US08846194B2
The present invention provides an electromagnetic wave-permeable brilliant coated resin product which has a brilliant coating film formed by applying a coating composition that includes a planar brightening material formed from aluminum, on a resin substrate. Within the brilliant coating film, the brightening material is oriented in a state such that a plane thereof is biased toward a direction that follows a surface of the brilliant coating film, and an average overlapping quantity (y), which is an average of a quantity of brightening material that crosses one orthogonal line that is orthogonal to the surface of the brilliant coating film, and an average inter-brightening material distance (x), which is an average of distances on the orthogonal line between adjacent brightening materials that cross said orthogonal line, satisfy the following two formulae: y≧0.5 (formula 1), and y≦0.3969x+0.594 (formula 2), where, the unit for x is μm.
US08846193B2
Glass sheets according to the invention, in particular lacquered glass sheets, are covered with a coating of enamel. This coating comprises between 11 and 40% of organic material. Such glass sheets may be heat treated and, before heat treatment, may be handled and transported without damaging the coating, may be cut and ground without causing the coating to peel off or to be damaged at the borders of the cutting line, and offer a good resistance under running water, avoiding the peeling off or destruction of the coating during edges grinding or storage or transportation.
US08846192B2
An enhanced film carrier with two release films, structurally joined by an adhesive creating a structural bonding layer, allows stability during printing without having a paper layer. The release films are infused with nanometallic particles to form a nano-ionic bond force field with nanometallic transportable graphic film. The release films may be identical or distinct, and, in some embodiments, release films may be smooth or textured to provide a gloss or matte finish to a nanometallic transportable graphic.
US08846186B2
Disclosed is a layered product for metamaterial transfer for transferring a metamaterial layer onto a substrate, including: a resin mold having a fine convex-concave structure on a surface; and an inorganic layer as a metamaterial layer including at least one dielectric layer and at least one metal layer deposited on a surface of the resin mold, wherein resin of the resin mold contains fluorine, and a ratio between an average elemental fluorine concentration Eb of the resin and an elemental fluorine concentration Es of the surface of the resin mold satisfies the following equation: 200≧Es/Eb≧5.0.
US08846169B2
An encapsulating film system comprises (a) a flexible barrier film, (b) an adhesive on at least a portion of the flexible barrier film, and (c) a desiccant on at least a portion of the flexible barrier film or the adhesive.
US08846168B2
A thermal transfer film includes a light-to-heat conversion layer including a binder and a dye.
US08846167B2
An image transfer sheet includes an image-receiving layer, a substrate, and a rear outermost layer containing an alkali metal salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid. The image-receiving layer, the substrate, and the rear outermost layer are arranged in that order.
US08846157B2
The invention relates to a method for producing solid materials having an air content of ≦16 vol. % in relation to the total volume of solid materials, characterised in that hydraulically setting coating agents containing at least one cationic protective colloid are applied to an undersurface by means of mechanical methods using compressed air with air quantity factors of up to 100 or by manual methods.
US08846149B2
A method and structure for preventing film delamination provide for forming a thick film then partitioning the thick film into a plurality of discrete portions prior to subsequent thermal processing operations. The partitioning alleviates the effects of film stress at the interface between the film and the underlying material and prevents delamination during the subsequent thermal cycling operations, that take place subsequent to the formation of the film. The partitioned film includes a pattern density of at least about 80 percent and the discrete portions do not individually serve as device structures.
US08846139B2
A coating apparatus includes: a slot die configured to apply coating solution on a support by discharging the coating solution from a tip of a slot and forming a coating solution bead in a clearance between the tip of the slot and the support; a pipe through which the coating solution is fed to a pocket of the slot die; an orifice formed in the pipe at a position nearer a circumference of a circular cross section in a radial direction of the pipe in relation to a center of the circular cross section; a forward tapered inlet channel which is formed at an entrance side of the orifice in the pipe and whose aperture narrows to the orifice; a rearward tapered outlet channel which is formed at an exit side of the orifice in the pipe and whose aperture grows toward a downstream.
US08846138B2
A method for surface treatment of a paper substrate and a paper product produced therefrom are disclosed herein. The surface treatment method includes applying a salt-containing solution to at least one surface of a paper substrate by aerosol spraying in a separate step, whereby the salt distribution through the thickness of the treated paper substrate is non-uniform with the highest concentration of salt being present in the outermost portion of the paper substrate. The salt-containing solution contains at least one water-soluble metal salt and is void of any optical brightening agent (OBA).
US08846134B2
A method of disordering a layer of an optoelectronic device including; growing a plurality of lower layers; introducing an isoelectronic surfactant; growing a layer; allowing the surfactant to desorb; and growing subsequent layers all performed at a low pressure of 25 torr.
US08846127B2
The present invention provides an agent for improving taste of tea drinks, comprising at least one glyceroglycolipid, preferably monogalactosyl diacylglycerol or digalactosyl diacylglycerol, as an active ingredient. The agent of the present invention is for use to enhance kokumi, to mask astringent taste, and to prevent precipitates. The agent of the present invention is effective especially in improving tea drinks containing ground tea leaves. The present invention also provides a method for producing tea drinks containing ground tea leaves and at least 1.0 μg/ml of glyceroglycolipids and having an absorbency of 0.25 or below at 680 nm, and tea drinks containing glyceroglycolipid, which method comprises grinding tea leaves into an average particle size of 1-100 μm (preferably 1-50 μm, more preferably 1-20 μm), and mixing the resulting ground tea leaves with neutral (pH 5-7, preferably 5.5-7, especially preferably 6-7) water to elute the glyceroglycolipids into the water.
US08846124B2
A method for forming a pressed, baked food product including providing a dough intermediate puck. The dough intermediate puck is processed through a first, compression station that applies a compression force and heat to the dough intermediate puck, resulting in a pressed puck. The pressed puck is processed through a second, dwell and heating station that contacts opposing major surfaces of the pressed puck in a manner allowing the pressed puck to naturally rise and applies heat to the puck, resulting in a pressed, at least partially-baked, food product. The above steps are characterized by continuous movement of the puck from an upstream end of the first station to a downstream end of the second station. In one embodiment, residual heat from the first station is applied in the second station.
US08846116B2
The present invention relates to methods and products, such as wet wipes and absorbent articles, that are capable of imparting a health benefit when used in the intended fashion. More specifically, the products described herein comprise one or more botanical compounds, which are capable of selectively controlling the balance of flora on the skin. The compounds may enhance the adherence of healthy flora to the surface of skin or mucosa, inhibit the growth of problem flora on or around the skin surface, or inhibit the adherence of problem flora to the surface of skin or mucosa, or any combination thereof.
US08846113B2
The present invention provides methods for treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, an inhibitor of chloride-ion transport in an amount sufficient to treat diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (d-IBS). Treatment of d-IBS includes the treatment of the diarrhea component of d-IBS as well as the pain, abdominal discomfort and other symptoms associated with d-IBS. In one embodiment, the inhibitor of chloride-ion transport is crofelemer.
US08846110B2
The present invention relates to compositions for the treatment of cancerous tissues in warm-blooded animals containing one or two anticancer agents attached to polymeric carriers having monomer units derived from one or more of N-(2-carboxypropyl)methacrylamide (2-CPMA), N-(3-carboxypropyl)methacrylamide (3-CPMA), N-(2-aminopropyl)methacrylamide (2-APMA) and/or N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide (3-APMA) are also included. Anticancer agents in compositions can be attached to said polymeric carrier by side-chains which can be susceptible to hydrolysis by lysosomal enzymes intracellularly. Compositions can also include a targeting ligand attached to the polymeric carrier, optionally through a second linker.
US08846108B2
A method and apparatus for control the growth of microorganisms by enhancing the concentration metal ions therein. The method includes the step of to enhancing the effectiveness of an antimicrobial agent having a source of metal ions by adding a compound containing a hydantoin ring to the antimicrobial agent.
US08846097B2
A process is provided that includes performing a high-temperature high-pressure hydrothermal treatment for a reaction liquid prepared as a mixture of an acylated inorganic fine particle precursor and an organic modifying agent that has a carboxyl group. Because the reaction liquid contains the acylated inorganic fine particle precursor in advance, the grain growth during the high-temperature high-pressure hydrothermal treatment can be suppressed. The process thus enables production of organic-modified inorganic fine particles of a size about the same as or even smaller than that before the high-temperature high-pressure hydrothermal treatment.
US08846095B2
A tissue adhesive formed by reacting an aminodextran containing primary amine groups with an oxidized dextran containing aldehyde groups is described. The dextran-based polymer tissue adhesive is particularly useful in medical applications where low swell and slow degradation are needed, for example sealing the dura, ophthalmic procedures, tissue repair, antiadhesive applications, drug delivery, and as a plug to seal a fistula or the punctum.
US08846094B2
Viscous formulations and methods of using such compositions, useful for intramuscular and intra-articular injection are provided to treat peripheral conditions. Such compositions can include triamcinolone particles present in a therapeutically effective amount, a viscosity inducing component, and an aqueous carrier component. The compositions have viscosities of at least about 10 cps or about 100 cps at a shear rate of 0.1/second. In a preferred embodiment, the viscosity is in the range of from about 80,000 cps to about 300,000 cps. In a most preferred embodiment, the viscosity is in the range of from about 140,000 cps to about 280,000 cps at a shear rate of 0.1/second at 25° C. The compositions advantageously suspend the triamcinolone particles for prolonged periods of time.
US08846076B2
A hemostatic device for promoting the clotting of blood includes a gauze substrate, a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate, and also a polyol such as glycerol or the like disposed on the gauze substrate to bind the clay material. When the device is used to treat a bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with blood emanating from the wound to cause the clotting. A bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood includes a flexible substrate and a gauze substrate mounted thereon. The gauze substrate includes a clay material and a polyol. A hemostatic sponge also includes a gauze substrate and a dispersion of hemostatic material and a polyol on a first surface of the substrate.
US08846075B2
The invention refers to a composition material that is intended for rapid transmucosal delivery in the mouth of a biologically active substance when in contact with saliva. The composition material comprises at least one ionic carbohydrate, having at least one biologically active substance ionically bound thereto, and at least one wetable non-soluble polymeric carbohydrate. The invention also refers to a method of preparing the composition material, which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a mixture of the at least one biologically active substance and at least one ionic carbohydrate in a solvent having a permissive pH for ionic bonding of the at least one biologically active substance to the at least one ionic carbohydrate; (b) mixing the mixture in the solvent for a period that is sufficient for allowing the ionic bonding to take place; and (c) recovering the mixture from the solvent.
US08846068B2
The present invention is directed to an implantable drug depot useful for reducing, preventing or treating post-operative pain in a patient in need of such treatment, the implantable drug depot comprising a polymer and a therapeutically effective amount of a local anesthetic or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the drug depot is implantable at a site beneath the skin to reduce, prevent or treat post-operative pain, and the drug depot is capable of releasing (i) a bolus dose of the local anesthetic or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof at a site beneath the skin and (ii) a sustained release dose of an effective amount of the local anesthetic or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof over a period of at least 4 days.
US08846056B2
Immunogenic polypeptides corresponding to one or more RSV G glycoproteins, or analogues thereof, are provided as components of vaccines. The inventive compositions are useful as both a prophylactic and therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of RSV infections and associated pulmonary or other diseases. The inventive immunogens include regions of the RSV G protein, specifically, amino acid residues 164-176 of RSV G A2 protein or analogues thereof. This inventive immunogen is operable alone or in combination with other polypeptides such as the RSV G protein amino acid residues 155-206, or other vaccines such as live RSV vaccines, or inactivated RSV vaccines or immunogenic analogues thereof.
US08846055B2
Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) E2 glycoprotein is a major inducer of neutralizing antibodies and protective immunity in swine. E2 mediates virus adsorption to the target cell, and harbors genetic determinants associated with virus virulence. CSFV E2 also contains between residues 829 and 837 a discrete epitope (TAVSPTTLR) recognized by monoclonal antibody (mAb) WH303, used to differentiate CSFV from related Pestiviruses Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) and Border Disease Virus (BDV). In this report, a CSFV infectious clone of the virulent Brescia isolate (BICv) was used to progressively mutate the mAb WH303 epitope of CSFV E2 to the homologous amino acid sequence of BVDV strain NADL E2 (TSFNMDTLA). While the resulting virus mutants T1v (TSFSPTTLR), T2v (TSFNPTTLR), T3v (TSFNMTTLR) demonstrated in vitro growth characteristics similar to those of parental BICv, mutants T4v (TSFNMDTLR) and T5v (TSFNMDTLA) exhibited a 10-fold decrease in virus yield and a significant decrease in plaque size relative to parental BICv. Immunohistochemical reactivity with WH303 was lost only in T3v, T4v and T5v. Interestingly, progressive mutation of the WH303 epitope had an additive effect on attenuation for the virus in swine, with mutants T1v, T2v or T3v inducing progressively milder but invariably lethal CSF, T4v inducing only mild and transient clinical disease, and T5v inducing no disease. Swine infected with either T4v or T5v showed decreased virus replication in tonsils, draining lymph node, spleen and kidney and a significant reduction in virus shedding. Finally, T5v-infected animals were protected from clinical disease when challenged with virulent Brescia virus at 3 or 21 days post T5v inoculation. These results indicate that amino acid residues 830 to 834 of E2 are critical for virulence of CSFV in swine and that engineering at this locus may provide basis for a rationally designed live attenuated CSF vaccine.
US08846053B2
The present invention is embodied by a composition capable inducing weight loss in a patient in need thereof.
US08846051B2
Methods of producing a pathogen with reduced replicative fitness are disclosed, as are attenuated pathogens produced using the methods. In particular examples, the method includes deoptimizing one or more codons in a coding sequence, thereby reducing the replicative fitness of the pathogen. Methods of using the attenuated pathogens as immunogenic compositions are also disclosed.
US08846050B2
The present disclosure provides immunogenic compositions comprising the N-domain of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). These compositions are useful for inducing or enhancing an immune response, for inhibiting tumor cell growth and for treating cancer.
US08846049B2
The present application discloses an improved method for conducting saccharide—protein conjugation reactions using carbodiimide condensation chemistry. Depending on the nature of the saccharide or protein carrier involved, the quality of the conjugate may be improved by adding one of the reaction components slowly to the reaction mixture. Immunogenic compositions are further provided comprising the saccharide-protein conjugates made by the methods disclosed.
US08846048B2
Biomarkers for predicting the severity of malaria and methods for their detection are disclosed. In one aspect, the present application discloses CXCL4, CXCL10, VEGF, PGDF, IL-1Ra, IL-8, MIP-1β, sFas, Fas-L, sTNF-R2, and sTNF-R1 as biomarkers for the severity of malaria. In another aspect, the present application discloses a method for determining the severity of malaria and predicting mortality due to cerebral malaria. The method comprises the detection of the biomarkers CXCL4 and/or CXCL10 and at least one more biomarker and determining the severity of malaria and predicting mortality due to cerebral malaria based upon the ratio of expression of the biomarkers in the subject versus the expression of the biomarkers in a control.
US08846031B2
Novel simian adenovirus 41 and two isolates thereof are described. Various uses of these isolates, including construction of a recombinant vector which comprises simian adenovirus 41 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences are provided. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus 41 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.
US08846019B2
The present invention relates to cosmetic use, by topic application on the skin of at least one protoberberine, with exception of berberine, or a vegetable extract containing it, as an active substance reducing activity of the pilosebaceous unit, preferably inhibiting activity of the pilosebaceous unit. In particular, the invention relates to cosmetic use of at least one protoberberine, with exception of berberine, or a vegetable extract containing it, as an agent reducing, preferably inhibiting the growth of hairs of the face and/or the body, and/or seborrheic activity of the sebaceous glands. The invention also relates to a cosmetic composition comprising in a dermatologically acceptable carrier, at least one protoberberine, with exception of berberine, or a vegetable extract containing protoberberines, as an active substance, which reduces, preferably inhibits the skin's pilosebaceous unit activity.
US08846018B2
Disclosed are mascara compositions containing a first acrylates copolymer having a relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) which is less than about 0° C., a second acrylates copolymer having a relatively high glass transition temperature which is between about 0° C. and less than about 60° C., wherein a mixture of the first and second acrylates copolymers has a Tg less than about 20° C., and a solvent. Also disclosed are methods for making the mascara and applying them to keratinous tissue such as eyelashes in order to enhance their appearance.
US08846017B2
The present disclosure relates to novel cosmetic compositions comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium: (i)—at least one cationic polymer produced by polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising: a) at least one vinyl monomer substituted with at least one amino group, b) at least one hydrophobic nonionic vinyl monomer, and c) at least one associative vinyl monomer, and e) at least one hydroxylated nonionic vinyl monomer, and (ii)—at least one amino silicone chosen from a) amino silicones comprising at least one primary amine function of formula (VI): wherein R, R′, and R″, which may be identical or different, are chosen from C1-C4 alkyl radicals, C1-C4 alkoxy radicals, and OH; A and B are independently chosen from linear and branched C2-C8 alkylene radicals, with the proviso that R and R″ are not simultaneously hydroxyl groups, A is chosen from C3-C6 alkylene radicals; B is chosen from C2-C4 alkylene radicals; and m and n are integers that depend on the molecular weight and whose sum ranges from 1 to 2000, and b) non-amidated amino silicones comprising at least one quaternized amine function. These compositions may be used for washing and/or conditioning keratin materials such as the hair or the skin.
US08846014B2
The invention relates to cosmetic compositions comprising a black color subtractive mixture consisting of one blue pigment (ferric ammonium ferrocyanide and/or ultramarine blue), at least one yellow organic pigment and at least one red organic pigment, which are mixed homogeneously, said mixture having a very dark black color.
US08846009B2
The present application relates to novel antimicrobial compositions and methods of using said antimicrobial compositions for inhibiting and treating microbial growth, microbial infections, inflammatory diseases, viral diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and/or conditions that may be regulated or associated with microbial infections, such as cancer.
US08845993B2
A method of preparing purified barium nitrate includes precipitating barium nitrate crystals from a solution, and washing the barium nitrate crystals with an aqueous solution including at least 10 wt % nitric acid.
US08845988B2
A low-pressure multifunctional filter separates CO2 and other air pollutants from flue, coal, natural and other gas mixtures. The separation agent is a solid carbon-rich sorbent, such as coke, charcoal, coal or activated carbon, that captures CO2 and other air pollutants at lower temperatures and liberates them at higher temperatures. The sorbent is regenerated by heating with direct steam, hot CO2 or other source of thermal energy. The recovered CO2-rich product can be used for enhanced oil recovery, enhanced methane recovery, and subsequent storage in depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
US08845983B2
There is described a heating system for independently heating at least one sample recipient containing a sample, the sample recipient provided in a sample holder, comprising: a heating chamber having at least one opening and adapted to receive the sample holder; at least one microwave generator for generating microwaves; at least one microwave applicator inside the heating chamber connected to the at least one microwave generator, the at least one microwave applicator comprising an oven cavity portion for creating a mini microwave cavity around a single sample recipient in the sample holder, and for applying microwaves generated by the at least one microwave generator directly to the single sample recipient; and a control unit for controlling the at least one microwave generator.
US08845982B2
A method for fixation of organic tissue samples includes immersing a tissue sample in a solution of Formalin at a temperature of between 2° C. and 10° C. for a first time period (A), and immersing the tissue sample in a cold fixation dehydrating agent for a second time period (B) following the first time period. An automated tissue fixation system for fixating organic tissue samples in Formalin is also described.
US08845976B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus, which can be part of a pre-treatment system in a plant for the production of fuels, e.g. bio-ethanol, derived from plant biomass, e.g. first generation crops, such as grain, sugarcane and corn or second generation crops such as lignocellulosic biomass. The invention relates to an apparatus for processing, such as fluffing and mixing, at least two media, such as a solid, e.g. biomass, and a fluid, e.g. steam, so as to rendering the first medium susceptible to efficient receiving of energy and/or mass which is provided by localized release of the second medium. Although the description of the present invention focuses on biomass, it is envisaged that the invention is generally applicable to control the mixing of at least two media by crossing their stream of while dispersing at least one of them.
US08845974B2
Catalyzed soot filters comprising a wall flow monolith having porous walls, a first washcoat permeating the porous walls and a second washcoat on the porous walls are disclosed. Methods of manufacturing catalyzed soot filters and diesel engine exhaust emission treatment systems are also disclosed.
US08845960B2
A crystalline AlH3 is ball-milled in a hydrogen atmosphere while applying a force of 10 G to 30 G (in which G is gravitational acceleration). The milling time is more than 10 minutes and less than 60 minutes. The hydrogen storage material thus produced has a structure containing a plurality of matrix phases and a grain boundary phase disposed between the matrix phases. The matrix phases comprise Al and have a side length of 1 to 200 nm, and the grain boundary phase comprises an amorphous phase and contains hydrogen in the state of a solid solution.
US08845959B2
Alloys and dental copings or abutments formed of alloys include 50-60 wt % gold, 5-14 wt % platinum, 0.1-3.0 wt % iridium and the remainder palladium. Other alloys and dental copings or abutments formed of alloys include 58 wt % gold, 10 wt % platinum, 1.0 wt % iridium, and 31 wt % palladium. The alloys are capable of withstanding temperature profiles during casting and multiple high temperature exposures of porcelain firing without excessive softening. The alloys also exhibit advantageous shear strain properties giving the alloys improved manufacturability characteristics.
US08845958B2
Provided is an Ni-base alloy excellent in strength, ductility and other properties through the resolution of micro-segregation. Also provided is a process for manufacturing an Ni-base alloy containing by mass C:0.15% or less, Si:1% or less, Mn:1% or less, Cr:10 to 24%, Mo+(1/2)W (where Mo may be contained either alone or as an essential component):5 to 17%, Al:0.5 to 1.8%, Ti:1 to 2.5%, Mg:0.02% or less, and either B:0.02% or less and/or Zr:0.2% or less at an Al/(Al+0.56Ti) ratio of 0.45 to 0.70 with the balance consisting of Ni and impurities, which comprises subjecting, at least one time, an Ni-base alloy material which is prepared by vacuum melting and has the above composition to homogenization heat treatment at 1160 to 1220° C. for 1 to 100 hours. The Mo segregation ratio of the alloy is controlled to 1 to 1.17 by the homogenization heat treatment.
US08845955B2
A heating section 20 having heating elements using carbon which generates heat when a high-frequency electric current is fed to a coil whose pitch can be adjusted as desired is arranged in a heating chamber 10. A cooling chamber 80 configured to cool metal is disposed below the heating chamber 10 in communication with the heating chamber 10 via a connection section 60. A water-cooled vertically movable shaft 90 which is capable of supporting the metal to be heat-treated and entering the heating chamber 10 is disposed so as to penetrate through the bottom portion of the cooling chamber 80. A gas introducing pipe 81 configured to introduce gas for cooling heated metal to be heat-treated supported by the water-cooled vertically movable shaft 90 and moved from the heating chamber 10 to the cooling chamber 80 is disposed in the cooling chamber 80.
US08845954B2
To provide a zirconia-based composite ceramic sintered compact capable of being colored to white appropriate for a dental prosthesis while maintaining its mechanical and physical properties, and also provide a method for producing the same. The method for producing the zirconia-based composite ceramic sintered compact includes semi-sintering a zirconia-alumina composite ceramic containing an alumina particle and a zirconia particle comprising of tetragonal zirconia containing ceria of 8 to 12 mol %, forming the composite ceramic; dipping the formed composite ceramic in a neodymium ion solution or complex solution; drying the dipped composite ceramic; and finally sintering it.
US08845948B2
Three-dimensional microstereolithographic objects fabricated by microstereolithography are exposed to UV light for one hour to accelerate hardening. The structures are then heated at 175° C. or above for at least 6 hours. The heating temperature may exceed the glass transition temperature, which is the index of thermal softening temperature of materials. The present invention relates to three-dimensional microstructures formed by microstereolithography. Deformation due to a structure's own weight, which generally poses a problem in heat treatment, is reduced with microstructures due to the size effect. As a result, the dimensions of the three-dimensional structure fabricated by the present invention remain almost unchanged before and after the heat treatment.
US08845943B2
A method of making a structured surface and a mechanical fastener precursor are disclosed. The method includes providing a thermoplastic backing with spaced-apart, upstanding posts with base portions attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal tips; deforming the distal tips to form caps on at least some of the spaced-apart, upstanding posts to provide capped posts, wherein at least some caps upon forming touch at least one adjacent cap; and separating the capped posts. Typically, the at least some caps upon forming are shaped at least partially by the at least one adjacent cap. The mechanical fastener precursor includes a thermoplastic backing and upstanding male fastening elements with bases attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal caps larger in area than the cross-sectional area of the bases, wherein the bases of the male fastening elements are spaced apart, wherein at least some of the distal caps touch at least one adjacent distal cap.
US08845941B2
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.
US08845940B2
Fresh concrete is treated with carbon dioxide prior to delivery to a product mold for forming concrete products. Carbon dioxide gas is directed through a manifold, which may be coupled to a feedbox or a hopper, upstream from the product mold. Treating the fresh concrete with the carbon dioxide gas while it is in a loose state prior to placement in the product mold may generally promote uniform and enhanced carbon dioxide uptake.
US08845931B2
A method for preparing a nanometal-polymer composite conductive film includes the steps of (1) mixing a metal oxide with a polymer solution; (2) coating a substrate with a solution resulting from step (1), followed by drying the resultant solution to form a film; (3) performing thermal treatment on the film formed in step (2); and (4) sintering the film thermally treated in step (3). The method dispenses with any reducing agent or dispersing agent but allows nanometallic particles to be formed in situ and thereby reduces surface resistance of the polymer film efficiently.
US08845923B2
In some variations, the invention provides a deicer composition comprising alkali acetate, a solvent (such as water) for the alkali acetate, and a corrosion inhibitor comprising lignin or a lignin derivative. The acetate and the lignin or lignin derivative are preferably each derived from the same biomass feedstock. In some embodiments, the alkali is selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the alkali acetate is present in a concentration from about 30 wt % to about 99 wt %. Deicer products may be a crystallized or dried form of the deicer composition.
US08845917B2
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing soundproofing composite, and a soundproofing composite manufactured by the aforementioned method, the method comprising preparing a mixture by dissolving PP resin and nanoclay in a solvent; and volatilizing the solvent from the mixture. According to the present invention, the composite is manufactured by dissolving PP resin and nanoclay, to thereby realize great stiffness and soundproofing properties.
US08845916B2
A method for manufacturing a glass plate using laser etching includes a dipping step for dipping a glass plate, which will be etched, into an etching solution, a patterning step for irradiating laser to the glass plate dipped in the etching solution to form a pattern therein, and a washing step for washing the patterned glass plate. This method allows making a plate with a high aspect ratio and fine line widths in comparison to a conventional plate manufacturing method using photoresist for etching, and also ensures more efficient energy consumption and higher etching efficiency rather than an etching method using laser only.
US08845915B2
A polishing agent which comprises a composition containing an inorganic acid, an amino acid, a protective film-forming agent, an abrasive, an oxidizing agent, an organic acid and water, adjusted to a pH of 1.5-4, wherein the amount of potassium hydroxide required to raise the pH of the composition without the organic acid to 4 is at least 0.10 mol with respect to 1 kg of the composition without the organic acid, and the organic acid contains at least two carboxyl groups, wherein the logarithm of the inverse of the first acid dissociation constant (pKa1) is no greater than 3.
US08845909B2
A process of fabricating a heat dissipation substrate is provided. A metal substrate having an upper surface, a lower surface, first recesses located on the upper surface and second recesses located on the lower surface is provided. The metal substrate is divided into carrier units and connecting units connecting the carrier units. A first and a second insulating materials are respectively filled into the first and the recesses. A first conductive layer is formed on the upper surface and the first insulating material. A second conductive layer is formed on the lower surface and the second insulating material. The first and the second conductive layers are patterned to form a first and a second patterned conductive layers. The first and the second insulating materials are taken as an etching mask to etch the connecting units of the metal substrate so as to form a plurality of individual heat dissipation substrates.
US08845903B2
A chromatography column is normally filled with a slurry of media for operation. A piston normally compacts the slurry in the column. The piston moves through a cavity in communication with both a slurry inlet and slurry ports which are in communication with the interior of the chromatography column. A controller is configured to automatically adjust piston speeds along elevation zones of operation. Furthermore, presetting specific speeds less the maximum speed can be accomplished with the controller. A pressure sensor may also be employed to assist in switching speed of operation of the piston under particular pressure events.
US08845901B2
A ballasted anaerobic system for treating wastewater including at least one anaerobic treatment reactor. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix weighting agent with the biological flocs to form weighted biological flocs to create a weighted anaerobic sludge blanket in the at least one anaerobic treatment reactor. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover the weighting agent from excess sludge and reintroduce the weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.
US08845884B2
A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and passing each feedstream to separation reformers. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize the differences in the reaction properties of the different hydrocarbon components. The process utilizes a common catalyst, and common downstream processes for recovering the desired aromatic compounds generated.
US08845877B2
A method for heterocycle catalyzed electrochemical reduction of a carbonyl compound is disclosed. The method generally includes steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may introduce the carbonyl compound into a solution of an electrolyte and a heterocycle catalyst in a divided electrochemical cell. The divided electrochemical cell may include an anode in a first cell compartment and a cathode in a second cell compartment. The cathode generally reduces the carbonyl compound to at least one aldehyde compound. Step (B) may vary which of the aldehyde compounds is produced by adjusting one or more of (i) a cathode material, (ii) the electrolyte, (iii) the heterocycle catalyst, (iv) a pH level and (v) an electrical potential. Step (C) may separate the aldehyde compounds from the solution.
US08845876B2
The present disclosure is a system and method for producing a first product from a first region of an electrochemical cell having a cathode and a second product from a second region of the electrochemical cell having an anode. The method may include a step of contacting the first region with a catholyte comprising carbon dioxide. The method may include another step of contacting the second region with an anolyte comprising a recycled reactant and at least one of an alkane, haloalkane, alkene, haloalkene, aromatic compound, haloaromatic compound, heteroaromatic compound or halo-heteroaromatic compound. Further, the method may include a step of applying an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode sufficient to produce a first product recoverable from the first region and a second product recoverable from the second region.
US08845875B2
The present disclosure is a system and method for producing a first product from a first region of an electrochemical cell having a cathode and a second product from a second region of the electrochemical cell having an anode. The method may include the step of contacting the first region of the electrochemical cell with a catholyte comprising an alcohol and carbon dioxide. Another step of the method may include contacting the second region of the electrochemical cell with an anolyte comprising the alcohol. Further, the method may include a step of applying an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode sufficient to produce a first product recoverable from the first region and a second product recoverable from the second region.
