US08937420B2

A rotor of a permanent magnet embedded motor includes a rotor iron core formed by stacking a predetermined number of magnetic steel sheets punched into predetermined shapes, a plurality of permanent-magnet insertion holes formed along an outer circumferential portion of the rotor iron core and each including permanent-magnet end-portion cavities on its both ends, a plurality of permanent magnets inserted into the permanent-magnet insertion holes, and a plurality of slits formed in the outer-peripheral side iron core portion outside of each permanent-magnet insertion holes, wherein a distance between a first slit present in a radial direction of each of the end portions of the permanent magnets and a second slit, which is adjacent to the first slit and closer to the center of its magnetic pole, is smaller than a distance between those slits other than the first and second slits.
US08937418B2

A rotor core according to an embodiment includes a pair of magnet openings disposed such that a space therebetween widens toward an outer peripheral side and in which a pair of permanent magnets having a magnetic pole direction relative to a radial direction identical to each other are inserted. The magnet openings each have a shape that connects together a first opening portion formed along the profile of the corresponding permanent magnet and a second opening portion that, when the permanent magnet is inserted in the first opening portion, covers, out of corner portions of the permanent magnet, a corner portion closest to the other permanent magnet with an air gap defined therebetween. The second opening portion forms a bridge portion between the second opening portion and the second opening portion of the other magnet opening.
US08937417B2

This rotating electric machine includes a rotor including a rotating shaft portion, a rotor yoke surrounding the rotating shaft portion and a rotor core, arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor yoke, having a plurality of permanent magnets circumferentially arranged thereon at intervals, and a stator arranged to be opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotor, while the rotor yoke and the inner peripheral portion of the rotor core are fixed to each other with a fixing member.
US08937416B2

A resin protective cover is prepared so as to have a cup shape that is constituted by a floor portion and a tubular peripheral wall portion, and that can be mounted to a rear bracket so as to cover a rectifying apparatus and a voltage regulator that are disposed axially outside the rear bracket. The protective cover includes an engaging hook that includes: a shank portion that is disposed so as to extend from an opening end of the peripheral wall portion; and a hook portion that is disposed so as to project radially outward from a tip end of the shank portion, and the protective cover is held on the rear bracket elastically in an engaged state by the engaging hook being inserted into an engaging aperture that is formed on a casing.
US08937410B2

An emergency stop system for an autonomous mobile robot includes a base unit connected to the robot and an element engageable by a user extending from the base unit. The element is movably held by the base unit in an operation mode position. The base unit includes a mechanism for detecting the presence of the element in the operation mode position and triggering an emergency stop of the robot when the element is moved out of the operation mode position by the user.
US08937409B2

A high-voltage side conductor is formed near the upper surface of a power transmission device, and a low-voltage side conductor is formed near the lower surface of the power transmission device. The power transmission device includes an alternating voltage generating circuit. A high-voltage side conductor is formed near the lower surface of a power reception device, and a low-voltage side conductor is formed near the upper surface of the power reception device. The power reception device includes a load circuit. When the high-voltage side conductors face a capacitive coupling conductor of an auxiliary sheet, capacitances are generated respectively between the high-voltage side conductors and the capacitive coupling conductor. Thus, the high-voltage side conductors are capacitively coupled to each other via the capacitive coupling conductor.
US08937408B2

Described herein are improved configurations for a wireless power transfer. Described are methods and designs for medical environments and devices. Wireless energy transfer is utilized to eliminate cords and power cables from operating instruments and electronic equipment requiring mobility.
US08937402B2

A converter circuit to be connected to an electrical energy source includes a chopper circuit having an input terminal capable of being connected to said electrical energy source, a first output circuit adapted to being connected via a first switch to an output terminal of the chopper circuit, a second output circuit adapted to being connected via a second switch to the output terminal of the chopper circuit, and a control circuit. The control circuit is adapted for controlling the duty cycle of the chopper circuit as a function of the variation in voltage of said electrical energy source, and switching between the first and second switches as a function of a range of output voltage settings for the first output circuit.
US08937397B2

An electric energy producing wind power turbine having a nacelle, an electric generator having a stator and a rotor, a rotary assembly connected to the nacelle to rotate about an axis of rotation, and a bearing located between the rotary assembly and the nacelle, the nacelle having a first sector, which is located at the bearing, which is removable from the nacelle, and which is configured to form, when removed, an opening in the nacelle to allow passage of the bearing.
US08937387B2

The disclosure concerns a semiconductor device having conductive vias. In an embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a substrate having at least one conductive via formed therein. The conductive via has a first end substantially coplanar with an inactive surface of the substrate. A circuit layer is disposed adjacent to an active surface of the substrate and electrically connected to a second end of the conductive via. A redistribution layer is disposed adjacent to the inactive surface of the substrate, the redistribution layer having a first portion disposed on the first end an electrically connected thereto, and a second portion positioned upward and away from the first portion. A die is disposed adjacent to the inactive surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the second portion of the redistribution layer.
US08937380B1

A semiconductor package includes a lead spaced apart from a semiconductor die. The die includes a diaphragm disposed at a first side of the die and is configured to change an electrical parameter responsive to a pressure difference across the diaphragm. The die further includes a second side opposite the first side, a lateral edge extending between the first and second sides and a terminal at the first side. An electrical conductor connects the terminal to the lead. An encapsulant is disposed along the lateral edge of the die so that the terminal and the electrical conductor are spaced apart from the encapsulant. The encapsulant has an elastic modulus of less 10 MPa at room temperature. A molding compound covers and contacts the lead, the electrical conductor, the encapsulant, the terminal and part of the first side of the die so that the diaphragm is uncovered by the molding compound.
US08937375B2

A substrate structure has a first surface and a second surface. A plurality of carrying members are formed on the first surface and a plurality of conductive traces are formed on the second surface. In addition, the substrate structure has a first, a second and a third thermal stress relief structures. The first thermal stress relief structure is that lengths of the substrate structure in different axial directions are substantially equal to each other. The second thermal stress relief structure is that a plurality of separated alignment marks are formed on the substrate structure. The third thermal stress relief structure is that the substrate structure has at least one clearance area extending along one of the axial directions of the substrate structure and the clearance area has no carrying members and no conductive traces formed thereon.
US08937372B2

An integrated circuit package system includes an in-line strip, attaching an integrated circuit die over the in-line strip, and applying a molding material with a molded segment having a molded strip protrusion formed therefrom over the in-line strip.
US08937371B2

A semiconductor device has an interconnect structure with a cavity formed partially through the interconnect structure. A first semiconductor die is mounted in the cavity. A first TSV is formed through the first semiconductor die. An adhesive layer is deposited over the interconnect structure and first semiconductor die. A shielding layer is mounted over the first semiconductor die. The shielding layer is secured to the first semiconductor die with the adhesive layer and grounded through the first TSV and interconnect structure to block electromagnetic interference. A second semiconductor die is mounted to the shielding layer and electrically connected to the interconnect structure. A second TSV is formed through the second semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited over the shielding layer, second semiconductor die, and interconnect structure. A slot is formed through the shielding layer for the encapsulant to flow into the cavity and cover the first semiconductor die.
US08937358B2

An integrated circuit includes a first and a second standard cell. The first standard cell includes a first gate electrode, and a first channel region underlying the first gate electrode. The first channel region has a first channel doping concentration. The second standard cell includes a second gate electrode, and a second channel region underlying the second gate electrode. The second channel region has a second channel doping concentration. A dummy gate includes a first half and a second half in the first and the second standard cells, respectively. The first half and the second half are at the edges of the first and the second standard cells, respectively, and are abutted to each other. A dummy channel is overlapped by the dummy gate. The dummy channel has a third channel doping concentration substantially equal to a sum of the first channel doping concentration and the second channel doping concentration.
US08937356B2

An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit includes a triggering diode that includes a junction between a P-grade (PG) region and an N-well. The PG region has a dopant profile equivalent to a P-drain dopant profile of a PMOS transistor having a breakdown voltage represented by V whereby the triggering diode for conducting a current when a voltage greater than the breakdown voltage V is applied. In an exemplary embodiment, the dopant profile of the PG region includes two dopant implant profiles that include a shallow implant profile with a higher dopant concentration and a deep implant profile with a lower dopant concentration.
US08937353B2

A method includes forming a first fin and a second fin extending above a semiconductor substrate, with a shallow trench isolation (STI) region between them. A space is defined between the first and second fins above a top surface of the STI region. A first height is defined between the top surface of the STI region and top surfaces of the first and second fins. A flowable dielectric material is deposited into the space. The dielectric material has a top surface above the top surface of the STI region, so as to define a second height between the top surface of the dielectric material and the top surfaces of the first and second fins. The second height is less than the first height. First and second fin extensions are epitaxially formed above the dielectric, on the first and second fins, respectively, after the depositing step.
US08937348B2

A three dimensional (3-D) nonvolatile memory device includes a first pipe gate layer, a second pipe gate disposed over the first pipe gate layer, word lines formed over the second pipe gate layer, memory channel layers configured to penetrate the word lines, a pipe channel layer formed in the first pipe gate layer, where the pipe channel layer is to come in contact with the bottom surface of the second pipe gate layer and couple the lower ends of the memory channel layers, a memory layer configured to surround the pipe channel layer and the memory channel layers, and a first gate insulating layer interposed between the first pipe gate layer and the memory layer.
US08937347B2

A non-volatile memory is provided. The non-volatile memory includes a oxide and polysilicon stack structure and charge storage layers. The oxide and polysilicon stack structure is disposed on a substrate. There are recesses in the substrate at two sides of the oxide and polysilicon stack structure. The oxide and polysilicon stack structure includes an oxide layer and a polysilicon layer. The oxide layer is disposed on the substrate, wherein there is an interface between the oxide layer and the substrate. The polysilicon layer is disposed on the oxide layer. The charge storage layers are disposed in the recesses and extend to a side wall of the oxide and polysilicon stack structure, and a top surface of each of the charge storage layers is higher than the interface.
US08937342B1

A CMOS image sensor includes an active pixel structure suitable for sensing light incident from outside and converting a sensed light into an electrical signal, and an optical block structure suitable for blocking a visible light and passing a UV light to check and evaluate an electrical characteristic of the active pixel area. The UV pass filter includes first and second insulation layers comprising an insulator, and a metal layer formed between the first and second insulation layers.
US08937338B2

A current aperture vertical electron transistor (CAVET) with ammonia (NH3) based molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown p-type Gallium Nitride (p-GaN) as a current blocking layer (CBL). Specifically, the CAVET features an active buried Magnesium (Mg) doped GaN layer for current blocking purposes. This structure is very advantageous for high power switching applications and for any device that requires a buried active p-GaN layer for its functionality.
US08937335B2

The invention provides semiconductor materials including a gallium nitride material layer formed on a silicon substrate and methods to form the semiconductor materials. The semiconductor materials include a transition layer formed between the silicon substrate and the gallium nitride material layer. The transition layer is compositionally-graded to lower stresses in the gallium nitride material layer which can result from differences in thermal expansion rates between the gallium nitride material and the substrate. The lowering of stresses in the gallium nitride material layer reduces the tendency of cracks to form. Thus, the invention enables the production of semiconductor materials including gallium nitride material layers having few or no cracks. The semiconductor materials may be used in a number of microelectronic and optical applications.
US08937327B2

A light emitting device having a plurality of light emitting cells is disclosed. The light emitting device comprises a substrate; a plurality of light emitting cells positioned on the substrate to be spaced apart from one another, each of the light emitting cells comprising a p-type lower semiconductor layer, an active layer and an n-type upper semiconductor layer; p-electrodes positioned to be spaced apart from one another between the substrate and the light emitting cells, the respective p-electrodes being electrically connected to the corresponding lower semiconductor layers, each of the p-electrodes having an extension extending toward adjacent one of the light emitting cells; n-electrodes disposed on upper surfaces of the respective light emitting cells, wherein a contact surface of each of the n-electrodes electrically contacting with each light emitting cell exists both sides of any straight line that bisects the light emitting cell across the center of the upper surface of the light emitting cell; a side insulating layer for covering sides of the light emitting cells; and wires for connecting the p-electrodes and the n-electrodes, the wires being spaced apart from the sides of the light emitting cells by the side insulating layer.
US08937322B2

The present invention provides an LED and the manufacturing method thereof, and a light emitting device. The LED includes a first electrode, for connecting the LED to a negative electrode of a power supply; a substrate, located on the first electrode; and an LED die, located on the substrate; in which a plurality of contact holes are formed extending through the substrate, the diameter of upper parts of the contact holes is less than the diameter of lower parts of the contact holes, and the contact holes are filled with electrode plugs connecting the first electrode to the LED die. The light emitting device includes the LED, and further includes a susceptor and an LED mounted on the susceptor. The manufacturing method includes: forming successively an LED die and a second electrode on a substrate; patterning a backsurface of the substrate to form inverted trapezoidal contact holes which expose the LED die; and filling the contact holes with conductive material till the backface of the substrate is covered by the conductive material. The LED has a high luminous efficiency and the manufacturing method is easy to implement.
US08937319B2

A third insulating layer is formed in a periphery region of a substrate over a first surface (main surface) of the substrate so as to straddle a second semiconductor layer closest to a guard ring layer and a second semiconductor layer closest to the second semiconductor layer. In other words, the third insulating layer is formed to cover a portion of the first semiconductor layer, which is exposed to the first surface (main surface) of the substrate and which is between the second semiconductor layers. Thereby, the third insulating layer electrically insulates the metal layer from the portion of the first semiconductor layer, which is exposed to the first surface (main surface) of the substrate and which is between the second semiconductor layers.
US08937315B2

An organic light emitting diode display includes a substrate main body, a semiconductor layer and a first capacitor electrode on the substrate main body, bottom surfaces of the semiconductor layer and first capacitor electrode being substantially coplanar, and each of the semiconductor layer and first capacitor electrode including an impurity-doped polysilicon layer, a gate insulating layer on the semiconductor layer and the first capacitor electrode, a gate electrode on the semiconductor layer with the gate insulating layer therebetween, and a second capacitor electrode on the first capacitor electrode with the gate insulating layer therebetween, the second capacitor electrode including a convex electrode portion and a concave electrode portion, the concave electrode portion being thinner than each of the convex electrode portion and the gate electrode.
US08937303B2

An organic electroluminescent device comprising: a pair of electrodes comprising an anode and a cathode, and one or more layers of organic compound arranged between the pair of electrodes, wherein the organic compound layer, or one or more of the organic compound layers, comprises a compound represented by a substituted imidazole. The substituents on the imidazole ring may be selected from a range of suitable substituents, including: substituted or unsubstituted aryl groups, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic groups, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups or cyano groups. In various aspects of the invention, at least one of the substituent groups may be a substituted or unsubstituted imidazole or thiophene group.
US08937298B2

A semiconductor integrated circuit has one or more integral nitride-type sensors. In one embodiment, an integral nitride-type sensor and a coplanar supplemental circuit are formed from a common silicon substrate base. In another embodiment, an integral nitride-type sensor and a supplemental circuit are integrated in a vertical orientation.
US08937276B2

An optical filter includes first and second substrates, first and second mirrors and first and second electrodes. The second substrate includes first, second and third surfaces. The second surface surrounds the first surface in a plan view, and the third surface surrounds the second surface in a plan view. A second height of the second surface is lower than a first height of the first surface, and a third height of the third surface is higher than the first height of the first surface. The first, second and third surfaces face a single flat surface of the first substrate. The first mirror is disposed on the first substrate. The second mirror is disposed on the first surface of the second substrate. The first electrode is disposed on the first substrate. The second electrode is disposed on the second surface of the second substrate and faces the first electrode.
US08937272B2

An image sensor pixel suitable for use in a back-side-illuminated or a front-side-illuminated sensor arrangement is provided. The image sensor pixel may be a small size pixel that includes a source follower implemented using a vertical junction field effect (JFET) transistor. The vertical JFET source follower may be integrated directly into the floating diffusion node, thereby eliminating excess metal routing and pixel area typically allocated for the source follower in conventional pixel configurations. Pixel area may instead be allocated for increasing the charge storage capacity of the photodiode or can be used to reduce pixel size while maintaining pixel performance. Using a vertical junction field effect transistor in this way simplifies pixel addressing operations and minimizes random telegraph signal (RTS) noise associated with small size metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors.
US08937270B2

A solar concentrator calibration tool that compensates for inconsistencies in the fabrication, assembly and installation of a solar collector system, permitting the solar collector to perform optimally. The calibration tool provides feedback information to a supervisory control processor, allowing the processor to compare the expected position of the sun to the “actual” position found by the calibration tool. The processor then generates a calibration signal, thereafter used by the collector's movement control mechanism, to compensate the tracking of the solar collector to accurately follow the movement of the sun, unconstrained by the effects of the construction inconsistencies.
US08937268B2

Provided is a conductive film suitable for use in a transparent heating element having superior visibility and heat generation properties. A conductor of a first conductive film has a mesh pattern which has a plurality of lattice cross points (intersections) formed by a plurality of first metal nanowires and a plurality of second metal nanowires. The conductor between intersections is formed in a wave-like shape having at least one curve. The array period of an arc of one first metal nanowire from among parallel adjacent first metal nanowires is one period. The array period of an arc of another first metal nanowire constitutes two periods. Similarly, the array period of an arc of one second metal nanowire is one period. The array period of an arc of another second metal nanowire constitutes two periods.
US08937253B2

A catheter wire includes a core bundle formed by twisting a plurality of core wires each including a solid conductor covered with an insulation, a tape layer formed by spirally winding a binding tape on an outer periphery of the core bundle, a shield layer formed by spirally winding a metal wire on an outer periphery of the tape layer, and a sheath layer formed on an outer periphery of the shield layer. The binding tape is wound in a direction opposite to a twisting direction of the core wires. The solid conductor and the metal wire have a tensile strength of not less than 900 MPa and an elongation percentage of not more than 2%.
US08937249B2

A wire harness connects multiple solar panel junction boxes to a recombiner box. The wire harness includes in-line fuse assemblies, with optional blocking diodes, so each string of solar panels is associated with one fuse. In the event of a blown fuse, only one upstream solar panel string is affected. Entire wire harnesses and/or individual in-line fuse assemblies can be easily swapped out, thereby decreasing the time and expense of troubleshooting and repairing.
US08937242B2

The invention provides a solar energy system. A flexible transparent body includes a top surface, a bottom surface and two edges, wherein the top surface is a light receiving surface for receiving light with a first wave-length. A plurality of solar cells is disposed on at least one of the edges of the flexible transparent body, wherein the solar cells can covert light having a second wave-length into electrical energy. A wavelength converting layer is provided for converting light with the first wave-length to light with the second wave-length.
US08937240B2

A cable installation having a support structure, for example a rod or a support frame will be proposed, the latter or the former, being able to be hinged to abuses structure about a first axis, respectively, wherein at each end of the support structure a deviating roller is rotatably provided, which is provided for a cable which at one end is fixed to an area of the support structure while the other end of the cable is fixed to a second area of the base structure which is spaced apart from the first area.
US08937229B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV025914. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV025914, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV025914 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV025914 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV025914.
US08937217B2

Isolated nucleic acid fragments comprising precursor miRNAs, and artificial miRNAs and their use in down-regulating gene expression are described.
US08937210B1

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, in a treatment zone, reacting an oxygen-comprising gas, one or more selected ferric/ferrous chelates, one or more selected nitrates and/or nitrites, and/or anaerobic wastewater.
US08937204B1

Useful processes for isolating the fluorinated products formed by reaction with 4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenylsulfur trifluoride (Fluolead) are disclosed. The processes comprise the conversion of the byproduct (formula I) to sulfinate ester (formula V), and to sulfonate eater (formula VI), and then to the water-soluble sulfonate salt (formula IV) in the presence of the fluorinated products.
US08937201B2

This invention relates to processes for producing various t-butyl phenols, such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl phenol and ortho-tert-butyl phenol, by selectively reacting phenol or a substituted phenol with an isobutylene-containing C4 raffinate stream. The 2,6-di-tert-butyl phenol and ortho-tert-butyl phenol can be transalkylated to form other tert-butyl phenols, such as para-tert-butyl phenol, 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol.
US08937199B2

The present invention provides a process for stabilizing an aqueous acrylamide solution. The present invention also provides a stable aqueous acrylamide solution containing acetaldehyde at a weight ratio relative to acrylamide of 1.5 mg/Kg to 4 mg/Kg.
US08937198B2

A hydrocyanation reaction is used to react 1,3-butadiene with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a catalyst to produce pentenenitriles, as well as reaction byproducts, such as methylglutaronitrile (MGN). The effluent from the hydrocyanation reaction is distilled in a particular manner to produce a pentenenitrile-enriched stream, a catalyst-enriched stream and a stream enriched in methylglutaronitrile (MGN). At least a portion of the catalyst enriched stream may be recycled to the hydrocyanation reaction. 3-pentenenitrile may be recovered and, optionally, further reacted with HCN to make adiponitrile (ADN).
US08937186B2

Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of acids from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of acids in the hydrocarbon stream by use of adsorbents or basic solutions.
US08937180B2

Provided herein is a straightforward and efficient method for covalently attaching a polyethylene glycol polymer to a taxane. The method involves, among other things, a step of reacting a taxane with a polyethylene glycol polymer comprising a functional group reactive with a functional group within said taxane in the presence of a coupling reagent and DPTS. The result of the reacting step is the formation of a polyethylene glycol-taxane conjugate.
US08937179B2

Compounds of formula (1) wherein R1 is 2-indanyl, R2 is 1-methylpropyl, R3 is 2-methyl-1,3-oxazol-4-yl and R4 and R5 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached represents morpholino, process for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in medicine.
US08937172B2

Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for CTNNB1.
US08937169B2

Human G-protein chemokine receptor polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptides and methods of using the agonists and antagonists therapeutically to treat conditions related to the underexpression and overexpression of the G-protein chemokine receptor polypeptides, respectively. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the G-protein chemokine receptor nucleic acid sequences and detecting a level of the soluble form of the receptors in a sample derived from a host.
US08937168B2

The invention provides methods of purifying rebaudioside A from a mixture comprising glycosides of the plant Stevia rebaudiana. The methods of the invention are useful for preparing highly pure rebaudioside A compositions from crude Stevia starting compositions that are typically considerably lower in rebaudioside A concentration. The highly pure rebaudioside A compositions are useful as non-caloric sweeteners in edible or chewable compositions such as food, beverages, medicine, candy, chewing gum, and the like.
US08937151B2

The invention provides compounds, compositions, and methods for the treatment of diseases, disorders, or conditions that are modulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The disease, disorder, or condition can include, for example, stroke, neurological disorders, or ophthalmological disorders. The treatment can include administering a compound or composition described herein, thereby providing a prodrug compound that metabolizes to an active MMP inhibitor in vivo. The MMP inhibition can be selective inhibition, for example, selective inhibition of MMP-2, MMP-9, and/or MMP-14. Thus, the invention provides non-mutagenic prodrug compounds of the formulas described herein that result in the inhibition of MMPs upon in vivo administration.
US08937150B2

Compounds effective in inhibiting replication of Hepatitis C virus (“HCV”) are described. This invention also relates to processes of making such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds to treat HCV infection.
US08937149B2

The present invention provides nano-sized particles of melanin, and the method for formation of the melanin particles comprise the following steps: adding a base to a dopamine.H+X−-containing solution (wherein H+X− is an acid) and allowing an acid-base neutralization reaction; and forming nano-sized particles of melanin by controlling the addition of nucleic dopamine.H+X− (a) to base (b) at a ratio of a:b=1:0.1-1, and allow concurrent or consecutive formation of melanin by oxidation curing of the dopamine in air (polymerization). The manufacturing method according to the present invention can produce nano-sized melanin particles in a short period of time. Furthermore, the nano-sized melanin particles made according to the present invention are distinctive from conventional solvents containing dispersions of natural melanin and synthetic melanin, and have excellent application in various fields.
US08937145B2

An epoxy resin composition prepared from a dihydroxydiphenyl-cycloalkane compound to form a diglycidyl ether of dihydroxydiphenyl cycloalkane compound which may be useful for making various products including, for example, powder coatings, composites and electrical laminates.
US08937140B2

Adhesive copolymers and methods for preparing them are disclosed. An adhesive copolymer may be prepared from a reaction mixture containing monosaccharide monomers and dicarboxylic monomers. The monosaccharide monomers may include any of a number of C5 and/or C6 monosaccharides.
US08937137B2

Catalysts comprising Salan ligands with bridged or unbridged diphenyl amine moieties. Also, catalyst systems comprising the catalyst and an activator; methods to prepare the ligands, catalysts and catalyst systems; processes to polymerize olefins using the catalysts and/or catalyst systems; and the olefin polymers prepared according to the processes.
US08937132B2

Provided is a material that can be easily biaxially oriented, homogeneously stretched even with a high draw ratio, and formed into a PTFE porous membrane with low pressure loss. The present invention relates to a polytetrafluoroethylene mixture comprising: a fibrillable modified polytetrafluoroethylene; and a fibrillable polytetrafluoroethylene homopolymer, the polytetrafluoroethylene homopolymer having strength at break of 25 N or higher.
US08937125B2

A reinforced poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer composition includes specific amounts of a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer reaction product, a flame retardant, and a reinforcing filler. The composition exhibits a desirable balance of flame retardancy, heat resistance, and stiffness relative to a corresponding poly(phenylene ether) composition, and it is useful to fabricate articles including fuser holders for electrophotographic copiers.
US08937118B2

Various building materials constructed from different recycled components are provided. Such materials include boards, bricks, and the like, and exhibit differing levels of tensile strength, heat resistance, and other physical and chemical properties. The capability of introducing varied collected items, including paper, paperboard, clothing fibers, wood chips and strips, raffia bags, used engine oil, etc., and produce a resilient and dimensionally stable building material is presented herein. Replacement of timber and concrete is permitted with such a new material based upon renewable resources. The method of production and use of such materials is encompassed herein as well.
US08937114B2

A curable resin composition including (I) at least one thermoset resin composition; and (II) at least one hardener; wherein the powder coating has a balance of properties including a combination of high glass transition temperature and low water absorption.
US08937110B2

The present invention relates to a process comprising the steps of reacting a reactive mixture comprising at least one silicone-containing component, at least one hydrophilic component, and at least one diluent to form an ophthalmic device having an advancing contact angle of less than about 80°; and contacting the ophthalmic device with an aqueous extraction solution at an elevated extraction temperature, wherein said at least one diluent has a boiling point at least about 10° higher than said extraction temperature.
US08937108B2

A foam article for use in a seat cushion includes an open cell, polyurethane foam material that includes a base polyol; a crosslinker; an isocyanate; a surfactant; and water, that are reacted together to produce a seat cushion having dynamic and static performance specifications that are better than the performance characteristics for a traditional, high resilient material seat cushion, as well as other seating materials.
US08937097B2

Methods for making trans-(−)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and trans-(+)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a trans-(−)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol composition is prepared by allowing a composition comprising (±)-Δ9)-tetrahydrocannabinol to separate on a chiral stationary phase to provide a trans-(−)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol composition comprising at least about 99% by weight of trans-(−)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol based on the total amount of trans-(−)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and trans-(+)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The invention also relates to methods for treating or preventing a condition such as pain comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a trans-(−)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol having a purity of at least about 98% based on the total weight of cannabinoids.
US08937085B2

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical carrier composition and a pharmaceutical composition comprising said pharmaceutical carrier composition. The pharmaceutical composition comprises: (a) at least 20% (w/w) of the composition of a sugar or a sugar alcohol; (b) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; (c) one or more pharmaceutically active ingredients in their base form; and (d) water up to 100% (w/w). The present pharmaceutical composition is especially resistant against flocculation, clumping and/or precipitation at room temperature during prolonged time-periods such as one or more years.
US08937077B2

The instant invention provides compounds of formula I which are Jak inhibitors, and as such are useful for the treatment of Jak-mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, COPD and cancer.
US08937075B2

Thieno- and furo-pyrimidine compounds are described, which are useful as H4 receptor modulators. Such compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the modulation of histamine H4 receptor activity and for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by H4 receptor activity, such as inflammation.
US08937065B2

The invention relates to compounds and methods for modulating one or more components of a kinase signaling cascade.
US08937062B2

Compositions comprise a fluoroquinolone having Formulae I-VIII for treating, reducing, ameliorating, or preventing infections caused by some bacteria that are resistant to an antibacterial drug. Methods for treating, reducing, ameliorating, or preventing such infections use such compositions.
US08937056B2

The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of specific cancers. Such compositions may generally comprise a compound of formula (I): wherein R1-R3 are as defined herein, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US08937055B2

The present invention provides a compound having a muscle cell or adipocyte differentiation regulating action, useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia and the like, and the like, and having superior efficacy.The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula: wherein each symbol is as defined in the description, or a salt thereof.
US08937054B1

Insecticidal compositions suitable for use in preparation of insecticidal liquid fertilizers are disclosed. The compositions include bifenthrin, a polymeric dispersant, a suspension agent, a freeze-thaw stabilizer, and optionally a preservative.
US08937051B2

The invention provides interfering RNA molecule-ligand conjugates useful as a delivery system for delivering interfering RNA molecules to a cell in vitro or in vivo. The conjugates comprise a ligand that can bind to a low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) or LDLR family member. Therapeutic uses for the conjugates are also provided.
US08937050B2

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treating autism. Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treating an autism spectrum disorder.
US08937028B2

The invention relates to a glass sheet, the composition of which is of the soda-lime-silica type and comprises the following constituents in contents varying within the weight limits defined below: Fe2O3 (total iron)  0 to 0.02%; and K2O1.5 to 10%.
US08937027B2

