Document Document Title
US07939884B2 Semiconductor device
A trench semiconductor device is provided which ensures a reduced turn-on time. The semiconductor device (1) includes: a first epitaxial layer provided on a semiconductor substrate; a second epitaxial layer provided in contact with an upper surface of the first epitaxial layer and having a lower impurity concentration than the first epitaxial layer; a plurality of trenches provided in the second epitaxial layer as extending downward from an upper surface of the second epitaxial layer; a gate electrode embedded in each of the trenches; a source region extending downward from the upper surface of the second epitaxial layer along each of opposite side surfaces of the trench; a base region extending downward from a lower surface of the source region along each of the opposite side surfaces of the trench; and a base high concentration region provided adjacent the source region and the base region in spaced relation from the trench as extending downward from the upper surface of the second epitaxial layer to a greater depth than the base region, and having the same conductivity type as the base region and a higher impurity concentration than the base region.
US07939883B2 Voltage regulating apparatus having a reduced current consumption and settling time
There is disclosed a voltage regulating apparatus with a short settling time and a small current consumption. The voltage regulating apparatus comprises a reference voltage generator including an MOSFET array comprising a plurality of MOSFETs with a structure in which a drain and a source are connected in series with each other, a supply voltage is applied to the drain of the MOSFET located in an end of the MOSFET array and the source of the MOSFET located in another end is grounded, and the reference voltage is a voltage obtained by dividing by the plurality of MOSFETs of the MOSFET array at a predetermined ratio.
US07939877B2 DRAM unit cells, capacitors, methods of forming DRAM unit cells, and methods of forming capacitors
Some embodiments include methods of forming capacitors. A first capacitor storage node may be formed within a first opening in a first sacrificial material. A second sacrificial material may be formed over the first capacitor storage node and over the first sacrificial material, and a retaining structure may be formed over the second sacrificial material. A second opening may be formed through the retaining structure and the second sacrificial material, and a second capacitor storage node may be formed within the second opening and against the first storage node. The first and second sacrificial materials may be removed, and then capacitor dielectric material may be formed along the first and second storage nodes. Capacitor electrode material may then be formed along the capacitor dielectric material. Some embodiments include methods of forming DRAM unit cells, and some embodiments include DRAM unit cell constructions.
US07939870B2 Magnetoresistive device
A magnetoresistive device comprises a ferromagnetic region, a non-ferromagnetic region, an insulating region and a conductive region. The insulating region is arranged between the ferromagnetic region and the conductive region so as to provide a tunnel barrier. The non-ferromagnetic region separates the insulating region and the ferromagnetic region.
US07939864B1 Inductive bond-wire circuit
A bond wire circuit includes bond wires arranged relatively to provide a selected inductance. In connection with various example embodiments, respective bond wire loops including forward and return current paths are arranged orthogonally. Each loop includes a forward bond wire connecting an input terminal with an intermediate terminal, and a return bond wire connecting the intermediate terminal to an output terminal. The return bond wires generally mitigate return current flow from the intermediate terminal in an underlying substrate. In some implementations, the loops are arranged such that current flowing in each of the respective loops generates equal and self-cancelling current in the other of the respective loops.
US07939861B2 Non-volatile memory devices having floating-gates FETs with different source-gate and drain-gate border lengths
Non-volatile memory (NVM) devices are disclosed. In one aspect, a NVM device may include a substrate, and a field-effect transistor (FET). The FET may include a first doped region in the substrate and a second doped region in the substrate. The first and the second doped regions may define a channel region of the substrate between them. An insulating layer may overlie the channel region. A floating gate may overlie the insulating layer. Charge of an amount that encodes a value may be stored on the floating gate. The floating gate and the first and the second doped regions may be shaped such that the floating gate defines with the first doped region a first border of a first length, and the floating gate defines with the second doped region a second border of a second length that is less than 90% of the first length.
US07939859B2 Solid state imaging device and method for manufacturing the same
A solid state imaging device includes a transfer transistor for transferring signal charges generated by photoelectric conversion to a floating diffusion layer, a reset transistor for resetting a potential of the floating diffusion layer, and an amplifying transistor for outputting a signal corresponding to the potential of the floating diffusion layer. A low concentration impurity region having an impurity concentration lower than that of the first conductivity type semiconductor region is formed in part of a surface portion of the first conductivity type semiconductor region which is located below a gate electrode of the amplifying transistor and serves as a well region of the amplifying transistor.
US07939858B2 Semiconductor device with a transistor having different source and drain lengths
A cell includes a plurality of diffusion region pairs, each of the diffusion region pairs being formed by a first impurity diffusion region which is a constituent of a transistor and a second impurity diffusion region such that the first and second impurity diffusion regions are provided side-by-side in a gate length direction with a device isolation region interposed therebetween. In each of the diffusion region pairs, the first and second impurity diffusion regions have an equal length in the gate width direction and are provided at equal positions in the gate width direction, and a first isolation region portion, which is part of the device isolation region between the first and second impurity diffusion regions, has a constant separation length. In the diffusion region pairs, the first isolation region portions have an equal separation length.
US07939856B2 Area-efficient distributed device structure for integrated voltage regulators
An area efficient distributed device for integrated voltage regulators comprising at least one filler cell connected between a pair of PADS on I/O rail of a chip and at least one additional filler cell having small size replica of said device is coupled to said I/O rails for distributing replicas of said device on the periphery of said chip. The device is connected as small size replica on the lower portion of said second filler cell for distributing said device on the periphery of said chip and providing maximal area utilization.
US07939854B2 Semiconductor device with a bipolar transistor and method of manufacturing such a device
The invention relates to a semiconductor device with a substrate and a semiconductor body of silicon comprising a bipolar transistor with an emitter region, a base region and a collector region which are respectively of the N-type conductivity, the P-type conductivity and the N-type conductivity by the provision of suitable doping atoms, wherein the base region comprises a mixed crystal of silicon and germanium, the base region is separated from the emitter region by an intermediate region of silicon having a doping concentration which is lower than the doping concentration of the emitter region and with a thickness smaller than the thickness of the emitter region, and the emitter region comprises a sub-region comprising a mixed crystal of silicon and germanium which is positioned at the side of emitter region remote from the intermediate region.
US07939851B2 Electronic device with an amplifier output stage and an over-current detection means
An electronic device with an amplifier output stage (OS) and an over-current detection means (OCDM) for detecting an output over-current (IHS, ILS) of the output stage (OS) is provided. The over-current detection means (OCDM) comprises a level detection means (LDM) for detecting a level of the output current (IO) exceeding a first level of the output current (IDET), and a timing detection means (TDM) for detecting a duration during which the output current (IO) exceeds the first current level (IDET) being a maximum current level.
US07939847B2 Quasi-vertical light emitting diode
A quasi-vertical light emitting device is provided. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the quasi-vertical light emitting diode includes a sapphire substrate; a plurality of semiconductor layers grown on the sapphire substrate, the plurality of semiconductor layers including an n-GaN layer, an active layer, and a p-GaN layer; a plurality of holes etched in the plurality of semiconductor layers, each of the plurality of holes etched to the sapphire substrate, and a plurality of sapphire holes in the sapphire substrate, each of the plurality of holes aligned with one of the plurality of sapphire holes to form hole walls, the hole walls and bottom deposited with an n-metal and each of the plurality of holes filled with another metal to form a n-electrode contact; an n-mesa in the active layer and the p-GaN layer, the n-mesa deposited with an n-metal and a passivation layer grown over the n-metal; and a p-metal layer deposited on the p-GaN layer, and a p-electrode bonded to the p-metal.
US07939839B2 Series connected segmented LED
A light source and method for making the same are disclosed. The light source includes a substrate, and a light emitting structure that is divided into segments. The light emitting structure includes a first layer of semiconductor material of a first conductivity type deposited on the substrate, an active layer overlying the first layer, and a second layer of semiconductor material of an opposite conductivity type from the first conductivity type overlying the active layer. A barrier divides the light emitting structure into first and second segments that are electrically isolated from one another. A serial connection electrode connects the first layer in the first segment to the second layer in the second segment. A power contact is electrically connected to the second layer in the first segment, and a second power contact electrically connected to the first layer in the second segment.
US07939838B2 Semiconductor light emitting device with transparent substrate and reflective slope
A semiconductor light emitting device includes a semiconductor layer having a recess extending downwardly from a top surface thereof along a pattern of a closed line so that said recess defines and encloses a region of the semiconductor layer that emits light, said semiconductor layer having a downward slope in at least a portion of its side end face located outside the closed line pattern of said recess; a first electrode on said downward slope of the side end face of the semiconductor layer and electrically in contact with a portion of said semiconductor layer, wherein said first electrode downwardly reflects light that is emitted by said semiconductor layer and that reaches the first electrode; and a second electrode electrically in contact with a portion of said semiconductor layer located inside the closed line pattern of said recess.
US07939837B2 LED luminaire
A modular light emitting diode (LED) mounting configuration is provided including a light source module having a plurality of pre-packaged LEDs arranged in a serial array. The module is connected to a heat dissipating plate configured to mount to an electrical junction box. Thus, heat from the LEDs is conducted to the heat dissipating plate and to the junction box. A sensor is configured to detect environmental parameters and a driver is configured to illuminate the LEDs in response to the environmental parameters, thereby selectively configuring the LEDs to function in a wide variety of useful applications.
US07939832B2 Light emitting diode for harsh environments
A light emitting diode for harsh environments includes a substantially transparent substrate, a semiconductor layer deposited on a bottom surface of the substrate, several bonding pads, coupled to the semiconductor layer, formed on the bottom surface of the substrate, and a micro post, formed on each bonding pad, for electrically connecting the light emitting diode to a printed circuit board. An underfill layer may be provided between the bottom surface of the substrate and the top surface of the printed circuit board, to reduce water infiltration under the light emitting diode substrate. Additionally, a diffuser may be mounted to a top surface of the light emitting diode substrate to diffuse the light emitted through the top surface.
US07939830B2 Display device
An object of the present invention is to provide a display device where a semiconductor layer pattern formed between a pair of electrodes can be formed to a predetermined size, even in the case where the distance between the electrodes on top of a semiconductor layer pattern is relatively large in elements formed in accordance with a photoresist reflow technology. The present invention provides a display device where elements are formed on an insulating substrate, characterized in that the above described elements comprise: a semiconductor layer pattern formed on a main surface of the above described insulating substrate or an insulating film layer formed on the main surface; and a number of electrodes provided in parallel at a distance from each other on the above described semiconductor layer pattern, the above described number of electrodes are a first electrode, a second electrode and dummy electrodes located between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the above described number of electrodes are patterned so that a protrusion is formed, in which the above described electrodes are aligned at on least one end side of at least one of the facing sides.
US07939829B2 Semiconductor device and display device
A semiconductor device can easily reduce a leak current which flows when a reversely-staggered-type TFT element in which an active layer is made of polycrystalline semiconductor is turned off. The semiconductor device includes a reversely-staggered-type TFT element in which a semiconductor layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode are arranged on a surface of an insulation film, and a portion of the source electrode and a portion of the drain electrode respectively get over the semiconductor layer. The active layer of the semiconductor layer is mainly made of polycrystalline semiconductor constituted of strip-shaped crystals elongated in the channel length direction of the TFT element, and is configured in a plan view such that the source electrode and the drain electrode are respectively pulled out from positions above the active layer in the channel width direction of the TFT element and in the directions opposite to each other, and the source electrode intersects with only one side out of two sides of the active layer which extend in the channel length direction, and the drain electrode intersects with only another side out of two sides of the active layer which extend in the channel length direction.
US07939818B2 Diketopyrrolopyrrole polymers
The present invention relates to polymers comprising a repeating unit of the formula (I) their use in electronic devices. The polymers according to the invention have excellent solubility in organic solvents and excellent film-forming properties. In addition, high charge carrier mobilities and high temperature stability of the emission color are observed, if the polymers according to the invention are used in polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs).
US07939815B2 Forming a carbon passivated ovonic threshold switch
By making an ovonic threshold switch using a carbon interfacial layer having a thickness of less than or equal to ten percent of the thickness of the associated electrode, cycle endurance may be improved. In some embodiments, a glue layer may be used between the carbon and the chalcogenide of the ovonic threshold switch. The glue layer may be effective to improve adherence between carbon and chalcogenide.
US07939811B2 Microscale fluid transport using optically controlled marangoni effect
Low energy light illumination and either a doped semiconductor surface or a surface-plasmon supporting surface are used in combination for manipulating a fluid on the surface in the absence of any applied electric fields or flow channels. Precise control of fluid flow is achieved by applying focused or tightly collimated low energy light to the surface-fluid interface. In the first embodiment, with an appropriate dopant level in the semiconductor substrate, optically excited charge carriers are made to move to the surface when illuminated. In a second embodiment, with a thin-film noble metal surface on a dispersive substrate, optically excited surface plasmons are created for fluid manipulation. This electrode-less optical control of the Marangoni effect provides re-configurable manipulations of fluid flow, thereby paving the way for reprogrammable microfluidic devices.
US07939808B1 Cesium and lithium-containing quaternary compound scintillators
The present invention relates to quaternary compound scintillators and related devices and methods. The scintillators may include, for example, a mixed halide scintillator composition including at least two different CsLiLa halide compounds and a dopant. Related detection devices and methods are further included.
US07939790B1 Method and apparatus for controlling the gain of an avalanche photodiode with fluctuations in temperature
A method and apparatus is provided for biasing an avalanche photodiodes (APD). The method includes developing a first output signal s(v1) from the APD when biased with a first bias voltage v1 and developing a second output signal s(v2) from the APD when biased with a second bias voltage v2, wherein s(v)=PRZM(v), (P) is an light power illuminating the APD, R is a responsivity of the APD, M(v) is an APD avalanche gain and Z is a trans-impedance amplifier gain (Z). The method continues by acquiring a ratio r=s(v1)/s(v2)=PRZM(v1)/[PRZM(v2)]=M(v1)/M(v2) and invoking a feedback control method to bias the APD using the ratio r.
US07939787B2 Apparatus with moderating material for microwave heat treatment of manufactured components
An apparatus for heat treating manufactured components using microwave energy and microwave susceptor material. Heat treating medium such as eutectic salts may be employed. A fluidized bed introduces process gases which may include carburizing or nitriding gases The process may be operated in a batch mode or continuous process mode. A microwave heating probe may be used to restart a frozen eutectic salt bath.
US07939784B2 Electrostatic chuck support assembly
A method of tuning the thermal conductivity of an electrostatic chuck (ESC) support assembly comprises measuring the temperature at a plurality of sites on a support assembly surface in which each site is associated with a given cell, determining from the measurements any fractional reduction in area suggested for each cell, and removing material from the support assembly surface within each cell in accordance with the suggested fractional reduction in order to decrease thermal conductivity in that cell. The material removal can result in an improvement to the equilibrium temperature uniformity of the electrostatic chuck support assembly at the chuck surface of an electrostatic chuck bonded to the support assembly surface, or can result in an equilibrium temperature profile of the ESC support assembly which approaches or achieves a target equilibrium temperature profile. Thermal conductivity tuning can thus take place by a method comprising defining a cell structure, determining the target areal density of each cell and removing a fractional area of material to achieve the target areal density for that cell. Material removal can be effected by drilling, routing, laser machining or grit blast machining on an X-Y table.
US07939781B2 Method for modifying the topography of coated sheet metal using a laser beam and coated sheet metal with a topographical modification of this type
In many cases, the coating material of coated sheet metal has a significantly lower boiling point than the sheet metal material. Thus, an explosive vaporization of coating material can occur when sheet metal of this type is joined by welding, negatively affecting the quality of the connection. To improve the connection quality, narrow gaps are created by means of spacers, allowing the vaporized coating material to escape through said gaps. The spacers are created e.g. by the laser radiation of the sheet metal. The aim of the invention is to reduce the variations in distance between the sheet metal sheets by the appropriate shaping of the spacers. This is achieved by a method, in which the laser beam executes a movement comprising transverse and longitudinal components through and/or around the center of its processing surface. This creates a topographical modification with a spherical form, i.e. with an apex radius that is greater than the height of said topographical modification.
US07939777B2 Vacuum interrupter chamber
The disclosure relates to a vacuum interrupter chamber having an insulating ceramic wall, within which contact pieces which move in a vacuum are arranged and are surrounded by a screen between the contact piece and the interrupter chamber wall. In order in this case to improve on the one hand the erosion resistance of the screen and on the other hand the dielectric strength of the arrangement, the disclosure proposes that coatings composed of high-melting-point material or composed of refractory metals be fitted at least partially in the area of the screen or other components within the vacuum interrupter chamber.
US07939774B2 Tunable keys for a control device
A control device for use on a working surface includes a bottom housing configured to be placed on the working surface; a top housing coupled with the bottom housing, the top housing including at least one key; an actuator disposed between the bottom housing and the top housing and coupled with the key; a switch disposed between the bottom housing and the top housing, wherein the switch is activated via application of an actuation force to the key; and an adjustment means configured to enable a user to adjust the actuation force required to activate the key.
US07939768B2 Crystal unit
A crystal unit includes a unit base in which a metal flange is welded to an outer circumference of a base main body, a crystal element held by supporters on the unit base, and a metal cover that is jointed to the metal flange to cover and hermetically encapsulate the crystal element. The base main body is formed of ceramic. A first metal film, to which the metal flange is joined, is formed on a surface of the outer circumference of the base main body. At least two places of the main body, second metal films are formed on an inner bottom face of the main body, and third metal films are formed on an outer bottom face of the main body. The second metal films and the third metal films are electrically connected to one another through via holes. The supporters are joined to the second metal films.
US07939762B2 Feedthru assembly
A feedthru assembly configured to provide a conductive path extending between an interior of an enclosure and an exterior of the enclosure includes a flange, at least one conductive pin, and at least one insulative member. The flange is configured to couple to the enclosure and has one or more holes therein. The at least one conductive pin includes a hollow lumen extending therethrough and is configured to extend through the at least one or more holes of the flange such that a proximal end of the at least one pin is in communication with the interior of the enclosure and a distal end of the at least one pin is in communication with the exterior of the enclosure. The at least one insulative member is configured to prevent the at least one pin from making physical contact with the flange.
US07939761B2 Method and device for manufacturing an assembly of two ringed sheaths that can be detached from one another to make a single ringed sheath
Method for manufacturing an assembly of two ringed sheaths (1,2) ready to be used to make a single ringed sheath around for example a bundle of electric cables (13), wherein two smooth-walled tubes are simultaneously extruded using a single extruder fitted with two extrusion nozzles, the two smooth-walled tubes are simultaneously molded into two ringed wall tubes using a molder equipped with molds each fitted with two ringed profiles extending in parallel in a longitudinal direction and being paired along one and the same parting line. According to the invention, during molding, material bridges (33) and empty spaces (35) are created between first tube rings (41) and second tube rings (42), by opening or closing respectively, between the two ringed profiles, material runs formed in the parting line of two paired molds, a longitudinal strip (28) of ringed tube wall is cut out and removed, using cutting means and the two ringed tubes connected to each other by the material bridges (33) formed between the rings are cut to a desired length, using severing means.
US07939760B2 Harness protector structure for link
A harness protector structure for a link is provided, by which the durability of a bent part of a wiring harness is improved and interference with the outside is prevented when the wiring harness is rotated and bent by using a link. The harness protector structure includes: a support part; a link rotatably connected to the support part; a protector provided on the link; and a bulging part having a wide opening opened at one end-side of a body part of the protector, wherein a wiring harness is arranged from the support part into the protector, wherein when the link is rotated, a following part of the wiring harness, which follows a bent part of the wiring harness, passes through the bulging part from the opening, and the wiring harness is guided to the outside from the body part while a slack of the wiring harness is absorbed.
US07939755B1 Electrical outlet box assembly
A electrical outlet box assembly includes a first housing and a second housing. Each of the first and second housings has a size to receive an electrical outlet. The first and second housings each include a rear wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends forward of the perimeter wall. The perimeter walls of the first and second housings each have a front edge defining an opening for receiving an electrical outlet. The perimeter walls of the first and second housings are attached together and the openings of the first and second housings face in opposite directions with respect to each other.
US07939751B2 Land electrode
A return path between a first HVDC station and a second HVDC station. A first electrode is connected to the first station and a second electrode is connected to the second station. The return path includes a first part including a first low resistive zone through the crust of the earth in which the first electrode is embedded. A second part includes the earth mantle. A third part includes a second low resistive zone through the crust of the earth in which the second electrode is embedded.
US07939748B2 Photoelectric conversion element
A photoelectric conversion element includes: a first electrode having a porous oxide semiconductor layer which supports a sensitizing dye on a surface thereof and functioning as a photo electrode; a second electrode disposed so as to oppose the first electrode; an electrolyte disposed in at least a part of a space between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a sump portion for the electrolyte disposed in at least a part of the space between the first electrode and the second electrode. According to the present invention, air bubbles can be exhausted effectively from power generating area, so that a photoelectric conversion element possessing an improved power generation property and a long-term durability can be provided.
US07939719B2 Spinach line SSB66-1092M
The invention provides seed and plants of the spinach line designated SSB66-1092M. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of spinach line SSB66-1092M, and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing a plant of spinach line SSB66-1092M with itself or with another spinach plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of spinach line SSB66-1092M, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US07939715B2 Plants with improved yield and stress tolerance
Polynucleotides incorporated into expression vectors have been introduced into plants and were ectopically expressed. The encoded polypeptides of the invention have been shown to confer at least one regulatory activity and confer greater size, greater organ size, greater biomass, greater yield, curlier leaves, darker coloration, greater tolerance to water deprivation, delayed flowering, delayed development, delayed senescence, greater tolerance to cold, and/or greater tolerance to hyperosmotic stress as compared to a control plant.
US07939711B2 Abiotic stress tolerance conferred by J-domain containing proteins
The invention describes a method of enhancing the expression of nucleotide sequences encoding proteins that comprise at least a DnaJ-type J-domain, in particular GmDNJ1, in plants or plant cells. Overexpression of the proteins protects plants or plant cells from salinity, osmotic, or dehydration stress.
US07939705B2 System and method for treating asbestos
A method, apparatus, and system to apply a mineralizing agent to an asbestos containing material (ACM) after the ACM is reduced in size, particularly by spraying or injecting the mineralizing agent to a shredded ACM, is provided. The mineralizing agent may include a solution of alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal silicate, alkali metal borate, alkaline earth borate, or mixtures thereof, which may be heated and mixed and is then delivered to the reduced size or shredded ACM using a piping system that injects the mineralizing agent downstream of an ACM shredding unit. The ACM treated with the mineralizing agent may be heated in a mineralizing furnace to convert the ACM to an essentially asbestos-free mineral. After removal from the mineralizing furnace, the mineralized material is moved to an atmosphere controlled environment where it is cooled gradually for further mineralization.
US07939701B2 Aromatic isomerization catalyst and a process of use thereof
One exemplary embodiment can be an ion-exchanged xylene isomerization catalyst. The ion-exchanged xylene isomerization catalyst can include: about 1-about 99%, by weight, of at least one of MFI, MEL, EUO, FER, MFS, MTT, MTW, TON, MOR, and FAU zeolite; about 1-about 99%, by weight, of a binder having an aluminum phosphate; and no more than about 350 ppm, by weight, of a noble metal based on the weight of the catalyst. Generally, the catalyst has a quotient of (CO area)/(weight % of the noble metal) of no more than about 0.10.
US07939697B2 Fluorinating agent and method for producing fluorine-containing compound using the same
A method for producing a fluorine-containing organic compound represented by the formula (7): R—Fm  (7) wherein R represents a substituted or unsubstituted saturated hydrocarbon group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group and m represents an integer satisfying the inequality: 1≦m≦n, which comprises reacting a fluorinating agent represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 and R3 are the same or different, and represent an optionally substituted alkyl group, R2, R4 and R5 are the same or different, and represent a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group, x satisfies 0
US07939692B2 Catalyst and process for producing ketone using the same
There are disclosed a method for producing a ketone compound, which comprises reacting an olefin compound with molecular oxygen and water in the presence of an effective amount of proton and a catalyst containing i) a chlorine-free palladium source, ii) a heteropoly acid or an acid salt of a heteropoly acid, and iii) a mesoporous silicate, and catalysts for the process.
US07939688B2 Process for preparing nitriles by elimination reactions
Process for preparing nitriles by reacting N-alkylcarboxamides (RCO—NHR1) or ammonium salts of carboxylic acids (RCOO—NH3R1+) or carboxylic acids in the presence of alkylamines or ammonium salts (RCOOH+NH2R1, RCOOH+NH3R1+), respectively, R being an arbitrarily substituted linear or branched C1-C12-alkyl radical, a C3-C12 cycloalkyl radical or an alkenyl, alkynyl or aryl or heteroaryl radical and R1 being an arbitrary substituted, linear or branched C2-C1 alkyl radical, a C3-C12 cycloalkyl radical or an alkenyl or alkynyl radical, with phosphonic anhydrides in the presence of an optional base in an organic solvent at a temperature in the range from −30 to 180° C. In advantageous embodiments, the phosphonic anhydride is a 2,4,6-substituted 1,3,5,2,4,6-trioxatriphosphinane 2,4,6-trioxide of the formula (I)
US07939680B2 Process for the preparation of Escitalopram
The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of Escitalopram of the Formula (I), which comprises, isolation of Diol compound as an oxalate salt, resolution of Diol compound and cyclization of resolved compound of Formula (VII). The present invention provides a process to obtain pure Diol compound by preparing its Oxalate salt, which is useful for resolution of enantiomers.
US07939675B2 Process for forming amorphous atorvastatin
A process for forming amorphous atorvastatin comprising the steps of dissolving atorvastatin in a non-hydroxylic solvent and removing the solvent by freeze-drying, as well as processes of dissolving atorvastatin in a hydroxylic solvent with a solubilizing agent or an alkalizing agent or an antioxidant and removing the solvent by freeze-drying to afford amorphous atorvastatin.
US07939662B2 Amorphous ziprasidone hydrochloride (5-[2-[4-(1,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-6-chloro-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one hydrochloride) and processes to produce the same
The present invention relates to a new and useful amorphous form of ziprasidone hydrochloride (5-[2-[4-(1,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-6-chloro-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one hydrochloride) and preparations thereof.
US07939657B2 N-substituted benzene sulfonamides
Disclosed are N-substituted benzenesulfonamides for use in treating or preventing cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease. In Formula (I), R1, R2, R3, R4, R3′, R10 and R11 are as described herein. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I) as well as methods of treating cognitive disorders using compounds of Formula (I).
US07939655B2 Process for preparing a sterile high molecular weight hyaluronic acid formulation
A process for preparing a sterile ready-to-use aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprises a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid salt (HA) at a specified concentration, comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous formulation comprising high molecular weight HA at a concentration of less than the specified final concentration; passing said aqueous formulation through a filter having a pore sizeless than 0.45 pm; concentrating said aqueous formulation by applying a vacuum and boiling off water until said specified concentration is reached.
US07939648B2 Dnazymes and sensors incorporating the same
An arsenic ion active DNAzyme includes a nucleotide sequence, which has a base sequence selected from ATCTCCTCCTGTTC (SEQ ID NO: 62), ATCTGCTCCTGTTC (SEQ ID NO: 63), ATCTCCTCATGTTC (SEQ ID NO: 64), ATCTCCTCTTGTTC (SEQ ID NO: 65), ATCTCCAACCTGTTC (SEQ ID NO: 66), and CCGTAGCGCAAAT (SEQ ID NO: 67). A mercury ion active DNAzyme includes a nucleotide sequence, which has a base sequence selected from AATTCCGTAGGTCCAGTG (SEQ ID NO: 68), AATTCCGTCGGTCCAGTG (SEQ ID NO: 69), AATTCCGCCGGTCCAGTG (SEQ ID NO: 70), GGTTCCGAGTCTCGCGTG (SEQ ID NO: 71), and CGTTCAAAAGGGGCACTG (SEQ ID NO: 72). Sensors incorporating the respective DNAzymes are also disclosed.
US07939645B2 Reaction buffer composition for nucleic acid replication with packed DNA polymerases
The invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for nucleic acid replication, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and mutagenesis reactions. A buffer composition is provided which allows higher concentrations of DNA polymerase to be used, resulting in greater yield of amplified product and faster reaction kinetics.
US07939644B2 Cyanoborate, fluoroalkylphosphate, fluoroalkylborate or imide dyes
The present invention relates to dyes of the general formula CAT+ Y− (I), where Y− is an anion selected from the group of the cyanoborates, fluoroalkylphosphates, fluoroalkylborates or imidates and CAT+ is a cation selected from the group of the azine, xanthene, polymethine, styryl, azo, tetrazolium, pyrylium, benzopyrylium, thiopyrylium, benzothiopyrylium, thiazine, oxazine, triarylmethane, diarylmethane, methine, acridine, quinoline, isoquinoline or quaternary azafluorenone dyes, for colouring plastics and plastic fibres, for the preparation of flexographic printing inks, as ball-point pen pastes, as stamp ink, for colouring leather and paper, for use in data acquisition systems, reprography, in ink microfilters, in photogalvanics, laser technology and the photo industry.
US07939642B2 Antibody and uses thereof
Described are specific binding members e.g. antibodies which may be used in the treatment of diseases associated with cathepsin S activity. The specific binding members binds cathepsin S and inhibits its proteolytic activity. The binding members may be used in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune disorders, and other diseases associated with excessive, deregulated or inappropriate angiogenesis.
US07939640B2 Antibodies that bind B7L-1
The invention is directed to B7L-1 as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the B7L-1, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding B7L-1 and processes for preparing B7L-1 polypeptides.
US07939630B2 Conjugated biological molecules and their preparation
Novel biologically active compounds of the general formula (I) in which one of X and X′ represents a polymer, and the other represents a hydrogen atom; each Q independently represents a linking group; W represents an electron-withdrawing moiety or a moiety preparable by reduction of an electron-withdrawing moiety; or, if X′ represents a polymer, X-Q-W— together may represent an electron withdrawing group; and in addition, if X represents a polymer, X′ and electron withdrawing group W together with the interjacent atoms may form a ring; each of Z1 and Z2 independently represents a group derived from a biological molecule, each of which is linked to A and B via a nucleophilic moiety; or Z1 and Z2 together represent a single group derived from a biological molecule which is linked to A and B via two nucleophilic moieties; A is a C1-5 alkylene or alkenylene chain; and B is a bond or a C1-4 alkylene or alkenylene chain; are formed by conjugating a suitable polymer to a suitable biologically active molecule via nucleophilic groups in said molecule, preferably via a disulphide bridge.
US07939618B2 Process for the continuous preparation of organopolysiloxanes having aminoalkyl groups
Organopolysiloxanes having aminoalkyl groups are prepared by (i) reacting (A) linear, cyclic or branched organopolysiloxanes with (B) aminoalkylsilanes which have an SiC-bonded, basic nitrogen-containing hydrocarbon radical and 2 or 3 hydrolyzable groups, or the partial or complete hydrolysis products thereof, optionally in the presence of (C) basic catalysts and/or (D) chain-terminating reagents, and (ii) optionally, after the reaction (i) neutralizing the optionally used basic catalysts (c), with the proviso that compounds (A), (B) and, when used, (D) are reacted continuously in a reaction space whose ratio of length to diameter is equal to or greater than four.
US07939613B2 Fluorescent water-soluble conjugated polyene compounds that exhibit aggregation induced emission and methods of making and using same
The presently described subject matter is directed to water-soluble conjugated polyene compounds that exhibit aggregation induced emission, as well as to water dispersible, fluorescent, polymeric microparticles and/or nanoparticles comprising the water-soluble conjugated polyene compounds. Also provided are methods of making and using the compounds and particles. The described conjugated polyene compounds are useful as bioprobes for the detection biomacromolecules, as well as in the manufacture of sensors.
US07939598B2 Polyisocyanate mixtures comprising cycloaliphatic structural elements
The present invention relates to innovative polyisocyanate mixtures comprising cycloaliphatic structural elements and containing exclusively linear-aliphatically attached free isocyanate groups, to a process for preparing them and to their use as a starting component in the production of polyurethane plastics, more particularly as a crosslinker component in polyurethane coating materials and coatings.
US07939595B2 Method for reducing cure shrinkage of a thermoset resin
A method for reducing cure shrinkage of a thermoset resin includes forming a plurality of surface modified nanofibers. The surface modified nanofibers are formed by soaking nanofibers in an oxidizing acidic solvent. An oxidizing agent is added to the soaking nanofibers, thereby generating heat sufficient for at least one of in-situ oxidation and in-situ exfoliation of a subsurface of each of the nanofibers. Excess oxidizing agent and acidic solvent are removed from the nanofibers, which are then dried. The dried nanofibers have reduced surface hydrophobicity. The surface modified nanofibers are substantially uniformly dispersed into the thermoset resin. The surface modified nanofibers are adapted to reduce cure shrinkage of the thermoset resin during subsequent curing processes.
US07939594B2 Compositions that contain microgels and thickening agents
The invention provides a composition that contains at least one specific non-crosslinkable organic medium at least one microgel and at least one thickening agent, a process for the preparation thereof and uses of the compositions.
US07939584B2 Bi-or multi-modal particle size distribution to improve drag reduction polymer dissolution
Drag reduction of hydrocarbon fluids flowing through pipelines of various lengths is improved by polyolefin drag reducer dispersions or dispersions using bi- or multi-modal particle size distributions. Drag reducers having larger particle sizes dissolve more slowly than drag reducers having smaller particle sizes. By using at least bi-modal particle size distributions drag reduction can be distributed more uniformly over the length of the pipeline where smaller sized particles dissolve sooner or earlier in the pipeline and larger sized particles dissolve later or further along the pipeline.
US07939580B2 Dental composition containing epoxy functional polymerizable compounds
The present invention relates to dental compositions comprising a halogenated epoxy functional ether derivative comprising at least one aryl alkyl ether moiety, at least one halogen atom attached to each aryl residue of the aryl alkyl ether moieties, at least two aliphatic epoxy moieties, no glycidyl ether structure, an initiator, optionally filler and optionally additive components selected from the group of modifiers, dyes, pigments, thixotropic agents, flow improvers, polymeric thickeners, surfactants, odorous substances, diluting agent(s) and flavorings.
US07939576B2 Antireflection film, process of producing the same, and polarizing plate and display device including the same
An antireflection film comprising a transparent support, a hard coat layer and a low refractive index layer, wherein the low refractive index layer is formed with a composition containing a binder polymer, a polymerization initiator and an ethylenically unsaturated group-containing hardenable compound.