US08845871B2
An electrochemical oxygen sensor includes a micro-porous plastic membrane supported on a sealing disk and located between a gas inflow port and the sensor's electrolyte. The membrane and disk minimize thermal shock effects due to using the sensor at a first location, at a first temperature, and then moving it to a second location at a different temperature.
US08845869B2
An electrochemical sensor strip includes an electrode support and a cover plate, which cooperatively defines a sample receiving space, an opening, and a sample passage. The electrode support has a downstream recessed region defining the sample receiving space and formed with a plurality of through holes. Electrodes are disposed respectively in the through holes. At least one of the electrodes has a lowered top surface that is lowered relative to a surface of the downstream recessed region to define a shallow space. A filter extends into the sample receiving space from the opening and through the sample passage and covers a portion of a reaction reagent layer. The reaction reagent layer extends into the shallow space. The filter extends above the shallow space and the electrode.
US08845866B2
A method and system for DC magnetron sputtering deposition of films on plastic substrates. The method includes using a shield to block deposition in a spatial region corresponding to a plasma region formed during magnetron sputtering. An optoelectronic device including an amorphous electrode film is also disclosed.
US08845863B2
Processes and systems for purifying ethylene oxide, including introducing a feed stream including ethylene oxide to a heat exchanger to heat the feed stream, feeding the heated feed stream to a distillation apparatus base below a first stage, removing from the distillation apparatus an impurity fraction as a top exit stream from the distillation apparatus located at a top take-off on the distillation apparatus, removing from the distillation apparatus an ethylene oxide stream of 99.7 weight percent purity, based on the total weight of the ethylene oxide stream, from the distillation apparatus, and removing from the distillation apparatus an aldehyde enriched fraction as a bottom stream from the distillation apparatus, where the aldehyde enriched fraction is fed directly to a glycol reactor.
US08845857B2
A substrate processing apparatus includes a vacuum container, a rotary table to rotate in the vacuum container, a substrate placement member mounted on the rotary table in a detachable manner, the substrate placement member and the rotary table together providing a recess in which a substrate is placed on an upper side of the rotary table, and the substrate placement member constituting a bottom surface in the recess on which the substrate is placed, a position regulating unit provided at least one of the rotary table and the substrate placement member to regulate a movement of the substrate caused by a centrifugal force during rotation of the rotary table, a reactant gas supply unit to supply reactant gas to the upper side of the rotary table, and a vacuum exhaust unit to exhaust the vacuum container.
US08845847B1
A low pressure, low toxicity method of making a composite door, and a door formed from the method involving the steps forming a door frame; installing a foam block within the door frame; applying a thin coating of 1 millimeter to 4 millimeters of an water activated adhesive made of isocyanate and an alkylating agent edge to edge on a front and back side of the door frame and foam block and then within a few seconds or minutes of applying the adhesive, misting the adhesive; then placing the door frame and foam block with adhesive on a back skin then overlaying a front skin on an opposite side forming a door assemblage; and applying low pressure and low heat to the door assemblage to form the composite door.
US08845846B2
A method and an adhesive bond optical components, such that a first optical component is bonded to a second optical component with the adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises at least an acid anhydride-modified vinylaromatic block copolymer, a metal chelate, and a tackifier resin, and the adhesive has a transmittance of greater than 86% and a haze of less than 5%.
US08845840B2
The present disclosure is directed to a process for recycling film materials, and is particularly directed to collecting spent release liners for labels and constructing new release liner stock from the spent materials. In order to use the waste film, the film is subjected to a process for increasing the intrinsic viscosity. In addition, a coloring agent may be incorporated into the film in order to mask yellowing. In one embodiment, a multilayered composite film is formed.
US08845836B2
A method of making a tire comprising the steps of providing a core; forming a first layer of ply by winding a strip of one or more rubber coated cords onto the core in a geodesic pattern extending from a first shoulder to a second shoulder opposite said first shoulder and being tangent to the bead at a location between said first shoulder and said second shoulder.
US08845833B2
The invention is directed to a method for preparing a pyrotechnic composition, to the use of a water-soluble cellulose ether binder, to a pyrotechnic composition, to a method for preparing a pyrotechnic charge, and to a pyrotechnic charge. The method of the invention comprises mixing the fibrous nitrocellulose in wet form with the one or more water-soluble cellulose ether binders and optionally one or more solvents, wherein the amount of organic solvent in the mixture is 10 wt. % or less based on total weight of the mixture.
US08845828B2
There is provided a high-temperature Zn-based Pb free solder alloy having a melting point of approximately 300 to 400° C. and is excellent in wettability, joinability, workability and reliability.The Pb-free solder alloy mainly containing Zn consists of: 1.0 to 9.0 mass %, preferably 3.0 to 7.0 mass % of Al, 0.002 to 0.800 mass %, preferably 0.005 to 0.500 mass % of P, and a balance being Zn except for inevitable impurities incorporated during a manufacturing stage. The Pb-free solder alloy may include at least one of 0.3 to 4.0 mass % of Mg or 0.3 to 3.0 mass % of Ge.
US08845823B2
A method of activating an article of passive ferrous or non-ferrous metal by heating at least one compound containing nitrogen and carbon, wherein the article is treated with gaseous species derived from the compound. The activated article can be subsequently carburized, nitrided or nitrocarburized in shorter time at lower temperature and resulting superior mechanical properties compared with non-activated articles and even articles of stainless steel, nickel alloy, cobalt alloy or titanium based material can be carburized, nitrided or nitrocarburized.
US08845815B2
Disclosed is a liquid processing apparatus including first and second cups installed so as to surround a rotation holding unit of a substrate and guide a processing liquid scattered from the rotating substrate downwards. A first driving unit and a second driving unit elevate the first cup and the second cup between a position receiving the processing liquid and the lower position thereof. A controller controls that the first cup and the second cup are ascended at the same time by transferring the driving force of the first driving unit while the first cup or a first elevating member thereof is overlapped with the second cup or a second elevating member thereof from the lower side by setting the ascending speed of the first cup to be higher than the ascending speed of the second cup when the first and second cups are ascended at the same time.
US08845809B2
One embodiment provides an apparatus for material deposition. The apparatus includes a reaction chamber, and a pair of susceptors. Each susceptor has a front side mounting substrates and a back side. The front sides of the vertically positioned susceptors face each other, and the vertical edges of the susceptors are in contact with each other. The apparatus also includes a number of gas nozzles for injecting reaction gases. The gas flow directions inside the chamber can be alternated by controlling the gas nozzles. The gas nozzles are configured to inject a small amount of purge gas including at least one of: HCl, SiCl4, and H2 when the gas nozzles are not injecting reaction gas. The apparatus includes a number of heating units situated outside the reaction chamber. The heating units are arranged in such a way that they radiate heat energy directly to the back sides of the susceptors.
US08845806B2
A shower plate is adapted to be attached to the showerhead and includes a front surface adapted to face the susceptor; and a rear surface opposite to the front surface. The shower plate has multiple apertures each extending from the rear surface to the front surface for passing gas therethrough in this direction, and the shower plate has at least one quadrant section defined by radii, wherein the one quadrant section has an opening ratio of a total volume of openings of all the apertures distributed in the section to a total volume of the one quadrant section, which opening ratio is substantially smaller than an opening ratio of another quadrant section of the shower plate.
US08845798B2
A particulate matter detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine that can estimate a discharge amount of the particulate matter accurately. The particulate matter detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprises: a sensor disposed at an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, the sensor including a pair of electrodes for detecting particulate matter in an exhaust gas; means for estimating a discharge amount of the particulate matter based on an output of the sensor, and means for acquiring a predetermined parameter that serves as an index for a rate with which the particulate matter in the exhaust gas is deposited on the sensor. The discharge amount estimating means corrects an estimated value of the discharge amount of the particulate matter based on the parameter acquired by the parameter acquiring means.
US08845797B2
A CO2 recovery system includes a CO2 absorption tower for absorbing CO2 in combustion exhaust gas into an absorbing solution by bringing the combustion exhaust gas into contact with the absorbing solution that absorbs CO2; a dissolved oxygen removing device that uses at least one device of a device for blowing bubbling gas into the rich absorbing solution into which CO2 has been absorbed, a device for applying ultrasonic oscillation, and a device for heating the rich absorbing solution; a bubble removing device that turns the rich absorbing solution into which CO2 has been absorbed in the CO2 absorption tower into a swirling flow or agitates the rich absorbing solution; and a regeneration tower that regenerates the absorbing solution by releasing CO2 from the absorbing solution from which oxygen has been removed by the dissolved oxygen removing device and the bubble removing device and obtains CO2 gas.
US08845794B2
A non-seizing taper used for purged capillary tubing connections in gas chromatography that stops capillary tubing at a predictable position within the taper during installation and maintains space for gas to flow past the capillary tubing. The disclosed taper is an improved component of commonly used purged devices such as inlet liners and purged unions. The arresting aspect of the taper simplifies the process of capillary tubing installation while ensuring that the tubing will reproducibly be positioned in the taper. One or more features of the taper prevent tubing from seizing within the taper so that the devices can be reused and ensure that there is open space for a portion of gas to flow around and past the tubing. The angle of the taper, the dimensions of the taper, and the nature of the features within the taper can be adjusted to meet specific performance, usability and/or manufacturability requirements.
US08845782B2
A modular ductwork assembly decontaminates an air stream circulating within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The assembly includes one or more of (a) an ionizing module for removing particulates from the air stream, (b) a sterilization module for neutralizing airborne pathogens present in the air stream, (c) an ozone treatment module for neutralizing pathogens or odoriferous or gaseous constituents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air stream, optionally (d) baffles for slowing and disrupting the flow rate and promoting turbulence in the air stream traveling through the modules, optionally (e) a fan module for directing a treated air stream, optionally (f) an ozone sensor, optionally (g) a monitoring or ozone control means, and optionally (h) a means of delivering and repurposing generated ozone. Each of the modules is arranged substantially adjacent to at least one of the other modules.
US08845778B2
The present invention proposes a method for feeding a burden to a blast furnace (32), wherein the method comprises providing a charging device (38) having at least one material hopper (40), the material hopper (40) comprising a hopper chamber (42), a material inlet aperture for feeding a burden into the hopper chamber (40), and a material discharge aperture for feeding a burden from the hopper chamber (40) to the blast furnace (32); the material inlet aperture having an associated inlet seal valve 44) for opening and closing the material inlet aperture and the material discharge aperture having an associated material discharge valve (46) for opening and closing the material discharge aperture. The method further comprises opening the material inlet aperture and closing the material discharge aperture; feeding a burden into the hopper chamber (40) through the material inlet aperture; closing the inlet seal valve (44); pressurizing the hopper chamber (40) by feeding pressurizing gas into the hopper chamber (40); and opening the material discharge valve (46) and feeding the burden from the hopper chamber (40) to the blast furnace (32). According to an important aspect of the invention, the method further comprises subjecting at least a portion of a top gas recovered from the blast furnace (32) to a recycling process wherein carbon dioxide is removed from the recovered top gas; and feeding at least a portion of the recovered carbon dioxide as pressurizing gas into the hopper chamber (40) for pressurizing the hopper chamber (40).
US08845765B2
A method for recovering lipids from microbial biomass, the method including providing wet microbial biomass which contains lipids to extraction without disrupting the biomass cell walls, and subsequently, extracting the wet microbial biomass with a liquid extractant at elevated temperature of at least 170° C. and elevated pressure. The combination of the temperature and pressure is such that the lipids in the cells are contacted with the extractant. Subsequently the extracted lipids are recovered from or with the extractant.
US08845752B2
A ureteral stent for assisting the movement of urine along a patient's ureter and into the patient's bladder. The stent includes an elongated tubular segment extending toward the bladder from a kidney end region for placement in the renal cavity to a bladder end region. A central lumen connects at least one opening at the first end region to at least one opening in the bladder end region. Thin flexible tail(s) are attached to the bladder end region of the tubular segment at a point outside the bladder so as to receive urine from the opening in the bladder end region of the tubular segment and to transport urine from there across the ureter/bladder junction and into the bladder.
US08845746B2
An implantable orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a component that is configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared bone. A fixation side of the component includes a fixation surface that has an angled cement pocket formed therein.
US08845742B2
The present disclosure relates to a stemless shoulder prosthesis comprising a fixation device for fixing the prosthesis to a resected humerous bone, the fixation device comprising a base portion and anchoring means the base portion having a distal side adapted to contact a resection plane of the bone and a proximal side for carrying a humeral head. The anchoring means are connected to the distal side of the base portion and adapted to fix the prosthesis to the bone. The anchoring means define a central axis perpendicular to the distal side of the base portion and a free central space around the central axis.
US08845737B2
An implant assembly for a spinal column includes at least a plate and an interbody implant attached to the plate. The interbody implant is positioned in the spinal disc space and the plate extends extradiscally for attachment to the first and second vertebrae outside the disc space. The assembly may include recesses in the bottom surface of the plate, spacers, and spacing portions extending from the bottom surface of the plate that allow the plate to be secured to the interbody implant when the trailing end of the interbody implant is positioned in a recessed, flush or overhanging position relative to the laterally facing surfaces of the vertebrae.
US08845732B2
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.
US08845727B2
An intervertebral body fusion implant device configured for being engaged between two adjacent vertebrae comprises an implant device body having an upper bone engaging portion and a lower bone engaging portion, a plurality of protrusions extending from each one of the upper and lower bone engaging portions, and a guide rail extending from each one of the bone engaging portions. A passage extends between the upper bone engaging portion and the lower bone engaging portion. The guide rail of each one of the bone engaging portions extends beyond a tip portion of each one of the protrusions thereof. Each one of the guide rails extends substantially parallel with each other one of the guide rails.
US08845724B2
Pathology of the human knee can arise from excessive and/or uneven loading of regions within the joint. Methods and apparatus are disclosed that enable displacement of soft tissue around the knee, without displacing or severing bone thereby altering the mechanical load distribution within the joint in a less invasive manner than previous techniques.
US08845718B2
A prosthesis for implantation at a native semilunar valve includes a prosthetic distal valve, which includes a pliant material configured to collapse inwardly towards a longitudinal axis of the prosthesis during diastole, and to open outwardly during systole, and a distal fixation member configured to be positioned in a downstream artery of the subject. The apparatus also includes a proximal fixation member coupled to the distal fixation member, and configured to be positioned at least partially on a ventricular side of the native semilunar valve. The proximal fixation member is shaped so as to define a lattice that is shaped so as to define an intermediary portion that is coupled to the pliant material of the valve and diverges outwardly from the longitudinal axis, and a distal portion that is distal to the intermediary portion and diverges outwardly from the intermediary portion of the lattice. Other embodiments are also described.
US08845717B2
Implants, implant systems, and methods for treatment of mitral valve regurgitation and other valve diseases generally include a coaptation assist body which remains within the blood flow path as the leaflets of the valve move, the valve bodies often being relatively thin, elongate (along the blood flow path), and/or conformable structures which extend laterally from commissure to commissure, allowing the native leaflets to engage and seal against the large, opposed surfaces on either side of the valve body during the heart cycle phase when the ventricle contracts to empty that chamber of blood, and allows blood to pass around the valve body so that blood flows from the atrium to the ventricle during the filling phase of the heart cycle. Separate deployment of independent anchors near each of the commissures may facilitate positioning and support of an exemplary triangular valve body, with a third anchor being deployed in the ventricle. An outer surface of the valve body may accommodate tissue ingrowth or endothelialization, while a fluid-absorbing matrix can swell after introduction into the heart. The valve body shape may be selected after an anchor has been deployed, and catheter-based deployment systems may have a desirable low profile.
US08845715B2
A total aortic arch reconstruction graft, including a first, hollow cylindrical segment in the shape of an aortic arch, a second, hollow cylindrical segment having a first end joined to the second end of the first segment, and a second end adapted to be inserted into the descending aorta of a patient, the second segment having an expandable outer wall covered with an expandable stent, and a collar having a diameter larger than the diameter of said first segment, the collar located at a juncture where the first end of the second segment is joined to the second end of the first segment, with a plurality of separate, non-absorbable double-armed sutures pre-attached to the collar. A surgical procedure for total replacement of a patient's aortic arch is also disclosed.
US08845712B2
A deployment sheath for medical devices is provided that includes one or more pleats in its pre-deployment state that are allowed to open during deployment so as to facilitate easier device deployment and sheath removal. Preferably, the sheath is removed by everting it over itself during the delivery process. By orienting the pleats along the length of the sheath, preferably helically around the sheath, the sheath undergoes a predictable enlargement during deployment so as to relieve friction of the everted sheath sliding along itself during deployment. This allows the sheath to be removed with less tension than previous everting sheath constructions and assures more accurate device placement in a patient.
US08845709B2
A device includes an expandable implant and a hollow stent internally defining a central passage. The hollow stent defines a retention opening of the implant near the distal end thereof. The inventive device also includes a wire-type link for releasably fixing the implant to the stent, which has a traction section introduced into the opening and extending inside the central passage. For the wire-type link, the device includes an internal insulation channel arranged in the central passage and axially fixed with respect to the stent. The insulation channel receives only one wire-type link and defines a channel which is devoid of a link at least between the proximal end of the stent and the retention opening and is placed in the central channel.
US08845706B2
A medical treatment apparatus applies heat to the skin so that the skin may be gradually collapsed without incision and thereby a tumor mass beneath the skin may be exposed to the outside and allowed to be removed. This apparatus includes a cup-like container, oil, and a wick. The container is placed on the first part of the skin that covers a target tumor, and has a vertically penetrated cylindrical shape. The oil is contained in the container and is in contact with the first part of the skin. The wick is placed in the oil so as to catch flame. The temperature of the oil gradually rises while the flame lives on the wick, so heat is continuously applied to the first part of the skin from the oil. This apparatus may further include at least one of a cooling unit and a cooling water pipe placed at an outside of the container, enclosing the container, being in contact with the second part of the skin that is located at the outside of the container, and cooling the second part of the skin. This apparatus may also include an adhesive interposed between the container and the first part of the skin.
US08845704B2
The present invention provides methods of using electromagnetic radiation in the visible portion of the spectrum to modulate mitochondrial function in the treatment of various conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, other dementias, hypoxia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and sensory disorders of the extremities.
US08845703B2
Red light implants for delivering red light to spinal implants to enhance osteointegration.
US08845701B2
The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more looking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement. The bone screws and bone screw assemblies described herein permit flexible stabilization of the spine.
US08845700B2
A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction.
US08845693B2
A tulip head apparatus includes a chuck housing configured to join to a head of a screw. The chuck housing comprises an upward slot extending from a bottom for enabling the chuck housing to expand to enable entry of the head and to contract to retain the head. A plurality of downward slots extends from a top for enabling a portion of the chuck housing to contract and expand. A plurality of hook structures are disposed about the top. A rotating head includes a hollow portion having a circular groove and to accept the chuck housing in which a contraction of the portion enables entry of the chuck housing and expansion of the portion engages the hook structures with the groove to secure the chuck housing within the rotating head and enable the rotating head to rotate about the chuck housing.
US08845690B2
A variable stiffness rod is provided for use in spine stabilization systems. The variable stiffness rod system includes an outer member having a cannulation that retains a flexible tensioning inner member that can be used to adjust the stiffness of the rod via an adjustable end cap assembly that couples the inner member to the outer member at least at one end of the fixation rod.
US08845689B2
Disclosed are embodiments of a dynamic stabilizer system for dynamically stabilizing the sacrum and at least lumbar vertebra L5. The dynamic stabilizer system may comprise two anchoring members that can be implanted at distinct locations in the sacrum, a mechanical fastener element having two ends and a flexible portion that can be securely fastened on the spinous process of a lumbar vertebra, and two distinct rods, each securing onto the anchoring members and the mechanical fastener element. In some embodiments, the dynamic stabilizer system may further comprise one or more spacers, each interposed between two spinous processes. The mechanical fastener element further comprises features for securing the one or more spacers.
US08845688B2
A spinal implant device includes a spacer region and an attachment region. The spacer region is adapted to be positioned between first and second spinous processes of first and second vertebral bodies to limit movement of the first spinous process and the second spinous process toward one another. The attachment region attaches to the first spinous process via a fastener that extends substantially along a long axis of the spinous process.
US08845687B2
An anchor, formed of at least two different materials, for securing a suture relative to bone. The anchor includes a generally cylindrical body portion having a leading end configured to facilitate insertion of the body portion into the bone; a passage which is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body portion and proximate the leading end of the body portion; and bone engaging projections to secure the anchor in the bone.
US08845678B1
Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.
US08845673B2
Described herein are bioerodible, biodegradable, or digestible self-deploying intragastric implants that may be swallowed. Once swallowed, the implants undergo self-expansion in the stomach and apply a suitable pressure against the stomach wall to provide a feeling of satiety to the individual. The implants then dissolve or are disassembled perhaps using gastric liquids and pass out of the stomach. Methods of using the devices, perhaps for an individual participating in a dietary control regimen, are described.
US08845666B2
Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.
US08845653B2
The invention provides a forceps system comprising a pair of forceps members and force measurement means operable to measure compressive and traction forces exerted by the forceps when in use, and to output measurement signals indicative of such forces. Also provided is a method of measuring the compressive and traction forces exerted by a forceps system when in use.
US08845651B2
An impacting device including a head having a longitudinal axis, a lateral surface and a base surface. The impacting device also includes a recess positioned in the head having a first channel and a second channel, the first and second channels being operably connected to each other. The first and second channels are at an angle with respect to each other when viewed in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis.
US08845643B2
A bone cutting assembly. The bone cutting assembly includes a guide pin having a distal tip that may be securely inserted into a bone to define a cutting axis and a housing having a cam surface and features which allow the housing to be temporarily secured to the bone. The bone cutting assembly further includes a burr mounting arm which can be fitted on to the guide pin so that it can swing around the cutting axis and also translate up and down the guide pin. The burr mounting arm is configured to act against the cam surface as it is swung around the guide pin, so that the arm is caused to move up or down relative to the guide pin by the action of the cam surface.
US08845642B2
The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members.
US08845641B2
A device (20) used during a medical procedure to engage a cross-section of a bone is disclosed herein. The device is selectively expandable to correspond to the cross-section of the bone. Once the device is properly sized, the device is used as a sizing tool to select the proper size of an implant or as a surgical guide for preparing the bone with a surgical instrument, for example.
US08845637B2
A method and system for guiding at least a portion of a surgical device to a desired position between two tissues in a patient's body involves coupling a guidewire to the device and pulling the distal end of the guidewire to guide at least a portion of the surgical device to a desired position between the two tissues. The surgical device generally includes one or more guidewire coupling members and may comprise a tissue access device. A system may include a guidewire and a surgical device. In some embodiments, a guidewire, a tissue access device, and one or more additional devices to use with the access device may be provided. Methods, devices and systems may be used in open, less-invasive or percutaneous surgical procedures, in various embodiments.
US08845636B2
An end effector assembly having first and second jaw members is provided where one or both of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an inwardly-facing surface having a slot defined therein and a wire having an insulative coating. A seal plate has at least one protrusion that is configured to be disposed in the slot. The at least one protrusion of the seal plate is configured to displace the insulative coating from the wire thereby forming an electrical connection therewith when the at least one protrusion is disposed in the slot.
US08845626B2
Laser treatment apparatus includes one diode-laser providing infrared radiation for the treatment and another diode-laser for providing visible radiation. A lens launches the infrared and visible radiations from the diode-lasers into the entrance face of the optical fiber for transporting the radiations to a treatment location.
US08845622B2
The invention relates to a surgical instrument (100; 200) comprising: an elongated arm (111; 207) according to a longitudinal axis and having a distal end (105; 204) mounted with a pivot joint on the elongated arm according to an axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; a drive shaft (103; 3), substantially coaxial with the elongated arm, comprising means forming a universal joint (104; 206) facing the pivot joint; and, distal tool (9) securely fastened on the drive shaft and rotatively mounted on and in the extension of the distal end of the elongated arm, such that the distal tool has two rotational degrees of freedom, distinct and independent of each other, one being around an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated arm and the other being around an axis substantially collinear to an own axis of the distal tool, characterized in that the means forming a universal joint comprise a flexible drive sleeve (104; 206).
US08845621B2
A rooter includes a rotatable element, an actuator for causing the rotatable element to rotate, and a coupling feature for rotatably coupling an elongate medical instrument to the rotatable element. The rotatable element may be at least partially contained within the interior of a housing or another element that remains substantially stationary as the actuator causes the rotatable element to rotate. The rooter may be used with a variety of elongate medical instruments, such as needles, drill bits, trocars, wires, catheters, tubes, and other elongate instruments that are used to enable or effect medical procedures within the body of a subject. The rooter may be used for a variety of purposes, including, without limitation, the introduction of an elongate medical instrument into the body of a subject or its removal from the subject's body; removing, breaking up, or eliminating obstructions (e.g., blood clots, plaques, etc.) from the body of a subject; and obtaining samples from a subject's body.
US08845616B2
A suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site. The suction apparatus may have a ring manifold having an inner perimeter for receiving the surgical instrument. A plurality of suction intake ports may be arranged about the outer perimeter of the ring manifold for evacuating smoke that may be generated by the surgical instrument.
US08845614B2
Methods and devices for providing improved ultrasound visibility of medical devices intended for intravascular use are described. The inclusion of gas/solid boundary regions within a medical devices improves the resolution of the device under ultrasound visualization. Gas/solid boundary regions may be provided through the use of embedded gas-filled microlumens, microwells, or enclosed pockets within the medical device.
US08845613B2
Disclosed is a medical device to treat diabetes. The medical device includes a bolus calculator to determine an insulin bolus based on, at least in part, a glycemic index value associated with an intake to be consumed by a user, the bolus calculator further adapted to determine the insulin bolus using one or more inputs selected from the group consisting of a carbohydrate load of the intake, a current glucose level of the user, a residual insulin of the user, a carbohydrate to insulin ration, an insulin sensitivity of the user and a target glucose level of the user. The bolus calculator is housed in one or more of, for example, an insulin dispensing pump, a handheld remote control unit for the insulin dispensing pump and/or a handheld glucose monitor.
US08845609B2
An article has a longitudinal length, an article width, and an article thickness. The article includes a fresh personal care product in a substantially unsoiled condition, and a pouch having a pouch volume which operatively encloses the fresh product. The pouch includes a front panel region, a back panel region which is operatively connected to the front panel region, and at least one expansion section which is operatively connected between the front panel region and the back panel region. The expansion section is operatively held in a substantially unexpanded, closed position when the fresh product is enclosed in the pouch. The expansion section is movable to an open position after a removal of the fresh product from the pouch. The open position of the expansion section is configured to provide an expanded disposal volume which can operatively contain a product when the product is in a used and soiled condition.
US08845606B2
A controlled discharge ostomy appliance assembly comprises (i) a stoma seal that is self-urging with a dynamic damping characteristic that resists changes of seal volume, (ii) a press-fit coupling member displaceable from an unlocked position to a locked position as part of a press-fit process, and (iii) a single-use frangible portion. The assembly further includes a protector shield removably fastened to the appliance forming a combined assembly therewith. The protector shield comprises (i) a seal displacer manipulable for displacing the stoma seal to a non-operative position ready for fitting, (ii) a substantially rigid coupling member guard portion for protecting the state of the coupling member, and (iii) a bracing portion for bracing the single-use frangible portion.
US08845599B2
The present description relates to plug-forming compositions, to medical procedures employing such compositions, to methods for removing such compositions, and to products pertaining to such compositions, including medical devices, medical device components, and kits, among other aspects.
US08845596B2
A device 560, for administering multiple single doses of a medicated cream, includes a cartridge 562 having a barrel 564 for containing the cream, a plunger 608 for moving the cream from within the cartridge, and a stem 610 for moving the plunger within the cartridge. A carrier 612 is formed with a cartridge-receiving nest 712 for receiving the barrel 564. A plurality of spaced, transaxial grooves 726, 728, 730 and 732 are formed in the carrier 612 for receiving a flange 572 of the cartridge 562 during the dispensing of multiple, successive, single doses of the cream. The carrier 612 is formed with a pair of resilient ears 750 and 752 and a passage 738 for removably retaining the stem 610 with the carrier while allowing axial movement of the stem.
US08845593B2
A syringe assembly including: (1) a syringe barrel defining a chamber; (2) a plunger mounted in the chamber and moveable with respect to the barrel; and (3) a cap assembly containing a cap and an absorbent material is removably attached to the plunger.
US08845589B2
Embodiments of the present invention feature devices and methods for providing fluids to or venting gas from animals which feature a tube and a sheath in which the sheath covers the tube as the tube in inserted into the oral cavity and esophagus.
US08845588B2
A sheath introducer system with exchangeable hemostatic valve modules is disclosed. A first valve module includes a single entry port to ensure hemostasis during the introduction of an interventional device, such as a main graft delivery system for treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). A second valve module includes multiple entry ports to ensure hemostasis during the simultaneous introduction and manipulation of multiple interventional devices, such as multiple guiding catheters for use in delivering various intravascular graft components for completion of branch perfusion, for instance, during treatment of the AAA.
US08845572B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for treatment of glaucoma, wherein by means of an elongated catheter provided with a distal portion and a proximal portion, a tube-shaped implant is inserted and released in a Schlemm's canal with two opposite openings exposed by an incision and a folded up scleral flap. In a first phase, the distal portion inserted into the Schlemm's canal through the first opening, while a fluid or gaseous medium is injected at the same time, and exited through the second opening, which is, in circumferential direction, oppositely located. The implant detachably disposed at the protruding distal portion and, in a second phase, inserted, in circumferential direction, into the expanded Schlemm's canal up to the first opening. Subsequently, the distal portion, which protrudes from the first opening, is detached from the implant and, together with the catheter, removed.
US08845571B2
A method of performing regional citrate anticoagulant dialysis of a patient's blood includes flowing blood from and back to the patient through an extracorporeal circuit including a dialyzer having semi-permeable dialysis membranes and a dialysate chamber surrounding the membranes. The method further includes flowing a dialysate containing calcium and citrate through the dialysate chamber of the dialyzer and introducing citrate into the patient's blood upstream of the dialyzer, whereby the patient's blood is dialyzed. The method can further include predicting the concentration of systemic ionized calcium in the blood of the patient at any point in the dialysis treatment or post-dialysis, such as by a mathematical model. The method can further include statistically correcting the preliminary predicted post-dialysis concentration of systemic ionized calcium in the patient's blood to provide a final predicted post-dialysis systemic ionized calcium concentration. The method can further include statistically correcting the preliminary predicted systemic ionized calcium concentration for any time point during the dialysis treatment to provide a final predicted systemic ionized calcium concentration for that time point.
