US08921165B2
The present invention generally relates to a MEMS device in which silicon residues from the adhesion promoter material are reduced or even eliminated from the cavity floor. The adhesion promoter is typically used to adhere sacrificial material to material above the substrate. The adhesion promoter is the removed along with then sacrificial material. However, the adhesion promoter leaves silicon based residues within the cavity upon removal. The inventors have discovered that the adhesion promoter can be removed from the cavity area prior to depositing the sacrificial material. The adhesion promoter which remains over the remainder of the substrate is sufficient to adhere the sacrificial material to the substrate without fear of the sacrificial material delaminating. Because no adhesion promoter is used in the cavity area of the device, no silicon residues will be present within the cavity after the switching element of the MEMS device is freed.
US08921163B2
Provided are a semiconductor package and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having a bonding pad, a metal line electrically connected to the semiconductor chip and having a terminal contacting an external terminal, an insulation layer covering the metal line and having an opening that defines the terminal, and a molding layer molding the semiconductor chip, wherein the molding layer includes a recess pattern exposing the bonding pad and extending from the bonding pad to the terminal, and the metal line is embedded in the recess pattern to contact the bonding pad.
US08921162B2
A method for manufacturing an electronic component includes mounting a vibrating element on each singulation region of a base substrate, joining the surface of a lid substrate where grooves are arranged to the base substrate via low-melting glass so as to cover a functional element in each singulation region, thereby obtaining a laminate, and performing singulation in each singulation region by breaking the laminate along grooves.
US08921161B2
A semiconductor device has a first semiconductor die and first encapsulant deposited around the first semiconductor die. A first insulating layer is formed over the first semiconductor die and first encapsulant. A first conductive layer is formed over the first insulating layer and electrically connected to a contact pad of the first semiconductor die. A second semiconductor die is mounted to the first insulating layer and first conductive layer. A second encapsulant is deposited around the second semiconductor die. A second insulating layer is formed over the second semiconductor die and second encapsulant. A second conductive layer is formed over the second insulating layer and electrically connected to a contact pad of the second semiconductor die. A plurality of conductive vias is formed continuously through the first and second encapsulants outside a footprint of the first and second semiconductor die electrically connected to the first and second conductive layers.
US08921159B2
A method of manufacturing integrated circuit (IC) devices includes the steps of providing a first frame that has openings each having a perimeter with shaped notches, placing a first die in at least one of the openings, and placing a second frame over the first frame. The second frame has a first partial dam bar with a first shaped tip that fits into a first shaped notch of the first frame. The method also includes the step of placing a third frame over the second frame. The third frame has a second partial dam bars with a second shaped tip that fits into a second shaped notch of the first frame. Each perimeter and the respective first and second partial dam bars cooperate to form a continuous dam completely encircling the die within the respective opening.
US08921153B2
In an aspect, an organic light emitting display device including a first substrate, a first electrode, an organic light emitting display structure, a second electrode and a second substrate is provided.
US08921151B2
Methods for increasing the power output of a TFPV solar panel using thin absorber layers comprise techniques for roughening and/or texturing the back contact layer. The techniques comprise roughening the substrate prior to the back contact deposition, embedding particles in sol-gel films formed on the substrate, and forming multicomponent, polycrystalline films that result in a roughened surface after a wet etch step, etc.
US08921150B2
The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a back-end-of-the-line metal contact that eliminates RC opens caused by metal dishing during chemical mechanical polishing. The method is performed by depositing a sacrificial UV/thermal decomposition layer (UTDL) above an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer. A metal contact is formed that extend through the ILD layer and the sacrificial UTDL. A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is performed to generate a planar surface comprising the sacrificial UTDL. The sacrificial UTDL is then removed through an ultraviolet exposure or a thermal anneal, so that the metal contact protrudes from the ILD layer.
US08921144B2
A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a lower sacrificial material used to form a lower cavity. The method further includes forming a cavity via connecting the lower cavity to an upper cavity. The cavity via is formed with a top view profile of rounded or chamfered edges. The method further includes forming an upper sacrificial material within and above the cavity via, which has a resultant surface based on the profile of the cavity via. The upper cavity is formed with a lid that is devoid of structures that would interfere with a MEMS beam, including: depositing a lid material on the resultant surface of the upper sacrificial material; and venting the upper sacrificial material to form the upper cavity such the lid material forms the lid which conforms with the resultant surface of the upper sacrificial material.
US08921143B2
A method for making light emitting diode includes following steps. A substrate having an epitaxial growth surface is provided. A first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer are epitaxially grown on the epitaxial growth surface of the substrate in that sequence. A cermet layer is formed on the second semiconductor layer. A first electrode is applied to electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer. A second electrode is applied to electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer.
US08921121B2
A chemiluminescence-based detection system and method for counting blood cells by capturing and isolating target blood cells flowing through a microfluidic chip and detecting light emitted by the captured target blood cells.
US08921120B2
A method of determining multimers of a macromolecule monomer in a sample containing the macromolecule comprises the steps of (i) determining the total concentration of macromolecule in the sample, (ii) determining by a biosensor-based detection method, especially mass-sensing, the active concentration of macromolecule in the sample, wherein physical characteristics of the macromolecule monomer are used, (iii) comparing the relationship of determined active macromolecule concentration to total macromolecule concentration for the sample with a corresponding relationship for an at least substantially multimer-free macromolecule-containing sample, and (iv) from a resulting difference determining the presence of multimers in the sample. The method may be used in the purification of macromolecules, such as proteins.
US08921116B2
The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods for evaluating and characterizing peptides, peptide mixtures, and polypeptide mixtures. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter provides methods for evaluating or characterizing complex peptide or polypeptide mixtures comprising glutamic acid, alanine, tyrosine, and lysine, e.g., Copolymer-1 or glatiramer acetate, including, but not limited to, methods of identifying, isolating, quantifying, and purifying amino acids, peptides, polypeptides, and combinations thereof having a diethylamide group instead of a carboxyl group present on the C-terminus. The presently disclosed methods can be used to determine the mole percent of polypeptides having a diethylamide group at a C-terminus thereof and can be used to evaluate one or more properties of a sample of one polypeptide mixture as compared to one or more properties of a different sample of a polypeptide mixture.
US08921101B2
A novel and stable attenuated poliovirus, which replicates in neuroblastoma cells, is produced by engineering an indigenous replication element (cre), into the 5′ non-translated genomic region and inactivating the native cre element located in the coding region of 2C (mono-crePV). The stably attenuated poliovirus replicates in a neuroblastoma model (Neuro-2aCD155 tumors) expressing CD155, the poliovirus receptor, and is effective for oncolytic treatment and cure of solid tumors, such as neuroblastoma.
US08921100B2
The invention relates to a nucleic acid construct comprising an adenoviral E2 late promoter or a fragment thereof and a nucleic acid. The nucleic acid is selected from the group of transgenes, genes and nucleic acids which are respectively different from adenoviral nucleic acid controlled by an E2 late promoter. The invention also relates to the uses of said nucleic acid construct.
US08921095B2
A biological material fixed carrier enclosing tip, a biological material fixed carrier treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. An object is to obviate attachment control and suction control for storing and retaining the carrier in the tip form vessel, to simplify complex reaction processes, and to make processing of the biological material fixed carrier to be easily executed as a result of a small-scale device configuration. The biological material fixed carrier enclosing tip comprises: a tip form vessel having an installation opening part that is installable to a nozzle, and a narrow tube that possesses an opening, through which fluid inflow and outflow is possible, that is narrower than the nozzle; a carrier in which a predetermined biological material is fixed or fixable, and has a size or a shape that is able to pass through the opening; and an enclosing section provided on the tip form vessel.
US08921091B2
The present invention relates to a method for the degradation of pollutants in water and/or soil. More specific, the present invention relates to a method for the on-site decontamination or re-mediation of water and/or soil which are contaminated with organic compounds. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for forming a barrier against the spreading of a contamination with pollutants within the water and/or soil, especially within groundwater (aquifer). Further, the invention relates to means for use in these methods, and to the production of such means.
US08921088B1
The present invention includes a method for harvesting or separating one or more biological cells from an aqueous feed, a stream, a suspension, or any combinations thereof by providing the aqueous feed, the stream, or the suspension comprising the one or more biological cells in a tank or a vessel; providing one or more ion-exchange resins, wherein the ion-exchange resin is an anion-exchange resin; contacting the anion-exchange resin with the aqueous feed; binding the one or more biological cells to the anion-exchange resin; releasing or eluting the bound one or more biological cells by changing the pH; and collecting the released one or more biological cells to obtain a concentrated slurry or suspension of the one or more biological cells.
US08921086B2
Compositions that include polymerases with features for improving entry of nucleotide analogues into active site regions and for coordinating with the nucleotide analogues in the active site region are provided. Methods of making the polymerases and of using the polymerases in sequencing and DNA replication and amplification as well as kinetic models of polymerase activity and computer-implemented methods of using the models are also provided.
US08921084B2
The present invention answers the demands of power generating device and biosensor development and provides a flexible, free-standing type protein containing carbon nanotube film, and a sensor and power generating device each equipped with the carbon nanotube film as an electrode. According to the present invention a carbon nanotube free standing film is provided including a carbon nanotube aggregate formed by aggregating a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and a plurality of enzymes included between the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube film may include a different protein to the enzyme and may include a surfactant agent between the plurality of carbon nanotubes.
US08921082B2
A method for producing xylitol by fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates without detoxification is provided. By using the originally isolated yeast Candida sp., xylose can be effectively converted into xylitol. The invention also provides the Candida strain having high furfural tolerance, and is capable to produce xylitol from various types of non-detoxified lignocellulosic hydrolysates, in which the overall utilization of xylose in hydrolysate can reach over 95%.
US08921075B2
A method of manufacturing a nanoparticle chain is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a single-stranded circular primer with a determined length, and amplifying the single-stranded circular primer into single-stranded DNA nanotemplate by an isothermal nucleotide amplification reaction such that an end of the single-stranded DNA nanotemplate is fixed to a surface of a substrate; and adding a single-stranded DNA probe conjugated with nanoparticle at one end of which, and attaching the single-stranded DNA probe to the corresponding sequence on the single-stranded DNA nanotemplate to form a nanoparticles chain. The method of manufacturing a nanoparticle chain further comprises providing a fluid, and the flowing direction of the fluid controls the aligning direction of the nanoparticle chain. Wherein, the inter-nanoparticle distance of the nanoparticle chain can be adjusted by adjusting a reaction temperature or adding the single-stranded DNA probe without conjugating with nanoparticles.
US08921074B2
A method of determining a probability that a human test subject has colorectal cancer as opposed to not having colorectal cancer is disclosed. The method comprises, for each gene of a set of one or more genes selected from the group consisting of ANXA3, CLEC4D, IL2RB, LMNB1, PRRG4, TNFAIP6 and VNN1: determining a level of RNA encoded by the gene in blood of the test subject, thereby generating test data; providing positive control data representing levels of RNA encoded by the gene in blood of human control subjects having colorectal cancer, and providing negative control data representing levels of RNA encoded by the gene in blood of human control subjects not having colorectal cancer; and determining a probability that the test data corresponds to the positive control data and not to the negative control data, where the probability that the test data corresponds to the positive control data and not to the negative control data represents the probability that the test subject has colorectal cancer as opposed to not having colorectal cancer.
US08921069B2
Disclosed are compositions and methods related to eukaryotic microorganisms that can produce unsaturated fatty acids which can be purified and used.
US08921052B2
A sample solution including blood components is processed with a denaturalization reagent comprising a nonionic surface-activating agent and an oxidizing agent to denaturalize a hemoglobin derivative in the sample solution, and thereafter, an immunoassay is performing utilizing an antibody that is specific to a denaturalized site of the hemoglobin derivative to measure the amount of the hemoglobin derivative in the sample. Therefore, when performing assay of hemoglobin derivative, denaturalization of hemoglobin can be performed speedily and reliably while minimizing adverse effects of the denaturalization reagent on immune reaction.
US08921048B2
The present invention provides a novel method for identifying an olfactory receptor included in one olfactory cell. In the present invention, amplified is the cDNA derived from the mRNA of the one olfactory cell by a PCR method using a forward primer represented by SEQ ID: 01 and a reverse primer represented by SEQ ID: 02. Subsequently, determined is whether or not a gene sequence of the amplified cDNA is identical to one gene sequence included in gene sequences coding for olfactory receptors included in the mouse olfactory receptor group A. Finally, determined is that the olfactory receptor included in the one olfactory cell is the olfactory receptor corresponding to the one gene sequence which is identical to the gene sequence of the cDNA in the previous step, if the gene sequence of the cDNA is identical to the one gene sequence in the previous step.
US08921045B2
The invention provides a yeast-enhanced red fluorescent protein. In an embodiment of the invention, the yeast-enhanced red fluorescent protein is monomeric and is expressible in Candida albicans. The invention also provides a novel visible color marker for plasmid expression in yeast, particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans.
US08921043B2
Compositions and methods are described to modify Family B DNA polymerases that contain residual exonuclease activity that interferes with sequencing techniques and with detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. The compositions are mutant proteins with reduced exonuclease activity compared with presently available “exo−” polymerases, and a sensitive screening assay that enables an assessment of exonuclease activity of any synthetic DNA polymerase.
US08921034B2
Some embodiments include methods of patterning a base. First and second masking features are formed over the base. The first and second masking features include pedestals of carbon-containing material capped with silicon oxynitride. A mask is formed over the second masking features, and the silicon oxynitride caps are removed from the first masking features. Spacers are formed along sidewalls of the first masking features. The mask and the carbon-containing material of the first masking features are removed. Patterns of the spacers and second masking features are transferred into one or more materials of the base to pattern said one or more materials. Some embodiments include patterned bases.
US08921033B2
By a method of preparing a lithographic printing plate having exposing a lithographic printing plate precursor including a photosensitive layer containing (A) a polymerization initiator, (B) a polymerizable compound, (C) a sensitizing dye and (D) a binder polymer and a protective layer in this order on a hydrophilic support with laser and then removing the protective layer and an unexposed area of the photosensitive layer in the presence of a developer, in which the developer is a developer which has pH of from 2 to less than 10 and contains an amphoteric surfactant and a nonionic surfactant having an alkylene oxide chain, a simple processing of one solution and one step which does not require a water washing step becomes possible, excellent development property is achieved and a lithographic printing plate which has good printing durability and does not cause printing stain can be provided.
US08921031B2
Provided are photoresist overcoat compositions, substrates coated with the overcoat compositions and methods of forming electronic devices by a negative tone development process. The compositions, coated substrates and methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
US08921030B2
A stack of an organic planarization layer (OPL) and a template layer is provided over a substrate. The template layer is patterned to induce self-assembly of a copolymer layer to be subsequently deposited. A copolymer layer is deposited and annealed to form phase-separated copolymer blocks. An original self-assembly pattern is formed by removal of a second phase separated polymer relative to a first phase separated polymer. The original pattern is transferred into the OPL by an anisotropic etch, and the first phase separated polymer and the template layer are removed. A spin-on dielectric (SOD) material layer is deposited over the patterned OPL that includes the original pattern to form SOD portions that fill trenches within the patterned OPL. The patterned OPL is removed selective to the SOD portions, which include a complementary pattern. The complementary pattern of the SOD portions is transferred into underlying layers by an anisotropic etch.
US08921026B2
A chemically amplified resist composition comprising a base polymer, an acid generator, and an amine quencher in the form of a β-alanine, γ-aminobutyric acid or 5-aminovaleric acid derivative having an acid labile group-substituted carboxyl group has a high contrast of alkaline dissolution rate before and after exposure and forms a pattern of good profile at a high resolution, minimal roughness and wide focus margin.
US08921023B2
Provided is a magnetic carrier excellent in leakage, uniformity of a solid image having satisfactory charging stability and developing performance at low electric field. The magnetic carrier is a magnetic carrier comprising: a magnetic substance-dispersed resin carrier core, which contains a magnetic substance and a binding resin, and a coating resin on a surface thereof, wherein: the carrier core has resistivity at 1000 V/cm of 5.0×106-8.0×107 Ω·cm, the magnetic substance has a number average particle diameter of 0.20-0.35 μm; and comprises magnetic-substance particles having vertexes and a particle diameter of 0.53 μm or more in an amount of 10.0-32.0 vol % based on a total amount of the magnetic substance; and wherein: the carrier core has Fe2O3 content of 98.00% by mass or more; and ZnO content of 0.06-0.50% by mass.
US08921022B2
A toner for electrostatic image development containing a resin binder and a releasing agent, wherein the resin binder contains a polyester A having a furan ring, and wherein the releasing agent contains an ester wax, and a method for producing the toner. The toner for electrostatic image development of the present invention can be suitably used in, for example, the development or the like of latent image formed in electrophotography, an electrostatic recording method, an electrostatic printing method, or the like.
US08921021B2
A polyester resin for a toner obtained by polycondensing a carboxylic acid component and an alcohol component, wherein the polyester resin for a toner is obtained using, as the carboxylic acid component and/or the alcohol component, a specified aromatic compound; a polyester resin for a toner obtained by polycondensing a reaction product obtained by treating a specified aromatic compound with a carboxylic acid having an unsaturated reactive group, a carboxylic acid component, and an alcohol component; a resin binder for a toner, containing the polyester resin for a toner; and a toner for electrophotography, containing the resin binder. The polyester resin for a toner of the present invention is suitably used for a resin binder of a toner used in developing and the like of latent images formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method or the like.
US08921016B1
One illustrative method disclosed herein includes the steps of decomposing an initial overall target exposure pattern into at least a first decomposed sub-target pattern and a second decomposed sub-target pattern, performing first and second retargeting processes on the first and second decomposed sub-target patterns while using the other sub-target pattern as a reference layer, respectively, to thereby define retargeted first and second decomposed sub-target patterns, respectively, and, after performing the first and second retargeting processes, performing at least one process operation to determine if each of the retargeted first decomposed sub-target pattern and the retargeted second decomposed sub-target pattern is in compliance with at least one design rule.
US08921013B2
A lithographic mask reticle includes a first mask region having a first mask pattern configured for use in fabrication of electronic circuit structures, and a second mask region having a second mask pattern configured for use in fabrication of test structures. The second mask pattern includes all categories of structural patterns containing in the first mask pattern.
US08921012B2
The subject matter of the invention is a method for producing illuminated, holographic media comprising a photopolymer formulation having the adjustable mechanical modulus GUV. A further subject matter of the invention is an illuminated, holographic medium that can be obtained by means of the method according to the invention.
US08921011B2
A method is provided for mastering optically variable devices (OVDs) used to authenticate optical discs. The method generally includes the steps of providing a laser beam recorder (LBR), introducing a substrate to the LBR, and exposing a portion of the substrate to the LBR. The mastering system thus includes the LBR, which has a laser that emits a beam, a processor or computer for programming or otherwise controlling the beam in order to expose the substrate and create the desired optical effect. Depending on the material used for the substrate, the exposure is then developed, if necessary, and processed to generate a master for the OVD. The OVD can then be replicated in order to provide authentic resultant products or articles, such as optical discs.
US08921009B2
An improved approach toward manufacture of a sealed fuel cell stack configuration including electrostatic deposition of materials onto substrate surfaces of the fuel cell stack.
US08921006B2
The fuel cell assembly of the present invention comprises a first fuel cell, a second fuel cell disposed adjacent to the first fuel cell, and a current collector for electrically connecting the first fuel cell and the second fuel cell. The first fuel cell and the second fuel cell are respectively furnished with an electrical generating portion for generating electricity, each of the electrical generation portion having a first electrode through the interior of which a first gas flows, a second electrode of a polarity different from the first electrode, on the exterior of which a second gas flows, and an electrolyte disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The current collector distributes and sources the current generated in the first fuel cell generating portion from two different locations on the first electrode on the first fuel cell to the second electrode of the second fuel cell.
US08920996B2
Systems and methods for regulating fuel cell air flow during low loads or cold temperature operation
Systems and methods for regulating fuel cell air flow, such as during low loads and/or cold temperature operation. These systems and methods may include providing a thermal management fluid, such as air, to the fuel cell stack, transferring thermal energy between the thermal management fluid and the fuel cell stack, and varying the flow rate of the thermal management fluid that comes into contact with the fuel cell stack to maintain the temperature of the fuel cell stack within an acceptable temperature range. Varying the flow rate of the thermal management fluid may include varying the overall supply rate of the thermal management fluid within the fuel cell system and/or providing an alternative flow path for the thermal management fluid such that a portion of the thermal management fluid supplied by the fuel cell system does not come into contact with the fuel cell stack.
US08920995B2
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that may be used to predict a performance metric of a fuel cell. A system consistent with the present disclosure may include sensors in communication with the fuel cell stack, a performance metric prediction system, and a control system. The performance metric prediction system may determine a current density based on inputs provided by the sensors at a plurality of time periods, calculate a first parameter while the current density is below a lower threshold, and calculate a second parameter while the current density is above an upper threshold. The first parameter and the second parameter may be used to selectively adjust a fuel cell polarization curve over time. Based upon the polarization curve, a performance metric of the fuel cell stack may be predicted. The control system may implement a control action based upon the performance metric.
US08920990B2
The invention is directed to a system for hydrogen production from water, known as a photoelectrochemical system. The system integrates a semiconductor material and a water electrolyzing material inside a monolithic design, to produce hydrogen directly from water. Natural or synthetic light is used as the main or sole source of energy. The water electrolyzing material is melanins, melanin precursors or melanin derivatives, melanin variants, melanin analogues, natural or synthetic, pure or mixed with organic or inorganic compounds, metals, ions, drugs. The system or light absorbing compound generates enough energy to start, lead and complete the photoelectrolysis reaction. The system can generate hydrogen, oxygen and high energy electrons, and can synthesize water from the union of hydrogen and oxygen, thereby generating electricity. The system can also be coupled to other processes, generating a multiplication effect, and can be used for the reduction of carbon dioxide, nitrates, sulphates and the like.
US08920989B2
Fuel reforming apparatus and fuel cell systems including the same are provided. The fuel reforming apparatus includes a reactor main body; a catalyst reaction region inside the reactor main body for generating a reforming gas containing hydrogen by promoting at least a partial oxidation (POX) reaction of a reactant containing a hydrocarbon fuel and an oxidant; and a heat-insulating member inside the reactor main body surrounding the catalyst reaction region for insulating heat generated by the POX reaction.
US08920984B2
A system for delivering an input fuel stream to a fuel cell stack to generate electrical current and to discharge an unused fuel stream is provided. A supply produces a supply fuel stream. An ejector combines a purged fuel stream and the supply fuel stream and controls the flow of the input fuel stream to the fuel cell stack.A purging arrangement receives the unused fuel stream which includes impurities and purges the impurities from the unused fuel stream to generate the purged fuel stream.A bypass valve is capable of delivering the purged fuel stream to the ejector. A blower is capable of delivering the purged fuel stream to the ejector. A controller controls one of the bypass valve and the blower for delivering the purged fuel stream to the ejector based on the amount of electrical current generated by the fuel cell stack.
US08920982B2
A gas detection system is configured to detect a preset gas in a predetermined space. The gas detection system includes a gas concentration detector constructed to detect a gas concentration of the preset gas, a recording assembly, a notification module, and a decision module. When the gas concentration detected by the gas concentration detector is higher than a preset first reference value, the decision module controls the notification module to give notice. When the detected gas concentration is higher than a preset second reference value but is lower than the preset first reference value, on the other hand, the decision module controls the notification module to give no notice but record a specific piece of information into the recording assembly. This arrangement of the gas detection system enables the user to readily detect deterioration of a device utilizing a fuel, for example, fuel cells.
US08920981B2
There is provided in one embodiment of the invention an electrolyte for use in a lithium ion electrochemical cell. The electrolyte comprises a mixture of an ethylene carbonate (EC), an ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), an ester cosolvent, and a lithium salt. The ester cosolvent comprises methyl propionate (MP), ethyl propionate (EP), methyl butyrate (MB), ethyl butyrate (EB), propyl butyrate (PB), or butyl butyrate (BB). The electrochemical cell operates in a temperature range of from about −60 degrees Celsius to about 60 degrees Celsius. In another embodiment there is provided a lithium ion electrochemical cell using the electrolyte of the invention.
US08920979B2
The present invention relates to a cable-type secondary battery having a horizontal cross section of a predetermined shape and extending longitudinally, comprising: an inner electrode having an inner current collector and an inner electrode active material layer surrounding the outer surface of the inner current collector; a separation layer surrounding the outer surface of the inner electrode to prevent a short circuit between electrodes; and an outer electrode surrounding the outer surface of the separation layer, and having an outer electrode active material layer, an open-structured outer current collector and a conductive paste layer. The outer electrode having a conductive paste layer and an open-structured outer current collector according to the present invention has good flexibility to improve the flexibility of a cable-type secondary battery having the same. Also, the conductive paste layer is made of a light material, and thus can contribute to the lightening of the cable-type secondary battery.
US08920970B2
An anode material for lithium-ion batteries is provided that comprises an elongated core structure capable of forming an alloy with lithium; and a plurality of nanostructures placed on a surface of the core structure, with each nanostructure being capable of forming an alloy with lithium and spaced at a predetermined distance from adjacent nanostructures.
US08920964B2
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly; a can housing the electrode assembly and having an open end, a bottom surface substantially opposite to the open end, a first planar surface and a second planar surface, wherein the first planar surface and the second planar surface each have a first fracture portion that facilitates buckling of the can under compression, wherein a first axis is defined extending from the bottom surface to the open end, and wherein the first fracture portion extends along a second axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis; and a cap plate sealing the open end of the can.
US08920963B2
A portable device, which performs wireless communication with a communication peer, includes a battery, which powers an electronic component, and a case, which accommodates the electronic component and battery. The case includes a battery compartment having an opening. An elastic waterproof seal surrounds the opening. A battery lid, which covers the opening, is formed integrally with the waterproof seal and coupled to the case in a direction perpendicular to a radial direction of the waterproof seal. A rim around the opening of the battery compartment pushes the waterproof seal when coupling the battery lid to the case thereby elastically deforming the waterproof seal in an inward radial direction. The waterproof seal, when elastically deformed, keeps the battery lid coupled to the case and seals the battery lid and case in a liquid-tight state.
US08920959B2
According to the present invention, a lithium ion battery outer cover material that has superior resistance to electrolytes without chromate treatment, has superior deep drawing formability and high quality, and can be produced easily is provided. The lithium ion battery outer cover material (1) of a first embodiment of the present invention has a base material layer (11), first adhesive layer (12) containing an adhesive, aluminum foil layer (13), corrosion prevention treated layer (14), second adhesive layer (15) containing an adhesive or adhesive resin, and sealant layer (16) laminated in that order. The base material layer (11) is a film base material in which the difference (α2−α1) of the elasticity (α1) to the yield point and the elasticity (α2) to the rupture point as measured according to JIS-K7127 is 100% or greater in at least one of the MD direction and TD direction.
US08920958B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a flattened electrode group, a case, a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal. The positive electrode terminal is bent around one edge portion of the positive electrode terminal, curved toward the electrode group and reaches a sealed portion. The other edge portion of the positive electrode terminal extends from the case through the sealed portion. The negative electrode terminal is bent around one edge portion of the negative electrode terminal, curved toward the electrode group and reaches the sealed portion. The other edge portion of the negative electrode terminal extends from the case through the sealed portion. The positive electrode terminal satisfies formula (1) given below and the negative electrode terminal satisfies formula (2) given below: t2×W2≧0.25 Sp (1) t3×W3≧0.25 Sn (2)
US08920956B2
A battery system and a manifold assembly therein are provided. The assembly includes a manifold member having a tubular wall with an inner surface defining a central aperture that extends from the first end to the second end. The tubular wall further includes apertures extending therethrough. The manifold member further includes tubular port members disposed over the apertures, and a sealing member disposed on the inner surface proximate to the first end, and a male connecting portion extending from the second end. The assembly further includes a connecting fitting having a tubular coupling portion, an abutment ring, and a tubular body. The tubular coupling portion is removably coupled to the first end of the manifold member within the central aperture such that the sealing member contacts an outer surface of the tubular coupling portion and the abutment ring abuts against the first end of the manifold member.
US08920954B2
A battery tray for storing a battery comprises: a battery storage unit comprising: a first side and a second side facing each other, and a third side and a fourth side facing each other, wherein the third and fourth sides have planar portions for accommodating a prismatic battery cell and round portions for accommodating a cylindrical battery cell; a first guiding unit extending from a lower portion of the third side to secure a first end of a prismatic battery cell; and a second guiding unit extending from a lower portion of the fourth side to secure a second end of a prismatic battery cell.
US08920952B2
A battery pack assembly including: an inner pack accommodating a plurality of secondary cells; an outer pack accommodating the inner pack; a first shock absorbing member between a first surface of the inner pack and a first surface of the outer pack, the first shock absorbing member configured to absorb a shock between the inner pack and the outer pack; and a second shock absorbing member between at least a side surface of the inner pack and a side surface of the outer pack among surfaces of the inner pack and the outer pack other than the first surfaces, the second shock absorbing member configured to absorb a shock between the inner pack and the outer pack.
US08920942B2
Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent element having high luminous efficiency and long life. Also disclosed are a display device and an illuminating device respectively using such an organic electroluminescent element. Specifically disclosed is an organic electroluminescent element comprising an electrode and at least one or more organic layers on a substrate. This organic electroluminescent element is characterized in that at least one of the organic layers is a light-emitting layer containing a phosphorescent compound and a host compound, the phosphorescent compound has a HOMO of −5.15 to −3.50 eV and a LUMO of from −1.25 to +1.00 eV, and the host compound has a 0-0 band of the phosphorescence spectrum at not more than 460 nm and a glass transition temperature of not less than 60° C.
US08920937B2
A protective coating system includes a nickel-aluminum-zirconium alloy coating having beta phase nickel-aluminum and at least one phase selected from gamma phase nickel and the gamma prime phase nickel-aluminum. The nickel-aluminum-zirconium alloy coating comprises 10 vol % to 60 vol % of the beta phase nickel-aluminum or 25 vol % to 75 vol % of the beta phase nickel-aluminum.
US08920936B2
Metalized plastic substrates, and methods thereof are provided herein. The method includes providing a plastic having a plurality of accelerators dispersed in the plastic. The accelerators have a formula ABO3, wherein A is one or more elements selected from Groups 9, 10, and 11 of the Periodic Table of Elements, B is one or more elements selected from Groups 4B and 5B of the Periodic Table of Elements, and O is oxygen. The method includes the step of irradiating a surface of plastic substrate to expose at least a first accelerator. The method further includes plating the irradiated surface of the plastic substrate to form at least a first metal layer on the at least first accelerator, and then plating the first metal layer to form at least a second metal layer.
US08920935B2
A method of manufacturing a mechanical component, a mechanical component thus obtained, and a winding device designed for implementing the method of manufacture. The mechanical component includes at least one insert made of metal matrix composite, within which matrix ceramic fibers extend, the composite insert being obtained from a plurality of coated filaments each including a ceramic fiber coated with a metal sheath, the method including manufacturing at least one insert by winding a bonded lap or bundle of coated filaments about a component of revolution. At least some of the winding is performed in a rectilinear direction.
