for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis using the primers and the probes are presented.
US08628925B2
The present teachings provide novel methods for amplifying short nucleic acids. In some embodiments, the present teachings provide novel methods for linearly amplifying a collection of micro RNAs by using temperature cycling during a reverse transcription reaction. The cycling can comprise at least 20 cycles of an annealing temperature segment of 10° C.-30° C., and a denaturation temperature segment of 35° C.-60° C. In some embodiments, the temperature cycled reaction can comprise an osmolyte.
US08628922B2
The present invention relates to a method for increasing the chronological lifespan of a cell comprising disrupting the function of at least one of the SAGA1 SLIK and/or SALSA complexes in said cell.
US08628919B2
Provided are methods and devices for single-molecule genomic analysis. In one embodiment, the methods entail processing a double-stranded nucleic acid and characterizing said nucleic acid. These methods are useful in, e.g., determining structural variations and copy number variations between individuals.
US08628913B2
Elongated molecules are stretched across a substrate by controlled fluid flow.
US08628910B2
The present invention relates to a fluorine-free photoacid generator (PAG) and a photoresist composition containing the same. The PAG is characterized by the presence of an onium cationic component and a fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic sulfonate anionic component containing one or more electron withdrawing substituents. The onium cationic component of the PAG is preferably a sulfonium or an iodonium cation. The photoresist composition further contains an acid sensitive imaging polymer. The photoresist composition is especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography.
US08628905B2
A ferrite core material for a resin-filled type carrier, and a resin-filled type carrier which is used as an electrophotographic developer by mixing a toner, sufficiently secure the image density, have no carrier adhesion and can maintain high-quality images over a long period, and an electrophotographic developer using the carrier, are provided. A ferrite core material for a resin-filled type carrier characterized in a void fraction of 10 to 60%, a resin-filled type carrier filled in the carrier core material with a resin, and an electrophotographic developer composed of the resin-filled type carrier and a toner, are provided.
US08628903B2
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes: a polyester resin containing a graft copolymer, the graft copolymer being formed with a polyester skeleton as a main chain and block copolymers containing a styrene-based polymer block and a crystalline acrylate-based polymer block. The styrene-based polymer block is grafted onto the polyester skeleton.
US08628901B2
Disclosed is a toner for electrostatic image development that has sufficient low-temperature fixability, can provide high post-fixing separability, and can be used for stable formation of images at high speed.The toner for electrostatic image development includes toner particles containing a binder resin. The binder resin contains as a part thereof a block copolymer having an A-B-A block copolymer structure including polymer blocks A composed of a structural unit derived from an alkyl methacrylate and a polymer block B composed of a structural unit derived from an alkyl acrylate. The glass transition point (TgA) of a homopolymer of the alkyl methacrylate forming the polymer blocks A is higher than the glass transition point (TgB) of a homopolymer of the alkyl acrylate forming the polymer block B.
US08628897B1
A process of an extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) is disclosed. The process includes receiving an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask with multiple states. Different states of the EUV mask are assigned to adjacent polygons and adjacent sub-resolution polygons. The EUV mask is exposed by a nearly on-axis illumination (ONI) with partial coherence σ less than 0.3 to produce diffracted lights and non-diffracted lights. Most of the non-diffracted lights are removed. The diffracted lights and the not removed non-diffracted lights are collected and directed to expose a target by a projection optics box.
US08628894B2
To effectively prevent deformation of an MEA and shift of GDLs, first GDLs, second GDLs, and separators are layered in order at both sides of the MEA in the thickness direction thereof, the gaskets which sandwich an end portion of the MEA outside the first GDLs and the second GDLs are made from rubber or a synthetic resin material having rubber-like elasticity and integrally provided on the separators respectively, the first GDLs have end portions which are formed so as to protrude beyond outer peripheries of the second GDLs, and the gaskets have support step portions which can position and support the end portions of the first GDLs at the same height as the support height by the second GDLs.
US08628886B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell; a circulating system that circulates and supplies fuel off-gas discharged from the fuel cell to the fuel cell; a pump that pumps a fluid in the circulating system; a discharge valve through which the fluid in the circulating system is discharged to the outside; and a control device that controls the pump and the discharge valve. If operation of the fuel cell is started in a cold environment, the control device executes a control to start power generation in the fuel cell for a first period before activating the pump and executes a control to drive the pump while the discharge valve is closed for a second period.
US08628885B2
A secondary battery capable of improving battery characteristics is provided. The secondary battery includes a cathode 21 containing a cathode active material capable of inserting and extracting an electrode reactant, an anode 22 containing an anode active material capable of inserting and extracting the electrode reactant, and an electrolyte containing a solvent and an electrolyte salt. At least one of the cathode 21, the anode 22, and the electrolyte contains a radical scavenger compound. The radical scavenger compound is a compound in which a group having a radical scavenger function exists as a matrix, to which one or more carboxylic metal bases or one or more sulfonic metal bases are introduced. Chemical stability of the cathode 21, the anode 22, or the electrolyte containing the radical scavenger compound is improved. Thus, at the time of charge and discharge, decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is easily inhibited.
US08628884B2
An anode active material comprises metal core particles, metal nano wires formed on the metal core particles, pores between the metal core particles and the metal nano wires, and a carbon-based coating layer formed on a surface of the metal core particles and metal nano wires. In the anode active material according to the present invention, the metal core particles and metal nano wires are combined to form a single body, and a carbon-based coating layer is formed on the surface of the metal nano wires and metal core particles. Thus, volume changes in the pulverized metal core particles can be effectively buffered during charging and discharging, and the metal core particles are electrically connected through the metal nano wires. As a result, volume changes in the anode active material and degradation of the electrode can be prevented, thereby providing excellent initial charge/discharge efficiency and enhanced charge/discharge capacity.
US08628882B2
An electrode binder composition is used to produce an electrode used for an electrical storage device, and includes (A) a polymer, (B) a compound represented by the following general formula (1), and (C) a liquid medium, the polymer (A) being fluorine-containing polymer particles or diene polymer particles, and a concentration of the compound (B) in the electrode binder composition being 5 to 500 ppm. wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a monovalent alkyl group, and n is an integer from 0 to 5.
US08628879B2
Magnetic Resonance (MR) conditional medical equipment for use in MR environments. The MR conditional medical equipment includes MR conditional handheld battery operated devices, for example, laryngoscopes, flashlights, and the like, and MR conditional carbon zinc power packs for operating the devices. The devices can be designed to be inoperable by standard alkaline batteries which would render the medical equipment non MR conditional. Alternatively, the devices can have a sealed power pack compartment pre-installed with a non-replaceable carbon zinc power pack.
US08628872B2
A battery cell assembly and a method for assembling the battery cell assembly are provided. The battery cell assembly includes first and second battery cells with a heat exchanger disposed between the first and second battery cells. The heat exchanger has a plastic frame and first and second thermally conductive layers. The plastic frame has an interior space extending therethrough. The first and second thermally conductive layers are disposed on opposite sides of the plastic frame to enclose the interior space, such that when a liquid is disposed in the interior space, heat energy is transferred from the first battery cell through the first thermally conductive layer to the liquid.
US08628871B2
A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations. In another aspect, a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are in acid form and at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are neutralized by cerium cations. In another aspect, a polymer electrolyte membrane is provided which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations, and wherein the amount of cerium cations present is between 0.001 and 0.5 charge equivalents based on the molar amount of acid functional groups present in the polymer electrolyte, more typically between 0.005 and 0.2, more typically between 0.01 and 0.1, and more typically between 0.02 and 0.05.
US08628869B2
According to one embodiment, a lubricant includes a perfluoropolyether having a chemical structure of: wherein Rf is at least one of: —CF2O(CF2CF2O)m(CF2O)nCF2— and —CF2CF2O(CF2CF2CF2O)kCF2CF2—, with m representing 0 or a positive integer, n representing 0 or a positive integer, and k representing 0 or a positive integer, and wherein R1 to R4 are selected from a group consisting of —H or with at least one of R1 to R4 being
US08628866B2
A magnetic recording medium that is capable of realizing both high magnetic permeability and antiferromagnetic coupling for a soft magnetic underlayer. Namely, a magnetic recording medium including at least a non-magnetic substrate on which is laminated a soft magnetic underlayer formed by antiferromagnetic coupling of a plurality of soft magnetic layers, and a perpendicular magnetic layer for which the axis of easy magnetization is oriented mainly perpendicularly to the non-magnetic substrate, wherein the soft magnetic layers contain Fe as a first main component, Co as a second main component, and also contain Ta, the soft magnetic underlayer is antiferromagnetically coupled using the second peak or a subsequently appearing peak of the antiferromagnetic coupling force, which changes according to the thickness of a spacer layer sandwiched between the plurality of soft magnetic layers, and the magnetic permeability of the soft magnetic underlayer is not less than 1,000 H/m.
US08628859B2
A barrier film is disclosed that includes a polymeric film substrate and at least first and second polymer layers separated by an inorganic barrier layer. The first polymer layer is disposed on the polymeric film substrate. At least one of the first or second polymer layers is prepared from co-deposited amino silane and acrylate or methacrylate monomer. A method of making the barrier film is also disclosed.
US08628856B2
An interlayer film for a laminated glass includes a first layer, a second layer laminated on one face of the first layer. Each of the first layer and the second layer contains a polyvinyl acetal resin and a plasticizer. The hydroxyl content of the polyvinyl acetal resin in the first layer is lower than the hydroxyl content of the polyvinyl acetal resin in the second layer. The difference between the hydroxyl content of the polyvinyl acetal resin in the first layer and the hydroxyl content of the polyvinyl acetal resin in the second layer is at most 9.2 mol %. If the difference in the content is higher than 8.5 mol % and at most 9.2 mol %, a degree of acetylation of the polyvinyl acetal resin of the polyvinyl acetal resin in the first layer is at most 8 mol %.
US08628855B2
Presently described are articles, such as optical displays and protective films, comprising a (e.g. light transmissive) substrate having a surface layer comprising the reaction product of a mixture comprising a non-fluorinated binder precursor (e.g. of a hardcoat composition) and at least one polymerizable perfluoropolyether polymer. The resulting cured surface layer can advantageously exhibit low lint attraction in combination with low surface energy. Also described are one-step and two-step methods of synthesizing perfluoropolyether polymers having polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated groups.
US08628843B2
The present invention provides sintered composite polymeric materials and methods of making and using the same. The sintered composite polymeric materials are made by sintering composite particles comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene component and a carbonaceous component, wherein the carbonaceous component is dispersed throughout the polytetrafluoroethylene component.
US08628839B2
A recording medium comprising a magnetic material inside, and having a Taber abrasion amount of 10 mg or less. Also provided is a recording medium comprising a magnetic material inside, and having, in an environment of 23° C. and 50% RH, a surface electroresistivity of 1×109 Ω/sq to 2×1011 Ω/sq and a volume electroresistivity of 1×1010 Ωcm to 2×1012 Ωcm.
US08628821B2
The invention discloses isostatic-pressing (IP) applied to polymer (e.g., PTFE) coated razor blade edges to produce thin, dense, and uniform blade edges which in turn exhibit low initial cutting forces correlating with a more comfortable shaves. The isostatic press utilized may be a hot isostatic press (HIP) or cold isostatic press (CIP) or any other isostatic press process. The HIP conditions may include an environment of elevated temperatures and pressures in an inert atmosphere. The HIP conditions may be applied to non-sintered coatings or sintered coatings or before or after a Flutec® process is applied to coatings. CIP conditions may include room temperature and elevated pressure. The polymeric material may be a fluoropolymer or a non-fluoropolymer material or any composite thereof. It may be deposited initially by any method, including but not limited to, dipping, spin coating, sputtering, or thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
US08628818B1
A system and method for forming conductive lines on a substrate comprising depositing a precursor onto at least a portion of the substrate, depositing a thin layer of conductive material over the precursor, forming a negative-patterned mask over a portion of the thin layer of conductive material to form an exposed pattern, forming conductive lines in the exposed pattern, removing the patterned mask thereby uncovering an exposed portion of the conductive layer that substantially corresponds to the negative pattern portion, and removing the exposed portion of the conductive layer so as to uncover substrate that substantially corresponds to the exposed portion.
US08628812B2
The present invention provides beverage preservative systems for use in high acid beverage products, and beverage products comprising the beverage preservative systems. The beverage preservative system prevents spoilage by microorganisms in a beverage within a sealed container for a period of at least 16 weeks. The present invention reduces or eliminates the use of conventional preservatives that pose health and/or environmental concerns. The components that make up the beverage preservative system of invention work together in a synergistic manner to reduce the amount of preservative required and so improve the inventive beverage's sensory impact over beverages having conventional preservatives.
US08628809B2
A method for inducing mucosal immune responses in a subject in need thereof to an antigen includes administering to the subject a vaccine composition including the antigen and a Dioscorea polysaccharides as an adjuvant. Because of the immuomodulatory effect of the Dioscorea polysaccharides, the vaccine composition is further capable of breaking immunological tolerance in the subject.
US08628802B2
The invention concerns a process for the continuous treatment of an emulsion and/or a micro-emulsion assisted by an “expanded liquid” for the production of micro- and/or nano-particles or micro- and/or nano-spheres containing one or more active ingredients. In particular, a liquid solvent expanded by compressed or supercritical CO2 is contacted with an O/W emulsion, or alternatively a W/O emulsion or multiple emulsions, formed by an external phase that is itself a liquid expanded by compressed CO2. The expanded liquid forms a solution with the dispersed phase of the emulsion and extracts it inducing the formation of the desired particles of the dissolved compounds.The process is carried out in a counter-current packed column wherein the expanded emulsion is fed from the top, while the expanded liquid is fed from the bottom. Thanks to the presence of the expanded liquid, any deposition of the solid particles produced on the packing elements is avoided, thus preventing any column blockage. A suspension of micro-structured particles of the desired product can be collected continuously at the bottom of the column.
US08628798B2
A water-swellable linear polyurethane polymer is formed by reacting a polyethylene oxide (e.g. PEG 4000 to 35,000), a difunctional compound (e.g. a diamine or diol such as 1,10-decanediol) with a diisocyanate. The ratio of the three components is generally in the range 0.1-1.5 to 1 to 1.1-2.5. The polyurethane is water-swellable in the range 300 to 1700% and soluble in certain organic solvents such as dichloromethane. It can be loaded with pharmaceutically active agents, particularly of high molecular weight, to produce controlled release compositions, such as pessaries etc.
US08628795B2
The invention relates to transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) comprising a backing, a reservoir layer containing at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient, and an adhesive. Said transdermal therapeutic systems are characterized in that they are able to continuously adhere to the surface of the skin over a long period of time. During said long period of time, a) there is at least one time interval during which the TTS adhering to the surface of the skin is intensively exposed to water, and b) the active ingredient is transdermally released. The invention also relates to a method for the continuous transdermal release of at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient over a long period of time.
US08628776B2
Described are human binding molecules specifically binding to enterococci and having killing activity against enterococci, nucleic acid molecules encoding the human binding molecules, compositions comprising the human binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the human binding molecules. The molecules can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and/or treatment of a condition resulting from Enterococcus.
US08628771B2
Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Screening assays are provided for identifying compounds, preferably organic compounds, preferably aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides, which inhibit the enzymatic activity of MN/CA IX and that are useful for treating patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic disease. Further, the CA IX-specific inhibitors when labeled or linked to an appropriate visualizing means can also be used diagnostically/prognostically for preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and for imaging use, for example, to detect hypoxic precancerous cells, tumors and/or metastases, by selectively binding to activated CA IX, preferably CA IX activated under hypoxic conditions, and not to inactive CA IX. Such detection of hypoxic conditions can be helpful in determining effective treatment options, and in predicting treatment outcome and the prognosis of disease development. Still further, the CA IX-specific inhibitors can be used therapeutically to selectively target hypoxic cells expressing activated CA IX. The CA IX-specific inhibitors can be labelled or conjugated to radioisotopes for radiotherapy of hypoxic cells. Alternatively, the CA IX-specific inhibitors can be used for gene therapy coupled to vectors for targeted delivery to hypoxic preneoplastic/neoplastic cells expressing activated CA IX on their surfaces.In an alternative mode of the invention, CA IX-specific inhibitors may be used therapeutically to target acidic conditions of a tumor, e.g., to increase pHe in order to enhance the efficacy of weak base chemotherapeutic drugs.
US08628768B2
The present invention relates to the use of ribonucleases (RNases) in the treatment or prevention of disease.
US08628766B2
The present invention pertains to the use of Streptococcus suis antigens corresponding to Streptococcus suis bacteria of a predetermined serotype in the manufacture of a vaccine for administration to a sow or gilt, to protect a piglet through the intake of colostrum of the said sow or gilt, against a disorder arising from Streptococcus suis bacteria of a serotype other than the predetermined one. The invention also pertains to Streptococcus suis antigens for use in the manufacture of such a vaccine.
US08628760B2
A personal care composition comprising: a near-terminal branched compound according to Formula I; a cosmetically acceptable aqueous carrier; wherein the near-terminal branched compound is not comprised in a gel network.
US08628755B2
The invention includes a dentifrice composition that comprises a zinc ion source, a polyphosphate ion source, an anethole, and a silica. The silica has a mean particle size of about 5 to about 12 microns, an Einlehner hardness of about 1 to about 20, and an oil absorption of about 40 to less than about 100 cc/100 g. The composition contains zinc ions and polyphosphate ions in a weight ratio of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 and has a RDA value of about 100 to about 200 and a PCR value of about 75 to about 110. Related methods are also included.
US08628752B2
Provided is a method of identifying Hsp90 inhibitors with substantially less ocular toxicity or with substantially improved ocular toxicity profile. The method comprises measuring the respective concentrations of an Hsp90 inhibitor in the retina and plasma at certain time points following the administration of the Hsp90 inhibitor in a subject, and determining the concentration ratio of the Hsp90 inhibitor between retina and plasma, where a certain ratio is indicative that the Hsp90 inhibitor has substantially less ocular toxicity. The method also includes identifying an Hsp90 inhibitor with substantially less ocular toxicity, or with a substantially improved ocular toxicity profile, by determining the elimination rate of the Hsp90 inhibitor from the retina following administration of the Hsp90 inhibitor, where a certain elimination rate is indicative that the Hsp90 inhibitor will induce substantially less ocular toxicity.
US08628728B2
A non-invasive, calorimetric infection detector is provided, comprised of a substrate, and one or more indicator compositions disposed upon or incorporated therein. These indicator compositions exhibit a persistent change color when exposed to gaseous oxides of nitrogen and acids formed therefrom, providing a means of detecting NO production in a wound, which has been found to occur at a high level at the onset of infection in a wound. In addition, a bandage is provided, comprised of the detector, as well as a porous portion, and preferably a hydrophobic barrier layer to protect the detector from contamination by water and other fluids draining from the wound. The non-invasive, calorimetric infection detector, and bandage containing same, can be utilized to provide a convenient, easily utilized colorimetric means of detecting the onset of wound infection, thereby enabling caregivers to effectively and timely treat infections.
US08628722B2
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to determine an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of the alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, drinking vessels configured to measure alcohol content or other property of an alcohol-containing liquid held therein, other related components such as mat devices that facilitate determining the amount, and related methods. The systems, drinking vessels, and methods disclosed herein facilitate determination of an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, which may be indicative of an amount of alcohol consumed by a drinker.
US08628719B2
In a blown film extrusion plant comprising a blow head and an air cooling ring, between the blow head and the air cooling ring at least one cooling device should be provided.
US08628718B2
Polymeric compositions and processes of forming the same are discussed herein. The processes generally include contacting a polylactic acid with a reactive modifier selected from epoxy-functionalized polybutadiene, ionic monomer, and combinations thereof.
US08628716B1
A method of manufacturing a bonded metal assembly having a form and a powdered metal-filled plastic member with a cylindrical surface generally surrounding the form includes providing a mold having a cylindrical interior surface corresponding to the cylindrical surface of the resulting powdered metal-filled plastic member and providing a gate to the mold. The gate extends at least partially along a radius of the cylindrical interior surface of the mold. With the form positioned in the mold, a powdered metal-filled plastic material is injected through the gate to the mold and flowed around the form. A resulting bonded metal assembly includes a form and a powdered metal-filled plastic member having a cylindrical surface generally surrounding the form. The powdered metal-filled plastic member includes an injection-molding gate line extending at least partially along a radius of the cylindrical surface.
US08628713B1
An inorganic board contains, in a solid content ratio, 30 to 70 mass % of hydraulic material, 5 to 15 mass % of reinforcing fiber, and 1 to 30 mass % of wollastonite having a wet volume (after being allowed to stand for 30 minutes) of 15 to 45 ml. Also, a method includes: step of producing a slurry containing hydraulic material, reinforcing fiber, and wollastonite; step of producing a sheet by dehydrating the slurry; and step of pressing and curing the sheet; wherein, in the step of producing a slurry, a composition of the slurry is set so as to contain, in a solid content ratio, 30 to 70 mass % of hydraulic material, 5 to 15 mass % of reinforcing fiber, and 1 to 30 mass % of wollastonite having a wet volume (after being allowed to stand for 30 minutes) of 15 to 45 ml.
US08628707B2
A system for making carbon foam anodes including a digestion vessel in communication with a coal feedstock unit for producing a digested coal; a mold having an interior for accepting the digested coal to produce an ungraphitized carbon foam anode having a desired shape; a pressure unit in communication with the mold for producing an increased pressure within the interior of said mold; a heating element in communication with the mold to provide heat to the mold sufficient to convert the digested coal into the ungraphitized carbon foam anode; and a graphitization oven for graphitizing the ungraphitized carbon foam anode to produce the carbon foam anode. The present invention further includes methods for making carbon foam anodes.
