Document Document Title
US08084589B2 Phosphoramidite nucleoside analogs
Described are phosphoramidite nucleoside analog monomers, precursors thereof, and oligonucleotides including one or more of the monomers. The monomers can be used during automated synthesis of oligonucleotide derivatives, and allow for incorporation of one or several reporter groups, organic molecules, bio-molecules, small molecules or other chemical groups at the internucleoside phosphotriesters. Oligonucleotides including the monomers have a number of uses in therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications.
US08084577B2 Crystal of human glycoprotein VI collagen binding domain
A crystal comprising the collagen binding domain of human GPVI is provided and defined by structural atomic coordinates. Employing computer modeling based on the crystal structure, including methods for identifying inhibitors of GPVI collagen binding activity, methods for screening libraries of compounds for potential to bind to the GPVI collagen binding domain, and methods of identifying a compound useful for the treatment of a GPVI-mediated disorder, are also provided.
US08084571B2 Aromatic polyamide filament and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are wholly aromatic polyamide filament and a method of manufacturing the same, characterized in that, in a process of preparing wholly aromatic polyamide polymer, a multiple tubular feed pipe for polymeric monomer and polymerization solvent with specific construction of adjacent inner paths 11a and outer paths 11b which are alternately arranged one another is used to feed either aromatic diacid chloride A or aromatic diamine dissolved in the polymerization solvent B into a polymerization reactor 20 through corresponding one among the inner and outer paths 11a and 11b. The present invention is effective to progress uniform and homogeneous polymerization over all of area of a polymerization reactor 20 leading to reduction of deviation in degree of polymerization, since polymeric monomers are miscible and react together very well immediately after putting the monomers into the reactor 20. Accordingly, the wholly aromatic polyamide filament produced exhibits narrow PDI and increased ACS, so as to considerably improve strength and modulus thereof.
US08084570B2 Polycarbonate for making extruded films that are virtually free of surface defects
Linear polycarbonate resin virtually free of surface defects that impair the suitability of the resin for demanding optical application is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for the manufacture of the resin. The surface defects included in the resin are in the form of transparent fluorescing particles, the particle count of which portion that are 15 and 250 μm in size, is up to 1.8 counts/g, said count being determined by exciting the residue remaining after filtering a solution of said polycarbonate in methylene chloride through a Teflon filter of 5 μm pore size at a wavelength of 400-440 nm, 25× overall magnification and illumination time of 40 millisec. The polycarbonate is suitable for making films of improved optical properties.
US08084569B2 Process for the synthesis of diaminopyridines from glutarimidines
A liquid-phase process is provided for the synthesis from glutarimidines of diaminopyridines and related compounds, which are used industrially as compounds and as components in the synthesis of a variety of useful materials. The synthesis proceeds by means of a dehydrogenative aromatization process.
US08084562B2 Method for producing polymer-dispersed polyol
To provide a method for producing a polymer-dispersed polyol which has high compatibility with a polyol for rigid polyurethane foams and is excellent in storage stability and which provides good heat-insulating performance when it is formed into a rigid polyurethane foam. Also a method for producing a polymer-dispersed polyol for rigid polyurethane foams, having polymer particles dispersed in a polyol, which comprises polymerizing a monomer having a polymerizable unsaturated group in a polyol (X), wherein the polyol (X) contains a polyether polyol (Y) having an oxyethylene group content of at least 10 mass %, and the monomer having a polymerizable unsaturated group contains a fluorinated acrylate or a fluorinated methacrylate.
US08084546B2 Method for varying the transport properties of a film cast from a sulfonated copolymer
A method for varying the transport properties of a film cast from a polymer having at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B wherein each A block is a polymer block resistant to sulfonation and each B block is a polymer block susceptible to sulfonation, and wherein said A and B blocks do not contain any significant levels of olefinic unsaturation. The method includes casting the polymer using a solvent mixture having two or more solvents selected from the group consisting of polar solvents and non-polar solvents.
US08084542B2 Shaped article composed of an acrylic rubber composition
An acrylic rubber comprised of a copolymer comprising 0.1 to 20% by weight of (A) units of a butenedioic acid monoester monomer having an alicyclic structure and 50 to 99.9% by weight of (B) units of at least one kind of monomer selected from acrylic acid ester monomers and methacrylic acid ester monomers. A crosslinkable acrylic rubber composition comprising the acrylic rubber and a crosslinking agent, especially a polyamine crosslinking agent, has good process-stability and good shapability and gives a shaped article having high heat resistance and exhibiting reduced permanent set.
US08084541B2 Golf balls containing ionomers and polyamines or tertiary polyamides
Provided herein are compositions comprising an ionomer and a polyamine or a tertiary polyamide. The polyamine and the tertiary polyamide have a molecular weight of greater than 500 Da and do not contain an ester moiety or a primary amine moiety. The polyamine comprises at least three moieties that are tertiary amines or hindered secondary amines, and the polyamide comprises tertiary amide moieties and no secondary or primary amide moieties. The compositions may optionally include a filler. Further provided are articles such as golf balls and films containing these compositions.
US08084531B2 Particles with protected isocyanate groups
Particles useful in curable coating systems are functionalized on their surface with a blocked isocyanate functionality. The blocked isocyanate is generated by reacting an organosilane having an oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen atom α to the silyl group, or having a cyclic structure containing N or O in the ring, attached directly to silicon.
US08084528B2 Heat-resistant paint
The present invention relates to heat-resistant paint which is capable of forming paint film that inhibits whitening even in high-temperature environments on the order of 350-650° C. The heat-resistant paint of the present invention contains silicone resin and/or epoxy resin as well as black pigment, wherein, said black pigment contains manganese and copper, the content of manganese in said black pigment is 25-45 mass % by MnO conversion, the content of copper in said black pigment is 5-25 mass % by CuO conversion, and the content of silicon in said black pigment is 3 mass % or less by SiO2 conversion.
US08084520B2 Epoxy resin composition and semiconductor device
An epoxy resin composition comprising (A) an epoxy resin (B) a phenol resin, (C) a curing accelerator, (D) silica, and (E) alumina and/or aluminum hydroxide, wherein the amount of aluminum to the total amount of the epoxy resin composition is 0.25-5 wt % and 70 wt % or more of the silica has an average particle size of 25 μm or less. The epoxy resin composition for semiconductor encapsulating and a semiconductor device comprising a semiconductor element encapsulated using the composition possess excellent characteristics in reliability during high temperature operation.
US08084519B2 Curing accelerator for epoxy resin composition, and one-pack type thermosetting epoxy resin composition
A curing accelerator for epoxy resin compositions, which is used in a one-pack type epoxy resin composition having excellent storage stability and rapid curability. The curing accelerator for epoxy resin compositions contains a microcapsule type curing accelerator wherein a compound represented by formula (I) is encapsulated by a thermosetting resin. (In formula (I), R1 and R2 each represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group.)
US08084504B2 High-clarity aqueous concentrates of 4-hexylresorcinol
The present invention relates to hexylresorcinol/water concentrates that are high in clarity, easily handled, and readily blended with other ingredients to form skin care compositions.
US08084502B2 Use of agmatine for protection of retinal ganglion cells
A use method of agmatine or a pharmaceutically allowable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same are disclosed. The method and pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can effectively cure or prevent eye diseases preferably including glaucoma, retinopathy, and optic neuropathy associated with apoptosis in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), particularly hypoxia-induced or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced apoptosis.
US08084497B2 C-(2-phenyl-cyclohexyl)-methylamine compounds for therapy of fibromyalgia
Pharmaceutical formulations of [2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-cyclohexylmethyl]-dimethylamine and the metabolites thereof suitable for treating fibromyalgia or chronic pain due to fibromyalgia, and related methods of treating fibromyalgia or chronic pain due to fibromyalgia are described.
US08084496B2 Resveratrol ferulate compounds and compositions
Resveratrol ferulate compounds and compositions.
US08084495B2 Composition of labdane diterpenes extracted from andrographis paniculata, useful for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, and alzheimer disease by activation for PPR-gamma receptors
The diterpenic labdane 3-[2-[decahydro-6-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-5,ha-dimethyl-2-methylene-1-naphthalenyl]ethylidene]-dihydro-4-hydroxy-2(3h)-furanone, chemically diagrammed as inhibits the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, activates the PPAR-gamma receptor and diminishes nuclear factor kappa B. The compound is useful to treat auto-immune diseases, for organ and tissue transplantation, and to treat immunodeficiency (e.g., AIDS).
US08084489B2 Glucagon receptor antagonists, preparation and therapeutic uses
The present invention discloses novel compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which have glucagon receptor antagonist or inverse agonist activity, as well as methods of using these compounds and intermediates and methods for preparing such compounds. In another embodiment, the invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising N compounds of Formula (I) as well as methods of using them to treat diabetic and other glucagon related metabolic disorders, and the like.
US08084483B2 Compounds and compositions and methods of use
Described herein are compounds useful in the modulation of blood uric acid levels, formulations containing them and methods of using them. In some embodiments, the compounds described herein are used in the treatment or prevention of disorders related to aberrant levels of uric acid.
US08084482B2 Compositions and kits comprising a fungicidal triazole and an alkoxylated alcohol, and their uses
The present invention relates to compositions comprising (a1) a fungicidal triazole; and (b1) ethoxylated 2-propylheptanol having a mole average degree of ethoxylation from 7.5 to 8.5, to kits comprising the triazole and alcohol alkoxylate in separate containers, as well as to their uses in the agricultural field. The present invention also relates to use of ethoxylated 2-propylheptanol having a degree of ethoxylation from 7.5 to 8.5 as adjuvant and surfactant safener.
US08084479B2 Thiazole compounds and methods of use
The invention relates to methods of using thiazole compounds of Formula I and Formula II and compositions thereof for treating diseases mediated by protein kinase B (PKB) such as cancer and other proliferative disorders where the variables have the definitions provided herein.
US08084470B2 Substituted nicotinamide compounds and uses thereof
Substituted nicotinamide compounds corresponding to formula I a process for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and the use thereof for the treatment or inhibition conditions such as pain, epilepsy, migraine, anxiety states, or urinary incontinence.
US08084464B2 Tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives
This invention relates to novel tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives, their derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering a dual OX-1/OX-2 orexin antagonist.
US08084455B2 Use of a kinase inhibitor for the treatment of particular resistant tumors
The invention provides low molecular weight compounds, namely tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrazoles, showing a high affinity for the ATP pocket of ABL tyrosine kinase. These compounds are thus ATP-competitive tyrosine kinase inhibitors displaying a significant inhibitory potency also, and in particular, towards BCR-ABL inhibitor-resistant T315I ABL mutants. The compounds of the invention find a useful application in the treatment of BCR-ABL inhibitor-resistant ABL-mediated diseases, such as Imatinib-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia. Moreover, the invention provides a screening method for the identification of compounds capable of binding the ATP pocket of a kinase protein, in particular of the T315I mutant ABL kinase.
US08084450B2 Organic compounds
3,4-substituted piperidine compounds, these compounds for use in the diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of a warm-blooded animal, especially for the treatment of a disease (=disorder) that depends on activity of renin; the use of a compound of that class for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation for the treatment of a disease that depends on activity of renin; the use of a compound of that class in the treatment of a disease that depends on activity of renin; pharmaceutical formulations comprising a 3,4-substituted piperidine compound, and/or a method of treatment comprising administering a 3,4-substituted piperidine compound, a method for the manufacture of a 3,4-substituted piperidine compound, and novel intermediates and partial steps for their synthesis are disclosed. The 3,4-disubstituted piperidine compounds have the formula I,
US08084449B2 Dual pharmacophores—PDE4-muscarinic antagonistics
The present invention is directed to novel compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and their use as dual chromaphores having inhibitory activity against PDE4 and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), and thus being useful for treating respiratory diseases.
US08084444B2 Treatment of dermatitis with dehydroepiandrosterone-glucocorticoid combinations
Dermatitis can be effectively treated with the combined administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and a glucocorticoid. Systemic, topical and prepackaged DHEA-glucocorticoid embodiments are described.
US08084438B2 Compositions and methods of sphingosine kinase inhibitors in radiation therapy of various cancers
The present invention relates to Sphingosine kinase inhibitors that are useful for treating various cancers. The invention further relates to compositions and methods of SPK inhibitors, including siRNAs, which specifically block gene expression of SPK and potentiates the effect of radiation in the treatment of various cancers.
US08084437B2 Methods for treating hypercholesterolemia
Disclosed herein are antisense compounds and methods for decreasing LDL-C in an individual having elevated LDL-C. Additionally disclosed are antisense compounds and methods for treating hypercholesterolemia, or alternatively for treating or preventing atherosclerosis. Further disclosed are antisense compounds and methods for decreasing coronary heart disease risk. Such methods include administering to an individual in need of treatment an antisense compound targeted to a PCSK9 nucleic acid. The antisense compounds administered include gapmer antisense oligonucleotides.
US08084424B2 Compositions and methods related to erythropoietin
Disclosed are methods and compositions related to the production of erythropoietin. The disclosed compositions comprise a poly amino acid. The production of erythropoietin by the disclosed compositions and methods can take place in vivo, in which the proliferation of a subject's erythropoietin-producing cells leads to an increased level of production of erythropoietin, in vitro, in which increased proliferation of cultured erythropoietin-producing cells leads to an increased production of erythropoietin, ex vivo, in which cells or tissues harvested from a subject produce erythropoietin. The disclosed compositions can be administered to a subject or applied to cells or tissues to stimulate increased production of erythropoietin. The disclosed compositions and methods can be used, for example, to treat anemia, such as anemia associated with diseases and disorders such as chronic renal failure, end stage renal disease, malignancies, HIV infections and AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, myeloma, and myeloplastic syndrome, and other diseases and disorders.
US08084411B2 Method of disinfecting and providing residual kill at a surface
The present invention is drawn to disinfectant systems and methods which can be used to produce a disinfectant solution. The system can include a first liquid composition and a second liquid composition. The first liquid composition comprises from 0.0005 ppm to 100,000 ppm by weight of a transition metal or alloy and an alcohol, and the second liquid composition comprises water and a peroxygen compound. The first and second liquid compositions are formulated to be combined so as to yield a resultant disinfectant solution. The disinfectant solution can be used to disinfect a variety of surfaces and even liquid compositions.
US08084410B2 Monitoring cleaning of surfaces
A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
US08084407B2 Mild, structured, multiphase personal cleansing compositions comprising density modifiers
A mild, multiphase cleansing composition is described that includes a structured surfactant component has a first density; a benefit component that has a second density; and a density modifier; wherein the first density differs from the second density by less than 0.15 g/cm3; the structured surfactant component includes at least one surfactant and provides a Total Lather Volume of at least about 600 ml.
US08084398B2 Benzoylpyrazoles and herbicide
Benzoylpyrazoles represented by the following formula (I), and use thereof as herbicides. R1 represents alkyl; R2 represents alkyl or cycloalkyl; R3 represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, alkylsulfonyl, optionally substituted phenylsulfonyl, acyl or acylalkyl; X represents halogen or alkyl; Y represents halogen; n represents 2 or 3, and T represents the above group T1 or T2, wherein R4 represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy or alkylthio.
US08084396B2 Aqueous composition for the protection and strengthening of plants and application method thereof
It is described an aqueous composition for the protection and strengthening of plants comprising: polyethylene glycol in a concentration of 2.0 to 10.0 grams per liter of the composition, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight of 6000 to 8000 grams/mol; vitamin A or a derivative or precursor thereof, including mixtures of same, in a concentration of 0.1 to 10.0 grams per liter of composition, and, at least a red coloring agent in a concentration of 0.1 to 10.0 grams per liter of composition, wherein said colorant enables the passage of light at wavelengths greater than 600 nanometers. The aqueous composition is very useful to prevent biotic or abiotic factors generating stress in plants, as well as for quickly improving plants that are in this state. In an embodiment of the invention, the aqueous composition comprises at least one glucoside; and/or at least a foliar fertilizer. In addition, it is described the application method for the composition.
US08084385B1 Catalysts for olefin polymerization
Catalysts useful for polymerizing olefins are disclosed. The catalysts comprise an activator and a bridged cyclopentadienyl complex that incorporates a monoanionic hydroxylamido or hydrazido ligand fragment. Suitable complexes have the structure: wherein M is a Group 4 metal; Z is a divalent linking group; X is N or O; each of R1 and R2 is independently C1-C4 alkyl or C6-C10 aryl; R1 and R2 can be joined together; n is 0 when X is O, and n is 1 when X is N; each Y is independently halide, alkyl, dialkylamido, aryl, or aralkyl. A modeling approach is used to identify particular valuable complexes, each of which incorporates a readily synthesized cyclopentadienyl precursor.
US08084383B2 Gasoline sulfur reduction catalyst for fluid catalytic cracking process
The present invention is directed to certain catalyst compositions and processes that are capable of reducing sulfur compounds normally found as part of the gasoline fraction streams of fluid catalytic cracking processes. The present invention is a cracking catalyst composition comprising a zeolite in combination with a Lewis Acid containing component, wherein the cracking catalyst composition comprises 0.2% Na2O or less. It has been found that sulfur compounds in hydrocarbon feeds to fluid catalytic cracking processes can be reduced by at least 15% compared to the same composition, which does not comprise the aforementioned Lewis Acid containing component.
US08084375B2 Hot edge ring with sloped upper surface
A hot edge ring with extended lifetime comprises an annular body having a sloped upper surface. The hot edge ring includes a step underlying an outer edge of a semiconductor substrate supported in a plasma processing chamber wherein plasma is used to process the substrate. The step includes a vertical surface which surrounds the outer edge of the substrate and the sloped upper surface extends upwardly and outwardly from the upper periphery of the vertical surface.
US08084374B2 Tuning of photo-absorption materials through use of magnetic fields
The disclosure relates to using magnetic fields for the purposes of modifying the absorption characteristics of materials, such as semiconductor materials, to both tune the materials to specific wavelengths and to enhance the absorption of the materials by concentrating the continuum of states of the conduction and valence bands into magnetic field-dependent Landau levels.
US08084348B2 Contact pads for silicon chip packages
A method for manufacturing a silicon chip package for a circuit board assembly provides a package with a silicon chip and an array of first contact pads that are provided by a first conductive material. A plurality of second contact pads are provided from a gold material having a hardness different than that of the first contact pads. The second contact pads are soldered to the first contact pads of the package. A circuit board assembly is assembled by providing a circuit board substrate with at least one socket with contact pads. The second contact pads of the package are assembled to the circuit board substrate contact pads.
US08084339B2 Remote plasma processing of interface surfaces
Embodiments related to the cleaning of interface surfaces in a semiconductor wafer fabrication process via remote plasma processing are disclosed herein. For example, in one disclosed embodiment, a semiconductor processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, a load lock coupled to the processing chamber via a transfer port, a wafer pedestal disposed in the load lock and configured to support a wafer in the load lock, a remote plasma source configured to provide a remote plasma to the load lock, and an ion filter disposed between the remote plasma source and the wafer pedestal.
US08084335B2 Method of thinning a semiconductor wafer using a film frame
A method for manufacturing a thin semiconductor wafer. A semiconductor wafer is thinned from its backside followed by the formation of a cavity in a central region of the backside of the semiconductor wafer. Forming the cavity also forms a ring support structure in a peripheral region of the semiconductor wafer. An electrically conductive layer is formed in at least the cavity. The front side of the semiconductor wafer is mated with a tape that is attached to a film frame. The ring support structure of the semiconductor wafer is thinned to form the thinned semiconductor wafer. A backside tape is coupled to semiconductor wafer and to the film frame and the tape coupled to the front side of the semiconductor wafer is removed. The thinned semiconductor wafer is singulated.
US08084331B2 Method of treating semiconductor element
In a method of treating a semiconductor element which at least includes a semiconductor, a threshold voltage of the semiconductor element is changed by irradiating the semiconductor with light with a wavelength longer than an absorption edge wavelength of the semiconductor. The areal density of in-gap states in the semiconductor is 1013 cm−2eV−1 or less. The band gap may be 2 eV or greater. The semiconductor may include at least one selected from the group consisting of In, Ga, Zn and Sn. The semiconductor may be one selected from the group consisting of amorphous In—Ga—Zn—O (IGZO), amorphous In—Zn—O (IZO) and amorphous Zn—Sn—O (ZTO). The light irradiation may induce the threshold voltage shift in the semiconductor element, the shift being of the opposite sign to the threshold voltage shift caused by manufacturing process history, time-dependent change, electrical stress or thermal stress.
US08084325B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device can prevent exposure of an inner wall of a recess pattern caused by misalignment between masks. A gate electrode is formed inside the recess pattern so that only a gate hard mask layer is exposed above a substrate surface. Since the gate electrode is not exposed above the substrate, it is possible to prevent SAC failure and decrease an aspect ratio of a gate pattern to increase an open margin of a contact hole. Thus, a semiconductor device having a recess channel gate structure which exhibits a superior refresh property is fabricated.
US08084311B1 Method of forming replacement metal gate with borderless contact and structure thereof
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of forming borderless contact for transistor in a replacement metal gate process. The method includes forming a gate on top of a substrate and forming spacers adjacent to sidewalls of the gate; lowering height of the spacers to expose a top portion of the sidewalls of the gate; depositing an etch-stop layer covering the spacers and the upper portion of the sidewalls of the gate; making an opening at a level that is above the spacers and in the upper portion of the sidewalls to expose the gate; and replacing material of the gate from the opening with a new gate material thereby forming a replacement gate. The method further creates a via opening in an inter-level dielectric layer surrounding the gate and spacers, with the via opening exposing the etch-stop layer; removing the etch-stop layer and fill the via opening with a metal material to form borderless contact.
US08084310B2 Self-aligned multi-patterning for advanced critical dimension contacts
Embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of forming patterned features on a substrate having a reduced pitch in two dimensions as compared to what is possible using standard photolithography processing techniques using a single high-resolution photomask. A spacer layer is formed over a two-dimensional square grid of cores with a thickness chosen to leave a dimple at the center of four cores on the corners of a square. The spacer layer is etched back to reveal the substrate at the centers of the square. Removing the core material results in double the pattern density of the lithographically defined grid of cores. The regions of exposed substrate may be filled again with core material and the process repeated to quadruple the pattern density.
US08084305B2 Isolation spacer for thin SOI devices
A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor mesa overlying a dielectric layer, a gate stack formed overlying the semiconductor mesa, and an isolation spacer formed surrounding the semiconductor mesa and filling any undercut region at edges of the semiconductor mesa.
US08084304B2 Method for preventing gate oxide damage of a trench MOSFET during wafer processing while adding an ESD protection module atop
A method for preventing gate oxide damage of a trench MOSFET during wafer processing while adding an ESD protection module atop the trench MOSFET includes fabricate numerous trench MOSFETs on a wafer; add a Si3N4 isolation layer, capable of preventing the LTO patterning process from damaging the gate oxide, atop the wafer; add numerous ESD protection modules atop the Si3N4 isolation layer.
US08084303B2 Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same
In a memory cell array on a main surface of a semiconductor substrate, a floating gate electrode for accumulating charges for information is arranged. The floating gate electrode is covered with a cap insulating film and a pattern of an first insulating film formed thereon. Further, over the entire main surface of the semiconductor substrate, an second insulating film is deposited so that it covers the pattern of the first insulating film and a gate electrode. The second insulating film is formed by a silicon nitride film formed by a plasma CVD method. The first insulating film is formed by a silicon nitride film formed by a low-pressure CVD method. By the provision of such an first insulating film, it is possible to suppress or prevent water or hydrogen ions from diffusing to the floating gate electrode, and therefore, the data retention characteristics of a flash memory can be improved.
US08084297B1 Method of implementing a capacitor in an integrated circuit
A method of implementing a capacitor in an integrated circuit package is disclosed. The method comprises coupling the capacitor to a first surface of a substrate of the integrated circuit package; positioning an integrated circuit die over the capacitor, wherein the integrated circuit die has a first plurality of solder bumps and a second plurality of solder bumps separated by a region having no solder bumps; coupling the integrated circuit die to the first surface of the substrate over the capacitor, wherein the region having no solder bumps is positioned over the capacitor; and encapsulating the integrated circuit die and the capacitor.
US08084294B2 Method of fabricating organic silicon film, semiconductor device including the same, and method of fabricating the semiconductor device
An organic silicon film is formed by carrying out chemical vapor deposition with organic silicon compound being used as a raw material gas. The organic silicon compound contains at least silicon, hydrogen and carbon as a constituent thereof, and contains two or more groups having unsaturated bond, per a molecule thereof. The organic silicon compound is used in mixture with a silicon hydride gas.
US08084290B2 Method for fabricating CMOS image sensor
A method of forming a CMOS image sensor and a CMOS image sensor. A method of forming a CMOS image sensor may include forming a plurality of photodiodes on and/or over a semiconductor substrate at regular intervals, forming an interlayer insulating film on and/or over an entire surface of a semiconductor substrate including photodiodes, coating an organic compound on and/or over an entire surface of an interlayer insulating film, coating photoresist on and/or over an organic compound, subjecting a photoresist to exposure and/or development to form a photoresist pattern which may expose an interlayer insulating film opposite to a photodiode region, selectively etching a portion of an exposed interlayer insulating film using a photoresist pattern as a mask, and/or removing a photoresist pattern.
US08084286B2 Solid-state imaging device, camera and method of producing the solid-state imaging device
Producing a solid-state imaging device by (1) forming a structure including (a) a substrate having a first impurity with a first concentration, (b) a first conductive type Si layer and (c) a first conductive type impurity layer stacked on one another in that order, the first conductive type Si layer being formed on the substrate, the first conductive type impurity layer being formed in a boundary region including a boundary of the substrate and the Si layer, and a part of the substrate facing the boundary and a part of the first conductive type Si layer facing the boundary having a second impurity; and (2) forming in the Si layer a second conductive type region capable of storing in the Si layer a charge generated by a photoelectric conversion; and forming an interconnection layer on the Si layer.