US08920931B2
A phosphosiloxane resin comprises a plurality of covalently bonded monomer units selected from phosphosiloxane units SiR23—O—P(═O)(R1)—(OR3)q(O1/2—)p and organosiloxane units R2m(OR3)nSiO(4-m-n)/2. R1 and each R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1 to C10 hydrocarbyl, and C1 to C10 hydrocarbylene; each R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1 to C10 hydrocarbyl; p is 0 or 1; q=1−p; m is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; n is 0, 1, or 2; and m+n is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4. Curable silicone compositions comprise a phosphosiloxane resin having greater than one silicon-bonded alkenyl group, an organosilicon compound having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms, and a hydrosilylation catalyst. Fiber-reinforced free-standing films may comprise fibers dispersed in a cured product of the silicone composition. Laminated substrates comprise at least one fiber-reinforced free-standing film.
US08920929B2
The present disclosure provides a flexible, halogen-free, flame retardant composition. The composition includes from about 25 wt % to about 95 wt % of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); from about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % of an olefin block copolymer (OBC); and from about 30 wt % to about 70 wt % of a flame retardant. The flame retardant is selected from resorcinol bis(diphenyl 5 phosphate) (RDP), bis diphenyl phosphate (BDP), bisphenol-A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BPADP), aluminum trihydrate (ATH), a nitrogen/phosphorus-based halogen-free flame retardant, epoxidized novolac resin, and combinations thereof. The composition requires no compatibilizer for the TPU and OBC. The composition finds application in wire and cable structures.
US08920926B2
Algae-resistant roofing granules include a mineral core and an exterior coating including clay, colloidal silica, phosphate, a metal oxide, and a photocatalytic particulate having an average size under 100 nm. By varying the proportions of the components to the binder for the exterior coating, improved control of the pot life of the coating composition can be achieved, and the binder can be formulated to accommodate different manufacturing conditions.
US08920910B2
To provide a structural color body that exhibits color using physical phenomena such as reflection, interference, diffraction, and scattering of light, and in which the decorative effect can be further enhanced, the present invention configures a structural color body by combining a plurality of structural color portions that structurally exhibit different colors from each other.
US08920897B2
Disclosed is a heat exchanger pressure test shield to protect observers from a shell and tube heat exchanger plug ejection during a hydrostatic pressure test. The shield provides a transparent high impact resistant shield material clamped between two annular rings. This shield material is isolated from the annular rings by a flexible gasket, which allows slight movement of the shield material upon impact, which is necessary to prevent failure. The heat exchanger pressure test shield is mounted to the channel cover flange, after removal of the channel cover, with several studs passing through an adjustable slot, enabling attachment to a range of heat exchanger diameter sizes. The heat exchanger pressure test shield, with adjustable slot attachment, enables visual inspection of tube plugs during pressure testing at a lower cost, while significantly improving the safety of the observer.
US08920892B2
A blank for a container having a rolled rim, comprising a hollow body of polyolefin material, having an open first end and an opposite second end with a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, and a rim formed at the first end of the hollow body. The rim includes a flange extending outwardly from the sidewall, the flange defining a flange thickness and having an inner portion proximate the sidewall and an outer portion opposite the inner portion. The rim further includes a skirt extending downwardly from the outer portion of the flange, the skirt defining a skirt thickness and having an upper portion proximate the flange and a lower portion opposite the upper portion, the flange thickness being greater than the skirt thickness.
US08920890B2
A label for in-mold forming which comprises a thermoplastic resin film base layer (I), a heat-sealable resin layer (II), and an antistatic layer (III), wherein the heat-sealable resin layer (II) comprises a heat-sealable resin including a copolymer of propylene and α-olefin having 4-20 carbon atoms and has a degree of non-crystallinity of 60-90% as determined with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at temperatures less than 90° C., the antistatic layer (III) comprises an antistatic agent in an amount of 0.001 to 1 g per unit area (m2) and the surface of the layer has a wettability index (JIS-K-6768) of 32-54 mN/m, and the label has a porosity higher than 10% and not higher than 70% and has an opacity (JIS-P-8138) higher than 20% and not higher than 100%; and a labeled container with the label.
US08920884B2
A method for fabricating a polymer stabilized alignment liquid crystal display panel including: filling a liquid crystal layer between a first substrate and a second substrate, the liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules, monomer with single functional group and monomer with multiple functional groups; polymerizing the monomer with single functional groups to form two alignment layers over inner surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate; and polymerizing the monomer with multiple functional groups to form a polymer capable of pre-tilting the liquid crystal molecules.
US08920875B2
To provide a ruthenium compound suitable for a chemical vapor deposition method (CVD method). A liquid cyclooctatetraenetricarbonyl ruthenium complex represented by the following Formula (1) is obtained by irradiating a solution mixture of dodecacarbonyl triruthenium and a cyclooctatetraene with light. A satisfactory ruthenium film or ruthenium oxide film can be easily obtained by a chemical vapor deposition method using the complex as a raw material.
US08920874B2
A method of manufacturing a surface layer is provided. The method includes applying a sublayer having a mix of wood fibers and a resin on a carrier, applying a powder layer having a mix of refined fibers and a binder on the sublayer, with the sublayer being arranged between the carrier and the powder layer, and curing the powder layer by applying heat and pressure.
US08920865B2
The invention relates to shortening particle compositions that are suitable for use in preparing baked goods such as biscuits, pizza crusts, pot pie crusts, and cinnamon rolls. Typically, the shortening compositions are low in trans fatty acids and in saturated fatty acids. For example, the shortening particle composition may comprise less than about 3% wt. total trans fatty acids and a total of about less than about 61% wt. saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids.
US08920855B1
The present invention provides a method of topically treating an otological disorder in a patient in need thereof. The method includes administering topically inside an ear a therapeutically effective amount of composition including an alkyl alcohol; and an Echinacea tincture.
US08920850B2
Gelatinous materials combined with the Colloidal Silver additive to formulate an antimicrobial product having cushioning properties. Embodiments of the present invention can include gelatinous materials selected from a group consisting of thermosetting polymer, Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene polymer (SEBS), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), and Polyurethane (PU) gelatin with and without a raised geometry on an outer surface.
US08920840B2
The present invention relates to an enteric tablet with improved bioavailability, which is rapidly disintegrated after reaching the intestine to allow dissolution of the active ingredient, and which characteristically reduces the amount of talc to be used and is free of an alkali component.
US08920826B2
A medical device can be placed within or on the body of a patient. The device can include one or more imaging agents to allow visualization of the location of the device by an imaging system such as an MRI, an ultrasound, a PET, a CT, or an IR imaging system.
US08920825B2
The present application is directed to a novel composition which acts as a barrier to noxious agents while adding self-detoxifying catalytic treatments to neutralize the noxious and harmful warfare agents when applied for example on a fabric, or other solid support.
US08920818B2
A coating material for a solid formulation is capable of stably retaining the effective ingredient in the solid formulation for a prolonged period even in unpacked condition in such a manner that the solid formulation can be used in a single-dose formulation. The coating material for a solid formulation includes a high hydrogen-bonding resin and a swelling clay and, when coated on a solid formulation and dried, forms a coating film in which the laminated structures of the aforementioned swelling clay are oriented planarly and dispersed in a network fashion.
US08920817B2
The invention provides for a formulation for coating one or more microprojections which reduces or minimizes the loss of counterions from the coating in order to achieve a pH-stabilized formulation.
US08920816B2
A method is provided for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject. One step of the method includes locating a target nerve. After locating the target nerve, a treatment probe is provided. The treatment probe includes an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration/delivery mechanism. Next, the target nerve is verified as an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively. After verifying the target nerve, a tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the target nerve. An electric current is then delivered to the energy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve.
US08920815B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of microbial infections and for the enhancement of resistance to infection. The invention comprises administration of an effective amount of bacterial lysate compositions for the treatment of pathological conditions of microbial infections. The present invention can also be used to enhance the immune system to prevent infections by the administration of an effective amount of the compositions.
US08920807B2
The invention relates to compositions of vault complexes containing recombinant cytokine fusion proteins that include a cytokine and a vault targeting domain, and methods of using the vault complexes to deliver the cytokines to a cell or subject, and methods for using the compositions to treat cancer, such as lung cancer.
US08920802B2
The invention is in the field of molecular immunology, more in particular, in the field of the prevention or treatment of autoimmune diseases, more in particular, systemic sclerosis or scleroderma. The invention is based on the observation that SSC patients have an elevated plasma level of CXCL4. This was found to contribute to the pathogenesis of SSc, in particular, fibrosis. When CXCL4 was neutralized in in vitro experiments, the fibrotic effects could be neutralized. This led us to conclude that SSc may be cured by reducing the plasma level of CXCL4. The invention, therefore, relates to a method for treatment or prevention of fibrosis in patients with scleroderma, wherein the plasma level of CXCL4 is reduced.
US08920799B2
Disclosed are novel inhibitors of the Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and methods of using such inhibitors in a variety of therapeutic approaches in the areas of cancer therapy and anti-thrombosis (anti-clotting) therapy.
US08920798B2
The present invention provides binding agents comprising peptides capable of binding myostatin and inhibiting its activity. In one embodiment the binding agent comprises at least one myostatin-binding peptide attached directly or indirectly to at least one vehicle such as a polymer or an Fc domain. The binding agents of the present invention produced increased lean muscle mass when administered to animals and decreased fat to muscle ratios. Therapeutic compositions containing the binding agents of the present invention are useful for treating muscle-wasting disorders and metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity.
US08920793B2
The present invention relates to the preparation of poly(amino oxalate) (PAOX) using oxalyl chloride, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and piperazinediethanol, the preparation of biodegradable polymer particles using the PAOX, and the use of PAOX particles as a drug delivery vehicle. The PAOX according to the present invention is a polymer that has three characteristics of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and cationic properties at the same time with appropriate hydrophobicity and thus can be prepared as particles that allow rapid drug release. Moreover, the particles improve the delivery efficiency of a drug into cells and thus can be efficiently used as a drug delivery vehicle for the treatment of acute inflammatory diseases such as acute liver failure and acute lung injury.
US08920788B2
Disclosed is a water-soluble high-molecular weight conjugate of physiologically active substances which enable medicament to release without depending on the enzymes in a living body and which is expected to have a useful therapeutic effect. A high-molecular weight conjugate of a physiologically active substance has a substituent group represented by a general formula (1) bonded to a side-chain carboxy group of a block copolymer which has a polyethylene glycol moiety and either a polyaspartic acid moiety or a polyglutamic acid moiety. Formula (1): —Ar—CR15R16-O—C(═O)-A [In the formula: Ar represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group optionally a substituent group, or an aromatic heterocyclic group optionally having a substituent group; R15 and R16 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a (C1-C6) alkyl group optionally having a substituent group; and A represents a residual group of a physiologically active substance that has an carboxy group, or a residual group of a physiologically active substance that has an amino group].
US08920780B2
The present invention relates to a class of compounds and to diagnostic compositions containing such compounds where the compounds are iodine containing compounds. More specifically the iodine containing compounds are chemical compounds containing two linked iodinated phenyl groups of the general formula R—N(CHO)—X—N(R3)—R wherein X denoted an optionally substituted alkylene group, R3 denotes a hydrogen atom or an acyl function and each R denotes a triiodinated phenyl residue further substituted by hydrophilic moieties. The invention also relates to the use of such diagnostic compositions as contrast agents in diagnostic imaging and in particular in X-ray imaging, and to contrast media containing such compounds.
US08920773B2
Various embodiments provide a process roasting a metal bearing material under oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidized metal bearing material, roasting the oxidized metal bearing material under reducing conditions to produce a roasted metal bearing material, leaching the roasted metal hearing material in a basic medium to yield a pregnant leach solution, conditioning the pregnant leach solution to thrill a preprocessed metal bearing material; and leaching the preprocessed metal bearing material in acid medium.
US08920771B2
A process and system for producing a H2-containing product gas and purified water from an integrated catalytic steam-hydrocarbon reforming and thermal water purification process. Raw water, such as salt water, is heated by indirect heat transfer with reformate from the catalytic steam reforming process for purifying raw water in one of a multiple effect distillation process and a multi-stage flash process.
US08920770B2
A technique is described including receiving a hydrocarbon stream, and heating the hydrocarbon stream with an exhaust steam from an internal combustion engine. This technique may include reacting the hydrocarbon stream catalytically to produce hydrogen and a modified hydrocarbon stream having a lower saturation state than the hydrocarbon stream, recovering energy from the hydrogen stream, and/or providing the modified hydrocarbon stream to a fuel supply for the internal combustion engine.
US08920765B2
A graphite material suitable as an electrode material for non-aqueous electrolytic secondary batteries; a method for producing the same and a carbon material for battery electrodes; and a secondary battery. The graphite material includes crystallite graphite particles wherein an oxygen amount (a) (mass %) in a region from a particle surface of the graphite material to a depth of 40 nm is within a range of 0.010≦(a)≦0.04 as determined by a peak intensity of O1s obtained by HAX-PES measurement using a hard X-ray of 7,940 eV.
US08920764B2
A method of forming a composition includes oxidation of graphene oxide to form holey graphene oxide having defects therein and reduction of the holey graphene oxide.
US08920763B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing lithium carbonate, the method including: mixing ammonia and carbon dioxide gas (carbonate gas) with an aqueous solution containing lithium chloride to conduct a carbonation reaction; and thereafter, recovering a produced solid by solid-liquid separation, and also relates to a method for producing high purity lithium carbonate.
US08920761B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing high purity silicon comprising providing molten silicon containing 1-10% by weight of calcium, casting the molten silicon, crushing the silicon and subjecting the crushed silicon to a first leaching step in an aqueous solution of HCl and/or HCl+FeCl3 and to a second leaching step in an aqueous solution of HF and HNO3. The leached silicon particles is thereafter subjected to heat treatment at a temperature of between 1250° C. and 1420° C. for a period of at least 20 minutes and the heat treated silicon is subjected to a third leaching step in an aqueous solution of HF and HNO3.
US08920756B2
Ag/Al2O3 materials may be packaged in a suitable flow-through reactor, in combination with another material selected as a passive NOx adsorber material (PNA), both the silver material and the adsorber material being close coupled to the exhaust manifold of a diesel engine, and upstream of other catalytic devices, such as a diesel oxidation catalyst and a selective reduction catalyst for NOx. The silver catalyst material uses hydrogen in a cold-start engine exhaust and serves to oxidize NO to NO2 in the relatively low temperature, hydrocarbon-containing, exhaust during a short period following the engine cold start, and to temporarily store NOx during the start-up period. After the flowing exhaust gas stream has heated the PNA and the downstream catalytic devices, the silver yields its nitrogen oxides for conversion to nitrogen by the then-operating devices before NOx is discharged to the atmosphere.
US08920752B2
Novel and improved systems and methods for high speed arraying, hybridization, quantitative development and/or assaying are provided. Some embodiments provide a web based arraying format. Some other embodiments provide a sheet based arraying format. Some embodiments use a drop on drop assaying or hybridization mode. In some embodiments, a substantially inert substrate is utilized. In some other embodiments, an interactive substrate is utilized.
US08920751B2
The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.
US08920750B2
A fluidic chip device configured for processing a fluidic sample includes two outer boundary layers, and at least one reinforcing layer arranged between the two outer boundary layers and being at both of its opposing main surfaces laminated with directly adjacent layers to reinforce pressure resistance of the fluidic chip device by the lamination, in which at least a part of the layers of the fluidic chip device includes a hole forming at least a part of a fluidic conduit for conducting the fluidic sample under pressure.
US08920748B2
The present invention relates to a biochip with a piezoelectric element for ultrasonic standing wave generation. The biochip comprises an upper module, a lower module, and a chemical sensor. The piezoelectric element is integrated within the upper module of the biochip. The piezoelectric element can generate ultrasonic standing waves (USW) in the reaction chamber of the biochip by manipulating the operation frequency so the particles being detected can effectively move toward the QCM sensing surface. Hence, the biochip significantly increases the sensitivity and reduces the time required to reach equilibrium when undergoing USW excitation. The biochip of the present invention can be broadly applied to the bio-detection in medical and pharmaceutical fields.
US08920740B2
An atmospheric pressure plasma jet device for converting carbon dioxide into organic products by using an atmospheric pressure plasma technique, comprising: an inner electrode made of a conductive metal, and having an insulating layer covering a portion of the inner electrode; a first conductive metal wall surrounding the inner electrode with a predetermined distance apart, such that a cavity is formed between the inner electrode and the first conductive metal wall, and a through hole is formed on a side of the first conductive metal wall, such that a reactant can flow into the cavity; and a diffusing unit including an insulating component and a conductive metal component. Wherein the insulating component is disposed on a side of the insulating layer, and covers another portion of the inner electrode. The conductive metal component further covers the insulating component.
US08920739B2
Disclosed is a system or method of increased efficiency in carbon nanomaterial synthesis. In one embodiment, a system or method of automated collection of deposited carbon nanomaterial is disclosed. According to one or more embodiments, a method of automated collection of deposited nanomaterial may comprise using cleaner blades to clean the wall of a deposition chamber and the surface of a central body where carbon nanomaterial has been deposited. The method of automated carbon nanomaterial collection may be used in connection with a method of carbon nanomaterial synthesis, to create a more efficient synthesis process.
US08920736B2
A loop seal for a fluidized bed reactor comprising a vertical downcomer segment connected to a dipleg for receiving solids particles from the dipleg, a horizontal segment downstream of the downcomer, a riser segment downstream of the horizontal segment, and a downwardly inclined segment downstream of the riser, whereby the solids are entrained to the fluidized bed reactor. An eductor is added to the angled leg to induce the underflow gas from the cyclone; one of the preferred motive fluids to the eductor is the fines from fuel preparation and the carrying gas for the fines. Also provided are a fluidized bed reactor comprising the loop seal, and a method for producing syngas from coal and steam using the same.
US08920730B2
A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment mechanically mixed with a polymer and molded into a rigid or pliable shape. In a preferred embodiment, the chemochromic detector is within the material which is molded into a manufactured part, said part becoming the detector itself. The detector is robust and easily modifiable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions, such as atmospheres of inert gas, hydrogen gas, or mixtures of gases, or in environments that have variable temperature, including high temperatures such as above 100° C. and low temperatures such as below −196° C.
US08920729B2
A sensor for sensing at least one biological target or chemical target is provided. The sensor includes a membrane includes a membrane material that supports generation and propagation of at least one waveguide mode, where the membrane material includes a plurality of voids having an average size <2 microns. The sensor also includes at least one receptor having structure for binding to the target within the plurality of voids, and an optical coupler for coupling light to the membrane sufficient to generate the waveguide mode in the membrane from photons incident on the optical coupler.
US08920726B2
This blood analyzer includes a sample preparation portion preparing a first measurement sample containing a blood sample and a hemolytic agent and a second measurement sample containing the blood sample, the same hemolytic agent as the hemolytic agent and a staining agent and a control portion classifying white blood cells in the first measurement sample into at least four groups of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and others on the basis of fluorescent information and two types of scattered light information generated by a light information generation portion and classifying blood cells in the second measurement sample into at least malaria-infected red blood cells and others on the basis of fluorescent information and scattered light information generated by the light information generation portion.
US08920725B2
The present invention is an improved apparatus for sample analysis. The apparatus employs an assay component containing a membrane having one or a plurality of analyte-specific binding agents attached thereto, a means for absorbing liquid, and a piston means for drawing analytes through said membrane into said means for absorbing liquid. The apparatus is configured to be portable and provide a detector for detecting binding of an analyte to an analyte-specific binding agent, a plurality of data acquisition components, and a computer for integrating, analyzing and storing the detected analyte specific binding and acquired data.
US08920723B2
A sample support structure comprising a sample support manufactured from a semiconductor material and having one or more openings therein. Methods of making and using the sample support structure.
US08920720B2
A configurable tissue processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of configurable tissue processing stations, each station configured to receive tissue samples and selectively configurable to heat, agitate and apply either a positive pressure or a vacuum pressure to the received tissue samples; a transport mechanism that is configured to transport the tissue samples between the plurality of configurable tissue processing stations; and a control unit coupled to the plurality of configurable tissue processing stations and to the transport mechanism, the control unit controlling the transport mechanism to selectively position the tissue samples in the plurality of configurable tissue processing stations, and the control unit configuring each of the plurality of configurable tissue processing stations to heat, agitate and apply either a positive pressure or a vacuum pressure to the received samples. Also disclosed is a method of configuring the plurality of tissue processing stations.
US08920718B2
The invention describes novel chemiluminescence electrode devices and their novel properties to enable achieving luminescence signal by electrical excitation by cathodic or bipolar pulses in aqueous electrolyte solutions. These devices form a significant improvement in construction of cheap and reliable means for especially diagnosis of health conditions in point-of-need purposes.
US08920717B2
This invention provides a method for processing produce to reduce microorganisms thereon by treating the produce in a treatment chamber. The method comprises exposing the produce to an atmosphere comprising gaseous chlorine dioxide and a carrier gas in a treatment chamber and can comprise controlling the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the treatment chamber, moving the produce in the treatment chamber during exposure to the gaseous chlorine dioxide, spraying water to remove the gaseous chlorine dioxide, and purging the treatment chamber to remove any residual chlorine dioxide.
US08920710B2
A shaft furnace charge material distribution device includes a main housing, a distribution chute, a suspension rotor and an adjustment rotor, which are rotatable about a vertical axis. The chute is suspended to the suspension rotor to rotate therewith for circumferential distribution of charge material and is adjustable in orientation for radial distribution of charge material. A differential gear interconnects the suspension rotor and adjustment rotor and is configured to transmit to the adjustment rotor the same speed of rotation that is imparted to the suspension rotor by a main rotation drive unless an adjustment drive imparts differential rotation to the adjustment rotor. The device includes two gear casings arranged on the main housing and a shaft arrangement. The first gear encloses a gear mechanism connecting the main rotation drive to one output shaft. The second gear casing encloses the differential gear connecting the adjustment drive to another output shaft.
US08920703B2
A method for filling at least one cavity of a tool for producing a preform from a melted mass, specifically a cavity of a tool in an injection molding machine, the melted mass being introduced into the cavity under pressure from a plurality of nozzles. According to the method, a sensor is associated with at least one nozzle, the sensor determining the flow of melted mass in the cavity, and the filling process through the nozzles is automatically co-ordinated on the basis of the signals of the sensor.
US08920701B2
A method for producing a sanitary article, comprises the step of introducing liquid clay into the casting chamber of a casting mould, the step of hardening the liquid clay in the casting mould and the step of separating the casting mould for removing the hardened sanitary article out of the casting mould. Prior to the step of introducing the liquid clay, at least one slide is introduced from outside the casting chamber along an insertion direction (E) at least partially into the casting chamber, wherein the slide is removed out of the casting chamber in opposition to the insertion direction (E) prior to or during the step of separating the casting mould, wherein an opening, an indentation or a break-through can be provided in the sanitary article by means of the slide.
US08920700B1
A device for maintaining a constant tip-surface distance for producing nanolithography patterns on a surface using a telescopic nanotube for hot nanolithography. An outer nanotube is attached to an AFM cantilever opposite a support end. An inner nanotube is telescopically disposed within the outer nanotube. The tip of the inner nanotube is heated to a sufficiently high temperature and brought in the vicinity of the surface. Heat is transmitted to the surface for thermal imprinting. Because the inner tube moves telescopically along the outer nanotube axis, a tip-surface distance is maintained constant due to the vdW force interaction, which in turn eliminates the need of an active feedback loop.
US08920698B2
The present invention relates to a production method for a workpiece (15) composed of a fibre-composite material, having the following steps: at least one support means (3) is provided. A main material (6) composed of a pre-impregnated fibre semi-finished product and/or of a secondary material (7) are/is applied to the at least one support means (3) in order to form at least two blank-mould areas (1, 10), in such a manner that at least one of the at least two blank-mould areas (1, 10) has the main material, and at least one of the blank-mould areas (1, 10) has the secondary material. The blank-mould areas (1, 10) are pressure-bonded to one another to form a workpiece blank (14) such that the at least one support means (3) is provided on a surface of the workpiece blank (14). The at least one support means (3) and the secondary material (7) are removed from the workpiece blank (14) in order to form the workpiece (15).
US08920696B2
A nano pattern writer includes an array of nano needles extending from a groove in a substrate. A first portion of each nano needle is located in a respective groove of the first layer and the second portion extends from the groove. The nano pattern writer includes a second layer covering the first layer such that the first portion of the nano needles is secured between the first layer and the second layer.
US08920685B2
A nanoparticle-resin composition includes a nanoparticle, a silicone resin having a reactive functional group at its terminal end, and a compound selected from a silane group-containing compound, a silazane compound, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing. In addition, a nanoparticle-resin composite includes a silicone resin matrix including the cure product of a silicone resin having a reactive functional group at its terminal end, a plurality of nanoparticle clusters dispersed in the silicone resin matrix, and a buffer layer encapsulating the nanoparticle cluster. The buffer layer includes a compound selected from a silane group-containing compound, a silazane compound, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing compounds.
US08920683B2
A sputtering target which is composed of a sintered body of an oxide which contains at least indium, tin, and zinc and includes a spinel structure compound of Zn2SnO4 and a bixbyite structure compound of In2O3. A sputtering target includes indium, tin, zinc, and oxygen with only a peak ascribed to a bixbyite structure compound being substantially observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD).
US08920681B2
An electrically conductive polymer linked to conductive nanoparticle is provided. The conductive polymer can include conductive monomers and one or more monomers in the conductive polymer can be linked to a conductive nanoparticle and can include a polymerizable moiety so that it can be incorporated into a polymer chain. The electrically conductive monomer can include a 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene as a conductive monomer. The electrically conductive polymer having the conductive nanoparticle can be prepared into an electrically conductive layer or film for use in electronic devices.
US08920677B2
A scintillator material is made of a zinc-oxide single crystal grown on a +C surface or a −C surface of a plate-shaped seed crystal of zinc oxide including a C surface as a main surface. The zinc-oxide single crystal contains In and Li. In response to an incident radiation, the scintillator material emits fluorescence of less than 20-ps fluorescence lifetime.
US08920673B2
Phosphonium-based room temperature ionic liquids (“RTILs”) were prepared. They were used as matrices for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry and also for preparing samples of dyes for analysis.
US08920672B2
The present invention relates to negative active materials for rechargeable lithium batteries, manufacturing methods thereof, and rechargeable lithium batteries including the negative active materials. A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a core including a material capable of carrying out reversible oxidation and reduction reactions and a coating layer formed on the core. The coating layer has a reticular structure.
US08920656B2
The invention relates to a class of novel surfactants that have utility in the recovery and/or extraction of oil.
US08920652B2
A lagoon batch wastewater treatment system for a wastewater treatment lagoon wherein a containment tank expands and contracts during a sewage treatment process reducing erosion of the berm or bank of the lagoon.
US08920647B2
A method and apparatus provide pulsed fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points utilizing pulsed magnetic energy concentrated in a plurality of distinct areas along a fluid flow path. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
US08920641B2
Disclosed herein is an end-cap structure of an oil filter for vehicles. The end-cap includes a base cap which has a hole in a central portion thereof, and a hook cap which is installed in the hole so as to be movable upwards or downwards. In this structure, a surface of the hook cap that comes into contact with the base cap when the hook cap moves upwards is a sealing portion. When the hook cap moves downwards, the sealing state is released and a bypass is formed. According to the structure of the present invention, since the sealing portion of the end-cap can be protected from heat, the quality of the product, the productivity, the economic efficiency, etc. can be enhanced.
US08920628B2
Systems and methods for multiple analyte analysis are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes determining concentrations of first and second analytes in a sample. The first and second analytes may be, for example, glucose and hydroxybutyrate. In this form, an indication related to the measured concentration of hydroxybutyrate is provided in response to determining that the concentration of hydroxybutyrate is above a predetermined value. In a further aspect of this form, a quantitative indication representative of the measured glucose concentration is automatically provided regardless of the value of the measured glucose concentration. In another embodiment, a system includes a meter configured to interact with a test element to assess first and second analytes in a sample. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the description and drawings.
US08920624B2
A method for preparing an A-B-C2 or A2-(Dx,E1-x)-C4 absorber thin film for photovoltaic cells where 0≦x≦1, A is an element or mixture of elements selected within Group 11, B is an element or mixture of elements selected within Group 13, C is an element or mixture of elements selected within Group 16, D is an element or mixture of elements selected within Group 12, and E is an element or mixture of elements selected within Group 14. Said method includes: a step of electrochemically depositing oxide from elements selected from among Groups 11, 12, 13, and 14, a step of annealing in a reducing atmosphere, and a step of supplying an element from Group 16.
US08920622B2
An electrolyte system includes a reactor having a pair of electrodes that may sorb ions from an electrolyte. The electrolyte system also includes at least one power supply in electrical communication with the reactor. The at least one power supply may supply a DC signal and an AC signal to the pair of electrodes during sorption of the ions. In addition, the power supply may supply only the AC signal to the pair of electrodes during desorption of the ions.
US08920619B2
The present invention provides a remote monitoring system for monitoring the operation of a fluid treatment system and/or the qualities, characteristics, properties, etc., of the fluid being processed or treated by the fluid treatment system. The present invention also relates to carbon nanotube sensors.
US08920618B2
Apparatuses and methods for high-deposition-rate sputtering for depositing layers onto a substrate are disclosed. The apparatuses generally comprise a process chamber; one or more sputtering sources disposed within the process chamber, wherein each sputtering source comprises a sputtering target; a substrate support disposed within the process chamber; a shield positioned between the sputtering sources and the substrate, the shield comprising an aperture positioned under each sputtering source; and a transport system connected to the substrate support capable of positioning the substrate such that one of a plurality of site-isolated regions on the substrate can be exposed to sputtered material through the aperture positioned under each of the sputtering sources; wherein the spacing between the sputtering target and the substrate is less than 100 mm. The apparatus enables high deposition rate sputtering onto site-isolated regions on the substrate.
US08920613B2
A non-axisymmetric electromagnet coil used in plasma processing in which at least one electromagnet coil is not symmetric with the central axis of the plasma processing chamber with which it is used but is symmetric with an axis offset from the central axis. When placed radially outside of an RF coil, it may reduce the azimuthal asymmetry in the plasma produced by the RF coil. Axisymmetric magnet arrays may include additional axisymmetric electromagnet coils. One axisymmetric coil is advantageously placed radially inside of the non-axisymmetric coil to carry opposed currents. The multiple electromagnet coils may be embedded in a molded encapsulant having a central bore about a central axis providing the axisymmetry of the coils.
