US08940594B2
Among other things, a semiconductor device or transistor and a method for forming the semiconductor device are provided for herein. The semiconductor device comprises one or more v-shaped recesses in which stressed monocrystalline semiconductor material, such as silicon germanium, is grown, to form at least one of a source or a drain of the semiconductor device. The one or more v-shaped recesses are etched into a substrate in-situ. The semiconductor device comprises at least one of a source or a drain having a height-to-length ratio exceeding at least 1.6 when poly spacing between a first part of the semiconductor device (e.g., first transistor) and a second part of the semiconductor device (e.g., second transistor) is less than about 60 nm.
US08940590B1
The present provides a method for fabricating a thin film transistor including following steps. A substrate is provided. A gate is formed above the substrate. A first source is formed above the substrate. A channel is formed, in which one end of the channel contacts with the first source. A stop layer covering the one end of the channel and exposing another end of the channel is formed. A drain connected with the other end of the channel is formed. Moreover, the present invention also provides a thin film transistor fabricated by the method.
US08940580B2
A method for forming a multi junction photovoltaic device includes providing a germanium layer and etching pyramidal shapes in the germanium layer such that (111) facets are exposed to form a textured surface. A first p-n junction is formed on or over the textured surface from III-V semiconductor materials. Another p-n junction is formed over the first p-n junction from III-V semiconductor materials and follows the textured surface.
US08940578B2
Disclosed are new methods of fabricating metal oxide thin films and nanomaterial-derived metal composite thin films via solution processes at low temperatures (<400° C.). The present thin films are useful as thin film semiconductors, thin film dielectrics, or thin film conductors, and can be implemented into semiconductor devices such as thin film transistors and thin film photovoltaic devices.
US08940576B1
The present invention provides practical methods for n-type doping of graphene, either during graphene synthesis or following the formation of graphene. Some variations provide a method of n-type doping of graphene, comprising introducing a phosphorus-containing dopant fluid to a surface of graphene, under effective conditions to dope the graphene with phosphorus atoms or with phosphorus-containing molecules or fragments. It has been found that substitutional doping with phosphine can effectively modulate the electrical properties of graphene, such as graphene supported on Si or SiC substrates. Graphene sheet resistances well below 200 ohm/sq, and sheet carrier concentrations above 5×1013 cm−2, have been observed experimentally for n-doped graphene produced by the disclosed methods. This invention provides n-doped graphene for various electronic-device applications.
US08940572B2
A conductive contact pattern is formed on a surface of solar cell by forming a thin conductive layer over at least one lower layer of the solar cell, and ablating a majority of the thin conductive layer using a laser beam, thereby leaving behind the conductive contact pattern. The laser has a top-hat profile, enabling precision while scanning and ablating the thin layer across the surface. Heterocontact patterns are also similarly formed.
US08940562B1
The present disclosure provides the ability to produce backplanes for AMLCD and AMOLED. Specifically, each and every component of the backplanes can be printed. Depending on the resolution and screen size of the displays, backplanes can include over a million different components that must be printed that include components of the thin film transistor (TFT) and electrodes to address each of those TFTs. Even a slight misregistry of components during printing can lead to failure of one or more pixels, potentially rendering the entire display unsuitable for use. The present disclosure provides the ability to reproducibly and accurately print each and every component of the backplane for both AMLCD and AMOLED. The ability to completely print backplanes provides numerous advantages, such as reduced costs, improved throughput, more environmental friendliness, and the like.
US08940560B2
The present invention relates to a touching-type electronic paper and method for manufacturing the same. The touching-type electronic paper includes a TFT substrate and a transparent electrode substrate which are disposed as a cell. The transparent electrode substrate includes a common electrode, microcapsule electronic ink and light guiding poles as light transmitting passages, all of which are formed on a first substrate. The TFT substrate comprises displaying electrodes, first TFTs for driving the displaying electrodes, second TFTs for detecting lights transmitting through the light guiding poles and for producing level signals, and third TFTs for reading the level signals and sending the level signals to a back-end processing system, all of which are formed on a second substrate. The light guiding poles are opposite to the second TFTs respectively. The present invention makes the natural lights or other lights outside transmitted to the second TFTs through the light guiding poles by disposing the light guiding poles as light transmitting passages and disposing the second TFTs as light sensor units. The present invention has many advantages such as simple structure, simple manufacturing process and low cost, so as to have a wide application prospect.
US08940555B2
Method and system for determining overlap process windows in semiconductors by inspection techniques
The formation of overlap areas in sophisticated semiconductor devices is a critical aspect which may not be efficiently evaluated on the basis of conventional measurement and design strategies. For this reason, the present disclosure provides measurement techniques and systems in which overlying device patterns are transformed into the same material layer, thereby forming a combined pattern which is accessible by well-established defect inspection techniques. Upon geometrically modulating some of these combined patterns, a systematic evaluation of overlap process windows may be accomplished.
US08940550B1
Methods for preventing warpage of a laminate may include placing the laminate on a back plate and applying a magnetic force to the laminate to hold the laminate flat against the back plate. In some embodiments, the magnetic force may be applied by placing a first magnet above the laminate so that an attractive force generated between the first magnet and a ferromagnetic region of the back plate pulls the first magnet against the laminate, thereby holding the laminate flat against the back plate. In other embodiments, the magnetic force may be applied by placing a first magnet above the laminate and placing a second magnet above the first magnet so that a repulsive force generated between the first magnet and the magnet pushes the first magnet against the laminate, thereby holding the laminate flat against the back plate.
US08940548B2
A method for sensing biomolecules in an electrolyte includes exposing a gate dielectric surface of a sensor comprising a silicon fin to the electrolyte, wherein the gate dielectric surface comprises a dielectric material and antibodies configured to bind with the biomolecules; applying a gate voltage to an electrode immersed in the electrolyte; and measuring a change in a drain current flowing in the silicon fin; and determining an amount of the biomolecules that are present in the electrolyte based on the change in the drain current.
US08940539B2
A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body. A reagent reservoir containing a reagent is disposed within the body. A solution reservoir containing a solution is disposed within the body. The device further includes an activator movably coupled with the body to open the reagent reservoir and the solution reservoir, The activator is operable to mix the solution with the reagent to form a specified amount of a reagent mixture. A dispensing reservoir tip is coupled with the body. The dispensing reservoir tip is sized and shaped to hold the specified amount of the reagent mixture and dispense the specified amount of the reagent mixture from the device.
US08940523B2
The present invention relates to a pipette tip (100, 200, 201, 300) comprising a tip body (110) having an inner surface and an outer surface (112). The inner surface (111) defines an inner cavity (120, 320), which has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end has an upper opening (131); and the lower end has a lower opening (141). At least a part of the inner surface (111) is provided with capturing agents (151) of at least one type forming at least one capturing-agent region (150) on the at least one inner surface. The at least one capturing agent region (150) is capable of selectively binding target substances (152) of at least one type comprised in a sample to form at least agent-target conjugates (155), the arrangement of which define at least one agent-target region (156).
US08940516B2
The invention concerns a polypeptide which can be isolated from the Brassicaceae family and which has at least the activity of a hydroxynitrile lyase (HNL). The hydroxynitrile lyase of the invention is the first HNL from the Brassicaceae family. The plants (Arabidopsis) from which this enzyme or its gene is isolated is also described as non-cyanogenic. All HNL-containing plants described so far are cyanogenic plants and so it has until now been assumed that only cyanogenic plants contain hydroxynitrile lyases. Surprisingly, it transpires that a polypeptide (AtHNL) of the invention is (R)-selective. The amino acid sequence gives a theoretical molecular weight of 29.2 kDa for the AtHNL subunit. The calculated molecular mass of the protein of approximately 30 kDa can be confirmed by SDS gel electrophoresis.
US08940507B2
The present invention is generally directed to compositions, methods, and systems for performing single-molecule, real-time analysis of a variety of different biological reactions. The ability to analyze such reactions provides an opportunity to study those reactions as well as to potentially identify factors and/or approaches for impacting such reactions, e.g., to either enhance or inhibit such reactions. In certain preferred embodiments, RNA templates are used in single-molecule real-time sequencing reactions.
US08940500B2
Methods are disclosed for the characterization of the stage of development or pathology of a tissue sample, and for identifying pluripotent metakaryotic stem cells, comprising detecting fluorescence of cells and syncytia in fixed samples treated with a non-fluorescent Schiff's base reagent in the absence of extraneous or exogenously added fluorescent dyes.
US08940499B2
The present disclosure provides a reagent for blood analysis which may include: (1) a compound having the general formula I as a fluorescent dye, wherein n, X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and Y− are as defined in the specification; (2) a surfactant selected from cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and anionic surfactants. The present disclosure also provides a method to perform blood analysis including the following steps of: (a) mixing the blood sample with the reagent for blood analysis disclosed to form a cell suspension; (b) detecting the scattered light signals and fluorescence signals from the cells; and (c) differentiating and counting the cells in the blood in terms of the scattered light signals and fluorescence signals.
US08940497B2
A multidimensional profiling strategy that combines activity-based proteomics and metabolomics was used to determine that an active protein, which is a previously uncharacterized enzyme highly elevated in aggressive cancer cells, serves as a central node in an ether lipid signaling network that bridges platelet-activating factor and the lysophospholipids. Biochemical studies confirmed that the active protein regulates this pathway by hydrolyzing the metabolic intermediate 2-acetyl monoalkylglycerol. Inactivation of the active protein disrupted ether lipid metabolism in cancer cells and impaired cell migration and tumor growth in vivo.
US08940495B2
Disclosed herein is a lateral flow immuno-assay system capable of rapidly, cost effectively, and quantitatively detecting and assessing the level of HIT antibodies in body fluids of a patient. Also taught are methods for employing the system to assist in diagnosis of HIT, and for screening or detecting a changing titer of HIT antibodies in the body fluids of a patient to determine susceptibility toward HIT.
US08940494B2
Methods of assaying the leukocyte adhesion cascade (LAC) and monitoring leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and/or migration can be implemented with an apparatus that includes an idealized microvascular network (IMN) of one or more interconnected idealized flow channels in fluid communication through a porous wall with a tissue space (e.g., idealized tissue space). The methods of assaying the LAC can be implemented with means for quantifying modulation of the leukocyte adhesion cascade. Methods of assaying the LAC can be implemented with the device and one or more active agents to monitor leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and/or migration in the presence of absence of the active agent. Migration can be through the idealized flow channels, through the porous wall, and/or into the tissue space.
US08940492B2
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods comprising two or more proteins in which at least one of the proteins has been altered to reduce their mutual recognition and binding. Such compositions are useful as reference, calibrators or controls in methods and assays for determining the amount of one or more of the proteins that may be present in a sample of interest or in confirming the presence of one or more of the proteins in the sample. More particularly, it relates to compositions and methods comprising altered placental growth factor-1 (PlGF-1) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) and methods for determining the amount or confirming the presence of sFlt-1 and/or PlGF-1 in a sample of interest.
US08940485B2
Methods for distinguishing between cotton cultivars of a specific species by analyzing a sample of mature cotton fibers from raw cotton materials or from textile goods are disclosed. DNA is extracted from the mature cotton fiber sample and subjected to PCR techniques which enable the identification of the cultivar of a particular cotton species utilized in the textile or cotton material of interest.
US08940484B2
The invention provides allelic ladder mixtures and individual alleles suitable for use in such mixtures. The allelic ladder mixtures give improved identification and distinguishing capabilities, particularly suitable in forensic investigations.
US08940481B2
An imaging system for exciting and measuring fluorescence on or in samples comprising fluorescent materials (e.g. fluorescent labels, dyes or pigments). In one embodiment, a device is used to detect fluorescent labels on nucleic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the device is configured such that fluorescent labels in a plurality of different DNA templates are simultaneously detected.
US08940479B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the expression, processing, post-translational modification, stability and/or activity of XBP-1 protein, or a protein in a signal transduction pathway involving XBP-I to treat dyslipidemias and steatosis disorders. The present invention also pertains to methods for identifying compounds that modulate the expression, processing, post-translational modification, and/or activity of XBP-I protein or a molecule in a signal transduction pathway involving XBP-1.
US08940473B2
A resist composition contains (A1) a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (I), (A2) a resin being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid, and (B) an acid generator represented by the formula (II). wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; A1 represents a C1 to C6 alkanediyl group; R2 represents a C1 to C10 hydrocarbon group having a fluorine atom; R3 and R4 independently represent a fluorine atom or a C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl group; X1 represents an C1 to C17 divalent saturated hydrocarbon group; R5 represents a group having cyclic ether structure; and Z1+ represents an organic cation.
US08940472B2
Organic coating compositions, particularly antireflective coating compositions, are provided that comprise that comprise a diene/dienophile reaction product. Preferred compositions of the invention are useful to reduce reflection of exposing radiation from a substrate back into an overcoated photoresist layer and/or function as a planarizing, conformal or via-fill layer.
US08940471B2
According to one embodiment, an actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a compound that when exposed to actinic rays or radiation, generates any of acids of general formula (I) below, in which W1 represents an optionally substituted alkylene group, W2 represents a bivalent connecting group, W3 represents an optionally substituted organic group having 15 or more carbon atoms, and Z represents a hydroxyl group or a fluoroalkylsulfonamido group having at least one fluorine atom introduced therein as a substituent.
US08940470B2
A material for a microlens having heat resistance, high resolution and high light-extraction efficiency is provided. A positive resist composition comprises an alkali-soluble polymer containing a unit structure having an aromatic fused ring or a derivative thereof, and a compound having an organic group which undergoes photodecomposition to yield an alkali-soluble group. The positive resist composition has coating film properties of a refractive index at a wavelength of 633 nm of 1.6 or more and a transmittance at wavelengths of 400 to 730 nm of 80% or more. A pattern forming method comprises applying the positive resist composition, drying the composition, exposing the composition to light, and developing the composition.
US08940469B2
A liquid developer for electrography, comprising toner particles dispersed in a liquid carrier, wherein the toner particles include a pigment, a thermoplastic resin, and an organic filler, which organic filler is reactive with groups of the thermoplastic resin and incompatible with the liquid carrier.
US08940464B2
Compounds of the formula (I), (II), and wherein R1, R2, R′2 and R′″2 for example are C1-C20alkyl; R3, R4, and R5 for example independently of one another are hydrogen or a defined substituent provided that at least one of R3, R4 or R5 is other than hydrogen or C1-C20alkyl; R6, R7, R8, R′6, R′7, R′8, R″6, R″7, R′″6 and R′″7 for example independently of one another have one of the meanings as given for R3, R4, and R5; and R9 for example is C1-C20alkyl; exhibit an unexpectedly good performance in photopolymerization reactions.
US08940463B2
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.
US08940449B2
A fuel cell including an electrolyte film, a catalyst layer, two diffusion layers, a fuel supply layer, an oxygen supply layer, a water-absorbing layer, and a collector. The fuel cell has an opening at least in a part of a side surface parallel to a proton conduction direction of the electrolyte film among side surfaces of the fuel cell. The water-absorbing layer is present between the oxygen supply layer and the collector. An end portion of the water-absorbing layer is present on one of a plane including the opening and an opposite side of the fuel cell with the plane including the opening being a reference. A fuel cell system having a fuel cell stack including the fuel cells. The fuel cell has a high water discharging ability and is capable of maintaining stable high generation efficiency and providing a high output even while being small-sized and light-weight.
US08940446B1
In an example, the present invention provides a solid state battery device, e.g., battery cell or device. The device has a current collector region and a lithium containing anode member overlying the current collector region. The device has a thickness of electrolyte material comprising a first garnet material overlying the lithium containing anode member. The thickness of electrolyte material has a density ranging from about 80 percent to 100 percent and a porous cathode material comprising a second garnet material overlying the thickness of electrolyte material. The porous cathode material has a porosity of greater than about 30 percent and less than about 95 percent and a carbon bearing material overlying a surface region of the porous cathode material. In an example, the carbon bearing material comprises substantially carbon material, although there can be variations.
US08940437B2
Pillared particles of silicon or silicon-comprising material and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. These particles may be used to create both a composite anode structure with a polymer binder, a conductive additive and a metal foil current collector, and an electrode structure. The structure of the particles overcomes the problems of charge/discharge capacity loss.
US08940434B2
Disclosed are an additive for a rechargeable lithium battery electrolyte including an aromatic compound having an isothiocyanate group (—NCS), and an electrolyte and rechargeable lithium battery including the same.
US08940415B2
An organic electroluminescent device, which has a pair of electrodes and at least one organic layer including a luminescent layer between the pair of electrodes, wherein at least one layer between the pair of electrodes comprises at least one metal complex having a tridentate- or higher polydentate-chain structure ligand.
US08940409B2
Disclosed is an organic light emitting material having the following chemical formula, for improving luminous efficiency, where R1, R2, R3 and R4 denote materials selected from an aromatic group with 6-24 carbon atoms (C6-C24), the group being independently substituted or unsubstituted, preferably, an aromatic group with 6-24 carbon atoms (C6-C24), the group consisting of trimethylsilane (TMS), CN, halogen (F, Cl, Br) alkyl groups with 1-4 carbon atoms (C1-C4).
US08940408B2
A white organic light-emitting device is provided by the present invention. The white organic light-emitting device includes an anode, a hole transport layer, a first light-emitting layer, a second light-emitting layer, a third light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer and a cathode, wherein the second light-emitting layer is formed between the first and the third light-emitting layers, the emission wavelength of the second light-emitting layer is longer than that of the first and third light-emitting layers, and the host material of the first and third light-emitting layer are different. The white organic light-emitting device of the present invention is capable of effectively increasing the luminous efficiency, reducing operating voltage, and providing color stability.
US08940405B2
A copper sheet is adjusted to have arithmetic mean roughness Ra of from 0.5 μm to 4.0 μm in a direction parallel to a sliding direction upon connection, mean projection-depression interval of from 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm in the direction, skewness of less than 0, and protrusion peak portion height of 1 μm or less. A Sn surface coating layer group X as a plurality of parallel lines is included, and a Cu—Sn alloy coating layer is adjacent to each side of each Sn coating layer. Maximum height roughness is 10 μm or less in a direction of part insertion. The sheet is surface-roughened by pressing when stamped, thereby forming depressions as a plurality of parallel lines in its surface. The sheet is then plated with Cu and Sn, followed by reflowing.
US08940399B2
This invention relates to a coated article including a low-emissivity (low-E) coating. In certain example embodiments, the low-E coating is provided on a substrate (e.g., glass substrate) and includes at least first and second infrared (IR) reflecting layers (e.g., silver based layers) that are spaced apart by contact layers (e.g., NiCr based layers) and a dielectric layer of or including a material such as silicon nitride. In certain example embodiments, the coated article has a low visible transmission (e.g., no greater than 50%, more preferably no greater than about 40%, and most preferably no greater than about 39%).
US08940391B2
Methods of producing silicon carbide fibers. The method comprises reacting a continuous carbon fiber material and a silicon-containing gas in a reaction chamber at a temperature ranging from approximately 1500° C. to approximately 2000° C. A partial pressure of oxygen in the reaction chamber is maintained at less than approximately 1.01×102 Pascal to produce continuous alpha silicon carbide fibers. Continuous alpha silicon carbide fibers and articles formed from the continuous alpha silicon carbide fibers are also disclosed.
US08940384B2
A colored web material comprising a plurality of discrete extended elements. The colored web material comprises a colorant incorporated in the material itself or a colorant disposed on at least one surface of the web material. The discrete extended elements comprise thinned portions at the distal ends and/or along the sidewalls of the discrete extended elements. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have a diameter of less than about 500 microns. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises at least about 95 discrete extended elements per square centimeter. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have an aspect ratio of at least about 0.2.
US08940382B2
A coating comprises a resin solution including a solution of neoprene latex and liquid asphalt emulsion and an accelerator solution including an aqueous solution of zinc sulfate powder and water. A spray system for applying the coating includes a spray gun having first and second nozzles, a first pump fluidly connected between the first nozzle and a resin solution reservoir for delivering the resin solution to the first nozzle at a first fluid pressure, and a second pump fluidly connected between the second nozzle and an accelerator solution reservoir for delivering the accelerator solution to the second nozzle at a second fluid pressure different from the first pressure. The accelerator solution may be aerated by a source of compressed air prior to discharge from the second nozzle.
US08940381B2
A curable prepreg or semipreg material comprising a layer of fibers and a substantially non-flowable curable resin having a layer of porous sheet material on an outer surface, the material allows automatic lay-up of high fiber content prepregs or semiprepregs typically used in industrial applications such as wind turbine blades.
US08940379B2
A polyamide resin composition contains a resin component containing at least a polyamide, a fatty acid metallic salt having from 10 to 50 carbon atoms, and an additive. The polyamide is obtained through melt polycondensation of a diamine component containing 70% by mol or more of m-xylylenediamine and a dicarboxylic acid component containing 70% by mol or more of an α,ω-linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. The additive is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a diamide compound obtained from a fatty acid having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms and a diamine having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, a diester compound obtained from a fatty acid having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms and a diol having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and a surfactant.
US08940376B2
Spirally wound paper products are disclosed having desirable roll bulk, firmness and softness properties. The rolled products can be made from single ply tissue webs formed according to various processes.
US08940372B2
A method for treating a surface of a substrate. A functional chemical is applied onto the surface of the substrate for improving the adhesion of silicone to the substrate. The functional chemical is applied in an amount of at least 5 mg/m2 onto the surface of the substrate by using a steam application beam to form a functional chemical layer on the substrate. The functional chemical includes double bonds, silane hydride, or vinyl silane reactive groups, or oligomeric or polymeric hydrocarbon or polysiloxane compounds.
US08940368B2
A vapor deposition apparatus includes a stage on which a substrate is mounted; a heater unit that is disposed at a side of the stage and includes a first heater and a second heater, wherein the first heater and the second heater are movable so that the first heater and the second heater are spaced apart from each other or are disposed adjacent to each other; and a nozzle unit that is disposed at a side opposite to the side at which the heater unit is disposed about the stage and includes one or more nozzles.
US08940357B2
A medical device, such as a medical wire, which includes a coating applied to the surface of the medical wire. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the medical wire and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated medical wire form markings which, as an example, enable a surgeon to determine the length of the medical wire inserted into a body by observing the markings on the portion of the marked medical wire located exterior to the body.
US08940356B2
A system and method for coating an expandable member of a medical device comprising a support structure to support the expandable member and a dispenser positioned with at least one outlet proximate a surface of an expandable member. A drive assembly establishes relative movement between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member to apply fluid on the surface of the expandable member along a coating path. A guide maintains a substantially fixed distance between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member during relative movement therebetween by displacing the expandable member relative to the at least one outlet.
US08940355B2
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of an edible dispersion comprising oil and structuring agent and one or more of an aqueous phase and/or a solid phase, in which the dispersion is formed by mixing oil, solid structuring agent particles and the aqueous phase and/or the solid phase, wherein the solid structuring agent particles have a microporous structure of submicron size particles.
US08940350B2
The present invention relates generally to cereal compositions comprising non-caloric or low-caloric high-potency sweeteners and methods for making and using them. In particular, the present invention relates to different cereal compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic high potency sweetener and at least one sweet taste improving composition. The present invention also relates to cereal compositions and methods that can improve the tastes of non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the cereal compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile.
US08940336B2
The invention provides polymer particles that are obtainable by a method selected from emulsion methods, diffusion methods and evaporation methods carried out in the presence of surface-engineering surfactant which is one or more polymer that displays a lower critical solution temperature, in aqueous media, that is between 10 to 90° C., this polymer being the polymerization product of one or more monomer selected from polymerisable alkyleneglycol acrylate monomers and polymerisable alkyleneglycol methacrylate monomers. The polymer particles can be used in controlled release applications, such as flavour release applications, fragrance release applications and biomedical applications. The invention also provides a cell support matrix comprising the polymer particles.
US08940335B2
Described is a process for making a dry and stable hemostatic composition, said process comprising a) providing a dry granular preparation of a biocompatible polymer suitable for use in hemostasis, b) coating the granules in said dry granular preparation with a preparation of a coagulation inducing agent, thereby obtaining coagulation inducing agent coated polymer granules, c) filling said coagulation inducing agent coated polymer granules into a final container, d) finishing the final container to a storable pharmaceutical device containing said coagulation inducing agent coated polymer granules as a dry and stable hemostatic composition.
US08940334B2
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical composition containing nemorubicin hydrochloride incorporated in microspheres. The compositions are useful for chemoembolization, particularly for loco regional treatment of tumors.
US08940326B2
The present invention is directed to compositions and devices for transdermally administering vitamin B12 to a subject. In one aspect, a vitamin B12 containing composition suitable for transdermal administration is provided in the form of a shelf stable transdermal delivery patch. Such patches contain vitamin B12 combined with selected penetration enhancers and vitamin B12 stabilizers.
US08940325B2
The present invention relates to the use of at least one compound selected among the synthetic polysulphated oligosaccharides having 1 to 4 ose units and to the salts and complexes thereof as cleaning agents for a wound. The invention can be used in particular for preparing bandages intended for cleaning wounds.
US08940321B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods useful for the treatment of ear disorders, administered to a treated ear in the form of a foam or a mousse. Administering a medicament in such forms will increase the residence time of the medicament in the ear canal, provide relatively uniform distribution of the composition, and can increase the penetration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the affected area, may release active substances slowly, enhance treatment effectiveness, increase compliance and is more convenient to use than currently available ear medications. The administration in the form of a foam or a mousse may preferably be provided as a metered dose, of a volume suitable to fill the ear canal.
US08940316B2
A suspension formulation of an insulinotropic peptide (e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) or exenatide) is described. The suspension formulation comprises (i) a non-aqueous, single-phase vehicle, comprising one or more polymer and one or more one solvent, wherein the vehicle exhibits viscous fluid characteristics, and (ii) a particle formulation comprising the insulinotropic peptide, wherein the peptide is dispersed in the vehicle. The particle formulation further includes a stabilizing component comprising one or more stabilizers, for example, carbohydrates, antioxidants, amino acids, and buffers. Devices for delivering the suspension formulations and methods of use are also described.
US08940310B2
The application relates to compositions and methods of regulating an immune response comprising inhibitors of TLR7 and/or TLR9, such as immunoregulatory polynucleotides and/or immunoregulatory compounds. The application also relates to compositions and methods for predicting and/or determining responsiveness of a disease to treatment comprising inhibitors of TLR7 and/or TLR9.
US08940307B2
The present invention also relates to a method of reducing metastases in a subject comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising a multifunctional molecule comprising a first part which is capable of binding to an antigen bearing target and a second part which is capable of binding to a cell.
US08940304B2
The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies capable of recognizing and binding to the PBP2-a protein and to other proteins having sequences homologous to PBP2-a, including pathogenic species such as the methyciline-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), coagulase-negative Staphilococcus, Staphylococcus sciuri and Enterococcus, and any other bacteria containing the PBP2-a protein or homologous sequences. The invention also relates to the use of the monoclonal antibodies capable of recognizing and binding to the PBP2-a protein and to other proteins having sequences homologous to PBP2-a in a complementary immunodiagnostic test for detecting resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics.
US08940300B2
The present invention relates to humanized antibodies that specifically bind an EC1 domain of a mammalian Cadherin-11 protein and compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) comprising such antibodies. The invention also relates to methods for treating Cadherin-11-mediated disorders in a mammalian subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a humanized antibody of the invention. Cadherin-11-mediated disorders suitable for treatment by the methods of the invention include inflammatory disorders (e.g., inflammatory joint disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis), fibrosis and cancer.
US08940290B2
A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.
US08940285B2
Conditioning shampoo composition with an oil selected from polyalphaolefin oils, ester oils, triglyceride oils, hydrocarbon oils and mixtures thereof dispersed therein, the composition comprising from 1-26% wt. cleansing phase, a conditioning gel network, a polymeric suspending agent and a cationic deposition polymer.
US08940277B2
This invention addresses the clinical problem of how to optimize biological cell based therapies, such as stem cell therapy. Currently, cell therapies administered by intravenous, intra-arterial, and/or direct tissue injection are limited by the lack of clinically available imaging methods to detect the in vivo fate of the administered cells. There are many efforts underway to develop imaging strategies for stem cells in vivo, including radionuclide and MRI-based approaches. However, these approaches are limited by potential safety issues (e.g. radioactive exposure of stem cells, toxicity of iron particles used for MRI) and difficulty in serial tracking due to complex instrumentation and/or the requirement for repetitive radiation exposure.
US08940263B2
Hydrogen and carbon monoxide impurities are removed from a dry gas comprising the impurities, wherein the dry gas is at least substantially free of carbon dioxide, by passing the dry gas with sufficient residence time, e.g. at least 1.5 s, through a layer of catalyst comprising a mixture of manganese oxide and copper oxide. The use of expensive noble metal catalysts to remove hydrogen may thereby be avoided. In addition, regeneration of the catalyst using oxygen-containing regeneration gas does not reduce the effectiveness of the catalyst.
US08940254B2
An apparatus is disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripper and a cold stripper. Only the hot hydroprocessing effluent is heated in a fired heater prior to product fractionation, resulting in substantial operating and capital savings.
US08940249B2
A system for the automated analysis of liquid samples having one or more processing units for reaction between the samples and one or more reagents to thereby obtain reaction products is disclosed. Disclosed also are a sample unit for supplying the samples to the one or more processing units; a reagent unit equipped with plural reagent vessels containing one or more reagents for mixing with the samples; a distribution unit for distributing fluids including the one or more reagents provided with plural distribution lines, at least some of which are connected to the reagent vessels and the one or more processing units; and at least one analytical unit for analyzing the samples based on the reaction products, in which the analytical unit may include at least one detector for detecting the reaction products.
US08940248B2
A kit comprising a carrier and vessels arranged on the carrier, wherein different reagents are contained in different vessels, the vessels are arranged with an openable closing device on top of the carrier, the carrier has a footprint on the bottom side for being placed on a base, and the carrier has bottom positioning means for being positioned on at least one workplace of an automated laboratory system for microtiter plates according to the SBS standard.