US08628706B2
A non-lathering personal care article in the form of a porous dissolvable solid structure, comprising: from about 0% to about 10% ionic surfactant; from about 1% to about 60% of a non-surfactant cosmetic active; from about 15% to about 70% polymeric structurant, wherein the polymeric structurant has a weighted average molecular weight of from about 40,000 to about 500,000; and from about 1% to about 30% plasticizer. The article has a density of from about 0.03 g/cm3 to about 0.15 g/cm3.
US08628705B2
A carbon monolith includes a robust carbon monolith characterized by a skeleton size of at least 100 nm, and a hierarchical pore structure having macropores and mesopores.
US08628699B2
The present invention relates to a stabilizer combination for stabilizing IR absorbers, comprising a) at least one stabilizer based on phosphine, b) at least one stabilizer based on phosphite, and c) at least one phenolic antioxidant stabilizer.
US08628696B2
This invention relates to compounds and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices. This invention provides a range of compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to molecular precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers.
US08628694B2
The invention relates to active material for the negative electrode of secondary rechargeable lithium batteries, wherein the active material is based on doped or undoped carbon-bearing lithium titanium ramsdellite oxide with general formula Li2Ti3O7 or Li2.28Ti3.43O8. The active material comprises a carbon substituted ramsdellite phase having a general formula Li2−4cCc—Ti3O7, with 0.1
US08628691B2
A nanocomposite thermoelectric conversion material includes a matrix of the thermoelectric conversion material; and a dispersed material that is dispersed in the matrix of the thermoelectric conversion material, and that is in a form of nanoparticles. Roughness of an interface between the matrix of the thermoelectric conversion material and the nanoparticles of the dispersed material is equal to or larger than 0.1 nm.
US08628690B2
A nanoemulsion composition having enhanced oxidative stability, emulsion stability, and health benefits. The composition may include individual ingredients or a synergistic blend of non-reducing sugars, sugar polyols, medium-chain triglycerides, polysaccharides, polyphenols, phospholipids, chitosan, and alpha-casein, beta-casein, kappa-casein or protein fragments, glycopeptides, phosphopeptides. The composition may optionally be further utilized for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia or bone (and teeth) mineral loss.
US08628688B2
Borate phosphors have a formula Zn1-x-yB2O4:Eu3+x, Bi3+y (wherein 0≦x≦0.6 and 0≦y≦0.6) emit visible light under the excitation of ultraviolet light or blue light, and may be further collocated with different colored phosphors to provide a white light illumination device.
US08628687B2
An oxynitride phosphor includes an α-sialon as the main component, which is represented by the formula: MxSi12−(m+n)Al(m+n)OnN16−n:Lny (wherein 0.3≦x+y<1.5, 0
US08628669B2
The present invention provides useful biodegradable and environmentally friendly cost effective methods for oil recovery and reclamation from oil spills and chemical spills. More particularly, methods to recover and reclaim hydrocarbons or hydrophobic substances in an aqueous environment.
US08628663B2
A filter cartridge has a keyed end cap which is configured and shaped for unlocking an associated valve mechanism that comprises a latch device and a valve. In this manner, when the fuel filter cartridge is placed into a fuel filter housing having such a latch and valve mechanism, the fuel filter cartridge is operable therein to filter fluid and pass the fluid into a standpipe contained within the fuel filter housing. The fuel filter cartridge of this type generally includes pleated filter paper which is disposed between two opposed end caps. The keys may be provided along the bottom end cap.
US08628659B1
The present invention provides systems and methods for in-situ remediation of soil and groundwater having contaminants such as but not limited to organic compounds perhaps providing adsorption, chemical oxidation, and even biodegradation of contaminants with novel treatments such as but not limited to mixtures of granular activated carbon, calcium peroxide, sodium persulfate, and nitrate perhaps in various concentrations.
US08628649B2
The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for identifying biopolymers, such as strands of DNA, as they pass through a constriction such as a carbon nanotube nanopore. More particularly, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer forms a temporary electrical circuit between the nanotube nanopore and a second electrode, which may also be a nanotube. Further, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which the constriction is provided with a functionalized unit which, together with a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer, forms a temporary electrical circuit that can be used to characterize that portion of the biopolymer.
US08628633B2
Catheters for uniform delivery of medication within an anatomical region. A catheter includes an elongated tube with a plurality of exit holes along an infusion section of the catheter, and an elongated flexible porous member residing within the tube and forming an annular space between the tube and the member. A catheter includes a tube having a plurality of exit holes in a side wall of the tube. The exit holes may combine to form a flow-restricting orifice of the catheter. A catheter includes an elongated tubular member made of a porous membrane. The porous membrane is configured so that a fluid introduced into an open end of the tubular member will flow through side walls of the tubular member at a substantially uniform rate along a length of the tubular member. A catheter includes an elongated “weeping” tubular coil spring attached to an end of, or enclosed within, a tube. Fluid within the spring and greater than or equal to a threshold pressure advantageously flows radially outward between the spring coils.
US08628631B2
The present invention provides a ferritic stainless steel casting and a sheet thereof excellent in deep drawability, punch stretchability and ridging resistance and a method for producing the casting and the sheet. In the present invention, a chemical composition is controlled so that the amounts of C, N, Si, Mn, P and Ti may be reduced to the utmost for securing high workability and, on the basis of the chemical composition, the roping and ridging of a steel sheet product is reduced by adding Mg, thus dispersing Mg containing oxides that accelerate the formation of nuclei for solidification and, resultantly, suppressing the development of coarse columnar crystals in a casting. The present invention is characterized in that the average composition of the Mg containing oxides dispersing in a casting satisfies the following expressions <2> and <3>, 17.4(Al2O3)+3.9(MgO)+0.3(MgAl2O4)+18.7(CaO)≦500 <2>, (Al2O3)+(MgO)+(MgAl2O4)+(CaO)≧95 <3>.
US08628628B1
This free-standing unit allows heat exchangers to be deep cleaned either in place or off line. Cleaning is performed by circulating cleaning solution at high velocity from an on-board reservoir through the heat exchanger and automatically reversing the direction of flow through the heat exchanger back and forth at a user selectable rate. Regardless of the direction of flow through the heat exchanger, the cleaning fluid is always routed back to the reservoir through a filter assembly to remove any debris flushed from the heat exchanger.
US08628623B2
A reactor for the treatment of lignocellulosic material and related methods. The reactor includes a vessel having an upper portion and a lower portion. A pressure envelope is formed between an outer wall of the vessel and at least one lower wall of the lower portion of the vessel, and the upper portion of the vessel and the pressure envelope are operatively connected with a pressurization line, such that a pressure of the pressure envelope and a pressure of the upper portion may be equalized.
US08628609B2
A hydrogen containing tank having an inside wall that is uniquely bonded to a hydride core which is a porous hydrogen containing core material. The high hydrogen content capability and high thermal conductivity properties accommodate rapid release and intake of hydrogen gas. Low temperatures and high hydrogen charging discharging rates help to alleviate the use of hydrogen as an energy source in numerous applications.
US08628602B2
An air processing device for a utility vehicle includes a compressor and two air dryer cartridges. The air dryer cartridges are located in two parallel paths. A control unit controls a regeneration of one of said air dryer cartridges independent from a load phase of the other of said air dryer cartridges.
US08628597B2
A method of making an abrasive particle distribution includes: sorting an initial lot of abrasive particles into a plurality of sublots including first and second sublots of the abrasive particles according to their average particle diameter and aspect ratio, and combining the first and second sublots. The initial lot conforms to an abrasives industry specified nominal grade. The first sublot has an average particle diameter and aspect ratio less than the second sublot. A sum of the first sublot and the second sublot contains fewer abrasive particles than the initial lot. The resultant abrasive particle distribution and abrasive articles including the same are also disclosed.
US08628590B2
The invention relates to the use of at least one oil-soluble olefin copolymer B) which acts as a nucleating agent for paraffin crystallization for improving the response of cold flow improvers for mineral oils C), which are different from B), in middle distillates that contain at least one ashless, nitrogenous detergent additive A), which is an oil-soluble, amphiphilic compound that comprises at least one alkyl or alkenyl group bound to a polar group, said alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 500 C atoms and the polar group having 2 or more nitrogen atoms.
US08628588B2
There is provided a coloring composition containing: a compound represented by Formula (1) or Formula (4): and a copper compound that is soluble in water: Formula (1) DSO3M)4 or Formula (4) (L)m-(D′)n wherein D, M, L, D′, m and n are defined in the claims and in the specification.
US08628585B2
In a lower limb prosthesis an ankle unit has a combination of an hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly providing a continuously damped range of ankle flexion and a resilient telescopic shock absorber. The damping resistance of the piston and cylinder assembly is the predominant resistance to ankle flexion and is provided by a piston which is axially moveable in a cylinder centered on the shin axis. The wall of the cylinder has a cylindrical outer bearing surface for a sleeve which is translationally displaceable relative to the piston and cylinder assembly according to the axial load, the sleeve being resiliently mounted by a compression spring which extends axially within the sleeve and has an integral end portion forming an upper bulkhead of the cylinder. The sleeve is also rotatable on the cylinder wall, the spring providing torsional resistance.
US08628583B2
The present invention relates to an anchor configured for minimally-invasive implantation and sized to remain securely positioned within at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. The anchor includes a radial spring formed from an elongated resilient member shaped into an annular wave pattern about a central axis. The anchor defines a central lumen and provides an outward radial force, while allowing for substantial flexure about its perimeter. The anchor is generally removable, but can include fasteners, such as barbs, to further secure it to the surrounding anatomy. In some embodiments, the anchor includes a connector coupling a fixed portion to a removable portion. Further, the anchor can be used to secure a medical device within the body, such as a flexible sleeve within the intestine.
US08628565B2
An expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, is disclosed. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting links placed so that the stent is flexible in the longitudinal direction. The link pattern is optimized to reduce strain on the links and enhance longitudinal flexibility and security of the stent. The stent includes a distal end ring and a proximal end ring that have a length that is shorter than the length of the body rings.
US08628564B2
Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.
US08628557B2
A forceps includes a pair of shafts each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the shafts is moveable relative to the other about a pivot pin between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a knife blade mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and moveable between an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within one of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends between the jaw members. An actuator arm(s) is mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and extends therefrom. The actuator arm(s) is moveable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position to rotate the pivot pin relative to the jaw members to move the knife blade between the initial position and the extended position.
US08628554B2
The present invention is directed toward an intragastric device used to treat obesity that includes a wire mesh structure capable of changing from a compressed pre-deployment shape to an expanded post-deployment shape with a greatly increased volume. The post-deployment shape contains a light weight at the top and a heavier weight at the bottom to ensure proper positioning within the stomach. In the post-deployment shape, the device contains larger spaces in the upper portion and smaller spaces in the lower portion to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. Alternatively, the device can be enveloped by a membrane containing larger holes at the top and smaller holes at the bottom to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. The device has a dynamic weight where the weight of the device in the pre-feeding stage is less than the weight of the device in feeding or post-feeding stage.
US08628552B2
A medical device is disclosed herein that is configured to engage and penetrate a pericardial sac. The device includes an outer tubular body, an inner tubular body, and a helical tissue engagement member. The outer tubular body includes a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between the ends. The inner tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tubular body is located in the lumen of the outer tubular body. The proximal end of the inner tubular body is operably coupled to the proximal end of the outer tubular body. The distal end of the inner tubular body is extendable out of the distal end of the outer tubular body. The helical tissue engagement member is displaceable from a first position to a second position, the first position being in the lumen of the outer tubular body recessed relative to the distal end of the outer tubular body, and the second position extending out of the distal end of the outer tubular body. The helical tissue engagement member is also rotatable relative to the outer tubular body.
US08628550B2
The invention provides a rotational atherectomy system, device and method having, in various embodiments, a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft comprising an eccentric abrading head comprising at least one eccentric abrading cylindrical segments attached to the drive shaft and in spaced proximity with proximal and a distal conical segments. Each individual abrading segment, comprises a first tissue removing surface, typically an abrasive coating on the outer surface, that is designed to abrade calcified, hard tissue and abrasive coating on the leading and trailing surfaces designed to abrade non-calcified, soft tissue. Each abrading segment, as well as the abrading head comprising the collective segments, has a center of mass spaced radially from the rotational axis of the drive shaft, facilitating the ability of the device to open the stenotic lesion to a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the enlarged abrading head when operated at high speeds.
US08628548B2
A magnet delivery system for forming an anastomosis that comprises a wire guide; a catheter having a delivery portion for advancement into a jejunal space, the delivery portion having a lumen extending at least partially therethrough, a first port and a second port through which the wire guide is disposed; a magnet comprising a lumen therethrough wherein the magnet is removably secured to the delivery portion of the catheter between the first and second ports by disposing the wire guide through the lumen of the magnet, the first port, and the second port.
US08628546B2
Surgical suture instrument for the muscular-skeletal system and the surgical technique used by same. A surgical suture system includes an instrument providing for the suture of muscular-skeletal system tissues by the use of blades which go from a withdrawn position to a position for the incision of the tissue to be sutured. The blades carry the suture, which is attached to the tissue by the incision of the blades, in response to a drive force aimed longitudinally from back to front, towards the surgical field. The instrument and the surgical technique allow for single or continuous stitching of suture on all tissue types. Its use in bone suture is particularly surprising, making it possible to join bones, implants, grafts, chondrocyte membranes, flaps, tendons, cartilage, etc. The surgical technique for which the surgical suture instrument is used can be applied in open surgery and in arthroscopy.
US08628542B2
A system and associated method for altering or destroying tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders. In one aspect, the system includes a device configured to deploy devices for altering the lobes of a prostate.
US08628540B2
A snare device for capturing an object or for cutting tissue in the body of a human or animal. The device employs at least one twisted loop of memory shaped material housed in and movable relative to a hollow member such as a catheter. The device and method of employment is particularly well adapted for retrieving objects from internal body cavities and cutting tissue therein.
US08628534B2
An ultrasonic surgical cutting method and apparatus is provided wherein the method and apparatus allows for the cutting of bone from within a hollow pathway such that a cutter associated with the ultrasonic method and apparatus remains sufficiently cool to prevent necrosis of the bone being cut. Furthermore the ultrasonic device and method can be employed in the cutting of soft tissue, wherein a cooled cutter is used to prevent the sticking of soft tissue to the cutting blade of the device during use.
US08628532B2
A controlled removable fracture-reducing assembly for reducing a bone fracture. According to one embodiment, a controlled removable fracture reducing assembly includes an implant, a reducer, a buttress, and a locking device that engage a proximal bone fragment and a distal bone fragment. The implant is secured to the distal bone fragment by the locking device. The buttress engages the implant through an opening. The reducer contains a compressing screw that applies a force on the buttress, reducing the fracture. According to another embodiment, the reducer contains a cam mechanism which applies a force on the buttress, which does not engage the implant, that pushes the proximal bone fragment to reduce the fracture. According to another embodiment, the reducer is a jacking mechanism that pushes the proximal bone fragment while pulling the implant and distal fragment to reduce the fracture.
US08628531B2
A controlled removable fracture-reducing assembly (10) for reducing a bone fracture. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a controlled removable fracture reducing assembly (10) includes an implant (12), a reducer (14), a buttress (16), and a locking device (18) that engage a proximal bone fragment (2) and a distal bone fragment (4). The implant (12) is secured to the distal bone fragment (4) by the locking device (18). The buttress (16) engages the implant (12) through an opening (30). The reducer (14) contains a compressing screw (24) that applies a force (60) on the buttress (16), reducing the fracture. According to another embodiment of the invention, the reducer (114) contains a cam mechanism (124) which applies a force (186) on the buttress (116), which does not engage the implant (112), that pushes the proximal bone fragment (102) to reduce the fracture. According to another embodiment of the invention, the reducer (214) is a jacking mechanism that pushes the proximal bone fragment (202) while pulling the implant (212) and distal fragment (204) to reduce the fracture.
US08628528B2
System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a radial opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curveable cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curveable cannula comprising a curveable distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the radial opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curveable cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.
US08628527B2
An electrosurgical device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and a dielectric material disposed therebetween. An elongated electrically-conductive member is longitudinally disposed at a distal end of the inner conductor. A balun structure is disposed on the outer conductor. The device also includes an electrically-conductive cylinder coaxially disposed around a distal portion of the balun structure, and a dielectric structure disposed substantially adjacent to a distal end of the electrically-conductive cylinder, wherein the dielectric structure longitudinally extends from the distal end of the electrically-conductive cylinder to a distal end of the electrically-conductive member.
US08628521B2
A device for cauterising tissue is arranged to be mounted to a biopsy and/or sampling instrument and includes a conductive cauterising portion and means for heating the cauterising portion. The device may be mounted either permanently or releasably removable from the biopsy and/or sampling instrument.
US08628519B2
Embodiments of a balloon biasing laser catheter are provided. In some embodiments, the laser catheter may include a distal tip that extends from the distal end of the catheter from a point near the light guide aperture. The distal tip may be disposed at the periphery of the catheter. In some embodiments, a balloon may be disposed between the light guide aperture and the distal tip, such that the a light guide extending from the aperture may be disposed proximate with the distal tip having the balloon in between. A retaining wire may be coupled with the distal tip and slidably coupled with the light guide. The retaining wire may keep the light guide biased relatively parallel with the distal tip and/or the catheter body when the balloon is inflated. The light guide may include a guidewire lumen the extends to the distal end of the distal tip.
US08628513B2
Described herein generally are catheter systems used to deliver cells and other bioactive materials to a target location within the vascular system of the human body, and methods of delivering cells and other bioactive materials to such target locations.
US08628510B2
A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir.
US08628508B2
A multidose vial assembly which comprises a multidose vial (10), a withdrawal spike (30), and an adapter (60) that couples the multidose vial and the withdrawal spike together in a safe and secure manner.
US08628505B2
A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also can include a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. One or more sensors can be positioned under the cover to provide feedback to a suction pump controller. The apparatus can have a miniature and portable vacuum source connected to the wound cover.
US08628500B2
An apparatus and a method for use with a device for delivery of a therapeutic fluid into a body of a patient and/or for sensing of a bodily analyte are disclosed. The apparatus is adapted for accommodating at least one subcutaneously insertable element and at least one penetrating member for penetrating the skin of the patient. The apparatus includes a protective member having an elongate body from which the subcutaneously insertable element and the penetrating member can be protracted to penetrate the skin of the patient and into which the penetrating member can be retracted subsequent to the penetrating, thereby retaining the subcutaneously insertable element in the body of the patient.
US08628497B2
A needle assembly including a needle tip guard and needle is provided. The needle tip guard includes a proximal base defining an opening that is dimensioned for passage of the needle therethrough, first and second clamp members extending from the proximal base and defining an internal cavity, and a finger tab extending from the proximal base. Each of the first and second clamp members define an inner surface including a protrusion extending into the internal cavity. A distal end of each of the clamp members includes a clamp arm, the clamp arms being supported for movement between an open position and a closed position. The finger tab includes a contacting portion for engagement by a user.
US08628484B1
An oral function and dysfunction quantification method that automatically records the amount of time required for a laboratory animal to gnaw through multiple obstructions in a tube includes a confinement tube and spring-loaded polymer dowels that actuate timers to precisely record the time required for a rodent to complete a discrete gnawing task. The investigation of human orofacial pain requires an animal test that objectively measures impairment secondary to pain during an oral function (gnawing) that is analogous to behavior that elicits pain in human patients (chewing). The method can also evaluate behavioral change secondary to complex disorders such as anxiety and depression and facilitate evaluation of molecular mechanisms and pharmacologic therapies relevant to chronic orofacial pain and behavioral disorders.
US08628482B2
A biopsy device includes a body portion, a cannula, a cutter, and a tissue stop having a proximal face. The cannula has a transverse aperture that is defined in part by a proximal edge and a distal edge. The cutter is movable to a distal position to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A tip at the distal end of the cannula has a sharp edge that extends proximally to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal edge of the transverse aperture. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal cutting edge of the cutter when the cutter is at the distal position. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the proximal face of the tissue stop.
US08628481B2
The present application is directed to a detector to detect or generate measuring signals that are indicative of the respiration of a person, wherein said detector can be used advantageously in view of hygiene and stands out due to a simple and robust configuration. According to a first aspect, the detector detects a signal that is indicative of the activity of the respiratory muscles of a person to be examined, the detector comprising a band which, in the application position, is passed around a torso region which widens and narrows when the person to be examined breathes, as well as a structure that is included in the band and loaded in accordance with the narrowing or widening of the torso region. The structure is configured such that it causes a change in the volume of a measuring space device depending on a tensile force. It is thus advantageously possible to detect or measure the forces acting on the band in a non-electric manner and, on the basis of this detection or measurement, draw conclusions relating to the widening or narrowing of the torso.
US08628480B2
This invention provides methods and systems for non-invasively determining the presence (and amount) or absence of dynamic hyperinflation in a subject. The invention is based on a novel combination of respiratory parameters that can be measured in a way that is non-invasive and unobtrusive to the subject. Dynamic hyperinflation is often a significant factor in the quality of life of patients suffering from a variety of obstructive pulmonary diseases, and this invention permits simple, routine tracking and management of dynamic hyperinflation in affected patients.
US08628477B2
Methods and systems for determining blood pressure from a pressure signal are disclosed. A patient's blood pressure may be determined by analyzing features of a wavelet transformation of a pressure signal obtained during an occlusion procedure. Ridges in a scalogram of the transformed signal may be identified and used to determine an envelope of a pressure oscillation signal, to which oscillometric blood pressure determination techniques may be applied.