US08920598B2
There is provided a plasma processing apparatus including a processing chamber 100 configured to perform a plasma process on a wafer W; an upper electrode 105 and a lower electrode 110 arranged to face each other in the processing chamber 100 and configured to form a processing space therebetween; and a high frequency power supply 150 connected with at least one of the upper electrode 105 and the lower electrode 110 and configured to output a high frequency power into the processing chamber 100. The upper electrode 105 includes an upper base 105a made of a dielectric material, and a plurality of fine holes A having a diameter equal to or less than twice a thickness of a sheath are formed in the upper base 105a.
US08920589B2
A pressure sensitive adhesive film attached to a surface is cut by pulling a filament from an adhesive tape applied on to the surface through that part of the film over the tape so as to cut the film and to form a cut edge of the film. The filament is a polyester multi-fiber filament of the order of 16 tex which provides a strength to break of the order of 2 pounds force and an extension of the order of 15% under a load of 1.0 pounds force. The tape comprises a polyethylene substrate of 0.125 inch in width. The filament is extendible so that, when the tape is stretched the filament stretches with the tape and does not pull out or separate. The filament can be broken by hand and has an ability to bend to a radius of curvature of less than 0.5 inches without any stiffness in the filament.
US08920583B2
The invention provides a steel pipe excellent in deformation characteristics, most notably a steel pipe for expandable-pipe oil well and a low-yield-ratio line pipe, and a method of producing the same without conducting water cooling requiring large-scale heat treatment equipment, namely a method of producing a steel pipe excellent in deformation characteristics whose microstructure is a two-phase structure including a martensite-austenite constituent at an area fraction of 2 to 10% and a soft phase, which method comprises: heating at Ac1+10° C. to Ac1+60° C. and thereafter cooling a precursor steel pipe which contains, in mass %, C: 0.04 to 0.10% and Mn: 1.00 to 2.50%, is limited to Si: 0.80% or less, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.01% or less, Al: 0.10% or less and N: 0.01% or less, further contains one or more of Ni: 1.00% or less, Mo: 0.60% or less, Cr: 1.00% or less and Cu: 1.00% or less, where content of Mn and content of one or more of Cr, Ni, Mo and Cu satisfy Mn+Cr+Ni+2Mo+Cu≧2.00, and a balance of iron and unavoidable impurities.
US08920582B2
A steel material which is suitable for hot press working or hot three-dimensional bending and direct quench and which can be used to manufacture a high-strength formed article with sufficient quench hardening even by short time heating at a low temperature has a chemical composition comprising, in mass percent, C: 0.05-0.35%, Si: at most 0.5%, Mn: 0.5-2.5%, P: at most 0.03%, S: at most 0.01%, sol. Al: at most 0.1%, N: at most 0.01%, and optionally at least one element selected from the group consisting of B: 0.0001-0.005%, Ti: 0.01-0.1%, Cr: 0.18-0.5%, Nb: 0.03-0.1%, Ni: 0.18-1.0%, and Mo: 0.03-0.5% and has a steel structure in which the spheroidization ratio of carbides is 0.60-0.90.
US08920581B2
Nitriding process of a steel strip is performed. Next, annealing is performed to form a forsterite based glass coating film at a surface of the steel strip. Heating is performed up to 1000° C. or more in a mixed gas atmosphere containing H2 gas and N2 gas, and a rate of N2 gas is 20 volume % or more, next, the atmosphere is switched into H2 gas atmosphere at the temperature of 1000° C. or more and 1100° C. or less, when the annealing is performed. An oxygen potential P (H2O)/P (H2) is set to be 0.05 to 0.3 when the temperature is 850° C. or less during the heating in the mixed gas atmosphere.
US08920578B2
A teat cup cleaning device having a heating chamber, provided with a discharge which is closable by a valve, and arranged for connection to a teat cup. A filling device is provided for filling the heating chamber with an amount of cleaning liquid, and a heating arrangement is arranged to heat the contents of the heating chamber to a temperature T higher than the boiling point Tk of the cleaning liquid at ambient pressure. The valve opens in this situation to deliver the heated cleaning liquid to the teat cup. The teat cup cleaning device also comprising a connecting line between a liquid supply and the discharge.
US08920570B2
The disclosure relates to the cleaning of rods made of metal, particularly to the method of reclamation of used standard length rods, such as pump rods already used in the mechanical deep-pumping extraction of oil, as well as to the product made with the help of the mentioned method. The method of remanufacturing of standard length rods includes cleaning the rod with non-toxic particles which are able to undergo sublimation to eliminate environmental contamination and to assist in workplace safety.
US08920556B2
A cementitious composition including at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material and at least one desugared molasses. A method of preparing a cementitious composition including forming a mixture of water, at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material and at least one desugared molasses. An admixture for cementitious compositions including: (i) at least one desugared molasses; and (ii) at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine.
US08920551B1
Disclosed is a phase change ink comprising a phase change ink carrier and a colorant compound of the formula wherein X1, X2, and X3 each, independently of the others, is —O—, —S—, —SO—, or —SO2—; R1, R2, and R3 each, independently of the others, is alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl as further defined herein; and Z is halogen, —OR4, wherein R4 is alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl as further defined herein, wherein R5 is alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl as further defined herein, or wherein R6 is alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl as further defined herein.
US08920548B2
The CO2 capture system by chemical absorption for removing CO2 from a combustion exhaust gas by a solvent, comprising: an absorber for absorbing CO2 by a solvent, a regenerator for heating a rich solvent absorbed CO2 thereby releasing CO2, a gas exhaust system for discharging gas from the regenerator, a gas compressor installed in the gas exhaust system, a heat exchanger disposed downstream of the gas compressor for exchanging heat between compressed gas and rich solvent to be supplied to the regenerator, a gas-liquid separator disposed downstream of the heat exchanger for separating gas from condensed water, a condensed water supply system for supplying condensed water from the gas-liquid separator to the regenerator, another gas exhaust system for discharging gas containing high-concentration CO2 from the gas-liquid separator, and a compressor disposed downstream of the gas-liquid separator in the another gas exhaust system for pressurizing the gas containing high-concentration CO2.
US08920547B2
An adsorbent canister includes a casing defining a first adsorption chamber, a second adsorption chamber and a diffusion chamber therein, and an adsorbent capable of adsorbing the fuel vapor and filled in the first adsorption chamber and the second adsorption chamber. The first adsorption chamber and the second adsorption chamber communicate with each other via the diffusion chamber. The casing has on a side wall thereof a fuel introducing port configured to introduce fuel vapor into the first adsorption chamber and an air communicating port configured to introduce air into the second adsorption chamber. The diffusion chamber has at least one of a first diffusion chamber and a second diffusion chamber. The first adsorption chamber is positioned above the first adsorption chamber and extends over the entire length of the first adsorption chamber. The second diffusion chamber is positioned below the second adsorption chamber and extends over the entire length of the second adsorption chamber.
US08920544B2
A method for removing acid gases from a fluid flow using an absorbent including an aqueous solution with at least two different amines. An amine in a proportion of greater than 50 wt. % of the total amine amount in the aqueous solution is the first amine component in the aqueous solution, and a sterically hindered amine in a proportion of less than 50 wt. % is the second amine component in the aqueous solution. The fluid flow is brought into contact with the absorbent at a partial pressure of <200 mbar.
US08920533B2
A powder metal mixture is disclosed that provides improved mechanical properties for parts made from powder metal, such as cam caps. The powder metal mixture, upon sintering, forms an S phase intermetallic in the Al—Cu—Mg alloy system. The S phase is present in a concentration that results in an enhanced response to cold work strengthening of the powder metal part. Further, by minor adjustments to certain alloy elements, such as tin, the tensile properties of the resultant part may be adjusted.
US08920532B2
The present invention describes an inoculation process for inoculating a nucleating additive to a cast iron alloy in a pouring distributor by means of using a transferred arc plasma torch, with an anode partially immersed in the cast iron alloy and a cathode located on the surface of said alloy, the anode or the cathode or both comprising graphite, preferably synthetic crystalline graphite, which supplies said nucleating additive to the iron alloy. The invention thus describes an inoculation device useful for carrying out the inoculation process.
US08920514B2
Systems and methods provide intraluminal delivery of a bandage structure within a body lumen or hollow body organ, e.g., for treating an injured gastrointestinal tract or an esophageal hemorrhage in a non-invasive way using endoscopic visualization. The systems and methods can be sized and configured to apply a chitosan bandage structure within a body lumen or hollow body organ, to take advantage of the mucoadhesive, antimicrobial, hemostatic, and potential accelerated wound healing properties of the chitosan material.
US08920513B2
A ureteral stent has an elongated body connecting a coiled, renal segment to a coiled, bladder end segment. In one embodiment of the present invention, the coiled, bladder end segment and a lower, intramural segment of the elongated body are provided as a first flap and a second flap. The lower, intramural segment is of such length as to extend through a patient's intramural ureteral, preferably 2-4 cm. In another embodiment of the present invention, the coiled, renal segment is provided in a first plane and the coiled, bladder end segment is provided in a second plane such that the first plane and the second plane are transverse with respect to one another.
US08920503B2
This implant (1) for osseous fusion is intended to be inserted between two adjacent vertebral bodies (4) of a spinal column. It comprises a main body (2) having at least two longitudinal elements of C-shaped contour (2a, 2b) placed back to back and defining:—a solid axis (9), formed by the junction zone of said elements (2a, 2b) and suitable for being positioned parallel to the spinal column and for transmitting the stresses between the two adjacent vertebral bodies, and—at least two longitudinal apertures (6), suitable for holding grafts, oriented outward with respect to said solid axis (9).
US08920497B2
Methods and instruments for repairing a damaged acetabular labrum. The arc length of a portion of an acetabular rim proximal to the damaged (torn or broken) region of the acetabular labrum is measured, and a graft, such as a meniscal allograft or a gracilis autograft, is trimmed according to the measurement and secured in the damaged region of the acetabular labrum as a replacement. Various instruments, such as a wheel mounted on an arm, a measuring member with spaced tines, or a hollow arm with a graduated wire, can be used to measure the arc length of the damaged region of the acetabular labrum.
US08920486B2
Novel devices and methods for implanting medical stents are provided. A novel apparatus, which may be in a first compressed position, may be inserted into the artery, such as by being positioned over a catheter. The apparatus may be expanded to a second position. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to expand away in two substantially opposing directions along a second axis away from the longitudinal axis. The second axis may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may include markers that are detectable to determine the orientation of the catheter or the apparatus and/or assist in the determination of the type or size of stent to utilize.
US08920480B2
A bone screw and a method for manufacturing the same includes a screw thread configuration having one or more grooves cut into a leading face of the thread, a trailing face of the thread, and/or the shaft between the threads. Other implementations include the incorporation of facets into the one or more grooves. The implementation of the one or more grooves increases the surface are of the orthopedic screw and functions to increase in anchoring the bone screw within the bone once inserted therein, and thereby reduce the possibility for the screw backing out after insertion.
US08920474B2
Various methods, devices, and systems are disclosed that facilitate easier and more compact implantation of osteosynthesis devices. In some embodiments, implants are screwed into two vertebrae and a plate is used to hold and displace the spine. In some plate embodiments, at least one longitudinally elongated opening is disposed at one end of the plate and partially opening onto an edge of the plate. In some plate embodiments, at least one longitudinally elongated opening is disposed at one end of the plate having a portion sufficiently large to be inserted without disassembly in the fixation means of an implant already screwed into the spine when the fixation means are already assembled.
US08920445B2
A hernia repair device, comprising: an inflatable balloon having an inflation tube, the inflation tube having a proximal end attached to said balloon and a distal end adapted to be extracted from the body, separately from the balloon, via an opening which is smaller than a laparoscopic opening; and a mesh removably attached to said balloon, wherein the inflation tube passes through the mesh.
US08920429B2
Articulating mechanisms, link systems, and components thereof, useful for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, the remote manipulation of instruments such as surgical or diagnostic instruments or tools are provided. The link systems include links wherein at least two adjacent links are pivotable relative to one another around two distinct pivot points. Mechanisms for locking the links are also provided.
US08920427B2
A method and instrumentation for performing a patellofemoral arthroplasty orthopaedic procedure includes coupling an anterior cutting block to a femur of a patient such that the cutting block references local anatomy of the femur. The anterior cutting block is used to perform a number of bone cuts to establish a trochlear cavity in the femur. The trochlear cavity is formed such that a trochlear prosthesis may be inset into the cavity and substantially flush with the surrounding cartilage. A finishing burring guide and burr bit may be used to detail the shape and/or size of the trochlear cavity. Additionally, a trochlear drill guide may be used to facilitate establishing peg holes in the patient's femur to receive corresponding pegs of the trochlear prosthesis.
US08920423B2
A bone harvesting device is disclosed as including a drill body for drilling into bone, the drill body being rotatable about its central longitudinal axis, and a saw pivotable relative to the drill body about a pivoting axis parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the drill body, the drill body including a cavity which opens at a lower open longitudinal end of the drill body, and the saw being pivotable relative to the drill body between a first position in which the saw is clear of the lower open longitudinal end of the drill body and a second position in which the saw blocks part of the lower open longitudinal end of the drill body.
US08920421B2
An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical forceps including first and second jaw members pivotally attached in opposing relation relative to one another, the jaw members relatively movable from a first, open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second, clamping position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween with a predetermined clamping force, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface. The system also includes an electrosurgical generator configured to operatively couple to the electrosurgical forceps and to supply electrosurgical energy to the electrically conductive sealing surfaces. The electrosurgical generator includes at least one input control configured to record a user-defined setting associated with the electrosurgical energy; at least one sensor configured to measure at least one tissue parameter or at least one electrosurgical energy parameter; and a controller configured to predict a tissue mass of the tissue grasped by the jaw members based on the at least one tissue parameter or at least one electrosurgical energy parameter and to adjust the user-defined setting as a function of the predicted tissue mass.
US08920419B2
A device comprising: a handpiece having one or more attachment ports; a tubeset having one or more attachment features for connecting the tubeset to the one or more attachment ports in the handpiece; a removable tip having an attachment arm for attaching to the one or more attachment ports in the handpiece; wherein the device comprises one or more of the following: the handpiece includes an attachment port that attaches the handpiece to an active lead and a return lead and the device is adapted to use only the active lead or both leads so that the device can switch between bi-polar energy and mono-polar energy; the tubeset has one or more fluid conduits that are in fluid communication with the removable tip, wherein the removable tip is located at a distal end of the device; and the handpiece connects to one or more electrical input lines; the tubeset connects to one or more fluid lines, and the removable tip is free of direct connection to both the one or more electrical input lines and the one or more fluid lines.
US08920418B2
A PFO closing device includes: a clamper including a stick portion provided at a distal portion of a catheter for sticking to a foramen ovale valve and a sandwich member for sandwiching a biological tissue composed of the foramen ovale valve and an atrial septum secundum in cooperation with the stick portion; a cautery device including at least one electrode portion to be inserted into the foramen ovale between the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum; and an electric energy supply unit for supplying electric energy to the electrode portion, wherein the electrode portion is inserted into the foramen ovale and at the same time, the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum are sandwiched by the clamper, electric energy is supplied from the electric energy supply unit to the electrode portion and the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum are mutually fused.
US08920407B2
A laser system for ophthalmic surgery includes a laser source to produce a surgical pulsed laser beam, an XY scanner to scan the surgical pulsed laser beam in XY transverse directions, a Z scanner, to scan the XY scanned laser beam along a Z axis, an objective, to focus the XYZ scanned beam into a focal spot in a target region, and a computational controller, to use a computational process to control at least one of the Z scanner and the XY scanner, to control an optical distortion of the focused scanned beam.
US08920403B2
A catheter and method for draining a bladder and injecting a two part biologic adhesive is provided. The catheter has a tubular body extending between proximal and distal ends. A balloon is located adjacent the distal end with a first port extending between the proximal end and the balloon providing for inflation an deflation of the balloon. A second port extends substantially between the proximal end and the distal end for drainage. A pair of ports separate from one another and from the first and second ports extend between the proximal end and the balloon. The pair of ports are each arranged in fluid communication with separate openings located between the balloon and the proximal end to provide separate fluid flow paths for the separate components of the two part biologic adhesive between the proximal end and the openings.
US08920391B2
A container for use in a system for spray coating a human subject includes a container body configured to hold a skin coating composition. The container further includes a first end portion having a male coupling valve, where the male coupling valve is configured to couple to a female fitting disposed in a spraying apparatus, where the male coupling valve is further configured to prevent flow of the skin composition from the container while the male coupling valve is not coupled to the female fitting. The container further includes a second end portion opposite the first end portion and having a vent, where the container is configured for inverted connection to the spraying apparatus such that when the male coupling valve is connected to the female fitting the male coupling valve is at a location below the vent, and where opening of the vent allows airflow into the container as the skin coating composition flows out of the container through the male coupling valve.
US08920389B2
Systems for detecting needle insertion into a port chamber of an implantable medical device include a pressure sensor. The system detects characteristic pressure profiles associated with needle insertion into the port chamber through a septum and may generate a sensory cue to a clinician that proper needle placement has been achieved. Methods for detecting needle insertion into a port chamber of an implantable medical device includes detecting characteristic pressure profiles associated with needle insertion into the port chamber through a septum.
US08920364B2
A biomaterial delivery device includes an elongated handheld powder storage conduit with proximal and distal ends and a bore having a central axis. The proximal end is closed by a movable powder dispensing actuator, and the distal end is closed by an openable sealing nib moveable from its closed to its open position by force upon the actuator. The distal end has a distally-projecting powder discharge chute that spaces the nib away from a surgical site. When the device is held upright over a surgical site with the nib opened, powder passing the nib is deflected at a first oblique direction with respect to the central axis and into or onto the powder discharge chute, and powder striking the chute is deflected at a rotationally distinct second oblique direction orientation with respect to the central axis and into or onto the surgical site.
US08920363B2
A hemodialysis catheter, including an elongate body with an outer wall enclosing an arterial lumen and a venous lumen, and a method of making same. The catheter includes a first continuous loop and a second continuous loop formed from a distal extension of the outer wall, the first continuous loop beginning at a first side of the distal end of the body to define a first enclosed opening, and the second continuous loop beginning at a second side of the distal end of the body to define a second enclosed opening.
US08920354B2
An adjustable and controllable device for treating ingrown nail comprises a releasing portion adapted to be connected to the ingrown nail plate surface and an adjustable portion adapted to exert changeable force on the releasing portion so as to elevate portions of the nail plate surface. The force that is exerted can be mechanical, magnetic, piezoelectric or any other force. A method is also provided.
US08920353B2
A lumbo-sacral orthosis having a main body member sized to wrap substantially around a body of a wearer at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An outer holds the main body member at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An inner belt is cinched to compresses the wearer's body at the waist groove. A lumbar panel with an independently movable flexible element may be supported by the main body member. Side panels may also be supported by the main body member along with an abdominal panel which may include an independently movable lower element.
US08920347B2
A treadmill for providing walking rehabilitation to a rehabilitee is provided. The treadmill includes a base including a belt, a motor interconnected with the belt, and a walking rehabilitation device interconnected with the base. The motor causes the belt to rotate in a first direction. The walking rehabilitation device includes a user engagement structure configured to be removably secured to one or more locations of a rehabilitee's extremities. The walking rehabilitation device further includes a transmission interconnecting the motor and the user engagement structure, the transmission transferring motion from the motor to the rehabilitee via the user engagement structure, allowing the rehabilitee to walk along the belt.
US08920344B2
The invention is directed to a mobile balancing device and the use of said balancing device for the balance training of a body; the invention is further directed to a method for mobile balance training, e.g. for athletes or patients.
US08920342B2
A single-use lancet cartridge for inserting into a multi-use lancet driver assembly of a meter housing includes an elongated lancet housing with an open end, a lancet within the lancet housing and movable between a retracted and resting orientation to a piercing orientation through the open end, and a re-use prevention component that is a rotated drive wing incorporated within the lancet cartridge and oriented to cooperatively engage with a driver piston of the multi-use lancet driver assembly only one time thereby preventing the lancet from being moved into a piercing orientation a second time.
US08920341B2
The invention concerns a test tape device for analyzing a body fluid having a carrier tape, a plurality of lancing elements arranged on the carrier tape which are provided with a tip that can puncture a body part and a collecting structure that takes up the body fluid obtained during the puncture, and test fields mounted on the carrier tape each being associated with a lancing element and can have body fluid applied thereto. According to the invention it is proposed that the lancing elements are each movably attached to the carrier tape by a coupling member and that a used lancing element can be brought into contact with a test field by a transfer movement from a usage position distant from a test field into a contact position so that body fluid can be transferred from the collecting structure onto the test field.
US08920329B2
The invention relates to a disposable sensor device (51) for patient monitoring comprising a sensor (52) for providing an electric quantity based on a quantity to be detected, a first signal terminal (54) for providing a tap for the electric quantity, a first supply terminal (53) for supplying the sensor with an electrical supply quantity, a first connector for accommodating the first signal terminal (54) and the first supply terminal (53), a second signal terminal (56) for providing a further tap for the electric quantity, and a second connector for accommodating at least the second signal terminal (56). The invention further relates to a disposable sensor device for patient monitoring comprising a sensor (7) for providing an electric quantity based on a quantity to be detected; a first signal terminal (22) for providing a tap for the electric quantity; a first connector (A) for accommodating the first signal terminal, wherein the first connector (A) is provided with a trimming element (R2) which simulates the influence of a selectively attachable first monitoring device (1) on a measuring of the electric quantity, wherein the trimming element (R2) is electrically effective depending on a connector structure of a corresponding further connector (B, C) to be coupled with the first connector (A).
US08920326B2
A mixer circuit includes three square wave mixers and a combiner. A first square wave mixer in the circuit multiplies an input signal with a first square wave. A second square wave mixer and a third square wave mixer in the circuit each multiplies the input signal with a second square wave and a third square wave respectively. The second and third square waves have a same frequency as the first square wave, but phases that respectively lead and lag the phase of the first square wave by a first value. The combiner adds the outputs of the mixers. A low-pass filter external to the mixer circuit filters the sum generated by the combiner to generate a filtered output. In an embodiment, the first value equals forty five degrees, and the filtered output is rendered free of products generated by third and fifth harmonics of the first square wave square.
US08920321B2
A bioinformation acquisition apparatus to input a signal having uniform sensitivity and a high SN ratio at a high speed is provided. It includes a moving device moving an element group into the arrangement direction of the elements, and moves the element group situated at a first position at first time point to be situated at a second position at second time point. The element group receives an elastic wave emitted from a test object at the first time point at the first position, and the elastic wave from the test object at the second time point at the second position. The electric signal of a specified position of a test body from a first element of the elastic waves received at the first time point and the electric signal of the specified position from a second element received at the second time point are added to each other.
US08920320B2
Methods and apparatus are described for coupling a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer to a skin surface using water as a coupling agent.
US08920315B2
A quick-action tensioning clip of a wound retractor, with at least one braceable seat for at least one holding arm and/or for a joint ball of a holding arm, is made available which can be operated safely, easily and quickly and which requires only low operating forces and at the same time safely and permanently generates high clamping forces, this being achieved by the fact that, in order to generate the tensioning force, it is equipped with a toggle catch composed of two joint levers which are connected to each other via a connecting joint and which, at their free ends, are articulated via attachment joints on component parts of the quick-action tensioning clip that can be mechanically moved away from or towards one another.
US08920310B2
A viewer includes a display unit. The display unit has a first display area for displaying an in-vivo image obtained by a first capsule endoscope received from a first receiver, and second display areas for displaying in-vivo images obtained by second capsule endoscopes received from second receivers. The viewer displays the in-vivo images in the first and second display areas, respectively.
US08920297B2
A pressure device for exerting pressure on an opening device fitted to a package of a food product pourable into a tube of packaging material, the device having a first pressure member movable between a first work position, in which it presses a first area of the opening device against the package, and a first rest position, in which it is detached from the opening device; and a second pressure member movable between a second work position, in which it presses a second area of the opening device against the package, and a second rest position, in which it is detached from the opening device; the first and second area being crosswise to each other.
US08920287B2
An approach is provided for tracking and analyzing physical activities. Inputs are received from a plurality of users. The inputs specify one or more physical activities. The inputs are analyzed to quantitatively compare the activities among the users. A score is assigned to each user based on the analysis. The scores can be presented to the users over a communication network.
US08920284B2
An epicyclic gear system (A) includes a sun gear (2), a ring gear (4) located around the sun gear (2) and planet pinions (6) located between the sun and ring gears (2,4). The planet pinions (6) rotate on a carrier (8) that includes flexpins (20) that are cantilevered from a wall (12) of the carrier (8) and sleeves (22) that are attached to the remote ends of the flexpins (20) and extend back over the flexpins (20) to create a double cantilever. Bearings (24) support the planet pinions (6) on the sleeves (22) so that the planet pinions (6) rotate about the flexpins (20). The double cantilever enables the flexpins (2) to flex such that the axes (Y) of the planet pinions (6) remain parallel to the common axis (X) of the sun and ring gears (2, 4). Each sleeve (22) h an integrated bearing race (44) and a bearing seat (42) that carries a separate bearing race (60). The sleeve (22) is easily detached from its flexpin (20) and the separate race (60) is easily removed from the sleeve (22) to disassemble the bearing (24) and remove the planet pinion (6).
US08920282B2
A clutch assembly for a transmission, including: first and second clutches; and an actuation assembly including an actuator for engaging the first and second clutches. The first clutch is arranged to be connected to a planet carrier for a planetary gear set for the transmission so that the planet carrier and a first portion of the first clutch rotate in unison. The first clutch is arranged to be connected to an output shaft for the transmission so that a second portion of the first clutch and the output shaft rotate in unison. The second clutch is arranged to be connected to a ring gear for the planetary gear set so that the ring gear and a portion of the second clutch rotate in unison.
US08920280B1
A transmission gearing arrangement produces nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of three shift elements in various combinations. Two planetary gear sets are configured to rotate about an input axis while two planetary gear sets are configured to rotate about a second axis. Power is transferred from the input axis to the second axis by two pairs of axis transfer gears. The output element is located on the second axis.
US08920279B2
A differential case assembly, which has a case shoulder and a case outside diameter, is attached to a drive ring gear, which has a gear shoulder and a gear inside diameter. Attachment of the differential case assembly to the drive ring gear is by way of pressing the case outside diameter into intimate contact with the drive ring gear inside diameter around the circumference of the diameters, until the case shoulder comes into intimate mating contact with the gear shoulder, at a joint radius. In addition, hardened dowel pins are tightly fit into joint voids that are formed along the joint radius. The hardened dowel pins are capable of supporting an operational torsional load and the mating shoulders are capable of supporting an operational axial load.
US08920275B2
A hybrid module for a drive train of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a transmission. The hybrid module operates between the internal combustion engine and the transmission and has an electric drive, a clutch, and a freewheel, and the clutch and the freewheel are provided parallel to each other in order to transmit torque from the internal combustion engine toward the transmission, the freewheel transmits torque coming from the internal combustion engine to the transmission and opens for torque directed in the opposite direction, and a portion of the torque produced by the internal combustion transmitted by the freewheel can be set by setting a torque that can be transmitted by the clutch so that the vehicle can be driven by the internal combustion engine or the electric drive or both at the same time.
US08920267B2
Apparatus and method of adjusting the angle of attack to the longitudinal axis of a plurality of aerodynamic surfaces on a high performance throwing toy which affect the performance of such toy and to also provide a means of measuring such performance by recording the time the toy is airborne during flight.
US08920266B2
A shaft full length is defined as Ls and a distance between a tip end of the shaft and a center of gravity G of the shaft is defined as Lg. In a shaft 6, Lg/Ls is 0.54 or greater and 0.65 or less. A shaft weight Ws is 50 g or greater and 85 g or less. The shaft 6 has at least three bias layer pairs. One bias layer pair of the three bias layer pairs is a pitch-containing bias layer pair having a pitch based carbon fiber. Two bias layer pairs of the three bias layer pairs are PAN-containing bias layer pairs having a PAN based carbon fiber. Preferably, the PAN-containing bias layer pairs are located outside and inside the pitch-containing bias layer pair.
US08920258B2
A golf club head has a main body and a front recess that includes a flange. A rear portion of the main body includes a perimeter-weighting element. A striking face insert is secured within the front recess. A face center is located on the front surface of the striking face insert. A rear cavity is at least partially delimited by the perimeter-weighting element and a rear surface of the striking face insert. A rear insert is secured to the rear surface of the striking face insert. In an imaginary horizontal plane passing through a portion of the rear insert, proximate a heel portion of the club head, a heelwardmost point of the rear insert is spaced further from a vertical center plane than a minimum distance between the flange and the center plane. The club head comprises an auxiliary recess that extends outward from the rear cavity.
US08920255B2
A pocket leg that has a cylindrical body, a base, and a top that forms a pool ball pocket is provided. The pocket leg can be used to form a rectangular pool table with six pockets constructed with six pocket legs. To each pocket leg are attached two brackets. The brackets of the four pocket legs that define the corners of the pool table are perpendicular to each other and the brackets of the two pocket legs that are centrally located are parallel to each other. Six brace pieces fit into the brackets and form the base of a table. The table also includes a top, apron and bumper railing. Pocket legs can be used to form a rectangular pool table with eight or more pockets. The pocket legs can form square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal shaped pool tables.
US08920249B2
A universal coupling is provided that aims to achieve constant velocity between the input and output shafts. The universal coupling also aims to increase the angle between input and output shafts over conventional double Cardan joints while maintaining constant velocity or near constant velocity therebetween. The universal coupling can employ a Sarrus type linkage in-between two universal joints of the Cardan type in a configuration that aims to achieve joint angles up to and including 90 degrees in the Y-Z plane, while maintaining constant velocity or near constant velocity therebetween.
US08920245B2
Techniques for recognizing the accomplishments of a game player are disclosed herein. In particular, a user identification profile is provided so that digital items awarded to the user for meeting specified performance criteria in a video game or some other event may be associated with such user identification profile. The digital item may be something that is usable within the current video game title, in a later version or the next generation of a particular video game title, or even in a different video game by the same developer. One technique involves receiving an identification representative of the digital item awarded to the user, associating the digital item with the user identification profile corresponding to the user, and storing an indication that the digital item is associated with the user identification profile. In this way, the indication may be utilized to display the digital item in the user identification profile.
US08920241B2
A computing system translates a world space position of a hand of a human target to a screen space position of a user interface and locks the hand to a handle of the user interface if world space parameters of the hand overcome a grab threshold of the handle. When the hand is locked to the handle, the computing system translates a world space position of the hand to a screen space handle position that is constrained along one or more interface guides. The hand is unlocked from the handle at a release position of the handle if world space parameters of the hand overcome a release threshold of the handle. The handle is retained at the release position after the hand is unlocked from the handle.