A glass composition and its use for producing glass tubes is provided. The glass tubes having the provided composition are particularly suitable for the outer tubes of fluorescent lamps in the case of which a phosphor layer is baked at temperatures of up to 700° C. The tubes composed of the glass of the provided composition have a lower tendency to deform or stick together when processed at high temperatures. To obtain the observed effects, the molar ratio of Na2O/(Na2O+K2O), inter alia, is greater than 0.4 and not more than 0.72.
US08937022B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: housing a substrate into a processing chamber; and forming a metal nitride film on the substrate by supplying a source gas containing a metal element, a nitrogen-containing gas and a hydrogen-containing gas into the processing chamber; wherein in forming the metal nitride film, the source gas and the nitrogen-containing gas are intermittently supplied into the processing chamber, or the source gas and the nitrogen-containing gas are intermittently and alternately supplied into the processing chamber, or the source gas is intermittently supplied into the processing chamber in a state that supply of the nitrogen-containing gas into the processing chamber is continued, and the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied into the processing chamber during at least supply of the nitrogen-containing gas into the processing chamber.
US08937016B2

A method of producing a patterned inorganic thin film element includes providing a substrate having a patterned thin layer of polymeric inhibitor on the surface. The substrate and the patterned thin layer of polymeric inhibitor are exposed to a highly reactive oxygen process. An inorganic thin film layer is deposited on the substrate in areas without inhibitor using an atomic layer deposition process.
US08937010B2

A method and structure for encoding information on an integrated circuit chip. The method includes selecting a set of chip pads of the integrated circuit chip for encoding the information; encoding the information during a wirebonding process, the wirebonding process comprising forming ball bonds on chip pads of the integrated circuit chip and wedge bonds on leadframe fingers adjacent to one or more edges of the integrated circuit chip, the ball bonds and the wedge bonds connected by respective and integral wires; and wherein the information is encoded by varying one or more wirebonding parameters on each chip pad of the set of chip pads, the wirebonding parameters selected from the group consisting of the location of a ball bond, the diameter of a ball bond, both the location and diameter of a ball bond, the location of a wedge bond and combinations thereof.
US08937007B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including: forming a moisture resistant ring surrounding a multilayer interconnection structure in a layered body formed of stacked layers of a plurality of interlayer insulating films lower in dielectric constant than a SiO2 film and including the multilayer interconnection structure; forming a groove in the layered body between the moisture resistant ring and a scribe line, the groove reaching a surface of a semiconductor substrate; forming a film including Si and C as principal components and covering sidewall surfaces and a bottom surface of the groove; and forming a protection film on the film along the sidewall surfaces and the bottom surface of the groove.
US08936995B2

Methods of fabricating isolation regions of semiconductor devices and structures thereof are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a workpiece and at least one trench formed in the workpiece. The at least one trench includes sidewalls, a bottom surface, a lower portion, and an upper portion. A first liner is disposed over the sidewalls and the bottom surface of the at least one trench. A second liner is disposed over the first liner in the lower portion of the at least one trench. A first insulating material is disposed over the second liner in the lower portion of the at least one trench. A second insulating material is disposed over the first insulating material in the upper portion of the at least one trench. The first liner, the second liner, the first insulating material, and the second insulating material comprise an isolation region of the semiconductor device.
US08936983B2

A method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to present invention includes forming a stack layers on a semiconductor substrate having a first area and a second area; forming first gates on the semiconductor substrate of the first area by patterning the stack layers, wherein the first gates are formed a first distance apart from each other; forming a first impurity injection area in the semiconductor substrate of the first area exposed at both sides of each of the first gates; filling a space between the first gates with an insulating layer; forming second gates on the semiconductor substrate of the second area by patterning the stack layers, wherein the second gates are formed a second distance apart from each other, and wherein the second distance is larger than the first distance; and forming a second impurity injection area in the semiconductor device of the second area exposed between the second gates.
US08936980B1

Method and apparatus for providing a lateral double-diffused MOSFET (LDMOS) transistor having a dual gate. The dual gate includes a first gate and a second gate. The first gate includes a first oxide layer formed over a substrate, and the second gate includes a second oxide layer formed over the substrate. The first gate is located a pre-determined distance from the second gate. A digitally implemented voltage regulator is also provided that includes a switching circuit having a dual gate LDMOS transistor.
US08936979B2

Semiconductor devices and methods for fabricating semiconductor devices are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming on a semiconductor surface a temporary gate structure including a polysilicon gate and a cap. A spacer is formed around the temporary gate structure. The cap and a portion of the spacer are removed. A uniform liner is deposited overlying the polysilicon gate. The method removes a portion of the uniform liner overlying the polysilicon gate and the polysilicon gate to form a gate trench. Then, a replacement metal gate is formed in the gate trench.
US08936967B2

The present disclosure relates to the field of fabricating microelectronic packages, wherein cavities are formed in a dielectric layer deposited on a first substrate to maintain separation between soldered interconnections. In one embodiment, the cavities may have sloped sidewalls. In another embodiment, a solder paste may be deposited in the cavities and upon heating solder structures may be formed. In other embodiments, the solder structures may be placed in the cavities or may be formed on a second substrate to which the first substrate may be connected. In still other embodiments, solder structures may be formed on both the first substrate and a second substrate. The solder structures may be used to form solder interconnects by contact and reflow with either contact lands or solder structures on a second substrate.
US08936965B2

A normally-off transistor having an oxide semiconductor layer in a channel formation layer is provided. The transistor comprises: a first oxide semiconductor layer functioning as a channel formation region; a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer which overlap with the first oxide semiconductor layer; a gate insulating layer which is provided over and in contact with the first oxide semiconductor layer, the source electrode layer, and the drain electrode layer; a second oxide semiconductor layer which is provided over and in contact with the gate insulating layer and overlaps with the first oxide semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode layer provided over the second oxide semiconductor layer. A manufacturing method thereof is also disclosed.
US08936961B2

A stressor layer used in a controlled spalling method is removed through the use of a cleave layer that can be fractured or dissolved. The cleave layer is formed between a host semiconductor substrate and the metal stressor layer. A controlled spalling process separates a relatively thin residual host substrate layer from the host substrate. Following attachment of a handle substrate to the residual substrate layer or other layers subsequently formed thereon, the cleave layer is dissolved or otherwise compromised to facilitate removal of the stressor layer. Such removal allows the fabrication of a bifacial solar cell.
US08936952B2

An object is to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device in which a defect in characteristics due to a crack occurring in a semiconductor device is reduced. Provision of a crack suppression layer formed of a metal film in the periphery of a semiconductor element makes it possible to suppress a crack occurring from the outer periphery of a substrate and reduce damage to the semiconductor element. In addition, even if the semiconductor device is subjected to physical forces from the outer periphery in separation and transposition steps, progression (growth) of a crack to the semiconductor device can be suppressed by the crack suppression layer.
US08936948B2

A hard mask, a protective film, which protects the hard mask film from oxidation, a first mask film and a first organic film are sequentially stacked. The first organic film is processed into a first pattern, and the first mask film is etched using the patterned first organic film as a mask. After the first organic film is removed, a second organic film is formed. The second organic film is processed into a second pattern. The first mask film is secondary etched using the patterned second organic film as a mask so that the surface of the first mask film is exposed but the surface of the protective film is not exposed, thereby selectively patterning only the first mask film. After that, when removing the residual second organic film by ashing, it is possible to ensure the function of the protective film that protects the hard mask film from oxidation.
US08936944B2

A method and apparatus for managing a zone. Information is obtained about an environment in the zone with a sensor system. A determination is made by an analyzer system as to whether a contagious condition is present in the zone using the information from the sensor system. An action is performed by a management system in response to the contagious condition being present.
US08936939B2

The invention provides tissue culture system for primary cells (e.g. normal mammalian primary epithelial progenitors). This system includes: a) a serum-free, chemically defined cell culture media; and, b) methods for isolation and in vitro long-term propagation of primary cells (e.g. primary epithelial cells). Primary cells so isolated and cultured can be kept undifferentiated and proliferate for many weeks (>15 weeks) or population doubling (>35 PD) without senescence, or any detectable genetic alterations. Upon changing media/culture conditions, these cells can be induced to differentiate. The invention also provides methods to transform normal primary cells so cultured into “cancer stem cells.” The genetically defined cancer stem cell tumor model mimics the behavior of the disease closely, e.g., the cells are invasive, hormone responsive and metastatic when injected into mice. The tumor cells express genes that are specific to cancer stem cells identified in patient samples.
US08936936B2

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for targeted integration of one or more copies of a sequence of interest using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain and integrase defective lentiviral donor constructs.
US08936933B2

A method of processing a sample may include introducing a sample into a vessel, the vessel having proximal and distal ends, the sample being introduced into the proximal end of the vessel; incubating the sample in the vessel with a substance capable of specific binding to a preselected component of the sample; propelling components of the incubated sample, other than the preselected component, toward the proximal end of the vessel by clamping the vessel distal to the incubated sample and compressing the vessel where the incubated sample is contained; propelling the preselected component toward a distal segment of the vessel by clamping the vessel proximal to the preselected component and compressing the vessel where the preselected component is contained; and mixing the preselected component with a reagent in the distal segment of the vessel.
US08936930B2

A method of transforming red microalgae is provided. The method is effected by: (i) culturing red microalgae cells under predetermined light/dilution conditions to thereby generate competent red microalgae cells; and (ii) introducing at least one exogenous polynucleotide into said competent red microalgae cells, thereby transforming the red microalgae.
US08936929B2

The present invention relates to novel xylose-fermenting yeast strains (for example, yeast of the genus Saccharomyces, e.g., S. cerevisiae) with an enhanced ability to ferment the xylose (and/or another pentose sugar) present in a lignocellulosic hydrolysate to a fermentation product(s) (for example, an alcohol (e.g., ethanol) or a sugar alcohol (e.g., xylitol)).
US08936917B2

The invention relates to a fusion DNA construct comprising a KEX2 region comprising a KEX2 site and a KEX2 site pre-sequence immediately 5′ to the KEX2 site, a fusion polypeptide, vectors and cells comprising the fusion DNA construct, methods for producing desired proteins from filamentous fungal cells and methods for enhancing the secretion and/or cleavage of a desired protein from a cell.
US08936915B2

We disclose cleavage-sensitive antibodies with epitopes spanning the scissile bond of the toxins molecular target protein, enabling toxin-associated proteolysis to be measured in a variety of assay formats.
US08936912B2

The invention encompasses a method for amplifying at least two different nucleic acid sequences. In particular, the method encompasses a multiplexed nucleic acid patch polymerase chain reaction.
US08936910B2

Method for producing a modified oligonucleotide, wherein at least one polymer, preferably polyalkylene oxide, and/or a compound is covalently bound to the 5′-end or the 3′-end of the oligonucleotide via native ligation forming a native ligation site, with the proviso that the polymer and/or the compound is not a protein or peptide, if only the 5′-end of the oligonucleotide is modified by binding of the polymer or compound via native ligation. The invention is further directed to a modified oligonucleotide obtainable by the inventive method as well as the use of such modified oligonucleotide for the preparation of a medicament for preventing and/or treating a tumor, formation of metastasis, an immune disease or disorder, a cardiovascular disease or disorder, and/or a viral disease or disorder.
US08936896B2

The present disclosure provides for liquid electrophotographic inks having charge stabilizers and associated methods. In one example, a liquid electrophotographic ink can comprise a carrier liquid, a resin, a pigment, a negative charge director, and a charge stabilizer having a reduction potential of 0.16 v to 3.0 v.
US08936889B2

A photomask is provide. The photomask includes a substrate having a multi-layer stack disposed over the substrate. The multilayer stack has alternating first second and third layers disposed over each other, wherein the first, second and third layers are composed of first, second and third materials, respectively, and wherein at least the second layer is formed through an atomic layer deposition process. A capping layer is disposed over the multilayer stack; and an absorber layer disposed over the capping layer. A method for evaluating materials, unit processes, and process sequences for manufacturing a photomask is also provided.
US08936886B2

Biomass is gasified to generate syngas. The syngas is subjected to thermal cracking. Heat from syngas exiting a thermal cracking stage is transferred to syngas entering the thermal cracking stage. Biomass gasification apparatus may include a thermal pathway connected to transfer heat from an outlet of a thermal cracking process to an inlet of the thermal cracking process. Energy efficiency is enhanced. Syngas may be used as fuel for engines or fuel cells, burned to yield heat, or processed into a fuel.
US08936882B2

The present invention provides an electrolyte composition for a lithium or lithium-ion battery comprising a lithium salt in a liquid carrier comprising (a) a linear alkyl carbonate solvent, a cyclic alkyl carbonate solvent, or a combination thereof, and (b) a glycerol carbonate derivative compound of Formula (I): wherein X is selected from O, O(CO)O, S, N, P, P(═O), B, and Si; n is 1 when X is O, O(CO)O, or S; n is 2 when x is N, P, P(═O), or B; n is 3 when X is Si; and each R independently is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, acyl, heteroaryl, a 5-member ring heterocyclic group, a 5-member ring heterocycle-substituted methyl group, trialkylsilyl, and any of the foregoing substituted with one or more fluoro substituents, provided that R is acyl only when X is O, S, or N, and R is not alkyl when X is O(CO)O.
US08936881B2

A rechargeable lithium battery including a negative electrode, a positive electrode, the positive electrode including a lithium manganese oxide represented by the following Chemical Formula 1a or 1b, and an electrolyte, the electrolyte including an alkylsilyl phosphate represented by the following Chemical Formula 2:
US08936880B2

A cylindrical lithium secondary battery includes an anode and a cathode, capable of occluding or emitting lithium ions; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a CID (Current Interrupt Device) for intercepting electric current and lowering inner pressure when the inner pressure of the secondary battery is increased. The cylindrical lithium secondary battery may ensure the safety of the battery with respect to overcharging and also at the same time prevent the problem wherein the CID is activated too early, such that the battery stops its operation when the battery is used in a high-temperature environment.
US08936878B2

An insulating (nonconductive) microporous polymeric battery separator comprised of a single layer of enmeshed microfibers and nanofibers is provided. Such a separator accords the ability to attune the porosity and pore size to any desired level through a single nonwoven fabric. Through a proper selection of materials as well as production processes, the resultant battery separator exhibits isotropic strengths, low shrinkage, high wettability levels, and pore sizes related directly to layer thickness. The overall production method is highly efficient and yields a combination of polymeric nanofibers within a polymeric microfiber matrix and/or onto such a substrate through high shear processing that is cost effective as well. The separator, a battery including such a separator, the method of manufacturing such a separator, and the method of utilizing such a separator within a battery device, are all encompassed within this invention.
US08936876B2

This invention aims to provide a carbon material for a nonaqueous secondary battery having a high capacity and excellent charging/discharging load characteristics, which is used as a negative electrode material for a nonaqueous secondary battery. This invention relates to a carbon material for a nonaqueous secondary battery, which has a specific (1) Raman R value, (2) N atom concentration/C atom concentration ratio, and (3) S atom concentration/C atom concentration ratio.
US08936873B2

Provided is a non-aqueous electrolyte-based, high-power lithium secondary battery having a long service life and superior safety at both room temperature and high temperature, even after repeated high-current charging and discharging. The battery comprises a mixture of a lithium/manganese spinel oxide having a substitution of a manganese (Mn) site with a certain metal ion and a lithium/nickel/cobalt/manganese composite oxide, as a cathode active material.
US08936867B2

Disclosed herein is a secondary battery pack including a battery cell, a protection circuit module (PCM) assembly having a connection member (A), an insulative mounting member having a connection member (B) embedded therein, and an insulative cap. The connection member (B) is coupled to a second electrode terminal of the battery cell by welding, such that the connection member (B) is electrically connected to the second electrode terminal of the battery cell, in a state in which the insulative mounting member is mounted on the battery cell. The connection member (A) is coupled to a first electrode terminal of the battery cell upward from a PCM, such that the connection member (A) is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal of the battery cell. The electrical connection between the PCM assembly and the connection member (B) is achieved in a physical contact fashion.
US08936864B2

A battery pack with phase change materials (PCM). The PCM would improve the heating and cooling capabilities under various vehicle operating conditions. Methods of controlling the temperature in battery packs are also described.
US08936858B2

Provided is an organic electroluminescent element which includes a pair of electrodes composed of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, with at least one of the electrodes being transparent or semi-transparent, and an organic compound layer interposed between the pair of electrodes and containing one or more charge transporting polyesters represented by the following formula (I) [in the formula (I), A1 represents at least one selected from structures represented by the following formula (II); and in the formula (II), X represents a group represented by the following formula (III)]:
US08936850B2

Foam glass may include natural glass, wherein the foam glass includes greater than 5% alumina by weight of the foam glass and has a coefficient of thermal expansion ranging between 4×10−6 ppm/° C. and 6×10−6 ppm/° C. A composition for making foam glass may include natural glass including at least 5% alumina by weight of the composition, soda ash including less than 10% by weight of the composition, and boric acid including at least 5% by weight of the composition. A method for making foam glass may include mixing natural glass with boron to form a mixture, milling the mixture, melting the mixture at a temperature of at least 900° C., and allowing the melted mixture to cool, such that the foam glass includes at least 5% alumina by weight of the foam glass and at least 5% boron oxide by weight of the foam glass.
US08936839B2

The present invention provides a display panel with a flat plate in which a member partially provided with a light blocking part is disposed in front of a display panel, and a curable resin therebetween is sufficiently cured even in an area behind the light blocking part. The display panel with a flat plate of the present invention includes: a flat plate provided with a light passing part and a light blocking part; a display panel; and an adhesive layer between the flat plate and the display panel, the adhesive layer being a cured resin layer obtainable by polymerization involving at least one reactive component selected from the group consisting of a (meth)acrylate oligomer, a bicyclic ring-containing (meth)acrylate monomer, and a hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylate monomer, a peroxide component, and a primer as reaction materials.
US08936834B2

Novel methods and apparatuses for annealing semiconductor devices in a high pressure gas environment. According to an embodiment, the annealing vessel has a dual chamber structure, and potentially toxic, flammable, or otherwise reactive gas is confined in an inner chamber which is protected by pressures of inert gas contained in the outer chamber. The incoming gas delivery system and exhaust gas venting system are likewise protected by various methods. Embodiments of the present invention can be used, for example, for high-K gate dielectric anneal, post metallization sintering anneal, and forming gas anneal in the semiconductor manufacturing process.
US08936833B2

Three dimensional anti-reflection porous films or coated substrates and method for forming the films or coated substrates are disclosed, where the films or coatings have optical transmittances of at least 86% or a reflectance of at most 4%. The 3D anti-reflection porous film or coating compositions (a) one polymer or a plurality of network polymers, (b) one particles and/or a plurality particles, (c) optionally one crosslinking agent or a plurality of crosslinking agents, (d) optionally one oligomer or a plurality of oligomers, (e) optionally one polymerized monomer or a plurality of polymerized monomers, and (f) optionally void spaces, where the composition has a transmittance value of at least 86% or a reflectance value of at most 4%.
US08936824B2

A soy protein product having a protein content of at least about 60 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., preferably an isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., is formed by extracting a soy protein source with a salt solution, preferably aqueous sodium chloride solution, to form an aqueous protein solution having a pH of about 1.5 to 11, preferably about 5 to about 7 and separating the resulting aqueous protein solution from residual soy protein source. The protein concentration of the aqueous protein solution is increased to about 50 to about 400 g/L while the ionic strength is maintained substantially constant by using a selective membrane technique. The resulting concentrated protein solution is optionally diafiltered and a calcium salt, preferably calcium chloride, is added to the concentrated and optionally diafiltered protein solution to a conductivity of 15 to about 85 mS. Precipitate formed as a result of the calcium salt addition is removed and the resulting clarified retentate is diluted into about 2 to about 20 volumes of water prior to acidification to a pH of about 1.5 to about 4.4 to produce an acidified clear protein solution. The acidified clear protein solution is then concentrated and optionally diafiltered and optionally dried. Variations of this procedure can be used to produce a soy protein product which is soluble, transparent and heat stable in acidic aqueous environments.
US08936811B2

Embodiments of the invention include particles with nucleic acid complexes, medical devices including the same and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention can include a method of making a medical device. The method can include contacting nucleic acids with cationic carrier agents to form nucleic acid complexes, adsorbing the nucleic acid complexes to porous particles to form nucleic acid complex containing particles, mixing the nucleic acid complex containing particles with a polymer solution to form a coating mixture, and applying the coating mixture to a substrate. In an embodiment, the method can include contacting nucleic acids with cationic carrier agents to form nucleic acid complexes, combining the nucleic acid complexes with a material to form nucleic acid complex containing particles in situ, mixing the nucleic acid complex particles with a polymer solution to form a coating mixture, and applying the coating mixture to a substrate. In an embodiment, the invention can include an implantable medical device including a substrate, an elution control matrix disposed on the substrate; a plurality of particles disposed within the elution control matrix, and a plurality of nucleic acid complexes disposed within the particles, the nucleic acid complexes comprising a nucleic acid and a cationic carrier agent. Other embodiments are included herein.
US08936804B2

This invention provides a method of promoting bone healing by locally administering a vanadium-based insulin mimetic agent to a patient in need thereof. The invention also provides a new use of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds for manufacture of medicaments for accelerating bone-healing processes. In addition, the invention also encompasses a bone injury treatment kit suitable for localized administration of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds or compositions thereof to a patient in need of such treatment.
US08936803B2

The present disclosure provides compositions comprising fatty acids, or derivatives thereof (e.g., C1-C4 esters) including, for example, DGLA, and/or 15-HETrE, used singly or in combination for the prevention and/or treatment of effects associated with UV radiation such as erythema.
US08936801B2

By incorporating PBO and phtalocyanine in a polymeric matrix, the surface concentration of the PBO after migration to the surface is reduced relatively to a matrix without phtalocyanine. This can be used to control the migration of PBO and retain PBO for a long-lasting effect.
US08936799B2

The present invention relates to pigments with improved and adjustable sparkling effect comprising A) a plate-like substrate of perlite coated with (a) dielectric material, and/or metal; and B) a plate-like substrate of mica, coated with (a) dielectric material, and/or a metal; and a process for their production and their use in paints, ink jet printing, for dyeing textiles, for pigmenting coatings (paints), printing inks, plastics, cosmetics, glazes for ceramics and glass. The pigments show an improved sparkle effect; in particular an attractive high sparkle intensity.
US08936797B2

The present invention relates to polymer ic thickener compositions comprising at least one water-swellable crosslinked copolymer, a process for preparing such compositions and their use as a thickener, e.g., in cosmetic, dermatologic, pharmaceutical or veterinary formulations. The water-swellable crosslinked copolymer according to the present invention is prepared from a mixture comprising (a) acrylamide, (b) an acrylamidoalkylsulfonic acid and/or a salt thereof and (c) an amine-based polyfunctional crosslinking agent comprising at least three allylic functions.
US08936796B2

A hair care composition having a conditioning active comprising a sucrose polyester having a melting point greater than about 30° C., an IBAR greater than about 5, an IV of about 3 to about 70, and an aqueous carrier, and may further comprise optional ingredients including but not limited to, silicone, cationic polymers, and fatty alcohols. The composition can also comprise a blend of sucrose polyesters, wherein the blend comprises two or more sucrose polyesters, wherein at least one sucrose polyester has a melting point greater than about 30° C., an IBAR greater than about 5, an IV of about 3 to about 70, and at least one sucrose polyester has an IBAR between about 1 and about 8, and an IV between about 1 and about 135, and wherein the sucrose polyester blend has an IBAR of at least 5 and an IV of about 1 and about 135.
US08936795B2

A liquid embolic material may include a mixture of a first solution comprising between about 1.2% and about 2.5% weight per volume (w/v) carboxymethyl chitosan (CCN) in a first solvent and a second solution comprising between about 1.2% and about 2.5% w/v oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (OCMC) in a second solvent. The liquid embolic material may be used to embolize a targeted embolization location by mixing the first solution and the second solution to form a liquid embolic material (or hydrogel precursor material), introducing the hydrogel precursor material to a targeted embolization location within a body of a patient, and allowing the CCN and the OCMC to react to form the hydrogel material and embolize the targeted embolization location.
US08936792B2

The present invention provides improved Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE) molecules with high cytotoxicity and reduced immunogenicity, compositions containing the improved (PE), and methods of use.
US08936790B2

Disorders such as headaches can be treated by administration of a botulinum toxin to a patient suffering therefrom, such as a migraine headache. A combined a fixed site/fixed dose and an optional follow the pain variable dosage and injection site paradigm is disclosed for optimizing clinical effectiveness of botulinum toxin administration for patients suffering headache, particularly chronic migraine.
US08936788B2

A method and container for developing seedlings includes germinating the seeds and air pruning the seedlings to a depth of about 3 inches.
US08936787B2

Disclosed herein are peptides and peptide analogs with multiple amphipathic α-helical domains that promote lipid efflux from cells via an ABCA1-dependent pathway, as well as peptides that activate lipoprotein lipase, and compositions comprising such peptides or combinations thereof. Also provided herein are methods of using multi-domain amphipathic α-helical peptides or peptide analogs to treat or inhibit dyslipidemic disorders. Methods for identifying non-cytotoxic peptides that promote ABCA1-dependent lipid efflux from cells and activate lipoprotein lipase within cells are also disclosed herein.
US08936780B2

A composition including a solution suitable for introduction into a blood vessel comprising particles including a treatment agent and a tunable stimuli-responsive polymer. A method including introducing a delivery device into a blood vessel; and introducing a solution into the blood vessel, the solution including particles comprising a treatment agent and a tunable stimuli-responsive polymer. A method including combining a treatment agent and a tunable stimuli-responsive polymer; and forming particles of the combination suitable for delivery through a blood vessel.
US08936779B2

The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic composition for treating keratin fibers, including human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one cationic poly(vinyllactam) polymer, at least one fatty alcohol and at least one amino silicone.
US08936769B2

A system for the production of conversion products from synthesis gas, the system including a mixing apparatus configured for mixing steam with at least one carbonaceous material to produce a reformer feedstock; a reformer configured to produce, from the reformer feedstock, a reformer product comprising synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the reformer feedstock; a synthesis gas conversion apparatus configured to catalytically convert at least a portion of the synthesis gas in the reformer product into synthesis gas conversion product and to separate from the synthesis gas conversion product a tailgas comprising at least one gas selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane; and one or more recycle lines fluidly connecting the synthesis gas conversion apparatus with the mixing apparatus, the reformer, or both.
US08936768B2

We provide an alkylation process unit, comprising: a control system connected to an alkylation reactor, that enables the alkylation reactor to operate in both an alkylate mode that produces a gasoline blending component having a RON of 90 or higher and in a distillate mode that produces a second gasoline blending component having a RON of 85 or higher.
US08936762B2

The present invention relates generally to the field of high content screening of particles, e.g., cells in a flow cytometric system. In particular, the present invention relates to devices, methods and systems to obtain line-scan images of particles, e.g., cells, of a plurality of different samples simultaneously, where the line-scan images can be used to identify cells based on at least one of a variety of phenotypic characteristics such as shape, asymmetry, and intracellular information for cell sorting and selection. In some embodiments, the line-scan images are obtained as the particles, e.g., cells, in a plurality of different samples flow through a plurality of microchannels, reducing the need and time for focusing of the image detection system. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a small spatial resolution for rapid capturing of images of cells. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a larger spatial resolution for imaging of larger particles or cells, e.g., rare cells in a sample. In some embodiments, the devices, methods and systems are automated for a high-throughput, high content screening of particles such as cells in a plurality of samples.
US08936757B2

Apparatuses and processes are provided for stripping gaseous hydrocarbons from particulate material. One process comprises the step of contacting particles containing hydrocarbons with a stripping vapor in countercurrent flow to remove at least a portion of the hydrocarbons with the stripping vapor to form stripped particles. Contacting the particles includes advancing the particles down a sloping element of a structured packing toward a reinforcing rod that is disposed along a lower channel portion of the sloping element. The particles are advanced over the reinforcing rod. The particles are contacted with the stripping vapor that is rising up adjacent to the lower channel portion.
US08936754B2

There is provided a high-accuracy automatic analysis device achieving both of measurement in a wide concentration range and high sensitivity at a low concentration. The signals of a plurality of wavelengths λ1 to λ12 where the sensitivity of light absorption caused by fine particles is high from a light source 40 are converted to absorbances by a spectroscopic optical system (detector) 41. The absorbances are converted to a secondary parameter from in which a noise component is cancelled by using a previously-defined conversion table 54, so that a concentration of a measured material (predetermined component) is calculated by an operation unit (calculating means) 53 based on the secondary parameter. Thus, analysis being resistant to the noise even at the low concentration can be achieved in a range up to a high concentration.
US08936748B2

Artificial turf has a base layer, a multiplicity of blades fixed in and projecting upward from the base layer, and a mass of damping material on the base layer and through which the blades project. Each of the blades is at least partially formed of a polyester of terephthalic acid made from waste. The polyester is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), both from waste. The base layer is a flat primary layer, preferably a textile and preferably consists of plastic, a polyolefin and/or a polyester of terephthalic acid, preferably a polyester of terephthalic acid from waste.
US08936747B2

A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure includes extrusion-molding honeycomb molded bodies. The honeycomb molded bodies are fired to form honeycomb fired bodies. A molding frame optionally having a vent portion with air permeability is provided. The honeycomb fired bodies are fixed in the molding frame. A member having an other vent portion with air permeability is optionally disposed on an inner face side of the molding frame. A gap between the honeycomb fired bodies and a gap between the molding frame and the honeycomb fired bodies are filled with a sealing material paste. The sealing material paste includes inorganic particles and/or inorganic fibers. The sealing material paste is dried to solidify the sealing material paste and to form an adhesive layer and a coat layer. The sealing material paste is in contact with at least a part of the vent portion during the drying.
US08936746B2