US07939575B2 Methods for making dental restorations using two-phase light-curing materials
Methods for making dental crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, fillings, and other restorations are provided. The methods involve using a two-phase light curing (TPLC) material. Preferably, the TPLC material used to form the dental restoration comprises a blend of polymerizable compounds; photopolymerization systems (a) and (b), and particulate filler materials (a) and (b). In a first light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of greater than 420 nm is used to activate system (a). In a second light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of less than 420 nm is used to activate system (b). The two step light-curing method is efficient and allows the dentist to make restorations having high mechanical strength and pleasing aesthetics.
US07939571B2 Process for the conversion of synthesis gas to oxygenate
Process for the conversion of carbon oxide(s) and hydrogen-containing feedstocks to C2-oxygenates in the presence of a particulate catalyst, by reacting carbon oxide(s) and hydrogen in the presence of a particulate rhodium-based catalyst in a conversion reactor to form C2-oxygenates. A saturated monocarboxylic acid having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and/or an ester of a saturated monocarboxylic acid having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms with a monohydiic aliphatic paraffinic alcohol having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms are separated from the ethanol and acetaldehyde produced in the conversion reactor and is/are sent back to the conversion reactor.
US07939569B1 Aniline analogs as glycogen synthase activators
Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of metabolic diseases and disorders such as, for example, type II diabetes mellitus.
US07939567B2 Dextromethorphan-based method for treating acne
The present invention relates to a method for providing bactericide or bacteriostatic, especially for treating disease due to bacterial infection. The method comprising administering a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of dextromethorphan or naloxone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or an analog thereof. The compound is applied to skin or mucosal surface of the patient. The invention also relates to a method of treating inflammation caused by suppressing secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, or MCP-1 from macrophage comprising administering a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of NADPH oxidase inhibitor.
US07939561B2 Blister packaging for acute pain regimens
Provided are rapidly bioavailable solid oral dosage forms of acute pain medications, and moisture resistant packaging that enables the formulation of such rapidly bioavailable tablet dosage forms. Also provided is packaging that discourages the use of rapidly bioavailable acute pain medications for off-label chronic pain treatment, and that allows such dosage forms to be manufactured and stored for prolonged periods of time.
US07939554B2 Protein phosphatase inhibitors
A method of inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase in a subject includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one benzo-1,4-quinone, phenyl isothiazolone, or analog thereof to the subject.
US07939546B2 Quinoline derivatives for modulating DNA methylation
Quinoline derivatives, particularly 4-(4-(4-(quinolin-4-ylamino)benzamido)phenylthio)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid; 3-(4-(4-(quinolin-4-ylamino)benzamido)phenylthio)pyrrolidine; N-(4-(piperidin-4-ylthio)phenyl)-4-(quinolin-4-ylamino)-benzamide; and N-(4-(piperidin-3-ylthio)phenyl)-4-(quinolin-4-ylamino)-benzamide, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, are provided. Such quinoline derivatives can be used for modulation of DNA methylation, such as effective inhibition of methylation of cytosine at the C-5 position, for example via selective inhibition of DNA methyltransferase DNMT1. Methods for synthesizing numerous 4-anilinoquinoline derivatives and for modulating DNA methylation are provided. Also provided are methods for formulating and administering these compounds or compositions to treat conditions such as cancer and hematological disorders.
US07939542B2 Cinnamaldehyde derivatives having improved solubility in water, a method for preparing the same and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same
Disclosed herein are a novel cinnamaldehyde compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The cinnamaldehyde compound has improved solubility in water and has inhibitory effects on the growth of cancer cells because it induces cell cycle arrest and cell death. Also disclosed are a method of preparing the cinnamaldehyde compound and an anticancer composition including the compound of Chemical Formula 1.
US07939540B2 4-(3-benzoylaminophenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-2-methylaminoquinazoline derivatives
A compound represented by the following formula (I), salt thereof, or hydrate thereof, can effectively relieve itch caused by atopic disease or the like: wherein R represents hydroxyl, C1-6 alkoxy optionally substituted with C1-6 alkoxy, or amino optionally substituted with C1-6 alkyl.
US07939537B2 HIV integrase inhibitors
Pyridopyrimidine carboxamide compounds of Formula I are inhibitors of HIV integrase and inhibitors of HIV replication: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are defined herein. The compounds are useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of infection by HIV and the prophylaxis, treatment, or delay in the onset of AIDS. The compounds are employed against HIV infection and AIDS as compounds per se or in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The compounds and their salts can be employed as ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions, optionally in combination with other antivirals, immunomodulators, antibiotics or vaccines.
US07939536B2 Pyrimidinylisoxazole derivatives
The invention discloses isoxazole derivatives represented by a formula, in which R1 stands for hydrogen, lower alkyl, amino, halogen, lower alkoxy and the like, R2 stands for substituted or unsubstituted aryl and the like, R3 stands for hydrogen or lower alkyl, R4 stands for substituted or unsubstituted phenyl and the like, and Y stands for —CH2—, —CO—, —CH(CH3)—, —O—, —NH— and the like, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which have excellent p38MAPkinase inhibitory action.
US07939532B2 Heterocyclyl pyridyl sulfonamide derivatives, their manufacture and use as pharmaceutical agents
Objects of the present invention are the compounds of formula I, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, enantiomeric forms, diastereoisomers and racemates, the preparation of the above compounds, medicaments containing them and their manufacture, as well as the use of the above compounds in the control or prevention of illnesses such as cancer.
US07939527B2 Thiazolopyridin-2-yloxy-phenyl and thiazolopyrazin-2-yloxy-phenyl amines as modulators of leukotriene A4 hydrolase
Thiazolopyridin-2-yloxy-phenyl and thiazolopyrazin-2-yloxy-phenyl amine compounds are described, which are useful as LTA4 hydrolase (LTA4H) modulators. Such compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for modulation of LTA4H and for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by LTA4 hydrolase activity.
US07939525B2 Conjugated psychotropic drugs and uses thereof
Novel chemical conjugates of psychotropic drugs and organic acids, uses thereof in the treatment of psychotic and/or proliferative disorders and diseases and as chemosensitizing agents, and their syntheses are disclosed. The organic acids are selected to reduce side effects induced by the psychotropic drugs and/or to exert an anti-proliferative activity.
US07939492B2 Factor C for treating gram-negative bacterial infection
Recombinant fragments of Factor C are disclosed. These proteins and peptides show great potency in recognizing, binding to, neutralizing and removing endotoxin. These molecules can thus be used for anti-microbial, anti-endotoxin, and anti-sepsis therapy. SSCrFCES is a 38 kDa protein representing the LPS-binding domain of Factor C. The ability of SSCrFCES to bind lipid A was analyzed using an ELISA-based assay as well as surface plasmon resonance. Surface plasmon resonance similarly carried out for SSCrFC-sushi-1,2,3-GFP, SSCrFC-sushi-1GFP, and SSCrFC-sushi-3GFP confirmed their superior affinity for endotoxin. The 50% endotoxin-neutralizing concentration of SSCrFCES against 200 EU of endotoxin is 0.069 μM, suggesting that SSCrFCES is an effective inhibitor of LAL coagulation cascade. Although partially attenuated by human serum, as low as 1 μM of SSCrFCES inhibits the LPS-induced secretion of hTNF-α and hIL-8 by THP-1 and human pheripheral blood mononuclear cells with a potency more superior than polymyxin B. SSCrFCES is non-cytotoxic, with a clearance rate of 4.7 ml/minute. The LD90 of SSCrFCES for LPS lethality in mice is achieved at 2 μM. These results demonstrate the endotoxin-neutralizing capability of SSCrFCES in vitro and in vivo, as well as its potential for use in the treatment of endotoxin-induced septic shock. Also embodied in this application is the use of the sushi peptides and their mutant derivatives as potent antimicrobials.
US07939490B2 TWEAK as a therapeutic target for treating central nervous system diseases associated with cerebral edema and cell death
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating cerebral edema and cell death in neurological conditions characterized by disruption of the architecture of the neurovascular unit with increase in the permeability of the NVU, particularly for treating stroke. One aspect of the present invention relates to a composition comprising an agent that interferes with a TWEAK-mediated signaling pathway. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using a composition which comprises an agent that inhibits Fn14 activity or Fn14 expression for the prevention and/or treatment of cerebral edema and cell death occurring in certain neurological conditions such as cerebral ischemia.
US07939485B2 Benefit agent delivery system comprising ionic liquid
A benefit agent delivery system comprises a benefit agent, wherein the benefit agent is protected or stabilized by an ionic liquid and wherein the benefit agent is releasable from the system to provide the benefit. For example, the ionic liquid may be physically associated with the benefit agent, such as by coating, encapsulation, or co-crystallization, or may be chemically associated with the benefit agent, such as by chemical reaction. The benefit agent delivery system may be in the form of a concentrate, in a product formulation, or on or associated with a substrate or package. Detergent compositions may include the benefit agent delivery system.
US07939478B2 Method of lubricating a marine diesel engine
The invention provides a method of lubricating a marine diesel engine, comprising supplying to said engine a marine diesel cylinder lubricant composition at a feed rate of 0.3 to less than 1.2 g/kW hr, wherein said lubricant composition has a ratio of /Σ(wt % overbased detergent)/Σ(wt % of boron from antiwear additives+wt % of phosphorus-containing antiwear additives) of greater than 12.5. The invention further provides a method capable of imparting improved cleanliness and decreased cylinder wear; and reduced deposits.
US07939477B2 Lubricant composition for oil-impregnated sintered bearings
A lubricant composition for oil-impregnated sintered bearings, which comprises at least one base oil selected from a perfluoropolyether oil represented by the following general formula: RfO(CF2CF2O)m(CF2O)nRf (where Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, m+n=3-200, m:n=10-90:90-10), a perfluoropolyether oil represented by the following general formula: RfO[CF(CF3)CF2O]p(CF2CF2O)q(CF2O)rRf (where Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, p+q+r=3-200, q and r each may be 0, and (q+r)/p=0-2), and a polyfluoropolyether oil represented by the following general formula: F(CF2CF2CF2O)sC2F5 (where s=2-100), and a fluorine-containing di- or mono-amide-based compound, has further improved lubrication characteristics, particularly wear resistance and friction coefficient characteristics, of perfluoropolyether oil.
US07939473B2 Low toxicity shale hydration inhibition agent and method of use
A low toxicity composition and method of reducing the swelling of clay in well comprising circulating in the well a water-based fluid comprising a functionally effective concentration of the additive formed from the following reaction of a tertiary amine of the following general formula: wherein R1 and R2 are alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups with one to three carbon atoms or combinations thereof, and R3 is a hydroxyalkyl group with one to three carbon atoms, with an alkylating agent of the following general formula: R-A wherein R is an alkyl radical with one to three carbon atoms, and A is an organic or inorganic anion selected from the group consisting of sulfate, phosphate, carbonate, and combinations thereof.
US07939470B1 Invert emulsion drilling fluids comprising quaternary ammonium emulsifiers and argillaceous solids and methods of drilling boreholes
An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method for the use thereof in drilling wellbores, with good rheological properties at high temperatures and pressures. One embodiment of the drilling fluids are free of organophilic clays and lignites, free of calcium chloride, and comprise an alcohol in the internal phase, a quaternary ammonium emulsifier, and argillaceous solids. In one embodiment, the alcohol is a glycerol, a polyglycerol, or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the base oil for the emulsion is a paraffin and/or mineral oil. The drilling fluids provide good lubricity and high rates of penetration.
US07939459B2 Baked refractory product
The invention relates to a baked refractory ceramic product. According to the invention, both shaped and unshaped products come within this generic term. Shaped products are those which have a defined shape, so that they can be ready-made at the manufacturer's premises. The shaped products include: bricks, nozzles, tubes, stoppers, plates, etc. The products categorized as unshaped products include those which are usually produced at the user's premises from a suitable material. These include bottoms of furnace assemblies which are cast from a material, but also repair materials, etc.
US07939455B2 Method for forming strained silicon nitride films and a device containing such films
A method for forming a strained SiN film and a semiconductor device containing the strained SiN film. The method includes exposing the substrate to a gas including a silicon precursor. The substrate is exposed to a gas including a first nitrogen precursor configured to react with the silicon precursor with a first reactivity characteristic. The substrate is also exposed to a gas including a second nitrogen precursor configured to react with the silicon precursor with a second reactivity characteristic different than the first reactivity characteristic such that a property of the SiN film formed on the substrate changes to provide a strained SiN film. According to another embodiment, the substrate is exposed to a gas pulse containing a silicon precursor and first and second nitrogen precursors, wherein the ratio of the first and second precursors is varied during the exposure.
US07939451B2 Method for fabricating a pattern
A method for fabricating a patter is provided as followed. First, a material layer is provided, whereon a patterned hard mask layer is formed. A spacer is deposited on the sidewalls of the patterned hard mask layer. Then, the patterned hard mask layer is removed, and an opening is formed between the adjacent spacers. Afterwards, a portion of the material layer is removed to form a patterned material layer by using the spacer as mask.
US07939450B2 Method and apparatus for spacer-optimization (S-O)
The invention can provide a method of processing a substrate using S-O processing sequences and evaluation libraries that can include one or more optimized spacer creation and evaluation procedures.
US07939442B2 Strontium ruthenium oxide interface
Strontium ruthenium oxide provides an effective interface between a ruthenium conductor and a strontium titanium oxide dielectric. Formation of the strontium ruthenium oxide includes the use of atomic layer deposition to form strontium oxide and subsequent annealing of the strontium oxide to form the strontium ruthenium oxide. A first atomic layer deposition of strontium oxide is preformed using water as an oxygen source, followed by a subsequent atomic layer deposition of strontium oxide using ozone as an oxygen source.
US07939440B2 Junction leakage suppression in memory devices
A memory device includes a substrate and source and drain regions formed in the substrate. The source and drain regions include both phosphorous and arsenic and the phosphorous may be implanted prior to the arsenic. The memory device also includes a first dielectric layer formed over the substrate and a charge storage element formed over the first dielectric layer. The memory device may further include a second dielectric layer formed over the charge storage element and a control gate formed over the second dielectric layer.
US07939437B2 Metallization method for solar cells
A method for the production of a contact structure of a solar cell allows p-contacts and n-contacts to be produced simultaneously.
US07939427B2 Process for fabricating a substrate of the silicon-on-insulator type with reduced roughness and uniform thickness
A process for fabricating a silicon on insulator (SOI) substrate by co-implanting atomic or ionic species into a semiconductor donor substrate to form a weakened zone therein, the weakened zone forming a boundary between a thin silicon active layer and the remainder of the donor substrate. The donor substrate is then bonded to a semiconductor receiver substrate by molecular adhesion, resulting in a layer of buried silicon interposed between the donor substrate and the receiver substrate. The remainder of the donor substrate is detached along the weakened zone to obtain a SOI substrate with the receiver substrate covered with the buried oxide layer and the thin silicon active layer. The silicon active layer is then thermally annealed for at least 10 minutes in a gaseous atmosphere containing hydrogen, argon or both at a temperature of at least 950° C. but not exceeding 1100° C. The annealing step minimizes roughness of the surface of the silicon active layer, prevents reduction in thickness of the buried oxide layer, and achieves uniform thickness of the thin silicon active layer and the buried oxide layer.
US07939422B2 Methods of thin film process
A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a plurality of features across a surface of a substrate, with at least one space being between two adjacent features. A first dielectric layer is formed on the features and within the at least one space. A portion of the first dielectric layer interacts with a reactant derived from a first precursor and a second precursor to form a first solid product. The first solid product is decomposed to substantially remove the portion of the first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is formed to substantially fill the at least one space.
US07939421B2 Method for fabricating integrated circuit structures
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit structure includes the steps of forming a second dielectric layer on a substrate including a first conductive layer and a first dielectric layer, forming the second dielectric layer on the first conductive layer and the first dielectric layer, forming a hole exposing the first conductive layer in the second dielectric layer, forming a barrier layer inside the hole, and forming a second conductive layer on the barrier layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the forming of the barrier layer comprises the steps of forming a metal layer in the hole, and performing a treating process in an atmosphere including a plasma formed from a gas including oxidant to form a metal oxide layer on the metal layer. In another embodiment of the present invention, the forming of the barrier layer comprises the steps of forming a metal nitride layer in the hole, and performing a treating process in an atmosphere including a plasma formed from a gas including oxidant to form a metal oxide layer on the metal and metal nitride layer.
US07939417B2 Bipolar transistor and back-gated transistor structure and method
A structure is disclosed including a substrate including an insulator layer on a bulk layer, and a bipolar transistor in a first region of the substrate, the bipolar transistor including at least a portion of an emitter region in the insulator layer. Another disclosed structure includes an inverted bipolar transistor in a first region of a substrate including an insulator layer on a bulk layer, the inverted bipolar transistor including an emitter region, and a back-gated transistor in a second region of the substrate, wherein a back-gate conductor of the back-gated transistor and at least a portion of the emitter region are in the same layer of material. A method of forming the structures including a bipolar transistor and back-gated transistor together is also disclosed.
US07939409B2 Peripheral gate stacks and recessed array gates
Methods are provided for simultaneously processing transistors in two different regions of an integrated circuit. Planar transistors are provided in a logic region while recessed access devices (RADs) are provided in an array region for a memory device. During gate stack patterning in the periphery, word lines are recessed within the trenches for the array RADs. Side wall spacer formation in the periphery simultaneously provides an insulating cap layer burying the word lines within the trenches of the array.
US07939408B2 Non-volatile memory device for 2-bit operation and method of fabricating the same
A non-volatile memory device for 2-bit operation and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The non-volatile memory device includes an active region and a gate extending in a word line direction on a semiconductor substrate, and crossing each other repeatedly; a charge storage layer disposed below the gate, and confined at a portion where the gate and the active region cross; a charge blocking layer formed on the charge storage layer; a tunnel dielectric layer formed below the charge storage layer; first and second source/drain regions formed in the active region exposed by the gate; and first and second bit lines crossing the word line direction. The active region may be formed in a first zigzag pattern and/or the gate may be formed in a second zigzag pattern in symmetry with the first zigzag pattern.
US07939406B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device having element isolating region of trench type
Disclosure is semiconductor device of a selective gate region, comprising a semiconductor layer, a first insulating film formed on the semiconductor layer, a first electrode layer formed on the first insulating layer, an element isolating region comprising an element isolating insulating film formed to extend through the first electrode layer and the first insulating film to reach an inner region of the semiconductor layer, the element isolating region isolating a element region and being self-aligned with the first electrode layer, a second insulating film formed on the first electrode layer and the element isolating region, an open portion exposing a surface of the first electrode layer being formed in the second insulating film, and a second electrode layer formed on the second insulating film and the exposed surface of the first electrode layer, the second electrode layer being electronically connected to the first electrode layer via the open portion.
US07939403B2 Methods of forming a field effect transistors, pluralities of field effect transistors, and DRAM circuitry comprising a plurality of individual memory cells
A method of forming a field effect transistor includes forming trench isolation material within a semiconductor substrate and on opposing sides of a semiconductor material channel region along a length of the channel region. The trench isolation material is formed to comprise opposing insulative projections extending toward one another partially under the channel region along the channel length and with semiconductor material being received over the projections. The trench isolation material is etched to expose opposing sides of the semiconductor material along the channel length. The exposed opposing sides of the semiconductor material are etched along the channel length to form a channel fin projecting upwardly relative to the projections. A gate is formed over a top and opposing sides of the fin along the channel length. Other methods and structures are disclosed.
US07939398B2 Method to manufacture silicon quantum islands and single-electron devices
A method of manufacturing a single-electron transistor device is provided. The method includes forming a thinned region in a silicon substrate, the thinned region offset by a non-selected region. The method also includes forming at least one quantum island from the thinned region by subjecting the thinned region to an annealing process. The non-selected region is aligned with the quantum island and tunnel junctions are formed between the quantum island and the non-selected region. The present invention also includes a single-electron device, and a method of manufacturing an integrated circuit that includes a single-electron device.
US07939397B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first semiconductor pattern which is covered with a first insulating film over a first active region, forming a second semiconductor pattern over a second active region, forming a second insulating film over the first insulating film and the first and second semiconductor patterns, forming an opening whose depth reaches the first semiconductor pattern by etching the second insulating film and the first insulating film, forming sidewalls on side surfaces of the second semiconductor pattern by patterning the second insulating film, forming a metal film over the first and second semiconductor patterns respectively, and forming silicide layers by reacting the first and second semiconductor patterns with the metal film.
US07939390B2 Gap capacitors for monitoring stress in solder balls in flip chip technology
A semiconductor structure formation method and operation method. The structure includes (i) a dielectric layer, (ii) a bottom capacitor plate and an electrically conductive line on the dielectric layer, (iii) a top capacitor plate on top of the bottom capacitor plate, (iv) a gap region, and (v) a solder ball on the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer includes a top surface that defines a reference direction perpendicular to the top surface. The top capacitor plate overlaps the bottom capacitor plate in the reference direction. The gap region is sandwiched between the bottom capacitor plate and the top capacitor plate. The gap region does not include any liquid or solid material. The solder ball is electrically connected to the electrically conductive line. The top capacitor plate is disposed between the dielectric layer and the solder ball.
US07939385B2 Method for manufacturing thin film integrated circuit, and element substrate
Application form of and demand for an IC chip formed with a silicon wafer are expected to increase, and further reduction in cost is required. An object of the invention is to provide a structure of an IC chip and a process capable of producing at a lower cost. A feature of the invention is to use a metal film and a reactant having the metal film as a separation layer. An etching rate of the metal film or the reactant having metal is high, and a physical means in addition to a chemical means of etching the metal film or the reactant having metal can be used in the invention. Thus, the IDF chip can be manufactured more simply and easily in a short time.
US07939382B2 Method of fabricating a semiconductor package having through holes for molding back side of package
A portable memory card and methods of manufacturing same are disclosed. The portable memory includes a substrate having a plurality of holes formed therein. During the encapsulation process, mold compound flows over the top surface of the substrate, through the holes, and down into a recessed section formed in the bottom mold cap plate to form a projection of mold compound on the bottom surface of the substrate.
US07939368B2 Wafer level chip scale package system with a thermal dissipation structure
A wafer level chip scale package system is provided forming a wafer having an interconnect provided on an active side, forming a thermal sheet having a first thermal interface material layer and a thermal conductive layer, and attaching the thermal sheet on a non-active side of the wafer.
US07939367B1 Method for growing an adherent diamond layer atop an interlayer bonded to a compound semiconductor substrate
The invention is a method for growing a critical adherent diamond layer on a substrate by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and the article produced by the method. The substrate can be a compound semiconductor coated with an adhesion layer. The adhesion layer is preferably a dielectric, such as silicon nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride or amorphous silicon, to name some primary examples. The typical thickness of the adhesion layer is one micrometer or less. The resulting stack of layers, (e.g. substrate layer, adhesion layer and diamond layer) is structurally free of plastic deformation and the diamond layer is well adherent to the dielectric adhesion layer such that it can be processed further, such as by increasing the thickness of the diamond layer to a desired level, or by subjecting it to additional thin film fabrication process steps. In addition to preventing plastic deformation of the layer stack, the process also reduces the formation of soot during the CVD process. The reduction of soot allows for better adhesion between the adhesion layer and diamond layer of the layer stack.
US07939358B2 Semiconductor substrate, method of fabricating the same, method of fabricating semiconductor device, and method of fabricating image sensor
In an example embodiment, an image sensor includes a semiconductor layer and isolation regions disposed in the semiconductor layer. The isolation regions define active regions of the semiconductor layer. The image sensor further includes photoelectric converters disposed in the semiconductor layer and at least one wiring layer disposed over a top surface of the semiconductor layer. The image sensor also includes color filters disposed below a bottom surface of the semiconductor layer and lenses disposed below the color filters. Each lens is arranged to concentrate incoming light into an area spanned by a corresponding photoelectric converter.
US07939357B2 Image sensor pixel having photodiode with multi-dopant implantation
An active pixel using a photodiode with multiple species of P type dopants is disclosed. The pixel comprises a photodiode formed in a semiconductor substrate. The photodiode is a P− region formed within an N-type region. The P− region is formed from an implant of boron and an implant of indium. Further, the pixel includes a transfer transistor formed between the photodiode and a floating node and selectively operative to transfer a signal from the photodiode to the floating node. Finally, the pixel includes an amplification transistor controlled by the floating node.
US07939356B2 Method of manufacturing film bulk acoustic resonator using internal stress of metallic film and resonator manufactured thereby
A method of manufacturing a film bulk acoustic resonator and the resonator manufactured thereby. The method includes the laminating a sacrificial layer on a semiconductor substrate, removing a predetermined area from the sacrificial layer to realize electric contact between a signal line of the semiconductor substrate and a lower electrode, forming the lower electrode by depositing metal film for lower electrode on the sacrificial layer, by patterning based on a shape of the sacrificial layer, forming a piezoelectric layer by depositing a piezoelectric material on the lower electrode and by patterning based on a shape of the lower electrode, and forming an upper electrode by depositing metal film on the piezoelectric layer and by patterning based on a shape of the piezoelectric layer, wherein at least one of a deposition pressure and a deposition power is controlled to generate upward stress when depositing the metal film for the lower electrode.
US07939352B2 Selective area metal bonding Si-based laser
A method for fabricating a selective area metal bonding Si-based laser, optically or electrically pumped includes: forming a Si waveguide area and a bonding area in a Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) wafer, and forming an isolating structure to separate the Si waveguide area from the bonding area; forming a metal multilayer for bonding, which also acts as ohmic contact layer in the laser when the laser is electrically pumped. A compound semiconductor optical gain structure is prepared by epitaxial growth and etched off the substrate. The compound semiconductor optical gain structure is aligned with the Si waveguide area in the SOI wafer and the compound semiconductor optical gain structure is bonded on the SOI wafer. The selective area metal bonding Si-based laser can be used as a light source in optoelectronic integration and Si photonics. The method may provide simple operation, flexibility, low cost, and low requirement for cleanness of manufacturing environments.
US07939338B2 Magnetic sensor array having an analog frequency-division multiplexed output
A magnetic sensor array including magnetoresistive sensor elements having outputs combined by frequency division multiplexing (FDM) is provided. Each sensor element provides an input to a mixer which provides a distinct frequency shift. Preferably, time division multiplexing is also used to combine sensor element outputs. Each sensor element is typically in proximity to a corresponding sample. The sensor elements are preferably subarrays having row and column addressable sensor element pixels. This arrangement provides multiple sensor pixels for each sample under test. Multiplexing of sensor element outputs advantageously reduces readout time. A modulated external magnetic field is preferably applied during operation, to reduce the effect of 1/f noise on the sensor element signals. The effect of electromagnetic interference (EMI) induced by the magnetic field on sensor element signals is advantageously reduced by the mixing required for FDM.
US07939337B2 Carbosilane polymers and methods for use in analytical and purification applications
This invention relates generally to a new class of chemoselective polymer materials primarily designed to sorb hydrogen bond basic analytes such as organophosphonate esters (nerve agents and precursors) and nitro-substituted compounds (explosives). In particular, the invention relates to linear polycarbosilane compounds for use in various analytical applications involving sorbent polymer materials, including chromatography, chemical trapping, analyte collection, and chemical sensor applications. These polymers have pendant and terminal aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl groups that are functionalized with halogen substituted alcohol or phenol groups, having the general structure: wherein n is an integer greater than 1; wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a pendant group having at least one aryl group independently selected from the group consisting of a phenol, a halogen substituted phenol, and an aryl hydrocarbon with a halogen substituted alcohol substitutent, or combinations thereof; wherein any said R1 and R2 aryl groups are attached to said [Si—X—], either directly or through a short hydrocarbon chain; wherein any remaining said R1 or R2 group is a hydrocarbon or carbosilane group; wherein X is a polymer component selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, arylene groups, and combinations thereof; and wherein Z1 and Z2 are end groups independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkyl silanes, aryl silanes, hydroxyl, silicon hydride, alkoxides, phenols, halogen substituted alcohols, halogen substituted phenols, organosilyl, and combinations thereof.
US07939329B2 Protocol for risk stratification of ischemic events and optimized individualized treatment
A hemostasis analyzer, such as the Thrombelastograph® (TEG®) hemostasis analyzer is utilized to measure continuously in real time, the hemostasis process from the initial fibrin formation, through platelet-fibrin interaction and lysis to generate blood hemostasis parameters. The measured blood hemostasis parameters permit preparation of an individualized assessment of ischemic event risk and individualized treatment of a subject.
US07939326B2 Methods and compositions for enhancing cell adhesion properties
The present invention provides a modified cell having adhesion properties that are increased as compared to the adhesion properties of an unmodified cell, comprising a) a recombinant nucleic acid encoding an integrin β3 subunit; b) a recombinant nucleic acid encoding an integrin αv subunit; c) a recombinant nucleic acid encoding an integrin αIIb subunit; and/or d) any combination of (a), (b) and (c).
US07939322B2 Cells expressing pluripotency markers and expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm
The present invention is directed to pluripotent cells that can be readily expanded in culture on tissue culture substrate that is not pre-treated with protein or an extracellular matrix, and do not require a feeder cell line. The present invention also provides methods to derive the pluripotent cell line from human embryonic stem cells.
US07939319B2 Tool for the transfer and production of proteins using the pseudomonas type III secretion system
The present invention provides a vector for expression of a chimeric protein which is the result of the fusion between the N-terminal end of ExoS of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and an amino acid sequence of interest, the N-terminal end of ExoS corresponding to the N-terminal end of the chimeric protein. The vector contains the following from 5′ to 3′: a promoter, a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding at least the 48 (SEQ ID 4) and at the most the 96 (SEQ ID 6) amino acids of the N-terminal end of ExoS; or any sequence of the same size that is at least 70% identical thereto and that has a secretion activity at the same level as that of ExoS, a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of interest.
US07939317B1 Transgenic animals secreting desired proteins into milk
A DNA sequence containing a gene encoding a protein, the gene being under the transcriptional control in the DNA sequence of a mammalian milk protein promoter which does not naturally control the transcription of the gene, such DNA sequence including DNA enabling secretion of the protein.
US07939310B2 Systems and methods for analyzing nucleic acid sequences
The invention relates to systems and methods for analyzing clinically relevant nucleic acid sequences.
US07939303B2 Process for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide
A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.
US07939299B2 Nucleic acid amplification method
Disclosed is a nucleic acid amplification method which is based on a new principle and enables to amplify a nucleic acid having a specific nucleotide sequence in a simple manner, within a short time and with efficiency. The nucleic acid amplification method comprises the steps of: (a) conducting a DNA polymerase chain reaction by using, as a template, DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence to be amplified and using a primer pair having a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence to be amplified, thereby producing a linear DNA fragment; and (b) conducting a chain-substituting DNA polymerase chain reaction in a chaining manner by using cyclic single-stranded DNA comprising the same nucleotide sequence as that of at least one of the primer pair as a template and employing the 3′-terminus of the linear DNA fragment produced in step (a) as the replication origin.
US07939291B2 Methods for the detection of microbial contaminants
The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant, for example, a bacterial endotoxin or a glucan, in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a test cartridge useful in the practice of hemocyte lysate-based assays for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides methods of making and using such cartridges. In addition, the invention provides a rapid, sensitive, multi-step kinetic hemocyte lysate-based assay for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides a glucan-specific lysate that can be used in a variety of assay formats, including, for example, a test cartridge, optionally configured to perform a kinetic assay.
US07939283B2 Analyte binding turbidity assay
Assays, such as immunoassays, and related articles are disclosed.
US07939282B2 Methods for detecting sepsis
Compositions and methods for detecting sepsis by contacting a subject-derived sample with a ligand that binds to GRK and determining the concentration of GRK in the sample. An increase in the concentration of GRK compared to that of a normal, healthy control sample indicates that the subject from which the sample is obtained is suffering from or at risk of developing sepsis.
US07939272B2 Biological markers predictive of anti-cancer response to insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor kinase inhibitors
The present invention provides diagnostic and prognostic methods for predicting the effectiveness of treatment of a cancer patient with an IGF-1R kinase inhibitor. Methods are provided for predicting the sensitivity of tumor cell growth to inhibition by an IGF-1R kinase inhibitor, comprising assessing whether the tumor cell has undergone an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), by determining the expression level of epithelial and/or mesenchymal biomarkers, wherein tumor cells that have undergone an EMT are substantially less sensitive to inhibition by IGF-1R kinase inhibitors. Improved methods for treating cancer patients with IGF-1R kinase inhibitors that incorporate the above methodology are also provided. Additionally, methods are provided for the identification of new biomarkers that are predictive of responsiveness of tumors to IGF-1R kinase inhibitors. Furthermore, methods for the identification of agents that restore the sensitivity of tumor cells that have undergone EMT to inhibition by IGF-1R kinase inhibitors are also provided. pErk, HER3 and pHER are also demonstrated to be effective biomarkers for predicting sensitivity of tumor cells to IGF-1R kinase inhibitors.
US07939271B2 Methods and compositions for identifying prostate cancer or a humoral immune response against prostate cancer
The present invention relates to prostate cancer markers, compositions comprising such markers, immunoglobulins specific for such markers, and methods of using such markers and/or immunoglobulins to assess an immune response against prostate cancer. An immune response against the markers correlates with an immune response, in particular a humoral immune response, against prostate cancer cells which immune response is preferably associated with prophylaxis of prostate cancer, treatment of prostate cancer, and/or amelioration of at least one symptom associated with prostate cancer.
US07939250B2 Vitamin K epoxide recycling polypeptide VKORC1, a therapeutic target of coumarin and their derivatives
The invention relates to a novel polypeptide vitamin K epoxide recycling polypeptide (VKORC1) as a target for coumarin and its derivatives. The invention further provides methods for identifying coumarin derivatives, and also claims VKORC1 polypeptides and VKORC1 nucleic acids containing a sequence abnormality associated with a VKORC1 associated deficiency such as warfarin resistance, wherein the VKORC1 polypeptides and VKORC1 nucleic acids can be used for diagnosing these deficiencies. Moreover, the invention relates to methods for identifying coumarin derivatives usable in pest control of rodents.
US07939248B2 Hepatocyte bioreactor system for long term culture of functional hepatocyte spheroids
A rotating wall vessel is used as a culture vessel and bioreactor for the cultivation of hepatocytes in the form of spheroids to generate a culture with many properties of the intact liver. These properties include enzyme activity comparable to fresh cells and long-term maintenance of viability and cellular function for periods on the order of months. The cultures may be used to produce hepatocyte products, evaluate metabolism of an agent, propagate Hepatitis C virus and test agents as inhibitors of this virus. Thus, the culture system disclosed herein makes long term functional cultivation of human hepatocytes feasible.