US08940247B2
A portable analyzer A1 includes: hole forming means designed to form a hole 3 for insertion of a specimen sampling implement 6 therein; and analyzing means capable of analyzing a specimen when the sampling implement 6 is inserted into the hole 3, the hole forming means including a first member 1 having a first region R1 corresponding to a portion of an internal surface of the hole 3, and a second member 2 having a second region R2 corresponding to another portion of the internal surface of the hole 3. The first and second members 1 and 2 are capable of relative movement while being coupled to each other, the relative movement causing at least one of the first and second regions R1 and R2 to be exposed to outside for easy cleaning thereof.
US08940238B2
The present invention is directed to an assembly for use in detecting an analyte in a sample based on thin-film spectral interference. The assembly comprises a waveguide, a monolithic substrate optically coupled to the waveguide, and a thin-film layer directly bonded to the sensing side of the monolithic substrate. The refractive index of the monolithic substrate is higher than the refractive index of the transparent material of the thin-film layer. A spectral interference between the light reflected into the waveguide from a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface varies as analyte molecules in a sample bind to the analyte binding molecules coated on the thin-film layer.
US08940228B2
Embodiments described herein generally relate to an apparatus and methods for preventing the recontamination of a pathogen-reduced fluid by pathogens trapped in one or more ports of an inactivation fluid container. Through the use of a slidable clamp positioned in an area of the container immediately adjacent to a port to be isolated, the port may be sealed to prevent any liquid product from entering the port and associated tubing when liquid product is added to the container. The slidable clamp includes a slot, in which the distal end of the slot has a larger width than the proximal end of the slot. The width of the slot at the narrowest, most proximal portion allows for a fluid-tight seal to be created when the slidable clamp is slid into the closed position with respect to the port to be isolated.
US08940227B2
The present invention relates to the use of a polyesteramine or a polyester polyquaternary ammonium compound as a corrosion inhibitor for metal surfaces, and to a method for protecting a metal surface from corrosion by contacting the metal surface with said corrosion inhibitor.
US08940225B2
A nozzle for cutting steel workpieces and workpieces made of iron alloys comprising a nozzle body with an axial hole for the outflow of cutting oxygen and a cylindrical free space at the outlet surface of the nozzle forming the cutting flame. Furthermore, the nozzle has a plurality of heating gas holes and a plurality of heating oxygen holes that are arranged in an external or internal concentric circle around the axial hole. In addition, a number of cooling oxygen holes arranged in at least one concentric circle around the axial hole are provided that run from the inlet side of the nozzle body to the outlet surface of the nozzle and open outside of the pot-shaped, cylindrical free space.
US08940219B2
An ophthalmic device is formed by additive fabrication, the optical device having an optical surface with a surface roughness on the order of less than 10 microns. A method is provided for making an ophthalmic device including an optical surface having a surface roughness of less than 10 microns by depositing on a stage in a first relative position a first lamina of particulates having a size less than 10 microns and in select configurations less than two microns and certain configurations less than one micron, and, synergistically stimulating the first lamina of particulates to form a first solidified layer.
US08940212B2
There is disclosed a method for producing a molded plastic product having an outer skin and in inner core. The method is particularly suitable for making structural products such as panels or the like from recycled plastic material. The method comprises the steps of: providing a mold having a mold cavity; forming an outer skin from a first plastic material on at least two opposed surfaces inside the mold cavity; forming an inner core from a second plastic material inside the mold cavity; and at least partially curing the plastic materials to form a molding inside the mold cavity via the application of heat. The method is characterised by the subsequent steps of (optionally pre-cooling the molding and then) simultaneously cooling the molding and compressing the molding so as to reduce its size in at least one dimension to a desired dimension of the finished product.
US08940206B2
A process for the anti-sticking treatment of polymer pellets comprising:a) pelletizing the polymer in the presence of cooling water;b) drying the polymer pellets by means of a centrifugal drier,wherein in step b) an aqueous composition comprising an anti-sticking agents is metered inside said centrifugal drier.
US08940204B1
A sole assembly is formed by preheating a mold assembly, placing a quantity of rubber in a first portion of a lower recess of a mold assembly; placing a middle plate in contact with a bottom plate, and an upper plate in contact with the middle plate; subjecting the top, middle, and bottom plates to heat to semi-cure the rubber in the lower recess to form an outsole member; separating the top plate, the middle plate, and the bottom plate; placing the top plate in contact with the bottom plate, with polyolefin forming a midsole above the semi-cured rubber; moving the movable insert upwardly with respect to the top plate; subjecting the top and bottom plates to heat such that the polyolefin expands within the sole recess and the polyolefin and rubber in the sole recess fully cure, cross-link, and bond to one another to form a sole assembly; cooling the top and bottom plates; and removing the sole assembly.
US08940203B2
The present invention provides a method for preparing a composition comprising porous ceramic, comprising the following steps: (a) synthesizing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) (p(NIPAAM-MAA)) or similar thermo-response compound thereof; (b) mixing a dispersant with hydroxyapatite or calcium phosphate salt; (c) mixing the p(NIPAAM-MAA) of the step (a) or similar thermo-response compound thereof with water to obtain a hydrogel solution; (d) mixing the hydrogel solution of the step (c) and product of the step (b) to produce a mixture; (e) adding macromolecular particles to the mixture of the step (d) and stirring to produce a slurry; (f) filling the slurry of the step (e) into a template slot; and disposing the template slot filling with the slurry of the step (f) on a crucible, then proceeding high temperature sinter in a furnace to form the composition comprising porous ceramic.
US08940200B2
A method for manufacturing a light guide plate, such as a sign or guide display board, that guides light incoming from a side surface of a substrate thereof and guides the light outgoing from a major surface thereof. The method includes arranging fabrication dots in a matrix shape at a rectangular distal surface of a ultrasonic fabrication horn, forming, on a major surface of the light guide plate substrate, reflection dots corresponding to the fabrication dots on the distal surface upon pressing the distal surface of the ultrasonic fabrication horn to the major surface of the light guide plate substrate, and forming the reflection dots in a prescribed range on the major surface of the light guide plate substrate by repeating formation of the reflection dot upon correlative movement of the ultrasonic fabrication horn within the major surface with respect to the light guide plate substrate.
US08940195B2
A conductive paste includes a conductive powder, a metallic glass, and an organic vehicle. The metallic glass includes a first element, a second element having a higher absolute value of Gibbs free energy of oxide formation than the first element, and a third element having an absolute value of Gibbs free energy of oxide formation of about 1000 kJ/mol or less at a baking temperature and a eutectic temperature with the conductive powder of less than about 1000° C. An electronic device and a solar cell may include an electrode formed using the conductive paste.
US08940184B2
The present invention relates to polymerizable compounds, to processes and intermediates for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof for optical, electro-optical and electronic purposes, in particular in liquid-crystal (LC) media and LC displays, especially in LC displays of the PS (“polymer sustained”) or PSA (“polymer sustained alignment”) type.
US08940183B2
A novel composition for a photocatalyst Fe doped ZnO nano-particle photocatalyst that enables the decontamination process by degrading toxic organic material such as brilliant cresyl blue, indigo carmine and gentian blue by using solar light is described. In the current disclosure method of making a specific size of the nano photocatalyst is described. Characterization of the photocatalyst, optimal working conditions and efficient use of solar light has been described to show that this photocatalyst is unique. The process described to use the photocatalyst to degrade toxic organic material using the solar light to activate the photocatalyst is cost efficient and cheap to clean our water resources.
US08940179B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing magnetite nanoparticles from low-grade iron ore using solvent extraction and magnetite nanoparticles prepared by the same. According to the method for magnetite nanoparticles from low-grade iron ore of the present invention, it is possible to prepare high-purity magnetite nanoparticles having a purity of 99% or higher by solvent extraction using low-grade iron ore as a starting material, and thus it is possible to reduce the processing cost and the amount of energy used, thus supplying a high-efficiency magnetite nanoparticle adsorbent, which can be industrially applied to wastewater treatment or desalination plant, in large quantities at low cost. In particular, it is possible to effectively treat livestock wastewater, heavy metal wastewater, oil discharged into rivers, etc. at low cost, thus significantly contributing to the prevention of environmental pollution. Moreover, the magnetite nanoparticles prepared by the present invention has a purity of 99.5% and thus can be used as raw materials for high-tech products such as nanoparticle catalysts, magnetic fluids, MRI contrast agents, etc.
US08940167B2
The invention relates to a filter assembly for membrane filtration—of liquids, and more in particular a spiral wound filter assembly with improved filtration performance. Provided is a spiral wound filter assembly comprising a permeate channel (5; 305, 325) for transporting permeate to the permeate outlet (12), said permeate channel being provided with at least one flow restriction (13; 113, 120; 213; 333) in form of check or control valves or ridges, for increasing the pressure in at least part of the permeate channel. The invention further relates to an apparatus comprising such a filter assembly, and to methods for using this apparatus.
US08940162B2
Disclosed is a method for processing wastewater after de-sizing. The method includes the step of executing a preliminary treatment on the wastewater to intercept slurry and to stabilize the quality of the wastewater, the step of reducing the pH of the wastewater to a range between 6.0 and 7.5, the step of providing a refractory degradation material 30 for hydrolyzing and hence liquidating starch slurry in the wastewater, the step of separating solids from liquid of the wastewater; and the step of recycling the liquid.
US08940161B2
An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
US08940158B2
A system and method is disclosed for chlorine generation and distribution for the treatment of a pool, spa, body of water, or other water system.
US08940150B2
A reactor for production of a fluid reaction product includes a reaction chamber, a plurality of fluid connections to supply fluid reactants to the reaction chamber, a reception chamber located directly below the reaction chamber, a transfer device providing a fluid connection between the reaction chamber and the reception chamber so that the reception chamber receives a fluid reaction product produced in the reaction chamber, a control unit and a first device, arranged in the reaction chamber to be in direct contact with the supplied fluids to determine a filling level. The first device includes at least one switching point which is operatively coupled with the control unit such that the supply of the fluid reactants into the reaction chamber is controlled and carried out sequentially.
US08940141B2
An electrochemical-based analytical test strip for the determination of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (such as a whole blood sample) includes an electrically insulating base layer and a patterned conductor layer (for example, a gold patterned conductor layer) disposed over the electrically-insulating layer. The patterned conductor layer includes at least one electrode with the electrode having electrochemically inert areas and an electrochemically active area(s). Moreover, the electrochemically inert areas and electrochemically active area(s) are of a predetermined size and a predetermined distribution such that electrochemical response of the electrode during use of the electrochemical-based analytical test strip is essentially equivalent to a predetermined electrochemical response.
US08940136B2
Improvement in carbonization in a carbonization furnace and simultaneous reduction in NOx emissions is achieved by recirculation of waste gas from a coking oven back to the oven chamber, the downcomers, or the sole channel system.
US08940134B2
Paper comprising heat treated bio-soluble inorganic fibers, and method and equipment for making same
Inorganic fiber paper including bio-soluble inorganic fibers which have been subjected to a heat treatment and a binder. A method for producing inorganic fiber paper including: the first step of subjecting amorphous bio-soluble inorganic fibers to a heat treatment; and the second step of making paper comprising the heat-treated bio-soluble inorganic fibers and a binder. Equipment for heating and/or thermal insulation which includes the inorganic fiber paper.
US08940133B2
An omnibus process of pulping and bleaching lignocellulosic materials in which a charge of a lignocellulosic material is biopulped and/or water extracted prior to pulping and bleaching. The lignocellulosic material may be mechanically pulped and bleached in the presence of an enzyme that breaks lignin-carbohydrate complexes. The aqueous extract in embodiments including a water extract step is separated into acetic acid and hemicellulose sugar aqueous solutions.
US08940132B2
The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of structural hybrid thermoplastic composites where organic and inorganic fibers are well dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix. The process comprises defibrillating the organic fibers with or without the presence of surface active agents using a mixer at a high shear and at a temperature lower than the decomposition temperature of organic fibers and melting point of the surface active agents to separate the hydrogen bonded fibers and generate microfibers, followed by blending and dispersion of the organic fibers in the thermoplastic matrix to produce a fiber composite, followed by further blending and dispersion of the fiber composite with inorganic fibers at a low shear to get the moldable hybrid composite, followed by extrusion, injection or compression-injection molding. Low shear mixing maintains the inorganic fiber length. The process produces high performance composite materials having excellent performance properties and are ideally suited for automotive, aerospace, furniture, sports articles, upholstery and other structural and semi-structural applications.
US08940131B2
The invention describes a process for the conversion of aqueous suspensions of lignocellulosic solids comprising a solids content of between 1 and 20% of dry material, said process comprising a step a) for compression of said suspension so as to separate the liquid phase present in and between the solids from the compressed solid phase and a step b) for extraction of at least the liquid phase, said liquid phase then being homogenized by heat and/or chemical treatments and reinjected on to the compressed solid phase.
US08940129B2
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for reducing one or more insoluble solids in a black liquor. The process may include hydrothermal processing the black liquor to a temperature of about 250-less than about 300° C. for an effective time to reduce the one or more insoluble solids by more than about 40%, by weight, based on a weight of the one or more insoluble solids prior to hydrothermal processing.
US08940115B2
An adhesive layer that bonds the back surface of a plate capable of attracting a wafer and the front surface of a cooling plate together that includes a main adhesive portion, which is made of a hardened matter of a fluid adhesive, and an outer peripheral adhesive portion, gas-supply-hole adhesive portions, lift-pin-hole adhesive portions, and terminal-hole adhesive portions made of a double-faced tape. The tape portions bond the outer peripheral edge on the back surface of the plate and the outer peripheral edge on the front surface of the cooling plate together, and the outer peripheral edges of the holes on the back surface of the plate and the outer peripheral edges of these holes on the front surface of the cooling plate together.
US08940110B2
An iron-based corrosion resistant and wear resistant alloy includes (in weight percentage) carbon from about 1.6 to 3%, silicon from about 0.8 to 2.1%, manganese up to 1.0%, chromium from about 12.0 to 15.0%, molybdenum from about 2.0 to 4.0%, nickel from about 0.2 to 0.8%, copper up to 4.0%, boron up to 0.5%, and the balance including iron and incidental impurities. The alloy is suitable for use in elevated temperature applications such as in valve seat inserts for combustion engines.
US08940108B2
An apparatus (1) for controlling the flow of fluid in a conduit comprises a main body (2) including a bore, having a first open end (3) and a second end (5), a fluid inlet for coupling said first open end (3) of said main body to a source of fluid, a fluid outlet (19) adapted to direct at least a portion of the fluid entering via the fluid inlet in a direction so as to propel the apparatus through the interior of the conduit. The apparatus comprises a control element (15) movable between (a) a first position in which at least one fluid path exists between at least one said fluid inlet and at least one said first fluid outlet (19); and (b) a second position in which at least one fluid path exists between at least one said fluid inlet and at least one said second fluid outlet (17). The fluid paths formed comprise at least one curvilinear portion.
US08940100B2
Cleaning of a hot dip galvanized steel sheet is conducted by bringing a strip-shaped steel sheet which was treated by surface oxidation in advance into contact with a cleaning liquid for 1 second or more, and then bringing the hot dip galvanized steel sheet into contact with pure water, while continuously transferring the hot dip galvanized steel sheet. The method allows efficiently and fully washing off the acidic solution adhered to the surfaces of the hot dip galvanized steel sheet treated by surface oxidation. The invention also provides an apparatus for cleaning the hot dip galvanized steel sheet to carry out the above cleaning method.
US08940098B2
A plasma etch processing chamber configured to clean a bevel edge of a substrate is provided. The chamber includes a bottom edge electrode and a top edge electrode defined over the bottom edge electrode. The top edge electrode and the bottom edge electrode are configured to generate a cleaning plasma to clean the bevel edge of the substrate. The chamber includes a gas feed defined through a top surface of the processing chamber. The gas feed introduces a processing gas for striking the cleaning plasma at a location in the processing chamber that is between an axis of the substrate and the top edge electrode. A pump out port is defined through the top surface of the chamber and the pump out port located along a center axis of the substrate. A method for cleaning a bevel edge of a substrate is also provided.
US08940087B2
The coloring matter compound is represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent an alkyl group or an acyl group, or R1 and R2 may be bonded to each other so as to form a cyclic organic functional group containing, as a hetero atom, a nitrogen atom to which R1 and R2 are bonded; R3 and R4 each independently represent an alkyl group; R5 and R6 each independently represent an alkyl group or an alkoxy group; R7 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group; and R8 represents an alkyl group.
US08940084B2
A gas adsorbing device (5a) according to the present invention includes a gas adsorbing material (9) that adsorbs at least nitrogen and a housing container (11) that has a long, thin, flat, tubular shape and is made of metal and in which both sides of a housing portion (10) configured to house the gas adsorbing material (9) under reduced pressure are sealed. A contact portion (13) where opposing inner surfaces of the housing container (11) are in close contact with each other is located between at least one of seal portions (12a and 12b) of the housing container (11) and the housing portion (10).
US08940077B2
A method for indirectly monitoring and controlling an electrically resistive adsorption system. Adsorption of a predetermined adsorbate is conducted while indirectly monitoring electrical resistance of a unified adsorbent element. Breakthrough is predicted based upon the indirectly monitored electrical resistance and a previously measured mass loading relationship between the resistance of the unified adsorbent element and the loading of the unified resistance element with the predetermined adsorbate. Adsorption, regeneration and cooling cycles are controlled by a controller without any direct measurement of temperature or resistance of the element and characterizations of mass loading and temperature. Systems of the invention can have no sensors that contact the element, are in an adsorption vessel, and/or are downstream adsorption vessel.
US08940070B2
A filter device is disclosed, including an air filter for a fresh air system of a motor vehicle. The filter device further include a filter housing which contains a receiving space. An annular filter element is inserted into the receiving space. The device also includes a cover for closing the receiving space. The cover is detachably fastened to the filter housing by means of a bayonet catch, so that the cover can be inserted axially into a cover receptacle formed on the filter housing and, when inserted, can be rotated between an unlocking position and a locking position.
US08940069B2
An interior air filter for a motor vehicle has a fold pack having a first side. A material with a first leg and a second leg is disposed on the first side. The first leg is attached to the first side and the second leg has a width that is greater than a height of the fold pack. The material strip forms at least partially a head band or a side band of the fold pack. A filter receptacle for the interior air filter has a slanted wall and a mounting and removal opening through which the interior air filter is inserted or removed from the filter receptacle in a mounting and removal direction. The slanted wall extends at an angle that corresponds to an angle defined by the second leg of the material strip of the interior air filter and a contact surface of the filter receptacle.
US08940068B2
A gas-liquid rotating separator has first and second sets of magnetically permeable members magnetically interacting with each other to effect rotation of a separator element. A nonauthorized replacement separator element missing the second set of magnetically permeable members will not effect designated operation, thus ensuring, at maintenance servicing, installation of an authorized replacement separator element.
US08940061B2
An apparatus for generating hydrogen for fuel cells is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a button, a first separating plate, a solid state reactant, and a separating membrane. The housing has an opening and a reservoir. The button connected to the housing covers the opening. The first separating plate disposed in the housing divides the reservoir into first and second sub-rooms. The opening communicates with the first sub-room and the first sub-room is suitable for storing a liquid reactant. The first separating plate has a through hole opposite to the button. The solid state reactant is disposed in the second sub-room. The separating membrane disposed on the through hole separates the first sub-room from the second sub-room. When the button is pushed, the button damages the separating membrane. Therefore, the liquid reactant flows to the second sub-room and reacts with the solid state reactant to generate hydrogen.
US08940054B2
An implant system for total shoulder arthroplasties, hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties including a humeral stem having an enlarged head portion with interfaces adapted to removably receive various modular interchangeable components, such as articulating liners, spacers, and adapter inserts. The humeral stem functions as a universal platform that may be used in either conventional or “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties, as well as hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and may remain implanted in place during a revision in which the implant system is converted between the foregoing configurations, for example.
US08940044B2
Apparatus and methods are described including an implant structure configured to treat a native atrioventricular valve of a patient, the implant structure including a sleeve having a lumen and at least one end, the at least one end being shaped so as to define an opening. A closure element is disposed in a vicinity of the at least one end, the closure element being configured to facilitate closure of the opening. A contracting mechanism is coupled to the implant structure and configured to contract at least a contraction-facilitated portion of the implant structure. Other applications are also described.
US08940043B2
A method of testing the performance of a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes wrapping an aortic band around an outer surface of a portion of an aorta, fastening a first end portion of the aortic band to a second end portion of the aortic band, implanting a collapsible prosthetic heart valve in the aorta at an implantation site, and flowing a pressurized fluid through the aorta. The aortic band may be positioned near the sinotubular junction of the aorta. When installed around the aorta, the aortic band reinforces the portion of the aorta so as to be more resistant to radial expansion.
US08940039B2
A vascular prosthesis includes a prosthesis wall whose outer surface has at least one reinforcing means, the surface of the prosthesis wall and the surface of the at least one reinforcer being coated, at least in part, with an antimicrobial layer.
US08940031B2
A pedicle screw fixation system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tulip is provided for holding a head of a pedicle screw substantially along a longitudinal axis. The tulip includes opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots aligned along a transverse axis. A rod is received by the opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots. A coupling collar includes a plurality of resilient fingers circumferentially disposed therearound such that a snap fit engagement with the head of the pedicle screw formed. The coupling collar includes a first deformable face operable for contact with the rod. A set screw is for adapted for driving engagement through the tulip along the longitudinal axis such that a second deformable face is positioned for contact with the rod. The first and second deformable faces conform to the shape of the rod in response to forceful engagement therewith.
US08940023B2
Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.
US08940016B2
A mechanical system for rotatably, sequentially securing opposing sides of a tissue wound with a fastener. An applicator apparatus is capable of imparting rotatable motion to a falcate tissue penetrator that sequentially pierces and carries a fastener into a first side and a second side of the tissue wound. The first side and second side of tissue can be simultaneously captured and positioned with respect to a tissue definition member or alternatively, the first tissue side and second tissue side can be individually, sequentially captured and positioned relative to the tissue definition member. The applicator apparatus can comprise a single fastener for small tissue wounds or resections or alternatively, the applicator can comprise a plurality of staged fasteners for use in closing a larger wounds or wounds with increased tension.
US08940011B2
Described herein are composite detachment mechanisms for implantable devices and assemblies comprising these devices. Also provided are methods of using the detachment mechanisms and assemblies.
US08939995B2
A radiolucent fastening device for fastening a reference device to a body for computer-assisted surgery, wherein a part of the fastening device is made from an unsubstituted carbon fiber reinforced polyether compound, a monosubstituted carbon fiber reinforced polyether compound or a multisubstituted carbon fiber reinforced polyether compound.
US08939992B2
A medical device includes a sheath defining a lumen, a first elongate member, and a second elongate member. The first and second elongate members are movably disposed within the lumen. The medical device further includes a basket comprising a plurality of legs and a mesh portion. A proximal end of each leg of the plurality of legs is connected to the first elongate member, and a proximal end of the mesh portion is connected to the second elongate member.
US08939982B2
The present invention relates to methods for validating the correct position of a patient-specific device on a chosen anatomy of the human body as well as such patient-specific devices. More specifically, the devices are provided with a fitting tool which allows in alignment of the patient-specific device with one or more predetermined patient-specific landmarks.
US08939978B2
Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating fractures and other bone maladies. The systems, devices and methods may include one or both of a stabilizing structure, such as an implant, bone plate, or other device and a fastening assembly, such as an engaging member and a compression member. The stabilizing structure in some embodiments has a proximal section with a transverse aperture and a cross-section that may be shaped to more accurately conform to the anatomical shape of cortical bone and to provide additional strength and robustness in its lateral portions, preferably without requiring significant additional material. The fastening assembly may be received to slide, in a controlled way, in the transverse aperture of the stabilizing structure. In some embodiments, the engaging member and the compression member are configured so that the compression member interacts at least indirectly with the stabilizing structure and a portion of the engaging member to enable controlled movement between the first and second bone fragments. This configuration is useful for, among other things, compressing a fracture.
US08939974B2
A surgical instrument can comprise a first drive system for advancing a knife bar between a first position and a second position in order to close a jaw, or clamping, member of an end effector. The first drive system can comprise a toggle clamp which can generate and transmit an asymptotical clamping load to the jaw member. The surgical instrument can further comprise a second drive system for advancing the knife bar between the second position and a third position. The second drive system can comprise a rack and pinion system and the surgical instrument can comprise a single trigger for actuating both the first drive system and the second drive system on the same stroke.
US08939973B2
An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source which enable them to conduct energy through the tissue to create a tissue seal. A drive assembly is disposed within the housing which moves the jaw members. A switch is disposed within the housing which activates the electrosurgical energy. A knife assembly is included which is advanceable to cut tissue held between the jaw members. A movable handle is connected to the housing. Continual actuation of the movable handle engages the drive assembly to move the jaw members, engages the switch to activate the electrosurgical energy source to seal the tissue, and advances the knife assembly the cut the tissue disposed between the jaw members.
US08939972B2
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members disposed in opposed relation relative to one another. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable with respect to the other from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife is longitudinally translatable with respect to the first and second jaw members between a retracted position, an intermediate position, and an extended position. The knife coupled to one or both of the jaw members via a pin-slot engagement such that, upon translation of the knife from the retracted position to the intermediate position, the first and second jaw members are moved to the approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween and such that, upon translation of the knife from the intermediate position to the extended position, the knife is extended between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween.
US08939967B2
An ophthalmic docking system is presented that can reduce a condensation of a patient interface of a surgical laser system. The ophthalmic docking system includes a patient interface that has a proximal portion configured to be attached to an ophthalmic system, a distal portion configured to be attached to an eye that includes a contact lens and an interface attachment system; and a decondenser, coupled to the patient interface and configured to reduce a vapor condensation on the contact lens.
US08939957B2
A disposable absorbent article may include a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff material edge.
US08939950B2
This application teaches a disposal chain and a supply chain system for sealing and unsealing a vacuum draw path embodying a thrust handle capable of imparting assembly and disassembly thrust forces said system conferring the potential of reducing the amount solid waste mass contributed to the waste stream.
US08939942B2
The application relates to a needle protection assembly (1) comprising:—a supporting element (18) and a needle shield (8),—one locking element (20) located within said needle protection assembly (1) and not accessible to the user,—urging means (24) for displacing said needle shield (8),—a peg (19) located on said supporting element (18) or on said needle shield (8), and a cam (9) located on said needle shield (8) or on said supporting element (18), and—said locking element (20) is not formed by said peg (19) and cam (9). The respective longitudinal axis of the needle shield (8) and of the locking element (20) are merged when said needle shield (8) is in its before use or in use positions, and they form an angle (a) when said needle shield (8) is in its after use position.
US08939938B2
The present disclosure is directed to an indwelling needle set which includes a needle tip protector device which adds a minimal length to the needle set to maintain operability of the device. To accomplish this, a needle tip protector device is provided for releasable attachment to the needle set. The protector device includes a body and a protecting sleeve which is movable through an opening in the body from an advanced position located substantially within the body to a retracted position extending rearwardly from the body. The protecting sleeve is dimensioned to slidably receive a puncturing needle which includes an increased diameter position which cannot be withdrawn through the protecting sleeve.
US08939933B2
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for delivering reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site, such as a bone tissue site. In one instance, a manifold for providing reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue includes a longitudinal manifold body formed with at least one purging lumen and a reduced-pressure lumen. The manifold further includes a plurality of manifolding surface features or slits formed on the second, tissue-facing side of the longitudinal manifold body and a plurality of apertures formed in the longitudinal manifold body on the second, tissue-facing side. The plurality of apertures fluidly couple the reduced-pressure lumen and the manifolding surface features or slits. The manifold further includes an end cap fluidly coupling the reduced-pressure lumen and the at least one purging lumen. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are presented.
US08939932B2
A method of treating early papillomavirus infection of an orifice of a human or animal body including any canal associated with an orifice, comprising applying a viral inactivation agent to the orifice and/or canal in an amount effective to inactivate a portion of the virus infecting the orifice or canal. Apparatus is also disclosed.
US08939930B2
The accuracy of drug delivery with drug pump devices may be improved by a combination of pump operation at high flow resistances and pump pressures, pressure-relief mechanisms, and sensor-based feedback for pump control.
US08939926B2
A system and method for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. An active filter apparatus forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter.
US08939925B2
A tightening system and method for operating the same in an article for a wearer includes first and second members arranged for being connected at first ends, and separated by a distance at second ends. A tension element connects the first and second members. A tensioning mechanism is mounted on the first member and coupled to the tension element. The tensioning mechanism includes a housing and a retractable and extendable line arranged to be extended from the housing and automatically retract to the housing upon release of the line to permit one-way incremental winding of the tension element to thereby draw the first and second members closer to one another by reducing the distance therebetween.
US08939921B2
An apparatus for detecting hand force or hand pressure includes a longitudinally extending hollow body having an upper fixed end part, a lower fixed end part and a longitudinally extending spacer element that keeps the upper end part and the lower end part mutually spaced apart. The hollow body includes a flexible outer cover which connects the upper end part to the lower end part such that a closed inner space is formed within which the spacer element is also arranged. The outer cover is can be at least partly surrounded by a hand, and the inner space of the hollow body contains a gel, elastic multicomponent or liquid material which acts as a pressure transmitter. A pressure measuring apparatus extends at least partly in the inner space in the longitudinal direction to transmit the pressure from the outer cover via the pressure transmitter to the pressure measuring apparatus.
US08939915B2
A kit for implantation of material into a body, a kit for extraction of tissue from a body and a tissue transplantation kit. A method for implanting material into a body, a method for extracting tissue from a body and a method for transplanting tissue into a body.