US08084285B2 Forming a micro electro mechanical system
A method of forming a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS), includes (1) removing material from a first wafer to define a first movable portion corresponding to an x-y accelerometer and a second movable portion corresponding to a z accelerometer, where each movable portion comprises at least one flexure member and at least one proof mass, each proof mass and flexure member being formed by the selective removal of material from a top side and a bottom side of first wafer; (2) bonding the first wafer to a second wafer comprising an electronic circuit, such that a gap is defined between the first wafer and the second wafer. The thickness of the at least one flexure member of the first movable portion is independent of a thickness of the at least one flexure member of the second movable portion and a thickness of the proof mass of the first movable portion is independent of a thickness of the at least one proof mass of the second movable portion.
US08084282B2 Wafer-level In-P Si bonding for silicon photonic apparatus
Wafer-level bonding of the hybrid laser portion of a silicon photonics platform is done by forming a weakened level in a semiconductive pillar that supports laser-active layers by ion implantation into the semiconductive pillar without penetrating the laser-active layers, and by separating the laser-active layers from the semiconductive pillar by cracking the weakened level by an epitaxial lift-off processes.
US08084281B2 Semiconductor substrate, electronic device, optical device, and production methods therefor
The present invention provides a method for producing a semiconductor substrate, the method including reacting nitrogen (N) with gallium (Ga), aluminum (Al), or indium (In), which are group III elements, in a flux mixture containing a plurality of metal elements selected from among alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, to thereby grow a group III nitride based compound semiconductor crystal. The group III nitride based compound semiconductor crystal is grown while the flux mixture and the group III element are mixed under stirring. At least a portion of a base substrate on which the group III nitride based compound semiconductor crystal is grown is formed of a flux-soluble material, and the flux-soluble material is dissolved in the flux mixture, at a temperature near the growth temperature of the group III nitride based compound semiconductor crystal, during the course of growth of the semiconductor crystal.
US08084273B2 Universal matrix
The application relates to a method of depositing a patterning species from a nanoscopic tip to a substrate surface. The method is carried out at a sufficiently high humidity to facilitate the deposition. The deposition of the patterning species is facilitated by a polysaccharide carrier as well as an additional additive.
US08084272B2 Amelioration of heterophile antibody immunosensor interference
The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from heterophile antibodies in an analyte immunoassay. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with non-human IgM or fragments thereof by dissolving into said sample a dry reagent to yield a non-human IgM concentration of at least about 20 μg/mL or equivalent fragment concentration; and (b) performing an electrochemical immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG or fragments thereof in addition to the IgM of fragments thereof.
US08084271B2 Method and a device for treating microparticles
Method for handling microparticles in such a manner, that at least two treatment steps are performed for microparticles in the same vessel without moving the particles to another vessel. There are organs in the device for changing the solution without having to move the microparticles to another vessel.
US08084268B2 Method of evaluating the potential of the skin for scavenging free radicals
A substrate is filled with a reagent that presents a stable free radical character, and that is capable of producing a visible reaction in the presence of at least one free radical scavenger analyte of the skin.
US08084254B2 Human blood brain barrier model
The present invention relates to an immortalized human brain endothelial cell line that is useful as an in vitro model of the blood brain barrier.
US08084252B2 Recombinant cell clones having increased stability and methods of making and using the same
Disclosed are a stable recombinant cell clones which are stable in serum- and protein-free medium for at least 40 generations, a biomass obtained by multiplying the stable cell clone under serum- and protein-free culturing conditions, and a method of preparing recombinant proteins by means of the biomass. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of recovering stable recombinant cell clones.
US08084245B2 Apparatus and method for polymer synthesis using arrays
A polymer synthesis apparatus (20) for building a polymer chain including a head assembly (21) having an array of nozzles (22) with each nozzle coupled to a reservoir (23) of liquid reagent (24), and a base assembly (25) having an array of reaction wells (26). A transport mechanism (27) aligns the reaction wells (26) and selected nozzles (22) for deposition of the liquid reagent (24) into selected reaction wells (26). A sliding seal (30) is positioned between the head assembly (21) and the base assembly (25) to form a common chamber (31) enclosing both the reaction well (26) and the nozzles (22) therein. A gas inlet (70) into the common chamber (31), upstream from the nozzles (22), and a gas outlet (71) out of the common chamber (31), downstream from the nozzles (22), sweeps the common chamber (31) of toxic fumes emitted by the reagents. Each reaction well (26) includes an orifice (74) extending into the well (26) which is of a size and dimension to form a capillary liquid seal to retain the reagent solution (76) in the well (26) for polymer chain growth therein. A pressure regulating device (82) is provided for controlling a pressure differential, between a first gas pressure exerted on the reaction well (26) and a second gas pressure exerted on an exit (80) of the orifice, such that upon the pressure differential exceeding a predetermined amount, the reagent solution (76) is expelled from the well (26) through the orifice (74). A method of synthesis of a polymer chain in a synthesis apparatus (20) is also included.
US08084236B2 Compositions and methods for modifying cell surface glycans
Methods and compositions for modifying glycans (e.g., glycans expressed on the surface of live cells or cell particles) are provided herein.
US08084234B2 Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a fusion protein capable of binding VEGF
Modified chimeric polypeptides with improved pharmacokinetics are disclosed. Specifically, modified chimeric Flt1 receptor polypeptides that have been modified in such a way as to improve their pharmacokinetic profile are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the modified polypeptides including but not limited to using the modified polypeptides to decrease or inhibit plasma leakage and/or vascular permeability in a mammal.
US08084233B2 Nucleic acids encoding anti-IL-12 antibody
Isolated anti-IL-12 antibodies, nucleic acids encoding antibodies or antibody portions, vectors, host cells, and methods of making are useful for production of antibody or portions for treating and/or diagnosing IL-12 related conditions, diseases, and disorders.
US08084230B2 Trimerizing polypeptides
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a trimeric protein comprising culturing a host cell transformed or transfected with an expression vector encoding a fusion protein comprising a ZymoZipper (ZZ) domain and a heterologous protein. In one embodiment, the heterologous protein is a membrane protein, the portion of the heterologous protein that included in the fusion protein is the extracellular domain of that protein, and the resulting fusion protein is soluble. In another embodiment of the present invention, the ZZ domain is derived from the transmembrane (TM) subunit of a virus envelope protein or another heptad repeat containing gene of a virus genome. The method can be used to produced homo- and hetero-trimeric proteins. The present invention also encompasses DNA molecules, expression vectors, and host cells used in the present method and fusion proteins produced by the present method.
US08084226B2 Method for site-specific protein modifications
A method for site-specific modification of protein molecules includes providing a protein molecule having at least first and second non-terminal Cys residues at respective first and second sites within the protein molecule, providing a blocking molecule that is suitable to interact with the protein molecule to selectively block the second non-terminal Cys residue to prevent modifications of the second non-terminal Cys residue while leaving the first non-terminal Cys residue unblocked, and providing a Cys-modifying molecule that is suitable to modify the first non-terminal Cys residue. The blocking molecule according to an embodiment of the invention may be a protein molecule, DNA, an aptamer or synthetic organic molecules. The Cys-modifying molecule according to an embodiment of the invention may be a fluorophore, biotin, spin label, a sugar or a non-natural amino acid analogue.
US08084224B2 Methods for improving the recovery of troponin I and T in membranes, filters and vessels
A method to facilitate recovery troponin I and/or troponin T from a sample comprising addition of troponin C to the sample or to a surface from which the troponin I and/or troponin T are recovered.
US08084223B2 Detection of false results in assays
Methods and reagents are disclosed for detecting a false result in an assay for determining a concentration of an analyte in a whole blood sample suspected of containing the analyte. The method comprises determining by means of the assay a concentration of the analyte utilizing a hemolyzed portion of the blood sample to obtain concentration value 1 and determining by means of the assay a concentration of the analyte utilizing a non-hemolyzed portion of the blood sample and multiplying the concentration times a hematocrit factor to obtain concentration value 2. A ratio of concentration value 1 divided by concentration value 2 is determined and is compared to a predetermined ratio of known reliability. If the ratio is less than the predetermined ratio, a false result is indicated.
US08084220B2 Methods for detecting the presence of expanded CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene 5′ untranslated region
The invention provides improved methods for detecting the presence of expanded CGG repeats in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene and for quantifying the amount of protein produced by the gene.
US08084219B2 Methods for detecting and analyzing N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) in biological materials
The present application is in the field of sialic acid chemistry, metabolism and antigenicity. More particularly, the present invention relates to the detection and analysis of the non-human sialic acid, N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) in biological materials, such as food and clinical specimens. Such detection and analysis is facilitated by the use of Neu5Gc specific antibodies. The present invention also relates to the detection of antiNeu5Gc antibodies in clinical samples, as well as the production of anti-Neu5Gc specific antibodies.
US08084214B2 Treatment solution, method for pretreatment, method for acquiring information and method for detection
The present invention intends to provide a high sensitivity method for identifying the type of a protein contained in each cell with a diameter of ten to several tens μm and a sample treatment solution required for it. The above is achieved by three steps of (1) treating a slice of a diseased tissue with an aqueous solution containing gold particles and a digestive enzyme, and digesting restrictively a protein of interest, (2) measuring a 2-dimensional distribution of fragmented peptides by TOF-SIMS, and (3) visualizing a 2-dimensional distribution of the target protein in the slice of the diseased tissue using the results of the proteome analysis and by means of a numerical analysis.
US08084209B2 HMGCR isoforms in prediction of efficacy and identification of cholesterol-modulating compounds
The present invention provides methods for assessing a subject's responsiveness to a HMGCR inhibitor therapy, and selection of a HMGCR inhibitor therapy based upon such methods. The invention further provides methods for identifying agents that modulate HMGCR activity, e.g., through modulating HMGCR mRNA splicing, while avoiding elevation of the statin-resistant isoform of HMGCR.
US08084199B2 Method of diagnosing poor survival prognosis colon cancer using microRNA-21
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancers. The invention also provides methods of identifying inhibitors of tumorigenesis.
US08084198B2 Use of a GIP promoter polymorphism
The use of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position −(97) of the GIP gene for the identification of a cardiovascular disease or of an increased risk for developing a cardiovascular disease in a biological sample taken from an individual to be examined.
US08084184B2 Composition for removing photoresist and method of manufacturing an array substrate using the same
A composition for removing a photoresist includes a) an amine compound having a cyclic amine and/or a diamine, b) a glycol ether compound, c) a corrosion inhibitor and d) a polar solvent. The composition further includes a stripping promoter. Further disclosed is a method of manufacturing an array substrate using the composition for removing a photoresist.
US08084176B2 Toner, developer, and image forming method
The present invention provides a toner which includes at least a binder resin, and a colorant, wherein the toner has a concentration of radioactive carbon isotope C-14 of 10.8 pMC or higher.
US08084171B2 Undercoat composition
A binder containing a substituted fluorone can be utilized in an electrophotographic imaging member undercoat layer.
US08084169B2 Dual metric OPC
A technique for creating mask layout data to print a desired pattern of features via a photolithographic process includes defining one or more subresolution assist features (SRAFs) and performing OPC on printing features and the added SRAF features.
US08084161B2 Combined accumulator and demineralizer functionality for a fuel cell
A fuel cell power plant assembly includes an accumulator having a housing. In one example, at least one demineralizer portion is positioned to interact with fluid within the accumulator housing. This allows for warm fluid within the accumulator housing to provide heat to the demineralizer portion. In one example, the demineralizer portion is within the housing. Another example includes a separator supported within the housing of the accumulator. A disclosed example includes a conical shaped baffle as the separator. The separator separates liquid from gas and facilitates distributing fluid flow within the accumulator housing to provide increased heat exchange with the demineralizer portion within the housing.
US08084159B2 Cathode active material and secondary battery comprising the same
Disclosed are a cathode active material and a secondary battery including the same. Herein, the cathode active material includes (a) a first lithium-containing metal composite oxide and (b) a second lithium-containing metal composite oxide coated on an entire particle surface of the first lithium-containing metal composite oxide, the second lithium-containing metal composite oxide having a higher resistance and a lower potential vs. lithium potential (Li/Li″ 1) than the first lithium-containing metal composite oxide. In the disclosed cathode active material, an entire surface of a first lithium-containing metal composite oxide is coated with a second lithium-containing metal composite oxide having a high resistance value and a low potential vs. lithium potential. Therefore, during an internal short of a secondary battery, it is possible to slow down the moving rate of a large amount of lithium ions and electrons from an anode to a cathode, and thus to prevent heat generation caused by the occurrence of temporary over-current. Also, it is possible to increase the temperature where a cathode active material is decomposed and gas is generated, and to improve thermal stability by inhibiting side reactions of the cathode active material and electrolyte.
US08084153B2 Operational guidance device of sodium-sulphur battery
An operation guidance program of a sodium-sulphur battery includes a unit that input an operation output and a time zone, a unit that continuously inputs the remaining battery capacity and the battery temperature, a unit that predicts the remaining battery capacity of the sodium-sulphur battery and the battery temperature of the sodium-sulphur battery at the final time, a unit that compares the predicted remaining battery capacity with a standard smallest capacity recorded in advance and outputs guidance when the remaining battery capacity is smaller, and a unit that compares the predicted battery temperature with a standard highest temperature recorded in advance and outputs guidance when the battery temperature is higher than the standard highest temperature.
US08084149B2 Thermally assisted magnetic recording media and magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus
Embodiments of the invention provide a thermally assisted magnetic recording medium, which can overcome resistance against thermal fluctuation at RT and write capability, obtain a drastic temperature variation in coercive force at right below the recording temperature, and be formed at low temperature. In one embodiment, the medium has a layered structure formed of a lower high-KF ferromagnetic (F) layer formed on a substrate, satisfying TW
US08084145B2 Organometallic complex, light emitting element using the complex, light emitting device using the element, and electric apparatus using the device
An organometallic complex comprising a moiety represented by the following general formula (1). The organometallic complex is applied to a light-emitting element, and a light-emitting device reduced in power consumption is manufactured by using the light-emitting element. (where R1 to R4 are individually any one of hydrogen, a halogen atom, an acyl group, an alkyl group, an alkoxyl group, an aryl group, a cyano group, and a heterocyclic group, Ar is one of an aryl group having an electron-withdrawing group and a heterocyclic group having electron-withdrawing group, and M is one of an element of Group 9 and an element of Group 10)
US08084143B2 High-yield-ratio and high-strength thin steel sheet superior in weldability and ductility, high-yield-ratio high-strength hot-dip galvanized thin steel sheet, high-yield ratio high-strength hot-dip galvannealed thin steel sheet, and methods of production of same
High yield ratio high-strength thin steel sheet superior in weldability and ductility characterized by: being comprised of steel containing, by mass %, C: over 0.030 to less than 0.10%, Si: 0.30 to 0.80%, Mn: 1.7 to 3.2%, P: 0.001 to 0.02%, S: 0.0001 to 0.006%, Al: 0.060% or less, N: 0.0001 to 0.0070%, containing further Ti: 0.01 to 0.055%, Nb: 0.012 to 0.055%, Mo: 0.07 to 0.55%, B: 0.0005 to 0.0040%, and simultaneously satisfying 1.1 ≦14×Ti(%)+20×Nb(%)+3×Mo(%)+300×B(%)≦3.7, the balance comprised or iron and unavoidable impurities, and having a yield ratio of 0.64 to less than 0.92, a TS×E11/2 of 3320 or more, an YR×TS×EL1/2 of 2320 or more, and a maximum tensile strength (TS) of 780 MPa or more.
US08084134B2 Transparent thermoplastic compositions having high flow and ductiliy, and articles prepared therefrom
Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic composition comprising a combination of: a polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymer and a poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate copolymer comprising soft block ester units of the formula (8a): wherein m is 4 to 18, wherein the thermoplastic composition has a melt volume rate of 14 cc/10 min to 22 cc/10 min at 300° C. and under a load of 1.2 Kg and a dwell time of 6 minutes, according to ASTM D1238-04, wherein an article molded from the thermoplastic composition and having a thickness of 3.2 mm has a percent transmittance of greater than 85% according to ASTM D1003-00, and wherein 100% of a set of five test articles each having a thickness of 3.2 mm and molded from the thermoplastic composition exhibit ductile fracture at −40° C. when measured for notched Izod Impact according to ASTM D256-04. An article comprising the thermoplastic composition is also disclosed.
US08084132B1 Antimicrobial coatings
There is provided a two component polyurethane coating system which contains anti-microbial complexes consisting of phenol complexes which provide anti-microbial characteristics to the coating system and improved abrasion resistance. There is also provided substrates coated with the antimicrobial coatings.
US08084116B2 Surfaces physically transformable by environmental changes
An apparatus includes a substrate having a top surface, a substantially regular array of raised structures located over the top surface, and a layer located on the top surface between the structures. Distal surfaces of the structures are farther from the top surface than remaining portions of the structures. The layer is able to contract such that the distal surfaces of the structures protrude through the layer. The layer is able to swell such that the distal surfaces of the structures are closer to the top surface of the substrate than one surface of the layer.
US08084110B2 Glycoluril resin and polyol resin members
An intermediate transfer member, such as a belt, where the seam or seams thereof on the member contain a coating mixture of a glycoluril resin and a polyol resin.
US08084106B2 Inkjet recording medium and method of manufacturing the same
There are provided an inkjet recording medium having on a substrate an ink-receiving layer containing inorganic fine particles and a sulfur compound, with the sulfur compound being contained in a greater quantity in half of the ink-receiving layer at a side nearer to the substrate than in half of the ink-receiving layer at a side further from the substrate when the ink-receiving layer is divided into two equal parts by a plane parallel to the substrate, and a manufacturing method thereof.
US08084102B2 Methods for co-flash evaporation of polymerizable monomers and non-polymerizable carrier solvent/salt mixtures/solutions
Methods for supplying one or more vapors, under reduced pressure, to an environment are provided. The vapor may comprise at least one polymerizable component. In some cases, at least two components may be combined to form the vapor. The components may be provided as separate vapor streams, which may be combined and homogenized. Methods of the invention may also be useful in the deposition of materials on the surface of a substrate. In some cases, the material may form a layer, such as a polymer layer, on the surface of a substrate. The present invention may be useful in applications that require the formation of homogeneous films on the surface of a substrate.
US08084100B2 Method for the manufacture of a coating
Using this method, a coating (1) is manufactured on a substrate (2), which forms a surface of a base body. In this method a layer (3) with ceramic coating material is applied to the substrate in a process chamber (6) using a plasma beam (30) and using an LPPS or LPPS-TF process. The substrate contains at least one metal Me. At a set reaction temperature of the substrate and in the presence of oxygen, an oxide, which results reactively with metal M diffused on the surface, is generated as a ceramic intermediate layer (4). The ceramic layer (3) is deposited on this intermediate layer.
US08084093B2 Process for producing nano-device using potential singular points on substrate
The present invention provides a process for producing a bottom-up type nano-device in which a reaction is initiated from potential singular points on a substrate, and wherein compound molecules are arranged with regularity and a chain reaction is accelerated utilizing the sequence pattern of the potential singular points, specifically, the process comprises a step of producing potential singular points that involves placing potential singular points on a substrate and a contact step of contacting a compound having a functional group which interacts with the fore-mentioned potential singular points.
US08084089B2 Wear resistant coating for brake disks with unique surface appearance and method for coating
A brake disk including carbon steel, stainless steel or a ceramic composite material and coated with a coating material that is wear and corrosion resistant and when applied properly allows for the coated surface to have a variety of “textured” appearances. For example; the coated surface can be made to look like woven carbon fiber. The aesthetically pleasing, wear and corrosion resistant coating overlays wear surfaces and portions of the brake disk that will be, in many cases, visible when the brake disk is installed on the vehicle. The coating includes a first layer of a metal, such as a pure titanium metal, and a second layer that can include a Nitride, Boride, Carbide or Oxide of the metal used in the first layer. The coating can be applied using a physical vapor deposition source such as a cathodic arc source with a controlled gas atmosphere.
US08084086B2 Reliant thermal barrier coating system and related methods and apparatus of making the same
A method and apparatus for forming a thermal barrier coating system (90) in communication with at least a portion of at least one substrate (92). The method includes: depositing a first bond coat (94) on at least a portion of at least one substrate (92); depositing a first thermal barrier coat (96) disposed on the bond coat (94); whereby the deposition occurs in one or more chambers to form the thermal barrier coating system (90); and wherein the deposition of the first bond coat (94) (or subsequent bond coats) and the deposition of the first thermal barrier coat (96) (or subsequent thermal barrier coats) is performed without out-of-chamber handling of the thermal barrier coating system (90).
US08084080B2 Plasma processing method and plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing is performed by providing a first and a second electrodes to be relatively parallelly movable, disposing an object to be processed on the second electrode so as to face the first electrode and providing a blocking member to both end portions of the second electrode, so that a plasma processing space is blocked by the blocking member when the first and second electrodes are moved relatively with each other. A voltage is applied to both the first and the second electrodes and a process gas is introduced into the plasma processing space formed between the first and second electrodes, and the plasma is irradiated to the object. The blocking member is provided so as to extend from the second electrode to the first electrode, and an upper surface of the blocking member is raised higher than a surface level of the object to be processed.
US08084079B2 Method for chemical infiltration in the gas phase for the densification of porous substrates with pyrolytic carbon
A method of densifying a porous substrate with pyrolytic carbon includes loading the substrate into an oven, admitting a reaction gas mixture to the oven, extracting an effluent gas from the oven, and recycling components of the effluent gas into the reaction gas mixture. The reaction gas mixture contains a pyrolytic carbon precursor gas together with a vector gas. The effluent gas contains residual components of the reaction gas mixture together with reaction products, including hydrogen. The recycling is performed after eliminating heavy hydrocarbons contained in the effluent gas.
US08084078B2 Multi-spectral imaging with differential visualizability in discrete visualization domains
A multi-spectral imaging process, comprising: selecting colors for presentation in a target visualization regime; determining correspondence of said colors in the target visualization regime to colors in a source visualization regime; and fabricating a product in the source visualization regime having a coloration that produces a predetermined visual presentation of the object in the target visualization regime. Such process can be utilized to fabricate articles having coloration including a blaze orange coloration in a source visualization regime involving a human observer and a camouflage pattern in a target visualization regime involving an animal observer.
US08084075B1 Process for preparing a melon extract and concentrate and product produced by the process
The process of producing a melon extract by the following steps: providing at least one whole melon comprising flesh; steaming the outside surface of the whole melon to thereby soften the outside surface of the melon and remove microbials from the outside surface of the melon; reducing the size of the whole melon to form melon pieces; and introducing the melon pieces into the first finisher and utilizing the finisher to remove the melon flesh from the melon pieces such that at least from about 1/16 inch of flesh remains on the melon pieces and form melon extract from the flesh that is removed from the melon pieces.
US08084066B2 Magnolia extract containing compositions
Disclosed is a method of increasing firmness or elasticity or reducing the appearance of sagginess in the periorbital area of a person's skin, comprising topically applying to the skin in need thereof a composition comprising magnolia extract and vitis vinifera extract.
US08084061B2 Body fat-reducing agent
Described are body fat-reducing agents containing a processed pueraria flower as an active component. The body fat-reducing agent has a superior body fat-reducing effect. Furthermore, the body fat-reducing agent may contain at least one of a lipid absorption suppressing component and a lipid metabolism promoting component. A food product, which contains the body fat-reducing agent, provided according to the present invention has superior effects of preventing body fat accumulation and reducing body fat.
US08084059B2 Antidepressant dosage form
The invention pertains to a dosage form 10 and to administering an antidepressant medicament 16 for an extended period of time in a rate-known dose.
US08084050B2 Compositions comprising combinations of sensates
Compositions comprising a first sensate, a second sensate, and a cationic polymeric compound are described, as well as methods for using such compositions in oral care and personal care applications.
US08084047B2 Compositions and methods for treatment of eye disorders
The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein and these antagonists are used in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of an LFA-1 mediated disease and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with a LFA-1 mediated disease. In some embodiments, the LFA-1 mediated diseases treated are dry eye disorders. Also provided herein are methods for identifying compounds which are LFA-1 antagonists.
US08084044B2 Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane protein PA0427
An object of the present invention is to provide a protein or peptide antigen and an antibody against it, for use in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to the present invention, there is provided a protein or peptide derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane protein PA0427 and an antibody against it, for use in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
US08084042B2 Compounds and methods for immunotherapy and diagnosis of tuberculosis
Compounds and methods for inducing protective immunity against tuberculosis are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one immunogenic portion of one or more M. tuberculosis proteins and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides. Such compounds may be formulated into vaccines and/or pharmaceutical compositions for immunization against M. tuberculosis infection, or may be used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.
US08084034B2 Proteins
The present invention provides new polypeptides. Said polypeptides are of use in the screening, diagnosis and prognosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, lymphoid leukaemia (particularly acute T-cell leukaemia), melanoma, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and renal cell cancer, in monitoring the effectiveness of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, lymphoid leukaemia (particularly acute T-cell leukaemia), melanoma, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and renal cell cancer treatment, and in drug development. Also provided are antibodies (and other affinity reagents such as Affibodies) which interact with or modulate the expression or activity of the polypeptides.
US08084033B2 Composition comprising a cell expressing an AC133 cell surface antigen and an antibody or antigen-binding fragment
Compositions comprising a cell expressing an AC133 cell surface antigen and an antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds to the antigen are provided. Expression of the antigen is highly tissue specific. It is detected on a subset of hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells derived from human bone marrow, fetal bone marrow and liver, cord blood and adult peripheral blood. The subset of cells recognized by AC133 is CD34bright and contains substantially all of the CFU-GM activity present in the CD34+ population. This highly specific distribution of AC133 makes it exceptionally useful as a reagent for isolating and characterizing human hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells. Cells selected for expression of AC133 antigen can be further purified by selection for other hematopoietic stem cell and progenitor cell markers.
US08084028B2 Antibodies to VLA-1
Antibodies that specifically bind to VLA-1 integrin and methods of using these antibodies to treat immunological disorders in a subject. Also included are crystal structures of complexes formed by VLA-1 antibodies and their ligands, and VLA-1 antagonists and agonists identified by using the structure coordinates of these structures.