US07939246B2 Charged particle beam projection method
A deposition energy distribution when a charged particle beam is made incident upon a resist film, is approximated by a sum of element distributions having Gaussian distributions. A pattern area density map partitioning the pattern layout plane into small regions, is defined for each element distribution. First and second sub-steps are repeated for each of the pattern area density maps. In the first sub-step, an area density of each small region is obtained. In the second sub-step, in accordance with an energy deposition rate, an exposure dose assigned to a pattern in a first small region, an area of the pattern and the area density of the first small region, the deposition energy to be given to the target small region is obtained and the corrected area density is calculated. A deposition energy at an evaluation point on a pattern layout plane is calculated from the corrected area densities.
US07939243B2 Resin, resist composition and method of forming resist pattern
A resist composition including a base resin component (A) and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the component (A) including a resin (A1) which has a structural unit (a0) represented by general formula (a-0) shown below: wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; a represents an integer of 0 to 2; b represents an integer of 1 to 3; c represents an integer of 1 to 2; and a+b is an integer of 2 or more.
US07939238B2 Dry toner and method of preparing same
A dry toner for developing an electrostatic image, including a toner binder containing a urea-modified polyester. The toner has an average sphericity of 0.96 or more and contains no more than 30% by weight of particles having a sphericity of less than 0.95.
US07939226B2 Binary mask, method for fabricating the binary mask, and method for fabricating fine pattern of semiconductor device using binary mask
Provided are a binary mask, a method for fabricating the binary mask, and a method for fabricating a fine pattern of semiconductor device. In the method for fabricating the fine pattern, a binary mask including phase shift layer patterns is prepared on a transparent substrate. A semiconductor substrate including an etch objective layer and a resist layer is prepared. An exposure operation using the binary mask and a light source of a short wavelength is performed to transfer the phase shift layer patterns of the binary mask onto the resist layer of the semiconductor substrate. The resist layer to which the patterns have been transferred is developed to form resist layer patterns selectively exposing the etch objective layer. Exposed portions of the etch objective layer are etched using the resist layer patterns as an etch mask to form etch objective layer patterns. The resist layer patterns are removed.
US07939213B2 Fuel cell system and electric vehicle including the fuel cell system
In a fuel cell system in which load electric power is supplied from a fuel cell and a secondary battery, intermittent operation is performed, that is, operation of the fuel cell is stopped and the load electric power is supplied from the secondary battery in a low load region. At this time, a threshold value for stopping and starting the operation of the fuel cell is adjusted according to open circuit voltage. Thus, it is possible to prevent fuel from being unnecessarily consumed in order to maintain the open circuit voltage at a predetermined value when the operation of the fuel cell is stopped, and to improve response of the fuel cell when the operation of the fuel cell is restarted after the open circuit voltage has decreased in the fuel cell that has stopped generating electric power.
US07939206B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte for cell, non-aqueous electrolyte cell having the same as well as electrolyte for polymer cell and polymer cell having the same
This invention relates to a non-aqueous electrolyte for a cell and an electrolyte for a polymer cell in which the risk of igniting-firing an aprotic organic solvent retained in the cell and leaked out of the cell through vaporization or the like when the temperature of the cell rises abnormally is reduced, and to a non-aqueous electrolyte for a cell and an electrolyte for a polymer cell comprising an aprotic organic solvent and a compound containing phosphorus and/or nitrogen in its molecule and having a difference of a boiling point from that of the aprotic organic solvent of not more than 25° C.
US07939204B2 Separator for lead-acid battery
A separator for a lead-acid battery enabling the lead acid battery to infallibly have a predetermined capacity after the initial charging and a prolonged service life by limiting the maximum quantity of reducing substance liberated or produced from the separator at or below a given level.The separator for a lead-acid battery comprising a porous membrane made mainly from a polyolefin resin, an inorganic powder and a mineral oil and containing a surface active agent as an auxiliary material, characterized in that the amount of any reducing substance liberated or eluted after 24 hours of electrolysis carried out at about 25° C. with a direct current of 1.2 A by using an electrolytic cell composed of the porous membrane, a positive electrode, a negative electrode and diluted sulfuric acid is 1.0 ml or less per 100 cm2 when calculated from the consumption of a (1/100)N potassium permanganate solution per 100 cm2 of the porous membrane.
US07939202B2 Method for producing lithium-containing transition metal oxide
A method for producing a lithium-containing transition metal oxide represented by the general formula: Li[Lix(NiaM1−a)1−x]O2 where M is metal other than Li and Ni, 0≦x, and 0
US07939199B1 Method of controlling voltage delay and RDC growth in an electrochemical cell using low basis weight cathode material
An electrochemical cell comprising a lithium anode, a silver vanadium oxide cathode having a relatively lower basis weight, and an electrolyte activating the anode and the cathode is described. By limiting the amount of cathode active material per unit area (i.e. basis weight) facing the anode in the Li/SVO cell, the magnitude of the passivating film growth at the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) and its relative impermeability to lithium ion diffusion is reduced. Therefore, by using a cathode of a relatively low basis weight active material, it is possible to eliminate or significantly reduce undesirable irreversible Rdc growth and voltage delay in the cell and to extend its useful life in an implantable medical device.
US07939198B2 Composite cathodes, electrochemical cells comprising novel composite cathodes, and processes for fabricating same
The present invention pertains to composite cathodes suitable for use in an electrochemical cell, said cathodes comprising: (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material, wherein said electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula —Sm—, wherein m is an integer equal to or greater than 3; and, (b) an electroactive transition metal chalcogenide composition, which encapsulates said electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material, and which retards the transport of anionic reduction products of said electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material, said electroactive transition metal chalcogenide composition comprising an electroactive transition metal chalcogenide having the formula MjYk(OR)l wherein: M is a transition metal; Y is the same or different at each occurrence and is oxygen, sulfur, or selenium; R is an organic group and is the same or different at each occurrence; j is an integer ranging from 1 to 12; k is a number ranging from 0 to 72; and l is a number ranging from 0 to 72; with the proviso that k and l cannot both be 0. The present invention also pertains to methods of making such composite cathodes, cells comprising such composite cathodes, and methods of making such cells.
US07939178B2 Shape-changing structure with superelastic foam material
A shape-changing structure has a superelastic metal foam structural member that changes shape (morphs) to change configuration of the structure. The superelastic metal foam structural member changes shape while maintaining a continuous outer surface, with the continuous metal foam material inside the outer surface expanding, contracting, or otherwise changing shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be heated above a transition temperature to allow it to change shape, and then cooled to cause it to increase in strength, more easily maintaining its new shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be a suitable alloy, for example a nickel titanium alloy, that exhibits superelastic (pseudoelastic) behavior. The superelastic metal foam material may be a shape memory alloy material that returns to a set shape upon moderate heating. The superelastic metal elastic foam structural member may be heated either by an internal heat source or by external heating.
US07939171B2 Metal-containing resin particle, metal-containing resin layer, method of forming metal-containing resin layer, and substrate for electronic circuit
Provided is metal-containing resin particle for forming a conductor pattern in which the metal particles are dispersed in a resin matrix, and the content of the metal particles is 70 wt % or less.
US07939170B2 Water soluble metal and semiconductor nanoparticle complexes
The invention provides a water soluble complex comprising an inner core of a metal or semi-conductor nanoparticle. The nanoparticle is coated with a hydrophobic ligand, which is encapsulated in a micelle. In an aqueous medium, the micelle comprises a hydrophilic shell and a hydrophobic core, the hydrophilic shell comprising a plurality of hydrophilic moieties, the hydrophobic core comprising a plurality of hydrophobic moieties, each hydrophobic moiety comprising at least one chain, each chain comprising a minimum of 8 atoms; wherein the total number of atoms in all chains for each moiety comprises at least 24 atoms. The micelle has a minimum average diameter of approximately 5 nm and a maximum average diameter of approximately 45 nm.
US07939169B2 Thermoplastic olefin polymer blend and adhesive films made therefrom
Disclosed is a multilayer film having: (A) an adhesive layer comprising at least about 40 weight percent of an ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymer and at least about 20 weight percent of a low density polyethylene, and at most about 7 weight percent filler; (C) a barrier layer comprising at least about 90 weight percent high density polyethylene; and (B) a core layer comprising at least about 20 weight percent linear low density polyethylene, at least about 20 weight percent low density polyethylene, at least about 10 weight percent high density polyethylene and at most about 5 weight percent filler. Such a film is useful to protect surfaces and preferably adheres when needed for protection and is removable after protection is no longer desired.
US07939153B2 Applicator head for an applicator device
An applicator head for a device with an air suction source for applying individual flat materials elements to objects. The applicator head has an applicator surface in air communication with the air suction source and has perforatable, weak locations. The weak locations can be selectively perforated and, when perforated, a weak location can function as a suction intake opening.
US07939149B2 Heat-shrinkable anti-fomitic device incorporating anti-microbial metal
A heat-shrinkable anti-fomitic device incorporating anti-microbial metal wherein the device, in the form of a bag or tube, forms a cover for an object, preventing cross-infection by bacteria and other pathogens that may reside on the object. Anti-microbial metal ions from the cover further reduce future cross-infection from the object by killing pathogens. The anti-microbial, heat-shrinkable, anti-fomitic device can have a sterile interior that is sealed or stored flat during manufacture to maintain sterility. Therefore, no outer wrapping for the anti-fomitic device is required. The anti-fomitic device can be inverted when used to cover the object to present an outer surface that is initially sterile. A plurality of such devices can be heat shrunk to an object such that removal of the outer layer will further prevent cross contamination. Heat shrink film materials for the coverings/bags serve as a barrier to the transmission of pathogens and conform closely to the covered object.
US07939141B2 Method of production of fluorinated carbon nanostructures
A method for the production of fluorinated carbon nanostructures such as carbon black is disclosed, wherein a plasma is generated in a plasma chamber and a fluorocarbon, or a fluorocarbon containing mixture, is supplied to the plasma to convert at least some of the fluorocarbon into a fluorinated carbon material. Direct pyrolysis of a fluorocarbon, or a mixture containing this, provides a one-step method for producing fluorinated carbon nanostructures with a formula CFx, where 0.06
US07939140B2 Curtain coating process and device used for this purpose
Process and apparatus for applying single and multiple coatings of a liquid coating material to a continuously moving backing web, in which a free-falling, vertical curtain is formed out of the coating material and strikes the backing web along a wetting line. In particular, the present invention pertains to a process for producing heat-sensitive recording material. The backing web is pushed down over its entire width by at least one guide element before it passes through the wetting line, and is lifted by a support in the form of round element extending transversely to the direction of movement of the backing web after the web has passed through the wetting line, where the support also includes an air guide with an angle of 2-15° between the backing web and the top surface of the air guide means.
US07939137B2 Method and device for producing parts having a sealing layer on the surface, and corresponding parts
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing parts (1) having a sealing layer (2) on the surface, and corresponding parts. Said method and device are improved in that the sealing layer (2) is applied to the surface in the form of a water-free and solvent-free reactive hot melt layer based on polyurethane and hardened by atmospheric humidity, and the inventive device comprises an application station (6), a transport device (5) and a smoothing station (8).
US07939136B2 Method for forming composites of sub-arrays of fullerene nanotubes
The formation of arrays of fullerene nanotubes is described. A microscopic molecular array of fullerene nanotubes is formed by assembling subarrays of up to 106 fullerene nanotubes into a composite array.
US07939132B2 Film pattern forming method for forming a margin band and filling the margin band
A film pattern forming method is for forming a film pattern on a predetermined region of a substrate that has a predetermined shape. The film pattern forming method includes: rendering a surface of the substrate liquid-repellent; applying droplets of a liquid containing material for forming the film pattern in a margin area of the predetermined region in which the film pattern is to be formed, thereby forming a margin band of the applied droplets and forming a margin band film by drying or hardening the margin band; rendering the surface of the substrate lyophilic; and applying droplets of the liquid in the predetermined region circumscribed by the margin band film and thereby filling the predetermined region.
US07939128B2 Strength loss indicator for synthetic yarns
A webbing formed of synthetic yarns having an indicator for indicating exposure to ultraviolet light which results in strength loss of said synthetic yarns. The strength loss indicator comprises a strip extending along at least a portion of the webbing. The strip includes a phosphorescent material that produces a glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. The phosphorescent material is adapted to lose its ability to produce a glow over time exposure to ultraviolet light. Advantageously, the ability to glow fades at a rate correlated to the rate of loss of tensile strength of said synthetic yarns due to ultraviolet light exposure to indicate the condition of the webbing.
US07939114B2 Preparation, process and a regenerative method and technique for prevention, treatment and glycemic control of diabetes mellitus
A medicinal preparation, a process, a nutritional composition and regenerative and insulin potentiating method for humans and also for mammals for prevention, treatment and management/glycemic control of diabetes mellitus by obtaining optimum glucose level in blood, by administering an extract of Costus pictus to produce above effect in a dose of 500-2000 mg/day in humans and 50-200 mg/kg/day in rats. A method for treating hyperglycemia in a patient by administering a medicinal preparation of Costus pictus D. Don. A method for long term management of diabetes by avoiding the problems associated with tight control of blood glucose concentrations, i.e., hypoglycemia tolerance and seizures, while simultaneously avoiding the problems associated with conventional moderate control of blood glucose concentrations, i.e., pathological complications associated with hyperglycemia, such as nephropathy, retinopathy, etc. The medicinal preparation further affords an insulin potentiating action in addition to decreasing blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin levels.
US07939110B2 Composition and method for treating autoimmune disease and mucosal disorder
The present invention provides the composition and the method for treating autoimmune diseases and a mucosal disorder via oral-tolerance induction and innate immunity promotion. The composition for treating the autoimmune disease and mucosal disorder includes the polysaccharide prepared from a plant, wherein the plant belongs to Genus Dendrobium.
US07939108B2 Method of making demineralized bone particles
Demineralized bone particles are obtained by demineralizing whole bone and thereafter subdividing the demineralized bone to provide the demineralized bone particles.
US07939105B2 Process for preparing a rapidly dispersing solid drug dosage form
Rapidly dispersing solid dry therapeutic dosage form comprised of a water insoluble compound existing as a nanometer or micrometer particulate solid which is surface stabilized by the presence of at least one phospholipid, the particulate solid being dispersed throughout a bulking matrix. When the dosage form is introduced into an aqueous environment the bulking matrix is substantially completely dissolves within less than 2 minutes thereby releasing the water insoluble particulate solid in an unaggregated and/or unagglomerated state. The matrix is composed of a water insoluble substance or therapeutically useful water insoluble or poorly water soluble compound, a phospholipid and optionally also at least one non-ionic, anionic, cationic or amphipathic surfactant, together with a matrix or bulking agent and if needed a release agent. The volume weighted mean particle size of the water insoluble particle is 5 micrometers or less.
US07939102B2 Controlled release formulation of lamotrigine
Rapidly disintegrating multiparticulate controlled release formulations of lamotrigine having an improved pharmacokinetic profile and improved patient compliance, and process of preparing the formulations. It provides better control of blood plasma levels than conventional tablet formulations that is administered once or more times a day.
US07939093B2 Method and apparatus for representing myocardial tissues in different states of damage
The invention relates to a method for differentially representing myocardial tissue in different states of damage, comprising the following steps: administering a myocardium-suitable contrast agent to a patient under examination; entering at least one patient-specific parameter affecting the speed of uptake by and elimination from the myocardium of said contrast agent; calculating a point in time after administration of the contrast agent at which a difference between a contrast agent content in necrotic myocardial tissue and a contrast agent content in non-necrotic myocardial tissue attains a maximum value, on the basis of the at least one patient-specific parameter, and carrying out, at the point in time calculated, a late-phase CT scan for accentuation of necrotic myocardial tissue compared to non-necrotic myocardial tissue. The invention likewise relates to apparatus, in particular for carrying out the method.
US07939085B2 Monoparamunity inducers based on attenuated rabbit myxomaviruses
The present invention relates to monoparamunity inducers based on paramunizing viruses or viral components of a myxomavirus strain from rabbits with typically generalizing disease, to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof as medicaments for the regulatory optimization of the paramunizing activities for the prophylaxis and therapy of various dysfunctions in humans and animals.
US07939082B2 Papilloma virus vaccine
A method of providing papilloma virus like particles which may be used for diagnostic purposes or for incorporation in a vaccine for use in relation to infections caused by papilloma virus. The method includes an initial step of constructing one or more recombinant DNA molecules which each encode papilloma virus L1 protein or a combination of papilloma virus L1 protein and papilloma virus L2 protein followed by a further step of transfecting a suitable host cell with one or more of the recombinant DNA molecules so that virus like particles (VLPs) are produced within the cell after expression of the L1 or combination of L1 and L2 proteins. The VLPs are also claimed per se as well as vaccines incorporating the VLPs.
US07939079B2 Helicobacter species and cultivation thereof
The present invention relates to the isolation and cultivation of “Candidatus Helicobacter suis” and isolates of “Candidatus Helicobacter suis” obtainable by these methods. The present invention further relates to the use of these bacteria for the manufacture of antigen preparations and vaccines.
US07939071B2 Artery- and vein-specific proteins and uses therefor
Arterial and venous endothelial cells are molecularly distinct from the earliest stages of angiogenesis. This distinction is revealed by expression on arterial cells of a transmembrane ligand, called EphrinB2 whose receptor EphB4 is expressed on venous cells. Targeted disruption of the EphrinB2 gene prevents the remodeling of veins from a capillary plexus into properly branched structures. Moreover, it also disrupts the remodeling of arteries, suggesting that reciprocal interactions between pre-specified arterial and venous endothelial cells are necessary for angiogenesis. This distinction can be used to advantage in methods to alter angiogenesis, methods to assess the effect of drugs on artery cells and vein cells, and methods to identify and isolate artery cells and vein cells, for example.
US07939069B2 Human BNP immunospecific antibodies
The present invention relates to antibodies that immunospecifically bind to human brain natriuretic peptide or a human brain natriuretic peptide fragment with a high binding affinity, methods for producing and selecting said antibodies, immunoassays for human brain natriuretic peptide or a human brain natriuretic peptide fragment that employ said antibodies and therapeutic compositions containing said antibodies.
US07939065B2 Chondroitin sulfate synthesis promoter
The invention provides a chondroitin sulfate synthesis promoter useful for the treatment of diseases such as articular disease and discopathy. The chondroitin sulfate synthesis promoter contains, as an active ingredient, chondroitin sulfate glucuronyltransferase protein and/or chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-1 protein, or a gene encoding the enzyme protein(s).
US07939062B2 Methods for human allografting
A method of preparing a human recipient for a graft from a human which includes: administering donor peripheral blood progenitor cells to the recipient, and providing a minimally ablative.
US07939059B2 Method for the generation of antigen-specific lymphocytes
The invention provides systems and methods for the generation of lymphocytes having a unique antigen specificity. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides methods of virally infecting cells from bone marrow with one or more viral vectors that encode antigen-specific antibodies for the production of, for example B cells and T cells. In some embodiments, the viral vectors include an IRES or 2A element to promote separation of, for example, the α subunit and β subunit of a T cell receptor (TCR) or heavy and light chains of a B-cell antibody. The resulting lymphocytes, express the particular antibody that was introduced in the case of B cells and TCR in the case of T cells. The lymphocytes generated can be used for a variety of therapeutic purposes including the treatment of various cancers and the generation of a desired immune response to viruses and other pathogens. The resulting cells develop normally and respond to antigen both in vitro and in vivo. We also show that it is possible to modify the function of lymphocytes by using stem cells from different genetic backgrounds. Thus our system constitutes a powerful tool to generate desired lymphocyte populations both for research and therapy. Future applications of this technology may include treatments for infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer therapy, allergy, and autoimmune disease.
US07939054B2 Compositions for removing hair
The invention encompasses a composition for hair removal comprising at least one organic hair follicle penetrating agent and at least one enzyme inhibitor for the purpose of achieving permanent hair follicle inactivation, and methods for hair removal using the same.
US07939053B2 Method of making up nails
The present invention is directed to a method of making up nails, the method involving: a) applying onto the nails a first composition containing: i) at least one color precursor, ii) at least one film former, iii) at least one volatile solvent, iv) optionally, at least one buffer, and v) optionally, at least one colorant; (b) applying a second composition over top of at least a portion of the first composition, the second composition containing at least one color activator; and (c) optionally, applying a third composition over top of at least a portion of the second composition, the third composition containing at least one color deactivator.
US07939050B2 Composite article and related method
A method for making a composite includes combining a strengthening agent and an aluminum compound to form a first solution; precipitating an Al(OH)3 gel from the first solution, wherein strengthening agent particles are dispersed within the gel; washing the Al(OH)3 gel with an alcohol; contacting the Al(OH)3 gel with a salt; drying the Al(OH)3 gel to form a powder; calcining the powder to convert Al(OH)3 to Al2O3; and sintering the powder to form a composite article comprising beta double prime alumina.
US07939040B2 Composition based on cerium oxide and on zirconium oxide having a high reducibility and high specific surface, methods for the preparation thereof and use as a catalyst
The inventive composition is based on cerium oxide and on zirconium oxide in an atomic proportion Ce/Zr of at least 1, and has a reducibility rate of at least 70% and a surface area of at least 15 m; 2; /g. This composition is obtained by a method in which: a mixture is made containing cerium and zirconium compounds; this mixture is provided with a basic compound whereby obtaining a precipitate that is heated in an aqueous medium; a surfactant-type additive or a polyethylene glycol or a carboxylic acid is added to this medium or to the separated precipitate; the mixture is ground; the precipitate obtained thereof is calcined under inert gas or vacuum, in a first period of time, at a temperature of at least 850° C. and then under an oxidizing atmosphere, in a second period of time, at a temperature of at least 400° C.
US07939033B2 Process intensified microfluidic devices
A microfluidic device [10] includes at least one reactant passage [26] and one or more thermal control passages defined therein, the one or more thermal control passages being positioned and arranged within two volumes [12,14] each bordered by a wall [18,20], the walls being generally planar and parallel to one another, the reactant passage positioned between said generally planar walls and defined by said generally planar walls and walls [28] extending between said generally planar walls, wherein the reactant passage comprises multiple successive chambers [34], each such chamber including a split of the reactant passage into at least two sub-passages [36], and a joining [38] of the split passages, and a change of passage direction, of at least one of the sub-passages, of at least 90 degrees.
US07939031B2 Automated pipette machine
A pipette nozzle is provided for use on a movable arm on an automated pipette machine. The pipette nozzle includes a body defining a passage therethrough. At least two seating surfaces are provided on the body, including a first seating surface and a second seating surface. The first seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a first size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the first size of pipette tip. The second seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a second size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the second size of pipette tip. The seating surfaces are frustoconical outer surfaces. The pipette nozzle may be further configured to sealingly mate with and removably receive a third pipette tip having a third diameter different from the first diameter and the second diameter. There is also provided an automated pipette machine which includes a tip ejector system and a moving carousel having a plurality of pipette receptacles.
US07939029B2 Chemical analysis kit for the presence of explosives
A tester for testing for explosives associated with a test location comprising a first explosives detecting reagent; a first reagent holder, the first reagent holder containing the first explosives detecting reagent; a second explosives detecting reagent; a second reagent holder, the second reagent holder containing the second explosives detecting reagent; a sample collection unit for exposure to the test location, exposure to the first explosives detecting reagent, and exposure to the second explosives detecting reagent; and a body unit containing a heater for heating the sample collection unit for testing the test location for the explosives.
US07939023B2 Assay apparatus and sensor holding method
A sensor unit is retained on an assay stage of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay apparatus. The sensor unit includes a prism having a sensing surface, disposed on an upper surface thereof, for detecting reaction of a sample. A flow cell is secured to the upper surface, and has a flow channel for flow of sample fluid containing the sample to the sensing surface. The sensor unit is set removably on the assay apparatus for optically measuring reaction of the sample. In sensor holding, the sensor unit is set on a stage surface of the assay stage by directing down the prism. In a pushing step, a lower surface of the prism is pushed on the stage surface in a first direction upright relative to the stage surface. Two holders push an upper face of the first and second ridges of the prism in the first direction.
US07939022B2 Integration of colorimetric transducers and detector
A device for distinguishing fluids and a method for fabricating the device include integrating at least one transducer onto an optical detector. Each transducer has optical properties which vary when exposed to particular molecules of a fluid.
US07939020B2 Automatic analyzing apparatus
An automatic analyzing apparatus has an analysis section including an immunity analysis unit and a biochemical componential analysis unit. A sample rack which has undergone the immunity componential analysis is horizontally fed by a rack feeding mechanism from a position confronting the inlet of a rack stationing section to a position near the outlet of the rack stationing section, so that the sample rack is directly moved to a return line, while skipping over the rack stationing section, so as to be efficiently returned to the analysis section and subjected to a subsequent biochemical analysis. A sample rack that needs reexamination by an identical analysis unit is also returned in the same efficient way.
US07939018B2 Multi-format sample processing devices and systems
Devices, methods, and systems for processing sample materials are disclosed. The present invention may provide a bridge between standard microtiter plate systems, methods, protocols, etc. (that include wells arranged in rectangular arrays) and rotating sample processing devices and systems that allow users to obtain the rapid processing advantages of the more advanced sample processing devices. The sample processing devices preferably include a rectangular body to improve compatibility of the sample processing devices of the present invention with equipment designed for use with more conventional microtiter plates (which are typically rectangular in shape). The sample processing devices also include at least one set of process chambers arranged in one or more circular arcs and may include input and/or output chambers arranged in a rectilinear grid array.
US07939017B2 Automated fluid handling system and method
An automated fluid handling system configured to prepare fluid samples and to introduce them into an analytical instrument, such as a particle analyzer, flow cytometer or sorter flow cell, and that is capable of analyzing both accurately and quickly.
US07939016B2 Article processing apparatus and related method
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods of disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles, and more specifically to a system and method of efficiently disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles such as pieces of mail that may have been exposed to diverse biological and/or chemical contaminants.
US07939010B2 Method for forming fibers
An improved method for creating fibers from a material dissolved in a solvent. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of feeding a fiber making material dissolved in a solvent through a die including at least two rows of nozzles to form fiber strands. An attenuation medium is provided about the fiber strands. The attenuation medium is provided in a direction that is generally parallel to the fiber strands such that the attenuation medium elongates the fiber strands. The attenuation medium has a relative solvent-vapor content of at least about 50 percent.
US07939008B2 Blow-molded wheels having undercut treads, methods for producing the same, and children's ride-on vehicles including the same
Improved blow-molded wheels, methods for producing the same, and children's ride-on vehicles including the same are disclosed. The blow-molded wheels may include a blow-molded body that has a tread surface, first and second sidewalls and an axis. The body may be configured to rotate about the axis. The tread surface may extend circumferentially around the body and may extend between the first and second sidewalls. A first region of the tread surface may be disposed between the first sidewall and a part line of the blow-molded body. A second region of the tread surface may be disposed between the first region and the part line. A first radial distance from the axis to the first region may exceed a second radial distance from the axis to the second region by at least a first predetermined threshold.
US07939001B2 Method and apparatus for producing fibre composite mouldings by means of vacuum infusion
Apparatus and method of producing fiber composite moldings by means of vacuum infusion applying a mold with a mold cavity, a plurality of inlet channels (3, 21, 22) communicating with the mold cavity and a polymer source (7) with liquid polymer, a plurality of vacuum channels (2) communicating with the mold cavity and a vacuum source (10), where fiber material (14) is inserted into the mold cavity prior to the process of filling said mold, and where a negative pressure is generated in the vacuum channels (2) and thus in the mold cavity with the result that liquid polymer is drawn from the polymer source (7) via the inlet channels (3, 21, 22) into the mold cavity. One or more of the inlet channels (3, 21, 22) can also communicate with a vacuum source, and/or one or more of the vacuum channels (2) can also communicate with a polymer source (7).
US07938998B2 Easy-to-straight-tearing thermoplastic resin film and its production method and apparatus
A method for forming substantially parallel linear scratches on a thermoplastic resin film, comprising bringing the film into sliding contact with a means having a lot of fine projections for forming linear scratches, and pressing the film onto the linear-scratch-forming means from the opposite side of the linear-scratch-forming means by a film-pressing means, in a region in which the film is in sliding contact with the linear-scratch-forming means.
US07938996B2 Polymer-free carbon nanotube assemblies (fibers, ropes, ribbons, films)
Process, apparatus, compositions and application modes are provided that relate to nanofiber spinning without the use of superacids in the spinning solution. The methods employ either acids or bases for a flocculation solution. The advances disclosed therein enable the use of nanofibers, including carbon nanotubes, for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, electromechanical actuators, supercapacitors, electronic textiles, and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.
US07938993B2 Process for making cellulose fibre, filaments or films
An improved process for the preparation of a cellulose solution for spinning of fibers, filaments or films therefrom comprising the steps of: a) activating cellulose in a mixture containing said cellulose, tertiary amine oxide solvent and water for a period sufficient to allow a swelling of the cellulose by introduction therein of water present in said mixtures, the temperature of said activation step and concentration of solvent being such that the solvent is not converted into its monohydrate state during the step of activation; b) the cellulose mixture being subjected to the steps of dissolution of cellulose in the solvent by heating for removal of water so as to convert the solvent into at least its monohydrate form so as to cause a dissolution.
US07938991B2 Polymer / carbon-nanotube interpenetrating networks and process for making same
The present invention is directed to new methods for combining, processing, and modifying existing materials, resulting in novel products with enhanced mechanical, electrical and electronic properties. The present invention provides for polymer/carbon nanotube composites with increased strength and toughness; beneficial for lighter and/or stronger structural components for terrestrial and aerospace applications, electrically and thermally conductive polymer composites, and electrostatic dissipative materials. Such composites rely on a molecular interpenetration between entangled single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and cross-linked polymers to a degree not possible with previous processes.
US07938988B2 Paste composition and solar cell element using the same
Provided are: a paste composition which is capable of keeping a desired function for a backside electrode of a solar cell and strengthening the bond between an aluminum electrode layer and a p type silicon semiconductor substrate even if glass frit as a substance giving a bad effect on the environment is not incorporated into the composition or the content of glass frit as a substance giving a bad effect on the environment therein is decreased; and a solar cell element provided with an electrode formed by use of the composition. The paste composition is a paste composition for forming an aluminum electrode layer (8) over a p type silicon semiconductor substrate (1), comprising aluminum powder, an organic vehicle, and a metal alkoxide. The solar cell element provided with the aluminum electrode layer (8) formed by applying the paste composition having the above-mentioned characteristic to the p type silicon semiconductor substrate (1) and then firing the resultant.
US07938981B2 Deicing and heat transfer fluid compositions
A composition for deicing or for the preparation of a heat transfer fluid is provided. The composition comprises a mixture of at least two carboxylic acid salts having a t/c ratio of 2 or lower, including a dicarboxylic salt and a monocarboxylic salt, said dicarboxylic salt being present in the mixture in an amount of at least 50 wt % of the weight of the mixture, on a dry basis. More particularly, said mixture is including a succinate and a formate, wherein the succinate is in an amount of at least 50 wt %, on a dry basis. Also provided is a method for deicing a surface or preventing the accumulation of ice, snow or a mixture thereof on a surface, comprising a step of applying on a surface covered by ice, snow or a mixture thereof, or susceptible of being covered by ice, snow or a mixture thereof, the above composition. The composition is also useful for the preparation of a heat transfer fluid coolant to be used in a heat transfer system comprising a heat transfer fluid provided with a cooling system.
US07938979B2 Method of fabricating mirrors for liquid crystal on silicon display device
The present invention discloses a method of fabricating mirrors for LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) display device, including: forming a dielectric layer over a silicon substrate; forming a stop layer over the dielectric layer; forming an insulation layer over the stop layer; etching the insulation layer and the stop layer until the dielectric layer is exposed, thus forming an insulation fence; forming a metal layer over the dielectric layer and the insulation fence; and planarizing the metal layer and the insulation fence, hence the planarized insulation fence isolating the metal layer into mirror array. Therefore no pits can be generated in the metal layer and no pits can be generated in the mirrors formed subsequently, resulting in high quality mirror surface.
US07938978B2 Method of manufacturing stamper
According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a stamper includes forming a first stamper from a master plate having lands and grooves through electroforming, forming a second stamper, a width of which is GW, from the first stamper through electroforming, forming a lamination film with a thickness of LLT on the second stamper, forming, on the lamination film, a second releasing layer, a transfer layer with a thickness of TLT and a third electroforming layer with a thickness of ELT, peeling off the transfer layer and the third electroforming layer from the second stamper to form a third stamper, and isotropically etching the transfer layer on the third stamper in an etching thickness of ET to reduce a width of lands of the third stamper, in which the following relations are satisfied: 10 nm≦ELT and ET≦TLT.
US07938977B2 Method of modulating resonant frequency of torsional MEMS device
A torsional MEMS device is disclosed. The torsional MEMS device includes a support structure, a platform, and at least two hinges, which connects the platform to the support structure. The platform has an active area and a non-active area. A plurality of sacrificial elements is disposed in the non-active area. If the resonant frequency of the torsional MEMS device is less than a predetermined standard resonant frequency of the torsional MEMS device, at least one sacrificial element is removed to reduce the total mass of the torsional MEMS device, and so as to increase the resonant frequency of the torsional MEMS device.
US07938967B2 Safety vent structure for extracorporeal circuit
A vent assembly is described for use in an extracorporeal fluid unit. A vent structure adjacent to a micro-porous membrane forms the assembly. The vent structure is porous, but expands when the vent structure becomes wet, thereby closing off the pores and inhibiting (e.g., preventing) fluid from flowing through the vent structure. The vent structure also protects the membrane from becoming wet, such as from condensation.
US07938966B2 Backwash method
A filtration arrangement including one or more membrane modules (5) positioned vertically within a feed tank (6), each membrane module (5) having one or more membranes positioned therein. An aeration hood (10) having an upper wall (11) and one or more downwardly extending side walls (12, 13) is configured to at least partially shroud the membrane modules (5) within the tank (6). The aeration hood (10) includes a number of open-ended tubes (14), each extending downwardly from the upper wall (11) and forming a respective opening (15) therein. Each tube (14) is adapted to have at least one of the modules (5) mounted therein and extending through the respective openings (15) in the upper wall (11) so as to at least partially surround an outer periphery of an associated module or modules (5). One or more aeration openings (17) are provided in each tube (14) at a location spaced from a proximal end of the tube (16). The aeration hood side wall or walls (12, 13) extend to below the location of the aeration openings (17) in the tubes (14). Gas providing means (18) feed gas into the hood (10).