US08939914B2
Certain radiometer assemblies can include an antenna that is shielded within an enclosure, which can have an open end. The antenna can be used to receive signals from a patient via a matching layer that is positioned at the open end of the enclosure. In some assemblies, a rim of shielding material encompasses the open end of the enclosure so as to reduce stray electromagnetic interference, such as when the assembly is used to monitor a deep tissue temperature.
US08939909B2
Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for ultrasound imaging using spread spectrum, coherent, frequency- and/or phase-coded waveforms. In one aspect, a method of creating an image from an acoustic waveform in an acoustic imaging device includes setting the device into a transmit mode to transmit an acoustic waveform toward a target, in transmitting the acoustic waveform, synthesizing, in one or more waveform synthesizers, a plurality of substantially orthogonal coded waveforms that form a composite waveform as the transmitted acoustic waveform toward the target, in which each waveform corresponds to a distinct frequency band, setting the device into a receive mode to receive a returned acoustic waveform that returns from at least part of the target, converting the received returned acoustic waveform from analog format to digital format as a received composite waveform comprising information of the target, and processing the received composite waveform to produce an image of the target.
US08939906B2
A wireless intraocular pressure monitoring device includes reflecting and detecting modules. The reflecting module includes a soft contact lens having a curvature corresponding to that of a cornea while worn. A metal layer is embedded in and deformable with the soft contact lens. The detecting module includes two waveguides, an oscillator, and a converting unit. The oscillator is operable to generate oscillation signals having a frequency dependent on an equivalent impedance of the waveguides such that the equivalent impedance corresponds to intraocular pressure. The converting unit is operable for receiving and converting the oscillation signals into an output signal corresponding to the intraocular pressure.
US08939897B2
A surgical instrument for forming a gastrotomy. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument may comprise a hollow tip for attachment to a distal end of a tubular member such as an endoscope. In other embodiments, the hollow tip is integrally formed on the distal end of the endoscope. The hollow tip is configured such that when it is brought into contact with the inner layer of tissue in the stomach, the tissue is caused to stretch. A hole-forming device may be passed through the hollow tip to pierce through the stretched inner layer and adjacent outer layers of tissue to form a passageway therethrough for permitting surgical procedures to be performed therethrough. After the surgical procedures are performed through the passageway, the hollow tip is removed from contact with the inner layer of tissue to permit the inner layer of tissue to relax and to cause the holes formed through the inner layer and outer layers of tissue to be offset from each other.
US08939893B2
A signal transmission device includes a transmission unit, a first connection unit, a second connection unit, and a reception unit. The transmission unit sends a transmission signal. The first connection unit includes a first electrode electrically connected to the transmission unit. The second connection unit includes a second electrode that engages with the first connection unit, and, when engaged with the first connection unit, is statically coupled with the first electrode. The reception unit is electrically connected to the second electrode and receives the transmission signal.
US08939889B1
A penile prosthetic includes an inflatable member that is implantable into a penis of a user, a reservoir that is implantable in an abdomen, and a pump. The pump is configured to be attached between the inflatable member and the reservoir and is implantable in a scrotum. The pump includes a pump bulb having an internal cavity formed by a side surface connected between a bottom surface and a top surface of the pump bulb. The side surface provides an outside circumference of the pump bulb and includes at least two concave side walls with each concave side wall connected between two adjacent convex lobes of the pump bulb.
US08939884B2
Disclosed herein is a sleep aid device including: an electrode arranged on the surface of a pillow in such a manner as to come into contact with the scalp of a user; a brain wave signal acquisition section adapted to acquire a brain wave signal of the user via the electrode; an analysis section adapted to analyze the acquired brain wave signal; and a control section adapted to control the execution of a preset process according to the sleep stage representing the depth of sleep of the user identified by the analysis result.
US08939882B2
This document relates to methods and materials for providing blood flow for a blood pump recipient. For example, cannulae that can be connected to the circulatory system of a mammal and can be used in conjunction with a blood pump (e.g., an assist device) are provided.
US08939876B2
A method of manufacturing an absorbent article in a diaper manufacturing machine, the method includes providing a chassis, folding the chassis along one or more axes, providing two side panels, aligning the side panels with the chassis, and attaching the side panels to the chassis along four seams. The method may include forming the four seams substantially simultaneously.
US08939871B2
A rotary disk acceleration mechanism for exercise equipment includes a stationary axle; a first large rotary disk; at least one acceleration disk assembly; a first belt, which is coupled between the acceleration disk assembly and the first large rotary disk; a first bearing, which is mounted to the stationary axle; a second small rotary disk, which is rotatably mounted by the first bearing to the stationary axle and is coaxial with the first large rotary disk; and a second belt, which is coupled between the acceleration disk assembly and the second small rotary disk, so that the acceleration disk assembly drives, via the second belt, the second small rotary disk to rotate.
US08939869B2
Depression of an accelerator pedal by a vehicle operator in an operating condition in which fuel economy is deteriorated, is restrained. An actual opening degree of the accelerator pedal and a reference guide value of the accelerator pedal opening degree which allows a vehicle to accomplish both acceleration performance and fuel economy performance in a current operating condition are indicated in a display section together. In a case where a current gear ratio of a transmission is deviated from an optimal gear ratio of the transmission which is determined based on an operating condition of the vehicle, the reference guide value is changed such that engine output of the vehicle is decreased.
US08939868B2
A control device of a vehicle drive device includes: a hydraulic power transmission device having a lockup clutch mechanically coupling an input-side rotating member to which power from an engine is input and an output-side rotating member outputting power to drive wheels; and an electric motor coupled to a power transmission path between the hydraulic power transmission device and the drive wheels. If regeneration braking of a vehicle is performed with the electric motor, an engagement force of the lockup clutch is made larger when a vehicle speed related value varying depending on a vehicle speed is higher.
US08939863B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. One of the plurality of torque transmitting devices is an integrated friction launch clutch. A disconnect clutch is in series relationship with the launch clutch and is configured to disconnect the launch clutch from at least one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
US08939860B2
A hydrodynamic coupling arrangement, particularly torque converter, comprises a housing arrangement (12) which is filled or fillable with fluid, an impeller (20), a turbine (28), a lockup clutch (54), a torsional vibration damping arrangement (42) with an input region (52) and an output region (82), wherein a first torque transmission path (46) and parallel thereto a second torque transmission path (48) and a coupling arrangement (50) for superposing the torques transmitted via the torque transmission paths (46,48) are provided between the input region (52) and the output region (82), wherein the torsional vibration damping arrangement (42) further includes at least in the first torque transmission path (46) a phase shifter arrangement (56) for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path (46) relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via the second torque transmission path.
US08939859B2
A torque converter includes a prime mover input and an impeller configured to rotate in response to the prime mover input. The torque converter further includes a turbine arranged with the impeller and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the impeller, a stator arranged with the impeller and the turbine, and a stator clutch configured to allow rotation of the stator in a first mode and configured to limit rotation of the stator in a second mode. The torque converter further including a stator clutch actuator configured to activate and deactivate the stator clutch to place the stator clutch in the second mode during particular operations and to place the stator clutch in the first mode. A vehicle and a process of converting torque for operation of a vehicle are also disclosed.
US08939857B2
A power tool and a belt pulley of a belt drive for a power tool is provided with a tool driven by a motor by way of a belt drive, whereby the belt drive has a belt pulley rotating about a drive axle on the drive side and a belt pulley rotating about a tool axle on the tool side, and whereby a belt can be tensioned over the belt pulleys. At least one of the belt pulleys can be moved into an eccentric position in relation to its holding axle, with an assembly element being provided, with which the belt pulley can be returned into the concentric position in relation to the axle.
US08939847B2
Aspects of this invention relate to structures and methods for connecting golf club heads to shafts in a releasable and adjustable manner allowing independent adjustability of face angle, loft angle, and lie angle of a club head. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: (a) a hosel assembly; (b) an adjustment member; and (c) a securing system for releasably and adjustably securing the hosel assembly and adjustment member to the club head. The face angle, loft angle, and lie angle may be independently adjusted by releasing the securing system and rotating the different structures or exchanging the original parts with different parts.
US08939842B2
The present disclosure relates to a robotic system including one or more self-propelled motorized vehicles 120 (SPMV) whose motion is controlled in accordance with electronic image data acquired by one or more observing camera(s) 110 configured to image a scene including the SPMV 120. In some embodiments, the SPMV includes one or more on-board lights 124, and the SPMV is operated according to analyzing images acquired by the observing camera before and after an illumination transition of one or more of the point-lights. Some embodiments relate techniques to computer gaming and/or to stereoscopic image processing techniques.
US08939839B2
A computer implemented interactive vehicle gaming system and method includes a first interactive game device connected to a second interactive game device for communication therebetween. At least one game parameter is determined for the first and second game devices associated with driving behavior for at least one vehicle. User input is received on the first game device to initiate a virtual shot against the second game device. After receiving the user input, a shot game result is determined for the virtual shot based on the at least one game parameter. Then, at least one indication of the shot result is provided for at least one of first and second game devices.
US08939838B2
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide user interfaces for playing games on portable electronic devices. One example provides a game accessory having input controls for playing video, audio, and other types of games. The game accessory can have input controls, such as buttons, joysticks, and D-pads. Another example provides a game accessory having a thumb pad or keyboard. Other possible features include microphones, cameras and camera lenses, speakers, a second screen, rumble, and motion detection. The game accessory may have a recess sized to fit the portable electronic device. Inserts or removable adapters can be used to fit portable electronic devices having different sizes. The portable electronic device can be held in the accessory using sliding covers, clips, or other engaging members. In other examples, the accessory can communicate with another accessory for head-to-head game play. The accessory may include circuitry for power, identification, and authorization.
US08939831B2
The present invention provides systems for and methods of playing a video game that includes providing a game character having a virtual appearance characteristic, receiving an input signal indicative of a user exercise performance level, and altering the virtual appearance characteristic in response to receiving the input signal. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.
US08939827B2
An energy recovery ventilation system is described which allows for continuous fan speed control through pulse width modulation of direct current fans. The energy recovery ventilation described is capable of fine motor speed control without the disadvantages of high noise, low efficiency and a fixed number of speeds present in commonly-used speed-varying techniques used with alternating current (AC) fans. This may be accomplished through the use of direct current (DC) fans and pulse width modulation. A controller is used to optimize the ventilation and energy efficiency of the system through the use of several temperature sensors. The energy recovery ventilation also provides a control process for self-optimization of the energy recovery ventilation, in case the supply and exhaust airflows are unequal. An unbalance may be detected by calculating the thermal efficiencies of the exhaust and supply airflows.
US08939825B2
A vapor mitigation system includes at least one vacuum pipe constructed and arranged to collect vapors beneath the floor of a building and to vent the vapors and a blower coupled to the at least one vacuum pipe. The blower is constructed and arranged to create a vacuum under the floor of the building. The vapor mitigation system further includes a controller configured to dynamically control a level of power supplied to the blower. The controller adjusts the level of power supplied to the blower in response to one or more environmental measurements.
US08939824B1
An air moving device includes an inlet for receiving airflow, an apparatus for cooling the received airflow, an apparatus for moving the airflow, an outlet for exhausting the cooled airflow, at least one louver positioned to direct the cooled airflow exhausted from the outlet, and a motor attached to the louver. The air moving device also includes a controller for controlling the motor to thereby vary a position of the movable louver to thereby vary a region of influence of the air moving device.
US08939817B2
Provided is a membrane assembly of a carrier head in a chemical-mechanical polishing apparatus. The membrane assembly includes a main membrane and a circular ring. The main membrane has a wafer contacting surface in contact with a wafer while a chemical-mechanical polishing process is being performed. The circular ring is disposed at an edge portion of the main membrane and receives an air pressure to downwardly apply the air pressure to the main membrane at the edge portion.
US08939816B2
A handheld pneumatic grinder comprises a main body, a transmission portion, and a wheel guard structure. The main body defines an active space. The transmission portion is provided on the main body. The wheel guard structure includes a coupling member, a protective hood, and a control member. The coupling member is coupled to the main body around the transmission portion. The protective hood is rotatably mounted to the coupling member at a center thereof, wherein the protective hood is provided with an engagement means defining a plurality of indentations. The control member has a protrusion, which can engage with one of the indentations of the engagement means to allow the protective hood to be fixed in an angle position. The present invention allows the protective hood to be adjusted without using an external tool, and can achieve a compact design.
US08939815B2
A system includes a chuck with a retaining ring on a first surface thereof. The first surface and the retaining ring are both circular, the retaining ring having a first inner circumference. The system also includes a platen with a second surface, and the second surface faces the first surface and is operable to move with the first surface. The system further includes an air zone circumscribed by the first inner circumference that provides an effective inner circumference different from the first inner circumference.
US08939812B2
A slim, two-sided remote controlled toy vehicle with high speed, high maneuverability and high shock and crash resistance. A remote control scheme based on digital signals embedded in infrared beams allows improved control and high-speed terrestrial and aerial stunt capabilities. The toy intelligently implements infrared communication, on board micro-control units, flip sensors, sounds, lights and other pre-programmed actions. Various stunt accessories are also provided, to increase the play value of the toy.
US08939808B2
A spark plug includes a ceramic insulator extending in the direction of an axis (CL1) and a metallic shell provided around the ceramic insulator. Talc is pressed charged between the ceramic insulator and the metallic shell and a crimp portion is formed for fixing the metallic shell and the ceramic insulator while the metallic shell having the ceramic insulator inserted thereinto is supported by a tubular receiving member. The receiving member is made movable in relation to a pressing jig in its radial direction. Thus, at the time of pressing of the talc, etc., the eccentricity between the center axis (CL2), (CL3) of the pressing jig and the axis (CL1) in the radial direction can be reduced, whereby the misalignment between the axis (CL1) and the center axis of the metallic shell or the like assembly error can be suppressed.
US08939807B2
The present invention provides propeller protection apparatus surrounding a turnable propeller assembly operating beneath a bottom hull of a watercraft. The propeller protection apparatus includes one or more deflecting members; one or more support members; one or more removable axles; and two or more removable wheels.
US08939806B2
The present invention relates to a propulsion container (1) comprising space for a propeller driver, the propulsion container having a first end (3) and a second end (4), said second end (4) having a surface; a trunk (5) inside which the propulsion container (1) is moveably mounted, allowing the propulsion container (1) to be moved between a first position and a second position; a first sealing arrangement (6, 7) arranged to seal, in the first position of the propulsion container, a first gap between the propulsion container (1) and the trunk (5) to define a first watertight space on a second side of the first sealing arrangement, and a second sealing arranged essentially at the second end (4) of the propulsion container (1) and arrangement (8) arranged to seal, in the second position of the propulsion container, a second gap between the propulsion container (1) and the trunk (5) to define a second watertight space on a second side of the second sealing arrangement, said second sealing arrangement (8) comprising a primary propulsion container seal (9) arranged in a functional connection with the surface of the second end (4) of the propulsion container (1).
US08939805B2
A watercraft has a fan propeller, a motor coupled to the fan propeller, an inflatable hull including a first inflatable member and a second inflatable member, and a platform, which is positioned between the first and second inflatable members and coupled to a base of the fan propeller. The motor powers the fan propeller and thereby propels the inflatable hull in a forward direction. The watercraft is suitable for use in varying water environments including white water, open sea water, ice, snow, and shallow water.
US08939804B2
An autonomous submersible vessel employs ambient wave energy to both propel itself and to generate required onboard electrical power. The vessel comprises a ballast stabilized stator portion and a rotor portion with wings rotated by wave-induced orbital water particle motion. Phased power generation resists rotor portion rotation when the horizontal component of water motion is in the desired direction of navigation, so increased hydrodynamic drag at that time acts to pull the vessel forward. The vessel further comprises a means to collect and preserve plankton samples. The vessel design enables alternate operation as an oceanographic glider to also navigate in deep water and in calm seas.
US08939803B2
A conductive terminal includes a connecting portion in which a plurality of wires each having a rectangular cross section are to be arranged in parallel and to which the wires are to be electrically connected. The connecting portion has a structure to cover the wires. The connecting portion includes a position regulation member to regulate positions of the wires in an arrangement direction in which the wires are arranged. The position regulation member is provided to face at least one side surface of a wire located at an end of the wires in the arrangement direction.
US08939794B2
A coaxial cable assembly includes a coaxial cable having a terminating end and a conductor being exposed at the terminating end. A cable housing holds the coaxial cable and has a conductor slot receiving the exposed conductor. A cable shield is coupled to the cable housing and provides electrical shielding for the terminating end of the coaxial cable. The cable housing is configured to be coupled to a circuit board such that the exposed conductor directly engages a signal pad of the circuit board for electrical connection thereto.
US08939791B2
A primary circuit board has a front surface, a back surface, and a non-conductive void. The void has first planar dimensions through a first portion of a thickness of the primary circuit board extending from the front surface to a position between the front and back surfaces, and second planar dimensions through a second portion of the thickness extending from the position at least towards the back surface. A secondary circuit board holder includes a non-conducting locking member insertable into the non-conductive void at the primary circuit board's front surface to secure the holder while a conductive part of the holder is conductively affixed to a conductive part of the primary circuit board. The first planar dimensions are different than the second planar dimensions to permit the primary circuit board's thickness to be greater than a maximum thickness specification of the holder's non-conducting locking member.
US08939788B2
A cable connector for receiving a cable and a connector block. The cable connector including a first shell element with a first strain relief holding feature, a first connector block receiving feature, and a recess; a second shell element with a second strain relief holding feature, a second connector block receiving feature, and a projection; and a strain relief element defining a cable aperture sized to receive the cable, a compression collar, and a wing portion. The projection is received within the recess. The first and second strain relief holding features cooperate to support and maintain the strain relief element. The first and second connector block receiving features cooperate to support and maintain the connector block. The wing portion of the strain relief element is arranged to increase a holding ability of the strain relief element when a twisting or axial force is applied to the cable.
US08939779B1
An electro-mechanical connection is provided for transmitting power to one or more light sources affixed to the shelves of a shelving system. The connection eliminates the need to run wires the entire distance from the light source to a source of power and enables efficient and accurate coupling of the components. This is achieved by provided a slim track strip extending the height of the shelving unit and a specially designed twist connector for tapping off wiring harnesses from the slim track at the level of individual shelves where the harness leads to shelf-mounted light sources.
US08939769B2
Aspects of the present invention relate to a multi-sensory manipulation system. The multi-sensory manipulation system is useable to train one or more senses through the manipulation of one or more sensory inputs as perceived by a user. The multi-sensory system may be used train a variety of senses, such as vision, hearing, olfactory, taste, touch, and the like. Consequently, the multi-sensory system may be comprised of a first sensory vitiation device that vitiates a sensory input for the first sense. The multi-sensory system may be comprised of a first sensory vitiation driver that generates vitiations instructions useable by the first sensory vitiation device. The multi-sensory system may also be comprised of a controller to coordinate one or more sensory drivers and/or one or more sensory vitiation devices to allow for the training of one or more senses through the manipulation of multiple sensory inputs.
US08939768B2
Human resource system for collecting and analyzing survey data from reference providers identified by a job candidate for use by an employer. The system sends an electronic communication to the reference providers to request completion of survey questions and electronically receives the survey data from the reference providers, preferably through webpages. An analysis module combines the received survey data from the reference providers and generates a confidential candidate report for an employer which excludes identification of any ratings or comments by any reference providers. The system also generates customized interview probe questions for use during job interviews and coaching tactics for use after the hiring, based on the weak areas that have been identified from the completed surveys in order to assist the hiring manager to bring the new hires up to speed quickly and effectively.
US08939767B2
A polygonal device for teaching students who prefer kinesthetic learning methods is presented in which the polygonal device can represent two-dimensional polygons of varying shapes and sizes. One or more of the sides, or legs, of the polygonal device are extendable, and the angles of the polygonal device may be manipulated to a desired angle. The devices presented include, but are not limited to, triangles, quadrilaterals, parallelograms, rectangles, squares, trapezoids, and kites. In each of these devices, the legs of the device are non-detachable, i.e. the device does not come apart during normal manipulation and operation.
US08939759B2
A tubular burner has: a mixing tube inclusive of an inlet port, a venturi section, and a tapered tube section; and a flame hole member having a plurality of flame holes and being adapted to be fitted into a front end region of the mixing tube. A flame hole member has a front plate and a rear plate, both of sheet metal make. The front plate has a first flame hole in the central portion of the front plate, and a plurality of second flame holes located around a periphery of the first flame hole. The rear plate has a first ventilation hole in the center thereof so as to lie opposite to the first flame hole, and a plurality of second ventilation holes of smaller diameter than the first ventilation hole.
US08939757B2
A liquid resin molding system has a stationary platen and a movable platen mounted for undergoing movement relative to the stationary platen. A mold has at least one cavity and includes a first mold member attached to the movable platen and a second mold member attached to the stationary platen. An injection nozzle is attached to the movable platen and is configured to receive a liquid resin and to inject the liquid resin into the mold cavity. A nozzle touch mechanism is attached to the movable platen for pressing the injection nozzle against the mold.
US08939756B2
A mold-tool system (100) of a runner system (150), the mold-tool system (100) comprising: a manifold extension (102) being configured to couple with a manifold assembly (152) of the runner system (150); and a biasing assembly (106) extending from the manifold extension (102), the biasing assembly (106) being configured to arrange, in use, sealing contact between the manifold extension (102) and a nozzle assembly (156).
US08939753B2
The high straightness arrow in the present invention is designed to improve the straightness of the archery arrow by adopting new manufacturing technique and method. Chamber and post are made of dissimilar metals and the chamber includes a wall that creates an external housing and defines an internal airspace. Once the post with shaft is positioned through chamber, nuts are tightened securely, forming an assembly, to straighten post. Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of chamber and post, when they are heated simultaneously, the chamber expands more than the post, creating a natural tension along post which results in a near perfectly straight shaft. As the assembly cools, the post and chamber return to their original length, yet the shaft retains its straightened form and thus this manufacturing process yields an arrow shaft that is straighter than shafts made of the same materials but with a traditional manufacturing technique.
US08939749B2
What is described is a blow-molding machine for plastic containers, comprising a plurality of platens for supporting blow mold halves, wherein at least two of the platens are in the form of movable multi-carriers for simultaneously supporting at least two blow mold halves which are assigned to different blow-molding cavities. Since the multi-carriers are driven in such a manner that at least one of the blow-molding cavities can be opened and at the same time at least one other of the blow-molding cavities can be closed by means of a continuous movement of the multi-carriers, acceleration and deceleration ramps can be reduced upon opening and closing and it is possible to gain process time for the blow molding.
US08939737B2
An apparatus for delivering a fluid includes a housing, an inlet in the housing for receiving the fluid, and an outlet in the housing for discharging the fluid. A piston channel is provided within the housing through which the fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet. An actuator is positioned within the housing and is moveable between a retracted position and a forward position, the actuator defining a piston chamber for storing fluid received through the inlet when the actuator is in the retracted position and for driving the fluid stored in the piston chamber toward the outlet when the actuator transitions from the retracted position to the forward position. The actuator includes an armature and a piston coupled to the armature and moveable within the piston channel. The piston channel wall is provided with a groove for conducting fluid from the inlet to the outlet.
US08939736B2
A fuel pump assembly may include a housing and a fuel pump within a fuel pump cavity. The fuel pump may include a motor, a pumping element driven for rotation by the motor, a pump body that maintains the position of the pumping element relative to the motor and the housing, and a flexible seal. The seal may be disposed between the pump body and the housing to provide a fluid tight seal between them. A portion of the seal may be disposed radially outwardly of a distal end of the pump body to radially position the pump body within the fuel pump cavity and a portion of the seal may be disposed axially outwardly of the distal end of the pump body to axially position the pump body within the fuel pump cavity.
US08939735B2
A compressor including a shell, a compression mechanism disposed within the shell, a motor actuating the compression mechanism, and a terminal body secured to the shell, may further include at least one conductor pin extending through the terminal body and a fence disposed around the terminal body and secured to the shell. A plug assembly having an inner core surrounded by an outer body includes at least one electrical receptacle housed by the inner core for selective electrical communication with the at least one conductor pin. A seal may be integrally formed with the outer body and may engage the fence when the at least one electrical receptacle is in electrical communication with the at least one conductor pin.
US08939730B2
A fan control system includes first and second fan control units. Each fan control unit includes a connector, a delay circuit, a switch unit, and a control circuit. Each connector is connected to a corresponding fan interface to receive a voltage signal. The delay circuit of the first fan control unit delays the voltage signal for a first period of time, and turns on the corresponding switch unit after the first period of time. The delay circuit of the second fan control unit delays the voltage signal for a second period of time, and turns on the corresponding switch unit after the second period of time. Each control circuit receives the corresponding delayed voltage signal, to start the corresponding fan. The first period of time is unequal to the second period of time.
US08939729B2
A fan structure is provided, including a hub and a plurality of blades surrounding the hub. Each blade has a first segment connected to the hub and a second segment extended outwardly from the first segment. A first surface is formed between the first segment and the hub, and a second surface is formed between the first and second segments. The first and second surfaces respectively have a first and second setting angle relative to a base plane of the fan structure, wherein the first setting angle exceeds the second setting angle.
US08939728B2
A hybrid part for use in a gas turbine engine has a platform and an attachment feature. The platform and an exterior portion of the attachment feature are formed from a monolithic ceramic material. A ceramic matrix composite material is located adjacent interior portions of the platform and the attachment feature and is bonded to the monolithic ceramic material.
US08939726B2
A partial pitch wind turbine blade in which the pitch system of the blade functions as a lightning receptor. As the pitch system is of a relatively large dimension, it is able to dissipate the effects of a lightning strike without damage, and removes the needs for additional blade features normally used to conduct lightning around or away from the pitch system.
US08939725B2
A rotor system for an aircraft including a rotor (1) with a drive part (2) mounted rotatable about a rotation axis (8) and supporting the proximal end (9) of at least one rotor blade (3). The rotor system comprises a jet turbine (4) for providing pressurized exhaust gas to a rotary structure (7) having at least one jet nozzle outlet (6) and at least one jet stream duct (5) for transporting the pressurized exhaust gas from the turbine (4) to the jet nozzle outlet (6) to cause rotation of the rotary structure (7) by expelling the pressurized exhaust gas through the nozzle outlet (6). In addition, only the rotary structure (7) and not the rotor blade (3) comprise a jet stream duct (5) and a nozzle outlet (6).
US08939716B1
Turbine and compressor casing abradable component embodiments for turbine engines, with nested loop pattern abradable surface ridges and grooves. The nested loops comprise nested fully closed loops or a spiraling maze pattern loop. Some embodiments include distinct forward upstream and aft downstream composite multi orientation groove and vertically projecting ridges planform patterns, to reduce, redirect and/or block blade tip airflow leakage downstream into the grooves rather than from turbine blade airfoil high to low pressure sides. Ridge or rib embodiments have first lower and second upper wear zones. The lower zone optimizes engine airflow characteristics while the upper zone is optimized to minimize blade tip gap and wear by being more easily abradable than the lower zone.
US08939706B1
Turbine and compressor casing abradable component embodiments for turbine engines, with composite grooves and vertically projecting rows of ridges in planform patterns, establishing upper and lower wear zones. The lower wear zone reduces, redirects and/or blocks blade tip downstream airflow leakage, while the upper wear zone is optimized to minimize blade tip gap and wear by being more easily abradable than the lower zone. An elongated first ridge in the lower wear zone terminates in a continuous surface plateau. A plurality of second ridges or nibs, separated by grooves, project from the plateau, forming the upper wear zone. Each of the second ridges has a planform cross section smaller than the plateau planform cross section and a height smaller than the first ridge height. Some embodiments of the second ridges have spacing, planform cross sections, heights and separating groove dimensions selected for shearing when contacted by turbine blade tips.
US08939689B2
A functional element in the form of a press-in element for attachment to a sheet metal part is disclosed which has a head part and a shaft part, the head part has a ring-like sheet metal contact surface within which is a ring-like axial recess which surrounds the shaft part at the transition of the head part into the shaft part. The shaft part has a plurality of peripherally distributed radial recesses extending in the axial direction between which are axially extending and radially projecting noses having raised material portions which form undercuts with the head part in the region of the ring-like recess, the undercuts being present at the positions of the radial recesses at their axial ends adjacent to the head part. Radially extending ribs providing security against rotation, or other anti-rotation security features, are provided in the base region of the ring-like recess.
US08939686B2
Provided is a gear machining method whereby a gear to be machined that is eccentrically mounted can be machined with high accuracy. For this purpose, the gear machining method is such that a target table rotation phase (Co) for a rotation table (16) and a target cut amount (Xo) for a hob cutter (15) are set on the basis of data regarding a workpiece (W), that a table rotation phase correction amount (ΔC) is obtained on the basis of an eccentric amount (δ) of the workpiece (W) with respect to the rotation table (16) and an eccentric rotation phase (φ) of the workpiece (W) with respect to the same, that the rotation table (16) is rotated in an actual rotation phase (Ct) which is obtained by applying a rotation phase correction amount (ΔC) to the target table rotation phase (Co), that furthermore, a cutting correction amount (ΔX) is obtained on the basis of the workpiece eccentric amount (δ), the workpiece eccentric rotation phase (φ), and the actual table rotation phase (Ct), and that the hob cutter (15) is made to cut into the workpiece (W) by an actual cut amount (Xh) which is obtained by applying the cutting correction amount (ΔX) to the target cut amount (Xo).
US08939683B1
A rotary cutting tool for forming a heat plate has a plurality of cutting blades arranged about a cutting tool body. The cutting edge profile of the rotary cutting tool has a lower radius portion and a middle convex portion. The lower radius portion has its center on the axis of the rotary cutting tool and the middle convex portion is defined by an inverse square curve of form Y=1/X2 with the vertical axis of the origin of the inverse square curve offset from the axis of the rotary cutting tool. X has values between 0.25 units and 4 units.