US08084026B2 Multispecific binding molecules comprising connecting peptides
The instant invention describes novel multispecific binding molecules comprising synthetic connecting peptides. The synthetic connecting peptides result in the preferential synthesis of multispecific binding molecules comprising polypeptide chains that are linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage. In addition, the invention pertains to compositions in which a majority of the multispecific binding molecules comprising polypeptide chain that are linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage or are not linked via at least one intrachain disulfide linkage. In a specific embodiment, the invention pertains to compositions comprising multispecific dimeric binding molecules said molecules comprising at least a first binding site specific for a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor or a ligand of a TNF receptor family member and at least a second binding site; and at least two polypeptide chains comprising at least one heavy chain portion and a synthetic connecting peptide; wherein greater than about 50% of the dimers comprise polypeptide chains that are linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage.
US08084025B2 Method for the treatment of the symptoms of drug and alcohol addiction
A therapeutic agent for the treatment of the symptoms of addiction and the method for preparing the therapeutic agent is disclosed. The therapeutic agent is a stable pharmaceutical preparation containing, but not limited to, digestive/pancreatic enzymes. The therapeutic agent may be manufactured by a variety of encapsulation technologies. Delivery of the therapeutic agent may be made orally, through injection, by adherence of a medicated patch or other method. Further, a method of using of a biomarker, the presence of chymotrypsin in the gastrointestinal tract to determine the presence of symptoms of addiction, and the likelihood of relapsing into addiction is disclosed.
US08084024B2 Method for producing antibodies
The present invention relates to a method for producing antibodies and to antibodies produced by this method. In one embodiment the invention relates to a method for producing an antibody that binds to a polypeptide of a first species, the method comprising immunizing a mammal of a second species with cells derived from a transgenic mammal of the second species, wherein the polypeptide of the first species is expressed on the surface of the cells derived from the transgenic mammal.
US08084023B2 Maintenance and propagation of mesenchymal stem cells
Various embodiments of the present invention include compositions, materials and methods for maintaining and propagating mammalian mesenchymal stem cells in an undifferentiated state in the absence of feeder cells and applications of the same.
US08084019B2 Personal care fixative
The present invention is directed to bimodal polymer compositions and personal care fixatives containing bimodal polymer compositions. The present invention includes a bimodal polymer composition having a first polymer with anionic character and a second polymer with cationic character and wherein the polymers form an interpenetrating polymer network. In one embodiment, the present invention also includes personal care fixatives (e.g., health care, hygiene or cosmetic compositions) containing the bimodal polymer composition. The present invention also includes methods for forming bimodal polymer compositions.
US08084009B2 Method for making carbon composite material
A method for making a carbon composite material, the method including providing a 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate-metal complex in a vessel, putting the vessel carrying the 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate-metal complex into an environment with a protective gas therein, and heating the 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate-metal complex to a temperature in a range from about 500° C. to about 1300° C.
US08084001B2 Photoluminescent silica-based sensors and methods of use
Sensor particles comprise a silica-based core and at least one photoluminescent dye. The silica-based core may comprise a plurality of pores and the at least one photoluminescent dye may comprise a reference dye, insensitive to its environment and analytes and a sensor dye, sensitive to either or both of the foregoing. The sensor particles may be employed to sense unknown environmental conditions or analytes in biological or non-biological systems, in vitro or in vivo.
US08084000B2 Dopant delivery system for use in ion mobility and ion trap mobility spectrometry
A device for introduction of an ammonia dopant into a spectrometry system without the use of a delivery system containing ammonia. The delivery device includes an ammonium solid that will, upon the introduction of heat, yield ammonia gas for delivery into the spectrometer system. Use of such an alternative to traditional ammonia dopant systems will yield little or no change in spectrometer readings. The volumetric flow rate of the ammonium is controlled by the use of capillary tubes as the exiting pathway, where the flowrate is determined by the cross sectional area and length of the capillary tube. Delivery of the ammonia is aided by use of a frit or screen to permit only gas to exit.
US08083992B2 Lancet integrated test element tape dispenser
A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.
US08083985B2 Method for producing appliance cabinets and appliance cabinet Produced by such method
A method for producing appliance cabinets and the like, particularly a refrigerator cabinet having a double wall, whereby a polymeric sheet made plastic by thermal action is vacuum formed in a mold. The mold comprises a central male portion adapted to form the cavity of the cabinet and an annular female portion adapted to form the double wall of the cabinet, a plug assist device being used in order to drive the sheet in the female portion of the mold.
US08083983B2 Method of solution preparation of polyolefin class polymers for electrospinning processing included
A process to make a polyolefin fiber which has the following steps: mixing at least one polyolefin into a solution at room temperature or a slightly elevated temperature to form a polymer solution and electrospinning at room temperature said polymer solution to form a fiber.
US08083980B2 Plastic object for use in personal hygiene
A unitary two component article for personal hygiene, such as a toothbrush, wherein the same is formed by injection molding of two differing plastic materials. The plastics do not adhesively or chemically bond to each other. The two differing plastic parts of the toothbrush are mechanically connected, such as by interfitting portions of the two plastic components or by shrinking one plastic component about the other.
US08083979B2 In mold lamination of decorative products
A method of manufacturing decorative plastic composites having a decorative layer, a backing layer and a clear outer layer which provides exceptional “depth of image” is disclosed. Decorative or protective appliqués' having a wide range of decorative patterns may be formed by injection molding a backing layer behind and a clear outer layer on the top surface of a decorative layer, the decorative layer comprising a relatively thin metal foil, film, fabric, veneer or sheet of paper having a digital image from an inkjet printer deposited on a front surface thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the appearance of a wood veneer may be modified by digitally printing a burl pattern over the wood grain surface of the veneer prior to injection molding.
US08083964B2 Metal-polishing liquid and polishing method
A metal-polishing liquid used for chemical-mechanical polishing of a conductor film of copper or a copper alloy in a process for manufacturing a semiconductor device, the metal-polishing liquid comprising: (1) an amino acid derivative represented by the formula (I); and (2) a surfactant, wherein, in the formula (I), R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R2 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
US08083962B2 Method for forming minute pattern and method for forming semiconductor memory device using the same
A method for forming a minute pattern includes depositing a material layer on a semiconductor substrate having a conductive region, forming a first mask layer on the material layer, forming a recess region in the first mask layer, performing layer processing to form a first mask pattern in the recess region, and etching the material layer to form a material layer pattern.
US08083960B2 Etching endpoint determination method
A microscopic change in a luminous intensity occurring near an etching endpoint is accurately detected, whereby the endpoint of etching is quickly determined. An etching endpoint determination method for determining an endpoint of etching processing in a plasma etching apparatus that introduces a processing gas into a vacuum chamber, produces plasma by feeding high-frequency energy to a introduced processing gas, and uses the produced plasma to perform plasma processing on a workpiece stored in the chamber includes: a step of sampling light of a pre-set wavelength from light emitted by the plasma produced in the vacuum chamber, acquiring as time-sequential data the luminous intensity of the sampled light of the specific wavelength, and computing a regression line on the basis of the acquired time-sequential data; and a step of computing distances in a time-base direction between the regression line and the time-sequential data which are obtained at the first step. An endpoint of etching processing is determined based in the distances in the time-base direction obtained at the second step.
US08083958B2 Patterning method using a combination of photolithography and copolymer self-assemblying lithography techniques
Disclosed are embodiments of a lithographic patterning method that incorporates a combination of photolithography and self-assembling copolymer lithography techniques in order to create, on a substrate, a grid-pattern mask having multiple cells, each with at least one sub-50 nm dimension. The combination of different lithographic techniques further allows for precise registration and overlay of the individual grid-pattern cells with corresponding structures within the substrate. The resulting grid-pattern mask can then be used, in conjunction with directional etch and other processes, to extend the cell patterns into the substrate and, thereby form openings, with at least one sub-50 nm dimension, landing on corresponding in-substrate structures. Once the openings are formed, additional structures can be formed within the openings.
US08083955B2 Selective chemical etch method for MRAM freelayers
An etching process is employed to selectively pattern an exposed magnetic layer of a magnetic thin film structure. The etching process generally includes selectively patterning a magnetic film structure comprises providing a magnetic structure comprising at least one bottom magnetic layer, at least one top magnetic layer, wherein the at least one bottom magnetic layer is separated from the at least one top magnetic layer by a tunnel barrier layer; and selectively etching the top magnetic layer with an etching solution comprising at least one weakly absorbing acid, a surfactant inhibitor soluble in the at least one weakly absorbing acid, and at least one cation additive, wherein etching of the tunnel barrier layer is substantially prevented. In some embodiments, etching solution comprises at least one perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid, an alkylsulfonate salt soluble in the at least one perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid, and at least one cation additive.
US08083947B2 Polymer-containing solvent purifying process
Polymer-containing solution can be purified and the solvent reused by subjecting the solution to microfiltration using tubular filters having an average pore diameter of less than 1 μm and a filtration pressure of at least 0.35 MPa. This method is particularly useful for reclaiming and reusing solvents that are used in the development or chemical washout of flexographic printing plates.
US08083944B2 Removing ammonia from waste water during cold weather months
Described herein is a Submerged Attached Growth Reactor (SAGR) which provides nitrification (ammonia removal) from wastewater in cold to moderate climates. The system described herein is novel in that the SAGR reactor includes more than one influent distribution point. Specifically, in addition to the first influent distribution point at the front end of the reactor, there is provided at least one additional distribution point(s) downstream of this first distribution point for introduction of influent into the reactor. As a result of this arrangement, when a second low carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD), high nitrogen influent is distributed into the reactor at a location downstream of the initial influent entry point, a second (or more) population of bacteria (mainly nitrifying bacteria) is established and/or maintained in a physically discrete part of the overall treatment reactor. This second (or more) population at a discrete location within the reactor is useful in the removal of ammonia from high CBOD influent when the reactor is exposed to low temperatures.
US08083943B2 Filtration device
A filtration device is provided having a large number of filters, each comprising a filter element and a casing. The device includes filter strings constructed so that a plurality of filters are connected in a row by header tubes, at least two rows of filter strings are further connected in parallel by a filtrate recovery collecting tube, and the filtrate recovery collecting tube is placed at a higher position than the filtrate recovery header tubes.
US08083942B2 Systems and methods for purification of liquids
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for purifying liquids. In a particular implementation, the system includes a forward-osmosis unit for diluting a water source for a downstream desalination unit. A pretreatment unit may be located hydraulically upstream of the desalination unit, such as upstream or downstream of the forward-osmosis unit. In certain embodiments, the system includes an extraction unit for extracting a relatively easily extractable osmotic agent from an osmotic draw solution. The system may include one or more forward-osmosis units downstream of the desalination unit for diluting a concentrated brine stream produced by the desalination unit. In particular embodiments, a downstream forward-osmosis unit uses the concentrated brine stream as an osmotic agent, such as to extract water from seawater or brackish water. Another downstream forward-osmosis unit may use impaired water as a feed stream.
US08083938B2 Filter end cap assembly with bypass valve
A filter assembly, filter element and methods are provided. The filter assembly includes a filter base in which a filter element is mounted. The filter element includes a bypass valve carried by the filter element that operates independent of and free of interaction with the filter base. Methods include providing an entirely new bypass valve for the filter assembly by inserting a filter element including a complete bypass valve into the filter base such that bypass valve structures of the filter base are rendered useless or superfluous.
US08083937B2 Floating baffle panel and filter apparatus
The present invention is a storm water filter system for filtering floatable debris and non-floating pollutants from storm water passing through a storm water drain system vault. The storm water filtering system has a vault having chamber having a wall between the inlet thereto and the outlet therefrom. The wall has a filter passageway therethrough for filtering the storm water and a floatable baffle panel covering a second passageway therethrough for capturing floatable debris and trash from the storm water. Storm water entering the vault inlet passes through a filter element and out the outlet and also can pass under the floating baffle panel when the floatable baffle panel is floated to a raised position to thereby prevent storm water from accumulating on the inlet side of the wall.
US08083934B2 Water disinfection apparatus
A water disinfection apparatus includes a chamber adapted for connection to a pressurized water source. An ultra violet light is oriented to shine ultra violet rays into the chamber and to disinfect water therein, and a normally closed output valve connects the chamber to a supply valve. A control senses when a connected supply valve has been opened, and is operative to turn the ultra violet light on when the connected supply valve is opened; open the output valve after the ultra violet light has been turned on; close the output valve off after a supply time period expires; and turn the ultra violet light off when the output valve has been closed. The ultra violet light is turned on at all times that the output valve is open.
US08083929B2 Small volume in vitro sensor and methods of making
A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
US08083928B2 Small volume in vitro analyte sensor and methods of making
A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
US08083925B2 Analyte determination methods and devices
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for analyte detection.
US08083923B2 Electrode structure for protection of structural bodies
Electrolytic protection of steel-reinforced concrete bodies such as bridges and building facades is achieved with carbon material (3, 12, 23) inserted into the concrete body (6, 10, 21). The carbon material is connected to act as a anode with the steel reinforcement (1, 11, 22) as a cathode, so that corrosive chloride ions migrate away from the steel reinforcement. The carbon material is inserted so as also to act as a reinforcement. In one arrangement carbon textile material is provided between inner and outer grout-filled plastics ducts (2, 4, 5) fixed around post-tensioned steel cables (1). In another arrangement a carbon rod (12), or pin (23), is fixed between a concrete body (23) and a steel I-beam (22).
US08083918B2 Process and device for the producing and recycling of nanoemulsions as well as for the surface treatment of parts by means of the same
The invention relates to a device comprising a tubular circuit provided with at least one pump (9), a vacuum chamber (1) for processing the surfaces of parts placed therein, an actuation device (10), high voltage electrodes and a high frequency coil comprising a separate generator provided with a frequency converter for producing an electric field. The inventive device also comprises a transversal resonator for producing an aerosol and injection nozzles for spraying said aerosol into the vacuum chamber (1). The emulsion crosses the actuation device (10) in which electric and electromagnetic fields of 1-10000 volts, whose superimposed frequencies ranging from 10 Hz to 1 GHz are produced by a high-voltage electrode and the high frequency electromagnetic coil with the aid of the generator. By superimpose in the fields, a potential Zeta variation generates the transformation of a microemulsion into a nanoemulsion for processing part surfaces.
US08083910B2 Insulating spacer for plating inner surface and auxiliary anode unit
An insulating spacer 30 comprises a plurality of unit spacers 40, and a flexible coupling portion 41 for coupling the unit spacers 40 along the axial direction thereof, wherein the unit spacer 40 comprises a plurality of annular plates 42 and 43 each having an insertion hole 44 for inserting the auxiliary anode 11, and a coupling frame 45 for coupling the annular plates 42 and 43 in the axial direction of the auxiliary anode 11 while opening the outer circumference side thereof. The auxiliary anode unit 10 is constituted by inserting the insulating spacer 30 into the auxiliary anode 11, and since each unit spacer 40 is coupled, the distal end of the auxiliary anode 11 is naturally located in proximity to the insertion hole 44 provided in the next unit spacer 40 when the auxiliary anode 11 penetrates one unit spacer 40. Accordingly, the auxiliary anode 11 can be inserted into the insulating spacer 30 by series of works, and as a result, the auxiliary anode unit 10 can be manufactured with good workability.
US08083909B2 Material and device properties modification by electrochemical charge injection in the absence of contacting electrolyte for either local spatial or final states
In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to processes for the combination of injecting charge in a material electrochemically via non-faradaic (double-layer) charging, and retaining this charge and associated desirable properties changes when the electrolyte is removed. The present invention is also directed to compositions and applications using material property changes that are induced electrochemically by double-layer charging and retained during subsequent electrolyte removal. In some embodiments, the present invention provides reversible processes for electrochemically injecting charge into material that is not in direct contact with an electrolyte. Additionally, in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to devices and other material applications that use properties changes resulting from reversible electrochemical charge injection in the absence of an electrolyte.
US08083905B2 Carbon nanotubes for fuel cells, method for manufacturing the same, and fuel cell using the same
The internal and external walls of the carbon nanotubes are doped with nano-sized metallic catalyst particles uniformly to a degree of 0.3-5 mg /cm2. The carbon nanotubes are grown over a carbon substrate using chemical vapor deposition or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Since the carbon nanotubes have a large specific surface area, and metallic catalyst particles are uniformly distributed over the internal and external walls thereof, the reaction efficiency in an electrode becomes maximal when the carbon nanotubes are used for the electrode of a fuel cell. The carbon nanotubes fabricated using the method can be applied to form a large electrode. The carbon nanotubes grown over the carbon substrate can be readily applied to an electrode of a fuel cell, providing economical advantages and simplifying the overall electrode manufacturing process. A fuel cell using as the carbon nanotubes for its electrode provides improved performance.
US08083903B2 Process for producing allyl alcohol
An azeotropic distillation method, comprising a reaction step, a distillation step for separating and refining a reaction product, and a recovery step for collecting a reactant after the distillation step; wherein at least one component constituting the reactant in the reaction step can act as an entrainer for the azeotropic distillation in the distillation step; and a portion of the reactant capable of acting as the entrainer is supplied to the distillation step.
US08083901B2 De-entrainment tray for high capacity operation
A de-entrainment device separates entrained liquid from vapor in a fluid stream that flows through a chimney tray in a distillation tower. The separated liquid is collected and shielded from the fluid stream to prevent re-entrainment of the liquid in the vapor flowing upward into the tower. The chimney tray includes risers with hats that have gutters to guide liquid toward the tray deck, channels to collect and drain liquid from the top of the hats to the tray deck, and baffles extending from the risers to shield the liquid collected on the tray deck from the vapor flow.
US08083896B2 Pressure equalizing baffle and coanda air clamp
An air stabilization system employing two parallel, opposite-facing Coanda nozzles, with each nozzle exhausting gas at opposite directions, subjects a moving flexible web to opposing forces effective to create local tension within the web. Each nozzle includes an elongated slot that is perpendicular to the path of the moving web. The nozzles serve as separate points along the machine direction for controlling the height of the web. The operative surface with the nozzles can exhibit a flush surface. The nozzles can be formed on elevated structures on the operative surface. The operative surface can be covered with a transparent substrate to minimize shape distortions on the moving web and to prevent debris from collecting around the sensor. An internal baffle is employed to channel air flow within each nozzle. The baffle equalizes the gas pressure across the nozzle and directs air flow towards it. By modulating the velocities of gases exiting the nozzles, the shape of the web can be manipulated to present a planar contour. The air stabilization system can be incorporated into a caliper scanner.
US08083889B2 Apparatus and method for plasma etching
A plasma etching apparatus capable of performing processing with excellent in-plane uniformity on an object to be processed having a large diameter is provided. The present invention provides a plasma etching apparatus including a processing chamber 13 which performs plasma processing on an object to be processed 1, a first processing gas supply source 40, a second processing gas supply source 50, a first gas inlet 65-1 which introduces a processing gas into the processing chamber, second gas inlets 65-2 which introduce the processing gas into the processing chamber, flow rate regulators 42 and 53 which regulate the flow rate of the processing gas and a gas shunt 60 which divides the first processing gas into a plurality of portions, wherein at least two gas pipes branched by the shunt 60 are provided with the first gas inlet 65-1 or second gas inlets 65-2 and merging sections 63-1 and 63-2 are provided between the shunt 60 and the first gas inlet 65-1 and between the shunt 60 and the second gas inlets 65-2 for merging the second processing gas.
US08083886B2 Method of producing optical film laminates
An object of the present invention is to simplify the production steps and achieve efficient use of optical film webs in a case of producing an optical film laminate having three or more layers of optical films laminated together. A method of producing optical film laminates by cutting a laminate into a desired shape includes: cutting a first optical film web into first cut pieces along first cut lines; laminating the first cut pieces onto a second optical film web to form a laminate film; cutting the laminate film into second cut pieces along second cut lines; and laminating the second cut pieces onto a third optical film web. An angle of the first cut lines is determined to have the first cut lines crossing the optical axis of the first optical film web at a predetermined angle, and an interval of the first cut lines is determined to have the width of the second optical film web substantially equal to the width of the first cut pieces. An angle of the second cut lines relative to the second optical film web is determined to have the second cut lines crossing the optical axis of the second optical film web at a predetermined angle, and an interval of the second cut lines is determined to have the width of the third optical film web substantially equal to the width of the second cut pieces.
US08083885B2 Manufacturing method and manufacturing system for optical display device
The invention is directed to a method for manufacturing an optical display device comprising an optical film including a polarizing plate and a rectangular optical display unit having a surface to which the optical film is bonded, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a material roll which is a roll of a long sheet material obtained by lengthwise slitting a long material comprising an optical film into a width corresponding to a short or long side of the optical display unit, wherein the optical film includes a polarizing plate having a longitudinal direction parallel to its absorption axis; and unwinding the long sheet material from the material roll, cutting at least the optical film of the long sheet material to form an optical film having a length corresponding to a long or short side of the optical display unit, and then bonding the optical film to a surface of the optical display unit.
US08083884B2 Method of forming a multilayer test sensor
A method of forming an electrochemical multilayer test sensor that includes a base, a second layer and a reactive layer. The reactive area includes an enzyme. The test sensor is adapted to be used in a meter and assist in determining the concentration of an analyte. A plurality of electrodes and their respective conductive leads are partially defined on the base. After partially defining the plurality of electrodes and their respective conductive leads on the base, the base is attached to a second layer to define a reaction zone in which the plurality of electrodes are fully defined. After attaching the base to the second layer, the plurality of conductive leads on the base of the test sensor are fully defined.
US08083872B2 Method of heat treating a superalloy component and an alloy component
A method of heat treating a superalloy component includes solution heat treating the component at a temperature below the gamma prime solvus temperature to produce a fine grain structure. Insulation is placed over a first area to form an insulated assembly that is placed in a furnace at a temperature below the solvus temperature and maintained at that temperature for a predetermined time to achieve a uniform temperature. The temperature is increased at a predetermined rate to a temperature above the solvus temperature to maintain a fine grain structure in a first region, produce a coarse grain structure in a second region and produce a transitional structure in a third region between the first and second regions. The insulated assembly is removed from the furnace when the second region has been above the solvus temperature for a predetermined time and/or the first region has reached a predetermined temperature.
US08083871B2 High crashworthiness Al-Si-Mg alloy and methods for producing automotive casting
The present invention provides a casting having increased crashworthiness including an aluminum alloy of about 6.0 wt % to about 8.0 wt % Si; about 0.12 wt % to about 0.25 wt % Mg; less than or equal to about 0.35 wt % Cu; less than or equal to about 4.0 wt % Zn; less than or equal to about 0.6 wt % Mn; and less than or equal to about 0.15 wt % Fe, wherein the cast body is treated to a T5 or T6 temper and has a tensile strength ranging from 100 MPa to 180 MPa and has a critical fracture strain greater than 10%. The present invention further provides a method of forming a casting having increased crashworthiness.
US08083867B2 Amorphous alloy ribbon, nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy and magnetic core consisting of nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy
Even if produced from a broad amorphous alloy ribbon, a nano crystal soft magnetic alloy, a magnetic core made of a nano crystal soft magnetic alloy, and the amorphous alloy ribbon for a nano crystal soft magnetic alloys which has the excellent alternate magnetic property, the small dispersion, the excellent temporal stability in high temperature, the excellent mass productivity can be provided.An amorphous alloy ribbon, wherein the alloy composition is represented by Fe100-a-b-c-dMaSibBcCd (atomic %), 0
US08083865B2 Tube lancing machine
A pair of parallel metal lances is driven by a transversal drive into and out of heat exchanger tubes. The lances are supported by a plurality of spaced apart, retractable door supports so that the transversal drive mechanism can approach the tube sheet of the heat exchanger tubes as closely as possible. A pair of rotational drive motors rotates the lances at a user controllable speed. As the lances are moved into the tubes, the interlocked support doors retract one at a time, sequentially. Similarly, as the lances are withdrawn from the tubes, the support doors close one at a time in an interlocked fashion.
US08083862B2 Method and system for monitoring contamination on a substrate
A method and system for measuring contamination, such as metal contamination, on a substrate. A dry cleaning system is utilized for non-destructive, occasional removal of contamination, such as metal containing contamination, on a substrate, whereby a monitoring system coupled to the exhaust of the dry cleaning system is employed to determine the relative level of contamination on the substrate prior to dry cleaning.
US08083854B2 Vacuum pumping circuit and machine for treating containers equipped with same
The invention relates to a vacuum pumping circuit comprising: an upper chamber (34) and a lower chamber (36) that communicate via a connecting orifice (38), and comprising a valve (40) provided with a stem guided so as to slide along a vertical axis (A1) in order to close the connecting orifice (38), which circuit is characterized in that the valve stem (48) is provided with a section forming a piston (52) which constitutes the mobile upper wall of a control chamber (54) communicating with the upper chamber (34), the piston (52) having an upper face (56) at atmospheric air pressure and a lower face (58) on which the pressure is that present in the control chamber (54).
US08083845B2 Obtaining process of additivated sodic bentonite for use in composition of green sand for molding of cast parts and resulting product
Composition and process of a composition of additivated sodic bentonite through the addition of dextrin and sugar (saccharose), preferably refined sugar, or starch and sugar (saccharose), preferably refined sugar, in specific quantities during the process of calcic bentonite activation by means of incorporation of sodium carbonate into the in natura ore, belonging to the field of chemical industry for use in the composition of green sand for cast molding, offering a wide range of advantages in comparison with the existing formulas.
US08083842B2 Aqueous solution of chromium salt and method for producing same
Disclosed is an aqueous solution of a chromium salt, in which the oxalic acid content is 8% by weight or less relative to chromium. In the aqueous solution of the chromium salt, the total organic carbon content is 4% by weight or less relative to chromium. The chromium salt is preferably a chromium chloride, a chromium phosphate, or a chromium nitrate. The chromium chloride preferably contains a basic chromium chloride represented by the composition formula Cr(OH)xCly (wherein 0
US08083828B2 Fiber web having a high stiffness
The fiber webs described herein may be incorporated into filter media and filter elements. The webs may exhibit a high permeability and stiffness, at a low thickness. The stiffness can be sufficient for the webs to be pleated to include sharp, well-defined peaks which can be maintained in a stable configuration during use.