An extension for a heating element includes a bracket for a quartz lamp within a furnace of a blow molding machine. The extension includes a base that is coupled to the furnace where the extension directs the heating element toward an end of a preform. The extension may include a parabolic lens to provide controlled and directed heating of the end of the preform to optimize material distribution upon blow molding.
US08936743B2

A method of making a polylactic acid based article includes: (a) providing a sheet having a crystallinity ranging from 0% to 15% and including a polylactic acid polymer composition, the polylactic acid polymer composition having a polylactic acid polymer, a copolyester polymer, and a crystal nucleating agent; (b) heating the sheet to maintain a surface of the sheet at a temperature ranging from 95° C. to 105° C. while keeping the crystallinity of the sheet lower than 20%; and (c) thermoforming the sheet in a mold having a temperature ranging from 95° C. to 130° C. so as to form a polylactic acid based article having a crystallinity ranging from 35% to 45%.
US08936742B2

The present invention relates to an integrated Assisting Cooling (AC) device, system and method for use with PED devices, allowing use of biopolymers having higher melting points in the fabrication of 3D scaffolds. The AC device cools the filament as it is extruding from the nozzle via low flow convective cooling. The AC device allows for cooling in the +/− direction of motion on an XY plane. The AC device elevates with the material delivery chamber. The AC device allows for scaffold fabrication at applied temperatures as high as about 250° C.
US08936737B2

There are provided a conductive paste for internal electrodes, a multilayer ceramic electronic component including the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. The conductive paste for internal electrodes including: a nickel (Ni) powder; a nickel oxide (NiO) powder having a content of 5.0 to 15.0 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the nickel powder; and an organic vehicle.
US08936734B2

A system and method for splitting water to produce hydrogen and oxygen employing focused polarized sunlight energy is disclosed. Hydrogen and oxygen may then be stored for later use as fuels. The system and method use inorganic capping agents that cap the surface of semiconductor nanocrystals to form photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals, which may be deposited and oriented on a substrate to form an oriented photoactive material. The oriented photoactive material may be employed in the system to harvest sunlight and produce energy necessary for water splitting. The system may also include a light polarization system and elements necessary to collect, transfer, and store hydrogen and oxygen, for subsequent transformation into electrical energy.
US08936733B2

Borate luminescent materials, preparation methods and uses thereof are provided. The luminescent material is a blend of metal M nanoparticles and (In1-xRex)BO3, wherein Re is one or two selected from Tm, Tb, Eu, Sm, Gd, Dy and Ce, M is one or two selected from metal nano particles of Au, Ag, Pt or Pd, 0
US08936732B2

A white light emitting glass-ceramic. The chemical formula of the glass-ceramic is aSiO2.bAl2O3.cNaF.dCeF3.nDyF3.mAg, wherein a, b, c, d, n and m are, by mol part, 25-50, 15-30, 10-30, 10-25, 0.01-1 and 0.01-1, respectively, and a+b+c+d-100. A method for producing said glass-ceramic is also provided. Silver ion is doped in the glass-ceramic in the form of silver particles by means of sintering and reduction annealing treatment, and thus the luminescence properties of rare earth ion is improved.
US08936729B2

According to one embodiment, a planarizing method is proposed. In the planarizing method, a surface to be processed of an object to be processed including a silicon oxide film is planarized in a processing solution by bringing the surface to be processed into contact with or close proximity with the surface of a solid-state plate on which fluorine is adsorbed. The bonding energy between fluorine and the solid-state plate is lower than that between fluorine and silicon.
US08936721B2

Exemplary embodiments include a unitary pool filter tank and/or an underdrain for a pool filter unit. Embodiments of the unitary pool filter tank can have an integrally formed housing and base. The filter tank can be formed using a blow molding process in which the base of the filter tank is reinforced using multiple polymer layers that have been folded and/or pinched together. Embodiments of the underdrain can be formed by interlocking top and bottom components. The top and bottom components can be interlocked by inter-component locking structures.
US08936715B2

Disclosed is a method of manufacturing high quality lube base oil (Group III) from unconverted oil having various properties obtained in a variety of hydrocrackers using improved catalytic dewaxing and hydrofinishing, the method including producing unconverted oil of at least one kind in the same or different hydrocrackers; subjecting the unconverted oil to vacuum distillation; supplying all or part of the distillate fractions to a catalytic dewaxing reactor; supplying the dewaxed oil fraction to a hydrofinishing reactor; and stripping the hydrofinished light oil fraction, wherein make-up hydrogen is supplied upstream of the hydrofinishing reactor to increase hydrogen partial pressure, thereby enabling high quality base oil to be manufactured at high yield under optimal process conditions using unconverted oil produced by hydrocracking under various conditions.
US08936711B2

The present invention relates to a method of extracting lithium with high purity from a lithium bearing solution by electrolysis. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of economical extraction of lithium from the lithium bearing solution by adding a phosphorous supplying material to the solution to prepare a lithium phosphate aqueous solution subject to electrolysis.
US08936710B2

The disclosure provides low-molecular-ratio cryolite for aluminum electrolytic industry, which consists of potassium cryolite and sodium cryolite with a mole ratio of 1:1˜1:3, wherein the molecular formula of the potassium cryolite is mKF.AlF3 and the molecular formula of the sodium cryolite is nNaF.AlF3, where m=1˜1.5 and n=1˜1.5. When the low-molecular-ratio cryolite provided by the disclosure is applied to the aluminum electrolytic industry, electrolytic temperature and power consumption can be reduced and electrolytic efficiency is improved.
US08936704B1

Systems and methods for generating hydrogen by electrolysis of water from a volatile power source may facilitate adjusting the operating capacity of an electrolysis stack based on measurements of the electricity output of the power source. In various embodiments, capacity adjustment is achieved by incorporating fewer or more cells of the electrolysis stack into a closed electrical circuit including the incorporated cells in series with the power source.
US08936695B2

A composite layup is formed on a tool and placed on a contoured part. The tool is contoured to substantially match the contour of the part. A set of location data is generated which represents the location of the part in space relative to the tool. An automated manipulator uses the location data to move the tool into proximity to the part and place the contoured layup on the part.
US08936689B1

An insensitive crystalline high explosive molding powder, usable as a booster HE. The subject insensitive crystalline high explosive molding powder being manufactured by adding the crystalline high explosive, and a polymer or wax based binder to a solvent to form a solution, spray drying the solution to drive off the solvent, thereby co-precipitating the HE and binder to form granules in which the crystals of HE are uniformly distributed in the binder.
US08936688B2

An aluminum alloy casting material for heat conducting is provided, wherein the thermal conductivity is improved of an aluminum alloy casting material whereof the castability is improved by the addition of silicon where said invention is characterized by being an aluminum alloy casting material with excellent thermal conductivity, comprising 5-10.0% by mass of silicon, 0.1-0.5% by mass of magnesium and the remainder comprising aluminum and inevitable impurities, and whereon aging treatment has been performed.
US08936685B2

The present invention provides a vitreous silica crucible which can suppress the sidewall lowering of the crucible under high temperature during pulling a silicon single crystal, and a method of manufacturing such a vitreous silica crucible. The vitreous silica crucible 10 includes an opaque vitreous silica layer 11 provided on the outer surface side of the crucible and containing numerous bubbles, and a transparent vitreous silica layer 12 provided on the inner surface side. The opaque vitreous silica layer 11 includes a first opaque vitreous silica portion 11a provided on the crucible upper portion, and a second opaque vitreous silica portion 11b provided on the crucible lower portion. The specific gravity of the second opaque vitreous silica portion 11b is 1.7 to 2.1, and the specific gravity of the first opaque vitreous silica portion 11a is 1.4 to 1.8, and smaller than that of the second opaque vitreous silica portion. The particle size distribution of the material silica powder for the first opaque vitreous silica portion 11a is wider than that of the second opaque vitreous silica portion 11b, and the material silica powder for the first opaque vitreous silica portion 11a includes more fine powder than that for the second opaque vitreous silica portion 11b.
US08936681B2

A method for making an epitaxial structure is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. The substrate has an epitaxial growth surface for growing epitaxial layer. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on the epitaxial growth surface. An epitaxial layer is epitaxially grown on the epitaxial growth surface. The carbon nanotube layer is removed. The carbon nanotube layer can be removed by heating.
US08936675B2

The present invention relates to new precast cementitious products with photocatalytic activity, and to a process to obtain them.
US08936672B1

Disclosed are various methods, kits, and compositions in the field of electroless nickel plating and chemical polishing. An electroless nickel plating composition may include a surfactant-brightener; a coupler; a bismuth metallic stabilizer; and organosulfur stabilizer and a bismuth complexer. Prior to plating, a substrate may be polished with a polishing composition that includes a surface blocker and a surface leveler. When practiced in accordance with the preferred teachings described herein, the electroless nickel plating composition is capable of providing a mirror-bright, lustrous finish, and has good leveling properties. The composition may be made without lead or cadmium.
US08936668B2

A water vapor transport membrane comprises a nanofibrous layer disposed on a macroporous support layer, the nanofibrous layer coated with a water permeable polymer. A method for making a water vapor transport membrane comprises forming a nanofibrous layer on a macroporous support layer and applying a water permeable polymer to the nanofibrous layer. The water permeable polymer can be applied for so that the nanofibrous layer is substantially or partially filled with the water permeable polymer, or so that the coating forms a substantially continuous layer on one surface of the nanofibrous layer. In some embodiments of the method, the nanofibrous layer is formed by electro-spinning at least one polymer on at least one side of the porous support layer. In some embodiments, the support layer is formable and the method further comprises forming a three-dimensional structure from the water vapor transport membrane, for example, by compression molding, pleating or corrugating.
US08936665B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing diamond-metal composites comprising mixing diamond particles with metal-filler particles forming a diamond/metal-filler mixture, forming a green body of the diamond/metal-filler mixture, optionally green machining the green body to a work piece before or after pre-sintering by heating the green body to a temperature ≦500° C., infiltrating the green body or the work piece with one or more wetting elements or infiltrating the green body or the work piece with one or more wetting alloys, which infiltration step being carried out under vacuum or in an inert gas atmosphere at a pressure ≦200 Bar. The invention relates further to a green body, a diamond metal composite, and use of the diamond metal composite.
US08936664B2

One embodiment provides a method of melting, comprising: providing a mixture of alloy elements that are at least partially crystalline; and heating the mixture in a container to a temperature above a melting temperature of the alloy elements to form an alloy, wherein the container comprises silica, and wherein the mixture comprising Zr and is free of Ti and Be.
US08936663B2

A chemical extractant selected from solutions of K2SO4 and/or Na2SO4 can be used by contacting with untreated broiler litter to selectively and efficiently remove phosphorous from the broiler litter. The broiler litter and extractant solution mixture, after a suitable time, can be separated, such as by filtration. The resulting treated broiler litter is thus significantly lower in P content without being lower by an undesirable amount in more preferred minerals. The treated litter so obtained is suitable for crop soil augmentation. Further, phosphorous can be thereafter precipitated in the form of phytic acid. Since the precipitate is high in mineral content, it can be used for other purposes (e.g., plant food, etc.).
US08936661B2

Multi-stage filtration apparatus is provided. A fluid is forced through different filter stage elements allowing for removal of various contaminants from the fluid.
US08936660B2

A wall ventilation screen to be used in exterior walls of buildings or vehicles for protecting against rain water and other elements while simultaneously enabling air flow. The screen includes a plurality of air passages that enable air flow from one side of the screen to the other but preferably without linear communication between both sides through the air passages. The air passages present an upwardly traveling trajectory from an exterior or exposed space to a protected space, preferably with lateral changes of direction as well. Therefore rain water that comes directly from precipitation or splashing from an adjacent surface cannot reach a protected space. The geometry of the air passages provides protection against other environmental or man made elements.
US08936655B2

The present invention relates to an integrated process, which comprises a single cell oil production process, and a pulp and/or paper industry process. The process comprises that in the single cell oil production process is used a microorganism capable of producing lipids or lipids and enzymes when cultivated on a medium comprising organic material from pulp and/or paper industry. Lipids or lipids and enzymes are produced by said microorganisms in the single cell oil production process and/or in a process connected into it. The present invention relates also to use of lipids produced in the process as biofuel or as a component of biofuel or as a starting material for biofuel production and use of enzymes produced in the lipid production process in pulp and/or paper industry or in other applications as an enzyme preparation or as a source of enzymes.
US08936645B1

A surgical process for resurfacing a head of a humerus has the steps of applying a jig over a surface of the head so as to define a separation line between the head and the humeral shaft, sawing along the separation line so as to separate the head and the humeral shaft so as to expose an end of the shaft, applying a resurface implant over an exterior surface of the head, and affixing the head having the resurface implant thereon onto the exposed end of the shaft. The head is shaped so as to smooth the exterior surface of the head prior to the step of applying the jig. A hole is formed through the head so as to extend into the shaft. A stem of the resurface implant extends through the hole in the head and into the hole in the shaft.
US08936644B2

Photodynamic devices for stabilizing a joint are provided. In some embodiments, a photodynamic joint spacer is provided that includes an expandable member configured for attachment to a bone having an excised region; a formable bar configured for attachment to the bone along at least a portion of the expandable member; and a light-sensitive liquid passed into the expandable member to expand the expandable member, wherein the expandable member is shaped by the formable bar to a shape resembling the excised region of the bone, and wherein the light-sensitive liquid is curable upon exposure to light energy to set the expandable member in the shape resembling the excised region to form a photodynamic joint spacer.
US08936643B2

The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.
US08936641B2

An expandable intervertebral implant (20) is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions (30A, 30B) and an inner core (50) disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.
US08936638B2

This invention provides a method for producing bioactive coral bone graft substitutes and to products obtained thereby.
US08936636B2

Implantable medical prosthesis, in particular a breast implant, comprising gel-type filling materials having different rigidities in a specific geometrical arrangement. For example, a breast implant comprises an outer shell and at least one first gel-type filling and at least one second gel-type filling, wherein at least one first gel-type filling has a softer consistency than at least one second gel-type filling, wherein said at least one first gel-type filling extends predominantly along the posterior part of the prosthesis, and wherein said at least one second gel-type filling extends predominantly along the superior portion of the anterior surface of the prosthesis without extending along the entirety of such anterior surface of the prosthesis.
US08936635B2

The present invention relates to a bioresorbable scaffold for a vascular stent comprising a nitric oxide agonist and a polymer comprising a lactide, a glycolide and a lactone. The nitric oxide agonist is a statin or a HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. The nitric oxide agonist may be coated on the polymer, incorporated within the polymer or chemically bonded to the polymer. The invention also relates to a method for treating atherothrombosclerotic occlusive disease of an artery comprising implanting into the artery a stent with a bioresorbable scaffold comprising a nitric oxide agonist and a polymer comprising a lactide, a glycolide and a lactone, wherein the nitric oxide agonist is exuded from or released from the bioresorbable scaffold.
US08936628B2

A sternal clamp having a first sliding body member and a second sliding body member telescopically mated, and a suture-receiving channel disposed on the exterior of the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member, wherein the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member are securable about a severed sternum by encircling and securing a suture about the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member, the suture being received and retained within the suture-receiving channel.
US08936616B2

The present invention provides, in certain aspects, devices and methods for plugging passageways and other open spaces in the body. In one embodiment, a plugging assembly comprises a first plug member and a second plug member, wherein the second plug member is configured to contact and move a portion of the first plug member in plugging a body passageway. These plug members may be formed with one or more of a variety of biocompatible materials including some that are naturally derived and some that are non-naturally derived. In another embodiment, such a plugging assembly is combined with a device that is suitable for delivering the assembly into a body passageway.
US08936615B2

A bone fixation system includes a bone plate, bone anchors, temporary fixation members, and forceps. The temporary fixation members are configured to be inserted through apertures in the bone plate and into underlying bone segments that are separated by a bone gap. The forceps are configured to apply a force to the temporary fixation members that causes at least one of the underlying bone segments to translate with respect to the other bone segment, thereby reducing or distracting the bone segments without interfering with final fixation by screws of bone segments.
US08936603B2

Various embodiments of components, devices, systems and methods are provided for a pneumatic surgical instrument having a distal end of a probe configured to penetrate bone, resect or microfracture bone. The injury caused to the bone by the penetration, resection or microfracturing of same causes blood to flow to the injury site and promote the growth of new bone at the site. Holes or recesses in the bone may also be employed to treat arthritis in patient, to form holes or recesses in which one or more orthopedic implants are attached or anchored to same, form microfractures in bone, resect bone, perform osteotomies, or to carry out yet other surgical procedures in bone.
US08936598B2

A spinal disc preparation tool is provided that includes an elongate shaft having an inner lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof. A lower jaw is located on a distal end of the elongate shaft for receiving tissue and delivering tissue to the inner lumen, and an upper jaw is pivotally movable relative to the lower jaw. The tool can include various features to facilitate removal and/or collection of tissue.
US08936596B2

A method for generating an improved tool path for cutting a bone so as to minimize soft tissue trauma, wherein the method comprises:accessing an image of the bone which is to be cut;accessing an image of a pre-determined cutting pattern;superimposing the image of the pre-determined cutting pattern against the image of the bone;calculating the intersection of the pre-determined cutting pattern and the bone using the superimposed images of the pre-determined cutting pattern and the bone; andgenerating a tool path based upon the intersection of the pre-determined cutting pattern and the bone so as to minimize soft tissue trauma by leaving a thin perimeter of bone at the boundary of the bone cut when the boundary of the bone cut is adjacent to a bone surface.
US08936590B2

Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled reaction device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to various embodiments, a reaction device is placed in an environment in order to perform a chemical reaction in an environment. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, an acoustic control signal may be used.
US08936587B2

An external absorbent device and a method for absorbing bodily fluids are provided. The external absorbent device includes an external tampon portion movably affixed to a sanitary napkin portion. The external tampon portion can be properly positioned between the labia of the wearer, and the sanitary napkin portion can be affixed to or rest within the crotch portion of an undergarment.
US08936573B2

An infusion pump for delivering medicament to a user. The pump comprises a pump mechanism and a bolus program module. The bolus program module is programmed to control the pump mechanism to deliver a bolus. An alarm program module is in data communication with the alarm, the timer, and the bolus program module. The alarm module is programmed to generate an alarm signal when the bolus program module does not control the pump mechanism to deliver a bolus within a predetermined period of time.
US08936568B2

A controlled volume inflation-deflation device to inflate a balloon to occlude a blood vessel by dialing a knob that locks at rotational positions to locate a plunger at equally spaced locations within a syringe of the inflation-deflation device. The inflation-deflation device includes a releasable latch to lock the proximal and distal housings together to hold the plunger forward for occlusion, and to separate and hold the proximal and distal housings to retract the plunger for perfusion. When the inflation-deflation device is returned to the latched position, the balloon is re-inflated to its previous occlusive diameter. Also, an extension tube made of a lower modulus outer material co-extruded over and miscible with a higher modulus inner material may be used to produce a suitably low compliance extension tube for the inflation-deflation device. The balloon may have tapered ends and a cylindrical center portion so that it increases by more equal increments in outer diameter in response to incremental equal increases in inflation volume.
US08936562B2

A pet ear cleaning device is disclosed for gently cleaning an animal's ears. The device can be used for home or veterinary use. The pet ear cleaning device comprises a nozzle, a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the nozzle, an internal pump assembly, and a tip for cleaning a pet's ear. A user would press a manual dispensing component which would activate the internal pump assembly which would then draw fluid from the liquid reservoir and transfer it to the nozzle. The liquid reservoir is typically a reusable reservoir that a user would re-fill with ear cleaning solution when empty, or it can be a replacement cartridge. Further, the nozzle typically comprises threads on its end for retaining the cleaning tip on the nozzle. After use, a user would discard the tip via a manually operated discard component that allows a user to remove the soiled tip hands free.
US08936559B2

A flexible guidewire comprising a hollow tube, having a proximal section and a distal section, the distal section having a distal tip, the outer diameter of the distal section gradually decreasing toward the distal tip, the outer diameter of the distal tip being larger than the smallest outer diameter of the distal section, the flexible guidewire further comprising a plug coupled with the distal tip of the hollow tube for creating a non-traumatic tip, and the flexible guidewire further comprising a tubular spring, being place around the distal section of the hollow tube for maintaining the outer diameter of the hollow tube over the length thereof and for supporting compressive loads.
US08936551B2

An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance non-fiber optic optical waveguide with suction. This device is useful in a wide array of surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.
US08936547B2

An endoscope gas feed system includes a fluid curtain nozzle for blowing a fluid curtain-forming gas toward an observation window provided on a distal end surface of the insertion part of an endoscope, the distal end surface including at least the observation window and an opening for spraying a constant-pressure feed gas, and the fluid curtain nozzle is provided on an opposite side of the opening with respect to the observation window, a gas/water feed nozzle for cleaning the observation window, the gas/water feed nozzle being provided on the distal end surface, a constant-pressure gas feed unit for supplying the constant-pressure feed gas, so as to spray the constant-pressure feed gas from the opening, and a fluid curtain-forming gas feed unit for supplying a gas, so as to blow the fluid curtain-forming gas from the fluid curtain nozzle.
US08936545B2

Dilators with a threaded distal portion and direct visualization capability may be used for penetrating and dilating stiff tissues and bones. The threaded portion of a dilator engages the tissue between the insertion site and the target site, and may be rotated for advancing through the target tissue in a more controlled fashion. The direct visualization capability may be used to visualize the ligament as the threaded distal portion passes through the ligamentum flavum. The devices and methods described may be used in procedures, for example, where ligaments surrounding the epidural space need to be dilated in order to deliver one or more surgical instruments into the epidural space.
US08936543B2

A method of manufacturing a composition for enlarging the penis comprises the steps of picking the auto-tissue of a skin from the abdomen or flank region of a patient; (2) obtaining a purified mixture of the dermis and fat by removing the red blood cells of a lower layer from the auto-tissue through centrifugation; (3) separating and extracting stem cells from part of the purified mixture; (4) picking blood from the patient and purifying the blood through centrifugation; (5) extracting a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), including rich growth factors, from the purified blood; and (6) fabricating the composition by mixing the mixture obtained at the step (2) and not used to extract the stem cells, the stem cells, and the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP).
US08936535B1

An elliptical trainer includes a frame, a handrail set, a flywheel set, and a pedal set. The frame has two opposing rails. The handrail set has two handrails pivotally connected to the frame. The bottom ends of the handrails are pivotally connected to handrail links. The rear end of each of the handrail links has a first guiding roller disposed at one of the rails. The flywheel set has a driving flywheel. The driving flywheel is flanked by two cranks each pivotally connected to a crank link. The front end of the crank link has a second guiding roller disposed at one of the rails. The pedal set has two opposing pedal links. Two ends of each of the pedal links are pivotally connected to the handrail links and the crank links, respectively. Pedals are fixed to the pedal links and follow stable motion paths to enable easy operation.
US08936529B2

A transmission ratio step of a stepped transmission which can couple at least two parallel transmission shafts. Multiple transmission ratios can be implemented with the ratio steps. A planetary gear set, comprising three components, is located coaxial with a first shaft. A first component is connected to and driven by an input supplied along the first axis, and a second component meshes with at least one spur gear, each of which is placed on a further axis that is parallel to the first axis. A first transmission ratio can be engaged by fixing a third component of the planetary gear set, and a second transmission ratio can be implemented by connecting either the third or the second transmission component to the drive supplied along the first axis. At least one the transmission ratio steps is utilized in a stepped transmission of a motor vehicle transmission.
US08936523B2

A training device is disclosed that has a depressable element and an indicator element that provides a perceivable indication, for example an audible alarm, to a user when an amount of force being applied to the training device along the major axis of the training device is less than a desired amount of depressing force. In some embodiments, the training device is in the shape of a prolate sphere and approximates the size and shape of a ball typically used in American football. The training device may be configured so that no perceivable indication is provided while either little to no force is being applied to the training device along its major axis or while an adequate amount of force is being applied to the training device along the major axis thereof.
US08936519B2

A golf ball having a cover material made from a polyurea or polyurea/urethane hybrid composition is provided. The polyurea or polyurea/urethane composition is produced by the reaction of an isocyanate blend having an average NCO functionality in the range of 2.05 to 2.35, a polyamine compound, and amine or hydroxyl curing agent. The resulting cover material has many advantages including improved thermal-stability, durability, toughness, and cut/tear-resistance. The preferred isocyanates in the blend include isophorone diisocyanate (“IPDI”); 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (“HDI”); 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (“H12 MDI”); 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (4,4′-MDI); toluene diisocyanate (“TDI”); and homopolymers and copolymers thereof.
US08936517B2

Light-weight and/or low density paint and coating formulations that yield light-weight coatings which exhibit advantageous durability and wear resistance, including golf club shafts incorporating such paint and coating formulations.
US08936512B2

A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a video game is provided. Game image information containing positional information of the target object in a game image used in the video game is stored in a game image information memory. A position of a viewpoint against the game image is specified on the basis of progress of the video game. A game image is displayed on the display screen on the basis of the specified position of the viewpoint and the game image information stored in the game image information memory. It is determined whether the target object becomes a non-display state or not in response to a movement request of the viewpoint received from a player. Selection of the target object by the player is received in a case where it is determined that the target object does not become the non-display state.
US08936509B2

A player of a card game, such as poker, is presented with opportunities to replace one or more of the cards in his or her hand. The first such replacement may be free, but the player may incur a cost for each subsequent replacement. This cost may be based on how much the player is expected to benefit from the replacement. Facilitating these subsequent replacements may allow the player to improve a poor hand, thus enhancing the player's excitement of playing the card game.
US08936504B2

A backless strapless bra comprised of a sheet of thermoplastic material having a left edge portion and a right edge portion and left and right breast cups molded into the sheet. Adhesive material is provided on the inner surface of the sheet for removably adhering the sheet to the front of a user's body so as to accommodate the user's breasts in said breast cups. Optional left and right extension strips are provided configured to be removably adhered to the left and right sheet edge portions and to the sides of the user's body.
US08936502B2

Sensory wall systems are provided. In one embodiment, a sensory wall system includes one or more middle sections, one or more end sections, and an insert panel. The one or more middle sections have sides that are configurable to be attached to other middle sections or to the end sections. The one or more end sections are connected to the one or more middle sections. The insert panel is within the one or more middle sections and includes an activity for a child.
US08936501B2

A toy figure is disclosed. The toy figure includes a portion that is configured to be illuminated by a light source. The portion includes a panel member that is transparent or translucent. The panel member has a light input surface and a light output surface. The panel member also includes a reflecting surface that redirects light in the panel member. Light from the light source enters the light input surface and exits from the light output surface. In one embodiment, the light output surface includes several deformities.
US08936499B2

A flipper including a bootee extended to the front by a flexible wing section, at least one flexible element placed in the direction of the length under the flexible wing section and a securing portion arranged between the proximal part of the flexible element and the proximal part of the flexible wing section.
US08936497B2

A connector apparatus is provided which includes a connector and a mechanical connect-assist mechanism associated, at least in part, with the connector. The connector is configured to operatively plug into a socket structure, and the mechanical connect-assist mechanism includes a cam shaft rotatably coupled to the connector and a connect-assist element projecting from the rotatable cam shaft. The connect-assist element is configured to engage at least one element-receiving opening associated with the socket structure with insertion of the connector within the socket structure. Rotating of the rotatable cam shaft moves the connect-assist element within the at least one element-receiving opening to facilitate secure seating and retention of the connector within the socket structure. In one embodiment, the connect-assist element is a rod extending transverse through the rotatable cam shaft, and configured to engage first and second element-receiving openings associated with the socket structure on opposite sides of the connector.
US08936495B2

A contact assembly includes a base and a pair of electrical contacts supported by the base. A first end of the first electrical contact corresponds to a first end of the base and is configured to engage a first external conductive circuit element. A first end of the second electrical contact also corresponds to the first end of the base and is configured to engage a second external conductive circuit element. The first contact and the second contact are electrically isolated from one another and configured to compress when engaging an external connector element. The base includes an aperture positioned on a second end of the base outboard of a second end of the first and second electrical contacts. The aperture presents a narrowing shape with a wide mouth distal the electrical contacts and a narrow internal through-hole proximate the electrical contacts.
US08936492B2

An electric connector comprising a housing, a tongue module, a plurality of first terminals, a plurality of second terminals and the terminals assembled in the housing and tongue, and a metal shell assembled in the housing. The tongue module is assembled in the housing, and those first terminals disposed in the tongue module by insert molding. Each first terminal has an extended part buried in the tongue module. The lower surface of the tongue module has a plurality of second terminal receiving slots between those first terminals. The pitch between the two adjacent first terminals is greater than the width of the second terminal receiving slot. The upper surface of the tongue module has a plurality of the terminal receiving slots.
US08936487B2

A connector which, when two contacts contact a connection object at positions different from each other in the insertion/extraction direction of the connection object, suppresses deflection of the connection object without increasing a pressing member size. The connector configured so, when the pressing member is rotated to a closed position, a pressing plate is brought into surface contact with the other thickness direction surface of a flexible circuit while pressed by a pressing member pressing portion, and a range including the contact positions between the flexible circuit and first and second contacts is pressed from the side of the other thickness direction surface of the flexible circuit via the pressing plate, so one thickness direction surface of the flexible circuit is brought into press-contact with the first and second contacts. Deflection of the flexible circuit is suppressed by the pressing plate, and the pressing member size need not be increased.
US08936483B2

A method of receiving a connector at a receptacle is described. The method may include receiving a portion of an over-mold portion into a recess of a platform housing of a platform when the recess is available. The method may also include receiving a connector, relatively smaller than the over-mold portion, into a receptacle of the platform whether or not the recess is available.
US08936481B2