US08628472B2
A method and device for warning diabetics of imminent hypoglycaemic attacks. EEG signals are collected from a person using subcutaneously placed electrodes and the signals are led via wires drawn under the person's skin to a subcutaneously placed signal interface unit from where they are transmitted to an externally worn signal processing unit. The signal processing analyzes the EEG signals and when the pre-seizure characteristics signal changes are detected, a warning signal is given to the person from an alarm giver built into the signal processing unit, e.g., in form of a vibrator. When a person detects a warning signal, the person can prevent the hypoglycaemic attack by, e.g., consuming a sugary food.
US08628466B2
A means for achieving enhanced erection includes a mounting attachment (10) to be placed onto the penis, e.g. in the form of a penis ring of a substantially elastic material. On the mounting attachment (10), one or more rows (14) of miniature vibrator motors (8 ABC) is/are provided, each row comprising at least three motors. For sequential pulsating operation of the motors (8 ABC) of the row(s) (14), an electric power supply arrangement (7) and an electronic control circuit (9) are provided. The control circuit (9) and the power supply arrangement (7) may be positioned on the mounting attachment (10). In one embodiment, piezoelectric foil strips (15 abc) are located underneath the vibrator motors (8 ABC) and are operated in a controlled relation to the motor operation for generating mechanical vibrations with a frequency that is higher than the frequency of the vibrator motors.
US08628465B2
The invention provides, in various embodiments, aspects of soft tissue anchors, adjustable length/tension slings, interconnects between slings and soft tissue anchors, delivery devices and systems for implanting supportive slings, and methods relating to anchoring, adjusting and implanting supportive slings.
US08628463B2
Systems for providing support to body tissue to alleviate incontinence are disclosed that comprise an elongated incontinence sling (20) having a central support portion (40) adapted to be positioned to support any one of the urethra or anus (58, 67) and first and second sling end portions (42, 44) extending from the central support portion through body tissue and a tension adjustment mechanism acting on or within one or both of the sling end portions. The sling tension adjustment mechanism comprises one or more of a sling tensioning suture (312, 314) or band, and a tensioning device (310) coupled to a suture or band free end.
US08628461B2
A device for the intermittent occlusion of a blood vessel, in particular a vein draining the organ system, comprising an occlusion device which is activatable for intermittent occlusion and positionable in the blood vessel, at least one sensor for the continuous or periodical detection of at least one physiological measurement, and a control device to which the at least one physiological measurement is fed and which cooperates with the occlusion device to control the intermittent occlusion of the blood vessel as a function of said measurement.
US08628460B2
A circulatory assist system is disclosed, the system including an implantable electrical device having an electric motor, an implantable controller connected to the implantable electrical device, and an implantable power source connected to the controller for supplying power to the controller. The controller is attachable to a first side of a percutaneous connector. A second side of the percutaneous connector, opposite to the first side, allows external connectivity to said controller.
US08628456B2
A process for making an absorbent component comprises the steps of providing individual sheets of fibrous material, conveying the individual sheets of fibrous material to a cutting edge of a cutting mechanism, feeding the individual sheets of fibrous material through an oscillating clamping gap formed between a clamping mechanism and the cutting mechanism, grinding the individual sheets of fibrous material to form fibrous shreds, and laying the fibrous shreds on a forming belt to form the absorbent component.
US08628453B2
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining when an athlete is in possession of a ball by analyzing image data are provided. A camera is worn by an athlete and is turned on when the athlete is in proximity of a ball. The camera is used to generate an image of a ball. The size of the ball is determined and compared to a threshold. The athlete is considered to be in possession of the ball when the size of the image exceeds the threshold.
US08628449B1
A low mass, two piece planetary gear carrier having an integrated clutch housing comprises a first carrier flange and clutch housing and a second carrier flange which are secured together by a plurality of threaded fasteners extending through hollow dowels. A plurality of planet gears receive needle bearing assemblies which are, in turn, supported on pins or stub shafts. The stub shafts are retained in the carrier by transverse retaining pins received in the second carrier flange and extending into the shafts. Unitized washers are disposed between both faces of the planet gears and the flanges. The method of assembly is also a feature of the present invention.
US08628448B1
A drive assembly for powered equipment includes a housing having a gear drive disposed therein, with an input shaft extending into the housing and having a first end engaged to and powering the gear drive, and an output shaft powered by the gear drive. The output shaft extends out of the housing and has an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the input shaft. A support shaft for one of the gears in the gear drive is also located in the housing, where the support shaft has a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to both the input shaft and the output shaft.
US08628444B2
A differential case assembly includes a differential case and a pinless gear assembly. The differential case has an open end and a side wall with an interior surface. The pinless gear assembly includes a retainer insert and a side gear with a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The retainer insert is disposed adjacent the interior surface of the side wall, The retainer insert defines at least a portion of an aperture that receives an end of the shaft to align the gear assembly within the differential case.
US08628440B2
An inverted tooth chain drive system defines a meshing contact angle Tau (τ) between the tangent line TL and an initial contact reference line that passes through a controlling pin center and the initial contact location. A link plate entrance angle Beta (β) is defined between the initial contact reference line and an inside flank reference line that passes through an arc center of the inside flank radius and the initial contact location. A meshing impact angle Sigma (σ) is defined between the tangent line and the inside flank reference line such that σ=τ+β, wherein β≦9° and σ≦34°. The pressure angle of the sprocket tooth can be adjusted and the chain optimized such that β≦7° and σ≦31°. The system thus provides a reduction of the link impact force FL and the resultant impact energy E. The inverted tooth chain, itself, defines a pitch P and an inside flank projection Lamda (λ) such that 0.007×P≦λ≦0.017×P when said chain is pulled straight. The outside flanks include a chamfer to ensure that initial contact between the chain and sprocket is always on the leading inside flanks of the chain.
US08628437B2
A blade for a hockey stick includes a front face, a rear face, a first end operable to be connected to a blade connecting end of a handle portion, a second end that is opposite the first end, an upper edge that extends between the first and second ends, and a lower edge that extends between the first and second ends. The blade includes a resiliently compressible core member and a covering member that partially encases the resiliently compressible core member. The covering member defines an exterior surface of the blade and includes an opening on the lower edge of the blade that exposes the resiliently compressible core member.
US08628433B2
A golf club head has a body defining a ball striking face. The body further has a first leg extending away from the ball striking face and a second leg extending away from the ball striking face wherein a void is defined between the first leg and the second leg. The body further defines a crown that extends over the void.
US08628430B2
A golf club head with a leading end of a shaft mountable thereon, the golf club head includes: a head main body, formed with a hosel insertion hole; a hosel, formed with a shaft case insertion hole and removably mounted in the hosel insertion hole; and a shaft case, formed with a shaft insertion hole and removably mounted in the shaft case insertion hole.
US08628428B2
Described is a system for managing at least one event in a bowling establishment or similar facility (10). The bowling establishment includes at least one lane (12) along which a bowl (13) is rolled and an apparatus (16) for setting up the pins (P) and returning the bowl (13). The system further includes elements for generating a signal relating to an event, the event advantageously producing a condition calling for service to be carried out on the pin setting up apparatus.
US08628422B2
A gaming system having virtual assets comprises a wager input device, at least one gaming terminal comprising a display for displaying a wagering game, and a virtual asset server in communication with the at least one gaming terminal, the virtual asset server storing and managing one or more types of virtual assets, each type of virtual asset having a different plurality of attributes associated therewith. The system comprises at least one controller operative to cause the first display to display the first wagering game, in response to a first triggering event, award one or more of the virtual assets to a player of the first wagering game, store information regarding the awarded virtual assets in a player account associated with the player and accessible to the virtual asset server, and provide a monetary award to the player for any winning outcomes achieved during play of the first wagering game.
US08628421B2
A games system, method and program. The system comprises: a user control device arranged to be operable by a user; a network interface for receiving data via a packet-based communication network; and a processing apparatus arranged to execute a game application and a communication client; wherein the communication client is programmed to establish video communication via the network interface and packet-based communication network, receive video data from a remote user and decode the video data to produce a live video image; wherein the game application is arranged to divide the live video image into segments, re-order the segments to produce a shuffled live video image and output the shuffled live video image for display on a display unit; and wherein the game application is further arranged to receive control information from the control device and cause a further-reordering of the segments responsive thereto during the video communication.
US08628418B2
A method and apparatus for operating a mobile gaming system is disclosed. The mobile gaming system establishes areas where mobile gaming is prohibited based on authorized elevations. One embodiment of a mobile gaming device used in conjunction with the system comprises an elevation recognition element to identify the elevation at which the device is being used. The mobile gaming device further comprises a comparator programmed with or configured to receive elevations associated with areas of permitted gaming. The elevation identified by the elevation recognition element registers with the comparator and if a comparison determines that the mobile gaming device is at an elevation where gaming is prohibited, a disabling element operates to disable presentation of a wagering game on the mobile gaming device. In one embodiment, the elevation recognition element is an altimeter.
US08628411B2
A method for generating supplemental slot machine output content has been developed. The method includes providing primary slot machine output content that has been tested by a gaming commission prior to offering the slot machine for public use. Additionally, the method includes providing slot machine output content that has not been tested by the gaming commission when providing the supplemental output content is approved by the gaming commission. This negates the requirement for the gaming commission to test the supplemental slot machine output content.
US08628410B2
A gaming system comprises a wager input device receiving a wager from a player to play a wagering game, at least one display, and at least one controller. The wagering game provides access to a progressive game having multiple progressive jackpots. The multiple progressive jackpots are reset after being awarded. In response to a progressive jackpot being awarded, a current expected value of the wagering game is calculated with a normal reset value applied to the awarded progressive jackpot. And, in response to the calculated current expected value of the wagering game being less than a minimum jurisdictional limit, the awarded one of the multiple progressive jackpots is reset with a padded reset value so that the expected value of the wagering game is equal to or greater than the minimum jurisdictional limit. The padded reset value is greater than the normal reset value.
US08628403B2
A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated.
US08628402B2
A game machine uses a lottery region having cell columns and symbol columns for providing a game opportunity, causes a special symbol column to appear in it, determines by lottery symbols of the special symbol column, causes the special symbol column containing the symbols obtained by a lottery result to appear and moves and stops the special symbol column so that the symbols of the special symbol column are arranged on the cells to be changed, and determines whether the symbols arranged in a cell group of a determination target form a prize winning pattern based on the symbols arranged by the special symbol column. Further, the game machine moves the special symbol column along each cell so that at least a direction crossing a movement direction of each symbol column is included as a movement direction of the special symbol column.
US08628394B2
A word game with a sliding mechanic. A game board includes a play area including a plurality of tiles and at least two bench areas, each including a set of tiles. Each of the bench areas is arranged as a column or a row adjacent to the play area. Each tile in the plurality of tiles and the second plurality of tiles specifies a letter and a point value. At least one round of the word game is played. A round includes a turn for each player. A turn includes receiving an ordered selection of tiles within the play area that form a word, removing the tiles in the ordered selection of tiles from the play area, and receiving a selection of one of the at least two bench areas. Empty tiles within the play area are replaced by sliding tiles from the selected bench area onto the play area.
US08628393B1
A system for generating a three-dimensional puzzle comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to generate a three dimensional mesh representation. The processor is further configured to convert polygons comprising the three-dimensional mesh representation to one or more puzzle piece representations. The processor is further configured to add attachment points and receiving points to the one or more puzzle piece representations. The processor is further configured to provide the one or more puzzle piece representations with attachment points and receiving points. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.
US08628390B2
A support system for separator grates of a harvester includes a first member and a second member extending substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of a threshing rotor. The first member extends from a staging portion to a first support portion rearwardly positioned from the staging portion. The second member extends along a second support portion that corresponds to the first support portion. Separator grate segments may be selectably installed and removed from the first member and second member.
US08628387B2
An apparatus for removing a breast from a game bird provides first and second blades pivotally attached to a stabilizer bar projecting outwardly between the first and second blades. The stabilizer bar is generally adapted for insertion into the abdomen of a bird, and the first and second blades can be actuated using one or more handles to create a scissoring effect whereby a region of the abdomen, or the breast, is severed from the bird. Methods of removing a breast from a bird are also disclosed.
US08628384B2
Polishing pads for polishing semiconductor substrates using eddy current end-point detection are described. Methods of fabricating polishing pads for polishing semiconductor substrates using eddy current end-point detection are also described.
US08628370B2
A method for making cathode slurry is provided and includes the following steps. First, a number of electron emitters, an inorganic binder, and an organic carrier are provided. Second, the electron emitters, the inorganic binder, and the organic carrier are mixed to obtain a mixture. Third, the mixture is mechanically pressed and sheared.
US08628368B2
Provided are a light-emitting device having improved light dispersion efficiency, a light-emitting system including the same, and fabricating methods of the light-emitting device and the light-emitting system. The light-emitting device includes one or more light-emitting elements arranged on first surface of a substrate, an insulation film formed on the first surface of a substrate so as to cover the one or more light-emitting elements, and a plurality of uneven patterns formed on the insulation film formed on each of the one or more light-emitting elements so as to be spaced apart from each other, wherein the plurality of uneven patterns are all convex patterns or concave patterns and each of the plurality of uneven patterns has a curved cross-sectional shape.
US08628365B2
A swim fin having, in combination, a blade including an inner thin board, and upper and lower Neoprene sheet or sheets covering upper and lower sides of the board, the upper Neoprene sheet defining a foot entrance, a forward foot retention strap or straps carried by the blade to extend proximate said entrance and over the foot, a rearward ankle/heel retainer carried by the blade to extend above the rearwardmost portion of the blade, the forward retention strap and said rearward retainer both being flexible, and primary seam binding extending at the periphery of said board, connecting the Neoprene sheet or sheets to the board and also anchoring the forward strap and the rearward retainer to the board.
US08628361B2
A press-fit connector in which the presence or absence of buckling of a press-fit pin can be confirmed by visual observation, when the press-fit pin is inserted by pressure into a through hole of a circuit board. The press-fit connector includes a press-fit section which holds a press-fit pin, and a connector section which can be installed on the press-fit section and which has a connecting pin that can be connected to the press-fit pin when the connector section is installed on the press-fit section. A penetration aperture for confirming buckling of the press-fit pin is provided in the press-fit section. The penetration aperture is formed in a circular shape surrounding the press-fit pin.
US08628360B2
Methods and systems for providing crosstalk compensation in a jack are disclosed. According to one method, the crosstalk compensation is adapted to compensate for undesired crosstalk generated at a capacitive coupling located at a plug inserted within the jack. The method includes positioning a first capacitive coupling a first time delay away from the capacitive coupling of the plug, the first capacitive coupling having a greater magnitude and an opposite polarity as compared to the capacitive coupling of the plug. The method also includes positioning a second capacitive coupling at a second time delay from the first capacitive coupling, the second time delay corresponding to an average time delay that optimizes near end crosstalk. The second capacitive coupling has generally the same overall magnitude but an opposite polarity as compared to the first capacitive coupling, and includes two capacitive elements spaced at different time delays from the first capacitive coupling.
US08628357B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a number of conductive terminals held in the housing. The insulative housing has a base portion and a tongue portion extending forwardly from the base portion. Each of the conductive terminals includes a contacting portion, and a soldering portion extending outside of the housing. The terminals comprise grounding terminals and differential signal pairs. The soldering portions of each of differential signal pairs is located between two adjacent soldering portions of the grounding terminals.
US08628355B2
[Problem]To extremely simplify the configuration of an electrical connector by omitting a circuit board and an electrical connector, etc. of a mating counterpart.[Solution]A single plug connector 10 is directly mated with a wall part of a product chassis MF. In a mated state of the single plug connector 10, a contact part of a contact 12 is brought into contact with a contact part of a wiring pattern CP exposed from an inner-peripheral wall part of a mating hole MFa. Therefore, electrical connection of a signal transmission medium can be established by a simple configuration without the intermediation of a conventionally-used circuit board and an electrical connector serving as a mating counterpart mounted on the circuit board.
US08628353B2
A coaxial connector includes a contact adapted to be connected to an inner conductor of a coaxial cable, an insulator holding the contact, and a conductive shell adapted to be connected to an outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The shell includes a shell pivotal portion having press-holding pieces adapted to fix the outer conductor of the coaxial cable under pressure, and a shell body portion pivotably supporting the shell pivotal portion and having an accommodation space adapted to accommodate therein at least the press-holding pieces.
US08628351B2
The present disclosure provides for electrical connectors or jack assemblies/housings for use in voice/data communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for modular jack assemblies that include a movable locking member. The present disclosure provides for improved systems/designs for jack assemblies/housings that are easily secured and/or unsecured to or from a jack panel or jack faceplate. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for convenient, low-cost and effective systems and methods for easily securing and/or unsecuring jack assemblies/housings to or from a jack panel/faceplate (e.g., in the field) by utilizing advantageous modular jack assemblies that include a movable locking member, and related assemblies.
US08628328B2
The invention relates to a system, method, computer program and data set which are intended to facilitate language comprehension and/or learning. For said purpose, samples of a target language are worked on and modified versions of said samples are used. The purpose of the modified versions is to provide clues which will enable the person using the invention to understand the target language samples. The invention greatly facilitates the management of the modified versions. In particular, the invention aids the tutor in the creation of modified versions and, in addition, in the identification of the versions most suited to the person interested in understanding and/or learning the target language. The modified versions are produced using sets of modifications, referred to herein as Relations, which are processed autonomously.
US08628314B2
A scroll compressor includes a housing; a fixed scroll fixed in the housing; an orbiting scroll that has an orbiting end plate on which a spiral orbiting wall is provided upright and that is supported in the housing so as to be able to orbit while being prevented from rotating, in a state where the orbiting wall is engaged with the fixed wall; a suction section that makes refrigerant containing lubricant flow into a suction chamber provided in the housing; and a plurality of supply flow paths that are provided on a sliding surface between the housing and the orbiting end plate and that are connected to the suction chamber.
US08628313B2
A scroll fluid machine that is capable of preventing a power loss and enhancing the degree of hermeticity of compression chambers. A plurality of outer peripheral projections are formed on an outer peripheral surface of a wrap portion of each scroll. An outer peripheral coating layer is formed on an outer peripheral surface of a wrap portion of a fixed scroll, and an inner peripheral coating layer is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the wrap portion. Each of the coating layers comprises: contact portions that make contact with the mating wrap portion; and non-contact portions that do not make contact with the mating wrap portion. In this way, the degree of hermeticity of the compression chambers can be enhanced by the contact portions, and power loss can be prevented by the non-contact portions.
US08628300B2
A configuration of cooling channels through the interior of a turbine rotor blade having a platform, wherein the rotor blade includes an airfoil cooling channel that includes a cooling channel formed within the airfoil and an outboard airfoil supply channel. The configuration of cooling channels may include: a platform cooling channel that comprises a cooling channel that traverses at least a portion of the platform, the platform cooling channel having an upstream end and a downstream end; an outboard platform supply channel, which comprises a cooling channel that stretches from a second coolant inlet formed in the root to the upstream end of the platform cooling channel; and an inboard platform return channel, which comprises a cooling channel that stretches from the downstream end of the platform cooling channel to a termination point formed in the root.
US08628298B1
A turbine rotor blade has a number of serpentine flow cooling circuits to provide cooling to forward and aft sections of the airfoil and to upper span and lower span sections of the airfoil in order to provide specific cooling to directed sections of the airfoil. A common cooling air supply channel extends the entire spanwise length of the airfoil and supplies cooling air to each of the serpentine flow cooling circuits.
US08628273B2
A pipe thrusting apparatus for inserting and removing a pipe from a borehole, comprising a collar configured to releasably grip the pipe; a support frame having at least one anchor securable to the ground; and a bi-directional driver coupled between the collar and the support frame, the driver configured to drive the collar toward and away from the borehole to insert and remove the pipe from the borehole.
US08628271B2
A road paver F having a primary driving aggregate P with a combustion engine M, particularly a diesel engine, the crankshaft 22 of which extends to a power output region within a casing 20 of a clutch and/or a flywheel. A generator R is driven by the primary driving aggregate P at least for supplying electric heating devices H of the road paver F with electric power. A distribution gear mechanism 30 for pumps is mounted to the primary driving aggregate P. The generator R being a generator with permanent magnet excitation is mounted to or into or in lieu of the casing 20. A drive train 29 connected or connectable to the power output region of the crankshaft 22 extends to the distribution gear mechanism 30 for pumps and through the generator R.
US08628262B2
A handheld mascara applicator comprising an applicator head, a source of electric current, and a heat generating portion that is effective to heat a quantity of mascara located on the applicator head, from an ambient temperature to a product application temperature, in 25 seconds or less, or that is effective to raise the temperature of the outer surface of the applicator head from an ambient temperature to about 55° C. or more, in 25 seconds or less. Systems for applying various types of mascara compositions are also disclosed.
US08628260B2
A carriage support member for an inkjet printer printhead carriage includes a bar shaped structure with a first contact area and a second contact area. A pivotable carriage attachment is located between the first contact area and the second contact area. The first contact area and the second contact area slide or roll along the secondary guide rail. The carriage is attached to the carriage attachment. The bar shaped structure pivots relative to the carriage by the carriage attachment.
US08628255B2
A lighting system for generating an illumination product comprises an excitation source, blue/UV LED, operable to generate excitation radiation and a remotely located phosphor, photo luminescent material. Excitation radiation is guided from the excitation source to the phosphor by a waveguiding medium, the waveguiding medium being configured such that the distance the radiation travels from the excitation source to the phosphor layer is at least one centimeter in length. The UV/blue excitation source provides excitation radiation to the phosphor(s), causing the phosphor(s) to photo luminesce, and it may also provide a component of the final illumination product. The configuration of the waveguide allows a greater flexibility in lighting system configurations, such as hanging lighting fixtures, desk lighting fixtures, floor standing lighting fixtures, desk lamps, track lighting, spot lighting, accent lighting, lighting panels, inspection lamps and endoscopes.