US08083827B2 Low density mist collector pad
A wire mesh mist collector pad having multiple density zones, the zones being arranged other than to provide a constantly increasing density gradient, provides a reduced pressure drop and increased capacity. For example, the pad can include at least three zones with the zones arranged so that the density gradient in the direction of gas flow through the pad varies from low to high to low or from high to low to high.
US08083825B2 Filter arrangement and method
A filter arrangement includes a filter media pack having a side wall. A ring is oriented around and against the side wall of the filter media pack. The ring includes a band having an interior surface oriented against the side wall of the filter media pack and an opposite exterior surface. A first seal member is secured to the exterior surface of the band. The first seal member is oriented radially from the filter media pack. The filter media pack includes Z-media having an inlet flow face and an opposite outlet flow face. An air cleaner including a housing with a filter element operably installed therein is provided. Methods of installing, filtering, and servicing are described.
US08083824B2 Gas-solid separator
A gas-solid separator has: an inner cylinder 10 having a closed lower end 11 and an opened upper end 1, and extending in a vertical direction; and an outer cylinder 2 that coaxially covers the inner cylinder 10 from the outside and has a gas vent port 6 formed on the upper end side and communicating with an exterior, wherein a plurality of axially extending long holes 4 are formed on a side surface on the lower end 11 side of the inner cylinder 10 in a circumferential direction, one of long side edge parts of each of the long holes 4 is provided with a guide blade 5 that protrudes outward and is inclined circumferentially so as to cover the long hole 4, and in a section of the outer cylinder 2 that surrounds the plurality of long holes 4 of the inner cylinder 10, an inner diameter D1 of a lower part is larger than an inner diameter D2 of an upper part.
US08083823B2 Air filtration device for liquid or semi-liquid product pump
An air filtration device for the vent of a body of a pump used to fit a liquid or semi-liquid product distributor, the device including a filter membrane through which the product may be discharged from opening. The free edge of the membrane is connected to a support element which is tightly fixed on the opening.
US08083819B2 Hydrogen-producing fuel processing and fuel cell systems with a temperature-responsive automatic valve system
Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems with at least one temperature-responsive valve assembly, and methods for feedback regulation of the hydrogen-producing region. The temperature-responsive valve assembly responds automatically to the temperature of a gas stream of interest to regulate the flow of a subject gas stream therethrough. In some embodiments, these streams are the same streams, while in others, they are different streams. The streams may include at least the reformate stream from a hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly, the byproduct stream from a purification region, and the product gas stream from the purification region. In some embodiments, the subject gas stream may be the byproduct stream, which is in fluid communication for delivery as a combustible fuel stream for a burner or other heating assembly that produces an exhaust stream to heat the hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly.
US08083817B2 Entrained bed gasifier with a cold screen and internal water jacket
An entrained bed gasifier for operation with particulate or liquid fuels is provided. A reaction chamber defined by a cold screen and a quenching chamber connected to the reaction chamber using a crude gas and slag outlet, wherein at least the cold screen is enclosed by a pressure-resistant pressure mantle. The annular gap between the cold screen and pressure jacket may be filled with a fluid, for example, water or heat transfer oil. A rough pressure equalization between the gasification chamber and the annual gap may be guaranteed using a connection between the annular gap and the quenching chamber or the crude gas line, hence the pressure in the gasification chamber normally remains slightly higher than in the inner water jacket.
US08083814B2 Quaternary ammonium salt of a mannich compound
A quaternary ammonium salt detergent made from the reaction product of the reaction of: (a) Mannich reaction product having a tertiary amino group, said Mannich reaction product being prepared from the reaction of a hydrocarbyl-substituted phenol, an aldehyde, and amine; and (b) a quaternizing agent suitable for converting the tertiary amino group to a quaternary nitrogen and the use of such quaternary ammonium salt detergents in a fuel composition to reduce intake valve deposits.
US08083808B2 Container security
A container security device includes a housing, electronic circuitry, and cabling. The electronic circuitry is disposed within the housing, and includes first and second microprocessor functions and an interface for accepting and providing data. The cabling is removably coupled to the housing, provides the only communicative coupling between the first microprocessor function and the second microprocessor function, and is adapted to be attached to a container latch so as to break the communicative coupling if the latch is opened. The housing includes a port for the electronic circuitry interface. A method of providing container security includes closing a container using a latch device and removably coupling the cabling to the housing so that the communicative coupling is broken if the latch is opened, providing the only communicative coupling between the first microprocessor function and the second microprocessor function.
US08083802B2 Prosthetic bearing with encapsulated reinforcement
A joint prosthesis has a first component for cooperation with a first long bone, a second component for cooperation with a second long bone, and a bearing component positionable between the first component and the second component. The bearing component includes a reinforcing component and a polymeric material completely encapsulating the reinforcing component and molded thereto. The bearing component may be sterilized by a predominately surface sterilizing technology.
US08083801B2 Sinus membrane perforation corrective procedure
A sinus correction method is disclosed. For example, one embodiment comprises making an incision in gingival tissue surrounding a sinus membrane perforation, dissecting the gingival tissue from cortical bone, dissecting sinus membrane adjacent to the gingival tissue from the cortical bone, overlapping the sinus membrane and adjacent gingival tissue from two sides of the sinus membrane perforation, connecting the overlapping sinus membrane and adjacent gingival tissue from two sides of the sinus membrane perforation, and applying a bone graft composition adjacent to the overlapping sinus membrane, the bone graft composition to form bone connected with cortical bone sufficient to place a dental implant.
US08083798B2 Non-circular stabilization sphere and method
A spacer for inserting between vertebral members. The spacer has a non-spherical shape with an anterior section having a first shape and a posterior section having a different shape. An attachment means is positioned within the posterior section, and may include a receiver for attachment with an insertion device, and an anti-rotation mechanism for assistance in removing the spacer from the insertion device. Embodiments of using the spacer is also disclosed which may include inserting the spacer between the vertebral members in a generally posterior approach. Once inserted, the insertion device acts with the anti-rotation device to remove a connection mechanism from the receiver. The spacer remains between the vertebral members and provides relief to the patient.
US08083797B2 Intervertebral prosthetic disc with shock absorption
A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower plates and a core having upper and lower curved surfaces disposed between the plates. At least one of the plates and/or the core includes a resilient material for absorbing shock or other forces applied by vertebrae. Optionally, resilient support members may be disposed within the resilient material to connect two portions of a plate or the core. Such support members may be springs, cylinders, wires or other resilient structures. The resilient material is held within the core or plate(s) via a surrounding retaining structure, such as a membrane. The resilient material disposed in one or more components of the prosthetic disc provides for shock absorption.
US08083795B2 Intervertebral prosthetic device for spinal stabilization and method of manufacturing same
A prosthetic device and method of inserting same between adjacent vertebrae, according to which a first member of a relatively flexible material is adapted to extend between the vertebrae; and at least one second member of a relatively stiff material is supported by the first member.
US08083791B2 Method of treating a lumenal bifurcation
A prosthesis is disclosed for placement at an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The support is configured to be deployed in the branch body lumen, with the circumferentially extending link in the main lumen and the frond extendable across the Os.
US08083788B2 Apparatus and methods for positioning prostheses for deployment from a catheter
Apparatus for delivering stents to body lumens include a flexible catheter shaft, an expandable member, a tubular prosthesis selectively movable in an axial direction over the expandable member, and a stop member disposed on the catheter shaft near the distal end of the catheter shaft for stopping the prosthesis at a deployment position on the expandable member. A variety of different stop members are provided according to various embodiments, such as stop members disposed outside the expandable member, stop members disposed inside the expandable member, movable stop members, and the like. Methods of delivering stents are also provided.
US08083768B2 Vascular plug having composite construction
This invention relates to apparatus and methods for use in sealing a vascular puncture site, particularly sites of punctures that are the result of catheterization or other interventional procedures. In several of the preferred embodiments, the sealing device includes a sealing member and a tether. The sealing member generally performs the function of occupying a space in an incision, puncture, or other wound and sealing the space in the incision, puncture, or wound that it occupies, to prevent further blood flow. The tether is typically attached in some manner to the sealing member, and provides the user with the ability to withdraw the sealing member if necessary. In a particularly preferred form, the sealing device further includes a restraining member associated with the sealing member. The restraining member provides the ability to more securely restrain the sealing member to prevent it from migrating from the deployment location within a tissue tract. The restraining member may also provide an additional capability of manipulating the sealing member after deployment.
US08083767B2 Access and closure device and method
Devices and methods for accessing and closing vascular sites are disclosed. Self-sealing closure devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can make both steeply sloping and flat access paths into a vascular lumen is disclosed. The device can also form arteriotomies with sections cleaved between a vessel's intima and adventitia. Methods for using the device are also disclosed.
US08083763B2 Apparatus and method for estimating leakage in a surgical tourniquet system
Apparatus for estimating a magnitude of leakage from a surgical tourniquet system while pressure in a cuff of the system is regulated near a reference pressure.
US08083762B2 Distal protection devices having controllable wire motion
A distal protection device for use in a body lumen. The device includes a functional element which may be a filter or an occlusive element. The device includes means for controlling the movement and placement of the functional element along a guidewire. Motion of the guidewire can be independent of the motion of the functional element.
US08083757B2 Methods and devices for maintaining a space occupying device in a relatively fixed location within a stomach
Methods and devices for maintaining a space-occupying device in a fixed relationship relative to a patient's stomach by manipulation of the stomach. In one variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are brought into approximation with one another and secured together in a manner that secures a space-occupying device within the stomach of the patient. In another variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are wrapped around a space-occupying device to maintain the position of the space-occupying device relative to the stomach wall. In another variation, a system having a space-occupying member and a locking member capable holding the space-occupying member against the inner wall of the stomach are provided. In a further variation, a pouch is created within the stomach that receives and retains a space-occupying device.
US08083740B2 Device for facilitating the healing of bone including Olecranan
A Mini External Fixate device is disclosed in closed operations in order to fix fractures of elbow bone especially olecranon and cure its problems including mal-unions and non-unions, correcting elbow deformities, lengthening the bone length up to 5 cm. The device comprises three curved plates which are connected by a threaded rod. The device may further comprise two half pin consuls which go through each curved plate in one direction. The half pin consuls may extend as far as they are connected to the fracture, while they don't reach the other side of the bone. Half pins may be used instead of full pins in this device. The half pin consuls may be attached to the curved plate by means of a wire fixation bolt. A hinge may be attached to the extreme of the threaded rod.
US08083739B2 Two-piece jaw for bipolar ablation device
A method and device for transmural ablation using an electrosurgical device having a pair of angled clamping jaws designed to be disassembled outside the patient and reassembled within the patient in a series of method steps. This disassemble and reassemble design of the electrosurgical device fits within the narrow gap between ribs of the patient, and offers unusual opportunities to work in difficult to access areas such as the thoracic cavity. Once the surgery has been performed, the electrosurgical device can be disassembled in the patient and removed one piece at a time, or removed as a unit.
US08083736B2 Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods
An electrosurgical device is provided which comprises a distal portion having a bipolar electrode configuration and at least one fluid outlet opening. The device further includes a first electrode tip spaced from a second electrode tip with the first electrode tip to serve as a first pole of the bipolar electrode configuration and the second electrode tip to serve as a second pole of the bipolar electrode configuration. The first and second electrode tips are configured to slide over a tissue surface in the presence of a fluid provided from the fluid outlet opening and an electrical current provided from the electrode tips.
US08083735B2 Compact electrosurgery apparatuses
The invention features compact apparatuses useful in electrosurgery. The compact apparatuses have a housing having a cavity, an electrosurgical system located within the cavity, the electrosurgical system having optionally a monopolar output system, optionally a bipolar output system, optionally an argon plasma coagulation output system, a processor located within the cavity, the processor operatively coupled to each output system of the electrosurgical system to control outputs generated by each output system, optionally a high frequency generator located within the cavity and operatively coupled to the processor; and a gas canister holder and control system located within the cavity of the housing for receiving a gas canister within the cavity of the housing.
US08083731B2 Apparatus and method for laser treatment of a biological material
An apparatus for laser processing of a material, in particular the eye cornea, emits on to the material a train (18′) of laser radiation pulses having a pulse duration in the femtosecond range. The pulse train comprises a multiplicity of successive pulse groups, each pulse group comprising at least two laser radiation pulses (20′, 22′). The pulses of a pulse group are directed at substantially the same processing site of the material, but the pulses of successive groups are directed at substantially different processing sites of the material. According to the invention the time interval between successive laser radiation pulses of a pulse group is in the nanosecond range. In particular, the intensity or energy of the pulses within a pulse group is graduated, in such a way that a preceding prepulse (20′) has substantially lower intensity or energy than a following main pulse (22′).
US08083729B2 Apparatus and method for sterile docking of male medical line connectors
A docking station for male medical line connectors, including a base housing securable to a stationary surface and having a plurality of docking bays, each of which is dimensioned and contoured for respectively receiving and temporarily retaining ampules containing sterilization fluid. Each of the ampules has a chamber therein containing the sterilization fluid and an access mouth exteriorly exposed when the ampule is secured in one of the bays, and each mouth has a female medical line connection dimensioned and contoured for temporarily receiving and securing a male medical line connector thereto with the tubular tip of the male connector immersed in sterilization fluid during the period of time that the infusion tubing is disconnected from the patient.
US08083719B2 Medicinal-solution administration device
A medicinal-solution administration device includes a body unit including a drive generator that generates a drive force; and a cartridge unit that is attachable to and detachable from the body unit, the cartridge unit including a medicinal-solution reservoir that accommodates at least a medicinal solution and feeds the medicinal solution toward a medicinal-solution administration side, a power source that causes the drive generator to drive, and a drive transmitter that transmits the drive force generated by the drive generator to the medicinal-solution reservoir to push out the medicinal solution in the medicinal-solution reservoir.
US08083718B2 Device and method employing shape memory alloy
A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system.
US08083715B2 Puncture device
The present invention provides a puncture device and an administration device in which a puncture needle can be stuck certainly to a predetermined region of a skin. The puncture device and the administration device of the present invention are provided with a puncture needle moving means for retaining aforesaid puncture needle to be movable and a skin deforming means for deforming the skin, wherein it is constituted such that the puncture needle is moved by aforesaid puncture needle moving means and punctures the skin deformed by aforesaid skin deforming means.
US08083708B2 Systems and methods for delivering drugs to selected locations within the body
A transvascular system for delivering a drug to a tissue region from a blood vessel includes a catheter having a distal portion with puncturing, orientation, drug delivery, and imaging elements. The puncturing element is deployable for penetrating the vessel wall to access the tissue region. The orientation element has a predetermined relationship with the puncturing element, the imaging element detecting the location of the orientation element with respect to the tissue region to orient the puncturing element. The catheter is percutaneously introduced into the vessel, the puncturing element is oriented towards the tissue region, the puncturing element is deployed to access the tissue region, and the drug is delivered to the tissue region. An ablation device may also be deployed to create a cavity or fluid reservoir in the tissue region for receiving the drug therein, or an indwelling catheter may be advanced into and left in the tissue region.
US08083706B2 Apparatus and systems for membraneless separation of fluids
The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.
US08083704B2 Systems and methods for off-weighting a limb
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for limb off-weighting, including a sleeve operable to wrap at least partially around a leg, a support strut coupled to the sleeve to receive weight applied to the sleeve, and a foot assembly configured to support and protect the bottom of a foot, wherein the foot assembly is coupled to the support strut and operable to receive weight applied to the sleeve and transfer the weight to underlying surfaces, thus off-weighting and reducing pressure and shearing forces on the foot and ankle. According to some embodiments, foot assembly pivots around the support strut providing an assembled mode and a storage mode. According to other embodiments, sleeve is an open-ended conical shape. According to various other embodiments, the support strut may be tilted to accommodate legs and/or calves of varying sizes, and the foot assembly may adjust to feet of varying sizes.
US08083695B2 Walk assistance device
A walk assistance device capable of transmitting a force generated by a leg link to a user's trunk via a load transmit portion, wherein the leg link includes an upper first link portion connected to the load transmit portion via a first joint portion, a lower second link portion connected to a foot attachment portion via a second joint portion, a middle third joint portion connecting the first link portion to the second link portion such that a distance between the first joint portion and the second joint portion is variable, and a driving source that drives the third joint portion. The moment of inertia around the first joint portion of the leg link is reduced to decrease a load on the user's leg in walking. The driving source is disposed above the third joint portion of the first link portion so that the center-of-gravity of the entire leg link is located above the third joint portion. In the case where the driving source includes an electric motor and a reduction gear, the electric motor is disposed above the reduction gear.
US08083694B2 Multi joint orthodynamic rehabilitator, assistive orthotic device and methods for actuation controlling
A method and system for treating self-adaptive motion of a jointed body part of a patient, the jointed body part has at least three rotatable body sections interconnected by at least two joints, by collecting data regarding limb movement displaying representations of the data in real time, and modifying current device function based upon such data so as to meet predefined therapeutic treatment parameters with regard to device-actuated movement needs of the limb regarding device-actuated movement, and/or assist limb rotation.
US08083688B2 Sampling devices and methods utilizing biased capillary action
A device is constructed so as to define a capillary channel that draws a body fluid form a proximal portion of the capillary channel toward a distal portion. A counterbore defining a “ledge” not substantially normal to the center line of channel causes the meniscus of body fluid to be “biased” into a non-radially-symmetric shape. In one example, the bias draws the body fluid toward a testing element that is set into a groove in the main body of the device. In another example, hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic regions are created on or in device to produce the biasing effect. In certain configurations, device requires less blood to be drawn into the capillary channel for a successful test than if the biasing effect were not created.
US08083685B2 System and method for laparoscopic nerve detection
A surgical system aids identification of nerves in a body to help prevent damage to the nerves during surgery to the body proximate the nerves. An electrode introduced to within a body cavity through a catheter is placed proximate a nerve within the body cavity by a laparoscopic or robotic device. An exploratory probe placed in the body cavity is selectively placed along a presumed pathway of the nerve to provide an electrical signal through the nerve to the electrode. An analyzer interfaced with the electrode analyzes the electrical signal received at the electrode to determine the proximity of the exploratory probe to the nerve, allowing mapping of the nerve pathway through the body cavity.
US08083681B2 Ultrasonic probe
An ultrasonic probe according to the present invention includes an inserting portion to be inserted into a body cavity and a grip portion 1 held by an operator outside of the body cavity. The inserting portion 2 includes a transducer unit 4, a rotation axis provided in the transducer unit 4, and a swing mechanism for swinging the transducer unit 4 around the rotation axis as a center, and the grip portion 1 includes a motor 5 for generating a driving force for driving the swing mechanism. The swing mechanism includes a shaft 9 connected to the motor 5, a first pulley 6 attached coaxially to the shaft 9, a second pulley 7 attached coaxially to the rotation axis of the transducer unit 4, and a wire 8 connecting the first pulley 6 and the second pulley 7.
US08083680B2 Ultrasound system and method for forming an ultrasound image
The present invention is directed to an ultrasound system and a method for reformatting a planar image. The ultrasound system includes a volume data acquiring unit and an image processing unit. The volume data acquiring unit may acquire volume data by transmitting/receiving ultrasound signals to/from a target object of an un-echoic area. The image processing unit may perform inverse volume rendering upon the volume data to form a 3-dimensional image showing the target object and set a region of interest (ROI) on the target object in response to a user input. The image processor detects data corresponding to the ROI from the volume data and reformats the detected data to form a planar image.
US08083679B1 Ultrasonic imaging apparatus
An ultrasonic image capturing apparatus is disclosed for transmitting ultrasonic pulses from an ultrasonic probe in which elements are arranged two-dimensionally to a subject, receiving the ultrasonic pulses reflected by the subject, and displaying a slice image of the subject. A vector Doppler processor detects motion of the subject along the direction of an aperture of a receiving beam former, and a displacement detector detects motion of a focus region in the subject based on a result of computation of the vector Doppler processor. A scanning plate setting section determines an image capturing region by using ultrasonic waves by the displacement detector.
US08083675B2 Method and system for providing adaptive rule based cognitive stimulation to a user
A method and system for providing evolving, highly variable, long-term on-going cognitive stimulation over a broad spectrum of cognitive domains. The user is presented with a series of entertaining audio/visual activities customized for the user, based on the user's life experience and cognitive level, each activity providing stimulation in one or more cognitive domains. The activities themselves and their level of challenge may change, in real time, over both the short- and the long term, varying in relation to current and historical user response patterns, creating an experience that remains engaging, with on-going use, over a period of months or years.
US08083671B2 Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope
A fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope. Certain embodiments of the invention include a single, large fluid source and pump installed upon an operator console, in combination with a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a proximal connector of the imaging endoscope, multiple fluid sources that feed a common fluid channel that are pressurized by a common pump, multiple fluid sources that feed dedicated fluid channels that are pressurized by dedicated pumps, and a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a handheld manual controller of the imaging endoscope. The fluid delivery endoscopic systems of the present invention provide the user with the flexibility of changing fluids either in advance of a procedure or on-the-fly as needed, instead of relying on fixed fluid sources only.
US08083657B2 Deflection compensating roll
A deflection compensating roller including a rotating roller casing, a rotationally fixed yoke axially extending through the roller casing, at least one hydrostatic support device arranged between the yoke and the roller casing, the at least one hydrostatic support device comprising a pressure compartment and at least one oil pocket that communicates with the pressure compartment via at least one first restricted flow zone and at least one second restricted flow zone, and a fluid comprising at least one of an electrorheological fluid (ERF) and a ferro fluid. A viscosity of the fluid is adapted to be varied by way of one of an electric and magnetic field. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08083656B2 Multi-functional exercise apparatus with adjustable resistance
The invention is directed to an exercise apparatus with adjustable resistance, the exercise apparatus comprising a column, a spooling device coupled to the column, and an elastic member coupled to the spooling device, wherein movement of the elastic cord is permitted and the spooling device is configured to be rotatably adjustable to limit the movement of the elastic member.
US08083655B2 Training device for building up the musculature of the locomotor system
In a device for training the musculature of the human locomotor system, comprising a support unit which is at least indirectly attached at one end to a holding arm and at the other end can be releasably attached to a patient, wherein the holding arm is at least indirectly mounted, at its bottom end remote from the support unit, on a carrier chassis by means of at least one resilient element, training of walking or running movements implementing natural movement dynamics without risk of stumbling or falling is made possible in that a resilient element is coupled to at least one stabilizing assembly, which prevents torsion of the holding arm about its longitudinal axis and also restricts movement of the holding arm such that the end of the holding arm remote from the carrier chassis is capable of movement over a predetermined area and the support unit pivotally attached to the holding arm is thereby capable of movement within a predetermined volume.
US08083652B2 Therapeutic sports towel
The invention is a therapeutic sports towel that integrates the features of a sports towel and a stretching device into a single device that incorporates the desired properties of the two. The therapeutic sports towel is thus absorbent and convenient to carry on a golf bag or drape over a shoulder, while also having the appropriate resistance and recoil properties for therapeutic stretching. Further, the combination of a towel material with a stretchable material ensures that the therapeutic stretching has a predetermined maximum length, to prevent the overstretching that is commonly associated with therapeutic stretching bands and so forth. Various embodiments of the invention include one or more pockets for holding ice or ice packs, such that the ice or ice packs may be retained in place against sore or pulled muscles by tying or fastening the therapeutic towel appropriately around the body or a body appendage. Further, the therapeutic sports towel may include straps that are encased in end pockets, such that the straps can be revealed as necessary for use in particular exercises.
US08083647B2 Treadmill system and operating method of the same
Provided is a treadmill-related technology. That is, the treadmill device and the operating method of the same is configured to detect a user who is taking exercise in real time, take pictures of the detected user's looks, and insert user image data as the results of data analysis, which are obtained from the taken pictures, into a virtual 3D object moving image which indicates the selected exercise course background, so as to project a 3D user image in which the user's behavior patterns are engaged with a virtual 3D object moving image. Therefore, since the treadmill device is used to allow a user to see his own looks taking exercise in real time, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling boring during exercise, and it is easy to continuously check the user's own physical status or conditions. Also, since a user may actively employ exercise course backgrounds which are freely changed during exercise by the user's choices, the best information on the physical rhythm and exercise conditions may be offered to the user, thereby improving the user's satisfaction and buying power, which leads to an expected increase in the sales.
US08083645B2 Information exchanging device
An information exchanging device includes a physical information measuring unit, a script executing unit, a radio communication unit, a display unit, and a control unit. The physical information measuring unit is configured to measure physical information of a user. The script executing unit is configured to execute a script of contents based on said physical information. The radio communication unit is configured to transmit and receive data to and from another device. The control unit is configured to establish a connection between the information exchanging device and the other device by said radio communication unit when the other device is present in a communicating range, receive a predetermined script via said radio communication unit from the other device to which the information exchanging device is connected, make said script executing unit execute the received script, and transmit a result of execution to the other device.
US08083644B2 Resistance garments and active materials
Resistance garments include for example a first cuff and a second cuff that circumscribe a portion of a wearer's body; an adjustment device fixedly attached to the first cuff; and a resistive element connecting the first cuff and the second cuff, and coupling with the adjustment device. An active material includes a backing fabric and one or more length-adjusting devices, that each include a first filament and a second filament that are interwoven with the backing fabric and substantially parallel with one another, and one or more motors. Each of the motors drives first and second spooling elements that alternatively reel in or reel out portions of the first and second filaments, respectively. The reeling in or out thereby adjusts (a) a length of the filaments, (b) a length of the length-adjusting device corresponding to the at least one motor, and (c) a length of the active material.
US08083641B2 Method for operating an automatic gearbox
A method for operating an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular a variable-speed transmission. The automatic transmission includes at least five shift elements and to transfer torque or force transfer in a forward gear and a reverse gear at least three shift of the at least five elements are engaged. When shifting the automatic transmission from a neutral position to a forward or a reverse gear, at least one of the three shift elements of the automatic transmission that are engaged in the respective forward or reverse gear, is engaged in a controlled manner.