US07938964B2 Environmentally-neutral processing with condensed phase cryogenic fluids
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., pollutant biomass from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of biomass, and further having structure for collecting the biomass. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Some implementations convert the collected biomass into biofuel. Some implementations initially employ the biomass to remediate an aquatic body.
US07938962B2 Separating agent for enantiomeric isomers and method of producing the same
A separating agent which combines a high optical resolving power inherent in polysaccharide derivatives with sufficient solvent resistance and a method with which the separating agent can be produced efficiently in short steps. The separating agent for enantiomeric isomers is characterized in that a polymerizable polysaccharide derivative of a polysaccharide derivative having polymerizable functional groups and a polymerizable monomer having polymerizable unsaturated groups are copolymerized with a carrier having polymerizable functional groups to be chemically bound mutually. The separating agent is preferably used for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and has an excellent solvent resistance.
US07938955B2 Method for producing super-low sulfur gas oil blending component or super-low sulfur gas oil composition, and super-low sulfur gas oil composition
Provided are a method for producing a super-low sulfur gas oil blending component or a super-low sulfur gas oil composition having a sulfur content of less than 5 mass ppm, under relatively mild conditions, without greatly increasing the hydrogen consumption and without remarkably decreasing the aromatic content; and a super-low sulfur gas oil composition having a sulfur content of less than 5 mass ppm which exhibits a high heating value, is excellent in fuel economy and output power, and is free from an adverse effect on a sealing rubber member or the like used in the fuel injection system and thus does not cause the leakage of a fuel. A method for producing a super-low sulfur gas oil blending component or a super-low sulfur gas oil composition having a sulfur content of less than 5 mass ppm is also disclosed.
US07938943B2 Supply end block for rotary magnetron
A supply end block to supply a sputter cathode with a coolant and electrical voltage, includes a housing with a coolant connection and a current connection as well as a support shaft mounted to rotate, on which a target tube is fastened. The coolant connection and current connection are brought together directly at a feed site so that the coolant is brought to the potential of the applied electric voltage on entering the housing of the end block. Optimal cooling of the current feed is achieved, and optimal potential equalization of the coolant simultaneously occurs.
US07938937B2 Solid-electrolyte capacitor manufacturing device and manufacturing method
The invention provides an apparatus for producing solid electrolytic capacitors having uniform properties with excellent ESR value efficiently at low costs and a production process using the apparatus. The production process using the apparatus is characterized in that a plurality of conductors for producing solid electrolytic capacitors are fixed to a jig for producing capacitors, the jig is transferred to above treatment baths to immerse the conductors in treatment solution in each of the baths sequentially and electric currents are passed to the conductors therein to thereby form a dielectric layer and a semiconductor layer sequentially on the conductors and that on the jig for producing capacitors, a plurality of sockets are provided for inserting and fixing ends of wires leading out of the conductors by using a robotics device.
US07938933B2 Method for making mineral fiber paper
Disclosed is a method for making fiber paper. In this method, mineral fibers and PVA resin are blended in water, thus forming first solution. Polymer fibers and PVA resin are blended in water, thus forming second solution. The first solution is mixed with the second solution. A wet paper-making machine is used to make mineral fiber paper from the mixture.
US07938931B2 Edge electrodes with variable power
The embodiments provide structures and mechanisms for removal of etch byproducts, dielectric films and metal films on and near the substrate bevel edge, and chamber interior to avoid the accumulation of polymer byproduct and deposited films and to improve process yield. In an exemplary embodiment, a plasma processing chamber configured to clean a bevel edge of a substrate is provided. The plasma processing chamber includes a bottom electrode configured to receive the substrate, wherein the bottom electrode is coupled to a radio frequency (RF) power supply. The plasma processing chamber also includes a top edge electrode surrounding an insulating plate opposing the bottom electrode. The top edge electrode is electrically grounded. The plasma processing chamber further includes a bottom edge electrode surrounding the bottom electrode. The bottom edge electrode opposes the top edge electrode. The top edge electrode, the substrate disposed on the bottom electrode, and the bottom edge electrode are configured to generate a cleaning plasma to clean the bevel edge of the substrate. The bottom edge electrode and the bottom electrode are electrically coupled to one another through an RF circuit tunable to adjust the amount of RF current going between the substrate disposed on the bottom electrode, the bottom edge electrode and the top edge electrode.
US07938927B2 Method of making a filter assembly
Embodiments of the invention generally include a filter assembly having a media pack having a single web of pleated media having at least two mini-pleated regions arranged in non-linear orientation. In one embodiment, a filter assembly includes a media pack defined by a single web of media, and an adhesive layer coupling a flat end of the media pack to a frame assembly to form a lap joint. In another embodiment, a filter assembly includes a media pack sealed to a frame assembly. A discontinuous layer of adhesive couples at least one edge of the media pack to the frame assembly.
US07938923B2 Method of making and using shape memory polymer composite patches
A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.
US07938922B2 Edge coating for honeycomb used in panels with composite face sheets
Core-skin bonding is improved between honeycomb and composite face sheets by applying a nylon-based (polyamide) adhesive to the edge of the honeycomb prior to bonding. Edge coating of honeycomb with polyamide adhesives is useful in further increasing the bond strength between honeycomb and prepreg face sheets, especially when the matrix resin of the prepreg is designed to adhere the prepreg to the honeycomb.
US07938920B2 Explosive composition, method of making an explosive composition, and method of using an explosive composition
An explosive composition is provided that is comprised of a Heavy ANFO and grain hulls. In one embodiment, the grain hulls are comprised of rice hulls. The grain hulls serve both as an inert bulking additive that reduces the density of the composition and as a sensitizer that reduces the energy needed to reliably detonate the composition. Also provided is a method for manufacturing an explosive composition comprised of Heavy ANFO and grain hulls, such as rice hulls. Additionally, a method of using an explosive comprised of ANFO and grain hulls in a mining operation is disclosed.
US07938914B2 Workpiece surface treatment system
A workpiece surface treatment system (1), which obtains a surface-treated workpiece by sequentially carrying a treatment cell (9) containing a workpiece to a series of apparatuses for operations in the respective apparatuses, is characterized by including: a carrying apparatus (2) for sequentially carrying the treatment cell (9) to a series of the apparatuses in the system; a carrying-in/out apparatus (3) for carrying the treatment cell in and out of the carrying apparatus; a surface treatment apparatus (4) for performing a surface treatment on the workpiece by receiving the treatment cell from the carrying apparatus and supplying a surface treatment liquid to the inside of the treatment cell while rotating the treatment cell; and a workpiece collection apparatus (5) for collecting the workpiece by receiving the treatment cell from the carrying apparatus, inverting the treatment cell, and squirting the inside of the treatment cell with water from below to flow out the workpiece, wherein the carrying apparatus carries the treatment cell to the surface treatment apparatus, and then to the workpiece collection apparatus.
US07938907B2 Device for fabricating a mask by plasma etching a semiconductor substrate
A device for fabricating a mask by plasma etching a semiconductor substrate comprises a semiconductor substrate part of the area whereof is partially covered by a mask for protecting at least one area that must not be etched and for exposing at least one area including a pattern to be etched, a support for the substrate and means for generating a plasma in the form of a flow of ions toward the substrate. According to the invention the device further comprises means for confining the ions, including a conductive material screen disposed over the substrate and along the limit between the pattern area to be etched and the area not to be etched.
US07938906B2 Method and apparatus for dynamic thin-layer chemical processing of semiconductor wafers
A semiconductor wafer processing and analysis apparatus (20) includes a processing micro chamber (22) for closely receiving a semiconductor wafer (27) therein. The chamber may be opened for loading and removing the semiconductor wafers and then closed for processing of the wafer wherein chemical reagents and other fluids are introduced into the chamber. Small clearances are provided between the upper surface, the lower surfaces, and the perimeter edge of the wafer and the corresponding portions of the processing chamber. A high-speed collection system is provided for collecting and removing the spent reagents and fluids from the chamber for either on-line or off-line analysis or for waste treatment.
US07938886B2 Process for removing a target gas from a mixture of gases by thermal swing adsorption
The separation of a target gas from a mixture of gases using a thermal swing adsorption process wherein a thermal wave is used, primarily in the desorption step. The process of this invention enables one to separately remove multiple contaminants from a treated gaseous stream.
US07938880B2 Apparatus for removing ruthenium from solution containing platinum group metal
The invention provides an apparatus for effectively removing ruthenium when ruthenium is removed from a solution containing platinum group metal by oxidation distillation. The invention provides an apparatus for selectively removing ruthenium from a solution containing ruthenium and other platinum group metal by adding an oxidizer to the solution to convert ruthenium into ruthenium tetroxide, wherein air is sucked into a reaction tank by reducing pressure within the reaction tank, and at least one outlet of the air is arranged in the apparatus such that the lowermost part thereof is located at the height of 5-20 m from the bottom of the reaction tank, whereby the solution within the reaction tank can be effectively stirred without ruthenium tetroxide, which has large specific gravity, being concentrated at the bottom of the reaction tank.
US07938877B2 Low coefficient of thermal expansion materials including modified aluminosilicate fibers and methods of manufacture
A fibrous ceramic material comprises a plurality of fibers having a modified aluminosilicate compositional structure (i.e., x(RO).y(Al2O3).z(SiO2) or w(MO).x(RO).y(Al2O3).z(SiO2)). The fibrous ceramic material is form by combining two or more x(RO).y(Al2O3).z(SiO2) or w(MO).x(RO).y(Al2O3).z(SiO2) precursors in which at least one of the two or more precursors is in fiber form. The resulting fibrous ceramic material has a low coefficient of thermal expansion (i.e., ≦4.7×10-6/° C.).
US07938876B2 Low coefficient of thermal expansion materials including nonstoichiometric cordierite fibers and methods of manufacture
A fibrous ceramic material comprises a plurality of fibers having a RxMg2Al4+xSi5−xO18 or RxMg2−xAl4Si5O18 compositional structure. The fibrous ceramic material is form by combining two or more RxMg2Al4+xSi5−xO18 or RxMg2−xAl4Si5O18 precursors in which at least one of the two or more RxMg2Al4+xSi5−xO18 or RxMg2−xAl4Si5O18 precursors is in fiber form. The fibrous ceramic material is shaped to form a fibrous body in which at least about 20% of all fibers therein are aligned in a substantially common direction.
US07938875B2 Apparatus for separating oil from blow-by gas of engine
The present invention relates to a variable apparatus for separating oil from blow-by gas in an engine. More particularly, the variable apparatus of the present invention is installed in a baffle compartment of a cylinder head cover of the engine, and includes a partition wall (10), a cover (20) and an elastic member (30) that elastically supports the cover (20), thus separating oil from blow-by gas generated in the engine. The variable apparatus having the above-mentioned construction actively responds to the flow speed of the blow-by gas, thus markedly enhancing the ability to separate oil from blow-by gas even when the engine is operating at high speed.
US07938873B2 Dust suction module for hand-held power tool
A dust suction module includes a plurality of bearing surfaces (2, 2′, 2″) with which the dust suction module (1) is mountable on an associated hand-held power tool (3), an air filter (4), a rotatable suction wheel (5), a plurality of opening outwardly, air discharge openings (6), and a plurality of opening outwardly, auxiliary discharge openings (7) formed in at least one of the plurality of bearing surfaces (2).
US07938871B2 Vehicle filter assembly
A vehicle filter assembly includes a housing, a cyclone-inducing structure and a self-cleaning trap mechanism. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and a trap aperture. The cyclone-inducing structure is disposed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet to separate particulate from gases passing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet. The self-cleaning trap mechanism is movably arranged with respect to the trap aperture to move between a closed orientation sealing the trap aperture and an opened orientation exposing the trap aperture to release particulate from the housing.
US07938868B2 Staged system for producing purified hydrogen from a reaction gas mixture comprising a hydrocarbon compound
The inventive stage system for producing hydrogen consists of at least two upstream/downstream stages, respectively, each of which comprises, optionally, a catalytic reactor (C1 to C5) followed by a separator comprising a space (E1 to E4) for circulation of a gaseous mixture contacting at least one oxygen extracting membrane and a hydrogen collecting space, wherein the reactor (C1) of the upstream stage is connected to a reaction gaseous mixture source, the circulation stage (E1) of the upstream stage separator is connected to the reactor (C2) of the downstream stage and the spaces for extracting/collecting oxygen from two separators are connected to a hydrogen collecting circuit (TC, 8) which is common for two stages.
US07938862B2 Artificial joint and a joint part intended for this purpose
An artificial joint as an endoprosthesis for a human joint, including a first joint part having two first functional surfaces, a second joint part having two second functional surfaces, the two first and second functional surfaces of each joint part being convex-concave, concave-convex, or convex-convex in a proximal-distal direction, a projection associated with the first joint part; and a recess associated with the second joint part. The recess is configured to engage with the projection so as to determine a relative position of the first and second joint parts in a transverse plane of the joint and to form a stop for a sliding movement of the first and second joint parts relative to each other. The two first functional surfaces are pivotable about a pivot axis with respect to the second functional surfaces.
US07938861B2 Implantable orthopaedic device and method for making the same
A polymeric implantable orthopaedic device that includes a first layer and a second layer where the first layer has a porosity that is different from the second layer is described. An associated method of producing a polymeric implantable orthopaedic device that includes a first layer and a second layer where the first layer has a porosity that is different from the second layer is also described.
US07938858B2 Spinal implant system
Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for performing a corpectomy or spinal disc replacement. Devices may include an inferior bearing that is implantable in an inferior vertebral body and a superior bearing that is implantable in a superior vertebral body. The bearings of some embodiments have a support member rotatably coupled between the bearings, and a fixation device may attach the vertebral bodies to the support member with a fastener.
US07938842B1 Tissue dissector apparatus
Surgical apparatus and method includes a cannula that houses an endoscope and supports a dilating element near a distal end of the cannula. The dilating element has a dimension which is greater than the diameter of the cannula for enlarging a surgical cavity in tissue as the cannula is advanced through tissue at a surgical site to provide working space adjacent a target vessel within which surgical instruments may be conveniently manipulated. The dilating element of oval sided shape permits surrounding tissue to be pushed away or otherwise displaced away from the target vessel atraumatically. A locking mechanism is disposed on the cannula, which accepts a succession of mating dilating elements of progressively larger dimensions for successive insertion and enlargement of a surgical cavity as required. In one embodiment, the dilating element is made of rigid plastic, and in another embodiment, the dilating element is made of resilient material that may be confined within a retractable sheath which, in the extended position, encases and compresses the dilating element to a smaller dimension and which, in a retracted position, allows the dilating element to resiliently expand and enlarge the surgical cavity.
US07938840B2 Apparatus and methods for anastomosis
Apparatus and methods for performing an anastomosis. More particularly, the apparatus may be used to perform a single or multiple anastomosis with the ability of maintaining fluid flow (e.g., blood) through the anastomosis vessel according to one aspect of the invention.
US07938838B2 Devices for handling catheter assembly
A gripping device for a catheter assembly is disclosed providing enhanced gripping power for the operator of the catheter assembly. The gripping device is situated at the proximal portion of the catheter assembly and the proximal terminus of an external catheter sheath is attached near or to the body of the gripping device.
US07938836B2 Driver assembly for simultaneous axial delivery of spinal implants
Tools for use in the deployment of spinal implant assemblies such as spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. The tools allow the deployment of a pair of spinal implant components that are not rigidly connected to one another to be driven into adjacent vertebral bodies. The tools further allow for distraction via either dissimilar thread pitch or by axially advancing a distraction tool based on a threaded engagement with a proximal component in a proximal vertebral body to impose an distraction between that vertebral body and an adjacent distal vertebral body. The tools also allow for the provision of flowable biomaterials such as prosthetic nucleus material. Delivery of flowable biomaterials can be performed while the vertebrae are being held apart by a distraction tool.
US07938834B2 Hybrid fusion/arthroplasty device
The present embodiments relate to a joint treatment device for improved treatment of a diseased joint. The joint treatment device comprises first and second components, which are coupled to first and second bone portions, respectively, at the joint. The first component and the second component are configured to be coupled together in a first configuration to promote fusion of the joint, and further are configured to be coupled together in a second configuration to promote arthroplasty of the joint. Additionally, a screwdriver is disclosed that may advance the first and second component simultaneously or independently. Further, a joint distraction device is disclosed, which may be used to vary spacing between the first bone portion and the second bone portion at the joint.
US07938833B2 Adjustable resection guide
A resection guide having an alignment barrel with holes that pass through the entire cross-section of the alignment barrel is disclosed. An alignment guide is mounted on the alignment barrel. Alignment guide can translate and rotate with respect to alignment barrel. The alignment guide has holes that extend through it. A resection plate is located at one end of the alignment guide. The resection plate has a resection surface. The resection guide is located on a bone using a navigation system and attached to the bone by driving two nails through the holes on the alignment barrel and one nail through one of the holes on the alignment guide. The resection surface is used to guide a tool for resecting the bone.
US07938827B2 Cardiac valve leaflet attachment device and methods thereof
A medical device system comprising a guide catheter and a leaflet fastening applicator, the guide catheter having suitable dimensions for deployment and insertion percutaneously into a human heart in a vicinity of a heart valve, the leaflet fastening applicator having a size allowing insertion through the guide catheter and being capable of holding portions of opposing heart valve leaflets, wherein the fastening applicator comprises a pair of grasping-electrodes adapted for holding and engaging the portions of opposing heart valve leaflets together and for applying energy to fasten the portions, in which heart valve leaflets can be captured and securely fastened, thereby improving coaptation of the leaflets and improving competence of the valve.
US07938824B2 Apparatus and method for reducing subcutaneous fat deposits, virtual face lift and body sculpturing by electroporation
An apparatus and method for performing non-invasive treatment of the human face and body by electroporation in lieu of cosmetic surgery is provided. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator and an applicator having two or more electrodes in close mechanical and electrical contact with the patient's skin for applying the pulses to the patient's skin. The applicator may consist of two pieces with one electrode having a sharp tip and another having a flat surface. High voltage pulses delivered to the electrodes create at the tip of the sharp electrode an electric field high enough to cause death of relatively large subcutaneous fat cells by electroporation. Moving the electrode tip along the skin creates a line of necrotic subcutaneous fat cells, which later are metabolized by the body. Multiple applications of the electrode along predetermined lines on the face or neck create shrinkage of the skin and the subcutaneous fat volume underlying the treated area.
US07938815B2 Cover for being mounted on a multi-compartment infusion bag
An object of the present device is to provide a cover capable of preventing the administration of unmixed medicaments to a patient. The cover for being mounted on a multi-compartment infusion bag of the present device is a cover for being mounted on a multi-compartment infusion bag including a plurality of compartments partitioned by at least one easily peelable partitioning seal portion which is opened in response to an increase in the internal pressure of at least one of the plurality of compartments induced by pressing said at least one of the plurality of compartments. The cover has a pair of pinch members that pinch at least one of the plurality compartments. The pair of pinch members has engaging elements that engage each other to maintain a pinching state of the pair of pinch members until the pinching state is released in response to an increase in the internal pressure of said at least one of the compartments so that the suspension portion can be used. The pair of pinch members cover a suspension portion in the pinching state for preventing the use of the suspension portion for suspending the infusion bag until said at least one easily peelable sealing partition is opened.
US07938813B2 Absorbent article having shaped absorbent core formed on a substrate
An absorbent article includes a stretchable substrate layer and an absorbent core formed directly on the substrate layer, and adhesively attached to the substrate layer. The absorbent core includes about 40-99% by weight superabsorbent particles and about 1-60% by weight adhesive fibers. The absorbent core does not prevent the substrate layer or absorbent article from stretching. The absorbent article can be a personal care absorbent article or a medical absorbent article, and is suitably stretchable or elastic in at least one direction.
US07938811B2 Athlete's foot treatment tool
With the effect of alcohol, components of athlete's foot medicine penetrate deeply into the skin and athlete's foot is cured early and completely. The athlete's foot treatment liquid is a mixture of athlete's foot medicine and alcohol, which has a feature of penetrating into the skin well. The athlete's foot treatment liquid permeates well into the inner sock. It permeates all over the sock by capillarity. The impermeable bag, which does not have liquid medicine leak out, is worn on the inner sock. The impermeable bag is filled with the athlete's foot treatment liquid. The opening of the impermeable bag is closed tightly with the rubber band so as not to have the athlete's foot treatment liquid permeate, evaporate or leak out. The outer sock is worn on the impermeable bag. The impermeable bag is compressed inward, so that the athlete's foot treatment liquid is pushed up to an upping line.
US07938807B2 Devices and methods for securing catheter assemblies
A connecting device for a catheter assembly is disclosed allowing a user to connect a catheter assembly to an adhesive pad which is then capable of anchoring the catheter assembly to a patient's leg. The connecting device may have an introducer body with an extension body and an attachment mechanism. The connecting device can be rotated along with or within a collar in a circular manner in order to facilitate the making of the connection with the adhesive pad. Additionally, the connecting device may contain an enlarged portion to enhance operability.
US07938805B2 Radially compressible blood control valve
An apparatus to control blood flow through an intravenous catheter in accordance with the present invention may include an intravenous catheter adapter and a blood control valve. The blood control valve may be retained within a hollow interior region of the intravenous catheter adapter, and may include a resilient outer shell and an inner valve portion extending inwardly therefrom. The inner valve portion may include a slit configured to open, coin-purse style, upon radially compressing the resilient outer shell. In some embodiments, a compression feature may be integrated into the intravenous catheter adapter to radially compress the resilient outer shell. A Luer device, for example, may be inserted into the intravenous catheter adapter to translate the blood control valve to a position substantially corresponding to the compression feature, thereby actuating the compression feature to open the slit.
US07938802B2 Automatic injection devices
An injection device comprises a syringe (1) extendible against a spring bias (9) from a retracted position in a housing (2) to a projecting injecting position. A spring biased plunger has collapsible elbows (10) which, when the plunger is released, initially engage the end of the syringe to drive it to the projecting position, whereupon arresting of the syringe movement causes the elbows to collapse inside the syringe to allow the plunger to engage and drive the bung (3).
US07938798B2 Medical device for delivering patches
The present invention relates to a medical device and method for treating the body tissue of a patient. The present invention is also directed to a method of making the medical device and a method of using the medical device. More particularly, the invention relates to a medical device which is inserted into the body for delivery of therapeutic patches to the surface of a body lumen, organ or cavity. Specifically, the medical device has an umbrella-like or a basket-like expandable assembly; and a therapeutic patch. The expandable assembly is capable of changing from a retracted position to an expanded position. The expandable assembly can be self-expanding or non-self-expanding.
US07938795B2 Bolus tip design for a multi-lumen catheter
A method of making a multi-lumen catheter includes forming a catheter body including a first lumen and a second lumen, and forming a catheter tip having a first channel terminating distally in a first opening on a first side of the catheter tip, and a second channel terminating distally in a second opening on a second side of the catheter tip opposite of the first side. The first and second openings of the catheter tip extend through an outer wall of the catheter tip to a dividing section. The catheter tip is affixed to the catheter body such that the first channel is aligned with the first lumen and the second channel is aligned with the second lumen.
US07938789B2 Wireless remote control massager
A massager (12) includes an inductively chargeable battery (48), avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning (13) make the massager (12) hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls (50) provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls (20, 22), wireless communication controls such as remote controls (30) and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base (14) supports the massager (12) for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship.
US07938780B2 Ultrasonic method and apparatus for measuring intracranial contents volume change
An ultrasonic method for indicating a characteristic of intracranial components' volume changes includes the transmission of broadband ultrasound from a transmitting transducer positioned on one side of a human head to a receiving transducer located on another side of the human head with decomposition of the received signal into narrowband components and determination therefrom of group delay, phase angle and attenuation as a basis for derivation of the characteristic of the intracranial media.
US07938775B2 Device, system, and method for in-vivo analysis
A device, system and method for in-vivo analysis. An autonomous in-vivo device may include a magnet to detain at least a portion of a sample collected from a body lumen; a sensor to sense a property of the detained sample portion; and a transmitter to transmit data of the sensed property.
US07938772B2 Insertion apparatus
An insertion apparatus includes: an introducing duct including; insertion portion cover portion for covering an insertion portion extending from a distal side portion of a handling portion constituting an endoscope; and a spiral duct which is disposed on an inner circumferential surface side of the insertion portion cover portion, and has on a circumferential surface of the spiral duct, a propulsion power generating portion for applying a propulsion power for introducing the insertion portion into a deep portion in a body cavity, to the insertion portion covered by the insertion portion cover, and a rotating device comprising a rotating portion for rotating the spiral duct equipped to the introducing duct.
US07938771B2 Endoscope image pick-up apparatus
An image pick-up unit inserted in the body picks up an image of the body, and transmits by radio the image to an extra-corporeal unit which is arranged outside the body. The image pick-up unit includes an image pick-up portion capturing an image, a data transmitting portion for transmitting the image obtained by the image pick-up portion to the extra-corporeal unit at a plurality of transmitting ratios, a characteristic amount detecting portion for detecting a predetermined amount of characteristics based on the image, and a determining portion for determining a valid image based on an output from the characteristic amount detecting portion. The data transmitting portion controls the data transmitting ratio in accordance with the determining result of the determining portion.
US07938766B2 Calcium-sodium polysulfide chemical reagent and production methods
A calcium-sodium polysulfide chemical reagent and methods for producing the reagent. The reagent is a blend of calcium polysulfide and sodium polysulfide that can be prepared using various types, sources and ratios of lime, elemental sulfur and sulfide ion using either virgin or waste materials. The reagent is amenable to inexpensive and high rate production methods at ambient or warmer temperatures. The reagent can be used to precipitate metals from wastewater, stabilize hexavalent chrome in hazardous waste residues, remove mercury from coal fired power plants, and as an electrolyte in large-scale bromide/polysulfide electrical storage batteries.
US07938765B2 Centrifuge having a lock mechanism
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centrifuge including: a rotor rotated by a driver; a chamber housing the rotor therein; a cover openable and closable with respect to the chamber; and a lock mechanism that locks the cover in a closed state, wherein the lock mechanism includes: a motor; a first hook rotated by the motor; and a second hook connected to the first hook through a connecting member, wherein the cover includes a securing portion on which the first hook and the second hook are respectively secured when the cover is locked, and wherein, during a locking operation of the cover, primary the first hook is engaged with the securing portion and pulls the cover toward the chamber, and then the second hook is engaged with the securing portion.
US07938763B2 Inclinable exercise device with abdominal crunch exercise accessory apparatus and method
A pair of abdominal crunch boards attachable side-by-side to an adjustable incline of an inclinable exercise device provide arm rests and hand grips for a user performing abdominal crunch exercises while positioned on a user support of the inclinable exercise device. Each abdominal crunch board includes a handle bar connected to a support frame which supports a padded board and which includes a fastener mechanism configured for releasable attachment to the adjustable incline.
US07938756B2 Powered mobile lifting, gait training and omnidirectional rolling apparatus and method
A powered mobile lifting, gait training and omnidirectional rolling apparatus is for personal use by persons with complete loss of motor function in lower limbs for assisted walking in an upright position in desired direction of indoor and outdoor. All operations including bringing the apparatus to a user, ingress, walking around and egress are performed by users without assistance of other persons. The apparatus lifts the user from a floor, wheelchair or elevated surface, its overall size enables passing through narrow passageways, and omnidirectional wheels provide top maneuverability. Rotation of powered omnidirectional wheels is coordinated with motion of gait stimulation devices that drive user's feet, resulting in simulated walk. The apparatus comprises a rigid ‘U’-shaped base integrating a powered lifting and supporting device, powered gait simulation devices, step length setup devices, powered omnidirectional wheels with brakes, retractable support mechanisms, control, monitoring, communication and recording means, a power supply block, and a harness.
US07938755B1 Adjustable exercise device
An exercise treadmill (20) is described having a number of assembly improvements. In one embodiment, a pivot assembly (50) is provided to allow a treadmill deck (32) to deflect during use. The rear pivot assembly includes a pin (56) transversely mounted on the upper surface of a treadmill frame (22). A pivot block (54) is attached to the deck and includes a lower channel (58) that engages the pin. In another embodiment, an adjustable rear foot assembly (70) is provided having a foot (74) that is rotatable within a mounting block (72). The foot is easily accessed through an upper opening (96) in the treadmill. In yet another embodiment, an air dam (100) is provided between a motor compartment (102) and an adjacent endless belt (28). In still another embodiment, a highly elastic drivebelt (120) is used between a motor assembly (104) and a roller assembly (24) that drives the endless belt (28). Lastly, an embodiment is described in which the treadmill frame (22) is assembled using swaged fasteners (38).
US07938748B2 Power transmission device and method of producing the same
The power transmission device has an internally meshing planetary gear mechanism that has an input shaft, an eccentric body provided on the input shaft, an externally toothed gear eccentrically oscillating via the eccentric body, and an internally toothed gear with which the externally toothed gear internally meshes. The externally toothed gear is assembled to the internally toothed gear in an interference fit.
US07938747B2 Game racket including a pivot element
The present invention is intended for use as a game racket including a handle and a head frame with strings held in tension. In particular as a high performance game racket frame including at least one generally tubular, substantially circular pivot element located at least partially within a substantially circular mating recess on at least one portion of an outside-facing peripheral surface of the head frame profile that can rotate to cooperate with at least one string. The pivot element can rest upon at least a portion of the mating recess and therefore can have at least one adjoining surface portion. In order to reduce friction, adjoining surface(s) can be coated with a suitable anti-friction agent such as silicone or it can include a “frictionless” repelling permanent magnet portion capable of sustaining magnetic levitation between the two parts. Alternatively, at least a portion of the adjoining surfaces can include communicating electromagnetic friction plates in order to control the rate at which the pivot element rotates.
US07938744B2 Multi-piece solid golf ball
The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball composed of a solid core encased by a cover of one or more layer, which solid core has an inner core layer and an outer core layer. The inner core layer is formed primarily of a thermoplastic resin, has a diameter of from 21 to 38 mm, has a JIS-C cross-sectional hardness of from 60 to 83 at any single point on a cross-section obtained by cutting the inner core layer in half, and has a cross-sectional hardness difference between any two points on the cross-section of within ±5. The outer core layer is formed of a rubber composition made primarily of polybutadiene rubber. The solid core has a diameter of from 35 to 42 mm. The ball has specific relationships between the hardness of the inner core layer 1 mm inside a boundary between the inner core layer and the outer core layer, the hardness of the outer core layer 1 mm outside the boundary, and the surface hardness of the outer core layer. Such a golf ball is able to achieve an increased distance.
US07938736B2 Set of golf clubs
At least three clubs of a set of golf clubs may have an average volume between about 75 cm3 and about 90 cm3. The transverse dimensions of the at least three clubs may progressively decrease from a highest volume club to a lowest volume club. At least one club of a set may include a constraining member in a cavity. A linear distance between a sweet spot and a center of gravity may progressively decrease from a lower lofted club to a higher lofted club within a set. At least one golf club of a set may include a face plate portion, and at least two golf clubs of the set may include a cup face portion. At least two clubs of a set may include a progressively increasing hosel length from a lowest lofted club to a highest lofted club. The strike face of at least one club of a set may include a bulge and a roll. A first club of a set may have a face thickness that is less than a face thickness of a second club of the set.
US07938733B1 Golf swing training device
A golf swing training device comprising an illuminator mounted on the shaft of a golf club and a detector assembly including a light sensor strategically located around the stomach region of the golfer. The illuminator provides a relatively narrow beam of light wave energy, preferably along an axis that is generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the club. The illuminator may be pulse modulated, to provide a frequency encoded light output. The detector assembly detects the light output from the illuminator, and produces a buzzing sound or a vibrating sensation, to alert the golfer that the club is following a correct path and position through the golf swing. The detector assembly may include optical filtering and signal conditioning to reduce the effects of ambient light. With such sensory feedback, the golfer develops muscle training for a consistent and correct swing pattern.
US07938731B2 Compartment for integrating an electronic device in a child motion device
A child motion device has a frame assembly and a seat supported by the frame assembly and capable of movement with a child occupying the seat. A housing is provided on a part of the frame assembly. A receptacle is provided in the housing and is positioned spaced from and faces away from the seat. A storage tray is located in the compartment and defines a storage space on the tray. The tray is movable between an opened position with the storage space and the tray extending outside the housing away from the seat and a closed position with the tray and storage space within the receptacle in the housing.
US07938726B2 Universal game download system for legacy gaming machines
A universal method and computer system for downloading game software to legacy gaming machines. A gaming machine includes a locked enclosure; a first computing device disposed within the locked enclosure, the first computing device being programmed to enable game play of the gaming machine; a second computing device disposed within the locked enclosure of the gaming machine, the second computing device being configured for network access, and an interface between the first and the second computing devices. The second computing device is configured to receive game software components over the network that are compatible with (e.g., executable by) the first computing device but not compatible with (e.g., not executable by) the second computing device and to transfer the received game software components to the first computing device over the interface. The second computing device may include, for example, a PC. When the first computing device is a PC, it may be configured with dual-boot capability between two operating computer systems. When the first operating computer system is booted, game play may be enabled and when the second operating computer system is booted, game software components may be received over the network.
US07938716B2 Apparatus and method for spiral polishing with electromagnetic abrasive
An apparatus and method for spiral polishing with electromagnetic abrasive has adopted the principle of electromagnetic and magnetic abrasive along with a lead screw to polish the inner or outer surface of a precise screw or a complicated part. The apparatus includes a clamp, a lead screw, a first electromagnet, and a second electromagnet assembled in an airtight space, wherein the airtight space is filled with magnetic abrasive which is driven by the rotation of the lead screw and the electromagnetic function to polish a processed part in a regular shape or in an irregular shape.
US07938696B2 Symmetrical electric contact
For the transmission of high-frequency signals >2.5 GHz or 5 Gbps by means of a separable plug connection, the invention proposes a symmetrically shaped electric contact (1, 1′) that features a contact body (4) with the contact side (3) with U-shaped spring legs (13), as well as a connection end (5).Contact domes (15) that are directed toward one another and feature contact zones (16) that are narrower than the material thickness of the spring legs (13) are integrally formed onto both spring legs (13).When joining the two electric contacts (1, 1′) that are mated while they are turned relative to one another by 90 degrees in the mating direction, the contact domes (15) or their contact zones (16) of one electric contact (1, 1′) engage into the contact body (4) of the other electric contact (1, 1′) in a paired fashion such that electric signals travel distances with identical transit times on one leg and on the other leg and so-called stub effects, i.e., transit time differences that cause a partial obliteration of certain signal portions, due to different distances in a contact wiring are prevented.