A power cable termination arrangement is disclosed, comprising an electrically conductive closed-end sleeve (10) configured to be inserted on an end of the power cable. The sleeve is internally formed with a constriction (13) that separates a forward sleeve section (11) from a rearward sleeve section (14), wherein the forward sleeve section (11) is configured to establish, by radial crimping, electrical and mechanical connection between the sleeve and a bare end (5) of a power cable conductor (2), the rearward sleeve section (14) reaching from said constriction towards an insert end configured to receive the power cable in sealing contact between an insulated portion (3) of the power cable and a sealing ring (16) carried internally in the rear sleeve section (14).
US08936474B2

An electrical junction box has a box body (84) is formed by combining a first case (12) and a second case (14). The first case (12) has a receptacle (18) for housing a stacked connector (20). A connector lock (50) is provided on the second case (14) for fixing the stacked connector (20) inside the receptacle (18). The connector lock (50) latches and fixes at least two of the connector housings (88) that are successive in the stacking direction in the stacked connector (20).
US08936465B2

A method and device for programming a cordless handpiece used for root canal treatment and having a first memory and a tool holder for a treatment tool are described. The method includes providing a first data volume having a plurality of data sets in a second memory separate from the first memory, each of the data sets comprising at least one parameter assigned to the cordless handpiece and/or to the operable tool, selecting at least some of the data sets from the first data volume in the second memory, transmitting the selected data sets from the second memory to the first memory of the handpiece, and selecting a data set from the updated first memory for operation of the handpiece.
US08936462B2

A multi-operation wafer baking system includes a chassis; a wafer loading device mounted on the chassis for laterally moving a wafer; a cruciform transportation device mounted on the chassis for receiving a wafer from the wafer loading device and including a base, an elevation platform, and a rotation platform mounted on the elevation platform and having four carrier arms for carrying wafers; an annular baking device mounted on the chassis to oppose the cruciform transportation device and including a central turn table, a plurality of wafer racks, and a plurality of baking tray assemblies functioning to receive wafers from corresponding wafer racks for performing a baking operation on the wafer; and an unloading device mounted on the chassis for receiving baked wafers. This system allows for baking wafers in a multi-operation manner to thereby improve throughput.
US08936452B2

A pump housing, in particular a vane cell pump housing, having a suction connection point, from which a suction channel emerges which opens with a suction-channel opening into a receiving chamber in the pump housing, and having a pressure connection point, from which a pressure channel emerges which opens at a pressure-channel opening into the receiving chamber. The invention is distinguished by the fact that the suction connection point, the pressure connection point, the suction-channel opening and/or the pressure-channel opening are/is arranged in such a way that a minimum level of a conveying fluid which is present in the receiving chamber is not undershot in different installation situations.
US08936450B2

A roots type fluid machine includes a case having a side wall, a pair of rotary shafts provided in the case, a pair of rotors engaged with each other and fixed to the pair of rotary shafts so as to extend axially, respectively, a suction space formed by the case and the pair of rotors for introducing fluid, a discharge space formed by the case for discharging fluid and the pair of rotors and a transfer chamber formed by the case and the rotor. The rotor has a rotor end surface. A clearance is formed between the side wall and the rotor end surface. The transfer chamber transfers gas introduced in the suction space to the discharge space in accordance with the rotation of the pair of rotors. The case has a guide groove formed in the side wall facing the rotor end surface. Gas leaked from the discharge space into the clearance is introduced to the transfer chamber through the guide groove.
US08936449B2

A hermetic compressor is provided. The hermetic compressor includes a cylindrical shell; a stator fixed to an inner surface of the shell; a rotor rotatably installed with respect to the stator; a compression device combined with the rotor to be rotated together with the rotor; a stationary shaft including an eccentric portion around which the compression device is supported to be stationary with respect to a longitudinal direction thereof; an accumulator fixed to an inside of the shell in such a manner so as to seal an upper end of the shell and fixedly support a first end of the stationary shaft above the stator; a lower frame fixed to the inside of the shell, that fixedly supports a second end of the stationary shaft; an upper cap to seal an upper end of the accumulator; and a lower cap to seal a lower end of the shell.
US08936447B2

A cassette has an interface element having a first position and a second position. The interface element is configured to be driven from the first position to the second position and back to the first position by unidirectional rotary motion of a driving element. The cassette also has a first and a second pumping chamber each having a volume and each coupled to the interface element such that the volume of the first pumping chamber is increasing while the volume of the second pumping chamber is decreasing as the interface element moves from the first position to the second position and the volume of the first pumping chamber is decreasing while the volume of the second pumping chamber is increasing as the interface element moves from the second position to the first position.
US08936446B2

A sliding inflator with inner and outer cylinders is provided. The outer cylinder has a fixing element with an axial pipe protruding therefrom and having two through holes. A rotating element is disposed around the axial pipe and has two receiving chambers matching the through holes, respectively, and receiving a ball each. A gradually-deepened curved portion of the receiving chamber is defined between shallow and deep ends thereof. The rotating element rotates between an unlocked position and a locked position. A stopping element is fixed to the inner cylinder and has a protruding post with an annular groove. The rotating element switches from the unlocked position to the locked position to couple the cylinders together, and switches from the locked position to the unlocked position to release engagement between the cylinders.
US08936443B2

An approach is provided in which a cooling manager detects a failed fan included in an electronic enclosure. The electronic enclosure includes multiple fans that each cool different component areas in the electronic enclosure. The cooling manager selects an airflow compensator that corresponds to a functioning fan included in the electronic enclosure, which includes a fixed perforated member and a movable perforated member. In turn, the cooling manager adjusts the selected airflow compensator to redirect a portion of airflow generated by the functioning fan to the component area corresponding to the failed fan.
US08936442B2

A method for manufacturing an integrally bladed rotor (10), in particular for a gas turbine, including the following method steps: preparing a rotor base member (12) having at least one first weld surface (16) and one blade (14) having a second weld surface (18); positioning the rotor base member (12) and the blade (14) in such a way that a join zone (20) is formed between the first and second weld surface (16, 18); and filling the join zone (20) with metal powder (24) and the laser welding or electron beam welding of the metal powder (24). An integrally bladed rotor (10) has a join zone (20) between the rotor base member (12) and blades (14), the join zone (20) being filled with welded metal powder (24).
US08936441B2

An article of manufacture having a nominal airfoil profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in scalable Table 1 wherein the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values convertible to dimensional distances by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a number, and wherein X and Y are coordinates which, when connected by continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each Z height, the airfoil profile sections at each Z height being joined with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08936439B2

A turbine wheel is disposed about an axis and has a back having a separator disposed thereon, an inner undercut disposed between the separator and the axis, and an outer undercut disposed between the separator and an outer periphery of the back face. The inner undercut is defined by a first radius blending toward the axis and into a first flat section, and further defined by a second radius blending into the first flat section and into the separator.
US08936432B2

A low density abradable coating for use as a seal material is formed by depositing a metal bond coat followed by depositing a low density, porous, abradable metal seal layer on the bond coat. The seal layer is formed by co-depositing metallic sponge particles and metal precursor particles. The metal precursor particles decompose during heat treatment leaving fine pores distributed throughout the microstructure.
US08936423B2

Fasteners are provided with a polymer layer covering a body. The polymer layer may improve the aesthetics of the fastener and may be colored to provide various color options. The polymer layer covers at least part of a wrench bearing surface.
US08936421B2

A locking structure of a screw-fastening block includes: a screw-fastening block made by providing a screw member for screwing and connecting a bus bar, a terminal, or the like on an upper portion of a screw-fastening block main body; and an electrically connecting block main body having a receiver into which the screw-fastening block is inserted upward side and in which the screw-fastening block is received. Locking portions are provided on both sidewalls of the receiver, and a bottom surface of the screw-fastening block main body is a lock-receiving portion to be engaged with the locking portion. The locking portions are locking arms projected obliquely upward from the both sidewalls, and a tip end of the locking arm is provided with a locking surface for supporting the bottom surface of the screw-fastening block main body, and a projecting piece for supporting a side surface of the screw-fastening block main body.
US08936416B2

A portable air abrasion device has a dispensing chamber and a flow valve for controlling the flow rate from the dispensing chamber. The flow valve includes a fluid flow chamber for receiving granular materials exiting the dispensing chamber. The fluid flow chamber has a granular materials inlet port, a fluid flow inlet port for receiving the flow of a fluid to the fluid flow chamber and a fluidized granular material exit port for dispensing a fluidized mixture of the granular material away from the fluid flow chamber. The fluid flow chamber also has a flow regulator employing a lead screw to control the flow of fluidized granular material through the fluidized granular material exit port.
US08936415B2

Systems for installing roof support sheets on a mine roof. One system includes a support frame, a lifting system, and a feeding system. The support frame holds a plurality of roof support sheets. The lifting system lifts at least one of the sheets from the support frame. The feeding system obtains the at least one sheet from the lifting system and feeds the at least one sheet toward an installation apparatus for installation on the mine roof. The lifting system includes a shoe and at least one arm for moving the shoe to engage and move the at least one sheet. The feeding system includes a drive assembly and a support. The drive assembly engages and moves the at least one sheet toward the installation apparatus, and the support supports the at least one sheet moved by the drive assembly.
US08936411B1

A method of forming architectural concrete in a quicker and more cost effective manner relative to conventional concrete formation methods. The method includes forming the architectural concrete without the use of a surface retarder, and using prescribed amounts of fine sand and aggregate to allow for creation of the desired aesthetic look of the architectural concrete.
US08936403B2

A unitary fiber optic ferrule reflects light off an interior lens and through the fiber optic ferrule. Optical fibers can be easily secured in the unitary fiber optic ferrule. An adapter to secure the unitary fiber optic ferrule to a optical component assembly is also presented. The adapter provides a sealing function for the lenses and to provide routing for optical fibers from other assemblies of unitary fiber optic ferrules and adapters.
US08936400B2

A shutter member of the optical communication adapter includes a base plate, both side plates, a connecting plate, and an elastically deformable shutter plate having a predetermined curvature radius. In the adapter, the base plate of the shutter member is fitted into a bottom recess formed on an external surface of a bottom wall and the both side plates of the shutter member are fitted into both side recesses formed on the external surface of both sidewalls. The shutter plate of the shutter member is positioned at both open ends of an insertion hole to shield the insertion hole while being curved to form a convex shape toward a center portion of the insertion hole and, when a connector is inserted into the insertion hole, falls toward the center portion of the insertion hole by being pressed by the connector.
US08936386B2

A decorative lamp comprises a base, a light-emitting component, a transparent plastic housing, and a light-transmitting hollow column. The base is provided with an electrical connection portion for connecting to a public electrical source. The light-emitting component is mounted to a top of the base and electrically connected to the electrical connection portion of the base. The transparent plastic housing defines a bottom opening and a top opening and is provided with a laser-engraving pattern, wherein the housing is fixed to the base via the bottom opening thereof and accommodates the light-emitting component therein. The light-transmitting hollow column contains slightly-viscous flowable liquid therein and is securely fixed to the housing by providing a bushing at a bottom of the column and inserting the busing into the top opening of the housing.
US08936385B2

A side-light type spread illuminating apparatus includes a light guiding plate; a light source arranged along a light entering face of the light guiding plate; a double-sided prism sheet arranged at a light emitted face side of the light guiding plate; and an optical member arranged at a back face side facing the light emitted face of the light guiding plate. The optical member includes a light absorption member allowing prevention of reflection of light that has been introduced into the optical member.
US08936380B2

The improvements include a reflector having an optical axis and a focus on the optical axis; a plasma lamp generating a light emitting plasma ball; and a G-force diaphragm shock mount coupling the lamp to the reflector while maintaining precise and stable positioning of the plasma ball of the lamp at or near the focus of the reflector to preserve optical performance despite application of G-force shocks to the apparatus.
US08936378B2

A LED light source, comprising a heat-dissipation base, a circuit base is fixed on the heat-dissipation base, and luminous LED(s) is fixed on the circuit base, a light-distribution lens is sealed connected outside the heat-dissipation base, a housing is fixed outside the light-distribution lens, and front ends of the housing and the light-distribution lens are separately fixed jointed to a light-transmitting cover, the light-transmitting cover is sealed connection with the heat-dissipation base, the circuit base and LEDs are located within a sealed first chamber formed by the heat-dissipation base, light-distribution lens and light-transmitting cover, at least a channel is further arranged on the heat-dissipation base, each channel is disconnected to the first chamber, and two opposite openings of each channel are connected to the exterior. The LED light source has a good heat-dissipation performance, particularly to be used for high-power LED illumination.
US08936369B2

An illuminator includes: a light source section including a laser light source; an optical element through which a laser beam from the laser light source passes; a driving section oscillating the optical element; and a control section controlling, in a driving operation performed by the driving section, the driving operation to allow an oscillating amplitude value of the optical element in a startup period of the optical element to be equal to or less than the oscillating amplitude value of a steady-state operation period of the optical element that is subsequent to the startup period.
US08936368B2

This invention realizes an illumination optical system with a small etendue that has a longer lifetime and a high degree of brightness. The invention includes: a laser light source that generates excitation light having a first wavelength; a phosphor wheel including a blue fluorescent light generation region that generates fluorescent light having a second wavelength by means of the excitation light, and a green fluorescent light generation region that generates fluorescent light having a third wavelength by means of the excitation light; an LED light source that generates light having a fourth wavelength; and a dichroic mirror that reflects fluorescent light having the second wavelength and fluorescent light having the third wavelength and allows light having the fourth wavelength to pass therethrough, to thereby emit each of the lights in the same direction.
US08936365B2

An ophthalmological device (1) comprises an optical transmission system (5) for transmitting femtosecond laser pulses to a projection objective (3) for projecting the femto-second laser pulses onto or into eye (2) tissue. The ophthalmological device (1) further comprises an objective changing device (4) for changing and connecting the projection objective (3) to the optical transmission system (5). The objective changing device (4) comprises more than one different projection objectives (3) connected mechanically with each other, and the objective changing device (4) is configured to convey one of the projection objectives (3) to the optical transmission system (5) for connecting the respective projection objective (3) to the optical transmission system (5). The objective changing device (4) makes it possible to adapt the laser-based ophthalmological device (1) for new applications without the need for extensive reconfigurations and/or costly vario-lense objectives.
US08936364B2

Embodiments of the invention generally provide apparatuses and methods utilized in optics, and more specifically to apparatuses and methods for adaptive optics correction and imaging. Real-time wavefront sensorless adaptive optics correction and imaging is used with the living human eye to produce optical quality rivaling that of wavefront sensor based control in the similar systems. Using an optimization algorithm that is based on an image quality metric, the apparatus and method optimize the optical quality in ocular image frames acquired with an adaptive optics system.
US08936356B2

A printing apparatus includes an ink storage unit; a print head unit which has an ink reception port, an ink discharging device, and an ink exhaust port; an ink return path which is connected to the ink exhaust port and which returns ink exhausted from the ink exhaust port to the ink storage unit; and a cooling device which is arranged in the ink return path and which cools ink which passes through the ink return path.
US08936350B2

A print head includes an energy generating element, a chamber for accommodating liquid, and an ejection opening for ejecting liquid from the chamber, thus applying the energy to the liquid in the chamber from the energy generating element to eject the liquid from the ejection opening, wherein the ejection opening includes at least two projections convex to an inside of the ejection opening in a cross section perpendicular to a liquid ejecting direction and has a tapered angle Θ1 in regard to the liquid ejecting direction, enabling a meniscus of the liquid to be formed therebetween at the liquid ejecting time, and an outer edge portion has a tapered angle Θ2 in regard to the liquid ejecting direction, wherein the tapered angles Θ1 and Θ2 are defined to meet a formula of 0°≦Θ1≦10° and a formula of Θ2>Θ1.
US08936345B2

A capping mechanism selectively takes a capped state in which an ejection space opposing an ejection surface is covered or an uncapped state in which the ejection space is not covered. A controller is configured to: determine whether a first change of the capping mechanism from the capped state to the uncapped state occurred while air moisturized by a moisturization mechanism is being moved to the ejection space by a ventilator or not; and when a second change of the capping mechanism from the uncapped state to the capped state occurred after the first change occurred, control the ventilator to move the air moisturized by the moisturization mechanism to the ejection space when a first uncapped time is shorter than a first predetermined time, and control a discharger to discharge the liquid through ejection openings when the first uncapped time is not shorter than the first predetermined time.
US08936334B2

A printing method where ink is discharged by a nozzle row, which has a plurality of nozzles, being relatively moved in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction with regard to a print medium, and printing of a print image is performed to be formed of an independent region where raster lines, which are dot rows lined up in the main scanning direction, are completed in one main scanning and an overlapping region where the raster lines are completed in a plurality of main scannings, the printing method comprising: allocating whether each of the dots of the overlapping region is formed in either a preceding main scanning or a following main scanning in the plurality of main scannings; and performing the preceding main scanning and the following main scanning in an order which corresponds to the result of the allocating.
US08936328B2

A structure for supporting of an apparatus for electrical control or protection of a medium-voltage electrical cell, which structure has two sides substantially parallel to one another, each side having a main portion from which extends a wing, the wings connected at their free ends with two upper crossmembers connected to the main portion of the sides by the wings at their junctions with the main portions, and each having an opening to receive slidingly two of the upper crossmembers, and first abutment and locking means, to prevent movement of the crossmember relative to the structure in five of six degrees of freedom, displacement of the crossmember in translation in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion of the crossmembers being the sixth degree of freedom, installation of the crossmember in the openings without fastening means being sufficient to make the assembly stable.
US08936327B2

A bezel assembly includes a panel, a shielding member with a mounting portion, and a securing assembly. The panel includes a main body with a limiting panel and a blocking portion. A first opening and a through hole are defined in the main body. The securing assembly includes a sliding member and a coil spring secured to the sliding member and the blocking portion. The sliding member is slidably located between the sliding member and the blocking portion, and an axis of the coil spring is substantially perpendicular to the limiting panel. The sliding member is slidable relative to the main body between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the mounting portion extends through the through hole, and the sliding member is engaged in the mounting portion; in the second position, the coil spring is deformed to disengage the sliding member from the mounting portion.
US08936322B2

A system for use in a vehicle with a brake pedal and a brake circuit. The system includes a master cylinder assembly configured to pressurize fluid therein in response to movement of the brake pedal, a sensor assembly configured to generate a pedal position signal indicative of position of the brake pedal, an electronic control unit configured to (i) generate a brake request signal in response to generation of the pedal position signal, and (ii) generate a selector control signal, and a selector valve assembly being moved from a first mode to a second mode in response to generation of the selector control signal, the master cylinder assembly is (i) isolated from fluid communication with the brake circuit when the selector valve assembly is positioned in the first mode, and (ii) in fluid communication with the brake circuit when the selector valve assembly is positioned in the second mode.
US08936319B2

A truck for heavy transport that comprises a front part coupled with a rear part. The rear part comprises a load arrangement including a load frame arranged to support a loading bin. The loading bin is arranged such that it can be pivoted at the rear end of the load frame, whereby the load arrangement or load frame comprises a pivot arrangement arranged to displace the point of attack of the weight of the load during a lifting operation of the loading bed.
US08936303B2

A cable routing structure for vehicle can reliably prevent a cable from being broken or damaged, and can reduce manufacturing cost. A cable is routed along a lower surface of a floor panel and connects a power generating motor installed in a vehicle front portion and a battery installed in a vehicle rear portion. A rigid tubular member having rigidity, is disposed along a vehicle front and rear direction in a floor tunnel. A flexible tubular member having flexibility is interposed between the rigid tubular member and the power generating motor. The cable is inserted through the rigid tubular member and the flexible tubular member. A front end portion of the rigid tubular member is disposed in the floor tunnel at a portion on a vehicle rear side relative to a front edge of the floor tunnel. When receiving pressure from a vehicle front side, the flexible tubular member is forcibly bent so as to be entered into in the floor tunnel.
US08936298B2

A field configurable vehicle armoring system and associated method allow a user to retrofit and reconfigure a combination of armor components in response to a perceived threat change and using original equipment manufacture fasteners and holes. The system includes pillar armor attachable after an original equipment manufacture door and hinge are removed. Fasteners extend through the hinge of the armored door, the pillar armor and an original equipment manufacture pillar using holes other than the original equipment manufacture holes. Rocker panel and underbody armor is further provided, along with a ballistic resistant windscreen and rear wall armor. Where desired, system armor includes a composite plate comprising a strike face that is constructed from softer metallic material than an inner metallic sheet.
US08936296B1

A two-piece front windshield for a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) has a lower section of the windshield having a forward lip at its upper edge. The lower windshield is attached to the front of the vehicle roll cage frame. A removable upper section of the windshield is attached to the front of the vehicle roll cage frame above the lower windshield supported by the forward lip and held in place by a quick disconnect clamp system with the ability to be quickly removed and repositioned into a rear storage channel behind the vehicle seats to be used as a rear window. The upper section of the windshield can be placed back into the front windshield position at anytime.
US08936280B2

Saddle tap assemblies comprising internal collars and external saddle taps are disclosed. A saddle tap assembly may include an external slip tap, internal tap collar, a duct section, and adhesive. The external slip tap and the internal tap collar may each have a flange. The flanges may be curved. The flange of the internal collar may have a sheared portion permitting the flange of the internal collar to pass through an opening in a section of duct. The installation of saddle tap assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention is more cost-effective and less time consuming than conventional methods. Moreover, the seals and bonds formed using embodiments of the present invention provide for several layers of chemical protection and structural stiffening wherever the saddle tap assemblies are located.
US08936279B1

Advertisements in instances of a product are customized prior to distributing the instances to different recipients. Information about the different recipients is received, and information about vendor interest with respect to advertising in the product is received. Customized advertisements are generated for each instance of the product. The customized advertisements in each instance reflect a convergence of the vendor interest and the recipient information. The convergence occurs before the instances are created. As a result, advertising in different instances is customized for the different recipients.
US08936271B2

An bag assembly is provided with a flat lateral profile for increased compactness in the lateral direction. A folded airbag is inflated by an inflator to unfold and project in a longitudinal direction. The folded airbag has a central fold extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of distal folds disposed opposite the inflator and defining a distal end of the central fold.
US08936264B2

The invention relates to a one-shell spring suspension arm formed of sheet metal for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, including a first end section for connection to a chassis carrier, a second end section for wheel-side connection, and a width-expanded section for supporting a spring, which is arranged between the two end sections and defines a trough having upwardly projecting flanks. In order to enable optimized wheel suspension by distributing the forces and torques to spatially distanced connections, or articulated-connection points, while achieving a relatively low component weight and favorable manufacturing costs, the invention provides that a spiral is integrally formed in the width-expanded section of the spring suspension arm as a spring seat and that a connection section for connecting a shock absorber is formed between the spiral and the second end section.
US08936260B2

A service cart for an aircraft is disclosed with a housing of carbon fiber reinforced composites forming a multi-compartment carrier, the carrier adapted to hold four standard airline meal carriers. The cart includes at least a pair of cap doors at opposite ends of the cart, each cap door pivoting approximately 270 degrees to bear against a side of the cart, and a plurality of guides on inner walls of the multi-compartment for retaining the standard airline meal carriers. To prevent the doors of the cart from inadvertently opening, the cart also may include a redundant paddle latch system for each door.
US08936244B2

An apparatus and method are disclosed for stacking items of media in a container region. The apparatus includes at least one rotatable element, each having an outer surface and an opposed claw element for releasably clamping an item of media to the outer surface of the rotatable element for rotation therewith. The apparatus also includes a driven roller element for locating an item of media released by the claw element into a stack position. The apparatus also includes a support platform element biased towards the roller element to compress items of media located in the stack position between the platform element and the roller element.
US08936235B2

A fluid-filled type vibration damping device including a base component and a tubular mating component. The tubular mating component is externally fitted onto the base component by means of a diameter-constricting caulking with a sealing rubber clasped therebetween so as to constitute a mate-fastened portion. The tubular mating component extends axially outward beyond a sealed section of the mate-fastened portion so as to provide a caulking tube portion. A diametrical position of the tubular mating component at the sealed section is determined by contact of the caulking tube portion against an outside peripheral face of a positioning projection provided on the base component so as to define a diametrical positioning portion. The caulking tube portion is constricted in diameter and held in engagement with an axial edge portion of the positioning projection so as to form an axial positioning portion.
US08936234B2

A method of mass transfer includes the steps of: supplying a first fluid and a second fluid into a mass transfer apparatus, wherein the mass transfer apparatus includes a vessel which has a head region, a base region and a mass transfer region, wherein the first fluid is brought into contact with the second fluid at least in the mass transfer region, wherein the mass transfer region is arranged between the head region and the base region and the mass transfer region includes a structured packing which includes a plurality of neighboring layers of fabric which includes fiber strands of a non-metallic material. The mass transfer apparatus is operated at a fluid load of at most 3 m3/m2/h. The fabric of the structured packing includes fiber strands of a non-metallic material which are formed as weft threads, wherein the weft threads have a yarn count of at least 100 g/1000 m and the weft threads include at least 20 yarns/25.4 mm.
US08936232B2

A hoist includes a platform, a drum, and a motor. The drum is supported by and configured to rotate with respect to the platform, and the motor is coupled to the drum and configured to rotate the drum. The hoist further includes a shaft having a splined section and an interlock system configured to constrain rotation of the shaft. The shaft is coupled to at least one of the drum and the motor, and communicates torque between the drum and the motor. The interlock system includes a keyed ring and an arm. The keyed ring is configured to slide onto and engage the splined section of the shaft. The arm extends from the keyed ring and is configured to provide leverage to limit rotation of the keyed ring, thereby interlocking rotation of the shaft when the keyed ring is engaged with the splined section of the shaft.
US08936230B2

A normally open electromagnetic valve includes: a fixed core; a movable core which is driven when excited; a valve seat member in the fixed core and having a funnel-shaped valve seat surface; a valve member disposed so that the valve member advances or retreats together with the movable core with one end of the valve member kept in contact with the movable core, and that the other end of the valve member closes or opens a flow passage by coming into contact with or separates from the valve seat surface; and a return spring. The fixed core has a cylindrical holding hole. The valve member advances or retreats being guided by the holding hole in sliding contact with the holding hole. The movable core has a projection which projects toward the fixed core and which is directly inserted into the holding hole.
US08936222B1

A system and method for magnetically supporting a device upon a structure for safeguarding the phone and providing immediate and convenient functional access to the phone. The apparatus and method for magnetically supporting an electronic device upon a user's arm including a connector assembly including a first magnet having a geometric shape and adapted to be securely attached to a device and also including a second magnet having a geometric shape and adapted to be securely attached to a support member and magnetically attachable to the first magnet to support the device to the support member.
US08936213B2

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an engine pylon (7) to be mounted between an engine (1) and an aircraft wing (6), said method comprising: mounting a pylon box (8) around a main structure (9), the box having a substantially oblong shape along which an air boundary layer (C) is formed while in flight; mounting at least one vortex generator (2) onto the pylon box such that a thickness (e) of the boundary layer is changed; and previously determining the shape of the pylon on the basis of the changed thickness of the boundary layer and the position of the vortex generators.
US08936211B2

A method of manufacturing a stator includes a first winding step of, with annular conductors of a first coil portion being placed in a coil holding unit, inserting the annular conductors into the respective slots by a coil pushing-out unit; and a second winding step of, after the first coil winding step, with annular conductors of a second coil portion placed in the coil holding unit, moving a positioning unit in an axial direction at least from one end of the stator core to the other end of the stator core in the axial direction, and inserting the annular conductors into the respective slots by the coil pushing-out unit while a part of the first coil portion, which is located in the slots, is pressed in a direction from the opening of the slot toward an inside of the slot by the radial end faces of the projecting teeth.
US08936203B2

A control system for an HVAC system serving at least two zones, each zone receiving conditioned air by way of a zone duct, each zone duct including a zone damper having a first portion and second portion controlled by a actuator to move between an open and a closed position in response to a zone thermostat, a second portion responsive to the static pressure in a HVAC system to open and bleed an amount of conditioned air past the damper when the static pressure of the system increases above a selected level, and a weight adjustment for modifying the torque exerted by the second portion against the system static pressure to adjust the selected level.
US08936197B2

The present invention relates to an integral garment tag used for tracking and inventory control purposes. The tag includes a flexible fabric substrate which is wrapped around an RFID inlay to conceal the RFID inlay within the tag. The tag may then be attached to a garment or other consumer good along a single edge with instructions on the care and removal of the tag to satisfy privacy concerns. Removal of the tag will not interfere with the wearing of the garment.
US08936195B1

A barcode reading apparatus includes a substrate, an image sensing module, an optical lens module, and a plurality of light sources. The image sensing module is disposed on the substrate; the optical lens module includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, where the second end is connected to the image sensing module; and the plurality of light sources is disposed around the optical lens module, where a connection line of disposition positions of the light sources is axially or radially symmetric.
US08936194B1

Systems and methods for creating and using 2-dimensional matrix code on tags or labels to identify panel components and associated information stored in and accessible from a data storage device or server or computer with a document management system (DMS). Related information can be encoded into an identifier using a URL with hyperlink onto a 2D matrix tag or label attached to specific panel component or wire. The information encoded in the 2D matrix code can be decoded using an interactive reader and data capture device such as a smart-phone or tablet computing device. Use the capture device's decoded information to provide interactive access and visual display to the interactive URL and hyperlink related information in the DMS. The capture device can be configured to provide immediate intelligence and functions with comparison and confirmation of quality, functionality, maintenance, status, and conformity with respect to panel components.
US08936183B2

Provided is an elastically expandable stroller storage device configured to be easily secured to a stroller frame to provide additional storage space particularly intended for essential items. The storage device is formed from an elastically expandable material, such as neoprene, that is stretched to dispose the device in tension and to wrap the device around the stroller frame. When the device is secured to the stroller frame, the tension within the storage device maintains the device in position on the stroller frame. As such, the storage device may be particularly suitable for umbrella strollers including a pair of frame members extending downwardly from the stroller handles. The device may be wrapped around the frame member to secure the storage device thereto, and to position the device in an easily accessible position for the parent.
US08936181B2