US08845568B2
Distractor straps for use with distractor apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a distractor strap includes a cinch strap having a free end and a second end. The second end of the cinch strap includes an adjustment mechanism receiving the free end of the cinch strap such that the cinch strap forms a closed loop. A diameter of the closed loop is adjustable with the adjustment mechanism. The distractor strap further includes a cross strap comprising a first loop, a second loop, and strapping connecting the first loop and the second loop. The cinch strap is positioned in the first loop and the second loop such that the cross strap extends across the diameter of the closed loop formed by the cinch strap and the cross strap and the cinch strap are slidable with respect to one another.
US08845565B1
A cushion that cushions the neck and shoulder of a user of a sling with a strap by being selectively secured anywhere along, and over, the strap of the sling so as to be positioned on the strap of the sling at the neck and shoulder of the user. The cushion includes an inner tube and an outer covering. The inner tube receives the strap of the sling to cushion the neck and shoulder of the user of the sling by being selectively secured anywhere along, and over, the strap of the sling so as to be positioned on the strap of the sling at the neck and shoulder of the user. The outer covering receives, and is replaceable relative to, the inner tube.
US08845561B2
The present technology is the use of the combination to treat a patient and the treatment of a patient. Sine waves are generated digitally by the combination. Data validation is used to ensure correct directional alignment prior to device activation. Patient safety and consistency in treatment protocols are considered in the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment design. A patient is treated with smooth sinusoidal waveform with a force of about 8 N to about 12.2 N with a Z-axis of acceleration (shear acceleration) of about 0.5 g to about 5g at about 5 Hertz (Hz) to about 200 Hertz. Treatment conditions can be varied depending upon the size of the patient, which includes human and veterinary patients. The method is non-invasive.
US08845557B1
The present invention relates to a movement disorder monitor with high sensitivity, and a method of measuring the severity of a subject's movement disorder. The present invention additionally relates to a drug delivery system for dosing a subject in response to the increased severity of a subject's symptoms. The present invention provides for a system and method, which can accurately and repeatably quantify symptoms of movements disorders, accurately quantifies symptoms utilizing both kinetic information and/or electromyography (EMG) data, that can be worn continuously to provide continuous information to be analyzed as needed by the clinician, that can provide analysis in real-time, that allows for home monitoring of symptoms in subject's with these movement disorders to capture the complex fluctuation patterns of the disease over the course of days, weeks or months, that maximizes subject safety, and that provides substantially real-time remote access to data by the clinician or physician.
US08845543B2
A method and an apparatus to analyze two measured signals that are modeled as containing desired and undesired portions such as noise, FM and AM modulation. Coefficients relate the two signals according to a model defined. The method and apparatus are particularly advantageous to blood oximetry and pulserate measurements.
US08845541B2
An ultrasonic medical device can include a transducer, a coupling system, and a waveguide. The coupling system can be configured to attach and adequately torque the waveguide to the transducer for use in a medical procedure. The coupling system can be configured to detach the inner probe from the transducer upon completion of the medical procedure.
US08845526B2
A multi-purpose device that can be used, as, among other things, an otoscope and a three dimensional scanning system is disclosed.
US08845524B2
A steerable endoscope has an elongated body with a selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled proximal portion. The endoscope body is inserted into a patient and the selectively steerable distal portion is used to select a desired path within the patient's body. When the endoscope body is advanced, an electronic motion controller operates the automatically controlled proximal portion to assume the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. Another desired path is selected with the selectively steerable distal portion and the endoscope body is advanced again. As the endoscope body is further advanced, the selected curves propagate proximally along the endoscope body, and when the endoscope body is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves propagate distally along the endoscope body. This creates a serpentine motion in the endoscope body allowing it to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.
US08845519B2
Devices and methods for passing optical radiation into and out of a body lumen may include a rotatable ferrule for use in an optical guidewire and methods for using a rotatable ferrule. The rotatable ferrule may be either rotatably captured by and free to rotate within a guidewire, or may rotate upon release from a releasable, mechanically stable friction-fit engagement with a guidewire. Sterile interfaces for readily connecting and disconnecting an optical guidewire with and from other optical instrumentation while maintaining the sterility of the guidewire, and methods for using a sterile interface device are disclosed. Interface devices can be used to provide either direct or indirect optical and mechanical connection between an optical guidewire and peripheral instrumentation.
US08845510B2
Systems and methods of the invention generally involve a convertible power transfer system for supplying wireless energy to an implant. According to certain aspect, a system of the invention includes a convertible inductive coil and a receiver inductive coil. The convertible inductive coil may be disposed externally on a body of a patient and to inductively transmit electromagnetic power. The convertible inductive coil transitions between direct electromagnetic power transfer and passive electromagnetic power transfer. The receiver inductive coil can be implanted within the body and provides received electromagnetic power to the implant. The convertible inductive coil, during passive electromagnetic power transfer, couples to the receiver inductive coil such that the convertible inductive coil and receiver inductive coil operate together as single receiver inductive coil that receives inductively transferred electromagnetic power from a distant transmitter inductive coil.
US08845497B2
An exercise machine that provides a generally consistent resistive force against a user who walks, steps, or runs away from the machine as part of a strength training exercise program. The machine is built upon a movable frame having transport wheel assemblies that allow the exercise machine to be placed on an indoor floor surface or on the ground outdoors. The frame of the device further supports three parallel spinning assemblies that together allow a length of linear strap attached to the user to run out from the machine and thereafter be retracted or rewound back into the machine. The spinning assemblies include a flywheel assembly, a spool assembly, and a spring assembly, each co-axially arranged on a spin axle extending across the frame. The spring assembly is fixed against the frame and incorporates a coil spring that tightens with the rotation of the spin axle in a first direction (allowing the linear run-out strap to extend out from the spool assembly). The coil spring in the spring assembly thereafter tends to direct the rewinding of the strap back onto the spool assembly. The coaxial flywheel assembly provides both an initial stationary inertia and a subsequent rotational inertia. The flywheel acts as a governor to balance the changing forces associated with the resistive force increasing in the spring assembly. Positioned on the spin axle between the flywheel assembly and the spring assembly is a spool assembly that allows the strap to unwind and subsequently to be wound back onto the spool. A guide strap may be provided around the spool to maintain the linear run-out strap within the spool assembly. A resistance adjustment assembly presses a brake pad against the perimeter surface of the flywheel to adjust the force required to direct rotation of the system. A weight horn bracket is provided to add additional disc weights if necessary.
US08845488B2
If it is determined that a malfunction has occurred in an electrical hydraulic pump and the hydraulic fluid is not supplied to a high hydraulic pressure supplied portion from the electrical hydraulic pump, the hydraulic fluid is supplied to the high hydraulic pressure supplied portion from a mechanical hydraulic pump that usually supplies the hydraulic fluid to a low hydraulic pressure supplied portion. In this case, the hydraulic pressure that is generated by the mechanical hydraulic pump is increased by increasing the output from the engine that drives the mechanical hydraulic pump.
US08845486B2
Outdoor power equipment includes an engine having a throttle and a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a tool coupled to the driven shaft. The engine further includes a transmission coupling the drive and driven shafts and providing a mechanical advantage therebetween. The transmission automatically changes the mechanical advantage in response to torque experienced by the driven shaft.
US08845485B2
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for auxiliary power units (APU). In one embodiment, the APU includes a source of rotational power such as a combustion engine operably coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be coupled to a load. In some embodiments, the load is provided by a generator. In one embodiment, the APU has a control system configured to control the operation of the engine and the operation of the CVT. The control system can facilitate substantially constant speed operation of the generator in the presence of variable operation of the engine. In another embodiment, the APU includes a continuously variable accessory drive (CVAD) operably coupled to an engine. The CVAD can include a continuously variable transmission operably coupled to a generator. In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD.
US08845481B2
A method for operating a powertrain system including a torque machine coupled to an internal combustion engine that is coupled to a transmission includes, upon commanding a shift in a transmission operating range, activating an immediate response mode to effect the shift. Activating the immediate response mode includes controlling the engine to achieve a predicted engine torque command, and controlling motor torque of the torque machine in response to a difference between an actual engine torque and an immediate crankshaft torque for shift command. An arbitrated predicted motor torque is determined. A possible crankshaft torque is determined in response to the arbitrated predicted motor torque and the predicted engine torque command. Operation of the transmission at the end of the shift event is commanded in response to the possible crankshaft torque. A predicted response mode is activated to complete the shift in the transmission operating range.
US08845480B2
A compound planetary gear mechanism includes at least two planetary gear mechanisms and a carrier. The at least two planetary gear mechanisms include a first planetary gear mechanism and a second planetary gear mechanism. The first planetary gear mechanism includes a plurality of first planetary gears. The second planetary gear mechanism includes a plurality of second planetary gears. The carrier is coupled to the plurality of first planetary gears and the plurality of second planetary gears. The carrier includes a first support shaft and a second support shaft. The first support shaft rotatably supports a first planetary gear among the plurality of first planetary gears. The second support shaft rotatably supports a second planetary gear among the plurality of second planetary gears and is independent of the first support shaft.
US08845472B2
A drive transmission unit includes a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism includes an outer gear rotatably disposed on a shaft, a sun gear rotated by a power source, coaxially disposed on the same shaft as the outer gear, multiple planetary gears to engage the sun gear and the outer gear, disposed along an inner circumferential surface of the outer gear, a carrier rotatable on the same shaft as the outer gear to rotatably support the planetary gears, a contact member that contacts the sun gear as the sun gear moves in a direction of thrust due to engagement with the plurality of planetary gears, and a grease retaining portion to retain grease near a contact portion at which the sun gear contacts the contact member as the sun gear moves in the direction of thrust. The outer gear, the sun gear, and the planetary gears are helical gears.
US08845466B2
Lace designs for footballs are provided. The laces have geometries that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the football during flight. Additionally, the placement of the laces on the football is selected to maximize aerodynamic performance of the football during flight.
US08845464B1
Each bolt of a set has three vanes and a nock with three diametrical transverse grooves; each groove is perpendicular to a corresponding vane. Each bolt is shot at least three times with a crossbow, at least once with each one of the vanes extending downward into the rail slot of a crossbow. After noting the positions on a target for each shot of each bolt, one vane of each bolt is marked so that shooting the set of bolts with the corresponding marked vanes extending downward into the rail slot results in the smallest grouping pattern for the set of bolts.
US08845463B2
A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap.
US08845460B1
The present invention is a system useful in returning a basketball to an individual by recognizing the individual's location relative to the basketball hoop. The system may further adjust its position to deliver the basketball to a person's location or the location to which the individual is moving by further recognizing the trajectory and pace of the individual, such as with the use of GPS devices.
US08845440B2
An infant care apparatus includes a base, a reciprocating vertical motion mechanism, a vertical motion driving module, a reciprocating pendulum motion mechanism, and a pendulum motion driving module. The vertical motion driving module is kinematically connected to the reciprocating vertical motion mechanism so as to vertically move the reciprocating vertical motion mechanism in reciprocating vertical motion with respect to the base. The pendulum motion driving module is kinematically connected to the reciprocating pendulum motion mechanism so as to pendulum move the reciprocating pendulum motion mechanism in reciprocating pendulum motion with respect to the reciprocating vertical motion mechanism. An interaction between a reciprocating vertical motion of the reciprocating vertical motion mechanism and a reciprocating pendulum motion of the reciprocating pendulum motion mechanism forms a specific motion path. Therefore, the infant care apparatus can offer various seat motion paths by controlling the reciprocating vertical motion mechanism and the reciprocating pendulum motion mechanism.
US08845439B2
An amusement device includes at least one swinging arm, one end of which is suspended so as to be rotatable about a swinging axis and one free end of which is displaceable along at least a part of a circular path about the swinging axis. A carrier is suspended from the free end of the swinging arm and is rotatable about an axis of rotation transversely to the swinging axis. Furthermore, there is at least one support device for at least one person which is suspended from the carrier at a distance from the axis of rotation thereof. The support device is rotatable with respect to the carrier.
US08845433B2
The present invention provides novel method and devices for configuring gaming machines. Some preferred implementations of the invention provide a portable computing device, e.g., a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), that may be used to configure gaming machines. Some such portable computing devices include software and hardware for displaying graphical user interfaces with which an operator can interact to indicate a desired gaming machine configuration. Some preferred embodiments provide a standardized format for menus and/or GUIs that can be used to configure various types of gaming machines. The portable computing device may have one or more convenient interfaces, such as a uniform serial bus (“USB”) interface, an infrared interface, etc., configured for communication with a gaming machine. For example, the interface can allow desired gaming machine configuration parameters to be transmitted to the gaming machine and actual gaming machine configuration parameters to be received from the gaming machine. In some implementations, the portable computing device may be used to verify the configurations of gaming machines that have been previously configured using other methods and/or devices (e.g., via a gaming network).
US08845430B2
On the basis of data based on an attitude and/or a motion of a portable display apparatus body, an action of a player object placed in a virtual world is controlled, and on the basis of a position and/or an attitude of the player object, it is determined whether or not the player object has received an attack. Further, when the player object has received a predetermined attack, an attack effect image representing an effect of the predetermined attack is generated, and a first image is generated by superimposing the attack effect image on an image of the virtual world and displayed on the portable display apparatus. Then, the effect of the predetermined attack in an area in the attack effect image is repaired, the area overlapping a predetermined range whose center is a touch position on a touch panel.
US08845429B2
An interaction hint is presented with a video segment. Upon receiving a user response to the interaction hint, a message is automatically sent to update information associated with a user profile without interrupting presentation of the video segment.
US08845424B2
A game controller with a communications interface includes a touch sensitive pad having a plurality of touch sensitive elements, and processing circuitry coupled to the communications interface and the at least one touch sensitive pad. The processing circuitry enacts touch pad configuration settings that correlate subsets of the plurality of touch sensitive elements to produce distinct user input locations. The processing circuitry receives touch pad input from the at least one touch sensitive pad. The processing circuitry processes the touch pad input to determine user input directions based upon the touch pad configuration settings, and then transmits the touch pad input directions via the communications interface for use as gaming input.
US08845422B2
A method includes receiving a login request to an account at a wagering game machine. In response to the login request, the method includes displaying a security token on a display of the wagering game machine. Also in response to the login request, the method includes transmitting the security token to a server, wherein the server is communicatively coupled to the wagering game machine and a mobile device. Also in response to the login request, the method includes receiving, back from the server and at the wagering game machine, authorization for login to the account at the wagering machine, wherein the authorization is based on an earlier login to the account from the mobile device using the login credentials. After receiving the authorization, the method includes logging into the account at the wagering game machine, wherein the logging occurs without inputting of the login credentials at the wagering game machine.
US08845421B2
A method of awarding a bonus for a play session of a user of an amusement device is disclosed. The amusement device has a display, a memory and a controller. The method includes receiving, by the amusement device, an input of currency from the user. A game of chance sequence for determining the bonus is automatically initiated in response to receiving the input of currency. The game of chance sequence and the determined bonus are displayed and the bonus is applied to the play session.
US08845418B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for enabling a player to take a tour of a secondary game at a game machine. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes offering to enable entry of a player into a bonus round of a game machine in exchange for a fee, receiving the fee from the player, and enabling entry of the player into the bonus round. The method further includes receiving an indication of at least one player selection during the bonus round, and determining an outcome based on the at least one player selection. In other embodiments, the method includes providing a prize to the player based on the outcome.
US08845416B2
A method and system for administering and managing promotional gaming vouchers and segregating promotional credits from normal play credit includes a plurality of gaming machines coupled to a back-end controller for monitoring play on the gaming machines and segregating cash and promotional credits of a plurality of promotional gaming vouchers. The vouchers may have only one embedded value (total value) and may be treated as any other cashless gaming voucher, thereby allowing use in older gaming machines that may be unable to read vouchers having more than one embedded value (i.e., cash and promotional values). Accordingly, the back-end controller may keep track of promotional plays and update a voucher database that logs total values and promotional values of the vouchers. Upon cashing out, the database may be interrogated and only a cash value of the voucher disbursed, where any remaining promotional value may be printed on a new voucher.
US08845414B2
A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed providing game players an exciting chance to win any of multiple progressive prizes within a free spin bonus round by accumulating different prize segment symbols which are displayed in a meter zone for each possible progressive prize. Various ways are described to add free spins to the bonus round, making it more exciting by giving the player increased chance to fill all the segments associated with a particular progressive prize, thereby winning the prize.
US08845403B2
Individually cooling one or more computers in a rack of computers in a data center including an air intake chamber, the air intake chamber having a first opening at a bottom end for receiving air from beneath the data center through perforated tiles in the floor of the data center and a plurality of openings at a top end for providing air into a plurality of flexible air channels; and a plurality of flexible air channels, each air channel having a first end opening into the air intake chamber and having an opening at a second end and having a connector to connect the second end of the flexible air chamber to a particular position in the rack corresponding to the location of a particular computer in the rack.
US08845402B2
A device for removing a breast gristle from a poultry breast carcass includes a transport apparatus for moving the breast carcass along a straight motion path in a fixed orientation. A median plane of the breast carcass is oriented perpendicularly to the motion path. A stationary cutting apparatus has a transversal blade, for making a transversal cut passing through the breast gristle, the transversal cut extending in a transversal cut plane arranged perpendicularly to the median plane. The transversal cut plane and a transversal plane of the breast carcass are arranged perpendicularly to the median plane and include an angle up to 30°. A frontal blade is provided for making a frontal cut passing through the breast gristle. The frontal cut plane and a frontal plane of the breast carcass are arranged perpendicularly to the median plane and perpendicularly to the transversal plane include an angle up to 30°.
US08845395B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for injecting slurry onto the polishing pad surface of a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) tool. The disclosed apparatus includes a rectilinear shaped injector bottom, where multiple slots are created in the top surface of the injector bottom, allowing the injector bottom to flex and to conform to the polishing pad profile. CMP slurry or components thereof are introduced through one or more top surface openings, travel through the injector body, and exit through a slit or bottom surface opening. The slurry is spread into a thin film by the injector, and is introduced at the gap between the surface of the polishing pad and the wafer, along the leading edge of the wafer, in quantities small enough that all or most of the slurry is introduced between the wafer and the polishing pad.
US08845392B2
An improved grinding arrangement for grinding a required profile in a body is provided. The arrangement includes a body having at least one channel extending into the body and a grinding wheel adapted to grind the required profile in the side of the channel. In the setup the grinding wheel is arranged so that an axis of rotation of the grinding wheel forms an angle greater than 0° with a radial axis of the channel. A method of grinding a required profile in a body is also provided.
US08845389B2
In accordance with the present invention, a garment is provided having specific supportive panels for providing adequate back and belly support; in a preferred embodiment the garment is an exercise garment. The supportive panels of the garment are made of composites of expandable materials giving structural support to the garment such that the wearer's back is stabilized and the belly is supported to prevent drastic pitch, roll or yaw movements during exercise. The expandable materials are designed to yield such that excessive pressure against the belly is not caused as such pressure, found in garments of the prior art, can inflict pain to the musculature and skin surface of the wearer. The expandable materials provide support and allow for the natural growth of the body during pregnancy, providing a desirable combination of a supportive exercise garment that can be used throughout the gestation period.
US08845383B2
Disclosed is an interchangeable stimulation system for child carriers that integrates an easily interchangeable stimulation device with a child carrier, such as a car seat, a carriage or stroller, a child swing, a crib, a playpen, or other child carrying device. The interchangeability of the system allows for display of stimulation devices that are particularly configured to stimulate children that are within distinct, defined age groups without requiring replacement of the stimulation system.
US08845382B2
A submersible water toy for stunt based activities includes a main body portion constructed of a buoyant material. The main body portion defines an upper deck surface upon which the user can stand or otherwise be supported. The buoyancy of the main body portion is such that at least a portion of the user's weight is supported when used in a pool or other body of water.
US08845381B2
A geometric construction module formed from a substantially flat, flexible material, the module comprising a polygon based shape having two straight edges; and a locking tab pair integral with each one of the straight edges to form joining edges, each locking tab of the locking tab pair having a notch at the straight edge, the notches of each locking tab pair being symmetrical about a center line of the joining edge. Multiple construction modules can be releasably attached at the joining edges to form models.
US08845380B2
The color of light emitted by an assembled light emitting diode (LED) based illumination device with at least two different wavelength converting materials is automatically tuned to within a predefined tolerance of a target color point by modifying portions of the wavelength converting materials. The color of light emitted from the assembled LED based illumination device is measured and a material modification plan is determined based at least in part on the measured color of light and a desired color of light to be emitted. The material modification plan may further include the location of the wavelength converting materials to be modified. The wavelength converting materials are selectively modified in accordance with the material modification plan so that the assembled LED based illumination device emits a second color of light that is within a predetermined tolerance of a target color point.
US08845375B2
A disposable life-saving garment for use in the event of fire, comprises a body-protecting portion and a head-protecting portion. The body-protecting portion is configured with a lining formed to enclose the body of a wearer and a cover covering the liner, the cover being made of a sealed material that can block the passage of air. A closed air passage is formed between the liner and cover. A compressed air tank is installed in a pocket of the cover and is connected to the air passage through a check valve. An intake hose supplies compressed air from the air passage of the body-protecting portion to the head-protecting portion. The head-protecting portion has a heat-resistant transparent window and a one-way outlet unit. The body-protecting portion and the head-protecting portion are made of a nonflammable material or a fire retardant material.
US08845367B2
A device for electrically interconnecting and packaging electronic components. In one embodiment, a modular non-conducting base member having one or more component recesses and a plurality of lead channels formed therein is provided. At least one electronic component is disposed within the recess, and the wire leads of the component routed through the lead channels to a conductive lead terminal. A plurality of lead terminals, adapted to cooperate with the non-conducting base member, are received therein, and adapted to place the device in signal communication with an external printed circuit board. The modular non-conducting base members are assembled or stacked to form a unitary modular assembly. Methods for fabricating the device are also disclosed.
US08845366B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for composite and symmetrical hybrid electronic connectors. Embodiments may include a composite electronic connector 1702 having a set of signals 2402, being divisible into multiple subconnectors 1802, each having a subset of the signals 2404/2408, a harness 204 that combines the subconnectors 1802, distribution 2508 of the set of signals 2402 to the subsets of the signals 2404/2408, a symmetrical electronic connector 208, being connectable in more than one orientation, a tongue 210 within the symmetrical connector 208 having more than one contacting surface 902/1002, each having a set of contacts 404/408, mapping 2512 of the signals 2402 to the contacts 404/408 so as to achieve a correct connection independent of the orientation of the symmetrical connector 208, a cable 106 between the composite connector 1702 and the symmetrical connector 208, and switching 2518 of a power signal 2402-5 on and off.
US08845365B2
A cable header connector includes a cable assembly having a contact sub-assembly terminated to a cable, a ground ferrule electrically connected to a drain wire of the cable and a ground shield coupled to the ground ferrule and providing electrical shielding for the contact sub-assembly. The contact sub-assembly has a mounting block supporting a pair of signal contacts. The signal contacts extend between mating ends and terminating ends. The signal contacts are terminated to corresponding signal wires of the cable at the terminating ends. The ground shield has walls extending along the signal contacts, and has a mating end and a terminating end. The ground ferrule has a ferrule body with a drain wire slot receiving and electrically connected to the drain wire of the cable. The ferrule body engages the ground shield to electrically connect the ground shield to the grounded element.
US08845361B2
A fitting, for terminating an electrical cable having two or more conductors, includes a substantially tubular body having a central bore configured to receive the electrical cable therethrough. A substantially tubular sealing sleeve is configured to engage a forward end of the body during assembly of the fitting to receive the two or more conductors of the electrical cable passing through the body. After receiving the two or more conductors, the sealing sleeve is configured to receive a sealing compound therein, such that the sealing compound flows between the two or more conductors during filling of the sealing sleeve. The sealing sleeve is formed of a transparent material to enable visible confirmation of sealing compound distribution and a determination that the sealing compound is free of voids or air bubbles.
US08845360B2
Provided is a terminal connection device capable of suppressing deflection of a flexible integrated wiring. A terminal connection device for connecting a terminal portion of a flexible integrated wiring to a connector includes a first member having a mounting portion capable of mounting thereon the terminal portion, and an inclined portion formed in a rear end portion thereof located in an extending direction of the flexible integrated wiring; and a second member having a pressing portion formed so as to press the terminal portion, and a bending portion formed on a rear end portion located in the extending direction and formed along the inclined portion of the first member. The second member is formed so as to be attached to the first member in a state where the pressing portion presses the terminal portion and the bending portion bends the flexible integrated wiring along the inclined portion.
US08845352B2
A male connector housing has a first projection whose leading end projects backward beyond a rear end of a female connector housing when the male connector housing is placed at a location where the male connector housing starts to fit into the female connector housing, and a first recess that is formed in a leading end of the first projection so that a tip of another rod-shaped member can be inserted; wherein the female connector housing has a second projection that is provided so as to oppose the leading end of the first projection, and a first contact surface that an exterior surface of the middle portion of the rod-shaped member whose tip is inserted into the first recess can contact. The rod-shaped member is utilized as a lever for bringing the male connector housing and the female connector housing into a fit connection.
US08845350B2
A switching electrical power contactor having a bi-blade type switch, has ferrous plates attached to the blades to increase the current carrying capacity and reduce the resistance of the switch. Flexible tangs formed at the distal end of the blades cooperate with a movable member to hold the contacts closed when the contactor is in the closed state.
US08845347B2
A system including a mounting frame assembly for a head unit for a vehicle. The mounting frame assembly and the head unit may be attached to a vehicle. The mounting frame assembly may include a region operable to house a connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a connector operable to connect to a respective connector of the head unit. With respect to the connectors of the mounting frame assembly and the head unit, either may include an electrical and/or fiber optic connector.
US08845344B2
A lock-release adapter attached to a first connector, the first connector being put into a locked state with a second connector upon the first connector being fitted with the second connector, the locked state being released when a lock-release projection of the first connector is depressed, the lock-release adapter includes a holder fitted with the first connector, and an axial member pivotally supported by the holder, the axial member including, at one end in a direction of the pivot axis of the axial member, a projection portion that projects in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis, the projection portion depressing the lock-release projection to release the locked state when the axial member is in a first pivot position.
US08845332B1
An educational and interactive system for teaching children the importance of maintaining proper nutrition in order to induce healthy growth utilizing an interactive audio system that updates a child regarding the child's height and outputs pre-recorded messages. A system having an elongate member adapted to determine accurate height measurements of a child, the elongate member having a measurement indicator extending from the top of the face of the elongate member to the bottom of the face of the elongate member, the elongate member with a series of food decals disposed at predetermined locations on the face of the elongate member.
US08845327B2
A casting abutment for a dental implant comprising: an apical socket portion, a transition portion bordering coronally on the socket portion, an occlusal portion bordering coronally on the transition portion and having an apical lower rim, wherein the occlusal portion, starting from its lower rim, is provided on its peripheral surface with an area having indentations, whose crests face the transition portion.
US08845324B2
The invention relates to a device for controlling regenerative burners used as a firing device, particularly for iron and steel product heating furnaces or for radiating tubes for continuous strip steel processing lines, according to which the supply of at least one of the fluids involved in the combustion (fuel and comburent) is carried out through a rotary injector (12) rotating by means of a rotatable actuator (M) so as to supply fluid alternately to one and then the other of the burners (B1, B2), the rotary injector (12) being placed on the comburent inlet duct (6), particularly air, and is provided to partially obstruct the supply pipe (19.1; 19.2) to the burner (B1; B2) such that one portion of the fumes from a regenerator (2.2; 2.1) for the non-operating burner (B2; B1) is led to the operating burner (B1; B2) and such that the other portion of the fumes is discharged to the stack.
US08845321B2
A split thread insert is disclosed with integral cooling channels utilized for the continuous internal circulation of cooling fluid around a molding surface of the split thread insert, wherein the molding surface forms a neck area of a preform during an injection molding process. The molding surface of the split thread insert is semi-circular with a profile corresponding with a threaded area of the preform. The split thread insert is assembled from two or more cut pieces, wherein at least one of the cut pieces includes a curved groove formed therein proximate the molding surface for forming a curved cooling fluid channel when the cut pieces are joined to form the split thread insert. The cooling fluid channel includes a flow diverter positioned therein for defining a portion of a continuous cooling fluid circuit of the split thread insert.
US08845319B2
A means for modifying a building space for a device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by layerwise solidification of a powdery building material at the locations corresponding to the object in the respective layers comprises one or several small supports (32) or one or several building space partitioning elements (20) on a building platform (2), thereby the device has one or several small building areas (22.1, 22.2, 22.3), in which the powdery material may be efficiently used and different powder materials may be processed.
US08845313B2
Embodiments of an oil pump for an engine have an increased pump capacity while maintaining or marginally increasing the overall physical size of the pump. In some embodiments, this increased capacity is reflected in a pump length efficiency ratio, which compares an effective gear length (LG) of first and second pump gears used in the oil pump, to an effective housing length (LH). The effective housing length (LH) is a longitudinal distance between surfaces on opposite ends of the oil pump that must be maintained for the oil pump to fit into an available space. Accordingly, the pump length efficiency ratio indicates how much of the effective housing length (LH) can be occupied by the gears. Alternatively, the pump capacity is measured using an output flow efficiency ratio, which compares a theoretical pump flow (FP) at a given gear speed (SG) to the effective housing length (LH) of the pump.
US08845312B2
Provided is a screw compressor, accommodating a pair of rotatable male and female screw rotors in a compression chamber formed in a casing, wherein the casing includes: an internal dividing wall that defines an inside interior space; and an outer wall that defines an outside interior space arranged outside the inside interior space The screw compressor further includes: a communication pipe member that penetrates the outer wall and extends across the outside interior space, and an end of the communication pipe member being inserted into the internal dividing wall so that the inside interior space communicates with a passage outside the outer wall. By using this communication pipe member, fluid can pass across an interior space in the casing to be fed to another interior space formed further inside.
US08845306B2
A pumping system comprising a membrane pump (1) for pumping a medium into or out of a vessel (6), the membrane pump comprising an actuating member (13) for moving a membrane (3) in a first direction from a first end position to a second end position against the action of a spring (12), the membrane being movable in the opposite direction from the second end position to the first end position under the action of the spring. The pumping system comprises sensing means (14) for generating a measuring value representing the location of said first end position of the membrane (3), and processing means (17) for establishing a pressure value representing the pressure inside a vessel (6) connected to an inlet (5) or outlet (24) of a pump chamber (4), the processing means (17) being adapted to establish said pressure value based on said measuring value.