US08939682B2
A rotary cutting tool or end mill is provided, the tool comprising a plurality of pairs of diametrically-opposed, symmetrical, helical flutes formed in a cutting portion of the tool body, wherein the pitch between at least one pair of adjacent helical flutes is less than or greater than the pitch of at least one other pair of adjacent helical flutes in at least one radial plane along the axial length of the flutes, a plurality of peripheral cutting edges, wherein at least one of the peripheral cutting edges has a radial rake angle different from radial rake angle of a peripheral cutting edge of a different helical flute.
US08939681B2
This invention relates to a composite bag for use in earth bag construction systems such as backfill pack systems in underground mines and a construction system using such bags. The composite bags each comprises a pair of long, narrow inner bags of woven polypropylene located longitudinally within and constrained along their length by an outer bag of woven polypropylene. In use, the composite bags are laid flat on top of one another on a working surface (for instance the footwall in an underground mine). The bags could be glued or otherwise attached to one another in this configuration. Tie elements, such as timber elongates, are threaded through aligned slits spaced apart along the length of the bags. The elongates are set against the hanging wall and a backfill slurry is pumped into the inner bags. As each inflating composite bag expands, the slurry water weeps from the bags which rise up the timber elongates during the pumping process. The size differential between the two inner bags and the outer bag gives rise to the formation of a relatively straight line abutment between the two inner bags to provide a stable wall-like structure such as a mine ventilation wall or a backfill pack, as illustrated.
US08939680B2
The current disclosure is a structure for repairing drain tile or any other conduit found in the construction of underground utilities, which conduit severed by the digging of a ditch. The first element is spray-in-place or pre-manufactured polymeric foam, such as polyurethane foam, that is placed so as to span the ditch and rest upon a pipeline located in the ditch. Next, sandbags, foam shims, or similar slope adjustments are placed atop the foam. Finally, a stiff, elongate member (e.g., H-beam, I-Beam, guardrail) is placed atop the sandbags spanning the entire ditch from one end of the severed utility to the other end of the drain tile or other conduit. In broader contexts, the disclosed structure will find use in repairing severed conduit due to an excavation regardless of whether a utility lies in the ditch. Additionally, such pre-manufactured foam bridges can be used as breakers to support underground utilities, such as large pipe.
US08939679B2
The present invention relates to a mobile pipe lining apparatus for installing strip lining material into a host pipe. The apparatus comprises a lining machine for receiving a feed of strip lining material and placing it in a host pipe to form a new pipe lining, a carriage attached to the lining machine such that the full weight of the lining machine is borne by the carriage, and adjusting means for adjusting a position of the lining machine relative to the carriage.
US08939677B2
A low head power generating system is disclosed including a wall pivotably attachable to a structure for moving between a generally upright position and a generally flat position. In the upright position, the structure or wall impounds water, and has a power generating cell connected to the wall, which rotates by movement of water there-through and is operably connectable to a generator for generating power. A support braces the wall in the upright position. The support is adjustable with a first end connected to the wall and a second end extended against a structure, and can be an inflatable bladder, a pressurized piston or other mechanism to move the wall. The cell can be mounted on the surface of the wall or integrated within the wall.
US08939673B2
A shelf carrier having an insertion pot with a T-shaped suspension opening on a side wall, the suspension opening being formed by a longitudinal slit extending parallel to the pot axis and by a transverse slit extending perpendicularly thereto. The longitudinal slit is open at an end facing away from the transverse slit. A slider is supported in the insertion pot so as to be displaceable transversely to the longitudinal slit. A longitudinal slit is formed on the slider, which extends parallel to the longitudinal slit of the insertion pot and is open at an end facing away from the insertion pot transverse slit, and forms a common insertion slit together with the insertion pot longitudinal slit in a center position of the slider. The slider is lockable with the insertion pot in the center position and/or in end positions transversely shifted to both sides of the center position.
US08939670B2
The present invention relates to a rotation on/off-type brush-tube-shaped cosmetic container, having following advantages: only with the action of turning a rotation cap, a cosmetic container may be simply opened/closed, resulting in discharging the cosmetics; though a tube container is accidentally pressurized while being used or while in storage, it still can prevent the cosmetics from being leaked. In addition, by means of the shape of a screw-type spiral groove, a seal cap and a rotation cap can be firmly fixed at the maximum rising/descending position, and can be carried out in a smooth manner during rising/descending movement.
US08939669B2
Applicator devices for applying topical oils to an individual are presented. Exemplary applicators may include a topical oil container, and a roller-ball applicator coupled to the container. The roller-ball applicator may include, a roller-ball housing, wherein the roller-ball housing includes a well configured to hold topical oil for application to an individual regardless of the orientation of the roller-ball applicator, and a roller-ball within the housing, the roller-ball being freely rotatable within the housing.
US08939661B2
An image recording apparatus including: a first convey path; a support member which supports a first recording medium, a second recording medium, and a tray; a second convey path connected to the first convey path; a first guide member partly defining the second convey path; and a posture change mechanism which changes the support member and the first guide member between (a) a first posture in which the first convey path has a height allowing the first recording medium to pass therethrough, and the second convey path has a height allowing the first recording medium to pass therethrough and (b) a second posture in which the first convey path has a height larger than the first height and allowing the second recording medium or the tray to pass therethrough, and the second convey path has a height smaller than the second height.
US08939657B2
An optical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB), an optical-electric coupling element, and a jumper detachably attached to the optical-electric coupling element. The optical-electric coupling element is positioned on the PCB. The optical-electric coupling element includes at least two first coupling lenses and a sloped surface. The optical-electric coupling element defines a stepped receiving cavity in its sidewall. A bottom surface of the stepped receiving cavity forms at least two second coupling lenses. The jumper is detachably inserted into the stepped receiving cavity, and the jumper has at least two receiving holes receiving at least two optical fibers. Each optical fiber is optically aligned with a respective second coupling lens. Each second coupling lens is optically aligned with a respective first coupling lens via the sloped surface.
US08939655B2
Dust caps, fiber optic connectors, fiber optic splitter modules and fiber optic connector systems including interlocking aligning features for fiber optic connector parking in fiber distribution hub networks are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a dust cap for mounting upon a ferrule of a fiber optic connector includes a sleeve extending lengthwise between opposed first and second ends. The sleeve defines a lengthwise extending bore that opens through the first end for receiving at least a portion of the ferrule. The dust cap further includes an aligning feature at the second end of the sleeve. The aligning feature includes a neck portion and an interlocking portion such that the interlocking portion has a width that is greater than a width of the neck portion. The aligning feature is configured to slidably engage with a slot of a parking clip.
US08939649B2
A rolling includes an inner race and an outer race, which rotate relative to each other, balls, which are interposed between the inner and outer races, and a retainer, which is arranged between the inner and outer races, for retaining the balls equiangularly. The retainer includes two annular members facing each other in an axial direction and having opposing surfaces each including hemispherical pockets formed in a plurality of circumferential positions, for receiving the balls, the two annular members being coupled together so that the opposing surfaces are brought into abutment on each other. A flange portion extends radially and is provided on a radially inner or outer side of an axial end portion of each of the two annular members.
US08939642B2
A pouch includes a seamless body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, with a substantially flat, planar base at the first end. First and second opposing walls extend upwardly from the planar base to form an elongate mouth at the second end. Each of the opposing walls includes an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion. The upper wall portions extend to the elongate mouth and the lower wall portions extend to the planar base. The first and second opposing walls have a varying thickness. An elongate closure mechanism, adjacent to the elongate mouth, provides a resealable closure for the pouch. The seamless body stands independently in an upright position upon the planar base when the body is in an expanded position. The pouch, being both flexible and collapsible, can be folded into a substantially flat condition.
US08939637B2
An apparatus for mixing and pumping manure slurry from a manure pit comprises a pump unit having first and second mixing rotors and a pumping rotor. In operation, the first mixing rotor draws solids downwardly towards the pump unit while the second mixing rotor redirect a portion of the solids drawn by the first mixing rotor away from the pump unit, thereby allowing to control the ration of solid contents in the slurry pumped by the pumping rotor. A non-diverted flow distribution arrangement is also provided for selectively connecting the pump outlet in straight-through flow connection with either a drainage pipe or a re-circulation pipe.
US08939630B2
A backlight assembly includes a light guide plate, a light source module spaced apart by a gap from the guide plate, a receiving container and a gap adjusting element. The gap adjusting element is inter-coupled between the receiving container and the light source module and is actuatable to adjust the gap distance between the light source module and the light guide plate. Accordingly, a display quality may be prevented from being decreased, and the productivity may be enhanced.
US08939629B2
The lighting device includes a rod and two or more lighting units superimposing each other. Each of the lighting units includes a housing and a lighting element. The housing has a through hole, a first conductive element, a second conductive element and a positioning mechanism. The through hole is penetrated by the rod so that the housing can turn about the rod. The positioning mechanism limits the lighting units to turn between a first position and a second position. The first conductive elements and second conductive elements of the lighting units make contact at the second position, respectively.
US08939628B2
A driving method of a light source apparatus includes causing a primary light source to emit checking light. The checking light has light intensity sufficient to check a state of the light source apparatus and unharmful to the human body even when the checking light leaks. This emission is based on an output signal from a photodetector having detected a light radiated from a light conversion unit. The method further includes checking a state of the light source apparatus. The checking the state of the light source apparatus is based on an output signal from the photodetector having detected light radiated from the light conversion unit and entering the photodetector based on the checking light.
US08939627B2
A vehicle lighting unit can not only promote the dissipation of heat from a semiconductor light emitting device and a drive circuit for the device, both of which are the heat generation members, but also improve its maintenance workability. The vehicle lighting unit can include a light source module having a module main body. The module main body can include first and second semiconductor light emitting devices, drive circuits configured to drive and control the first and second semiconductor light emitting devices, and a heat dissipation fin for dissipating heat generated by the semiconductor light emitting devices and the drive circuits. Both the semiconductor light emitting devices and the drive circuit are directly attached to the module main body.
US08939624B2
A lighting unit includes a first light source, a second light source, a projection lens, a first reflector that reflects light from the first light source, a second reflector that reflects light from the second light source, a shade section, and a reflecting section. The shade section is movable between a first position at which at least a part of the light from the second reflector is shielded and a second position which is spaced apart from the first position. The reflecting section reflects a part of the light reflected from the second reflector when the shade section is at the first position.
US08939614B2
A pattern forming apparatus for a light guide panel is provided. The apparatus may include a pattern design system, a control system, a header moving unit including an XY moving unit and a header unit, a laser system, beam splitters, and an optical unit. The pattern design system may have an input of data on a pattern. The control system may connect with the pattern design system and transmits a position signal. The XY moving unit may mechanically move up/down and left/right in response to the position signal. The header unit may be coupled with the XY moving unit and reflects a scanned laser beam. The laser system may output a laser beam by a pulse signal. The beam splitters may split a laser beam into two or more laser beams. The optical unit may reflect and collect the two or more laser beams.
US08939612B2
According to one embodiment, a luminaire includes a socket, a radiating member, and a reflecting member. The socket is adapted for loading a lamp unit therein. The lamp unit loaded in the socket contacts the radiating member. The reflecting member is sandwiched and fixed between the socket and the radiating member.
US08939609B2
A rotary switch is provided for controlling an attached light string containing a plurality of light colors. By manipulation of the control dial, a specially designed rotary board is rotated to provide electrical connection to the light string according to one of several present color patterns preprogrammed into the rotary board. The discrete rotary switch positions provided by the rotary switch allow for different color signaling patters to be provided at the output leads from the rotary switch so as to power a multicolored light staring with different patterns and create different multicolored effects. One of the discrete rotary switch positions permits the input color patter from an input light string to be passed through the rotary switch so as to provide the same color pattern at the output leads and power a multicolored light string with the same color pattern provided by the input light string.
US08939606B2
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to heatable glass substrates that may be used in connection with lighting applications, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a glass substrate supports an antireflective (AR) coating on a first major surface thereof, and a conductive coating on a second, opposite major surface thereof. Bus bars connect the conductive coating to a power source in certain example embodiments. The substrate may be heat treated (e.g., heat strengthened and/or thermally tempered), with one or both coatings thereon. The heatable glass substrate thus may help provide a chemical and/or environmental barrier for the luminaire or lighting system disposed behind it. In addition, or in the alternative, the heatable glass substrate may help reduce the amount of moisture (e.g., snow, rain, ice, fog, etc.) that otherwise could accumulate on the luminaire or lighting system.
US08939603B2
A LED lamp tube includes a hollow transparent tube body, a heat-dissipating base disposed in the tube body, a light-emitting module, a control circuit module, an electrical-conductive element, and electrical-conductive caps covering the tube body. The light-emitting module and the control circuit module are provided on two opposite surfaces of the heat-dissipating base respectively. The electrical-conductive element penetrates the heat-dissipating base to be electrically connected to the light-emitting module and the control circuit module. By this structure, the LED lamp tube can be assembled more easily with reduced soldering steps.
US08939602B2
Disclosed is a work light with convertible configurations. First is a light head mounted upon a stand with an extendable neck. The second is a flashlight. A third is presented when the neck is extended in the flashlight mode. The stand is ideally a tripod with legs collapsible into a central body to form the flashlight handle, a movable stop being provided to support the legs when deployed. A double linkage hinge is also provided the head and neck. Magnets may be applied at both the head and the end of an extendable retainer cap such that the work light may be used as an extendable pick up tool with the magnet in the head and it may be mounted solely by the magnet in the cap, even against the pull of gravity. The extendible retainer cap may also be utilized as an extra center leg.
US08939601B1
A collapsible lantern includes a base, an inner telescopic portion, an outer telescopic portion and a switch. The inner telescopic portion is movable relative to the base between a first, collapsed position and a second, raised position. The inner telescopic portion includes a light source and a power source. The outer telescopic portion includes a cap and is movable relative to the inner telescopic portion and the base between a first, collapsed position where the light source is covered by the cap and a second, raised position where the cap is spaced above the light source. Moreover, the outer telescopic portion is movable together with the inner telescopic portion, relative to the base, from the second position to a third, uppermost position. The switch is electrically connected between the light source and the power source and arranged to be off until the outer telescopic portion reaches the third position.
US08939597B2
An illumination device 12 of the present invention is provided with: a housing member 22 that has a bottom plate 22a, a side wall 22b, and a pair of protrusions 22c; a light guide plate 26 having a pair of first end faces 26d, a pair of second end faces 26b that extend in a direction intersecting the first end faces 26d, and a pair of recesses 26e at the respective first end faces 26d, the light guide plate being disposed in the housing member 22 in a manner so that the rear surface 26c thereof faces the bottom plate 22a and the recesses 26e respectively engage the protrusions 22c; a light source unit 2 having light sources 24 and being disposed in the housing member 22 in a manner so that the light sources 24 face at least the second end surfaces 26b of the light guide plate 26; and a frame 27 having a frame-shaped covering plate 27a covering the outer edges W of the plate surface 26a of the light guide plate 26, and a pressing part 27c that protrudes downwards from the covering plate 27a in a manner so as to selectively press the peripheral portion S0 of the recess 26e of the plate surface 26a of the light guide plate 26.
US08939596B2
Disclosed is a condensing type optical sheet for use in a liquid crystal display, which prevents the generation of a yellow band or a rainbow phenomenon without using a protective sheet.
US08939591B1
The present invention features a combined mirror and safety signal system for boats or other vehicles. The system features a housing having a housing anterior surface and a housing posterior surface. A magnet is located on the housing anterior surface and a mounting bracket is located on the housing posterior surface. The system has a removable mirror unit having a mirror unit anterior surface and a mirror unit posterior surface. A mirror is inset into a mirror unit anterior surface. A magnet is inset into a mirror unit posterior surface. A lanyard is located on the mirror unit. The housing is mounted on a boat or other vehicle via the mounting bracket. The mirror unit posterior surface magnetically connects to the housing anterior surface to hold the mirror unit in place on the housing.
US08939587B2
An optical system has a housing with a mount and an opening to a receiving region, the receiving region being located within the housing and including the mount. At least one optical element is inserted into and removed from the receiving region through the opening, and at least one gas supply device provides a flow of gas in the receiving region. Alternatively or in addition, the optical system has a gas lock that receives the optical element. The opening interconnects the gas lock and the receiving region of the housing, and accommodates passage of the optical element between the gas lock and the receiving region.
US08939575B2
The spectacle frame includes a frame front extended by two lateral tenons and two sides articulated to the tenons about articulation pins of two telescopic hinges, each with a frame front element fastened to a tenon and a side element fastened to a side, the side element of a hinge including a slide articulated to the frame front element and slidably mounted in a sheath against and subject to the action of a spring. The slide extends as far as the free end of the side, of tubular shape and providing said sheath, a sleeve, fixed to the end of the slide, being slidably mounted in the end of the side in which said spring also extends to cooperate with the sleeve.
US08939570B2
An ink jet ink containing a coloring material and a polymer particle, wherein the polymer particle has a core portion and a shell portion, the shell portion contains a copolymer A having a unit derived from a compound (a1) represented by a general formula (1) of R1—(C2H4O)n—R2 where R1 is at least one selected from a vinyl group, an allyl group, an acryloyl group and a methacryloyl group, R2 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and n is 30-100, and a unit derived from an α,β-unsaturated hydrophobic compound (a2), a proportion of the unit derived from the compound (a1) to the copolymer A is 50-90% by mass or less, a proportion of the unit derived from the compound (a2) to the copolymer A is 10-50% by mass or less, and the core portion contains a polymer of an α,β-unsaturated hydrophobic compound (b).
US08939567B2
Water and a pigment, as well as a high penetrating agent, a penetrating agent and a moisturizing agent each having specific kind and amount are incorporated in an ink for an inkjet recording apparatus. The high penetrating agent is an alkyl-substituted 1,3-hexanediol or an alkyl-substituted 1,3-pentanediol each having 8 carbon atoms. The penetrating agent is a C1-C4 monoalkyl ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a C6-C8 monoalkyl ether of a polyhydric alcohol, or a polyhydric alcohol dibutyl ether. The moisturizing agent is glycerin and 1,3-propanediol.
US08939562B2
When filling a printing head with ink, ink in a sub-tank is circulated through a forward path port, a forward path, the printing head, a return path, a return path port, and the sub-tank by pumping ink from the forward path port side to the printing head side by a circulation pump in a state where a plurality of nozzles is sealed by bringing a contact member of a capping device into contact with a nozzle formation surface. Thereafter, sealing of the plurality of nozzles by the capping device is released while pressurizing the sub-tank by a pressure adjusting device.
US08939561B2
An ink containing device includes an ink cartridge and an adaptor. The ink cartridge includes a first main body having a first surface facing a first direction and a chamber that stores ink, an ink outlet portion disposed on the first surface of the first main body and that directs the ink from the chamber to an exterior of the first main body; and an ink detecting portion that detects an amount of the ink stored in the chamber. The adapter is attachable to the ink cartridge. The adapter includes a second main body and a movable member that moves with respect to the second main body.
US08939550B2
An inkjet printhead includes multiple sets each of which includes a nozzle, pressure chamber, and actuator; a circuit board; and a connection member. The circuit board includes a wire, through hole via, and ink channel. The connection member, which connects the wire to a driving unit, is provided outside of an array area where the sets are two-dimensionally arrayed. The number of the nozzle rows is N, and each row includes M nozzles (M and N: integer of 2 or more). The through hole vias corresponding to the nozzles of n nozzle row of the N nozzle rows are provided inside of the array area (n: 1≦n
US08939546B2
A method includes moving an assembly of printheads with a bidirectional lateral motion. A direction of the lateral motion is substantially perpendicular to, and the lateral motion is concurrent with, a longitudinal motion of a substrate relative to the printhead assembly. Nozzles of the printheads are arranged in two rows that are oriented substantially parallel to the direction of the lateral motion. The longitudinal motion and the lateral motion are coordinated such that a nozzle in one of the rows and a nozzle in the other of the rows trace a common path on the substrate.
US08939536B2
A printhead in a printer is configured to eject a colored ink and a clear ink. The printhead is aligned with other printheads in the printer to register the clear ink ejected by the printhead with colored ink ejected by the other printheads by ejecting the colored ink from the printhead and analyzing image data of the colored ink.
US08939528B2
An inkjet printing apparatus includes: a conveyance device which conveys paper; an inkjet head which ejecting droplets of colored ink onto the paper conveyed by the conveyance device so as to form an image on the paper; a transparent liquid deposition device which deposits a transparent liquid onto a blank background portion of the paper conveyed by the conveyance device; a transparent liquid deposition volume determination device which determines a deposition volume of the transparent liquid to be deposited onto the paper, according to printing information that is required for printing the image on the paper; and a transparent liquid deposition control device which controls the transparent liquid deposition device in such a manner that the transparent liquid with the deposition volume determined by the transparent liquid deposition volume determination device is deposited onto the blank background portion of the paper.
US08939516B2
A rotary cutter drum for a continuous mining machine having a cutter drum, a bearing hub, an inner bearing, a sealing assembly and a shaft disposed in an inner portion of the cutter drum, the shaft having at least one flat passageway disposed along a longitudinal axis of the hub for allowing a lubricating fluid to move from an oil reservoir to a bearing surface.
US08939513B2
A head rest for a seat assembly includes a rotation mechanism that allows the head rest to rotate with respect to the seat assembly. The rotation mechanism may allow the head rest to incline when in a raised position to provide clearance for an occupant seated in the seat assembly. The rotation mechanism also may allow the head rest to rotate outward from the seat assembly when in a lowered position to displace the occupant with respect to the seat assembly.
US08939508B2
A chair comprises at least a seat assembly, an armrest, a backrest, and a spring linkage. The backrest frame ends are connected to the upstanding back-leg frame ends of the seat assembly by the spring linkages to make a chair with a flexible spring backrest. Each spring linkage is of a U-shaped configuration having two ends spaced vertically apart; the upper end attached to the backrest frame and the lower end attached to the back-legs of the seat assembly. The tip of the spring linkage serves as a pivotal axis, allowing the backrest to be flexible and bend backwards in response to an applied force while returning to its normal position when the force is removed.
US08939501B2
A seat heater includes first heat-generating elements embedded in a seat so as to correspond to first sites of a seat occupant, second heat-generating elements embedded in the seat so as to correspond to second sites of the seat occupant, and a controller for executing a fluctuation control in which a first set temperature of the first heat-generating elements and a second set temperature of the second heat-generating elements are increased or decreased in each of a plurality of predetermined time periods. The controller sets the first set temperature to be higher than the second set temperature in one of the time periods and sets the second set temperature to be higher than the first set temperature in another of the time periods.
US08939499B2
A drive unit for a motor vehicle having a guide element, a function unit guided by the guide element and which is movable via a motor, and a carrier guided by the guide element and coupled to the function unit. The carrier includes a coupling element movable relative to a main body of the carrier, so that to bring about an engaged state the coupling element is arranged in a first position inside a receptacle of the guide element to fix the carrier on the guide element, and to bring about a coupled state the carrier is arranged in a second position inside a recess of the function unit so that the carrier is moved together with the function unit. The carrier has a securing element movable relative to the main body and which, in a fixing position, prevents movement of the coupling element out of the first position.
US08939491B2
A multiple container holder assembly is a convertible assembly having a base portion and an upper panel assembly. The base portion includes one or more container wells each adapted to support a container. The upper panel includes one or more retaining apertures each adapted to support a container. The base portion is disposed in a first portion of a bin housing and the upper panel assembly is slidably supported on the bin housing between first and second positions. In the first position the retaining apertures of the upper panel are configured to align with the container wells of the base portion. In the second position the retaining apertures of the upper panel are configured to be disposed over a second portion of the housing, such that when the upper panel is in the second position, the container wells and the retaining apertures are accessible for supporting a container.
US08939490B2
An off-road utility vehicle with a reconfigurable cargo bed with fore and aft sections joined to the vehicle. Each section has three walls and a floor. The fore section pivots with respect to the aft section between an open position and a closed position with the fore section on top of the aft section. In the closed position, the reconfigurable cargo bed is a container with an opening in the foremost side of the container. A movable bulkhead is provided that is adapted to close the opening of the foremost side of the container, as well as being repositionable to serve as an extended surface for hauling cargo, a work bench that extends from a side of the cargo bed, or as a divider in the center of the cargo bed.
US08939487B2
A gripping device (4) is attached to a robot arm (2). The gripping device (4) consists of a housing (6) and two gripping finger sockets (9,10) which can be displaced linearly with respect thereto. Each gripping finger socket (9, 10) is provided with an electric or pneumatic coupling for various gripping fingers (17, 27, 37) that can be connected. A rotating drive (13) is present between the gripping finger sockets (9, 10) on which a tool can be placed for releasing or attaching a fastening apparatus, such as a bolt. With this relatively simple construction, weights of several hundred kilos can be lifted and positioned accurately, for example in a processing machine.
US08939485B2
A container-lifting spreader includes at least two beams movably supported in a housing and provided a drive by which the beams can be driven in telescopic movements for adjusting the length of the spreader. The drive includes an electric motor and a pusher acting on the beams, the pusher interconnecting the beams for simultaneous telescopic movements in mutually opposite directions in the longitudinal direction of the spreader, and a power transmission operatively coupled between the motor and the pusher. The power transmission includes an input shaft carrying an external gear ring driven by the motor, and an output shaft likewise carrying an external gear ring that operates the pusher, the gear rings in mutual engagement forming an angle gear arranged with an irreversible mesh of teeth such that rotation of the input shaft causes rotation of the output shaft whereas the reverse is prohibited by the irreversible mesh of teeth.
US08939484B2
Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.
US08939476B2
Embodiments of the present invention include door-securing latches that allow an occupant of a room or other space accessed through a door to secure the door, from inside the room or other space, in order to prevent entry or access by others. Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanically strong and secure latch that cannot be easily broken or compromised by application of force to the door or by insertion of a tool or device between the door and an adjacent door frame to disable the latch, but that can be disabled by a knowledgeable individual, such as an apartment manger seeking to rescue a disabled apartment occupant in an emergency situation.
US08939474B2
A lock includes a housing and a slide mechanism adapted to translate in the housing along a locking axis. The lock includes one or more locking elements connected to the slide mechanism. The locking elements translate along the locking axis with the slide mechanism.
US08939467B2
The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel with a steering wheel hub, a steering wheel rim and steering wheel spokes which connect the steering wheel rim with the steering wheel hub, wherein the steering wheel hub includes a steering wheel fastening region for fastening the vehicle steering wheel to a steering shaft of a vehicle, and wherein in the vehicle steering wheel a gas bag is mounted. It is provided that the gas bag is arranged in the vehicle steering wheel in radial direction exclusively outside the steering wheel hub and/or eccentrically to the steering wheel hub. It thus becomes possible that in the case of an attachment of the vehicle steering wheel to a steering shaft, the steering wheel fastening region is accessible in axial direction and is not covered by the mounted gas bag.
US08939464B2
A seat back has a rigid seat back frame and a cover. A seat back center part extends substantially perpendicular to the sitting direction. Two seat back frame sides laterally delimit the seat back and are transformed into the seat back center part. An airbag module accommodated in the cover of one of the seat back frame sides is mounted to the seat back frame. In the area of the seat back frame side, the seat back frame has a contact surface adjacent to a spirally folded airbag and extending substantially obliquely forward away from the seat back center part. The contact surface includes an angle (α) of 10°≦α≦45° with the sitting direction. The airbag extends substantially obliquely forward away from the center part and is wound spirally inwardly in a sense of rotation directed away from the center part.
US08939457B2
A vehicle is provided that includes a frame having a drive member supported for rotation thereon. A handlebar is supported for pivotal movement relative to the frame. A drive mechanism is provided on the frame that is configured to rotate the drive member in a first rotational direction when the handlebar is pivoted in either a first direction using a push-stroke or a second direction using a pull-stroke.
US08939455B1
This invention is a child's detachable-seat ride-on vehicle which can be used in an autonomous mode for infants, thereby providing soothing motion for the child, or, with a different detachable seat, a child-controlled ride-on vehicle for young children that are beyond the infant stage. For the latter, the vehicle can be driven by the child using finger control on a touch screen, or it can operate in an autonomous mode coordinated with displayed material, thereby providing enhanced game or educational experiences.
US08939454B2
Scooters including a body having a rider platform, a rear wheel, and a front wheel pivotally supported by the body about a steering axis. In some scooters, the axle of the front wheel is positioned rearward of the steering axis, and in some scooters the steering axis extends upwardly and divergently away from the rider platform. Some scooters include a steering stabilizer configured to bias the front wheel toward a neutral, or straight, steering configuration. Some scooters include a steering stabilizer that is configured to dampening the pivoting of the front wheel and/or limit an angle of pivot of the front wheel. Some scooters include a rear truck. Some scooters include a rider platform that extends beneath, or closer to a ground surface, than the tops of the scooters' front and/or rear wheels.
US08939453B1
A utility hand truck that includes an upright frame having a top end that includes a handle, elongated spaced apart vertical posts, a bottom end that includes a base support plate and spaced apart wheels at the bottom end; a front bucket; securing members that are for removable attachment of the front bucket between the elongated spaced apart vertical posts, and the base support plate; and a rear foot board that is constructed and arranged for support from the upright frame and disposed between the spaced apart wheels. The bucket scoops material at ground level while the rear foot board is useable in pushing the bucket forward and in tilting the upright frame and bucket.
US08939447B2
A postal item collating system is disclosed. The system includes a postal item feeding path (3), a plurality of grippers (8) receptive of a postal item (2) from the feeding path (3), and a drive (11) for driving the plurality of grippers (8) along a circulation path (10). A collector (12) is disposed downstream from the postal item feeding path (3) and removes a received postal item (2) from a gripper (8) as it proceeds past the stationary collector (12). A controller (21) in signal communication with the drive (11) is responsive to a property signal (31, 34) based upon a property of the received postal item (2) to adjust a velocity of the string of grippers (8).