US08920234B2
A method for indicating a pre-game environment quality level may include, for example, obtaining a profile associated with a video game, where the profile comprises desirable performance metrics for initiating the video game, performing performance metric measurements in collaboration with a computing device from which the video game is to be played, comparing the performance metric measurements to the desirable performance metrics, determining a discrepancy between the performance metric measurements and the desirable performance metrics, determining a gaming quality level according to the determined discrepancy, and presenting at the computing device a quality indicator based on the determined quality level. The presenting can further include graphically displaying the quality indicator and the discrepancy. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08920230B2
Game playing apparatus described displaying in an image-space (12) an aspect of a playing environment and overlays on the image-space zones (14,16) that have relevance to playing environment. Event/s occurs in the playing environment in a delineated zone/s. Game participant is able to mark (18) with a marker a zone or zones before the event in anticipation of a reward if they mark the zone in which the event occurs. Their reward may be set by predetermined odds or a portion of pooled wagers.The playing environment may be a live event, live sporting event, or pre-planned scenario. The image-space (12) may only be a representation of the playing environment or aspect of the playing environment. The game participant may wager remotely of game apparatus with remote control devices allowing them to mark and wager. The remote control device may be built into other devices like mobile telephones etc.
US08920228B2
A game server includes an operation data receiving section that receives, from a terminal whereto a plurality of games is provided via a communication network, operation data for operating a virtual user created in a virtual space, an overall ranking creating section that creates an overall ranking based on ranking-per-game information related to the plurality of games stored in a storing section, an item extracting section that extracts a virtual item stored in a storing section and usable in a specific game, based on information on the overall ranking upon reception of predetermined operation data from the terminal, and an item setting section that sets an extracted virtual item as a virtual item possessed by the virtual user.
US08920226B2
An intake feeder system having a stone separator mounted between a crop elevator and the mouth of a threshing mechanism disposed longitudinally in a combine harvester. The stone separator includes a rotary feed beater and a sump disposed beneath the feed beater. The feed beater serves to advance crop raised by the elevator along a crop flow path towards the mouth of the threshing mechanism and to propel stones in the crop into the sump. A duct is provided in parallel with the crop flow path for connecting a space above the rotary feed beater to the mouth of the threshing mechanism.
US08920218B2
An electrode dresser is provided. The electrode dresser includes a face cutting segment having a top surface and a face rake surface. The top surface intersects the face rake surface and forms a face cutting edge. The face cutting edge is configured to remove deposits located on a face of an electrode. The face rake surface forms a face rake angle with a line generally perpendicular to the top surface. A side cutting segment extends from the face cutting segment and has a top surface and a side cutting surface. The top surface intersects the side cutting surface thereby forming a side cutting edge. The side cutting edge is configured to dress a distorted tapered side of an electrode tip. The side cutting surface forms a side rake angle with a line perpendicular to the top surface. The face rake angle is different from the side rake angle.
US08920216B2
A method and apparatus for inserting blades into a centrifugal blasting wheel to install blades without injury to fingers or hands. The apparatus uses a rotatable blade retainer with a blade guide slot that allows each blade to be installed through the blade guide slot while other installed blades are supported by the outer surface of the rotatable blade retainer. Once all blades are safely installed, the center section of the centering plate is inserted to cover the rotatable blade retainer.
US08920214B2
Dual dressing systems for conditioning CMP pads, including associated methods, are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method of dressing a CMP pad can include applying a deglazing dresser to a working surface of a CMP pad, deglazing the working surface of the CMP pad with the deglazing dresser, applying an asperity-forming dresser to the working surface of the CMP pad, and forming asperities in the working surface of the CMP pad with the asperity-forming dresser.
US08920202B2
A buoy has a first piece with a first cavity defined by a first wall and a first open end of the first piece; a second piece having a second cavity defined by a second wall, a second open end and a second close end which is opposite to the second open end; and a separation piece to separate the first cavity and the second cavity so as to form two separated watertight compartments.
US08920199B2
Patch cords are provided that include a communications cable that has at least first through fourth conductors and a plug that is attached to the cable. The plug includes a housing that receives the cable, a printed circuit board, first through fourth plug contacts, and first through fourth conductive paths that connect the first through fourth conductors to the respective first through fourth plug contacts. The first and second conductors, conductive paths, and plug contacts form a first differential transmission line, and the third and fourth conductors, conductive paths, and plug contacts form a second differential transmission line. Each of the first through fourth plug contacts has a first segment that extends longitudinally along a first surface of the printed circuit board, and the signal current injection point into the first segment of at least some of the first through fourth plug contacts is into middle portions of their respective first segments.
US08920198B2
An electrical connecting element (10) comprising at least one carrier body (50) and at least one electrical contact body (20) extending on both sides (52, 54) of the carrier body (50). The at least one electrical contact body (20) is arranged on an insulating body (60), which is coupled to the carrier body (50). At least one embodiment of the invention refers to a combination comprising a connecting element (10) and a component, and to an electrical device (110) comprising a connecting element (10).
US08920185B2
An electronic device assembly structure comprises two electronic devices and at least one connection module. Each electronic device includes a body and at least one USB located on the body. The connection module connects to the two electronic devices and includes an electric connection unit and a fastening unit. The electric connection unit is electrically inserted into the USBs of the two electronic devices. The fastening unit fastens the bodies of the two electronic devices together in an integrated manner.
US08920169B2
A mouth opening instrument includes an upper member suitable for attaching on an upper jaw side within the mouth of a patient and a lower member suitable for attaching on a lower jaw side. The instrument further includes a connecting section, a control section, and an input section. The connecting section connects end portions of the upper member and the lower member such that a resistance of opening or closing actions of the upper member and the lower member are controllable. The control section controls the resistance of opening or closing actions of the upper member and the lower member. The input section receives an operating state signal indicating an operating state of a dental treatment device. When the operating state signal indicating an operating state of a dental treatment device is inputted, the closing resistance of the upper member and the lower member is set to be greater than that at a time when the operating state signal is not inputted.
US08920163B2
An orthodontic appliance 1 for promoting development of a dental arch form in a patient who has an underdeveloped dental arch form is disclosed. The appliance 1 includes an arch-shaped base member 2 that is made of a resiliently flexible material, and a teeth engaging member 5 that encloses at least part of the base member 2. The teeth engaging member 5 defines upper and/or lower dental arch receiving channels 46, 47 and is made of a resiliently flexible material that is softer than the base member and is deformable. The appliance 1 has a resting form in which the resilient materials of the base member 2 and the teeth engaging member 5 are in their resting condition. The appliance 1 can be flexed or deformed out of the resting form to fit the underdeveloped dental arch form into the dental arch receiving channel 46, 47. When deformed the appliance 1 exerts a return force that is directed to returning it to its resting form which in use urges the underdeveloped dental arch to expand into a developed dental arch form.
US08920162B1
Methods and apparatuses that decouple wafer temperature from pre-heat station residence time, thereby improving wafer-to-wafer temperature uniformity, are provided. The methods involve maintaining a desired temperature by varying the distance between the wafer and a heater. In certain embodiments, the methods involve rapidly approaching a predetermined initial distance and then obtaining and maintaining a desired final temperature using closed loop temperature control. In certain embodiments, a heated pedestal supplies the heat. The wafer-pedestal gap may be modulated may be varied by moving the heated pedestal and/or moving the wafer, e.g., via a movable wafer support. Also in certain embodiments, the closed loop control system includes a real time wafer temperature sensor and a servo controlled linear motor for moving the pedestal or wafer support.
US08920153B2
A nano imprint master and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes: implanting conductive metal ions into a substrate including quartz to form a conductive layer inside the quartz substrate; coating a resist on the quartz substrate in which the conductive layer is formed, to form a resist coating layer; exposing the resist coating layer to an electron beam to form micropatterns; etching the quartz substrate by using the resist coating layer, in which the micropatterns are formed, as a mask; and removing the resist coating layer to obtain a master in which micropatterns are formed.
US08920146B2
A pump system configured to deliver drilling fluid in at least one of a driving well and a drilling well includes a pump unit, a rotary drive device configured to drive the pump unit, and a gearbox comprising a driving gear and an driven gear. The rotary drive device is operatively connected to the pump unit by the gearbox.
US08920144B2
A peristaltic pump includes a conduit having a first end for receiving a fluid from a reservoir and a second end for delivering the fluid. A plurality of fingers are disposed at respective locations along a segment of the conduit and are configured to alternately compress and release the conduit at the locations. A cyclical pump mechanism is coupled to move the fingers between respective compressed and released positions in a spatio-temporal pattern so as to drive a predetermined quantity of the fluid through the segment of the conduit in each pump cycle. A motor is coupled to drive the pump mechanism. A controller is coupled to activate and deactivate the motor in alternation during each pump cycle with a duty cycle that varies within the pump cycle.
US08920139B2
A suction duct for a compressor such as a scroll compressor may include a plastic ring body with a metal screen heat staked in a window of the ring body to filter refrigerant gas entering the motor cavity. The ring body may be in surrounding relation of the motor and resiliently compressed in the housing through intermittent contact with the inner housing surface to better seal around the inlet port. Oil drain channels and stabilizing ribs may be along the outside surface of the ring body.
US08920134B2
The present invention relates to a hermetic compressor (1) used in operating cooling devices like the refrigerator, comprising a casing (2) carrying the elements therein, an oil sump (3) forming the lower portion of the casing (2) and wherein oil (Y) is put providing the lubrication of the movable elements, an electric motor having a rotor (4) and a stator, a piston (5) providing the delivery of the refrigerant fluid in pressurized state to the refrigeration system, a cylinder block (6) wherein the piston (5) operates, a crankshaft (7) delivering the rotational movement of the rotor (4) to the piston (5) by changing it to linear movement and an oil pickup tube (9) mounted to the core of the rotor (4), the lower end of which is immersed into the oil (Y) in the oil sump (3) and the upper end extending upwards from the middle of the rotor (4) and which delivers the oil (Y) to the crankshaft (7) by sucking from the oil sump (3) and a hydrodynamic coupling (10) that transfers the rotational movement of the rotor (4) to the crankshaft (7).
US08920121B2
An axial turbomachine rotor is provided. The turbomachine includes a rotor body designed in a rotation symmetrical manner around the rotor axis, a rotor blade ring including rotor blades that are each fixed to the rotor body by the blade foot thereof and a sealing disc designed in a rotation symmetrical manner around the rotor axis that is arranged having the outer edge thereof radially inside, neighboring an axially extending protrusion of the blade foot, so that a hollow space is formed between the blade foot and the sealing disc, wherein a groove exists on the outer edge leading radially to the outside, wherein a sealing ring is mounted that may slide radially to the outside in the groove during operation of the rotor by centrifugal force until the sealing ring radially contacts the inside of the protrusion and thus seals the hollow space on the blade foot.
US08920106B2
A thumb assembly mountable to a lifting arm of an excavator includes a base member mountable to the lifting arm, the base member having a link mounting aperture, a thumb member pivotally connected to the base member, a link member having a base mounting aperture in a first end for coupling to the base member and a thumb mounting aperture in a second end for coupling to the thumb member, a removable pin receivable through the link mounting aperture and the base mounting aperture to connect the link member to the base member, and a connection-assist system disposed on at least one of the link member and base member, the connection-assist system configured to provide a visual indication that the thumb member and the link member are in a position such that the removable pin can be received through both the link mounting aperture and the base mounting aperture.
US08920103B2
A rotary end effector for use for the high speed handling of workpieces, such as solar cells, is disclosed. The rotary end effector is capable of infinite rotation. The rotary end effector has a gripper bracket, capable of supporting a plurality of grippers, arranged in any configuration, such as a 4×1 linear array. Each gripper is in communication with a suction system, wherein, in some embodiments, each gripper can be selectively enabled and disabled. Provisions are also made to allow electrical components, such as proximity sensors, to be mounted on the rotating gripper bracket. In another embodiment, an end effector with multiple surfaces, each with a plurality of grippers, is used.
US08920102B2
An auto-latch mechanism enabling a towing vehicle to hook-up and tow-away a disabled vehicle without the need for either operator of the vehicles to exit their interior. In a preferred embodiment, the auto-latch mechanism includes opposing guide plates and a plunger pin with a distal portion movable to a location between the plates. When a connecting portion of the disabled vehicle is positioned between the opposing plates, the plunger pin may be engaged to the connecting portion, to thereby accomplish hook-up of the disabled vehicle to the towing vehicle. A method for using the auto-latch mechanism is also disclosed and claimed.
US08920100B1
A granular material stirring apparatus for breaking up clumps of a granular material in an interior of a storage bin comprises a base assembly for resting on a floor of the bin, an agitation rotor rotatably mounted on the base assembly, and a rotation device connected to the rotatable agitation rotor to cause the agitation rotor to rotate with respect to the base assembly. The agitation rotor may include a central member rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and a plurality of stirrer members extending substantially radially outwardly from the central member to rotate about the substantially horizontal axis.
US08920098B2
A storage rack includes a plurality of rack units with container supports spaced one above the other, the supports being disposed in pairs on opposite side walls of the rack units to form storage locations for containers. The containers can be placed in or removed from the storage locations by means of a controllable transport device. The transport device has at least one first transport means and one second transport means, the first transport means is able to move in the vertical direction (Z), and the second transport means is supported on the first transport means and is able to move in a first horizontal direction (X) relative to the first transport means. A transfer device for handling a number of containers is arranged on the second transport means and includes a number of transfer units for placing the containers into and removing them from stock, each transfer unit can be associated with one container and each transfer unit can be controlled and moved separately.
US08920097B2
A wafer handling system includes providing a loadlock tray assembly having a plurality of vertically-stacked loadlock trays; and mounting nipples around each of the plurality of vertically-stacked loadlock trays for supporting a plurality of wafers, each of the nipple having a flat top.
US08920093B2
A thread-furrowing screw comprises a shaft portion made of solid material and a thread portion attached to the shaft portion, which thread portion is wound from a profiled metal strip.
US08920088B1
A self-sealing roofing nail for reducing or preventing roof leaks. The self-sealing roofing fastener includes a pointed fastener shaft and a fastener head. A small sleeve having a rupturing shell containing a volume of sealant is disposed over the fastener shaft and adjacent the fastener head. When the self-sealing roofing fastener is driven into a structure using a hammer or a nail gun, the shell ruptures and releases the sealant between the fastener head and a structure. The released sealant seals the puncture caused by driving the roofing fastener into the structure.
US08920070B2
A slipform paver includes a chassis 2 able to be adjusted in the heightwise direction and having a mounting unit 10 arranged on the chassis for fastening on an arrangement 8 for molding flowable material. The slipform paver is characterised in that the mounting unit 10 for fastening on the concrete mold 8 is mounted on the chassis 2 of the paver to be pivotable on an axis 14 extending in the direction of operation of the slipform paver. To produce parts of a structure whose orientation varies along their length, the concrete mold fastened 8 to the mounting unit is pivoted on the axis of pivot 14 by means of a pivoter unit 15 whereas the chassis of the paver maintains its orientation.
US08920063B1
A blind fastener for securing a workpiece to a machining fixture includes an externally threaded housing, a pusher member and translating elements. The pusher member translates relative to the housing from an extended position to a retracted position. As the pusher member retracts, it urges the translating elements from an inboard position to an outboard position. The fixture has a closed ended tool hole that is threaded to receive the blind fastener. The workpiece has a corresponding tool hole with a radial groove. The workpiece tool hole receives the upper end of the blind fastener and the radial groove receives the translating elements when they extend. When the blind fastener is threaded into the fixture tool hole, the pusher member retracts and causes the translating elements to extend. The translating elements engage the radial groove of the workpiece tool hole and clamp the workpiece to the fixture.
US08920062B2
An example release mechanism for an ejection jack includes a locking mechanism disposed about an axis. A pivotable first leg is connected to a pivotable second leg by a crossbar. A blocking pin is rotatably connected to the first leg and the second leg such that the locking mechanism abuts the blocking pin. A first solenoid includes a first rod abutting one of the first leg or the second leg. The first rod extends a first distance perpendicular to the axis and is configured to exert a first force to push the first leg and second leg away from the solenoid. The first leg and second leg are configured to pivot away from the first solenoid such that the blocking pin no longer abuts the locking mechanism.
US08920055B2
A proposed printer device drives a conveyance unit to forward the end position of a medium by an amount of feed corresponding to a first boarding pass length from a cutting position, moves a cutter up and down to attempt a cutting operation. When the cutting operation is successfully performed, the boarding pass length of one boarding pass of a series of boarding passes to be processed is set as the first boarding pass length. When the cutting operation is unsuccessfully performed, the conveyance unit is driven to forward the end position of the medium by an amount of feed corresponding to the difference between the first boarding pass length and a second boarding pass length longer than the first boarding pass length, and the cutting operation is attempted again by moving a cutter up and down in the cutting position.
US08920043B2
The present invention provides a connector unit that can surely position and connect a plurality of optical fiber plugs in a short time and easily release a connected state of optical fiber connectors even if the number of optical fiber connectors increases. A connector unit includes a positioning member for positioning a plurality of optical fiber plugs, an adapter that has plug guide holes for inserting tip ends of the optical fiber plugs to connect with the optical fiber plugs, and guide portions for guiding the positioning member with respect to the adapter and inserting the tip ends of the optical fiber plugs into the plug guide holes of the adapter to connect with the optical fiber plugs.
US08920038B2
A cage for a rolling bearing which cage is intended to ensure the circumferential spacing of a row of rolling elements and comprises first pockets 28 for first rolling elements of the row, which pockets are provided with axial retention means 38, 46 for the axial retention of the cage onto the said rolling elements, and second pockets 26 for the second rolling elements of the row, which pockets have no axial retention means for retaining the cage on the said rolling elements. The distribution of the first pockets 28 about the periphery of the cage is uneven.
US08920033B2
A fluid dynamic bearing system having pressure-generating surface patterns that comprises at least two bearing parts that are rotatable with respect to one another and form a bearing gap filled with bearing fluid between associated bearing surfaces. The surface patterns are disposed on at least one bearing surface that is defined by a first rim and a second rim, hydrodynamic pressure being built up within the bearing gap on rotation of the bearing parts with respect to one another. At least parts of the surface patterns extend from the first rim to the second rim of the bearing surface.
US08920016B2
Provided are a display member and a display device capable of outputting bright and highly uniform light. Provided is a display member (10) comprising a light guiding member (11) which guides light outputted from a first light source (20); a light spreading part (13) which is provided on at least one side surface of the light guiding member (11) and spreads the light guided by the light guiding member (11); a design display part (12) which is provided on at least one surface side of the light guiding member (11) and displays a design; wherein the design display part (12) is provided with a first light transmissive outputting part (122) which transmits and outputs light that was spread by the light spreading part (13) and the light spreading part (13) is provided so as to correspond with the first light transmissive outputting part (122).
US08920012B2
A lamp unit mounted in a vehicle includes a light source, a light source mounting portion on which the light source is mounted, and a projection lens having a front surface with a convex shape and configured to project light from the light source to the front of the lamp unit. When looking at the lamp unit from the front, the front surface of the projection lens takes a substantially round shape which is centered at an optical axis of the lamp unit in a position which lies closer to a front end portion and a substantially non-round shape at a rear end portion. The front surface changing gradually its shape from the substantially round shape to the substantially non-round shape in a region between the position and the rear end portion as it extends from the position towards the rear end portion.
US08920011B2
The present invention is provided with a semiconductor-type light source 2 and a reflector 3. The reflector 3 has reflection surfaces 31U to 31D. The semiconductor-type light source 2 is disposed at or near a reference focal point F of the reflection surfaces 31U to 31D. The reflection surfaces 31U to 31D are divided into upper and lower sides in a direction in which light is to be radiated from the semiconductor-type light source 2, with respect to an X axis passing through a center O of the semiconductor light source 2 or its proximity. Among the upper and lower reflection surfaces, on the upper side, convergent scattering reflection surfaces 31U to 34U are disposed, and on the lower side, divergent scattering reflection surfaces 31D to 34D are disposed. As a result, the present invention is capable of forming an approximately ideal light distribution pattern HPA for high beam.
US08920007B2
A light-guiding member closed to a car light has an atomized light-guiding body, wherein a containing space is formed inside and connected to a light inlet correspondingly. Differently as the traditional way, light-guiding member in the car illumination assembly set the LED cluster inside to function the daytime running light raise the uniform brightness of the daytime running light which have both the daytime running effect and the whole style.
US08920000B2
The invention discloses a lamp including a lampshade, a cooling module, a light-emitting element and a circuit board. The lampshade includes an opening and a base. The lampshade forms a chamber. The lampshade is completely closed between the opening and the base. The cooling module includes a cooling fan fixed in the chamber while at least one air-guiding gap is formed between the cooling module and the lampshade. The light-emitting element is coupled with the cooling module. The circuit board has a layout surface mounted with a plurality of electronic components. The inner surface of the lampshade forms an air-guiding face. The layout surface, the air-guiding face and the cooling fan jointly constructs an air channel. The layout surface and the electronic components of the circuit board face the opening of the lampshade. At least one of the electronic components is located in the air channel.
US08919994B2
An LED lamp specially adapted for use in combination with a concave reflector and to replace the incandescent light sources normally used. The lamp includes two or more light emitting diodes or light emitting diode arrays, each with a specified angle of light radiation, mounted substantially perpendicular to the lamp support and spaced symmetrically around the longitudinal axis of the said lamp support to form a compact consolidated light radiation area with a specified length, width, and height. All of the light radiates outward in a 360 degree radial pattern around and horizontal to the longitudinal axis of the said lamp support and at a specified angle of radiation vertical to the longitudinal axis of the said lamp support. Substantially all of the light emitted impinges on, and is redirected by, the reflector to project a high intensity beam of light with all light rays radiating at the same angle.
US08919985B2
A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a light source module, a supporting frame, and a heat conductive glue layer. The light guide plate has a light-entering end; the light source module is disposed corresponding to the light-entering end and includes a flexible circuit board and a plurality of light sources. The flexible circuit board extends along the light-entering end and has a light source-bearing area and a heat-dissipating area, wherein a width of the heat-dissipating area in a direction perpendicular to the light-entering end is not smaller than a width of the light source-bearing area. The plurality of light sources are disposed in the light source-bearing area. The supporting frame has a holding portion which is bent to form an accommodation space for accommodating the light source module and the light-entering end. The heat conductive glue layer is disposed between the heat-dissipating area and an inner side of the holding portion for conducting heat from the heat-dissipating area to the holding portion.
US08919982B2
A lighting system mounted on an article of clothing. The light system comprises at least one illuminating wire mounted on the article. The illuminating wire is connected to a power source and a processing unit. The power source can be a solar strip. The processing unit is capable of analyzing the rhythm of music and commanding the illuminating object to flash based on the music. In some embodiments, the lighting system comprises a wireless receiver that can receive wireless signal such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio frequency, and voice command. The lighting effects of the lighting systems on different articles of clothing can be coordinated to form a special light show such as a light symphony.
US08919979B2
An illumination device for attachment to a hose has a housing coupled to the hose. The housing allows a substance from the hose to flow through the housing. An electronic circuit is stored in an interior of the housing to illuminate an area in front of the hose.
US08919974B2
A multi-reflection structure including a substrate and pyramid is provided. The substrate includes an inversed pyramid shaped recess having at least three first reflection sidewalls. The pyramid is disposed on the substrate and located in the inversed pyramid shaped recess. The pyramid has at least three second reflection sidewalls, wherein the normal of each of the second reflection sidewalls and the normal of each of the first reflection sidewalls are not located in the same plane. Furthermore, a photo-electric device is also provided in the present application.
US08919972B2
An optical element adjustment mechanism is for loading a reflection optical device, which comprises a base and a loading element. The base is movably assembled to the reflection optical device. The base is a hollow tubular structure, and each side has an opening. The inner edge of one of the opening has a plurality loading surfaces extension to the central side, and two leaning surfaces protruded along a tube wall of the base. The loading element movably assembled to the base has a first surface, a second surface and two datum planes. The first surface is flattened against the plurality loading surfaces. The second surface has a connecting portion connected the optical element. The two datum planes are respectively flattened against the two loading surfaces. Wherein, at least one adjustment gasket is moveably assembled between the base and the loading element for precision adjustment.
US08919971B2
The invention is related to an interior rear view mirror that is constructed by front plastic glass shaped in u-form and a mirror housing. The mirror comprises a second plastic glass which crate a inter glass space for a device which changes the reflectivity of the mirror.
US08919961B2
Inflatable, flexible, collapsible, linear solar concentrator and heliostat designs, made primarily of flexible and elastic sheets enclosing and separating air-tight chambers which are elongated along and parallel to a main axis, with the chambers pressurized to different pressures form a structure and control the focus and rotation of a mirror.
US08919960B2
An ocular system for detecting ocular abnormalities and conditions creates photorefractive digital images of a patient's retinal reflex. The system includes a computer control system, a two-dimensional array of infrared irradiation sources and a digital infrared image sensor. The amount of light provided by the array of irradiation sources is adjusted by the computer so that ocular signals from the image sensor are within a targeted range. Enhanced, adaptive, photorefraction is used to observe and measure the optical effects of Keratoconus. Multiple near-infrared (NIR) sources are preferably used with the photorefractive configuration to quantitatively characterize the aberrations of the eye. The infrared light is invisible to a patient and makes the procedure more comfortable than current ocular examinations.
US08919954B2
A method for obtaining an ophthalmic lens, includes: —the step of selecting a material that displays a threshold of pinhole formation during a machining step of a finished surface (20) in a material-removing depth (D) of 0.07 mm, which is at least 15% higher than the threshold of pinhole formation during a machining step of a finished surface in a material-removing depth (D) of 0.22 mm; —the step of selecting a set point for finishing depth of cut (A) between 0.015 mm and 0.075 mm; and—the step of selecting a set point for finishing feed between 85% and 99% of the threshold of pinhole formation for the material-removing depth (D) given by the sum of the selected set point for finishing depth of cut (A) and the blank roughness (B′).
US08919951B2
Safety glasses for experienced cyclists have a small diameter, unobtrusive, adjustable and removable mirror mounted thereon for establishing a rearwardly directed line of sight so that the cyclist can see a vehicle, including an automobile, motorcycle, or another cyclist, approaching from behind. The mirror is mounted on a stem that is magnetically attached to the gasses frame and extends forward from the frame. The magnetic attachment is sufficient to allow ready adjustment of the angle of incidence of light to establish the desired rearwardly directed line of sight and to fix the line of sight in place after adjustment. The glasses frame has a small disc-shaped neodymium magnet of from about 1 to 2 or 3 pounds force pull strength embedded in the face frame to the wearer's left and the mirror stem has a cooperating corresponding magnet mounted opposite the mirror. Larger mirrors may be desirable for use by less experienced cyclists.
US08919949B2
A method for performing duplex printing with improved throughput has been developed. The method includes forming an image of a back side of a first duplex page and an image of a front side of a second duplex page on an image receiving member. Two recording media sheets are serially passed through a nip to transfer the image of the first duplex page back side to a bare side of a recording media sheet that also bears the image of the front side of the first duplex page on an obverse side and to transfer the image of the second duplex page to a bare side of a recording media sheet that has not been previously printed.
US08919937B2
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid cartridge and an apparatus main body. The apparatus main body includes needles that are configured to receive peak loads at predetermined intervals in a predetermined order. A greatest load associated with the predetermined order is less than a greatest load associated with each of all others of a plurality of unique orders, the greatest load associated with each unique order corresponding to a greater of the peak load received by a needle receiving the peak load first in each unique order and a sum load of the peak load received by a needle receiving the peak load after the needle receiving the peak load first in each unique order and the steady load received by a needle receiving the peak load before the needle receiving the peak load after the needle receiving the peak load first in each unique order.
US08919934B2
A voltage is applied between first and second deflecting electrodes from a deflecting voltage controller, whereby an electric field is formed between the first and second deflecting electrodes in a direction perpendicular to electrode surfaces. An electric line of force is generated from a direction perpendicular to the electrode surface of the first deflecting electrode and made perpendicularly incident on the electrode surface of the second deflecting electrode. Since the first and second deflecting electrodes are parallel to each other, a plurality of parallel electric lines of force are formed perpendicularly to the electrode surfaces of the first and second deflecting electrodes. Droplets after passing charged electrodes fly in a region where this deflecting electric field is formed, whereby charged droplets are deflected in a direction in which the charged droplets approach the second electrode having opposite charging polarity. The charged droplets form a printing pattern.
US08919929B2
A liquid-ejecting head includes a channel which is in communication with a nozzle opening and which includes a pressure-generating chamber, a circulation channel that serves to circulate a liquid in the channel, and a pressure generator that serves to generate pressure change. The circulation channel has a narrow portion including a first wall and a second wall, the first wall tilting with respect to a forward direction of a liquid flows and serving to gradually decrease the cross-sectional area, the second wall tilting with respect to the flow direction and serving to gradually increase the cross-sectional area. The tilt angle of the first wall with respect to the inner surface of the circulation channel is larger than the tilt angle of the second wall with respect to the inner surface of the circulation channel at the downstream side.
US08919924B2
Disclosed are an inkjet print head and a method of manufacturing the same. An inkjet print head according to an aspect of the invention may include: an inkjet board having an ink passage therein; a cutting portion provided outside the ink passage of the inkjet board and having a cutting surface created by separation into head chip units of the inkjet board; and an auxiliary cutting portion provided from one surface of the cutting portion inwardly in a thickness direction of the inkjet board, and assisting the separation into head chip units of the inkjet board.
US08919915B2
A method for assembling a printhead such as an ink jet printhead can include the use of an ultrasonic bonding process to bond two or more printhead layers together. In an embodiment, an ultrasonic frequency is directed to an interface between a first layer and a second layer to generate heat at the interface. In an embodiment, the heat melts at least one of the first layer and the second layer, and the layers are cooled to cure the melted layer. In another embodiment, the heat generated using the ultrasonic frequency cures an adhesive layer between the first layer and the second layer. The ultrasonic lamination process described can result in a fluid-tight seal which requires less processing time and materials over an adhesive-based process.
US08919908B2
A system implementing a method for determining smear tendency of a sheet of print media to reduce smearing on future media sheets of a similar type. The method includes creating an image on the sheet of print media. The sheet of print media is reversed to allow at least one upstream roller to contact and smear the image and create smear marks on the sheet of print media. Reference marks are created over the smear marks and at unsmeared areas of the sheet of print media. To determine the smear tendency, the reference marks over the smear marks are compared to the reference marks at the unsmeared areas. The smear tendency indicates future corrections to an imaging device to reduce smearing on the future media sheets when used by the imaging device.
US08919902B2
A droplet discharging device including a discharging hole to discharge droplets, a piezoelectric element that deforms with electrical charging and discharging to discharge droplets therefrom, a piezoelectric element drive circuit that drives the piezoelectric element to cause it to charge and discharge, wherein the piezoelectric element drive circuit has a control signal generating unit to generate control signals that control outputs of drive signals applied to the piezoelectric circuit and a drive signal output unit to output the drive signals applied to the piezoelectric element based on the control signals, wherein the drive signal output unit includes a first field effect transistor that operates to supply an electric current to the piezoelectric element based on the control signals when charging the piezoelectric element and a second field effect transistor that operates to discharge an electric current from the piezoelectric element based on the control signals when discharging the piezoelectric element.