US08845303B2
A pump control system and a torque control valve are disclosed. In one embodiment, the torque control valve includes a sleeve, a spool disposed in the sleeve, and a piston rod disposed through the spool. The spool has a first recess area, a second recess area, and a third recess area. The first and third recess areas each have a port extending into a central bore of the spool. The piston rod includes a groove orifice feature having a spiral groove and is configured such that a fluid flowing from the port in the first recess area to the port in the third recess area must flow through at least a portion of the spiral groove. The fluid flowing through the spiral groove operates to bias the spool in a direction towards the second axial end of the spool.
US08845301B2
A compressor control method for prolonging operating time of a vehicle air conditioning compressor. The method includes monitoring an operating temperature of an insulated gate bipolar transistor in the compressor, comparing the operating temperature to at least one predetermined threshold temperature, and continuing operation of the compressor if the operating temperature is below the at least one predetermined threshold temperature. At least one mitigating step is implemented to prevent premature shutdown of the compressor if the operating temperature is above the at least one predetermined threshold temperature.
US08845300B2
The present embodiments provide a control system and method that is able to automatically cycle one or more compressor valves, for example to prevent freeze up. For example, in one embodiment, a system includes a compressor having a compression device configured to increase a pressure of a gas, a valve configured to control flow of the gas from the compression device, and a controller configured to cycle the valve to reduce buildup of contaminants in the compressor.
US08845297B2
An assembly for mounting wind turbine blades to a wind turbine hub is disclosed. Such assembly includes a blade retaining arrangement to accommodate at least two blades and an interface to a lifting device for lifting the assembly to the hub. Furthermore, a system and a method for the same purpose are disclosed.
US08845292B2
An aircraft turbomachine propeller including multiple blades assembled on a hub rotating around an axis of rotation of the propeller, that can reduce risks of loss of the blade following impact of a foreign body. At least one blade includes a recess opening radially towards the inside in the area of the base of this blade. A retaining device includes a moving retaining mechanism positioned in the recess and configured to be moved from a retracted position to a deployed blade-retaining position, and vice versa.
US08845274B1
A hydrocarbon presence sensor used to detect for the presence of a fuel in a buffer cavity of an inter-propellant seal. A sensor is formed on a rotor shaft in the buffer cavity and an optical imaging device is used to view a change in appearance of the sensor when a hydrocarbon forms on the surface. The sensor is formed from either an oil/fuel leak detection powder or an oil colorimetric developer. A white light source or a laser is reflected off of the sensor and an optical imaging device reads the reflected light to detect for a change in color or intensity of the light to indicate if a hydrocarbon is present on the sensor surface.
US08845273B2
A fluid transfer arrangement comprising a duct having a first end and a second end, a pulse generation mechanism located at the first end of the duct to direct fluid pulses towards the second end of the duct in use, and a baffle located at the second end of the duct that defines an aperture having sharp edges. The sharp edges generate ring vortex fluid flow from the aperture in use. Applications include impingement heating and cooling.
US08845271B2
A bearing system for a turbocharger shaft comprising a rotatable elongated cylinder with axially spaced journal bearing surfaces on the inside diameter and a thrust face on each end. A sleeve on the shaft incorporates a flange on one end that transmits thrust force to one thrust face on the elongated cylinder. A flanged collar on the opposite end of the shaft transmits thrust force to the thrust face on the opposite end of the elongated cylinder. A radially extending flange on one end of the elongated cylinder transmits thrust forces to stationary housings.
US08845267B2
A propeller pod drive for a vessel has at least one driveshaft for driving a propeller, at least one radial bearing arrangement for receiving radial forces, at least one axial bearing arrangement for receiving axial forces of the driveshaft. A thrust collar is supported in axial direction on at least one side in axial direction at a guide device, and a supporting structure for arranging the at least one radial bearing arrangement and the axial bearing arrangement. The guide device has at least three, axial sliding segments arranged in a segment guide and each of which has a sliding surface in contact with the thrust collar.
US08845253B2
A fastener includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end, a helical thread having a crest, a root, and flank portions formed on at least a portion of the elongated body, and at least one protrusion extending from the crest and flank portion. The at least one protrusion is an axially extending V-shape of the crest, flank portions, and root of the helical thread with a peak of the at least one protrusion having a ridge that extends radially outward from the root of the thread.
US08845228B2
A fixing structure for a first and second member, in which the first member has a base portion and a boss extending from the base portion, and the second member has a base portion to which a distal end of the boss is fixed. The fixing structure includes a spacer portion disposed around the boss and configured to keep a distance between the base portion of the first member and the base portion of the second member when the first and the second member are assembled together through the fixing structure. The spacer portion is formed on the second member in such a manner as to extend from the base portion of the second member and come into contact with the base portion of the first member.
US08845220B2
The invention relates to a pencil 1 for writing, drawing, painting and/or cosmetics purposes, comprising a colored core 11 and a core holder enclosing the core 1, wherein the core holder comprises a wood-replacement material 12 which encloses the core 1, wherein the core 1 and core holder are retained such that they cannot be displaced in relation to one another, wherein the core holder has a carrying sleeve 13 which encloses the wood-replacement material 12, and wherein the modulus of elasticity of the carrying sleeve 13 is equal to, or higher than, that of the wood-replacement material and the bending strength of the carrying sleeve is higher than that of the wood-replacement material.
US08845203B2
A bearing assembly having improved impact Brinell resistance is provided. Due to a controlled gap between a rotating component and a non-rotating component or a vehicle suspension structure, the non-rotating component or the vehicle suspension structure is permitted to share impact loads caused by a sufficient side impact to the rotating component, thus preventing excessive loads from being transmitted to rolling elements, and providing greater resistance against Brinell impact damage that would generate a noise and/or vibration condition in the bearing assembly. The width of the controlled gap and of the area of potential contact between the rotating component and the vehicle suspension structure or the non-rotating component are optimized to increase impact Brinell resistance while avoiding excessive contact between the rotating component and the non-rotating component or the vehicle suspension structure during extreme cornering maneuvers.
US08845193B2
The radial foil bearing includes a top foil, a back foil, and a bearing housing accommodating the top and back foils, and supports a rotary shaft. Engagement grooves are formed on both side surfaces of the bearing housing to extend from the outer circumferential edge to the inner circumferential edge of the side surface. Notches are formed in circumferential edges on both sides of the back foil. A locking member is locked into the engagement grooves of the bearing housing and the notches of the back foil, and includes a pair of engagement legs engaging with the engagement grooves and the notches, and a connection portion connecting the engagement legs together to be disposed near one ends of the engagement legs.
US08845184B2
The invention relates to a system of assembling a member, made of a first material, in the aperture of a part made of a second material having no usable plastic domain, using an intermediate portion (7, 27, 47, 67, 87) made of a third material, mounted between said member and said part. According to the invention, the part is accommodated against a first level (6) of the intermediate portion and is resiliently locked on a second level of the intermediate portion by the member in order to secure together the unit comprising the member—intermediate portion—part.The invention concerns the field of timepieces.
US08845176B2
An optical assembly includes a light emitting panel having a light output surface with non-uniform directional light output distribution, and a light redirecting film located to receive light emitted from the light output surface. The light redirecting film has a pattern of individual non-prismatic optical elements of well defined shape with a total of two surfaces that intersect each other, the shape varying at different locations on the light redirecting film to redistribute the light received from the light output surface within a desired light ray angle distribution.
US08845172B2
A reflective plate includes a high heat conductivity material having a first heat conductivity and a reflective material having a second heat conductivity on the high heat conductivity material, wherein the first heat conductivity of the high heat conductivity material is greater than the second heat conductivity of the reflective material.
US08845170B2
In a light guide plate and a backlight unit, a light guide plate includes a light incident surface, an opposite surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of optical path changing units. The optical path changing units are aligned on at least the bottom surface of the top surface and the bottom surface at a predetermined interval while protruding in parallel to a reference line perpendicular to the light incident surface. Accordingly, power consumption used to generate the light may be reduced.
US08845169B2
An illumination apparatus includes light sources; a light guide plate guiding lights from the light sources; a housing holding the light sources and the light guide plate; and an apparatus attachment part. The light sources are arranged around the apparatus attachment part 5, and the light guide plate 3 is provided outside the apparatus attachment part to face the housing and cover a front side of the light sources. The light guide plate includes a main light guide part guiding lights from the light sources toward an outer periphery of the light guide plate and scattering and emitting the lights to a surface of the main light guide part; and an auxiliary light guide part integrated with the main light guide part at an inner peripheral side of the main light guide part and guiding and emitting the lights from the light sources toward the central portion of the housing.
US08845163B2
An LED-based photolithographic illuminator with high collection efficiency is disclosed. The illuminator utilizes an array of LEDs, wherein each LED has an LED die and a heat sink. The LED dies are imaged onto the input end of a homogenizer rod to substantially cover the input end without inclusion of the non-light-emitting heat sink sections of the LED. A microlens array is used to image the LED dies. The collection efficiency of the illuminator is better than 50% and the illumination uniformity at the output end of the light homogenizer is within +/−2%.
US08845158B2
A vehicle lamp includes a light source, and a resin component disposed on the periphery of the light source. The resin component has a designed surface that can be observed from the outside of the lamp. The designed surface includes a textured surface having minute irregularities, and a projecting portion provided adjacent to the textured surface.
US08845153B2
A high beam and low beam combination lamp for a bicycle includes a main body, a lens, a downward light source and a straight light source, the main body having a receiving space defined thereon, the receiving space having a first surface and a second surface formed therein, the lens being assembled in the receiving space and corresponding to the second surface, the downward light source being assembled with the first surface, parts of the light beam of the downward light source obliquely passing through the receiving space so as to form a low beam lighting region, the straight light source being assembled with the second surface, the light beam of the straight light source passing through the lens so as to form a high beam lighting region.
US08845144B1
A light emitting diode (LED) driver case includes a housing, driver circuitry, an recessed area in the housing, and a luminaire disconnect. The luminaire disconnect is coupled to the recessed area in the housing and extends toward an aperture in a top plate of a LED module. The luminaire disconnect can be fixedly or removably coupled to the recessed area in the housing. When the luminaire disconnect is removably coupled to the recessed area, one or more of a number of retaining features can be used to prevent the luminaire disconnect from moving or to limit the movement of the luminaire disconnect.
US08845139B2
A backlight assembly includes a light emitting module and a receiving container. The receiving container receives the light emitting module, and includes a first frame, a second frame and a heat dissipation channel. The first frame includes a first bottom, and first sidewalls connected to the first bottom. The second frame includes a second bottom which faces the first bottom and is sealed with the first frame. The first and second bottoms are spaced apart from each other and form the heat dissipation channel therebetween.
US08845138B2
A light source (101) is provided which comprises (a) a housing element (107); (b) a heat sink (109); (c) a first flow channel element (111) which, alone or in combination with said housing element, creates (i) a first set of flow paths (221) for the flow of fluid in a first direction through the light source, and (ii) a second set of flow paths (223) for the flow of fluid in a second direction through the light source; (d) a set of synthetic jet actuators (143, 145) having at least one member and being in fluidic communication with said first set of flow paths; and (e) a set of LEDs (113) containing at least one member and being in thermal contact with said heat sink.
US08845137B2
A lighting device comprising a light source and at a heat dissipation element comprising at least first and second substantially transparent regions and at least a first fluid, at least a portion of the first fluid being positioned in a space between the transparent regions. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source, an enclosed space through which light passes and a fluid in the space. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source and heat conducting means for dissipating heat. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source and a heat dissipation element comprising first and second substantially transparent regions coupled with a space and a fluid in the space. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source and a heat dissipation element comprising a heat pipe that comprises a substantially transparent region.
US08845135B2
An electric wire holding and waterproofing structure includes a circuit board connected to an electric wire, a housing that accommodates the circuit board, a holder having a through hole for leading out the electric wire to the outside of the housing, a packing provided on an outer circumference of the holder so as to be brought into intimately contact with an inner circumference of the housing, a rubber plug attached to the electric wire so as to seal the through hole of the holder, and a cover fitted into the housing. When the cover is fitted into the housing, the holder and the cover hold the electric wire in a state that the electric wire has a bent portion.
US08845133B2
A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) including an insulating barrier between heat sources and heat sensitive components. The heat sensitive barrier is in the form of an insulative layer of cement applied between the heat generating components of the CFL and one or more heat sensitive components of the CFL. The cement can also fix or secure various components within the lamp thereby eliminating the need for some or all of the support structure of a conventional CFL.
US08845131B2
A lighting system comprising a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB within the housing. The light emitting elements arranged on an angled surface such that the light emitting elements emit light in a sideways direction from the lighting units. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration, such that the lighting units form a row of lighting units. The row of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing comprises one or more rows of lighting units.
US08845128B2
A vehicle headlamp assembly, comprising a lens, a lamp housing cooperating with the lens to at least partially define a lamp chamber that is generally fluidly isolated from an ambient atmosphere outside the lamp chamber, and at least one lamp provided in the lamp chamber. The lamp housing includes at least one structural member adapted to connect to and bear structural loads applied by one or more adjacent components of a vehicle in which the vehicle headlamp assembly is installed. The assembly may further comprise at least one vehicle component connected to the lamp housing, whereby the lamp housing is capable of bearing structural loads applied by the at least one component.
US08845123B2
Apparatus for mounting accessories to guns. Some embodiments provide gun mounts each including a body and a magnet to magnetically couple the mount to the gun. The bodies are shaped and dimensioned to mechanically retain the accessories (which can be flash lights). The magnets are mechanically coupled to the bodies (and can be an integral portion thereof) and cause magnetic fields. Given the shapes and dimensions of the bodies, the positions of the magnets relative to the bodies and relative to the barrels of the guns when the bodies abut the barrels, the magnetic field strengths are within a range sufficient to releasably and magnetically couple the magnets and the barrels. In some embodiments the magnetic field strengths are sufficient to limit the ranges of motion of the mounts relative to the guns during the shock created by firing the gun.
US08845120B2
An LED unit U of the present invention includes an LED 17 that is alight source, a diffuser lens 19, a board reflection sheet 23 and a restriction member 27. The diffuser lens 19 is provided to face a light emitting surface 17a of the LED 17. The board reflection sheet 23 is provided to face a surface of the diffuser lens 19 that is closer to the LED 17 and is configured to reflect light. The restriction member 27 projects from the diffuser lens 19 toward the board reflection sheet 23 and restricts positional relationship between the diffuser lens 19 and the board reflection sheet 23.
US08845116B2
A LED lighting device includes a light source module including a plurality of light emitting device, at least one heat radiating member including the at least one light source module disposed therein, a side frame which is coupled to both sides of the heat radiating member respectively, and a support frame which is coupled to one side of the side frame and supports the side frame.
US08845115B2
Systems and methods for flash illumination are disclosed. In one aspect, a flash illumination system includes sections each including a light source and a reflector. Each of the light sources includes a single light-emitting region having a first centroid and a package surrounding the single light-emitting region. The package has an exit aperture having a second centroid. The first centroid can be laterally offset from the second centroid. The reflectors include an input aperture, an output aperture, and one or more sidewalls therebetween. The input aperture is optically coupled to the exit aperture. One or more sidewalls are configured to collimate light propagating from the light source.
US08845111B2
The lens shifting device includes: first plate through which video light passes; second plate connected to first plate via elastic member and having projection lens attached to a position into which the video light that passed through first plate enters; slider disposed to project from second plate and housed in first plate to be movable in a predetermined direction; and guide shaft attached to first plate in the state of being engaged with slider and rotated to move the second plate. Elastic member is disposed between first plate and second plate to connect first plate and second plate in the state of generating an elastic contraction force.
US08845105B2
Image projector can include a first optical system for producing a first image polarized into a first polarized light, a second optical system for producing a second image polarized into a second polarized light, a polarized light splitting device for reflecting one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light and transmitting the other one such that the first image and the second image travel on the same optical path, and a projecting lens for enlarging and projecting the first and second images from the polarized light splitting device.
US08845101B2
An indicating device (10, 100) for indicating the ametropia progression of a wearer over a predetermined period of time according to at least the type of ophthalmic lens the wearer may use. The device comprises first (12, 120) and second (14, 140) members connected together in a moveable manner. The first member (12, 120) has a first field (22, 220) including a plurality of values of input data and a second field (24, 240) including a plurality of values of output data representative of the ametropia of a wearer. The second member (14, 140) has at least a selection mean (40, 400) and an indication mean. The selection means (40, 400) is arranged to select among movement of the second member (14, 140) a value of the input data corresponding to a wearer. The indication means (28, 26, 30, 32, 36, 38, 280, 260, 300, 320, 360, 380) is associated with a type of ophthalmic lens and arranged to indicate among movement of the second member (14, 140) the value of the output data on the first member (12, 120) corresponding to the ametropia of the wearer after the predetermined period of time.
US08845099B2
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring eye movements of a user, and diagnosing and treating eye conditions substantially in real-time. A visual display device is provided with optical display fields corresponding to eyes of the user, and a controller linked to the device is programmed to measure eye positions with respect to the display device and determine optical deviations in any eye with respect to a central visual axis of the other (dominant) eye. In response to deviations exceeding a first value, an occlusion spot is generated in the display field for the dominant eye of a size corresponding to the degree of optical deviation. The location of the occlusion is continuously adjusted in accordance with real-time movements of the dominant eye based on the received signals from the device. When the optical deviation falls below a second value, occlusion of the dominant eye is disabled.
US08845094B2
A prop system for a secondary pair of eyeglasses to be worn over and in front of a primary pair of eyeglasses having a prop portion of substantially rigid material, the prop portion having an inward edge and an outward edge; and an attachment portion disposed on the outward edge wherein the attachment portion is affixable to a secondary pair of eyeglasses thereby providing a prop extending essentially orthogonally and inwardly from the secondary eyeglasses, wherein the prop portion may engage one or more upper surfaces of a primary pair of eyeglasses to support the secondary eyeglasses when placed over the primary pair of eyeglasses in a manner that avoids creating a sensation to a wearer of wearing two pairs of eyeglasses.
US08845087B1
Systems and methods provide dynamic radiant drying for a print media by monitoring a temperature of a test patch of colorant during the drying process. One embodiment is a radiant dryer and a control system. The radiant dryer receives a media marked with a wet colorant that depicts a sheetside of print data and a test patch. The radiant dryer includes a radiant energy source that heats the colorant based on a heating power. The radiant dryer further includes a cooling system within the interior that applies a cooling gas to the medium. The control system obtains a temperature of the test patch, determines a difference between the temperature of the test patch and a target temperature, and varies the heating power and/or an application of the cooling gas based on the difference to normalize temperatures across the medium during a drying process.
US08845085B2
An image recording method including applying an ink containing a coloring material and a polymer particle to a recording medium from a recording head of an ink jet system and applying a liquid composition which destabilizes a dispersed state of the polymer particle in the ink to at least a part of a region of the recording medium where the ink is applied, wherein the polymer particle in the ink has core and shell portions, the shell portion contains a copolymer A having a unit (50-90% mass) derived from a compound (a1) represented by a general formula (1) or (2) and a unit (10-50% mass) derived from an α,β-unsaturated hydrophobic compound (a2), and the core portion contains a polymer of an α,β-unsaturated hydrophobic compound (b).
US08845082B2
An ink manifold for an inkjet printhead is provided, comprising a number of substantially parallel transverse channels 709,713 connected by one or more connecting passages 719. The resistance to flow provided by the connecting passages is substantially greater than the resistance to flow along the length of a transverse channel. The ink manifold provided by the present invention ensures that the ink pressure and flow rate presented to the ejectors of the printhead is uniform along the entire length of the ejector array and, moreover, does so in a shallower manifold design than has previously been known.
US08845075B2
A mist collection device is adapted to collect a mist of liquid generated by ejecting the liquid from a plurality of nozzles in an ejection head, the mist collection device includes a suction section, a tube section, a collection part, an outlet section and a suction device. A suction port is formed in the suction section with the suction port being an opening having a length in an arrangement direction of the nozzles greater than a width in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. The tube section is in communication with the suction section and having a hollow tube shape whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the arrangement direction. The collection part collects the mist by separating the mist from air suctioned by the suction section. The suction device is configured and arranged to generate an air flow flowing from the suction section to the collection part.
US08845072B2
Condensation control systems are provided for use with inkjet printing systems that use a combination of higher resistance flow areas and lower resistance flow areas to allow a vaporized carrier fluid reducing airflow to flow between a printing module and a receiver during printing without creating observable artifacts in a print. Removal of the vaporized carrier fluid reduces condensation.
US08845063B2
A control section is included which performs a background image pre-printing which enables each ink to be ejected from the upstream side background color nozzle row and the downstream side color nozzle row and can land the color ink after landing the background color ink on the medium in a region concerning the transport direction, and a background image post-printing which enables each ink to be ejected from the upstream side color nozzle row and the downstream side background color nozzle row and can land the background color ink after landing the color ink on the medium in a region concerning the transport direction, the control section performing the printing so as to switch over the background image pre-printing and the background image post-printing on one medium.
US08845061B2
An inkjet printer for determining drying time of a print swath of ink deposited on a sheet of media by use of a dual function alignment sensor operable in a first mode to provide an output response corresponding to an amount of bi-directional misalignment of dot placement by the plurality of nozzles sensed from scanning a printed alignment test pattern, and in a second mode to provide an output response corresponding to an amount of specular reflection received from the print swath of the printed image with the output response in the second mode being used to determine if the printed image is sufficiently dry to be moved.
US08845060B2
A printing apparatus includes a printhead configured to array a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink are arrayed in the first direction, a reading unit configured to read, as a plurality of luminance values aligned in a nozzle arrayed direction, an inspection pattern formed by discharging ink from the plurality of nozzles of the printhead, a calculation unit configured to calculate a plurality of difference values each by calculating a difference between two luminance values spaced apart by a predetermined number of luminance values, and an analysis unit configured to analyze an ink discharge state in the plurality of nozzles based on the plurality of difference values.
US08845059B2
A method for aligning multi-channel digital image data for a digital printer having a plurality of printheads is described. A test pattern including test pattern indicia printed using individual printheads is scanned and analyzed to detect locations of the printed test pattern indicia. One of the printheads is designated to be a reference printhead, and one or more of the other printheads are designated to be non-reference printheads. Spatial adjustment parameters are determined for each of the non-reference printheads responsive to the detected test pattern indicia locations. Digital image data for the non-reference printheads is modified by designating an input pixel neighborhood within which an image pixel should be inserted or deleted, comparing the image pixels in the input pixel neighborhood to a plurality of predefined pixel patterns to identify a matching pixel pattern; and determining a modified pixel neighborhood responsive to the matching pixel pattern.
US08845057B2
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles to discharge liquid droplets; a recording head including a pressure generator to generate a pressure to cause the nozzles to discharge liquid droplets; a droplet discharge status sensor unit to detect a droplet discharging status from each nozzle; and a maintenance controller to control a maintenance operation by a dummy discharge of liquid droplets not contributing to image formation. In such an image forming apparatus, the droplet discharge status sensor unit compares a detection result of the droplet discharge status and a preset reference threshold and determines whether the nozzle discharges normally or defectively; and the maintenance controller outputs a dummy discharge drive waveform corresponding to a difference between the detected droplet discharge status and the reference threshold to the pressure generator of the nozzle determined to be defective to cause the nozzle to discharge droplets for dummy discharging.
US08845047B2
The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a cabinet having at least one partition wall to separate at least two sub-compartments and an elongated support device having a C-shaped cross section mounted to the cabinet wall and into which a partition wall can be inserted.
US08845042B2
A base assembly includes a base plate, a pull-release handle, an extension member, a pivoting member, a cover plate and a latch member. The pull-release handle has a handle portion and defines a handle opening. The pull-release handle and the extension member are reciprocable in parallelism with a pulling direction on the base plate. The pivoting member has a force-receiving end and a force-transmitting end. The force-transmitting end is movable by the force-receiving end. The latch member has a locking strip and at least one locking portion. The force-transmitting end is connected to one end of the locking strip. The force-transmitting end works cooperatively with an elastic member, such that the locking strip and the locking portion are reciprocable in parallelism with a releasing direction.
US08845039B2
A debris shunting awning assembly, for an undercarriage in a ground engaging track system for a track-type machine includes an awning having a plurality of segmental plates with an assembly configuration at which the plates are coupled with the inboard side of a track roller frame and span a clearance between the track roller frame and a main frame of the track-type machine. The awning assembly is configured to direct debris through a debris path extending through a portion of a track system for the track-type machine.
US08845036B2
The present invention is directed to a signal control device having a body with a generally cylindrical cavity having a longitudinal central axis, a first and second input, and a first and second output. Each input and output is in fluid communication with the body. The signal control device further contains a first spool with a first end and an opposite second end, each which define a recess, a central axis between the first and second ends and a through hole formed about the central axis. The signal control device also contains a second spool with a first end, an opposite second end, a second central axis between the first and second ends, and a bore. The bore has a first end opening at the first end of the second spool and has a second end opening intermediate the first and second ends of the second spool. The first spool and second spool are positioned within the body cavity so that their corresponding central axes are collinear.
US08845035B2
A vehicle wheel cover retention system includes a wheel defining an axis and includes a wheel rim and a wheel disc. The wheel disc has a generally radially outwardly extending retention groove formed in a generally axially extending portion of an inner mounting surface thereof. The cover includes an inner portion having a central opening. The inner portion is provided with at least one wheel cover retention member having at least one tab. A center cap is provided and includes at least one center cap retention member having at least one tab. The at least one tab of the at least one wheel cover retention member and the at least one tab of the center cap retention member are both received in the retention groove to secure both the wheel cover and the center cap to the wheel.
US08845023B2
A convertible rocking chair with multi-using modes comprises a base rack, an angle adjustable support element, a seat element, a repositionable mechanism and a backrest. The base rack has an end-stopper rotatably connected with one end, when the convertible rocking chair is used in a seat or bench mode, the end-stopper can be kept in an extended position for stopping the base rack from rocking against ground; and when the convertible rocking chair is used in the rocking chair mode or the rocking horse mode, the end-stopper can be kept in a hidden position for allowing the base rack to perform its rocking motion freely.
US08845022B2
A child seat including a tensioning mechanism for applying tension to a seat belt to more fully secure the child seat to a car seat is provided herein. The child seat includes a seat base defining a seat portion and a backrest portion and designed to receive an untensioned belt to secure the child seat to a car seat in an untensioned configuration. The child seat further includes a tensioning mechanism attached to the backrest portion and rotatable between a first position substantially adjacent to the backrest portion and a second position disposed therefrom. In the second position, the tensioning mechanism can receive a portion of the belt. In the first position, the tensioning mechanism is configured to apply tension to the portion of the received belt to secure the child seat to the car seat in a tensioned configuration. Methods of manufacturing child seats are also provided herein.
US08845009B2
A center pillar upper portion joining structure that may improve joining strength and rigidity between an upper portion of a center pillar and a roof side rail. A recess portion that is indented to the vehicle inner side is formed in a roof side rail outer panel at a joining portion with a center pillar. An upper portion extended portion that closes off the recess portion is provided at an upper portion oft a center pillar reinforcement, and an upper end portion of the upper portion extended portion is joined to the roof side rail outer panel. In a vehicle rear elevation view, an upper face of the recess portion is provided upward in the vehicle relative to a centroid of a cross section of the roof side rail.
US08844998B2
A seat apparatus for a vehicle, in which a seat back may be foldable toward a seat cushion of a seat, may include a storage space provided at the bottom of a floor and storing the seat to provide a luggage space in the vehicle, a link member pivotally connected between a cushion link of the seat cushion and the storage space such that the seat may be foldable to be stored in the storage space, a locking device provided on the seat back to maintain an unfolded or folded state of the seat back, and an elastic member provided on the link member to pop up the cushion link and the seat back out of the storage space when the seat back may be unfolded.
US08844996B2
A vehicle having an extendable bed assembly includes a loading bed and a tailgate pivotally connected to, and positioned upright over the loading bed. A sliding member is retained within the tailgate. To extend the bed assembly, the tailgate is laid down, and the sliding member is extended out rearwards from the tailgate, by unlocking the locking mechanism. The tailgate and the sliding member append the loading bed, to form primary and secondary extensions, respectively, constituting a fully extended bed. A bed grille is slid to the rearmost portion of the extended bed, and fixedly positioned there. The bed grille includes a central member, and a left flap and a right flap pivotally connected to it. The flaps are rotated outwards, to an orientation perpendicular to the central member, forming a U-shaped structure, which acts as a support for the items loaded over the extended portion of the bed assembly.
US08844989B2
A contact lens insertion and removal device having an elongated member cup shaped component or adjacent to a first end of the member and a resilient tip at or adjacent to a second end of the member. The resilient tip is employable by a user for contact lens insertion into their eye, while the cup shaped component may be employed for removal of a contact adhered to the eye.
US08844983B2
A refrigerator including a storage container that may be selectively coupled to a refrigerator body or to a door by a storage container support device is provided. The refrigerator may include a refrigerator body having a storage compartment formed therein, a rotatable door to open or close the storage compartment, a gasket provided between the door and the refrigerator body, a storage container that may be selectively coupled to the door or to the refrigerator body, a storage container support device provided at the door, the refrigerator body or the storage container to allow the storage container to be selectively coupled to and supported by the refrigerator body or the door, and a control device provided in the door to selectively control operation of the storage container support device from an exterior of the door.
US08844982B2
A latch, latching system and other components are disclosed that are particularly well suited for use with the heavy doors of armored military vehicles. Some component embodiments are usable in normal and emergency modes to provide access, entry, egress and rescue through vehicle door openings. Included among the disclosed components are latches having separate operating components that can be used to retract spring projected latch bolts and that usable advantageously in pairs and readily reconfigurable for use on left, right, front and rear doors of a vehicle at locations where door thicknesses differ. Also disclosed are operating linkages intended to extend exteriorly of door armor to turn shafts to operate latches situated interiorly of the door armor.
US08844960B2
A foldable tricycle that transitions between a use orientation, and a transport or storage orientation. The tricycle has a frame including a first end and a second end of the frame, a fork rotatably connected adjacent the first end of the frame, a front wheel rotatably connected to the fork, and a handlebar assembly coupled to the fork to allow for steering of the fork. The tricycle also has first and second rear wheels adjacent the second end of the frame in the use position. The rear wheels are positioned a first distance from a longitudinal axis of the frame in the use position. The first and second wheels can be transitioned to a storage position adjacent the first end of the frame and at a second distance from the longitudinal axis of the frame in the storage position, wherein the first distance from the frame is greater than the second distance from the frame. The tricycle may also have a folding assembly pivotably coupled to the second end of the frame at a first pivot location. As such, the first and second rear wheels may be connected to the folding assembly to simultaneously transition the first and second rear wheels to a storage position with the folding assembly.