US08939442B2
The vise includes a seat body having two movable jaws separately with two inner threads, a fixed jaw and a rail. A screwing rod has a rear portion and a front portion whose diameter is less than the rear portion. A first outer thread is formed on the rear portion. A step is formed between the front portion and the rear portion. A screwing tube telescopically and unrotatably sheathes the front portion of the screwing rod and has a second outer thread. The two movable jaws are separately engaged with the screwing tube and screwing rod by screwing the outer threads and the inner threads. A spiral direction of the first outer thread is contrary to the second outer thread. A main spring is nipped between the screwing rod and screwing tube. A crank is axially connected to the front portion of the screwing rod for rotating the screwing rod.
US08939438B2
This invention provides a helical spring formed of plastic material, comprising a pair of end coils situated at respective ends of said helical spring; at least one full pitch active coil between said pair of end coils; a pair of transition coils, each transition coil interconnecting an end of a respective end coil to an end of a respective proximate full pitch active coil, and having a varying pitch.
US08939429B2
An electronic faucet includes a spout assembly and a controller configured to control the flow of water through the spout assembly in response to the position of a spray head. A sensor may be positioned to detect an object in a detection zone near the faucet. The controller may disable the sensor upon the spray head being uncoupled from the spout.
US08939427B2
An arrangement is disclosed for adjusting a valve which has a tappet which is under the effect of a restoring spring. In a housing (9) which is to be attached to the valve, a temperature-dependent actuating element (11) which interacts with a working piston (13) is arranged. The actuating element is a metallic component (11) which is composed of an alloy and has an impressed shape memory which extends essentially transversely with respect to the direction of movement of the tappet of the valve. Including the working piston (13) it can be adjusted in the direction of movement of the tappet between two end positions which correspond on the one hand to the open position of the valve and on the other hand to its closed position. The metallic component (11) assumes a shape corresponding to the impressed shape memory when it is heated in its first end position. A pressure unit which acts on the metallic component (11) and by which said metallic component (11) is held in its second end position when the heating stops is mounted in the housing (9).
US08939420B2
An electronic device includes a base and a reinforcing structure. The base comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The reinforcing structure comprises a first reinforcing bead, a second reinforcing bead, a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of second ribs. The second ribs radially extend from the first and second reinforcing beads and cross connect with the first ribs, for reinforcing the strength and rigidity of the base.
US08939409B2
An adaptor system includes a space vehicle separation plate operably coupled to a space vehicle, a launch vehicle adaptor plate operably coupled to a launch vehicle capable of carrying the space vehicle into space for release of the space vehicle from the launch vehicle, an actuator release mechanism assembly, a bend/shear restrain assembly that is non-coaxial with the actuator-release connector, and a biasing element. The actuator-release mechanism assembly may be configured to separably couple the space vehicle separation plate to the launch vehicle adaptor plate. The actuator-release mechanism assembly may pass through the launch vehicle adaptor plate to engage the space vehicle separation plate to hold the space vehicle separation plate substantially parallel to the launch vehicle adaptor plate prior to release of the space vehicle separation plate.
US08939405B2
An aircraft fuselage element being a one-piece component, and including a closed wall defining an internal volume, an external surface of the wall forming the external skin of the fuselage. The wall has a cross section that includes on a side facing the internal volume a planar central part, a male connecting element at a first edge, and a female connecting element at its other edge, which connecting elements project, each connecting element configured to engage with the corresponding connecting element of another fuselage element placed side by side with the fuselage element to connect these fuselage elements longitudinally to each other, and one of the connecting elements includes a step forming a frame for the fuselage.
US08939404B2
A pressure fuselage of an aircraft, which fuselage in longitudinal direction comprises several fuselage sections, wherein at least one rear dome-shaped pressure bulkhead is provided to form an aircraft-internal pressurized region, with a ring-shaped frame element profile being provided for radially outward attachment of said dome-shaped pressure bulkhead to at least one fuselage section, wherein the frame element profile on the side of the dome-shaped pressure bulkhead comprises a U-shaped profile section whose first end-side limb is attached towards the back on the dome-shaped pressure bulkhead by way of connecting means, and whose elongated radially outward extending second limb establishes a connection to the at least one fuselage section in such a manner that it is possible for the connecting means to be installed solely from the aircraft-internal pressurized region.
US08939403B2
A modular integrated galley in a passenger vehicle, including a mounting rack in the form of a vertical wall including upper, middle and lower storage areas, at least one storage slot extending laterally between the middle and lower storage areas for storing a work surface therein, and a latch for ejecting the work surface at least partially from the slot into a position for being further extended into a fully deployed position by a user. An elongate hinge that extends vertically along a mounted edge of the doors and is adapted for allowing the door to move 180 degrees of travel between its closed and open positions is also disclosed.
US08939401B2
A nacelle for a turbojet engine includes an air inlet forward section, a median section surrounding a fan of the turbojet engine, an aft section equipped with a thrust reverser system, a power control unit able to convert a high voltage electric supply into an electric supply towards an electromechanical actuator, and a drive unit for the power control unit which is distinct and separate from the latter and has a control input and a drive output to be connected to the power control unit. The thrust reverser system includes a mobile cowl which, under action of an electromechanical actuator, is able to move from a closed position to an open position in which the mobile cowl opens a passage in the nacelle.
US08939400B2
A method and apparatus for air-ground detection. A truck beam of a semi-levered landing gear is mounted on a pivot pin. The truck beam is configured to rotate about the pivot pin between a toes down position and a toes up position. A positioning mechanism is connected to a semi-levered linkage assembly that secures an angle of the truck beam in the toes up position. The semi-levered linkage assembly is secured in a steady state and configured to change from the steady state to a locked state in response to an initial ground contact. A sensor is connected to the semi-levered linkage assembly. The sensor is configured to detect a change from the steady state to the locked state.
US08939398B2
The invention relates to an engine assembly for aircraft in which the coupling device comprises a fore aerodynamic structure having a cradle equipped with an aerodynamic cowling, the cradle being hinge mounted on the air intake of the engine, and the fan cowls being mounted to move on the cradle so as to be able to occupy an open position as well as a closed position in which they are supported by the air intake and by a thrust reverser. According to the invention, when the cowls are in open position, the cradle adopts a first configuration in which its aft end rests on a span of the engine mounting structure, and when the cowls are in closed position, the cradle, borne by said cowls, adopts a second configuration in which it is lacking any direct mechanical link with the other elements of the engine mounting structure.
US08939392B2
A dispensing machine for pre-cut wipe material wound on a reel includes a wall-mounted housing with a back panel, two side panels, a lower base panel, and a cover articulated relative to said housing by lifting the cover upwards. The back panel accommodates a module having two lateral side pieces to receive the reel of material. The dispensing machine includes a compensating lever mechanism to move the strip of pre-cut material rearwardly in close combination with lifting or lowering of the cover. The mechanism is externally located either side of the lateral side pieces in the space between the lateral side pieces and the side panels. The mechanism comprises two levers articulated together and mounting a return roller. The first lever has a uniform structure and the second lever has various components which allow Cardan-joint type articulation. The levers are linked to arms connected to the cover.
US08939391B2
A spinning reel body of a spinning reel includes a housing, a cover member, and a guard member. The housing has an internal housing space, a sidewall that forms a side face of the housing space, and a rear wall that forms a rear face of the housing space. The housing space has an open side opposite the side face formed by the sidewall. The sidewall has a rear portion extending beyond the rear wall in a rearward direction. The cover member is mounted to the housing and covers the open side of the housing space. The guard member is mounted at the rear wall of the housing and at a rear portion of the cover member to form a space between the rear portion of the sidewall and the rear wall of the housing.
US08939383B2
An adhesively bonded frame section for an agricultural sprayer boom is provided. One agricultural sprayer boom section includes a first support member and a second support member disposed adjacent to the first support member. The boom section also includes a side plate adhesively bonded to a first lateral side of the first support member, and to a first lateral side of the second support member to couple the first support member to the second support member.
US08939373B2
An information acquisition device 10 includes a data acquisition unit 11 acquiring measurement data from an external measuring device 20; a code reading unit 12 reading a code to acquire the information represented by the code; and a data processing unit 13 that associates the information acquired by the code reading unit 12 with the measurement data acquired by the data acquisition unit 11. Medical measuring devices used to measure patient status can be suggested as the measuring device 20. In such a case, for example, codes representing identifiers that identify patients can be used as the code.
US08939363B2
In accordance with the present disclosure a portable computing device may scan a physical bar code, which may exist on some physical medium, such as paper, plastic, glass, etc. The physical bar code may be decoded to obtain decoded data, and the decoded data may subsequently be re-encoded to generate a virtual bar code. The virtual bar code may be rendered (e.g., on a display of a computing device, and/or on some type of physical medium) and scanned by a bar code scanner.
US08939360B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for providing user information to a merchant during a transaction. Embodiments may generate a readable indicia encoding user information and initiate display of the readable indicia on a display for presentation to the merchant such that the merchant may read the readable indicia and determine the user information stored in the readable indicia. Some embodiments receive and store the user information in the memory device, and receive user input requesting generation of the readable indicia. Some embodiments receive and store a plurality of profiles, where each profile is associated with some or all the stored user information and receives user input selecting one of the profiles, and receive user input requesting generation of the readable indicia based on the selected profile.
US08939350B2
Disclosed are reclosable and stackable food trays formed from a single blank that are capable of being folded and glued on standard machinery. Embodiments of the invention include raised gussets that extend beyond the top edge of the side panels of the formed tray and beyond the top of the formed tray. In some embodiments, the raised gussets help prevent distortion in all dimensions and facilitate the stacking of multiple trays on top of one another such that the stacked trays cannot slide off the lower tray.
US08939349B2
The present invention relates to a cup with a built-in straw and a method of making it. The cup is made from a blank including a flat body portion having a top and bottom edge and two side edges. A first cut-away along the top edge of the body portion defines two portions along the side edges and extending beyond the top edge. A second cut-away is formed adjacent one of the side edges. The body portion is configured to be folded such that the first extending portion is in registration with the second extending portion, and a first side edge of the body portion engages an outer wall of the body portion while the second side edge engages an inner wall of the body portion, to form a cup body with a built-in straw on an inside wall of the cup body with the second cutaway inside the cup body.
US08939334B2
The present invention is a holster clip that allows conversion of most generic holsters into a concealable holster which allows a wearer to tuck a shirt or jacket within the waistband of the wearer's pants. The holster clip is fashioned in an “M” shape, with longer inner walls forming a deep passage to allow space for the shirt or jacket and a structure to form a pant clip between a first outer wall and a first inner wall. An alternate embodiment forms the clip from two pivoting or non-pivoting halves to allow for canting and color coordination for further camouflage of the holster.
US08939331B2
The invention relates to a sliding closure (1) for a metallurgical container, comprising two fireproof closing plates (3; 5), of which one is arranged in a slide unit (6) and is used to open and close a spout opening (10). The other closing plate (3) is arranged in a metal housing (2) that can be fastened to the container. Said stationary housing (2) and the slide unit (6) also accommodate an upper fireproof inlet sleeve (4) on the container side and a lower fireproof spout sleeve (8). In the housing (2) and in the slide unit (6), at least one additional inner part (2a, 2a′, 7a) is arranged in each case, each additional inner part enclosing the spout sleeve (8) or the inlet sleeve (4). Thus, thermal stresses in the slide unit or in the housing can be reduced and the risk of cracks forming can be significantly reduced.
US08939328B2
The cartridge 10 provides an inexpensive, effective, clean, reliable means of supplying pressurized cleaning fluid for two component applicators 14. The low friction piston 18 design reduces drag and provides consistent cleaning fluid 12 pressure.
US08939327B2
A pump and container connector fitment system (210) for retaining a pump (200) on a container (120) and allowing the pump to be removed through rotational forces from the container.
US08939326B2
The present invention proposes a dispensing container (1) A for probiotics (2) in a viscous or liquid carrier (3), the probiotics (2) having a higher specific weight than the viscous or liquid carrier (3), wherein the container (1) comprises a reservoir (4) for holding the carrier (3) and a dispensing head (5) being in fluid connection with the reservoir (4), the dispensing head (5) comprising at least one outlet (6), wherein the concentration of the probiotics (2) decreases from the outlet (6) of the dispensing head (5) towards a bottom portion (1a) of the reservoir (1).
US08939325B2
A foaming pump mechanism for dispensing a foamable or foaming liquid composition, as well as dispensers for delivery of a foaming or foamable liquid composition therefrom which is operable by a non-contact interaction with the user. The foaming pump mechanism includes foam recovery.
US08939324B2
A carbonation retaining closure assembly device for beverage containers. The device comprising a cap member manufactured to seal and adapted to engage with the mouth of the beverage container. An inner groove surrounds the outer peripheral edge of the cap member forming a stud within the center of the cap member. The stud has a threaded outer wall. A connector member has an internal bore dimensioned to accommodate the length and circumference of the stud. The bore has means for securely engaging upon the outer wall of the stud. A cutting means is internally mounted within the top layer of the bore wherein a slit is punctured within the outer wall as the connector member is engaged upon the stud. A dispensing mechanism is disposed upon the top of the connector member for dispensing the beverage through the slit such that the carbonation level in the beverage container is retained.
US08939320B2
A dispenser and disposal assembly including a receptacle having a base, a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls, wherein the walls extend from the base in a first direction and thereby form a cavity into which a divider is configured to be seated, thereby forming a first cavity and a second cavity. Additionally, a door is connected to the base of the receptacle, wherein the door is movable between a closed position and an open position.
US08939316B2
A blow-molded container includes an opening section that can be closed, a side wall, and a closed bottom. The material in the region of the side wall is shaped by blow forming an injection-molded preform. At least three recessed grips are arranged along an outer perimeter of the container. At least two longitudinal ribs oriented in a longitudinal direction of the container are arranged between each pair of recessed grips. The longitudinal ribs are separated from each other by a recess, which also extends in a longitudinal direction. At least one circumferential rib, which extends in a circumferential direction of the container, is arranged inside each of the recessed grips.
US08939310B1
Vessel including a unitary or two-part vessel base having an intermediate wall portion, upper and lower wall portions on opposite sides of the intermediate wall portion, and upper and lower rims adjacent the respective upper and lower wall portions. The upper and intermediate wall portions define an upper chamber space including at least one upper chamber. The lower and intermediate wall portions define a lower chamber space including at least one lower chamber. Inner lids engage with upper and lower lid-receiving portions, respectively, defined by the vessel base to selectively close the upper or lower chamber space. The two-part vessel base has a mating structure to facilitate selective attachment and separation. Outer lids engaged the upper and lower rims independent of the engagement of the inner lids with the vessel base.
US08939307B2
A container having tamper evident and resistant features includes a tray, a cover and a hinge extending from the cover and tray to a radially outermost portion and having a first portion extending from a first side of the cover and a second portion extending from a first side of the tray, wherein the first and second portions are connected by at least one weakened line to define a hinge axis about which the tray and cover relatively rotate between a closed position and an opened position. The container is provided with a first tab which a user may grasp with one hand and a second tab which the user may grasp with another hand and the user may relatively pull the first tab and the second tab away from each other to tear the hinge along the at least one weakened line and separate the cover from the tray.
US08939291B2
The present invention relates to a flotation reagent for iron ores containing magnetite and/or haematite and to the use of a composition containing A) at least one amine alkoxylate ester of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein A and B, independently of one another, represent a C2-C5 alkylene radical, R1 is a C8 to C24 alkyl or alkenyl radical, R2, R3 and R4, independently of one another, are H or a C8 to C24 acyl radical, with the proviso that at least one of the radicals R2, R3 or R4 stands for a C8 to C24 acyl radical, x, y and z, independently of one other, are an integer of from 0 to 50, with the proviso that x+y+z is an integer of from 1 to 100, and B) a compound of formula D-NH2, in which D stands for a hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, which can contain either an oxygen atom or an oxygen atom and a nitrogen atom, in amounts of 10 to 5.000 g/tonne as a collector in the reverse flotation of iron ore containing magnetite, haematite or both.
US08939289B2
A waterproof structure of a packing box for a LCD panel is disclosed. The waterproof structure includes the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. The first engaging portion is disposed on a bottom plate of the packing box. At least one opening passing through the bottom plate is disposed in the bottom plate. The first engaging portion is located between the opening and a side wall of the packing box. The second engaging portion is disposed on a bottom surface of a cushion of the packing box. The second engaging portion is corresponding to the first engaging portion to allow the second engaging portion engage with the first engaging portion when the cushion is disposed on the bottom plate. A packing box for a LCD panel is further disclosed.
US08939285B2
A display package for containing and displaying a steering wheel locking device having an elongate central tubular rod member and first and second pairs of spaced hooks connected to the tubular rod member includes a pair of generally equally sized, equally shaped front and rear panels that are superimposed and joined together to partially enclose a steering wheel locking device, the front and rear panels being configured to generally conform to the shape of the steering wheel locking device. Multiple packages can be stacked such that portions of adjacent steering wheel locks nest partially within one another and reduce otherwise wasted space between adjacent packages.
US08939283B2
A protective bag for a portable electronic device is provided, which comprises a first cover, a second cover connecting the first cover and a support element. The first cover and the second cover can be folded relative to each other for covering two opposite sides of the portable electronic device. The support element is disposed on a first inner surface of the first cover and has a first foldable plate and a second foldable plate. The first foldable plate and the second foldable plate can be folded relative to each other for being received between the first cover and the second cover. The first foldable plate and the second foldable plate can be unfolded relative to each other as well for slanting the first foldable plate on the first inner surface with a support provided by the second foldable plate.
US08939268B2
A hydraulic actuating device for actuation of clutches in a multi-clutch transmission for motor vehicles is disclosed, comprising a multi-circuit pump having an electric pump drive, at least two pressure circuits hydraulically connected with the pump, and a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, from which the fluid can be conveyed by the pump to the pressure circuits. In this regard, each pressure circuit starting from the pump comprises a non-return valve blocking in the direction of the pump, an electromagnetically actuable proportional throttle valve, by way of which the respective pressure circuit can be the subject of defined hydraulic relief in direction towards the reservoir, and at the outlet side a slave cylinder operatively connected with an associated clutch. The pump drive and the proportional throttle valves are electrically connected with a control unit, which co-ordinates the electrical activation of the pump drive and the proportional throttle valves.
US08939265B2
A disc brake comprising a floating stirrup and a brake piston controlled via a motion conversion cartridge (200) comprising a rear part pressed against the bottom (114) of the housing (113) in the stirrup (100) and a control shaft (220) passing through the bottom. The front part (260) of the cartridge is pressed against the brake piston. It comprises a piston (270) provided with a plate cooperating with the plate of the control shaft (220) with the interposition of balls cooperating with tracks in the form of ramps to transform the relative rotational motion of one plate relative to the other into a translational motion of the piston (270). The cartridge (200) is held in place in its housing (113) by a cage (290) elastically attached to the wall (117, 118) of the housing (113). The piston (274) comprises longitudinal ribs (174) that fit in longitudinal grooves (119) produced in the wall of the housing (113) and thus ensuring the blocking of the rotation of the conversion piston (270) while allowing its translational motion.
US08939264B2
Connection system, with self-alignment, for elevator guides, in which the front surfaces thereof maintain a perfect 90° angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (e) of each guide (1) and there is a connection plate (2) that forms through-holes (241) that are offset and in correspondence with holes (141) in the wings (14), such that, when connection means (3) are mounted therein, a front self-alignment pressure is created between the two guides (1).
US08939252B2
A protective material for acoustic transmission is disclosed which optimizes sound transmission of the material while also providing a barrier from ambient conditions to transducers. The protective material of the disclosure is a self-tensioning membrane with properties such that sound attenuation is minimized as the membrane transfers acoustic energy. In one embodiment, the self-tensioning membrane is used to cover an opening in an electronic device enclosure by securing the entire outer edge of the membrane with an adhesive. Such a construction creates an unbound region where the self-tensioning membrane can effectively transmit sound energy by moving in response to incoming sound waves. The self-tensioning membrane allows sound to travel out of the protective enclosure while also preventing liquid or particulate intrusion.
US08939251B2
A stethoscope with a built-in light and/or a timepiece powered with a power source subassembly for examining patients' vital signs is disclosed. The stethoscope includes a chestpiece assembly with a diaphragm component, a light source subassembly, a switch subassembly which is operatively connected to the light source subassembly and controls the off and on position of a light emitting element. In some embodiments, the chestpiece assembly of the stethoscope further includes a timepiece subassembly to measure time during a vital sign examination. The switch subassembly of chestpiece assembly is configured to provide operational control of the current flow from the power source subassembly to the light emitting element as well as control over the acoustic valve subassembly that would inhibit or permit the transmission of sound waves from the diaphragm through the acoustic tube.
US08939240B2
An electrified engine accessory drive (EEAD) system is provided that replaces the front engine accessory drive (FEAD) components (e.g., a/c compressor, air brake compressor; power steering pump, etc.) on vehicles, such as heavy duty trucks. Using such an EEAD system aims to reduce parasitic losses induced on a conventional engine by the front engine accessory drive (FEAD) while providing additional benefits, such as engine off vehicle and/or system operation. The EEAD systems may also be used in lieu of rear-end accessory drives and other accessory drives powering multiple accessories from a common driveshaft.
US08939238B2
A sintered cutting element including a superabrasive layer supported on a substrate. The superabrasive layer includes superabrasive material and secondary phase, and the substrate includes a binder phase. The sintered cutting element is formed by a high temperature high pressure sintering process in which separate source elements melt and sweep first through the superabrasive layer, and then to the substrate to form the secondary phase and binder phase. The superabrasive layer is substantially free of or free of eta-phase, Co3W3C. Further, the portion of the substrate nearest the interface between the superabrasive layer and the substrate has equal or more binder phase than portions of the substrate further from the interface. In certain embodiments, the superabrasive material includes polycrystalline diamond, and the substrate includes cobalt tungsten carbide.
US08939236B2
A status indicator for determining a position of an extendable member in an expandable apparatus. The status indicator is configured to decrease a cross-sectional area of a portion of a fluid path extending through an expandable causing a pressure of a fluid within the fluid path to increase when an extendable member of the expandable apparatus is in an extended position. By determining the pressure of the fluid within the fluid path, one can determine the position of the status indicator within the fluid path and thereby determine whether the extendable member of the expandable apparatus is in the extended or a retracted position.
US08939233B2
A method of controlling a direction of a toolface of a bottom hole assembly for slide drilling, comprises a) synchronizing the toolface wherein synchronizing the toolface comprises determining a relationship between the rotational position of the down hole toolface with a rotational position at the surface of the formation for at least one point in time, b) stopping rotation of the drill string coupled to the bottom hole assembly, c) controlling torque at the surface of the drill string to control a rotational position of the toolface, and d) commencing a slide of the drill string.
US08939225B2
A fire suppression apparatus that includes a housing defining a first chamber containing a gas generant. The apparatus further includes an initiator operatively associated with the first chamber and in reaction initiating communication with the gas generant. The initiator, upon actuation, acts to ignite at least some of the gas generant to form gas. The housing further defines a second chamber adjacently disposed to the first chamber. The second chamber contains an endothermically-alterable material and a piston assembly including a piston. Upon actuation, the piston moves to expel at least a portion of the endothermically-alterable material from the second chamber such that the expelled endothermically-alterable material contacts and cools gas formed by the ignition of the gas generant. The housing further has at least one discharge opening to permit cooled gas to exit the housing. Corresponding or associated methods for suppressing a fire are also provided.
US08939215B2
A gasless subsea accumulator having a series of opposing springs in two separate chambers defined by a central cross shaped member for translating force on a piston in the accumulator to dampen the movement of the piston. The body of the accumulator may be operably engaged to a bladder in fluid communication with one of the two chambers to provide additional dampening. The body may be vented through a port and have a port for controlling pressure on body through a pilot control circuit. The accumulator may be manually controlled by an ROV and operatively connected to a regulator.
US08939210B2
A pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of high explosive pellets along a unitizing central tube that is selectively separable from a tubular external housing. The pellets are loaded serially in a column in full view along the entire column as a final charging task. Detonation boosters are pre-positioned and connected to detonation cord for simultaneous detonation at opposite ends of the explosive column. Devoid of high explosive pellets during transport, the assembly may be transported with all boosters and detonation cord connected.
US08939209B2
An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.
US08939208B2
Processes for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean formations are disclosed. The hydrocarbon can be contacted with water or steam and one or more additives, and subsequently recovered. The hydrocarbon can be selected from heavy or light crude oil, bitumen, an oil sand ore, a tar sand ore, and combinations thereof. The additive can be, for example, a fluorinated hydrocarbon. Compositions or mixtures including hydrocarbons, water or steam, and additives are also disclosed.
US08939199B2
A system for positioning a trailer mounted coiled tubing tensioner either in a first stowed position on the deck of a transport trailer or in a second position resting on an elevated rig floor of a drilling rig is described. The system for selectably elevating a coiled tubing tensioner from its first stowed position to its second position on the rig floor of a drilling rig includes the cooperative operation of the coiled tubing tensioner and its frame, multiple pivotable swing arms attached to the trailer at one end and the tensioner frame at the other end, an elevatable mast, a crown block, a drawworks winch, a top drive, a pair of tensioner lifting winches and multiple lifting lines deployed from the mast and reeved through sheaves mounted on the tensioner frame and the top drive.
US08939196B2
A secondary pump-type heat source system includes: heat sources connected in parallel; a load system in which the heat source water flows; a primary pump supplying the heat source water to the load system; a secondary pump provided for each heat source and supplies the heat source water subjected to heat exchange in the load system to the heat source; and a heat source controller calculating flow quantity of the heat source water flowing in the heat source side and flow quantity of the heat source water flowing in the load system side by assigning a result from measurement by a water temperature sensor detecting heat source temperature to an operating characteristic of each heat source and controlling operation of the secondary pumps based on the calculation result.
US08939187B2
A machine uses a method for producing a cup from an outer shell and inner cup. For this purpose, the machine includes first holding devices that are arranged on a first rotatably housed star- or wheel-like holding device carrier, and second holding devices arranged on a second rotatably housed star- or wheel-like holding device carrier. Further, a first working station arranged at least in the region of the first holding devices for carrying out first working steps and at least one second working station arranged in the region of the second holding devices for carrying out second working steps are provided. Finally, the machine includes a transfer station for transferring a finished outer shell from a first holding device to a second holding device.
US08939183B2
Tire tread band having a tread surface having at least two wearing layers, a first wearing layer formed by raised elements each having a contact surface, having at least grooves of circumferential orientation, and intended to contact the road surface when new, and at least one wearing layer in contact with the road surface after the first layer has entirely worn away, and containing at least one channel extending in the circumferential direction, and opening onto the tread surface when the wearing layer that precedes it has completely worn away, each wearing layer distinct from the first wearing layer, having transverse incisions distributed in the circumferential direction, extending from a channel of the layer in a direction which is not circumferential, opening fully or partially into at least one other circumferentially oriented channel or groove, irrespective of the level of wear of the other wearing layer.
US08939178B1
A variable-aperture reciprocating reed valve includes a valve body defining a through hole region having a contoured-profile portion. A semi-rigid plate is affixed on one side thereof to the valve body to define a cantilever extending across the through hole region. At least one free edge of the cantilever opposes the contoured-profile portion of the through hole region in a non-contact relationship.
US08939169B2
The present invention relates to an unpowered apparatus for preventing backflow, comprising: a tubular main body having a stepped portion, wherein the main body has an inlet port for the inflow of sewage, an outlet port for discharging the sewage, and a communication port which is inclined toward the outlet port and which puts the inlet port and the outlet port in communication; an opening/shutting door having a door body rotatably hinged to the inside of the main body so as to open/shut the communication port, and a pair of blocking plates extending from either side of the door body so as to block the space between the stepped portion and an inner wall of the main body; a floating part which is arranged in the opening/shutting door, the interior of which is empty such that the floating part can float on a water surface, and which provides the opening/shutting door with buoyancy and operates the opening/shutting door so as to close the communication port when the sewage flows back toward the outlet port; and a guide interposed between the stepped portion and a bottom surface of the main body so as to guide the sewage introduced from the inlet port such that the sewage flows toward the outlet port via the communication port.
US08939165B2
A microvalve, in particular for a micropump, is described, which includes a valve member which is adjustable between an open position and a closed position, in contact with a valve seat in its closed position. The valve seat is made of a polymer material. A micropump and a manufacturing method are also described.
US08939163B2
The present invention includes an umbrella anti-inversion apparatus comprising a removable cuff and a plurality of removable and adjustable straps. The cuff is attached around an umbrella shaft and the straps extend radially from the strap openings on the adjustable cuff to the umbrella tips to which they are connected. There are adjusting means incorporated on to the straps enabling easy modification of length thereby providing varied tension in each strap for effectively preventing undesirable displacement of the rib outer ends; thus providing a particular means for averting the inversion of an umbrella canopy in an open position from high winds and other weather events.
US08939162B2
A dishwasher including a variable spray device operable to spray a liquid into a washing container of the dishwasher, the variable spray device, and a method thereof. The variable spray device may be structured to include a chamber for receiving the liquid therein, such as a dishwashing liquid or water, and a liquid deflector disposed in the chamber. The liquid deflector may have a geometrically shaped perimeter, for example, a conical shape, that allows for the generation of a centrifugal force within the chamber used in directing the spray of the liquid into the washing container. By varying a force or pressure of the liquid as it interacts with the liquid deflector in the chamber, variable spray patterns may be generated.
US08939161B2
A cleaning system for an electric shaver having a shaving head generally includes a housing having an interior space configured to retain cleaning fluid within the housing. The housing is further configured for supporting the shaver in a generally upright orientation with the shaving head disposed at least in part within the interior space of the housing. A displacement apparatus is disposed within the interior space of the housing and is selectively positionable within the housing between a first position in which the cleaning fluid within the housing defines a lower fluid level relative to the shaving head to be cleaned, and a second position in which the cleaning fluid defines a higher fluid level relative to the shaving head such that at the higher fluid level at least a portion of the shaving head of the shaver is submerged in the cleaning fluid within the housing.