US08083639B2 Method for the wear-free braking of a vehicle with an electrodynamic drive system
A method for wear-free braking of a vehicle having an electrodynamic drive system including an electric machine and a planetary gearset with a crankshaft of the combustion engine being connected with a first element of the gearset, the electric machine connected to a second element of the gearset and a transmission input shaft connected to a carrier of the gearset. The friction clutch serves as a bridging clutch to detachably connect two elements of the gearset such that when the clutch is engaged, the gearset is locked and the combustion engine operating in thrust mode applies braking torque to the drive train, the clutch is disengaged and a transmission input speed exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the speed of the combustion engine is raised to a maximum speed by appropriate control of the electric machine.
US08083633B2 8-speed hybrid transmission
The hybrid transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The hybrid transmission includes a motor/generator, three planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, one fixed interconnection, three external gear sets and a final drive gear set. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with one of the external gear sets. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various planetary and external gear members, the input shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US08083630B2 Compact planetary transmission
The transmission includes a housing, input and output shafts, and four planetary gear trains each having at least three members including a ring gear, at least one carrier, and a sun gear. The input and output shafts are is continuously interconnected with gear(s) and/or carrier(s). Links continuously interconnect the carrier(s) and/or gears between gear trains. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.
US08083629B2 Powertrain of an automatic transmission
A powertrain of an automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set having a double pinion planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set having a single pinion planetary gear set and a third planetary gear set having a double pinion planetary gear set to achieve eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds by combining the three planetary gear sets and six frictional elements.
US08083627B2 Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission includes first and second clutches, a clutch drum, a piston, a plurality of friction plates, a hydraulic oil chamber, a cancel oil chamber, a return spring, and a cancel plate, wherein a plate member that forms a cylinder portion of the hydraulic oil chamber is provided between the piston and the clutch drum of the first clutch that is located on an inner diameter side, and an oil passage that supplies an oil to the cancel oil chamber of the second clutch that is located on an outer diameter side is formed between the clutch drum and the plate member.
US08083624B2 Roller chain sprocket having an improved tooth form and metal cushion rings
A cushion ring sprocket assembly and chain drive system are designed to prevent roller-to-root radial contact. Hard contact between the chain link plates and the cushion rings, and corresponding hard contact between the cushion rings and the sprocket hubs limit radial inward movement of the chain rollers/bushings, while the root surfaces of the tooth spaces are undercut so that the rollers cannot contact the root surfaces.
US08083620B2 Ball bats
Ball bats comprising a stem and a handle surrounding the stem. An elastomeric decoupler system installed in the handle sharply reduces the transmission of shocks and vibrations from the stem to the handle, mitigating stinging and other unpleasant sensations experienced by the batter when a ball is struck. Unpleasant sensations can be further reduced by installing a DTMS damping device in the knob of the bat and by installing an elastomeric grip on the handle of the bat; and the unpleasant sound made when a bat strikes the ground or the like can be materially reduced by a device attached to the stem of the bat intermediate the ends of the handle. The present inventions are particularly adaptable to hollow, metal bats; and provision is made for venting the knob of the bat when it is welded in place so hot gases will not be forced into, and reduce the integrity of, the weld. Appropriate ones of the devices described above may also advantageously be employed in wood, composite, and other bats.
US08083617B2 Portable golf spectator information system
A system for conveying viewer-selected information to viewers of a golf tournament includes a group of external input signals, a command facility, and a remote device able to convey viewer-selected information to the viewer. The external signals are from a group that includes at least a real-time identity of a club that a player is using. The remote viewing device is able to convey transmitted visual information and includes (1) a means for receiving transmitted signals conveying visual information, (2) a means for displaying selected visual information, and (3) a means to enable a viewer to select the visual information desired to be displayed from a group including at least the real-time identity of the club that a selected player has had removed from a golf bag used by the player.
US08083616B2 Golf ball marker
A golf ball marker that includes a body having a geometric shape and an arcuate ball location reference for easily positioning a golf ball. The body may also include alignment indicia for aligning the golf ball with an intended ball path.
US08083615B2 Set of golf tees
A set of golf tees that includes at least a low spin golf tee and a high spin golf tee. The low spin golf tee is constructed in a manner to provide decreased resistance to the deformation of a golf ball that is impacted by a golf club while resting on the low spin golf tee. The high spin golf tee is constructed in a manner to provide increased resistance to the deformation of a golf ball that is impacted by a golf club while resting on the high spin golf tee.
US08083603B2 Bowling bumper system and method of use and installation
A bowling bumper system is provided. The bowling bumper system and more particularly an actuator or actuator assembly is decoupled from the bumpers, themselves, and configured to move the bumpers into an extended or retracted position.
US08083600B2 Swing seat
A swing seat assembly is provided for enhancing durability of the swing and increasing the safety of a person using the swing. The swing seat assembly includes an elongated seat element and a reinforcing member extending along the seat element. The reinforcing member is formed of a different material than the seat element and has a tensile strength that is greater than the tensile strength of the seat element. The assembly also includes a pair of rigid connecting elements configured to operably couple the seat element with suspending elements, where the connecting elements at least partially project from end margins of the seat element but do not extend inwardly beyond a top face of the seat element. A swing assembly is also provided that includes a reinforced swing seat with a reinforcing member extending therealong and being encased therein. The swing assembly includes a pair of suspending elements coupled to hooks projecting from end margins of the seat for suspending the seat from a playset frame.
US08083581B2 Electronic game and method for playing a game based upon removal and replacing symbols in the game matrix
Payout methods in a mechanical, an electro-mechanical and/or computer-based slot machine-like games-of-chance enable a series of awards based upon: appearance of predetermined symbol combinations in the symbol matrix; issuance of awards for the predetermined combination of symbols; removal of the winning symbol combinations from the symbol matrix; replacement of removed symbols with other symbols; issuance of awards for predetermined combination of symbols in the symbol matrix; and recurring cycles of award, removal and replacement until no winning symbol combinations appear in the symbol matrix.
US08083575B2 Car interior odor air ventilation system
A ventilation system is provided in an automobile by forming an intake opening in the top of the seats in the automobile. A telescopic pipe is located in the cushion of the seat with its top end mounted to the intake opening and its lower end mounted to an outlet port at the underside of the seat. An ammonia sensor and a air drawing fan is mounted in the telescopic pipe. The air drawing fan is actuated by the ammonia sensor with the control of a seat fan module when the ammonia sensor detects body waste odor air expelled by a passenger sitting in the seat. Exhaust ducts are provided for conducting the odor air out of the automobile.
US08083558B2 Outboard motor
An outboard motor has a top cover extending over an engine cover covering an engine, and an upstream intake silencer spaced upward apart from the top wall of the engine cover. The upstream intake silencer has an entrance duct spaced apart from the top wall and forming an inlet air passage through which air for combustion flows from an air-intake space into the upstream intake silencer. The upstream end of the inlet air passage is on the rear side of the downstream end of an outlet air passage and at a level above that of an air-intake opening. The entrance duct does not extend downward from a bottom wall forming the upstream expansion chamber and protrudes upward from the bottom wall in the upstream expansion chamber.
US08083543B2 Joint connector and wire short-circuiting method using the same
A joint connector capable of mutually short-circuiting wires reliably without an increase in the number of components and size thereof. The joint connector (JC) comprises a joint terminal for short-circuiting and a connector housing. The joint terminal includes a plurality of electric contact portions and a short-circuiting portion connecting the electric contact portions. The connector housing has a bottom wall and other walls surrounding a terminal insertion space into which each of the wire-side terminal is inserted, and a lance for locking the inserted wire-side terminal. The lance adapted to be deflected so as to project outwardly from the bottom wall, until the wire-side terminal reaches a proper insertion depth position, to be retracted from the wire-side terminal, and elastically return into the bottom wall, when the wire-side terminal reaches the position. The deflection of the lance allows the insertion of the wire-side terminal to be checked.
US08083536B2 Connector assembly and method for SATA drives
A connector assembly and method suitable for making data and power connections with mass storage devices that use the SATA interface standard. The connector assembly includes a connector having a pair of oppositely-disposed surfaces, a face between the surfaces, and data and power connector portions disposed in the face. The data and power connector portions are adapted to establish data and power connections between the connector and a SATA interface of a mass storage device. The connector assembly further has data and power cables for transmitting, respectively, data and power through the data and power connector portions of the connector. Opposing clips protrude from the oppositely-disposed surfaces of the connector and project beyond the face of the connector. The clips engage opposing sides of the mass storage device and mechanically stabilize the data and power connections between the connector and the SATA interface of the mass storage device.
US08083522B2 Method for tooth implants
A systematic approach to planning and selection of a dental implant. Models of the patient's dentition, including the gingival and supporting bone structure are analyzed in relation to a model of the dentition that will be replaced by the implant. Based on information collected from a missing tooth (or teeth) model, greater insight can be gained into the functional and aesthetic attributes of the implant best suited for the patient. And from this realization a more informed decision can be made for planning the procedure for installation of the implant for the patient, and selection of the implant, e.g., size, type and orientation of supporting fixture and abutment.
US08083520B2 Reactor for direct utilization of external radiation heat for thermal or thermo-chemical material processes
A reactor for direct utilization of external radiation heat includes a containment can having a longitudinal axis, an external driving mechanism for controllable rotating the containment can and a cavity having a cylindrical shape. The cavity is partially lined with an insulation layer and disposed in the containment can. The cavity has a gas inlet, a gas outlet and an aperture for allowing to insert the external radiation heat into the cavity. A feeder mechanism is moveable along the longitudinal axis into and out of the cavity for supplying the material subject to the thermal or thermo-chemical material process. The gas outlet is formed as a ring channel tube having an inner and an outer surface, wherein the feeder mechanism is at least partially hosted within a tube cavity defined by the inner surface. Cooling means are associated with the inner and/or outer surface.
US08083516B2 Mold having air-venting grooves
A mold includes a parting surface, runners, mold cavities, gates and primary air-venting grooves defined in the parting surface. The gates connect the respective runners to the corresponding mold cavities. Each primary air-venting groove includes an air-receiving groove portion and an air-venting groove portion in communication with the air-receiving groove portion. The air-receiving groove portion communicates with the gate and surrounds the corresponding mold cavity. The air-venting groove portion extends to and terminates at a corresponding edge of the parting surface.
US08083515B2 Fine pattern mold
The fine pattern mold comprises: that includes a roll, a buffer tube with inner peripheral surface is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the roll, and a stamper tube in which its inner peripheral surface is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the buffer tube and a fine concave/convex pattern is formed on its outer peripheral surface, wherein the buffer tube has a larger coefficient of linear expansion and a smaller elastic modulus than those of the stamper tube.
US08083509B2 Underwater pelletizer
An underwater pelletizer for cutting extruded plastic into a flow of liquid is disclosed. The pelletizer includes a cutter hub (90) carrying at least one cutter blade (96), a cutter shaft (60) for rotationally driving the cutter hub, and a flexible torque converter (80) for connecting a motor to the cutter hub. In one embodiment, the torque converter has a first set of bushings (82) that is fastened to a face (98) of the cutter hub and a second set of bushings that is fastened to a face (64) of the cutter shaft. The disclosed pelletizer has a shaft extension (20) configured to engage a motor shaft, the shaft extension having an outer diameter having formed thereon a splined portion (38) and first (26) and second (28) sealing surfaces. A disclosed motor adaptor (40) has a seal surface (44). A water chamber plate (50) may also have a seal surface (52). A first mechanical seal (48) is illustratively configured to engage the first seal surface (26) of the shaft extension and the seal surface (44) of the motor adaptor. A second mechanical seal (49) is illustratively configured to engage the second seal surface (28) of the shaft extension and the seal surface (52) of the water chamber plate. Furthermore, a cutter shaft (60) has a splined bore (62) formed therein for engaging the splined portion (38) of the shaft extension.
US08083497B2 Pressure washer pump housing stand
An apparatus and method to support a pressure washer pump housing with a stand directly connected to the pressure washer pump housing. The stand comprises a horizontal platform connected to an underside of an engine and legs comprising vertical portions and strut portions, the vertical portions directly connected to and obliquely extending from the platform and the strut portions obliquely extending from the housing to the vertical portions.
US08083491B2 Wind turbine blade
A wind turbine blade (11) having an aerodynamic profile with a leading edge (13), a trailing edge (15) and suction and pressure sides (17, 19) between the leading edge (13) and the trailing edge (15), wherein the pressure side (19) includes a modified zone (31) shaped for reducing the negative lift coefficient which is done whether attaching a device (33) such as a stall strip to the blade (11) or attaching or inserting into the blade (11) a deformable device and actuator means for providing the shape and size changes in it.
US08083490B2 Propeller for watercraft, outboard motor and watercraft including the same and the method for producing the same
A propeller for watercraft having excellent abrasion resistance includes a propeller body having a blade and a hub portion, the propeller body being molded from an aluminum alloy by casting, and an anodic oxide coating of the aluminum alloy provided so as to cover a surface of the propeller body. The anodic oxide coating has a thickness of about 20 μm or more in a thinnest portion and a hardness of about 330 HV or more at a near-surface level in a thickest portion.
US08083484B2 Turbine rotor blade tips that discourage cross-flow
A turbine rotor blade for a gas turbine engine including an airfoil and dovetail for mounting the airfoil along a radial axis to a rotor disk inboard of a turbine shroud, the airfoil comprising: a pressure sidewall and a suction sidewall that join together at a leading edge and a trailing edge, the pressure sidewall and suction sidewall extending from a root to a tip plate; a pressure tip wall that extends radially outwardly from the tip plate, traversing from the leading edge to the trailing edge such that the pressure tip wall resides approximately adjacent to the termination of the pressure sidewall; a suction tip wall that extends radially outwardly from the tip plate, traversing from the leading edge to the trailing edge such that the suction tip wall resides approximately adjacent to the termination of the suction sidewall; and one or more tip ribs that extend substantially between the pressure tip wall and the suction tip wall.
US08083474B2 Turbocharger
To provide a turbocharger whose lifetime is long, which is capable of inexpensively and precisely performing nozzle vane angle synchronous control by using inexpensive and highly wear resistant components in a link mechanism for driving a rotation mechanism of nozzle vanes of an adjustable nozzle mechanism. As pins fixedly arrayed in a ring plate rotatably supported on the turbocharger, that set an angle of the nozzle vanes for controlling an amount of exhaust gas for rotating a turbine rotor, each pin in which a hard coating with a thickness of approximately 2 μm which is formed of Al, Cr, Si, and N by physical vapor deposition is formed onto an austenitic stainless steel as a base material, is used.
US08083473B2 Interface for a stamped stator and a one-way clutch
A stator, including: a one-way clutch with at least one slot opening radially outward from an outer circumferential portion of an outer race; and a blade assembly including first and second separately formed, stamped blade segments rotationally connected to the one-way clutch via the at least one slot. The blade segments are fixedly connected at respective outer circumferential portions. In one embodiment, the stamped blade segments include respective portions disposed in the at least one slot and disposed radially inward from respective blades for the respective blade segments. In one embodiment, the stator includes at least one rivet disposed in the at least one slot and fixedly secured to first and second portions of the first and second stamped blade segments, respectively, the first and second portions located radially inward from blades for the first and second stamped blade segments, respectively.
US08083469B1 High temperature bearing with lubricant
A bearing lubrication system for a high temperature bearing, such as in a small gas turbine engine for a UAV, in which the bearing and lubricant requires a long shelf life, where the bearing includes a solid lubricant movable within a chamber formed within a housing and located adjacent to the bearing. The solid lubricant is biased by a spring toward the bearing and abuts against a runner that rotates along with the rotor shaft during engine operation. A cooling air passage opens into a space formed between the bearing and the solid lubricant to supply cooling air through the bearing. When the engine operates, heat is transferred through the runner to the solid lubricant to melt the lubricant. Rubbing of the runner against the biased solid lubricant will also melt the lubricant. The melting lubricant is carried by the cooling air through the bearing to provide both cooling and lubrication for the bearing.
US08083463B2 Mini clean room for preventing wafer pollution and using method thereof
A mini clean room for preventing wafer pollution includes a robot arm, a clean room body slidably disposed on the robot arm and at least one lock unit which is rotatably connected with the clean room body. During operation, the robot arm extends out of the clean room body to carry a wafer waiting to be processed, and then moves back into the clean room body which can provide an isolated and protected space for the wafer to avoid that the wafer is polluted. The present invention also discloses a method of using a mini clean room for preventing wafer pollution.
US08083460B2 Cable-driven manipulator
The present invention discloses a cable-driven manipulator comprising an operating unit having a drive motor, and a pulley rotated by the drive motor. An upper arm is coupled, through a joint, to one side of the operating unit. A forearm coupled, through a joint, to the other side of the upper arm by the cable. A gripper of an end effector operably coupled to the forearm, a cable compensation device is installed between the upper arm and the forearm so as to maintain constant the length of the cable that transmits the power of the operating unit to the end effector during the pivoting of the forearm. It is thus possible to prevent the variation of tensile force due to the variation of the length of the cable for operating the end effector during the pivoting of the forearm or the unintended malfunction of the end effector.
US08083455B2 Cover applier system
A system for positioning a cover relative to a book block. The system comprises a drive unit to cause movement of at least one of the book block and the cover and a position sensor operable to detect at least one of a position of the book block and the cover. The position sensor is operable to generate a position signal indicative of the position. The system also comprises a controller in communication with the position sensor and the drive unit. The controller is operable to receive the position signal and to control the drive unit based on the position signal to adjust a relative position of the cover and the book block.
US08083446B2 Spindle having a data acquisition element which can be read by a radio
The invention relates to a spindle for a machine tool, in particular a motor spindle having a housing (2) for accommodating an electric motor (3) and a shaft (6) which can be driven by the latter, in particular having a tool holder for a tool for machining workpieces, wherein at least one data acquisition element (8) for recording operating and/or state data of the spindle is provided, and wherein the data acquisition element is in the form of a radio chip and can be read by radio using a read element (9).
US08083424B2 Ergonomic keyboard
An ergonomic keyboard having a mount and a plurality of keys arranged in a plurality of unbroken adjacent rows is provided. Each row is comprised of an arcuate portion, a left portion, and a right portion. The left and right portions extend tangentially from the left and right sides of the arcuate portion, respectively. The arcuate portion, of each row is convex to the user side of the keyboard, and at least two keys in each arcuate portion are elongated. Alphanumeric indicia on the keys can be arranged in the QWERTY pattern.
US08083422B1 Handheld tattoo printer
A mobile, handheld and hand-propelled tattoo printer is disclosed for use in printing a tattoo design on a body part. The tattoo design may be any image, graphic, word, phrase, or other tattoo design. The tattoo printer receives or generates image data of the tattoo design. A user moves the tattoo printer on a body part for printing the tattoo design. A position module provides absolute position data so that the tattoo design is accurately printed. The tattoo printer can be used to apply countless tattoo designs based upon image data received from one or more sources.
US08083421B2 AF/zoom shutter with two blades function
A miniature camera module comprising: a module frame comprising a surface with a conduit passing through the surface, thereby allowing light to pass through the surface via the conduit; a first blade coupled to the module frame and configured to rotate about a first axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first blade does not eclipse the conduit at all when in the open position and the first blade at least partially eclipses the conduit when in the closed position; a first solenoid coupled to the module frame; and a first pin coupled to the first solenoid, wherein an actuation of the first solenoid causes the first pin to rotate the first blade from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the module includes additional blades, solenoids and pins.
US08083414B2 Bush bearing
A bush bearing (1) is a wrapped bush bearing which has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface (2) serving as a sliding surface as well as an outer peripheral surface (3), and whose abutting faces (4) are abutted against each other. The outer peripheral surface (3) includes a cylindrical surface (11); a tapered surface (13) interposed between the cylindrical surface (11) and one annular end face (12) in an axial direction X and formed by roll forming; a smooth circular arc surface (14) interposed between the tapered surface (13) and the cylindrical surface (11); and a smooth circular arc surface (15) interposed between the tapered surface (13) and the end face (12).
US08083407B2 Shielding device for optical and/or electronic apparatuses, and space vehicle comprising such device
A shielding device (20) for optical and/or electronic apparatuses (16) is described, wherein said apparatuses may cooperate with incident electromagnetic radiation (X1, X2), in particular for space telescopes, the shielding device including: at least a filter (24, 26) provided for interacting with said incident electromagnetic radiation (X1, X2), for selectively filtering said radiation; and a support structure (22) for the filter. The support structure (22) is an inflatable structure, which is able to achieve an operating stand-by configuration, in which it is substantially folded together, and an active operating configuration, in which it extends along the longitudinal extension axis (ZZ), and is essentially completely unfolded. Furthermore, the filter (24, 26) includes a filter body, which is provided in order to be transversely positioned with respect to said longitudinal extension axis, when the support structure reaches its active operating configuration.
US08083405B2 Pressure sensor having a rotational response to the environment
Methods and systems of the invention are directed to a pressure sensor that includes a substrate, a first conductive plate, and a second conductive plate. The substrate is formed of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The first conductive plate is formed of a material having a CTE that is higher than the CTE of the substrate, and is attached to a first surface of the substrate. The second conductive plate is rotatably connected to the substrate through a hinge, and includes a portion that is adjacent to the first conductive plate.
US08083399B2 Method for fabricating thermal effect standards
A method for fabricating thermal effect standards includes providing an oven, placing at least one temperature sensor at measurement location in the oven, operating the oven, monitoring a temperature output of the at least one temperature sensor, providing at least one composite material specimen, placing the at least one composite material specimen at the measurement location in the oven and heat treating the at least one composite material specimen as at least one thermal effect standard by operating the oven according to the temperature output of the at least one temperature sensor. A method of determining a physical property of a composite material is also disclosed.
US08083388B2 Automobile lamp
An automobile lamp includes a light emitting element used as an initial light source, a light guide element for calculating a divergence angle and a light emitting area of the divergence angle of the initial light source, and a lens element to enhance a light extraction efficiency of the light emitting element and produce a light source with a predetermined light pattern and a high light extraction efficiency. A projecting element is used for enhancing the contrast of the light pattern of the light source, so that the automobile lamp can project a high-contrast cutoff line. A light emitting surface of the light emitting element is designed with a predetermined shape, such that no other optical component is required for projecting a light beam with a cross-section of a predetermined shape, so as to enhance a light energy utilization efficiency of the automobile lamp effectively.
US08083382B1 Illumination system
An illumination system has a mounting plate, a plurality of thermally conductive boards in thermal contact with the mounting plate, a plurality of infrared emitting diodes electrically and thermally communicating with the board strips, an optical lens formed as a translucent dome covering the boards and infrared emitting diodes, and a lamp base operatively coupled to the mounting plate and boards. The infrared emitting diodes receive power from an external electrical source entering the system through the base.
US08083381B2 Holiday light with LED
A holiday light with LED has a seat connected to a lamp, a lens and a cover in sequence. The seat has lower recesses. The lamp has an LED and two groups of wires and each group of wires have three wires. The cover has upper recesses. The wires are clamped between corresponding lower recesses of the seat and the upper recesses of the cover and the LED is mounted between the seat, the lens and the cover. The holiday light with LED is improved electrical efficiency and provides various lighting effects and is more reliable than an incandescent bulb.
US08083380B2 Integrated structure for optical refractor
The present invention relates to an integrated structure for an optical refractor, and more particularly to an integrated structure between a circuit board and an optical refractor which enables exposing the light source after dismantling to facilitate replacement and maintenance thereof. The integrated structure is composed of a planar baseplate, centrally integrated with an optical refractor lens, and the bottom surface of the baseplate is provided with a male end clasping portion parallel to the incident light surface, the male end clasping portion being further provided with position fixing tenons used for fixing position and clasp pins used for clasping, thereby enabling convenient disassembly and replacement to facilitate exposing the light emitting crystal on the front surface of the circuit board to enable maintenance and replacement.
US08083369B1 Bracket for a lighting fixture in a suspended ceiling
An adapter bracket which enables the installation of a door frame or louver into a recessed fixture that sits on a T-bar supported by a ceiling without having to custom design a hinge and latch system to match the original fixture or require the installation of a false frame that lifts the fixture. The brackets slide between the T-bar and the existing fixture. The bracket is also slightly wider than the T-bar opening. The door frame will keep the brackets spaced wide enough to ensure that the assembly would not fall out of the opening. The hinge and latch mechanism for the door frame is built into its end rails and latches onto the bracket to ensure the door frame is supported and held in position.
US08083366B1 Internally illuminated extrusion architecture
Internally illuminated extrusion architecture comprising a plurality of internally illuminated extrusion-based modular members capable of being connected to form a display structure uniformly radiating diffused light from its interior spaces. A continuous glowing lighted effect emanating from the structural components of the architecture draws the attention of a viewer. Members of varied shape and lengths accommodate different scale structures and foot-prints. T-guides integral to the extrusion-based members allow for unique customization through incorporation of banners, fabric sheets, large scale graphics, shelf assemblies, panels, fascia attachments, skin attachments, headers, canopies, bars, storage towers, tables, and/or workstations at any desired point along the longitudinal axis of the members.
US08083362B2 Thin film reflective coating pinning arrangement
In one aspect of the present invention, a reflector for use in a solar collector will be described. The reflector includes a thin film reflective coating that is positioned on a layer. For example, the layer may be a substrate that physically supports the reflective coating or a protective layer. There are multiple spaced apart pinning regions that are distributed through an interface between the layer and the thin film reflective coating. The pinning regions locally anchor the reflective coating to the layer. Some aspects of the present invention relate to the use of pinning regions in other types of optical or electrical components.
US08083359B2 Corner cube retroreflector mount
A retroreflector adapted to be mounted to a motor including a first, second, and third petal having a mutually perpendicular first, second, and third reflective surface that form a retroreflective surface. A base is directly connected to at least one of the first, second, or third petal so as to minimize a vertical profile of the retroreflector. The base is removably connected to the motor with a fastening mechanism. A spatial distance between the fastening mechanism and at least one of the first, second, or third petal minimizes a stress from the motor propagated to the retroreflective surface.