US08919897B2
A slide assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a stop member and a friction member. The first rail includes two sidewalls with a connection wall connected therebetween. The second rail is slidably located between the two sidewalls of the first rail. The stop member is fixed to the connection wall and has a stop plate which is perpendicular to the connection wall. The friction member is fixed to the second rail and has an extension portion. The extension portion has a guide face. When the second rail is moved relative to the first rail after the friction member touches the stop plate and overlaps the stop member by the guide face, the friction member is slidably and flexibly in contact with the stop plate.
US08919894B1
A slim profile wall mounted cabinet used in conjunction with a wall hanging flat panel television set having a door or doors opening downward at 90 degrees from the frame of the unit becoming a shelf upon which various electronic devices and other are safely secured and contained within the unit.
US08919889B2
An adjustable harness and a chair therewith are disclosed. The adjustable harness includes an attachment component, an adjustment component, and a shoulder strap. The attachment component is fixedly disposed on a backrest of a chair. The adjustment component is disposed on the attachment component and capable of being operated to move relative to the attachment component. An end of the shoulder strap is connected to the adjustment component. Thereby, the attachment component and the adjustment component function as an adjustment mechanism, by which a user can simply and fast adjust the shoulder strap, so as to solve the problem of tediousness and time consuming in adjusting restraint systems in the prior art.
US08919881B2
The Ergonomic Göbelek Chair of the present disclosure is useful for avoiding work related back and neck pain associated with extended periods of time sitting by providing a hemispherical seat which promotes correct posture and spine alignment as a user sits. The hemispherical seat includes a fixed inner hemisphere, a movable outer hemisphere received by and positioned over the inner hemisphere, and a shroud enclosing a portion of the inner and outer hemispheres. Affixed to the inner hemisphere, between the inner hemisphere and the outer hemisphere, is a series of bearings which allow the outer hemisphere to move adjacent to the inner hemisphere. A locking system locks and unlocks the outer hemisphere. The Ergonomic Göbelek Chair further includes foldable back and arm rests capable of folding away from the hemispherical seat for use of the hemispherical seat as a stretch gym ball.
US08919876B2
A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion frame which comprises a pair of side frames and a front cross member located on a front side of the vehicle seat, the front cross member extending between the side frames and at least one leg support member is connected to the front cross member, and is arranged vehicle forward of the front cross member, wherein the at least one leg support member comprises at least a portion having a strength lower than a strength of the front cross member.
US08919873B1
One embodiment of an apparatus for assisting a diver in putting on and removing diving accessories may include a seating platform. The seating platform may be adapted to be rested on a surface for enabling the diver to sit thereon. The apparatus may also include a support platform coupled with the seating platform. The support platform may be adapted to be rested on the surface for supporting the diving accessories thereon, thereby allowing the diver sitting on the seating platform to put on and remove the diving accessories.
US08919870B2
Provided is a structure enabling mounting at a lower position and on a forward side of an opening section. A sunroof visor is to be installed in a vehicle including: the opening section formed on a roof portion; and a sunroof capable of freely opening the opening section. The opening section possesses an edge portion extending downward and having a thin-walled structure vertically composed of: corner edge sections as vertically short edges; slanted edge sections; and vertically elongated edge sections. The sunroof visor is to be fixed to the forward side of the opening section through brackets. Each bracket includes: an extended supporting portion extended forward from the opening section and used to fix the sunroof visor; and an engagement portion engageable with one vertically elongated edge section after being moved thereto from one corner edge section or slanted edge section, for coupling the sunroof visor.
US08919869B2
A vehicle rear body structure includes rear floor panels, rear wheel housings, and rear side extensions. The rear side extensions each have a first joined portion that is joined to a breadthways outer end of each of the rear floor panels, a second joined portion that is joined to an rear end of each of the rear wheel housings, a side portion that is an uprising slanted portion extending from the rear end of the first joined portion to the second joined portion, a surface portion surrounded by the first joined portion, the second joined portion, and the side portion, and an extending portion joined to a flange portion of a rear pillar, wherein the side portion is configured to have higher stiffness or strength than at least the surface portion.
US08919855B2
The invention relates to a metal-plastic hybrid support structure applicable to a dashboard support of a vehicle, wherein the hybrid support structure comprises a metal tubular body (10) having a closed cross section profile and suitable length to be assembled between two elements of a frame of an automotive vehicle, a plurality of projecting metal fastening elements (14) distributed along said metal tubular body (10) and fixed thereto, and a plastic body defining a plurality of plastic functional elements (11, 12) overmolded on different separate regions of the metal tubular body (10), each plastic functional element (11, 12) embedding at least one of the projecting metal fastening elements (14). In one embodiment, the projecting metal fastening elements (14) are stems with outer screw threading.
US08919851B2
A restraint device for a vehicle interior has a flexible planar structure movably mounted between a rest position and an extended function position and that is provided at its end area with a dimensionally stable pulling-out section, and the restraint device has at least one roof-side holder in which the pulling-out section is detachably fixed by at least one complementary securing section in the extended function position of the planar structure. The roof-side holder includes a receptacle and a stationary locking pawl arrangement mechanically matched to a movement distance of the at least one securing section during transfer from the rest position to the function position. The securing section during its upward travel presses the locking pawl arrangement into the release position, and the securing section enters the receptacle and the locking pawl arrangement automatically moves back into its locking position as soon as the securing section has entered the receptacle.
US08919824B2
A member of a joint for a thin-walled drill tube presents a central axis and has a thread for forming a screw joint. The thread presents a thread bottom, a thread top, a pressure flank and a clearance flank. The pressure flank presents a portion having a negative angle less than 7.5°, but at least 0°, relative to a direction perpendicular to the central axis.
US08919815B2
A tilting mechanism is provided with a movable column member for pivotally supporting a steering column to be swung about a swinging center provided at a front part of a vehicle body, and a movable bracket holding it. A lift-up mechanism is provided with a fixing bracket fixed to the vehicle body, and a link member with one end thereof being supported rotatably on the movable bracket, and the other one end thereof being disposed to be engaged with and removed from the fixing bracket. A lift-up biasing portion (spring member) biases the movable bracket in a direction to be lifted up from the fixing bracket. A lift-up manipulating lever selectively provides a hold state for engaging the link member with the fixing bracket to hold the movable bracket at an initial position or a lift-up position, and a release state for releasing its engagement.
US08919811B2
A knee airbag module (200) has an airbag (201), an inflator (206) and a housing (202). The knee airbag module (200) is a self-contained assembly for mounting to a vehicle frame part (108) under the instrument panel (106). The housing (202) contains the airbag (201) and inflator (206) within a hollow interior of the housing formed by a first housing part (300) and a second housing part (302). The first and second housing parts are joined together. The housing (202) includes a deployable door cover (220) formed in the second part that articulates about a hinge (222) as the airbag (201) is inflated. The airbag (201), when inflated, extends upward relative to the lower portion of the instrument panel (106) between the instrument panel (106) and an occupant's knees (120). The door cover (220) is partially separated from the second housing part (302) by a tear seam (320). The hinge (222) is near a portion of the tear seam (320).
US08919807B2
An infant stroller apparatus includes a rear leg frame including a first side segment, a handle having a second side segment formed by at least a first and a second tubular member telescopically assembled with each other, an impeding part assembled with the second side segment and operable to create an interference that blocks retraction of the second tubular member into the first tubular member, and an armrest pivotally connected with the second side segment and provided with an actuating member disposed adjacent to the impeding part. A rotation of the armrest in a direction for collapsing the infant stroller apparatus can cause a displacement of the actuating member, which drives the impeding part in movement to remove the interference and allow retraction of the second tubular member into the first tubular member.
US08919792B2
A transport cart for a pneumatic chisel hammer has two wheels, a protective cage and a holder. The protective cage has a flat base, a front side, a rear side and two flat leg sides, whereby at least one of the leg sides is at an angle between 60° and 80° relative to the base. The holder serves to secure the chisel hammer inside the protective cage. The user can pull the transport cart when it is upright on its base. The transport cart can be securely laid on its side on one of the leg sides in order to be stowed away. The slanting of the leg side enhances the stability by lowering the center of gravity.
US08919790B2
A snow gliding board, including front and rear lines of maximum width, and having sidecuts including a central area having a curvature directed towards the outside of the board, wherein said central area extends towards the front and/or the back in an adjacent area having a curvature oriented toward the inside, which extends at least all the way to the respective front and/or rear line of maximum width.
US08919788B2
Embodiments of the invention describe methods, apparatuses, and systems for enhanced vehicle stabilization solutions. Embodiments of the invention may receive sensor information from at least one sensor coupled to a vehicle having two or more wheels, the at least one sensor coupled to at least one of a wheel, a suspension component, or a frame of the vehicle. A tilt angle of the vehicle is determined from the received sensor information, the tilt angle comprising an offset angle from a reference plane for the vehicle. A controller transmits a command to one or more control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) coupled to the frame of the vehicle to produce a total angular moment based, at least in part, on the tilt angle of the vehicle.
US08919787B1
An attachment apparatus for a reciprocating tool provides a tool holder having an angled bracket and a guide rod extending from the angled bracket. The guide rod can engage a travel slot on the reciprocating tool. An instrument such as a saw blade can be attached to the angled bracket or guide rod. The guide rod stabilizes the instrument during use. The travel slot can be defined integrally on the reciprocating tool or on an attachment to the tool. In some embodiments, a neck mount assembly is attached to the neck on the reciprocating tool. The neck mount assembly can include a frame and a guide plate. The guide plate can include a travel slot shaped for receiving the guide rod.
US08919781B2
A self-adjusting non-contact seal for sealing the circumferential gap between a first machine component and a second machine component includes structure which undergoes wear in the event of inadvertent contact with one of the machine components in such a way as to allow a reset of its radial distance from such machine component, compared to initial installation tolerances, while minimizing leakage.
US08919780B2
A brush seal and brush seal segment for use in a rotary device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a brush seal comprising: a plurality of brush seal segments, each segment including: an arcuate fence; an arcuate backplate substantially circumferentially coextensive with the arcuate fence, the arcuate backplate including a first end and a second end; and a plurality of brush seal bristles between the arcuate backplate and the arcuate fence, the plurality of brush seal bristles being angled with respect to a radial axis of the arcuate backplate and at least one of the first end and the second end of the arcuate backplate; and a static member to which at least one of the plurality of brush seal segments is affixed.
US08919775B2
An automatic card handling device, having a card handling device that includes a controller, the card handling device configured for shuffling an input set of cards and delivering an output set of cards resulting from the shuffling; and a communication module operably coupled to the controller, wherein the communication module is configured for sending and receiving information related to operation of the card handling device across a communication port configured for operable coupling to a cellular network, wherein the information related to the operation of the automatic card handling device includes information about the use of the card handling device; and wherein a factor in a usage fee for the card handling device is use of the card handling device.
US08919767B2
A method for producing a bundle composed of book blocks includes gathering a plurality of printed sheets to form respective book blocks. The plurality of the book blocks are positioned with the same orientation and respectively positioned on lower edges of the printed sheets. Respectively two adjacent book blocks are offset from one another parallel to the lower edges of the printed sheets and transverse to a height of the bundle to be formed, such that a side edge of one of the two book block projects relative to a side edge of the adjacent book block. Thereafter the offset book blocks are combined to form the bundle and the bundle is compressed to fix the offset position of the book blocks.
US08919762B2
A paper sheet pickup device including a valve device is disclosed. The valve device includes a first air hole configured to be formed in a main body block to extend through it, have one end communicating with an air chamber and the other end connected to the negative pressure side of an air drawing source, a second air hole configured to be formed in a main body block to extend through it, have one end communicating with the air chamber and the other end connected to the positive pressure side of the air drawing source, and a rod-shaped valve member configured to be arranged in the main body block to cross the first air hole and the second air hole.
US08919760B2
An image forming apparatus including an electrophotographic process is disclosed. The image forming apparatus detects a load angle of a motor associated with conveying of an n-th sheet. In accordance with the detected load angle, current values for motors associated with conveying of the n-th sheet, a current value for a motor associated with feeding of sheets following the n-th sheet, and a current value for a motor associated with conveying of the sheets following the n-th sheet are set. Such control is executed when power is turned ON or the like.
US08919756B2
A substrate processing system includes a processing unit, a substrate loading unit, a substrate unloading unit, and a carrying unit. A carrying device has a constitution in which a suction portion suctioning and holding a substrate is rotatable about an arm portion provided in a base portion and the substrate is rotated in the state where the substrate is held by a holding portion. A coating device has a constitution in which a liquid material is ejected from a nozzle to both surfaces of the substrate rotating in an upright state.
US08919750B2
Cushioning elements having a top cushioning surface and a bottom base surface include an elastomeric cushion member and a stabilizing material. The elastomeric cushion member includes a first plurality of interconnected buckling walls having a first mean height and a second plurality of buckling walls having a second mean height. Each buckling wall of the second plurality intersects and connects to at least two buckling walls of the first plurality. A surface of the stabilizing material on a side thereof opposite the elastomeric cushion member defines the bottom base surface of the cushioning element. The first ends of the first plurality of interconnected buckling walls and the first ends of the second plurality of buckling walls define the top cushioning surface of the cushioning element. Methods of forming cushioning elements include securing a stabilizing material to ends of the first plurality of interconnected buckling walls.
US08919748B2
An active antivibration device which includes a main body, a mobile element which is elastically supported inside the main body and movable in an axial direction of the main body, and a coil which is disposed inside the main body and fixed to the main body. The mobile element includes a mobile axis body supported in the axial direction of the main body, and a first yoke, a permanent magnet and a second yoke which are held by the mobile axis body and disposed successively along an axial direction of the mobile axis body. The permanent magnet is magnetized in the axial direction of the mobile axis body and disposed between the first yoke and the second yoke.
US08919747B2
Provided is a super-micro bubble generation device providing super-micro bubbles using a simple method and having a higher degree of freedom of installation so as to be suitable for a place where the device is to meet functional requirements. A super-micro bubble generation device is provided with a compressor for delivering gas under pressure, and also with a bubble generation medium for discharging the gas, which has been delivered under pressure, as super-micro bubbles into liquid. The bubble generation medium consists of a high-density compound which is an electrically conductive substance. The super-micro bubble generation device is also provided with a liquid jetting device for jetting liquid in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the bubble generation medium discharges the super-micro bubbles, said liquid being the same kind of liquid as the liquid into which the super-micro bubbles are discharged.
US08919745B1
A foam generating apparatus provides a high-quality mixing of solution and air to produce foam without restricting the flow of liquid through apparatus. An air manifold has passages allowing the flow of water or solution through the apparatus and also features apertures that introduce pressurized air in a parallel flow with the water or solution introduced into the exit chamber. The cross-sectional area of the passages is at least as great as the water or solution inlet, and thus the device does not significantly restrict flow of liquid, even in the case where a straight flow of water or solution without mixed air is desired.
US08919744B1
The aquaculture pond aeration system is essentially comprised of a “u” shaped conduit that extends below the pond bottom. A sparger assembly is positioned below the pond bottom in the outlet side of the conduit. The sparger emits air into the outlet side of the conduit thereby aerating the water and causing a hydrostatic pressure imbalance between the inlet side and the outlet side of the conduit. The pressure imbalance causes the pond water to circulate through the conduit and thereby aerate the aquaculture pond.
US08919732B2
An extendable pressurized fluid coupler is disclosed. The extendable pressurized fluid coupler has a guiding portion having a central fluid channel. The extendable pressurized fluid coupler further has a piston having a central fluid channel, the guiding portion and the piston having a common central axis. The extendable pressurized fluid coupler also has a drive circuit for driving the piston. The piston is extendable with respect to the guiding portion. The guiding portion is arranged for guiding the piston along the central axis. The piston is arranged for connecting the pressurized fluid coupler to a corresponding coupler having a second fluid channel, so that a fluid passage for a main pressurized fluid circuit is established.
US08919727B2
A slab formwork system (100), consisting of a plurality of vertical supports supporting a plurality of panels is provided characterized in that the slab formwork system (100) includes a plurality of vertical main members (101,102,103) whose height is adjustable by an operator such that each top of the vertical main member (101,102,103) is at the same level when referenced from an imaginary lower horizontal line, at least one primary bearer (301), wherein the primary bearer (301) is supported by the plurality of vertical main members (101,102,103) wherein each vertical main member (101,102,103) is perpendicular to each primary bearer (301), a pair of adjustable struts (246) in each vertical main member (101,102,103), wherein each adjustable strut (246) is diagonally connectable to the vertical main member (101,102,103) and the primary bearer (301), a plurality of height adjustable props (502) connectable perpendicularly to at least one filler panel (410), a plurality of secondary bearers (303) wherein the secondary bearers (303) are disposed perpendicular on top of the primary bearers (301), a longitudinally extendable element (315) connectable to terminal end of the primary bearer (301) supported by a plurality of vertical main members (103) and a plurality of panels (407) assembled on top of the secondary bearers (303) to receive concrete wherein each filler panel (410) is disposed between at least two panels (407).
US08919701B2
Inflatable fraction kite (1) and the system for managing the traction power, the direction and the transient maneuvers thereof, shaped as a negative dihedron, of the type known as ‘C-shape’ or ‘C-kite’, and comprising load-bearing riggers and riggers used to manage the direction and trim, the kite (1) being characterized in that in flight it is designed to be delta-shaped and for this reason its leading edge (10), when laid flat, has a curvature such that, for each half-wing (12, 13) of the kite, the angle (α) formed by the tangent (S) to said central point (A) and the tangent (T) at a given point (B) increases as said given point (B) moves from the forward central point (A) toward the end (14, 15) of the kite (1) and in that, in the first third of said half-wing (12, 13) of the kite, from the forward central point (A) and in the direction of one end (14, 15), said angle (α) is greater than 15°.
US08919699B2
An emergency opening system (1) of an aircraft cabin door (3) mounted in an aircraft fuselage structure (4) by means of a hinge arm (2). An actuator (7), designed to assist the opening of the aircraft cabin door (3) against the force of gravity by means of a gas operated actuating rod (8) is mounted with its fix end (9) to said hinge arm (2) and said actuating rod (8) is connected to an actuator joint (10). A fork lever (24) is linked to said actuator joint (10). A bell crank (13) is respectively pivotable mounted to said hinge arm (2) and to said actuator joint (10) for the fork lever (24). At least one coupling lever (12) is pivotable joint to said fork lever (24) at at least one coupling joint (14). Said at least one coupling lever (12) is mounted in at least one hinge (18) of the hinge arm (2) by means of a respective bolt (26), said bolt (26) being drivingly connected to said aircraft cabin door (3) for rotation of said aircraft cabin door (3).
US08919680B2
A functional plumbing unit is provided, which is configured as an insertion cartridge insertable into a fluid conduit of a discharging plumbing fixture. The insertion cartridge includes a housing and a jet regulator. The housing includes an external thread on an outside thereof, configured to be screwed into an internal thread of the discharging plumbing fixture, a height of the housing, in a flow direction, generally corresponds to the external thread, a ring seal located in a downstream position therefrom and an upstream housing edge, the external thread is arranged between the downstream ring seal and the upstream housing edge, and at least a jet fractionating part, is arranged at an inlet end configured to be connected to the housing.
US08919677B2
An injection nozzle comprising a nozzle body provided with a bore within which a valve needle is moveable, the valve needle being engageable with a valve seating to control fuel delivery through a set of nozzle outlets, said nozzle outlets including respective entry openings defined in a wall of a sac volume of the nozzle body, wherein the valve needle includes a first valve region, a second valve region and a seat region defined by a transition between the first and second valve regions which seats against the valve seating when the nozzle is in a non-injecting state. The valve needle comprises a third valve region adjacent the second valve region, the third valve region having an outer surface defining a curved profile, the end of the outer surface terminating substantially in alignment with the entry openings when the valve needle is engaged with the valve seating.
US08919675B2
At the downstream-side face of an injection hole plate, a plurality of concaves are arranged corresponding to a plurality of injection holes; at least part of an injection hole outlet opens at the plain of the concave; the rest of the outlet opens at the downstream side face of the injection hole plate or contacts the inner surface of the concave. In a flow path formed by the injection hole, there is provided a cylindrical portion, whose cross section is the radially minimum cross section of the injection hole, from the upstream side face of the injection hole plate to the plain of the concave. Where D1 denotes the diameter of the injection hole and D2 denotes the diameter of the concave or the diameter of the concave in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle, the relationship 1.1<(D2/D1)<3.0 is satisfied.
US08919674B2
A fuel injection valve that promotes formation of thin membranes of fuel within injection holes and promotes atomization of spray is obtained. Holes provided in an injection hole plate 11 are combined injection holes 16 formed by partially overlapping two or more single injection holes 15a, 15b, 15c from an upstream side to a downstream side of the injection hole plate 11, each of the single injection holes is a circular hole, the single injection hole has an injection hole angle α defined by a tilt angle of a center axis line connecting an entrance part center and an exit part center relative to a plate thickness direction of the injection hole plate 11, areas of exit parts 16b are larger than areas of entrance parts 16a in the combined injection holes 16, and the combined injection holes 16 are formed by press working.
US08919672B2
A washing apparatus with an adjustable water spraying head includes a water inlet tube, a water guiding tube and a water spraying head. A second connecting base of the water guiding tube engages with a first connecting base of the water inlet tube. A plurality of first positioning holes that are against a first positioning unit of the water inlet tube are circularly formed at the engaging side. The water spraying head is plugged into a water outlet end of the water guiding tube, and a second positioning unit is located at an outer periphery of a connecting tube. The second positioning unit is against a second spring and wedged in a second positioning hole of the water guiding tube. According to the structure stated above, the adjustment of the water spraying head is more convenient without frequently moving the water inlet tube, which causes water to spray randomly.
US08919670B2
A fuel injection lance for an ore-smelting furnace includes a central conduit, a first conduit and a second conduit. The first and second conduits are concentric with the central conduit. A central conduit is connected to a fuel mixture. The first and second conduits are in flow communication with a gas source. The first and second conduits have gas flowing at independently controllable gas flow rates relative to the other conduit. A swirl portion has a cylindrical body with a hollow interior cylinder, and vertical and helical channels formed within the body portion. Vertical channels traverse the body portion vertically to the outer surface adjacent to the bottom surface. Helical channels traverse the outer surface in a helical pattern. Vertical channels intersect with corresponding helical channels at a predetermined angle selected to provide a desired particle distribution of a fuel injected into the furnace.
US08919668B2
The present disclosure relates to a thrust reverser including at least one translatably movable cowl capable of alternately shifting between a closed position in which same ensures the aerodynamic continuity of the nacelle and which covers the deflecting means, and an open position in which same opens a passage in the nacelle and uncovers the deflecting means, said thrust reverser likewise including at least one variable nozzle section arranged in the extension of the movable thrust-reversing cowl and provided with at least one locking means capable of engaging with a complementary locking means of the movable reversing cowl so as to optionally mechanically link the movable nozzle section of the movable reversing cowl.
US08919666B2
A method and system for the spray application of epoxy materials is provided. The system includes a dual walled tank structure as a reservoir for containing and preheating the epoxy materials in preparation for mixing and spray application. Each component of the epoxy material is preheated before the components are mixed. After preheating, the components are then mixed together and spray applied. The method and system of the present invention provides a high quality spray applied epoxy coating while reducing equipment down time and cleaning.
US08919664B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: an inflow channel to which liquid is supplied; an outflow channel communicated with a nozzle; a liquid chamber formed with a spiral flow channel having a substantially constant cross-sectional area between the inflow channel and the outflow channel and having a given volume; a volume changing portion configured to deform the liquid chamber so as to change the volume of the liquid chamber to a volume smaller than the given volume; and an ejection control unit configured to cause the liquid to be ejected from the nozzle in a pulsed manner by driving the volume changing portion in a state in which the liquid chamber is filled with the liquid.
US08919663B2
A spreader assembly comprising: a frame having a longitudinal axis; at least two bins mounted to the frame, two of the at least two bins being disposed sequentially along the longitudinal axis and each including a movement imparting assembly oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame and being configured to advance material lengthwise in opposed directions toward adjacent ends of the two bins; and at least one discharge movement imparting assembly mounted to the frame, oriented substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the frame and being configured to receive material conveyed by at least one of the two bin movement imparting assemblies and advance the material towards a lateral end of the frame.
US08919661B2
A system for fastening a rail to a solid foundation, and a method for renovating a rail-fastening point. The system and the method allow a fastening point for a rail to be easily and economically renovated in such a way that a permanently reliable function of the renovated fastening is then ensured again while the worn support section remains. The system for fastening a rail to a solid ground foundation includes: a layer formed by a compensating mass applied to the support section; a base plate resting on the layer and extending over the support section, upon which the rail is supported in the finally installed state; a spring element for exerting a resilient elastic retention force on the rail; and a clamping element that can be anchored in the solid foundation for clamping the spring element.
US08919658B2
A wireless mobile communications apparatus reads removable cards and can communicate an account corresponding to the removable card in order to conduct a wireless transaction with a merchant on the account with the wireless mobile communications apparatus. A total currency amount for the transaction, and remaining balance in the account after the transaction, can be displayed on a display screen of the wireless mobile communications apparatus. The removable card can be a gift card bearing a magnetic strip having an identifier for the account encoded thereto that will be read when inserted into the wireless mobile communications apparatus which can be a cellular telephone or Web enabled portable device. The magnetic strip gift card can be substantially composed of paper so as to be intended for disposable after use.
US08919652B2
An XML system is configured to print bar code labels, tags, tickets, cards, or other media, and/or encode RFID devices embedded in media, based upon an extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. The XML system includes a computer system having a memory subsystem, a communication interface operatively coupled to a network, an XML processor configured to receive and process the XML input data stream, and an extensible stylesheet language transformation (XSLT) processor configured to either obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream or obtain the stylesheet from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also included is an extensible stylesheet language formatting object (XSLFO) processor configured to format the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet, and a rendering subsystem configured to receive the formatted XML data and generate a printable representation of the bar code label, tag, ticket, card, other media, and/or generate encoding information for an RFID device.
US08919651B2
A data reader including one or more imagers or imager assemblies that capture two-dimensional images of an object disposed in a view volume, the data reader having fold mirrors and other component arrangement that enable compact and efficient component configuration.
US08919650B2
An optical device has a tube including a tube wall defining a viewing bore. A light source is in communication with the viewing bore for illuminating an aim point visible in the viewing bore. A control system includes a circuit board supported by the tube exterior of the viewing bore. The control system is in communication with the light source for controlling brightness of the illuminated aim point. The control system includes a light sensor mounted to the circuit board and extending from the circuit board through the tube wall into the viewing bore for sensing light in the viewing bore.
US08919646B1
Methods and computer-readable media provide for efficient inventory and information management over a wireless network. A form customized for a specific business is received at a wireless data input device. The form is completed and a command to send the completed form to a remote server is received. Stored location data for the business corresponding to the form to be sent is compared to location data corresponding to the wireless data input device. If the comparison indicates that the wireless input device is within a specified threshold distance of the business, the wireless data input device is permitted to send the completed form to the server. If the wireless input device is outside the specified threshold distance, the wireless data input device is not permitted to send the completed form.
US08919644B1
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media provide a time-limited monetary value to a member of an organization, using a member card or member icon, which may be issued by other than a bank or brokerage institution. In embodiments, the monetary value may be restricted to a single transaction and a maximum amount. In other embodiments, purchases of authorized goods and services may be controlled by corresponding product codes. A password or biometric may be used to authenticate the intended purchaser to the organization and/or merchant.
US08919630B2
A surgical stapling device comprising a housing, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a movable handle disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing and movable between a first open position and a second approximated position for affecting a function of the end effector. A ratchet mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the movable handle and is configured to substantially prevent the movable handle from moving towards its first open position until the movable handle reaches a predetermined position.
US08919624B2
A system is described for hooking and unhooking a carrier bag with respect to the tank of a motorcycle. The system comprises a first group of components suitable to be fixed to the carrier bag and a second group of components suitable to be fixed to the tank. The first group of components comprises a flexible ring provided with a plurality of locking teeth elastically projecting inwards of such a flexible ring. The locking teeth are coupled with an annular flange of the second group of components to obtain the hooking of the carrier bag to the tank. On the flexible ring there is a hand-driven mechanism for the radial retraction of the locking teeth to generate a radial displacement of such locking teeth, allowing disengagement between the flexible ring and the annular flange and, hence, obtaining the disengagement of the carrier bag from the tank.
US08919616B2
The piston includes a piston body having a conveying side, an oppositely disposed drive side and, at the circumferential side, a piston jacket forming a connection between the conveying side and the drive side. The piston jacket has a projection that carries a guide element for the guidance of the piston in a cartridge containing a filling with solid particles and for forming a sealing contact with a wall of the cartridge. The projection also carries a scraper element in front of the guide element for scraping solid particles from the cartridge wall back into the filling during discharge.
US08919615B2
A dispenser (20) has a container body (22), a closure valve assembly (24), and a cap. The closure valve assembly has: a seat (100) having an opening (122); a valve element (90); and a plurality of radially inwardly directed petals (106). The valve element is shiftable between: an open position depressed clear of the opening; and a closed position closing the opening. The petals support the valve element with flex spring bias toward the closed position. The cap has: a closed condition depressing the valve element to the valve element's open position; and an open condition disengaged from the valve element.
US08919614B2
A dispenser has a housing, and a variable-volume storage chamber formed within the housing and defining a substantially fluid-tight seal between the chamber and exterior of the housing for storing a substance to be dispensed. A piston is mounted within the housing, and a one-way valve is mounted within the housing and coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber. A compression chamber is coupled in fluid communication between the piston and one-way valve, and at least one of the piston and valve is manually depressible relative to the other between (i) a first position in which the piston is located at least partially outside of the compression chamber for permitting substance to flow from the variable-volume storage chamber into the compression chamber, and (ii) a second position in which the piston is located at least partially within the compression chamber for pressurizing substance within the compression chamber above a valve opening pressure and, in turn, dispensing substance through the one-way valve and out of the dispenser.
US08919611B2
A piston pump dispenser having a reciprocating piston pump arrangement in which in a dispensing stroke in which fluid is pressurized in a chamber to dispense fluid, a piston slide member is urged into a sealing disc of a piston sleeve member to increase the extent to which the sealing disc provides a seal with a wall of the chamber against fluid leaking out past the seal disc.
US08919610B2
A stopper for wine, a method of preserving wine, and a method of serving wine from a bottle stored in a vacuum are disclosed. The stopper has a vacuum valve in a vacuum indicator in a removable cap. The vacuum valve has a self-closing passageway due to the passageway traversing an elastomeric material. The vacuum indicator moves in response to vacuum and reveals a marking on a valve opener when a desired vacuum is achieved. The stopper may have a filter, which also aerates. The method of preserving wine includes installing the stopper in the neck of the bottle and withdrawing air from the bottle through the stopper. The method of serving wine includes releasing vacuum from the bottle by unseating the removable cap, removing the cap and pouring wine through the stopper. Pumps for the stopper are also disclosed.