US08939157B2
A system (1) for portioning and packaging a tobamel smoking mixture (2) comprises a unit (3) internally of which the mixture (2) is prepared by blending tobacco en masse with agglutinants such as honey or molasses, and an extruder unit (17) by which the mixture (2) is shaped into a continuous rod (20).
US08939149B2
An air delivery system is provided. The air delivery system includes a PAP device having a flow generator, a patient interface, a processor and a connector, and at least a removable sensing device having at least a sensor, a front-end analog circuit and a connector. The sensor is integrated with the patient interface to measure a respiratory characteristic in a path between the patient's upper airway and the flow generator. When the removable sensing device is separated from the PAP device, the PAP device enters a first operation mode to perform a first preset air delivery behavior, and when the removable sensing device is coupled to the PAP device through the connectors respectively thereof, the PAP device enters a second operation mode to perform a second air delivery behavior for adjusting the treatment pressure in accordance with the respiratory characteristic.
US08939148B2
A process is provided for the automatic control of a respirator for changing over (triggering) between consecutive phases of respiration (inspiration and expiration phases), wherein a pneumatic breathing activity signal upneu(t) and a non-pneumatic breathing activity signal unon-pneu(t) of a patient are picked up. The intervals Δpneu(t) and Δnon-pneu(t) to the associated threshold variables are respectively determined starting from a preset reference point in time since the beginning of the present phase of respiration. The intervals are standardized to one another at δpneu(t) and δnon-pneu(t), such that the intervals have equal interval values at a preset reference point in time. The standardized intervals δpneu(t) and δnon-pneu(t) are averaged to a mean interval indicator and a changeover is made into the next phase of respiration when the combined interval indicator is 0.
US08939106B2
A painting system according to the embodiments includes a painting booth surrounded by a ceiling and a sidewall, a conveyor line that is arranged in the painting booth and conveys an object to be painted, and a painting robot that performs painting on the object. The painting robot includes a base portion fixed on the sidewall side in the painting booth, and an arm portion that is connected to the base portion and has a seven-axis configuration.
US08939103B2
This embodiment relates generally to the deployable assembly (30) for a suspended device (38), that may lead to the stabilization of a watercraft (32), such as kayaks and canoes, which allows an operator (134) to stand or move in the watercraft (32) without it rocking or rolling over. The deployable assembly with an example pontoon (112) connected to a folding and rotate-able arm (80) that enable pivotal and rotate-able movement of each pontoon between storage (128) and deployed positions. A locking housing (102) secures the pontoon (112) from substantial movement when at or in between operating and storable positions (128). The deployable assembly (30) is mounted to a watercraft (32) which allows for extending a stabilizing pontoon individually on each side of the watercraft from a rest position (128) to an operative position, by solo means.
US08939100B2
A process for the production of a textile product includes placing a flat motif template on a textile substrate, sewing the motif template onto the textile substrate in such a way that a perforation defining a desired motif in the motif template is produced, removing the part of the motif template, that is outside the motif defined by the perforation, and permanently fixing the remaining part, having the motif, of the motif template to the textile substrate.
US08939097B2
A threading device for a sewing machine lower looper is disclosed that can thread a lower looper safely and reliably by reliably preventing a main shaft from rotating when an operation of threading the lower looper is carried out.
US08939093B2
A boiler grate including air channels for supplying primary air to a furnace of a boiler. At least one channel, which is open on top, is arranged to collect ash and material from the furnace. At least one removal element is arranged in the channel and to mechanically move ash and material along the channel. A boiler includes a grate, a furnace which is limited by the walls of the furnace and the grate, and an ash chute, which is arranged to remove ash and material from the furnace. The ash removal elements is arranged to move ash and material towards the air chute.
US08939087B2
A modular base side bearing assembly has a cage with upstanding side walls defining a bearing cavity and a central bottom opening to receive a modular base on which a bearing element supported on a central base portion thereof. The modular base has externally visible tabs identifying a force level corresponding to the modular base, in which the thickness of the central base portion corresponds such force level. The modular bases are interchangeable with modular bases having central base portions of differing thickness, or zero-thickness, such that the same cage, bearing element, and wear cap can be used with different modular bases to provide different force levels. The modular base is movable vertically relative to the cage to accommodate uneven mounting surfaces.
US08939082B2
For use in a blasting system (10), a visible, throw-away, safety lockout device (30) which operates automatically, to interrupt power to the blasting system (10), upon the occurrence of one or more defined fault conditions.
US08939080B2
A method is used to prepare lithographic printing plates by developing positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor that has a single imageable layer that comprises a polymer binder having recurring units represented by Structure (Ib) below: wherein the recurring units of Structure (Ib) are present in an amount of at least 25 and up to and including 60 mol %, all based on total recurring units in the polymer binder, and R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted hydroxyaryl group in which the hydroxyl group is ortho to the ester linkage, to form exposed and non-exposed regions in the imageable layer. The resulting imaged lithographic printing plate is developed using a silicate-free developer composition having a pH of at least 12 and comprising at least 0.001 gram-atom/kg of a metal cation M2+ selected from the group consisting of barium, calcium, strontium, and zinc cations.
US08939076B2
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for depositing viscous material on an electronic substrate. The apparatus comprises a frame, an assembly material applicator coupled to the frame and configured to apply assembly material to the electronic substrate, a substrate support assembly, coupled to the frame, configured to support and secure the electronic substrate in a print position, and a transport system, coupled to the frame, to shuttle electronic substrates to and from the substrate support assembly, the transport system including a first track and a second track, the first track being mounted on a first displacement mechanism and the second track being mounted on a second displacement mechanism configured to laterally move the second track relative to the first track, the second displacement mechanism configured to raise the first track relative to the second track.
US08939066B2
A reliable conveyor oven minimizes escape of heat by minimizing the time that inlet and outlet openings appear in the baking oven. This may reduce energy consumption by 25%. The baking oven may have a conventional oven and an extension chamber, an outlet opening of the conventional oven acting as an inlet to the extension chamber, the extension chamber having an exit door, the baking oven also having an entrance door defining an entrance inlet. A conveyor holding food items runs through a length of the baking oven. An exit optical sensor may be attached to the extension chamber on opposite sides of the extension chamber such shat an item on the conveyor moving through the extension chamber interrupts a signal between the transmitted and the receiver. The exit sensor may be operatively engaged to a controller for actuating the exit door open and closed rotationally using a pneumatic piston.
US08939065B2
A brew basket for a brewing apparatus is disclosed having a housing adapted to couple the brew basket to a brewing apparatus and a platform extending from the housing, the platform including a brewing chamber defined by a continuous peripheral wall and a perforated floor. The perforated floor is coupled to a vertically reciprocating member at a first end for raising and lowering the perforated floor of the brew basket with respect to the continuous peripheral wall, the vertically reciprocating member extending below a lowermost surface of the platform so that it can be raised by lowering the platform onto a flat surface.
US08939054B2
An improvement of a folding knife locking mechanism with an adjustable wedge to remove blade slop. The present mechanism allows for smooth opening and closing of the blade by limiting friction against the blade as it rotates. This knife has a bearing system for low friction blade rotation. Also the leaf strap lock is arranged so that it only comes into contact with the blade at the start of opening and at the end of opening, further limiting the friction forces against the blade. Provided is also an adjustment wedge to remove blade lock slop. In the manufacturing process loose tolerances can be adjusted out using the adjustment wedge. Normal use wear against the stop pins and handles can cause some looseness of the blade which can also be removed by the adjustment wedge.
US08939053B2
An assisted opening mechanism for folding knives, which helps hold the blade in the closed position, as well as, assists in moving the blade toward the open position. The mechanism includes a bar spring seated within one of the handle sides and a contact pin extending from the blade. The bar spring is seated within a recessed cavity formed on one side of the knife handle and engages the contact pin, which extends outward from one side of the blade through an arcuate slot in the handle side.
US08939051B1
An extension tool is disclosed comprising a first pole and a second pole. The second pole is partially disposed in the first pole for defining a variable overall tool length. A slide controller includes a lower clamp and an upper clamp. The first pole is disposed in the lower clamp. A first clamp compressor applies a compressive force to the lower clamp for defining a lower clamp lock and coupes the slide controller with the first pole. A second clamp compressor applies a compressive force to the upper clamp for defining an upper clamp lock and prevents slidable displacement of the second pole relative to the first pole. The second clamp compressor applies a non-compressive force to the upper clamp for defining an upper slide guide. The upper slide guide facilitates the slidable displacement of the second pole relative to the first pole.
US08939046B2
A connecting rod bolt is provided for use with a connecting rod assembly. The connecting rod bolt may have a body portion having a first end, a threaded second end opposite the first end, and an outer surface extending in a length direction from the first end to the second end. The connecting rod bolt may further have a plurality of locating features having a radius aligned with the outer surface and a plurality of clearance features disposed on the outer surface between adjacent locating features, wherein a distance from a center of the body portion to an outer surface of each clearance feature is less than the radius of the plurality of locating features. The connecting rod bolt may also have a head portion connected to the first end of the body portion.
US08939030B2
A sensor system uses positive closed-loop feedback to provide energy waves into a medium. The medium can be coupled to the muscular-skeletal system or be part of the muscular-skeletal system. A sensor comprises one or more transducers, an edge detect circuit or a reflecting surface. A parameter is applied to the medium and the parameter affects the medium. A transducer receives an energy wave that has traversed the medium and generates an energy wave signal. The edge-detect receiver receives the energy wave signal signal from the transducer and generates a pulse upon sensing a leading edge corresponding to a wave front of the energy wave. The edge-detect receiver comprises a preamplifier, a differentiator, a digital pulse circuit, and a deblank circuit. The transit time, phase, or frequency is measured of the propagating energy waves and correlated to the parameter being measured.
US08939020B2
A monitoring device and system for monitoring the conditions inside a pneumatic tire are disclosed. The monitoring device includes a sensor unit, a shell, and an encapsulant. The monitoring device is designed to roll on the inside of a tire or to float on a liquid inside of a tire.
US08939016B2
A flow sentinel for improved remote monitoring and control of the flow in a water line serving a residential or commercial structure comprises: (1) a watertight case having a first side and a second side oppositely placed; (2) a water inlet positioned in the first side of the watertight case; (3) a water outlet positioned in the second side of the watertight case; (4) a water flow meter in operable contact with the water inlet and the water outlet; (5) at least one means for display and/or remote transmission of the flow rate of the water; (6) an alarm; (7) means for shutting off the flow in a water line; and (8) means for powering the water flow meter.
US08939010B2
A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an error period module and a sensor diagnostic module. The error period module determines an error period based on an amount of time that a first air/fuel ratio and a desired air/fuel ratio are different. A first oxygen sensor generates a first signal indicating the first air/fuel ratio. The sensor diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the first oxygen sensor when the error period is greater than a predetermined period.
US08939006B2
A photoacoustic detector wherein control circuits compensate for long term variations of components therein including a light source and sensing microphones. The control circuits intermittently energize the source to evaluate changes in at least source resistance. The control circuits intermittently energize an acoustic generator to evaluate changes in one or more generator responsive microphones.
US08939000B2
The invention provides a bicycle lock with three rigid lock rods, either separable or articulating, which together provide an adaptable secure frame-to-wheel-to-security-object bicycle locking mechanism in conjunction with a removable seat post. One rod is inserted partially into the removed seat post, and the other rods extend outward from the first rod and then back toward the seat post for locking to a seat post clamp thereon, thus forming a closed triangular lock. The lock can be passed through the bicycle frame and wheel and around a bike rack or other external structure before closing to secure both the frame, wheel and seat post to the structure to prevent theft of any one or more of these components.
US08938999B2
A locking cap apparatus includes a cap assembly having an outer cap and an inner cap received within the outer cap, and further includes lock setting members. The outer cap includes an actuator coupled with a plunger. The plunger and the actuator are movable within and relative to the outer and inner cap. The cap assembly is rotatably and releasably coupled with external threads of a bottle. The plunger has a locked position, an unlocked position, and a lock change position, where the outer cap is rotatable relative to the bottle when the plunger is in the locked position, unlocked position, and optionally in the combination change position. Lock setting members are interactively coupled with the shaft of the plunger.
US08938998B2
The lock has a rotatable latch. The latch is mounted for movement between a position wherein it engages a fixed part of the vehicle to secure the door in the closed position and a position remote from the fixed part of the vehicle such that the door can be opened. A latch movement preventing member is moveable relative to the latch between a position remote from the path of movement of the latch, wherein the latch is free to disengage the fixed part of the truck, and a position intersecting the path of the latch, wherein movement of the latch to disengage the fixed part of the truck is blocked. A pair of magnets are oriented to force the member to move from its remote position, against the action of a spring, to its intersecting position, to prevent the latch from disengaging the fixed part of the truck.
US08938995B2
Sinker cam segments in a circular knitting machine are located with respect to the generally radial direction by a generally radially inwardly facing location surface disposed radially outward of the segments. Each segment's radially outer end defines a contact region that abuts the locating surface. The contact region can be complementary surface contour to that of the locating surface, or a pair of discrete, spaced contact points protruding out from the radially outer end of the segment. The contact region is a reference for positioning the sinker cam segment with respect to the generally radial direction.
US08938988B2
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided that include multichannel tube configurations designed to promote flow of refrigerant within the multichannel tubes near the edges of the tubes that are contacted first by an external fluid. The tube configurations include flow paths of varying cross-sections, spacings, and sizes. Flow control mechanisms, such as inserts, blocking plates, sleeves, crimped sections, and crushed sections, may be employed with the flow paths to favor flow near the edges of the tubes that are contacted first by an external fluid.
US08938985B2
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. In the refrigerator, a water purifying unit including a filter unit to purify water supplied from a water supply source is arranged adjacent to a drawer type storage container in an otherwise useless space of a storage compartment.
US08938982B2
An air conditioning system for a vehicle and a method for operating the air conditioning system which at least has: an air conditioner having a fan, a recirculating air flap for setting a recirculating air operation or an external air operation, a gas sensor for measuring a gas concentration, in particular a CO2 concentration in a vehicle cabin, and outputting a measuring signal, and a control unit for receiving the measuring signal of the gas sensor, for setting a recirculating air position or an external air position of the recirculating air flap and for controlling the gas sensor, the control unit switching the gas sensor into different operating modes in recirculating air operation than in external air operation.
US08938976B2
An intermediate support frame (68) that spans an inner diameter of a support ring (48) of a gas turbine combustor cap assembly (24) at a position intermediate the length of the support ring. The intermediate support frame may have a central encirclement (72) that receives a central fuel pre-mix tube (44) of the combustor cap assembly, and may further have a circular array of outer stabilization rings (70) that each receive a respective outer pre-mix tube (42). The central pre-mix tube may be affixed to the central encirclement (72), for example by welding. The outer pre-mix tubes may be slidably engaged in the outer stabilization rings (70), providing lateral stability while allowing differential thermal expansion. The intermediate support frame may have holes (74) for coolant passage, and perimeter tabs (76) for attachment to the support ring (48).
US08938974B1
A method for determining the optimum inlet geometry of a liquid rocket engine swirl injector includes obtaining a throttleable level phase value, volume flow rate, chamber pressure, liquid propellant density, inlet injector pressure, desired target spray angle and desired target optimum delta pressure value between an inlet and a chamber for a plurality of engine stages. The method calculates the tangential inlet area for each throttleable stage. The method also uses correlation between the tangential inlet areas and delta pressure values to calculate the spring displacement and variable inlet geometry of a liquid rocket engine swirl injector.
US08938962B2
An exhaust system for an engine includes a first exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust from the engine, a second exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust from the engine in parallel with the first exhaust manifold, and at least two turbochargers configured to receive exhaust from the first and second exhaust manifolds. The system also includes a first turbocharger valve fluidly connected to one of the at least two turbochargers. The first turbocharger valve is configured to selectively fluidly connect the one of the at least two turbochargers to the first and second exhaust manifolds. The system further includes a recirculation circuit in fluid communication with the first exhaust manifold. The recirculation circuit includes a first recirculation valve configured to regulate passage of exhaust through the recirculation circuit.
US08938959B2
A spark ignition-type internal combustion is provided wherein a first mechanical compression ratio control and a second mechanical compression ratio control are alternatively carried out, the first mechanical compression ratio control makes the mechanical compression ratio in the low engine load side operation area higher than that in the high engine load side operation area to increase the expansion ratio in the low engine load side operation area, the second mechanical ratio control makes the expansion ratio in the low engine load side operation area lower than that in the low engine load side operation area made by the first mechanical compression ratio control and a boost pressure control increases the boost pressure like a step change when the engine load becomes a set engine load in the low engine load side operation area or higher.
US08938958B2
A hydraulic arrangement for the activation of two actuators, with a hydraulic pressure supply unit which is assigned jointly to the two actuators. The pressure supply unit is designed to be reversible in its direction of action, so that, depending on the direction of action, in each case only one of the actuators is driven.
US08938950B2
A turbocharger mixing manifold for an exhaust aftertreatment system for a two-stroke locomotive diesel engine providing for a transition of a non-uniform exhaust gas flow field exiting a turbocharger into a regulated, uniform exhaust gas stream with minimal aerodynamic losses and an even distribution (mixing) of hydrocarbons in liquid, gas or burning states in order to ensure optimal performance of the attached exhaust aftertreatment system.
US08938949B2
The invention relates to an SCR exhaust gas aftertreatment device, particularly for diesel motor internal combustion engines having a very large exhaust gas volume and/or divided exhaust gas trains. In order to be able to manufacture this SCR exhaust gas aftertreatment device in a cost-efficient manner, also for a high mixing degree of exhaust gas and AUS, it is proposed that a plurality of metering units (D1, D2, Dn) is provided, each of which has an atomizing nozzle, which nozzle-injects the aqueous urea solution into the exhaust gas train. In this case, the pressure existing in a common line for all metering units (D1, D2, Dn) can be determined by means of a pressure sensor.
US08938947B2
A catalyst degradation detection apparatus includes: calculation means for calculating, as an oxygen storage amount of a catalyst, an amount of oxygen stored into or desorbed from the catalyst during a period from when a change that corresponds to a change in an air/fuel ratio occurs in the signal of a pre-catalyst sensor to when the signal of a post-catalyst sensor reaches a criterion value regarding the change in the air/fuel ratio; catalyst degradation determination means for determining of degradation of the catalyst on the basis of the oxygen storage amount; and correction means for correcting the oxygen storage amount calculated for use for determining of degradation of the catalyst more to a decrease side as a measured responsiveness of the post-catalyst sensor becomes more deteriorated relative to a reference value.
US08938945B2
An exhaust system (10) for a dual fuel engine comprising a catalyst assembly comprising a first catalyst (4) comprising a methane oxidizing catalyst and a second catalyst (6) comprising a selective catalytic reduction catalyst, the first catalyst (4) being positioned upstream of the second catalyst (6).
US08938939B2
A trolley apparatus for dispensing plastic stretch wrap film from a roll suitable for wrapping a pallet of stacked loose goods, characterized by a transportable frame structure having wheels or castors to provide support and mobility, the frame having a means of adjusting the height of the roll, the frame is provided with a guide roller positioned for use as a fulcrum point for generating tension in the stretch wrap film, and, a cutter for detaching the stretch wrap film at the completion of the operation, the end of the stretch wrap film being retained for next use.
US08938938B2
A packaging and filling machine is capable of easily preforming with the forming flaps by keeping the pressure of the filled liquid food in the tube the positive pressure, capable of preventing the pressure of the liquid food from dropping to negative pressure, even if the pressure of the liquid food decreases due to the up-and-down of the liquid food pressure, and capable of preventing outside atmosphere materials from invading into the tube.A positive pressure keeping means absorbs fluctuation of the pressure of the liquid food in the tube below the pressure flange, and prevents the liquid food pressure from dropping in negative pressure to keep the pressure of the liquid food in the tube below the pressure flange a positive pressure.
US08938936B2
Disclosed is a method for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, wherein a product flow of polysilicon chunks is transported via a feed channel, separated by at least one screen into coarse and fine chunks, weighed and dosed to a target weight by a dosing balance, discharged via a discharge channel and transported to a packaging unit where a first plastic bag is filled with the polysilicon chunks and sealed, the plastic bag containing polysilicon chunks being packaged with a further plastic bag which is formed by a shaper and subsequently welded, wherein the at least one screen and the dosing balance at least partially include a hard metal on their surfaces and the shaper for forming the plastic bag includes a wear-resistant coating. Also disclosed are a dosing unit, a packaging unit and a device for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, which contains a dosing unit and a packaging unit.
US08938934B2
A corner post application system comprises a conveyor subsystem and an enveloping machine adapted to envelope the plurality of units with a material. The system further includes a swing arm, an applicator arm coupled to the swing arm and adapted to move linearly, a corner post gripper coupled to the applicator arm, and a controller. The controller rotates the swing arm about a vertical axis until a corner post held by the corner post gripper is aligned with adjacent sides that define a corner of the load. The controller thereafter stops rotation of the swing arm and moves the applicator arm linearly toward the corner of the load until the corner post held by the corner post gripper contacts the adjacent sides of the load. A sensor may be included for detecting a corner of the load, with the controller aligning the corner post based on detection by the sensor.
US08938928B2
At least one embodiment of the invention describes roofing batten snap spacers that elevate a roofing batten from a roof. In one or more embodiments, the roofing batten snap spacer includes a base element having a first vertical height and having a first side, an opposing side, a first end and an opposing end. According to at least one embodiment, the base element couples with a roofing batten and elevates the roofing batten. The roofing batten may comprise an elongated portion of material having a top surface, a bottom surface and a portion therebetween of a second vertical height, such that the material couples with a roofing material. In at least one embodiment, the base element elevates the roofing batten from a roof by the first vertical height. This enables the roofing material to be offset from the roof by a sum of the first and second vertical heights.
US08938924B1
Metal panel standing seam roof recovers installed over existing metal panel standing seam roof. The metal panel standing seam roof recover system comprises a plurality of recover panel clips mounted to the existing roof and a recover attached to the recover panel clips. The recover panel clips are arranged in linear arrays running along the pitch of the existing roof. The recover panel clips are mounted to the cover panels by a clip fastener extending through a cover sidelap or through a shoulder adjacent a cover sidelap formed in the standing seam metal panels of the existing roof. The recover comprises a plurality of elongated metal recover panels having upstanding sides defining lateral edges with a trough therebetween. The recover panels are interconnected along adjacent lateral edges by sidelaps formed on the recover panel clips.
US08938904B1
A bore sight (10) is provided that can be used with many calibers of firearms (12) to align optical devices such as rifle scopes. The bore sight (10) has a housing (22) with a spring loaded arbor (26) extending from one end thereof. The arbor (26) has a tapered face (32) varying in diameter in a range including popular calibers, such as .17 to .50 caliber. The arbor (26) is inserted in the end (20) of the barrel (18) as far as the caliber of the barrel (18) permits. The arbor (26) then starts retracting into the housing (22) against the spring force to allow the magnetic alignment face (24) of the housing to move into contact with the end (20) of the barrel to align the bore sight (10) with the centerline of the bore (16). A laser (30) on the bore sight (10) then projects a laser beam aligned with the bore centerline, allowing alignment of the optical device. Bore sight (100) forms a second embodiment and does not have an arbor (26). The bore sight (100) is hand centered on the end of the barrel and is fixed thereto by the attraction of the magnetic alignment face (24) to the barrel (18).
US08938898B2
Devices in which components of medical kits are carried are identifiable by means other than by the naked eye. The means for identification is attached to or integral with the device and may comprise raised and lowered surfaces that can be read by touch; serrations disposed on an edge or surface; a fluorescent coating viewable under infrared or ultraviolet light; or a pattern that is viewable using a thermal imaging device such as night vision goggles. A package for retaining a medical item includes an identifying element of a material that is selectively viewable in response to light attributes of the material. A device for the visual identification of a package containing a medical item includes an identifying element comprising a material that is visually discernible in reduced-light environments via the use of night vision devices.
US08938892B2
Articles of footwear and footwear systems include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of footwear for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and footwear are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for the module for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.
US08938881B2
System for manufacturing facets comprising a frame a series of mirrors and multiple securing parts in which said parts are the key to the invention and are formed by a rod and a circular metal sheet provided with a series of small circular perforations, where the rod and the circular sheet are attached by electric arc welding or any other equivalent fixation and the purpose of which is to secure a curved mirror to the rear structure or frame of a heliostat.
US08938873B2
A lever jig is mounted on a female connector and fits a female connector and a male connector by an operation from a fitting-operation start position to a fitting-operation completion position so as to move the female connector and the male connector from the fitting-operation start position to the fitting-operation completion position. The lever jig includes a connector hold portion that moves between a holding position and a holding release position for the female connector, and a lever body that is operated between the fitting-operation start position and the fitting-operation completion position. In a section from the fitting-operation start position to a position just before the fitting-operation completion position for the lever body, the connector hold portion moves to the holding position, and in the fitting-operation completion position for the lever body, the connector hold portion 3 moves to the holding release position.
US08938866B2
A method of integrating a tampon includes providing an absorbent blank having a longitudinal centerline and compressing the absorbent blank in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline to form a pledget having a compressed diameter. The method also includes penetrating the pledget in the perpendicular direction to a compressed depth of at least 20% of the compressed diameter to form a discrete indentation.
US08938863B2
Disclosed is a fastener stringer where at least one surface of each of the fastener elements is colored. A plurality of fine fixing spaces is disposed on at least one surface of the fastener element which is colored. Accordingly, when a slide fastener is colored through an inkjet method, ink droplets ejected to the fastener element may be received by a plurality of fixing spaces and stably fixed onto a surface of the element. Consequently, a desired pattern or color can be continuously given to a fastener tape or the fastener element, and the contour of the pattern or color can be formed clearly and neatly.
US08938858B2
A sandwich mechanism is disclosed that has to opposing members that form a pocket into which material such as downspout sheet metal can be inserted. The opposing members clamp onto the downspout and can be secured into place using a screw that passes through the opposing members and the inserted downspout. Two sandwich mechanisms may be coupled together using a brace or a hinged member. The hinged member will permit a user to independently articulate the coupled pieces of downspout or downspout extension.
US08938857B2
To provide a slide hinge which can be easily attached to a door or a cabinet main body of honeycomb cardboard, on which attaching screws do not work well, and which is further devised to eliminate a risk of escape from the door after the fixation, fittings enabling a coupling case to be attached to the door even without attaching screws or nails are provided; furthermore, each of the fittings comprises an attaching case part integrally connected to each side portion of the coupling case, and an fitting for each attaching case part; then, this fitting comprises a locking plate housed into the attaching case part and a diameter expanding means pushing out craw portions of the locking plate; the diameter expanding means further comprises an operating plate with pressurizing portions protruding on an outer circumference and a cap locked by a locking plate on each attaching case part.
US08938850B1
A stair vacuum device for automatically vacuuming stairs includes a pair of vacuum units coupled together by a connector. Each vacuum unit comprises a vacuum housing having a slot extending through a bottom surface of the vacuum housing. A plurality of side rollers is coupled to the vacuum housing for moving the vacuum housing in a first direction. A plurality of forward rollers is coupled to the vacuum housing for moving the vacuum housing in a second direction transverse to the first direction. A suction device is coupled to and positioned in the vacuum housing such that the suction device provides suction through the slot in the vacuum housing. The connector couples the vacuum units together in spaced relationship wherein the vacuum units move in tandem to vacuum the adjacent stair surfaces simultaneously.
US08938848B2
A mop bucket comprises an internal compartment defined by a side wall for retaining a liquid. A first bracket is supported in the compartment and supports a first agitator blade and a second bracket supported in the compartment and supports a second agitator blade such that the agitator blades are spaced from one another a distance sufficient to receive a mop. The first agitator blade and the second agitator blade each comprising a plurality of fins extending from a planar support surface. The first agitator blade and said second agitator blade may also comprise a plurality of bristles extending from a planar support surface.
US08938847B2
A beam blade windshield wiper assembly having a universal coupler assembly including a carrier, a saddle that is removably received and retained by the carrier, and a coupler that is operatively mounted to the saddle. The carrier, saddle, and coupler cooperate to accommodate various sizes of “pinch-type” attachment members, “push-button-type” attachment members, as well as “side-pin-type” and “pin-and-bent-tab-type” attachment members that are used to connect the wiper arm and the windshield wiper assembly.
US08938846B2
A screen wiper arrangement is provided including a window screen and a screen wiper for cleaning the window screen, wherein the window screen is arranged in an opening of a cabin and inserted in a window frame, and wherein the window screen includes at least one screen portion which can be moved between an open and a closed position. The window screen includes an electrically conductive element coupleable to an electrical circuit which has at least a first state in response to a first position of the at least one screen portion and a second state in response to a second position of the at least one screen portion. One or more contact points are available for detecting if the electrical circuit is in the first or the second state, and a wiper control element is provided which controls the activation of the screen wiper system.
US08938844B1
A drying cloth for drying a large vehicle or structure. The drying cloth may be made of absorbent fabric sewn to form a fabric shell with a hollow center extending between a first and a second opening. The drying cloth may also have a pole opening formed therethrough mid-way between the first opening and the second opening and a first seam edge and a second seam edge extending between the pole opening and the second opening to cooperatively form an openable seam. The openable seam may be placed in an attached and an unattached configuration via attaching and detaching attachment devices of the drying cloth. The drying cloth may be attachable to a cleaning tool having an elongated handle and an end fixture attached to the handle. The elongated handle may fit through the pole opening and the drying cloth is sized to loosely fit over the end fixture.