US08083357B2 Cooling structure of projecting apparatus
A projecting apparatus cooling structure is provided in which a discharge lamp can be always kept at an appropriate temperature whether the projecting apparatus is horizontally installed on a flat surface for forward projection or for downward projection or suspended from the ceiling for forward projection or for upward projection, so that the reliability and safety of the discharge lamp is improved and so that the life of the discharge lamp can be extended. The projecting apparatus projects an image for display using a discharge lamp as a light source. The projecting apparatus includes an air inlet for taking in a cooling medium for cooling the projecting apparatus, an air outlet for exhausting the cooling medium for cooling the projecting apparatus, a plurality of fans which each let the cooling medium flow in a predetermined direction, and a control section which detects a position in which the projecting apparatus is installed, and controls the plurality of fans according to the position detected by the position sensor.
US08083342B2 Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method
An inkjet recording apparatus, includes: a black ink ejecting portion configured to eject a black ink containing a self-dispersion pigment; color ink ejecting portions configured to eject, respectively, a cyan ink, a magenta ink and a yellow ink which contain a polymer emulsion containing a polymer fine particle containing a coloring material which is insoluble in water or slightly soluble in water; and a recording-controlling unit configured to control recording. When the recording medium is optically transparent and is provided, on a transparent base material thereof, with an ink accepting layer, the recording-controlling unit controls recording on the recording medium such that the color ink ejecting portion is used for recording a monochrome image and a color image which has a plurality of colors, leaving the black ink ejecting portion substantially free from being used.
US08083339B2 Ink set, treating liquid, recording liquid, image recording apparatus and image recording method
To provide an ink set including a recording liquid and a treating liquid capable of obtaining a high-quality-image printed matter. To provide the high-quality-image printed matter by using the ink set including the recording liquid and the treating liquid, where the component and property of the treating liquid and the recording liquid are adjusted, moreover a combination of the component and the property is adjusted. The ink set includes: the recording liquid which includes a coloring material; and the treating liquid which includes a component reactive with a component of the recording liquid. By superimposing the treating liquid and the recording liquid on a record medium, a record part is formed which includes a first layer formed of the recording liquid, and a second layer formed of the treating liquid. The treating liquid has the surface tension γ expressed by 10 mN/m≦γ≦60 mN/m.
US08083338B2 Radiation-curable ink-jet printing
A radiation-curable ink-jet black ink is provided which includes a black pigment, at least one colour pigment and at least one radiation-curable compound. An ink-jet ink set which includes the radiation-curable ink-jet black ink and a process for printing with such an ink-jet ink set are also disclosed. Image quality defects of noticeable chromatic variation in adjacent print patches of bi-directional printing are eliminated and reduced ink consumption is observed.
US08083330B2 Liquid-ejecting head, liquid-ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric transducer
A liquid-ejecting head includes a pressure-generating chamber communicatively connected to a nozzle opening and also includes a piezoelectric transducer including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer. The first electrode contains platinum and titanium oxide with a rutile content of 76.5 to 100 mole percent.
US08083325B2 Liquid ejection recording head having element substrate with plural supply ports
A liquid ejection recording head includes an element substrate having plural ejection energy generating elements, an ejection outlet array of plural ejection outlets, and bubble generation chambers. The element substrate includes a first liquid supply port provided along an arrangement direction of the ejection outlets, and plural second ink supply ports disposed between a lateral end of the substrate and the chambers. Each bubble generation chamber communicates with the first and second liquid supply ports through first and second liquid supply passages, respectively. The element substrate has a thermal resistance against heat flowing from the ejection energy generating elements along a direction perpendicular to the array direction and parallel to a surface of the substrate. The thermal resistance, per unit length with respect to the array direction, at both end portions of the array is larger than that at a central portion of the ejection outlet array.
US08083321B2 Removable radiation cured composition and process for protecting a micro-fluid ejection head
There is disclosed a removable radiation cured member suitable for use in protecting a micro-fluid ejection head. Further, a reactant mixture suitable for sealing a micro-fluid ejection head comprising a vinyl-containing oligomer, a filler, and optionally a reactive diluent and/or a photoinitiator is disclosed.
US08083317B2 Liquid-discharging recording head
A liquid-discharging recording head includes first and second substrates each having an energy generating element and a supply port, and a support member on which the substrates are arranged. The first substrate is provided on one side in a longitudinal direction of the support member, and the second substrate is provided on an other side in the longitudinal direction of the support member. A driving circuit configured to drive the energy generating element is provided in a larger region between an end of a supply port in the first substrate on the other side in the longitudinal direction and an end of the first substrate on the other side and in a larger region between an end of a supply port in the second substrate on the one side in the longitudinal direction and an end of the second substrate on the one side.
US08083311B2 Ink-jet printing apparatus, control method therefor, program, and storage medium
An object of this invention is to prevent prolongation of the time taken for a suction recovery operation while suppressing wasteful consumption of ink in the suction recovery operation. An ink-jet printing apparatus includes a plurality of caps which, when a plurality of nozzles of an ink-jet head are divided into a plurality of nozzle groups, are arranged one by one for the respective nozzle groups, and cap the respective nozzle groups, a suction pump which generates a negative pressure in the plurality of caps to suck ink from the plurality of nozzles, and is arranged commonly for the plurality of caps, and a control unit which controls the suction pump so as to make the negative pressure by the suction pump act on all the caps when a common negative pressure is generated in the plurality of caps, and make different negative pressures by the suction pump act sequentially on the plurality of caps when different negative pressures are generated in the respective caps.
US08083309B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting method
A liquid ejection apparatus includes an element that is charged and discharged so as to perform an operation to eject a liquid, an analog signal generating unit that generates an analog signal having a voltage change pattern for determining the operation of the element, a charging transistor that amplifies a current of the analog signal while the element is charged, and pushes the amplified current toward the element, the charging transistor having a current source terminal, to which a current source is connected, and a push terminal for pushing the current, and a current source connector that selects at least one current source from among a plurality of current sources according to a voltage of the analog signal, and connects the selected current source to the current source terminal.
US08083307B2 Method of fabricating three-dimensional structure and method of manufacturing substrate with spacer
A method of fabricating a three-dimensional structure, the method comprises the steps of: depositing a droplet of curable ink on a substrate; curing the ink deposited on the substrate; and building up the ink in layers by repeatedly depositing a droplet of curable ink on the cured ink and curing the deposited ink, while doing at least one of a control of a contact angle between the droplet of ink to be deposited and cured ink at the landing position where the droplet of ink is to be deposited and a control of a volume of the droplet of ink to be deposited so as to satisfy the condition dn≦dn−1, where dn represents the landing diameter of a droplet of ink to be deposited and dn−1 represents the diameter of cured ink at a landing position where the droplet of ink is to be deposited.
US08083305B2 Sealing structure of refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided, by which cold air can be effectively prevented from leaking from a storage room. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body having an opening and a storage room provided therein, a door closing/opening, a sealing part provided to at least one of the door and the refrigerator body to prevent a cold air from leaking from the storage room, and a flow cutoff part provided inside the sealing part to prevent the cold air flowing toward the sealing part from the storage room. Accordingly, by cutting of the cold air leakage together with the sealing part, energy efficiency of the refrigerator can be raised.
US08083300B2 Electronics enclosure for suspended ceilings
An electronics enclosure is disclosed. The enclosure comprises a top plate and a cabinet frame, having at least two sides, coupled to the top plate. The enclosure further comprises a base plate pivotally coupled to the cabinet frame at an opposing end from the top plate, where the base plate has an upper surface and a lower surface and covers an opening in the cabinet frame. Moreover, at least one mounting plate is pivotally coupled inside the cabinet frame to hold at least one electronic component within the cabinet frame between the base plate and the top plate. The at least one mounting plate rotates from a first position wherein the at least one mounting plate is stored within the cabinet frame to a second position wherein the at least one mounting plate extends through the opening in the cabinet frame that is covered by the base plate.
US08083293B2 Empty/load brake control device with multi-stage sensing
An empty/load valve brake control device for a railway vehicle includes a body and a valve member disposed within the body. The body defines an inlet passageway, an outlet passageway, an exhaust passageway, and a secondary passageway. The valve member has an empty position, a load position, and a partial load position. The inlet passageway is connected to the outlet passageway when the valve member is in the empty position, the outlet passageway is connected to the exhaust passageway when the valve member is in the load position, and the inlet passageway is connected to the secondary passageway when the valve member is in the partial load position.
US08083285B2 Side under spoiler mounting structure
Because a vehicle lower portion 6 and a bracket 3 have an equal level of thermal expansion or thermal contraction, a bonded surface of the bracket 3 can be prevented from losing the bond with the vehicle lower portion 6 due to any deformation difference that might be caused if they have different thermal expansion coefficients. A side under spoiler 4 can be kept supported on the bracket 3 even if the side under spoiler 4 thermally expands or thermally contracts, and hence the side under spoiler 4 made of a different material from that of a vehicle body 2 can be more securely mounted on the vehicle body 2. The bracket 3 and the side under spoiler 4 after mounted can maintain their ability to be joined to the vehicle body 2 for a long term.
US08083280B2 Modular storage compartment for vehicle
A modular storage compartment assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of storage compartments coupled together and arranged in a side-by-side configuration to form a modular assembly. Each storage compartment includes a plurality of frame members coupled together to form a frame structure for the storage compartment, a floor assembly comprising a plurality of floor members coupled together, and at least one door configured to allow access to the storage compartment. The plurality of storage compartments are configured for coupling to a vehicle. The frame members and the floor members are formed of a pultruded composite material that comprises a polymeric resin matrix and fiber reinforcements provided within the matrix.
US08083270B2 Safety hook structure for hood
A safety hook structure for a hood is disclosed. The safety hook structure includes a bracket mounted on a rear surface of the hood and has a protrusion with a groove formed on the center thereof, a safety hook having a pivot portion pivotally inserted in the groove of the protrusion and moving in a horizontal direction, and a resilient member having one end fixed to the bracket and the other end fixed to the safety hook and applying a restoring force to the safety hook. Since the safety hook structure, which is moved in the horizontal direction to unlock the hood, is mounted on the hood, an enlarged buffer space for pedestrian protection is secured between an outer panel and an inner panel of the hood. Therefore, if a pedestrian is struck by an automobile, he/she can be protected by a stable buffer force. In addition, the safety hook structure can be easily manufactured by simplifying the construction of the safety hook, which can reduce the manufacturing cost thereof.
US08083261B2 Positioning device
A positioning device has a deformable load-bearing element (10), a shaped part (12) coupled to the load-bearing element (10), and a holder (24). The load-bearing element (10) is adapted to be shifted from a first position in which the shaped part (12) is held in a first shape by the holder (24), into a second position in which the shaped part (12) is at least partially no longer held by the holder (24) and takes a second shape which is transmitted to the load-bearing element (10).
US08083253B1 Shopping cart assembly with folding legs
A folding shopping cart assembly having a basket with a bottom surface and side walls. A plurality of rollers are coupled to the basket. A framework is provided for supporting the basket at an elevated height. The basket is capable of moving on rollers relative the framework between a retracted position, where most of the rollers are in contact with the framework, and a cantilevered position, where most of the rollers are not in contact with the framework. Wheels are coupled to the framework so that the framework and the basket can be rolled together as a cart. The framework can be rotated about the basket to a stowed position that enables the cart assembly to be placed in a vehicle.
US08083247B2 Arm supporter of bicycle
Provided is an arm support of a bicycle which is configured to reduce an intensive pressure acting from a seat due to the rider's weight inclined at the seat by spreading the inclined weight to other parts. The rider can get on or off the bicycle more easily by putting his/her arms on the arm support. In the bicycle including a frame, a seat disposed at the frame, a handle for controlling the direction of the bicycle, and wheels rotatably coupled to the frame, the arm support includes: a support shaft including a coupling part fixed to the frame: a support bar disposed at an upper side of the support shaft and connected to both sides of the support shaft; and armrests coupled to the support bar so that a rider puts his/her arms thereon The armrests extend horizontally from the vertical support bars and bent toward the seat or upward to form armrest channels.
US08083246B2 Plated bicycle fork steerer tube
The present invention is directed to a bicycle fork steerer tube of fibre composite material with a layer of metal circumferentially about the exterior of the fibre composite material. The layer of metal assists in wear resistance and increases strength.
US08083242B2 Multi-pivot vehicle suspension
An all terrain vehicle and suspension providing frame members that pivot relative to each other and independent of supported track assemblies. Suspension frame sections pivot at supported bearings and torsion couplers. An endless track of each track assembly is trained around a framework having a drive sprocket and sets of idler wheels. The track assemblies independently pivot relative to the vehicle from a track suspension frame and supported sets of idler wheels mounted to torsion biased rocker arms that resist and bias the rocker arms and idler wheels to an equilibrium position and conformally shape the track to the terrain. Improved track drive lug surfaces are shaped to prevent track derailment. The vehicle frame and track assemblies independently rise, fall and pivot as obstacles of differing configurations and types are encountered to stabilize and maintain an operator body substantially parallel to the ground.
US08083237B2 Tube seal components
A tube seal is provided including a rigid cylindrical tube and an elastomeric seal body molded to the outer surface of the cylindrical tube. The rigid cylindrical tube includes a recessed annular groove at each end thereof for receiving the elastomeric seal body therein to create a mechanical connection to resist the seal body from being pulled away from the cylindrical tube. The tube seal is also incorporated into a diameter reducing tube seal, an integrated tube seal and filter design and an integrated tube seal and valve design.
US08083222B2 Stacking apparatus, transportation apparatus and recording apparatus
A stacking apparatus includes: a cassette which accommodates a plurality of recording media in a superimposed manner; a mounting portion on which the cassette is mounted; a transportation path which is arranged at a downstream side in a direction in which the cassette is mounted on the mounting portion and on which the recording media are transported from the cassette mounted on the mounting portion; a stopper of which surface for regulating downstream side edges of the recording media regulates the side edges until the cassette is mounted on the mounting portion and of which surface for regulating the side edges of the recording media releases the regulation of the side edges with a rotational operation after the cassette is mounted on the mounting portion; and a slider which slides along a back surface of the regulating surface of the stopper for regulating the side edges.
US08083216B2 Vibration damping device equipped with rubber heat-insulating cover
A vibration damping device having a rubber heat-insulating cover wherein a strike plate portion and a pair of leg portions of a stopper member have detaining slots opening towards an outside, and two side walls of the detaining slot of the strike plate portion has stepped portions of notched shape disposed in its heightwise distal edge section. Center hook portions are formed on an outside face of a center section of the rubber heat-insulating cover, while outside hook portions are formed on an outside face of a peripheral wall portion of the rubber heat-insulating cover. The center hook portions are engaged with the two side walls of the detaining slot, and the outside hook portions are engaged with the two side walls of the detaining slots in the leg portions. Two end faces of the center hook portions are held in abutment against stepped faces at either end of the stepped portions in both side walls of the detaining slot.
US08083210B2 Mechanism for positioning the handle of a power unit and floor jack
A hydraulic floor jack has a tubular handle with a yoke at the distal end thereof with lateral axels pivotally attached to a pair of vertical side brackets. One side brackets has a series of arcuate upper surfaces concentric with the lateral axel of the yoke, including a large radius forward portion, then a small radius arcuate notch portion, then an intermediate radius rearward portion. The yoke has a barrel aligned radially over the circular upper surfaces of the side bracket, with a plunger therein having an upper end extending above the barrel and a lower end for extending below the barrel and into the arcuate notch portion. A plunger control level has a rectangular distal end that is pivotally attached to the upper end of the plunger. The control lever can position the plunger to fully extended into the arcuate notch portion for fixing the movement of the tubular handle; and can position the plunger to partially extend into the arcuate notch portion for freeing the handle to pump the hydraulic cylinder; and can retract the plunger from the arcuate notch portion for folding the handle over the hydraulic jack.
US08083204B2 Fuel system and ecology valve for use therein
A fuel system comprises a pressure raising valve operable to control communication between a fuel delivery line and an engine manifold line, and an ecology valve comprising a piston movable within a bore, the piston and bore together defining a control chamber and an ecology chamber, the ecology chamber communicating with the engine manifold line, the pressure within the control chamber being controllable to control the position occupied by the piston, the ecology valve further comprising seal means whereby, when the piston occupies a first position in which it engages the seal means, only a first, relatively small, effective area of the piston is exposed to a fuel pressure within the engine manifold line, a second, larger, effective area being exposed to the fuel pressure within the engine manifold line when the piston occupies a position in which it does not engage the seal. An ecology valve for use in the fuel system is also described.
US08083203B2 Retaining device for assembling two panels, recyclable formwork for forming a concrete structure and packaging assembly using the same
The invention provides a retaining device for assembling two panels together. The device has a support and first and second pairs of spaced-apart parallel walls extending along the support and projecting outwardly therefrom for providing first and second holding channels extending angularly to each other, each channel being adapted to receive an edge of one of the panels therein in a snugly relationship to allow assembling of the two panels. The invention also provides a formwork for forming a polygonal upright concrete structure using a plurality of retaining devices and a plurality of panels arranged with the retaining devices for providing a forming cavity between the panels adapted to receive concrete therein. There is also provided a packaging assembly for packaging goods using a plurality of retaining devices and a plurality of panels arranged with the retaining devices for providing a protecting cavity between the panels adapted to receive the goods therein.
US08083197B2 Mounting apparatus for data storage device
A mounting apparatus is provided for mounting a data storage device. The mounting apparatus includes a bracket to receive the data storage device, and a holder attached to bracket. The holder abuts against the front end of the data storage device, thereby retaining the data storage device in the bracket.
US08083186B2 Input/steering mechanisms and aircraft control systems for use on aircraft
Input/steering mechanisms and aircraft control systems are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, an input/steering mechanism is provided for use with an aircraft control system. The input/steering mechanism includes a yoke that includes a hub, an alphanumeric keyboard, and a first grip surface. The alphanumeric keyboard is disposed on a face of the hub and is adapted to receive a manual input from a user and to transmit an output signal to the aircraft control system in response to the manual input. The first grip surface is formed on an outer periphery of the hub and is contoured to correspond with one or more fingers of the user, the first grip surface is formed such that a thumb of the user is positioned to rest in proximity to at least a portion of the alphanumeric keyboard when the one or more fingers grip the first grip surface.
US08083180B2 Aircraft landing gear
The invention relates to an aircraft landing gear comprising a landing gear leg, wherein the landing gear leg or one or more parts of the landing gear leg consists partly or completely of a fiber composite material.
US08083176B2 Method for mounting an aircraft engine on a rigid structure of a strut for locking the engine
A method to mount an aircraft engine on a rigid structure of an engine mount, includes securing, on the structure, an attachment body for an engine attachment, the attachment body configured to lie against a contact surface of the rigid structure oriented forwardly, and secured to the structure by at least one shear pin passing through a first and a second primary orifice. The securing of the body includes: pre-positioning the engine relative to the engine mount to place the first orifice opposite the second orifice, and inserting a pin fitted with a convex centering head through the two orifices, so that the pin forms the shear pin.
US08083172B2 Combination spar and trunnion structure for a tilt rotor aircraft
An aircraft is equipped with a spinnion coupling an inboard wing to a tilting nacelle. The spinnion is advantageously configured to extend across the nacelle from an inboard junction to an outboard junction, and terminates inside the inboard wing. This provides an efficient lightweight structure to support a nacelle and facilitate tilting of the nacelle. The spinnion, which can be configured to be at least partially disposed within the inboard wing, is advantageously concentric with the tilting axis in order to facilitate tilting of a nacelle. A cross-wing driveshaft can be included, disposed at least partly within the inboard wing, and can advantageously be configured to terminate inside the spinnion at a junction with a miter gearbox. The miter gearbox can be disposed at least partly within the spinnion but more preferably lies entirely within the spinnion, and functions to transfer power from an input shaft to the cross-wing driveshaft.
US08083165B2 Method and device for manufacturing dispersed mineral products
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing dispersed mineral products by grinding the mineral raw material, sizing the same in a flow classifier, sorting the same in dispersion in air, and eliminating the dispersion air. Also disclosed are devices and installations for carrying out said method.
US08083159B2 Push-button nozzle for liquid product dispenser
The invention concerns a push-button nozzle for liquid or semi-liquid product dispenser, said dispenser comprising means for delivering the product under pressure which are mounted on the product container bottle and which comprise an ejection tube projecting outside. The invention is characterized in that said nozzle comprises a needle valve tightly closing the spraying orifice provided at the end of said nozzle, means for being fixed on the ejection tube and means for supplying products to a turbulence chamber located proximate said orifice.
US08083154B2 Controller system user interface
A thermostat system having dedicated informational regions in a display and associated buttons or softkeys for sequential operation. The system may maximize utilization of a sectioned display and buttons for system navigation. The informational, selection and/or action design takes into consideration operational button groupings for straightforward comfort settings as well as editing of the clock, day-of-week, schedules, and so forth. Sections, regions or areas of the display may indicate immediate button operations. The changeable information in the regions associated with the softkeys or buttons may provide sequential operation of the thermostat system. The system may have multiple schedules and setpoints for heating and cooling comfort setting flexibility. A combining of individual schedules may be automatically selected. Also, there may be a system switch mode, for example, between heat and cool, where the schedules may be individually edited. Scheduling may be informational and/or action item and option key driven.
US08083153B2 Securities, chip mounting product, and manufacturing method thereof
The invention provides an ID chip with reduced cost, increased impact resistance and attractive design, as well as products and the like mounting the ID chip and a manufacturing method thereof. In view of the foregoing, an integrated circuit having a semiconductor film with a thickness of 0.2 μm or less is mounted on securities including bills, belongings, containers of food and drink, and the like (hereinafter referred to as products and the like). The ID chip of the invention can be reduced in cost and increased in impact resistance as compared with a chip formed over a silicon wafer while maintaining an attractive design.
US08083140B1 System and method of over-the-air provisioning
A system for over-the-air provisioning is disclosed. The system comprises a processor and an over-the-air server application. The over-the-air server application, when executed by the processor, is configured to begin an over-the-air provisioning session, to request a log of an over-the-air client, to receive the log, to send a first plurality of action requests to the over-the-air client based on the log, to receive acknowledgments of the action request, to stop the over-the-air provisioning session when an acknowledgment is not received within a first time period, and to restart the over-the-air provisioning session after waiting a second time period when the over-the-air provisioning session has been stopped, wherein the first plurality of action requests comprise a first task.
US08083125B2 Two-piece pastry box
A box, in particular a pastry box, comprising a coverlid and a base recipient, said coverlid being applied on said base recipient, said coverlid comprising a first side provided to form a top plane and a second side provided to form a front plane of said box, said first and second side having a common edge, a border of said first side, which border is situated opposite to said common edge, is provided with a strip, which strip extends substantially perpendicular to said first side when said coverlid is mounted on said base recipient, said base recipient comprises a back wall, which is upstanding when said base recipient is unfolded, said strip being attached to said back wall, said base recipient being foldable, said back wall comprising a first and a second flap forming an integral part with each other and being foldable with respect to each other in such a manner that they overlap each other when said back wall is upstanding, said base recipient further comprising a first, respectively a second, side wall hingedly connected by means of a first, respectively a second wing to said back wall in such a manner that upon unfolding said base recipient the upstanding movement of said back wall causes said side wall to become upstanding too.
US08083117B2 Nailer device
A nailer device is carried within a housing having a nozzle portion wherein the nozzle portion is connected with the housing via a head portion of the housing. The nozzle portion includes a sleeve, a fixing member, and a magnetic member located between the sleeve and the fixing member. The fixing member is mounted on the sleeve and the fixing member has a groove in which the magnetic member is arranged.
US08083107B2 Closed loop dispensing system with mechanical venting means
A closed loop dispensing system including a mechanical venting assembly which ensures that sufficient air may enter the interior of the container as liquid is being drawn from the container. The mechanical venting assembly of this invention ensures that the vent openings associated therewith will not become plugged with debris.
US08083102B2 Flexible pouch with a tube spout fitment and flexible sleeve
A flexible pouch having a removable cap for use with the tube spout fitment and a method of filling the flexible pouch is provided. The removable cap is formed from a tube of pliable material, and has a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings each have a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge of the first opening is configured to engage the outer surface of the tube spout fitment. The peripheral edge of the second opening is pressed onto itself and sealed so as to form a flattened edge. The method includes the steps mounting the removable cap onto the tube spout fitment. Filling the pouch, and sealing the second opening of the removable cap so as to form a flattened edge.
US08083100B2 Mixing nozzle
A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The refrigeration system employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.
US08083098B1 Storage and dispensing system for needle-shields
Devices, systems and methods of supplying needle covers to be used to cover or shield the sharp and contaminated ends of used syringe-needles. The devices, systems and methods can include a delivery mechanism sized and configured to supply a plurality of needle-shielding members arranged to automatically advance into a preferred position as each individual needle-shielding member is engaged and subsequently removed from the delivery mechanism.
US08083096B2 Automatic supply apparatus and automatic supply method
An automatic supply apparatus for an elongate supply target member having elasticity and including both end portions includes a stock mechanism wherein a plurality of supply target members are stocked such that the plurality of supply target members are suspended in an inverted U shape and top portions of the plurality of supply target members are arranged side by side in a row direction, and an extraction mechanism to operate the top portions of the supply target members to extract one supply target member from the plurality of supply target members stocked in the stock mechanism.
US08083089B2 Versatile tamper-evident food container
A tamper-evident rigid plastic food container system wherein the outer periphery of the mating surfaces of the lid and tray are permanently bonded together after the food product has been placed in the tray, a set of perforated rows at an inner periphery, the interconnect of which needs to be torn into order to open the lid. Intentional, inadvertent or malicious ingress into the container can only be made by tearing at the perforations thereby evidencing the potential tampering and contamination of the packaging contents. The lid and tray edges may further include mechanical interference fits, including snap-fit grips that may be of the releasably lockable kind to permit sealing, release and re-sealing multiple times without deterioration in reliability, and which can further prevent or minimize leakage of liquid food product.