US07938693B2 PE connection for plug connectors
An electrical plug connector includes an insulating body supporting electrical contact elements having a connector portion and a conductor connection portion. At least one retaining element is configured to contact a respective at least one contact insert and has at least one flange with at least one punched hole configured to fasten the electrical plug connector to at least one of a housing and a control cabinet. A tension sleeve has a terminal screw configured to connect a ground conductor with the electrically conductive metal element. A U-shaped frame is configured to receive and guide the tension sleeve. A conductor bar is disposed on the electrically conductive metal element angularly offset from the U-shaped frame and is configured to engage the tension sleeve.
US07938684B2 Electrical connector with aligning means and assembly combination thereof
An electrical connector with an aligning means includes an insulating body, a plurality of terminals, a lower casing, and an aligning casing. The terminals are provided on the insulating body. The lower casing is provided on the bottom of the insulating body. The aligning casing is provided on the top of the insulating body. Both sides of the aligning casing are bent and extend to form two opposite aligning portions. Via the above arrangement, the electrical connector with an aligning means can be achieved and generate an aligning effect. Thus, the electrical connector having an aligning means can be inserted with a docking connector more quickly, and the contact therebetween will not become poor due to an external force. Furthermore, the work hours for assembling can be reduced. The present invention further provides an assembly combination of the electrical connector with aligning means.
US07938673B2 Terminal strip
The invention relates to a terminal strip (1) comprising a housing (2) and at least four insulation displacement contacts (K1-K8), the at least four insulation displacement contacts (K1-K8) being arranged in a series (3, 4). The housing (2) comprises housing walls (5) between which the insulation displacement contacts (K1-K8) are arranged. The insulation displacement contacts (K1-K8) are at a 45° angle in relation to the housing walls (5), and two separate insulation displacement contacts form a contact pair. The insulation displacement contacts (K1-K8) of a contact pair (K1, K2; K7, K8; K3, K6; K4, K5) are parallel in relation to each other, whereas adjacent insulation displacement contacts (K1-K8; K5, K6) of different contact pairs are mutually rotated by 90° about the longitudinal axis (L) of the insulation displacement contacts (K1-K8).
US07938669B2 Cable assembly with latching mechanism
A cable assembly (100), comprises a housing (10) formed by a base portion (101) having a first top surface (1011) and a mating portion (102) having a second top surface (1021), and the housing has a receiving space therein. A plurality of conductive contacts (311, 331) are retained in the housing. A cable (7) is entered into the receiving space and electrically connected with the conductive contacts. A pulling member (52) is moveable relative to the housing in a horizontal direction, and comprises a cooperating portion (524) at a front end thereof. And a latching member (51) is cooperated with the pulling member and assembled to the housing for latching with a complementary connector. The latching member comprises an engaging section (513) assembled to the housing, a latching section (515) disposed on the top of the base portion and an actuating section (5140) disposed between the engaging section and the latching section. The actuating section is interconnected with the cooperating portion and capable of being actuated by the cooperating portion of the pulling member.
US07938658B1 Card edge connector with a fastener with a detent portion with a snap-fitting surface
The card edge connector includes: an electrical receptacle formed with an abutting surface; two fasteners pivoted to the electrical receptacle, wherein each of the fasteners is formed with a snap-fitting surface that makes contact with the fastened surface to form a fastening area, the fastening area has a contact point that is closest to a central perpendicular line of the electrical receptacle, and the contact point has a first distance from the central perpendicular line; and wherein each of the fasteners is provided with an abutting portion, and when the abutting portion abuts against the abutting surface correspondingly, an abutting area is formed which has an abutting point that is closest to the central perpendicular line of the electrical receptacle, and the abutting point has a second distance from the central perpendicular line that is less than the first distance.
US07938650B2 Manufactured round plug connector for Ethernet
A connector includes an inner structure divided into first, second, and third components. The first component includes plug contacts disposed so as to form a circular plug face configured for connection to a mating connector. The second component includes a connection block having connection contacts configured for connection of a data line connection. The third component includes a printed circuit board configured to provide an adaptable connecting element between the connection block and the plug contacts. The printed circuit board includes a plurality of layers in a sandwich configuration, the plurality of layers including layers having conductive trace alternating with layers having a dielectric. A first layer having a dielectric is disposed between two layers having conductive trace so as to form a first parallel plate capacitor. A second layer having a dielectric is disposed between two layers having trace so as to form a second parallel plate capacitor. A third layer having a dielectric is disposed between the first and second parallel plate capacitors. At least one of the first and second layers is thinner than the third layer.
US07938633B2 Electric compressor and electric motor with a housing having a circumferential wall with thick and thin portions
An electric compressor includes an electric motor, a compression mechanism driven by the electric motor, and a housing for accommodating the electric motor and the compression mechanism. The housing is formed such that the stator is fitted thereto. The housing has a plurality of thick portions and a plurality of thin portions. The center of the thickness of each thick portion is located outside of the center of the thickness of each thin portion with respect to a radial direction of the housing. As a result, even if the housing is deformed, the fixation of the stator to the housing is reliably maintained. Further, the weight of the electric compressor is reduced.
US07938619B2 Turbo vacuum pump
A turbo vacuum pump of the present invention includes a suction part for sucking gas in an axial direction; a discharge section in which rotating impellers and stationary impellers are alternately arranged; a rotating shaft for rotating the rotating impellers; and a turbine impeller part fixed to the suction side end face of the rotating shaft. The rotating impellers include one or more turbine impellers for discharging the sucked gas in the axial direction, and one or more centrifugal impellers, located downstream of the one or more turbine impellers, for further discharging the discharged gas by a centrifugal drag effect. The one or more centrifugal impellers are fixed to the rotating shaft passing therethrough. The one or more turbine impellers are included in the turbine impeller part.
US07938593B1 Split tube connector system
A split tube connector for efficiently connecting separate tubular members together. The split tube connector generally includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member separate from the first tubular member and a connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector connected to the first connector, wherein a first end of the connector assembly is removably positioned within the first tubular member and wherein a second end of the connector assembly is removably positioned with the second tubular member. The first connector and the second connector laterally adjust to engage a first inner surface of the first tubular member and a second inner surface of the second tubular member to frictionally connect the first tubular member to the second tubular member via the connector assembly.
US07938591B2 Stick-shaped material extruding container and cosmetics
A stick-shaped material extruding container and cosmetics using the container are provided. The stick-shaped material extruding container is provided with a piston-shaped extruding portion which is located at the front end of a moving body and tightly slides in a filling part; the stick-shaped material is tightly filled within the filling part; there exists sealant between the stick-shaped material and the extruding portion, which sealant contains one or more components chosen from the group consisting of oil components which assume liquid state at room temperature and polyols which assume liquid state at room temperature; the extruding portion and the stick-shaped material maintain in a tight engagement state in the filling part by means of the sealant with the mobile body being retracted.
US07938587B2 Substrate processing method, computer storage medium and substrate processing system
In the present invention, when dense and sparse resist patterns are formed above a substrate, respective resist pattern dimensions are measured, and a correction value for a first processing unit is calculated based on the dimension measurement result of the dense resist pattern and a correction value for a second processing unit is calculated based on the dimension measurement result of the sparse resist pattern. Based on these calculation results, processing conditions in the first processing unit and the second processing unit are changed, and thereafter processing in these processing units are implemented under these changed conditions.
US07938582B2 Self-lubricating guiding member
A self-lubricating guiding element which is characterized in that the body thereof is made from a material with high resistance to wear and/or seizing and corrosion. Each of the ends of the bore in the body is equipped with at least one groove which is intended to prevent the lubricant from leaving the friction zone. In addition, the bore comprises oriented slots, at least between the grooves, which open into at least one of the grooves and which are used to store lubricant.
US07938579B2 C-arm mounted on a robotic arm
An x-ray device is provided. The x-ray device includes a C-arm that may be rotatably mounted on a robotic arm. A radiation source and a radiation detector may be arranged on the C-arm. The interior of the C-arm, which is hollow at least in sections, is accessible from at least one access side to allow at least a part of the electronic components used to operate the radiation source and the radiation detector to be integrated in the interior of the arm.
US07938559B2 Multiple optical assembly for a LED lighting device, and red lighting device comprising such an optical assembly
A LED lighting device has a number of LED's, and a multiple optical assembly defined by a number of modular units; each modular unit has a total-internal-reflection lens associated with a LED, and the modular units are connected to one another so as the lenses have respective distinct optical reflecting surfaces.
US07938558B2 Safety accommodation arrangement in LED package/lens structure
An LED apparatus including (a) a mounting board, (b) a plurality of LED packages thereon, (c) a lens member over each LED package, and (d) a safety barrier positioned over the mounting board, the barrier having sufficient thickness for enclosure of electrical elements on the mounting board and including a plurality of openings each sized to permit light from an LED package to pass therethrough and through a light-transmission portion of the lens member over such LED package to prevent finger-contact of electrical elements on the mounting board when the light-transmission portion is not present.
US07938546B2 Method of illuminating a projecting imager, corresponding system and projector
The invention is directed at least in part to a method of illuminating an imager for projecting images, implementing light-emitting diodes of different colors, the diodes being designed to provide a beam illuminating the imager. According to various embodiments of the invention, for a set of at least one imager, the method includes receiving each image of the set; determining a color base dependent on the set of at least one image, called a secondary color base; and dynamically controlling the diodes according to the secondary color base. The invention also relates to a system implementing the method and a projector comprising such a system.
US07938545B2 Projection optical system, magnification projection optical system, magnification projection apparatus, and image projection apparatus
A projection optical system for use in an image projection apparatus illuminating a lightbulb forming an image in accordance with a modulating signal with illumination light from a light source is disclosed. The projection optical system includes first and second optical systems arranged along an optical path defining an upstream-downstream direction in the order described from upstream to downstream on the downstream side of the lightbulb. The first optical system includes at least one dioptric system and has positive power. The second optical system includes at least one reflecting surface having power and has positive power. The image formed by the lightbulb is formed as an intermediate image in the optical path, and the intermediate image is magnified and projected.
US07938542B2 Optical swiveling device for imaging and/or projection of an object scene
An optical swiveling device is specified for imaging and/or projection of an object scene, having a supporting structure, having a detection/transmission unit arranged in the supporting structure, having a pitch frame and having a roll frame, with the pitch frame being mounted in the roll frame such that it can rotate about a pitch axis and with the roll frame being mounted in the supporting structure such that it can rotate about a roll axis. In this case the pitch axis and the roll axis intersect at an intersection angle of less than 90°. First deflection optics are arranged in the pitch frame such that a beam propagating along the pitch axis is deflected in an object-side direction which intersects the pitch axis at the intersection angle, and vice versa, and second deflection optics are arranged in the roll frame such that a beam propagating along the pitch axis is deflected in the direction along the roll axis, and vice versa.
US07938530B2 Cradle unit for a printer cartridge
A printer cradle unit for a printer cartridge has a body defining an opening for receiving the cartridge. A cover assembly closes the opening and secures the cartridge in an operative position. An ink refill mechanism is arranged on the body to operate a refill unit to refill the cartridge with ink. A roller assembly is arranged on the body and is configured to feed print media from the cartridge.
US07938529B2 Photo printer
A photo printer including a printer body having a printing engine disposed therein, a conveying unit to reciprocate a printing medium supplied to the printing engine, a supplying unit disposed at an upper portion of the printer body to supply the printing medium to the printing engine, a supplying passage to guide the printing medium from the supplying unit to the printing engine, a retrograding passage disposed in the printer body to guide a preceding end of the printing medium inside and outside the printer body when the printing medium supplied to the printing engine is aligned and reciprocated, so that the printing medium is printed from a rear end thereof, and a discharging passage to discharge the printing medium outside the printer body when the printing of the printing medium is completed at the printing engine.
US07938525B2 Ink jet recording method
The invention provides an ink jet recording method including applying an ink onto an ink jet recording medium by ink jet technology, the recording medium containing a support and an ink receptive layer which is provided on or above the support and contains a water-soluble aluminum compound, and the ink containing a dye and 8% by mass or more of a water-soluble solvent based on the total amount of the ink, the water-soluble solvent having a SP value of 24 (MPa)1/2 or less according to the Hoy method and a molecular weight of 220 or more.
US07938523B2 Fluid supply tank ventilation for a micro-fluid ejection head
An improved fluid supply tank for a micro-fluid ejection head and method for improving operation of a micro-fluid ejection device. The fluid supply tank has a body portion for holding a fluid to be ejected. The body portion includes a fluid exit port on an exit end thereof and a cover on an opposing end thereof. An internal vent conduit is disposed in the tank between the exit end and the cover for air removal adjacent to the exit port.
US07938522B2 Printhead with porous catcher
A printhead includes a catcher and a negative pressure source. The catcher includes a liquid drop contact structure. The liquid drop contact structure includes a plurality of pores, each of the plurality of pores having a substantially uniform size when compared to each other. The plurality of pores have a critical pressure point above which air can displace liquid from the plurality of pores. The negative pressure source is in fluid communication with the plurality of pores of the liquid contact structure. The negative pressure source includes a pressure regulator to control the negative pressure such that the negative pressure remains below the critical pressure point of the plurality of pores of the liquid drop contact structure.
US07938517B2 Jet directionality control using printhead delivery channel
A method of printing and an apparatus for controlling the directionality of liquid emitted from nozzles of a printhead are provided. Example embodiments of the apparatus include directionality control of liquid jets or liquid drops using a liquid jet directionality control mechanism. Example embodiments of the liquid jet directionality control mechanism include asymmetric energy application device configurations, nozzle geometry configurations, liquid delivery channel geometry configurations, or combinations of these configurations.
US07938513B2 Heater chips with silicon die bonded on silicon substrate and methods of fabricating the heater chips
A heater chip has a substrate and at least one die, made of silicon, and a bond non-adhesively attaching them. The substrate, thick enough to resist bowing, has ink supply vias from back to front surfaces. The die has ink flow vias from back to front surfaces and circuitry including heater elements adjacent the front surface interspersed with ink flow vias. The at least one die is superimposed on the substrate such that ink supply vias of the substrate align with ink flow vias of the die and portions of substrate front surface and die back surface are aligned, disposed adjacent and facing one another. The bond formed between substrate and die facing surface portions is hermetic and equal in strength to a Si—O bond. By separate processing of carrier and device wafers, size and features of substrate and die can be tailored to provide a desired heater chip construction.
US07938510B2 Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection method
A liquid ejection head including: an insulating nozzle plate 5 provided with a nozzle having, a liquid supply port to supply liquid and a ejection port to eject the liquid supplied from the liquid supply port onto a substrate; a cavity in communication with the liquid supply port to reserve the liquid to be ejected from the ejection port; an electrostatic voltage application device to generate an electrostatic attraction force by applying the electrostatic voltage between the liquid in the nozzle and in the cavity, and substrate; and a control device to control application of the electrostatic voltage through the electrostatic voltage application device; wherein the nozzle is a flat nozzle not protruding from the nozzle plate and the control device control the electrostatic voltage application device so as to eject the liquid from the nozzle by applying a bipolar pulse which alternates between negative and positive polarity.
US07938509B2 Nozzle arrangement with sealing structure
The present invention relates a printhead for an inkjet printer. The printhead has a plurality of nozzle arrangements, with each arrangement having a substrate defining an ink inlet channel leading to a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel and an ink ejection port through which ink from the nozzle chamber is ejected. Each arrangement also includes an ink ejection paddle extending across the nozzle chamber between the ink inlet channel and the ink ejection port, and a thermal bend actuator configured to operatively actuate the paddle. Also included is a sealing structure interposed between a working end of the actuator arm and a proximal end portion of the paddle.
US07938503B2 Printhead maintenance station having contact pad with sloping profile
A printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition. The maintenance station comprises an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing contact with nozzles in an ink ejection face of the printhead. The contact surface has a sloping profile. The maintenance station has a motor and cam arrangement for moving the pad substantially perpendicularly with respect to the ink ejection face. The pad moves from a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly contacted with the nozzles to a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. The movement and the sloping profile of the pad causes the contact surface to be peeled away from the face during disengagement.
US07938502B2 Flushing method for fluid ejecting device and fluid ejecting device
There is provided a flushing method for a fluid ejecting device that prevents clogging of a nozzle by ejecting a fluid of a set number of droplets at each set time interval in a fluid ejecting process from the nozzle of a fluid ejecting head toward a fluid receiving part that is disposed to face a nozzle opening face of the fluid ejecting head in a state of non-contacting the nozzle opening face. The flushing method includes applying an electric field between the nozzle opening face and the fluid receiving part, ejecting the fluid from the fluid ejecting head toward the fluid receiving part, detecting a voltage change based on electrostatic induction that occurs at a time when the fluid is ejected toward the fluid receiving part, and changing one between the set time interval and the set number of the droplets based on the voltage change.
US07938501B2 Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method
A voltage pulse that keeps the ejection volume within a specified range is selected for a plurality of print element columns, based on the heater rank and ink temperature information that influences the ejection volume during ink ejection. At this time, the voltage pulse is controlled so that the voltage value of the pulse is equal for a plurality of print element columns at any ink temperature and varies according to the ink temperature. This control process enables pulses of the same voltage value to be applied at all times to a plurality of nozzle columns even if these nozzle columns in the print head have different heater ranks. As a result, the ejection volumes of all nozzle columns can be kept within a specified range with high precision over a wide range of base temperature, without requiring complicated circuit configurations.
US07938498B2 Inkjet printhead with overlapping segments
An inkjet printhead has a pair of adjacent printhead segments having overlapping ink ejection nozzles. A degree of overlap of the printhead segments is determined, and a half toning of a continuous tone image is provided. The half toning is provided by a dither matrix outputting a dither value to an adder, the adder having an overlap input signal which varies depending on the degree of overlap between the adjacent printhead segments. The half toning is adjusted in a region of overlap between the adjacent printhead segments to reduce artifacts between the adjacent printhead segments.
US07938496B1 Hinged turntable
A foldable turntable surface capable of being compactly stored therewithin a cabinet comprising two (2) folding round shelves hingedly connected to a center section is herein disclosed. The hinges divide the turntable surface in such a manner that the shelves may be folded into the center to allow the turntable to be removed through a standard cabinet door opening. This allows the turntable surface to be used in existing kitchen cabinets not equipped with a turntable during original construction.
US07938489B2 Swivel and reclining chair
A swivel and reclining chair has a base support, a base bowl mounted on the base support, and a seating bowl slidably disposed in and over the base bowl. A plurality of friction reduction features are disposed on the inside surface of the base bowl. The outer surface of the seating bowl is spherical in shape and rests on the friction reduction features. The seating bowl is larger in area than the base bowl, and can freely slide in two dimensions as well as rotate in a spherical surface. Optionally, a guard ring is disposed outside of the base bowl and is attached to the base bowl at their rims.
US07938482B1 Roof assemblies for vehicles including moon roof assemblies
A moon roof assembly for a vehicle includes an actuator-driven panel having an open position and a closed position. A moon roof trim ring at least partially surrounds the panel. The moon roof trim ring includes a control housing for supporting a control system. A control system is located in the control housing. The control system includes a control member that is exposed through an opening in the moon roof trim ring for actuating the control member and moving the panel between the open position and the closed position.
US07938481B2 Vehicle frame structure
A vehicle frame structure allowing a footrest to support an even larger force. A foot operation zone and a driver's footrest are disposed between a lower cross member disposed so as to extend laterally across front ends of a pair of left and right lower main frames and an upper cross member disposed upward of, and extending in parallel with, the lower cross member. Connection frames connecting the lower cross member with the upper cross member are disposed between the foot operation zone and the driver's footrest.
US07938480B2 Vehicle body side structure
A body side structure 3 includes an outer panel 4 integratedly formed by press forming, an inner panel 5, and a reinforcement 6. The outer panel 4 includes a front pillar outer section 12, and an outer front end lower portion 13 extending downward from the front pillar outer section 12. The inner panel 5 includes a front pillar inner section 26, and an inner front end lower portion 27 extending downward from the front pillar inner section 26. A flange 43 of the reinforcement 6 is joined to the inner front end lower portion 27. A lower edge 23 of the outer front end lower portion 13 is adjacent to or in contact with an outer surface 45 of the flange 43 of the reinforcement 6 at a higher position than a lower edge 36 of the inner front end lower portion 27 and a lower edge 44 of the flange 43 of the reinforcement 6.
US07938474B2 Tailgate for vehicle
A tailgate for a vehicle includes an upper panel having a shape such that it acts as a spoiler, and a lower panel attached to the upper panel. The lower panel may define a windshield mounting hole. The lower panel may include two side pillars and an upper crossing member, the side pillars and upper crossing member defining the windshield mounting hole. The upper crossing member and the side pillars may be welded to the upper panel.
US07938462B2 Bumper beam
A bumper beam for a vehicle has a hat shaped profile with the crown (12-14) facing the vehicle and has a cover (17) that gives the bumper beam a closed profile. The bumper beam has two mountings (20, 21) that usually are adapted to be fitted to the side rails of the vehicle. The cover is extended on both sides past the mountings, but leaves the outer portions of the hat beam open. The crown of the open portions of the hat beam have a longitudinal indentation (32) and a profile height that decreases towards the ends.
US07938460B2 Latch release operating apparatus
A latch release operating apparatus release a latch state of a door, for example, a vehicle door. The apparatus includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a case having a hollow portion; a base plate arranged in the hollow portion, the base plate having an electrically conducting portion; a member made of electrically non-conducting material arranged at the electrically conducting portion of the base plate; and a cover for closing the hollow portion. At least one of the case and the cover is provided with a breathing hole so that an interior of the enclosure communicates with an exterior of the enclosure.
US07938452B2 Connecting structure between fluid device and joint
A fluid device and a fitting are connected so that fluid supply/discharge passage in the fluid device, and a fluid passage in the fitting are in communication with each other. A functional component, which allows a fluid flowing between the fluid device and the fitting to pass there though and which exerts an action on the fluid, is interposed and sealed between the fluid device and the fitting. An annular groove and an annular projection are fitted to each other and are formed in the fluid device and the fitting, respectively.
US07938451B2 Multifunctionally swivelling coupling assembly for fluid lines
A swivelling coupling assembly for providing a swivellable interconnection between fluid-containing lines. The assembly includes a housing and a retention member for retaining the housing while cooperating with it to allow the housing to spherically swivel therein. The housing has a bore for allowing hydraulic fluid to flow between the interconnected lines. The assembly also includes at least one male component removably mountable within the bore of the housing to be swivellable therein and to prevent external leakage of the fluid. The male component is connected to one line and has a canalization allowing the fluid to flow between the pair of lines through the assembly. Multifunctional swivel functionality is achieved to reduce the torsion on interconnected lines, such as during operation with dynamic machinery.
US07938447B2 Seat belt apparatus
A seat belt apparatus simplifying an operation of mounting tongues to left and right respective buckles is provided. In the seat belt apparatus, a second tongue is held by a second tongue containing portion provided at a first buckle, and a first tongue is held by a first tongue containing portion provided at a second buckle. When mounting a first and second shoulder belt, and a first and second lap belt, when both of the first buckle and the second buckle are pulled to a front side of an occupant and an inserting hole of the first buckle and an inserting piece of the first tongue are opposed to each other, an inserting piece of the second tongue and an inserting hole of the second buckle are opposed to each other. When the inserting piece of the first tongue is inserted to the inserting hole of the first buckle, the inserting piece of the second tongue is inserted to the inserting hole of the second buckle.
US07938445B2 Dual chamber airbag cushions with a safety vent in the front chamber
An airbag cushion has two chambers to permit the front chamber to inflate less rapidly than the back chamber for cushioning the head of an occupant in a vehicle with less force than the chest of an occupant is cushioned by the back chamber. The front chamber has at least one safety vent.
US07938439B2 Safety device for the protection of vehicle occupants
A safety device for protection of vehicle occupants is described. The safety device exhibits a curtain airbag (10) located in the area of the roof frame, with an upper edge (10a), which is rolled up in quiescent state and unrolled in the case of an accident. The curtain airbag can be filled with gas. In order to enable the safety device to be used reversibly, the curtain airbag (10) is rolled up to roll around its upper edge (10a) when in quiescent state, and the upper edge is held by fixing elements in a manner which the airbag is rotatable.
US07938419B2 Phase independent row motion propelled bicycle
A standard-sized bicycle includes a main frame, a rear drive wheel and a rowing mechanism. The rowing mechanism is coupled to the main frame about a fulcrum. The fulcrum allows the rowing mechanism to oscillate forward in response to a pushing force and backward in response to a pulling force. The rowing mechanism includes a power lever and a pair of drive levers. The power lever has a handle on one end. The power lever also has a second end. The pair of drive levers extend from the second end of the power lever. Each of the pair of drive levers is in mechanical communication with the rear drive wheel such that both a forward oscillation of the rowing mechanism and a backward oscillation of the rowing mechanism drive the rear drive wheel in a same direction of rotation to propel the bicycle forward.
US07938416B2 Air suspension adapter kit
A kit for providing an air suspension as a retrofit to an existing trailer using a leaf spring suspension makes use of hanging brackets, support arms and air bladders connected to a control system that determines whether the bladders require inflation or deflation to level the bed of the trailer.
US07938410B2 Suspension system for vehicle
In a suspension system for a vehicle, a suspension spring, an absorber for controllably changing the damping coefficient becoming the reference of amount of its own generating damping force, a displacement force generator for controllably generating a displacement force are arranged in parallel between sprung and unsprung members. A vibration damping control is executed based on a so-called skyhook damper theory by utilizing the displacement force. In execution of the vibration damping control, when a sign of sprung-member absolute velocity Vu and a sign of sprung/unsprung-members velocity difference ΔV are the same to each other, a damping-coefficient increasing control is executed to set a target damping coefficient C* of the absorber to a coefficient value C2 that is larger than a coefficient value C1 to which the target damping coefficient C* is set when the sign of sprung-member absolute velocity Vu and the sign of sprung/unsprung-members velocity difference ΔV are different from each other. Vibration of the sprung member can be effectively damped by cooperation of the absorber and the displacement force generator.
US07938407B2 High temperature spring seals
A spring seal for sealing in high temperature applications includes a jacket and a spring member disposed within the jacket. The spring member is constructed to control a sealing load or spring rate of the spring seal relative to opposing flanges while the jacket is constructed to provide a sealing surface relative to the opposing flanges. The spring member is manufactured from a cast blade alloy, thereby allowing the spring member to maintain its spring back characteristics at relatively high temperatures of about 1300° F. and greater. Accordingly, the spring member minimizes the formation of a leak path between the spring seal and the opposing flanges. In one embodiment, the spring member is manufactured with a substantially U-shaped cross-section. With such a configuration, the spring seal provides substantially balanced, opposing forces on the jacket to minimize the formation of gaps between the spring seal and the flanges.
US07938401B2 Gaming machine including a matching game
Disclosed is a gaming machine that displays a plurality of indicia-bearing game pieces 12 on a gaming grid 14. A player then selects game pieces 12 that are adjacent and that have matching indicia 16. Preferably, the matching adjacent game pieces 34 that are selected are then removed from the gaming grid 14. One or more prizes are awarded in association with the selection and removal of the matching adjacent game pieces 34. Preferably, the player is also provided with the ability to shuffle any remaining non-selected game pieces 32, after all matching adjacent game pieces that are perceived by the player are selected and removed. In this regard, it is possible that the player may overlook some matching adjacent game pieces 34. Additionally, some preferred embodiment gaming machines incorporate the use of multiple indicia 16 on each game piece 12 for potentially matching with adjacent game pieces. Finally, awards can be awarded to a player based upon game speed and the number of shuffles required to clear the grid 14, amongst other criteria. Preferably, the gaming machine also includes activation of an interactive help feature 100 for the bonus game. The help feature 100 is continuously accessible, allowing access to the help feature during play of the bonus game so that a player unfamiliar with the bonus game may receive instructions on how to play the bonus game during play of an active bonus game.
US07938398B2 Paper feeding apparatus
A paper feeding apparatus used in a state where the apparatus accumulates paper sheets for an image forming apparatus to form images thereon and the paper feeding apparatus is attached to a main body of the image forming apparatus, wherein an engaging-holding member is provided for an exterior wall face of the paper feeding apparatus, and the engaging-holding member engages and holds the paper feeding apparatus with an exterior housing of the image forming apparatus so as to enable the paper feeding apparatus to move into/from the exterior housing of the image forming apparatus, is provided for an exterior wall face of the paper feeding apparatus, and wherein the engaging-holding member is provided for a specific one of the exterior wall faces of the paper feeding apparatus corresponding to the moving direction determined according to the specification of the image forming apparatus.
US07938394B2 Recording medium feeding device and recording apparatus
A recording medium feeding device includes a recording medium cassette that is detachable from a main body and a recording medium retracting unit that retracts a recording medium lying on a recording medium feeding path back to the recording medium cassette. The recording medium cassette includes a lower tray that accommodates a recording medium, and an upper tray that accommodates a recording medium and is provided to be slidable with respect to the lower tray along a transport direction of the recording medium. The recording medium feeding device is provided with a unit for performing a retracting operation of the recording medium using the recording medium retracting unit in accordance with sliding of the upper tray in the transport direction.
US07938390B2 Document feeding device
A document feeding device comprises a document input tray, a document output tray placed above the document input tray, and a feeding mechanism provided for a feeding path (connecting the document input tray and the document output tray via a scanning position) to feed each document along the feeding path. The document output tray includes a reference tray and a pivoting tray (on the downstream side of the reference tray) pivotable with respect to the reference tray around a pivot shaft on the upstream side of the pivoting tray. The pivoting of the pivoting tray is restricted at a retracted position by a pivot restricting part when the pivoting tray has pivoted from a document stacking position to the retracted position. The pivot shaft is situated above an upstream end of a stacking surface of the pivoting tray when the pivoting tray is placed at the document stacking position.
US07938386B2 Fuel cell air humidifier
An air humidifier is disclosed, the air humidifier including a caseless humidification module, wherein sealing properties of the humidification module are optimized.
US07938384B2 Extended length strand take up device
An extended length strand take up device is presented that may be used to repair damaged guy wires in the field. The invention comprises two connecting bodies connected by a single tension rod that extends continuously between the two connecting bodies. Each connecting body slides over opposite ends of the tension rod and is held in place by a stop member, such as threaded nuts screwed onto the respective ends of the tension rod. The connecting bodies may further include an inwardly-facing pull tab or tabs that can be used for pre-tensioning the guy wire. An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises a single tension rod that is fixedly anchored to the ground and several connecting bodies that are fixedly mounted along the end of the guy wire at standard increments. The tension rod runs parallel to and overlaps the end of the guy wire. The connecting bodies slide along the length of the tension rod until the required tension and length is reached. A stop member, such as a threaded nut, is screwed onto the end of the tension rod holding the connecting bodies in place.
US07938381B2 Electromagnetic valve
An electromagnetic valve has a fixed core, a movable core, a coil attract the fixed core and the movable core each other, a valve body and a valve seat member including a funnel-shaped valve seat surface and an inlet path. The flow path is closable by retreat/advance of the valve body relative to the valve seat surface. The valve body includes a semi-spherical seal portion and a stem portion extending from the seal portion towards the movable core, a diameter of an end portion of the seal portion at the stem portion side is larger than a diameter of an end portion of the stem portion at the seal portion side. A space is defined in an area located on an extended line extending from a small diameter end portion to a large diameter end portion of the valve seat surface.
US07938379B2 Three axis adjustable mounting system
A mount assembly for securing a machine base to a foundation including: a first block secured to the machine base; a second block secured to the foundation wherein the first and second blocks are configured for mating engagement that permits adjustment of the machine base relative to the first block and to the foundation along any of three mutually perpendicular axes.
US07938376B2 Mounting clips and sensor installations for motorized vehicle doors
A clip for securing one object relative to another, such as securing an object to a vehicle door or frame is provided. The clip is useful for installing a strip of safety sensors around the circumference of a vehicle door retrofitted with a motorized assist system.
US07938375B1 Pen retaining sleeve
A collapsible pen holder installed within a surface of an object, including an automobile dashboard or briefcase, secures and retains a pen within a cylindrical sleeve slidably engaged within a cylindrical mounting frame member, exposing a pen cap of the pen. The pen is placed within the cylindrical sleeve which is then pushed into the mounting frame member until the cylindrical sleeve is retained within the mounting frame member by a locking mechanism, exposing only an end of the pen cap. To remove the pen from the pen holder, the end of the pen head is depressed, releasing the locking mechanism and ejecting the cylindrical sleeve from the mounting frame member, projecting the cylindrical sleeve from the surface by a spring mechanism allowing the pen to be removed from the cylindrical sleeve.
US07938373B2 Vertical support structure
A vertical support structure includes a mounting plate and a support member. The support member extends vertically along a vertical axis and has a pair of vertically-elongated panel integrally connected together in a form of an angle iron to define a vertically-extending L-shaped channel between outside edges of the pair of panels. A top edge of the support member and a bottom edge of the support member are disposed vertically apart from and extend horizontally parallel to one another. The support member has a slot formed therethrough. The slot is disposed between the top and bottom edges and extends horizontally between the outside edges. The slot is sized to slidably receive the mounting plate and the mounting plate occupying the slot is connected to the support member such that the mounting plate projects perpendicularly from the support member and away from the L-shaped channel.
US07938372B2 Free standing or vehicle mounted 6-axis positionable tray, positionable shelf, cup-holder, stanchion apparatus and related systems
An apparent need exists for compact devices to ergonomically support such items as laptop computers, keyboards and projectors. The AIRDESK® desk/stand design positions such items with full 3D positioning using all 6 directions of adjustment. Each direction of motion has the correct friction and range of motion for easy and secure re-positioning. Unique accessory shelves and cup holder may be attached to the device frame. A unique, flat, very thin, trip-free base provides unparalleled positioning flexibility of the unit, furniture legs may be placed directly on the base sheet. Additionally, a unique universal and quickly installed folding frame for an automobile or truck seat is provided for supporting the AirDesk positionable tray in a vehicle. AirDesks allow computing from any chair, recliner, sofa, bed, while standing or in a vehicle. The unique trip-free base may also be used for such applications as supporting medical equipment and crowd control stanchions.
US07938367B2 Stringers assembled at a circumferential joint of an airplane fuselage
The disclosed embodiments relate to an airplane fuselage produced by assembling, at a circumferential joint, at least two sections including a skin and at least one stringer split into two elements and which are assembled at the joint between the two sections by at least one splicing plate. The splicing plate includes a web having a bearing surface including two surfaces bearing on lateral faces of the elements of the stringer, the two surfaces being offset by an amount ε substantially equal to an error of alignment between the lateral faces of the elements of the stringer.