US08938841B1
A tooth brushing system for effectively removing debris and bacteria has an elongated linear handle with a conical flossing brush pivotally located on a handle second end. The system has a tooth brush head with a generally spherical surface with a brush head first side and a brush head second side each having a pair of angular notches and an angular secondary projection linearly located from the brush head top side to the brush head bottom side. A plurality of bristles of a first length is located on a tooth brush head spherical surface. A plurality of bristles of a second length, smaller than the first length, is located on the surfaces of the angular notches, and the angular secondary projections.
US08938839B2
An elastic ring is disposed between a grip case and a trunk which is formed on an inner case of a body case to which a toothbrush head is mounted. As a result, the vibration of a motor which is contained in a motor accommodation portion of the inner case is less likely to be transmitted to the grip case because of the elastic ring, and is transmitted to the toothbrush head side in a concentrated manner. Also, the tooth cleaning performance is increased, and vibration to the hand which grips the grip case is reduced to enable the user to comfortably brush the teeth.
US08938838B2
A toothbrush that contains an imaging device being camera for seeing teeth on an image display monitor before, during and after cleaning them and for storing and transferring images and videos of teeth and oral tissues for better maintenance of oral hygiene and health. The toothbrush with camera comprises a brush head (1) with bristles (3) and a camera (4), and a hollow handle (2) containing camera assembly. Different embodiments of the toothbrush with camera are disclosed herein.
US08938823B2
In one aspect, the invention provides an insert that is incorporated into laminated countertops during fabrication of stock countertop material. Once installed, a guide portion of the insert serves as a template for the later removal of a selected cut-out portion of the insert, to leave an opening in the countertop defined at least in part by a remaining portion of the insert. In this way, the insert may for example serve as both a template for cutting a sink opening in a laminated countertop, and as a component of a sink undermounting system in the laminated countertop.
US08938819B2
Protective goggles and lens assemblies with adjustable ventilation having reduced visual obstruction
Lens assemblies and goggles are disclosed. One example goggle includes a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a lens and a ventilation shutter configured to cover vent openings of the lens in a first position and expose the vent openings of the lens in a second position. The shutter has substantially the same transparency as the lens and is slidably attached to the lens by a button. The button extends from an exterior lens surface through the lens to an interior lens surface and has a button end configured to extend through the shutter.
US08943610B2
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to distribution of media content.
US08943607B2
An information processing device includes an authenticating part to authenticate a user; an operating part for setting information, an authentication canceling part to cancel an authentication of the user, an operation condition memory part to cause a second memory part to memorize the setting information memorized in a first memory part, and a reproducing part to confirm whether or not the setting information is memorized in the second memory part when the authenticating part authenticates the user. In a case where memorized, the reproducing part reads the setting information from the second memory part, and to reproduce an operation condition based on the read setting information. In a case where not memorized, the reproducing part displays a non-user condition specification screen for the user's selecting one of multiple functions.
US08943603B2
A system and method is disclosed for document policy enforcement. The method discloses: scanning document parts for a set of policy-eliciting terms; assigning a policy to a document part based on a policy-eliciting term found within the document part; and enforcing the policy. The system discloses a computer programmed with executable instructions which operate a set of modules, wherein the modules comprise: a policy editor and a policy daemon, for effecting the method.
US08943602B2
A method for enhancing the privacy of individuals who may be tracked while visiting different sites on the Internet using conventional browsers is disclosed. The method is based on randomizing the information collected in cookies that are used for tracking by different websites.
US08943593B2
Methods and apparatus for optimizing security configurations of a set of computers are disclosed. A set of local servers, each functioning as a deep-security manager supporting a respective subset of the computers, maintains protection software containing filters and rules for deploying each filter. A local server receives updated protection software from a central server. Each local server interrogates each computer of its subset of computers to acquire computer-characterizing data and applies relevant rules to determine an optimal set of filters for each computer. Each rule adaptively determines required characterizing data elements from each computer for determining an optimal security configuration. A local server updates the security configuration of a computer to suit changes in the operational environment of the computer.
US08943558B2
A method and a system for monitoring a threat are described. The system has a gateway, a web server, and a client device. The gateway detects, identifies, and tracks a threat at a location associated with the gateway. The gateway is coupled to a security device. The web server has a management application configured to communicate with the gateway. The client device communicates with the gateway identified by the web server. The gateway aggregates monitoring data from the security device and from other security devices respectively coupled to other gateways correlated with the gateway. The client device receives the aggregated monitoring data and controls the security device coupled to the respective gateway from a web-based user interface at the client device.
US08943555B2
A device streams assets to network-based storage in cooperation with servers administering the network-based storage. The servers manage and secure access to the stream of assets, on both an account level and an asset level, in accordance with asset metadata registered for the assets during streaming, and in accordance with account data associated with the assets being streamed and the device with which the assets are streamed. The servers operate to notify other authorized devices associated with the device that the assets are available to download, including initiating the download of assets automatically or in response to user input.
US08943553B2
An information processing apparatus includes: a storage portion having a plurality of storage areas; an authentication portion for authenticating a user; a content setting portion for storing content set public by the authenticated user in a public storage area with no access restriction, of the plurality of storage areas of the storage portion, and for storing content set private into a personal storage area accessible only by the authenticated user, of the plurality of storage areas of the storage portion; and an access permission portion for, when a predetermined process is executed on the content set private stored in the personal storage area, making the content set private accessible by others through the public storage area.
US08943552B2
Example methods and apparatus to discover authentication information in a wireless networking environment are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves transmitting a request message to a network access point requesting identifiers indicative of authentication information required by the network access point to authenticate a wireless terminal. In addition, at least one authentication requirement identifier is retrieved from a response message transmitted by the network access point. The at least one authentication requirement identifier is indicative of an authentication value obtainable using operations performed by the wireless terminal at a media access control layer without providing access to an internet protocol layer to retrieve the authentication value.
US08943549B2
This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for certifying user identities (IDs). The method includes receiving, from a customer, a certification request for a user ID. The method then identifies the user ID's owner and collects information about the owner. The information may include financial information, personal information, biographical information, etc. The method then analyzes the collected information to generate a risk score associated with the user ID, and based on the risk score exceeding a threshold, the method certifies the user ID.
US08943539B2
The present invention allows users to interact with people, who have interacted with other people, and obtain media files and recommendations from those having common interests, thereby creating interactive media communities and spawning electronic social networks based on media and other types of electronic entertainment.
US08943534B2
According to some embodiments, systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program code are provided to process video source data to insert ad or other content into a video stream for distribution to client devices.
US08943521B2
A compact disc (CD) player, which comprises playback substrates, a conveying roller, CD sensors, a CD stopper, a first trigger member, frame members, cam members and moving members, wherein the CD stopper has a major axis and abutting portions disposed at both ends of the axis; the first trigger member rotates when a minor-diameter CD stops at a mounting position on a turntable; the frame members receive the movement of the first trigger member; the cam members are coupled to the frame members; the moving members receive the rotation of the CD sensor and move along the outside diameter of a CD; the moving members are provided with clamping portions and abutted portions configured to be clamped with the abutting portions; and the cam members are provided with clamped portions configured to abut against the clamping portions.
US08943506B2
The invention discloses the architecture of client-side virtualization, utilizing the techniques of differential bi-directional synchronization of layered data and closed computing, as an extension to virtual desktop infrastructure. Both the client and server run a virtual machine monitor on top of which user application data, system data, personal application, group application, and guest operating system are layered independently. Layer independence is achieved by system data redirection, cache acceleration, and application composing/decomposing method. The client can be securely protected via the push-OS concept, security links, and closed computing services, including virtual machine subscription management control and network resource control services.
US08943504B2
Requests of a PCD are determined if they are part of a transaction involving a plurality of resources. Next, each resource that is part of the request involving multiple resources is identified. As each resource is identified, a framework manager determines if a resource has completed processing the request directed at it. If the resource has returned a value that it has completed the request, then the framework manager allows the resource to return to an unlocked state while other requests in the transaction are being processed. If the resource has not completed processing and has deferred some of the processing to the end of the transaction, then the resource is added to a deferred unlock list. It is determined if the resource is a dependent on another resource in the current request path. If it is dependent, then the other resource is also placed on the deferred unlock list.
US08943502B2
A method, system, and computer usable program product for retooling lock interfaces for using a dual mode reader writer lock. An invocation of a method is received using an interface. The method is configured to operate on a lock associated with a resource in a data processing system. A determination is made whether the lock is an upgraded lock. The upgraded lock is the DML operating in an upgraded mode. An operation corresponding to the method is executed on the DML, if the lock is the upgraded lock.
US08943501B1
A system, method, computer program, and/or computer readable medium for providing hierarchical interception for applications within isolated environments The computer readable medium includes computer-executable instructions for execution by a processing system. The computer-executable instructions may be for installing interceptors, configuring interceptors, preloading shared libraries, using trampoline functions, removal of interceptors, mapping between resources inside and outside the isolated environment, providing an interception database, loading the interception database, redirection of resources, and providing the hierarchy of interceptors.
US08943494B2
A method for installing a NFC application (APP) that includes a picture (PIC) in a mobile communication device (3) comprises: at a Service Provider (1) transmitting the NFC application (APP) together with the picture (PIC) to a Trusted Service Manager (2); at the Trusted Service Manager (2), separating the picture (PIC) from the NFC application (APP) and storing it and transmitting the NFC application (APP) together with a reference (REF) to a storage location of the picture (PIC) to the mobile communication device (3); at the mobile communication device (3), installing the NFC application (APP) together with the reference (REF) and retrieving the picture (PIC) by sending the reference (REF) to the Trusted Service Manager (2) requesting download of the picture (PIC); at the Trusted Service Manager (2), fetching the picture (PIC) from the storage location indicated by the reference (REF) and downloading it to the mobile communication device (3).
US08943486B2
A resource-constrained device comprises a processor configured to execute multiple instruction streams comprising multiple instructions having an opcode and zero or more operands. Each of the multiple instruction streams is associated with one of multiple instruction execution modes having an instruction set comprising multiple instruction implementations. At least one of the multiple instruction implementations is configured to change the processor from a first instruction execution mode to a second instruction execution mode. The processor comprises an instruction fetcher configured to fetch an instruction from one of the multiple instruction streams based at least in part upon a current instruction execution mode.
US08943483B2
A method, computer system, and computer program product for improving application programming interface naming. An alternate name is received for a target application programming interface feature from a consumer developer. In addition, an indirection to the application programming interface feature is generated based on the alternate name. Then, the indirection to the application programming interface feature is transmitted to an indirections repository.
US08943481B2
Embodiments create a binding specifications file that is compatible with a user interface application from a grammar rich XML file. The grammar rich XML file uses a complex DTD for transformation. The complex DTD may be prone to error if created by the user, therefore, the complex DTD file is automatically created from a schema definition provided by the user or user's agent. The user or user's agent defines a schema for the desired grammar level. Through a series of XSL transformations, the complex DTD file is created. Also, a stylesheet used for transforming the grammar rich XML file is automatically created. The grammar rich XML file provided by the user conforms to the automatically created complex DTD file. Thus, the grammar used in defining bindings of a user interface application is extensible without any requirement to enrich and recompile the application anytime an extension of the language is desired.
US08943480B2
A method, computer-readable storage medium, and computer system are provided. In an embodiment, in response to a command that requests setting a breakpoint at a line in a module, a determination is made whether a snapshot instruction exists before a machine instruction that implements a source statement at the line. If the snapshot instruction exists before the machine instruction that implements the source statement at the line, the breakpoint is set at the machine instruction that implements the source statement at the line. If the snapshot instruction does not exist before the machine instruction that implements the source statement at the line, the module is recompiled to add the snapshot instruction before the machine instruction that implements the source statement.
US08943478B2
The present invention provides a system, computer program product and a computer implemented method for prioritizing code fragments based on the use of a software oracle and on a correlation between the executed code fragments and the output they produce. Also described is a computer-implemented method generates additional user inputs based on execution information associated with path constraints and based on information from the oracle. Advantageously, the embodiment is useful in a test generation tool that generated many similar inputs when a failure-inducing input is found, in order to enhance fault localization. Further, described is a computer-implemented flow for extending the existing idea of concolic testing to applications that interact with persistent state.
US08943477B2
An embodiment of the present invention manages window focus non-intrusive over-lays while debugging a graphical user interface program. In an example, the computer displays in a first graphical user interface, wherein the computer program is designed to manipulate a second graphical user interface of another computer program. The computer receives a command to debug the second graphical interface computer program and converts the first graphical user interface into a focus-less graphical user interface so the focus does not transfer from the second graphical user interface. The computer debugs the computer program and upon completing debugging, the computer restores the first graphical user interface into focus.
US08943472B1
A system and method for reading and writing datasets (SAS datasets) written in a proprietary runtime macro language (SAS, owned by the SAS Institute, Inc.) directly, without going through a system that uses the SAS proprietary runtime macro language. The system employs a JAVA Database Connectivity (JDBC) application program interface (API) driver usable by JDBC enabled JAVA applications. The driver extracts from the SAS dataset information from a header page that enables identification of information on metadata pages which in turn are used by the driver to present to the JAVA application a view of the data as a database table, from which the JAVA application can request reading and writing of the SAS dataset.
US08943454B1
In some embodiments, in a method for considering in-phase grouping for a voltage-dependent design rule, for a first net and a second net in a schematic, first data for obtaining the differences between first voltage values of the first and second nets, and between second voltage values of the first and second nets is provided. For each of the first and second nets, the first voltage value is larger than the second voltage value. A layout for the schematic is generated. In the layout, a relationship of a first shape and a second shape associated with the first and the second nets, respectively, is defined using the first data.
US08943448B2
A hardware model database is identified which stores a graph-based common representation of a hardware design that includes hardware module nodes each representative of a unique module of the hardware design and associated with one or more instances of the unique module. Additionally, a signal dump resulting from a simulation of a logic code model of the hardware design is identified. Each instance of each unique module is identified using the hardware model database, and for each assertion condition included therein, a corresponding value for the assertion condition is determined from the signal dump. Further, a construct of the hardware design corresponding to each instance of each unique module is conditionally displayed by a debugger application, based on the determined values of the corresponding assertion conditions included in the instance of the unique module.
US08943444B2
Systems and methods for semiconductor device reliability qualification during semiconductor device design. A method is provided that includes defining performance process window bins for a performance window. The method further includes determining at least one failure mechanism for each bin assignment. The method further includes generating different reliability models when the at least one failure mechanism is a function of the process window, and generating common reliability models when the at least one failure mechanism is not the function of the process window. The method further includes identifying at least one risk factor for each bin assignment, and generating aggregate models using a manufacturing line distribution. The method further includes determining a fail rate by bin and optimizing a line center to minimize product fail rate. The method further includes determining a fail rate by bin and scrapping production as a function of a manufacturing line excursion event.
US08943443B1
A method for calibrating a computer program that simulates a physical process and a photomask are disclosed. A first physical artifact may be exposed to the physical process to produce a second physical artifact. The first physical artifact may include one or more features characterized by traceably measured known dimensions. One or more features of the second physical artifact may be measured to produce one or more measured dimensions. The physical process may be simulated with a computer simulation using the known dimensions of the first physical artifact as inputs to produce an output. The output may be compared to the measured dimensions of the second physical artifact to produce a result. A figure of merit may be assigned to the computer simulation based on the result. The photomask may have one or more features with one or more traceably measured dimensions.
US08943429B2
State machine interface system, comprising state machine algorithms and a graphical user interface, adapted to receive signals from at least one sensor device, that are related to physiological activities of the heart and/or the circulatory system of a living being. The state machine algorithms are adapted to determine phases of heart cycles based upon said signals. The different phases of the heart cycle are determined by said state machine algorithms in a heart cluster state machine simulating the heart, and optionally the circulatory system, achieved by fusions of finite heart muscle cell state machines to form a ΔV-pump state machine. The determined heart cycle phases are evaluated by determining their respective local state diagram based upon said signal such that the respective correct time duration is determined for each heart cycle phase, and then determining the most representative global state diagram. The determined local and global state diagrams are presented at the graphical user interface such that the temporal relations between the different phases are illustrated.
US08943416B2
A mobile terminal, computer program product and method of displaying information therein are disclosed, by which data stored in the mobile terminal can be uploaded to a website to be shared. The present invention includes a camera for taking a picture, a memory for storing data, a wireless communication unit for transmitting the data, a display displaying the data stored in the memory, and a controller controlling the data transmitted among the data stored in the memory to be displayed by being discriminated from the data not transmitted.
US08943413B2
An approach is provided for controlling access to a resource. Visual representations of the resource and an entity are included in a display. A movement in the display of the entity representation to a position proximate to a boundary of the resource representation is detected. An attribute assigned to the entity representation is determined to not satisfy an access control requirement assigned to the resource representation. The entity is not permitted to access the resource based on the attribute not satisfying the access control requirement. Based on the entity not being permitted to access the resource, a visual cue is presented that indicates the entity representation is prevented from moving in the display across, and being placed within, the boundary of the resource representation.
US08943412B2
In accordance with some embodiments, a system may enable the user to selectively either make computer generated selections without game play or to make menu selections in a more limited way in some embodiments in association with game play. Thus if the user selects game play, the user would be provided with at least two game options that implement menu selection tasks. For example the game play may allow the users to use a game to select within a group of menu options or to select a user who then gets the right to make a menu selection as another example.
US08943397B2
A method including receiving input from a user, retrieving data based on the input, generating a tabular display of the data according to default settings and adjustable user settings, and transmitting the tabular display to the user. A system having a server application structured and arranged to receive input from a user, retrieve data based on the input, generate a tabular display of the data according to default settings and adjustable user settings, and transmit the tabular display to the user, and a client application structured and arranged to display the tabular display.
US08943395B2
This is directed to a preview application for displaying several documents simultaneously in a single window, where the several documents are displayed as books. To view the pages of a document, the preview application can open the book and display the pages of the document (e.g., in a one or two-dimensional array). A user can also search for particular terms within the several documents. In response to a search, the preview application can filter the pages of the several documents and only display those pages that include the search terms. The displayed pages can be ordered in any suitable manner, including for example by search rank.
US08943392B2
A decoding system suitable for Viterbi decoding includes a decoder that includes a state metrics array, a butterfly unit, and a constraint length multiplexer. The state metrics array includes registers in which each register is arranged to store a state metric for processing. The butterfly unit includes an array of butterfly elements where each butterfly element is arranged to generate intermediate state metrics in parallel with other butterfly elements in the butterfly unit. The constraint length multiplexer unit is arranged to generate new state metrics in response to the intermediate state metrics and a Viterbi constraint length value stored in a constraint length register. Transition bits can also be generated in response to the constraint length.
US08943384B2
A method for re-using a soft decoder involves receiving soft data and hard data from memory cells in a memory device, mapping the soft data to a first set of soft information, mapping the hard data to a second set of soft information, and using the soft decoder to decode both the first set and second set of soft information.
US08943379B2
Methods and apparatus relating to retry based protocol with source/receiver FIFO (First-In, First-Out) buffer recovery and anti-starvation mechanism to support dynamic pipeline lengthening for ECC error correction are described. In an embodiment, upon detection of an error, a portion of transmitted data is stored in one or more storage devices before retransmission. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08943374B2
A system for programming a phase change material-content addressable memory (PCM-CAM). The system includes a receiving unit for receiving a word to be written in the PCM-CAM. The word includes low bits represented by a low resistance state in the PCM-CAM and high bits represented by a high resistance state in the PCM-CAM. The system includes a writing unit configured to repeatedly write the low bits in memory cells of the PCM-CAM until the resistance of the memory cells are below a threshold value, and to write high bits in memory cells of the PCM-CAM only once.
US08943371B2
A system for computer-aided identification of technical phenomena and related methods, particularly with technical problems is described. The system is equipped with a computer executing a program and provided with means for inputting alphanumeric data, means for entering graphical information, and a visual display. The execution of said program causes the computer to work by displaying a sequence of request and input windows for a description of the technical phenomenon by way of an alphanumeric, human natural language and/or a graphical image and according to specific logic and construction rules of the human natural language expression or of the graphic expression, at a detailed level, which construction rules change from window to window and are displayed at the margin of a data input field in the window.
US08943370B2
Data fields within a trace data set are interpreted by a processor using a data field declaration of each data field that identifies a data type of the respective data field. An actual data value of the interpreted data field is compared with the data field declaration for each interpreted data field. Based upon each comparison, a determination is made as to whether the actual data value of the interpreted data field contains an erroneous data value based upon the data field declaration.
US08943363B2
The general field of the invention is that of the management of the faults of the viewing devices used on aircraft. An aircraft instrument panel viewing device comprises an electronic assembly, embedded software and a viewing screen. When the viewing device detects a fault arising after a predetermined time of proper operation, the reinitialization method according to the invention executes just the software verification tests without executing the electronic assembly verification tests termed “safety tests”, no specific presentation of fault being displayed on the viewing screen. The duration for which the pilot is deprived of information is thus considerably reduced.
US08943356B1
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for processing data. In some embodiments, this includes analyzing a first container at a block level, determining a first level of granularity based on the analysis of the first container, based on the first level of granularity, identifying a first set of data objects, storing metadata of the first set of data objects in a recovery catalog, based on the first set of data objects, identifying a second container, analyzing the second container at a block level, determining a second level of granularity based on the analysis of the second container, based on the second level of granularity, identifying a second set of data objects, storing metadata of the second set of data objects in the recovery catalog, wherein the recovery catalog is stored in a storage device.
US08943343B2
In an embodiment, the present invention includes a multicoreprocessor with a front end unit including a fetch unit to fetch instructions and a decode unit to decode the fetched instructions into decoded instructions, a first core coupled to the front end unit to independently execute at least some of the decoded instructions, and a second core coupled to the front end unit to independently execute at least some of the decoded instructions. The second core may have a second power consumption level greater than a power consumption level of the first core and also heterogeneous from the first core. The processor may further include an arbitration logic coupled to the first and second cores to enable the second core to begin execution responsive to a start processor instruction present in the front end unit. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08943341B2
A mechanism is provided for minimizing power consumption for operation of a fixed-frequency processing unit. A number of timeslots are counted in a time window where throttling is engaged to the fixed-frequency processing unit. The number of timeslots where throttling is engaged is divided by a total number of timeslots within the time window, thereby producing a performance loss (PLOSS) value. A determination is made as to whether determining whether the (PLOSS) value associated with the fixed-frequency processing unit is greater than an allowed performance loss (APLOSS) value. Responsive to the PLOSS value being less than or equal to the APLOSS value, a decrease in voltage supplied to the fixed-frequency processing unit is initiated.
US08943328B2
An I/O module is provided to service I/O requests from a host to access storage media. Data blocks of the storage media are encrypted with an old key, and the I/O module performs key rotation to cause data blocks to be re-encrypted with a new key.
US08943319B2
A method for providing security for a business application including receiving a request from a server including a server public key and a security token, deploying a virtual node implementing the business application in response to the request, using the security token in a bootstrap process by the virtual node to provide authentication to the server, and authenticating a message from the server using a server public key.
US08943317B2
A system for handling an LDAP service request to an LDAP server for an LDAP service comprises a client program executable on a client system and a handler program executable on a handler system. The client program is operable to generate LDAP service request data corresponding to the LDAP service and provide the LDAP service request data for transmission from the client system, and further operable to receive LDAP service reply data in response to the LDAP service request data. The handler program is operable to receive the LDAP service request data transmitted from the client system and execute the LDAP service request to the LDAP server, receive LDAP service reply data from the LDAP server during one or more passes, and upon completion of the LDAP service, provide the LDAP service reply data for transmission to the client system in a single pass.
US08943315B1
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media for controlling an upload of a block of data associated with an upload command are described. In certain aspects, an interface module may be configured to obtain a cryptographic checksum for the block of data associated with the upload command. A checksum module may configured to compare the cryptographic checksum for the block of data associated with the upload command to a cryptographic checksum in an index storing cryptographic checksums identifying blocks of data previously uploaded to a server. If the cryptographic checksum for the block of data associated with the upload command matches the cryptographic checksum in the index, an upload module may be configured to cancel the upload of the block of data associated with the upload command.
US08943314B2
A device for manipulating a computer file or program includes a processor. The device includes a network interface which receives commands. The device includes a receiver which receives the commands from the network interface and provides the commands to the processor. The device includes storage having a computer file or program in a memory. Wherein the processor, based on the commands, makes changes to the computer file or program in the memory and suspends and reestablishes user intervention to the computer file or program. A device for manipulating a computer file or program.
US08943311B2
A method of establishing a communication channel between a network client and a computer server over a network is described. The network client may be configured to communicate with the computer server over the network and to communicate with a token manager. The token manager may be configured with a parent digital certificate that is associated with the token manager. The token manager or network client generates a credential from the parent digital certificate, and transmits the credential to the computer server. The credential may be associated with the computer server. The network client may establish the communications channel with the computer server in accordance with an outcome of a determination of validity of the credential by the computer server.
US08943307B2
A method and a system are provided for generating information that relates to services being utilized by a user, by which: at a user device, retrieving usage information that relates to services consumed by the user of the user device; forwarding by the user device the retrieved usage information towards a central processing unit; at the central processing unit, determining based on the received usage information and based on at least one pre-determined criterion associated with the services being consumed by the user, whether a message should be sent to that user; and if in the affirmative, sending a message to the user that relates to the received usage information, without logging any information that relates to the message being sent to the user, at the central processing unit.
US08943306B2
A content issuer entity designates a transport security level for each of a plurality of electronic certificates and provides the electronic certificates to a first wireless device. A second wireless device establishes a communications link to transfer electronic certificate data associated with one or more electronic certificates stored on the first wireless device to the second wireless device via a wireless transaction and determines, for each stored electronic certificate, a transport security level previously designated at the content issuer entity. At the first wireless device, a highest transport security level is determined from among the respective transport security levels associated with the stored electronic certificates. The electronic certificate data is transferred from the first wireless device to the second wireless device via the communications link in accordance with a security measure that corresponds to the highest determined transport security level.
US08943304B2
Systems and methods are described for using a client agent operating in a virtual private network environment to intercept HTTP communications. Methods include: intercepting at the network layer, by a client agent executing on a client, an HTTP request from an application executing on the client; modifying the HTTP request; and transmitting, via a transport layer connection, the modified HTTP request to a server. Additional methods may comprise adding, removing, or modifying at least one cookie in the HTTP request. Still other methods may comprise modifying at least one name-value pair contained in the HTTP request. Corresponding systems are also described.
US08943303B2
A method of monitoring a processing circuit is disclosed. The processing circuit is operable, in a normal operation mode, to generate a sequence of trigger commands, with at least one trigger command of the sequence of trigger commands including time information. At least one window sequence with a closed window period and an open window period is generated such that the duration of the closed window period and/or the open window period is defined, at least in part, by the time information. It is detected if one trigger command is received within the open window period of the at least one sequence.
US08943300B2
An apparatus for emulating the branch prediction behavior of an explicit subroutine call is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first input which is configured to receive an instruction address and a second input. The second input is configured to receive predecode information which describes the instruction address as being related to an implicit subroutine call to a subroutine. In response to the predecode information, the apparatus also includes an adder configured to add a constant to the instruction address defining a return address, causing the return address to be stored to an explicit subroutine resource, thus, facilitating subsequent branch prediction of a return call instruction.
US08943297B2
A functional unit is provided which allows for fast, parallel data read, write, and manipulation operations. The functional unit includes first and second source registers for receiving first and second data items to be processed by the functional unit, a plurality of memory tables, a combinational logic circuit, and a decoder. Each of the tables is indexed by an index comprising a portion of the first data item received by the first source register. The combinational logic circuit receives lookup results, and processes the lookup results and the second data item in the second source register to produce a result data item. The decoder circuit extracts an operational code from an instruction supplied to the functional unit, decodes the operational code, and controls the combinational logic circuit in accordance with the operational code.
US08943294B2
Disclosed is a software architecture supporting a large-capacity collective memory layer in a multi-node system by using a remote direct memory access technique and a software virtualization technique and a computing system performing computing processing by using the architecture. In particular, provided is a software architecture including: a memory region managing module collectively managing a predetermined memory region of a node, a memory service providing module providing a large-capacity collective memory service to a virtual address space in a user process, and a memory sharing support module supporting sharing of the large-capacity collective memory of the multi-node system.
US08943293B2
A method includes receiving an address at a tag state array of a cache, wherein the cache is configurable to have a first size and a second size that is smaller than the first size. The method further includes identifying a first portion of the address as a set index, wherein the first portion has a same number of bits when the cache has the first size as when the cache has the second size. The method further includes using the set index to locate at least one tag field of the tag state array, identifying a second portion of the address to compare to a value stored at the at least one tag field, locating at least one state field of the tag state array that is associated with a particular tag field that matches the second portion, identifying a cache line based on a comparison of a third portion of the address to at least one status bit of the at least one state field when the cache has the second size, and retrieving the cache line.
US08943273B1
Aspects of the disclosure provide methods for cache efficiency. A method for cache efficiency can include storing data in a buffer entry in association with a cache array in response to a first store instruction that hits the cache array before the first store instruction is committed. Further, when a dependent load instruction is subsequent to the first store instruction, the method can include providing the data from the buffer entry in response to the first dependent load instruction. When a second store instruction overlaps an address of the first store instruction, the method can include coalescing data of the second store instruction in the buffer entry before the second store instruction is committed. When the second store instruction is followed by a second dependent load instruction, the method can include providing the coalesced data from the buffer entry in response to the second dependent load instruction.
US08943268B2
A system for ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) storage may include a TCAM having multiple entries and a processor that is communicatively coupled to the TCAM. The processor may be operative to receive a first numerical range and determine a first ternary representation of a second numerical range that encompasses the first numerical range. The processor may be further operative to determine a second ternary representation corresponding to at least one of a lower bound or an upper bound of the first numerical range. The processor may be further operative to store a combination of the first and second ternary representations in one of the entries of the TCAM. In one or more implementations, the numerical range may be a port range and the combination of the ternary representations may be stored in one of the entries of the TCAM as a portion of a packet classification rule.