US08919594B2
A dispensing utensil (102) including a body (104) having: a carcass (104); and a pliable top wall (112) and a bottom wall (106), the walls (112, 106) supported by the carcass (104), wherein the pliable top wall (112) and bottom wall (106) define a cavity (124) for storing dispensable cavity contents; the utensil (102) further including: a lid (108) connected to the pliable top wall (112) and openable about a hinge (114) formed by the pliable top wall (112); a seal (110) sealing the lid (108) to the body (104′) to seal the cavity (124); a tool portion (150); and a handle portion (152); wherein the seal (110) may be broken and the lid (108) opened about the hinge (114) formed by the pliable top wall (112), thereby allowing the cavity contents to be dispensed.
US08919593B2
A lid assembly includes a lid, which defines openings and a guide channel, and a body slidably engaging the lid and defining protrusions that correspond with the openings. A resiliently deformable member of the body is guided within the guide channel of the lid. The body is movable between a first position in which the openings and protrusions are aligned to block fluid flow and a second position in which the openings and protrusions are misaligned to allow fluid flow through the lid. The body is biased in the direction of the first position by the resiliently deformable member.
US08919592B2
Cup lid with integrated container(s) that couples with the top of a cup. The cup and cup lid form at least two containment volumes, Embodiments enable easy containment, inclusion of fresh food, transportation and access of solid or liquid in the container and cup without disengagement of the cup lid from the cup. Contents of the lid container may be accessed, partially consumed, replaced in the container and resealed at any time as desired by the user. Additionally, an independent drop-in container within the lid cavity may be resealed and removed from the lid cavity and taken to other locations such as home, work, or car. Simplifies eating and drinking from one unified container and cup in a theater or stadium having seats for example that provide one cup-holder per seat. Provides one free hand to hold a child's hand for safety while in stadiums and amusement parks.
US08919590B2
A bowl liner for a mixing bowl of a stand mixer includes a shell and a rim secured an upper end of the shell. The shell is sized to be received in the mixing bowl, and is formed from an elastomeric material. The shell has a mixing chamber defined therein. The rim includes an outer perimeter surface that has a keyed surface section to locate the liner relative to the stand mixer.
US08919589B2
The present invention relates to a bulk bin for use with a liner bag. The bulk bin includes a sub-structure that is configured to receive forktines of lifting machinery for moving the bulk bin and a collapsible upper assembly that can support a bag with an entrance thereof in an upwardly facing orientation for filling. The bulk bin also includes at least one self supporting stiffened lid, and suitably a pair of lids. The lids may be pivoted from a closed position to an open position by orienting the bin into an inclined position in which the lids can open under gravity.
US08919580B2
A display apparatus for articles having substantially the same size comprises an inclined structure supporting the articles for sliding forward and rearward movement thereon. A first stop structure prevents forward movement of the articles beyond a first stop point. A second stop structure moves between first and second positions in which it, respectively, stops articles at a second stop point rearward of the first stop point, and permits articles to move forward past the second stop point. The second stop structure is biased so as to move toward the first position, and it moves to the second position when an article is at the first stop point, which allows a rearward article to slide forward past the second stop point.
US08919579B2
An ultra narrow, tall, flexible fixture that is capable of holding and displaying greeting cards or other non-greeting card related merchandise in a retail environment. The fixture is easily configured to hold both greeting card and non-greeting card merchandise in an array of display configurations supporting different numbers of display units and shelves. Merchandize may be displayed along one length of the fixture or alternately along two opposing sides of the fixture. The fixture also contains two endcap pieces that are capable of supporting an array of unique fixtures such as gift card holders and curved card pockets. The display units contain multiple levels for storing greeting cards. The fixture additionally provides ample storage space at the base of the fixture for excess merchandise and restocking materials. An area of the fixture can also be configured to support signage and lighting. The fixture is easily installed and easily configured and re-configured according to a desired retail presentation.
US08919576B2
A system for moving crates in a warehouse, in which crates (C) to be moved are organized in supply modules (M), each made up of a predetermined number of rows each having a predetermined number of crates. The system includes a translator device (1) for rows of crates that brings about the movement of at least one row of crates, so as to create at least one aisle (W) for passing between one row and another of the module, in which it is possible to gain access through a crates manipulator (3), which is able to move along the module and through the aisles.
US08919561B2
A container for managing pharmacy prescription, care and/or service includes a bottom, a peripheral wall extending from the bottom, a secondary wall mounted to the peripheral wall to define a document-receiving compartment; and an information-receiving card mounted to the peripheral wall. The information-receiving card is positionable in either one of an upright position and a tilted position and allows receiving directly thereon or indirectly via cardboard card information that characterizes the pharmaceutical prescription, care and service.
US08919557B2
A carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton and comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A plurality of end flaps are respectively foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps can comprise a top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. A reinforcing insert can comprise a central panel, a reinforcing end flap, and a reinforcing side flap. The central panel at least partially overlaps the top panel, the reinforcing side flap is foldably connected to the central panel, and the reinforcing end flap comprises a proximal portion foldably, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. The distal at least partially overlaps the top end flap.
US08919556B2
A container for housing a roll-shaped member having a core, includes: a tray as defined herein; a pair of first side plates as defined herein; and a cap as defined herein, and each of the pair of side walls is formed with a first slit as defined herein; each of the pair of first side plates is formed with a second slit as defined herein; and a height H1 of a slit bottom portion of the first slit of each of the side walls and a height H2 of a slit bottom portion of the second slit of each of the first side plates as measured from the bottom wall of the tray with the pair of first side plates disposed on the bottom wall parallel with the respective side walls satisfy a relationship H2>H1.
US08919553B2
A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a mariner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line. A method of forming a package for a catheter product comprises the steps of providing a sheet material for the package and placing the catheter product on the sheet material. It also includes affixing a tear strip to the sheet material and wrapping the sheet material around the catheter product. Further, the method includes the step of sealing the sheet material to form a sealed cavity with the catheter product being disposed within the sealed cavity.
US08919532B2
Disclosed is a modular delivery system that includes a guide rail (1) with which is associated at least one delivery station (6) for delivering an object to an end position (5), and a trolley (2) which is movable along the guide rail (1) for transporting an object. A delivery position (4) of the trolley (2) is determined by each associated delivery station (6), and the trolley (2) is repeatedly deliverable to at least one of the delivery positions (4). The trolley (2) has a delivery table (3) which can be placed on and removed from the trolley (2) horizontally, and the delivery table (3) is transferable from every delivery position (4) to the associated end position (5) and from every end position (5) to the associated delivery position (4).
US08919526B2
The invention relates to a conveyor belt mounting for a charger that is used in road building, in order to supply a road-finishing machine with paving material. Using the slewing belt mounting, it is possible to achieve different discharge heights for the paving material. The slewing belt mounting comprises a cantilever arm, which is movably mounted on the frame of the charger, a pivot arm, which is pivotally connected to the cantilever arm, and a conveyor belt, which is connected to the pivot arm. The slewing belt mounting is characterized in that it comprises at least one lifting element, such as a hydraulic cylinder, cable winch, toothed rack, gear mechanism or the like, which is fastened by a first end to the frame and by a second end to the cantilever arm, wherein the cantilever arm is vertically adjustable by means of the lifting element.
US08919520B2
The present disclosure relates to durability enhancement techniques for a dry-clutch vehicle transmission. A cooling system that provides a direct convective cooling path to friction surfaces is disclosed. Also disclosed is a continuously variable clutch wear compensation assembly configured to adjust the position of clutch assembly components on-demand or as needed.
US08919517B2
An annular core plate for a multiplate clutch assembly includes a main annular portion and an engagement annular portion extending from the main annular portion. The engagement annular portion has teeth extending therefrom. The teeth are thicker than the main annular portion. A multiplate clutch assembly is provided that includes at least one annular core plate or friction plate and at least one annular separator plate. A method of constructing at least one plate for a multiplate clutch assembly is also provided. The method includes forming an annular separator plate from sheet metal by removing a circular section from a separator plate main body portion of the sheet metal, removing a portion of the circular section to form teeth in the circular section, and attaching the circular section to an annular plate.
US08919516B2
A system (10) for coupling a drive shaft (12) of a motor vehicle and a coaxial transmission shaft (14A, 14B) is disclosed. The coupling includes a front friction clutch device (22) which comprises a rotary drive assembly (40) comprising a reaction plate (24). The coupling further includes a rear flywheel (20) coaxial to the drive assembly (40), which flywheel is designed to be connected in rotation to the drive shaft (12). The coupling further includes an element (54, 56) for connection in rotation of the flywheel (20) and the drive assembly (40) of the clutch device (22), which includes a first, male element (54) and a second, female element (56) which are designed to be fitted axially in a sliding manner. The elements (54, 56) are provided with fittings which are adjustable axially in a predetermined gap, in that a further element (60) is provided for circumferential clamping of the male element (54) into the female element (56) in a clamped state, the male (54) and female (56) elements being positioned and engaged without circumferential play, and in that the coupling includes additional (66, 68) fasteners for blocking the male (54) and female (56) elements rigidly in their clamped state.
US08919497B2
An access ladder configurable from an extended position for providing access to a structure and a stowed position. The access ladder comprises an elongated first member having a first step extending laterally therefrom. An elongated second member is associated with the first member and configured for translational movement relative thereto and has a second step extending laterally therefrom. A link extends between the second member and the structure such that rotation of the first member moves the second member translationally relative to the first member, thereby moving said at least one second step towards said at least one first step.
US08919495B2
A method for producing a double-layer or triple-layer sound-absorbing panel (10) is specified, said panel consisting of a support panel (20) and at least one cover panel or coating (30, 35) of the support panel (20), the cover panel or coating (30, 35) being fixedly connected to the support panel (20). In this case, an open-pore (121) support panel is provided as the support panel (20) and the sound-absorbing panel (10) is arranged on each side (12, 13) provided with a cover panel or coating (30, 35) with a device opposing said side emitting a laser beam, the upper face (12) of said panel (10) being subjected to the laser beam, which is designed to burn away material from the cover panel or coating (30, 35) facing said laser beam over the depth in the direction of the laser beam in a plurality of holes (31). In this case, the laser beam acting on the panel (10) is designed such that the waist of the laser beam is focused on a plane parallel to the lower face of the cover panel or top layer (30, 35) such that the holes (31) are continuous through the cover panel or top layer (30, 35), and a lower hole opening/hole end (33) is produced in the support panel (20) itself so that the surroundings are connected to the open-pore support panel (20) via an air connection (121).
US08919488B2
Base end portions of a pair of engine support legs are welded to an upper frame in an exhaust duct. The pair of engine support legs extends to a notched portion of the exhaust duct from the base end portions to front end portions thereof. The front end portions project to the outside of the exhaust duct. The pair of engine support legs is connected to each other by a reinforcement plate arranged to close the notched portion of the exhaust duct.
US08919486B2
A hydraulic excavator includes an engine, an engine room accommodating the engine, a fan configured to generate cooling wind in the engine room, an exhaust treatment apparatus and an engine hood. The exhaust treatment apparatus treats exhaust from the engine. The exhaust treatment apparatus is at least partially positioned above the engine. The engine hood is arranged above the engine room. An upper surface of the engine hood has a first planar section arranged above the engine, a second planar section including ventilation holes, and an inclined section arranged between the first planar section and the second planar section. The second planar section is arranged above the exhaust treatment apparatus at a position higher than the first planar section. The inclined section extends to be inclined from the first planar section to the second planar section.
US08919476B2
A platform dolly system that has first and second dolly devices. Each of the dolly devices has a power unit, a frame, a suspension and a wheel rotatably secured to an axle. A control unit remote to the first and second dolly devices is presented that is in over the air electronic communication with the power unit of each of the first and second dolly devices in order to either simultaneously or independently control the first and second dolly devices depending upon the mode of the control unit.
US08919474B2
A rear wheel is attached to a side of a rear vehicle body. A platform is attached to the side of the rear vehicle body so as to be located above the rear wheel. The platform is provided with an opening formed by a through hole, and the opening is located within a range obtained by projecting the rear wheel upwardly and located on the rear vehicle body side with respect to a center (center line A-A) of a width A1 of the rear wheel when the rear wheel is viewed from above. A plate member extending only in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body in the opening is provided. As a result, there can be obtained a wheel loader having good workability in inspection and maintenance of an engine room front and having good driver's rearward visibility during the operations.
US08919467B2
A method and a control unit for operating a hybrid vehicle, in which at least two units, of which at least one is an internal combustion engine, supply torque for a hybrid vehicle drive. It is provided that an overall required reserve torque be ascertained, and boundary values of currently available reserve torque of each individual unit be determined.
US08919464B2
A transmission arrangement for an engine driven vehicle having two continuously variable transmissions serving to drive left and right hand vehicle wheels at separately variable drive ratios. Each transmission incorporates a variator of the type in which a net torque applied to the variator through its input and output is referred to a ratio control part, which may be formed as a control lever, whose position governs the transmission's drive ratio. The control parts of the variators are each operatively coupled to a driver's speed control, such that the speed control determines a mean position of the two control parts. However they are both also able to move relative to the mean position, under the influence of the torque they react. Additionally the control parts are coupled to each other such that any displacement of one control part from the mean position is accompanied by an opposite displacement of the other control part. In this way the transmissions are enabled to the relative speeds of the driven vehicle wheels automatically to reduce or even eliminate wheel slip, whilst still providing the driver with control over overall vehicle speed.
US08919462B2
Cutting elements, earth-boring drill bits having such cutting elements and related methods are described herein. In some embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may include a diamond table having an indentation in a cutting face thereof and a shaped feature in a substrate at the interface between the diamond table and the substrate, the shaped feature corresponding to the indentation in the cutting face of the diamond table. In further embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may include a sacrificial structure positioned within an indentation in a diamond table. In additional embodiments, a method of forming a cutting element may include positioning a sacrificial structure in a mold, positioning a powdered precursor material over the sacrificial structure, and pressing and sintering the powdered precursor material to form a diamond table having an indentation in a cutting face formed by the sacrificial structure.
US08919428B2
Vertically oriented carbon nanotubes (CNT) arrays have been simultaneously synthesized at relatively low growth temperatures (i.e., <700° C.) on both sides of aluminum foil via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The resulting CNT arrays were highly dense, and the average CNT diameter in the arrays was approximately 10 nm, A CNT TIM that consist of CNT arrays directly and simultaneously synthesized on both sides of various types of foil has been fabricated. The TIM is insertable and allows temperature sensitive and/or rough substrates to be interfaced by highly conductive and conformable CNT arrays. The use of foil, including substrates fabricated from carbon (CNT woven arrays, exfoliated graphite sheets, bucky paper, and the like) is disclosed.
US08919424B2
A semiconductor element cooling structure includes a semiconductor element, a heat sink on which the semiconductor element is mounted, and a heat storage member attached to the semiconductor element in a manner to be located opposite to the heat sink with respect to the semiconductor element and having a case and a latent heat storage material.
US08919421B2
A method for producing cores and molds for the foundry industry utilizing a flowable fire-resistant primary molding material. The method includes an acid applied to the flowable fire resistant primary molding material to obtain an acid-coated fire-resistant primary molding material. A binder that can be cured by acid is applied to the acid-coated fire resistant primary molding material to obtain a fire-resistant primary molding material coated with a binder. The fire-resistant primary molding material coated with a binder is then molded into a molded body, and-the molded body is cured. The acid used is a mixture of methane sulfonic acid and at least one sulfur-free acid. The casting molds can be produced having reduced emission of harmful compounds during casting.
US08919413B2
An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one linear mounter sub-station that couples the tire with the wheel for forming the tire-wheel assembly. The apparatus also includes a transporting device that transports one of the wheel and the tire along a linear path that traverses the at least one linear mounter sub-station. The component of the at least one linear mounter sub-station resists, but does not prevent, movement of one of the tire and the wheel relative the other of the tire and the wheel along the linear path in order to spatially manipulate one of the tire and the wheel relative the other of the tire and the wheel in order to at least partially couple the tire with the wheel for forming the tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.
US08919401B2
The present invention is directed to a wheel end assembly having a high temperature warning system for giving a warning in the event that the temperature in the assembly reaches a predetermined value such as caused by hub bearing failure or a brake related failure. In one embodiment the system may be a stand-alone system for installation on any vehicle such as a trailer. In another embodiment the system may be combined with an automatic tire inflation system.
US08919397B2
A motorcycle tire includes: a tread band with a tread pattern including, in a zone symmetrically arranged on either side of the equatorial plane, a first module repeatedly duplicated in a direction of circumferential extension of the tire. The module has at least two first longitudinal grooves inclined in an oppositely arranged manner relative to the equatorial plane; and at least two substantially transverse grooves designed to intersect the two longitudinal grooves so as to define at least one block. The zone has a width in the axial direction of between 20% and 65% of the width of the tread band and a solids/voids ratio equal to at least 0.20. The tread pattern also has at least one substantially transverse continuous portion which extends over the entire width of the tread band delimiting at least one end of the module in the circumferential direction.
US08919391B1
An apparatus and method for collection and containment of collected materials is provided. The apparatus can include a vacuum truck with at least one vacuum tank disposed thereon, the vacuum tank having a hollow interior region. A flexible bladder can be disposed within the hollow interior region of the vacuum tank. The bladder can be impermeable to and compatible with the collected material and capable of containing the material therewithin.
US08919388B2
Pre-treated water cooling hoses and a method for implementing pretreatment of water cooling hoses for increased reliability are provided. Pretreatment of the water cooling hoses includes attaching the water cooling hose to a water cooling system, filling the water cooling system with a high concentration corrosion inhibitor solution, and running the system for an extended time to saturate the attached hose with the high concentration corrosion inhibitor.
US08919387B2
Herein disclosed is a mechanism for providing high load capabilities in downhole locations. The mechanism comprises tubulars, at least one of which is constructed from composite; and the tubular composite being for high load capabilities in connecting the tubulars. In some cases, there are at least two tubulars in the mechanism. In some cases, the mechanism comprises a thread form, which thread form is mounted to translate an axially directed force into a radially directed force. In some cases, the high load capabilities include a load bearing flank angle of 15° to 50° as measured from the axis of said tubular. In some cases, the high load capabilities include a clearance flank angle of 15° or less as measured perpendicular to the axis of said tubular. In some cases, at least one of the tubulars includes a thread pitch, having from 2 to 12 threads per inch.
US08919377B2
The present disclosure is directed to an acoustically actuated flow valve having temperature-sensitive reed valves thereon. The flow valve and reed valves are configured to impart acoustical energy into a fluid flowing through the flow valve and one or more fluids downstream of the valve, leading to increased mixing of the fluids. The reed valves are further configured to be temperature-sensitive, thereby allowing more fluid to flow through the flow valve as the result of a change in temperature.
US08919375B2
Valve comprising a shutter (2) rotating as one (A) with a shaft (3) and a sensor sensing the rotational position of the shaft (3), which comprises a target holder (4a) push-fitted onto the shaft (3), a plate (6) slipped onto the shaft (3), the target holder (4a) and the annular part (6a) being in one and the same plane.
US08919372B2
A valve assembly for an injection valve has a valve body with a central longitudinal axis and a cavity with a fluid inlet portion and a fluid outlet portion, a valve needle axially movable in the cavity, the needle preventing a fluid flow in a closing position and releasing the fluid flow via a main fluid line in further positions, a member being fixedly associated to the needle and having a surface facing the outlet portion, a first chamber embodied in the cavity, a second chamber being part of the main line, and a one-way-valve which is hydraulically arranged between the first and second chamber to prevent a fluid flow through a first fluid path in a closing position of the one-way-valve and to release a fluid flow through the first fluid path between the first and second chamber in further positions of the one-way-valve.
US08919364B1
The auto-erecting tent is a tent structure in which corners of said tent include automated telescoping members that work simultaneously to extend and retract thereby erecting or lower the tent as needed. Each of the telescoping members includes a motor that drives the telescoping member to extent and retract as needed. The tent is square or rectangular across a floor surface, and telescoping members are located at each corner of the floor surface. Two telescoping members are provided at a first edge, and are connected via a first lateral member whereas the remaining two telescoping members are connected via a second lateral member. A top, telescoping brace attaches to the first lateral member and the second lateral member in order to support a roof surface of the tent.
US08919359B2
For reducing time required for sterilizing a container by hydrogen peroxide, mitigating a cost required therefore, simplifying a sterilizing apparatus, reducing space for installing such apparatus, and mitigating load to the environment, a method for sterilizing a container is provided according to which hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution, air at the normal temperature and hot air are simultaneously injected into a container whereby the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution which has been turned to minute droplets by the air at the normal temperature is instantly gasified.
US08919357B2
A steam appliance includes a steam applicator which is connectable to the steam appliance, but the steam applicator is permitted to rotate without loosening or disengaging the connection of the steam applicator to the steam appliance. Embodiments may be particularly suitable for use with a portable, handheld steam appliance that employs steam pocket technology.
US08919355B2
A cosmetics storage device with a lid, drum assembly, and at least two drawers where the drawers are nested in the drum assembly and connected to each other and secured in the drum assembly through the interaction of spherical wells and a spherical bosses. The lid of the device is secured to the drum assembly by way of a hinge and the bottom surface of the lid has a mirror.
US08919337B2
A system having a pre-mix burner manifold in a housing that may permit air to be drawn through slots in the housing to flow over an external surface of the manifold. The flow of air may maintain a temperature of the manifold lower than a temperature that the manifold might have without the flow. The manifold may be attached to a burner and heat exchanger.
US08919329B2
A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is provided herein. The PCV system includes an engine assembly, the engine assembly including an engine block, a cylinder head, a valve cover, and an intake manifold and a PCV passage providing fluidic communication between a crankcase of the engine assembly and a cylinder intake port of the engine assembly without hoses or conduits external to the engine assembly.
US08919328B2
A waste heat recovery (WHR) system and method for regulating exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooling is described. More particularly, a Rankine cycle WHR system and method is described, including an arrangement to improve the precision of EGR cooling for engine efficiency improvement and thermal management.
US08919325B2
Methods and systems are provided for fuel systems including a gaseous fuel. Fuel rail over-pressure may be addressed by temporarily closing a fuel tank valve of the gaseous fuel and initiating diagnostics routines to determine if a pressure regulator is degraded. If the pressure regulator is degraded, one or more fuel system components may be adjusted to enable fuel rail pressure control.
US08919324B2
In one embodiment, the fuel rail may include an inlet channel, one or more injector cavities with a fuel gallery, and an outlet channel. The fuel in an injector cavity may exist in varying ratios of liquid-to-vapor phase with liquid-phase fuel in a middle or lower portion of the injector cavity and with the vapor-phase fuel in an upper portion of the injector cavity. The inlet channel and the outlet channel may each intersect with the injector cavities on opposing sides of the injector cavities. The inlet channel may provide liquid-phase fuel to each injector cavity in a parallel manner. As the liquid-phase fuel is pumped into each injector cavity through the inlet channel, vapor-phase fuel in the injector cavities may be purged to the outlet channel in a parallel manner.
US08919318B2
A cylinder liner (20) comprises a substrate (24) and a germanium containing coating (22), typically a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating applied by a vapor deposition technique. The coating (22) may include a base layer (36), an intermediate layer (38), and a protective layer (40), each having a graded composition. The base layer (36) comprises, in weight percent (wt. %) of the base layer (36), 50.0 to 70.0 wt. % carbon, 30.0 to 50.0 wt. % silicon, and not greater than 20.0 wt. % germanium. The intermediate layer (38) comprises, in weight percent (wt. %) of the intermediate layer (38), 40.0 to 60.0 wt. % carbon, 15.0 to 35.0 wt. % silicon, and 15.0 to 35.0 wt. % germanium. The protective layer (40) includes, in weight percent (wt. %) of the protective layer (38), at least 90.0 wt. % carbon.
US08919316B2
One exemplary illustration of a valve system for controlling the charge exchange in an internal combustion engine may include a valve seat ring and a valve. The valve may have a valve seat configured to form a sealing system with the valve seat ring. The entire valve is nitrocarburized, and a nitrocarburized surface layer is formed on the valve. The nitrocarburized surface layer is produced by a nitrocarburizing method in a salt bath.
US08919313B2
An ignition laser includes a laser-active solid body, a housing, and a combustion chamber window. The heat value of the ignition laser is settable in accordance with the requirements of the internal combustion engine.
US08919312B2
A valve assembly is provided herein. The valve assembly may include a valve stem coupled to a coil spring and an impact dampening tappet partially enclosing the spring and valve stem and in contact with a cam, the impact dampening tappet including an exterior metal layer having a cam contacting surface and an interior elastomeric layer traversing at least a portion of the interior surface of the exterior metal layer.
US08919311B2
Various methods and systems are provided for varying valve timing in a V-engine. In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises pivoting a first cam follower for a first cylinder of a first bank and a second cam follower for a second cylinder of a second bank about a rotatable pivot shaft, driving the first cam follower and the second cam follower with a camshaft to operate a respective first valve of the first cylinder and a second valve of the second cylinder, and rotating the pivot shaft to vary a valve timing of the first cylinder and the second cylinder.
US08919300B2
A vehicle includes a heat exchanger which is disposed in a cooling system, and a fan unit which forms part of a radiator grille and is constructed to generate an air flow through the heat exchanger. The fan unit has at least one fan which is constructed to generate a primary air flow, and a ring element which is constructed to generate from the primary air flow an amplified secondary air flow to the heat exchanger.
US08919296B2
A hot water supply system includes a first tank for storing hot water for heating; a second tank for storing hot water to be supplied to a hot water tap; a heater circulation path for supplying the hot water of the first tank to a heater; a first path that includes a first heat transfer portion surrounding the exposed portion of the second tank to the inside of the first tank and that connects the first tank to a forward portion of the heater circulation path so that the hot water of the first tank can be supplied to the heater through the first heat transfer portion; and a second path that includes a second heat transfer portion disposed along the first heat transfer portion, and that allows heat exchange between the hot water of the second tank and the hot water flowing through the first heat transfer portion due to the flow, in the second heat transfer portion, of the hot water of the second tank.
US08919295B2
A collar for animals includes chain links produced from a sheet-metal blank and by bending the sheet-metal blank about bending lines. The chain links each have a hook portion and a hook-in portion. The hook-in portion includes a window dimensioned such that the hook portion fits through the window. The hook-in portion further has an edge portion located between the window and a rear end of the chain link. The sheet-metal blank includes a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, and the second end portion limits the edge portion.
US08919292B1
A leash assembly includes a first belt, a second belt and at least one connector piece coupled to the first belt. The first belt is configured to be worn over the second belt. The first and second belts can be worn by a subject around the torso, shoulders, neck or wrist. Each connector piece is configured to move along at least a portion of the first belt. In some embodiments, the connector piece is a link configured to be receive the first belt and to move along the first belt. Each connector piece is coupled with a leash. In some embodiments, the leash has a retractable end. The leash assembly can include adornments and/or a carrier coupled to the belt.
US08919289B2
This invention relates to a process of rearing poultry. The process comprises the steps of housing the poultry in a heated poultry shed, collecting poultry litter from the poultry shed, thermally treating the poultry litter and harnessing heat generated by the thermally treated poultry litter, and heating the poultry shed using the harnessed heat. In this way, the poultry litter may be used to heat the poultry in the shed and other expensive fuels will not have to be purchased to carry out this task, thereby reducing the operating cost of the poultry rearing process. Furthermore, the poultry litter will be available in an abundant supply. Due to the fact that the fuel is so readily available, it is possible to preheat the sheds to the ideal temperature prior to receiving the poultry and ventilate the poultry sheds both of which will result in the poultry thriving.
US08919281B2
A method is provided for culturing cochineal insects. In accordance with the method, a medium is created (101-109) from a mixture comprising a plant or cactus additive and a polymeric material. The medium is then inoculated (111) with a species selected from the group consisting of the genus Dactylopius.
US08919277B2
A cylindrical coating nozzle having a flattened end is placed above a coating object being rotated. A coating solution is applied to a surface of the coating object by discharging the coating solution form a nozzle orifice at an end of the coating nozzle while moving the coating nozzle relative to the coating object in a direction intersecting a rotational direction of the coating object. The coating nozzle is formed with an angled notch at a part of the end thereof. A rotation control unit controls the rotation of the coating nozzle in a manner that the notch of the coating nozzle is positioned upstream from a position to feed the coating solution to the coating object being rotated.
US08919275B2
A system of components for modifying a watercraft leaning post to provide greater flexibility while maintaining firm support to a boat operator and/or boat passengers. The components include spring modules fitted to the aft side legs of a leaning post, and hinge modules fitted to the forward legs. The top section of the leaning post may then tilt backwards under pressure from the top and/or the bow side. The spring modules are preferably torsion springs configured to fit within a gap created in each of the two aft legs of a four-legged leaning post. The hinge modules positioned within the two forward legs of the leaning post are preferably cylindrical yoke type hinges. The components may be assembled into kit form that includes attachment nuts and bolts that allow modification of an existing leaning post without the need for specialty tools or skills.
US08919268B2
A sewing machine needle bar changing device includes a needle bar case having multiple needle bar holes, each of which receives a needle bar and has at least one longitudinal slide way formed on one side thereof; a needle bar case holder located at one side of the needle bar case and having a control guide way, which is engaged with the needle bars and has a longitudinal opening; a needle bar guide member engaged with one needle bar that is moved to a sewing position to align with the longitudinal opening, and brought by a crank link of the sewing machine to move upward and downward synchronously with the engaged needle bar; and a driving mechanism for moving and then holding a selected needle bar to the sewing position. All other needle bars not in the sewing position are restricted by the control guide way from moving axially.
US08919266B2
The present invention is directed to additives for coal-fired furnaces, particularly furnaces using a layer of slag to capture coal particles for combustion. The additive(s) include iron, mineralizer(s), handling aid(s), flow aid(s), and/or abrasive material(s). The iron and mineralizers can lower the melting temperature of ash in low-iron, high alkali coals, leading to improved furnace performance.
US08919258B2
An arrangement of a rail for suspended conveyors or suspended cranes and a slip contact holder mounted thereon, wherein the rail comprises a profile body and a profile head connected thereto and disposed above the profile body, wherein the profile body is C-shaped in cross section, forms a hollow space for chassis, and has a slit open to the bottom, and the profile head comprises upper, substantially horizontal profile walls and the slip contact holder is disposed within the hollow space and attached to the upper profile walls. A plurality of punchouts are disposed in the upper profile walls, disposed in at least one row and at regular, repeated distances as seen in the longitudinal direction of the rail, and barb-like catch pawls are disposed on the slip contact bolder and engage with the punchouts in order to attach thereto.
US08919257B1
A round for simulating an 155 mm Excalibur ammunition for testing purposes. The round can effectively simulate the flight patterns of a real Excalibur round for testing purposes though made of far less expensive reusable parts. The round is generally fired into a water trough in a long soft catch recovery device so the tested round can later be studied, or generally fired ballistically, to test obturator devices.
US08919251B2
An ink film thickness distribution correction method in an ink supply apparatus including an ink fountain storing an ink, a plurality of ink fountain keys, an ink fountain roller to which the ink is supplied from the ink fountain, an ink ductor roller to which the ink is transferred from the ink fountain roller, and an ink roller group including at least one ink form roller to which the ink transferred to the ink ductor roller is supplied. A throw-off operation of the ink form roller positioned at the end of the ink roller group is performed during test printing or final printing. An ink film thickness distribution correction apparatus is also disclosed.