US08628252B2
There is provided a waterproof connector. The waterproof connector comprises a connector member supporting a ferrule to be butted against a target ferrule disposed in a target connector, the connector member being adapted to be locked to an adapter member of the target connector by an action of a lock operation portion provided in the connector member; unlocking means being adapted to operate the lock operation portion to release the locked state; and a housing body allowing the unlocking means to be slidably moved. The waterproof connector is adapted to be released from the connection with the target connector in such a manner that the unlocking means is allowed to be moved away from the connector member, whereby the unlocking means is operable to operate the lock operation portion to release the locked state, and to move the connector member away from the adapter member to release the fitting.
US08628246B2
A groove configuration for angular stiffness in a fluid dynamic bearing is provided. A primary groove and a secondary groove are formed on a journal bearing or thrust bearing surface. The secondary groove apex induces a heightened pressure response at a localized area to counteract angular displacement. The primary groove extends a greater circumferential distance about the bearing surface as compared to the secondary groove. The secondary groove apex is also situated closer to an axial end of the journal bearing, or closer to an outer diameter of the thrust bearing, as compared to the primary groove apex.
US08628242B2
A foldable bag comprising a compartment for holding articles including first and second opposing body panels constructed of a foldable material and connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides to define an open mouth formed opposite the bottom. The sides and the bottom of the compartment are foldable to collapse the compartment, and the compartment is maintained in the collapsed configuration in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, fastening straps can be provided proximate the mouth and extend outward beyond the sides to releasably engage fastening members on the first panel proximate the bottom. Alternatively, a reclosable flap member can be coupled to a panel and include a strap defining a retention loop, wherein the compartment is maintained in the collapsed configuration when the sides are disposed within the retention loop. Alternatively, a strap can be coupled to the compartment proximate the bottom to define a retention loop, and a carrying handle can be coupled proximate to the mouth wherein the compartment is maintained in the collapsed configuration when the carrying handle is advanced through the retention loop.
US08628241B2
A method is disclosed for calibrating a CT system with at least one focus-detector combination with a quanta-counting detector including a plurality of detector elements, with the focus-detector combination being arranged to enable it to be rotated around a measurement region and a system axis arranged therein, and an X-ray bundle going out from the focus to the detector which possesses an X-ray energy spectrum over an energy range. In at least one embodiment of the method, actual attenuation values from CT scans obtained with an X-ray energy spectrum are compared with theoretical mono-energetic required attenuation values even in the paralysis range of the quanta-counting detector and a transfer function is determined between the required attenuation values and the actual attenuation values for each detector element and thereby a calibration of the measured attenuation values is carried out.
US08628240B2
Various embodiments provide systems and methods measuring the temperature of a device using a semiconductor temperature sensor, such as a diode. This invention allows the use of an uncalibrated diode to be used as a temperature sensor by applying a sinusoidally varying forcing current to the diode and measuring the rate of change of the voltage across the diode. Embodiments advantageously provide for a rapid, responsive temperature measuring, substantially eliminating the effect of lead resistance associated with the temperature sensor.
US08628234B2
The horological movement comprises a regulating device having an oscillation frequency (f) and an escapement for maintaining the oscillations of the regulating device. The escapement comprises an escape wheel having (N) teeth. The frequency (f) is at least equal to about 5 Hz, and the ratio between the number (N) of teeth and the frequency (f) is substantially equal to 5.
US08628230B2
A reflecting structure is provided with a first surface having two side-end portions opposing each other and a plurality of light scatterers, each scattering light, formed on the first surface. In a section perpendicular to an axis located on the first surface between the two side-end portions, the height of each of the light scatterers from the first surface gets smaller from the axis toward the side-end portion.
US08628228B2
A light assembly is provided. The light assembly has a housing having a first end segment carrying an activation mechanism, a second end segment, and a light emitting segment connecting the first and second end segments. A light source is provided in communication with an activation device and arranged to illuminate the light emitting segment. An attachment assembly is arranged for attachment of the light assembly to a carrying device. The attachment assembly is formed by a first receptor and a second receptor, the first and second receptors adapted to receive an attachment device. The attachment assembly may also be formed by a first magnet arranged to attract to the carrying device and a second magnet arranged to attract to the carrying device.
US08628226B2
A vehicle headlamp unit has a plurality of projection lenses configured to project light from at least one light source. The plurality of projection lenses is configured and arranged such that each of the projection lenses includes an outer peripheral portion that faces and extends along the outer peripheral portion of an adjacent one of the projection lenses. The outer peripheral portion of each of the projection lenses touches or lies close to the outer peripheral portion of the adjacent one of the projection lenses such that light emitting areas of the plurality of projection lenses as a whole are visually recognized as a single light emitting area.
US08628224B1
An articulating accessory cartridge for use in theatrical and commercial lighting fixtures in which optical accessories are utilized. The cartridge includes an outer member removably insertable in the fixture and an inner member telescopically retained in the outer member. One or several optical accessories can be removably received and retained in the inner member in an axial stack, depending upon effects desired. The inner cartridge member is telescopically extended before the cartridge is mounted on the fixture. As the cartridge is inserted, the uppermost accessory engages the end of a reflector associated with a light source in the fixture. Continued insertion of the cartridge results in telescopic retraction of the inner cartridge member, depending upon the number of accessories in the stack, until the outer cartridge member is fully seated. The accessories are held against the end of the reflector for optimal efficiency of the lighting and lighting effects.
US08628217B2
An LED light source with an attached heat sink includes larger fins, smaller fins, a mounting platform and light emitting diodes attached to the mounting platform. The larger fins are oriented parallel to the smaller fins. The larger fins are integrally formed with a first base, and the smaller fins are integrally formed with a second base. The bottom surface of the second base contacts the larger fins, which are more than twice as tall as the smaller fins. There are more than twice as many smaller fins than larger fins per distance perpendicular to the fins. Ducts are formed between the larger fins and the bottom surface of the second base. Intake holes pass through the first base into each duct near the end of the duct that is blocked by an end wall. The mounting platform with the LEDs is attached to the bottom of the first base.
US08628213B2
An indoor illuminator for adjusting lighting field includes a casing, two adjusting portions and two illuminating strips. The casing has a top plate and two side plates. Each adjusting portion includes a bottom plate and a base plate. The base plate is mounted on the bottom plate. The two illuminating strips are respectively and correspondingly disposed on the two adjusting portions. Each illuminating strip includes an elongated loading plate and an elongated positioning plate. The loading plate has multiple light emitting diodes mounted on the loading plate. The positioning plate is respectively connected with the loading plate and the base plate of a corresponding adjusting portion to be enclosed as a triangular tube. The loading plate is pivotable relative to the base plate such that a projecting angle of the loading plate is adjustable and the lighting field is adjustable.
US08628208B1
A flickering candle is provided, mainly including: a candle main body, a base and a pattern unit. The candle main body is a hollow light-transmittable shell, with an outer surface, an inner surface, a top and a bottom, both connecting the outer surface and the inner surface. The base is fixedly engaged to the bottom of the candle main body, and disposed with at least a light-emitting element. The pattern unit includes a light-transmittable first patter plate, overlappingly disposed on the inner surface of the candle main body. The first pattern plate has a predefined pattern and a light-guiding part contacting the light-emitting element. As such, the light-emitting element at the base can disperse the light source through the light-guiding part onto the first pattern plate so that the predefined pattern becomes more spectacular to enhance the esthetics.
US08628206B1
A night vision compatible backlight is disclosed. The backlight may include a base layer and a spacer layer. The spacer layer defines a plurality of arrays of openings, each includes a first set of openings and a second set of openings alternately distributed along the array. The backlight also includes a first set of LED modules electronically connected to the base layer through the first set of openings and a second set of LED modules electronically connected to the base layer through the second set of openings. The backlight further includes a filtering layer for providing infrared filtering for the second set of LED modules. The first set of LED modules and the second set of LED modules may be selectively energized to provide: a first mode where the first set of LED modules are energized, and a second mode where only the second set of LED modules are energized.
US08628205B2
A backlight unit includes: an arrangement surface on which a plurality of light sources are arranged, and a plurality of reflection surfaces erected from a plurality of edges of the arrangement surface. The light emitted from the light sources and the light reflected from the reflection surfaces irradiate to an irradiation area surrounded by the reflection surfaces which are each inclined at an inclination angle smaller than 90 degrees with respect to the arrangement surface. At least one reflection surface includes a large inclination area inclined at a large inclination angle and a small inclination area inclined at a small inclination angle. The light source arranged close to the large inclination area is disposed closer to the outside frame of the irradiation area than the other light sources arranged close to the small inclination area in plan view from the irradiation area.
US08628203B2
A game system 1 related to the present invention includes: slot machines 3A to 3J in each of which a base game is executed with a game value being bet; a shared display 201 which displays predetermined content; and a lighting device 120. The lighting device 120 related to the present invention includes: an LED 135 which emits light; a cover 121 which is positioned so as to receive light emitted from the LED 135, and has a hemispherical shape and translucency; and an aluminum layer serving as a metal layer which is vapor-deposited onto the cover 121, and transmits a predetermined amount of light emitted from the LED 135.
US08628194B2
A method for tracking ophthalmic lens care compliance, said method comprising the steps of: including at least one sensor with said ophthalmic product for monitoring at least one ambient condition and for logging and recording at least one reading associated said at least one ambient condition, following a predetermined event; determining whether said at least one reading exceeds at least one predetermined threshold, and issuing an alert when said at least one reading exceeds at least one predetermined threshold.
US08628190B2
Inkjet imaging methods, imaging methods and hard imaging devices are described. According to one embodiment, an imaging method includes accessing image data of an image to be formed; using the image data, controlling a print device to eject a plurality of droplets of a liquid marking agent corresponding to the image to be formed, wherein the droplets of the liquid marking agent individually comprise a plurality of ink particles; using the print device, ejecting the droplets of the liquid marking agent; after the ejecting, receiving the droplets of the liquid marking agent upon a transfer member; and after the receiving, transferring the ink particles of the droplets from the transfer member to media to form a hard version of the image using the media.
US08628189B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a conveying unit configured to convey a recording medium, a recording head configured to eject ink onto the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit to perform recording, a platen configured to support the recording medium at a position facing the recording head, a heating unit configured to heat the recording medium on the downstream side of the platen in the conveying direction, and a plurality of protrusions that are disposed on the downstream side of the platen, wherein the plurality of protrusions are configured to contact the non-recording surface of the recording medium, and wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged in the width direction of the recording medium. On the downstream side of the platen, the plurality of protrusions are configured to give a corrugated shape in the width direction to the recording medium expanded by being heated by the heating unit.
US08628188B2
The invention provides an apparatus including: a rotatable belt having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface partially coming into contact with a sheet; a plurality of rollers being arranged in a direction of movement of the sheet and including a first roller and a second roller adjacent to each other, the plurality of rollers being pressed against the outer surface and the moving sheet being nipped between the plurality of rollers and the outer surface; a blowing mechanism configured to blow hot air from between the first roller and the second roller toward the sheet; and a heating unit including a heater and a contact surface coming into contact with the inner surface, the heating unit being configured to be able to set the contact surface thereof to have a predetermined non-uniform temperature distribution.
US08628186B2
A device for generating an negative pressure comprises a plurality of ejectors and a receiving device therefor. The receiving device comprises at least one connection for a compressed air line, the connection protruding into a compressed air distribution system to which a compressed air channel of each ejector can be connected, and each ejector being provided with an negative pressure channel that can be connected to the negative pressure system of the ejector. The receiving device forms a holding frame and a quick-change system for the ejectors, and can be connected to the ejectors by means of control lines, and to a machine control system.
US08628180B2
A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid return channel, and a liquid dispensing channel. The liquid dispensing channel includes a wall. The wall includes a surface. A portion of the wall defines an outlet opening. The outlet opening includes a downstream edge relative to a direction of liquid flow through the liquid dispensing channel. The downstream edge is perpendicular to the surface of the wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid supply provides liquid that flows from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A diverter member selectively diverts a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.
US08628175B2
An inkjet head includes a plurality of nozzles through which ink is dischargeable out of the inkjet head, a pressure chamber plate that is made of metal, a plurality of pressure chambers that are groove portions formed in the pressure chamber plate for applying to the ink a pressure that is necessary in order to discharge the ink from the plurality of nozzles, an actuator that faces a first face of the pressure chamber plate and that includes a plurality of pressure generating portions, and a pressure chamber support member that supports the pressure chamber plate from a second face of the pressure chamber plate, the second face being an opposite face to the first face, and that is made from a material that has a Young's modulus that is greater than a Young's modulus of a material from which the pressure chamber plate is made.
US08628171B2
A liquid jetting apparatus includes a liquid jetting head having a liquid jetting surface in which a plurality of nozzles are aligned along a predetermined direction, a head holder holding the liquid jetting head and being rotatable within a plane parallel to the liquid jetting surface, a rotation regulation member contacting with two contact portions of the head holder to regulate rotation of the head holder, and an inclination adjustment mechanism, which has a cam member being rotatable about a rotation shaft and being capable of displacing a first contact portion of the two contact portions in a direction including a directional component perpendicular to a direction linking the first contact portion with a second contact portion of the two contact portions within the plane, and which adjusts inclination of the head holder by rotating the cam member to rotate the head holder about the second contact portion.
US08628166B2
An inkjet recording material which comprises an extruded mixture of thermoplastic polymers and non-chlorinated polyolefin materials. The mixture contains from 0.5 wt % to 30 wt % of non-chlorinated polyolefin materials based on the total weight of the polymers constituting the material.
US08628165B2
A disclosed image forming apparatus includes a recording head having nozzles discharging ink droplets to form dots on a recording medium based on image data supplied thereto. The image forming apparatus includes a detector configured to detect a defective nozzle that discharges a defective ink droplet forming an expected defective dot, a focus region setting unit configured to set a focus region including a position of the expected defective dot to be formed of the defective ink droplet discharged by the detective nozzle, and a rearranging unit configured to rearrange, when the defective nozzle is detected by the detector, the dots in the focus region based on a slope of a line image expressed by the supplied image data in the focus region and values indicating respective sizes of the dots in the focus region.
US08628156B2
A computer case includes a housing, a first sub housing, and a second sub housing. The housing includes a bottom wall, a sidewall and a fixing wall extending perpendicularly from the bottom wall, all of which cooperate to form a receiving space. The first sub housing is configured for receiving a redundant power supply. The second sub housing is configured for receiving a single power supply. Each of the first sub housing and the second sub housing is capable of being detachably received in the receiving space and secured to the housing.
US08628152B2
An endless track for traction of a vehicle, such as a construction vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, a forestry vehicle or a military vehicle. The endless track has an enhanced elastomeric material curing capability. In one embodiment, each of a plurality of elastomeric projections of the endless track, such as guide/drive projections or traction projections, comprises elastomeric material defining a cavity to enhance a curing process during manufacturing of the endless track. The cavity may be shaped such that, during the curing process, a heat conductor positioned in the cavity conducts heat from the heat conductor to the elastomeric material of the projection.
US08628131B2
A gripper system for improving the picking up of a product, in particular of an elastic article. The gripper system having a gripper, wherein the gripper comprises an endless transport belt and a lever system. The lever system includes a rotatably supported lever, a support and an entrainer configured to entrain the transport belt, wherein the lever is connected to the support such that, in response to a linear movement of the support, the lever will be rotated about a center of rotation. The lever is additionally connected to the entrainer such that the transport belt moves in response to the rotational movement of the lever.
US08628126B2
A high security locking system can be used in a conventional pivot door adapted for use with a latch and deadbolt lock combination. The high security system can be a multi-point lock, received in a recess formed in a locking edge side of a door stile, cooperating with a linkage or other mechanism in a conventional deadbolt/location. The lock can be actuated with a keyed cylinder and thumb turn combination.
US08628120B1
The tubular threaded seal connector includes a coupling body for engaging a first pipe and a second pipe. A first coupling end is on the coupling body. A first chamfer is adjacent to the first coupling end.
US08628107B2
A trailer hitch system for equalizing trailer loads and reducing trailer sway. The trailer hitch system may include spring bars that may be attached to a hitch head using a trunnion style connection. The spring bars may be attached to the trailer using rigid brackets that reduce swinging of the spring bars. The rigid brackets having a plurality of contact points may include an upward extending portion for attaching to the trailer tongue, and a lateral extending portion for receiving the spring bars thereupon. The rigid brackets may include a spacing member and an attachment member.
US08628100B2
A stabilizing device for axles of vehicles, such as motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, or the like, including a hollow cylinder unit, which comprises a hollow cylinder containing a fluid therein, a piston unit with a piston which is arranged in the hollow cylinder and divides the hollow cylinder into at least two chambers, wherein the piston unit can slide relative to the hollow cylinder unit in that said piston unit can be moved from an original position to a deflected position, a pre-tensioning device which tensions the piston unit in the direction of the original position, and a control or regulating device which controls or regulates the fluid flow into/out of the chambers.
US08628099B2
A wheel mounting assembly for removably attaching a wheel assembly, typically comprising an axle and one or more wheels, to a platform attached to or integral with a wheeled object, such as skateboards, roller skates, rollerblades, backpacks, luggage, dollies and the like. The wheel mounting assembly comprises a wheel mount connector attached to the platform and a wheel mount, which is attached to the wheel assembly, that are configured for twist-and-lock engagement. The wheel mount has a mounting cavity for receiving the wheel mount connector and an internal elongated spring member that biases an engagement member into a slot on the wheel mount connector to prevent unintended disengagement of the wheel mounting assembly from the platform. One or more securing mechanisms secure the wheel mount to the wheel mount connector. The wheel mounting assembly can securely join multiple platform sections together without tools to simplify carrying or storing the object.
US08628091B2
According to an embodiment, a method for installing a vapor seal assembly to pass at least one continuous wire through an aperture defined by a bulkhead is provided. The method includes providing a split shell having a threaded, hollow cylindrical extension, providing a split annular gasket, assembling the split shell and the split gasket around the wire, placing the gasket onto the cylindrical extension, and passing the cylindrical extension through the aperture in the bulkhead. The method further includes providing an insert that defines at least one elongated channel for receiving the wire, pressing the wire into the channel, sliding the insert into the cylindrical extension of the shell, assembling a split retainer and a split nut around the wire, engaging the split nut into the retainer, and threading the split nut onto the cylindrical extension.
US08628087B2
A mosaic puzzle set has a predetermined number of pieces (45) with unique, directionally visible, identifiers and different brightness characteristics, three for grey scale and five for color, comprising average brightness(es), and direction and magnitude of brightness gradients, enabling assembly to copy any user selected target picture (30) by following a dedicated table/chart (33). An internet server (1) storing piece characteristics and accessible for target picture upload and chart download by an access code in the purchased set, divides (S11) the target picture (30) into a same number of data areas (311) as pieces, analyzes their brightness characteristics and assembles the chart (33) by provisionally assigning pieces to respective target areas (311) and exchanging them for each other when sums of respective mismatch values between pieces and respective target areas are thereby reduced (S12-S14). Alternatively, pieces are divisions of an iconic source picture or only screen images. Pieces in a humped brightness histogram, population distribution provide greater detail. A grid-form tray supports and aligns pieces during assembly. Internet (2) billing is possible.
US08628085B2
A configurable manual controller for manipulating images or symbols on a display is adapted for construction with matable building elements arranged by a user. The user forms the manual controller to exhibit a customized ornamental appearance reflecting the user's game-inspired, ergonomic, or style preferences.
US08628079B2
A method for forming an auxiliary stack when a sheet stack is changed in a sheet delivery of a sheet-processing machine includes providing an auxiliary stack support for supporting the auxiliary stack during a non-stop stack change and multiple stop and separator elements disposed outside a stacking area in front of edges of the sheet stack to form a gap in a stream of sheets conveyed by a conveying system and released to fall onto the sheet stack. The sheet stack is lowered to form a gap for the auxiliary stack support, the stop elements for the front edge and the rear edge of the sheet stack are moved into a disengaged stand-by position before the main stack is lowered. For this purpose, the stop elements are equipped with remote-controllable actuating devices that are connected to a control unit. A device for forming an auxiliary stack is also provided.
US08628070B2
A device for the temporary fixing or manipulation of objects including a first head with a front active face and a rear active face and a second head with a front active face and a rear active face. The front and rear active faces of the first head are movable relative to one another and the front and rear active faces of the second head are movable relative to one another. The rear active face of the first head is immovably connected to the front active face of the second head. The device also includes a force mechanism for introducing an active force to the first and second heads.
US08628066B2
A cooling tower including an enclosure, a body of fill material supported inside the enclosure, a liquid distribution system supported above the fill material having a liquid distribution header, and a fan assembly mounted directly to the header for drawing air upward through the fill material, and a drainage collection system located below the fill material. The liquid distribution system includes a liquid distribution header comprising at least one feeder conduit encased in a monolithic casting of concrete. The liquid distribution system distributes a liquid over the fill material in such a way that the liquid gravitates downward through the fill material. The header traverses the enclosure and is supported by the enclosure. The fan assembly draws air upwards through the fill material. The drainage collection system collects the liquid that gravitates through the fill material.
US08628065B2
A device for converting a standard fence into an electric fence is disclosed. The electric fence converter has a top end which partly covers an existing fence post, already secured into the ground. The bottom end and mid section of the electric fence converter have a cut-out portion exposing a hollow interior of the device wherein the hollow interior at least partly covers the existing fence post, already secured into the ground. A plurality of securing hooks are located on the exterior surface of the electric fence converter. The securing hooks receive and secure an electric wire and connect a first device to a second device therein creating an electric fence out of an existing non-electric fence.