US08844953B2
A steering system for a riding lawn mower includes a wheel frame pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame about a roll axis. The wheel frame has spaced apart upper and lower wheel frame members. Steering knuckles are pivotally coupled to opposing sides of the wheel frame for rotatably supporting wheels. Each steering knuckle is straddle mounted between the upper and lower wheel frame members. A rack and pinion steering mechanism for pivoting the steering knuckles is coupled to a steering wheel via a steering column. The steering column includes a shaft portion extending along a shaft axis and has at least one socketed connection. The socketed connection transmits rotational movement about the shaft axis between the shaft portion and another rotatable component. The socketed connection also permits axial movement of the shaft portion along the shaft axis in response to the wheel frame rolling relative to the vehicle frame.
US08844951B2
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a portable medical instrument system. The system includes a frame for supporting system process and user interface components. One or more support rails are interconnected with the frame to provide an accessories support system to securely receive medical accessory components. In at least one embodiment, the support rails have a configuration substantially matching a bedrail of a hospital bed. In another aspect, the support rails have a height to width ratio of about 2 to 1. In still a further aspect, the support rails have a height to width ration of 1 to 0.375. According to yet another aspect, at least one of the support rails may be molded from portions of the portable medical system itself.
US08844949B2
A collapsible shopping cart includes a collapsible support assembly having a support frame with a vertical frame member and a horizontal frame member. The vertical support member is pivotally secured to the horizontal support member allowing the support frame to be selectively folded. A plurality of wheels are coupled to the horizontal support member. The plurality of wheels are coupled to the horizontal support member for movement between a use orientation and a storage orientation, wherein when the plurality of wheels are in the use orientation they extend from the horizontal support member in a manner permitting engagement with a horizontal support surface such that the support assembly may roll thereupon. First and second storage receptacles shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment to the support assembly are provided.
US08844943B2
Disclosed herein is an electronic control suspension (ECS) system for vehicles. The ECS system includes a strut assembly which is coupled to a vehicle body and a lower portion of which is inserted through the housing to absorb the rocking from the wheel. The system further includes a vehicle height control module at a lower portion of the strut assembly, wherein the control module includes a spiral guide groove formed in the strut assembly and a guide member fitted into the guide groove. The guide member is rotated using a motor to move the guide member along the guide groove to cause the strut assembly to be moved vertically to control the height of a vehicle.
US08844939B2
An adapter for a power tool is disclosed which comprises a drive shaft that can be connected to an output shaft of the power tool in a rotationally fixed manner. There is a receiving connector on the power tool. On the adapter there is provided an assigned sleeve that can be pushed onto the receiving connector, and which comprises a clamping ring, which acts together with locking members in order to effect locking of the sleeve on the receiving connector when in a closed position, the clamping ring being held so as to be movable in the axial direction and being preloaded in the direction of the closed position. The locking members act together with the clamping ring in such a way that locking is effected automatically in the closed position when the adapter is pushed onto the power tool as far as the closed position, and a release of the adapter from the closed position can be effected through an axial movement of the clamping ring against its preload.
US08844938B2
A system seals a filter or equipment component to a base and will continue to seal the filter or equipment component to the base in the event of hot air or fire. The system includes a first sealing material between the filter or equipment component and the base; and a second sealing material between the filter or equipment component and the base and proximate the first sealing material. The first sealing material and the second seal material are positioned relative to each other and relative to the filter or equipment component and the base to seal the filter or equipment component to the base and upon the event of fire the second sealing material will be activated and expand to continue to seal the filter or equipment component to the base in the event of hot air or fire.
US08844936B2
According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an annular seal generally includes a hollow member having two ends and an inner surface. The hollow member has a number of depressions formed in and extending around its inner surface. Each of the depressions having a depth that is a function of its distance from one of the two ends.
US08844930B2
A card shuffler that moves cards one-at-a-time from the bottom of a group that may be a deck in a deck-crib, to randomly designated single-card receptacles in a receiving or dealing rack, and a method for shuffling and for dealing cards. Either the deck-crib or the receiving rack is moved by a motor to align a single-card receptacle, randomly selected from among remaining empty single-card receptacles, with an outfeed slot of the deck-crib to receive each card to be moved from the deck-crib. A space is provided in the dealing rack in one embodiment, where a dealer's hand can reach cards and remove them from the dealing rack. A controller can cause the dealing rack to move so as to allow a selected number of cards to be removed by the dealer for dealing as a player hand or a dealer hand. A card reader may be included, and positions in the receiving or dealing rack of cards identified by the card reader can be stored in memory in the controller.
US08844925B1
A sheet storage device includes a sheet tray, two guide plates and a width adjusting mechanism. The sheet tray supports a sheet. The two guide plates, disposed on the sheet tray, guides transportation of the sheet placed on the sheet tray. The width adjusting mechanism, disposed on the sheet tray and connected to the two guide plates, adjusts a distance between the two guide plates. The width adjusting mechanism includes a pinion, a resilient member, a toothed portion and two connectors. The pinion is rotatably disposed. The resilient member is disposed coaxially with and rotated with the pinion. The toothed portion is disposed around the resilient member and in contact with the resilient member. The toothed portion provides a resisting force upon rotation of the pinion. Each connector connects the pinion to one of the guide plates.
US08844922B2
A sheet processing apparatus which enables a sheet to be stopped at a target position with precision even when the sheet is stopped by moving a heavy unit such as a shift unit. A drive unit moves a moving unit so as to move a sheet, which is being conveyed, in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the sheet. An output unit detects movement of the moving unit and output a signal in synchronization with movement of the moving unit. A control unit issues a stop instruction to the drive unit based on a delay time from when a start instruction to the drive unit is issued until when the signal in synchronization with the movement of the drive unit is output, and a target moving amount required for the moving unit to move to a target position.
US08844921B2
A sheet post-processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a switching member, a stapler, and a movement driving portion. The switching member switches the conveying direction of a sheet introduced from an image forming apparatus. The stapler staples a bundle of sheets obtained by performing stacking processing for a plurality of the sheets introduced from the image forming apparatus. The movement driving portion moves the stapler. Further, the stapler operates the switching member by being moved by the movement driving portion, thereby switching the conveying direction of the sheet.
US08844919B2
A post-processing apparatus includes a folding section configured to nip a sheet using a plurality of rollers to form a fold line for saddle stitching and a control section to control the nipping amount in the folding section. When carrying out square back processing to flatten the spine folded portion of a sheet bundle where a fold line for saddle stitching is formed, the post-processing apparatus allows the nipping amount in the folding section to be smaller than that in the case where the square back processing is not carried out.
US08844916B2
A device and a method for processing flat substrates, such as circuit boards or the like to be printed, is provided. The substrate can be fed resting on a transport device on two opposite side edge regions, can be first lifted from below for the purpose of processing through supports and pressed against corresponding hold-down pieces in the side edge regions, and can be clamped on the corresponding side edges of the substrate in this position, resting on the supports, between two clamping strips, whereupon the hold-down piece can be lowered to the side away from the substrate and the clamping strip and further below the region of the upper side of the substrate thus loaded, such that full-surface processing can take place.
US08844905B2
Pulling eyes are provided with an integrated lug for electrically coupling conductors or cables to terminating equipment. The pulling eyes may include body portions that define interior cavities that are sized to snugly engage a bare metal portion of the conductors or cables. The body portions are sized to be deformably crimped onto the bare metal portions of the conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may also include head portions joined to the body portions, with the head portions are assembled to pulling ropes or cables for installing the conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may further include integrated lugs electrically attached or coupled to the body portions and configured to electrically couple the conductor to terminating equipment.
US08844901B2
A flow control valve is disclosed that includes a valve body member having a seating surface that is seated on a valve seated surface. Multiple inflow orifices and multiple outflow orifices may be formed on the valve seated surface or the seating surface, and may be formed so as not to overlap each other in a state in which the seating surface is seated on the valve seated surface. An inside inflow channel that is in communication with the inflow channel and the inflow orifice may be formed inside a member where the inflow orifices are formed and an inside outflow channel that is in communication with the outflow channel and the outflow orifice is formed inside a member where the outflow orifices are formed.
US08844899B2
A control valve includes a signal pressure passage that transmits a pilot pressure in first and second pilot chambers as a signal pressure of another device, and first and second connecting grooves that connect the first and second pilot chambers to the signal pressure passage when a spool is in a neutral position. When the pilot pressure is led into the first pilot chamber such that the spool moves, the first connecting groove connects the first pilot chamber to the signal pressure passage while the second connecting groove separates from the signal pressure passage. When the pilot pressure is led into the second pilot chamber such that the spool moves, the second connecting groove connects the second pilot chamber to the signal pressure passage while the first connecting groove separates from the signal pressure passage.
US08844895B2
A hold open rod is provided. The hold open rod may include: an outer tube; an inner tube having two ends, at least one end configured to slide within the outer tube; a tube stop located at one end of the inner tube; a groove around the circumference of the tube stop; and a resilient material located in the groove, the resilient material contacting the tube stop and the outer tube. A method of reducing wear on a hold open rod may be provided. The method may include: locating first resilient material between an inner tube and an outer tube; providing a locking mechanism to lock the inner tube with respect to the outer tube; and providing a second resilient material between an isolator and a collar on the locking mechanism.
US08844894B2
A scissor suspension mechanism, optionally used as a seat base, comprising both small footprint base and movable element, a set of two pairs of crossed first and second scissor arms and a linkage assembly including a plurality of pivot interfaces and linkages; which are designed in a way that the crossed first and second scissor arms describe, during the total elevation stroke of the movable element with respect to the base element, both positive and negative angles with respect to each other while passing through a null angle at which the overall mechanism length is maximal.
US08844884B2
A wheeled structure for long arm tools connected to a suction block includes a trolley with a lower platform accommodating the suction block and an upper platform forming a service platform, with a grip handle. A long arm tool support device is positioned and centered on or in a pole connected to the service platform. A tilt device is arranged with a base secured to the service platform and articulatedly accommodates the pole. The base has a rear heel for articulation of a toggle level. The pole is arranged in the upper portion thereof to accommodate a guide pin engaging with an upper end portion of the toggle lever. The pole is arranged to accommodate a column for accommodation of the long arm tool support device. Removing the support device allows the device to tilt to a horizontal position opposite the upper portion of the service platform.
US08844883B2
A cable holder includes: a pair of arm portions to form a holding space for holding a cable; and a guide portion, provided at an end portion of each of the pair of guide portions to block the holding space, to guide the cable into the holding space while elastically deforming the pair of arm portions in directions in which the pair of arm portions move away from each other when contacting with the cable.
US08844881B2
A routing clip for securing a line to a structure comprising: a base for attaching the clip to a structure; and a clamp comprising: a first flexible strap which extends from the base and has one or more projections extending from its side; and a second flexible strap which extends from the base and has a passageway for receiving the first flexible strap and a locking surface which is arranged to engage one of the projections on the first flexible strap to prevent the first flexible strap from being withdrawn from the passageway. At least part of the clip is made from an elastomeric material.
US08844878B2
A high lift system for an aircraft includes: a main wing, a flap disposed on the main wing of the aircraft that can be adjusted between a retracted position and several extended positions relative to the main wing by way of a flap actuating mechanism and a drive device, a carrier part disposed on the main wing to which the flap actuating mechanism is coupled and relative to which the flap actuating mechanism for adjusting the flap can be moved, where the carrier part is disposed on the main wing by way of a bearing device including an adjusting device with which the orientation of the carrier part relative to the orientation of the main wing can be adjusted.
US08844875B1
A traction kite having a variable geometry leading edge that defines a high projected central propulsive region of increased surface area along the top portion of the kite, and lateral control regions of decreased surfaces area extending on opposite sides of the propulsive region. The leading edge thus defines a concave shape when viewed from the side while in flight. Providing a variable geometry leading edge maximizes propulsive forces due to increased surface area, while enhancing control and turning performance by minimizing the surface area of the control regions, namely those generally vertically disposed regions that begin at the tips and end at the propulsive region.
US08844864B2
A main landing gear assembly for an aircraft comprising: an elongate beam pivotally coupled about its longitudinal axis to the aircraft such that the axis of rotation of the elongate beam is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft fuselage; a shock strut pivotally coupled at a first end to the elongate beam and coupled at a second end to a wheel assembly; a folding forward stay pivotally coupled at a first end to the elongate beam and pivotally coupled at a second end to the shock strut; and a rigid rear stay pivotally coupled at a first end to the aircraft and pivotally coupled at a second end to the shock strut, the rigid rear stay being arranged to restrain the path of the shock strut when moving between a deployed and a retracted position such that the wheel assembly is located forward and inboard in the retracted position in comparison with its location in the deployed position.
US08844853B2
A reducing component is disclosed herein. The reducing component includes a block-style reducer including a height, a width and a depth. The block-style reducer includes first and second ends separated by the height, first and second sides separated by the width and front and back sides separated by the depth. The block-style reducer also includes a first reducing edge that extends across the width of the block-style reducer at a location adjacent to the first end of the block-style reducer. The reducing component also includes a blade-style reducer that projects forwardly from the block-style reducer at a location adjacent the second side of the block-style reducer. The blade-style reducer includes a second reducing edge that extends primarily along the height of the block-style reducer.
US08844844B2
A misting nozzle includes a body having a hole centrally defined therein and a flange radially extending therefrom to divide the body into a connecting section and a mounting section. At least two ditches are longitudinally and equally defined in the mounting section, and each laterally communicates with the hole. A distal end of the smooth portion is formed with an abutment and a round recess centrally defined in the abutment. At least two grooves are respectively equally defined in the abutment, wherein each groove is defined along a corresponding one of the tangents of the round recess and has two opposite ends respectively communicating with the round recess and a corresponding one of the ditches. A cap is airtightly mounted onto the mounting section of the body. A funnel-shaped hole is defined in a bottom of the cavity and communicates with the recess.
US08844839B1
An accelerated cure method for making a strong, high durometer, reduced brittleness hydrated sprinkler protection device shaped like a donut by mixing water with a dry mixture of sand; Portland cement; pigment; and polypropylene homopolymer fibers.
US08844834B1
Thermal targeting technology is used to continuously adjust boiler target temperature to the minimum necessary to satisfy the required heating load. Responsive to and initiated by a first call for heat, boiler target temperature is reduced by a predetermined amount upon or subsequent to the call for heat. Once the boiler temperature reaches this new target, a call timer is activated. If demand for heat is satisfied before a time set point is reached, the system ceases providing additional heat energy until the next heat demand. Responsive to and initiated by a next call for heat, the boiler target temperature is again reduced by the predetermined amount upon or subsequent to this next call for heat. Each time the heat demand is satisfied within the predetermined time interval, the boiler target temperature is reduced. If heat demand is not satisfied, a thermal boost is provided at set time intervals until the call for heat is removed.
US08844833B1
A portable electronic system includes a movable structure, a protective structure and an electronic device. The movable structure is disposed on the protective structure. The movable structure includes a wireless communication tag thereon. The electronic device is accommodated in the protective structure, and includes a signal detection unit and an application activation unit. The movable structure is movable on the protective structure to approach or leave the electronic device. The signal detection unit is used for detecting a signal wirelessly transmitted by the wireless communication tag when the distance between the movable structure and the electronic device is less than a predetermined value. The application activation unit is used for activating an application in response to the signal detected by the signal detection unit.
US08844832B2
The non-contact information recording medium is made by forming the antenna circuit and connecting it to the IC module through connection terminals at the same time. This provides a high degree of freedom of patterning of the antenna circuit. The antenna circuit is formed on a recording substrate, in which an IC module has been embedded. A foil-bonding resin layer is formed on the connection terminals of the recording substrate, with a toner containing a binder resin by an electrophotographic method. Then a conductive foil is brought into contact with the foil-bonding resin layer to bond the foil to the resin layer, to connect the antenna circuit to the connection terminals and form the antenna circuit composed of the conductive foil.
US08844825B2
A system and a method for testing a magnetic stripe decoding chip are provided. The system includes a host, a digital-to-analog converter, and a testing device. The host outputs simulation signal data. The digital-to-analog converter receives the simulation signal data and generates a test waveform signal representing a test string. The testing device includes a signal input terminal, a signal conversion circuit, a chip slot, and a processor. The terminal receives the test waveform signal. The chip slot is configured to receive a decoding chip. The circuit includes a transformer connected between the terminal and the chip slot, and is configured to couple the test waveform signal into a pseudo track signal. The processor receives a decoded string generated after decoding the pseudo track signal by the decoding chip. Through comparing the decoded string with the test string, a decoding function of the decoding chip can be determined.
US08844823B2
A laser scanning system having a laser scanning field, and a laser beam optics module with an optical axis and including: an aperture stop disposed after a laser source for shaping the laser beam to a predetermined beam diameter; a collimating lens for collimating the laser beam produced from the aperture stop; an apodization element having a first and second optical surfaces for extending the depth of focus of the laser beam from the collimating lens; and a negative bi-prism, disposed after the apodization element, along the optical axis, to transform the energy distribution of the laser beam and cause the laser beam to converge to substantially a single beam spot along the far-field portion of the laser scanning field, and extend the depth of focus of the laser beam along the far-field portion of the laser scanning field.
US08844819B2
A reader device includes a mounting surface on which a passport with a page to be read is placed, a light source for illuminating the page to be read, and a camera for picking up an image of the page to be read. The light source is arranged outside a front area of the page to be read. The page to be read contains a near-edge code positioned close to an edge of the page to be read. The light source includes an infrared LED array and a white LED array. An infrared LED and a white LED included in the infrared LED array and the white LED array, respectively, and located at a near-edge code position corresponding to the near-edge code are arranged closer to the page to be read than the other infrared LEDs and white LEDs in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface.
US08844815B2
A workstation with a housing having a upright window and a horizontal window includes a printed circuit board having at least two imaging sensors thereon located in the housing, and a controller operative to read a barcode in a captured image. The workstation also includes a chassis firmly mounted on the printed circuit board, and two inserts each configured to hold steadily one of at least two lens assemblies. At least one of the two inserts includes multiple slots for attaching such insert to the chassis at a position that is laterally adjustable.
US08844813B2
Methods, systems, and devices are described for electronically correcting votes made on voter-marked paper ballots. An optical scan system may image a paper ballot and allow vote modification by the voter following the imaging. Such a modification may be necessary, for example, if a voter has improperly voted (e.g., voted for two candidates for one office), if a definitive determination of the intention to cast a vote cannot be made (e.g., partially filed-in bubble associated with a candidate, erasure, stray marks), if a write-in candidate is included on the ballot, or if a voter has changed their mind or otherwise wishes to cast a different vote than initially indicated. After correction, the corrected ballot may be re-imaged.
US08844810B1
A computer-implemented method and system for managing transaction card accounts involves enabling a transaction card account by a card issuer for use with pre-defined categories of providers of goods/services and goods/services sold and issuing a transaction card and establishing an associated pre-qualified category card account. Upon receiving data for a transaction with the transaction card at a transaction terminal by a processing platform of the card issuer via a card association processing network, the category of the provider and goods/services is interrogated to determine whether or not the transaction can be posted on the pre-qualified category card account of the cardholder, and the transaction is approved and posted to the pre-qualified category card account if the transaction falls within the pre-qualified category of the cardholder.
US08844800B2
In a computer-implemented review method, a machine-readable representation that encodes an identification code associated with a ratable entity is decoded to obtain the identification code. The identification code is submitted to a central computer system, and a ratings form that can be used for providing a review of the ratable entity is received from the central computer system. A review of the ratable entity is provided to the central computer system using the review form.
US08844799B2
An cup insulating insert is provided that is adapted for placement between a container and an outer base sheet. The insert includes a plurality of spaced-apart fingers for separating the container from the base sheet and creating an air gap therebetween. The insert has void spaces or air gaps between the fingers that are sized such that, when a plurality of inserts are formed from a single sheet, the fingers of one insert are formed from the void spaces of an adjacent insert. Multiple inserts can be formed from a single sheet of recyclable material with substantially no waste material being created.
US08844798B2
A dispenser carton having more than one dispenser opening, permitting two different modes of access to products or articles contained within the carton. Preferably, the dispenser openings are oriented to permit the optimal orientation of products for dispensing from each of the dispenser openings. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, separate and independent from the first aspect yet complementary thereto if desired, the dispenser openings are provided to permit loading of articles therein in an oriented manner corresponding to automated carton-loading equipment and optionally also to permit dispensing through at least one of the openings in a desired dispensing orientation.
US08844794B2
Jig (10, 10′, 10″) for welded bulkhead fitting (18) to a steel material which is to be penetrated by the fitting, said jig comprising a foot (11), a holder (14) for the fitting, a connecting piece (13) between the foot and the holder. The foot (11) is provided with an on and off switchable magnet (12) and the holder (14) is height adjustable and replaceable. The angle between the holder (14) and the foot (11) is preferably adjustable.
US08844791B2
A surgical device, comprising a tissue compression device having a pair of opposing compression surfaces, a mechanical binary-output electrical switch having open and closed electrical switching states initiated and changed solely by mechanical movements, and an adjustable biasing device mechanically coupled to the switch and retaining the switch in one of the switching states until a force at least as great as a force imposed by the biasing device is imparted to the switch, wherein the switch is disposed in line with the tissue compression device to cause a proportional amount of force that is placed upon compressed tissue disposed between the opposing compression surfaces to be placed upon the switch, and the biasing device is set to an amount of force that is proportional to an optimal tissue compression force of the compressed tissue when disposed between the opposing compression surfaces.
US08844787B2
A spring-type fastener driving tool includes a plunger having a blade that drives in fasteners, a spring that urges the plunger downwards and is capable of being compressed upwards, a spring compression mechanism unit that includes a drum that causes the plunger to move in a compression direction of the spring based on rotational force of a motor, a reduction mechanism unit, and a one-way clutch than prohibits reverse rotation of the motor. Reverse rotation of the drum due to the urging force of the spring is prevented by providing the one-way clutch between an input side rotating shaft of the reduction mechanism unit and a rotation output shaft of the motor.
US08844781B2
An adjustable positioning mechanism, such as for positioning ends of straps or handles of bag or packs, such as for backpacks, but also, more generally, for removably connecting an item to an article to be carried to provide a range of attachment locations for the item relative to the article, to achieve an optimum ergonomic position of the item at one of the attachment locations. One element of the adjustment mechanism can be either adhesively bonded to the article or made in one piece with a frame of the article, the item to be attached bearing a second element of the mechanism. Embodied as part of a bag or pack, the invention can include a carrying system directly or indirectly connected to the pack portion and include at least one carrying element, and an adjustment mechanism to provide a range of attachment locations on the pack portion for a carrying member of the carrying system, such as one or more shoulder straps, such adjustment mechanism including at least one element that is bonded to the backpack. In a particular embodiment, the backpack includes a frame connected to the back side of the pack portion, the frame including at least a rigid or semi-rigid sheet frame which is affixed to the back side of the pack portion by adhesive bonding. The element(s) of the adjustment mechanism are bonded to the backpack against the area at which the frame is mounted.
US08844773B2
A booster pump for a coffee beverage dispenser's water inlet source, in one example, a “city water” inlet. A chamber is formed which has the diluent/water inlet and a bottom surface and a top end covered by a removable lid. The removable lid has a hole large enough for a motor to be partially seated within the chamber and the motor has a shaft with supports that is connected to a cover plate that has through holes, and a rotor below the cover plate with a set of radially oriented vanes. The hole in the lid is bigger than the cross section of the cover plate and so the motor, shaft, supports, rotors and cover plate can be pulled out as desired for easier maintenance. When the motor is seated properly in the hole of the lid, the cover plate seats properly along the edge of a cylindrically shaped pump cavity. The cover plate and the edge form a seal. The inlet for the pump cavity has a smaller cross section than its outlet and the pump cavity can have a deflection body. The outlet for the diluent or water leads to the coffee beverage dispenser device.
US08844769B2
A dispenser housing has a closure mechanism that serves to hold the dispenser housing closed. A key either can be carried by an individual to be employed to override the closure mechanism to permit the opening of the dispenser or can be selectively mounted to the dispenser housing to position a release mechanism appropriately to permit the release mechanism to be manipulated to override the closure mechanism. When the key is not mounted to the dispenser, the release mechanism cannot be appropriately manipulated to override the closure mechanism.
US08844764B2
A carrier for covering and transporting baked goods or other food products includes a base for supporting a pie, cake, cupcakes, or other baked goods. A cover is configured to be attached to the base to generally enclose the carrier, thereby protecting the baked goods for transport or storage. The cover is formed with a flexible membrane that makes it collapsible for more convenient storage.
US08844761B2
Resealable beverage containers include caps that are twisted to impart translational motion of the cap to push a tear panel into the container. Cam elements are used to convert rotational movement to translational movement. The caps are preferably made of molded plastic material, and include cam elements formed on the sidewalls of the caps that engage cam followers or projections formed on the inner cylindrical surface of a socket which is formed in the lid of the beverage container. Methods of manufacturing resealable beverage containers avoid the need to form rivets and to attach pull tabs, thus saving costs and making the beverage containers more easily recycled.
US08844755B2
There is provided a packaged pan and lid that includes at least two nested pans and at least two lids. Each lid has at least two bi-lateral fold lines, such that the lid is configurable into a folded configuration and removable secured within a well of a corresponding pan. The lid being removable from the well and unfolded to a substantially flat configuration. The lid may then be placed on the rim of the pan, such that a lip of the pan can be bent over the edge of the lid.
US08844754B2
A fuel tank made of plastic, in the interior of which an insert (2) is located, wherein the insert should enclose a space (3), wherein the fuel tank should offer the greatest possible economy of space, and the fuel tank and the insert should have a simple form. For this purpose, a box made of plastic and open at the top is attached to the inside of the upper wall (1) of the fuel tank as an insert (2), wherein the box forms a closed space (3) together with the wall (1) of the tank, wherein the insert (2) comprises a bottom (5) and side walls (6, 7, 8, 9), the upper edges of which are connected in a bonded manner to the wall (1) of the tank. The insert (2) contains inner parts (20-26) that are integral therewith and has at least one fitting (13-16) on the side walls (6, 7, 8, 9) for connecting a pipe line.
US08844750B1
A hingeless door system for a pressure vessel; especially, aeronautic and astronautic crafts. The door system has the following major components: a contour in a pressure vessel wall, a doorway opening, a seal, an upper track, a lower track and a door. The door translocates laterally along the tracks from an open position to a closed position and moves radially along the tracks to a sealed position against the contour which closes the door opening. The problem solved by the invention is to reduce weight, operational volume and complexity and increase durability of a door system for a pressure vessel.
US08844746B2
Closures having an integrated over center latching assembly including an end wall, a skirt wall depending from the end wall, an outlet opening associated with the end wall and an over center latching assembly are disclosed. The over center latching assembly includes a link pivotally coupled to the closure at a first pivot point, a lever pivotally coupled to the link at a second pivot point, a closing member pivotally coupled to the closure at a third pivot point and pivotally coupled to the lever at a forth pivot point and a biasing spring coupled between the first pivot point and the fourth pivot point. The link and the lever are configured to move the over center latching assembly between a first position and a second position and the closing member is configured to close the outlet opening when the over center latching assembly is moved to the second position.
US08844739B2
A reusable food storage container includes bottom and top members, each having first and second portions. Each bottom member first portion includes a bottom wall with opposed side walls and an end wall extending between the side walls and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. Each bottom member defines an open end opposite its outside end wall and an open top. The bottom member portions are selectively coupled together using tab and channel structures. The top member portions each include a top wall having opposed end walls with an outer side wall connecting the end walls and extending downwardly from the top wall. The top member portions are selectively connected using tab and channel structures. Each top member defines an open side opposite its respective outside side wall and an open bottom. The top portion includes a circumference slightly larger than that of the bottom portion, enabling a nesting attachment.
US08844735B1
A display rack mountable on a shelf of a store for showcasing first and second display boxes and wound flexible tubing. The display rack comprises front and rear support members. The display rack further comprises first, second, and third open sidewall support members each having a first end engaged with the front support member and a second end engaged with the rear support member. The display rack further comprises a first stall formed between the first and second open sidewall support members. The first stall is adapted to receive the first display box. The display rack further comprises a second stall formed between the second and third open sidewall support members. The second stall is adapted to receive the second display box. The front and rear support members support the front and rear portions of the first and second display boxes, respectively.
US08844733B2
An inventive dish support assembly utilizes slots in a pair of panels to support dinnerware including a plate or dish. The dish support assembly may include a third member support which supports the pair of panels pivotably. The third member support may be supported by the pair of panels and another support structure. A set of equations define the most preferable shapes of the slots including an upper curved surface opposite a lower generally straighter surface with consideration of several sources of relaxation from a geometric description of the most preferable shapes. To insure a conforming capture of the supported structures, the respective slots or cut-outs may be covered with a resilient covering.
US08844732B2
A cassette tray is provided, which includes a bottom plate and two holding members. The bottom plate includes a plurality of positioning holes, wherein the positioning holes are arranged in rows along a first direction, and the rows are spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the holding members is selectively connected to the positioning holes in one of the rows and mounted on the bottom plate in a detachable manner, and a circuit board is received between the two holding members.
US08844731B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.
US08844728B2
A container formed from a blank of sheet material includes, in an exemplary embodiment, opposing side walls, a front end wall, a back end wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall. An opening lip extends from a portion of the bottom of the front wall. Perforation lines extend diagonally from each end of the lip. Each perforation line extends to a side wall. Each side wall includes a perforation line extending from one of the front wall perforation lines to the upper corner of the sidewall adjacent the back end wall. Access holes are located in each side wall adjacent to the side wall perforation line. Another perforation line extends the width of the back end wall and intersects each of the perforation lines of the side walls.
US08844726B2
Some embodiments disclosed herein provide a cord and retainer system including a cord retainer that retains a cord within a desired configuration. The cord retainer may be a paper element extending around a coiled cord. The cord retainer may promote the structural integrity of the coiled arrangement of the cord, and may have an aesthetically pleasing appearance (e.g., due to having edges that do not expose the internal structure of the material forming the cord retainer. In some embodiments, a second cord (optionally having its own cord retainer) is disposed within coils of the first coiled cord. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second cord are disposed within one or more cavities of a packaging substrate, to fix their positions in a manner easily understood by a user, to enhance the user's experience upon unpacking the cords.
US08844724B2
A device having a compartment with cavities disposed on opposite sides, each cavity disposed for receiving at least one pill case. The pill cases are disposed on mounts in the cavity using pressure to hold in place. A drawer is disposed in a cavity opening on a top surface. The device is help upright by a support structure to allow a user to access pill cases from each side of the device. The pill cases may be disposed between rails. An indicator may be attached to the rails thus allowing a user to indicate which pill cases, or compartments in pill cases do not have an adequate supply medicine.