US08919246B2
The waste compactor comprises a housing having an inclined wall in the upper part thereof. A motor on the upper wall drives a helical screw on the lower side of the inclined wall which converges conically downwardly with a decreasing pitch. A lower hopper extending downwardly from the inclined wall below the helical screw forms a funnel and is opened above to an inlet area. The inlet area receives waste material to be compacted, which material descends into the area of the helical screw. A lower more narrow end of the helical screw is located in a conduit which is slightly wider than the lower end of the helical screw and converges downwardly to a constriction at its lower end. Waste material is compacted by downward movement under the action of the helical screw and by being forced through the conduit. The lower hopper has drainage holes through which liquid can drain, by gravity, and a collector is positioned to collect the liquid passing through the drainage holes.
US08919245B2
A method of producing an edible food product includes the step of forming a vessel core with a first material having a first level of susceptibility to heating by induction. The method also includes the step of casting an apron of a second material with a second level of susceptibility to heating by induction lower than said first level around at least a first portion the vessel core in an in situ casting process to form a clad cooking vessel having a cooking surface. An uncooked food product is then disposed on the cooking surface of the clad cooking vessel and heated to produce the edible food product by subjecting the vessel core to a magnetic field.
US08919231B2
Various safety systems for power tools, and in particular table saws, include detection systems for detecting a dangerous condition relative to a blade of the power tool, and reaction systems for taking mitigation action in response to detection of a dangerous condition. The safety system may detect, prevent, and/or mitigate a dangerous condition associated with the power tool.
US08919228B1
A gripping device with a precision ratcheting mechanism includes an upper and a lower arm, each terminating in a U-shaped receiver, connected by a pair of pivotal joints. A pawl device is pivotally connected to the U-shaped receiver of the upper arm, while a post, passing through the pawl device, is pivotally connected to the lower arm. The post contains a plurality of teeth on one surface and a teeth-engaging member in the pawl device contains a plurality of corresponding teeth which engage the teeth on the post. The teeth are disengaged by pressing a release surface, which compresses a spring and physically moves the teeth-engaging structure away from the post, allowing the post to move freely within the pawl device.
US08919225B2
The adjustable socket design uses a weave of cables to position six arms which are used to torque a nut. The arms have a gripping surface to torque the nut. The design also allows for a quick and easy size adjustment. When the top of the socket is separated from the bottom, the two parts are twisted relative to each other which moves the arm positions to accommodate different nut sizes. When the top and bottom of the socket are pushed together, they fix the arm positions and the socket is used as a traditional fixed sized socket.
US08919218B2
The automatic transmission system includes a shift lever for changing stages by a user, a shift-lock device for fixing or releasing the shift lever, and a control unit including a shift control logic changing the stages of the transmission in accordance with the stage changed by the shift lever and a shift-lock control logic controlling the shift-lock device by stages for an initial time and a maintenance time after the initial time from when the stages may be changed such that the shift lever may be fixed, in order to shift-lock the shifted shift lever when the stages may be changed by the shift control logic.
US08919215B2
An orbital motion attachment for a die grinder includes a flexible collar mounted at a first end to a locating support ring and the locating support ring being removably secured to the die grinder. A collet has an offset bearing shaft extending from a first end. The collet is connected at a second end to an output shaft of the die grinder and the offset bearing shaft is connected at a second end to an applicator tip. An indexing ring is affixed to a second end of the flexible collar to secure the applicator tip to the offset bearing shaft.
US08919198B2
Disclosed herein is an angular velocity sensor. The angular velocity sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a mass body, a first frame disposed at an outer side of the mass body so as to be spaced apart from the mass body, a first flexible part connecting the mass body to the first frame in an X-axis direction, a second flexible part connecting the mass body with the first frame in a Y-axis direction, a second frame disposed at an outer side of the first frame so as to be spaced apart from the first frame, a third flexible part connecting the first frame with the second frame in an X-axis direction, and a fourth flexible part connecting the first frame with the second frame in a Y-axis direction.
US08919192B2
A multivariable sensor for determining and/or monitoring a predetermined fill level and density and/or viscosity of a liquid in a container. The sensor comprises a measuring tube provided in the container. The measuring tube has at least a first oscillatable segment and a second oscillatable segment, wherein the oscillatable segments have a cross sectional area deviating from a circularly round shape and at least one straight side, wherein on an inner wall of the oscillatable segments, driver/receiving units are placed, which cause the oscillatable segments to execute resonant oscillations. At least one control/evaluation unit is provided, which evaluates frequency and/or phase and/or amplitude of the oscillations and determines therefrom reaching of the predetermined fill level and density and/or viscosity of the liquid.
US08919190B2
A tire pressure sensor device includes a tire pressure sensor including a housing and a mounting block defining a through portion in a coupling means thereof, and an air valve including an extension rod having a rod body rotatably inserted through the through portion and a stop block located at one end of the rod body and rotatable with the rod body between a first angular position where the stop block is kept in accurate alignment with the through portion and axially movable with the rod body through the through portion for allowing separation between the tire pressure sensor and the air valve and a second angular position where the stop block is stopped at the coupling means of the mounting block in a staggered manner relative to the through portion to prohibit separation between the tire pressure sensor and the air valve.
US08919188B2
An external tire pressure sensing device includes from bottom to top along it axial direction a base, a sensor for detection of the internal pressure of tire, a circuit board for incorporating a control circuit therein, a button battery and a packaging suite. The base includes a screw hole along its axial direction for locking with a gas nozzle, and a circular platform is formed on a top portion of the base; the device comprises an integral sealable venting member having a supporting platform tightly engaged with the circular platform, a communication portion placed into the base screw hole from the bottom of the supporting platform to push out a gas outlet valve of the gas nozzle, and a communicating hole for communicating the screw hole with an upper space of the supporting platform; the sensor is installed on the bottom surface of the circuit board so as to be electrically connected with a control circuit of the circuit board; and a sensing portion located on a bottom surface of the sensor is engaged tightly with the communicating hole of the sealable venting member; the button battery is positioned on a top surface of the circuit board and electrically connected with the control circuit so as to provide electrical power.
US08919182B2
A system for monitoring a liquid level in an aircraft shock strut includes a cylinder having an internal chamber sealed by a piston telescopically movable within the cylinder. The chamber contains a gas and a liquid, and a sensor assembly is provided for monitoring a condition of a level of the liquid in the chamber. The sensor assembly includes at least one probe within the chamber, and a fitting assembly allows one or more leads from the probe to pass through the wall of the strut while maintaining pressure in the chamber. The fitting assembly includes a plug molded to the one or more leads extending from the probe. The fitting assembly also includes a retainer for holding the plug in sealed relationship with a through passage in the strut.
US08919180B2
Disclosed are a system and method for determining a metric and/or indicator of a reliability of a blood glucose sensor in providing glucose measurements. In one aspect, the metric and/or indicator may be computed based, at least in part, on an observed trend associated with signals generated by the blood glucose sensor.
US08919172B2
Threads are formed in situ throughout a bore of a sleeve inserted into a corresponding hole a substrate. A sleeve having a bore is inserted into a corresponding hole of a substrate. A mandrel is rotated through the sleeve. The mandrel has a threaded ended; the threaded end rotating throughout the bore of the sleeve forms threads throughout the bore. Prior to inserting the sleeve into the corresponding hole of the substrate, the sleeve can be placed onto the mandrel. In this case, the mandrel has an increasing diameter at the threaded end thereof, such that the sleeve rests on the mandrel towards the threaded end thereof where the bore has a smaller diameter than the mandrel. The mandrel is then rotated out of the sleeve in a direction opposite the direction in which the sleeve has been inserted into the corresponding hole of the substrate.
US08919166B2
A method of forming a housing which includes roll forming a steel tube radially inwardly with a plurality of rollers each having a rolling axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube, the rollers compressing the tube and forming reduced diameter portions and enlarged diameter portions. The method then includes cutting the tube perpendicular to the longitudinal axis generally midway through an enlarged diameter portion and a reduced diameter portion, forming a plurality of minor image preforms. Finally, the method includes cold working the preforms into the desired shape of the housing and increasing the strength of the steel at least 15% and forming a housing member having enlarged diameter open end and a reduced diameter open end.
US08919154B2
Provided is a washing machine. The washing machine includes a cabinet, a drum, and a whirling nozzle. The cabinet defines the exterior. The drum is provided in the cabinet, and rotates with laundry held therein. The whirling nozzle changes wash water into whirling water to spray the whirling water into the drum.
US08919153B2
Provided is a method for manufacturing glass preforms with high yield. In the glass-preform manufacturing method according to the present invention, a glass preform is produced through a fixing step, a deposition step, an extraction step, a vitrification step, and a collapsing step in the enumerated order. At the deposition step, the mean density of the glass soot body deposited on the circumference of the tubular handle 12 is made higher than the mean density of the glass soot body deposited on the circumference of the starting mandrel 11. It is preferable that the longitudinal variation in the mean density of a glass soot body deposited from the start of deposition to the tenth layer of glass particles within the range of ±50 mm from the boundary position between the starting mandrel and the tubular handle be 0.01 g/cc/mm or less.
US08919145B2
A clear ice making assembly and method utilizes a housing having an upper fluid chamber, a plurality of distinct, substantially vertical fluid channels, and at least one fluid outlet aperture in fluid communication with a bottom fluid chamber. During an ice making event, portions of an ice forming evaporator extending through the housing are exposed to water flowing into the fluid channels from the upper fluid chamber. The ice forming evaporator is formed with microchannels through which refrigerant flows such that water flowing across the fluid channels freezes on the exposed portions of the ice forming evaporator over time, forming clear ice pieces. In a harvesting operation, the ice pieces are released from the ice forming evaporator and transferred for storage and/or dispensing.
US08919140B2
A cooling system for a machine having an engine and an operator cabin includes a primary air conditioning unit, an auxiliary air conditioning unit, an electrical powering unit configured to electrically power the auxiliary air conditioning unit, a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a temperature within the operator cabin, and a controller in communication with the primary air conditioning unit, the auxiliary air conditioning unit, and the sensor. The controller selectively activates the primary air conditioning unit and the auxiliary air conditioning unit.When the primary air conditioning unit is activated, a timer is started to determine the elapsed time during which the temperature within the operator's cabin exceeds the acceptable range of desired temperature, and the auxiliary unit is activated when the elapsed time exceeds a threshold time.
US08919117B2
An energy cell generates pressurized fluid for use as an energy source when a phase change material (PCM) changes from solid to liquid phase. The energy cell includes housing means holding the PCM, insulating means between the housing means and the PCM, heat exchanging means encompassed by the PCM, multiple pipe means, and multiple disc means, each provided with multiple aperture means and each encompassing a part of the pipe, and a centrally located bladder means with open end parts fixed to the energy cell, and which is flexible between the end parts. Each pipe means includes a heat transfer media. The PCM encompasses the pipe means and the disc means and is able to pass through the aperture means. The bladder means includes a hydraulic fluid flowing in and out through the open end parts of the bladder means and is affected by the PCM.
US08919111B2
A device for obtaining internal energy from liquid by utilizing buoyancy includes: an inner body (2); a sealing strip (3); a shell body (5); an axle (1) and liquid, wherein the sealing strip (3) is mounted between the shell body (5) and the inner body (2), a liquid entrance (6) is provided at a bottom portion of the shell body (5), the inner body (2) is connected to the axle (1), an energy transformer is connected to the axle (1) or the shell body (5). Internal energy not used in the liquid is transformed into mechanical energy by a combination of the liquid, the inner body (2) and the axle (1). The present invention also provides a method for obtaining internal energy from liquid by utilizing buoyancy.
US08919100B2
A method for a motor vehicle includes using a regenerative brake system that produces electric current as a result of application of said regenerative brakes and sending at least a fraction of the electric current directly to an electrical accessory of the vehicle and bypassing the battery. One electrical accessory may be an electrically heated catalytic converter.
US08919096B2
A control system for controlling a plurality of distinct functions of a turbojet engine, each function being associated with a respective actuation device. The system includes: an electric motor adapted to supply mechanical energy to each of the actuation devices; an electronic control unit for the electric motor; and at least one switching device interposed between the motor and the actuation devices, the switching device(s) serving to distribute the mechanical energy supplied by the electric motor selectively to one of the actuation devices.
US08919088B2
A self-propelled windrow merger includes a motor and a chassis. At the front of the merger are a first pickup and transfer assembly, a second pickup and transfer assembly and a third pickup and transfer assembly. A cab is above and behind the second pickup and transfer assembly. A folding mechanism for moves each of the pickup and transfer assemblies between a first position wherein the first, second and third pickup and transfer assemblies are laterally aligned and a second position wherein the first and third pickup and transfer assemblies are positioned rear of the cab.
US08919085B2
A baler and method of using the improved baler to install net rolls into a net wrapping assembly in the baler. The baler includes a separable support tube configured to separate and reattach within the net roll during installation. The baler also includes a platform to support the net roll during installation. The platform also stores net rolls prior to installation.
US08919083B1
A pharmaceutical storing and dispensing device including a child resistant mode and a non-child resistant mode between the container and the closure. The closure comprises a non-child resistant cap shaped to removeably engage the container and a child-resistant cap shaped to be permanently fixed to the non-resistant cap. The non-child resistant cap and child resistant cap are provided in intentionally varying quantities such that the quantity of child resistant caps is less than the quantity of non-child resistant caps.
US08919072B2
The present invention relates to a structure for constructing a building including girders and beams which are horizontally and vertically coupled to one another about a column. The structure includes: a gusset plate welded to a side portion of a first girder in a direction crossing a length direction of the first girder for supporting at least one first angle connection for supporting a slab and adjusting a frame assembly position; and a first coupling member including a first bolt and a first nut for coupling the first angle connection to the gusset plate. The first nut is embedded in concrete constituting a core wall or a slab, such that the first angle connection is removable from the gusset plate after concrete is cured in a region corresponding to the first girder. Thus, structural stability in the preconstruction of a slab, efficiency in installing a frame to be subsequently constructed, and efficiency in installing an angle connection for supporting a slab and adjusting a frame assembly position can be ensured. Furthermore, since the angle connection can be easily removed after slab concrete and core concrete are cured, the angle connection can be recycled, thus improving the quality of the building, decreasing the time required for construction and reducing construction costs, and enabling the building to be built more safely.
US08919067B2
An insulated concrete form including of first and second spaced sidewalls forming a cavity therebetween, said sidewalls having an inside surface and interconnected by a plurality of form ties, and a form insert made of an insulative material positioned adjacent the inside surface of at least one sidewall which thereby increases the R-value of the resulting structure.
US08919066B2
An apparatus including an impact surface and a plurality of spaced apart stiffening columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate. The columns remain substantially rigid up to a predetermined critical pressure and then buckle as the pressure increases. The columns are at least partially surrounded by a resilient underlayment. Deflection stops may extend from the flooring plate to prevent over-buckling and/or permanent deformation of the stiffening columns. In some examples, the deflections stops may assist the floor in providing a substantially rigid surface at very high pressures.
US08919063B2
A building board, in particular a flooring panel of wooden material is provided. The building board includes a top and an underside, in which at least the top is provided with a decorative layer imitating a natural material. The building board further includes connecting mechanisms corresponding to one another and peripheral side surfaces. At least one side surface and at least one connecting mechanism is provided with a pattern.
US08919058B2
A modular building system for constructing a multi-story building includes pre-fabricated modular units. Each modular unit includes a horizontal slab for forming a floor/ceiling of the building, a joist extending horizontally along a first edge of the slab, the joist extending below the slab and extending horizontally beyond the first edge of the slab to form a receiving lip, columns positioned on top of the slab along the first edge, and connectors installed in cavities formed in the unit. A floor of the multi-story building is formed by arranging the modular units so that the slab of a first modular unit is positioned on the receiving lip of a second modular unit. An additional floor of the multi-story building is formed by arranging the modular units so that the joist portion of an upper modular unit is positioned on the columns of a lower modular unit.
US08919044B2
The subject of the present disclosure is a sill and opening leaf assembly for a door that is fluid-tight to a liquid or gaseous fluid and intended to seal an opening separating two spaces in a building, wherein one of the edge faces or lower edge face of the opening leaf is situated, when mounted, facing a floor surface, and a sill able to provide fluid-tightness, of the bottom part of the door concerned between the lower edge face and the floor surface. The sill includes at least one flat and elongate gasket element, of the tongue type, fixed via one of its longitudinal sides to the lower edge face and a sealing and travel groove made in the floor surface across the opening concerned and intended to house the gasket element able to collaborate in travel with one of the longitudinal edges of the groove.
US08919031B2
A fishing rod butt for use with a fishing reel and a rod blank and process for operating the butt generally includes depressing a spring-loaded button of a hinge assembly coupling a link end of a first elongate member and a U-shaped end of a second elongate member configured to receive the link end of the first elongate member. The first elongate member includes an open end configured to receive a rod blank and an adjustable reel seat for receiving a fishing rod reel. The spring-loaded button includes an elongate body and at least one transverse member extending from a long axis thereof, wherein depressing the spring-loaded button compresses a biased spring and disengages the at least one transverse member from a first notch within the hinge assembly. An angular relationship between the elongate members can be changed by engaging the at least one transverse member with another notch.
US08919027B2
A firearm sight comprising: a sight base; a left contrast geometry wall extending generally upward from the sight base, the left contrast geometry wall having a left operator end and a left firing end; a right contrast geometry wall extending generally upward from the sight base, the right contrast geometry wall having a right operator end and a right firing end, and where the left contrast geometry wall and right contrast geometry wall are tapered in position with respect to each other such that distance between the left operator end and the right operator end is greater than the distance between the left firing end and the right firing end; a targeting space located generally between left and right firing ends; a mounting interface attached to the underside of the base, and configured to attached to a top surface of a firearm; where the left and right contrast geometry walls each have an inner surface that has a visually contrasting appearance such that user intuitively adjusts the firearm such that the contrast geometry on the left wall and the contrast geometry on the right wall appear to the user to be symmetrical, equal in size and shape, and of a particular orientation, when the user properly aims the firearm at a target.
US08919026B2
Rifle scope turrets with spiral cam mechanisms include a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed by the scope body, and a turret having a screw operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw. The turret has a spiral cam mechanism engaged thereto. The turret defines first and second stop surfaces positioned for engagement by the spiral cam to limit rotation of the turret. The first stop surface defines a zero position of the screw and the movable optical element. The second stop surface defines a maximum point of displacement of the screw and the moveable optical element. The stop surfaces may be defined by a spiral cam groove in the indexing portion of the turret. The groove may overlap itself at least partially. The turret may be an elevation turret or a windage turret.
US08919024B2
A gun trigger-looking device which is configured to be manually installed on a gun with a trigger-blocking member disposed behind the trigger to prevent the gun from being fired. The device includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same as data stored in the memory. If a data match is indicated, the logic device causes an electromagnetic device to move a locking member to an unlocked position, permitting the trigger-blocking member to be manually removed from the gun so the gun can be fired. A separate electronic key is provided to transmit unlock data to the data receiver of the trigger-locking device. This unlock data may be a password, a long pseudo-random number or biologic data identifying the gun owner or some other person who is licensed or otherwise authorized to fire the gun.
US08919018B2
A display system is disclosed having a casing, a drawer and a stopping mechanism. The drawer is inserted into the casing and a hidden section of the drawer is alternately hidden from view and then displayed when the system transitions between retracted and extended positions respectively. The drawer may optionally include an insert that is displayed when the display is in the extended position. In one aspect, the stopping mechanism may be a flexible membrane attached to the inside of the casing and the drawer back. Alternatively, the casing may include a crossbar section disposed within said drawer where fasteners within said drawer prevent drawer extension beyond the crossbar thereby providing the stopping mechanism. Functionally, the display system may serve as a greeting card where images on the casing and drawer are drawn apart on drawer extraction to reveal extended images on the hidden section and the insert.
US08919014B2
A device for the protection of a high heel is disclosed which is adjustable to adapt to various shoe heel diameters and is barely visible during use.
US08919010B2
The present invention relates to a dryer which can sense a laundry amount and a dryness, and a method for controlling the same. The dryer includes a drum (3) for holding a drying object, a heater (5a, 5b) for supplying hot air to an inside of the drum (3), a sensing unit (20) for providing a pulse signal depending an contact to the drying object in the drum (3), a microcomputer (60) for determining a load and dryness of the drying object with reference to the pulse signal from the sensing unit (20) to control a general drying course. According to this by providing a new system of sensing means in which the load and the dryness can be determined, not by using a direct contact system with the electrode sensor, but by using a number of contact to the laundry, the present invention permits to provide more accurate and safer system.
US08919007B2
The invention provides a monitoring device (32) for a dryer (10) includes a means for sensing a physical parameter, such as temperature or strain, at a sensing locus within the dryer (10), for example at a vial (20). The sensing means comprises an optical sensing fiber (38) having at least one fiber Bragg grating (54). Moreover, the invention provides a dryer, in particular a freeze dryer (10), which is equipped with such monitoring device (32).
US08919004B2
The present application provides for feeler gauges. The feeler gauges include a plurality of elongate measuring leaves rotatably coupled on a common axis of rotation with an elongate housing. The leaves may be manually, selectively rotatable between a “home” position wherein the leaves are substantially aligned with the housing and an “extended” position wherein the leaves are spaced from the housing. The leaves may be relatively flexible and substantially flat such that they define a substantially constant thickness. One or more extended leaves may be used to measure the thickness of a clearance or gap. The gauges may be configured to detect, determine or measure the thickness of the leaves that are in the “home” position and/or the “extended” position, and thereby determine the total thickness of a clearance or gap measured by the extended leaves.
US08918996B2
Processes for fabricating components to have two or more regions with different grain structures, and components produced by such processes. First and second preforms are fabricated to comprise interface surfaces at which the preforms can be joined together. The first and second preforms are formed of first and second precipitation-strengthened alloys, respectively, and the first alloy differs from the second alloy by having a higher solvus temperature or a higher grain refiner content. The preforms are joined together to form an article comprising first and second portions formed by the first and second preforms, respectively, and corresponding to first and second regions of the component, respectively, and the interface surfaces of the preforms form a joint between the first and second portions of the article. A supersolvus heat treatment is performed on the article so that greater grain growth occurs in the second portion than in the first portion.
US08918993B2
Apparatus for bleeding electrical charge and methods for installing a ground stud in a composite structure. The apparatus includes a ground stud and a composite structure including a hole. In one embodiment the ground stud engages the hole in the composite structure in a transition fit. In another embodiment the ground stud is countersunk within the composite structure. Embodiments of the present methods include drilling a hole in the composite structure; inserting the ground stud into the hole such that the ground stud is in electrical contact with conductive fibers within the composite structure; securing the ground stud to the composite structure; and attaching a connective device to the ground stud such that the connective device is in electrical contact with the ground stud. In some embodiments the ground stud and the composite structure engage one another in a transition fit. In some embodiments the ground stud includes a pin, and a portion of the pin that contacts the composite structure is non-threaded. In some embodiments the ground stud is countersunk within the composite structure.
US08918987B2
A lead assembly and a method of making a lead are provided. The method of making a multi-contact lead assembly comprises placing monofilament placed in the void spaces not occupied by the plurality of conductor wires and, in one embodiment, thermally fusing the monofilament to the like material spacer by applying heat just below the melting temperature of the monofilament and spacer material. Alternatively, the monofilament and spacer may be of different materials and heat is applied to cause at least one material to thermally reflow or melt. The conductive contacts may be located at either the distal end and/or proximal end of the lead. Oversized spacers may be used in order to provide extra material to fill voids during the thermal fusion/reflow process.
US08918986B2
A method (20) is described for making a stator (1) of an electric machine, the stator comprising a stator core (2), the stator core comprising a main body and a plurality of slots (8) which are axially extended inside the main body and are adapted to receive bar conductors. (5, 5′, 5″) of a bar stator winding. The method (20) comprises the steps of : inserting (23) at least one preshaped insulating sheet (10) inside at least one of said slots (8); hot shaping (26) said preshaped insulating sheet (10) inside the slot, along the entire axial extension of the slot (8) or along a substantial portion thereof, in order to confer form regularity and stability to said preshaped insulating sheet (10). Through the described process, it is possible to make stators with bar winding having a stator core with relatively high height and slot fill factor.
US08918976B2
An automated pallet inspection station includes a frame, a transport system carried by the frame for transporting a pallet to be inspected, and at least one pallet feature sensing head adjacent the transport system for inspecting the pallet. The at least one pallet feature sensing head includes a downward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned above the transport system for inspecting a top surface of the pallet, and an upward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned below the transport system for inspecting a bottom surface of the pallet.
US08918969B2
A carrier is provided for facilitating the carrying and transportation of a funerary container having a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces and a top surface, along with a length and width and interior large enough to accommodate an un-cremated corpse. The carrier includes a base member having a length generally long enough to span the width of the funerary container and a upper surface sized and configured for receiving the bottom surface of the funerary container. An upstanding member has a lower end coupled to the base member and an upper end. The upstanding member extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the base member. A handle member is provided that is coupled to the upstanding member. The handle includes a hand receiving surface engageable by the hand of the user.
US08918937B2
An off-balance detection method comprises a plurality of off-balance detection schemes that utilize wash basket speed to detect an off-balance load condition at speed ranges that span the entire spin cycle and include speeds corresponding to natural frequencies of a mass comprising a wash tub and a wash basket. The schemes can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other schemes. The off-balance detection method can further comprise a power limiting method to prevent motor overload when an off-balance condition is present.
US08918936B2
A method of sensing the motion of the wash assembly (3) of a washing machine (1) due to the dynamic unbalance of the laundry drum assembly (6), and which comprises the steps of: increasing the rotation speed (ω) of a laundry drum (6) to a first rotation speed (ωDIST); determining a first parameter (TFRICTION; AHFREF) related to the time pattern of the values of an unbalance function A=T−Jdω/dt; increasing the rotation speed (ω) of the laundry drum (6) by a predetermined value (Δω) determining, at each increase (Δω) in rotation speed (ω), a second parameter (ALF; AHF) related to the time pattern of the values of the unbalance function A=T−Jdω/dt filtered at the predetermined filtration frequency (LF; HF); calculating the difference (TdynLF; TdynHF) between the second parameter (ALF; AHF) and the first parameter (TFRICTION; AHFREF).
US08918934B2
A mattress assembly may include a foam frame, an inner assembly within the foam frame, the inner assembly including a foam core and a pocketed coil assembly. The pocketed coil assembly can include a plurality of individual pocketed coil springs having a height. Each coil spring may be joined together to a neighboring coil spring such that at least a majority of the height of each coil spring is configured to vertically deflect without deflecting the joined neighboring coil spring.
US08918928B2
The present invention relates to a bed system which comprises a mattress supporting structure. The bed system comprises a height adjustment system which comprises at least one rotatable multi-angular transverse beam comprising a plurality of transverse beam sides and an eccentric rotation axis which is accessible from outside said outer frame. The height adjustment system further comprises a rotation imparting member which is accessible from outside the outer frame and provided for rotating said at least one rotatable transverse beam about its eccentric axis. Said rotation imparting member is displaceable between a first and a second position. The first position is provided for rotating said at least one rotatable transverse beam about its eccentric axis and said second position is provided for blocking said at least one rotatable transverse beam in a desired height position with respect to said outer frame.
US08918926B1
A one piece shower drain pan, encapsulated in a water proof membrane, wherein one embodiment provides a one piece shower pan which includes a recessed drain portion supporting a square insert made of pvc or poly vinyl material which includes a plurality of drain channels extending from the outer edge of each wall of the insert into the recessed drain portion. The insert would be covered by tile members similar to the tiles of the shower floor, so to provide the visual effect of no drainage opening in the floor of the shower. There would be provided a perimeter water flow space between the side edges of the tiles covering the insert and the edges of the surrounding tiles, so that water flowing onto the floor of the shower would flow through the perimeter water flow space, through the drain channels and into the main drain.
US08918925B2
A lifting rod assembly is connected to the support arm and has a body unit, a lifting rod and a friction piece. The body unit has a sleeving hole penetrating from front to back and a connecting hole penetrating the sleeving hole from inside to outside, the sleeving hole is sleeved out of the support arm; the thread of the upper end part of the lifting rod is mounted in the connecting hole of the body; and the friction piece is mounted in the upper end part of the lifting rod and adaptive to the support arm, the compressing level between the friction piece and the support arm can be controlled though the screwing level between the lifting rod and the connecting hole of the body unit.
US08918919B2
An invention describes a drapable IR-reflecting material for garments. The IR-reflecting material comprises a water-vapor-permeable metallized ply supporting an air-permeable drapable convective ply having a three-dimensionally transmissive structure. The outer surface of the convective ply, said outer surface being opposite to the metallized ply, is formed by an air-permeable sheetlike structure. The convective ply causes heat convection of temperatures reflected by the metallized ply in order that the outer surface of the convective ply may be brought into line with the ambient temperature.
US08918913B2
An apparatus for protecting fingers from an injury caused by axial trauma, such as may result during participation in fast pitch softball, includes a finger shield comprising a portion that extends over the end of a wearer's finger. The finger shield is coupled to a palm-plate, which is for being disposed adjacent to the wearer's palm, via a coupling portion. The coupling portion is disposed between the finger shield and the palm-plate for transferring a substantial portion of the force of a significant impact occurring at the end of the wearer's finger to the wearer's palm via the palm-plate.
US08925109B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for verifying a message based on application of a hashing algorithm. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining a license, from a remote server, for a content item to be presented using a player file executed by a multimedia player on a computing device. The license includes an encryption key and an authorization to present the content item using one or more authorized player files. A particular player file is received for use in presenting the content item, and a determination is made whether the particular player file is authorized for use in presenting the content item based on the authorization. The content item is decrypted using the encryption key, and the content item is presented using the particular player file in accordance with the determination.
US08925107B2
A method for controlling access to a visual medium in a social network comprising user units connected to a social network site server associated to a database and a to a distorted visual medium server storing visual media posted by users of the social network. A visual medium is selected by a posting user on a user unit and made available to at least one entitled user of said social network. The posting user defines a list of entitled users to be entitled to access the visual medium, said list of entitled users comprising at least one identifier identifying at least one entitled user, said identifier being associated to a parameter defining an access level to the selected visual medium. The selected visual medium is uploaded to the distorted visual medium server in association with the list of entitled users. The distorted visual medium server stores the visual medium in a memory and applies a distortion effect so as to obtain at least one distorted visual medium degraded according to a predefined degradation level. An entitled user identified on the list receives, from the distorted visual medium server, the visual medium distorted according to a degradation level corresponding to the parameter defining the access level associated to the identifier of the entitled user. The distortion effect applied on the original visual medium preferably consists of a scrambling operation performed on the original visual medium to obtain a scrambled visual medium. The access level defines the rights of a user for descrambling the scrambled visual medium into a reconstructed visual medium. Depending on the user access level, the reconstructed visual medium can be a partially descrambled visual medium or a fully descrambled visual medium according to the user access level.