US08083085B2 Cooling method and nine-down packaging configuration for enhanced cooling of produce
The invention encompasses packaging and cooling methods and systems designed to improve cooling efficiencies, reduce damage to the contents of containers, and increase product packing density. A system of the present invention incorporates baskets loaded into trays and trays loaded in preferred configurations on a pallet. The trays are loaded with baskets arranged in the tray so that ventilation slots and/or channels of the baskets are aligned with tray ventilation openings. Nine (9) trays are loaded onto a standard pallet in a 3 by 3 configuration. Additionally, the trays are arranged so that the tray ventilation openings are in alignment with ventilation openings of other trays of the same layer. This 3 by 3 layer of trays comprises a so-called “nine-down” configuration. As will be discussed below, his configuration has some surprising cooling advantageous standard packaging configurations.
US08083076B2 Protection apparatus, method of locating a superconductive magnet unit and superconductive magnet unit apparatus
A protection apparatus for a superconductive magnet unit has a support frame for location relative to a portion of the superconductive magnet unit. The support frame is arranged to carry a buffer for protecting the superconductive magnet unit from a shock load.
US08083071B2 Rotating cone classifier
A classifier includes a central particle inlet, an inclined feed surface, and a classification surface. A plurality of particle feeding vanes are positioned above the feed surface, and the plurality of particle feeding vanes rotate above the feed surface. A plurality of classification vanes are positioned above the classification surface, and the plurality of classification vanes rotate above the classification surface. Particles enter the classifier through the inlet near an axis of rotation and flow radially outward on the feed surface to the classification surface.
US08083067B2 Method for the separation of overlapping density porous materials from less porous materials
Enhanced methods for separating of overlapping density porous materials are provided. The methods of the invention exploit the differences in the porosity of porous feed materials compared to that of the solid plastics. In the first stage, air is forced out of the pores of a porous feed material. In the second stage, a solution, having the appropriate density, is forced into the pores. This increases the density of the porous material relative to the density of the solid plastics. As a result, the porous material can be made to sink, while the solid plastics continue to float.
US08083060B1 Tool holder assembly
A tool holder assembly including a housing with a chamber, a rotating holder with a plurality of slots, a torsion spring, and an adapter, thereby forming an easy-to-use and portable tool holder. The slots at the top and the bottom of the rotating holder are provided for receiving screwdriver bits in different shapes and sizes. An insertion hole of the adapter is provided for the insertion of a hand tool in order to tighten a screw. Besides, the rotating holder may be swiveled by means of the torsion spring in an inclined position relative to the housing, thereby facilitating the removal and the storage of the screwdriver bits.
US08083059B1 Socket storage apparatus
A socket storage apparatus is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the socket storage apparatus includes at least one generally elongated socket support member and a plurality of socket attachment devices carried by the at least one socket support member in generally spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other. A pair of spaced-apart base panels is disposed at each end of the elongated socket support member. The base panels have a perimeter including a supporting edge, which extends beyond a distal end of either a series of sockets or other drive tool. The socket storage apparatus can include a magnet, a hook, or both for temporarily securing the apparatus to another object.
US08083054B2 Housing container for implant fixture
To minimize used titanium materials, a container for an implant fixture has a housing main body 1, an implant fixture holding member 2, and a cap 3, the main body 1 is made of glass or the like and has guide grooves 1a in an axial direction, the holding member 2 is made of titanium and includes a bottom part 2a contacting with a top of a dental implant fixture X, and three or more guide parts 2b surrounding the fixture X, the guide part 2b has an insertion lock part 2ba to be locked in the guide groove 1a, the cap 3 is made of a resin, has a press part 3a, and seals the upper surface of the main body 1, and the press part 3a contacts with an engagement hole Xa and/or an upper surface Xb of the fixture X to press the fixture X.
US08083048B2 Conveyer apparatus
A footstep guide rail (3) (rail body 3a) is arranged so that a level H of a horizontal surface is set at the position obtained by adding a designated offset δ to a tangential line L of a drive sprocket (9) and the footstep guide rail (3) is provided, at its one end on an introductory side of the drive sprocket (9), with a curved part (13). At a reference position closest to the drive sprocket (9), the horizontal surface of the footstep guide rail (3) is changed to the curved part (13). Consequently, it is possible to absorb velocity unevenness of one footstep roller approaching the drive sprocket (9).
US08083046B2 Clutch assembly and friction plate
A friction plate is provided including ,a core plate, a core plate first friction facing having a first radius and a first height; and a core plate second friction facing having a second radius differing from the first radius and a second height differing from the first height and having a coefficient of friction differing from a coefficient of friction of the first friction facing, wherein both of the facings are formed from an integral base fiber type friction facing material and wherein the difference in coefficients of friction is due to a percentage of a friction modifying saturant in the facings and wherein there is a groove separating the facings.
US08083035B2 Cylinder apparatus and disk brake
A method of manufacturing a cylinder apparatus wherein although an opening of a cylinder body is closed by a covering member, processing and parts costs are reduced, fluid leakage is prevented, and the apparatus can be reduced in size. The cylinder apparatus includes a piston (17) which is caused to slidingly move in a bore (26) of a cylinder (21). The cylinder 21 includes a covering member (43) provided in a bottom portion (42) of the cylinder (21), and a cylinder body (46) having an opening that is closed by the covering member (43). The covering member (43) is friction stir welded to the cylinder body (46).
US08083030B2 Gearbox lubrication supply system for a tip engine
An oil system (118) for a tip turbine engine (10) includes an annular lubricating fluid plenum (136) which sprays lubricating fluid through a multitude of lubricating fluid passages (144, 146, 148) and into the multitude of passages (152, 154, 156) located within a gearbox assembly (90) as they revolve thereby. Lubricating fluid is thereby communicated directly into the gearbox assembly (90) and returned to a sump tank (140) through a multitude of drain passages.
US08083023B1 Drum booth and kit for its construction
A booth for confining and acoustically isolating musical drum instruments and musicians therefor has a rear wall, front wall assembly having a number of plastic windows interconnected in a polygonal path, and a ceiling member. The windows are supported by pedestal blocks and secured in place by vertically opposed troughs in the ceiling member and pedestal blocks.
US08083017B2 Motorcycle
A motorcycle that discharges air that has passed through a radiator such that the air does not directly impinge on a rider, thereby resolving discomfort. An air guide passage guides air that has passed through the radiator so that the air passes through a gap between a front side cover and a fuel tank to a portion higher than the fuel tank.
US08083010B2 Drilling device for drilling and reaming of a hole
A drilling device used for drilling into ground, rock or for reaming a predrilled hole includes several hammering bits in a circular shape and equipped with hammers, whereupon they together drill a hole which has a larger diameter. A casing tube can be pulled out of the hole/pushed into the drilled hole. A tubular, rotatable drill rod tube resides in the casing tube. The hammers are located in a circular shape and are each attached to the outer surface of the drill rod tube by joint/hinge attachments lying essentially in the drilling direction. Rotation of the drill rod tube in a first direction turns the hammers and associated bits outwardly from the drill rod tube, and rotation in another direction turns the hammers with their bits inwardly towards the drill rod tube so that they can be pulled away with the drill rod tube from inside the casing tube.
US08083009B2 Well drilling machine with new drill pipe loader
The invention is a new well drilling machine, in particular for drilling with single pipes, with supporting mast (M) provided with at least one drill head′ (R) for the rotation-translation movement of the drill pipe (A), a loader (C) for said pipes (A), hinged to the relative supporting frame (T), integral with the machine body, and wherein said loader (C) can be slanted from the non-operating position (1) to the operating position (2), in which said pipes (A) are further slanted with respect to ground level, and vice versa. The loader (C) comprises sliders (J, K) which run on parallel guides (S) and on which said pipes (A) rest transversally, wherein two or more long pins or bars (P) square to and integral with said sliders (J, .K) are positioned between adjacent pipes (A), and wherein the running of said sliders (J, K) causes the translation of said bars (P) and said pipes (A).
US08083007B2 Electric power tool having speed reduction mechanism
An electric power tool includes a motor, a speed reducer unit arranged to deliver the rotational power of the motor and provided with gears, a housing arranged to accommodate the motor and the speed reducer unit, and a speed changing unit for changing a gear reduction ratio of the speed reducer unit. The speed changing unit is arranged in such a position as to be operable outside the housing. The speed changing unit includes an operation lever slidingly operable in a speed changing direction when pushed, an operation detector unit for detecting the operation lever to control electric power supplied to the motor, a shift unit for changing the gear reduction ratio of the speed reducer unit in response to sliding movement of the operation lever, and a slide restraint unit for restraining the sliding operation of the operation lever until the operation detector unit detects the operation lever.
US08083003B2 Fire extinguisher with a container holding a fire extinguishing substance and corresponding compressed-gas cylinder
A fire extinguisher (50, 50′, 50′) comprises a container (10, 10′) that holds a fire-extinguishing substance and that has a container jacket (12, 12′) closed at both ends, and a piston (20, 20′) which is axially displaceable in the container jacket and which separates a space (22, 22′) for fire-extinguishing substance from an expansion space (24, 24′) in the container. According to the invention, an inner compressed-gas chamber (26, 26′) provided in the container (10, 10′) is spatially separate from the expansion space and serves for controlled pressurizing of the expansion space (24, 24′). The piston (20, 20′) is arranged such that it can be displaced along the compressed-gas chamber (26, 26′).
US08083001B2 Expandable gage ring
A gage ring assembly to provide support to an anti-extrusion containment ring in a packer device including a compression ring and a plurality of interlocking arcuate segments which form a substantially unbroken support wall when in a set condition. A first set of segments each have a wedge-shaped body that is wider at a proximal axial end than it is at its distal axial end. A second set of segments preferably each have a wedge-shaped body wider at its distal axial end than it is at its proximal axial end.
US08083000B2 Swellable packer having a cable conduit
An apparatus and assembly create a seal in a wellbore around a cable or line. The assembly includes a longitudinal body and a swellable portion which comprises a material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid. The swellable portion has a formation open to the longitudinal surface of the body which provides a pathway for a cable or line to extend through the swellable portion, and an insert of swellable material. The insert may partly or fully enclose or encapsulate the cable or line. a formation which is open to an outer longitudinal surface of the body.
US08082998B2 Apparatus and method for controlling the connection and disconnection speed of downhole connectors
An apparatus (100) for controlling the connection speed of downhole connectors (316, 146) in a subterranean well. The apparatus (100) includes a first assembly that is positionable in the well. The first assembly includes a first downhole connector (316) and a first communication medium. A second assembly includes a second downhole connector (146) and a second communication medium. The second assembly has an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion is selectively axially shiftable relative to an inner portion, such that upon engagement of the first assembly with the second assembly, the outer portion of the second assembly is axially shifted relative to the inner portion of the second assembly allowing the first and second downhole connectors (316, 146) to be operatively connected to each other, thereby enabling communication between the first communication medium and the second communication medium.
US08082996B2 Equipment for excavation of deep boreholes in geological formation and the manner of energy and material transport in the boreholes
Utilization of geothermal energy in depths above 5 km could contribute considerably to resolving the global problems related to a lack of energy and to glasshouse gases from fossil fuels. The invention describes innovative equipment which makes deep holes in geological formations (rock) by disintegrating the soil into blocks carried to the land surface through the excavated hole filled with liquid, using transport modules yielded up by gas buoyancy interaction in the transport module utilizing supercavitation. In an opposite direction—by help of negative buoyancy—the necessary energy carriers, materials and components, or entire devices required for rock excavation, are carried to the bottom. The opportunity to transport rock in entire blocks reduces energy consumption considerably, because the rock is disintegrated in the section volumes only. Some of the extracted rock and material carried from the surface is used to make a casing of the hole using a part of the equipment. The equipment also allows the generation of the necessary high pressure of liquid at the bottom of the hole, to increase permeability of adjacent rock. The equipment as a whole allows by its function that there is almost linear dependence between the price and depth (length) of the produced hole (borehole).
US08082989B2 Method for impulse stimulation of oil and gas well production
A method for improving liquid injection into a rock formation. The method includes the steps of introducing a gas impulse device into a wellbore in the formation and pumping a pressurized liquid into the wellbore. The method also includes firing the gas impulse device periodically so that the device generates impulses of high pressure compressed gas. The gas expands through the pumped pressurized liquid substantially instantaneously increasing the liquid flow rate into the rock formation, and creates rapid cyclical injected liquid surges into the rock formation with liquid oscillation occurring inside the fractures and/or pores of the formation. The method may be used in regular oil production applications, waterflooding of wells that have ceased to be productive, in preventing lost circulation in oil wells, and in injecting hazardous wastes into rock formations.
US08082988B2 Apparatus and method for stabilization of downhole tools
A method and apparatus for stabilizing a downhole tool during a downhole operation. The method and apparatus include a stabilizer having a stabilization member adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position in order to engage a surface in a wellbore. The stabilizer also includes a plurality of actuators adapted to move the stabilization members from the retracted position to the extended position.
US08082986B2 Filtering device, especially for use as a well screen filter
The present invention relates to filtering device which is especially designed for use as a well screen filter. The filtering device comprises a tubular supporting element (12) and two or more tubular segments (14) of a porous filter medium arranged in axial alignment to one another and concentrically and essentially coextensive with the tubular supporting element (12), said tubular supporting element (12) having a tubular wall provided with a plurality of perforations (26, 28, 30) and having a plurality of projections projecting from said tubular wall, said projections supporting the two or more tubular segments in axial alignment with the tubular wall, said tubular segments each having two end portions which are in sealing contact with the tubular supporting element or an end portion of another tubular segment.
US08082981B2 Multiple point adjustable depth air sparging well system
An multiple point adjustable depth air sparging well system having a multiple air injection points for injecting compressed air into saturated or groundwater regions of the soil's subsurface to remove volatile contaminants from the soil's subsurface. At plurality of flow-through air sparge packer which are slidably mounted flow-through packers within the well casing of the air sparging well system allows a user to adjust the depths of the air injection points. Each packer has attached thereto a pressure regulator which provides compressed air to one of the multiple air injection points.
US08082978B2 Fluid-to-fluid spot-to-spreader heat management devices and systems and methods of managing heat
Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include heat management devices, heat management systems, methods of heat management, and the like.
US08082976B2 Method and apparatus for production of a cast component
A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold. The precision pouring system is driven by a pressure differential.
US08082964B2 Tyre for a vehicle wheel and method of manufacturing the tyre
A vehicle wheel tire includes a carcass structure, at least one annular reinforcing structure, a tread band, and a pair of sidewalls. The carcass structure includes at least one carcass ply, each including a plurality of elongated elements disposed around a cross-section profile of the tire. Each elongated element includes two side portions at mutually-spaced-apart positions and a crown portion that extends between the side portions. The at least one annular reinforcing structure includes at least one bead core. A fraction of the elongated elements is turned up around the at least one bead core. A method of manufacturing the tire includes preparing the elongated elements, disposing each elongated element on a toroidal support, applying at least one bead core at a region close to side portions of the elongated elements, and turning up ends of a fraction of the elongated elements around the at least one bead core.
US08082963B2 Two-piece tire
A two-piece tire assembly with a removable tread belt for installing about the circumference of a tire carcass is provided. The inner surface of the tread belt follows a non-linear, preferably arcuate profile with a radius of curvature R across the tread belt wherein the distance DL as measured from the axis of rotation to the inner surface of the tread belt extends a distance DO at the equatorial plane and curves radially inwardly to a distance DE at each belt edge such that DE≦0.9*DO.
US08082953B2 Solenoid valve assembly
A solenoid valve assembly includes a bobbin supporting a coil and having at least one protrusion on an inner surface, an adjustment member disposed within the bobbin and in contact with the at least one protrusion, a pole piece disposed within the adjustment member, a valve body having a seat, wherein the bobbin is disposed in contact with the seat, a spool slideably disposed within the valve body, and a resilient member disposed in contact with the adjustment member and the spool.
US08082951B2 Diverter valve apparatus and method
Embodiments of the invention provide a diverter valve and a method of providing debris resistance in a diverter valve. The diverter valve can include a valve housing defining a valve chamber and at least an inlet port and an outlet port. The diverter valve can include a flow diverter extending into the valve chamber and pivotally coupled relative to the valve housing about a pivot axis defined through the valve chamber. The flow diverter can include a main portion extending into the valve chamber and a plunger portion disposed outside of the valve chamber. The main portion can have a diverting wall radially spaced apart from the pivot axis. The flow diverter can include a rib extending radially inwardly from the diverting wall toward the pivot axis. The diverter valve can also include at least one wing member positioned within the inlet port and secured relative to the valve housing.
US08082949B2 Non-return valve with a ball-shaped valve body
In the non-return valve of this invention, at its outlet there is a blade gate (1) and at least a part of the body (2) makes for a uniform cast of the valve body (3).
US08082947B2 Separable ball valve apparatus and ball valve assembly
A separable ball valve apparatus and ball valve assembly capable of selectively opening/closing a separable flow path are provided. The separable ball valve apparatus comprises a separable pipe member having a flow path through which fluid flows, a ball member having at least two balls disposed in the pipe member, opening and closing the flow path, and adjacent to each other, and an opening/closing member configured to control the ball member to open/close the flow path, wherein the balls have through-holes, respectively, and the opening/closing member includes a gear train configured to control the opening/closing of the at least two balls. Therefore, it is possible to simply open/close pipes having the flow path and detachably attach the pipes, increase space utilization due to removal of a separate coupling space for attachment/detachment of the pipes, and simultaneously open/close the two pipes, which are separated from each other through one operation.
US08082931B2 Apparatus for washing and drying leaf products and more generically vegetables
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for washing and drying leaf products and more generically vegetables, comprising a frame (2), a centrifugation basket (3), a container (tank) (4) within which said centrifugation basket (3) is provided, a basin (6), communicating with said container (4) for inlet and discharge of washing water, said centrifugation basket (3) being pivoted on said frame (2) so as to rotate of about 180° from a working position to a discharge position, and vice versa, and means (7) for collection and removal of washed and dried product, said means being provided raised with respect to said centrifugation basket (3), in a position corresponding to the discharge position of the same centrifugation basket (3), being further provided driving means for said centrifugation basket permitting driving said basket (3) at at least two rotation speeds, respectively a washing speed and a drying speed.
US08082929B2 Hair iron
A hair iron includes upper and lower casings defining a grip portion and coupled to each other at a first end with an elastic coupler such that the casings in the side of a second end opposite to the first end are pivotable within a certain angular range about the first end, an upper heater block extending in a longitudinal direction of the upper casing and coupled on the second end of the upper casing which is not coupled with the lower casing, a lower heater block extending in a longitudinal direction of the lower casing and coupled on the second end of the lower casing which is not coupled with the upper casing.
US08082912B2 Method for controlling supply of compressed gasses to a firing chamber of a paintball marker
A pneumatic circuit for a paintball marker is disclosed. Paintball markers generally include a gas supply, a bolt mechanism and a firing chamber. The pneumatic circuit includes an exhaust path. A gas supply inlet path is in fluid communication to the gas supply. A first supply path is in fluid communication with the gas supply inlet path and the bolt mechanism. A second supply path is in fluid communication with the gas supply inlet path and the firing chamber. A first valve is configured and arranged to selectively control fluid communication of the first supply path and the exhaust path. A second valve is configured and arranged to control fluid communication of the second supply path.
US08082911B1 Projectile loading, firing and warning system
Methods are presented which improve the performance of semi and fully automatic paintball guns include sensing paintball and gun bolt position during loading to coordinate and pace the gun for maximum automatic feed rate and minimal chopping. In addition, methods are presented for indicating a need for servicing through an alarm when the magazine nears empty based upon various conditions such as sensed magazine feed rate fall-off. Additional apparatus are discussed for carrying out the methods, and for performance of other tasks such as selection of pre-wind in spring-type forced-feed loaders.
US08082909B2 Toy projectile launcher
The present invention is a toy projectile launcher in the form of a role play accessory such as a belt. The belt assembly includes a strap, a launcher housing, and projectiles stored on the belt strap. The belt strap feeds through the launcher housing so that projectiles may be launched from the strap. In one embodiment the launcher is hand-held, and includes a handle which serves both as a means for holding the launcher during operation and as a power switch for the launcher. Projectiles may be discharged singly from the launcher or continuously in a rapid-fire mode.
US08082906B2 Air duct for engine
An air duct 13 connected to the intake system of an engine 12 has a duct main body 13A and a cylindrical fuel adsorption filter 19 having air permeability. The fuel adsorption filter 19 is located in the duct main body 13A. The fuel adsorption filter 19 is arranged to be coaxial with respect to the duct main body 13A. A gap 21 is defined between the inner circumferential surface of the duct main body 13A and the outer circumferential surface of the fuel adsorption filter 19. An opening 22 for drawing air flow into the gap 21 is formed between an air flow upstream side of the gap 21 and an air passage area of the duct main body 13A.
US08082905B2 Tank venting device for a motor vehicle
A tank venting device for a motor vehicle has a fuel tank, a fuel vapor accumulator for storing fuel vapors escaping from the fuel tank and a connection line, via which the fuel vapors may flow from the fuel tank into the fuel vapor accumulator. Furthermore, an overpressure line having an overpressure valve is provided, via which the fuel vapors may flow from the fuel tank into the fuel vapor accumulator when the overpressure valve is open. An attachment of the connection line on the fuel vapor accumulator and an attachment of the overpressure line on the fuel vapor accumulator are situated at different points on the fuel vapor accumulator. The operational reliability of a tank venting procedure may thus be increased and the adsorption capacity of the fuel vapor accumulator may be used better.
US08082902B2 Piezo intensifier fuel injector and engine using same
A common rail fuel injection system includes a piezo intensifier fuel injector that includes a plurality of components. Among these are a needle valve member, an intensifier piston, a first piezo stack electrical actuator and a second piezo stack electrical actuator. These components have a first configuration at which the needle valve member blocks a nozzle outlet of the fuel injector, and a shoulder of the intensifier piston is exposed to fluid pressure in a common rail. The components have a second configuration at which the nozzle outlet is fluidly connected to the common rail for a low pressure injection event. The components have a third configuration at which the nozzle outlet is fluidly blocked from the common rail, but movement of the intensifier displaces fluid through the nozzle outlet for a high pressure injection event.
US08082901B2 Diesel engine
Exemplary embodiments can provide at least one of a system, machine, device, and manufacture that can comprise: a V-type water-cooled diesel engine comprising: a first cylinder and a second cylinder disposed in a V-shape; a plurality of injection pumps adapted to serve each respective cylinder; and a fuel governor adapted to control fuel from the injection pumps, the fuel governor disposed between the cylinders; wherein the governor is an electrical governor and disposed outside a crankcase that is located between the cylinders, and the plurality of injection pumps are mounted on a cover of the crankcase.
US08082893B2 Cooling system of internal combustion engine
A cooling system includes: an oil pump for supplying oil under pressure; a cylinder head forming part of a combustion chamber; a cooling portion formed in the cylinder head and adapted to allow circulating oil to cool heat transmitted from the combustion chamber; an oil cooler for cooling oil; and a thermostat for switching between an oil passage routed through the oil cooler and a bypass passage bypassing the oil cooler. The thermostat is disposed in an oil passage between the oil pump and the cooling portion.
US08082888B2 Thermal switch for energy sustaining water heater
A water heater is provided that includes a tank for storing water and a combustion chamber in thermal communication with the tank for heating the water. The combustion chamber contains a pilot burner and at least one main burner. The water heater also includes a flue containing a flue damper to control the passage of exhaust gases from said combustion chamber. The water heater further includes an electrical control circuit connected to said flue damper. The electrical control circuit includes a thermal switch positioned proximal to the main burner The thermal switch is configured to prevent the flue damper from closing while the main burner is firing.
US08082887B2 Grooming device
The invention is an apparatus for grooming an animal having a brush head, the brush head having a plurality of bristles, each bristle having a midpoint and an endpoint, where the bristles are in general perpendicular orientation to the brush head, a cleaning plate, in general parallel orientation to the brush head, the cleaning plate able to move from a contracted to an extended position, the cleaning plate further having material removed to allow the bristles to protrude through the cleaning plate when it is in the retracted position; and a mechanism for extending and contracting the cleaning plate, wherein the cleaning plate has a bottom surface and the bottom surface does not extend past the bristle endpoint when the cleaning plate is in the extended position. In one embodiment, at least some bristles are wire, and in further embodiments the wire bristles have round coated tips. The brush head may further have a water outlet and a hose coupling for intake and dispensing of liquids. Furthermore, the present invention may have means for conducting water through the handle and out the water outlet, which may be a plurality of hollow bristles.
US08082882B1 Animal feeder with insertable feed restrictor
Various embodiments provide an improved animal feeder with an insertable feed restrictor. An example embodiment includes: a barrel into which animal feed may be deposited, the barrel including a stop attached at an edge of an upper opening of the barrel; and a feed restrictor configured for removable insertion into the opening of the barrel, the feed restrictor including a plurality of feed access holes arranged on a lower surface of the feed restrictor, the feed restrictor being configured to float on top of the animal feed deposited in the barrel, the feed restrictor being further configured to freely spin laterally in the barrel.
US08082879B2 Method for incubation and hatching of eggs
The present invention is directed to a method for the incubation and hatching of premature eggs, in particular, surgically-derived premature eggs removed from a bird prior to transfer of the premature egg to the cloaca of a bird.
US08082873B2 Drive mechanism for an indicating device
An indicating device includes a drive member and a driven member. The driven member is non-rotatably immobilized by the successive engagement of a convex surface on the drive member with a plurality of concave surfaces on the driven member. The driven member further includes a plurality of protrusions that are successively received in a recess of the drive member as an engagement member engages the driven member and rotates the driven member. The driven member has dispensing indicia. In another aspect, an indicating device includes an indicator member having dispensing indicia. A stop member is selectively engaged with successive ones of a plurality of stop surfaces on the indicator member such that the indicator member is non-rotatable. Methods for indicating the amount of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container are also provided.
US08082855B2 Center bowl liner with spring washer conductor
A center bowl liner is provided for use between a center plate of a railroad car and a center bowl surface on a truck bolster. The center bowl liner includes a disc-shaped element having top and bottom surfaces and a central opening for receiving a center pin. A conductive spring washer is attached to the disc-shaped element, with the conductive spring washer having a contoured profile such that portions of the conductive spring washer are exposed at the top and bottom surfaces of the disc-shaped element and create an electrical connection between the railroad car center plate and the center bowl on the truck bolster. The disc-shaped element acts as a load-bearing element generally supporting the railroad car center plate. The conductive spring washer, since it has spring-like properties, will also undertake to bear a limited amount of the load of the railroad car center plate in addition to providing an electrical connection between the car and truck.