US08844721B2
A container for receiving frangible items comprises a sheet of polymer formed into a base portion having a plurality of item-receiving cavities for supporting frangible items. The item-receiving cavities have a frustoconical portion having a generally frustoconical geometry. A cover portion has an item-covering concavity for covering the frangible items. A first hinge is between a first longitudinal edge of the base portion and the cover portion for rotating the cover portion onto the base portion to hold the frangible items captive in the item receiving cavities. A hollow bridge spans between at least two adjacent item-receiving cavities of the container, a bottom edge of the hollow bridge being lower than a midheight of the frustoconical portion of the item-receiving cavities.
US08844717B1
A collapsible upright tool caddy system for toting and storing tools and job site equipment features a first tool caddy panel with a first panel stiff pocket located on a first panel front surface. A closed loop first handle is located on a first tool caddy panel top edge. The system features a second tool caddy panel with a second panel stiff pocket located on a second panel front surface. A closed loop second handle is located on a second tool caddy panel top edge. The first tool caddy panel top edge is pivotally located on the second tool caddy panel top edge and secured via a joining panel enveloping the first tool caddy panel and the second tool caddy panel at the first tool caddy panel top edge and the second tool caddy panel top edge via a joining panel channel.
US08844712B2
A conveyor chain link a main body, a top plate to which a handling product or part thereof is restable thereupon; said main body having a front portion and a rear portion; said front portion and rear portion having means to be interconnected such that one link can be connectable to another in order for the establishment of a multi-linked conveyor chain; a first guide member arrangement including a pair of rotably-supported laterally extending on opposing sides of an underneath side of said top plate, adapted to roll in the direction of movement of said conveyor chain, wherein said rollers of the first guide member arrangement are adapted to rest and rotate along a corresponding top face of a wear strip as part of a conveyor assembly support structure for the conveyor chain; a second guide member arrangement, including two rotably-supportable guide members on opposing sides of said main body, rotably about a longitudinal axis, perpendicular to the top plate, wherein the peripheral edge of the respective guide members are adapted to engage a side edge of a wear strip face of the conveyor support assembly or a similar such configured structure arrangement of said conveyor support assembly; a third guide member arrangement, including a roller member adapted to rest and rotate upon a conveyor bed of the conveyor assembly support or other similar structure of the conveyor support assembly, wherein said roller of the third guide member arrangement is laterally rotatably-supported by an axis substantially in parallel to the top plate; such that the first, second and third guide member arrangements can work independently or in combination to reduce frictional force between the contact positions of the conveyor chain with the conveyor chain support assembly, resulting in a reduced level of power required to drive the conveyor chain upon the conveyor support assembly during operation, along with reduced wear and tear of the link against the conveyor support assembly.
US08844707B2
A transfer system transfers a workpiece between stations of a production line spaced along a transfer axis. The transfer system comprises a frame having a main beam extending along the transfer axis. A plurality of transfer heads are spaced along the main beam with each of the transfer heads configured to independently move along the main beam along the transfer axis and relative to the main beam along a lift axis orthogonal to the transfer axis and a clamp axis orthogonal to the transfer and lift axes to accommodate for variation in spacing between each of the stations. Each of the transfer heads are suspended from the main beam and extend downwardly from the main beam beneath the main beam so that the transfer head is selectively moved outwardly, upwardly, and sideways away from the stations to provide access to the stations from the substrate.
US08844705B2
A cash box system with a cash container for receiving cash is described. The cash container has an inlet opening which can be closed by a cover and a locking mechanism having a locked state in which the cover is locked in a position closing the inlet opening, and a release state in which the cover is unlocked and can be brought in a position to release the inlet opening. The locking mechanism is configured such that it is forcibly transferred from the locked state to the release state when the cash container is emptied. The cash box system is preferably for a vending machine in which the cash container is inserted.
US08844702B2
A clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a clutch control valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The clutch control valve is configured to engage and disengage the clutch in response to the control signal. The clutch may be configured as one of a wet clutch and a dry clutch.
US08844695B2
A hydraulic servo assembly includes a clutch support formed with first and second cylinders, spaced mutually and spaced from a longitudinal axis, first and second balance volumes, and a passage formed in the support for carrying fluid from a fluid source into the balance volumes.
US08844691B2
A torque converter includes a cover for receiving torque from a prime mover, an impeller fixed to the cover to form a housing for the torque converter, a turbine disposed in the housing for receiving torque from the impeller, and a clutch backing plate fixed to the housing and arranged to receive a force, in an axial direction, from the turbine during operation of the torque converter. In some example embodiments, the turbine includes a thrust plate for thrust engagement with the clutch backing plate. In an example embodiment, the turbine includes a turbine shell and the thrust plate is attached to the turbine shell.
US08844687B2
Disclosed herein is a valve structure of a shock absorber which forms flow channels in two directions of working fluid passing through the valve structure so as to slow change of damping force when the moving velocity of a piston is changed between a low velocity and a middle and high velocity and forms one of the two flow channels as a variable flow channel to improve ride comfort of a vehicle. The valve structure includes a piston valve assembly installed at the end of the piston rod and operated to generate damping force varied according to moving velocity of a working fluid, and a variable valve assembly moving together with the piston valve assembly to vary damping force to slow change of a damping force curve when the flow velocity of the working fluid is changed between a low velocity and a middle and high velocity.
US08844685B2
Disclosed is a brake disk. The brake disk includes a friction part having a coupling aperture within a center thereof and a plurality of recessed portions repeatedly formed at a predetermined interval along an inner circumference of the coupling aperture, in which bevels protrude from inner surfaces of the recessed portions, respectively. The bevels are tapered along upper and lower sides thereof toward protruding centers. The brake disk also includes a hub having a plurality of protrusions inserted into and attached to the recessed portions when coupled to and received in the coupling aperture of the friction part via a cast-bonding method, along a circumference thereof.
US08844682B2
The invention relates to an electromechanical brake, in particular for aircraft, the brake comprising a support carrying at least one electromechanical actuator comprising a pusher that is axially displaceable towards friction elements in order to apply a braking force to the friction elements, selectively, wherein the actuator is mounted on the support via a connection member allowing at least a portion of the actuator carrying the pusher to tilt angularly.
US08844660B2
A hybrid working machine includes an engine, an assist motor configured to assist the engine, a hydraulic pump driven by the engine, an electric power accumulating unit configured to feed the assist motor with electric power, an electric-discharge electric motor configured to perform power running with electric power of an electric power accumulator of the electric power accumulating unit, an electric-discharge hydraulic motor connected to the electric-discharge electric motor, and a hydraulic circuit configured to control driving of the electric-discharge hydraulic motor. The hydraulic circuit includes a circulation circuit configured to be connected to a hydraulic feed port and a hydraulic discharge port of the electric-discharge hydraulic motor and a selector valve configured to perform such switching as to connect the electric-discharge hydraulic motor to the circulation circuit at a time of performing an electric discharge operation.
US08844657B2
A stand on mower includes a left foot pedal and a right foot pedal. Each foot pedal is spaced from the other and is dimensioned to support one of the operator's feet. Each foot pedal is biased to a neutral position generally parallel to a horizontal surface of a foot platform located generally between or behind a pair of traction drive wheels. The left foot pedal and the right foot pedal pivot independently forwardly and rearwardly to forward and reverse traction drive positions, and are connected to a pair of wheel motors respectively that rotate each of the traction drive wheels in either forward or reverse based on the traction drive positions of the foot pedals.
US08844653B2
A system and method for maintaining continuous flow through a drill string during drill pipe connection includes establishing drilling fluid flow axially through the length of a tubular sub attached to the top of a drill string. The sub is then engaged with a collar disposed at least partially around the perimeter of the sub so as to define an exterior flow path along the exterior of the sub. Radial flow is then initiated into the sub through said collar and along said exterior flow path. Axial flow is then terminated through the length of the tubular sub while maintaining radial flow into the sub. A pipe joint is then attached to the top of the tubular sub, axial flow is reestablished through the length of the tubular sub, radial flow is terminated into the sub, and the collar is disengaged from the sub.
US08844648B2
Nearby conductors such as pipes, well casing, etc., are detectable from within a borehole filled with an oil-based fluid. At least some method embodiments provide a current flow between axially-spaced conductive bridges on a drillstring. The current flow disperses into the surrounding formation and causes a secondary current flow in the nearby conductor. The magnetic field from the secondary current flow can be detected using one or more azimuthally-sensitive antennas. Direction and distance estimates are obtainable from the azimuthally-sensitive measurements, and can be used as the basis for steering the drillstring relative to the distant conductor. Possible techniques for providing current flow in the drillstring include imposing a voltage across an insulated gap or using a toroid around the drillstring to induce the current flow.
US08844637B2
A technique provides a system and methodology for treating a plurality of zones, e.g. well zones. A plurality of flow control devices is located along a tubular structure, such as a well string in a wellbore. Each flow control device or each set of flow control devices comprises a seat member having a unique profile relative to the profiles of the other flow control devices. Drop objects are designed with engagement features arranged to engage the profiles of specific flow control devices. For example, each drop object may have an engagement feature of a corresponding profile designed to engage the unique profile of a specific flow control device or of a specific set of flow control devices to enable actuation of the specific flow control device or the specific set of flow control devices once the drop object is dropped through the tubular structure.
US08844627B2
An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines.
US08844622B2
A method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore includes providing a drill string having a drill bit and a cleaning tool with selectively activatable cleaning members; drilling a wellbore using the drill bit while maintaining the cleaning members in a deactivated position; and pulling the drill string from the wellbore with the cleaning members in an activated position, to thereby clean the wellbore. A corresponding cleaning tool includes a body having a bore running therethrough, a sleeve located within the bore, the sleeve including a ball seat and the sleeve being biased in a first direction, and a plurality of selectively activatable cleaning members mounted for repeated movement relative to the body between activated and deactivated positions.
US08844619B2
A subterranean debris catcher swirls the incoming debris laden stream by putting grooves or spiral projections on the inside of the inlet pipe. The solids come out of openings in the side of the inlet pipe and in others the solids can exit near the top either directly into the enclosed solids holding volume as the liquid exits straight out or the solids can be discharged out the end of the inlet pipe into the bigger open space defined by the housing. In the latter case the inside housing wall can have a screen or vanes that slow down the solid particles as the fluid continues to a housing exit and eventually to an exit screen before being discharged to either go to the surface or recirculate back along the outside of the tool to the inlet pipe while picking up additional debris.
US08844609B2
Apparatus including cooling manifold, having metal cooling body and metal cooling block. Metal cooling body has internal passageway. Metal cooling block extends away from metal cooling body. Metal cooling block has surface oriented for being placed adjacent to and in substantially direct thermal communication with an electronic component located at distance away from metal cooling body. Cooling manifold is configured for circulating a working fluid through internal passageway and for precluding passage of the working fluid from metal cooling body into metal cooling block. Method that includes providing electronic component and cooling manifold. Provided cooling manifold includes metal cooling body and metal cooling block; metal cooling body has internal passageway; metal cooling block extends away from metal cooling body; metal cooling block has surface oriented adjacent to and in substantially direct thermal communication with electronic component being located at distance away from metal cooling body. Method also includes causing working fluid to be circulated through internal passageway while precluding passage of working fluid from metal cooling body into metal cooling block, such that heat is transferred from electronic component to working fluid.
US08844605B2
A clutch for a roller blind. The clutch comprises a drive shaft operatively connected to a drive mechanism, an idle shaft releasably coupled to the drive shaft, and a drive spring. The drive mechanism imparts rotational movement to the drive shaft. The idle shaft is operatively connected to the tube of the roller blind such that rotation of the idle shaft causes rotation of the roller blind tube. The drive spring is operatively associated with the idle shaft and with the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft in a first direction causes the drive spring to impart rotational movement to the idle shaft, thereby causing rotation of the roller blind tube. When the drive shaft is rotated in a second opposite direction the drive spring permits the drive shaft to rotate independently of the idle shaft.
US08844598B2
A fusion welding socket for coupling together double walled plastic conduits including an inner pipe, an outer pipe surrounding the inner pipe and an annular space arranged between the inner and outer pipes. The fusion welding socket includes a main body comprising a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has at least one inner diameter which is smaller than the inner diameters of the first and second end portions. Three heating coils are embedded in the first end portion, the second end portion and the intermediate portion, respectively, for fusing together the first and second end portions with a respective outer pipe of a first and second conduit and the intermediate portion with a respective inner pipe of the first and second conduit. A passageway includes an annular space is arranged to connect the annular spaces of the first and second conduit after fusion.
US08844595B2
The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire 1 comprising at least one pair of parallel annular beads; at least one carcass ply 3 wrapped around said beads; a tread 5; and first and second sidewalls disposed between said tread and one of said at least one pair of beads; as well as a belt portion 7 between the carcass ply 3 and the tread 5. In accordance with the invention, the tread 5 comprises a tread base layer 8 and a plurality of tread blocks 9, wherein the tread blocks 9 comprise at least two different rubber layers 15, 17, 19 arranged radially above each other, whereas the rubber layers 15, 17, 19 of different tread blocks are axially separate from each other.
US08844593B2
A pneumatic tire is provided in the tread portion with zigzag circumferential grooves and axial grooves so that a row of circumferentially arranged blocks is formed on each side of each of the zigzag circumferential grooves. Each of the zigzag circumferential grooves is composed of axially inner and outer circumferential segments and oblique segments. The axially inner and outer circumferential segments are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction. The oblique segments connect between the axially inner and outer circumferential segments, whereby the zigzag circumferential groove extends in the form of a trapezoidal wave. The zigzag amplitude is in a range of from 4 to 15% of a half tread width (Tw/2). The width of the zigzag circumferential groove is in a range of from 7 to 13% of the half tread width (Tw/2). The number of the axial grooves connected to each of the zigzag circumferential grooves on both side thereof is in a range of from 8 to 12 when counted in a tire footprint. The axial grooves each have a groove width WY of from 8 to 25% of a pitch length Py between the axial groove and the circumferentially adjacent axial groove.
US08844592B2
A pneumatic tire improved in on-ice performance and on-snow performance in good balance. The pneumatic tire includes a tread portion extending in a tire circumferential direction and forming a ring shape, a pair of sidewall portions on both sides of the tread portion, respectively, and a pair of bead portions on inner sides of the sidewall portions in a tire radial direction, respectively. The tread portion includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves extending in the tire circumferential direction and a plurality of lateral grooves extending in a tire width direction. The longitudinal and lateral grooves define a plurality of block rows each including a plurality of blocks. Each of the plurality of blocks included in at least one of the block rows includes at least three closed grooves including at least one first closed groove and at least one second closed groove.
US08844591B2
A pneumatic tire including a closed sipe in a land portion formed in a tread surface, provided with at least three cuts extending in a radiation direction from an imaginary axis that extends in a depth direction of the land portion, and that terminate in the land portion. A widened portion where a width of a cut is locally increased is formed at at least one position of an intermediate region from the imaginary axis to a terminating portion of the cuts.
US08844590B2
In a tire 1, a central land portion row 20C and intermediate land portion rows 20M are formed by center-side main grooves 10C. A projecting portion 50 projecting outwardly in a tire radial direction TR from a groove bottom surface 11 of the center-side main groove 10C is provided in the central groove 10C. The projecting portion 50 is located on an extension line L1 extending in an extending direction of lug grooves 30M, and extends outwardly in the tread width direction TW from a sidewall 21 of the central land portion row 20C. An inner end height H1 of the projecting portion 50 located on an innermost side thereof in the tread width direction TW and continuous to the central land portion row 20C is greater than an outer end height H2 of the projecting portion 50 located on an outermost side thereof in the tread width direction TW.
US08844586B2
A retaining bracket used in bottle processing includes a clamp having clamp arms that pivot in a horizontal plane for grasping bottle necks, a sliding sleeve for receiving a hinge pin entering therein from an upward direction, the hinge pin having a magnetizable or magnetically free end, a first permanent magnet disposed in a lower region of the sleeve for interacting with the free end of the hinge pin, a pivotable sleeve for receiving a second pin parallel to the hinge pin, the second pin having, at a free end thereof, a permanent magnet or magnetically influenced region that exerts an attractive force tending to center and restore the clamp, and a brace-like projection that engages below the clamp when the clamp is in a locked position.
US08844584B1
A sustainable system for refilling a pressurized fluid dispenser comprises a container body having a first fluid dispenser that includes a valved opening, a pouch mounted within the container body for storing a fluid composition and fluidly coupled with the valved opening of the container for dispensing the contents of the pouch and a fluid refill system. A pressurized gas can be provided between the pouch and the container body for pressurizing the contents of the pouch. The fluid refill system includes at least one reservoir having a fluid composition therein and a second fluid dispenser having a fitting that is adapted to dispense the fluid composition from the at least one reservoir into the pouch. A controller can be programmed to respond to input signals to position the container with the fluid refill system and to dispense the fluid composition under pressure into the pouch.
US08844579B2
A flexible tube includes a bellows tube, an interlock tube placed inside the bellows tube, and upstream-side and downstream-side joint pipes coupled to opposite ends of the bellows tube. Diameters of fixing end portions located at opposite ends of the interlock tube are made larger than a diameter at a middle portion of the interlock tube, extension portions of the upstream-side and downstream-side joint pipes are fitted and fixed to inner peripheral surfaces of the fixing end portions of the interlock tube, and a depth of each of valley portions of a bellows portion of the bellows tube located over the fixing end portions is smaller than a depth of other valley portions of the bellows portion. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve the downsizing of the flexible tube that is connected to an exhaust system being continuous with an engine to dampen vibrations in the axial direction of the exhaust system.
US08844577B2
The present invention provides a liner assembly for repairing the wall of a pipe that includes a transmitter or transmitters capable of transmitting information, such as identification information and physical characteristics of the area around the transmitter. Embedded in the liner is a transmitter, which includes a radio-frequency identification and at least one sensor. The RFID transmits identification information about the repaired wall, while the sensor provides physical characteristics of the environment in and around the pipe. Examples of physical characteristics may include temperature, pressure, flow, chemical reactions, velocity of the pipe, and the like. Additional transmitters may be used along the length of the pipe to determine characteristics at multiple locations, with each additional transmitter including the same or different sensors.
US08844561B2
An isolation valve has an electrically-actuated solenoid valve, at least one port having a port extension, and a sensor assembly coupled to the port extension. The sensor assembly includes a printed circuit board, an integrated circuit disposed on the circuit board, and at least one pressure sensor coupled to the port extension to measure a vapor pressure in the port extension. In one embodiment, a single sensor assembly can monitor pressure at two or more ports. By integrating the sensor assembly into the isolation valve, the valve has a compact assembly that is easy to install in a vapor control system.
US08844538B2
A surgical drape (10) has a planar, flexible covering element (11) with an area (30) for accommodating a reference means (40) for a navigation system, the reference means protruding from the plane of the covering element. The area (30) has at least two deformable, elongated bar elements (18), which are connected to the covering element (30) and have two bar ends (27). The bar elements include the area (30) for accommodating the reference means (40) between the bar elements. At least one elongated shortening means (20) can be fixed on the covering element (11) and interacts with at least one of the bar elements (18), for reducing and/or fixing the distance of the two bar ends (27) from each other so that the area (30) for accommodating the reference means (40) is lifted out of the plane of the covering element (11).
US08844537B1
A system and method for controlling a device to alleviate sleep apnea comprises determining whether a user of the device is asleep by a microcontroller operatively connected to the device. Using a sensor operatively connected to the microcontroller, it is determined whether a breathing anomaly of the user is detected while the user is asleep. An electromagnet operatively connected to the device generates an electromagnetic field to widen an airway of the user in response to detecting the breathing anomaly while the user is asleep.
US08844534B2
According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may include a pressure monitoring lumen configured to provide information related to the pressure in the tracheal space. By measuring pressure in the lumen, a tracheal pressure may be estimated. The pressure monitoring lumen may be in fluid communication with a pressure transducer that provides pressure measurements. An opening of the lumen may be covered with a distal shoulder of an inflatable cuff.
US08844527B2
Methods, systems and/or apparatus for slowing a patient's breathing by using positive pressure therapy. In certain embodiments, a current interim breathing rate target is set, and periodically the magnitude of a variable pressure waveform that is scaled to the current interim breathing rate target is increased if the patient's breathing rate is greater than the interim breathing rate target in order to lengthen the patient's breath duration. The magnitude of the pressure increase may be a function of the difference between the interim breathing rate target and the patient's breathing rate. The interim breathing rate target may be periodically reduced in response to the patient's breathing rate slowing down toward the current interim breathing rate target. The variable pressure waveform cycles from an inhalation phase to an exhalation phase when the patient airflow decreases to a cycle threshold, the cycle threshold being a function of flow versus time within a breath and generally increasing with time. Different interim breathing rate targets have different cycle threshold functions, and the cycle threshold functions allow easier cycling as the interim breathing rate targets decrease. Similarly, the variable pressure waveform triggers from an exhalation phase to an inhalation phase when the patient airflow increases to a trigger threshold, the trigger threshold being a function of flow versus time within a breath and generally decreasing with time. Different interim breathing rate targets have different trigger threshold functions, and the trigger threshold functions allow easier triggering as the interim breathing rate targets decrease.
US08844524B2
A continuous positive air pressure (“CPAP”) or ventilator system includes a mask and an air flow generator. The air flow generator is mounted or provided to the mask's wearer. In one embodiment, air flow generator is mounted on the mask.
US08844522B2
A respiratory treatment apparatus provides respiratory treatment with improved power management control to permit more efficient power consumption and power supply units, such as battery powered operation. In one embodiment, power management prioritizes the flow generator (104) over other accessories such as the heating elements (111, 135) of a humidifier (112) and/or a delivery tube. The flow generator may control operations of the heating elements as a function of a detected respiratory cycle. For example, the timing of operation of the heating elements may be interleaved with the portion of an inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle to permit the flow generator to operate during a peak power operation without a power drain or with a lower power drain from these components. Operations of distinct sets of components of the system (e.g., different heating elements) may also be interleaved to prevent simultaneous peak power operations.
US08844516B2
This relates to a heating device including a solar energy collector, the solar energy collector transferring collected solar energy to outside air. First collector panels are used to heat outside air which heated air is led to a heater, for example a space heater. Second collector panels are used to transfer solar energy to air led to a heat exchanger of a heat pump. The heat pump transfers the extracted heat to heat storage. The stored heat is added to the air coming from the first collector panels if the temperature of the air coming from the first collector panels is below a predetermined temperature.
US08844515B2
A low profile heliostat with elongated louvered mirror segments is provided. Its envelope of revolution has the shape of a flat disc to enable heliostat fields with very high ground coverage ratio. The heliostat's disc-shaped footprint rotates around a substantially vertical axis (akin to a carousel). The short dimension of the mirror segments is drastically shorter than the disc's diameter. Embodiments are described in which the motion relies on two concentric rings, which are individually rotated around a vertical axis. The lower ring acts as a platform providing mainly azimuth tracking, carrying the upper ring. The differential rotation between the upper ring and the lower ring is translated into a rotation of the mirror segments around a second, perpendicular, axis and used for elevation tracking. Disc-shaped heliostat with D-shaped cut-offs are described, to facilitate the required maintenance access even in highly dense heliostat fields.
US08844510B2
A riser of a compound bow includes a lower section and an upper section. The upper section has an end section and a connection section which is connected to the lower section by engagement of pins and pin holes of the two respective connection ends. The connection is further reinforced by way of welding. The end section is further connected with the connection section by engagement of pins and pin holes of the two respective connection ends. The connection is further reinforced by way of welding. The riser is strong and saves material.
US08844506B2
An engine assembly includes an engine defining a combustion chamber and a crankcase volume, together with an intake assembly. The intake assembly includes an air cleaner assembly, a throttle, and an intake manifold in a series arrangement and fluidly coupled with the combustion chamber. An air-oil separator is fluidly coupled between the crankcase volume and the intake manifold and defines a separator volume configured to extract oil from air flowing through the volume. The air-oil separator includes a first inlet port configured to direct a first air flow into the separator volume substantially along a first direction, and a second inlet port configured to direct a second air flow into the volume substantially along a second direction that generally opposes the first direction.
US08844505B2
The invention relates to a method for managing an exhaust gas recirculation circuit of a petrol thermal engine, the engine including at least one combustion chamber connected to an inlet line and an exhaust line between which extends said recirculation circuit, the recirculation circuit including a flow-rate adjustment valve, wherein said method comprises the step of adjusting flow-rate adjustment valve based on a flow-rate setpoint, said method further comprising the steps of: detecting an operation parameter representative of a pressure difference between an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure relative to the flow-rate adjustment valve, and, after comparing the parameter with a threshold corresponding to a minimum pressure difference, adjusting the flow-rate in at least one of the lines in order to increase the pressure difference.
US08844490B2
A corona igniter 20 includes an insulator 28 surrounding a central electrode 24 and a shell 30 surrounding the insulator 28. The shell 30 presents a shell gap 38 having a shell gap width ws between a shell lower end 34 and a shell inner surface 90 or shell outer surface 92. The shell 30 has a shell thickness ts decreasing toward the shell lower end 34 allowing the shell gap width ws to increase toward the shell lower end 34. The shell gap 38 is open at the shell lower end 34 allowing air to flow therein, and the shell gap width ws is greatest at the shell lower end 34. The increasing shell gap width ws enhances corona discharge 22 along the insulator 28 between the central electrode 24 and shell 30.
US08844483B2
A clamping disk (1) for the non-positive connection of components in a cam adjusting system, a cam adjusting system (15) having a clamping disk (1) and a method for checking the mounting of the clamping disk (1) are provided. The clamping disk (1) has an essentially circular base body (2) which has at least one friction surface for a contact partner. The base body (2) is axially penetrated by a material recess (10). The mounting of the clamping disk (1) can be controlled in a simple manner by distance measuring.
US08844466B2
An animal feeding system for slowing the eating process of an animal, e.g., a dog, and simultaneously entertains the animal. The animal feeding system includes a floor, retaining walls, and obstacles which form a food maze. The obstacles may vary, for example, in shape (e.g., as letters, words, geometric shapes, etc.), form (e.g., rigid structure, flexible fingers, etc.), size, height, etc. In addition, the obstacles may include structures to further slow an animal's eating, such as tunnels, slides, ramps, etc. The animal feeding system may be fabricated of any appropriate material, including, but not limited to, silicone rubber, natural rubber, metal, and ceramic.
US08844464B2
Systems, method and devices for applying a fluid composite to a carrier sheet are presented herein. An aspect of this disclosure is directed to a fluid-administering apparatus for applying a fluid composite, such as resins, epoxies, and adhesives, to a carrier sheet, such as a cloth tape. The apparatus includes a support frame with a container buttress, and a container removably received within the container buttress of the support frame. The container has a basin for holding the fluid composite, a lid covering the basin, and first and second scraping surfaces for scraping the carrier sheet. The container also has first and second slots, each of which is defined through a respective opposing side of the container. The carrier sheet passes through the first slot, traverses down into the basin through the fluid composite, slides over the first scraping surface then under the second scraping surface, and passes out through the second slot.
US08844447B2
A frame for use with a railway truck may have a pivot housing, a first arm member extending outward from the pivot housing and having opposing distal ends, and a second arm member substantially identical to the first arm member and extending outward from the pivot housing opposite the first arm member. Each of the first and second arm members may have a generally planar upper plate, a generally planar lower plate, and plurality of webs vertically disposed between the generally planar upper and lower plates. An upper surface of the pivot housing may be generally co-planar with the generally planar upper plates of the first and second arm members.
US08844437B2
A system and process for aligning printed images on a rolled product with perforation lines being formed into the product is disclosed. According to the process, the position of printed images are sensed as the images are being printed onto a substrate, such as a tissue strip. The images are printed onto the substrate using a printing device including at least one rotating print roller. In order to maintain the printed images in alignment with perforation lines being formed into the substrate, the speed of the print roller is adjusted in order to adjust the length of the printed images.
US08844432B2
A dough conditioning apparatus for frozen dough including: an enclosure; at least one tray or conveyance for supporting at least one frozen dough piece within the enclosure; a means to direct a conditioning gas directly onto frozen dough within the enclosure; humidity and temperature sensors for respectively measuring the humidity and temperature of the conditioning gas; and a gas controller, the gas controller controlling the duration of the conditioning gas onto the frozen dough according to the output of the humidity and temperature sensor.
US08844431B2
A roller grill divider assembly includes a frame adapted to rest upon on a roller grill and one or more dividers securable to the frame. The roller grill includes multiple tubes having outer surfaces adapted to transfer heat to a pre-cooked food product. The one or more dividers are in contact with the multiple tubes and are adapted to adjust along a length of the frame to multiple positions such that the pre-cooked food product is substantially prevented from passing beneath the one or more dividers.
US08844419B2
A device for forming a groove in a cover, the device including a circular score anvil having a first axis and being rotatable in a first direction and a circular scoring knife having a second axis positioned parallel to the first axis and arranged radially opposite the circular score anvil to define a gap between the score anvil and the scoring knife. The scoring knife is rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction and comprises a scoring element having an edge region that is tapered to form a ridge toward a periphery of the element. The edge region includes an intermediate space that divides the edge region into two spaced apart knife edges. A groove is formed in the cover while moving through the gap by operative cooperation of the scoring knife and score anvil.
US08844416B2
A lattice cutting or slicing machine includes a multi-knife lattice cutting plate mounted in-line along an hydraulic flow path through which vegetable products such as potatoes are propelled in single file by a hydraulic fluid such as water. The lattice cutting plate is orbitally driven for engaging in succession each of the multiple knives thereon with the vegetable product to form lattice cut slices wherein successive generally corrugated cuts are angularly oriented typically perpendicular to each other, and further wherein the depths or troughs of the corrugated cuts on opposite sides of each slice intersect in the preferred form to define a pattern of corrugations interrupted by small openings.
US08844411B2
A machining apparatus for a shaft-type workpiece has a housing or frame defining a pair of spaced and upright side walls and a vertical front wall bridging the side walls. Vertical guides on one of the side walls carry a vertically shiftable headstock and tailstock capable of rotating a workpiece about an upright axis. Horizontal guides on the front wall carry a turret adapted to hold first machining tools and horizontally shiftable for engagement of the first tools with a workpiece held and rotated by the headstock and tailstock. A holder on the other of the side walls can hold a workpiece with an end of the workpiece exposed so that a second tool can engage and machine the exposed end of the workpiece.
US08844378B2
A load weight determining apparatus and method for an electric chain block having a lifting-lowering motor and an inverter controller. The lifting-lowering motor rotates a sheave to wind up and unwind a chain engaging the sheave. The load weight determining apparatus has a current detecting element detecting a motor current supplied to the lifting-lowering motor from the inverter controller, and a load weight determining unit. A torque current is calculated from the motor current detected by the load weight determining unit, and a variation cycle of the torque current is calculated. An average torque current value over a period of time corresponding to the variation cycle is calculated, and the average torque current value is compared with a set threshold to perform load weight determination.