US08925102B2
A derivative work is encrypted using master keys generated from source data extracted from digital sources used to create the derivative work. A software application permits a mix artist to encrypt and stream a derivative work to a worldwide web server, where it is made available to consumers. A software application permits the consumers to acquire and decrypt an encrypted derivative work if the consumer has possession of a corresponding digital source for each of the digital sources used to encrypt the derivative work.
US08925101B2
A method in one example implementation includes intercepting a network access attempt on a computing device and determining a software program file associated with the network access attempt. The method also includes evaluating a first criterion to determine whether the network access attempt is permitted and blocking the network access attempt if it is not permitted. The first criterion includes a trust status of the software program file. In specific embodiments, the trust status is defined as trusted if the software program file is included in a whitelist of trustworthy program files and untrusted if the software program file is not included in a whitelist. In more specific embodiments, the method includes blocking the network access attempt if the software program file has an untrusted status. In further embodiments, an event is logged if the software program file associated with the network access attempt has an untrusted status.
US08925098B2
A memory device includes but is not limited to a substrate, a non-volatile memory array integrated on the substrate, and data security logic integrated with the non-volatile memory array on the substrate. The data security logic is operable to perform at least one data security function associated with the non-volatile memory array.
US08925092B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for assessing risk associated with different software applications which are installed on user computing devices in an enterprise networked environment. Ratings are generated for the different software applications based at least in part on respective characteristics of the different software applications. Risk profiles are generated for the installations of the different software applications on the user computing devices in the networked environment. The risk profiles are generated based at least in part on the respective ratings, the respective user computing devices, and the respective end users associated with the respective user computing devices.
US08925089B2
A system for securing an electronic device, may include a memory, a processor, one or more operating systems residing in the memory for execution by the processor; and a security agent configured to execute on the electronic device at a level below all of the operating systems of the electronic device accessing the memory. The security agent may be further configured to detect presence of malicious code, and in response to detecting presence of the malicious code, modify the malicious code.
US08925085B2
An anti-malware system dynamically loads and unloads additional malware detection signatures based on a collection of data sources that indicate what signatures are relevant to a host machine in its current environment. A signature selector component determines what relevant signatures should be loaded. The signature selector component uses a variety of data sources either individually, or in combination, to determine relevancy of the available malware detection signatures. The anti-malware system dynamically determines which of the available malware detection signatures and classes of signatures are relevant and should be provided to a machine based on available information. The malware detection signatures are obtained and loaded automatically from one or more sources when a threat becomes relevant. A program or application may be blocked from accessing files until the relevant malware detection signatures have been loaded onto the machine.
US08925084B2
In one embodiment, a device detects a denial-of-service attack and generates a message in response to the detection of the denial-of-service attack. The message is then virally distributed to a plurality of subscribed devices.
US08925082B2
An intrusion detection system (IDS) is enhanced to operate in a cluster of such systems, and IDSs organized into a cluster cooperate to exchange IP reputation influencing events information between or among the cooperating systems in real-time to enhance overall system response time and to prevent otherwise hidden attacks from damaging network resources. An IDS includes an IP reputation analytics engine to analyze new and existing events, correlate information, and to raise potential alerts. The IP reputation analytics engines may implement an algorithm, such as a pattern matching algorithm, a continuous data mining algorithm, or the like, to facilitate this operation. Clustering IDS endpoints to share IP reputation influencing events, using the cluster-wide view to determine IP reputation, and feeding the cluster-wide view back to the IDS endpoints, provides for enhanced and early detection of threats that is much more reliable and scalable as compared to prior art techniques.
US08925066B2
A processing device receives an unauthenticated provisioning request from a hardware, wherein the processing device is in a first network zone that is accessible to the hardware resource. The processing device determines whether the hardware resource satisfies one or more provisioning criteria. Responsive to determining that the hardware resource satisfies the one or more provisioning criteria, the processing device forwards the provisioning request to a server residing behind a firewall in a second network zone that is inaccessible to the hardware resource, receives provisioning data from the server by the provisioning proxy, and forwards the provisioning data to the hardware resource.
US08925064B1
A computer comprising: a first virtual machine (VM1) that is minimally configured to host a first firewall, a first network address translator (NAT), and a network interface card (NIC) which is operatively connected a low domain wide area network (WAN); a first virtual switch (VSW1) operatively coupled to the VM1; a second virtual machine (VM2) operatively coupled to the VSW1, wherein the VM2 is configured to process all low domain information; a third virtual machine (VM3) operatively coupled to the VSW1, wherein the VM3 is minimally configured to host a second firewall and a second NAT; a second virtual switch (VSW2) operatively coupled to the VM3; and a fourth virtual machine (VM4) operatively coupled to the VSW2, wherein the VM4 is configured to process all high domain information, such that the computer can operate in both high and low security levels and connect to the WAN with a single NIC.
US08925055B2
A DRM client on a device establishes trust with a DRM server for playback of digital content. The client executes in a secure execution environment, and the process includes (1) securely loading loader code from secure programmable memory and verifying it using a digital signature scheme and first key securely stored in the device; (2) by the verified loader code, loading DRM client code from the memory and verifying it using a digital signature scheme and second key included in the loader code; (3) by the verified DRM client code (a) obtaining a domain key from the memory; (b) encrypting the domain key with a device identifier using a DRM system key included in the DRM client code; and (c) sending the encrypted domain key and device identifier to the DRM server, whereby the device becomes registered to receive content licenses via secure communications encrypted using the domain key.
US08925042B2
An intermediary device may be used to connect a telecommunications device to an existing secure network that is accessed by a computing device. The intermediary device may simplify connections to the secure network by connecting to the secure network without setting up a new connection to the secure network. The telecommunications device may connect to the computing device, via the intermediary device, using a secondary network, which enables the telecommunications device to access the secure network through the computing device. In some instances, the computing device may operate to bridge a connection with the telecommunications device and perform some or all of the functions of the intermediary device.
US08925041B2
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for performing one or more actions based on determined access permissions for a plurality of users. These mechanisms and methods for performing one or more actions based on determined access permissions for a plurality of users can enable improved data collection and analysis, enhanced client knowledge of system access, etc.
US08925036B2
A method and system enables transparent authentication and transparent policy enforcement in a fabric of a network. In an exemplary embodiment thereof, a packet stream sent from a network host to a network resource is received at a security system. The security system identifies an authentication exchange packet in the packet stream and determines, using the authentication exchange packet and a directory service, a user identity associated with the packet stream and whether the identified user has authorization to access the network resource. A network policy is created that defines whether the user has access to the network resource.
US08925031B2
Application gadget techniques are described. In an implementation, a remote control device includes a display device and one or more modules. The one or more modules are configured to initiate one or more control functions related to control of a display of content by a client. The one or more modules also provide an environment to execute one or more application gadgets such that an output of the one or more application gadgets is displayable on the display device.
US08925021B2
A method for trick play (fast forward, rewind, etc.) in video streams using adaptive bitrate HTTP delivery protocols includes playing only portions of a video at a current bitrate to achieve the initial trick play functionality. A new trick play bitrate is selected based on a trick play playout rate, the trick play bitrate for the duration of the trick play is retrieved, and operation is switched back to a previous bitrate when normal playback resumes. A system is also specified for implementing a client and server infrastructure in accordance with the method.
US08925011B2
Provided is an apparatus and method for processing broadcast content. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a cost for generating additional data and providing the additional data to a user by extracting a keyword from information about captions included in broadcast content, and generating additional information associated with the extracted keyword.
US08925007B2
A live performance is monitored by analyzing an input data stream comprising real-time updates related to the live performance. Different sets of excitement levels, excitement curves, alerts and teasers are generated based on the analysis and reported to a plurality of subscribers using any of a variety of mobile communication and/or computing devices.
US08925002B2
In a streaming video system with included video ad breaks, a pacing component allocates ads to particular ad breaks so as to pace the distribution of ads over a defined ad campaign period according to a pacing protocol using discrete time bins. A curve fitting algorithm may be used to provide increased or adjustable granularity of time bins used in the pacing protocol.
US08924986B2
Applications of multiple operating systems are provided with access to hardware resources within a mobile device. An application associated with a primary operating system is provided with access to at least some of the hardware resources via a driver running within a kernel of the primary operating system. An application associated with a secondary operating system is also provided with access to at least some of the hardware resources via the driver running within the kernel of the primary operating system.
US08924984B2
A method of executing an algorithm in a parallel manner using a plurality of concurrent threads includes generating a lock-free barrier that includes a variable that stores both a total participants count and a current participants count. The total participants count indicates a total number of threads in the plurality of concurrent threads that are participating in a current phase of the algorithm, and the current participants count indicates a total number of threads in the plurality of concurrent threads that have completed the current phase. The barrier blocks the threads that have completed the current phase. The total participants count is dynamically updated during execution of the current phase of the algorithm. The generating, blocking, and dynamically updating are performed by at least one processor.
US08924982B2
Techniques are described for managing execution of programs, including using excess program execution capacity of one or more computing systems. For example, a private pool of excess computing capacity may be maintained for a user based on unused dedicated program execution capacity allocated for that user, with the private pool of excess capacity being available for priority use by that user. Such private excess capacity pools may further in some embodiments be provided in addition to a general, non-private excess computing capacity pool that is available for use by multiple users, optionally including users who are associated with the private excess capacity pools. In some such situations, excess computing capacity may be made available to execute programs on a temporary basis, such that the programs executing using the excess capacity may be terminated at any time if other preferred use for the excess capacity arises.
US08924976B2
A task scheduling method and apparatus are provided to execute periodic tasks together with an aperiodic real-time task in a single system, to perform scheduling while satisfying a precedence relation between periodic tasks, and to perform scheduling so that an aperiodic real-time task may be efficiently executed for a residual time left after scheduling of the periodic tasks. Additionally, a component scheduling method and apparatus in robot software are provided.
US08924975B2
Techniques for scheduling an application program running on a multiprocessor computer system are disclosed. Example methods include but are not limited to analyzing first, second, third, and fourth core components for any within-die process variation, determining an operating state of the first, second, third and fourth core components, selecting optimum core components for each component type with the aid of bloom filters, statically determining which core component types are used by the application program, and scheduling the application program to run on a core having an optimum core component for a core component type used by the application program.
US08924971B2
A hypervisor includes methods to receive an event log from an event source. The event log includes a notify of every partition (NEP) flag. The status of the NEP flag indicates whether the event log is to be sent to all partitions. If the NEP flag is set to a value indicating that the event log is not to be sent to all partitions, then for each partition in a set of active partitions, the hypervisor reads a platform event monitor (PEM) flag for the partition. If the platform event monitor flag is set to a value indicating the partition is to receive the event, the hypervisor passes the event log to an event service for the partition.
US08924968B2
A virtual machine management system includes an image capturing unit (30) which captures video image of a physical server (10); a marker information storage unit (102) which stores therein a marker (14) and the physical server (10) associated with each other; a display unit (46) which recognizes the marker (14) from the video image, acquires information regarding executable operations with respect to the physical server (10) and the virtual server (12) from a management apparatus (20), and displays the acquired information on a screen together with the video image of the physical server (10); an identification unit (114) which identifies the physical server (10) based on the marker (14), referring to the marker information storage unit (102); an operation acceptance unit (48) which accepts, on the screen, an operation instruction directed to the physical server (10) and the virtual server (12); and an instruction unit (132) which sends the operation instruction to the management apparatus (20).
US08924963B2
In one embodiment, the tools and techniques can include intercepting with an intermediary module in a running non-virtual process a request from the running non-virtual process to create a requested non-virtual process. In response to the request being intercepted, an appropriate virtual process corresponding to the requested non-virtual process can be identified. In addition, a virtual environment that is configured to host the virtual process can be prepared and the virtual process can be added to the virtual environment. Finally, the request can be fulfilled with the virtual process.
US08924962B2
The present invention provides a method and a computer system for sharing a graphics card among multiple Operation Systems (OSs). The method includes: detecting a first GOS to be displayed, the first GOS being a primary GOS or one of at least one secondary GOS; determining the kind of the first GOS, so that different display control register bank(s) and graphics card memory resources are allocated to the first GOS depending on whether it is a primary GOS or a secondary GOS; controlling the display control register bank(s) allocated to the first GOS to connect to a display output port; obtaining display contents based on the graphics card memory resources allocated to the first GOS; and displaying the display contents based on display mode parameters in the display control register bank(s) connected to the display output port. According to the present invention, it is possible to share the graphics card among the multiple OSs without modifying the drivers of the primary GOS.
US08924958B1
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an application broker, which can be a program on a client device, a service in a cloud accessible by the client device or both. The client device typically runs a guest environment in a host environment. A user is able to search for an application on the application broker configured to interface with one or more application sources. In some embodiments, the application broker is able to intelligently search, download and/or install the application in the guest operating system of the client device with minimal or no user intervention. The application is typically executed in an application player associated with the guest environment. In some embodiments, the application player is configured as the application broker. In some embodiments, the application broker can provide suggested applications to download when the client device is communicatively coupled with the one or more application sources.
US08924949B2
Customizing a target system. The target system may include a first device with a first programmable hardware element (PHE) and a second device with a second PHE. Synchronization modules may be provided for implementation on the first and second PHEs. The synchronization modules may provide a standard interface for interacting with other code. A user may specify user-created code for the first and second PHEs which utilizes the synchronization modules. The user-created code may interact with the synchronization modules using the standard interface. Accordingly, hardware descriptions may be generated for the first and second PHEs of the target system. Different modules may be used for different interconnects. Additionally, multiple synchronization modules may be used, e.g., dynamically, during operation of the target system.
US08924948B2
A context modeler comprising a computer software graphical subsystem and a solution packaging service. The computer software graphical subsystem renders a graphical user interface, which is used to map different objects from the web application platform and set their properties, thereby creating a mapping file for use by the packaging service. The packaging service is used to automatically create a solution package file for deployment within the web application platform. The solution package file is created when the packaging service uses one or more methods to generate a set of instructions for implementing computer processor or server action, and this set of instructions is wrapped inside a solution package file recognized by the web application platform.
US08924936B2
A method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions. The programming instructions are operable to receive a tool error output determined by a code inspection tool and select at least one defect classification mapping profile based on the code inspection tool. Additionally, the programming instructions are operable to map the tool error output to one or more output classifications using the selected at least one defect classification mapping profile and generate at least one report based on the one or more output classifications.
US08924920B2
An appliance module can provide software appliances to users. The appliance module can provide the software appliances in view of a role desired by the users. The role can be the desired functionality to be provided by the software appliance. To achieve this, the appliance module can receive a request for a software appliance. In view of the request, the appliance module can determine a software appliance that includes one or more applications that meets the role set forth in the request and just enough operating system to support the one or more applications. The appliance module can provide the software appliance to the requesting user.
US08924919B2
An apparatus, system, and method for tracking and enforcing the integrity of relationships between service-oriented candidates in a service-oriented architecture (SOA) service model according to SOA design principles and paradigms. Each service-oriented component can be any one of a service candidate, a service operation candidate or a composition candidate associated with multiple service candidates. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving user input identifying relationships between service-oriented components of the SOA service model, and updating the SOA service model based on the user input. The method further includes receiving a user request pertaining to at least one service-oriented component, determining one or more relationships associated with the component based on the SOA service model, and displaying the relationships to a user.
US08924916B2
An apparatus of one embodiment evaluates standards compliance during software development. The apparatus includes an interface, a memory, and a processor. The interface is operable to receive design standards information, the design standards information including one or more design compliance rules for software development. The memory is operable to store the design standards information. The processor is communicatively coupled to the interface and the memory and is operable to determine a design status of a software change according to design information received regarding the software change; calculate one or more design compliance scores, each design compliance score indicating an extent to which the design status complies with at least one of the one or more design compliance rules; and determine whether to permit building of the change system based at least on the one or more design compliance scores.
US08924913B1
A method of displaying a schematic diagram of an integrated circuit design is disclosed. The integrated circuit design includes a plurality of logic blocks and the schematic diagram may include a plurality of connections between respective pairs or groups of the logic blocks. The method includes identifying a plurality of interconnect lines that is adapted to schematically illustrate the plurality of connections. Selected interconnect lines out of the plurality of interconnect lines is identified. Portions of the selected interconnect lines may be channeled through a global connection line on the schematic diagram. The global connection line may be a graphical line that spans from one edge of the schematic diagram to another.
US08924911B2
Circuit simulation can be performed on digital, analog, and mixed signal types of circuitry. Phases of operation are identified for a circuit and transient behavior is analyzed. Multiple time points are identified and the circuit is replicated for those time points with evaluation of the circuitry performed at those various time points. Simultaneous optimization is performed across the time points. Transistors and other devices can have their lengths, widths, and number of fingers optimized. Simulation can include determining Kirchhoff current law equations for various nodes within the circuit. Equations describing device operation can include non-convex signomial equations and convex polynomial equations.
US08924908B2
A finFET block architecture suitable for use of a standard cell library, is based on an arrangement including a first set of semiconductor fins in a first region of the substrate having a first conductivity type, and a second set of semiconductor fins in a second region of the substrate, the second region having a second conductivity type. A patterned gate conductor layer including gate traces in the first and second regions, arranged over channel regions of the first and second sets of semiconductor fins is used for transistor gates. Patterned conductor layers over the gate conductor layer are arranged in orthogonal layout patterns, and can include a plurality of floating power buses over the fins in the first and second regions.
US08924897B2
A mask pattern design method includes: dividing design layout data for a pattern into multiple regions and extracting any region wherein transfer dimensions obtained from a transfer simulation of the pattern from the plurality of regions exceeds a predetermined allowance range; setting a process window of which multiple transfer conditions of the pattern data from the region extracted by the process are each changed, and computing transfer dimensions obtained from a transfer simulation with each transfer condition with the process window; and extracting the transfer conditions wherein the transfer dimension obtained from the transfer simulation with each transfer condition with the process window exceeds a predetermined allowance range, and computing yield from an occurrence probability regarding the transfer condition.
US08924894B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing tab bar controls on a mobile computing device are described. In one aspect, a method includes displaying a first tab graphic in a first tab bar control, the first tab bar control being displayed at a first default position on a first edge of a touchscreen display, detecting a user selection in a first region of the touchscreen display, the first region associated with the first tab graphic, detecting user motion, animating the first tab bar control to extend from the first edge of the touch-screen display in response to detecting user motion, determining a measure of user motion, comparing the measure of user motion to a threshold measure, and performing one or more functions on the mobile device in response to the measure of user motion exceeding the threshold measure.
US08924893B2
Systems, apparatuses, and methods that can facilitate securing an electronic device and associated information are presented. A security component facilitates display and operation of a lock track comprising a locked portion having a positive slope and an unlocked portion, including a chasm, that is adjacent to a high point of the positive-sloped unlocked portion of the lock track. A lock facilitator component (LFC) can be moved along the track between a low point of the locked portion and the unlocked portion. The LFC can be moved in response to received input, and if the input is not sufficient to move the LFC from the locked region to the unlocked region, the LFC can be moved back down the positive-sloped lock track to the low point. The security component can control information to be displayed in an overlay display region in accordance with security level(s) of the device or application.
US08924892B2
Devices, methods and computer readable mediums storing a program causing a computer to execute a process for interacting with targets on a display, particularly in regards to devices utilizing a multi-touch display that are driven by gestures. The use of such devices, methods, and computer readable mediums storing a program allows the user to interact with devices through the use of multi-touch displays.
US08924888B2
Disclosed is a method and system for inserting a new data object in a data visualization with one or more other data objects already present on a canvas. The insertion of the new data object involves receiving a position of a new data object for the canvas from a user, determining a position of a first one of the one or more data objects and a second one of the one or more data objects on the canvas, determining an overlap pixel count, if the new data object is overlapping with the position of the first one of the one or more data objects, determining an action type on the first one of the one or more data objects based on the overlap pixel count, generating a preview of the canvas with the new data object and inserting the new data object on the canvas based on user approval.
US08924883B2
Content presentation using on-demand user interfaces is provided. One embodiment comprises detecting position of a pointer by a user relative to a content element in a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic display screen; displaying a popup window at a location on the graphical user interface while the pointer hovers over the content element, wherein the popup window includes a bump zone indicating that the popup window is moveable; detecting proximity of the pointer relative to the bump zone while the pointer hovers over the content element; and transitioning the popup window to a new location on the graphical user interface based on the detected proximity and movement of the pointer relative to the bump zone.
US08924878B2
This disclosure describes improved systems and methods for displaying, accessing, and changing respiratory settings in a ventilatory system. Specifically, the present disclosure provides for one or more settings access elements, each corresponding to an individual ventilatory setting, for efficiently adjusting displayed ventilatory settings. Access elements may be easily identified as buttons, tabs, icons, or other access displays. After settings have been accessed and changed, pending settings changes may be visually identified on the GUI, or other user interface. In addition, pending settings changes associated with one or more screens of a GUI may be easily identified. Acceptance elements may also be provided which indicate whether one, multiple, or no pending settings changes are available for acceptance.
US08924865B1
Systems and methods for displaying an ancestry graph within a social networking service are provided. In some aspects, an indication of a subset of social contacts of the first user, where an ancestry of the first user includes the subset of the social contacts of the first user, and an indication of ancestry relationships between the first user and the subset of the social contacts of the first user are received, via an account associated with a first user of a social networking service. A first ancestry graph including representations of the subset of the social contacts of the first user and representations of the ancestry relationships among the subset of the social contacts are provided for display, via the account associated with the first user.
US08924864B2
A network apparatus system and method of use adapted for viewing, illustrating, consulting and collaborating on medical images and saving images and illustrations in acceptable DICOM format. Specifically, a Consultant Client or a plurality of Consultant Clients having the capability to view still and streaming video medical images, then illustrating over those images with the ability to save those images. Also a Collaborator Client, a person user or a plurality of Collaborator Clients having the ability to remotely view streaming or still medical images and illustrating over those images. The Collaborator Clients can draw, telestrate and annotate over those images with the ability to save those images. The Collaborator Client also has the ability to work in partnership with other Collaborator Clients, each Collaborator Client viewing the same medical image and each illustrating on the image and each being able to view all users illustrations and medical image simultaneously.
US08924862B1
Techniques for optimizing desktop sharing for wireless clients during web collaboration are presented. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises determining that a presenter of a collaborative online meeting is using a desktop sharing session, determining that one or more attendees participating in the collaborative online meeting are using devices with limited display capabilities, determining a particular window displayed on the desktop of the presenter of the desktop sharing session, and causing transmission of only data from the particular window displayed on the desktop of the presenter to the one or more devices.
US08924855B2
An automatic feature demonstration mode for TV products that can be used in retail stores. TV features that otherwise would be overlooked by customers or misrepresented by the sales staff are advertised on the TV itself. The system may be used to convey information beyond TV features.
US08924850B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for speeding up document loading. In some implementations, a resource of a document is requested from a first source, and metadata for the document is requested from a second source that is different from the first source. The requested metadata is received from the second source, and the requested resource is received from the first source. A first representation of the document based on the received metadata is provided for display. After providing the first representation, a second representation of the document that combines portions of the first representation with additional portions of the document is generated, and the second representation is provided for display.
US08924841B2
Methods and arrangements are provided for generating, rendering and/or printing documents from a variable-data printing document template which defines multiple document versions, each document version may be selectable in response to input selection data. There is provided a way of producing of variable-data publishing (VDP) documents for Digital Publishing (DP) that rely upon complex document designs containing copy-holes which may be expressed according to a set of options, one of which being non-existence of the copy-hole.
US08924838B2
Among other disclosure, computer-implemented methods and computer program products for obtaining data from a page. A method can include initiating a harvesting process for a page available in a computer system. The method can include identifying a feed representation that has been created for the page. The method can include retrieving and storing, as part of the harvesting process, at least a portion from the page based on information in the identified feed representation. The feed representation can include at least excerpts of content from the page. The feed representation can include at least one representation selected from: an RSS feed, an Atom feed, an XML feed, an RDF feed, a serialized data feed representation, and combinations thereof.
US08924833B2
An analog front end is adjusted by determining a signal quality based at least in part on digital sample(s). If the signal quality satisfies one or more criteria, a data independent gain gradient and a data independent offset gradient are selected to adjust the analog front end, where the two gradients are generated without taking into consideration an instantaneous value of an expected signal. If the signal quality does not satisfy the criteria, a decision directed gain gradient and a decision directed offset gradient are selected to adjust the analog front end, where the two gradients are generated based at least in part on decision(s).
US08924830B2
A method and system for decoding control data in GSM-based systems using inherent redundancy and physical constraints are presented. At least one estimated GSM-based bit sequence may be selected by performing searches that start from trellis junctions determined by the decoding algorithm. The estimated bit sequences may be selected based on corresponding redundancy verification parameters. At least one physical constraint test may be performed on the selected estimated GSM-based bit sequences to select a decoded output GSM-based bit sequence. A multilayer decoding process may comprise a burst process and a frame process. Results from a first burst process may be utilized to generate a decoded GSM bit sequence in the frame process. The frame process may utilize redundancy information and physical constraints to improve the performance of a decoding algorithm.
US08924828B2
According to one embodiment, a memory controller including a syndrome calculation unit which calculates syndrome based on code word which have the ability to correct t bits, an error locator polynomial calculation unit, and a Chien search unit, wherein the Chien search unit includes a root shift block which shifts all roots, a division block which divides the output from the root shift block by a predetermined polynomial, of which the order is smaller than t, and substitution block which substitutes elements into the remainder polynomial to examine if they are the roots of the remainder, and wherein the predetermined polynomial has at least one root which value is the same as one of the substituted elements.
US08924821B2
A decoding method for low density parity check (LDPC) and an electric device using the decoding method are provided. The decoding method includes: receiving a message and executing an iteration decoding to the message; obtaining first belief values of the message in an (i−1)th iteration; obtaining a first energy summation of the first belief values; obtaining second belief values of the message in an ith iteration; obtaining a second energy summation of the second belief values; determining whether the second energy summation is smaller than the first energy summation and whether a difference between the first energy summation and the second energy summation is larger than a first threshold; if yes, generating a decoding result according to the first belief values. Therefore, a bit error rate of the decoding is decreased.
US08924820B2
According to one embodiment, a memory system includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory that includes memory cells each storing 3 bits, a control unit that writes data to the non-volatile semiconductor memory, and an encoding unit that generates a first parity for user data stored in the first page, a second parity for user data stored in the second page, and a third parity for user data stored in the third page. The user data, the first parity, the third parity, and a portion of the second parity are written to the non-volatile semiconductor memory by a first data coding and a portion of the second parity and a portion of the third parity are written to the non-volatile semiconductor memory by second data coding in which the first page is 0 bit, the second page is 2 bits, and the third page is 1 bit.
US08924816B2
A method and system to improve the performance and/or reliability of a solid-state drive (SSD). In one embodiment of the invention, the SSD has logic to compress a block of data to be stored in the SSD. If it is not possible to compress the block of data below the threshold, the SSD stores the block of data without any compression. If it is possible to compress the block of data below the threshold, the SSD compresses the block of data and stores the compressed data in the SSD. In one embodiment of the invention, the SSD has logic to dynamically adjust or select the strength of the error correcting code of the data that is stored in the SSD. In another embodiment of the invention, the SSD has logic to provide intra-page XOR protection of the data in the page.
US08924802B2
This disclosure describes a test architecture that supports a common approach to testing individual die and dies in a 3D stack arrangement. The test architecture uses an improved TAP design to facilitate the testing of parallel test circuits within the die.
US08924797B2
At least one value of abnormal metrics is identified as being an abnormal dimension value. A dominant dimension related to the anomaly is identified based on the identified abnormal dimension value.
US08924795B2
A distributed debug system including processing elements connected to perform a plurality of processing functions on a received data unit, a debug trap unit, a debug trace dump logic unit, and a debug initiator unit is provided. At least two of the processing elements include a debug trap unit that has a first debug enable input and output, and a first debug thread. The first debug thread holds at least a first debug trap circuit having a match signal output connected to the first debug enable output. The first debug trap circuit filters a part of the data unit, compares a filtering result with a debug value, and provides a match signal to the match signal output. The debug trace dump logic unit dumps debug trace data to a buffer associated with the data unit on reception of a match event. The debug initiator unit includes a debug initiator output connected to the first debug enable input of the debug trap unit of one processing element, and a debug initiator input connected to the first debug enable output of the debug trap unit of another processing element.
US08924789B2
A system and method for providing virtual machine diagnostic information. In accordance with an embodiment, a “flight recorder”, for use with a virtual machine, such as a Java virtual machine (JVM), allows a system administrator, software developer or other user experiencing a system problem to “go back in time” and analyze what happened right before a particular problem occurred in their system, and/or obtain an extremely detailed level of profiling without impacting system performance. The flight recorder does this by being tightly integrated into the core of the JVM itself, and by being very conscious of its performance overhead. This allows the flight recorder to provide a large amount of information on the inner workings of the JVM, and on Java programs running in the JVM.
US08924788B2
A system and method provide for capturing architecture data for software executing on a system, wherein the architecture data can include state data and event data. The captured architecture data may be replayed in a simulator, wherein failure information corresponding to the software is obtained from the simulator.
US08924787B2
A debugging system used for a data center in a network is disclosed. The system includes a monitoring engine to monitor network traffic by collecting traffic information from a network controller, a modeling engine to model an application signature, an infrastructure signature, and a task signature using a monitored log, a debugging engine to detect a change in the application signature between a working status and a non-working status using a reference log and a problem log, and to validate the change using the task signature, and a providing unit to provide toubleshooting information, wherein an unknown change in the application signature is correlated to a known problem class by considering a dependency to a change in the infrastructure signature. Other methods and systems also are disclosed.
US08924783B2
A processing device may automatically provide protective services and may provide backup services for backing up and restoring user files, system files, configuration files, as well as other information. The processing device may be configured to check one or more performance conditions and perform an action to improve performance based on the one or more performance conditions. The processing device may monitor configuration and file changes and provide a user with a capability to persist or discard configuration changes and/or file changes made by an application during a session. The processing device may include a recovery button or switch, which when selected or pressed may cause the processing device to be restored to an operational state. The processing device may automatically detect instabilities and may automatically attempt to repair possible causes of the instabilities. The processing device may also include an additional chipset, which may perform backup and recovery services.
US08924772B2
A fault-tolerant system including a plurality of modules each further including a CPU subsystem, a fault-tolerant control unit, and an I/O subsystem, wherein the fault-tolerant control unit includes a master FT control LSI chip and at least one slave FT control LSI chip. One module is placed in an active state while the other module is placed in a standby state, so that I/O requests made by CPU subsystems of these modules are selectively delivered to I/O subsystems based on the master/slave relationship. Upon receiving fault information representing a failed subsystem which is either the CPU subsystem or the I/O subsystem found in the module, the master FT control LSI chip sends a command for controlling isolation of the failed subsystem to the slave FT control LSI chip, so that the slave FT control LSI chip controls isolation of the failed subsystem based on the command.