A dispensing pump, and more particularly, a valve accelerating type dispensing pump that may be used in a process of manufacturing an electronic product and may dispense an accurate amount of a liquid, such as a liquid synthetic resin, at high speed. The present invention provides a valve accelerating type dispensing pump that can descend a valve rod at high speed and thus can dispense a liquid with high viscosity at high speed. The valve accelerating type dispensing pump can dispense an accurate amount of a liquid at high speed. Also, the valve accelerating type dispensing pump can dispense a liquid having high viscosity at high speed due to a fast descending speed of a valve rod.
US08936180B2

An aerosol trigger actuator having two or three parts includes one or more living hinges (170) allowing the two or three parts to act together to release a product from a container.
US08936179B2

An anti-leakage liquid soap valve structure includes a liquid soap conduit, an air conduit and a foam discharging tube. The liquid soap conduit includes a soap entering tube for receiving liquid soap, a soap discharging tube communicating with the soap entering tube and having a liquid soap chamber, a liquid soap exit, and a soap discharging valve. The soap discharging valve includes an elastic washer disposed at the liquid soap exit, and a pressing member to press against the elastic washer. The air conduit includes an outer housing forming an air chamber with the liquid soap conduit, an air exit located at one side of the air chamber, and an air supply valve linking with the soap discharging tube. The foam discharging tube includes a gas-liquid mixing chamber located at the liquid soap exit and the air exit, and a foam exit communicating with the gas-liquid mixing chamber.
US08936168B2

Closing element for sealing holes subjected to internal pressure includes a hollow cylindrical main body insertable into the hole substantially without play, and a hat-like spreading element pressable into the main body. The spreading element applies radial pressure to the inner wall of the main body in the installed state, wherein the main body is spread and pressed against the wall of the hole. The main body has a closing bottom having a circumferential radial ring surface and a slightly conical cone surface connected thereto. During operation, the closing bottom is pressed against the end face of the spreading element by the internal pressure and is bent over inner and outer edges of the end face and deformed so as to expand radially. This results in strengthened anchoring of the closure in the material of the component, and self-reinforcement of the press-out force required to remove the closure.
US08936167B2

A crane includes a limiting device to limit a raising/lowering angle of the mast during suspending work to be equal to or less than an upper limit angle which is less than a value of the raising/lowering angle when the mast extends vertically; a release device into which a release instruction for causing the limiting device to release the limitation on the raising/lowering angle of the mast is input; and a first detection section adapted to detect that the mast support device is at an overhanging position where the mast support device pushes up and sets the mast in the work posture. The limiting device is operable whenever the first detection section does not detect that the mast support device is at the overhanging position, even if the release instruction is input into the release device, to prohibit the mast from being tilted rearward beyond the upper limit angle.
US08936163B2

The present invention is directed to the field of mounting systems used to secure, organize and protect electronic equipment in commercial and industrial settings. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods, systems, and devices for mounting non-uniform components in an organized and easily modifiable structure. Of particular interest are mounting systems for electronics components comprising: a) one or more flexible and elastic plastic mesh securing members; and b) one or more elongated support bars comprising: (i) a planar upper support member; (ii) opposing anterior and posterior flanges disposed at right angles to the upper support member; and (iii) a plurality of protrusions integral to or fixedly connected to the flanges which are operably configured for releasable engagement with the mesh.
US08936158B2

A product package is presented that has a sliding tray disposed within a sleeve. Both the sleeve and the tray have a tab on their top portions through which is positioned a hang-hole. The hang-holes in these two tabs align when the tray is inserted into the sleeve, allowing a display hanger to pass through the hole in both tabs. The tray also has a structure with an overhang portion that extends beyond a side wall of the tray. The overhang portion is positioned to abut the edge of the sleeve when the tray is fully inserted into the sleeve to prevent the tray from passing too far into, or even through the sleeve.
US08936157B1

An indexing cap assembly indexes visual cues or indicia during an open and close cycle so as to help users more easily track container entry as for example with regard to medications so as to ensure proper dosage. The indexing cap assembly basically incorporates six components, including a cover construction, an indexing plate or wheel, a compression coil or spring, a push plate construction, a gear tray or swing plate construction, and an assembly ring. The cover construction and assembly ring are joined together to essentially form or close the cap assembly with the other parts coaxially aligned and operable therebetween. The indexing wheel is rotatively received within the cover construction such that axial displacements of the push plate advance the indexing wheel and indicia upon its upper surface are sequentially revealed by way of the window formed in the cover construction.
US08936155B2

Provided herein is a linen set organizer with a set of perpendicularly oriented intersecting straps having fastening elements on the distal ends to releasably fasten the straps around a linen set and secure the set and wherein the straps bear identifying indicia for easy identification of the bundled content.
US08936137B2

Some of the components of a parking brake mechanism are incorporated between an inner side case and an outer side case, the two case and are combined by engaging lock holes and lock claws, and an inner side auxiliary assembly is formed. In this state, the diameter of circumscribed circle of the lock claws is configured to be smaller. Then, when the inner side auxiliary assembly is incorporated in the cylindrical space, the two lock claws are engaged with a lock concave which is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical space by making the two lock claws protrude greatly from the outer peripheral surface of the inner side case.
US08936134B2

A three-step pool ladder having the capability to have a fourth step and/or a curve-about ladder apparatus.
US08936132B2

In a motor-driven power steering apparatus, in an intermediate assembled state in which an input shaft, an output shaft, a torsion bar, a worm gear, a worm wheel, a torque detecting apparatus and a spiral cable are assembled in a gear housing, and an electric motor is not assembled yet, a rotation preventing arm which prevents the worm gear from rotating is loaded with respect to the gear housing.
US08936131B2

In the case of a front structure of a motor vehicle two cross members are connected to one another by means of a longitudinal beam. One of the attachments of the longitudinal beam is displaceable by an amount X in the direction of travel and has an adapter made from plastic. During driving operation a transfer of vibrations between the cross members is prevented by means of the attachment. In the event of a crash, the cross member oriented in the direction of travel is supported by the longitudinal beam.
US08936120B2

A hybrid utility vehicle is provided. The hybrid utility vehicle may include right and left front wheels suspended from a vehicle body. The hybrid utility vehicle may further include a front differential gear device coupled to the right and left front wheels via a pair of front axles, respectively, the differential gear device including an input shaft extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front axles. The hybrid utility vehicle may further include a front electric motor positioned at a front portion of the vehicle body and coupled to the input shaft of the front differential gear device.
US08936119B1

An all-wheel drive vehicle includes a first drive axle and a second drive axle, a transaxle, an internal combustion engine, and an electric motor. The first drive axle and second drive axle are separated by a distance, and each drive axle is coupled with a respective pair of drive wheels. The transaxle is disposed in mechanical communication with the first drive axle, and is coupled to the internal combustion engine through a driveshaft. The electric motor is circumferentially disposed about the driveshaft, between the internal combustion engine and the transaxle, and is in mechanical communication with the second drive axle.
US08936108B2

Downhole cutting systems, devices and methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems and devices for the laser cutting operations within a borehole in the earth. These systems and devices can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform cutting operations in such boreholes deep within the earth.
US08936103B2

A fire suppression apparatus adapted for connection to a water supply for a faucet has one or more spray nozzles (26), at least one valve (20) operable into an open position to fluidly couple the one or more spray nozzles (26) to a water supply for a faucet (4), a fire sensor (28), and a controller (21) connected to the fire sensor (28), and upon sensing a fire, the fire sensor (28) is adapted to trigger the controller (21) to operate the at least one valve (20) into the open position.
US08936101B2

A packer (80) for establishing sealing engagement with a surface disposed in a wellbore includes a packer mandrel (90) and a seal assembly (100, 102, 104) slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90). The seal assembly (100, 102, 104) has a running position and a radially expanded sealing position. A piston (122) is slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and operably associated with the seal assembly (100, 102, 104). A release assembly 145 is disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and is releasably coupled to the piston (122) such that actuation of the release assembly (145) decouples the release assembly (145) from the piston (122) allowing the piston (122) to shift longitudinally relative to the packer mandrel (90) to operate the seal assembly (100, 102, 104) from the running position to the radially expanded sealing position, thereby setting the packer (80).
US08936092B2

A system in some embodiments includes a system, having a seal assembly, including an inner energizing ring, an outer energizing ring, a load ring disposed between the inner energizing ring and the outer energizing ring, a sealing element, and a lock ring. Further other embodiments provide a method of sealing, including rotating an inner energizing ring in a direction to move the inner energizing ring in a first axial direction to seat a seal, rotating an outer energizing ring in the direction to wedgingly engage and set a lock ring in a radial direction, and rotating a load ring in the direction to move the load ring in a second axial direction to set the lock ring.
US08936088B2

A coiled tubing cutter assembly comprises a housing configured to be inserted in a length of coiled tubing. The housing forms a main bore and a first pathway through which cutting fluid can flow through the housing and be directed to impinge against an inner surface of the coiled tubing over which the housing is positioned so as to cut the coiled tubing. A sleeve is positioned in the main bore. The sleeve is movable between a first position and a second position within the main bore. The sleeve is configured so as to block the first pathway when in the first position and to allow cutting fluid to pass through the first pathway in the second position. A method of cutting coiled tubing is also disclosed.
US08936081B2

Fluid compositions containing a silica-particle suspension with no intrinsic cementitious properties may be pumped into a wellbore. Upon making downhole contact with previously placed well cements from primary-cementing or previous remedial-cementing operations, the silica suspension reacts to form a gel that seals voids, cracks or fissures in the cement sheath. Portland cement is the preferred cement with which the silica-particle suspensions interact downhole.
US08936079B2

A ball catcher for recovering balls from wellbore fluids containing sand during flow back operations. The ball catcher has a receiving chamber for receiving the wellbore fluids containing sand, a first flow outlet for discharging a portion of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein, and a diverter for redirecting balls entrained within the wellbore fluids. The redirected balls and a balance of the wellbore fluids also containing sand are received in a ball-retaining chamber. A blocker fit to the ball-retaining chamber retains the recovered balls therein while the balance of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein is discharged from a second flow outlet and directed to downstream equipment through an auxiliary flow line. The retaining chamber can be isolated allowing the balls to be removed from the ball catcher without disrupting the flow back operation.
US08936078B2

Disclosed are shearable control line connectors. One control line connector includes an upper coupling element, a lower coupling element communicably coupled to the upper coupling element, and a connector cap securing the upper coupling element to the lower coupling element and being configured to shear upon being subjected to an axial force, thereby effectively separating the upper coupling element from the lower coupling element.
US08936070B2

A device for cooling a gas flow of an internal combustion engine includes a housing, an inlet and an outlet for a gas of the internal combustion engine, which is to be cooled, an inlet and an outlet for a liquid coolant, a heat exchanger for heat transfer between the gas and the coolant, a first wall section of the housing, wherein the first wall section is arranged between the coolant and the gas flow, and a second wall section of the housing, wherein the second wall section is arranged between the coolant and the atmosphere, wherein the first wall section and the second wall section are integrally formed in one piece.
US08936069B2

Provided is a vehicle heating ventilation and air conditioning unit capable of improving the performance of a side demister in a foot mode where a DEF damper is set to a small degree of opening, and capable of securing window clearness of side window glass. In a vehicle heating ventilation and air conditioning unit (1) that is configured so as to selectively blow out an air flow whose temperature has been regulated by an evaporator (4) and a heater (5) mounted in an air channel (3) from a DEF blowing channel (17), a face blowing channel (16), and a foot blowing channel (18), which are at downstream of the evaporator (4) and the heater (5), into a cabin by opening and closing a DEF damper (8), a face damper (7), and a foot damper (9), side demister channels (31) that guide the temperature-regulated air to the side window glass are provided at both side portions of the DEF blowing channel (17), and baffle ribs (36) that guide the temperature-regulated air to the side demister channels (31) are provided in the vicinity of both end portions of the DEF damper (8) that opens and closes the DEF blowing channel (17) and the side demister channels (31) simultaneously.
US08936068B2

A method of casting a component (42) having convoluted interior passageways (44). A desired three dimensional structure corresponding to a later-formed metal alloy component is formed by stacking a plurality of sheets (18, 20) of a fugitive material. The sheets contain void areas (22) corresponding to a desired interior passageway in the metal alloy component. A ceramic slurry material is cast into the three dimensional structure to form either a ceramic core (34) or a complete ceramic casting vessel (38). If just a ceramic core is formed, a wax pattern is formed around the ceramic core and an exterior ceramic shell (38) is formed around the wax pattern by a dipping process prior to the removal of the fugitive material and wax. An alloy component having the desired interior passageway is cast into the casting vessel after the fugitive material is removed.
US08936060B2

A labelling unit movable along a given path for receiving labels and comprising a hollow receiving member having a lateral wall for receiving a relative label, extending around an axis transverse to the path and comprising a suction portion having through holes; a suction pneumatic device connected to the holes through the inside of the receiving member that can apply suction to retain a label on the outer surface of the lateral wall; and a hollow distributor member coaxially arranged inside the receiving member and provided with a number of angularly spaced opening sections having different heights parallel to the axis and correlated to the heights of different labels processed by the unit, and rotatable in at least two different angular positions, each corresponding to a selected opening section of the suction portion of the lateral wall such that only the holes facing the selected opening section are operative.
US08936050B2

A lid opening and closing device for a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus having a partition wall configured to divide a carrier conveying region and a substrate conveying region, the partition wall having a conveying gateway with an edge portion, includes an exhaust port configured to discharge therethrough an atmospheric gas from a closed space formed between a carrier making contact with the edge portion of the conveying gateway and an opening/closing door, and a purge gas injecting part provided in the opening/closing door. The purge gas injecting part is configured to enter the internal space of a carrier lid through an opening formed on the front surface of the carrier lid, to inject a purge gas into the internal space of the carrier lid and to discharge an atmospheric gas existing in the internal space of the carrier lid into the closed space through another opening of the carrier lid.
US08936037B2

An outlet pipe structure of a faucet contains a metal tube including metal tube, a hose assembly, a hose assembly, and a seat. The metal tube has a first segment, a second segment, and a channel. The first segment includes a first recess, and the second segment has a pedestal. The hose assembly includes: a hose having a passage, an inlet end, and an outlet end; an inlet connector having at least one locking block; an outlet connector having at least boss. The seat includes a first slot, a second slot, a connecting orifice. The connecting orifice has at least one trough with two opposite retaining faces. The seat also includes at least one coupling tab formed on an outer wall thereof and coupling with the pedestal of the second segment after the seat is fixed.
US08936033B2

A walker for aiding locomotion comprises a frame structure including: a first and second side frame comprising (i) a first and second anterior frame portion, (ii) a first and second posterior frame portion, and (iii) a first superior frame portion connecting an upper end of the first anterior frame portion with an upper end of the first posterior frame portion, and (iv) a second superior frame portion connecting an upper end of the second anterior frame portion with an upper end of the second posterior frame portion. The first posterior frame portion of the first side frame comprises a first upper posterior collar and the second posterior frame portion of the second side frame comprises a second upper posterior collar. A first and second rotatable hand-rail are connected pivotally to the first and second upper posterior collar of the first and second posterior frame portion.
US08936030B2

Nail polish remover strips are pre-sized for toe or fingernails and applied to a painted or artificial nail and left thereon for a predetermined period of time to dissolve the nail polish and/or nail bonding agent. Preferably a color change occurs to depict the appropriate dwelling time to dissolve the nail polish. Certain embodiments include odor reducing components. Preferably the strips are layered composites having an exterior odor impervious material, a layer of encapsulated acetone or nail polish removing agent, an absorbent layer, and a peelable backing, with the strips being curved to accommodate contact with a person's nail.
US08936025B2

A molded tracheostomy tube may provide enhanced comfort for a patient. A unitary molded coating over areas of the tracheostomy tube that come into contact with the patient's skin may prevent irritation. Further, the overmolding manufacturing process may allow the tracheostomy tube assembly to incorporate features that allow for greater ease of movement for a patient, such as features that allow flexing at the connection point of the tracheostomy tube to other medical devices.
US08936016B1

A system for ejecting a missile from a submerged vessel includes: a tube for housing the missile; a tank for storing atmospheric gas as a pressurized liquid, whereby a valve is connected to the tank to allow release of the gas into the tube to eject the missile from the tube; and a microwave emitter located within the liquid in the tank to input heat energy into the liquid to maintain evaporation of the liquid into the gas, whereby the microwave emitter is activated simultaneously with the release of the gas into the tube.
US08935999B2

An electronic control device for controlling an internal combustion engine reduces operation amounts of a high-pressure fuel pump and a vacuum pump, which are auxiliary devices driven by drive force of an intake camshaft, when a rotor of a variable valve timing mechanism is rotated to a lock phase in the phase advancing direction at the engine starting. Thus, the rotor rotates to the lock phase quickly and is fixed to the lock phase.
US08935982B2

The present invention discloses a mask pattern transferring device and a method of preparing a mask pattern transferring device. The mask pattern transferring device comprises: a magnetization head disposed on a magnetization head carrying device, for magnetizing composite powders each comprising a core of ferromagnetic metal and an outer resin film; a rotary roller formed of a non-ferromagnetic material, for adsorbing the composite powders magnetized by the magnetization head; a demagnetization head disposed at a downstream of the magnetization head in the rotating direction of the rotary roller, for demagnetizing the magnetized composite powders adsorbed by the rotary roller; and a collecting container, the outer edge of which is tangent with one side of the rotary roller, and which is disposed at the downstream of the magnetization head along the periphery of the rotary roller to collect the demagnetized composite powders.
US08935977B2

A device that includes a beverage unit for delivering a beverage under pressure, at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the beverage unit to generate a jet of beverage, a receiving unit with a chamber with at least one drain opening for delivering the beverage and a jet impact member within the chamber and having a top that lies free from an inner wall of the chamber. The nozzle and the jet impact member are oriented such that the jet hits against a portion of the top of the jet impact member to form a mist of the beverage that subsequently leaves the drain opening as a beverage with a foam layer. The device is constructed such that air can only be supplied to the chamber through the at least one drain opening and/or through an air supply channel which extends through the jet impact member into the chamber.
US08935976B2

An adapter for machines for preparing beverages, particularly espresso coffee, comprising a supporting element which can be associated with water dispensing means and a cartridge holder associated with the supporting element, the cartridge holder comprising a plurality of receptacles for respective cartridges for infusions or the like and being movable, with respect to the supporting element, from a position for dispensing the infusion to a position for loading and/or unloading the cartridges, the supporting element being further provided with a front opening for moving the cartridge holder from the position for dispensing the infusion to the position for loading and/or unloading the cartridges and vice versa, at least one guide being provided for the translational motion of the cartridge holder with respect to the supporting element between two intermediate positions which are comprised between the loading and/or unloading position and the infusion dispensing position.
US08935956B2

A touch-control tire pressure sensor device includes a housing holding an air nozzle at one side thereof, a circuit board accommodated in the housing and carrying a processor and memory unit having electrically coupled thereto a pressure sensor unit, a temperature sensor unit, an acceleration sensor unit, a LF transmission interface and a RF transmission interface for transmitting a sensed signal to an on-vehicle main unit, a battery pack providing the circuit board with the necessary working voltage, and a conducting plate having one end connected to the touch sensor IC and an opposite end kept in contact with the air nozzle.
US08935954B2

A seal testing apparatus includes a clamp assembly which receives, secures and rotates a piston and seal assembly, a mandrel which extends into the seal assembly and supports a guide which carries a spring biased sensing probe or tooth which is oriented along the axis of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the components are the similar except that the probe or tooth is disposed in the mandrel and extends circumferentially. In both embodiments, data from an optical, laser or acoustic sensor is analyzed to determine the integrity of the piston seal. Yet another embodiment includes an arbor which rotates the seal and an adjacent contra-rotating cylinder having a conical mirror. As the seal, arbor and cylinder rotate, light reflected off the mirror and the seal, and returned to the mirror and a sensor provide data which is again analyzed to determine the integrity of the piston seal.
US08935943B2

A securement device is provided to secure a portable item from unauthorized movement or theft. A first bracket engages a first portion of the item, second bracket engages a second portion of the item, and an elongated member spans the portable item to attach the first bracket to the second bracket to prevent significant separation of the first and second brackets when in the secured configuration. An aperture or recess in the second bracket receives a plug or attached device, where the plug or attached device is plugged into a receptacle in the item. When the attached device or plug is situated within the aperture or recess in the first bracket and the first bracket is engaged to the item, the first bracket is prevented from lateral and rotational movement relative to the item. A lock may be attached to the securement device to secure the item to an anchor.
US08935941B2

To use a monolithic silica body in chromatography with a HPLC column or a GC column and to simplify the use thereof as a separation medium, it is intended to provide a method of cladding a main body of a monolithic adsorbent or separating agent with glass so as to protect the outer surface, and to provide a separation medium prepared by the method. To this end, a monolithic silica body alone is formed by molding, and the molding is coated with a glass body; and then the glass body and the monolithic silica body are fused and integrated at the melting temperature of the glass body at an appropriate pressure. The surface of the resulting monolithic silica body clad with glass is strongly protected by the glass, and the homogeneity of the interior of the monolithic silica body is maintained, and thus uniform flow of a sample solution ensures analytical accuracy.
US08935938B2

An assembly for filtering water includes a housing, a water inlet for supplying unfiltered water to the housing, and a water filter including an outer casing attached to the housing in communication with the water inlet and a filter medium within the outer casing, the water filter filtering the unfiltered water through filter medium to provide filtered water. A water outlet is attached to the housing for transferring filtered water from the outer casing to a device via the housing. Some sort of indicia is located on the outer casing, and an optical device detects a feature of the indicia to determine if the water filter is properly installed in the housing. Related refrigeration appliances incorporating such devices are also disclosed.
US08935937B2

A turbulence creating energy saving device which is installed on top of the air conditioner or refrigeration condenser or cooling tower. The device directs the hot air leaving the condenser or cooling tower straight up forcing the hot airflow through a series of fixed blades, causing the air to spiral creating a turbulence, thereby increasing the amount of air flowing through the cylindrical tube, in turn moving a larger amount of air through the condenser. The top of the device has a cowling with a reduced output diameter to reduce the output noise level. By adding the device to the top of the condenser or cooling tower the airflow is greatly improved, reducing the time to cool the unit, therefore a reduction in the use of hydroelectricity and extending the life expectancy and provides ability to save money.
US08935931B2

This invention belongs to the area of heat pump/refrigeration technology, which provides absorption heat pump of multiterminal heating and the ways of additional adjacent high-temperature heating-side.Refrigerating fluid flows from a generator to a new absorber, and then into a new absorption-evaporator, and finally into the generator.Refrigerating fluid flows from the generator to the new absorption-evaporator, and then into the new absorber, the generator.Refrigerant vapor in the condenser flows through a new throttle, and then into the new absorption-evaporator and the new absorber.Refrigerant vapor in the evaporator flows through the new liquid refrigerant pump, and then into the new absorption-evaporator and the new absorber.The pipeline of heated medium in the new absorber is connected with the external.The invention can form new units of simple structure and high heating temperature, and reduce the temperature requirement of cooling medium or actuated-hot when it is used to refrigeration type.
US08935923B2

A gas turbine engine includes an intercooling turbine section to at least partially drive one of a low spool and a high spool. An intercooling turbine section bypass to selectively bypass at least a portion of a core flow through an intercooling turbine section bypass path around the intercooling turbine section.
US08935918B2

A mixer for an exhaust aftertreatment system, such as a diesel engine exhaust aftertreatment system, is disclosed. The mixer includes a body portion that is configured to be disposed in an exhaust conduit upstream of an exhaust aftertreatment device and an airfoil portion that is disposed on the body portion and reversibly movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein in the deployed position the airfoil portion provides a deployed resistance to an exhaust gas flow and in the retracted position provides a retracted resistance, and the deployed resistance is greater than the retracted resistance. The mixer preferably comprises a two-way shape memory alloy, particularly a high temperature, oxidation resistant shape memory alloy. An exhaust aftertreatment system employing the mixer is also disclosed, as well as a method of using the same.
US08935917B2

A partially integrated manifold assembly is disclosed which improves performance, reduces cost and provides efficient packaging of engine components. The partially integrated manifold assembly includes a first leg extending from a first port and terminating at a mounting flange for an exhaust gas control valve. Multiple additional legs (depending on the total number of cylinders) are integrally formed with the cylinder head assembly and extend from the ports of the associated cylinder and terminate at an exit port flange. These additional legs are longer than the first leg such that the exit port flange is spaced apart from the mounting flange. This configuration provides increased packaging space adjacent the first leg for any valving that may be required to control the direction and destination of exhaust flow in recirculation to an EGR valve or downstream to a catalytic converter.
US08935916B2

A method for the operation of a particulate filter system for an internal combustion engine wherein an. An exhaust gas stream enters a housing via a gas inlet opening. The housing receives a particulate filter, the stream flows into crude gas ducts connected to the gas inlet opening, and the stream can flow out of the particulate filter via clean gas ducts that are in fluid connection with a gas outlet opening, and are separated from the crude gas ducts. The crude gas ducts are connected to a connecting space in the direction of flow, and the connecting space has an exhaust port controlled by a closing mechanism. According to the invention, a method for operating an open particulate filter system is provided, by which the degree of separation of the soot particles from the exhaust gas can be increased. This is achieved in that a partial exhaust gas stream of the exhaust gas stream can be discharged via the exhaust port into the environment, just as the primary exhaust gas flow can be discharged into the environment via the gas outlet opening, according at least to a particulate load thereof.
US08935913B2

A gas turbine engine typically includes a fan section, a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. A speed reduction device such as an epicyclical gear assembly may be utilized to drive the fan section such that the fan section may rotate at a speed different than the turbine section so as to increase the overall propulsive efficiency of the engine. In such engine architectures, a shaft driven by one of the turbine sections provides an input to the epicyclical gear assembly that drives the fan section at a speed different than the turbine section such that both the turbine section and the fan section can rotate at closer to optimal speeds providing increased performance attributes and performance by desirable combinations of the disclosed features of the various components of the described and disclosed gas turbine engine.
US08935909B2

A replaceable mower blade for attachment to a mounting member operatively connected to a mower is provided. The blade includes a central portion having opposing side edges, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The blade also includes a tip portion extending from the central portion. The central portion includes at least one attachment mechanism for operatively connecting the blade to the mounting member.
US08935902B2

A guide track associated with a capping machine, including a capping head that is adjustable to fit the different formats of bottles. The track has, upstream from and adjacent to the capping head, a telescopic portion having a section rigidly connected to the capping head and movable with the latter, and a stationary section rigidly connected to a general frame. The telescopic portion of the guide track for caps includes side walls, the surface of which is smooth, regardless of the position of the stationary section and the movable section in relation to one another. The stationary section and the movable section are transversely shifted, and guided with regard to one another, by a runner system.
US08935890B2

The present invention disclosed an apparatus for reverse rectification, relating to the field of civil engineering technology. The apparatus for reverse rectification comprises two sets of steel plate hooks, which are reversely arranged and respectively fixed on the building and the skewed large-scale structure that needs to be rectified, and a jack which is horizontally placed on the steel plate hooks. The steel plate hooks, which are driven by the jack, push the skewed structure towards the existed building, whereby the skewed structure and the existed building can be spliced correctly. This present invention has more advantages, e.g. simple structure and convenient operability, which can improve the construction efficiency and reduce the construction costs. Therefore it can be widely used in the field of civil engineering technology. Further, the present invention also discloses a method for reverse rectification by using the apparatus.
US08935885B2

A coupled structure with high separation strength and a window regulator. A lift arm (5) is provided with a tapered through-hole (35) provided with a first inner wall portion (33) work-hardened due to plastic deformation and a swell portion (45) having an inner wall surface (41) continuing to an inner wall surface (31) of the tapered through-hole (35) and provided with a second inner wall portion (43) work-hardened due to plastic deformation. A driven gear (3) is provided with a protrusion (51) fit in from the tapered through-hole (35) to the swell portion (45), provided with an outer wall portion (53) work-hardened due to plastic deformation, and having an outer wall surface (55) in close contact with the inner wall surface (31) of the tapered through-hole (35) and at least a part of the inner wall surface (41) of the swell portion (45).
US08935876B2

A fishing lure for receiving a bait fish comprises a mounting body and a fixing means (3) for fixing a bait fish to the mounting body. The mounting body comprising a support rod (5) for inserting into the mouth of a bait fish to support the mounted bait fish and a retaining means (4, 7) disposed on the support rod (5) for abutting a head portion of the bait fish. The mounting body is adapted not to conceal, in use, eyes of a bait fish mounted on the mounting body.
US08935864B2

Novel subsea excavation apparatus and methods that exert force between a subsea anchor point and an excavator using a subsea actuator. In some examples the subsea actuator is attached to an anchor point on the seabed and the excavator directly. In other examples, a guide frame is anchored to the seabed to provide anchor points fixed relative to the seabed and the subsea actuators are attached to the guide frame and the excavator. In further examples, the subsea actuators can be attached to the excavator through a carrier frame or other excavator guides rather than directly to the excavator.
US08935858B2

A garment drying device is provided. The garment drying device has a flexible outer layer, with a flexible inner layer attached. The outer layer may be substantially planar and may have an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner layer may be substantially planar and formed of an absorbent and flexible material. The device may further have a closure structure capable of holding the device in a rolled position when closed, and allowing the device to be in an unrolled position when open.
US08935845B2

A method for manufacturing an inner rotor for a rotary electric machine, the rotor comprising a plurality of pole pieces surrounding a shaft, each pole piece being made from a stack of metal sheets (3) made of magnetic material, the pole pieces delimiting recesses between them for permanent magnets. The method comprises, in succession the steps of cutting blanks (33) each grouping together n metal sheets (3), “n” being the number of poles of the rotor, the n metal sheets of a blank being held together by temporary bridges (35) straddling the recesses, at least two bridges each comprising an outer lug (36), stacking the blanks while keeping them aligned via the outer lugs, immobilizing the stack of blanks, and eliminating all the temporary bridges in order to free up the radial access to the recesses.
US08935842B2