US08844375B2
A system includes a device and a contactless inductive force sensing system. The device includes a first band having a first magnetically encoded region with a first magnetic polarity spaced apart from a second magnetically encoded region having a second magnetic polarity. The device further includes a second band having a third magnetically encoded region with the second magnetic polarity spaced apart from a fourth magnetically encoded region having the first magnetic polarity. The contactless inductive force sensing system is used for measuring one or more mechanical force components of the device and generating a mechanical force component signal.
US08844370B1
An electromagnetic flow meter (EMFM) accurately measures both the complete flow rate and the dynamically fluctuating flow rate of a fluid by applying a unipolar DC voltage to excitation coils for a predetermined period of time, measuring the electric potential at a pair of electrodes, determining a complete flow rate and independently measuring the dynamic flow rate during the “on” cycle of the DC excitation, and correcting the measurements for errors resulting from galvanic drift and other effects on the electric potential. The EMFM can also correct for effects from the excitation circuit induced during operation of the EMFM.
US08844369B2
An apparatus and method for providing a gradient strain to an extracellular matrix to induce mechanotransduction. The gradient strain can be produced by adhering the extracellular matrix to a post and the walls of a sample holder, and then rotating the post and the sample holder. This strain can result in increased stiffness of the extracellular matrix with very little loss of pore size.
US08844365B2
A tissue measurement system includes a clamp, a measuring head, and a deflection sensor. The clamp includes a first plate and a second plate releasably engageable with one another to secure a substantially planar biological tissue. In the engaged position, the first and second plates define at least a portion of a test section along which a portion of the secured substantially planar biological tissue is disposed. The measuring head is movable toward the test section and into contact with the portion of the substantially planar biological tissue disposed along the test section. The deflection sensor is responsive to movement of the biological tissue contacted by the measuring head.
US08844364B2
A management torque value smaller than a specified torque value is defined beforehand, and a screw ring-form, plug management gauge (11), which is capable of being screwed with plug (3), is prepared. Gauge (11) is provided with marked lines (14a, 14b) showing upper and lower limit positions of tolerance of the orientation of ground electrode (33) when plug (3) and gauge (11) have been screwed with each other. When plug (3) and gauge (11) have been screwed with each other and tightened at the management torque value, suitability of the phase position in the rotational direction is evaluated and managed by whether or not ground electrode (33) of plug (3) is in a range of marked lines (14a, 14b) showing the upper and lower limit positions of the tolerance. With this, it becomes possible to conduct a phase management with consideration of the crushing deformation characteristics of the gasket even with a torque lower than the specified tightening torque.
US08844363B2
Fabry-Perot and Bragg grating optical measuring principles are combined with a torsional stress sensing mechanism that converts torque applied in one fluid environment to force exerted in a second environment to measure extreme environmental parameters such as pressure in a petroleum producing borehole.
US08844355B2
A load receiver device that serves to receive at least one solid body and to hold the solid body in place in a surrounding fluid during a density determination. Embodiments of the load receiver device include a hanger module that is adapted to establish a hanging connection to a part that is, in turn, connected to the weighing cell of a balance. Embodiments of the load receiver device further include a receiver module that is connected to the hanger module and serves to receive a solid body. The receiver module has a concavity that is designed to receive the solid body, and the orientation of the concavity can be selectively reversed to maintain the position of the solid body in the surrounding fluid during a density determination, regardless of whether the solid body will otherwise sink or float in the fluid.
US08844347B2
An insert apparatus for installing a transducer assembly in a sensor port of a flow cell is disclosed. The transducer assembly is installed in the cavity of the insert body without the use of glues or adhesives to bond the transducer assembly to the cavity.
US08844332B2
A device for the superplastic forming of a blank, in a mould with a lower and an upper mould, into a component. The blank in the mould can be subjected to pressure and temperature, and the blank has perforations, at least in some regions. The lower mould is formed at least partly with a permeable, in particular a gas permeable, drainage layer. As a consequence of the drainage layer, a blank with perforations can be formed directly, i.e., without further aids such as, e.g., a means of sealing, etc. and/or supplementary production operations, in the course of a superplastic forming process into a component, in particular into a suction component for an active aerodynamic surface of an aircraft, with a complex three-dimensional spatial shape. A simple, cost-effective and reliable process is enabled suitable for large production runs of components, which may be spherically curved in at least some regions.
US08844330B2
A cylindrical lockset comprises a multiple-compartment lock cage subassembly. A retractor is housed within a middle lock cage compartment. Spindle return torsion springs, for biasing corresponding handle-carrying spindles to their default positions, are housed within axially adjacent lock cage compartments. A torque plate transfers torque from the lock cage subassembly to relatively radially distal trim posts. A knob catch assembly seated in each handle-carrying spindle comprises a generally elliptically-shaped wrap around catch spring and a knob catch backup washer to resist axial loads produced by efforts to pull a handle off of the spindle. A key spindle provides a dog travel window defined by a closed, continuous edge of the key spindle, which window is positioned opposite of an axially-extending seam of the key spindle.
US08844329B2
A locking cable device which inhibits the theft of computer equipment. The security device combines a scissor clip designed to connect to the built-in security slot in computer equipment, a cable, and a lock. They are combined by way of a dual-action lock, with the first action capable of engaging and disengaging the scissor clip from the computer equipment, and the second action capable of separately disengaging the security cable to allow it to pass through other equipment or fasteners to allow the device to secure multiple pieces of computer equipment.
US08844321B2
Provided are an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible, which enable accurate measurement of a fume generation amount, prevention of deterioration of an inner surface property, and real-time control of a raw material melting state. Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible 50 by supplying silica powder into a mold 10 to form a silica powder layer 11, and heating and melting the silica powder layer 11 by arc discharge. The apparatus includes the mold 10 for defining an outer shape of a vitreous silica crucible, an arc discharge unit having a plurality of carbon electrodes 13 and a power-supply unit 40, and a fume-amount measurement unit 30 for detecting an amount of fumes 80 generated in the mold 10.
US08844290B2
A steam engine and an electric motor are arranged, which respectively drives an air compressor. The compressed air from the air compressor is supplied to a compressed air using device through a common air tank. The steam is supplied to the steam engine through a steam supply path, and the steam used in the steam engine is supplied to a steam using device through a steam exhaust path. The steam pressure is monitored by a pressure sensor arranged in a steam header ahead of the steam exhaust path. The air pressure is monitored by a pressure sensor arranged in an air tank. A steam supply valve is controlled based on the steam pressure and the air pressure, and the electric motor is controlled based on the air pressure. The steam engine is preferentially driven over the electric motor by shifting the target value of the air pressure.
US08844289B2
A method of cooling a turbine having internal moving components to a predetermined temperature is disclosed. The method comprises taking the turbine offline. While the turbine is offline, nitrogen is flowed through the turbine until the turbine reaches the predetermined temperature while controlling the flow of nitrogen from at least one injection point to prevent damage to the moving components of the turbine by achieving uniform cooling of the internal moving components. Then the flow of nitrogen is stopped. A method and assembly for cleaning a turbine having a deposit formed on an internal surface of the turbine is also disclosed.
US08844282B2
An exhaust-gas turbocharger has a turbine housing and a waste-gate valve of a ball-cock configuration which is arranged therein. The actuating crank of the waste-gate valve has a crank arm, to which the closing element is fastened, and a crank spindle which is connected integrally to the crank arm and is mounted in the turbine-housing wall. A stop shoulder for sealing the crank-spindle bearing and a flexural-stress relief pocket are provided in the transition region between the crank spindle and the crank arm, as a result of which the sealing action of the crank-spindle bearing and a more uniform distribution of flexural stresses in the transition region between the crank arm and the crank spindle are brought about and therefore an increased service life of the actuating crank is ensured with a simultaneously economical configuration.
US08844280B2
A hydraulic control system is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a hydraulic actuator, a valve arrangement, and an operator input device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a desired hydraulic actuator velocity. The hydraulic control system may also have a sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of an actual flow rate of fluid entering the hydraulic actuator, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine a desired flow rate of fluid into the hydraulic actuator based on the first signal; to estimate the actual flow rate based on the desired flow rate, a correction flow rate, and a system response model; and to determine the actual flow rate based on the second signal. The controller may also be configured to make a comparison of the estimated and determined actual flow rates of fluid, and to determine the correction flow rate based on the comparison.
US08844267B2
A vehicle includes an engine, an exhaust system, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device, a first and a second NOx sensor configured to respectively measure an upstream and a downstream NOx level, and a controller or host machine. The controller, via the present method, calculates a NOx conversion efficiency rate of the SCR device using the NOx levels from the sensors. At the end of a key cycle when an accumulated amount of upstream NOx is less than a calibrated upstream NOx level, the controller determines if the NOx conversion efficiency rate is presently passing or failing. The accumulated upstream NOx is recorded in memory for use in calculating the NOx conversion efficiency rate during a subsequent key cycle only when the NOx conversion efficiency rate is presently passing at the end of the key cycle. A control system for the vehicle uses the controller and sensors as noted above.
US08844247B2
A storage method of storing a package with its contents under irradiation of light. At least part of the package is made of polyamide (A) which is obtained by polycondensation of a diamine component comprising 70 mol % or more of m-xylylenediamine and a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 70 mol % or more of α,ω-linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 20 carbon atoms. The oxygen transmission of the package including polyamide (A) is reduced by irradiation of light, to prevent the spoilage of the contents.
US08844246B2
A film laminate wound up to form a film roll, from which bags with an integrated handle are produced in a VFFS form-fill and seal bag machine. The film laminate is produced by coating a film web of an outer film with a lamination adhesive and applying a material web of a sealable film to the adhesive layer. The material web is pressed together with the film web and adhesive layer in a lamination gap between a lamination roller and a pressing roller. A reinforcement strip passed to the lamination gap contacts the adhesive layer, between the film web and the sealable film. The circumference surface of the pressing roller has a depression that is coordinated with the film thickness and the film width of the reinforcement strip, so that a uniform pressing pressure prevails in the lamination gap, over the entire width of the laminate.
US08844242B2
Presented are methods of assembling and disassembling a modular unit so that the modular unit. The modular unit includes at least a concrete column with an embedded steel receptacle and an access port, and a concrete joist/slab with an embedded steel receptacle and an access port. The methods include inserting a first end of the rigid member into the steel receptacle of the joist/slab and a second end of the rigid member into the steel receptacle of the column to form the modular unit. The first and second ends of the rigid member are releasably coupled to the steel receptacles of the joist/slab and column, respectively. The first and second ends of the rigid member are then decoupled from the steel receptacles of the joist/slab and column, respectively. The joist/slab, column, and rigid member are separated so that at least joist/slab and column can be reused and/or recycled.
US08844236B2
Floor panels which are provided with a mechanical locking system including a displaceable tongue in a displacement groove. The tongue is molded and provided with bendable protrusions.
US08844234B2
A building system (38) is disclosed in the form of a standing seam panel assembly (80) and one or more mounting devices (40). The mounting device (40) includes a slot (52) for receiving at least an upper section of a hollow seam rib (86) of the panel assembly (80). At least one opposing pair of seam fasteners (74) engage opposing sides of the seam rib (86). These seam fasteners (74) may be activated to significantly reduce the size of an open space that initially exists between opposing, spaced internal surfaces (92a, 92b) of the seam rib (86).
US08844232B1
The present disclosure relates to a ceiling mount system for installing a ceiling panel on a grid support body. The ceiling mount system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes clip main bodies coupled to upper surfaces of ceiling panels and configured to accommodate end portions of the grid support body, a pressing block facing an end portion of the grid support body, which is accommodated inside the clip main body, and installed to be able to linearly reciprocate, and one or more clips including an elastic member which provides elastic force to the pressing block inside the clip main body.
US08844225B2
One embodiment of a safety surfacing tile comprises a top surface; a plurality of series of first members supporting the top surface and extending across a transverse length of the safety surfacing tile; a plurality of series of second members supporting the top surface and extending across a length of the safety surfacing tile perpendicular to the transverse length; and a grid of voids formed by the intersecting first and second members on an underside of the top surface, wherein the grid of voids absorbs impact energy from an object impacting the top surface.
US08844218B2
An insulated glazing unit with a nanotechnology enhanced film for improved IGU insulating capability. The present invention makes use of a layered film or sheet system to further provide a double or triple pane window glazing unit sound, vibration, and thermal insulation with the option of allowing users to still view through the unit clearly.
US08844214B2
A support system for a solar panel includes a triangular truss with connection points for mounting a photovoltaic module, and a cradle structure that supports the triangular truss and is connected to at least two side supports of the triangular truss. The cradle structure may be driven for rotation about an axis for tracking the sun and several cradle structures can be linked together for tracking movement using a buried linkage system. The truss may also be foldable for ease of transportation and storage.
US08844209B1
An anchor pier for supporting a manufactured building, in which the anchor pier includes having a shaft with a connector and a helical flight proximate a driving tip, with a brace member attached to the connector and to the manufactured building with a connector, to transfer loading between the manufactured building and the ground. A method of supporting a manufactured building is disclosed.
US08844202B2
Disclosed is a latching mechanism for a access door. More specifically, the disclosure relates to an access door that can be pivoted between opened and closed orientations and secured in the open position with the aid of a hold open arm. A latching lever, in turn, pivotally engages the hold open arm to selectively secure the access door in an opened orientation. A grip upon the hold open arm can thereafter be used in conjunction with the latching lever to release the access door and permit it to be closed.
US08844201B2
An enclosure having a gate which may be pivotably hung from stanchions or walls such that it swings in either direction, and may be opened from either side, depending on the assembly of the enclosure, is described. A latch which may be opened from both inside and outside of the enclosure is also described.
US08844196B2
A curtain integrated door regulator structure includes a motor, a drive gear, a drum retainer, a glass driving drum, a curtain driving drum, gear keys and key grooves. The motor generates a rotational driving force to rotate a driving shaft. The drive gear has a shaft receiving hole into which a driving shaft of the motor is fitted. The drum retainer has a spiral groove shaft supporting part spirally coupled to a spiral protrusion disposed on an outer circumference of the drive gear. The glass driving drum and the curtain driving drum are rotatably received in the drum retainer and disposed at an outer side of the drive gear. The gear keys are disposed on the outer circumference of the drive gear. The key grooves are formed in the glass driving drum and the curtain driving drum, respectively, and have a shape corresponding to that of the gear keys.
US08844191B2
A composite pest barrier (10) comprising mesh sheeting (13) and a pest deterrent associated with the mesh sheeting. The mesh sheeting (13) typically comprises woven mesh sheeting. The pest deterrent comprises a pest resistant material. The pest deterrent may be associated with the mesh sheeting (13) in any suitable way. In one arrangement, the pest deterrent comprises a membrane (15) applied to the mesh sheeting, the membrane (15) carrying pest resistant material. In another arrangement, the pest deterrent comprises pest resistant material applied to the mesh sheeting (15). In yet another arrangement, the pest deterrent is incorporated into the mesh sheeting (15) itself.
US08844189B2
A sighting device replicates the spread pattern of pellets exiting the barrel of a shotgun. The sighting device includes a light source (preferably a laser) and a power source connectable to the light source. The device may also include a mount to attach the sighting device to a shotgun. The sighting device preferably projects a circular pattern of individual light beams wherein the circumference of the circular pattern increases as the light beams move farther from the sighting device to replicate the spread of shotgun pellets. The sighting device may also project a beam of light in the center of the pattern.
US08844188B2
A device for sighting a distant moving target by a shooter using a shoulder-mounted firearm provided with a trigger guard disposed around the trigger as a strip of metal or other suitable material. The device is comprised of a horizontal mounting base, a vertical support member, and a small screen or blade. The mounting base includes a mechanism for releasably fixing it in place, and a pair of parallel arms extending from a common origin which sandwich a section of the trigger guard when mounted. The support member extends vertically from the base so as to support the small screen adjacently to a side of the firearm. When the shooter mounts the firearm, the screen protrudes into the sightline of the eye opposite to the mounting shoulder thus concealing the barrel while allowing that opposite eye to see the target at all time.
US08844180B2
An electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets whereby each slotted frame cabinet can conveniently be attached to one or more vertically or horizontally positioned adjacent slotted frame cabinets by using connecting components which are generally located around the periphery of one or more slotted frame cabinets. Connecting components, including splice bars, splice plates, and mounting clamps, are aligned in, positioned along and secured to backing bars which are co-located in backing bar slots in one or more of the slotted frame cabinets. Lift eyes can be variably located in one or more lift eye slots. The use of externally located connecting components, which do not extend through the cabinetry, minimize the entry of environmental elements into the interior of the electronic sign. Multiple slotted frame cabinets can be connected without the removal of LED display panels.
US08844178B2
The application is directed to check presenters having contrasting colors/tones on the exterior sides thereof. The contrast permits a restaurant server to determine whether payment has yet been enclosed or not, so that payment may be processed in a timely manner and yet without the need to interrupt a customer to determine whether or not payment has yet been enclosed.
US08844174B2
A dipper including a dipper door and an impact actuated jaw defining a lip and a chin The jaw is rotatably mounted on the dipper door for rotation between a door-opened position and a door-closed position and positioned so that when the jaw is in the door-opened position, the jaw chin can be impacted by the dipper body when the door pivots to the door-closed position. The dipper also includes a hold open mechanism for releasably holding the door latch in the latch open position when the latch is in the open position, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the latch when the latch is in the door-closed position. The locking mechanism includes one bar pivotally attached to the door, and another bar pivotally connected to and extending between each of the one bar and the latch.
US08844170B2
An outsole structure includes a medial side, a lateral side, and a longitudinal axis. The outsole structure also has a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a midfoot portion. The midfoot portion defines a recess and an insert received within the recess. The insert includes a base portion, medial wall that projects from the base portion, and a lateral wall that projects from the base portion. The insert additionally includes a first rib that projects from the base portion and that extends between the medial wall and the lateral wall. The insert further includes a second rib that projects from the base portion and that extends between the medial wall and the lateral wall. Moreover, the insert includes at least one pocket that is defined between the base portion, the medial wall, the lateral wall, the first rib, and the second rib.
US08844165B2
An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. A valve member may be disposed externally to the outer bladder. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed within the outer bladder to control deformation of the outer bladder during compression.
US08844164B2
A protective overshoe has a collapsible upper portion attached to a stretchable lower portion with a collapsible sole. The collapsible sole may be coated directly on the lower portion of a fabric overshoe body. The coating may be applied by dipping the lower portion of the fabric overshoe body into a bath of liquid rubber. Separate toe and heel outsole portions may be provided on the rubber coated lower portion of the fabric overshoe body. The lower portion may further comprise a reinforcing heel insert which is adapted to clip on the heel of the wearer's shoe while providing the required form holding properties to maintain an unobstructed heel opening when the lower portion of the overshoe is longitudinally stretched.
US08844163B2
A laundry treating machine includes a basement portion (14) having an upper side (17) with seats (18A-18F) formed thereon for receiving machine operational devices (5), and a lower side (16), opposite to the upper side (17). The lower side (16) forms an air path for air to be admitted into or exhausted from the machine.
US08844160B2
A modular system according to one embodiment of the invention for treating a fabric load comprises a first module and a second module. The first module can include a chamber having an interior for holding a fabric load, and the second module can have at least one of a fluid delivery system, a fluid removal system, and a fluid recycling system. The modular system can further include conduits for coupling the systems of the second module with the first module.
US08844159B2
A system for drying a load of wood including: a heat generating device providing heat necessary for drying the load of wood, apparatus for generating a gaseous coolant flow for treating the load of wood by combustion of biomass under O2, the gaseous coolant flow being essentially constituted by CO2, a heat exchange device allowing the transfer of the heat produced by the heat generating device to the gaseous coolant flow for treating the load of wood, a unit for treating/drying the load of wood, including a central volume, known as a technical or treatment volume, dedicated to the drying of the wood, and inlet and outlet hatches for the loads of wood, situated at the upstream and downstream ends of said central volume, and a thermal device for the dehydration and condensation of the steam extracted from the wood during the drying cycle.
US08844155B2
The invention relates to a hopper of an injection molding machine, which comprises a combined hopper, an electric heating air-blasting system and a temperature control system, wherein the combined hopper comprises two or more than two sub-hoppers; each sub-hopper is provided with an independent sub-feed inlet, an independent sub-discharge outlet and a branch air-blasting port capable of being controlled independently; all the sub-discharge outlets of the sub-hoppers are communicated with a thermostatic chamber arranged below the sub-discharge outlets; a main discharge outlet and a main air supply port are arranged at the lower part of the thermostatic chamber; and the thermostatic chamber and each sub-hopper are provided with independent temperature control systems respectively.
US08844151B2
An articulated arm CMM comprises a plurality of transfer members, a plurality of articulation members connecting at least two transfer members to each other, a coordinate acquisition member at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end. At least two of the articulation members can include at least one encoder and the at least two encoders can both be enclosed within a single monoblock housing.
US08844148B2
A method of determining a direction of a triaxial electronic compass oriented in a specific direction by using the triaxial electronic compass and an inclination sensor, the method includes obtaining an elevation angle of the specific direction from the inclination sensor to switch a selection of two output values from the three output values to another selection of two output values therefrom; determining a geomagnetic aspect from the two output values; obtaining a rotational angle about an axis extending in the specific direction from the inclination sensor; calculating a deviation angle of the direction of the triaxial electronic compass which is caused by the selection switching, in accordance with the elevation angle, the geomagnetic aspect and the rotational angle; and correcting the direction of the triaxial electronic compass in accordance with the deviation angle.
US08844140B2
A roller bearing having two cooperating rolling parts of which one is of ceramic and the other of a steel. The steel part is of such structure and/or material and/or is so produced to cause residual compressive stresses to form beneath the contact surface of the steel part, at least in a load-free state, down to a depth.
US08844138B2
A method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis is disclosed. The method includes a first step of photographing a patient's mouth with a dental cone beam CT, a second step of converting CT data photographed at the first step into a CAD file, a third step of designing a shape of the dental prosthesis with the CAD file using CAD software, a fourth step of correcting the shape of the designed prosthesis using occlusion simulation software, a fifth step of converting the shape of the prosthesis which is designed finally into manufacturing data, and a sixth step of transmitting the manufacturing data to a dental prosthesis manufacturing machine, thus manufacturing the dental prosthesis.
US08844131B2
A process is provided for forming a leaf-spacer pair for use in a leaf seal which effects a seal between two components. The process includes the steps of: (a) providing a leaf section which maintains, in the leaf seal, wiping contact with one of the components, and a root section from which the leaf section extends and which, in the leaf seal, is fixed relative to the other component, the leaf section and the root section being formed from a first sheet of material of substantially uniform thickness; (b) providing a spacer formed from a second sheet of material, the spacer being physically separate from the leaf section and the root section; and (c) fastening the spacer to the root section to form a leaf-spacer pair in which the spacer overlays the root section and remains fixed relative thereto on handling of the leaf-spacer pair.
US08844128B2
A method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device includes forming partition walls for defining a plurality of pixel regions on a lower substrate; filling charged particles into the plurality of pixel regions; filling a pixel solvent in the plurality of pixel regions having been filled with the charged particles; and attaching the lower substrate and an upper substrate to each other.
US08844118B2
A method of manufacturing a motor for a power tool includes providing an armature configured to be coupled to a shaft. The armature includes a yoke and a first tooth and a second tooth that extend radially outward from the yoke to define a slot between the first tooth and the second tooth. Each of the first tooth and the second tooth include an inner end adjacent the yoke and an outer end opposite the inner end. The method further includes coupling a first wire guide member to the outer end of the first tooth, coupling a second wire guide member to the outer end of the second tooth, winding wire into the slot, after winding wire into the slot, compressing the wire radially into the slot, uncoupling the first wire guide member from the first tooth, and uncoupling the second wire guide member from the second tooth.
US08844113B2
A medical device includes a polymer stent scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A process for forming the medical device includes placing the scaffold on a support supported by an alignment carriage, and deionizing the scaffold to remove any static charge buildup on the scaffold before placing the scaffold within a crimper to reduce the scaffold's diameter. The polymer scaffold is heated to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve scaffold retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the scaffold when deployed to support a body lumen.
US08844109B2
A method for manufacturing motor vehicles at a manufacturing location (S), from which ready-assembled motor vehicles are built in a planned number and order of output. First modules (MA) are delivered in a specific assembly stage discontinuously from a first production shop (PA) to the manufacturing location (S) and are fed continuously into a manufacturing line (F) in which the modules (MA) are manufactured into motor vehicles (A). Second modules (MB) be fed in a specific assembly stage from a second production shop (PB) into the joint manufacturing line (F) at a sequencing station (5) alternately with the modules (MA). Thus, vehicles of first and second model series can be manufactured on one and the same manufacturing line.
US08844106B2
A kit comprising an installation fixture, a plurality of mechanical fasteners and an embedding tool is provided which allows for an elastomer band to be disposed in a mounting groove around a semiconductor substrate support in a manner that relieves the internal stresses of the elastomer band, leading to an elastomer band with a longer operational lifetime. The installation fixture is secured to a substrate support with mechanical fasteners. An elastomer band is placed around an outer circumference of the installation fixture and rotated back and forth to relieve internal stresses of the elastomer band. The fixture is inverted and the elastomer band is slid vertically off the fixture and into the mounting groove. An embedding tool can be used to completely insert the elastomer band into the mounting groove.
US08844100B2
A jewelry clasp including at least a first jewelry interfacer and a second jewelry interfacer capable of magnetically coupling together. The magnetic coupling of the first and second jewelry interfacers can be substantially easy to decouple by applying force substantially in a first direction, but substantially difficult to decouple by applying force that is not substantially in the first direction. Accordingly, the jewelry clasp can be capable of being decoupled by a user with substantial ease while remaining substantially difficult to decouple when not desired.
US08844076B2
A patient handling device includes a deck for supporting a patient support surface, a controller, and a user interface. The user interface is actuatable by a user to record a state of a plurality of conditions of the patient handling device. The controller is in communication with the user interface and operable to monitor the plurality of conditions and to generate a first unified indication when all the conditions remain unchanged from their recorded state, and to generate a second indication when any of the conditions change from their recorded state.
US08844074B2
A triangular prism-shaped wedge, fashioned of a sturdy foam core with soft and malleable properties, fashioned to occupy the space that commonly exists between the head of a mattress and the wall or headboard that the mattress is binding against. It is configured to occupy this space, aided via the force of friction, to ensure that items such as pillows, remote controls, and other bedside items do not fall behind the mattress, and onto the floor. It may be configured with an assortment of interchangeable pockets, as well as an embedded stereo speaker system.
US08844073B2
A person-support structure includes a control system, an input configured to communicate a first input signal to the control system, and a sensor configured to sense a physiological characteristic of a person supported on the person-support structure. The sensor communicates a second input signal corresponding to the physiological characteristic to the control system. The control system calculates a condition score as a function of the first input signal and the physiological characteristic of the person and compares the condition score to a predetermined threshold. The control system scales at least one of the physiological characteristic of the person and the predetermined threshold as a function of the first input signal.
US08844067B2
A device to shut-off a water supply to a toilet diverts water from a toilet fill valve to a shut-off valve that has a housing that includes a valve mechanism, a trip mechanism, and a trip circuit. The trip mechanism includes a rotational spring that urges closing of the valve mechanism. A trip latch is adapted to prevent closing of the valve mechanism except when withdrawn from the valve mechanism by a solenoid that is electrically connected to the trip circuit. The trip circuit includes at least one trip sensor input and a power source, such that when the trip circuit detects a fault condition on any of the trip sensors, the trip circuit connects power to the solenoid to withdraw the solenoid to close the valve mechanism. A rest knob may then be rotated to reset the valve mechanism into a valve-open position.
US08844066B1
An integrated helmet having blunt force trauma protection includes a helmet shell, an inner impact layer and the replaceable impact layer. The helmet shell is preferably fabricated from carbon fiber or a high impact plastic. A plurality of openings are formed through the helmet shell to reduce weight. The inner impact layer is attached to an inside surface of the helmet shell. The inner impact layer includes a plurality of deformable bubbles, which communicate with each other through a plurality of air channels. The inner impact layer will not burst upon impact. The plurality of deformable bubble chambers are filled with air to allow air to be displaced from one area to another area. The replaceable impact layer is attached to an outside surface of the helmet shell. The replaceable impact layer will burst upon impact.
US08844062B2
The invention relates to a garment for ballistic protection and carrying equipment, including: a carrying harness including a back portion suitable for covering the back of a user, the back portion including a cover for accommodating a back-protecting pack and straps suitable for being placed over the shoulders of the user in order to hang the harness from the shoulders; and two abdominal portions suitable for covering the torso of the user, each abdominal portion being designed to be removably attached onto a respective suspender of the carrying harness, the abdominal portions including a closing device for connecting the abdominal portions together in order to close the vest.
US08850607B2
A method and system for capacity licensing are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer implemented method comprises receiving a capability request from a device, sending a capability response to the device, the capability response comprising a serving of license rights. A deduction record is stored, the deduction record deducting a license from a license pool. An information request is received from the device, and an information response is sent.
US08850603B2
A method for entering a passcode within a mobile device begins with receiving an indication of a user attempt to access the mobile device. A passcode entry display including a plurality of touch points is generated responsive to the indication. Each of the plurality of touch points includes at least two visual identifiers associated therewith. The passcode entry display is displayed on an interface of the mobile device and the passcode is received responsive to user selection of a sequences of the plurality of touch points associated with a predetermined sequence of at least one of the visual identifiers. The arrangement of the at least two visual identifier associated with the plurality of touch points of each passcode entry display differs from an arrangement of the at least two visual identifiers in a previous and a subsequent passcode entry display.
US08850592B2
The content of operations is identified and an alert is generated to an operation having a high risk of information leakage.An agent monitors, for example, operations performed with respect to a dialogue displayed on a client PC. If a file is selected by an operation performed with respect to the displayed dialogue, the agent assigns an identifier indicating a source for the file to the file. If the file is sent as an attached file, the agent identifies an output destination for the attached file as well as the source for the attached file; and if the output destination for the attached file is an external Web server and the source for the attached file is a mail server, the agent generates an alert by determining that an unauthorized operation has been executed; and then sends the generated alert to a management server.
US08850567B1
Unauthorized URL requests are detected based on individual user's access map(s). An access map describes legitimate paths that a user may be led from one URL to another URL. Additional information on individual URLs forming the paths, such as whether a particular URL is a start URL or a critical URL, is also included in the access map. The access map may be updated based on the most currently available information. When a URL request is made from a client device associated with a user, and it if is determined that the requested URL may potentially suffer from CSRF attacks, then the requested URL and its referral URL are compared against the URL paths in the user's access map to determine whether the URL request is unauthorized. If so, then an alert may be raised.