US08628054B2
A support member or becket for supporting an item during wellbore operations including a body with a support area, and a wear insert removable emplaced over the support area.
US08628052B2
The present invention relates to a display apparatus having a display body, comprising: a connecting member combined with the display body at an upper end part thereof and having a swivel part at a lower end part thereof; and a base having a swivel supporter where the swivel part is inserted and supporting the swivel part to be rotatable.Thus, the present invention provides a display apparatus which is swiveled stably and smoothly with a slim structure.
US08628050B2
A shelf bracket for a wall mount includes a connecting member including a main body secured to the wall mount and a support member coupled to the connecting member, the support member including a generally “L” shaped main body to support a shelf, wherein at least one of the connecting member and the support member has a generally “U” shape cross section with an open side.
US08628045B2
A high-lift device track 5 comprising a first track end 6 comprising attachment points for the high-lift device 4, two vertical flanges 16 connected by a horizontal web 17, a set of raceways 10,11,12 for guiding rollers 13 or glide pads, and a gear rack 7 installed between said flanges 16 over a first track segment 18. This first track segment 18 presents an inverted-U, or cross-section. However, between said first track segment 18 and a second track end 20 opposite to said first track end 6, the track 5 comprises a second track segment 21 presenting a depth d between the horizontal web 17 and lower edges 25 of the vertical flanges 16 which decreases towards said second track end 20, so that, at said second track end, the track presents an H cross-section. FIG. 4.
US08628039B2
A recording apparatus includes: a recording unit that performs recording on a recording medium wound on a roll, the roll including a first flange that is attached to one end and has a shaft hole and a first receiving portion, and a second flange that is attached to the other end and has a shaft hole; a first holder movable along a rotation axis of the roll, the first holder including a first shaft insertable into the shaft hole in the first flange, and a first flange-support surface that is in contact with an outer periphery of the first flange to support the first flange when the first shaft is not fitted in the shaft hole in the first flange and that has a first engaging portion; a second holder including a second shaft insertable into the shaft hole in the second flange.
US08628034B2
A belt tensioning system configured to more effectively maintain the proper tension in a belt that can be engaged and disengaged. Proper tension in the belt is maintained even if the belt stretches or contracts by including a spring biased member between a tension wheel and a pivot frame. The spring member is preloaded such that when the belt stretches the tension wheel is biased against the belt by the force of the spring. Also, by selectively engaging the tension system one can avoid overloading the engine without the need to incorporate a clutch.
US08628030B2
A fuel injection valve includes a valve body and a valve member. The fuel injection valve is configured to control fuel supply by a movement of the valve member relative to the valve body. A slit that is configured to inject fuel having a first end portion opened in a sack portion of the valve body and a second end portion opened at an outer wall of the valve body is formed in the valve body. A through hole having a first end portion opened in the sack portion and a second end portion opened at the outer wall of the valve body is formed in the valve body.
US08628025B2
A vehicle waste heat recovery system may include a first pump, an internal combustion engine, a waste heat recovery device and a condenser. The first pump may be in fluid communication with a fluid. The internal combustion engine may be operable to power rotation of a drive axle of a vehicle and may define an engine coolant passage having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the first pump. The waste heat recovery device may have an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the engine coolant passage. The condenser may have an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the waste heat recovery device and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the first pump.
US08628022B1
A card exhibiting multiple linear arrays of sensors are provided to detect a presence and movement of an external object (e.g., a read-head of a magnetic stripe reader). Each sensor of each array of sensors may be independently connected to a dual port of a processor so that the processor may determine a direction in which the card is swiped through a magnetic stripe reader. A portion of sensors of each array of sensors may be shared by a portion of inputs and/or outputs of a single port of a processor. Sensors may be cross-coupled to a single processor port so that forward and reverse directions of a card swipe may nevertheless be detected by a single-port processor of a card.
US08628015B2
There is described an indicia reading terminal that can be operative to capture a succession of frames of image data and that can be operative so that a certain frame of the succession of frames is subject to quality evaluation processing where a result of the quality evaluation processing is responsive to one or more of an incidence and sharpness of edge representations of the frame of image data.
US08628005B1
An automated banking machine system and method includes automated banking machines that operate responsive to data bearing records and accept checks and dispense cash to users. The automated banking machines are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash is dispensed to the user from the machine in exchange for the deposited check.
US08627990B2
There is provided an electrical accessory mounting device capable of adjusting an electrical accessory to the position viewable from a rider. The mounting device of the navigation apparatus 20 mounted on the steering stem pipe 3 of the saddle-type vehicle 1 comprises the fixture 4 mounted on the saddle-type vehicle 1, the bracket 5 holding the navigation apparatus 20, and the angular setting means 37 making at least part of the bracket 5 movable to the fixture 4 in the longitudinal direction of the saddle-type vehicle 1 and setting an angle of the bracket 5 to a predetermined angle by the position corresponding to the movement of the bracket 5. The angular setting means 37 includes a pair of long holes 34, 35 provided on the fixture 4 and a pair of screws 36F, 36B moving along a pair of long holes 34, 35 provided on the bracket 5. Thus, the angle of the navigation apparatus 20 can be adjusted by back-and-forth movement of the bracket 5, thereby allowing the electrical accessory to be adjusted to an easily viewable position where other members do not interfere.
US08627977B2
Tamper-resistance is provided in spice container closures and containers through use of tamper-evident and/or tamper-resistant elements. A tamper evident closure includes a base, a cover, and a tamper strip, with the tamper strip being joined to the base and cover by a first hinge connecting the tamper strip to the base and a second hinge connecting the tamper strip to the cover. At least one dispensing port in the base is selectively coverable by a flap of the cover. The tamper strip is adapted to be manually torn away and fully released from the cover and base. The flap is hinged to the cover by a third hinge. In addition, or alternatively, a snap lock connection is formed between a container closure and the container.
US08627975B1
A content-saving system featuring a plunger series, a cap series, and a winder series. After a hand-squeeze type tube or a cartridge gun type tube is opened for use, the caps are used to prevent hardening of contents during storage. The winder aids in forcing the contents out of the hand-squeeze tube. If the product contents harden to prevent use, the plunger is used to clear the obstruction in the end of either type tube. Additional caps of both sizes and winders may be provided with the plunger assembly in kit form or sold separately when the consumer needs additional units for storage surplus.
US08627974B2
A system for the sanitary collection and disposal of pet waste is disclosed. The system comprises adjacent male and female receptacles connected by a pull string. The male receptacle contains an open bottom for the purpose of being deployed over targeted waste, while the female receptacle contains an opening most adjacent to the male receptacle in order to allow for their joining. The user secures the female receptacle and applies a tension to the pull string, allowing the smaller dimensioned male envelope to be pulled into the female receptacle interior, thereby capturing the waste within the assembly utilizing the tapered bottom edge of the female receptacle as a scooping mechanism. This process can be accomplished from the standing position while supporting the female receptacle with one foot and utilizing one arm to drawn in the male receptacle, providing flexibility for users and eliminates contact concerns with the waste product.
US08627964B2
A filter device for filtration of fluid has a filter element of a zigzag-folded filter medium that is flowed through in a radial direction of the filter element. An additive for functional change of fluid properties of the fluid to be filtered in the filter device is provided. The additive is applied circumferentially on the filter element onto outwardly positioned fold tips of the zigzag-folded filter medium of the filter element.
US08627963B2
A reject port of a hydrocyclone has an orifice that is treated or coated to prevent blockage thereof when materials pass therethrough, such as produced water, asphaltenes, waxes, “schmoo” or other materials having high potential for scaling. Such surfaces may include, but are not necessarily limited to, superhydrophobic surfaces and/or superoleophobic surfaces such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), tungsten disulfide (WS2), siloxanes, nanomaterials, surfaces created by diffusion of carbon into a stainless steel without forming chromium carbides (e.g. KOLSTERISING®), anti-scale treatment materials, and combinations thereof. The treated orifice may optionally be removable from the reject port.
US08627953B1
A holder for a portable device includes: a main body having the portable device received on a front surface portion thereof; a first switch formed at a designated position of the front surface portion of the main body so as to be push into and protruded from the front surface portion; first and second arms formed at both side surfaces of the main body, and having a distance provided therebetween and varied by the first switch such that the portable device is attached or detached; and a second switch including a first button formed to be physically connected to the first arm inside the main body and a second button formed to be physically connected to the second arm inside the main body, and varying the distance between the first and second arms.
US08627944B2
A system, apparatus, and method for conveying a plurality of deformable containers. The system can include a conveyor apparatus, an in-feed apparatus, and a rotary apparatus. The in-feed apparatus can be configured to receive the containers from the conveyor apparatus, and may include a first feed screw and a second feed screw. The rotary apparatus can be configured to receive the plurality of filled and sealed containers after the in-feed apparatus. The in-feed apparatus also may be configured to space adjacent filled and sealed containers, with the first and second feed screws acting on the containers to create the spacing. The space created between adjacent containers may be for receipt by said rotary apparatus. The first feed screw may be configured to be positioned substantially directly above the containers, and the second feed screw may be positioned so as to act on the sidewall of the plurality of sealed and filled containers.
US08627943B2
A guide arrangement is provided for guiding movement of a transport member to convey products in a conveying direction of a conveying section having a predetermined course. The transport member includes a number of functional units operatively connected to each other. The guide arrangement includes a number of sequentially connected guide rail elements defining a guide channel along the conveying section. The guide channel has inside walls including structure to guide the transport member.
US08627938B2
A power transmitting apparatus can include a clutch housing, a plurality of driving and driven clutch plates, a clutch member, a pressure member, an intermediate member, a plurality of urging devices, and a back-torque limiting cam. The power transmitting apparatus can further include an urging force cut-off device for cutting-off the urging force applied to the pressure member from particular urging devices of the plurality of urging devices by separating the inner ends of the particular urging devices from the pressure member when the intermediate member is moved toward the pressure member by the action of the back-torque limiting cam.
US08627930B2
A bushing having a variable and controllable hardness, and a method of restricting movement comprising using such bushing.
US08627924B2
Article handling machine (1) comprising a frame (2) for receiving article handling elements, a roof (3) covering said frame (2), and, on one lateral side (6) of the machine (1), a catwalk (5) pivotally mounted on the frame (2) between an extended position in which it protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral side (6), with an inner edge facing the machine lateral side (6), and a folded position in which it stretches out in a direction substantially parallel to the lateral side (6).
US08627919B2
A speaker has a speaker unit and a box. The speaker unit has a speaker unit side terminal. The box includes a casing having an internal space, and a box side terminal arranged in the casing so as to be in close contact with the casing. Under the condition that the speaker unit is housed in the internal space, a first terminal serving as one of the speaker unit side terminal and the box side terminal has a projection, a second terminal serving as the other thereof surrounds and sandwiches an outer periphery of the projection from at least both sides, and the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected with soldering. Thus, it is possible to obtain the speaker which can improve workability on a connection between the speaker unit and the box and save a space, and the portable information terminal provided with the speaker.
US08627918B2
An electric power steering device includes a steering column in which a steering shaft for transmitting a steering torque is built, an electric motor for transmitting a steering assist force through a gear mechanism in a gearbox to the steering shaft, and a control device for driving and controlling the electric motor. The control device includes a drive circuit module having a switching element for driving the electric motor, and a control module that is mounted on the gearbox for controlling the drive circuit module. The drive circuit module is mounted on a housing of the electric motor.
US08627913B1
Disclosed is a vehicle including a tractor having a lower tractor duct that receives air from the front of the tractor and channels the air through a center area of the tractor and down between a set of rear wheels, a trailer having a lower trailer duct positioned below a cargo space that channels the air in the lower trailer duct between each set of trailer rear wheels and a lower articulation duct positioned near the set of tractor rear wheels that receives air from the lower tractor duct and communicates air to the lower trailer duct. An upper duct channels air through ductwork at the top of the trailer and tractor. A rear trailer louver system enables air in each duct to be channeled and pulled out of each respective duct, reducing drag and eddy currents using the vacuum at the rear of the trailer.
US08627908B2
A semi-autonomous vehicle couplable to a parent vehicle is described, and includes a chassis supported on first and second axles coupled to a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system configured to transfer torque to one of the wheels, a steering system configured to control direction of travel of the semi-autonomous vehicle, a braking system configured to apply braking force to the wheels, a high-voltage electrical energy storage system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system operatively couples to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system. A coupling device is configured to electrically couple the semi-autonomous vehicle to the parent vehicle, the coupling device consisting essentially of a high-voltage DC electrical power bus electrically coupled to the high-voltage electrical energy storage system.
US08627907B2
A steering drive system includes a drive arrangement having a first drive and a second drive, a summing gear unit for summing driving torques of the drives on an output shaft of the summing gear unit, a first drive connection device by which the first drive is drivingly connected to a first input shaft of the summing gear unit, and a second drive connection device by which the second drive is drivingly connected to a second input shaft of the summing gear unit. The two drive connection devices are arranged in each instance such that no driving torque directed to the drives from the summing gear unit can be transmitted to the drives during a continuously produced drive connection between the drives and the summing gear unit.
US08627905B2
A cutting element is provided, including a substrate and an ultra-hard material layer formed over the substrate. At one end of the substrate is an interface surface that interfaces with the ultra-hard material layer to bond the layer to the substrate. The interface surface includes a first or outer annular section that extends to the peripheral edge of the substrate, and a second or inner section that is radially inside the first section. The interface surface includes several spaced-apart projections arranged in an annular row. In one aspect, each projection has an upper surface that defines a groove bisecting the projection. In another aspect, the interface surface may include a bridge coupling adjacent projections.
US08627901B1
There is provided for laser bottom hole assembly for providing a high power laser beam having greater than 5 kW of power for a laser mechanical drilling process to advance a borehole. This assembly utilizes a reverse Moineau motor type power section and provides a self-regulating system that addresses fluid flows relating to motive force, cooling and removal of cuttings.
US08627897B2
A tiller includes a tiller frame and an upright assembly extending from the frame. The frame is supported by at least one wheel and defines a cavity. A transmission assembly is supported by the frame and has an output member that is configured to be drivingly coupled to a first power source in a first battery-powered configuration and to a second power source in a second electric-powered configuration. A tilling implement includes a drive shaft that is driven by the output member. The tilling implement comprises at least one tine plate. The cavity is configured to removably receive a battery in the first battery-powered configuration and removably receive a ballast in the second electric-powered configuration.
US08627888B2
Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes providing a settable fluid that comprises an aqueous-based medium, a lime composition, and a cementitious blend that comprises metakaolin particulates and aluminosilicate particulates, wherein the cementitious blend is essentially free of Portland cement; introducing the settable fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation that comprises a corrosive component; and allowing the settable fluid to set therein.
US08627886B2
Systems and methods are provided for low emission (in-situ) heavy oil production, using a compound heat medium, comprising products of combustion of a fuel mixture with an oxidant and a moderator, mixed with steam generated from direct contact of hot combustion products with water, under pressure. The compound heat medium, comprising mainly CO2 and steam, is injected at pressure into a hydrocarbon reservoir, where steam condenses out of the compound heat medium releasing heat to the reservoir. The condensate is produced with the hydrocarbon as a hydrocarbon/water mixture or emulsion. Non-condensable gases, primarily CO2, from the compound heat medium may remains in the reservoir through void replacement, leakage to adjacent geological strata. Beneficially, any CO2 produced is recovered at pressure, for use in other processes, or for disposal by sequestration. Produced water is recovered and recycled as a moderator and steam generating medium.
US08627882B2
A heat exchanger, particularly an exhaust gas heat exchanger, for transferring heat in two stages between a first fluid and second and third fluids that have different temperatures includes a block for separately conducting the first and second and third fluids in a heat transferring manner. The block encompasses a number of ducts through which the first fluid can flow, a first chamber of a high-temperature part through which the second fluid can flow and which accommodates the ducts, a second chamber of a low-temperature part through which the third fluid flows and which accommodates the ducts, and a housing in which the first and second chamber as well as the ducts are arranged. The first chamber and the second chamber are separated from one another by a separation area that is mounted in a groove.
US08627878B2
A rotary air preheater 10 includes a housing 12 having a rotor 14. The rotor 14 has opposing ends 20,24 and is divided into sections by diaphragms 48. Sector plates 28 include one sector plate 28 in sealing relation with one of opposing ends 20,24 of the rotor 14. The air preheater 10 includes a flange 56 and a sensing device 49 coupled to at least one of the sector plates 28. The sensing device 49 provides non-contact sensing of a distance between the sector plate 28 and the flange 56. The sensing device 49 includes a conduit 54 that directs a jet of compressed air onto the flange 56, a first pressure sensor 60 and a second pressure sensor 70. The first pressure sensor 60 senses pressure inside the sensing device 49, and the second pressure sensor 70 senses pressure outside the sensing device 49. The distance between the sector plate and the flange is a pressure difference measured by the first and the second pressure sensors 60,70. In one embodiment, the first pressure sensor 60 senses a backpressure within the sensing device 49.
US08627870B2
An apparatus (200) and a method for labeling containers (100) with different types of label is disclosed. To each of at least two labeling machines (1, 2) there corresponds an infeed star wheel (61, 62) and a discharge star wheel (81, 82). A container path (7) is formed, along which the containers (100) to be labeled are fed to the at least two labeling machines (1, 2) in a controlled manner. At least one type of label is processed with each of the at least two labeling machines (1, 2), wherein the types of label processed with the at least two labeling machines (1, 2) are different.
US08627862B2
Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system including tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other and configured such that the protrusions can obtain a vertically unlocked position where they match the cavities and a vertically locked position where the protrusions overlap each other.
US08627858B2
Methods and systems for selectively fuelling a vehicle are provided. One example method of fuelling a vehicle may include receiving a fuel in a fuel reservoir in the vehicle, and directing the fuel to one of a plurality of storage tanks based on a fuel type. In one example, the directing of fuel may include adjusting one or more fuelling valves positioned between the fuel reservoir and the plurality of storage tanks to vary a direction of fuel flow to the plurality of storage tanks.
US08627852B2
A valve (20) and flow control element (22) are provided for use with a dunnage bag (24). The valve (20) includes a valve housing (40) that carries an actuator (36) and the flow control element (22). The housing (40) defines a flow passage (44), and a seal surface (48) around the flow passage. The flow control element (22) includes a peripheral attachment portion (60), a resilient, intermediate portion (62) extending generally laterally inwardly from the peripheral attachment portion and defining at least one flow aperture (64); and an imperforate central portion (68) extending generally laterally inwardly from the intermediate portion and including a seal (70) for sealing against the housing seal surface with the flow control element in a normally closed position. The intermediate portion of the flow control element accommodates movement of the seal between the normally closed position and an open position away from the seal surface in response to the central portion being subjected to an opening force, thereby permitting flow of a fluent substance through the flow passage and the at least one flow aperture.
US08627848B2
A vane inlet apparatus is provided for separating components of a feed stream. The apparatus includes a body having an axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The body includes an inlet and a plurality of vanes disposed along the axis. Each vane includes an aperture such that the apertures in successive vanes decrease in size toward the distal end of the apparatus. The vanes may be flat or curved. The sizes, shaped, and orientation of the vanes along the apparatus may be determined according to the designed specifications of a particular project. The apparatus as well as the vanes and apertures are preferably cylindrically shaped to match the incoming feed stream cross-section. A method of constructing the vane inlet apparatus is also provided.
US08627845B2
The present invention provides a delivery system for providing an atomized treatment agent like a cleaner or lubricant to a specific internal location of a closed mechanical system like an internal combustion engine. The atomized treatment agent is delivered via a flexible, non-rigid conduit to the desired internal location of the engine between, e.g., the ID/OD coupling joint between the air inlet hose and the throttle body. A special conduit support guide, the end of which is inserted through the ID/OD coupling joint, provides the proper geometry for gently configuring the conduit to enter the ID/OD coupling joint without crimping and controlling the directional approach and distance of the conduit free end inside the engine.
US08627843B2
A gate valve is disclosed that may be installed in a pressurized pipe or conduit. The gate valve includes a cylindrical gate housing that has a slot through which a rectangular gate slides between an open and closed position. The gate and gate housing provide seals between the gate valve and the housing section that houses the gate housing when the gate valve is in either an open or a closed position. The bottom seal that engages the pressurized pipe may be equipped with stiffening shields for a higher pressure rating. The operating torque to raise and lower the seal assembly has been substantially reduced by the design of the sliding gate within the gate housing.
US08627842B2
A cleaning arrangement (15, 26) for cleaning the drain area (13, 14) of a valve (1) with a cleaning media, where the cleaning arrangement includes at least one cleaning device (15, 26), which is preferably arranged in a mix proof valve (1) comprising at least a valve body (2), one or more valve seats (4, 7), a first valve plug (5) with a first stem (6) and a second valve plug (8) with a second stem (9), the second valve plug (8) having a central hollow part (10) for guiding the first stem (6), where the at least one cleaning device (15, 26) is rotationally arranged inside the valve housing (2), where the at least one cleaning device (15, 26) is rotated by the pressurized cleaning media and where the at least one cleaning device (15, 26) is provided with a screen arrangement (18) creating a spray of cleaning media for cleaning the drain area (13, 14) of the valve (1).
US08627835B2
A cleaning chamber is provided. The cleaning chamber includes a base portion housing a chuck and a lid affixed to the base portion. A support assembly is linked to the lid and the support assembly includes a top plate spaced apart from a bottom plate, the top plate has a plurality of openings defined therethrough and the bottom plate has a plurality of openings defined therethrough. The cleaning chamber includes a plurality of cups extending through corresponding pairs of the plurality of openings of the top plate and the bottom plate. The plurality of cups is configured to seal against a surface of a substrate, wherein each cup of the plurality of cups is independently supported by the bottom plate.