Methods and systems for use in releasing tubing sleeves coupled to one or more bandoliers are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus for use in releasing tubing sleeves coupled to a bandolier includes a feed system and a dislodge system. The feed system is configured to engage a bandolier and selectively position the bandolier in the apparatus. The dislodge system is configured to dislodge tubing sleeves from an initial position on a bandolier propelled by the feed system.
US08935840B2

An elevating and clewing continuous log turner includes a mainframe having a movable frame adapted for vertical or horizontal translation relative to the mainframe. A rotating group is mounted in the movable frame. The rotating group has a passageway therethrough. Roller arms are pivotally mounted around a perimeter of the rotating group. The roller arms concentrically clamp the log relative to the rotating group to thereby rotate the log about its longitudinal axis simultaneously with selective rotation of the rotating group. At least one actuator horizontally and vertically translates the movable frame relative to the mainframe.
US08935838B2

A coffin in an environmentally friendly material with a special shape and fittings at the places where the coffin is to be lifted, which is new in that the coffin itself has vertical recesses directed inwards, which cover both the coffin box and the lid, and wherein at each side of the coffin box bottom, a transverse lever or pipe has been placed, and wherein said pipe or lever is through-going to each and across each recess.
US08935829B2

A rotary damper includes a damper body having a cylindrical configuration and a rotor rotatably disposed in the damper body. The rotor is non-rotatably connected to an inner link so that the rotor is rotatable together with the inner link. Two teeth constituting a part of a gear are formed in an outer circumferential surface of the damper body. A tooth of a gear member rotatable together with an outer link is engaged with the teeth. By this arrangement, the damper body and the rotor can be rotated in opposite directions.
US08935828B2

A dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner that comprises an inlet through which fluid enters the separator, and an outlet through which fluid exits the separator. The separator further comprises a filter assembly located downstream of the inlet and upstream of the outlet, an opening through which the filter assembly may be removed from the separator, and a hatch moveable between an open position in which the opening is uncovered and a closed position in which the opening is partially covered. When the filter assembly is removed from the separator and the hatch is in the closed position, a bleed is created around at least part of the hatch through which fluid enters the separator in preference to the inlet. When the filter assembly is located in the separator and the hatch is in the closed position, the filter assembly seals against the hatch to close the bleed.
US08935823B2

A device for processing cores with a view to restoring same for reuse as good as new and unused cores a number of times for handling and carrying of different types of material webs, includes a number of processing units being arranged to act on the core for removal of material residues and possible other residues in the form of adhesive. The processing surface of the processing units is adapted and/or arranged to adapt itself to the surface of the core on at least the processing thereof under the exercise of a compression pressure between the core and the processing units.
US08935818B2

Provided is breakaway adjustable bed system that includes a bed frame and a breakaway system. The bed frame includes at least one breakaway member. The breakaway system includes a coupling assembly, signal mechanism, control box and alarm devices. The coupling assembly includes elements that selectably couple a breakaway member to another member of the bed frame. The control box includes a processing unit that, upon sensing a signal from the coupling assembly or signal mechanism that the selectable coupling between the breakaway member and another member of the bed frame is decoupled, provides an indication to an alarm device. The alarm device sends an alert to a user that the selectable coupling between a breakaway member and a member of the bed frame is decoupled.
US08935814B1

A method and apparatus for lifting a patient is disclosed to include a base with wheels on the back side and casters on the front side; a pair of extendable legs extended or withdrawn from the frontal side of the base to maintain balance when lifting a patient; vertical masts connected to a three-prong hanger; three durable cables used with a sling assembly to lift the patient; a foldable chair provides temporary rest for the patient on the patient lift; and a control panel having a micro-controller for remotely controlling the patient lift.
US08938810B2

Mobile devices may often communicate with network (“cloud”) services that require an account. Because it may be undesirable to require user interaction when creating an account, it may be desirable to create an account associating a mobile device to a network service without requiring a user to explicitly enter authentication information, such as a username and password. In an embodiment, data corresponding to a mobile device is obtained to generate authentication information which is then sent to messaging address of a user. In another embodiment, in response to an event, a mobile device obtains an identifier for a user, sends the identifier to a server, where the server transmits one set of authentication information to a messaging address associated with the user and another set of authentication information to the device.
US08938809B2

A system and method for exchanging data among partitions of a storage device is disclosed. For example, data stored in a first partition is exchanged with an application included in the first partition or with a second application included in a second partition. In one embodiment, the second application is associated with a global certificate while the first application is associated with a different platform certificate. A verification module included in the first partition receives a request for data and determines if the request for data is received from the first application. If the request for data is not received from the first application, the verification module determines whether the request is received from the second application and whether the global certificate is an authorized certificate. For example, the verification module determines whether the global certificate is included in a listing of authorized certificates.
US08938807B1

Antivirus software detects malware on a computer and the landing time of the malware is determined; a time window around the landing time is determined. Optionally requiring the landing time of the malware to be before the installation time of the antivirus software eliminates false positives. Any files of the computer systems that have a creation time within the time window are suspect. If the prevalence value and the maturity value of the suspect file are below respective thresholds then it is concluded that the file is malware and it is deleted. No virus signature or virus pattern that matches the deleted file need be relied upon or used. The detected malware may be the original mother file or a dropped file. An online prevalence and maturity database is used. The launching time of the malware may be used instead of the landing time.
US08938806B1

The disclosure relates to a method and system for processing objects stored as blocks on a storage system. The blocks are in deduplicated form. The blocks are scanned for a pattern, and if a pattern is found in a block, objects associated with the block are identified. The pattern may be a malware signature. The block is remediated, and the associated objects may be remediated as well, in the storage system and on host systems where copies of the objects reside. Partial matching may be used to identify the pattern. If a first block contains a partial match to the pattern, logically adjacent blocks are scanned to determine whether the partial match of the first block is completed in logically adjacent blocks. Logically adjacent blocks can be associated with different objects.
US08938804B2

An inventive system and method for creating source profiles to detect spoofed traffic comprises obtaining a routing path for data to traverse nodes using traffic profiles, each routing path comprising at least a target AS, initializing one or more AS sets with last hop ASes, enhancing the AS sets by connecting the AS sets to routers, for each enhanced AS set, filtering observed traffic flows, and using the filtered flows to associate enhanced AS sets with network monitoring points to create the source profiles. In one aspect, filtering flows comprise TCP session filtering and/or destination bogon filtering. In one aspect, the routers are border gateway protocol routers. In one aspect, the last hop ASes are one hop away from the target AS.
US08938801B2

A method for providing an abuse sentry service for responding to domain name abuse is described. The method comprises the following steps. A plurality of disparate abuse feeds is received, each comprising data relating to a subset of potential domain name abuse. Filters are applied to the data to create a custom abuse feed. Data from the custom abuse feed is grouped based on priority levels. For each of the groups, one or more corresponding workflows are executed as a response to the potential domain name abuse. A computer readable medium including instructions for implementing the method is also described.
US08938793B2

Secure management of electronic transactions is provided by a system server that is communicatively coupled to terminals configured as thin client devices (TCD) and to one or more application servers. A TCD completes a secure communications link with the system server, and transfers information concerning the identity of a user and account information from a secure transaction card (STC). Upon authentication, the system server drives the display of available applications at the TCD, allowing the user to select and engage in a desired transaction with the application server hosting the selected application. During the transaction, the system server brokers communications according to the different security schemes used by the TCD and the application server and, ultimately, stores a transaction ticket that memorializes the transaction. The transaction ticket can later be retrieved by presenting appropriate authentication information.
US08938791B2

A method for dynamically assigning a displayable realm name begins upon receipt of an authentication request to an application, such as a web application, being executed by an application server. In response, a determination is made whether an application realm name has been set in a configuration file associated with the application. If not, a custom display property is then evaluated. If the custom display property is set true, a realm name associated with an active authentication mechanism is retrieved and provided for display in an authentication panel. If the custom display property is set false, a default string is provided for display in the authentication panel. In this manner, an application server administrator can control what realm name is displayed to an end user in the event an application developer has not specified the realm name in the application configuration.
US08938790B2

A method and system for providing secure access to a remote file is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a portable memory device containing a secure desktop is provided to a user. The user has a user device that removably accepts the portable memory device. The user is allowed to securely access a dedicated storage of the cloud storage system that is created at a request from an administrator. The secure desktop runs independently from a user desktop of the user device. The user's access to a local storage of the user device is blocked while the secure desktop is running.
US08938787B2

A method for confirming identity of a user of a mobile electronic device, the method including: receiving touch data from a touch-screen of the mobile electronic device; receiving acceleration data from an accelerometer of the mobile electronic device; correlating between the touch data and the acceleration data; based on the correlating, generating a user-specific trait indicative of said user. The method further includes storing a reference value of the user-specific trait, indicative of said user; in a subsequent usage session of the mobile electronic device, generating a current value of the user-specific trait correlating between touch data and acceleration data; and based on a comparison between the current value of the user-specific trait and the reference value of the user-specific trait, determining whether or not a current user of the mobile electronic device is an authorized user of the mobile electronic device.
US08938784B2

An authorization device for authorizing operations of a remote server requested from user computers via a data communications network includes a computer interface configured to connect to a local user computer for facilitating communication with the remote server via a data communications network, a user interface configured to present information to a user, and control logic. The control logic is adapted to use security data accessible to the control logic to establish, via the local user computer, a mutually-authenticated connection for encrypted end-to-end communications with the server; collect from the server, via the connection, information indicative of any operation requested via a different connection to the server and requiring authorization by the user; and present the information to the user via the user interface to prompt for authorization of the operation.
US08938782B2

A computer-implemented method for providing network access control in virtual environments. The method may include: 1) injecting a transient security agent into a virtual machine that is running on a host machine; 2) receiving, from the transient security agent, an indication of whether the virtual machine complies with one or more network access control policies; and 3) controlling network access of the virtual machine based on the indication of whether the virtual machine complies with the one or more network access control policies. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed herein.
US08938781B1

Multi-tiered systems and methods for identifying and monitoring user permissions in a computer network are described. A data structure, such as an index, for each network device identifies all the security identifiers (SIDs) and their associated permissions for accessing the resources on the network device. Each data structure can be initially populated by scanning access control lists (ACLs) of the respective network device. A collection server in communication with the network devices stores an aggregate index that identifies the SIDs in the network and the network devices on which each SID is granted, denied or revoked one or more permissions. The individual data structures and/or aggregate index are updated based on permission changes detected through real-time or periodic monitoring. The aggregate index can also be replicated to multiple servers. In certain examples, the multi-tiered arrangement facilitates identifying the network resources for which a user has been granted, denied or revoked a permission.
US08938775B1

The usage of data in a multi-tenant environment can be controlled by utilizing functionality at the hypervisor level of various resources in the environment. Data can be associated with various tags, security levels, and/or compartments. The ability of resources or entities to access the data can depend at least in part upon whether the resources or entities are also associated with the tags, security levels, and/or compartments. Limitations on the usage of the data can be controlled by one or more policies associated with the tags, security levels, and/or compartments. A control service can monitor traffic to enforce the appropriate rules or policies, and in some cases can prevent encrypted traffic from passing beyond a specified egress point unless the encryption was performed by a trusted resource with the appropriate permissions.
US08938769B2

A virtual converged cable access platform (CCAP) system and method for hybrid fiber CATV (HFC) cable networks. The system uses a new type of digital optical fiber node configured to receive optical fiber data packets, and reconstitute the optical data packets into RF waveforms suitable for injection into the system's CATV cable. The system replaces the legacy HFC head end with a simplified “virtual head end”. The system's virtual head end operates using a new type of virtual CCAP controller and virtual CCAP software that in turn controls high performance edge routers. Much of the intelligence of running the HFC cable system is managed by the controller software, while the edge router manages the interface between the CATV portion of the system and outside networks. The system can handle even legacy CATV RF signals by appropriate conversion operations, while reducing power and space needs, and improving operational flexibility.
US08938765B2

Methods and apparatus for supporting content delivery service are described. In accordance with the invention content can be supplied to temporary storage of a regional or local server used to supply the content to a customer's premises when the requested content is not already available in the regional or local server. A content server hierarchy may be implemented with servers higher up in the hierarchy including more content, e.g., titles, than the number of titles stored in the lower level servers. By storing less frequently accessed content in servers higher in the hierarchy and frequently requested titles lower in the hierarchy, a vast number of titles can be supported without overburdening the storage available at local and regional servers. In addition, a national or other server high in the hierarchy can be used to store, move, and distribute local or other content as part of an on demand service.
US08938763B2

Personal content server apparatus and associated methods that allow a user (e.g., cable or satellite network subscriber) to access content, such as a video program, from a location outside the subscriber's network. In one embodiment, a personal content server streams the content to the subscriber over a network connection from the local e.g., (subscription) network to a remote network upon authorization by a content manager process. Various access, business or operational rules are applied depending on the content and delivery mode; e.g., to live video broadcast, video-on-demand (VOD), or archived content from the subscriber's digital video recorder (DVR) or networked PVR. In another variant, reservation information (for example program or asset ID information) is cached at a headend or hub server, thereby obviating the subscriber (or the network) having to access the subscriber's premises device. In yet another variant, a “virtual” CPE experience is provided for the remote user.
US08938761B2

An Internet Protocol television (IPTV) system is disclosed. The system includes a selector module that is adapted to select a content item based upon metadata information associated with the content item and send the content item to a first set-top box. The content is recorded and video information associated with the content item is analyzed using a video interpretation algorithm, and credits information associated with the content item is obtained from the set-top-box.
US08938748B1

A method, performed at a computer system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs executed by the one or more processors, includes receiving respective first set-top box (STB) information from a first plurality of STBs. The first STB information received from a respective STB in the first plurality of STBs includes tuning information for the respective STB in the first plurality of STBs, and power status information for a respective display device coupled to the respective STB in the first plurality of STBs. The method also includes storing the first STB information, and determining a viewership metric for the first plurality of STBs based on the tuning information and the power status information in the first STB information.
US08938740B2

A parameter determination unit 110 substitutes, for each of a plurality of applications, a recommended amount of resources and a quality of experience corresponding to the recommended amount of resources, and a minimum amount of resources and a quality of experience corresponding to the minimum amount of resources into a quality function f in expression (1) indicating a relation between an amount of resources R and a quality of experience Q, to determine parameters a and b. A resource amount determination unit 120 determines an amount of resources to be allocated to the plurality of applications using the quality function f for each application in which the parameters a and b are determined. The quality function f(x) is a monotonically increasing function having an inverse function f−1, connects (−∞,0) and (+∞,1), and is symmetrical with respect to x=0. Q=f(x)=f((R−a)/b)  (1)
US08938738B2

Technologies are described herein for implementing shared locks for controlling synchronized access to a shared resource. In one method, in a user mode of an operating system, a notification is received indicating that a first process begins execution. The first process is adapted to acquire the shared lock during execution of the first process. Upon receiving the notification, it is determined whether the first process terminates execution without releasing the shared lock. Upon determining that the first process terminates execution without releasing the shared lock, the shared lock is released for access by a second process.
US08938735B2

The present invention provides a bootstrapper and download manager for handling the download and installation of one or more software products to a computer. The invention determines system requirements and whether any prerequisite software is required by a software product to be downloaded. Any necessary prerequisite software is installed on the computer and if more than one software product has a shared prerequisite, then the invention recognizes that and prevents downloading multiple ones of the shared prerequisites. Also, in the event of an interruption or error during download, the invention can resume downloading or installation based on the download successfully stored on the local machine without requiring the download all over again. This saves considerable time during the download and install process and enhances user productivity and experience. A download manager provides a user interface to efficiently select from multiple software products for download and negotiate issues such as multiple and different product licenses.
US08938731B2

A firmware control management device and a method implemented by the firmware control management device are described herein which are configured to determine whether or not to push a firmware update to a machine-to-machine (M2M) device.
US08938730B2

A system set of a utility node device, such as a kernel and/or root file system, may be updated by utilizing a multi-system set configuration. For example, the multi-system set configuration may include a first system set that is generally configured to act as an “active” set, a second system set (e.g., “idle” set) that is configured to operate when the first system set is non-operational or in an “idle” state, and a third system set that is configured to operate when the first and second system sets are non-operational. During an update of a system set, an update package may be applied to the second “idle” system set, while the first “active” system set remains operational. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like.
US08938724B2

The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a platform that enables a content developer to distribute uniform content to multiple types of requesting mobile devices. By authoring content in a generic markup language and using the technologies included in the Mobile Content Framework (MCF), the content developer is able to provide content to multiple types devices without providing different versions of the content. The content may be authored originally in the generic markup language or translated from other languages into the generic markup language by the MCF. The MCF exploits the capabilities and accommodates the limitations of different types of wireless devices by converting generic markup language content to device-specific content. The MCF interacts with device registries holding records of the device attributes in order to provide the device-specific content. The MCF handles these issues for current mobile devices while also being extensible for future mobile devices.
US08938718B2

An embodiment of the present invention utilizes the abilities of an operating system to manage the window focus while debugging a graphical user interface program. In an example, a debugger program intercepts a breakpoint in the code of a graphical user interface computer program undergoing automated testing by a separate computer program. The debugger program instructs the operating system to save states of the window focus. Responsive to determining the breakpoint condition has ended, the debugger program instructs the operating system to restore saved states of the window that had focus prior to the breakpoint condition. Another embodiment of the present invention arranges similar window focus management where an operating system on its own is unable to save and restore states of the window that had focus prior to the breakpoint condition.
US08938711B2

A method includes providing a graphical user interface to an automated software development system, and providing a customized software application to an enterprise. The application comprises a collection of codesets that together are configured to perform an integration process. The system provides a configuration dialog interface for soliciting, from a user, information indicating a Health Level Seven (HL7) version and an HL7 message type. The system determines an HL7 electronic data interchange document profile defining a document schema and a set of data elements included at an HL7 message document corresponding to the HL7 version and the HL7 message type. The system generates a profile codeset based on the HL7 document profile. The system provides the customized software application for installation at an enterprise, the application comprising a collection of codesets including the profile codeset.
US08938708B2

A method and program product to monitor the activities of a named person for developing a computer program. The method comprises the steps of logging operations performed by a software build tool or software test tool, a record in the log for each of the operations comprising an identity of a person that requested the operation and a time stamp of the operation; identifying the activities of the named person; determining that the named person is currently accessing the software build tool or software test tool; querying the log records with a time stamp within a predetermined period to determine that the named person has used the software build tool or software test tool to develop the computer program within the predetermined period; and reporting to the user that the named person used the tool to develop the computer program within the predetermined period.
US08938705B1

A retention synthesis application provides a means of analyzing a circuit design, functional test sequences, and the associated power specification to identify registers that do not need retention when a block is powered down. Reducing the number of retention registers reduces power consumption and chip area. The retention synthesis application is based, at least in part, upon symbolic simulation. In symbolic simulation, a symbol is used to represent a value that can be either 0 or 1 and the propagation of symbols is traced through the simulation.
US08938697B1

A method of performing optical proximity correction for preparing a mask projected onto a wafer by photolithography includes the following steps. An integrated circuit layout design comprising a first feature and a second feature is obtained, wherein the first feature overlaps a first boundary of two structures in the wafer. An edge of the first feature close to the second feature pertaining to a specific trend section of an experimental chart having trend sections is recognized. An optical proximity correction value is evaluated for the edge through a computer system by a rule corresponding to the specific trend section. The layout design is compensated with the optical proximity correction value.
US08938676B2

A method of enabling a user to adjust at least first and second control parameters for controlling an electronic system includes displaying a coordinate system on a display screen, where a first coordinate represents a range of values of the first control parameter, and a second coordinate represents a range of values of the second control parameter. The method further included visually indicating a position in coordinate system corresponding to a currently selected combination of values of the first and second control parameters, and enabling the user to select a new combination of values of the first and second control parameters by indicating a position within the coordinate system.
US08938675B2

A system for automating generation of an audio/video (AV) control interface includes a computing device having a processor to enable a user, with a user interface of the computing device, to configure the AV system. The processor may enable the user to draw output zones to create a representation of a geographical layout of a venue in which the AV system is located. The processor may enable the user to place transmitting and receiving AV devices within the output zones that substantially represent physical locations thereof within the venue. The processor may enable the user to logically associate receiving AV device channels of receiving AV devices within an output zone. The processor assigns parameters of the associated AV devices to a control interface for user control thereof. To do so, the processor identifies controllable parameters associated with the AV devices associated with the output zone. The processor assigns a data storage structure associated with each respective controllable parameter to the control interface. The processor launches the control interface in an application window having integrated therewith the controllable parameters and a menu selection of a source AV signal.
US08938666B2

A user enters a selection of system components to be included within a configurable system. An initial top-level system diagram is then generated and displayed to the user. The user can then input a designation specifying one or more logical groups, functional groups, or other specified system components that the user wishes to display as a filtered system diagram. Other system components are examined to determine which, if any, of the system components have attributes matching the designation. A filtered system diagram is then generated highlighting the included system components having attributes matching the designation. Alternatively, the filtered system diagram can exclude those system components not having attributes matching the designation.
US08938663B2

A modem architecture that supports the application of joint source channel decoding (JSCD). The modem architecture includes two channel decoders, one of which is modified to provide improved signal quality. The modem architecture further includes transparent network layers that enable the passage of data from one layer to another layer. For example, the modem architecture enables the passage soft bits, when available, from a physical layer to an application layer. The soft bits may be utilized for JSCD, packet loss concealment, or other applications. The modem architecture enables encryption and decryption of data to incorporate extrinsic information in operating JSCD.
US08938659B2

Described embodiments provide a media controller that performs error correction on data read from a solid-state media. The media controller receives a read operation from a host device to read one or more given read units of the solid-state media. The media controller reads the data for the corresponding read units from the solid-state media employing initial values for one or more read threshold voltages. Only if a disparity between an actual number of bits at a given logic level included in the read data and an expected number of bits at the given logic level included in the read data has not reached a predetermined threshold, the media controller decodes the read data and provides the decoded data to the host device.
US08938657B2

Memory devices and methods are described such as those that mix data and associated error correction code blocks between multiple memory device locations. Examples include mixing between multiple memory blocks, mixing between memory pages, mixing between memory chips and mixing between memory modules. In selected examples, memory blocks and associated error correction code are mixed between multiple levels of memory device hierarchy.
US08938643B1

Various systems and methods for creating a clone using streaming restore. For example, one method can involve receiving a set of storage blocks that include data associated with a state of a source computing entity. The method then involves creating a clone of the source computer system at an endpoint computer system. The endpoint computer system creates the clone by restoring the storage blocks, which involves storing the storage blocks to a memory at the endpoint computer system. The created clone has a state that corresponds to the state of the source computer system.
US08938640B2

The present invention relates to communications technologies and discloses a tunnel management method, a tunnel management apparatus, and a communications system so that a node that causes failure of a tunnel management request can be determined. According to the present invention, a response returned by a tunnel management node to an initiating node includes not only a cause value of tunnel management request failure but also information of the node that causes failure of the tunnel management request, so that the initiating node can find the node that causes failure of the tunnel management request and determine the error checking direction. The present invention is applicable to network devices in a communications network.
US08938636B1

The present technology proposes techniques for generating globally coherent timestamps. This technology may allow distributed systems to causally order transactions without incurring various types of communication delays inherent in explicit synchronization. By globally deploying a number of time masters that are based on various types of time references, the time masters may serve as primary time references. Through an interactive interface, the techniques may track, calculate and record data relative to each time master thus providing the distributed systems with causal timestamps.
US08938635B2

A method for managing an alternating current adaptor system is disclosed. A direct current voltage is received at a high impedance power delivery network from a primary side of an alternating current adaptor system. An isolated voltage is output from the high impedance power delivery network to components of a secondary side of the alternating current adaptor system. A transition in a power state identification of an information handling system associated with the alternating current adaptor system is detected. An output voltage level of the alternating current adaptor system is alternated in response to the transition in the power state identification of the information handling system.
US08938634B2

Technologies are described herein for providing power savings in a data center. Some example technologies may identify some user-provided hardware independent power saving codes from multiple virtual machines within the data center. The technologies may convert at least a portion of the user-provided hardware independent power saving codes into a device power management message specific to a computing system in the data center. The technologies may provide the device power management message to the computing system. The computing system may be configured to enable or disable one or more devices within the computing system according to the device power management message.
US08938628B2

Methods and apparatus for controlling the power-on current transients and for providing a gradual current draw in an ASIC or FPGA having a high gate count and a number of physical blocks are disclosed. Additionally, method(s) are disclosed which ensure related blocks emerge from a reset state on a common clock cycle even when the related blocks are geographically dispersed over a large area producing multiple clock cycle latency periods for signals between blocks. Complete flexibility of physical block start up is achieved by software control which permits the sequence and number of physical blocks started simultaneously.
US08938616B2

According to one embodiment, a authentication method comprising: generating a second key by the first key, the first key being stored in a memory and being prohibited from being read from outside; generating a session key by the second key; generating first authentication information, the secret identification information stored in a memory and being prohibited from being read from outside; transmitting encrypted secret identification information to an external device and receiving second authentication information from the external device, the encrypted secret identification information stored in a memory and readable, the second authentication information generated based on the encrypted secret identification information; and determining whether the first authentication information and the second authentication information match.
US08938615B2

An authenticated RFID system is provided that uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to reduce the signature size and read/write times when compared to traditional public key implementations such as RSA. Either ECDSA or ECPVS can be used to reduce the signature size and ECPVS can be used to hide a portion of the RFID tag that contains sensitive product identifying information. As a result, smaller tags can be used or multiple signatures can be written at different stages in a manufacturing or supply chain. A key management system is used to distribute the verification keys and aggregate signature schemes are also provided for adding multiple signatures to the RFID tags, for example in a supply chain.
US08938611B1

A security virtual machine is provided in a network including a resource shared among two or more virtual machines. All data traffic from each virtual machine to or from the shared resource is transmitted over an encrypted channel to the security virtual machine. Each connection between a virtual machine and the security virtual machine is maintained as a separate encrypted channel, preventing one virtual machine from accessing data sent to or from another virtual machine, even though the virtual machines are all sharing the same resource.
US08938610B2

In some embodiments, a secure authenticated remote boot of computing device over a wireless network is performed in a pre-boot execution environment (PXE) using active management technology (AMT) for remote discovery. In these embodiments, a management engine (ME) may maintain full control of a wireless interface and a wireless connection as booting begins. The ME may relinquish control of the wireless interface after a PXE timeout, in response to a shutdown command, or once the device has booted. The ME controls the use of an operating system received from a remote location.
US08938608B2

A method for allowing portions of programs to be executed on a System z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP). A service call is inserted at the beginning of the zIIP eligible code to enable enclave Service Request Block (SRB)-mode execution on the zIIP processor. An additional service call is inserted at the end of the zIIP eligible code to disable the enclave SRB-mode execution. A module in the operating system, referred to herein as the “zIIP shifter module,” is configured to detect these service calls thereby implementing and terminating the SRB-mode execution so that the zIIP processor executes the zIIP eligible code for the appropriate duration of time. In this manner, only a portion of the programs that contain eligible zIIP executable code is executed on the zIIP processor without requiring the programs to be entirely restructured thereby reducing development cost and improving software development productivity.
US08938607B2

New instruction definitions for a packet add (PADD) operation and for a single instruction multiple add (SMAD) operation are disclosed. In addition, a new dedicated PADD logic device that performs the PADD operation in about one to two processor clock cycles is disclosed. Also, a new dedicated SMAD logic device that performs a single instruction multiple data add (SMAD) operation in about one to two clock cycles is disclosed.
US08938603B2

According to an embodiment of the invention, cache management comprises maintaining a cache comprising a hash table including rows of data items in the cache, wherein each row in the hash table is associated with a hash value representing a logical block address (LBA) of each data item in that row. Searching for a target data item in the cache includes calculating a hash value representing a LBA of the target data item, and using the hash value to index into a counting Bloom filter that indicates that the target data item is either not in the cache, indicating a cache miss, or that the target data item may be in the cache. If a cache miss is not indicated, using the hash value to select a row in the hash table, and indicating a cache miss if the target data item is not found in the selected row.
US08938597B2

Method and apparatus for managing a memory, such as but not limited to a flash memory. In accordance with some embodiments, initial state information is stored which identifies an actual state of a garbage collection unit (GCU) of a memory during a normal operational mode. During a restoration mode after a memory power cycle event, a virtualized state of the GCU is determined responsive to the initial state information and to data read from the GCU. The memory is transitioned from the restoration mode to the normal operational mode once the virtualized state for the GCU is determined.
US08938594B2

A method for resilvering a storage pool includes determining whether any of a first plurality of blocks in the storage pool, comprising metadata, require resilvering, determining whether any of a second plurality of blocks in the storage pool, comprising data, require resilvering, resilvering all of the first plurality of blocks that require resilvering, and resilvering all of the second plurality of blocks that require resilvering, wherein all of the first plurality of blocks that require resilvering are resilvered prior to resilvering any of the second plurality of blocks.
US08938590B2

Systems and methods are provided for managing access to registers. In one embodiment, a system may include a processor and a plurality of registers. The processor and the plurality of registers may be integrated into a single device, or may be in separate devices. The plurality of registers may include a first set of registers that are directly accessible by the processor, and a second set of registers that are not directly accessible by the processor. The second set of registers may, however, be accessed indirectly by the processor via the first set of registers. In one embodiment, the first set of registers may include a register for selecting a register bank from the second set of registers, and a register for selecting a particular address within the register bank, to allow indirect access by the processor to the registers of the second set.
US08938587B2