US08943267B2
Embodiments include a system, an apparatus, a device, and a method. The apparatus includes a processor, a dynamic memory, and a hardware-implemented memory control circuit. The hardware-implemented control circuit includes a control circuit for establishing an extended refresh period of the dynamic memory based at least in part on a monitored result that indicates an occurrence of a memory loss in the dynamic memory. The hardware-implemented control circuit also includes a control circuit for causing a refresh of the dynamic memory during each of at least two extended refresh periods.
US08943264B2
A data storing method for a rewritable non-volatile memory module is provided. The method includes receiving page data to be stored in a first logical address. The method also includes determining whether a storage status of the rewritable non-volatile memory module is a predetermined status; if yes, using a first writing mode to write the page data into the rewritable non-volatile memory module; if no, using a second writing mode to write the page data into the rewritable non-volatile memory module. In the first writing mode, lower physical program units of the rewritable non-volatile memory module are applied for writing data, and upper physical program units of the rewritable non-volatile memory module are not applied for writing data; in the second writing mode, the upper physical program units and the lower physical program units are applied for writing data.
US08943262B2
A non-volatile memory device includes a first bank including a plurality of first page buffers, a second bank including a plurality of second page buffers, and an address counter configured to count a first address and a second address in response to a clock before a first time in a period for performing a read operation and count the first address and the second address in response to a bank address after the first time, wherein data of the first page buffers are sequentially outputted in response to the first address, and data of the second page buffers are sequentially outputted in response to the second address.
US08943257B2
An embodiment integrates non-PCI compliant devices with PCI compliant operating systems. A fabric system mimics the behavior of PCI. When non-PCI compliant devices do not know how to respond to PCI enumeration, embodiments provide a PCI enumeration reply and thus emulate a reply that would typically come from a PCI compliant device during emulation. Embodiments allow system designers to incorporate non-standard fabric structures with the benefit of still using robust and mature PCI infrastructure found in modem PCI compliant operating systems. More generally, embodiments allow an operating system compliant with a first standard (but not a second standard) to discover and communicate with a device that is non-compliant with the first standard (but possibly is compliant with the second standard). Other embodiments are described herein.
US08943256B1
An integrated circuit (IC) device can include a serial communication first interface (I/F) circuit electrically coupled to first physical connections of the IC device, and configured to respond to communication signals received at the first physical connections; at least one serial communication second interface (I/F) circuit electrically coupled to second physical connections of the IC device, and configured to enable data transactions over the second physical connections; and a repeater circuit configured to bypass the first I/F circuit and enable serial communication signals to be transmitted from the first physical connections to the second physical connections. Systems including such an IC device and related methods are also disclosed.
US08943249B2
A system on chip (SoC) includes a first master, a slave, a bus switch transmitting a first command of the master and a first response of the slave, and a first priority controller connected between the first master and the bus switch The first priority controller measures at least one of first bandwidth and first latency based on the first command and the first response and adjusts the priority of the first command according to at least one of the measurement results.
US08943225B2
A centralized resource manager manages the routing of audio or visual information within a device, including a handheld device such as a smartphone. The resource manager evaluates data-driven policies to determine how to route audio or visual information to or from various input or output components connected to the device, including headphones, built-in speakers, microphones, bluetooth headsets, cameras, and so on. Among the data considered in the policies are connection status data, indicating if a device is connected, routing status data, indicating if a device is permitted to route information to or from a component, and grouping data, indicating logical relationships between various components. Components may be considered inherently routable, automatically routable, or optionally routable. Numerous other uses exist for such data, including providing simpler and more logical management interfaces.
US08943223B2
The invention provides an adaptive session compression management method and a compression manager in an application server, the compression management method comprising: acquiring the session state information indicated as needing to be saved from the session manager in the application server; determining whether to compress the session state information according the session state information itself and the configuration information related to the conditions of system resources; in case that the session state information needs to be compressed, determining the optimal compressor and the optimal compression method according to the conditions of the system resources in the application server, to compress the session state information; and storing the session state information at a specified location in the session manager, and in case that the session state information is compressed, storing the type information of a corresponding compressor together with the session state information. The invention determines appropriate time and appropriate method to compress the session state information, and can greatly enhance the performance and capability of the application server.
US08943222B1
A system, method, and computer readable medium for employing data obtained from an electronic network, such as the Internet, as an emulation of sensor data. A virtual sensor bridge mechanism may be interfaced to a data source, such as the Internet, to receive Web data or remote sensor data. The virtual sensor bridge may convert the received data into a format usable by a logic controller, thereby emulating sensor data and enabling the logic controller to treat the networked data source as a sensor. Furthermore, the virtual sensor bridge may interface directly with one or more sensors and may serve as an adapter or data relay between a sensor and the logic controller.
US08943220B2
Concepts and technologies are described herein for continuously deploying applications. In accordance with the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a first host environment executes an application. An upgrade for the application is released by creating a backup of the application and content used by the application and restoring the backup at a second host environment. The application hosted by the second host environment is upgraded, traffic is routed to the second host environment, and performance of the upgraded application is monitored. If errors are detected in the upgraded application, the upgrade can be rolled back, and traffic can be rerouted back to the first host environment. If the errors are not detected, traffic can be increasingly routed to the second host environment and the first host environment can be deactivated.
US08943210B2
Embodiments of the present invention allow a user to master the music played among a social network. Users of the social network subscribe to the master's session and synchronize their media player under control of the master. The master then distributes various selections of music and controls their playback. The master may also add other data, such as voice over or images, to accompany the playback.
US08943203B1
Described herein are systems and methods for storage and deployment of VMs in a virtual server environment. A VM deployment module executing on a server may produce VM container objects representing VMs, a VM container object comprising VM data describing a VM and vdisk configuration data. The VM deployment module may also later produce VMs on a server using the VM container objects. The VM deployment module may do so by producing a vdisk from a VM container object, the vdisk comprising the VM and vdisk configuration data. Rather than configuring the vdisk as typically done to make the vdisk useable to the server, the vdisk configuration data is used to make the vdisk useable and the VM data on the vdisk immediately accessible to the server. As such, the VM data may be immediately read to produce a VM on the server, thus providing rapid deployment of VMs.
US08943202B2
A network controller is enabled to control a network that is administered by a network administrator. The network controller provides the network administrator with an option to register an association with a social network from a plurality of available social networks. The network controller identifies a social network selected by the network administrator. The network controller receives, from the social network, a user identification associated with an account the network administrator in the first social network. The network controller receives from the network administrator configuration parameters for resources in the network. Based on the configuration parameters received from the network administrator, the network controller configures access to resources in the network.
US08943199B2
Calculating a checksum utilizing inactive networking components in a computing system, including: identifying, by a checksum distribution manager, an inactive networking component, wherein the inactive networking component includes a checksum calculation engine for computing a checksum; sending, to the inactive networking component by the checksum distribution manager, metadata describing a block of data to be transmitted by an active networking component; calculating, by the inactive networking component, a checksum for the block of data; transmitting, to the checksum distribution manager from the inactive networking component, the checksum for the block of data; and sending, by the active networking component, a data communications message that includes the block of data and the checksum for the block of data.
US08943193B2
A service model, integrated system, and method for enabling a service provider to deliver an integrated web hosting and content distribution service offering, which affords assured operational performance service levels, regardless of whether the customer's web site is served by the service provider's hosting center, the service provider's content distribution network (CDN), by a third party web host, or by a third party CDN. A monitoring system of the primary service provider receives detailed capacity and health statistics from any CDN under the operational control of the primary service provider, receives aggregate capacity and health statistics from other CDNs not under the operational control of the primary service provider. A redirection system then decides to which web host, content distribution network, or combination thereof, user requests for content are directed in order that operational performance service levels are maintained.
US08943189B2
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that detects, installs and launches applications on client machines. The disclosed system can include a component that receives a request to launch or install a client application. The component detects whether an application is present in a client machine by scrutinizing the received request and extracting an agent string associated with the client application. Based at least in part on the agent string, a server in receipt of the request can distribute a formatted document affiliated with the client application and thereafter initiate the application to execute on the client machine through MIME-type association.
US08943188B2
The invention relates to an automation network and to automation equipment, network components and field devices for an automation network of this type. The network components transmit messages concerning their status to the automation equipment by means of a communication mechanism that functions according to field communication automation technology. Said automation equipment receives the status messages, evaluates them, monitors the operation of the network and controls said operation using the status messages. As the automation equipment thus contains the complete picture of the process and the network, it can react directly and rapidly to problems of the network. This eliminates the need, for example, for an additional SNMP/OPC server or a network management station.
US08943182B2
A method and system for transferring an ongoing communication session from one application server (AS) to another is described. Multiple ASs are monitored and serviced by a Transfer Management Module (TMM). Each of the ASs serves a different network and each network includes various end devices. During an ongoing communication session, whether the session is to continue using the current AS is determined based on a set of rules. If the session is to be transferred, an alternative AS that provides the same application as the current AS is selected using a set of conditions. Upon selection of the alternative AS, the current AS transfers the control and/or media state of the ongoing session for one to all users through the TMM to the selected AS, and the session is continued.
US08943172B2
The disclosure relates to accessing computer resources by sensing audio with a microphone. One claim recites a system comprising: a software module comprising instructions for controlling a wireless device to: i) extract identifying data from microphone-captured audio by applying a hashing algorithm to the microphone-captured audio; ii) obtain device information for a class of devices associated with the wireless device; iii) control communication of the identifying data and the device information; and iv) control a user interface to facilitate access to a third party computer resource based on a service received by said software module in response to communication of the identifying data and the device information, in which the service is configured to facilitate access in response to audio prompting; and a network resource comprising a data registry, the data registry comprising a correlation between identifying data, device information and sponsored links, the network resource configured to provide the service to said software module including providing a sponsored link to the software module, the sponsored link being associated with the identifying data and the device information. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.
US08943170B2
A content delivery network (CDN) aggregation system is disclosed. A user requesting content from a content provider has his or her DNS request forwarded to a CDN selector. The CDN selector intelligently selects an optimal CDN from amongst a number of partner CDNs to provide the requested content.
US08943167B2
An IHS network includes a requesting mobile IHS that is moving relative to a land mass, and a provisioning mobile IHS that is moving relative to the land mass and the requesting mobile IHS. The provisioning mobile IHS has direct access to a network element that is not directly accessible by the requesting mobile IHS. The provisioning mobile IHS receives a request to access the network element from the requesting mobile IHS and provides access to the network element for the requesting mobile IHS. At least one assisting mobile IHS that is moving relative to the land mass, the requesting mobile IHS, and the provisioning mobile IHS and that does not have direct access to the network element may transmit the request from the requesting mobile IHS to the provisioning mobile IHS, and provide access to the network element for the requesting mobile IHS by the provisioning mobile IHS.
US08943155B2
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that improve the workflow process for resolving data elements, such as email addresses. These technologies and techniques allow the user to perform such tasks in the same context as the activity or message. In addition, user can start and stop the resolution process at any point in the process of composing the activity or email. The activity cannot be finalized, such as an email message being sent, until all of the data elements are resolved.
US08943154B1
Certain embodiments herein relate to modeling relationships between users, network elements, and events in an organization. Organizational information regarding users and network elements may be collected and analyzed to create a relationship graph relating users and network elements. The relationship graph may include nodes representing users and network elements and edges connecting pairs of users and/or network elements. The edges may be weighted based on a number of factors, such as operational dependencies, user preferences for receiving information associated with events, and a user's historical actions, which may determine whether a user may receive an event. A relationship graph as described herein may be leveraged to provide various uses, including generating a relationship subgraph that may allow users to identify the impact of events on other users and network elements in an organization.
US08943152B2
A device for transmitting a message for reception by another device, comprising: a processor for adding location information to the message, before transmission, wherein the location information identifies an area within which the message is to be hosted for reception by the other device; and a transmitter for transmitting the message, with the location information.
US08943145B1
A method to provide customer support including searching a social network server for a pre-determined customer support keyword in social network messages, to obtain information of a social network message sender where the pre-determined customer support keyword identifies a need of the sender for customer support, automatically sending a surrogate social network message to the sender including an offer to obtain customer support via a customer support link embedded in the surrogate social network message, and presenting customer support information to the sender in response to the sender activating the customer support link upon receiving the surrogate social network message and accepting the offer.
US08943142B1
Systems and methods for providing filters for collaborative spreadsheets include storing a spreadsheet on a server, where the spreadsheet comprises a plurality of sheets, granting a plurality of client computers concurrent access to the spreadsheet, and receiving from the plurality of client computers a plurality of filters to be applied to a first sheet in the plurality of sheets. The plurality of filters are stored on the server, and the plurality of filters is associated with the first sheet. The plurality of filters are provided to each client computer. When a user on a first client computer in the plurality of client computers applies a first filter in the plurality of filters to the first sheet, the display of the first sheet on a second client computer in the plurality of client computers is independent of the filter application on the first client computer.
US08943140B1
Methods, program products and systems to assign photographers on an event invite and automate requesting, uploading and sharing of the event's photos/videos are described here. The solution would allow to assign photographers for an event using the event's invite itself, indirectly triggering the auto-creation of a new photo/video album and allowing the photographer invitees to upload their photos/videos for the event, either real-time or manually at a later time. Thereafter, once an event is complete, the event's photo/video album would be either automatically or manually shared with the event's guests depending upon the preferences set by the event's owner.
US08943139B2
A different unique identification is assigned to each of a plurality of users for establishing conference sessions. A different dedicated virtual private session room is allocated to each of the plurality of users for use in multiple conference sessions. The different unique identification is assigned to the different dedicated virtual private session room for each user. Conferencing resources of a network over which conference sessions are provided are dynamically allocated to the conference sessions to obtain expected levels of service for the conference sessions, based on the users logging in to the conference sessions.
US08943127B2
Techniques, including systems and methods, for capturing data sets include performing a client-side two-phase commit to ensure one or more data consistency conditions. A logical volume may represent a data set that is distributed among a plurality of physical storage devices. One or more client devices are instructed to block at least acknowledgment of write operations. When the one or more client devices have blocked at least acknowledgment of write operations, one or more servers in communication with the physical storage devices are instructed to capture corresponding portions of the data set. When the servers have been instructed to capture corresponding portions of the data set, the client devices are instructed to resume at least acknowledgment of write operations.
US08943123B2
A server apparatus having a plurality of interfaces to each of which a network is connected, the server apparatus includes an application identification device for identifying an application program which is a source of a packet, on the basis of information in the packet, when the packet is sent to a network connected to any one of the plurality of interfaces, an interface designation device for designating one interface which is previously caused to correspond to an identified application program, among the plurality of interfaces, as a sending interface which is used in routing of the packet, and an routing device for sending the packet to a network connected to a designated interface.
US08943122B2
A system and method is provided for delivering content to a wireless device in a content delivery system. The system and method may: provide web services for publishing the content and exporting the content to a content server, the content being in a first format; convert the content from the first format to a second format compatible with the wireless device; and in response to a request for the content, deliver the content to the wireless device.
US08943120B2
Techniques are described for processing data. Embodiments receive streaming data to be processed by a plurality of processing elements. An operator graph of the plurality of processing elements is established. The operator graph defines at least one execution path and at least one of the processing elements of the operator graph is configured to receive data from at least one upstream processing element and transmit data to at least one downstream processing element. Additionally, a first processing element in the operator graph includes a barrier operator that joins the output of one or more upstream operators included on one or more of the plurality of processing elements. Embodiments initiate one or more timeout conditions at the barrier operator. Embodiments also determine, at the first processing element, that one or more timeout conditions have been satisfied before data has been received from each of the one or more upstream operators. Upon determining that the one or more timeout conditions have been satisfied, embodiments generate output data at the barrier operator without the data from at least one of the one or more upstream operators.
US08943115B1
A group of numbers from which the smallest and second-smallest are to be selected are compared in a cascaded tree. Each comparison stage will select the smallest number from two numbers output by the previous stage, into which four numbers are input. The second-smallest number is one of the other three inputs to the previous stage and, as before, all bits of the second-smallest number will not be known until the smallest number is determined. However, because at each stage of the determination, the next stage is reached because the bit values being examined are the same, those bit values of the second-smallest number (and indeed of the smallest number) are known ahead of the final determination of the smallest number. Accordingly, one can begin to output bits of the second-smallest number (as well as of the smallest number) even before that final determination.
US08943113B2
Methods, systems, and devices are described that provide for entry of hybrid mathematical and natural language statements in a mathematical notation friendly language and system for a rigorous yet practically tractable formal grammar to distill the essence of natural math notation. Hybrid statements mixing natural language and symbolic expressions including assertions, commands, queries, and/or deductions may be entered that are processed according to natural language processing. The statements, along with the math objects are evaluated, and one or more results output. Furthermore, systems may provide automatic construction of one or more solution narratives that can be beneficial to student users pedagogically.
US08943110B2
A method, apparatus and computer program product for managing data storage and access on a computing device. The computing device is associated with a storage system accessible via a first communication interface and a second communication interface. A unified file system interface facilitates interaction with the computing device and is operable to facilitate interaction with content of the storage system via either of the communication interfaces, as available. The unified file system interface is configured as a file system capable providing access to content of the storage system via alias file paths which are independent of whether the unified file system interface is operating in the first mode or the second mode.
US08943107B2
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for generating and using temporal metadata partitions. Metadata can be stored in temporal metadata partitions based upon a time range included in the metadata. Furthermore, metadata can be stored in multiple temporal metadata partitions to which the metadata is relevant. As such, metadata can be stored in manner that allows event data to be understood in the context of temporally accurate and/or relevant metadata. Functionality for executing queries of event data and providing results in view of metadata, as well as the merging of multiple temporal metadata partitions also are disclosed.
US08943106B2
Exemplary embodiments include a method for re-ordering and visualizing a matrix in the presence of a data hierarchy stored on a computer system, the method including receiving a matrix, in the computer system, the matrix having rows and columns, reordering the matrix so that groups of related rows and columns are brought in adjacent matrix positions, wherein reordering the matrix A obeys constraints imposed by the data hierarchy on at least one of the rows and the columns and reordering the hierarchy on at least one of the rows and columns, wherein affinities in the data hierarchy are extracted by the reordering of the data hierarchy.
US08943102B2
A system is monitored for event reports, which are delivered and stored in a first database (12). Data flood conditions are identified by monitoring this database (12) to identify event reports having predetermined characteristics whose occurrence exceeds a predetermined flood threshold value, such characteristics being stored in a second database (13). The data flood conditions are contained by retrieving the stored characteristics from the second database (13) and purging the first database (12) of event reports having those characteristics.
US08943098B2
A system, method, and computer program for generating a social timeline is provided. A plurality of data items associated with at least one relationship between users associated with a social network is received, each data item having an associated time. The data items are ordered according to the at least one relationship. A social timeline is generated according to the ordered data items.
US08943097B2
An information management apparatus includes: a memory storing main information to be stored to be identified by at least an identification code; a receiving unit receiving the identification code for identifying the main information and image information where character information for specifying a user of the main information is photographed; a specifying unit specifying the stored main information on the basis of the identification code and specifying the user on the basis of the character information, among the received image information; a character information photographing region determining unit determining which main character information photographing region the character information belongs to, among plural predetermined character information photographing regions; and an access right assigning unit assigning a predetermined type of access right to the user specified from the character information for each determined character information photographing region.
US08943092B2
Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of tools and techniques for performing contextual searches using text determined based on digital-ink data. According to one exemplary technique, digital-ink data is received at a computing device and text is determined based on the digital-ink data. Additionally, by an application of the computing device, a contextual search is performed using the text.
US08943090B2
Systems and approaches for searching a content collection corresponding to query content are provided. In particular, false positive match rates between the query content and the content collection may be reduced with a minimum content region test and/or a minimum features per scale test. For example, by correlating content descriptors of a content piece in the content collection with query descriptors of the query content, the content piece can be determined to match the query content when a particular region of the content piece and/or a particular region of a query descriptor have a proportionate size meeting or exceeding a specified minimum. Alternatively, or in addition, the false positive match rate between query content and a content piece can be reduced by comparing content descriptors and query descriptors of features at a plurality of scales. A content piece can be determined to match the query content according to descriptor proportion quotas for the plurality of scales.
US08943086B2
The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for allowing model-based backend services adaptations of business objects. One computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a generic interface associated with at least one backend application, a request for data from a particular backend application, identifying a service for execution associated with the received request based at least in part on the received request, identifying a configuration entry associated with the identified service in a configuration table, where the configuration entry defines a set of access-related information associated with at least one business object associated with the backend application, and requesting data from a business logic layer of the backend application based, at least in part, on the access-related information associated with the at least one business object.
US08943072B2
Methods and systems obtain manufacturer data from a device being evaluated. The manufacturer data includes a system description, a system object identification, and a device-type description. The system description includes a serial number having a format. The system object identification includes a standards manufacturer field established by a standards organization. The methods/systems evaluate the standards manufacturer field to identify the manufacturer, and rank multiple system object identifications based on the quantity of data within each system object identification. Additionally, the methods/systems match the format of the serial number to known manufacturer serial number formats. The foregoing allows the methods/systems to determine the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the evaluated device based on the manufacturer appearing in the data string, the rank for each system object identification, and the manufacturer appearing in the serial number format match.
US08943070B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to techniques for personalized tag recommendation for enterprise social bookmarking systems. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises computing at least one set of candidate tags for a document in accordance with at least one factor, and combining the at least one set of candidate tags from different factors into an overall recommendation list of candidate tags. At least one suggested tag from the overall recommendation list is returned as a result of the combination. At least one applied tag that is applied to the document by a user of a computer system is recorded, and the combination is adjusted based on the at least one applied tag.
US08943068B2
A method and system in a computer system for dynamically providing a graphical representation of a data store of entries via a matrix interface is disclosed. A dynamic graph system provides a matrix interface that exposes to an application program a graphical representation of data stored in a data store such as a semantic database storing triples. To the application program, the matrix interface represents the graph as a sparse adjacency matrix that is stored in compressed form. Each entry of the data store is considered to represent a link between nodes of the graph. Each entry has a first field and a second field identifying the nodes connected by the link and a third field with a value for the link that connects the identified nodes. The first, second, and third fields represent the rows, column, and elements of the adjacency matrix.
US08943067B1
An information retrieval system uses phrases to index, retrieve, organize and describe documents. Phrases are extracted from the document collection. Documents are the indexed according to their included phrases, using phrase posting lists. The phrase posting lists are stored in an cluster of index servers. The phrase posting lists can be tiered into groups, and sharded into partitions. Phrases in a query are identified based on possible phrasifications. A query schedule based on the phrases is created from the phrases, and then optimized to reduce query processing and communication costs. The execution of the query schedule is managed to further reduce or eliminate query processing operations at various ones of the index servers.
US08943065B2
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for managing catalog information that can include tracking and reporting search terms used for catalog items searches. According to one embodiment, a procurement application can maintain a log of unique search phrases which returned no search results. For example, the log can maintain records from a specific time period. A count can be maintained to capture how many times a phrase was used for search within the specific time period, and used to rank the frequency of the search phrases. Search phrases that exceed that time period may be purged. The accumulated counts and associated search terms can be provided to the managers periodically and/or upon request in the form of a summary or other graphical and/or textual report or presentation.
US08943064B2
An illustrative embodiment of a computer-implemented method for using organizational awareness in locating business intelligence receives an identity of an individual in an organizational hierarchy of users to form an identified individual and identifies people related to the identified individual in the organizational hierarchy of users using a people information database and relationship criteria to form related people. The computer-implemented method further identifies documents associated with the related people to form identified documents, inspects gathered information of the identified documents using a subset of relationship criteria to form inspected information and creates a list of suggested documents based at least on the inspected information.
US08943058B1
In a database system having processing units, a request is received to calculate aggregates of multiple combinations of a given set of columns. The processing units are divided into multiple groups, where each of the multiple groups includes a corresponding subset of the processing units. Within each of the groups, data of each processing unit in the group is replicated to other one or more processing units in the group. Within each of the groups, aggregates of at least some of the multiple combinations of the given set of columns are calculated by the processing units in the group using the replicated data.
US08943056B2
Methods and apparatus consistent with the invention provide the ability to organize and build understandings of machine data generated by a variety of information-processing environments. Machine data is a product of information-processing systems (e.g., activity logs, configuration files, messages, database records) and represents the evidence of particular events that have taken place and been recorded in raw data format. In one embodiment, machine data is turned into a machine data web by organizing machine data into events and then linking events together.
US08943055B2
A user interface including one or more references to content is customized. Several user profiles are provided from which a user may be associated. Each user profile includes user profile information. The user profile associated with a user to whom a user interface will be provided is accessed. A user interface is configured for the user, based at least in part upon the user profile accessed as being associated with the user. Access to content is enabled based on user manipulation of the configured user interface.
US08943053B2
Social networking services, such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Orkut, are changing our communication habits by introducing new tools that simplify and increase on-line interaction. The exemplary embodiments present methods for measuring the social strength among contacts on the basis of users' on-line interactions, which may be significantly used in real-time collaborative task management (e.g., inviting contacts for collaboration, selecting suitable tools for communication, prioritizing information flow). Moreover, exemplary embodiments provide a framework for developing new mobile social networking applications (social search client, smart dialer or contact applications) by extending the use of social ranking of contacts. Exemplary embodiments aggregate contact information from different communication sources and then harness the interaction patterns together with social strength between contacts, for instance by using communication history (interaction logs) and process mining techniques, to build an aggregated social graph that describes a user's communication habit.
US08943043B2
A “Community-Based Mobile Search Cache” provides various techniques for maximizing the number of query results served from a local “query cache”, thereby significantly limiting the need to connect to the Internet or cloud using 3G or other wireless links to service search queries. The query cache is constructed remotely and downloaded to mobile devices. Contents of the query cache are determined by mining popular queries from mobile search logs, either globally or based on queries of one or more groups or subgroups of users. In various embodiments, searching and browsing behaviors of individual users are evaluated to customize the query cache for particular users or user groups. The content of web pages related to popular queries may also be included in the query cache. This allows cached web pages to be displayed without first displaying cached search results when a corresponding search result has a sufficiently high click-through probability.
US08943040B1
A query to perform an ordered analytic function contains a clause specifying creation of dynamic partitions, where the clause contains a partitioning condition to specify the dynamic partitions. During processing of the query, dynamic partitions are identified based on evaluating the partitioning condition. To identify the dynamic partitions, a first table is created that contains a first column to track rows of an input table for indicating whether the partitioning condition evaluates to true. The first column of the first table is used to identify the dynamic partitions.
US08943034B2
The present description refers to a computer implemented method, computer program product, and computer system to store a node dependency network that includes a plurality of data nodes and one or more links between two or more data nodes, each link representing a data dependency between instances of the two or more data nodes, to forward a requested change to a first data node from a first change control component to a change control manager, identify, by the change control manager based upon the links within the node dependency network, one or more dependent data nodes that are dependent upon the first data node, and determine one or more dependent changes to be performed to one or more instances of the dependent data nodes to maintain consistency among instances of the data nodes.
US08943020B2
An apparatus may include a processor circuit and a media management module operative on the processor circuit to identify meta-data from one or more of a plurality of media files, and to allocate, based on the meta-data, one or more media files for a first media presentation on a first device and one or more different media files for a second media presentation on a second device different than the first device, at least a portion of the first and second media presentations to occur concurrently. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08943011B2
Embodiments are described for a method for processing graph data by executing a Markov Clustering algorithm (MCL) to find clusters of vertices of the graph data, organizing the graph data by column by calculating a probability percentage for each column of a similarity matrix of the graph data to produce column data, generating a probability matrix of states of the column data, performing an expansion of the probability matrix by computing a power of the matrix using a Map-Reduce model executed in a processor-based computing device; and organizing the probability matrix into a set of sub-matrices to find the least amount of data needed for the Map-Reduce model given that two lines of data in the matrix are required to compute a single value for the power of the matrix. One of at least two strategies may be used to computing the power of the matrix (matrix square, M2) based on simplicity of execution or improved memory usage.
US08943007B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to spike tagging for a neural network. One embodiment comprises a neural network including multiple electronic neurons and a plurality of weighted synaptic connections interconnecting the neurons. An originating neuron of the neural network generates a spike event and a message tag that includes information relating to said originating neuron. A neuron of the neural network receives a spike event and a message tag from an interconnected neuron. In response to one or more received spike events, a receiving neuron spikes and sends a message tag selected from received message tags to an interconnected neuron.
US08943000B2
A system may provide connectivity service in a multi-tenant network. A first node in the multi-tenant network can receive data packets, each of the data packets identifying one of a plurality of tenant devices. The first node can determine an Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with each of the data packets. The first node can determine a Virtual Local Area Network Identifier (VLAN ID) based on the IP address, the VLAN ID being a unique identifier of a respective one of the tenants. The first node can add the VLAN ID of a corresponding one of the tenants into a header of each of the data packets. The first node can transport the data packets to a second node in the multi-tenant network via a multi-tenant network tunnel protocol.
US08942995B1
A system and method for generating a mobile autonomous dynamic graphical user interface is described. An illustrative system comprises a location-capable component, a user preference module, a server, a means for generating a display menu, and a wireless formatting engine. The location-capable component determines a location for a wireless device. The user preference module includes a variety of user preferences. The server selects targeted content based on the user preferences and the location of the wireless device. The selected content includes at least one user selectable menu button. A display menu is generated that includes the user selectable button. The wireless formatting engine formats the display menu and selected content for the wireless device.
US08942993B2
In one aspect, this application describes a method for determining personal advertisements for display with personal content in an online social network. The method includes obtaining personal content for a first member of an online social network, and obtaining information that characterizes a personal advertisement that advertises a second member of the online social network. The method also includes comparing the personal content for the first member to the information that characterizes the personal advertisement to determine whether the personal advertisement is related to the personal content for the first member, without determining whether the first member is related to the second member in the online social network. The method also includes providing the personal advertisement for display with the document for the first member in response to determining that the information that characterizes the personal advertisement is related to the personal content for the first member.