US08627834B2
A vehicle washing system. The vehicle washing system includes a vehicle washing system component. Also, provided is an apparatus for moving the vehicle relative to vehicle washing system component. The speed of the relative motor of the vehicle is selected either by an operator automatically or may be varied to vary the vehicle throughput through the vehicle wash. A control unit is provided. The control unit senses the speed of movement of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle washing system. The control unit adjusts the vehicle washing system component for coordinating the vehicle washing system component in accordance with the speed of the vehicle.
US08627832B2
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.
US08627830B1
A haircut aid is described. The haircut aid has a base section that protrudes away from a tine section providing a guide for the blade of a set of clippers, facilitates an even haircut, and protects the ears of the haircut subject from cuts. A method for cutting hair is also described where a set of clippers is run along the guide from by the base section and tine section of a haircut aid.
US08627824B2
An ear support assembly and a method for applying pressure to an ear includes a support device having solid planar or curved surfaces and formable material configured to be deformed and retain an impression of a surface of an ear, wherein the planar or curved surfaces are configured to apply pressure to the formable material such that the formable material applies pressure to the surface of the ear.
US08627815B2
The invention relates to a support arm for a cylindrical-parabolic collector, which is intended to be coupled to a central body (1) of the collector in the form of a bracket in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a focal line (2) of the collector. The inventive arm takes the form of a wedge comprising: a first side (10) which is provided with support devices (11) for supporting at least one mirror (3), a second side (20), and a third side (30) which is provided with support devices (31) such that the arm is supported by the central body (1). The arm is formed by at least one press-formed plate such as to obtain a resistant structure that provides stiffness and a carrying capacity by means of a plurality of ribs (42) which form a lattice comprising a plurality of laminar segments (41) between said ribs.
US08627812B2
A toy rocket launcher is adapted to pressurize a container, such as a two-liter bottle, and launch the pressurized container upon release of an internal release mechanism. The internal release mechanism locks the bottle rocket in place and releases it with a slight pull on a string. A tire valve may permit a user to pressurize the container with an air pump, such as a bicycle pump or an air compressor. An optional pressure gauge may be provided to monitor pressure in the container.
US08627802B2
An evaporated fuel treatment apparatus including a canister for adsorbing an evaporated fuel in a fuel tank, a control valve at a vapor path communicating with a fuel tank and a canister, has a dead-zone range where a flow of the evaporated fuel is blocked even if an opening angle of the control valve is increased in an open direction from zero opening angle, and allows the evaporated fuel to flow through over the dead-zone range. The control unit increases the opening angle from substantially zero to a predetermined angle in the dead-zone range and stands by prior to the opening control, and increases the opening angle from the predetermined angle upon the opening control. An output value by control unit set in the dead-zone range is compared with a detected value to detect a failure of the control valve.
US08627799B2
Apparatus constituting part of an induction and fuel delivery system for a cylinder of a piston internal combustion engine comprising a small cyclone into which is tangentially discharged a flow of heated air to generate a sustained vortex of high rotational speed; a modulatable fuel injector delivering a flow of atomized fuel into said small cyclone wherein it underdoes flash evaporation and energetic mixing; a delivery duct connecting said small cyclone to the inlet tract of said cylinder wherein said vortex fuel-air mixture is mixed with heated induction air; and means to prevent overheating of said modulatable fuel injector.
US08627790B2
A W6 engine has two W3 engine units disposed juxtaposed on a common crankshaft. Exhaust pipes of the cylinders containing the pistons driving the common crankshaft are guided to an exhaust. Each cylinder has at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. The intake valves for the individual cylinders are disposed in wall portions of the respective cylinders oriented in the same circumferential direction about the crankshaft or lateral portions of their cylinder head. The exhaust valves for the individual cylinders are disposed in opposite circumferential direction. Each exhaust valve closes an exhaust pipe, which is led from the valve seat of the exhaust valve to the outer surface of the W3 engine unit in which the cylinder with the exhaust valve is disposed.
US08627789B2
A control apparatus is provided for a four stroke cylinder direct-injection internal combustion engine having a cylinder and a piston disposed within the cylinder. The control apparatus includes a variable compression ratio mechanism for variably controlling the engine compression ratio by changing the top dead center position of the piston and a fuel injection device for injecting fuel directly into the cylinder. When the actual compression ratio of the engine is higher than a target compression ratio, the variable compression ratio mechanism reduces the compression ratio, and in accordance with the reduction in the compression ratio, the fuel injecting device injects an intake fuel injection amount in the intake stroke and a compression fuel injection amount in the compression stroke, and the timing for starting the fuel injection in the compression stroke is retarded.
US08627788B2
The invention relates to a dog harness equipped with a covering cover comprising a blanketing saddle part covered by a covering cover, within that a middle portion hollow on one side and domed on the other side, and two side portions, on which side portions a chest strap is attached to trace straps, connecting the two side portions at the height of the trace straps, furthermore a back strap crossing the trace straps is attached directly to the covering cover in the continuation of a belly strap, wherein the covering cover (8) consists of at least two pieces, covering sheet-A (9) and covering sheet-B (10), connected to each other in a connection strip portion (11), furthermore at least two through openings (14) are made in the covering cover (8).
US08627771B1
A fragmenting warhead is provided having an outer cylindrically shaped hollow steel shell which can be selectively detonated into different fragment types and sizes. The warhead has a plastic liner within said shell, and a core of explosive. There are a number of insulated wire grids of high electrical resistance which will heat when an electrical current is provided thereto located in intimate thermal contact with the explosive, each grid corresponding to a fragment type and size for selection by providing electrical current to that selected grid. Heat flux is caused when an electrical current runs through a particular grid and this selectively melts explosive in the near vicinity of such grid, then a detonation of the explosive core will result in a fragmentation type and pattern corresponding to that grid type and pattern. An ignition propellant train may also be selectively associated with wires on the grids to further selectively detonate the explosive. The plastic liner serves not only as electrical insulation, but also increases grid structural integrity, ease of manufacturing, thermal insulation, and IM qualities of the warhead.
US08627769B2
The invention provides a method of preparing a blast hole which method comprises the steps of: drilling a blast hole; placing explosives in the blast hole; filling the blast hole with a stemming material comprising a cement composition and water wherein the weight ratio of water to solids content of the stemming material is at least about 1:1.
US08627765B2
The invention relates to a baling device for forming cylindrical bales of crop material, including a frame, an intake device, a bale forming device, and a pre-baling device to form, when desired, a pre-bale, wherein the pre-baling device includes a lower conveyor belt and an upper conveyor belt, between which a pre-bale can be formed. At least one of the lower and upper conveyor belt is movable to and from the other of the lower and upper conveyor belt, wherein the baling device can at least be arranged in a baling position in which crop material is transferred to the bale forming device, and a pre-baling position in which crop material is received in the pre-baling device to form a pre-bale.
US08627757B2
A system for use in a construction including a compartment to be protected from an explosive threat incoming from an expected threat direction. The construction comprises a surface disposed in front of the compartment and having at least a section thereof expected to be impacted by the explosive threat, and a component disposed between the surface and the compartment. The system comprises two cables, and an elongated element having two end portions and a bendable portion and being configured for mounting in the construction so that at least a part of the bendable portion is disposed between the section and the compartment and flexible towards the compartment to be protected, upon application thereto of a force caused by the explosive threat. Each cable is connectable at one end thereof to the component, and at the other end thereof is connected to one of the ends of the elongated element.
US08627754B2
There is provided a sheet processing apparatus capable of preventing the roll sheet cut by the cutting device from falling over to the sheet processing apparatus and improving the conveyance capability of the roll sheet when the long size roll sheet is made. Long size roll sheet is fixed at three spots, wherein the three spots are the top edge portion of the roll sheet receiving portion, the top edge portion on the downstream side of the regulatory member, and the bottom edge portion of the projecting portion. The bottom edge portion of the projecting portion is constructed to be always located inside a circular arc which starts from a center O with a maximum radius R of the roll sheet, wherein the circular arc passes the top edge portion of the roll sheet receiving portion and the top edge portion on the downstream side of the regulatory member.
US08627752B2
A tool and a method for cutting an elongate runner piece used to support a ceiling tile and having an inverted T-shaped body and including: a) a crossbar having a downwardly facing surface with a width; and b) a stem. The method includes the steps of: providing a tool with a support assembly and cutting assembly; placing the runner piece in a cutting position upon the support assembly; with the rail piece in the cutting position, repositioning at least one cutting element on the cutting assembly to thereby cut into the crossbar on the body over substantially the full width of the downwardly facing surface of the crossbar at a first lengthwise location; and cutting the stem adjacent to the first lengthwise location.
US08627750B2
A vacuum shroud is provided for receiving nuts separated from frangible collar fasteners by use of a powered offset ratchet head. The shroud comprises of an offset ratchet head receiving portion and a nut receiving portion. The offset ratchet head receiving portion defines an aperture formed to receive and engage the offset ratchet head. The nut receiving portion defines a nut receiving aperture and a nut discharge port. The nut receiving aperture is disposed adjacent to the offset ratchet head receiving aperture, to receive nuts discharged from the offset ratchet head when the ratchet head is disposed in the ratchet head receiving aperture. The shroud may further define a conduit extending from the nut receiving portion to the nut discharge port. The nut discharge port is engageable to a vacuum source to draw nuts received in the nut receiving portion out of the nut discharge port.
US08627736B2
A variable speed transmission for motor vehicles includes multiple drive gears which are switchable by means of at least one gear changing device, in particular by means of synchronous shifting clutches, in particular multiple forward gears and a reverse gear. The variable speed transmission is subdivided or divided into at least two part-transmissions each with multiple gears, by at least one shifting device in particular least one shifting clutch in such a manner that at least one of the part-transmissions is engaged and at least one of the part-transmissions is disengaged as a function of one of the drive gears as selected by the gear changing device and/or as a function of defined shifting states of the shifting device.
US08627730B2
The invention relates to a torque sensor comprising an inner body, an outer annular body surrounding the inner body concentrically and webs connecting the inner body to the outer annular body in a star shape. Further on the torque sensor comprises a means for introducing torque and at least one measuring element on a web for determining deformation. The webs have the form of a u-profile.
US08627726B2
A pressure/vacuum sensor and method, comprising: driving a MEMS piezoresistive resonator (8) into resonant vibration, applying Joule heating to the resonator (8); and sensing a variable parameter that varies in response to the tendency of the resonant frequency (fo) to depend upon the temperature of the resonator (8), the temperature thereof depending upon the pressure. The variable parameter may be the resonant frequency of the resonator (8), or a change therein, or may be derived from a feedback loop, being for example a time integrated feedback signal (82) or a reading (94) of the sense current (22), the loop keeping the resonant frequency constant in opposition to the above mentioned tendency. A reference MEMS capacitive resonator (62) may be located in the vicinity of the resonator (8) for compensating purposes.
US08627723B2
A method and apparatus for measuring frequency and amplitude of an input signal representative of an echolocation call. In one example, a system includes a combination of a digital sampling channel and a zero crossing measurement channel that are configured to simultaneously measure the echolocation call and produce a combined, time-synchronous data set representative of the echolocation call.
US08627712B2
A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.
US08627702B2
A method of rolling metal strip, and in particular steel strip, in which the metal strip passes through the roll gap of at least one roll stand, allows the work rolls of the roll stand which define the roll gap to be able to be shifted along their axes of rotation if differences occur in the shape of the roll gap from its desired shape. The method provides for flat products to be rolled which meet very stringent requirements in respect of their dimensional accuracy. For this purpose, the work rolls are shifted in the same direction in accordance with the invention, following a given shift strategy which is characterized by a regular change in the direction of shift (R−, R+) as a function of the reaching of given maximum shifted positions (V2, V4, V6, . . . , V28, V28, V30, V32 . . . , V53).
US08627700B2
A method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a vehicle includes an ironing step for ironing a tubular material to manufacture a tubular member having a non-constant thickness, using an ironing apparatus provided with a punch, a die whose side surface opposing the punch is a convex and concave surface, and a pressing member. At the ironing step, a flange portion of the tubular material is set at the die, then the pressing member is moved relative to the die thereby to squeeze the flange portion of the tubular material by the pressing member and the die, and then the punch is moved relative to the die to iron at least a portion of the tubular material except the flange portion of the tubular material to manufacture the tubular member having a non-constant thickness.
US08627699B2
A device for adjusting the distance between a pair of work rollers (40) in an edger of a rolling mill comprising actuator means associable with a respective work roller (40). The actuator means comprise a roll group (10; 10s) including two cylinders (20, 20s; 30, 30s) associated with each other so to slide inside each other and movable between a withdrawn or maximum distance position between the rollers (40) and an advanced or minimum distance position between the rollers (40).
US08627695B2
A method for ultrasound shot-blasting by a cloud of balls set in motion through contact with a sonotrode having one metallic surface including an area of difficult access, characterized in that the surface is that of a hook axially restrained on a turbomachine blade including a groove provided between the hook and the base of the blade, and the cloud of balls is contained in a chamber encompassing the groove and the surface portion outside the groove.
US08627692B2
A cover assembly for an appliance includes a glass panel, at least one attachment element and a perimeter frame. The glass panel has a perimeter edge extending between an inner surface and an outer surface and along a periphery of the glass panel. The attachment element is configured for engaging a corresponding structure of the appliance when the cover assembly is disposed at the appliance. The perimeter frame encompasses at least the perimeter edge of the glass panel, with no portion of the outer surface of the glass panel encompassed by the perimeter frame such that the outer surface of the glass panel is generally co-planar with an outer surface of the perimeter frame along the periphery of the glass panel. At least one of (i) the attachment element is bonded at the inner surface of the glass panel and (ii) the perimeter frame comprises the attachment element.
US08627685B2
A process for melting at least one mineral material in powder form includes using at least one laser beam (12) for supplying the energy necessary to the melting, and gradually supplying mineral powder to a zone (10) that is impacted by the laser beam(s) so as to obtain the largest surface possible for interaction between the material and the laser beam(s).
US08627664B2
Methods, apparatus and systems for operating a solar steam system in response to a detected or predicted reduced or impending reduced insolation event are disclosed herein. Examples of transient reduced insolation events include but are not limited to cloud-induced reduction in insolation, dust-induced reduction in insolation, and insolation events caused by solar eclipses. In some embodiments, in response to the detecting or predicting, steam flow is regulated within the solar steam system to reduce a flow rate into a steam turbine. Alternatively or additionally, one or more heliostats may be responsively redirected onto a steam superheater or steam re-heater.
US08627659B2
An engine assembly may include an engine structure, first and second exhaust gas conduits, a turbine and a flow control mechanism. The engine structure may define a first cylinder and first and second exhaust ports in communication with the first cylinder. The first exhaust gas conduit may be in fluid communication with the first exhaust port. The second exhaust gas conduit may be in fluid communication with the second exhaust port. The turbine may be in fluid communication with the first exhaust gas conduit. The flow control mechanism may prevent the exhaust gas from the first cylinder from flowing through the second exhaust gas conduit during a first mode and may allow the exhaust gas to flow through both the first and second exhaust gas conduits during a second mode.
US08627658B2
The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.
US08627654B2
A method of treating emissions from an internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle includes directing a flow of air created by the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is spinning but not being fueled through a hydrocarbon absorber to collect hydrocarbons within the flow of air. When the hydrocarbon absorber is full and unable to collect additional hydrocarbons, the flow of air is directed through an electrically heated catalyst to treat the flow of air and remove the hydrocarbons. When the hydrocarbon absorber is not full and able to collect additional hydrocarbons, the flow of air is directed through a bypass path that bypasses the electrically heated catalyst to conserve the thermal energy stored within the electrically heated catalyst.
US08627652B2
In forced regeneration control of an exhaust gas purification device a number of data for injection control, such as a number of meshes of a data map and a number of data maps for multi injection control, is decreased while occurrence of torque shock, which is a rapid fluctuation of a generated torque, is avoided. In this forced regeneration control, when an operation state of an internal combustion engine is a high-load operation state, the normal injection control by stopping the multi injection is carried out and, according to a rotation speed and a load of the internal combustion engine, a region for control is divided into a multi-injection control region, a transition region, and a normal injection control region. In the transition region, data for injection control obtained by interpolation of data for injection control on the multi-injection control region side and data for injection control on the normal injection control region side is used.
US08627647B2
A method of scavenging the residual burnt gas of a direct-injection supercharged multi-cylinder internal-combustion engine(10), notably of diesel type, running under partial loads, with a piston moving in a reciprocating motion between a top dead center (PMH) and a bottom dead center (PMB) includes a burnt gas scavenging stage that is carried out by a sequence of opening/closing at least one exhaust valve (18) during engine exhaust phase (E) and at least one sequence of opening/closing at least one intake valve (28) during this exhaust valve opening/closing sequence. The method includes, during the scavenging stage, in controlling the closing time of intake valve (28) so as to cause a decrease in exhaust pressure (Pe) in order to achieve a pressure differential between intake pressure (Pa) and exhaust pressure (Pe) favorable to intake pressure (Pa).
US08627645B2
A method for controlling a particulate matter sensor heater is provided. The method includes operating the heater to burn-off soot accumulated on the sensor; and adjusting the heater level based on sensor output generated during the heater operation. In this way, improved heater control can be achieved using the sensor output already available.
US08627644B2
The invention relates to a thrust reverser (9) for an aircraft nacelle (1), including: a front frame (11), a cowl (21) which can move between an operating position and an intermediate maintenance position downstream of the front frame (11), means (26) for moving the cowl (21) between closed and open positions, and an inner structure (23) which can move between an operating position and an intermediate maintenance position downstream of the front frame (11). In addition, the cowl (21) comprises two half-cowls (21a, 21b) and the inner structure (23) comprises two structure halves (23a, 23b), whereby said half-cowls (21a, 21b) and said inner structure halves (23a, 23b) can open outward when the cowl (21) and the inner structure (23) are in the intermediate maintenance position.
US08627642B2
A clippings collecting-discharging device includes: a bucket on a lawn mowing unit divided into a main body part including a clippings flow inlet and a movable part connected to an upper end of the main body part, and can be operated between a closed position where the main body part and the movable part abut against each other and an open position where the movable part is rotated upward and separated from the main body part; a discharge plate in the bucket positioned near the inlet in a lying posture when the bucket is closed; and a discharge mechanism where the discharge plate stands up toward an opening between the main body part and the movable part while interlocking with the operation of the bucket, which position is changed to the open position.
US08627641B2
A dynamically rigged load distributing system for an equestrian saddle including several load-bearing sections positioned upon flexible inner side panels to be incorporated in the saddle. Several line guides are fixed respectively to the sections. One or more load distribution lines pass through the guides, and loop around free-running pulleys of the stirrup hanger system. A new stirrup hanger bat includes cliverter pulleys and cooperates with a pulley block to transfer loads through the load-distribution lines to the load-bearing sections around the saddle. A girthing system for the saddle includes webbing attached to the sections so as to depend therefrom and receive ends of girth straps whereby load is transferred to the sections on each side of the saddle.
US08627639B2
A method in a computer system of distributing pills into containers for use by a patient includes obtaining from a memory a fill pattern including a mapping of each of a first plurality of pills to one of a first plurality of containers such that at least two of the first plurality of pills are mapped to the same one of the first plurality of containers, obtaining from the memory an attribute of each of the first plurality of pills such that at least two of the first plurality of pills differ in at least the obtained attribute, and automatically sorting the first plurality of pills according to the attribute of each of the plurality of pills according to a predefined order to generate an ordered list corresponding to an order of depositing the first plurality of pills into the first plurality of containers.
US08627630B2
The present invention is a door with a modular frame which can be installed and removed easily. In several embodiments the door is constructed to fit in a standard interior doorway without modifications to the existing door frame. In several embodiments the opening is constructed in the upper half of the door. In several embodiments the screen is constructed in a modular frame for easy replacement of the screen if damaged or if other material such a glass or acrylic glass is desired in the opening. In several embodiments the modular frame can be replaced without tools. In several embodiments the modular frame could hold a number a different inserts. In several embodiments the door has a regular door panel on one side and an opening with a modular frame on the other side. In several embodiments the door has a self supporting screen.
US08627628B2
A system and method for insulating a metal roof includes a thermal block arrangement disposed over each of a pair of purlins. A vapor-barrier sheet spans between and is secured over the opposing pair of purlins, the vapor-barrier sheet being secured underneath each thermal block arrangement. A batt insulation receiving cavity is defined by an upper surface of the vapor-barrier sheet and between opposing faces of each of the thermal block arrangements.
US08627626B2
Novel dowel structures and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a unitary dowel structure is formed from a plurality of laminates. In certain embodiments, a first dowel laminate may be placed substantially above or below one or more other dowel laminates. At least one laminate may include a first material that is substantially devoid in another laminate. Upon being in communication, the laminates may form a unitary dowel structure having a first end and a second end that are configured to flex in a vertical direction without breaking to transfer stress loads from a concrete slab in communication with the first end of the unitary dowel structure and a concrete slab in communication with the second end of the unitary dowel structure.
US08627625B2
The present invention concerns a masonry wall panel assembly comprising a panel and a plurality of bricks. The panel is provided with a plurality of horizontally extending contiguous channels bounded by upper and lower protruding ribs, for fitting a row of bricks. Each channel is also fitted with a plurality of compressible retaining tabs positioned along the upper rib of each channel for retaining bricks inserted therein. The bricks are provided with at least one cavity and at least one compression area so that when a brick is inserted into a channel of the panel, the brick is positioned between the ribs such that the cavity of the brick faces one or more of the tabs located on the channel so that the tabs protrude into the cavity of the brick while at the same time compressing the compression area, thereby retaining the brick within the channel.