A coherent attached processor proxy (CAPP) that participates in coherence communication in a primary coherent system on behalf of an attached processor external to the primary coherent system tracks delivery of data to destinations in the primary coherent system via one or more entries in a data structure. Each of the one or more entries specifies with a destination tag a destination in the primary coherent system to which data is to be delivered from the attached processor. In response to initiation of recovery operations for the CAPP, the CAPP performs data recovery operations, including transmitting, to at least one destination indicated by the destination tag of one or more entries, an indication of a data error in data to be delivered to that destination from the attached processor.
US08938575B2

A multi-state memory system with encoding that minimizes half-select currents. The system includes an array of row and column conductors with a plurality of storage cells each capable of being placed into any of three or more physical states. An encoder is connected to receive data bits for storage and to apply activation signals to the row and column conductors to write information to the storage cells. The encoder is programmed to encode the data bits into entries in an array having one row corresponding with each row conductor and one column corresponding with each column conductor; select entries in the array according to half-select currents of the storage cells; apply a predetermined one-dimensional mapping that increases the value of at most one entry in the array to obtain a mapped array; and write entries of the mapped array into the storage cells.
US08938574B2

Methods and systems for using one or more solid-state drives (SSDs) as a shared cache memory for a plurality of storage controllers coupled with the SSDs and coupled with a plurality of storage devices through a common switched fabric communication medium. All controllers share access to the SSDs through the switched fabric and thus can assume control for a failed controller by, in part, accessing cached data of the failed controller in the shared SSDs.
US08938572B1

Various embodiments disclosed herein including systems and methods for improving allocation of computing resources in a virtual machine (VM) environment. Embodiments maintain data relating to how VM image data is stored in storage devices and loaded into volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM). The data is then used to identify common content in the volatile memory that can be shared across VM instances. In some embodiments, multiple VM instances can share at least a portion of a single common VM image loaded into a shared volatile memory.
US08938568B2

Disclosed herein is a system having a multi-processor configuration for electronics devices and systems, such as, computing and communication devices like laptop, notebook, tablets, smartphones, etc. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject matter the system comprises a plurality of processors and a multi protocol multi-root input output virtualization (MPMRIOV) switch communicatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of processors. The system further includes a peripheral and interface virtualization unit (PIVU) coupled to the MPMRIOV switch. In said embodiment, the PIVU is configured to communicatively couple at least one of the plurality of processors with at least one of a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) compliant peripheral, a Peripheral Component Interconnect express (PCIe) compliant peripheral, a non PCI compliant peripheral, and a non PCIe compliant peripheral.
US08938559B2

Techniques for isochronous data transfer between different memory-mapped domains in a distributed system. A method includes configuring an isochronous engine with an isochronous period. The method further includes transferring data over a memory-mapped fabric from a first memory to a second memory during a specified portion of a cycle of the isochronous period. The first memory is comprised in a first device in a first memory-mapped domain of the memory-mapped fabric and the second memory is comprised in a second device in a second memory-mapped domain of the memory-mapped fabric. The method may further comprise translating one or more addresses related to the transferring. The memory-mapped fabric may be a PCI-Express fabric. The transferring may be performed by a DMA controller. A non-transparent bridge may separate the first and the second memory-mapped domains and may perform the translating.
US08938554B2

A mechanism is disclosed for enabling a network address to be shared by multiple containers. By allowing multiple containers to share a network address, a limit on network addresses does not limit the number of containers that can be implemented. Despite the fact that the network address is shared by multiple containers, the uniqueness and isolation of each container is still maintained. In one implementation, this is achieved by associating a unique label with each container. With this unique label, it is possible to forward a packet destined for the shared network address to a specific container despite the fact that multiple containers share the same network address. Thus, with this mechanism, it is possible to achieve container isolation and uniqueness without limiting container scalability.
US08938552B2

A method begins by a processing module detecting a potential dispersed storage network (DSN) protocol issue that effects access of dispersed storage error encoded data within a DSN. The method continues with the processing module identifying a DSN entity based on the DSN protocol issue and generating a DSN protocol inquiry frame. The method continues with the processing module transmitting the DSN protocol inquiry frame to the DSN entity. The method continues with the processing module receiving a DSN protocol response frame from the DSN entity and resolving the DSN protocol issue based on the DSN protocol response frame.
US08938532B2

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for network server performance anomaly detection are disclosed. According to one aspect of the subject matter disclosed, a method is disclosed for real-time computation of an endpoint performance measure based on transport and network layer header information. The method includes passively collecting transport and network layer header information from packet traffic in a network. Connections in the network are modeled using an abstract syntax for characterizing a sequence of application-level bidirectional interactions between endpoints of each connection and delays between the interactions. Application-level characteristics of the packet traffic are determined based on the modeled connections. A performance measure of at least one endpoint is computed based on the application-level characteristics and the modeled connections.
US08938531B1

An apparatus, systems, and methods for multi-context event streaming network vulnerability scanners. A method is disclosed for scanning a network by executing a first test program, receiving data from one or more devices on a network in response to the data sent by the first test program, determining one or more context findings from the first test program, and reporting the one or more context findings from the first test program to the scanner engine while the first test program is executing.
US08938529B2

A simplified hardware management communication protocol comprises defined request packets, which are utilized to transmit requests to lower layers of management functionality or to managed resources, and it also comprises defined response packets, which are utilized to transmit responses back to the source of the request. A request packet comprises an identification of a type of device, an identifier of that device, an address of the sending entity, a session identifier, a sequence number, a function identifier, and a payload that comprises encapsulated communications or data directed to the request target. A response packet can comprise an identification of the sender of the request, a session identifier, a sequence number, a completion code identifying whether and how the request was completed, and a payload. Managed asset type specific drivers translate into communications utilizing communicational protocols that are specific to the managed assets.
US08938527B2

A method and a device for data processing in a communication network. The method includes the following steps: (i) at least one filter applicable for a first type of connection is provided in front of at least one filter that is applicable for a second type of connection; and (ii) the order of the at least on filter applicable for the first type of connection and the at least one filter applicable for the second type of connection is inverted in case that the number of filters required for the second type of connection increases.
US08938521B2

A network element within a data center comprises a master switch, a slave switch, a plurality of servers in communication with the master and slave switches, and an inter-switch link connected between the master switch and the slave switch. The master switch and the slave switch are configured to bi-directionally synchronize both server status and application hash table information through the inter-switch link.
US08938519B1

Devices, systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with configuring devices are described. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, from a remote device, a search input for an adjustment parameter. The method searches for the adjustment parameter in a television device based, at least in part, on the search input, wherein the adjustment parameter is a setting in the television device that controls how content is displayed. After the adjustment parameter is found, the adjustment parameter is returned to the remote device, which is caused to display the adjustment parameter. An input parameter value for changing the adjustment parameter is received from the remote device. The television device is reconfigured by locally changing the adjustment parameter based at least in part on the input parameter value, wherein a content is displayed on the television device based on at least the changed adjustment parameter.
US08938518B2

A first device transfers a running application to a second device. A first device sends a request to transfer a running application to a second device. The second device determines whether the application is presently installed on the second device. The second device determines whether the application is an application designed to run on a platform of the second device. The second device then receives state information for the application from the first device. In response to receiving the state information, the second device executes a counterpart application utilizing the state information received from the first device.
US08938512B2

Based on information associated with users, a social networking system recommends one or more groups for a target user to join or to create. Characteristics of the target user, characteristics of users connected to the target user, characteristics of candidate groups in the social networking system may be used to identify groups for recommendation. The social networking system may provide questions to the target user and recommend a group to the target user based on received answers to the questions. For example, the answers to the provided question identify one or more characteristics of the target user, which are used to select a group for recommendation. Additionally, the social networking system may recommend additional users for the target user to add or invite to a group based on characteristics of the target user, the additional users, and/or the group.
US08938509B2

Various methods and apparatus relate to sharing QoS privileges between devices having a higher service level subscription and devices having lower service level subscription. QoS privileges are associated with a QoS service level which is in turn tied to devices, e.g., based on a service level subscription of the device. Devices with higher service level subscription are entitled to superior QoS privileges than the devices with lower service level subscription. In various embodiments a first device with higher QoS service level provides, to a second device having lower QoS service level, information used to obtain a QoS privilege to which the first device is entitled. Thus the second device entitled to lower QoS privileges is provided with the superior QoS privileges on a limited basis, e.g., for communicating with the first device corresponding to the higher QoS service level.
US08938498B2

A call request message is sent from an access terminal to an application server in order to request initiation of a group communication session to a communication group and to request that an allocation of the floor to the given access terminal for the duration of the given group communication session remain uninterrupted by call targets of the session. The application server announces the session, and sends a floor-grant to the access terminal after the session is accepted by at least one target. The access terminal forwards media to the application server which is then forwarded to the at least one target. The floor is not transferred away from the access terminal during the session. For example, floor requests are suppressed at the at least one target, or floor requests are sent by the at least one target but are then ignored or denied by the application server.
US08938493B2

Provided is a simulation system capable of reducing a deviation that occurs in simulation results between a client and a server. In the simulation system, a server (2) notifies a client (3) of event information regarding behaviors of one or a plurality of objects, which is obtained as results of executing simulations, along with timing information indicating timings of the behaviors, and the client (3) executes, based on the event information notified from the server (2), a simulation regarding behaviors of at least part of the objects. Also in the simulation system, the client (3) executes the simulation at a timing delayed from the execution of the simulation by the server (2), and causes the behavior of the object corresponding to the event information to occur at a timing determined according to the timing information.
US08938492B1

A method and system for enabling efficient review of media objects associated with a client device is described. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes detecting a media object associated with the client device, automatically generating a reduced version of the detected media object, and transmitting the reduced version to a remote data storage location over a network connection from the client device to be reviewed by a user.
US08938490B2

A system and computer-implemented method communicatively interfaces a Process Automation (PA) application executing on a mainframe computer with a mainframe automation function executing on the mainframe computer. The PA application executes within a services layer, which runs on top of a base Operating System (OS) layer of the mainframe computer. Some automation functions execute within the base OS layer, while other automation functions within the services layer. Therefore, an interface executing within the services layer determines which of the two disparate execution environments is needed to execute a given mainframe automation function, and invokes the function within the appropriate environment.
US08938483B1

A filter can include a first channel and a second channel. The first channel can be configured to process a first term and a second term of an input vector using a first coefficient and a second coefficient of the filter. The first channel can be configured to generate a first term of an output vector. The second channel can be configured to process the first term and the second term of the input vector using the first coefficient and the second coefficient of the filter. The second channel can be configured to generate a second term of the output vector. The first and second channels can be configured to operate in parallel.
US08938475B2

Methods, non-transitory computer-readable media, and systems for managing business objects data sources. Multiple business objects data sources, each storing multiple data items, are accessed. For each data source, multiple computer-searchable index documents and multiple metadata tables, including master tables and mapping tables, are generated. The multiple computer-searchable index documents and the multiple metadata tables are provided to perform a search for data items in the multiple business objects data sources.
US08938474B2

A system for securing application information in a shared, system-wide search service. Each application can register a security filtering module that is to be used at search time to filter data associated with that application. When a user performs a search, initial, unfiltered search results are obtained based the contents of the shared search index. The unfiltered search results are organized by application, and previously registered filter modules are called to perform user specific, per-application filtering on the initial results. The filter modules cause data to which the user issuing the search request does not have access to be removed from the search results, on a per application basis. Those of the initial search results that are determined in this way to not be accessible to the user issuing the search request are removed, resulting in a set of filtered search results that are presented to the user. The filtered search results thus contain indications only of data that is accessible to the user. In this way, the system-wide search service filters search results to remove indications of data which match the search criteria provided by the user, but to which the user does not have access, based on a conveniently extensible, per-application search result filtering process.
US08938473B2

A secure windowing service is disclosed. When the windowing service receives an indication that a second client (executing in a second container) wishes to be given access to a set of windowing information provided by a first client (executing in a first container), the windowing service determines, based upon sensitivity labels associated with the first and second containers, whether the second client should be given access to the windowing information provided by the first client. By making this determination, the windowing service in effect implements information access control. This information access control helps to ensure that windowing information is not improperly passed from container to container.
US08938471B2

A method for setting up an array of technical units and such an array are presented. The method is used for the independent setup and operation of an array of technical units, the technical units being connected to one another via a system communication bus, a query for a system resource being transmitted from a querying unit to all other units, all other units checking whether the resource has already been assigned to this unit itself, and all querying units transmitting an appropriate response to the querying units and the system resource being assigned thereto if it is not already assigned to one of the other units.
US08938468B2

Methods and apparatus for facilitating a process of designing, selecting, and/or customizing lighting effects or lighting shows. A library of indexed (tagged) predefined lighting effects or shows is searched by a search engine, based upon information provided by a user/designer, to identify a set of effects or shows having attributes that are in some way related to the information provided by the user. The user is then presented with search results, i.e., a manageable subset of intelligently chosen lighting effects or shows, which may be ranked in terms of relevance, any one or more of which may be readily selected by the user. The user may select one or more effects or shows from the search results “as is” for execution by a lighting system, may combine one or more effects or shows from the search results, or may modify one or more effects or shows from the search results to refine some aspect of the effect(s)/show(s) in accordance with user preferences. In one exemplary implementation, the library of lighting effects/shows and/or the search engine may be hosted by a web site and accessible via the Internet.
US08938465B2

A method and system for providing access to content on an electronic device is provided. One embodiment includes receiving contextual information and querying a packaged content source for content related to the contextual information. Available content relating to the contextual information from the packaged content source is then indicated for user access.
US08938463B1

The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to ranking search results of a search query. In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a computer-implemented method that includes: receiving multiple features, including a first feature indicative of presentation bias that affects document result selection for search results presented in a user interface of a document search service; obtaining, based on the multiple features, information regarding document result selections for searches performed using the document search service; generating a prior model using the information, the prior model representing a background probability of document result selection given values of the multiple features; and outputting the prior model to a ranking engine for ranking of search results to reduce influence of the presentation bias.
US08938455B2

A method and search engine for classifying a source publishing a document on a portion of a network, includes steps of electronically receiving a document, based on the document, determining a source which published the document, and assigning a code to the document based on whether data associated with the document published by the source matches with data contained in a database. An intelligent geographic- and business topic-specific resource discovery system facilitates local commerce on the World-Wide Web and also reduces search time by accurately isolating information for end-users. Distinguishing and classifying business pages on the Web by business categories using Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes is achieved through an automatic iterative process.
US08938446B2

A system and method is provided of generating a map. In one aspect, the map is transmitted by a server as an image. Listings are selected based on both their proximity to the location and whether they match arbitrary words provided by a user, with one set being transmitted as text and another set being transmitted as image data representing icons on a transparent background. In response, a user's computer displays the image of the second set as an overlay on the map, and processes the text to display the first set as icons on the map.
US08938436B2

A system for and method of providing reusable software service information based on natural language queries. The system and method may include receiving, from a user system, query data in a natural language format that indicates a request for a plurality of reusable software service applications that are configured to perform a particular task, processing the query data to generate search criteria that include query values, and searching, a database, for the plurality of reusable software service applications based on the query values.
US08938426B2

A storage system that may include a management module, a communication module and a storage module; wherein the management module is arranged to receive, at an intermediate point in time that occurs between the first point in time and a second point in time, a first request that indicates that a certain extent of the second logical volume is irrelevant; participate in a creation of second point in time snapshots of the first and second logical volumes; select, in response to the first request, out of all data deltas generated between the first and second point in time, selected data deltas to be transmitted to the other storage system; wherein the selected data deltas exclude data deltas associated with the certain extent that were generated between the first point in time and the intermediate point in time.
US08938422B1

A computer-implemented method for delaying synchronization of a computing device is disclosed according to one aspect of the subject technology. The method comprises receiving an update notification at the computing device, determining whether the computing device is idle, and, if the computing device is idle, then delaying retrieval of synchronization information corresponding to the update notification. The method also comprises determining whether a user has started using the computing device, and, if the user has started using the computing device, then retrieving the synchronization information corresponding to the update notification.
US08938421B2

A computer implemented system and method for synchronizing a plurality of changes from a source computing device to a destination computing device, have been disclosed. The method involves, determining an initial polling time and a last polled time, checking for an elapse of a preset polling interval from a maximum poll time, polling a source for fetching data after an elapse of a polling interval from the maximum poll time, selecting a plurality of changes from the source computing device, processing the fetched data, writing the processed data at a destination computing device and reporting a status of a synchronization process.
US08938410B2

To implement open information extraction, a new extraction paradigm has been developed in which a system makes a single data-driven pass over a corpus of text, extracting a large set of relational tuples without requiring any human input. Using training data, a Self-Supervised Learner employs a parser and heuristics to determine criteria that will be used by an extraction classifier (or other ranking model) for evaluating the trustworthiness of candidate tuples that have been extracted from the corpus of text, by applying heuristics to the corpus of text. The classifier retains tuples with a sufficiently high probability of being trustworthy. A redundancy-based assessor assigns a probability to each retained tuple to indicate a likelihood that the retained tuple is an actual instance of a relationship between a plurality of objects comprising the retained tuple. The retained tuples comprise an extraction graph that can be queried for information.
US08938405B2

A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for classifying customer activity in an automated customer support system. The method includes obtaining input from the automated customer support system, wherein the input comprises an observable measurement of customer activity in the automated customer support system, computing a probability that the input corresponds to one of one or more probabilistic models, and using the computed probability to classify the customer activity in the automated customer support system by considering the probabilistic model corresponding to a highest computed probability.
US08938401B2

Systems and methods for controlling the use of audio, video and audiovisual content are provided. A data structure includes content usage rights for multiple release windows. The usage rights may be encoded in the content or otherwise bound to the content. Playback devices are configured to access the appropriate usage rights and control usage in accordance with the usage rights.
US08938397B2

Systems and methods of facilitating trades of instruments are provided. A master node and a plurality of intermediate nodes store counterparty credit matrices. Trades are executed based on the information stored in these matrices. The systems and methods allow selection of trading options that not only accept or reject a trade, but also can indicate a credit status to be assigned to a counterparty to the trade.
US08938387B2

The present invention teaches a new audio coding system that can code both general audio and speech signals well at low bit rates. A proposed audio coding system comprises linear prediction unit for filtering an input signal based on an adaptive filter; a transformation unit for transforming a frame of the filtered input signal into a transform domain; and a quantization unit for quantizing the transform domain signal. The quantization unit decides, based on input signal characteristics, to encode the transform domain signal with a model-based quantizer or a non-model-based quantizer. Preferably, the decision is based on the frame size applied by the transformation unit.
US08938383B2

Apparatus and method for allowing a test script to be played back correctly in a locale of different test language. The invention uses a synonymy dictionary storing the different appearances of the property value of a property in an object of a software product to be tested in different test locales; and compares the property value of the property in the object of the software product to be tested to the corresponding property value pre-recorded in a test script to detect whether they match each other.
US08938372B1

Disclosed are system and methods for simulating signal integrity structures using stable processed modes (e.g., matched traveling-wave power modes), and/or for creating response surfaces from stable response parameters.
US08938363B2

A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning one or more sources and one or more receivers near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir; performing a survey with the sources and the receivers during the fracturing operation; comparing the baseline survey to the survey performed during the fracturing operation; analyzing one or more differences between the baseline survey and the survey performed during the fracturing operation; and modifying the fracturing operation based on the differences.
US08938360B2

A guidance apparatus for guiding to a predetermined orientation includes a detection section configured to detect a contact of an object via a contact surface; a measurement section configured to measure an orientation of the guidance apparatus; a calculation section configured to calculate a direction of the predetermined orientation relative to the orientation measured by the measurement section; and a vibration section configured to generate vibration if the contact of the object is detected by the detection section either within an area including the direction, or within another area other than the area including the direction, among a plurality of areas partitioning the contact surface.
US08938355B2

Methods and apparatuses are provided that may be implemented in various electronic devices to allow for location, navigation, and/or other like information and/or services to be provided to a user based, at least in part, on audio input information corresponding one or more environmental features which are near by the user of the portable electronic device.
US08938354B2

There is provided a driving support apparatus for a vehicle. A driving control unit determines whether or not a three-dimensional object ahead is a three-dimensional object having high reliability as a control object for an automatic brake control based on a condition set beforehand, when possibility of collision between the vehicle and the three-dimensional object ahead is determined to be high. When the reliability of the three-dimensional object ahead as the control object is determined to be low and the amount of increase in the accelerator opening degree is equal to or larger than a set value, the driving control unit cancels the execution of the automatic brake control.
US08938349B2

A method is described for operating a fuel injection system, in particular of an internal combustion engine, in which fuel under pressure is made available in a pressure reservoir and a fuel pressure prevailing in the pressure reservoir is ascertainable with the aid of a pressure sensor. Fuel is removed from the pressure reservoir over a predefinable pressure reduction time period, measured pressure values are ascertained (determined) with the aid of the pressure sensor at least two different points in time during the pressure reduction period, and an actual fuel pressure at the beginning of the pressure reduction period is inferred from the measured pressure values ascertained (determined) during the pressure reduction period.
US08938348B2

A method determines a run-curve of a motion of a vehicle as a function of at least a speed of the vehicle and a position of the vehicle in a continuous space. First, the method determines Markov decision process (MDP) with respect to a set of anchor states selected from the continuous space, such that a control moving the vehicle to a state transitions the MDP to an anchor state with a probability determined as a function of a distance between the anchor state and the state in the continuous space, and solves the MDP subject to constraints to determine an MDP policy optimizing a cost function representing a cost of the motion of the vehicle. Next, the method determines the run-curve based on the MDP policy.
US08938347B2

In a method for adjusting the clamping force exerted by a parking brake, which force is applied by an electric-motor braking apparatus and by a hydraulic braking apparatus, the hydraulic inlet pressure generated by the driver and existing in the hydraulic braking apparatus is utilized to generate a hydraulic clamping force; and for the case in which the hydraulic clamping force is not sufficient to reach a target clamping force, an electric clamping force is generated in supplementary fashion.
US08938346B2

A method for holding a vehicle at a standstill includes a first phase in which the brake pressure at the wheel brakes is retained so that the vehicle is held automatically by the service brake, and the braking force is then transferred to a parking brake so that in a second phase the vehicle is held solely by the parking brake. A risk inherent in this transfer is that the vehicle may begin to slip. The distance over which the vehicle slides in uncontrolled fashion can be made substantially shorter if, in the second phase in which the vehicle is being held by the parking brake, the movement of the vehicle is monitored by sensors, and brake pressure is automatically built up by way of an actuator as soon as the fact that the vehicle is rolling away has been detected.
US08938345B2

A vehicle left-right wheel drive force distribution control apparatus is provided for improving the handling of a vehicle when a steering wheel of the vehicle is being returned toward a center position. The vehicle left-right wheel drive force distribution control apparatus executes a distributed output of a wheel drive force to left and right drive wheels in accordance with a control. The apparatus has a left-right drive force transient control amount computing section that computes a left-right drive force difference transient control amount based on a driver transient turn response. This control amount computed is used in the aforementioned control and is made smaller as the steering wheel is being turned away from a center position than as the steering wheel is being returned toward the center position.
US08938343B2

A method of dissipating power on a propelled machine includes setting a target ground speed for the machine, and, if the throttle position is less than a first predetermined minimum and if the machine is on a negative grade in the direction of travel no greater than a second predetermined minimum, and the calculated machine resistance power is less than the calculated grade power, the method include engaging at least a portion of the energy-dissipating electrically or electrohydraulically controlled accessories to retard the machine to maintain the machine within a set range of a target speed.
US08938337B2

A laser sensor is located close to a rotation axis of a vehicle door and configured to emit a laser beam to a surface of the vehicle door and accept reflected light reflected from an obstacle for scanning a scanning plane shifted in a door-opening direction, in which the vehicle door is openable. A determination section determines whether an obstacle, which is possible to make contact with the vehicle door, exists in the door-opening direction of the vehicle door, based on a result of emission and acceptance of the laser beam of the laser sensor. An opening regulating section regulates an opening of the vehicle door in response to determination of the determination section that the obstacle exists.
US08938334B2

A vehicular steering angle estimating apparatus including wheel rotational speed sensors for detecting rotational speeds of left and right wheels of a vehicle, provided with a steering angle estimating portion for estimating and outputting a estimated steering angle 1 from the wheel rotational speeds detected by the wheel rotational speed sensors, and a estimated steering angle outputting portion for outputting a estimated steering angle 2 on the basis of the estimated steering angle 1 and an SAT detected value or an SAT estimated value.
US08938331B2

An idle control system for a vehicle is provided.
US08938323B2

A method of controlling a power storage system for supplying power to a load from a power generation system, a battery, and a grid includes: when power failure occurs in the grid, determining whether duration of the power failure is more than a standard duration; if the duration of the power failure is more than the standard duration, determining a state of charge of the battery; and when the power failure of the grid has ended, if the duration of the power failure is less than the standard duration or if the state of charge of the battery is equal or more than a standard value, performing a first power failure returning mode; and if the charging condition of the battery is less than the standard value, performing a second power failure returning mode. Accordingly, the power storage system performs a stable operation and prevents lifespan shortening of the battery.
US08938322B2

A computer-based electrical power management and allocation system is provided that collects demand for electric power usage and allocates electric power supply in satisfaction thereof. A load control server is used to collect and schedule electrical power start requests according to policies established by either or both of the electric power consumers and electric power suppliers. The energy system collects electrical power start requests and holds them in a reservation pool for later satisfaction according to prescribed customer and supplier policies and according to an overall optimization criterion of the energy system. Start messages are then subsequently issued to begin device operation once the energy system's operational criterion is relaxed and the devices are then removed from the reservation pool. Similar queuing for later satisfaction may also be applied to the distribution of other utilities, such as water, natural gas, or guaranteed interne bandwidth.
US08938321B2

A system for protecting, monitoring, and controlling multiple elements of a high voltage power transmission and distribution system. An intelligent electronic device includes at least one display including a human machine interface configured to display information regarding the multiple elements of the high voltage power transmission and distribution system over a plurality of control screens of the intelligent electronic device and to control the multiple elements of the high voltage power transmission and distribution system.
US08938310B2

Techniques for biventricular pacing include a rigid shaped stylet approximating curves of a coronary sinus and branch vein. Some techniques include a parasternal coronary sinus cannula comprising an outer sheath and an obturator. The obturator is removeably disposed inside the outer sheath from a device end of the hollow shaft. The obturator includes a flexible stem that fits snugly inside the hollow shaft, a malleable core disposed inside the flexible stem, a tapered tip that extends beyond a cardiac end of the shaft when the obturator is disposed inside the outer sheath, and a sensor for determining properties of the subject in a vicinity of the tapered tip. An optional pressure-seal, such as a tent, connected to suction maintains negative intrepleural pressure for insertion under local anesthesia.
US08938308B2

A device for brain stimulation that includes n lead having a longitudinal surface; at least one stimulation electrode disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead; and at least one recording electrode, separate from the at least one stimulation electrode, disposed along she longitudinal surface of the lead.
US08938305B2

A medical transceiver device for radio-based communication with an implantable medical device has circuitry for transmitting radio-frequency signals to, and/or receiving radio-frequency signals from, the implantable medical device, first and second electrically conductive structures, and an antenna feed network operatively interconnected between the circuitry and the first and second conductive structures. Each of the first and second conductive structures is operable as a transmitting and/or receiving antenna for the radio-frequency signals. The first and second conductive structures emit and/or receive radio waves of different polarizations, and the first and second conductive structures are disposed adjacent each other at a single location in space, thereby providing spatial diversity that is independent of the polarization diversity.
US08938298B2

In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator for electrically stimulating a patient comprises: a metallic housing enclosing pulse generating circuitry; a header mechanically coupled to the metallic housing, the header adapted to seal terminals of one or more stimulation leads within the header and to provide electrical connections for the terminals; the header comprising an inner compliant component for holding a plurality of electrical connectors, the plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupled to the pulse generating circuitry through feedthrough conductors, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are held in place in recesses within the compliant inner component, the header further comprising an outer shield component adapted to resist punctures, the outer shield component fitting over at least a portion of the inner compliant component.
US08938293B2

An example includes apparatus including a non-thin-film battery, that can include an implantable housing, electronics disposed in the implantable housing, and a battery disposed in the implantable housing, the battery comprising: a plurality of cells electrically connected to one another, with at least one cell including a stack including at least one substantially planar anode having a thickness greater than 1 micrometer and at least one substantially planar cathode having a thickness greater than 1 micrometer, and a cell housing enclosing the stack of substantially planar anodes and cathodes and displacing less than approximately 0.024 cubic centimeters, wherein the plurality of cells are interconnected in at least one of series and parallel, and terminals interconnecting the battery and the electronics.
US08938289B2

A rehabilitation device, comprising a movement element capable of controlling at least one motion parameter of a portion of a patient; a brain monitor which generates a signal indicative of brain activity; and circuitry including a memory having stored therein rehabilitation information and which inter-relates said signal and movement of said movement element as part of a rehabilitation process which utilizes said rehabilitation information.
US08938287B2

A computer-implemented electrocardiographic data processor with time stamp correlation is provided. A monitoring circuit includes a persistent memory and power supply that powers an encoder that determines a differential voltage between a current discrete digital voltage value and a prior voltage value. The differential voltage is stored into the persistent memory in a digitized data stream representative of analog cardiac action potential signals. Digitally-encoded voltage values and time stamps are retrieved from the persistent memory. A post-processing application executes. A set of output voltages and voltage differences that each correspond to lower and upper bounds of voltage is stored. Each retrieved voltage value is compared to the voltage bounds and the voltage differences within which each retrieved voltage value falls is identified. The output voltages corresponding to the voltage differences is selected. A display depicts the output voltages as reproduced analog cardiac action potential signals and correlates the time stamps.
US08938279B1