US07938355B2 Device and method for feeding plies of web material
The device includes a supporting surface, with an initial curved surface portion, and a substantially flat surface portion. Above the supporting surface, extends at least part of a first path and of a second path of a first ply and of a second ply. The two paths are disposed adjacent to the supporting surface and the initial curved surface portion has a convexity facing the first path. Also provided is a system to supply air between the first path of the first ply and the supporting surface, to help support the web material with respect to the supporting surface.
US07938350B2 Knife holder for comminution devices
The invention refers to a knife holder for comminution devices, comprising a tooth body (1) which can be fastened on a comminution cylinder or the like, and at least one knife (2), the knife (2) being able to be arranged positive-locking on the tooth body (1).The invention is characterized by the fact that a knife receiving device is provided, the knife receiving device (3) is designed as recess (4), and, seen from the side, has the shape of a J, and the recess (4) is designed wedge-like or conically, preferably tapering-off to the outside in such a way that recess surfaces (4/1, 4/2) occur.
US07938345B2 Dry milling corn fractionation process
A method for fractionating whole kernel corn into bran, germ and endosperm fractions. Corn (tempered or non-tempered) is processed through an impact mill and through a screener to divide the initial feed stream into two or more flows or substreams. The substreams or portions thereof may be further processed through a plurality of aspirators, roller mills and screeners to provide bran, germ and endosperm fractions of desired purity levels.
US07938342B2 Spray nozzle comprising axial grooves to provide a balance supply to the vortex chamber
A spray nozzle designed to be mounted in a push button of a liquid distribution system, including a body equipped with an assembly tube that is defined by a front wall in which a distribution orifice is formed, wherein the inside face of the front wall is equipped with a vortex chamber that communicates with the distribution orifice, at least two radial tubes to supply liquid to the vortex chamber, and an annular duct to supply liquid to the upstream end of the tubes, in which the lateral inside wall of the tube is equipped with at least two axial grooves which respectively extend between an upstream end opening onto the rear edge of the tube and a downstream end opening onto the annular duct, wherein the grooves are positioned angularly so that each downstream end of a groove is equidistant from the two upstream ends of the tube adjacent to it on either side along the length of the annular duct.
US07938341B2 Miniature aerosol jet and aerosol jet array
A miniaturized aerosol jet, or an array of miniaturized aerosol jets for direct printing of various aerosolized materials. In the most commonly used embodiment, an aerosol stream is focused and deposited onto a planar or non-planar target, forming a pattern that is thermally or photochemically processed to achieve physical, optical, and/or electrical properties near that of the corresponding bulk material. The apparatus uses an aerosol jet deposition head to form an annularly propagating jet composed of an outer sheath flow and an inner aerosol-laden carrier flow. Miniaturization of the deposition head facilitates the fabrication and operation of arrayed deposition heads, enabling construction and operation of arrays of aerosol jets capable of independent motion and deposition. Arrayed aerosol jets provide an increased deposition rate, arrayed deposition, and multi-material deposition.
US07938331B2 Method and system for anti-counterfeit barcode label
Described are a system and a method for anti-counterfeit barcode labels. The system may include an automatic identification symbol reader obtaining item data and a first spectral signature data; a spectral signature reader obtaining a second spectral signature data from a spectral signature; and a processor for decoding and validating a automatic identification symbol as a function of a comparison of the first spectral signature data and the second spectral signature data.
US07938320B2 Systems and methods for encrypted bar code generation
Disclosed herein are systems and methods that provide a temporary payment instrument having a barcode with an encrypted account number and expiration date assigned to a consumer. For example, such systems and methods screen a consumer to determine whether he or she meets credit eligibility requirements established by a merchant card provider. If the candidate meets the credit eligibility, such systems and methods may assign a payment card account number and expiration date to the consumer, encrypt the payment card account number and expiration date, and generate a barcode that includes the payment card and account number embedded therein.
US07938312B2 Carton with bag closures
A carton for containing a bag having dispensable material therein. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first end panel, a second end panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. A closure removably attached to the carton having an aperture for receiving at least a portion of the bag to close the bag and seal the material held therein.
US07938306B2 Stapler clincher mechanism
A stapler clincher mechanism which bends two leg portions of a staple struck and penetrated through papers by a staple driving unit, includes: two first clinchers respectively disposed downwardly of the two leg portions of the staple and respectively including guide inclined surfaces which guides the two leg portions in such a manner that the two leg portions are curved inwardly; a second clincher interposed between the two first clinchers and including a projection portion which presses leading ends of the two curved leg portions toward a paper surface of the papers; and a drive mechanism, after the two leg portions of the staple are curved by the guide inclined surfaces, which retreats the first clinchers along the paper surface and moves the second clincher toward the paper surface.
US07938286B2 Container system
A container that may be used for retaining and dispensing matter is provided. The container includes a closure having a downwardly depending skirt with a plurality of space apart vertical projections supported at an inside surface of the skirt. The projections are configured to releasably engage an open end of the container for securing the closure to the container. The projections include a guide surface for guiding the projections over the open end of the container and a retaining surface for retaining the projections on the container.
US07938285B2 Wood chip soaker
A wood chip soaking apparatus has a fluid holding base container having end walls suited for supporting at least one, and suitably two, or even more, wood chip baskets in the container for pre-soaking the wood chips to be added to a barbeque heat source. Wood chips are preferably supported in the base container on handles projecting from the wood chip baskets. The base container preferably is provided with elevated side walls for supporting the wood chip baskets in an elevated position after soaking for draining the fluid from the baskets.
US07938280B2 Half rack
A half rack includes a main section having a primary platform area, a secondary platform area, a side support edge, and a cutout portion. The half rack further includes a removable section adapted to be removably secured to the main section, wherein a frame of the main section includes a rear crossbar, and an elongated stiffener is provided across a portion of the primary platform area and a portion of the secondary platform area and coupled to the rear crossbar to provide strength to the main section. The main section of the half rack can include flattened areas on first and second side edges of the main section.
US07938278B2 Golf club holder and display
A golf club holder and display adaptable to the desired configuration of the user. The display includes a support member and a cradle, with the cradle being adjustably removable relative to the support member. The support member may accept different numbers and types of cradles, and the user can select the cradles based on the desired display configuration. The golf club holder and display is also adaptable to supporting both right-handed and left-handed golf clubs.
US07938272B2 Method for controlling a screening machine and a screening machine
A screening machine including at least one screen surface, feeding means that feed material to be screened towards the screen surface and onto the screen surface where the material is separated into a first fraction remaining on the screen surface and into a second fraction passed through the screen surface while the material is moving along the screen surface. In a method for controlling the screening machine, the amount of material on the screen surface is determined by automatic measurement, and the speed of the feeding means is controlled on the basis of the measurement by automatic control.
US07938263B2 Package for wrapping at least one article or a pre-arranged group of articles
An improved package for wrapping at least one article or a pre arranged group of articles, said package being defined by a formed longitudinal tube body of flexible wrapping sheet material having a length, height and width dimension, the said height and/or width dimension being less than the length dimension but greater than one tenth of the length dimension, a fin seal and two cross seals and no end seals, characterized in that the fin seal is formed along the height or width dimension of the package perpendicular to the length dimension and the cross seals are formed along the length dimension, the cross seals being generally perpendicular to the fin seal, the ends of the package being seal-free.
US07938255B2 Internal member for disposable soft contact lens packaging
A contact lens package includes a container, a contact lens, and an internal member configured facilitate a restoration of the contact lens to a desired shape when the package is opened by the user.
US07938251B2 Chip stacker having outer support for truss and method for turning truss with the support
A material stacking device including: an elevated truss supported at opposite ends by first and second pillars, the first pillar includes a pivot allowing the truss to pivot about the location of the first pillar and the second pillar moving in an arc as the truss turns about the first pillar, and a material conveyor extending at least part way along the truss and discharging material to be deposited to an upper section of a material pile below the truss.
US07938250B2 Conveyor belt scraper
A conveyor belt cleaning device which can handle conveyor belts with damaged areas, mechanical joints, and/or head pulleys with profile spaces causing the conveyor belt to run unevenly, is provided. The scraper blade is attached to a plurality of T-shaped elements each of which has pressure applied by an air bladder held within a housing. The T-shaped elements move freely within the housing to permit movement of the scraper blade in a direction tangential to as well as perpendicular to the conveyor belt.
US07938235B2 Brake and media device employing the same
A brake includes a braking portion for braking a rotatable element, a swinging portion secured with the braking portion, a resilient portion integrally formed with the swinging portion for generating a restoring force to make the braking portion contact the rotatable element, and a forced portion for being operated to counteract the restoring force and rotate the braking portion via the swinging portion. When the forced portion is acted, the resilient portion is compressed and the braking portion is driven to separate from the rotatable element, and when the forced portion is free, the resilient portion restores to drive the braking portion to contact with the rotatable element.
US07938224B2 Coating for acoustic treatment integrating the function of frost treatment with hot air
A coating for acoustic treatment relative to an aircraft's surface, in particular a leading edge such as an air intake of an aircraft nacelle, includes an acoustically resistive layer, at least one alveolar structure (30), and a reflective layer. The alveolar structure (30) includes a number of tubes that empty out, on the one hand, at a first imaginary surface (34), and, on the other hand, at a second imaginary surface (36). The alveolar structure (30) includes cut-outs or openings (38) made at the side walls of certain tubes that make it possible to link adjacent tubes so as to create a network of communicating tubes that isolate at least one tube or a group of non-communicating tubes, whereby at least one of the communicating tubes is connected to at least one hot gas intake (40).
US07938223B2 Sintered elements and associated systems
Sintered elements for use in hazardous areas comprise a first flame path having a first length and a first pore size, and a second flame path having a second length and a second pore size. The second length is greater than the first length and the second pore size is greater than the first pore size. Sounders and loud speakers for use in hazardous areas comprise a housing having a horn and a rear enclosure, a driver assembly, and a sintered element.
US07938216B2 Moving carrier that sticks to surface by use of sticking means such as negative pressure
The moving carrier which sticks to the surface is provided with easy transverse movements on the surface. The moving carrier has at least two sets of driving wheels or one set of caterpillar on each of its right and the left sides relative to its traveling direction. One of the driving wheels is situated in the vicinity of the center of the sticking force; and another of the driving wheels is situated away from the center of the sticking force. The moving carrier can pivot at contact area as the pivot axis; at the contact area, one of the driving wheels situated in the vicinity of the center of the sticking force is contacted with the surface; and one of the moving units is driven and another moving units is not driven.
US07938210B2 Wheel-embedded suspension
An in-the-wheel suspension system including a drive mechanism for coupling the rotational motion of a wheel rim to the drive shaft of an electric motor and for supporting the wheel rim with respect to the vehicle chassis using one or more springs and dampers. In a hubless version, a spring member supports extend between a frame member attached to the chassis and a bearing member that engages with the rim. In a version used with a wheel hub, the hub is supported by an axle and the spring member supports the axle in movable relation to the frame member. A pivoting support arm that is attached to the axel and pivots about a pivot point attached to the frame member at a location spaced from the wheel axis may be used to support the hub. A Peaucellier linkage may be used to support the axle for movement along a straight line vertical path, the linkage being attached to the frame member at two fixed pivot points. The wheel suspension units perform all the traditional drivetrain functions independently and can be attached to the chassis in a manner that allows for easy removal.
US07938204B2 Reamer with improved hydraulics for use in a wellbore
A reamer bit for use in earth boring operations comprising a body, mounting elements on the bit body having rolling cutters, and nozzles configured to emit a cleaning spray that is angled with respect to the well bottom. The cleaning spray may be angled up to about 20° with respect to the well bottom. The reamer may further include a pilot bit on a drill pipe extending downward from the reamer body.
US07938200B2 Apparatus and method for a hydraulic diaphragm downhole mud motor
A downhole motor to drill a wellbore including a pumping apparatus having a first chamber configured to receive a first fluid and a second fluid, and a first flexible diaphragm disposed with the first chamber configured to separate the first and second fluid, wherein the first flexible diaphragm is configured to transfer a hydraulic energy between the first fluid and the second fluid. In addition, the downhole motor includes a motor portion coupled to the pumping apparatus and configured to receive the second fluid and convert the hydraulic energy of the second fluid into a mechanical energy, thereby creating a torque. Further, the downhole motor includes a bit shaft coupled to the motor portion, configured to receive the torque from the motor portion and the first fluid from the pumping apparatus.
US07938190B2 Anchored riserless mud return systems
A riserless mud recovery system including a mud return line secured by an anchor is disclosed. Some system embodiments for drilling a well bore in an offshore location having a water surface and a subsea formation include an offshore structure positioned on a platform at a water surface, a drill string for forming the well bore suspended from the offshore structure, a drilling fluid source on the platform for supplying drilling fluid through the drill string, a suction module for collecting the drilling fluid emerging from the well bore, a return pipe coupled to the suction module, a pump for receiving the drilling fluid from the suction module and pumping the drilling fluid through the return pipe to a location at the water surface, and an anchor for securing the return pipe, where the anchor is coupled to the return pipe and the subsea formation.
US07938167B2 Method and device for treating a surface of a work piece
A method for operating a two-roll casting machine for casting molten metal into cast strip, which machine has two casting rolls which are each rotatively driven in opposite directions about an axis of rotation and between them delimit a casting gap on its longitudinal sides, with side plates that can be placed on the casting rolls, which side plates seal the casting gap on its narrow sides in the casting operation, bridging the casting gap with a refractory material, wherein the side plates are moved during the casting operation in a direction which is aligned parallel to the direction of conveying in which the cast strip leaves the casting gap. With such a method the formation of grooves distorting the casting result and the casting operation can be suppressed with increased certainty and the service life of the side plates can be increased, compared to the prior art.
US07938152B2 Beverage filling machine lock lever and methods for use
The invention is directed to lock levers for use in an automatic beverage machine for filling cans for example. The lock lever may have an L-shaped configuration with a first and second leg, and a first engagement surface on a side of the second leg which transitions to a second engagement surface at the distal end of the second leg. The lock lever is selectively rotated between operational and non-operational positions, and the first engagement surface transitions into the second engagement surface. The transition from the first engagement surface to the second engagement surface positions the second engagement surface at a predetermined height without the first or second engagement surface extending above the predetermined height.
US07938141B2 Single component two-stage regulator
Disclosed is a cylindrical, single-component two-stage regulator for controlling a pressure and a flow rate of a gas. The regulator includes a housing for holding the two stages having an ingress adapted for connection to a source of gas at a high input pressure and an egress adapted for supplying gas at a lower output pressure than the high input pressure; a first stage for reducing the pressure of the gas from the high input pressure to a fixed intermediate pressure; and a second stage for reducing the pressure of the gas from the fixed intermediate pressure to the lower output pressure and regulating the flow rate of the gas out of the egress. One application of the present invention is for use in SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) applications, where it replaces the traditional two-component user-adjustable regulator. The regulator may be made out of stainless steel, and is small enough to fit into a user's mouthpiece.
US07938138B2 Valve for inflatable objects
A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a diaphragm and a support member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The diaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit. The support member is configured to retain a portion of a diaphragm. The support member and diaphragm are configured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement of the diaphragm under a bias in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position.
US07938136B1 Method for sealing taps
An inexpensive method for quickly and safely sealing illicit taps in a pipe, such as for example a pipe through which a combustible material like oil or gasoline is flowing. The method first seals the valve outlet of the illicit tap with epoxy and removes the valve handle from the valve. Finally the entire tap including the valve and surrounding pipe area is wrapped with an epoxy impregnated material such as fiberglass or carbon composite fabric.
US07938132B2 Vehicle canopy
A vehicle canopy includes a canopy frame defining a canopy area therein. A front cloth panel, a rear cloth panel and two side cloth panels are connected with each other to form a canopy cloth structure to cover the canopy frame so as to normally conceal the canopy area within the canopy frame. One of the front and rear cloth panels provides a door for entrance and exit and the side cloth panels provide side doors which are constructed to be selectively closed or opened for facilitating entrance and exit. The top canopy provides a plurality of ventilating skylights constructed to be selectively closed or opened for allowing air passing therethrough for ventilating the canopy area via the ventilating skylights. In addition, the height of the vehicle canopy is constructed to be adjustable.
US07938127B1 Nail polish bottle holding device
A nail polish bottle holding device for holding bottles of nail polish comprising a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein a plurality of slots and cups are disposed in the top surface of the base. The slots and cups are for holding bottles of nail polish and are light translucent. A plurality of light sources is disposed inside the base, and light from the light sources can penetrate through the slots and cups. A prop is disposed on the top surface of the base. The nail polish bottle holding device of the present invention allows a user to easily see the color of the nail polish in the nail polish bottles.
US07938126B2 Low ignition propensity cigarette
A low ignition propensity cigarette according to the invention includes a high-density region formed in the center of the paper tube and containing normal shred tobacco filled to be a filling density of 0.15 to 0.35 g/cm3, for example 0.25 g/cm3, and a low density region formed between the paper tube and the high-density region and containing expanded shred tobacco filled to a filling density of 0.05 to 0.15 g/cm3, for example 0.14 g/cm3. The thickness of the low-density region defined between the paper tube and the high-density region is in the range of 1 to 3 mm.
US07938123B2 Modification of airways by application of cryo energy
A method for decreasing responsiveness or decreasing resistance to airflow of airways involves the transfer of energy to or from the airway walls to prevent or reduce airway constriction and other symptoms of lung diseases. The treatment reduces the ability of the airways to contract during an acute narrowing of the airways, reduces mucus plugging of the airways, and/or increases the airway diameter. The methods according to the present invention provide a longer duration and/or more effective treatment for lung diseases than currently used drug treatments, and obviate patient compliance issues.
US07938122B2 Device and method for nipple reconstruction
A nipple reconstruction device includes a core component having a substantially circular hollow opening therein for receiving a person's nipple; padding attached to a lower part of the core and substantially lining the lower part of the core and at least a portion of the hollow opening in the core, and an attaching component constructed and adapted to hold the device in place on the person's skin. The core may be a semi-rigid, pliable, high durometer material. The padding may be gauze, woven rayon cellulose, cotton, a cotton/polyester blend material; or a non-woven, one-sided medical tape. The attaching component may be an adhesive tape having a plurality of tabs for holding the device in place on the person's skin.
US07938117B2 Respiratory mask
The present invention is a system for stiffening a portion of the perimeter of a respiratory mask that has a formable element disposed about its perimeter, thereby making the respiratory mask more comfortable to wear.
US07938114B2 Auto-titration bi-level pressure support system and method of using same
A bi-level pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient during inspiration and expiration to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The pressure generating system generates a flow of breathing gas at an inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) during inspiration and at an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) during expirations. A controller monitor at least one of the following conditions: (1) snoring, (2) apneas, (3) hypopneas, or (4) a big leak in the pressure support system and adjusts the IPAP and the EPAP independently based on the occurrence of any one of these conditions.
US07938106B2 Device for controlling an exhaust gas stream
The invention relates to a device for controlling an exhaust gas stream. Said device comprises a housing (1, 101) with at least a first, second and third connection (2, 3, 4, 102, 103, 104) that form links to a first, second and third exhaust gas conduit for conducting the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, a first sliding element (6, 106) with a displaceable first sliding rod (6a, 106a) and a first sealing member (6c, 106c) that is located on said rod, a second sliding element (7, 107) with a displaceable second sliding rod (7, 107a) and a second sealing member (7c, 107c) that is located on said rod and an actuator for a force-assisted actuation of the device. According to the invention, a link (4c, 104b) can be established between the first and the second connection and can be adjusted by means of the first sealing member (6, 106) and a link (3c, 103b) can be established and adjusted between the first and the third connection by means of the second sealing member (7c, 107c). The device is equipped with a control mechanism (8, 108) that is connected to the actuator, said mechanism (8, 108) permitting the first sliding element (6, 106) and the second sliding element (7, 107) to be displaced.
US07938103B2 Internal combustion water injection engine
An internal combustion system and a water injection nozzle to position a water mist within an internal chamber of an internal combustion engine. In one form, the apical cone of the injection is altered with respect to the position of the piston within the interior chamber. In another form, the air fuel mixture is charged at an opposing charge to the water mist to create a water droplet gaseous fuel mixture for combustion within the anterior chamber.
US07938100B2 Variable valve device for engine
A variable valve device, which is capable of controlling a fuel injection amount or the like if a control shaft sensor has a failure, uses a brushless DC motor to rotate the control shaft, detects the rotation angle of the motor using its magnetic pole sensors, and calculates an estimated rotation angle of the control shaft based on the rotation angle. The variable valve device further determines that the control shaft sensor has a failure if the difference between the actual rotation angle of the control shaft detected by the control shaft sensor and the calculated estimated rotation angle exceeds a prescribed value and controls the fuel injection amount, fuel injection timing and ignition timing of the engine based on the calculated estimated rotation angle.
US07938097B2 Low speed valveless horizontally opposed piston rotary internal combustion engine
Presented is a very low speed, high torque, horizontally opposed, rotary, valveless, Otto cycle piston engine producing four power strokes per revolution, the engine consisting of a fixed engine case assembly having upper and lower plates, the engine rotor assembly having upper and lower plates, sandwiching a single, closed ended cylinder assembly, the cylinder containing intake and exhaust-intake ports, independently reciprocating power and head pistons, each piston being reciprocally controlled by its vertically projecting piston bearing sets contacting respective sets of upper and lower, inner and outer peripheral cam plates, the engine being thus rotated, the cylinder being lubricated by a sealed, recirculating air-oil mist system, the engine rotor assembly having a lower, vertically projecting gear box housing containing a gas porting cap, a vertical drive shaft, two counter rotating output shafts, intake and exhaust pipes, and an exhaust gas filter canister.
US07938086B2 Multipurpose leash
A multipurpose leash including an elongated strap, a fastener on each end of the strap, an adjustable ring that is movable along the strap, and at least one stationary ring attached to the strap, such as a first stationary ring affixed at an end of the strap and a second stationary ring attached along the length of the strap. The adjustable ring preferably slides along the strap with an oval, circular or D-shaped ring transverse to the strap. The multiple uses and functions include use with two pets, hands-free use with one end of the strap capable of being wrapped around the waist of the human user, and an adjustable length with fasteners connected to various rings.
US07938083B1 Pet caddy
A pet feeding system and storage compartment in which to store and transport various pet supplies (e.g. food, etc.). The pet feeding system and storage compartment generally includes a base unit including a compartment, wherein the compartment extends within the base unit, a cover unit movably attached to the base unit, wherein the cover unit includes an open position and a closed position with respect to the compartment of the base unit and at least one container secured to the cover unit. The compartment is sealed in the closed position and may be accessed in the open position. The container is separate from the compartment so as to prevent access to the compartment from the container.
US07938076B2 Keel mechanism for sailboats
A keel (1) mechanism for a sailboat (10), wherein the keel (1) comprises a drive mechanism for moving the keel (1) linearly along the axis (x) extending from the fore end to rear end of the sailboat (10), and swinging the keel around the axis (x) extending from the fore end to rear end of the sailboat (10), and swinging the keel around the axis extending from larboard to starboard of the sailboat in response to conditions taking place.
US07938074B2 Pressure sensing system for a planter
A pressure sensing system for a seeding machine such as a planter to measure the down force on a planter row unit uses a wireless pressure sensor embedded in a load carrying wheel of the row unit. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor is a passive piezoelectric pressure sensor that is a transmitter only, transmitting both pressure and RFID the information that identifies the particular sensor. Multiple sensors may be employed in each wheel and sensors may be employed in more than one wheel of the row unit, such as the gauge wheels on opposite sides of the trench opening disks. The sensors may be made of a PVDF, a known piezoelectric material. A wireless receiver is located on the planter frame or could be located elsewhere to receive the signals from the pressure sensor. A controller determines from the signal, any change in down force and commands the change to a down force generator on the row unit.
US07938058B2 Engine piston with rolling element skirt
The present invention utilizes rolling elements, such as balls or rollers acting as bearings carried in openings in the skirt or equivalent portion of a piston, to engage the cylinder walls and replace the sliding bearings of the skirt with the roller elements in the skirt. The rolling elements then absorb all or some of the thrust loads conventionally absorbed by the skirt walls sliding along surfaces of an associated cylinder and thereby reduce the friction forces developed by the reciprocating action of the piston skirt.
US07938056B2 Pneumatic servobrake and diaphragm therefor
A pneumatic brake booster with a booster housing, which comprises a first and a second housing shell and is subdivided into a working chamber and a vacuum chamber by an axially movable wall to which a pneumatic differential pressure can be applied, with the movable wall being formed of a diaphragm plate and a diaphragm abutting thereon that includes a radially inward sealing bead and a radially outward sealing bead for sealing the two chambers and the radially outward sealing bead is compressible between the housing shells. To improve the compression of the radially outward sealing bead, the radially outward sealing bead has a circumferential, uniform rib structure.
US07938055B2 Law enforcement carbine with one piece receiver
A semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle includes a receiver having an integral hand guard portion, a barrel having a bore. The bore is removably connected to the receiver, the hand guard portion extending over and surrounding the barrel, an indirect gas operating system has a gas block and a piston. The gas block has a cylinder, the gas block is fitted to the barrel, the cylinder is in communication with the bore. The piston has a piston end and a striking end, the piston end is fitted to the cylinder and has a bolt carrier having a striking surface. When a cartridge is fired, gas displaces the piston end and causes the striking end to strike the striking surface displacing the bolt assembly, wherein, the cylinder and the piston are together removable as an assembly from the firearm without disassembly of the rifle.
US07938054B2 Gas spring for a revolver cannon or breech cannon
The characteristic of one or more of the gas springs themselves used in a revolver cannon or breech cannon is adjusted while the system is in operation. This is done by a separate, self-contained system, which can adjust the gas spring from hard to soft, for example, and back to harder/hard and can thus adjust the characteristic of the gas spring without the loss of gas. In the simplest embodiment, this system has two additional elements, preferably a reserve tank and a connecting line that connects the reserve tank to the gas spring via a valve.
US07938050B2 Fine adjustment mechanism for precision miter cuts
A miter saw has a base assembly, a table assembly rotatably disposed on the base assembly, a support housing connected to the table assembly, and a saw assembly pivotably attached to the support housing. The saw assembly is pivotable downwardly for cutting a workpiece disposed on the table assembly. The saw has a miter lock assembly including a shoe assembly connected to the table housing and movable between a first position not contacting the base assembly and a second position contacting the base assembly. The shoe assembly has a movable shoe for adjusting the angular position of the table assembly relative to the base assembly.
US07938048B2 Basic body for tools for chip removing machining
A basic body for tools for chip removing machining, including an internal duct, and an inlet including a female thread for the supply of liquid to the duct. The female thread of the inlet is formed in a cage, which is inserted in a seating delimited by an endless inner wall as well as a bottom, the duct mouthing in the seating.
US07938035B2 Actuating device for a vehicle transmission
An actuating device for a transmission of a vehicle, particularly a commercial vehicle, a bus, or the like, moves a trip cam of the transmission forward or backward in the longitudinal direction, and in the transverse direction in one direction or the other transversely to the longitudinal direction. It has a spindle, which includes two axially adjacent thread sections with opposing thread directions, with a spindle nut on each thread section of the spindle, with a drive motor for each spindle nut to drive it in a rotary manner, and with a coupling member that engages with the trip cam and moves it in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and which is actuatable using the spindle.
US07938033B2 Geared, continuously variable speed transmission
A continuously variable speed transmission includes a first guideway, a second guideway, wherein the first guideway and the second guideway remain stationary during operation at a particular speed ratio. The transmission further includes a first member moveably connected to the first guideway and the second guideway, the first member further comprising gear teeth and a second member having gear teeth positioned at an adjustable angle relative to the first member. A gear engages the gear teeth of the first member and the gear teeth of the second member. The speed ratio of the transmission is determined based on angle of the second member relative to the first member. Either of the first member or the second member may be the input with the other member being the output depending upon whether a speed increase or a speed decrease is desired.
US07938028B2 Force sensor
A force sensor comprises a force sensor chip, and a buffering device for dampening and applying incoming external force to the force sensor chip. The buffering device comprises an input portion to which external force is input, a sensor mount for fixing the force sensor chip to the exterior, a dampening mechanism for dampening external force, and a transmission portion for transmitting the dampened external force to the active sensing portion.
US07938027B2 Methods and apparatus to determine belt condition in exercise equipment
Systems, methods and machine readable media related to determining a condition of an exercise machine belt are disclosed. An example system includes a sensor to detect an event related to the exercise machine belt. The example system also includes a counter to selectively change a count based on the event as well as an output device to output a notification associated with the condition of the exercise machine belt based on the count.
US07938025B2 Array type capacitance sensor
In an array type capacitance sensor (1), a slit (2b) is provided between each pair of adjacent ones of multiple movable electrodes (6) on a movable-electrode-side substrate (2) so as to extend in parallel with the movable electrodes (6). This allows providing an array type capacitance sensor capable of being produced inexpensively and measuring pressure precisely and stably even on a curved surface.
US07938024B2 Weight sensing device for vehicles
A weight sensing device providing an accurate measurement of only a passenger's vertical load without an interference of moment and lateral load caused upon sudden braking and a variation in traveling conditions of a vehicle. The weight sensing device includes a sensor body having a center hole for fastening of the sensor body with a seat frame, a diaphragm provided around the center hole, a pair of fixing holes provided at opposite sides of the center hole and arranged coaxially with the center hole for fastening of the sensor body with a slide rail, supporting planes containing the fixing holes and located at opposite sides of the diaphragm, and a mounting recess defined between the diaphragm and the supporting planes, a semiconductor strain gauge and a printed circuit board attached to the diaphragm of the sensor body, and a connector electrically connected with the printed circuit board, to transmit a value output from the semiconductor strain gauge to an airbag controller.
US07938021B2 Compact vibratory flowmeter for measuring flow characteristics of a cement flow material
A compact vibratory flowmeter (200) for measuring flow characteristics of a cement flow material at a cement flow material pressure of greater than about 10 pounds-per-square-inch (psi) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The compact vibratory flowmeter (200) includes at least two pickoff sensors (308) and a driver (309). The compact vibratory flowmeter (200) further includes one or more flow conduits (301). The at least two pickoff sensors (308) are affixed to the one or more flow conduits (301) and the driver (309) is configured to vibrate the one or more flow conduits (301). The one or more flow conduits (301) include a drive frequency that is less than about 200 Hertz (Hz) and a frequency ratio of the drive frequency to a fluid resonant frequency of the cement flow material that is less than about 0.8.
US07938018B2 Liquid flow sensing systems
A liquid flow sensing system for sensing the flow of liquid within a supply line (2) of a metering pumping machine, the system including a magnetic member (4) arranged for movement relative to a pneumatic switch (8) operated by the presence or absence of a magnetic field, the magnetic member (4) being contained within a sealed unit (5) located within the supply line (2) and the arrangement being such that, when the liquid flow rate falls below a predetermined level, the magnetic member (4) moves downwardly from a first operative position into a second operative position.
US07938015B2 Material testing machine
The present invention includes: a pair of columnar members 12a and 12b disposed on both sides of a specimen SP; a crosshead 15, constructed so as to bridge the pair of columnar members 12a and 12b, that applies a load to the specimen SP by moving in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the columnar members 12a and 12b; and a support pole 35 at which a mounting fixture is to be attached, that extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis circumjacent the pair of columnar members 12a and 12b. The support pole 35 is provided with a sliding attachment unit 35b to 35d that extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis and slides a mounting fixture for use in material testing to change a position at which the mounting fixture is attached.
US07938014B2 Sealed capacitive sensor
A sealed capacitive sensor includes a substrate having a diaphragm forming a first plate of a capacitor; a second fixed plate of the capacitor spaced from the diaphragm and defining a predetermined dielectric gap and a sealing medium connecting together the substrate and fixed plate in an integrated structure and hermetically sealing the gap.
US07938012B2 Smart coat for damage detection information, detecting device and damage detecting method using said coating
A smart coat with damage following feature for damage detection information, a detecting device and a damage detecting method using said smart coat, the smart coat could be set on a subject body and comprises a sensing layer, said sensing layer is composed of electrically-conductive material and has a thickness from 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers.
US07938010B2 Passive, remote sensor
A passive, remote sensor including an optical subsystem for receiving electromagnetic radiation scattered off a surface. A detector is responsive to electromagnetic radiation received by the optical subsystem and generates a composite signal comprising a DC current component and an AC current component. A filter extracts the DC current component from the composite signal. A light emitting device is driven by the DC current component. A detector is responsive to the light emitting device and is connected to the first detector to subtract at least a portion of the DC component from the composite signal producing a modified signal. An amplifier is responsive to the modified signal detects vibrations of the surface to be detected.
US07937998B2 Sensor mount with self-tightening device
A wheel assembly comprises a wheel, a tire mounted to the wheel, a tire condition sensor unit, and a sensor mount. The sensor mount mounts the sensor unit to an outside diameter surface of a rim of the wheel in a desired circumferential mounting location relative to the wheel, and comprises an endless loop self-tightening device positioned around the wheel.
US07937996B2 Turbo speed sensor diagnostic for turbocharged engines
A method of diagnosing operation of a turbo speed sensor that monitors a turbocharger in an internal combustion engine system includes determining whether the engine system is operating in one of a high speed and a low speed range and determining a threshold turbo speed value based on whether engine system is operating in one of the high speed and the low speed range. An actual turbo speed value of the turbocharger is monitored based on a signal generated by the turbo speed sensor. The actual turbo speed value is compared to the threshold turbo speed value and a diagnostic signal is generated based on the step of comparing.
US07937991B2 Fully digitally controller for cantilever-based instruments
A controller for cantilever-based instruments, including atomic force microscopes, molecular force probe instruments, high-resolution profilometers and chemical or biological sensing probes. The controller samples the output of the photo-detector commonly used to detect cantilever deflection in these instruments with a very fast analog/digital converter (ADC). The resulting digitized representation of the output signal is then processed with field programmable gate arrays and digital signal processors without making use of analog electronics. Analog signal processing is inherently noisy while digital calculations are inherently “perfect” in that they do not add any random noise to the measured signal. Processing by field programmable gate arrays and digital signal processors maximizes the flexibility of the controller because it can be varied through programming means, without modification of the controller hardware.
US07937990B2 Liquid chromatograph and separation column
A separation column and a liquid chromatograph using the separation column, which are capable of carrying out a high-speed analysis under high pressure and without a reduction in separation performance of the separation column. In the separation column, a sample and a mobile phase are introduced into a packing material. The chromatograph has a covering member for covering an outer surface of the packing material and a supporting member having the packing material covered with the covering member inserted therein, wherein the level of pressure generated within a gap located between the covering member and the supporting member on the outflow side of the gap, where the fluid-flows out of the gap, is lower than that of pressure generated within the gap on the inflow side of the gap, where the fluid is introduced.