US08850564B2
A printing system includes an image forming apparatus and a host terminal apparatus. The image forming apparatus is operated by a first user who picks up a printed output of the image forming apparatus. A second user sends print data from the host terminal apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an input section, a receiving buffer, and a watermark embedding section. The first user inputs a first item of information indicative of the first user through the input section. The receiving buffer stores the print data therein. The watermark embedding section produces a watermark pattern in which information representative of the first item of information is embedded, and combines the print data with the watermark pattern. The image forming apparatus prints out the received print data with the watermark pattern embedded therein. The watermark pattern includes the first item of information therein.
US08850549B2
To control privileges and access to resources on a per-process basis, an administrator creates a rule that may be applied to modify a token of a process. The rule may include an application-criterion set and changes to be made to the groups and/or privileges of the token. The rule may be set as a policy within a group policy object (GPO), where a GPO is associated with one or more groups of computers or users. When a GPO containing a rule is applied to a computer, a driver installed on the computer may access the rule(s) anytime a logged-on user executes a process. If the executed process satisfies the criterion set of a rule, the changes contained within the rule are made to the process token, and the user has expanded and/or contracted access and/or privileges for only that process.
US08850548B2
A user-portable computing device configured as a smart card enables a user to carry identification information and to generate security tokens for use in authenticating the user to a service provider. The device includes memory for storing user identities as information cards that are exported to a host computer, presented to a user in visual form, and then selected for use in the authentication process. A security token service installed on the device issues a security token in response to a token request sent from the host computer that references the selected user identity. The security token service uses user attribute information stored on the user device to compose the claim assertions needed to issue the security token. The token is returned to the host computer and used to facilitate the authentication process.
US08850533B2
Techniques for multi-level authentication for medical data access are supported. A system may include a central medical information management system that provides restricted access to medical data. An accessing device supports multiple different authentication levels. For example, the accessing device may use a combination of device identifiers, passwords, and quick access codes to ensure access only by authorized users.
US08850525B1
Methods and systems provide indirect and temporary access to a company's IT infrastructure and business applications. The methods/systems involve establishing an access control center (ACC) to control the access that technical support personnel may have to the company's IT infrastructure and business applications. Thin client terminals with limited functionality may then be set up in the ACC for use by the technical support personnel. The thin client terminals connect the technical support personnel to workstations outside the ACC that operate as virtual desktops. The virtual desktops in turn connect the technical support personnel to the IT infrastructure and business applications. An ACC application may be used to automatically establish the connection between the thin client terminals to the virtual desktops, and the virtual desktops to the IT infrastructure and business applications. The ACC application may include an auto configuration module for automatically configuring a root privilege manager and jump server.
US08850524B2
Resetting a password for a network service account may include redirecting the user to a password reset tool, wherein the user is blocked from network access other than the password reset tool while being redirected. After redirecting the user to the password reset tool, user entry of verification information may be accepted, and the verification information from the user may be compared with known verification information for the user. User entry of a new password may be accepted if the verification information accepted from the user matches the known verification information for the user; and the new password may be stored as the known password for the user. Related systems and computer-program products are also discussed.
US08850522B2
Concepts and technologies are described herein for a mechanism by which participants who have been invited to attend a conference event and who are physically present within a conference event environment, such as a meeting room, can provide authentication credentials to join the conference event via a conference event environment system. When an individual attempts to join a conference event via a conference event environment system, the individual is prompted to provide his or her authentication credentials to join the conference event via the conference event environment system to participate in the conference event. The conference event environment system may inherit the individual's permissions, such as in regards to whether or not the individual has been permitted to present content during the conference event. A conference event roster may be used to indicate that the individual has joined the conference via the conference event environment system.
US08850519B2
Systems and methods for providing authentication using an arrangement of dynamic graphical images. The graphical images can be arranged as a grid or matrix for presentation on a device display for authentication of a user. The kinds of graphical images can be derived from a designated authentication category and non-authenticating categories. A series of password elements corresponding to the graphical images can be displayed with the graphical images. The user may enter the series of one or more password elements corresponding to graphical images from the authentication category which combine to form a password entry. An authentication server can compare the password entry to an authentication password corresponding to the particular arrangement of dynamic graphical images. The selection of graphical images, their arrangement and their corresponding password elements, may dynamically change in between authentication processes.
US08850516B1
Techniques to enforce policies with respect to managed files and/or endpoints are disclosed. A policy to be applied with respect to one or more files included in a synchronization set and/or an endpoint associated with the synchronization set is received. Compliance with the policy is ensured across a plurality of heterogeneous endpoints associated with the synchronization set.
US08850515B2
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may store a plurality of token-based rules. A token-based rule may facilitate access to a resource. The apparatus may further store a plurality of tokens. The plurality of tokens may include a session token associated with access to the resource by a user. The apparatus may receive a first token indicating at least one of the detection of a face other than the user's and the detection of a voice other than the user's. The apparatus may determine, based at least in part upon at least one token-based rule from the plurality of token-based rules, that access to the resource should be terminated in response to receiving the first token and terminate the session token in response to the determination that access to the resource should be terminated.
US08850511B2
A program replacing method includes registering a first program so that message transmission is enabled between the first program and a detachable point of deployment (POD). The first program has an identifier that identifies a program type of the first program. When a second program having the same identifier as the first program exists in the broadcast receiving terminal apparatus, the second program is notified that message transmission between the second program and the point of deployment is to be terminated. Approval for terminating the message transmission between the second program and the point of deployment is received from the second program. The message transmission between the second program and the point of deployment is then terminated.
US08850508B2
A computer-implemented method for controlling an electronic device including receiving a signal through a light sensor of the device, identifying with a processor of the device whether the received signal originated from a light emitter of the device, and controlling a function of the device, the function selected based on whether the signal is identified as originating from the light emitter of the device or the light emitter separate from the device.
US08850506B2
A method and system for supporting media services on devices lacking capabilities to execute reverse transmission communicates necessary to request and/or locate the services. The method and system may be suitable for use with switched broadcast television (SBT) system having unidirectional digital cable products (UDCPs) which are unable to execute reverse transmission communicates necessary to support SBT.
US08850494B2
A forming die assembly for microcomponents includes a forming die, a plunger, and a punch. The forming die is formed with an outer die, an inner die, a storage portion formed at the inner die, and a punch hole formed at the inner die. The inner die slidably inserted into the outer die forms a part of a cavity between the inner die and the outer die. The storage portion stores a raw material with a metal powder and a binder having plasticity. The punch hole connects the cavity and the storage portion and forms a gate therebetween. The plunger slidably inserted into the storage portion fills the raw material stored in the storage portion into the cavity through the punch hole. The punch is slidably inserted into the plunger, and it closes the gate and compresses the raw material in the cavity.
US08850490B1
An internet-based content platform that includes subscribable paid channels is provided. The internet-based content platform receives, via a user interface, a request of an end user to subscribe to a paid channel. The paid channel is one of a plurality of channels of the internet-based content platform and has dynamically changed content. The internet-based content platform requests, via the user interface, end user information that includes payment information of the end user. The internet-based content platform receives the end user information and creates a subscription to the paid channel for the end user based on the end user information. The internet-based content platform provides, via the user interface, access to the content of the paid channel to the end user at substantially the same time as creating the subscription for the end user.
US08850486B2
When the user views the information available on a program (in a Personal Video Recorder), the keywords that determine whether a program will be recorded are accentuated. This can be done by using the size of the text or by using colors or any other kind of varying accentuation i.e. encircled or blinking text. This makes it easy for the user to identify the keywords used in their personalized profile. Additionally the user can navigate between keywords and change the accentuation of the keywords, to indicate a rating (in multiple levels) of the keyword.
US08850474B2
A virtual content store may be provided. Upon receiving a request for a content stream from a subscriber at a regional headend, a central content vault may be examined to determine whether the content stream is available. Once the content stream is determined to be available in the central content vault, a streaming session may be established to the subscriber from the regional headend. The content stream may be retrieved from the central content vault and provided to the subscriber via the streaming session.
US08850470B2
A personal base station (PBS) having wireless video capability. The PBS authenticates a mobile device within range for cellular services, and authenticates the user for a level of service for cable television. The PBS operates in accordance with a dual-purpose subscriber identity system (SIS) includes a subscriber mobile identity component (SMIC) and a video security component (VSC) such that the cellular and television services can be authenticated. Mobile devices incorporating the disclosed innovations, as well as the PBS, can access video content from a cable television provider through any available broadband link, regardless of the mobile device's physical location.
US08850463B2
A system and method for capturing and recording parameters of events on portable devices with a digital television receiver, a method for remote configuration of service parameters for capturing and recording events on portable devices, as well as a portable device and server. More specifically, a system and method for capturing audience data, the method for remote configuration of audience data capture service, especially adapted for digital TV services on portable devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, and personal digital assistants, among others, that helps in remotely setting up the service. Another aspect of the present architecture is the fact that it is completely based on software, using only resources that are already present in portable devices with an embedded service.
US08850443B2
A mechanism for asynchronous input/output (I/O) using second stack switching in kernel space is disclosed. A method of the invention includes receiving, by a kernel executing in a computing device, an input/output (I/O) request from an application thread executing using a first stack, allocating a second stack in kernel space of the computing device, switching execution of the thread to the second stack, and processing the I/O request synchronously using the second stack.
US08850440B2
Processing requests may be routed between a plurality of runtime environments, based on whether or not program(s) required for completion of the processing requests is/are loaded in a given runtime environment. Cost measures may be used to compare costs of processing a request in a local runtime environment and of processing the request at a non-local runtime environment.
US08850429B2
Virtual workplace server software may perform load balancing functionality in a multi-server desktop virtualization system. One or more virtualization servers may receive and maintain common state information for the desktop virtualization system, and may independently execute one or more load balancing functions based on the common state information. Each server may independently analyze the common state information and determine whether it will execute a load balancing function based on the analysis, thereby allowing the servers to coordinate actions using distributed load balancing algorithms.
US08850423B2
The present invention describes a method and system for preparing a migration and consolidation of at least one source application to be migrated to or consolidated in at least one heterogeneous server device. A computing system selects at least one prospective target platform component based on an evaluation of at least one source platform component, a requirement of the at least one source application, and a compatibility and an affinity of the at least one prospective target platform component. The computing system collects first metadata of the at least one source platform component and the at least one prospective target platform component. The computing system collects second metadata associated with the migration and consolidation. The computing system groups the first metadata and the second metadata into a RFM (Request For Migration). The computing system prepares and configures a final target platform in accordance with the RFM.
US08850420B2
In one aspect, a business application is provided by a customer for execution in a cloud environment. A runtime platform for the business application is identified based on the functionality of the business application. In another aspect, an installable package for a product composing the business application and a first version of the runtime platform is generated. In yet another aspect, the business application and a second version of the runtime platform are synchronously installed in a cloud environment based on the installable package of the product, where the metadata of the business application and the metadata of the business application are dynamically validated prior the installation to guarantee compatibility.
US08850417B2
This invention relates to a method and framework for invisible code rewriting. A method, system, and computer program for allowing modification of executable program code in a computer platform comprising: providing a virtual address space on the platform, said virtual space comprising a first and second address space; identifying a program into the first address space; identifying an enhancement to the program; copying the program into the second address space; modifying the program copy in the second address space to provide the enhancement; and configuring the platform to execute the program and executing the enhanced program in second address space.
US08850411B2
The exemplary embodiments provide a compiler for a reconfigurable integrated circuit having reconfigurable computational elements with a plurality of contexts. An exemplary compiler generates a compilation comprising a designation of a first type of reconfigurable computational element, the data input linkage or the data output linkage for a first action, and a portion of a first configuration for the first type of reconfigurable computational element comprising a first task identifier and the first action identifier. The reconfigurable integrated circuit utilizes the first task identifier and a run status designation in enabling and disabling corresponding contexts for execution by the reconfigurable computational elements. The first configuration, typically generated in a binding process, further comprises a first input data source address from the first data input linkage or a first output data destination address from the first data output linkage.
US08850410B2
A system and method for improving software maintainability, performance, and/or security by associating a unique marker to each software code-block; the system comprising of a plurality of processors, a plurality of code-blocks, and a marker associated with each code-block. The system may also include a special hardware register (code-block marker hardware register) in each processor for identifying the markers of the code-blocks executed by the processor, without changing any of the plurality of code-blocks.
US08850403B2
Implementations of the present disclosure provide methods including executing a profiling session to profile one or more applications running on a virtual machine executed on a server, collecting profiling data over a first time interval during the profiling session, receiving user input generated at a client device, the client device being in communication with the server, in response to the user input, generating a snapshot corresponding to a subset of the profiling data, the snapshot being identified based on a second time interval that is within the first time interval, and transmitting the profiling data to generate a snapshot view for display on a client device, the snapshot view corresponding to the subset of the profiling data.
US08850400B2
A system and method for providing a regression testing framework for use with enterprise applications, such as Oracle Fusion Applications and Fusion Financials, by rapidly implementing applications according to a customized configuration, and subsequently performing regression tests on an implemented application instance. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of automated, e.g., Fusion Financials application setups; automation services which can be consumed by setups and regression tests as per requirement; multiple automated regression tests which can be executed by the regression testing framework, to test an implemented instance of the applications; and a central execution controller, which controls the runtime behavior of application setups and regression tests that subscribe to it.
US08850399B2
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to software development. In aspects, code is deployed to a target and debugged. After the debugging has ended, instead of waiting for another version to be deployed to the target, the code is retracted from the target and warm up of the target is performed as needed potentially in parallel with other software development activities with respect to the code.
US08850396B2
A mechanism for performing dynamic software testing on a computer system based on grouping of tests using a test list entity. A method of embodiments of the invention includes causing execution a first group of first tests based on a first set of configuration settings, and executing the first group includes enabling a test execution script to run the first tests according to the first set of configuration settings, and the test execution script is hosted at a test execution platform of a computer system. The method further includes facilitating creation, in runtime, a second group of second tests based on a second set of configuration settings that is different from the first set of configuration settings, and causing execution, in runtime, the second group of second tests, and executing the second group includes enabling the test execution script to run the second tests according to the second set of configuration settings.
US08850387B2
Embodiments of the invention provide for methods, systems and computer program products for an integrated service framework with a suite of products that provide a development environment and common framework for programming within an operating system. The programmers write code to develop class plug-ins within that structure of the abstract class in order to perform services. The abstract class provides a standardized structure that may be utilized by all of programmers working within the integrated service framework to reduce redundant programs. The integrated framework also provides a service manager that identifies the class plug-ins, runs the services, logs information about the services, sends notifications to users about the services, configures itself to monitor the services, and provides communication between the services. Furthermore, the integrated service framework also provides a controller service that allows a programmer or an administrator to control, monitor, or query any issues that occur with the services.
US08850385B2
A system includes a processor which has access to a representation of model of activity, which includes workspaces. Each workspace includes domain hierarchies for representing an organizational structure of the collaborating users using the system, and initiatives hierarchies representing process structures for accomplishing goals. An interface permits users to view and modify the workspaces for which the user has access. Each user can have different access permissions in different workspaces. The domain and initiative hierarchies provide two views of the workspace objects without duplicating resources. A resource is a collection of shared elements defined by the users that give users associated with the workspace access to information sources. Users can define knowledge boards for creating reports based on information fields of the resources. The knowledge board is associated with a resource template from which the resource is created.
US08850383B2
The present invention discloses a navigation-independent system for accessing the elements of an integrated development environment (IDE) using uniform resource locators (URLs). Such a system can include a set of URL-accessible IDE elements, a set of URLs, and a URL operation tool. The set of URL-accessible IDE elements can represent a multitude of functional objects accessible by the IDE. Each URL-retrievable IDE element can include a set of meta data that contains key words describing the URL-accessible IDE element. Each URL in the set of URLs can be configured to provide a navigation-independent mechanism for accessing a corresponding URL-accessible IDE element. The URL operation tool can be configured to associate URLs with URL-accessible IDE elements and execute URL operations on the URL-accessible IDE elements.
US08850374B2
A method of reducing parasitic mismatches comprises generating a first net list file from a first layout through a resistance-inductance-capacitance (RLC) extraction mechanism using a first simulation tool, performing a V/I test on a network through a second simulation tool, determining whether a mismatch exists based upon a result of the V/I test and modifying a connection trace of the network to generate a second layout.
US08850363B2
Techniques are provided for choosing a position on a display having a cursor. In one aspect, an exemplary method, which can be computer-implemented, includes the steps of automatically moving the cursor in a predetermined during-selection mode in response to a first user-initiated action, and, responsive to a second user-initiated action when the cursor is at a first location, ceasing the moving of the cursor in the predetermined during-selection mode, and causing a choosing action to be performed at the first location, such that the first location is chosen as the position
US08850361B2
A system for enabling touch and feel over the internet provides a three-dimensional representation of a good being sold, that three-dimensional representation being viewable from a number of different directions. In one embodiment, the good being sold is in a package and the package is displayed from the number of different directions. Another embodiment has the good being a book, and the inside and outside covers of the book are displayed and specified pages of the book can be displayed. The user can read from either the label or the covers just like as if the were actually handling the good.
US08850360B2
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for skipping through electronic content displayed on an electronic device having a touchscreen display coupled to a processing engine. According to one embodiment, a multi-touch gesture is received from a user. Based on the user's multi-touch gesture, electronic content associated with digital media immediately advances to a subsequent section or immediately reverses back to a previous section of the digital media.
US08850350B2
A graphical keyboard including a number of keys is output for display at a display device. The computing device receives an indication of a gesture to select at least two of the keys based at least in part on detecting an input unit at locations of a presence-sensitive input device. In response to the detecting and while the input unit is detected at the presence-sensitive input device: the computing device determines a candidate word for the gesture based at least in part on the at least two keys and the candidate word is output for display at a first location of the output device. In response to determining that the input unit is no longer detected at the presence-sensitive input device, the displayed candidate word is output for display at a second location of the display device.
US08850349B2
A computing device automatically customizes attributes of a graphical keyboard based on user inputs to the graphical keyboard. For example, the computing device can display a first graphical keyboard arrangement that includes a first representation of a key associated with a target region of an input-sensitive display. The computing device receives a plurality of user inputs, each associated with a respective touch region of the input-sensitive display. Subsequent to determining that one or more of the touch regions is not substantially aligned with the target region, the computing device displays a second graphical keyboard arrangement that includes a second representation of the key, wherein at least one attribute of the second representation of the key is graphically modified relative to the first representation of the key so as to substantially align one or more of the touch regions with a target region associated with the second representation of the key.
US08850333B2
A mobile terminal and display controlling method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes storing user registration information registered at each of one or more websites, receiving an input of a command signal for providing the user registration information, and displaying a registration information indicator corresponding to each of the one or more websites. Displaying the registration information indicator includes displaying the stored user registration information registered at the corresponding website within the registration information indicator.
US08850327B2
A Drop Down Menu Program having an Item Selection Program, a Sorting Program, and a Recall Program. The Item Selection Program eliminates the need for the user to hold down the shift key or the control key while making multiple selections. Instead, the user may activate a menu item to highlight it, and activate the menu item again to remove the highlight. The user may also open and close the drop down menu. The Sorting Program organizes the menu items in order of frequency of use. The Sorting Program also provides ascending and descending sort buttons that allow the user to sort the menu items in ascending or descending alphabetical, numeric, or chronological order. The Recall Program creates a recall list of selected menu items when the user activates a recall button. The recall list can be displayed and removed independent of opening and closing actions of the drop down menu.
US08850326B2
A computer-implemented system including a memory, a storage device and a processing unit, the memory storing a set of instructions, which, when executed by the processing unit cause the processing unit to perform a method for displaying promotional materials to a user using a browser executing on a client computer. The method involves determining websites in a browsing history of the browser; sending a request to one or more internet resources, the requests being related to the determined websites; receiving the promotional materials from the one or more internet resources in response to the request; associating the received promotional materials with the websites in the browsing history of the browser; and displaying websites in the browsing history of the browser together with the associated promotional materials.
US08850325B2
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can scale a content feed in terms of the amount of content delivered in order to facilitate satisfactory experiences in connection with a social network. In particular, the architecture can utilize a content feed to disseminate content between members of a network community, generally relative to a particular social circle of a given user. The architecture can maintain a personal space for the user and display to the personal space content provided by a content feed. Content provided to the personal space (as well as that retrieved from the personal space) can be scaled based upon a variety of commitment characteristics associated with the social circle. In addition, the architecture can employ smart dispersal of content and can intelligently acquire additional content from the user or import suitable settings from disparate users.
US08850314B2
Disclosed are methods and systems for generating dynamic context aware help for operations supported by at least one reporting system. The methods and systems relate to receiving a help request for an operation from a client computer including at least one report file, analyzing the at least one report file to generate context data, dynamically generating help data according to the context data and the operation and sending the generated help data to the client computer.
US08850304B2
A computer apparatus and method are provided for visually mapping fields of various electronic forms to a common object model. The forms may then be dynamically completed via a runtime engine that retrieves mapping data from a relational database and uses the mapping data to automatically populate corresponding fields of the forms without manual input by the user. Specifically, a visual mapping tool displays the objects of the common object model as well as the fields of a form to be mapped. A user drags and drops one or more of the displayed objects into a mapping area, and drags and drops a field to which the one or more objects are to be mapped. The user also identifies a type of association between the selected objects and the field. A mapping entry is then generated in a map file to map the selected objects to the field.
US08850303B1
The present invention is an interface system for interactively building rules and constraints. The interface system comprises of an output display configured to show a user a partial complete rule with a current rule fragment, such rule fragment comprising a blank space. The user can fill in the blank space by either choosing from a list or by typing in text in the blank space. After the blank space is filled, a completed rule is generated. The interface system then assigns this rule to one or more person in a resource scheduling system. The present invention can be used for agent scheduling in a call center environment.
US08850294B1
A decoding apparatus and method for estimating a reliability value by detecting uncorrected packet errors. The decoding apparatus includes a hard-decision unit and a reliability determination unit. The hard-decision unit performs hard-decision on a soft-input of a code. The reliability determination unit generates a reliability estimation value of the hard-decision result according to whether a packet error exists in the hard-decision result. The hard-decision unit performs hard-decision in response to the reliability estimation value.
US08850284B2
A data reading method is provided. The data reading method includes: utilizing a first sense voltage to read a data unit from a flash memory block; performing an error detection operation on the data unit and calculating an error polynomial according to a detection result; and determining whether the error polynomial conforms to a predetermined condition and deciding whether to perform read retry on the data unit according to a determining result.
US08850277B2
A method and system for testing an electronic memory. The method includes subjecting the electronic memory to a first test condition of a predetermined set of test conditions. The method also includes testing functionality of the electronic memory, a first plurality of times, for the first test condition using a predetermined test algorithm. The method further includes checking availability of a second test condition from the predetermined set of test conditions if the functionality of the electronic memory is satisfactory. Further, the method includes testing the functionality of the electronic memory, a second plurality of times, for the second test condition using the predetermined test algorithm if the second test condition is available. Moreover, the method includes accepting the electronic memory for use in a product if the functionality of the electronic memory is satisfactory.
US08850276B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. Such data processing includes data shuffling.
US08850263B1
Technologies are described herein for incorporating streaming and/or sampling in real-time log analysis. Representative samples of log data are extracted from the log files on a number of monitored hosts and streamed in real-time to log processors for processing. The log processors accumulate and process the representative samples of log data, and track a data completeness value representing an indication of a proportion of total log data represented by the representative samples received. The representative samples of log data are merged and collated. Estimated metrics are calculated from the merged and collated representative samples and the data completeness, and the estimated metrics are published to consumers in near real-time.
US08850258B2
Embodiments provide bus synchronization system including a source module, a plurality of destination modules, and a data alignment controller. The source module is configured to synchronize a plurality of data segments of a data bus with a source clock signal, and transmit respective synchronized data segments to individual destination modules. The source module is further configured to transmit the source clock signal to the destination modules contemporaneously with the synchronized data segments. The source module thereafter receives feedback clock signals from the individual destination modules, the feedback clock signals being delayed versions of the source clock signal. The data alignment controller adjusts an output delay time for the individual destination modules, based on the received feedback clock signals, to temporally align output signals of the destination modules.
US08850255B2
A storage system includes a storage and control units. In each of the control units: a relay unit relays access to the storage; an access controller accesses the storage through one of the relay unit in the control unit and the relay unit in another of the control units; and an operational-state controller determines whether or not the relay unit in the above-mentioned another control unit is usable when the operational-state controller detects occurrence of an abnormality in the above-mentioned another control unit, and makes the above-mentioned another control unit transition to a partially-operational state when the relay unit in the above-mentioned another control unit is usable. In the partially-operational state, at least the access controller in the above-mentioned another control unit is not in operation and the access controller in the control unit can access the storage through the relay unit in the above-mentioned another control unit.
US08850254B2
A method includes detecting a trigger condition, and in response to detecting the trigger condition, reducing a voltage applied to a graphics controller component of a memory controller. The reduction in voltage may cause the voltage to be reduced below a voltage level required to maintain context information in the graphics controller component.
US08850246B2
A display apparatus and a method thereof including: a display unit which displays an image based on a video signal; a battery unit which supplies battery power; and a controller which controls adjusts brightness of the image based on residual quantity of the battery unit when the battery power is supplied.
US08850244B2
Embodiments described herein achieve Wake-on-LAN to allow optical modules the ability to wake up link partners instantaneously when there is data to be transmitted or received. As such, Wake-on-LAN features are provided for a side-band handshaking protocol and channel that is independent from the normal data traffic path.
US08850240B2
A method for relating a data processing system with a power branch circuit is provided in the illustrative embodiments. A second signal is combined with a power signal to form a combination signal, the power signal including a first power usage by the data processing system and a second power usage by a modulating signal. The second signal is synchronized with the modulating signal in the power signal. A determination is made whether an amplitude of a frequency of the second signal is increasing in the combined signal over a period. Responsive to the determining being affirmative, the data processing system is related with the power branch circuit.
US08850232B2
A device and a method for protecting a cryptographic module of which the method includes: estimating a functionality of a circuit that is adapted to malfunction when a physical parameter has a first value different from a nominal parameter value at which the cryptographic module functions correctly. The cryptographic module malfunctions when the physical parameter has a second value different from the nominal parameter value and a difference between the first value and the nominal parameter value being smaller than a difference between the second value and the nominal parameter value. A cryptographic module protective measure is applied if estimating that the circuit malfunctions.
US08850231B2
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for a data storage library comprising a plurality of drives and a combination bridge controller device adapted to direct and make compatible communication traffic between a client and the plurality of drives. The combination bridge controller device is further adapted to encrypt a first data package received from the client. The combination bridge controller device is further adapted to transmit the encrypted first data package, a first moniker and a first message authentication code to one of the plurality of drives for storage to a cooperating mobile storage medium. The combination bridge controller device is further adapted to decrypt the first data package when used in combination with a first key associated with the first moniker and guarantee the decryption of the first data package was successfully accomplished with authentication of the first message authentication code.
US08850220B2
Method and apparatus enabling a computing system to deter or thwart unauthorized boot-up from peripheral devices are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a monitoring module and a managing module are employed cooperating with each other to authorize users in booting up the computing system from peripheral devices.
US08850216B1
Establishing trusted communication with a media client application on a client device includes receiving an identifying token originating in a secure messaging session between a messaging server and the client device, and sending an encrypted generated nonce to the messaging server for delivery to the client device. A blob request message is received that includes a decrypted nonce value and identifies the client device, user, and content owner. The blob request message is tested and a blob is conditionally sent to the client device that includes a secret value for accessing an API via which the client device obtains decryption keys for decrypting protected media. Testing includes evaluating whether the decrypted nonce value matches the generated nonce value. The blob request message may include device integrity information to evaluate whether the device has been tampered with, as a further condition to allowing access to the protected media.
US08850214B2
Systems and methods are provided for determining a presence of a watermark in electronic data. In certain embodiments, a plurality of keys is generated, and a plurality of payloads are retrieved from electronic data using the keys. A statistical indicia of randomness is generated based on the payloads, and the presence of a watermark is determined when the indicia is below a threshold.
US08850213B2
A method for verifying an electronic signature is described including determining a residue class given by the signature; determining an integer having the residue class; determining a field element of a finite field such that the field element corresponds to the integer according to a predetermined mapping of the finite field to the set of integers; determining whether the field element fulfills a predetermined criterion and deciding whether the signature is valid based on whether the field element fulfills the predetermined criterion.
US08850201B2
An apparatus for encrypting content to be played on another device is provided. The apparatus includes a processor and memory that includes a set of instructions. The set of instructions is configured to cause the processor to receive a selection of content from a user accessing the apparatus, and determine whether the user is authorized to receive the content. The set of instructions is further configured to cause the processor to transfer content along with an encrypted key associated with the user when the user is authorized to receive the selected content.
US08850193B2
Systems and methods for selective authorization of code modules are provided. According to one embodiment, file system or operating system activity relating to a code module is intercepted by a kernel mode driver of a computer system. The code module is selectively authorized by authenticating a cryptographic hash value of the code module with reference to a multi-level whitelist. The multi-level whitelist includes (i) a global whitelist database remote from the computer system that is maintained by a trusted service provider and that contains cryptographic hash values of approved code modules, which are known not to contain viruses or malicious code and (ii) a local whitelist database containing cryptographic hash values of at least a subset of the approved code modules. The activity relating to the code module is allowed when the cryptographic hash value matches one of the cryptographic hash values of approved code modules within the multi-level whitelist.
US08850186B2
An information processing apparatus that communicates using an electronic certificate is provided. When identification information is configured that identifies the information processing apparatus on a network, the configured identification information is stored in a storage unit. A request for issue of an electronic certificate containing the identification information stored in the storage unit is issued to a certificate authority. Once the request for issue is issued, a determination is made as to whether or not the identification information contained in the request for issue matches the identification information stored in the storage unit prior to obtaining the electronic certificate that is issued by the certificate authority in response to the request for issue. If it is determined that a mismatch exists, the user is notified to that effect.
US08850184B2
A transmission management apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives, from a first transmission terminal 10, a communication request for a communication with a second transmission terminal 10; a fists storage unit that stores therein terminal identification information for identifying the transmission terminals 10 and relay device identification information for identifying a relay device 30 that relays data to be transmitted and received by the first transmission terminal 10, in an associated manner; a relay device selecting unit that selects the relay device 30 associated with the terminal identification information of the first transmission terminal 10 in the first storage unit; a second storage unit that stores therein the relay device identification information and encryption necessity information in an associated manner; and an encryption necessity determining unit that determines whether encryption is needed based on the encryption necessity information associated, in the second storage unit, with the relay device 30 selected by the relay device selecting unit.