An oximeter measures oxygen saturation for two or more different tissue depths and shows these results on a screen. A probe of the oximeter has multiple different distances between source and detector sensors. One probe implementation has fixed sensor positions. Other implementations include sensors on a moveable platform or openings to accept sensors, which allow a user to vary a distance between sensors.
US08938272B2

Various technologies described herein pertain to providing spectrum utilization feedback from a whitespace device. A database query for a set of available channels in a spectrum (e.g., broadcast spectrum, etc.) during a time period can be transmitted from the whitespace device to a regulatory authorized database system. The database query includes data that specifies a set of channels used by the whitespace device during a previous time period prior to the time period. Responsive to the database query, a response can be received at the whitespace device from the regulatory authorized database. The response indicates the set of available channels in the spectrum during the time period, where the available channels are unassigned to licensees at a location of the whitespace device during the time period. Moreover, the whitespace device is configured to opportunistically communicate in the spectrum over one or more of the available channels.
US08938271B2

A cloud spectrum manager (CSM) for managing the sharing of spectrum among multiple operators in a distributed computing environment. The cloud spectrum manager comprises an allocation service component which applies a resource allocation policy to determine whether the requested spectrum from an operator may be allocated. The allocation of spectrum allows the operator to get spectrum from the CSM at wholesale prices and then the operator manages the rented spectrum with its associated client devices. The operator manages the rented spectrum, perform their own analytics & optimization and offer spectrum services to the clients. The demands on the CSM are alleviated since it can manage spectrum at whole sale quantities and leave the finer grain device to device management to the operator.
US08938268B2

A method for ranking signals isolates and cancels neighboring cells using layering. Received signals from various cells are grouped into layers, with each layer comprised of received signals which are comparable within a particular metric (such as signal strength). The signals within a particular layer may also be ranked according to a desired metric. At the beginning of a cancellation cycle the UE may perform the layering and ranking. Once the layering and ranking has been performed the UE may continue to use the layering and ranking for later rounds of cancellation, freeing up processing resources that would otherwise be dedicated to repeated ranking of received signals. After a period of time, the cancellation cycle may repeat and the layering and ranking may be performed again.
US08938266B1

Disclosed are a method, apparatus, and system for managing repeat-paging processes within a radio access network. When a base station receives a paging directive, the base station begins broadcasting a first series of page messages destined to a mobile station. Response to the first base station receiving no response from the mobile station to the first series of page messages, the first base station sends a repeat-paging directive to a second base station. The repeat-paging directive directs the second base station to begin broadcasting a second series of page messages destined to the mobile station.
US08938258B2

Determining referenced based location information for a wireless radio network is described. Referenced based location information can include determining location reference information and corresponding location offset information based on location information. In an aspect, location information can be timed fingerprint location information. Location offset information can be communicated in a wireless network at a lower operational cost than the associated location information. As such, use of referenced based location information for a wireless network can reduce bandwidth consumption as compared to location information communicated at similar intervals. This is particularly true in large wireless networks. Moreover, the use of referenced based location information for determining timed fingerprint location information can be highly attractive in light of timed fingerprint location information facilitating location information for many non-GPS enabled devices and being associated with significant increases in the frequency and density of location event requests.
US08938246B2

The present invention relates to a method for scheduling transmissions in a radio communication system comprising a plurality of base stations and a plurality of terminals, a base station being associated to a sector and transmitting/receiving data to/from terminals located in said sector. According to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: —determining an area around each given sector, said area comprising a set of sectors, —allocating to said sectors in said area a scheduling priority chosen among at least two different scheduling priorities, —scheduling decisions in a sector having a lower scheduling priority than a sector belonging to said area depending on scheduling decisions made for said sector with higher scheduling priority, said scheduling decisions made in said sector with higher scheduling priority being reported by said base station associated to said sector with higher scheduling priority to said base station associated to said sector with lower scheduling priority.
US08938243B2

A radio receiver apparatus of a cellular network, wherein the network allocates one or more cells to a particular connection of the radio receiver apparatus based on a feedback signal received from the radio receiver apparatus. The radio receiver apparatus includes a first measurement unit configured to measure at least one cell-specific first quantity indicative of a channel quality of a dedicated downlink channel. Further, the radio receiver apparatus includes a feedback signal generating unit configured to generate the feedback signal on the basis of the first quantity.
US08938240B2

Systems and methods for managing spectrum handoff in a plurality of radio networks are disclosed. These may include gathering a plurality of data about each of the first and second locations; determining a load level associated with each of the first and second set of radio networks; determining a bandwidth allocation value; and reserving a plurality of channel slices from the first channel set among the first of radio networks.
US08938237B2

The invention concerns a method for transmitting beacon services to a User Equipment (UE) roaming in an area covered by several Radio Access Technologies (RAT's), the area comprising a plurality of geographical zones, each geographical zone comprising at least one network base station using several frequencies and at least one RAT among the plurality of RAT's, the User Equipment (UE) having various RAT capabilities and preferences and supporting several frequencies, the method comprising the step of periodically transmitting to the UE at least a beacon message M comprising information about the RAT's and the frequencies deployed in each zone of the area, and data indicating at least a validity period of the RAT's and the frequencies information.
US08938219B2

Flow computers having wireless communication protocol interfaces and related methods are disclosed. In one example, a method involves receiving a request to be sent to a wireless device in a network of wireless devices, the request to be received via a remote terminal unit application executed on a processor within a flow computer, and communicating the request to the wireless device via a communications interface module, the communications interface module to be communicatively coupled to the processor via a backplane contained within a housing of the flow computer, the backplane to provide communications according to a high speed data bus communications protocol.
US08938218B2

A system and method for mobile based advising is provided. The system and method involve the user with his mobile terminal formulating a query based on his own input and external sensor input and then sending the query to a remote server, which sends it to an expert group who devise an expert advice, which is then sent back to the user.
US08938214B2

A wireless communication device may receive a first signal from an external device, the first signal being a signal for establishing a wireless connection between the wireless communication device and the external device according to a specific wireless communication scheme. The wireless communication device may judge whether the first signal includes a first type of information or a second type of information. The wireless communication device may cause a display unit to display a displaying screen indicating the authentication information in a case where it is judged that the first signal includes the first type of information, and cause the display unit to display an inputting screen in which the authentication information is to be inputted in a case where it is judged that the first signal includes the second type of information.
US08938211B2

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to utilizing location information, such as maps, in location determination based on Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) and Round-Trip Time (RTT) data. Weighting information can be determined from and/or provided in the location information. The weighting information associated with an area in which a mobile device is located can impact how RSSI and RTT data is weighted in a calculation of the mobile device's location.
US08938199B2

A method of operating a mobile electronic device includes detecting at least one other mobile electronic device within a predetermined distance of the mobile electronic device, and determining a spatial relationship of the at least one other mobile electronic device relative to the mobile electronic device. An ad hoc wireless connection is established with the at least one other mobile electronic device based on the determined spatial relationship. Data may be transmitted to and/or received from the at least one other mobile electronic device over the ad hoc wireless connection based on the determined spatial relationship. Related systems, devices, and computer program products are also discussed.
US08938191B2

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a fixing member and a paper separation part. The fixing member fixes an image by heating and applying a pressure to a sheet of printing paper S on which a toner image is transferred, while transferring the paper S. The paper separation part has a blower part and an air ejecting part that ejects the air sent out from the blower part against a paper outlet port of a nipping part N of the fixing member. The air ejection part has ribs that divide the air flow sent out from said blower part.
US08938183B2

There is provided a doctor blade assembly and method for alignment in a toner hopper of a toner printer cartridge. The doctor blade assembly has a holder portion. The holder portion has a first mounting end and a second mounting end. The holder portion further has a pair of recessed openings formed in the first mounting end and the second mounting end, respectively. The holder portion further has a pair of alignment elements each having an alignment through hole and each configured to fit in and correspond to each respective recessed opening. The doctor blade assembly further has a blade portion attached to the holder portion. The doctor blade assembly further has a pair of fastener members each configured for insertion through the alignment through hole and through the recessed opening.
US08938182B2

A stand of the image forming apparatus includes at least one plate unit including a first plate member which includes a first surface unit which forms an external appearance and a first bent unit which is provided to at least one of the opposite end parts of the first surface unit, and a second plate member which includes a second surface unit and a second bent unit which is provided to at least one of the opposite end parts of the second surface unit, and is capable of being inserted into the first plate member, at least one of the first bent unit and the second bent unit being bent so that each bending direction thereof may start from at least one of the first surface unit and the second surface unit, and then bend toward at least one of the first surface unit and the second surface.
US08938178B2

A heater control device that performs phase control of AC power and supplies phase-controlled power to a heater, the heater control device including: a control unit configured to, in the phase control, gradually increase an on-duty ratio until a target power amount is supplied to the heater; and a judgment unit configured to judge whether or not the on-duty ratio is within a predetermined range of on-duty ratios including a 50% on-duty ratio. The control unit (i) increases the on-duty ratio by a first amount while the on-duty ratio is within the predetermined range, and (ii) increases the on-duty ratio by a second amount while the on-duty ratio is not within the predetermined range. The first amount is greater than the second amount.
US08938177B2

A tilt panel apparatus includes a tilt panel capable of pivoting between a first orientation and a second orientation, and an apparatus main body that supports the tilt panel in a pivotable state. The tilt panel has an external housing surface around the pivot center of the tilt panel, the external housing surface being exposed on the outer side of an apparatus when the tilt panel is in the first orientation and entering into a gap formed between the tilt panel and the apparatus main body as the tilt panel pivots from the first orientation toward the second orientation; and a stepped portion is formed in the apparatus main body adjacent to an edge portion that forms the opening of the gap, the stepped portion being a step higher than the edge portion.
US08938170B2

In one aspect, identification and communication systems are described herein. In some embodiments, an identification and communication system comprises one or more query units and one or more response units, wherein at least one query unit is a handheld device. In some embodiments, the handheld device does not comprise a weapon and is not mounted on a weapon. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a flashlight. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a stylus. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a smart device in communication with the stylus. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a display screen. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a query controller and the display screen is operable to display data provided by the query controller.
US08938164B2

A system includes two optical modules that perform auto-setting of the optical links between the optical modules. One optical module sends an optical signal with a test pattern to the other optical module. If the receiving module determines that the test pattern is successfully received, it sends a pass indication to the transmitting module, and the transmitting module can configure its driver path in accordance with a transmit current setting used to transmit the test pattern. If the test pattern is not successfully received, the receiving module sends a fail indication, and the transmitting module can increase the transmit current setting and resend the test pattern. When the system includes multiple optical channels, one channel can be tested while feedback is provided on another channel. The system can iterate through all optical channels until they are all configured.
US08938157B2

A digital chip system, digital chip, methods for embedding data and methods for extracting data are provided. In some embodiments, a digital chip includes: a watermark encoder digital chip configured to receive one or more watermark bits and generate a stego-video; and a watermark decoder digital chip configured to receive the stego-video and extract the one or more watermark bits from the stego-video. In some embodiments, the digital chip also includes: a video decoder controller digital chip configured to receive raw video data, wherein the raw video data is received from a video decoder; a configuration controller digital chip configured to configure the video decoder; a memory management unit digital chip configured to store at least one of the raw video frame, the raw video data or the stego-video; and an Ethernet controller unit digital chip configured to store or access the raw video or stego-video.
US08938152B2

The present invention relates to a recording medium containing moving picture data and additional information thereof and to reproducing method and apparatus of the recording medium. The present recording medium has script files including additional information about moving picture data, e.g., scene descriptive text and introduction of characters, etc. In addition, information linking each script file with a section of moving picture data to be presented with contents of the script file is included in a link data file or is contained in a filename of the script file. In reproduction of the recording medium, a script file linked with presently reproduced moving picture data section is determined and searched for based on the link data file or every filename of the script files, and contents of the found script file are presented together with the presently reproduced moving picture data. Furthermore, previously presented additional information is removed depending on data or filename of the found script file.
US08938149B2

A video data recoding method suitable for recording computer sessions. Each video image frame is divided into multiple blocks. A server processes the video frames and transmits only changed blocks for each frame to a video log server. The video log server stores the changed blocks with block indices in a data file. The video log server also maintains a virtual frame table which stores, for each block of the frame, the data location within the data file where the most recent occurrence of that block is stored. The virtual frame table is continuously updated as changed blocks are stored in the data file. The video log server further stores a snapshot file containing snapshots of the virtual frame table at predetermined time points, along with time stamps and a next changed frame location. The data file and the snapshot file are used to reproduce the video images.
US08938141B2

Mechanically tunable electromagnetic and photonic devices featuring enhanced spectral tunability with minimal mechanical movement are provided. These nano/micro-electromechanically (N/MEMS) tunable elements, including filters and pixels, rely on leaky-mode resonance effects in subwavelength photonic lattices that constitute periodic wavelengths. Such elements can operate in reflection (bandstop) or transmission (bandpass) modes, and can be arranged in one-dimensional or two-dimensional arrays, or operated as single units, and their spectral regions are controlled by the element design. Input electromagnetic radiation illuminates the element and is then filtered, modulated, analyzed or tuned by the element. Mechanical motion alters the structural symmetry, and therefore, the tuning properties, of the nanostructured subwavelength resonance elements. Further, incorporating metals and dielectrics to generate coexisting plasmonic and leaky-mode resonance effects adds to the versatility of the potential applications.
US08938136B2

An opto-electronic system includes a system substrate, a lens, a bridging device, and an opto-electronic chip mounted in a cavity in the system substrate. The bridging device, which can be another chip, a lens block, or an interposer, is mounted in flip-chip orientation to the opto-electronic chip and provides electrical interconnection with signal conductors of the system substrate.
US08938133B2

An image processing apparatus includes a first storage section and a second storage section, a storage control section, and a computation section. The storage control section sequentially acquires block images obtained as a result of dividing an input image, and stores the block image as a target block image in the first storage section, while storing, in the second storage section, image data of, in a region of the target block image, a region abutting un-inputted block images in the input image, as image data of an abuttal region. The computation section implements a resizing process for changing the size of the target block image by performing an interpolation calculation using image data of the target block image stored in the first storage section and the image data of the abuttal region stored in the second storage section.
US08938127B2

Rendered image data is encoded by a server computing device and transmitted to a remote client device that executes an interactive application program. The client device decodes and displays the image data and, when the user interacts with the application program, the client device provides input control signals to the server computing device. When input control signals are received by the server, the latency incurred for encoding and/or decoding the image data is reduced. Therefore, the user does not experience inconsistencies in the frame rate of images displayed on the client when the user interacts with the application program. The reduction in latency is achieved by dynamically switching from a hardware implemented encoding technique to a software implemented encoding technique. Latency may also be reduced by dynamically switching from a hardware implemented decoding technique to a software implemented decoding technique.
US08938123B2

According to one embodiment, a device includes a search module configured to search handwriting information stored in a storage medium for a first handwriting information part whose degree of a similarity with a specific handwriting information part specified as a search key is greater than or equal to a reference value, the handwriting information includes a plurality of stroke data corresponding to a plurality of strokes, and a display processing module configured to display, on a touchscreen display, one or more thumbnail corresponding to handwriting information includes the first handwriting information part and a first user interface for changing the reference value.
US08938119B1

An image comprising color pixels with varying illumination is selected. Instances of a repeating pattern in the image are determined. Illumination values for illuminated pixels at locations within instances of the repeating pattern are calculated based on pixel intensities of non-illuminated pixels at corresponding locations in other instances of the repeating pattern. The illumination variation is removed from the illuminated pixels based on the calculated illumination values to produce enhanced pixels. Color from the non-illuminated pixels at the corresponding locations in other instances of the repeating pattern is propagated to the enhanced pixels.
US08938113B2

A method of modifying a three dimensional (3D) volume visualization image of an anatomical structure in real time to separate desired portions thereof. The method includes providing a two dimensional (2D) image slice of a 3D volume visualization image of an anatomical structure, identifying portions of the anatomical structure of interest, and providing a prototype image of desired portions of the anatomical structure. The method then includes using an evolver to evolve parameters of an algorithm that employs a transfer function to map optical properties to intensity values coinciding with the portions of the anatomical structure of interest to generate an image that sufficiently matches the prototype image. If the parameters match the prototype image, the method then includes applying the transfer function to additional 2D image slices of the 3D volume visualization image to generate a modified 3D volume visualization image of the anatomical structure. The method includes using a pattern recognizer to assist the evolver, to classify whether a view is normal or abnormal, and to extract the characteristic of an abnormality if and when detected.
US08938110B2

A method includes generating enhanced image data based on lower dose image data and a predetermined image quality threshold, wherein an image quality of the enhanced image data is substantially similar to an image quality of higher dose image data, and a system includes an image quality enhancer (128) that generates enhanced image data based on lower dose image data and a predetermined image quality threshold, wherein an image quality of the enhanced image data is substantially similar to an image quality of higher dose image data.
US08938104B2

A system for obtaining an image includes a processor for receiving a projection image, processing the projection image to obtain a filtered image, applying a first factor for the projection image to obtain a first weighted image, applying a second factor for the filtered image to obtain a second weighted image, and obtaining a corrected image using the first and second weighted images, and a medium for storing the corrected image. A method of processing an image includes receiving a projection image, processing the projection image to obtain a filtered image, and determining a corrected image by applying a first factor for the projection image and applying a second factor for the filtered image. A method for obtaining an image includes determining a factor, using the factor to control a radiation source, and using the factor to reduce noise in an image generated using the radiation source.
US08938098B2

A system and method of identifying carts exhibiting tendencies that are indicative of damaged or defective wheels. A shopping cart may be identified and tracked visually through one or more surveillance cameras. By comparing the cart's tracked movement to known symptomatic movement patterns, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by analyzing movement and positioning of a cart's swiveling wheels, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by identifying if a customer has abandoned a cart, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. A notification message may be transmitted to an associate to repair or replace the identified problematic cart. The notification may be displayed on a mobile computing device, a workstation, or other like systems.
US08938092B2

There is provided an image processing system in which an image capture apparatus and an image processing apparatus are connected to each other via a network. When a likelihood indicating the probability that a detection target object detected from a captured image is a predetermined type of object does not meet a designated criterion, the image capture apparatus generates tentative object information for the detection target object, and transmits it to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus detects, from detection targets designated by the tentative object information, a detection target as the predetermined type of object.
US08938089B1

Systems and methods are provided herein relating to real-time detection of inactive broadcasts during live stream ingestion. Both audio fingerprints and video fingerprints can be dynamically and continuously generated for a live stream ingestion. Sets of video fingerprints and sets of audio fingerprints can be continuously generated based on common successive overlapping time windows. A set of audio fingerprints and a set of video fingerprints can be associated with each time window. Video similarity scores and audio similarity scores can be generates for each time window to determine whether the stream is inactive or static during the time window. Only fingerprints relating to an active broadcast can be indexed in a fingerprint index.
US08938074B2

An apparatus and methods of securely communicating a message between a first device and a second device using a message specific identifier is disclosed. The method begins by assembling the message specific identifier from one or more attributes associated with the message and the first device. An encryption key request is transmitted to a server, wherein the encryption key request is based upon the message specific identifier. An encryption key is received from the server, wherein the encryption key is based on the message specific identifier and a random character set. The message is encrypted using the received encryption key and the encrypted message is sent to the second device.
US08938072B2

A data processing system includes a cryptographic processing module providing for cryptographic key generation. A method entails computing derived keys one time, during a first execution of a key generation process, such that they may subsequently be utilized for processing large quantities of data without being re-computed. The derived keys provide for the efficient cryptographic processing of data, including data frames.
US08938070B2

Technologies are generally described for providing an encryption method using real-world objects. In some examples, a method may include capturing, by a first electronic device, an external object, generating an object signal associated with the external object, generating an encryption key based on the object signal, and transmitting data encrypted by the encryption key to a second electronic device.
US08938069B2

An electronic circuit for implementing a physically unclonable function. The electronic circuit includes duplicate circuits, referred to as “circuit primitives,” that generate a first and a second output voltage based on the received input, referred to as a “challenge.” The electronic circuit further includes a comparator coupled to the circuit primitives and generates an output based on the difference between the first and second output voltages. While the circuit primitives contain duplicate circuitry, the circuit primitives may generate a different output voltage due to a particular set of transistors in the circuit primitives operating in the sub-threshold region whose gates are tied to ground and whose sub-threshold current, the magnitude of which is random based on the threshold voltage variation of the set of transistors, is used to affect the value of the output voltage.
US08938065B1

A system, method, and computer readable medium for real time feedback of script logic that comprises counting at least one agent utilizing at least one panel associated with at least one caller, establishing an average length of time required to utilize the at least one panel associated with the at least one caller, tallying a number of callers terminating interaction during utilization of the at least one panel, calculating statistics associated with the counted agents per panel, the established average length of time required per panel and the tallied number of callers terminating interaction per panel, and displaying the calculated statistics.
US08938053B2

A system and method for triggering on platform usage can include at a platform, receiving and storing a trigger configuration of an account; operating a platform comprising internally executing a process on behalf of an account and publishing at least one event when executing the process; at the platform, incrementing a counter in response to the at least one event and if the stored trigger configuration species a usage key associated with a category of counted events of the at least one event; monitoring counters in a context of an associated trigger; and processing the trigger upon the counter satisfying condition of an associated trigger.
US08938051B2

A multi-leaf collimator for a radiotherapy apparatus comprises at least one array of laterally-spaced elongate leaves, each leaf being driven by an associated motor connected to the leaf via a drive means so as to extend or retract the leaf in its longitudinal direction, the drive means comprising a sub-frame on which at least a subset of the motors are mounted, the sub-frame being mounted at a location spaced from the leaf array in a direction transverse to the lateral and longitudinal directions, and including a plurality of threaded drives disposed longitudinally, each being driven by a motor and being operatively connected to a leaf thereby to drive that leaf.
US08938047B2

A method for planning a treatment session of a patient and optimizing the treatment time for a treatment using a radiation therapy system includes a radiation therapy unit having a fixed radiation focus point. During an optimization of a treatment plan for a patient, a set of shots to be delivered to a plurality of isocenter positions within a target volume of a patient during a treatment session are determined and a beam-on time for each respective sector and state for each isocenter during which radiation is to be delivered are determined based on the treatment plan. For each isocenter position, sectors and states of respective sector are grouped in accordance predetermined rules with respect to beam-on times for respective state of the sectors, wherein sectors and respective states are aggregated for simultaneous delivery of radiation during a predetermined period of time.
US08938046B2

A system for subsea imaging comprises a first plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a cavity formed in the inner surface. In addition, the system comprises a phosphor imaging plate disposed in the cavity. Further, the system comprises a second plate having an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first plate and an outer surface facing away from the outer surface of the first plate. Still further, the system comprises a seal member disposed between the inner surface of the first plate and the inner surface of the second plate. The seal member extends around the perimeter of the cavity and is configured to seal the phosphor imaging plate and the cavity from intrusion water.
US08938044B2

A robotic tubesheet walker having two rails connected by a central hinge, wherein the central hinge can be opened or closed by an actuation device. Upon each rail is mounted a carriage, wherein each carriage can move along its respective rail toward or away from the central hinge by means of a drive mechanism. Each carriage further contains at least two “gripper” attachment mechanisms, such as camlocks, to grip the tubesheet. The grippers either insert into tube holes within the tubesheet to fasten the respective carriage to the tubesheet, or retract to disengage. Further attached to the central hinge is a tool support fixture, and attached to the tool support fixture is a coupler that holds maintenance or inspection tools.
US08938041B2

An apparatus may include a processor circuit, and a dynamic filter adjustment component for execution on the processor. The dynamic filter adjustment component may identify in a wideband communications signal a set of one or more interferer frequencies for one or more respective interferer channels of a set of communications channels to be filtered, select a kernel filter comprising a low pass filter having a channel width corresponding to a channel of the one or more interferer channels, and generate a co-channel interference (CCI) filter to stop the one or more interferer channels by inverting the kernel filter. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08938037B1

A circuit for reducing phase errors in a digital communication systems signal is provided. The circuit comprises a demodulator block, a feed-forward path, a feed-back path, and a slicer. The demodulator block generates a plurality of samples from the signal and determines for each sample a corresponding phase error. The feed-forward path is configured to reduce in the signal a high frequency component of the phase errors. The feed-back path configured to reduce in the signal a low frequency component of the phase errors. The slicer selectively forwards phase errors to the feed-forward path or the feed-back path based on a respective magnitude of the phase error when operating in a decision-directed mode.
US08938035B1

Systems and methods for transferring data over a 2-pair communication system. Two input data streams are received at a Viterbi detector. The two input data streams are converted into an output signal at the Viterbi detector. Each of the input data streams includes a first data symbol interleaved with a second data symbol. A first set of branch metric values is computed for the first data symbols of the two input data streams. A second set of branch metric values is computed for the second data symbols of the two input data streams, where the computing of the second set is based on the first set. Each of the two input data streams is de-interleaved and downsampled to generate the output signal, where the output signal includes four channels of data generated based on the first and second sets of branch metric values. Each of the four channels is of a lower data rate than each of the two input data streams.
US08938026B2

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a control path for a wireless communication device may include a radio frequency coupler having a coupled port and a terminated port, the radio frequency coupler configured to couple at least a portion of a transmission power of a transmission line coupled to the antenna tuner such that the coupled port carries a first signal indicative of an incident power transmitted to an antenna coupled to the antenna tuner and the terminated port carries a second signal indicative of a reflected power reflected by the antenna. the control path may also include a control module configured to communicate the one or more control signals to the antenna tuner for controlling the impedance of the antenna tuner based at least on the first signal and the second signal.
US08938021B1

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing outbound interference in a broadband powerline communication system. Data is modulated on first and second carrier frequencies and is transmitted via respective first and second lines of the powerline system. A characteristic of at least one of the carrier signals (e.g., phase or amplitude) is adjusted in order to improve the electrical balance of the lines of the transmission system. This improvement in electrical balance reduces the radiated interference of the powerline system. Also disclosed is the use of a line balancing element on or more lines of the powerline system for altering the characteristics of at least one of the power lines in order to compensate for a known imbalance of the transmission system.
US08938018B2

According to one embodiment, a method of encoding a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals is disclosed. The method includes: modulating the plurality of OFDM signals according to a modulation scheme, wherein the modulated OFDM signals are mapped to a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and correspond to a first constellation having a plurality of points symmetric with respect to the first axis and the second axis; and differentially encoding the plurality of OFDM signals according to a second constellation plurality of points defined by shifting a position of one of the first constellation plurality of points toward an origin located at an intersection of the first axis and the second axis.
US08937994B2

A partial response decision feedback equalizer (PrDFE) includes a receiver including at least first and second comparators operative to compare an input signal representing a sequence of symbols against respective thresholds and to respectively generate first and second receiver outputs. A first selection stage is provided to select (a) between the first comparator output and a first resolved symbol according to a first timing signal, and (b) between the second comparator output and the first resolved symbol according to the first timing signal, to produce respective first and second selection outputs. A second selection stage selects between the first and second selection outputs according to a selection signal. The selection signal is dependent on a prior resolved symbol that precedes the first resolved symbol in the sequence.
US08937984B2

The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and provides a method and a device for eliminating interference in a mobile communication system. The method comprises: step 1: re-constructing signal estimation {circumflex over (d)}MAI+ISI of inter-symbol interference and multi-access interference in accordance with an output signal {circumflex over (d)}esb from an equalizer; and step 2: performing interference elimination on the inter-symbol interference and multi-access interference in an output signal êMF from a matched filter in accordance with the signal estimation {circumflex over (d)}MAI+ISI of inter-symbol interference and multi-access interference, to obtain signal estimation {circumflex over (d)}JD+IC with the interference eliminated. According to the present invention, it is able to eliminate the impact of an interference signal and improve the receptivity of a receiver for a useful signal.
US08937983B2

A device for transformation of concentrated solar energy including a photovoltaic cell and laser device, which includes a first reflecting mirror adapted for entry of a beam of solar rays and a second reflecting mirror adapted for an outlet of a laser beam, with the first reflecting mirror reflective on an outlet wavelength of the laser beam and transparent to a totality of a solar spectrum and the second reflecting mirror partially reflective on the wavelength of the laser beam, reflective in an interval of the solar spectrum which is absorbed and transparent in other wavelengths different to these, and at the outlet of the laser beam. The device includes a nucleus doped with substances for total or partial absorption of the solar spectrum and coatings.
US08937980B2

Distributed feedback-laser diodes are provided. The distributed feedback-laser diode may include a substrate, a lower cladding layer having a grating on the substrate, an active layer disposed on the lower cladding layer, a first upper cladding layer disposed on the active layer, a phase-shift region extending in a first direction on the first upper cladding layer, and a ridge waveguide layer extending in a second direction crossing the first direction on the phase-shift region.
US08937975B1

A circuit including delay stages, gain stages, and a summer. The delay stages are configured to provide delayed versions of a first signal. The gain stages are configured to receive the delayed versions of the first signal. Each of the gain stages provides an amount of gain for a corresponding one of the delayed versions of the first signal. The delay stages and the gain stages are configured to provide pre-emphasis to the first signal. The summer is configured to output a second signal based on the delayed versions of the first signal. The second signal includes the pre-emphasis.
US08937969B2

In an example embodiment, a serving cell is configured to serve a plurality of user equipments (UEs). The serving cell includes a detector, a receiver and a processor. The detector may measure interference on a physical resource block (PRB) at the serving cell. The receiver may receive measurements of interference on the PRB from neighbor cells of the serving cell. The processor may estimate a contribution from each UE of the plurality of UEs to each of the interference measurements received from the neighbor cells, determine for each UE of the plurality of UEs a respective enhanced priority ratio and assign the PRB to one of the plurality of UEs based on the determined enhanced priority ratio. The enhanced priority ratio may be a function of the interference measurement at the serving cell, the interference measurements received from the neighbor cells and the respective estimated contribution of the UE.
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