US07937984B2 Gas sensor test system and methods related thereto
Embodiments of the present invention relate a gas sensor system comprising a gas generating device adapted to generate a test gas, a target gas sensor positioned near the gas generating device, a test gas sensor positioned near the gas generating device and in communication with the target gas sensor and wherein the test gas sensor is sensitive to the test gas.
US07937983B2 Curved surface forming apparatus, optical scanning apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A curved surface forming apparatus includes a first member to be curved; a second member which is placed with a distance from the first member and holds the first member; and a pressurizing mechanism which pressurizes the first member and the second member to curve at least a part of the first member toward at least the second member.
US07937978B2 Elongation rolling control method
An elongation rolling control method is provided which can manufacture a hollow shell of high dimensional accuracy and can suppress rolling problems. It is an elongation rolling control method in which the groove bottom wall thickness of a hollow shell P in stand #1 having an ultrasonic wall thickness wall gauge 1 installed between it and stand #2 is measured, the outer diameter of a mandrel bar B is calculated based on the set value of the roll gap in stand #1 and the groove bottom wall thickness of the hollow shell P, the location in the lengthwise direction of the mandrel bar B for which the outer diameter was calculated is determined based on positional information on a bar retainer BR, the distribution in the lengthwise direction of the outer diameter of the mandrel bar is calculated by repeating the above steps, the location in the lengthwise direction of the mandrel bar which contacts the hollow shell in a subsequent stand is determined based on positional information on the bar retainer, and the roll gap in the subsequent stand is set based on the outer diameter of the determined location in the lengthwise direction of the mandrel bar.
US07937975B2 Wheel boot
A boot is positionable about a rotatable wheel having an axle extending therefrom. A pair of mating components include interconnecting elements for attaching the elements about the wheel preventing non-destructible detachment of the mating components. Flanges extend from the mating components to prevent attempts to rotate the boot about the wheel. The flanges which support the interconnecting elements are frangibly removable from the body to permit destructible detachment of the mating components from the wheel. The boot may support an electronic tag such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag.
US07937973B2 Tubular spacer fabric
The present invention relates to a weft-knitted tubular spacer fabric for use in orthopaedic products comprising a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and an intermediate spacer layer integrated with said first and second outer layers, said tube having a length. According to invention the spacer fabric is knitted in a tubular form with a circumference less than 1000 mm, said tubular spacer fabric not being cut open in its length direction, thereby conforming seamlessly to a body part or limb of a wearer. Hereby, a tubular spacer fabric is obtained which most expediently conforms seamlessly to a body part or limb of a wearer. This has the advantage that the seamless tubular spacer fabric may be used directly as a wrap, a bandage, a support or may be used as liner under casting.
US07937971B2 Methods for drawing optical fibers using a fluid bearing
Methods for producing optical fibers along nonlinear paths include incorporating fluid bearings. An optical fiber is drawn from a preform along a first pathway, contacted with a region of fluid cushion of a fluid bearing, and redirected along a second pathway as the fiber is drawn across said region of fluid cushion.
US07937970B2 Method for preparing pre-reacted raw material batches for the production of synthetic silicates
A method for preparing pre-reacted synthetic batches, with a low content of carbon dioxide, for the production of glass formulas, which comprises mixing stoichiometric amounts of substances, containing molecular systems of silica-sodium, silica-sodium-calcium, silica-sodium-magnesium, silica-calcium-magnesium, silica-sodium-calcium-magnesium and mixtures thereof, having reaction temperatures which do not form a liquid phase, that are selected from invariant points or from points on a line connecting invariant points of phase diagrams of said molecular systems, to complete a desired molecular formula; adding cullet to the mixture; and calcining the mixture to a reaction temperature which do not form a liquid phase and wherein the CO2 is liberated.
US07937962B2 Method for controlling temperature in multiple compartments for refrigerated transport
A refrigerated transport system includes a prioritizing algorithm to limit the maximum amount of refrigerant flow available to at least one limited cooling compartment by holding a delta T (difference between the supply air temperature and return air temperature) instead of a setpoint temperature in the at least one limited cooling compartment when the available cooling capacity is insufficient to hold a substantially constant temperature in all compartments. A method for creating multiple refrigerated compartment spaces having precision temperature control includes the steps of: prioritizing the compartments by identifying at least one priority compartment to be held at a setpoint temperature; and limiting refrigerant flow to all but the priority compartment when there is insufficient cooling capacity to maintain all compartments at their respective setpoint temperatures.
US07937961B2 System and method for controlling demand of multi-air-conditioner
A system for controlling multiple air conditioners. The system includes a demand control unit configured to calculate an estimated power amount to be used by the multiple air conditioners based on an amount of power consumed by the multiple air conditioners during a predetermined time period, and to forcibly control an operation rate of one or more air conditioners based on a priority level assigned to the one or more air conditioners.
US07937958B2 Method of manufacturing low-temperature storage, and low-temperature storage
An object is to provide a method of manufacturing a low-temperature storage in which an insulating performance of an insulating box article is enhanced, and an amount of contents of an inner box can be enlarged. In the low-temperature storage comprising: the insulating box article constituted by placing a foamed insulating material between an outer box and the inner box; and a vacuum insulating panel disposed on the surface of the outer box on the side of the foamed insulating material, a thickness dimension of the foamed insulating material between the inner box and the vacuum insulating panel is set so that a temperature of the surface of the vacuum insulating panel on the side of the inner box is not less than a predetermined temperature.
US07937956B2 Method and apparatus for the manipulation and management of a cryogen for production of frozen small volumes of a substance
A method and apparatus for the manipulation and management process of cryogen such that it controls both the fluid body movement as well as internal currents within the cryogen. Small volumes of a desired substance introduced into this managed cryogen for the production of frozen or solidified pellets or granules are better managed as to shape, size, deformation, frozen satellites, fines and agglomeration and overall desired quality. These benefits result from the dispersion of the gas produced, as well as the heat transferred, resulting from the introduction of the relatively hot substance to the cryogen. The fluid body movement assists in maintaining a distance between the individual solidifying pellets or granules thereby minimizing deformation as a result of physical contact. The output characteristics and desired quality of the pellets can be more effectively controlled and managed, as desired.
US07937941B2 Method for operating an internal combustion engine
A method for operating an internal combustion engine in which fresh air, under ambient pressure, is compressed with the aid of a compressor, in particular an exhaust gas turbocharger, and supplied to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine via a throttle device, the rotational speed of the compressor being ascertained with the aid of a sensor, in particular a pressure sensor, the rotational speed of the compressor being used for determining the ambient pressure or a boost pressure applied downstream from the compressor and upstream from the throttle device.
US07937939B2 Bicycle thermodynamic engine
A thermodynamic cycle heat engine including a regenerator; a chamber in fluid communication with the regenerator; first and second rotors within the chamber, forming at least a pair of spaces within the chamber; and at least one actuator. The regenerator and the chamber form a portion of a closed space for a working fluid, the actuator is arranged to displace the rotors about an axis of rotation for the rotors, and at least a portion of the actuator is fixedly secured to the rotors. In some aspects, the actuator is arranged to receive energy from the rotors and operate as a generator, or a sensor is arranged to detect a condition associated with operation of the chamber and a controller is arranged to control the actuator responsive to the detected condition. In some aspects, the engine includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication between the regenerator and the chamber.
US07937938B2 Hydraulic reversing fan valve and machine using same
A machine includes a hydraulic fan system for circulating cooling air through an engine compartment. Periodically, the fan rotation direction is briefly reversed in order to dislodge any material debris that may have accumulated at the inlet to the engine compartment. When a fan reversal event is initiated, the fan motor will continue to rotate due to angular momentum even after the pump output flow has been switched from a first motor port to a second motor port. During this continued rotation as the fan decelerates to zero speed, vacuum pressure levels can arise at the first motor port, and a pressure spike can develop at the second motor port. In order to alleviate these conditions, a pressure transfer valve briefly opens to facilitate fluid flow directly from the second motor port to the first motor port as the fan motor decelerates towards zero speed before reversing direction, simultaneously alleviating vacuum and pressure spike conditions.
US07937935B2 Method for controlling catalyst and filter temperatures in regeneration of a catalytic diesel particulate filter
A system for managing regeneration of a CDPF in a diesel engine. The system determines volatility of the accumulated soot by a weighting/indexing method to select a regeneration control strategy that protects the CDPF from thermal damage. The system determines the mass of wet soot and dry soot accumulated over the previous driving cycle and selects a management strategy to control the rate of temperature increase and the thermal gradient imposed upon the filter. The wet soot percent is an index for setting the regeneration temperature control profile for an allowable total accumulated soot mass as a function of the accumulated wet soot. The method also scales the soot mass regeneration threshold value based upon wet soot accumulation and accumulation rate and provides an indicator of combustibility of the soot accumulation. The method provides a temperature ramp rate, total regeneration time, and exhaust oxygen level required to control regeneration.
US07937933B2 Exhaust gas post treatment system
Exhaust gas post treatment system for nitrogen oxide and particle reduction of an internal combustion engines operated with excess air. An oxidation catalytic converter is disposed in the exhaust gas stream of the engine for converting at least a portion of the nitric oxide of the exhaust gas into nitrogen dioxide. A metering device adds reduction agent to the exhaust gas stream downstream of the oxidation catalytic converter and/or to a partial exhaust gas stream branched off upstream of the oxidation catalytic converter and returned to the exhaust gas stream downstream thereof. The reduction agent is ammonia or a material that releases ammonia downstream of the supply location due to the hot exhaust gas. A particle separator or filter is disposed in the exhaust gas stream downstream of the oxidation catalytic converter and of the supply location, and converts carbon particles accumulated in the separator or filter into carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and nitric oxide with the aid of nitrogen dioxide in the exhaust gas stream. An SCR catalytic converter is disposed downstream of the separator or filter for reducing nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas stream into nitrogen and water vapor with the aid of ammonia or released ammonia by selective catalytic reduction.
US07937929B2 Exhaust duct with bypass channel
An exhaust duct for directing a stream of exhaust gases in a gas turbine engine is provided. The exhaust duct comprises an inlet for receiving the stream of exhaust gases from a turbine section of the gas turbine engine; an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; and a transition portion defining a passage between the inlet and the outlet. The passage comprises an annular region having a first side portion and a second side portion that are separated by a flow splitter. At least one bypass channel interconnects the first side portion and the second side portion of the annular region.
US07937928B2 Systems and methods for channeling steam into turbines
A method of operating a steam turbine in a combined-cycle power system is provided. The method includes channeling a first amount of steam from a first steam generator to the steam turbine to facilitate powering the steam turbine, generating a second amount of steam within a second steam generator that is coupled in flow communication with the steam turbine, and calculating a predicted stress level within the steam turbine in the event the second amount of steam is channeled from the second steam generator into the steam turbine. An initiation time at which to channel the second amount of steam into the steam turbine is determined such that the calculated predicted stress level will not exceed a predetermined stress limit of the steam turbine. The second amount of steam is automatically channeled from the second steam generator to the steam turbine at the determined initiation time.
US07937923B2 Tractor and round baler combination with automatic baling and automatic rear door opening
A tractor comprises an electronic tractor controller. A baler comprises a crop receiver, a baling chamber, a rear door, a rear door actuator, a bale size sensor associated with the baling chamber, and an electronic baler controller. The baler controller is operable to submit a halt signal to the tractor controller when a bale size signal provided by the bale size sensor indicates that a bale has reached a size corresponding to a predetermined size. The tractor controller then halts the tractor and the bale is wrapped. The rear door is opened automatically after the bale has been wrapped, but only if an obstacle sensor detects no obstacle in a detection zone behind the baler.
US07937921B2 Break-away finger for retracting finger auger
A tubular metal finger for a retracting finger auger assembly has a mounting portion adjacent the normally inner end of the finger, a working portion adjacent the opposite, normally outer end of the finger, and a weakened break-away portion between the mounting and working portions. Weakening of the sidewall of the tube in the break-away portion is accomplished through the provision of a pair of diametrically opposed, circular holes through the tube.
US07937913B2 Device for consolidating items into a single unit of a pre-defined total weight
Proposed are a method and a device for consolidation of a number n of items, whose weight varies within predefined limits, in a container to a single unit with a predefined target weight. For this purpose, n−1 portions are combined and the weight of all of the n−1 portions is determined. Then the difference between the target weight of the n portions on the one hand and the weight of the n−1 portions on the other is determined. Ultimately, an nth portion with a precise weight is cut-off from a piece, where the weight equals the weight of the nth portion of the difference. For this purpose, the device is provided with a first and a second insertion station, a scale, a computer, and a portioning and cutting device.
US07937909B2 Method for creating a package pressure differential
A method for making a two component device where the two components are in separate containers with one container inside the other. The method includes placing a first container between the top and bottom of a second container in a die that draws a vacuum between the top and bottom of the second container when they are sealed to form the container. The vacuum preferably ranges from about 8 to about 13 psi. The two components are selected to react to achieve a result, such as the generation of heat.
US07937906B2 Filling apparatus
This invention relates to a filling apparatus (2) and a process for intermittently receiving and discharging specific quantities of bulk product, in particular for delivering specific quantities of bulk product from a weighing machine to a packaging machine. The filling apparatus (2) comprises two partial vessels (8, 10), with each partial vessel (8, 10) comprising a feed opening (20, 22) and an outlet opening (26, 28). Furthermore, an outlet element (30) is provided which is movable at least into a first and into a second position. In the first position, the outlet element (30) closes the outlet opening (26) of a first partial vessel (8) and releases the outlet opening (28) of the second partial vessel (10). In the second position, the outlet element (30) closes the outlet opening (28) of the second partial vessel (10) and releases the outlet opening (26) of the first partial vessel (8).
US07937904B2 Corner joint for pultruded window frame
A corner joint between two frame lineals of a pultruded window frame is defined by inserting a leg of a corner member into a hollow interior of each lineal and attaching the legs to the lineals by adhesive. Each leg has a plurality of surfaces thereof each having a first portion at the corner which lies closely adjacent a corresponding surface of the first lineal and a second portion, at the end of the first portion remote from the corner which tapers inwardly away from the corresponding surface of the first lineal such that a spacing therebetween increases in the direction away from the corner. The adhesive is applied to the tapered portion and the taper acts to force the adhesive along the leg to the first portion and to the ends of the lineals where the excess can be wiped away.
US07937900B1 Metal roof retrofit skylight
A metal roof retrofit skylight preferably includes a glazing pane, a pane retention frame and at least one self-stick sealing sheet. The pane retention frame preferably includes a bottom leg and a top leg. One end of the bottom and top legs preferably form a fastening flange. The other end of the top is offset from the bottom leg to form a pane space that is sized to receive a thickness of the glazing pane. Each self-stick sealing sheet includes a sealing sheet and release paper. The sealing sheet is applied over a portion of the glazing pane and a membrane roofing material to provide a seal between the membrane roofing material and the glazing pane. An optional condensation collector is installed in a skylight opening in the metal roof. The metal roof retrofit skylight is attached to the metal roof around a perimeter of the skylight opening.
US07937893B2 Intuitive handle switch operation for power sliding doors
The invention is a sliding door assembly operable move a vehicle door between an open and a closed position. The assembly includes a motor, reversibly operable to move the door towards one of the open and the closed position. A handle is mounted to the door and a handle sensor is provided, operable to detect the grasping of the handle. When the handle is grasped, a controller activates the motor to move the door when the handle sensor is triggered. Moving the door using the handle by at least a predetermined distance causes the controller to deactivate the motor, allowing manual movement of the door.
US07937873B2 Collapsible carbine stock with spare magazine storage enclosure
A collapsible buttstock which is adapted primarily for use with military and tactical carbines, is supported by an extension tube which is connectable to the receiver of a carbine on which the collapsible buttstock is to be mounted. A storage enclosure is formed in the body of the buttstock and is sized and dimensioned so that it can receive a clip or magazine, typically able to carry 20 rounds, that is usable with the carbine on which the collapsible buttstock is mounted. The enclosure is provided with an openable cover that is hingably attached to the buttstock body. An easily operable cover latch assembly is usable to secure the cover in a closed position while facilitating expeditious opening of the cover to afford access to the spare magazine storage enclosure.
US07937864B2 Device for coordinating illumination of an image and sound associated with use of the image
The illumination of a display of a religious, meditative, or ceremonial image is coordinated with sound produced and associated with the use of the image, such as a chant associated with the image. The sound can be produced by the device of the invention in which case the device coordinates the illumination with the sound produced by the device, or the sound can be produced by a user of the device in which case the device coordinates the illumination with the sound produced by the user. The device includes a display for illuminating and displaying the visual image and circuitry for coordinating the illumination of the visual image and the sound associated with use of the image.
US07937860B2 Calendar
A dispensing device, such as a calendar is formed of a plurality of substrates. A first substrate carries indicia thereon which identifies selected time periods, such as days or months of the year. A second substrate is positioned adjacent to the first substrate. The second substrate defines a plurality of cavities dimensioned to individually retain a respective information carrying article, such as a web. Each of the cavities is corresponding supplied with a respective information carrying article. Each indicia on the first substrate is positionally associated with a respective cavity in the second substrate. A third substrate, positioned adjacent to the second substrate, is positioned to retain the information carrying articles releasably within the second substrate. The third substrate provides a rupturable cover over each of the cavities of the second substrate whereby upon the application of a sufficient lateral force on the information carrying article within a selected cavity, the article passes through the cover to a location wherein the article may be retrieved by the user. The lateral force may be applied by the user's finger or alternatively a tool or other object adapted for the application of such force.
US07937857B2 Ground-working machine
The invention relates to a ground-working machine (11) equipped with a drive and with advancement members (21). Its advancement members (21) serve inter alia to carry a supporting structure (23) set apart from the positioning plane of the machine, on which supporting structure (23) there is arranged, in the region of a central axis (Z), a kirving tool (25) with at least one transverse kirving roller (13) for working a substrate on which the ground-working machine is standing. The kirving roller (13) is rotatable about its roller axis (V). The roller axis (V) is pivotable about a steering axis (W), which steering axis (W) is arranged in the direction of the central axis (Z) set apart from the advancement members (21).
US07937853B2 Footwear for the diet equipped with the buffering means
The present invention relates to a health and diet footwear with buffering means that has a plurality of spring members mounted on the lower portion thereof, thereby obtaining substantially higher exercising effects as compared to a general footwear. The health and diet footwear with buffering means of the invention can detachably mount fixed plates on a sole by means of screws and have a plurality of spring members disposed between the fixed plates disposed on the upper ends of the spring members and a support plate disposed on the lower ends of the spring members by means of detachable mounting or spiral coupling, so that the spring members can be easily and rigidly coupled therebetween. Further, when a part of the spring members is damaged or broken, it can be exchanged individually. Therefore, this invention can couple the fixed plates and the support plate in a more rigid and easier manner when compared with the conventional practice, which allows a wearer to wear the footwear of this invention more stably for a long time.
US07937851B2 Process for treatment of biomass feedstocks
A method and apparatus for continuously treating a moist biomass feedstock is disclosed. The method includes treating a biomass feedstock with a swelling agent in a pressurized first vessel, transferring the feedstock to a second vessel at a lower operating pressure than the first vessel such that the biomass fibers rupture. At least portions the swelling agent, and/or the moisture are recycled in the process.
US07937847B1 Precision level device
This invention, precision level device, provides the leveling of the subjects.An improved precision level device comprises a transparent body including an aperture, a cap, a lower horizontal and upper horizontal walls of the transparent body, the first vertical and second vertical walls of the transparent body, recess, fluid, graduation line(s), horizontal graduation line, vertical graduation line, diagonal graduation line(s), magnetic element, and a front wall of the transparent body.
US07937845B2 Low cost electronic compass with 2D magnetometer
An electronic compass has a 2D magnetometer for determining two of the three components of the earth-magnetic field vector. Values for the magnitude and inclination of the field at the location of the device are given. If at least one of the body axes of the device is held horizontally in operational use, an educated guess can be made about the actual orientation of the device (e.g., heading and tilt angles) with respect to the earth. Accordingly, this compass is a very-low cost device.
US07937841B2 Electric jigsaw
An electric saw (2) includes a stroke arrangement (4) driven in a reciprocating manner and having a tool receptacle (8) for a saw blade (10), a housing (14) which extends along a stroke axis (A) of the stroke arrangement (4) and which forms at a working tool-side end (12) a housing opening (16) from which the stroke arrangement (4) projects, and which forms a receiving space (26) in which is arranged a motion transforming device (24), the stroke arrangement (4) being supported at the housing (14) by a bearing element (30) which forms a sliding bearing (28) and is arranged between the motion transforming device (24) and the housing opening (16), with an air flow (L) being directed toward the housing opening (16) so that particles (P) can be prevented from entering the sliding bearing (28), with the bearing element (30) limiting the receiving space (26) toward the housing opening (16), and with a flow path (46) by which the air flow (L) is guided being provided at an outer side (40) of the bearing element (30) facing the housing opening (16).
US07937838B2 Hydraulic rescue tool with quick-change head
A hydraulic rescue tool (10) with a quick-change head (26) that incorporates a cylinder (20) having a piston rod (22) and a forward end structure (24). The forward end structure (24) has a separable head and a cylinder attaching bifurcated yoke (28). A pair of yoke quick release pins (48) jointly engage the head (26) and the bifurcated yoke (28) thus, creating an attachment therebetween. A pair of cutting blades (50) are connected to the head (26), and links (54) connect to the piston rod on a first end and to the cutting blades (50) on a second end, thereby forcing the cutting blades from an open position to a closed position by movement of the piston rod (22). A pair of link quick release pins (60) engage the links (54), creating an attachment therebetween, permitting the links to be released by manually disengaging the quick release pins, thereby allowing the head, including the cutting blades, to be rapidly removed or repaired.
US07937832B2 Method of producing a wired circuit board
A wired circuit board having improved adhesion between the conductive pattern and an insulating layer to prevent a plating solution from remaining between a metal plating layer and the insulating layer. The invention prevents ionic impurities in the plating solution from remaining as residual or ionic contamination, thereby preventing a short circuit from developing when electric current flows through the circuit under a high temperature and high humidity environment. Lower end portions of the terminal portions that are formed on an insulating base layer and lower end portions of side surfaces and metal plating layers that cover the terminal portions are embedded in the insulating base layer in a flexible wired circuit board.
US07937826B2 Cup attaching apparatus
A cup attaching apparatus for attaching a cup to an eyeglass lens, comprises: a lens mount on which the lens is to be mounted; at least three support pins provided on the lens mount to support the lens when a rear refractive surface of the lens is brought in contact with the support pins; and a first moving mechanism adapted to simultaneously move the support pins to change a distance of each support pin from a central axis for attachment of the cup.
US07937810B2 Flat panel display support
A flat panel display (FPD) support has a panel bracket being attached to an FPD, two hinge assemblies being mounted on the panel bracket and an U-shaped supporting bracket being attached to the hinge assemblies. The supporting bracket supports the FPD to allow the FPD to stand on a plane and can pivot to adjust an angle of the FPD relative to the plane with the hinge assemblies. The FPD with the FPD support shows a light, simple and portable shape, can be conveniently packaged for sell or moving and will not occupy life space while using.
US07937807B2 Universal impact-hinder device
Universal impact-hinder device, comprising a body (1); a guiding pin (4) arranged at the closed first end of an inside cylindrical cavity of the body (1), a spring (7) on the guiding pin (4); a ring (5) at the opposite end of the cavity; and a piston having a T-shaped head and an inside cavity in which the spring (7) is supported, which piston can move until the ring (5), while the guiding pin (4) is within the inside cavity of the piston. The T-shaped head is provided with a groove and a movable O-ring (6) within that, having two end positions in the groove. In first end position a surface of the groove having artificial damages (31) and the contacting O-ring (6) determine a first flow-through capacity, in second end position an orifice (21) between the cavity of the body and the groove determines a greater second flow-through capacity.
US07937806B1 Door safety device
An apparatus is disclosed for permitting or preventing a panel from closing an opening within a wall. A hinge secures the panel to the wall for pivoting the panel relative to the opening. The apparatus comprises an inverted generally u-shaped frame defining a slot for positioning to the panel. A bar member includes a first end and a second end. A fulcrum pivot is interposed between the first end and the second end for pivotably mounting the bar member to the inverted generally u-shaped frame. The fulcrum pivot pivots the bar member between a generally vertical position and a generally horizontal position. The bar member pivots to the generally vertical position for disengaging the second end from the wall for permitting the panel to close the opening of the wall. The bar member pivots into the generally horizontal position for engaging the stopper end with the wall for preventing the panel from closing the opening of the wall.
US07937801B2 Floor cleaning appliance
A floor cleaning appliance has a brush head in which a brush roller is rotatably mounted and which has at least one suction nozzle which is disposed next to the brush roller. Further, the floor cleaning appliance has a shank which is mounted on the brush head in a pivotable manner and on which a suction unit is disposed, as is a cleaning liquid container for cleaning liquid which can be applied to the floor surface to be cleaned, and a dirty liquid container for accommodating dirty liquid which is sucked up from the floor surface by means of the suction unit, the cleaning liquid container and the dirty liquid container together forming a container assembly which is adapted to be releasably connected to the shank. In order to develop the floor cleaning appliance in such a way that it is easier to handle, it is proposed that the cleaning liquid container is adapted to be releasably connected to the dirty liquid container.
US07937798B2 Device for detachably linking a wiper blade with a driven wiper arm
A wiper blade assembly for a windshield wiper. In one embodiment, the wiper blade assembly includes a connector pivotably mounted on a blade support element. The connector has a receiving portion shaped to receive a first part of the end portion of a wiper arm and further has a securing portion shaped to secure a second part of the end portion of the wiper arm.
US07937780B2 Extremity armor
Body armor for ballistic protection of a user's extremities preferably comprising right and left arm protection units and/or right and left leg protection units. The units include a ballistic protection material which preferably covers most of the user's upper arm, elbow region, lower arm, shoulder, upper leg, knee region, and lower leg except for ventilation zones preferably located on the inner portion of the upper arm and the inner part of the upper leg. The back of the knee is preferably covered by a protective flap.
US07937779B2 Head gear apparatus having improved air flow arrangement
A surgical garment includes a head gear apparatus for supporting a face shield and shroud. The head gear apparatus includes a helmet that supports a fan assembly, and that defines forward and rear ventilation passageways. The helmet includes a chin bar that defines a centrally located slot, and an upper ledge. The upper edge of the face shield contacts the upper ledge, while the lower edge of the shield includes a tab that extends through the slot. The chin bar and face shield include a plurality of magnetic elements that magnetically connect the lower edge of the face shield to the chin bar. The helmet is suspended from a strap assembly that is carried directly on the head of the wearer. The strap assembly includes an adjustable occipital support that bears against the occiput of the wearer. The face shield can include a plurality of film layers that can be removed when soiled. The fan assembly includes an inlet opening and the shroud includes a filter assembly that is sized to overlay the inlet opening and a portion of the helmet surrounding the inlet opening.
US07937777B2 Disposable wearing article
A disposable wearing article has a front waist covering panel, a rear waist covering panel and a crotch covering panel, a body facing sheet and an undergarment facing sheet in the front and rear waist covering panels are elastically stretchable in a waist-surrounding direction. These sheets are made of nonwoven fabrics and have regions in which these sheets are placed upon each other and the undergarment facing sheet repetitively undulates in the waist-surrounding direction to form a plurality of gathers.
US07937776B1 Short belt for pants
The short belt has a free end and fixed end with a buckle or other fastener adjacent the fixed end. The belt is formed of an elongate body of flexible material which can be secured to the buckle or other fastener to cause the belt to have a fixed circumference less than a diameter of a garment with which the belt is to be used. The short belt is routed through at least two loops on a garment with the short belt first being routed under the loops and then being routed over the loops and fastened into a circuit utilizing the buckle or other fastener. The circuit thus passes both under the loops and over the loops with a single circuit having a circumference less than a circumference of the garment adjacent the loops on the garment.
US07937771B2 Garment for motorcyclists with improved comfort
Elastic inserts (15, 25) are incorporated in selected zones such as the legs and arms of an article of garment for motorcyclists, for example a leather suit, said inserts having a shape and manner of application such that the configuration of the garment in the rest condition corresponds to the position of the person wearing the garment when riding a motorcycle, but also allows said person to move freely when not sat in the saddle of the motorcycle.
US07937767B2 Sports pant with outer shell and sock attachment system
A garment including a pant having at least one attachment member integral with each leg portion proximal the open end thereof and forming one half of a detachable attachment system. A kit further includes a pair of socks each having at least one attachment member extending therefrom, the attachment members of the socks and pants being complementary for forming a detachable connection. Also, a garment including an inner pant having an inner torso portion, two inner leg portions, and at least one protective pad, and an outer pant retainable around the inner pant and having an outer torso portion covering the inner torso portion, two tubular outer leg portions enclosing the inner leg portions, the outer pant being independent from the inner pant.
US07941861B2 Permitting multiple tasks requiring elevated rights
System(s), method(s), and/or technique(s) (“tools”) are described that enable a user to permit multiple tasks requiring elevated rights with as little as one rights elevation. For example, the tools may enable an installation wizard operating within a limited-rights context to perform multiple tasks that require a higher-rights context with a single rights elevation by the user. The tools may do so using an object agent, an instance of which may be created by the installation wizard following a single rights elevation. This instance of the object agent then creates instances of other objects without requiring that the user elevate his or her rights. These other objects' instances may then run the tasks that require the higher-rights context.
US07941854B2 Method and system for responding to a computer intrusion
A method and system for managing an intrusion on a computer by graphically representing an intrusion pattern of a known past intrusion, and then comparing the intrusion pattern of the known intrusion with a current intrusion. The intrusion pattern may either be based on intrusion events, which are the effects of the intrusion or activities that provide a signature of the type of intrusion, or the intrusion pattern may be based on hardware topology that is affected by the intrusion. The intrusion pattern is graphically displayed with scripted responses, which in a preferred embodiment are presented in pop-up windows associated with each node in the intrusion pattern. Alternatively, the response to the intrusion may be automatic, based on a pre-determined percentage of common features in the intrusion pattern of the known past intrusion and the current intrusion.
US07941843B2 Mobile wireless communication system, mobile wireless terminal apparatus, virtual private network relay apparatus and connection authentication server
Mobile wireless communication system 100 of the present invention has virtual private network relay apparatus 105 which establishes an IPsec tunnel with network relay apparatus 104 installed on private network 102 via public network 101, further establishes the IPsec tunnel with mobile wireless terminal apparatus 110 and relays connection of mobile wireless terminal apparatus 110 from public wireless LAN system 103 to private network 102, connection authentication server 108 that authenticates connection of mobile wireless terminal apparatus 110 to public wireless LAN system 103, and wireless LAN access point 109 that relays connection authentication procedures of public wireless LAN 107 performed between mobile wireless terminal apparatus 110 and connection authentication server 108.
US07941842B2 Method and apparatus for a non-revealing do-not-contact list system
A method and apparatus to protect a master do-not-email list from being compromised. A set of one or more false email addresses that each point to an email account that is not used for any email is created for a client and is unique to the client. An encryption scheme is applied to the set of false email addresses. The encrypted false email addresses for the client are recorded on the master do-not-email list, which also includes multiple encrypted real email addresses that each correspond to a real email address that point to an email account that is used for real email and does not wish to be contacted. A client do-not-email list is seeded for the client with the encrypted real email addresses and the encrypted false email addresses. The email accounts corresponding to the set of false email addresses are monitored for received email messages, where email messages received at one of the set of email accounts is an indication that the client should be investigated to determine potential liability.
US07941829B2 Near real-time multi-party task authorization access control
A method and apparatus are used in determining authorization to perform tasks in a computer environment, and specifically requiring multiple parties to authorize a task before access is granted. The present system provides for substantially real time communication to a second party authorizer when a task owner is attempting to perform a task.
US07941827B2 Monitoring network traffic by using a monitor device
A solution is provided for associating network traffic traversing on a networked environment according to a selected category item, such as a user name or other network entity identity-related information, by using a monitor device. The solution includes: obtaining user information from the directory service by obtaining at least one set of user object attributes from the directory service; identifying at least one authentication exchange packet from packets traversing on the networked environment; extracting a user ID and a network address from the authentication exchange packet; filtering or selecting packets traversing on the network environment that each have a network address equivalent to the extracted network address; and associating packets that were selected with user information having a name attribute equivalent to the extracted user ID.
US07941820B2 Method and apparatus for updating program guide information of digital TV
A method of processing program guide information is provided. The method includes receiving one or more program guide informations contained in service information of a stream provided by a digital television broadcasting system, comparing the received program guide informations with one another, and updating one of the program guide informations to another one of the program guide informations.
US07941819B2 Time-based graphical user interface for multimedia content
A graphical user interface (“GUI”) for a content management system is provided, such as to present information associated with various forms of multimedia content. In some situations, the GUI includes information presented simultaneously using at least first and second time scales, such as to provide relatively detailed information for content corresponding to a shorter time scale (e.g., to display content listings with details about content that corresponds to a time period at the shorter time scale) and to provide relatively limited information for content corresponding to a longer time scale (e.g., indications of other content of potential interest corresponding to times outside the time period of the shorter time scale). In addition, in some situations the relatively limited information for content corresponding to the longer time scale may be selectable by the user to provide various functionality related to that content.
US07941816B2 Detection of media links in broadcast signals
A detection apparatus includes a tuner tuned to the program and a meter coupled to the tuner and arranged to detect content ancillary information from the program tuned by the tuner. The content ancillary information may be a media link, closed captioning information, or the like. The meter may also be arranged to extract a broadcast signature from the program. A comparator compares the broadcast signature to a reference signature selected from a library of reference signatures based upon the content ancillary information. Broadcast signatures from unknown programs may be clustered at least partially on the basis of the content ancillary information.
US07941800B2 Transferring data between virtual machines by way of virtual machine bus in pipe mode
A computing device has a virtual machine bus (VM bus) operable in a pipe mode where all incoming data written to the VM bus from a source is passed through to be read from the VM bus by a sink, and a plurality of instantiated virtual machines (VMs). Each VM hosts an instance of an operating system upon an application may be instantiated. Each VM includes a computing object for issuing a call to a component object of another VM, and a VM bus system object for receiving the call and communicating same to a VM bus system object of the another VM by way of the VM bus. The VM bus system object is also for receiving the call from the VM bus system object of the another VM by way of the VM bus and for communicating the received call to the computing object.