US08627623B2
A modular foundation system comprising prefabricated foundation sections each comprising stems and bases. In some embodiments, the base of each section is configured to have complimentary ends adapted to selectively engage in a desired configuration. In some embodiments, each base and/or each stem of each section can include coupling openings adapted to receive engagement reinforcing adapted to engage adjacent sections. Each section includes a clamping bracket adapted to selectively couple with an alignment rod adapted to draw adjacent sections together and align said adjacent sections.
US08627621B2
A roller rail for a sliding wall, which includes several sliding wall elements, in which each sliding wall element is supported to be displaceable via in particular two carriages. The roller rail is connectable to a branching roller rail via a turnout which is switchable by the carriages. At least one carriage of a sliding wall element, for switching the turnout, takes up a position which is located outside the turnout.
US08627616B2
A prefabricated ribbed panel for installation either in a horizontal, vertical or inclined condition, characterized in that said panel comprises a caisson block (1) made of an inert insulating material, defining a plurality of recesses (2) for housing therein a longitudinal reinforcement structure (10) which can be embedded in a first concrete casting (11) made at a concrete casting shop; a first finishing slab floor (13) with an electrowelded network (15) at panel joining regions being moreover provided.
US08627614B2
A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.
US08627610B1
A privacy enhancer is composed of a first strip preferably rigid and a flexible strip. The first strip has a connector located on one edge. An adhesive is provided along the length of the side for attachment to a first or second pilaster of an enclosure. The enhancer includes a second strip preferably a flexible plastic strip preferably nontransparent having a connector located on an edge of the flexible plastic strip. The two connectors are coupled together. The first strip is then attached to the pilaster by contacting the adhesive side of the strip to the pilaster on the side of the pilaster opposite to the direction of movement of the door. The flexible plastic strip closes off the space between the door and the pilaster when the door is closed.
US08627607B2
Nonparallel sliding window guides guide a window for a motor vehicle. Each guide may have a guide rail. At least one guide has a fixed holding device mounted to the pane. At least one guide is attached to a holding device, in which the guide is movably mounted using an equalizing bearing. The equalization bearing comprises at least one movable interlink, preferably a pivotally movable interlink, wherein the interlink connects the guide rail to the holding device in a stabilizing manner to accommodate transverse and/or torsion forces that may act on the guide rail. The interlink engages with the guide via a control groove and control bolt. The distance between at least one guide and the sliding window changes depending on the displacement of the sliding window. The position of at least one guide relative to the mount also changes depending on the displacement of the sliding window.
US08627604B2
A door assembly that includes a normally fixed door panel disposed between an ingress opening and an egress opening. The door assembly includes a first sliding door panel slidable between a 1) closed position wherein the first sliding door panel blocks the ingress opening and 2) an open position wherein the first sliding door panel is in an overlapping configuration with the normally fixed door panel so as to permit persons to egress through the egress opening. A second sliding door panel is slidable between a 1) closed position wherein the second sliding door panel blocks the egress opening and 2) an open position wherein the second sliding door panel is in an overlapping configuration with the normally fixed door panel so as to permit persons to ingress through the ingress opening. The normally fixed door panel is pivotable to a breakout open position upon receiving a pivoting actuation.
US08627602B2
A gate assembly is provided for positioning in an opening through which selective access is required in use. The gate assembly includes two or more gate panels movably mounted to each other via movement means to allow adjustment of the overall width of the gate assembly to allow fitting of said gate assembly in the opening in use. The movement means including protruding means provided on at least one of said gate panels which are slidably mounted in a slot or channel provided on the other of said gate panels. At least two spaced apart location means are associated with the slot or channel for receiving the protruding means, thereby providing at least two pre-defined width positions for said gate panels.
US08627600B2
A pinch-protection mechanism adapted for use with a closure panel and method for use of the same, said mechanism comprising at least one structural component defining an adjustable edge section manipulable between first and second configurations and an active material element coupled to the component, such that the change causes or enables the edge section to be manipulated to one of said first and second configurations, and manipulating the edge section between said first and second configurations eliminates, warns of, or mitigates a pinch condition.
US08627597B2
The system is based on placing on the façade a suitably anchored metal structure to which is fixed a plastic panel supporting geomesh layers that constitute support for the plants. At the top of these geomesh layers drip irrigation nozzles are arranged, supplied by a water recirculation pipe, and excess water is collected in a channel, which is then filtered, analysed, supplemented with fertilizer and acids, all under computer control. There is also the option to empty the recirculation circuit and add new water treated by reverse osmosis from a tank.
US08627589B2
A frame assembly for supporting and displaying a display panel comprising: at least one pair of elongated split rails supported in a joined, spaced apart, parallel relationship by a pair of first corner connectors that are permanently mated therewith, either a second pair of elongated split rails or a unitary rail and a pair of elongated unitary rails fixedly attached by sliding, barbed and threaded engagement to the preceding rails to form a four sided frame assembly.
US08627582B2
An energy-return shoe system includes a shoe portion having a sole. The sole has a toe area and a heel area. The sole is capable of bending at a point between the toe area and the heel area. A lower sole has a toe area and a heel area and is bendable at a point between the toe area and the heel area. A heel mechanism interfaces the shoe heel area to the lower sole heel area and holds the shoe heel sole area in horizontal synchronization with the lower heel sole area thereby maintaining a same horizontal position between the heel areas and allowing front and rear ends of the heel areas to close and open at the same rate. A spring or other device pushes the heel areas away from each other, thereby absorbing energy upon impact and releasing the energy on step-off.
US08627579B2
Apparatus and methodology for applying heated-air flow to wet or damp copper cable and specifically to individual mutually-insulated copper conductors within that cable including their respective paper sheath coverings. This cable can be used in telecommunications applications. Disclosed embodiments permit drying of difficult to reach wet/damp areas within a cable and between and amongst layers of wet/damp cable. A heat gun muzzle-insert attaches, at one end, to a heat gun barrel's muzzle end to extend hot air flow from the gun through the insert and through a plurality of tubes attached to its other end, This allows air flow to be pin-pointed at wet/damp areas otherwise not reachable without the tubes. The muzzle-insert attaches via threaded connection and is made from the same material as the gun to have the same thermal expansion characteristic. The hot air flow extender mechanisms can be modularized, each ha mg differently-sized pluralities of tubes.
US08627578B1
A hooded dryer accessory system having a panel with a first end and a second end, the panel is generally flexible, the panel is arc shaped wherein a top edge has an arc length greater than that of a bottom edge, a first half connecting means on the first end of the panel and a second half connecting means on the second end of the panel, wherein the first half connecting means temporarily engages the second half connecting means, and a padding component on a back surface of the panel along all or a portion of the bottom edge.
US08627577B2
An apparatus of checking dimensions of an object includes a checking platform. The checking platform has a checking slot extending from one side and arriving at another side thereof. The checking slot is defined by a first side wall, a second side wall and a bottom wall, wherein the first side wall has a front section connecting to a rear section. The second side wall has a middle section connecting to a front section and a rear section, wherein the distance between the front section of the first side wall and the front section of the second side wall is greater than that between the rear section of the first side wall and the rear section of the second side wall, and is smaller than that from a connecting location to the middle section of the second side wall.
US08627576B2
The present invention relates to a coordinate measuring machine having a sensor for measuring an object, and having a housing structure for holding and positioning the sensor, wherein a position change sensor is provided in order to detect a change in position of the sensor and of the housing structure. Further, the invention relates to a method for collision detection of a coordinate measuring machine. Last, the invention relates to a method for correcting data of a sensor, measuring in a contactless fashion, in particular an optical sensor, of a coordinate measuring machine. The method according to the second and the third aspects can be executed on a coordinate measuring machine according to the first aspect.
US08627565B2
A preformed product of a crankshaft is formed in a shape smaller than a shape of a cavity of a separatable die set 1103 composed of an upper die and a lower die and is disposed in the cavity of the die set 1103 as a material M. The cavity of the die set 1103 matches a required shape of the crankshaft. When the material M is disposed in the cavity of the die set 1103, a clearance is formed between the material M and the cavity, and when a side-forming punch 1000P is inserted into the material M, a hollow hole is formed in the material M and the cavity is filled with the material M. As a result, not only can weight saving be achieved by forming the hole in the crankpin of the crankshaft, but also degradation of dimensional accuracy by forming the hole can be avoided.
US08627555B2
A memorial product is presently disclosed that includes a glass structure having a first helix of cremation remains and a second helix of a second material, wherein the helix of the cremation remains and the helix of the second material are intertwined to form a double helix in the glass structure. In some embodiments, the second material is additional cremation remains or a colored material selected to correspond to the deceased represented by the cremation remains. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a memorial product including forming a first portion of molten glass into a substantially cylindrical shape having an exterior surface, applying cremation remains on a first portion of the exterior surface, applying a second material on a second portion of the exterior surface, and gathering a second portion of molten glass over the first portion of molten glass to encase the cremation remains and the second material.
US08627543B2
A cleaning appliance is capable of performing two or more cleaning functions. The cleaning appliance may include a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner such that a user can vacuum a floor prior to steam cleaning the floor.
US08627536B1
A latex ink removal device to aid a user in scratching off instant lottery tickets is herein disclosed, comprising a stylus made of aluminum or a similar durable material that will stand up to tough use as well as allow it to be carried in a pocket or purse. A first end of the device is of a flattened yet curved profile similar to that of a fingernail or edge of a coin. It is used to remove the scratch-off material off of instant lottery tickets. A second end of the device is provided with a replaceable rubber-based eraser that is used to rub off the lighter covering material on some other types of instant lottery tickets such as “Bingo” and “Cashword”. Since this eraser material will wear down with use, it is sold as a replaceable part that can simply screw on and off using a threaded connector.
US08627524B2
Household-type front loading and water-recirculating clothes washing machine adapted to automatically measure the weight of the dry clothes loaded in the machine for washing, also on the basis of the information on the type of clothes in said washload entered from the outside (user), in which the measurement of such weight of the washload is performed by measuring the amount of water that is absorbed by the clothes in the washload when this is soaked with water to a point at which it is in a dynamic saturation, i.e. steady-state condition. Said measurement of the amount of water absorbed in the clothes is obtained by subtracting the amount of water that is present in the machine, and that does not interact with the washload, from the total amount of water let into the wash tub. The weight of the load of clothes is finally calculated by processing and interpolating the amount of absorbed water and rectifying such value with an information on the properties of the clothes in the washload.
US08627523B2
A portable variable-position headboard for a bed or the like is provided. The apparatus includes a bottom frame member having a first end and a second end, the second end including a hinge; a back support frame member having a first end and a second end, the first end having a complementary hinge for coupling the back support frame member to the hinge of the bottom frame member, the back support frame member being movable from a first, closed position to a second, open position relative to the bottom frame member; and a back board configured for supporting a back of a user, the back board being pivotably coupled to the second end of the back support frame member. In the open position, the bottom frame member can be horizontally disposed between a mattress and a support structure, e.g., a bed frame, to create a vertical headboard.
US08631511B2
Parts and structures are described for micro and nano machines and the creation of macro structures with nano and micro layers of special materials to provide improved performance.
US08631501B2
A gaming related system employs a front end application that allows access to various reports from various, disparate databases. Such may avoid reviewing reports in SQL Reporting services. Identification of reports and/or categories of reports, as well as access to reports and categories of reports may be limited based on a user role associated with a user identifier and/or pass phrase. Users may only need to provide log in information once per log in session.
US08631499B2
A security analyzer tests the security of a device by attacking the device and observing the device's response. Attacking the device includes sending one or more messages to the device. A message can be generated by the security analyzer or generated independently of the security analyzer. The security analyzer uses various methods to identify a particular attack that causes a device to fail or otherwise alter its behavior. Monitoring includes analyzing data (other than messages) output from the device in response to an attack. Packet processing analysis includes analyzing one or more messages generated by the device in response to an attack. Instrumentation includes establishing a baseline snapshot of the device's state when it is operating normally and then attacking the device in multiple ways while obtaining snapshots periodically during the attacks.
US08631493B2
Systems and methods for geographically mapping a threat into a network having one or more network points include receiving threat information identifying a threat to a point of the network, correlating the threat information with location information for the identified network point, and network identification information for the identified network point, and generating a map displaying a geographical location of the threat.
US08631491B2
A replay detection technique with “small state” (e.g., with relatively few bits of state information). A sending node generates a random number ri, retrieves a code sequence (h*i−1), in one example, comprising the last 5 bits of a hash value (hi−1) of a previous packet i−1, generates a hash value hi based on the random number ri and the code sequence (h*i−1), and formulates a packet with index i including hi, ri and datai for delivery to a receiving node. The receiving node retrieves ri and hi from packet i; retrieves a code sequence (h*j) associated with a previous packet j, in one embodiment, comprising the last 5 bits of a hash value (hj) of a previous packet j, generates a hash value (hj+1) based on the random number ri and the code sequence (h*j); and declares a replay attack if hi does not equal hj+1.
US08631489B2
A method and system for detecting a malicious domain name, comprising: collecting domain name statistical information from a non-recursive domain name system name server (RDNS NS); and utilizing the collected domain name statistical information to determine if a domain name is malicious or benign.
US08631486B1
A method is used in identity assurance. A process is executed that is used to verify a user identity. A description of the executed process is stored and is used to determine a level of trust.
US08631485B2
A method for identifying malware activities, implemented within a computer infrastructure, includes receiving a data communication via a data channel and determining a user is not interactively logged in to a host. Additionally, the method includes identifying the data communication as a potential malware communication in response to the determining the user is not interactively logged in to the host.
US08631474B2
A user's set top box (STB), or other client, executes a shell and has an application program interface (API) by which certain features of the client can be controlled. The client is in communication with a walled garden proxy server (WGPS). The client sends a request to the WGPS to access a service provided by a site in the garden. The site sends the client a message containing code calling a function in the API. The WGPS traps the message from the site and looks up the site in a table to determine the access control list (ACL) for the site. The WGPS includes the ACL in the header of the hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) message to the client. The shell receives the message and extracts the ACL. If the code lacks permission, the shell stops execution.
US08631472B1
Methods, media, and servers are provided for maintaining persistent sessions for a network device and providing quick authorization to a user of the network device. The network server maintains persistent sessions with network devices based on a usage profile associated with the network devices. The persistent sessions are maintained during time periods when the network device experience peak transaction activity. Additionally, during these time periods, the network device may provide quick authorizations to users of the network device. Quick authorizations allow a transaction to complete on the network device without waiting for authorization if the user is identified as a returning user.
US08631457B1
A method and apparatus for monitoring text-based communications to secure a computer is described. In one embodiment, the method for monitoring text-based communications to secure a computer includes defining at least one portion of the computer display that is associated with text-based communications and examining the at least one portion of the computer display to identify textual data within the text-based communications.
US08631455B2
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for adapting playback bit rate to available delivery bandwidth in a content delivery system comprising a content server and a content player. A content player periodically estimates whether a given playback bit rate can feasibly provide complete playback for a given title assuming currently available bandwidth. If playback becomes unfeasible at a current bit rate assuming currently available bandwidth, then the content player adapts the bit rate downward until a feasible bit rate is achieved. If playback is feasible using a higher bit rate, then the content player may adapt the bit rate upward.
US08631449B1
An in-flight video system for providing video services to an aircraft is disclosed. The video system may include a receiving module positioned on an aircraft. The receiving module may be configured for: receiving video signals being broadcasted on a ground-based cellular network, processing the video signals received and providing a video stream. The video system may further include a processor communicatively connected to the receiving module. The processor may be configured for distributing the video stream to at least one end device onboard the aircraft.
US08631438B2
Systems and methods are described that provide favorite channel designation portability from a variety of locations, devices and/or programming service providers.
US08631433B2
An image display apparatus and a method for operating the image display apparatus are provided. The method receives a broadcast signal, generates a thumbnail image based on broadcast information included in the received broadcast signal when the received broadcast signal is a broadcast signal of at least one of an audio channel, a data channel, or a scrambled channel, and displays a thumbnail list including the generated thumbnail image. This allows the user to easily identify the contents of broadcasts of a plurality of channels.
US08631431B2
A system is disclosed for providing broadcast programming to subscriber locations including an intermediate video supplier, subscriber location equipment and one or more video sources. The intermediate video supplier includes a video buffer and a video server that processes received subscriber requests and retrieves, according to the subscriber requests, either of currently broadcast programming or broadcast programming previously buffered in the video buffer by the video server. The subscriber location equipment includes a remote control and a local control unit that transmits the subscriber requests to the video server via one or more data links and receives, from the video server, the broadcast programming for display on a local video display via the data link. A subscriber may initiate a restart command with a single action via the remote control to restart a currently viewed program from the beginning even if the currently viewed program was joined in progress.
US08631430B2
A method consistent with certain implementations involves receiving a stream of legacy encrypted main content that contains selectively DRM encrypted duplicate content; decrypting the legacy encrypted stream of content; eliminating the duplicate content that is not DRM encrypted; generating a selectively DRM encrypted stream of content; and providing the selectively DRM stream of content as an output signal for consumption by a device residing on a home entertainment network. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08631426B2
A pickup damper is provided. The pickup damper is configured to be installed adjacent to a plurality of guide shafts installed on opposite sides of an opening of a base chassis, configured to collide with a pickup and relieve shock via at least three steps in response to an external shock being applied, and configured to prevent the pickup from colliding with the guide shafts to protect the pickup.
US08631422B2
Techniques for business event processing are presented. Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein may operate to receive a request to perform an operation on a listing previously published by an online marketplace; to identify at least one additional listing having certain characteristics in common with the listing from a plurality of previously published listings including the listing; and to automatically perform the operation on the at least one additional listing.
US08631412B2
A scheduler is provided, which takes into account the location of the data to be accessed by a set of jobs. Once all the dependencies and the scheduling constraints of the plan are respected, the scheduler optimizes the order of the remaining jobs to be run, also considering the location of the data to be accessed. Several jobs needing an access to a dataset on a specific disk may be grouped together so that the grouped jobs are executed in succession, e.g., to prevent activating and deactivating the storage device several times, thus improving the power consumption and also avoiding input output performances degradation.
US08631405B2
A mechanism for optimizing initial placement of virtual machines (VMs) to reduce memory consumption based on similar characteristics is disclosed. A method of embodiments of the invention includes identifying characteristics of a new virtual machine (VM) to be placed by a host controller on one of a plurality of candidate host machines and, for each candidate host machine of the plurality of candidate host machines, communicating with one or more VM agents each associated with a VM of one or more VMs hosted by the candidate host machine to identify characteristics of the one or more VMs. The method further includes identifying the candidate host with the most VMs having similar characteristics to the new VM.
US08631403B2
Methods, systems, and computer programs for performing management tasks in a virtual infrastructure are presented. The method includes detecting an increase, beyond a predetermined threshold, in the number of tasks waiting to be processed by a first virtual center (VC), which executes as a virtual machine (VM) in the virtual infrastructure. Further, the method includes operations for spawning one or more additional VCs executing as VMs in the virtual infrastructure and for distributing the managed objects handled by the first VC among the additional VCs. The tasks waiting to be processed are reallocated among the first VC and the additional VCs, and the reallocated tasks are then processed by the corresponding VC.
US08631398B2
A method and apparatus for efficient wireless interface installation is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for installing a first interface driver and a second interface driver is disclosed. The method comprises iterating a first interface driver installation process until at least one of success or a predetermined number of failures, if the first interface driver installation process is successful, iterating a second interface driver installation process until at least one of success or another predetermined number of failures, and generating an interface for communications between the first interface driver and the second interface driver, if the second interface driver installation process is successful.
US08631397B2
Virtual applications are automatically kept up to date with the current version of a virtual application. Instead of the client having to obtain the entire version of the current virtual application, the client obtains the portions of the current virtual application that are changed from its version of the virtual application. After obtaining the changes needed to update its version of the virtual application, the client integrates those changes into its version of the virtual application.
US08631393B2
A process for performing a software task is detailed that includes preparing readable programming computer code and storing the computer code within the storage of a computer system in uncompiled form. The computer code is compiled to machine code in response to an executional call for the code. The machine code corresponding to the computer code is then executed to perform the software task. In addition to removing the conventional limitation of retaining only executable compiled software, only a portion of a larger total computer code necessary to perform the desired software task is compiled in response to an executional call from a user, request for another computer process, a prompt by an interfaced electronic instrument or a boot event.
US08631380B2
A method of generating a hardware design for a pipelined parallel stream processor, by defining a hardware processing operation; specifying at least one propagation rule; defining a graph representing the processing operation in the time domain, comprising at least one data path to be implemented as a hardware design and a plurality of parallel branches; each data path having: at least one data path input, output, and discrete object corresponding to a hardware element; each discrete object comprises an input for receiving an input variable, an operator for executing a function on said input variable, and an output variable; optimizing each output from each discrete object in dependence upon the propagation rule to produce an optimised graph; and utilizing the optimised graph to define an optimised hardware design for implementation in said pipelined parallel stream processor.
US08631374B2
A cell-based architecture for an integrated circuit that uses at least two categories of cells: cut-gate cells and breaker cells. Cut-gate cells have gates that extend from one boundary of the cell to an opposite boundary of the cell. Cut gate features are located along the boundaries of the cell to indicate locations for cutting the gates during fabrication. Instances of the cut-gate cells are arranged in abutting rows that result in the formation of continuous gate strips during the fabrication process, which are then cut into individual gates with a cut-gate mechanism. Breaker cells have gates that do not extend to the boundaries of the breaker cell. To prevent the continuous gate strips from exceeding design rule requirements, instances of breaker cells are placed at intervals between the rows of cut-gate cell instances to restrict the size of the gate strips.