US07941789B2 Common performance trace mechanism
A method for providing a mechanism for generating a common format for trace data is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes generating trace data at a plurality of providers, the trace data including a first trace data having a first format and a second trace data having a second format, receiving the trace data at a database via a common interface, storing the trace data at the database in compliance with a common format, and providing access to the trace data stored at the database via a user interface.
US07941786B2 Configurable controlling device and associated configuration distribution system and method
A configurable controlling device and associated program that allows a consumer to modify on a personal computer for downloading to the controlling device configuration data which is used to cause the controlling device to perform a function, such as to transmit a command to an appliance, to change the user interface page being displayed, etc. The editor program provides for managed uploading of modified configuration data to a central server facility from which the uploaded, modified configuration data may be made available for managed download to one or more remotely-located controlling devices.
US07941785B2 System and method for managing information objects
A system and method for managing information on a network using an identity index may include a software program stored on a computer-readable medium which is operable to associate one or more users with the information objects that define the user. The software program can maintain a “virtual identity” for each user, the virtual identity comprising a list of information objects (e.g., accounts) associated with the user and the identities of resources at which the information objects can be found. The list of information objects may include an information object identifier for each information object. The software program may maintain a resource definition for each identified resource. The resource definition may include a set of connection parameters that can be used by the software program to connect to the corresponding resource.
US07941783B1 Software development tool that supports use of a design-time data feed
A software application development tool supports a specified design-time data feed. A software application developer can interact with the development tool to specify a design-time data feed that is to be used during development of an application in place of a given run-time data feed that is not available for access by the application. For instance, a software application developer may code the application with reference(s) to the unavailable run-time data feed, and the developer may specify to the development tool a design-time data feed for such referenced run-time data feed. The development tool then manages correlation of the specified design-time feed to the run-time feed such that references to the run-time feed in the application under development instead trigger access to the specified design-time feed by the development tool. When deployed in a run-time environment, the software application's references to the run-time feed trigger access to such run-time feed.
US07941765B2 System and method of controlling variables using a radial control menu
A graphical user interface for displaying actions of an input device on a display is provided. The interface includes a radial menu having an origin disposed at a center thereof and at least a first wedge defining an area extending outwardly from the origin. The first wedge is associated with a variable that is capable of being set to a value between a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value. A cursor for indicating a current position of the input device on the display is provided in the interface. The cursor is movable within the first wedge to select a current value of the variable based upon the angular position of the cursor with respect to said origin. A radial menu, computer system, and method are also provided.
US07941764B2 System and method for assigning user preference settings for a category, and in particular a media category
A system and method for assigning user preference settings for fields in a category using selected settings for only a subset of the media category fields is disclosed. A subset of fields for a media category is defined. A base setting for each field in the subset of the category fields is established. The base setting may be a weight or preference value. The base setting may be established by the user selecting a base setting or may be a default base setting. Once a user selects the settings for the subset of category fields, a set weight for the fields in the category not in the subset is determined using the base setting. That is possible because the fields in the subset of category fields are chosen from fields that contain aspects and attributes of the other fields.
US07941758B2 Animation of graphical objects
A method for animating graphical objects is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a plurality of graphical objects and displaying a subset of the objects in a viewport. In this embodiment, the method may also include calculating a virtual destination for one of the graphical objects based on a received user input, and moving the graphical object to the virtual destination over a period of time. Various additional methods, machine-readable media, and devices for animating graphical objects and controlling operational characteristics of a device are also provided.
US07941751B2 Generation and implementation of dynamic surveys
Techniques are described for generating and implementing dynamic surveys, in which a subsequent query is presented based at least in part on a selected response option of a previous query. For example, a system may include presentation logic configured to display a plurality of queries, each query being associated with a plurality of response options. Sequence logic of the system may be configured to display a graphical sequence controller in association with each of the plurality of response options, and to receive a graphical manipulation of the graphical sequence controllers by which a sequence is designated for presenting a subsequent query based on a selected response option of a previous query. Thus, during implementation of the resulting dynamic survey, the subsequent query may be presented based on the selected response option.
US07941741B1 Dynamically manipulating content to force web browsers to open more connections
A system may identify a group of first links in a document, where the first links correspond to a group of objects within the document and are associated with a same identifier. The system may replace the first links in the document with second links that point to a number of different identifiers, and forward the document with the second links to a client.
US07941733B2 Semiconductor memory device
A memory device includes an error detection and correction system with an error correcting code over GF(2n) wherein the system has an operation circuit configured to execute addition/subtraction with modulo 2n−1, and wherein the operation circuit has a first operation part for performing addition/subtraction with modulo M and a second operation part for performing addition/subtraction with modulo N (where, M and N are integers which are prime with each other as being obtained by factorizing 2n−1), and wherein the first and second operation parts perform addition/subtraction in parallel to output an operation result of the addition/subtraction with modulo 2n−1.
US07941726B2 Low dimensional spectral concentration codes and direct list decoding
Systems and methods provide an optionally keyed error-correcting code that is spectrally concentrated. Each codeword of the low dimensional spectral concentration code (LDSC code) typically has very few coefficients of large magnitude and can be constructed even with limited processing resources. Decoding can be performed on low power devices. Error-correcting code is constructed around a key using basic computer arithmetic for computations instead of finite field arithmetic, thus saving energy. A recipient who possesses the key enjoys correction of a relatively high percentage of noise errors. In one implementation, a direct list-decoder iteratively estimates a list of message words directly, instead of a list of codewords. In variations, a unique message word is selected from the list either by applying a randomness test or by using message passing.
US07941724B2 Embedded retransmission scheme with cross-packet coding
An H-ARQ system wherein the transmission of two consecutive, or sequential, blocks of information bits are considered jointly; i.e., one of the blocks of information being embedded within the other one of the blocks of information. If a retransmission for the first block is necessary, the system processes both blocks jointly. The system is provided with cross-packet coding which extends current H-ARQ schemes for point-to-point communications wherein the transmission of two consecutive block of information bits is considered jointly. If a retransmission for the first block is necessary, the system processes both blocks jointly. This allows both blocks to be decoded without errors at the receiver after the retransmission.
US07941721B2 System and a method for testing connectivity between a first device and a second device
A device and a method for testing a connectivity between a first device and a second device, the method includes: writing, at a first frequency and in a serial manner, a first test word to a source boundary scan register; writing a content of the source boundary scan register, at a second frequency and in a parallel manner, to a target boundary scan register; wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency; reading the content of the target boundary scan register; wherein the source and target boundary scan registers are selected from a first boundary scan register of the first device and a second boundary scan register of the second device; and evaluating a connectivity between the first and second device in response to a relationship between the first test word and the content of the target boundary scan register.
US07941710B2 System and method of uncorrelated code hopping in a communications system
A system and method are used to provide uncorrelated code hopping in a communications system. A shift register receives data. The shift register is clocked to shift the data. A scaler performs a scaling operation on the data with a numerical value of active codes. A truncator truncates the scaled data to its seven most significant bits to produce a pseudo random hop number. A code matrix shifter circularly shifts the active codes in a code matrix based on the pseudo random hop number to produce a circularly shifted code. A transmitter transmits the circularly shifted code.
US07941709B1 Fast connectivity recovery for a partitioned namespace
A system and method for storing data. In one embodiment, a file system includes a hierarchy of nodes partitioned into a plurality of containers. The file system further includes metadata associated with each node. First metadata describes each node's references to other nodes and second metadata identifies each node's parent node. The file system further includes a linkage table associated with each container. Each linkage table comprises entries describing links between a node owned by the associated container and other nodes. In response to detecting that a file system error has occurred, the file system identifies a container which corresponds to the detected error, corrects inconsistencies between the first and second metadata associated with each node owned by the container, and corrects inconsistencies between each of the entries of the linkage table associated with the identified container and the first and second metadata.
US07941703B2 Capturing machine state of unstable java program
Mechanisms and methods for capturing an execution state of a failing program in a computing environment are disclosed. Embodiments can enable detection of user initiated program terminations and error information capture without incurring the overhead of a separate monitoring process. It is possible to obtain an execution trace and related state information in the event that a program has incurred a program error causing the user to terminate the program.
US07941702B2 Electronic control unit
An ECU that controls an engine of a vehicle includes a MPU and an IC that monitors the operation of the MPU. The MPU is programmed to execute a verification result check and test selection function for selecting a test for verifying the function of the MPU. The MPU runs the selected test, and transmits a test result indicating the result of the test to the IC. The IC checks whether the test result from the MPU is correct or incorrect, and transmits a verification result to the MPU.
US07941700B2 Operating system-based application recovery
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are disclosed for operating system-based application recovery. A particular method saves an application state of an application executing at a computer. When a failure of the application is detected, the operating system provides an option to initiate recovery of the application by reverting to the saved application state. When the option to initiate recovery is selected by a user of the computer, the operating system recovers the application by reverting to the saved application state.
US07941691B2 Control of connecting apparatuses in information processing system
In an information processing system, a first system control apparatus of a first information processing apparatus causes a first connecting apparatus to disconnect from the first shared storage apparatus, causes a second connecting apparatus to disconnect from the second shared storage apparatus, causes a control part to start up the first information processing apparatus, causes another first connecting apparatus used to replace the first connecting apparatus to connect to the first shared storage apparatus, and causes the second connecting apparatus to connect to the second shared storage apparatus. In the information processing system, a second information processing apparatus includes a second system control apparatus and a third and fourth connecting apparatuses used to connect to the first and second shared storage apparatuses, respectively.
US07941686B2 Phase controllable multichannel signal generator having interleaved digital to analog converters
A signal generator can control phase relationship between output signals of the channels without stopping clocks provided to the channels to enable the circuit operation fast. First and second channels 20 and 22 have signal generation blocks 10 and 12 that have clock phase shift circuits 26 and 28, memories, parallel to serial converters and DACs respectively. A phase comparator 24 compares data reading clocks from the signal generation blocks 10 and 12 to produce a phase difference signal wherein the data reading clocks are used to read waveform data from the memories within the signal generation blocks 10 and 12. A CPU controls the clock phase shift circuits 26 and 28 according to the phase difference signal to shift phases of the clocks provided to the signal generation blocks 10 and 12 and then makes phase relationship between the output signals of the first and second channels 20 and 22 as desired.
US07941670B2 Data processing apparatus in which data is accessed in response to an access request from a plurality of access request sources
A data processing apparatus is provided which is capable of improving the responsiveness of communication in which only a maximum of one access request source has write authorization and the other access requests do not have write authorization when communication is performed with a plurality of access request sources. A management apparatus transmits, to a secure application module (SAM), a strong connection request requesting the obtainment of write authorization into the SAM. When it is determined that the strong connection has not already been assigned to the other management apparatuses, the SAM assigns the strong connection to the management apparatus in a state in which a weak connection having read authorization with the management apparatuses is maintained.
US07941669B2 Method and apparatus for enabling a user to select an authentication method
The present invention facilitates access to a restricted service related to secure transactions via a network. The present invention allows a user to select a minimum security level of authentication for its own login to a restricted service. The user's selected minimum security level of authentication may be registered in an authentication method system, so that the user must use the selected minimum security level for authentication in order to gain access to the restricted service. Alternatively, the user may specify that the selected minimum security level for authentication may be over-turned by the user, or optionally re-set to a new authentication method depending on the needs of the user. As such, the present invention allows the user the flexibility to select its own authentication method for accessing a restricted service.
US07941661B2 Method of testing validity of authentication IC
A method in which a test function is called in a system's internal authentication IC multiple times with a known incorrect value such that, if the internal IC is invalid, an expected invalid response is not generated and, otherwise, the internal IC generates a secret random number and its signature and encrypts these using a first secret key, an external authentication IC connected to the system calls a read function which decrypts the encrypted random number and signature using the first key, calculates the decrypted random number's signature, compares the signatures and upon a match encrypts the decrypted random number and a message of the external IC using a second secret key, the internal IC calls the test function which encrypts the random number and message using the second key, compares the encrypted random numbers and messages, validates the external IC if they match and invalidates the external IC otherwise.
US07941657B2 Multi-mode mobile computer with hypervisor affording diskless and local disk operating environments
A mobile device, such as a laptop or notebook computer, capable of booting from at least two environments. If a remote environment is present, the mobile device may boot from the remote environment. The mobile device may also boot from the local environment.
US07941656B2 Card device for loading applications to a mobile device
A system for loading application identifiers to a mobile device includes a mobile device, a card device insertable into the mobile device, and an application center. The card device is adapted to determine an effective mobile device identifier of the mobile device, and transmit the effective mobile device identifier to the application center. The effective mobile device identifier is based at least in part on the result of a process performed by the card device. The application center is adapted to (1) determine zero or more allotted application identifiers and zero or more application identifiers of applications loaded on the mobile device based at least in part on the effective mobile device identifier, (2) identify at least one application identifier of the zero or more allotted application identifiers which does not form part of the zero or more application identifiers of applications loaded on the mobile device, and (3) load the at least one application identifier to the mobile device.
US07941648B2 Methods and apparatus for dynamic instruction controlled reconfigurable register file
A scalable reconfigurable register file (SRRF) containing multiple register files, read and write multiplexer complexes, and a control unit operating in response to instructions is described. Multiple address configurations of the register files are supported by each instruction and different configurations are operable simultaneously during a single instruction execution. For example, with separate files of the size 32×32 supported configurations of 128×32 bit s, 64×64 bit s and 32×128 bit s can be in operation each cycle. Single width, double width, quad width operands are optimally supported without increasing the register file size and without increasing the number of register file read or write ports.
US07941643B2 Multi-thread processor with multiple program counters
A system, apparatus and method for an interleaving multi-thread processing device are described herein. The multi-thread processing device includes an execution block to execute instructions and a fetch block to fetch and issue instructions, interleavingly, of a first instruction execution thread and at least one other instruction execution thread. The fetch block includes at least one program counter, which is allocable and/or corresponds to each instruction execution thread.
US07941641B1 Retargetable instruction decoder for a computer processor
According to one embodiment, an instruction decoder for a computer processor includes a fixed instruction decoding portion and at least one look up table having a plurality of random access memory elements. The fixed instruction decoding portion has an input for receiving program instructions and an output coupled to a back-end processing engine. The instruction decoder is selectively operable to alternatively decode program instructions associated with a differing instruction set architectures by storage of logical values in the at least one look up table. Decoding of program instructions from one particular instruction set architecture are accomplished using the same logic gates as program instructions form other instruction set architectures.
US07941638B2 Facilitating fast scanning for control transfer instructions in an instruction fetch unit
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that performs a fast-scanning operation to generate fetch bundles within an instruction fetch unit (IFU) of a processor. During operation, the system obtains a cache line containing instructions at the IFU. Next, the system performs a complete-scanning operation on the cache line to identify control transfer instructions (CTIs) in the cache line. At the same time, the system performs a fast-scanning operation to identify CTIs in a group of initial instructions in the cache line, wherein the initial instructions are executed before other instructions in the cache line. Next, the system obtains results from the fast-scanning operation before results of the complete-scanning operation are available. The system then uses results from the fast-scanning operation to form an initial fetch bundle containing initial instructions, and sends the initial fetch bundle to the instruction-issue unit.
US07941629B2 Memory registration caching
A method for memory registration caching comprising enumerating a first process for a first process, in response to a memory registration cache being activated; finding an import table for the first module, wherein one or more pointers, in the import table, refer to memory management routines in a first library; changing the pointers so that the pointers refer to memory management routines in a second library; overloading routines that refer to the memory management routines in the first library so that the routines refer to the memory management routines in the second library; intercepting memory allocation requests, wherein the size of the request is forwarded to the memory registration cache; and de-registering freed memory from the memory registration cache.
US07941626B2 Method and apparatus for controlling discontinuous transmission and reception
A method and apparatus for controlling discontinuous transmission and reception are disclosed. A Node-B schedules an offset for discontinuous transmission (DTX) and/or discontinuous reception (DRX) for a user equipment (UE) and sends the offset to the UE. The UE then shifts the DTX and/or DRX pattern based on the received offset. The UE may modify the offset based on the transmission time of an activation command for DTX and DRX. The UE may modify an offset for DTX and DRX to shift the DTX pattern and DRX pattern when the UE receives downlink data or transmits uplink data based on a sub-frame number at the time of the downlink reception and uplink transmission.
US07941622B2 Point in time remote copy for multiple sites
A method for copying data to multiple remote sites includes transmitting data from a first volume in a primary storage system to a back-up volume provided in a secondary storage system. The primary storage system is located at a primary site, and the secondary storage system is located at a first remote site from the primary site. The data from the first volume in the primary storage system is copied to a second volume in the primary storage system using a point in time (PiT) as a reference point of time for the copying. The second volume is provided with a first time consistent image of the first volume with respect to the reference point of time. The data from the second volume in the primary storage system is transferred to a third volume in a ternary storage system at a second remote site. The third volume is provided with a second time consistent image of the second volume with respect to the reference point of time, where the second time consistent image is a mirror image of the first time consistent image. The data from the third volume is transferred to a fourth volume in the ternary storage system. The fourth volume is provided with a third time consistent image. In the ternary storage, either of the third volume or fourth volume can always keep time consistent image of the first volume.
US07941618B2 Fully buffered DIMM read data substitution for write acknowledgement
A memory controller uses a scheme to retire two entries from a replay queue due to a single non-error response. Advantageously, entries in a replay queue may be retired earlier than conventional systems, minimizing the size of the replay queue.
US07941616B2 System to reduce interference in concurrent programs
Locks are used to protect variables. All variables protected by a lock are allocated on a page associated with a lock. When a thread (called the owner) acquires the lock, a local copy of the memory page containing the variable is created, the original memory page is protected, and all access of the variable in the owner thread is directed to the local copy. Upon releasing the lock, the changes from the local copy are carried over to the memory page and the memory page is unprotected. Any concurrent access of the variable by non-owner threads triggers an exception handler (due to the protection mechanism) and delays such an access until after the owner thread has finished accessing the variable.
US07941609B2 HTTP acceleration by prediction and pre-fetching
Described is a technology by which high latency problems with respect to web requests are reduced by having a web proxy server predict and pre-fetch content, in parallel, that is to be requested by a client. The web proxy analyzes a main web page requested by a client to predict subsequent client requests. The web proxy pre-fetches content before the client requests it, by making concurrent requests for the page's embedded objects that exceed the client's limited number of (e.g., two) connections. In one example, the web proxy sends HTTP requests substantially in parallel to a web server, thereby reducing overall latency. In another example, the web proxy server sends parallel requests to a remote web proxy coupled to a web server. The remote web proxy requests only a limited number of objects (e.g., two) at a time, but does so over fast (low latency) connections to the web server.
US07941606B1 Identifying a flow identification value mask based on a flow identification value of a packet
Flow identification value masks are identified based on, and used to mask a flow identification value associated with packets in a router, packet switching or computer system, any other device. These masks may be specified in access control lists or using any other mechanism, and typically are added to an associative memory or other mechanism keyed on their corresponding flow identification values for performing fast lookup operations. A lookup operation is performed based on the flow identification value associated with a particular packet to identify the correspond mask, which is then used to produce a masked flow identification value, and based on which, a value is updated in a data structure and/or other processing of the packet is performed.
US07941605B1 Methods and apparatus for generating a result based on a lookup result from a lookup operation using an associative memory and processing based on a discriminator portion of a lookup word
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for generating a result based on a lookup result from a lookup operation using an associative memory and processing based on a discriminator portion of a lookup word. A first lookup operation is performed to generate a lookup result. In one implementation, a second lookup operation is performed based on a discriminator or the lookup result depending on the result of an evaluation, such as whether there was a hit or the lookup result matches a predetermined value. In one implementation, a second lookup operation is performed based on the discriminator, and either the result of the first or second lookup operation is used for subsequent processing. One implementation performs a lookup operation based on a lookup word to generate a lookup result, which is used to retrieve a base address and a bitmap from a memory. A discriminator is identified, and the result is generated based on the discriminator, the bitmap, and the base address, such as by adding to the base address the number of set bits in a range within the bitmap.
US07941602B2 Method, apparatus and program storage device for providing geographically isolated failover using instant RAID swapping in mirrored virtual disks
A method, apparatus and program storage device for providing geographically isolated failover using instant RAID swapping in mirrored virtual disks are disclosed. The closed loop control mechanism provides not only continuous self-tuning to the storage system, but also allows the system to perform the initial configuration better.
US07941593B2 Systems and methods for providing nonvolatile memory management in wireless phones
The present invention is related to memory management, and in particular, to methods and systems for accessing and managing nonvolatile, such as in a wireless phone. A wireless phone memory controller is disclosed that, comprises a first interface circuit configured to be coupled to wireless phone nonvolatile memory, a second interface circuit configured to be coupled to wireless phone volatile memory, a first processor interface configured to be coupled to a first wireless phone processor, wherein the first processor interface is configured to provide the first processor with access to the wireless phone volatile memory, a second processor interface configured to be coupled to a second wireless phone processor, and a controller circuit configured to copy at least a portion of wireless phone nonvolatile memory data to the wireless phone volatile memory.
US07941590B2 Adaptive read and write systems and methods for memory cells
Adaptive memory read and write systems and methods are described herein that adapts to changes to threshold voltage distributions of memory cells as of result of, for example, the detrimental affects of repeated cycling operations of the memory cells. The novel systems may include at least multi-level memory cells, which may be multi-level flash memory cells, and a computation block operatively coupled to the multi-level memory cells. The computation block may be configured to compute optimal or near optimal mean and detection threshold values based, at least in part, on estimated mean and standard deviation values of level distributions of the multi-level memory cells. The optimal or near optimal mean and detection threshold values computed by the computation block may be subsequently used to facilitate writing and reading, respectively, of data to and from the multi-level memory cells.
US07941588B2 Multi-level nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor device includes a first flash memory device; a second flash memory device in which data programming and/or reading is faster than in said first flash memory device; an address conversion table which correlates a logical address of a memory cell to a physical address designating said memory cell of said first and/or said second flash memory; an interface part which accepts an access request to a memory cell, an address conversion table search part which searches a physical address an access part which accesses a memory cell a counting part which counts the number of times a physical address has been accessed and generates an access count value of said physical address; a comparison part which compares whether said access count value of said physical address is more than a threshold or not; and a transmitting part which transmits data to said second flash memory device.
US07941581B2 Method for integrating device-objects into an object-based management system, or configuration system, for field devices in automation technology, which stores updated device objects, activates a program for accessing the stored date and starting a dialog for invoking a selected number of updated device-objects
A method for integration of device-objects in an object-based management system for field devices in automation technology, wherein the device-objects are used for servicing the field devices. Updated device objects or an updated version of a device-objects library, are/is stored on a physical storage medium, wherein the physical storage medium is connected with a control/display unit, on which a predetermined operating system is running, into which a frame application for the device objects is bound. A program is activated, which makes the updated device objects stored on the physical storage medium at least partially accessible on a display unit, as soon as the storage medium is connected with the control/display unit, and wherein, automatically or manually, a dialog is started, with which operating personnel can invoke a selected number of device-objects, and, via the updated device object, or updated device objects, service a corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices.
US07941579B2 Communication system for authenticating authority of host device for accessing storage medium set to periphery device
A search-instruction-data creating unit issues a search request command to a peripheral device, and creates search instruction data including a predetermined field that stores supplementary information. A search-instruction-data transmitting unit transmits the search instruction data to the peripheral device. A security-reference-information transmitting unit transmits, to the peripheral device, security reference information serving as the supplementary information. A search-report-data generating unit generates a search report data upon receiving the search instruction data. A search-report-data transmitting unit transmits the search report data to a host device. A supplementary-information extracting unit extracts the supplementary information from the predetermined field of the search instruction data. An authenticating unit authenticates an access authority for accessing a storage medium from the host device, based both on security master information stored in the storage medium and on the security reference information that is received from the host device.
US07941574B2 CKD partial record handling
A method for combining partial records into a single direct memory access (DMA) operation for a count key data (CKD) protocol in a computer environment is provided. In an initiator processor of the computer environment, a number of the partial records to be prefetched is determined by gathering a plurality of descriptor information for a command according to a predetermined algorithm having a plurality of assumptions for the command. The number of partial records is prefetched. At least one of record headers and record keys of the number of partial records are concatenated into the single DMA operation. The DMA operation is forwarded to a receiver process to be completed.
US07941564B2 Synchronous updating of dynamic interactive applications
An automation server interfaces with broadcast scheduling systems of various types to automatically synchronize the behavior of interactive applications relative to various broadcast programs, such as television shows and commercials, so as to maintain the appropriate interactive application for whatever broadcast program is airing. This allows for television shows which have an associated interactive application, but which are segmented by commercials (which may have their own interactive applications) to have their interactive application displayed while the television show in on, but not during commercials, while maintaining any state information that has been created during execution of the interactive application. The automation server includes multiple channel interfaces, each having a translator and an event manager. The translator translates native control signals from the scheduling system into a fixed set of atomic commands which represent the lifecycle behavior of a broadcast program. The event manager receives these atomic commands and uses them to determine the appropriate state for any interactive application that is associated with the broadcast program. The event manager transmits commands to a broadcast server which directly manages the interactive applications by transmitting code, data, and commands to broadcast receivers that controls the execution of the interactive applications in response to the event manager's commands.
US07941560B1 Client caching of target addresses for network requests
A system for client caching of target addresses for network requests includes one or more processors and memory coupled to the processors, where the memory stores instructions executable by the processors to implement an application configured to direct network requests received from users to target servers over the network. The application attempts to update a current version of a local data object storing network addresses, where the attempt includes sending an update request to a redirecting server over a network. If the attempt succeeds, the application accesses the updated version of the local data object to obtain a target address for a network request. If the attempt fails, the target address is obtained from the version of the local data object that existed before the update was attempted. The application directs the network request to the appropriate server using the target address.
US07941549B2 Protocol exchange and policy enforcement for a terminal server session
Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques for performing multiple protocol exchanges over a single socket connection, one preceding another, in order to provide a platform for policy exchange between terminal servers and a gateway. The protocol exchanges may occur without using additional ports while ensuring that the terminal server state is restored to the previous state. In an embodiment, such a method may adhere to terminal server security levels and perform an exchange with the terminal servers by replicating remote access security layer exchanges and authenticating the gateway to the terminal server.
US07941546B2 Cross-domain communication technique for execution of web mashups
A system and method is described for communicating requests from a Web mashup being executed within the context of a Web browser to third-party Web services in a manner that does not violate the Same Origin Policy (SOP) observed by many Web browsers. In one embodiment, a workflow engine operating in the context of a Web browser executes a plurality of executable components comprising a Web mashup. The workflow engine transparently redirects Web service requests generated by the executing components to a proxy server that acts as an intermediate between the workflow engine and third-party Web services. The proxy server, which is not subject to SOP, transmits the Web service requests to the third-party Web service and obtains requested data therefrom. The proxy server further returns the requested data in a manner that is useable by the Web mashup components.
US07941542B2 Methods and apparatus for maintaining application execution over an intermittent network connection
A method for optimally maintaining the execution of a first application, wherein the first application is further configured to received a set of sequential data elements from a second application, and the set of sequential data elements further includes a first data element and a second data element. The method includes establishing a connection between the first application and the second application. The method further includes transmitting a request to send the set of sequential data elements; receiving the first data element from the second application; and determining if the connection is still active. If not, the method also includes reestablishing the connection; transmitting a request to the second application to resend the first data element; receiving the first data element; and, if necessary, receiving the second data element.
US07941535B2 System for targeting third party content to users based on social networks
A method and system of providing Internet content to a user utilizing social networks is disclosed. The method comprises providing Internet usage data for a plurality of users, determining which users belong to the same social network, and providing at least one of the users access to Internet usage data for those other users who are in the same social network.
US07941514B2 Order entry system for telecommunications network service
An order entry system communicates with the customer over a user interface and works with an automated installation system for installing network service. The order entry system prompts the customer to place a new service order. The service parameters of the new service order are passed to the installation system. The order entry system notifies the customer of the route and prompts the customer to add a service order for the route to the customer order. If the customer adds the service order to the customer order, the order entry system prompts the customer to reserve the service order or to submit an order for the service. If the customer reserves or submits an order for the service, the order entry system request the installation system to design an actual communication line circuit to satisfy the order.
US07941511B2 Method for reproducing configuration of a computer system in a remote site
A computer system formerly handles a service that is quickly reproduced with another computer system to resume the service immediately. The association relations between services run by a primary site (1) and primary site servers (13), between the primary site servers (13) and a primary site storage system (15), and between the storage system (15) of the primary site (1) and a storage system (25) of a secondary site (2) are collected. The collected association relations are copied as configuration information from the storage system (15) of the primary site (1) to the secondary site (2). On the secondary site (2), based on the copied configuration information, services of the primary site (1) are assigned to servers (23) of the secondary site (2), and the secondary site servers (23) are associated with the storage system (25) of the secondary site (2) to reproduce the primary site (1) thereon.
US07941510B1 Management of virtual and physical servers using central console
A system, method and computer program product for providing centralized management of multiple Virtual Execution Environments (VEEs) implemented on multiple physical servers. Each VEE is a virtual server. Multiple virtual servers of various types and formats are implemented on multiple physical servers. The physical servers are connected into a network. An intuitive user interface of a central console for remote management and administration of a plurality of virtual servers and multiple physical servers is provided. The system includes server managers controlled from a common control center. The system also includes a database containing configuration data and data related to operation formats of the physical and virtual servers. The database is updated based on configuration parameters acquired from the physical and virtual servers. A server system can be a plurality of physical servers and VEEs implemented on them or it can be a plurality of VEEs executed on one physical server.
US07941501B2 Flexible remote data mirroring
Methods, systems, and configured storage media are provided for flexible data mirroring. In particular, the invention provides local-remote role reversal, implementation of hot standby server status through a “media not ready” signal, several alternate buffer contents and buffering schemes, transactioning, many-to-one mirroring through use of “virtual” remote mirroring units, identification of frequently accessed data without application-specific knowledge but based instead on an application's logged and analyzed behavior, and use of the secondary server in a non-authoritative manner.
US07941497B2 Community-based method and system for creating and subscribing to dynamic push channels
A system and method are provided for allowing a user to define and subscribe to channels of information to be pushed to a wireless device. In defining a channel a specific area of a web page is selected by the user to be monitored for change. The user may also select data to be pushed should a change be detected. A regular expression is created to match the area of interest for changes and if changes occur to push the desired content to the wireless device. Icons on the wireless device alert the user to any unread pushed content. Users may also subscribe to predefined channels, or modify predefined channels should they have the security authorization to do so.
US07941489B2 Method and system of determining a hierarchical structure
Determining a hierarchical structure, possibly for delivery to an asset management system. Some exemplary embodiments may be a method comprising receiving a message originated by a data acquisition system and destined for a remote process controller (the receiving by a message router), using content of the message to determine a hierarchical structure of a system between the data acquisition system and the remote process controller, forwarding the message by the message router, and passing information related to the hierarchical structure to an asset management system.
US07941486B2 Systems and methods for integrating electronic mail and distributed networks into a workflow system
Electronic messages with system-generated network addresses are transmitted to recipients to enable access to specific locations in the workflow system. The network addresses may be used only once, are generated using secure identifications and/or can be generated randomly. These secure identifications can be created by encoding a large number into the network address. The recipient of this network address may be required to himself to the workflow system, for example, as a means for minimizing security risks to the workflow system. The network addresses generated to specific locations within a workflow system are intended for specific recipients but may be shared by the recipients as circumstances require. Electronic mail can be transmitted with specific electronic mail addresses encoded in the electronic mail message. The specific email address can be encoded into a “Reply-to” function. Alternatively, specific email addresses can be embedded into the message portion of the email message.
US07941476B2 Method of designing passive RC complex filter of Hartley radio receiver
An object of this invention is to provide a method of designing a complex transfer function which can be realized in a passive RC complex filter at the same time while perfectly succeeding to features of a prototype lowpass characteristic. In this invention, as a first step, a prototype lowpass characteristic F(p) having a pole on a unit circle is designed. Next, as a second step, a bilinear variable transformation expressed by p=j(s−j)/(s+j) is performed with respect to the prototype characteristic F(p) to derive a complex coefficient transfer function G(s). As a third step, a passive RC complex filter H(s) is designed based upon the complex coefficient transfer function G(s).
US07941470B2 Synchronization and customization of a clone computer
A computer implemented method for maintaining synchronization between a master computer disk and a clone disk that includes cloning the clone disk from the master computer disk, the clone disk having a customization portion; and customizing the customization portion with information relevant to a clone computer that uses the clone disk.
US07941467B2 System and method for integrating image upload objects with a message list
There is disclosed a system and method for integrating an image upload object with a message list. In an embodiment, the method comprises: creating an image upload object for each image to be uploaded; and displaying the image upload object in a message list such that the image upload object may be selected and opened as a message. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise associating with the image upload object at least one of a text description, a thumbnail of the image, a date, and a file link to the uploaded image. In another embodiment, an image upload object in the message list may be configured such that the image upload object may be forwarded to another user as a message, and the associated uploaded image may be accessed by the other user via the file link.
US07941452B2 Apparatus and method for efficient encoding of application definition using contiguous arrays
A system and method for the simplification of data structures, particularly those used for wireless communications, encodes data structures for efficient storage and access. Wireless devices are provisioned with user applications for accessing remote services, such as World Wide Web services. The user applications comprise a plurality of component definitions which typically describe complex data structures for execution by a runtime environment. The runtime environment is conditioned to use a manner to encode such data structures in flat arrays of primitive types.
US07941451B1 Dynamic preconditioning of a B+ tree
Various approaches for processing a B+ tree data structure are described. In one approach, in a first transaction a first insert operation to a first data page of a first index page in the B+ tree data structure is detected, and then it is determined whether performing the first insert operation would block a second insert operation in a second transaction concurrent with the first transaction. At least one empty second data page is created in response to determining that the second insert operation would be blocked by the first insert operation. The B+ tree data structure is updated to include the at least one second data page in the B+ tree data structure, and the updated index pages and second data page are committed to retentive storage. Thereafter, the first insert can be completed.
US07941437B2 Bayesian surety check to reduce false positives in filtering of content in non-trained languages
A Bayesian spam filter determines an amount of content in incoming email messages that it knows from training. If the filter is familiar with a threshold amount of the content, then the filter proceeds to classify the email message as being spam or legitimate. On the other hand, if not enough of the words in the email are known to the filter from training, then the filter cannot accurately determine whether or not the message is spam. In this case, the filter classifies the message as being of type unknown. Different threshold metrics can be used, such as the percentage of known words, and the percentage of maximum correction value used during processing. This greatly improves the processing of emails in languages on which the filter was not trained.