US08631368B2
A method and circuit for characterizing a process variation of a semiconductor die is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes operating a circuit at multiple supply voltage levels to generate race condition testing data. The circuit is disposed on at least one die of a wafer and includes at least one racing path circuit having at least two paths. The method further includes collecting the race condition testing data and evaluating the collected race condition testing data. The race condition testing data is correlated to a process variation of the at least one die.
US08631366B2
Integrated circuit libraries include a first standard cell having a first left boundary and a first right boundary, and a second standard cell having a second left boundary and a second right boundary. The first standard cell and the second standard cell are of a same cell variant. A first active region in the first standard cell has a different length of diffusion than a second active region in the second standard cell. The first active region and the second active region are corresponding active regions represented by a same component of a same circuit diagram representing both the first standard cell and the second standard cell.
US08631363B2
A method and mechanism is disclosed for identifying and tracking nets in an electrical design. A hierarchical design does not have to be flattened to perform the operation of identifying and tracking nets. To identify sets of connected shapes, instead of having to unfold the entire design hierarchy, only the specific instances of shapes falling within the geometric bounds of shapes identified as being part of a net needs to be unfolded to perform the search. When composing the list of nets for a hierarchical design, the unfolded shapes at other hierarchical levels of the design can be derived based upon virtual terminal structures that implicitly references nets and objects at other levels.
US08631362B1
A system and process for utilizing probability distribution information about process parameters to quantify the probability of manufacturing process variation for variants of circuit designs in order to more efficiently analyze and simulate the designs.
US08631358B2
Methods, systems, devices, and apparatus, including computer program products, for adjusting a graphical user interface. A motion of a device is detected. A graphical user interface of the device is adjusted in response to the detected motion.
US08631354B2
A user interface and techniques for manipulating a graphical representation via indirect manipulation of focal controls are described. Generally, the user interface includes a graphical representation (e.g., an image, video, application, browser, map, etc.), one or more visible or transparent focal controls, and gesture detection functionality to detect inputs from a user. The user may provide this input via a peripheral device (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, etc.), a touch-screen display, or in another suitable manner. In each instance, the user provides an input relative to the focal control and, in response to detecting the input, the gesture detection functionality manipulates the underlying graphical representation.
US08631351B2
Multiple degrees of context for media content that is consumable on computing platforms including PCs and personal media players is provided by logically organizing context objects into halos that surround each piece of consumable content. The context objects represent information and experiences that are contextually associated with media content to enable users to easily discover content and experiences that they will find interesting in a rich and personal manner. As a user navigates from a content item to a context object in the halo, the context object itself morphs into content that is then surrounded by a new halo of context objects to which the user may navigate. The organization of media content and information into halos enables an effective contextual paradigm that cuts across strict hierarchical structures to allow the user experience to be much more seamless and free-flowing.
US08631350B2
A system and method for displaying a graphical context menu on a display screen of a mobile communication device. The method includes receiving a menu request, determining the number of menu items based on the context of the menu request, generating a graphical context menu based on the determined number of the determined number of menu items, inserting the menu items into the generated graphical context menu, and displaying the generated graphical context menu on the display screen with the inserted menu items. The graphical context menu can include menu items displayed in a 3×3 grid, a 2×3 grid or a 1×3 grid. The graphical context menu can include a default menu item in the center of the grid and a full menu option in the bottom most right slot of the grid.
US08631342B2
A computer display control system comprises an input module adapted to receive a user input corresponding to a composited desktop display where the composited desktop display displays at least two active desktops corresponding to at least two different computers. The input module is adapted to automatically determine to which of the desktops the user input corresponds.
US08631341B2
The techniques and mechanisms described herein are directed to a method for managing and selecting one out of large set of open tabs in a tabbed browser. Browsing software is configured to provide a quick pick user-interface that visually displays the content of the several tabs, such as a by displaying a thumbnail for each tab. The thumbnails allow a user to easily distinguish between each opened tab. The browsing software may also be configured to recognize a user selection from within the quick pick user-interface and in response, switch back to a tabbed window view and display the selected tab in that view. The browsing software may adjust the tab row so that the selected tab is positioned in a favorable position within the tab row. In addition, within the quick pick user-interface, the user may reposition the thumbnails and/or close the thumbnails, thus affecting the associated tab in the tab row.
US08631337B2
A particular method includes detecting a context switch to a first interface. In response to the context switch, data values from a plurality of data fields of the first interface may automatically be copied to a shared storage location.
US08631332B2
Displaying a preference by a user of a content contribution is disclosed. A preference event by the user is detected. A plurality of detected events is stored. In response to a query from a client, at least a portion of the stored detected events is stored. At least a portion of the received events is displayed in an interface.
US08631331B2
The present invention relates to a network management system for analyzing Internet application traffic. An apparatus for Internet application traffic classification benchmark according to the present invention configures two or more Internet application traffic classifications in plug-in scheme to perform a benchmarking function for the performance of each Internet application traffic classification. The apparatus can provide an objective and accurate evaluation for each classification technology by aggregating various Internet application traffic classification technologies by the plug-in scheme.
US08631325B1
In certain implementations, a first data element set associated with a first attribute may be provided on a user interface. Individual first data elements of the first data element set may each represent a first value associated with the first attribute. A control element set may be provided on the user interface. Individual control elements of the control element set may each represent an attribute. A first touch-based input indicating an association of a first one of the individual control elements with a first one of the individual first data elements may be received. Responsive to the indicated association, a second data element set associated with a second attribute that is represented by the first one of the individual control elements may be provided on the user interface. Individual second data elements of the second data element set may each represent a second value associated with the second attribute and correspond to the first value represented by the first one of the first individual data elements.
US08631317B2
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for manipulating display of document pages on a touchscreen computing device are provided. Embodiments include recognizing, by the touchscreen computing device, finger motion selection gestures on a touchscreen of the touchscreen computing device; selecting, by the touchscreen computing device for each recognized finger motion selection gesture, a document page displayed on the touchscreen; recognizing, by the touchscreen computing device, a finger motion combination gesture on the touchscreen; combining, by the touchscreen computing device responsive to the finger motion combination gesture, the selected document pages into a single concatenated document page; and displaying, by the touchscreen computing device, the single concatenated document page.
US08631313B2
A transmitter generates an encrypted data by processing a specific data according to a specific transmission mode, generates a verification code according to the specific transmission mode, and provides a protocol data unit according to the encrypted data and the verification code. After transmission, a receiver decodes the protocol data unit and determines whether the decrypted data of the protocol data unit matches the verification code, thereby providing error detection for wireless transmission.
US08631308B2
An apparatus for determination of a position of a 1-bit error includes an error position determiner of the inner code, an error syndrome determiner of the outer code, a derivative determiner and an overall error position determiner. The error position determiner of the inner code determines at least one possible error position of a bit error in the coded bit sequence on the basis of the inner code. The error syndrome determiner of the outer code determines a value of a non-linear syndrome bit of the outer code on the basis of a non-linear function of bits in the coded bit sequence. Furthermore, the derivative determiner determines a value of a derivative bit for at least one determined, possible error position of the bit error on the basis of derivation of the non-linear function based on the bit at the determined, possible error position in the coded bit sequence.
US08631306B2
A memory system comprises a non-volatile memory device that stores user data and state information regarding the user data. In a read operation of the non-volatile memory device, a memory controller calculates a priori probabilities for the user data based on the state information, calculates a posteriori probabilities based on the a priori probabilities, and performs a soft-decision operation to determine values of the user data based on the a posteriori probabilities.
US08631304B2
Systems and methods of overlapping error correction operations are disclosed. A method at an encoder device includes receiving data to be encoded, including a first data group and a second data group. The first data group includes a first subgroup that contains a first plurality of bits and a second subgroup that contains a second plurality of bits. The second data group includes the second subgroup and a third subgroup that includes a third plurality of bits. A first encode operation encodes the first data group to generate a first codeword and a second encode operation encodes the second data group.
US08631301B2
Unrecoverable electronic correction code (ECC) errors in memory storage devices are usually preceded by recoverable ECC errors. A memory storage device controller is provided notice of the recoverable errors and associated information. The memory storage device controller can cause the data having the recoverable information to be rewritten on the memory storage device. Rewriting the data on the memory storage device (often in a different location) normally reduces the probability of encountering data with unrecoverable data errors.
US08631294B2
A first data set is written to first memory units identified as having a higher data reliability and a second data set is written to second memory units identified as having a lower data reliability than the first memory units. In some cases, the second data set may include metadata or redundancy information that is useful to aid in reading and/or decoding the first data set. The act of writing the second data set increases the data reliability of the first data set. The second data set may be a null pattern, such as all erased bits.
US08631285B2
A content data recording apparatus includes a code addition unit adding an error correction code to an input content data, a data storing unit temporarily storing the content data, and outputting it, a plurality of nonvolatile memories that enable writing/reading of the content data, a generator generating a write address and a read address, a read buffer temporarily storing the read content data, and outputting it, an error correction unit correcting an error of the content data based on the error correction code, and giving correction impossible notification when the error is not corrected by the error correction code, and a controller carrying out a read control for reading content data from the nonvolatile memories, and carrying out a first rewrite control for controlling the data storing unit so that the data storing unit again outputs content data, and writing the content data again output to the nonvolatile memories.
US08631280B2
Systems and methods are described for diagnosing behavior of software components in an application server. The application server can comprise a plurality of components that process incoming requests. A diagnostics advisor can be deployed with the application server and can determine an efficiency and/or inefficiency of each of the components of the application server or other middleware system. The efficiency determined by computing a ratio of the number of requests that completed execution during a particular sampling time period to the number of requests that were received. The inefficiency is the ratio of the number of requests that are still being executed at the end of the sampling time period to the number of requests that were received. The diagnostics advisor employs the determined efficiency and/or inefficiency to diagnose a misbehavior or other problem of the components in the application server.
US08631278B2
A system for use in an environment having a remote computer system, a user associated with the remote computer system, and an error detection component for detecting errors associated with the remote computer system comprises a storage component for computer programs that performing diagnostics errors associated with the remote computer system, and a search component, responsive to a first error being detected, for searching the storage component for a first computer program associated with the first error. If a first computer program is found, a presentation component presents a first option to the user, wherein the first option is associated with selection of the first computer program. If the user selects the first computer program, an execution component executes the first computer program on the remote computer system.
US08631276B2
Log-Based Rollback Recovery for system failures. The system includes a storage medium, and a component configured to transition through a series of states. The component is further configured to record in the storage medium the state of the component every time the component communicates with another component in the system, the system being configured to recover the most recent state recorded in the storage medium following a failure of the component.
US08631263B2
An information processing apparatus decreases power supply to a processing unit if a predetermined condition is satisfied. If a waiting time has elapsed during a power saving state in which power supply to the processing unit is decreased, the information processing apparatus cancels the power saving state. The information processing apparatus executes a head retraction in response to the cancellation of the power saving state. The information processing apparatus stops power supply to the storage unit in response to completion of the head retraction.
US08631262B2
A method of dynamically scaling a power level of a microprocessor is provided. The method includes: calculating unit workload rates during unit periods in a first duration period; changing a length of the first duration period based on a variation of the unit workload rates; calculating a period workload rate by accumulating the unit workload rates in the first duration period; and changing the power level of the microprocessor based on the calculated period workload rate.
US08631260B2
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are configured to monitor signals received via a transmission medium by a paging monitor to detect an activity trigger. Systems, apparatuses, and methods are further configured to, in response to detecting the activity trigger, cause, by the paging monitor, a main receiver to transition from an energy conservation mode to an active mode to monitor the transmission medium for data traffic.
US08631249B2
In an embodiment, regarding an addition of a kb-bit number A and a b-bit random number r, element data of a pre-calculated table C′ is set based on a sum AH+rH of a value AH of upper b/2 bits of a number A2, which is lower b bits of the number A, and a value rH of upper b/2 bits of the random number r and the sum AL+rL of a value AL of lower b/2 bits of the number A2 and a value rL of lower b/2 bits of the random number r in such a way that presence/absence of carrying-over of A2+r is indicated. Accordingly, the size of the pre-calculated table needed to be reduced for obtaining an addition result of upper (k−1)b bits by mutually adding the kb-bit number A and the b-bit number r.
US08631248B2
To protect computer programs against security attacks that attempt to corrupt pointers within the address space of the program, the value of a pointer is encrypted each time the pointer is initialized or modified, and then the value is decrypted before use, i.e., each time the pointer is read. Preferably, the encrypting and decrypting steps are effected by instructions generated by a compiler during compilation of the program. One convenient method of implementing the encrypting and decrypting steps is by XOR'ing the pointer with a predetermined encryption key value, which could be specially selected or selected at random.
US08631246B2
A method for commencing operation of an encrypted pin pad (EPP) of a self-service terminal. The EPP includes a security module that is capable of encrypting a confidential numeric code entered over the EPP with a PIN key. The EPP has a sensor that detects whether the EPP is installed properly in the self-service terminal or not. The sensor signal is scanned by the security module of the EPP. The EPP automatically goes to a non-operational mode if the sensor signal indicates that the EPP is not properly installed. The EPP, after passing from an operational to a non-operational mode, can only be returned to operation by entering an authorized activation code in the keypad security module.
US08631242B2
A system of screening servers, screener client computers, and screening kiosks distribute an applicant screening process among multiple sites and multiple participants. To facilitate and secure communications of screening results and applicant actions, a personal identification code is provided that identifies individual sets of screening results. In this manner, the applicant is authenticated and can then enter appropriate applicant profile data into a secure screening account, such as via a screening kiosk. Screening results may be generated for the applicant in association with a unique personal identification code. This code can then be communicated to the screener, who can access the screening results along with a recommendation, if desired, by sending the code to a screening server.
US08631239B2
In one embodiment, a mobile device performs an over-the-air firmware update by writing the updated firmware to a inactive system image partition, and rebooting the device. The security of the OTA update is maintained through checking a plurality of security signatures in an OTA manifest, and the integrity of the data is maintained by checking a hash value of the downloaded system image.
US08631229B2
A method may include allocating a number of public keys, where each respective public key is allocated to a respective entity of a number of entities; storing a number of private keys, where each respective private corresponds to a respective public key; storing one or more decryption algorithms, where each respective decryption algorithm is configured to decrypt data previously encrypted using at least one encryption algorithm of the encryption algorithms. Each respective encryption algorithm may be configured to encrypt data using at least one public key. Each respective decryption algorithm may be configured to decrypt data using at least one private key. The method may include receiving encrypted data, where the encrypted data is encrypted using a first public key and a first encryption algorithm, and the encrypted data is provided over a network.
US08631228B2
In a hitless manual cryptographic key refresh scheme, a state machine is independently maintained at each network node. The state machine includes a first state, a second state, and a third state. In the first state, which is the steady state, a current cryptographic key is used both for generating signatures for outgoing packets and for authenticating signatures of incoming packets. In the second state, which is entered when a new cryptographic key is provisioned, the old (i.e. formerly current) key is still used for generating signatures for outgoing packets, however one or, if necessary, both of the old key and the newly provisioned key is used for authenticating signatures of incoming packets. In the third state, the new key is used for generating signatures for outgoing packets and either one or both of the old key and new key are used for authenticating signatures of incoming packets.
US08631212B2
Input/output memory management unit with protection mode for preventing memory access by I/O devices
A memory management unit is configured to receive requests for memory access from a plurality of I/O devices. The memory management unit implements a protection mode wherein the unit prevents memory accesses by the plurality of I/O devices by mapping memory access requests (from the I/O devices) to the same set of memory address translation data. When the memory management unit is not in the protected mode, the unit maps memory access requests from the plurality of I/O devices to different respective sets of memory address translation data. Thus, the memory management unit may protect memory from access by I/O devices using fewer address translation tables than are typically required (e.g., none).
US08631207B2
Methods and apparatus to provide for power consumption reduction in memories (such as cache memories) are described. In one embodiment, a virtual tag is used to determine whether to access a cache way. The virtual tag access and comparison may be performed earlier in the read pipeline than the actual tag access or comparison. In another embodiment, a speculative way hit may be used based on pre-ECC partial tag match to wake up a subset of data arrays. Other embodiments are also described.
US08631203B2
A method and apparatus for managing the caching of data on an auxiliary memory of a computer. Pages of data may be cached on an auxiliary memory, such as a flash memory, at a virtual level using an identifier that does not involve a physical address of the pages on a memory. Pages may be cached on auxiliary memory that may be removable from the computer, e.g., by unplugging the memory from the computer. Page data may be encrypted and/or compressed on the auxiliary memory. An authentication indicator may be used to verify the accuracy of cached data in the case of an interrupted connection to the auxiliary memory, e.g., as a result of computer power down, hibernation, removal of the memory from the computer, etc.
US08631200B2
A method and system for manipulating a spin state of each disk in a drive array is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring input/output (I/O) requests to each disk drive in a disk array and identifying any disk drive as an inactive disk drive based on a number of I/O requests directed to said any disk drive for a given time interval. The method further includes moving data from the inactive disk drive to an active disk drive having a free disk space to store the data and updating metadata associated with the data using a log-structured file system for the disk array. Further, the method includes manipulating a spin state of the inactive disk drive by spinning down the inactive disk drive to conserve power. Furthermore, the method includes redirecting subsequent I/O requests for the inactive disk drive to the active disk drive by accessing the metadata of the log-structured file system.
US08631199B2
A storage system including a storage device which includes media for storing data from a host computer, a medium controller for controlling the media, a plurality of channel controllers for connecting to the host computer through a channel and a cache memory for temporarily storing data from the host computer, wherein the media have a restriction on a number of writing times. The storage device includes a bus for directly transferring data from the medium controller to the channel controller.
US08631197B2
A method and a storage system are provided for implementing indirection tables and providing enhanced updates of the indirection tables for persistent media or disk drives, such as shingled perpendicular magnetic recording (SMR) indirection tables. A plurality of memory pools are used to store indirection data. An exception pointer table provides a pointer to an exception list for an I-Track. The exception list includes predetermined-size exception entries sorted by an offset from a start of the I-Track. An insert exception entry is provided for a new host write and merged to an updated exception list using an offset of the insert exception entry.
US08631193B2
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth an abstracted memory subsystem comprising abstracted memories, which each may be configured to present memory related characteristics onto a memory system interface. The characteristics can be presented on the memory system interface via logic signals or protocol exchanges, and the characteristics may include any one or more of, an address space, a protocol, a memory type, a power management rule, a number of pipeline stages, a number of banks, a mapping to physical banks, a number of ranks, a timing characteristic, an address decoding option, a bus turnaround time parameter, an additional signal assertion, a sub-rank, a number of planes, or other memory-related characteristics. Some embodiments include an intelligent register device and/or, an intelligent buffer device. One advantage of the disclosed subsystem is that memory performance may be optimized regardless of the specific protocols used by the underlying memory hardware devices.
US08631192B2
In one embodiment, the invention provides a memory system including a flash memory device including a plurality of memory blocks implementing a plurality of data blocks, a plurality of log blocks, and a plurality of free blocks. The memory system further includes a flash translation layer maintaining the number of the free blocks to be at least equal to a reference number by converting selected memory blocks among the data and log blocks into free blocks via at least one merge operation during a background period. Additionally, the flash translation layer converts selected ones of the free blocks into data and log blocks, respectively.
US08631189B2
A storage apparatus includes: an input/output section configured to input and output data related to an external access; a memory for storing input data input by the input/output section by distributing the input data to a plurality of areas while making use of a cache area for temporarily storing the input data; and a control section configured to make an access to the memory on the basis of the external access and carry out a garbage collection operation on the areas including the cache area in order to release the cache area in the access made to the memory on the basis of the external access.
US08631188B1
A data storage device is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory, such as a disk of a disk drive or a non-volatile semiconductor memory. First and second write commands are received from a host, and in response first and second write data are requested from the host. The first write data is stored in the non-volatile memory, and after storing the first write data, a first acknowledge is transmitted to the host to acknowledge completion of the first write command. After transmitting the first acknowledge, a third write command is received from the host. The second write data is stored in the non-volatile memory, and after storing the second write data, a second acknowledge is transmitted to the host acknowledging completion of the second write command. After transmitting the second acknowledge, third write data is requested from the host associated with the third write command.
US08631181B2
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that validates message-signaled interrupts. During operation, the system receives a message-signaled interrupt from a requesting device. This message-signaled interrupt includes an interrupt vector that identifies an interrupt, and is accompanied by an identification tag that identifies the source of the interrupt. The system uses the interrupt vector to access a stored tag from a tracking mechanism that associates source devices with their assigned interrupt vector(s). The system then compares the identification tag and the stored tag to validate the message-signaled interrupt.
US08631176B2
A main processor manages serial communication with one or more external devices by establishing the requisite tasks needed for serial communications. For example, these tasks can include (1) serial device handling, (2) protocol encapsulation, and (3) low-level communication with external devices. A priority is assigned to each of the tasks so that timing requirements are met, while maximizing processor efficiency of the main processor. Upon its completion, each lower priority task initiates execution of a next higher priority task to synchronize data processing with data communication.
US08631175B2
A method of performing an input/output operation includes: generating by a channel subsystem at least one command message including one or more device command words (DCWs), at least one DCW including a data count and a suppress-length indication (SLI) configured to instruct a control unit whether to continue to perform the I/O operation in response to an incorrect length condition; forwarding the at least one command message to the control unit; receiving an incorrect length (IL) value from the control unit and storing an IL indicator in a subchannel-status word, the IL indicator representing the IL value, the IL value being a first IL value in response to a first SLI value and the data count not matching the amount of data required, the IL value being a second IL value in response to a second SLI value and the data count not matching the amount of data required.