US08082852B2 System and method for railroad track tie plate orientation
A machine for automatically orienting railroad tie plates includes a sensing region having at least one optical sensor adapted to sense a physical feature of a tie plate. An electronic controller is connected to the optical sensor and is disposed to receive a sensor signal indicative of the physical feature of the tie plate when the tie plate is in the sensing region. The electronic controller further determines an orientation of the tie plate based on the sensor signal, compares it to one or more predetermined or possible orientations, and provides a command to at least one actuator adapted to perform at least one tie plate orientation operation to change the orientation of the tie plate based on the comparison of the orientation of the plate with the predetermined orientation.
US08082848B2 Missile with system for separating subvehicles
A missile includes several subvehicles that are initially mechanically coupled to a missile main body, and a separation system for separating the subvehicles from the missile main body. The separation system has a single triggering mechanism to simultaneously provide energy to separate all of the subvehicles. This advantageously provides only a single shock to the system by actuating the system to separate the subvehicles. By limiting the shocks to the single shock of actuating the energy system and the shocks of the mechanical disengagement of the individual subvehicles, the disengagement system has improved performance. The subvehicles may be separated from the main body in radial directions substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the main body. This may provide for smoother disengagement, with less tipping, and may provide for greater, more uniform spacing between the disengaged subvehicles.
US08082826B2 Saw accessories and clamp for use therewith
In at least one form of the invention, a clamp can be used to attach a saw accessory to a saw. In various embodiments, the clamp can comprise first and second clamping members, an actuator, and a controller. In various embodiments, the saw accessory can be disposed between the first and second clamping members where at least one of the first and second clamping members can be moved by the actuator in order to clamp the saw accessory therebetween. In at least one such embodiment, the controller can be in electrical and/or fluid communication with the actuator to activate the actuator. In various embodiments, the controller can be activated by an operator from a location proximate to the operator but remote from a blade of the saw.
US08082820B2 Fastening system
A fastening system for axial fastening of an elongated element with a snap-on fastener to a support, in which the snap-on fastener encloses the elongated element, has a retaining ring with an internal spring and can be inserted by means of a groove into the U-shaped recess in a support and in the fixed state, the retaining ring acts by means of a spring against the support, in order to counteract axial loosening of the snap-on fastener. A support with at least one deep groove relative to the surface of support around the U-shaped recess, a snap-on fastener with an internal spring, which can be adjusted in the direction toward groove, and whose retaining ring has a face, whose shape corresponds to the shape of the groove of the support.
US08082817B2 Power transmission mechanism
A power transmission mechanism having a dog clutch for freely connecting and disconnecting power transmission between a first rotor and a second rotor on a common rotational shaft. The dog clutch has a plurality of dog jaws in one of the rotors and has, in the other rotor, a plurality of recess portions or other dog jaws to which the former dog jaws can be engaged. Tapered surfaces are formed at an end face of each of the former dog jaws in the axial direction and each of wall surface portions formed between the recess portions or an end face of each of the latter dog jaws.
US08082815B2 Hydraulically actuated shift actuator assembly
An arrangement of a hydraulically actuated shift actuator including a shift cylinder (3), arranged outside the hydraulic control unit of a transmission. The shift cylinder (3) of the shift actuator is fixed on a flat or circular machined area (2) on the inside of a housing (1). The side of the housing (1) facing away from the shift cylinder (3) has a flat surface (4) on which the hydraulic control unit (5) is fixed in a hydraulically leak-proof manner.
US08082814B2 Ball screw device having lubricating device
A ball screw device includes a ball nut rotatably engaged onto a screw shaft for forming a gap between the ball nut and the screw shaft and for receiving a lubricating oil and for forming a helical raceway between the ball nut and the screw shaft, a number of bearing members engaged between the ball nut and the screw shaft and in the helical raceway, and a forcing device includes a barrel having an outer helical member for forming a helical channel and for receiving the lubricating oil, and for forcing the lubricating oil to flow into the gap between the ball nut and the screw shaft and to effectively lubricate the bearing members when the barrel is rotated relative to the screw shaft.
US08082795B2 Railroad locomotive horn testing system and method
A system and method of testing the horn of a railroad locomotive wherein a fixed sensing station and a movable sensing station are provided adjacent a railroad track such that front and rear sensing of the horn decibels occurs simultaneously.
US08082793B2 Adjustable probe for ultrasonic testing
A system for performing ultrasonic testing on a composite part includes an ultrasonic transducer, a shoe for holding the transducer, and means for automatically adjusting position of the transducer during ultrasonic testing. The transducer position is adjusted to account for geometry variations in the part.
US08082787B2 Apparatus for measuring forces which are produced by an unbalance of a rotary member
Apparatus for measuring forces which are produced by an unbalance of a rotary member, the apparatus including a measuring shaft (2) which is supported in a rotary mounting (26) rotatably about its axis (23) and to which the rotary member (1) is fixed for the measurement operation, and a support device (3) having force measuring sensors (4, 5) for supporting the measuring shaft (2) on a stationary frame (6), wherein the support device (3) has an intermediate frame (7) on which the measuring shaft is supported in a mounting plane having a force measuring sensor (4), the intermediate frame (7) is supported on the stationary frame (6) by way of a further force measuring sensor (5) and by way of a first pair (11, 12) of support levers and pivots (15 to 18), the rotary mounting (26) is fixedly connected to a stiff holding device (29) at an axial spacing with respect to the mounting plane (8) in which the force measuring sensors (5, 6) are disposed, the holding device (29) is supported on the intermediate frame (8) by way of a second pair (13, 14) of support levers and pivots (19 to 22), and the support levers (11 to 14) are formed by stiff flat members arranged between the associated pivots (15 to 22).
US08082786B1 Work capacities testing apparatus and method
A portable work capacities testing apparatus, and a method using that portable apparatus, are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a host computer 110, a dynamic strength and lifting device 120 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a hand grip strength device 130 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a finger pinch strength device 140 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a forearm/wrist strength device 150 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a handling/proprioception device 190 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a finger flexion device 180 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a whole body coordination device 170 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, and a strength push/pull/lift device 160 releaseably interconnected with the host computer.
US08082785B2 Inductive liquid-level sensor
An inductive liquid-level sensor employs a central shaft supporting multiple independent electrical loops that may be interrogated to detect the proximity of the conductive element in the float rising and falling with changes in liquid height outside of the shaft.
US08082783B2 Optical sensor device
An optical sensor device that can be used as a rain sensor has a light emitter, a light receiver, and an optical plate with rotationally symmetrically shaped Fresnel prism structures, which is coupled to a pane, in particular a windshield of a vehicle, by means of a coupling layer. On its opposite side, the optical plate takes up light from the light emitter. The light is coupled into the pane and, after a total reflection on an internal surface of the pane, is directed onto the light receiver.
US08082780B2 Methods and apparatus for decreasing a density of a downhole fluid
Methods and apparatus for decreasing a density of a downhole fluid are described. An example apparatus to analyze a downhole fluid includes a chamber to decrease a density of at least a portion of a sample of a downhole fluid. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a sensor to measure a pressure of at least the portion of the sample in the chamber. Further, the example apparatus includes a fluid measurement unit to measure a characteristic of at least the portion of the sample based on a relationship between the pressure of at least the portion of the sample in the chamber and a predetermined pressure. Further yet, the example apparatus includes a control unit to determine a parameter of the downhole fluid based on the characteristic.
US08082776B2 On-vehicle evaluation of oil formulation
This invention is a method for determining the quality of lubrication oil added to a quantity of used oil in an operating engine or mechanism such as occurs during an oil change or when additional oil is added to maintain the vehicle manufacturer's specified total volume of oil. The method is based on identifying the electrical resistivity characteristics of the oil addition, representative of both the base oil formulation and its additive package, and, through comparison with previously-generated resistivity data on multiple oils identifying the oil addition. The added oil may then be compared with manufacturer specifications for the specific application to determine whether it meets recommended manufacturer requirements.
US08082775B2 Systems and methods for simulating an engine environment
A system for simulating an engine environment during engine operation is disclosed. The system includes a surface. The system also includes a liquid delivery device configured to deliver a liquid to the surface. The system further includes a temperature controller operably coupled to the surface, and the system is configured to cause condensation of a fluid on the surface.
US08082770B2 Apparatus and method for forming wire loops for a dynamoelectric machine
An apparatus and method for forming at least one end turn and at least one stator slot segment of a conductor for a stator of a dynamoelectric machine comprising at least two forming die sets. The forming die sets are disposed having a space substantially equal to a width of the conductor between adjacent die sets and include a female forming die and a male forming die linearly slideable to the female forming die. The die sets are disposed such that both at least one end turn and at least one stator slot segment are formable between the male forming dies and the female forming dies when the male forming dies are sequentially actuated to the female forming dies.
US08082763B2 System for detecting operating parameters of an electric household appliance featuring a relatively movable component
A system for detecting the operative parameters of a household appliance, such as a washing machine or dryer, provided with a relatively mobile component with respect to a load-bearing frame (tank or basket), including a pressure switch including in turn a rigid casing accommodating a deformable membrane sensitive to hydraulic pressure, a ferromagnetic material core engaged to the membrane and a winding fixed to the casing and operatively coupled with the core to form a variable inductance electrical inductor; in which the pressure switch is coupled to the relatively mobile member to follow its movements; and in which said variable inductance electrical inductor is operatively associated to a ferromagnetic material bracket integrally carried by the load-bearing body and arranged outside the pressure switch.
US08082754B2 Jewelry fragrance dispenser
A piece of jewelry to be worn by a wearer, having a spray mechanism mounted on the piece of jewelry, and a reservoir for containing a fluid mounted on the piece of jewelry, to dispense a fluid, such as a fragrance or scent, to the body of the wearer. The manipulation of the reservoir by the wearer actuates the spray mechanism and dispenses fluid from the reservoir.
US08082744B2 Method for controlling hot water circulation system associated with heat pump
Disclosed is a method for controlling a hot water circulation system associated with a heat pump. The present invention gives a freezing burst prevention operation function to a water-refrigerant heat-exchanger which performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and water, making it possible to remove a phenomenon that the water-refrigerant heat-exchanger installed out of the space where a user lives is frozen to be damaged.
US08082742B2 Ice-making machine with water flow sensor
The present disclosure provides an ice-making system having a control system. The control system selectively places the ice-making machine in a freeze cycle and a harvest cycle, based upon inputs from sensors that determine a flow rate of fluid out of an evaporator, and a level of fluid in a sump. The control system can further prevent a slushing condition in the ice-making machine by monitoring the temperature of the fluid in the sump. The control system can also monitor the sensors to ensure that they are providing correct signals.
US08082735B2 Optimized fuel management system for direct injection ethanol enhancement of gasoline engines
Fuel management system for enhanced operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder. It is preferred that the direct injection occur after the inlet valve is closed. It is also preferred that stoichiometric operation with a three way catalyst be used to minimize emissions. In addition, it is also preferred that the anti-knock agents have a heat of vaporization per unit of combustion energy that is at least three times that of gasoline.
US08082732B2 Device for admixing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine
A device is provided for admixing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine having an exhaust system and a dosing device for feeding the reducing agent into the exhaust system. At least one heating rib, heatable by the exhaust gas and arranged downstream from the dosing device in the exhaust system is oriented largely in a flow direction of the exhaust gas. The dosing device is situated in or on a hollow body arranged on the exhaust system, an internal volume of which is connected to the exhaust system to conduct exhaust gas. An extremely low-flow device for admixing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine is achieved by this design.
US08082729B2 Configuration having a protected turbocharger in an exhaust gas recirculation line and motor vehicle having the configuration
A configuration for treating exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine having a predetermined displacement volume, includes an exhaust gas recirculation line. Exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas recirculation line interacts with a turbocharger. A screening layer is provided in the exhaust gas recirculation line upstream of the turbocharger. The screening layer is larger than an average cross section of the exhaust gas recirculation line. A motor vehicle having at least one such configuration is also provided.
US08082725B2 Electro-dynamic swirler, combustion apparatus and methods using the same
In one embodiment, a combustion apparatus comprises: an oxidant inlet, a fuel inlet, a mixing zone configured to mix fuel and oxidant to form a mixture, a combustion zone in fluid communication with the mixing zone and configured to combust the mixture, and an outlet in fluid communication with the combustion zone. The mixing zone, the combustion zone, and/or the outlet comprises an electro-dynamic swirler configured to swirl ionized gas. The electro-dynamic swirler comprises a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication with a power source. In one embodiment, a method of creating thrust comprises: mixing a fuel and an oxidant to form a mixture, igniting the mixture to form an ignited mixture, combusting the ignited mixture to form a flame, and using the flame to create thrust, wherein the flame and/or the fuel and oxidant are electro-dynamically swirled.
US08082719B2 Wind turbine tower joints
A wind turbine tower, includes a first substantially tubular wall section having a tapered edge; a second substantially tubular wall section, arranged substantially coplanar with the first wall section, having a flared edge for seating against the tapered edge of the first wall section; and at least one fastener for securing the tapered edge of the first wall section to the flared edge of the second wall section. The at least one fastener includes a bolt extending through the tapered edge and the flared edge, and the bolt is arranged substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first and second wall sections.
US08082715B2 Bottom mount fire barrier systems including fire barrier/retainer structures and installation tools
Bottom mounted (anchored) fire barrier systems include UL 2079 and ASTM 1399 tested and certified fire barrier/retainer structures, especially useful for floor/floor, wall/floor, and wall/wall expansion joint spaces formed by spaced opposing pre-cast concrete building units of 4½ inches thickness. The use of this system in structures using pre-cast building units provides room for installation of mandated rubber boots into the limited expansion joint space. Each fire barrier has affixed to its outside long edges a metal retainer that is structured for holding the barrier correctly and tightly positioned to the building unit surfaces first for secure and tight anchoring and then for providing support for the barrier to prevent leakage of gas, flame, smoke, and heat during a fire. Providing for ease of installation there is a reusable installation tool, an optional guard unit, male/female connections between barrier sections, and a splice connector butt to connections.
US08082712B1 Ventilated deck drainage systems
A system and method for providing a deck drain vent system is disclosed. The deck drain vent system includes at least one panel disposed below a lower surface of a deck. The panel is substantially planar and has a bottom side and a top side facing and spaced apart from the lower surface. At least one vent penetrates the panel to allow fluid communication between the cavity and the bottom side. The deck drain vent system further includes a shaft lock secured to the vent. The shaft lock hinders liquids and debris from entering the vent, yet allows air to freely circulate between the cavity and a surrounding atmosphere.
US08082706B2 Storm panel secured to a building opening via strap attached to mounting tracks
A strap to secure bolts at a proper spacing for installing a storm panel to a track using bolts and fasteners. The strap holds the bolts in place, allowing ease of storm panel installation. The storm panels are typically used to protect building openings, such as windows and doors, during periods of bad weather. The storm panels may also be used for security purposes.
US08082705B2 Skylight tube with reflective structured surface
A skylight shaft substrate is rendered internally reflected in several ways. To limit the formation of focal points that can lead to hot spots as light travels down the shaft, the shaft substrate is formed with dimples or longitudinal corrugations.
US08082683B1 Strap wrap
A detachable material wrapped around a strap of a footwear guards against blister formation, provides comfort and a softer feel against a foot, and to add aesthetic value. In one embodiment, the detachable material is a strip made of self-fastening material. In another plurality of loops. The detachable material is reusable and adjustable.
US08082682B2 Insole for a ballet slipper
A point shoe insole for a ballet slipper with a two layered co-molded plastic sheet having a top layer made of semi-rigid plastic and a bottom layer made of four of rigid plastic members. The top sheet has a plurality of horizontally and downwardly facing ribs. The first and second downwardly facing ribs fit tightly between the first, second and third rigid plastic members of the bottom sheet. A third set downwardly facing ribs are located between the third rigid portion and the forth rigid portion. The area above the first and second downwardly facing ribs form hinges that allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in an upward direction during the progression of movement of a user's foot between a flat plane and on pointe, but does not allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in the opposite direction when the user's foot is on pointe.
US08082681B2 Method for improving or reconditioning FCR APG-68 tactical radar units
A method for reconditioning Fire Control Radar APG-68 tactical radar systems (FCR) utilized in military aircraft and returning them to operation with extended useful life expectancies equivalent to or better than new of the FCR APG-68 unit high frequency, high voltage dual mode radar transmitters that are deployed in over 1000 state-of-the-art military aircraft such as the F-15, F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft, and B-1 bombers. The novel method extends the mean lifetime of previously repaired and repairable FCR APG-68 tactical radar units and radar units and ageing transmitters from about 100 to a few hundred hours to about five hundred or more hours by the step of removing embedded moisture and absorbed moisture from the heterogeneous electronic components in the FCR APG-68 tactical radar unit.
US08082679B1 Magnetically directed hair dryer nozzle
A hand-held hair dryer and hair styling system that uses a magnetic field to index the location of a brush or combing device relative to the nozzle of the hair dryer is disclosed. The system allows the nozzle to follow the brush or combing device. The system includes a hair dryer that has a fan and a heating element, the fan forcing air over the heating element. The dryer also has a nozzle with ferrous or magnetic components, and that is supported from the body by bearings that allow rotation of the nozzle about a central axis. The system includes a brush that includes a magnet that provides a magnetic field that attracts or repels the magnetic or ferrous components of the nozzle, so that holding the hair dryer next to the comb causes the nozzle and the brush to be coupled through the magnetic field, so that the nozzle rotates or moves in response to movement of the brush.
US08082678B2 Clothes drying machine with improved vapour injection arrangement
Household-type clothes drying machine provided with a rotating drum (1), first means adapted to circulate a stream of drying air through said drum and comprising an appropriate inflow conduit and an outflow conduit for said air stream, second means (3) adapted to generate a gas or vapour stream, a first delivery pipe conduit (4) connecting said second means with an ejection arrangement located on the inner surface of the loading door of the drum, a second drain pipe conduit (7) adapted to collect the condensed moisture from said ejection arrangement and convey it into a collecting container; said ejection arrangement comprises a substantially sealed cell that is however provided with a first port (9) to enable the gas/vapour stream to flow in from said first delivery pipe conduit, a second port (10) to enable liquid and condensate to flow into said drain pipe conduit, and an ejection window (11) that opens into the interior of said drum and is adapted to eject said gas/vapour stream flowing in from said first delivery pipe conduit. Inside said cell there is provided a vertically extending wall and said first port is oriented towards said wall, which terminates with a free lower, edge projecting onto the bottom of said cell.
US08082674B2 Self-powered coordinate probe
A probe, connectable to a machine tool, has an electric generator and a driving element. The electric generator supplies an electric or electronic circuit with electric power, and the driving element is capable of relative rotation with respect to the stator of the electric generator. The driving element is not connected to any external energy source and can be set in rotation simply by activating the rotary axis of the machine tool. The driving element is either rotatably mounted on the probe itself or fixed on the reference table of the machine tool. The probe requires no additional connections to the machine tool on which it is mounted, besides the connection to the rotary spindle, which can be realized with a conventional tool-holder with a standardized tapered shank. The probe is fully compatible with standard probes and can be mounted and used with standard tool-holders without any adaptation.
US08082673B2 Systems and methods for control and calibration of a CMM
A method of operating an articulated arm CMM is provided. Instructions for the CMM can be inputted to the CMM arm by an action chosen from the group consisting of placing the arm in a predefined position and moving the arm in a predefined manner.
US08082669B2 Double handle kitchen knife
Double handle knives and attachments to convert a knife to a double handle knife are described with secondary handles able to form an angle (a) between about 20 to 70 degrees between the long axis of the secondary handle and the long axis of the blade in a plane at about right angles to the blade. Embodiments describe fixed, rotatable, and indexable means for the angle of attachment of the secondary handle to the blade. Embodiments further describe reversible and permanent means of attachment. The placement of the secondary handle at the angle described allows for the optimal positioning of the hands for both controlling and assisting with the cutting of foods and other items.
US08082664B2 Harness making device and method for the production of cable harnesses
A harness making device having at least two receiving sections, a pivoting gripping device, a cable preparation device, and a cable transfer. Each receiving section is utilized for receiving a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism, in each case, connects an end portion of a cable to a connector. The gripping device is located in a fixed position between the at least two receiving sections, and is constructed to guide the end portion of the cable to the connection mechanism. Additionally, a cable preparation device is positioned to prepare a cable loop with the cable. The cable transfer, which is constructed to receive the at least one cable from the cable preparation device, positions the cable to the pivoting gripping device.
US08082655B2 Integrated winding structure for a magnetic core
A method includes forming a winding structure from a single sheet of electrically conductive material, where the winding structure includes a winding base and multiple winding extensions extending from the winding base as a continuous piece of the electrically conductive material. The multiple winding extensions include a base portion that extends from the winding base along a first face of a fully assembled magnetic core, a wrapping portion that extends from the base portion along a second face of the fully assembled magnetic core, and a connection portion that extends from the wrapping portion along a third face of the fully assembled magnetic core, the connection portion comprising an electrical connection surface. The base portion, the wrapping portion, and the connection portion of each winding extend from the winding base such that the integrated windin structure is shaped for placement over the full assembled magnetic core in a single motion.
US08082651B2 Micro-structure fabrication method
A micro-structure fabrication method fabricates a micro-structure including an inclined part inclined to a principal plane of a substrate by plastically deforming a work piece having the substrate with the principal plane. The structure fabrication method includes the steps of providing in the work piece a projection configured to protrude from a first surface and away from the principal plane of the substrate, and bending the work piece toward a second surface opposite to the first surface. The bending is accomplished by applying a force on a block including an inclined pressure plane that is abutted on the projection for plastically deforming the work piece, in which in bending the work piece, the direction of a first force applied on the work piece intersects with the direction of a second force of the inclined pressure plane pushing the projection.
US08082645B2 Rotary manual release
A clamp and quick release mechanism for clamping and releasing a cylindrical linkage to a rod-like member comprises a locking ring located on the rod-like member and a clamping ring. The inner surface of the clamping ring and the outer surface of the locking ring are configured such that rotation of the clamping ring in one direction will compress the locking ring and rotation in the other direction will allow expansion of the locking ring.
US08082633B2 Foldable portable information terminal
A portable device includes an upper unit, a lower unit having an operation section on an operation surface, and a movable connecting mechanism which connects the upper unit and the lower unit. The movable connecting mechanism includes a rotating hinge including a rotation axis which is securely and rotatably provided to the lower unit and which protrudes from the operation surface in a direction substantially normal to the operation surface, a projection protruding outward from the rotation axis, and a stopping member provided at a location where the projection comes in contact with the stopping member due to rotation of the rotation axis. The stopping member is movable within a predetermined range of movement due to the projection coming in contact with the stopping member.
US08082629B2 Hinge with reduced bulkiness for vertical-movement doors
A parallelogram hinge for vertical-movement doors includes a first plate designed to be fastened to the furniture flank, a second plate designed to be fastened to the door and two superposed arms pivotally mounted to the plates to form an articulated parallelogram. A spring for movement balancing is connected to the upper arm at an intermediate position between the arm extremities hinged to the plates and is connected to the first plate at a point below the pivot point of the lower arm on the first plate. This enables very reduced bulkiness in the direction of the furniture depth, achievement of a great opening angle and better operation of the spring embodied by a gas piston.
US08082622B2 Accessory for blower
An accessory for a blower having a first end with a connector assembly for connecting the accessory to the blower, a second end for directing air under pressure from the blower, a lower blade portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic shoveling operation, and an upper funnel portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic sweeping operation. The accessory can be selectively connected to the blower via the connector assembly so that the air under pressure from the blower cooperates with the lower blade portion and the upper funnel portion to perform a combined pneumatic shoveling/sweeping operation.
US08082617B2 Automatic swimming pool cleaners
Automatic swimming pool cleaners are detailed. The cleaners may employ filter bags with novel stiffeners to help retain their optimal debris-collection shapes in use. They additionally may include bags made of material having sanitizing properties or additives, allowing water sanitization to occur as water flows through the bags themselves. Cleaners described herein further may include discs having generally radial but non-linear slits to facilitate navigation in particular conditions and fix buoyant material within a collar by which a bag is attached to a body of the device.
US08082616B2 Shoe bottom repair agent and shoe bottom repair set utilizing the same
There is provided a shoe bottom repair agent consisting of one-component thermosetting composition comprising as main ingredients a terminal isocyanate having urethane prepolymer and/or a polyisocyanate compound and a latent curing agent. This shoe bottom repair agent is free from, experienced in use of solvent base shoe bottom repair agents, safety and sanitation problems such as odor and inflammation by solvent evaporated at the time of curing as well as cured matter thickness reduction of a mended part caused by solvent evaporation. With use of this shoe bottom repair agent, damaged shoe bottom portion can be mended to a desired shape through one-time repair work. Short-time curing can be effected by heating. Further, before heating, there is substantially no viscosity increase and no surface film is formed to avoid adhesion of a film resulting from surface drying to a spatula. Therefore, the repair surface can be finished smoothly and neatly.
US08082594B2 Protection system
A protection system for the neck, chest, and torso on down to the mid-thigh area as it shields the wearer from a variety of messy situations. One embodiment employs sleeves that cover both arms of a user entirely and end with thin, elastic cuffs or bands at the wrists. In addition, the protective layer features a base that is A-lined and extends to the mid-thigh area. The back of the protective layer remains open from the adjustable closure device down to the bottom.
US08087092B2 Method and apparatus for detection of tampering attacks
A method for detecting an attempted attack on a security system. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of retrieving a parameter from a hardware system, wherein the parameter changes during an operation of the hardware system. Then, comparing the retrieved parameter with a previously stored parameter; and, detecting a lack of change between the retrieved parameter and the previously stored parameter. An apparatus and an article of manufacture for detecting an attempted attack on a security system is also disclosed.
US08087083B1 Systems and methods for detecting a network sniffer
A device (110) records traffic in a communications network. The device (110) monitors traffic received by the device (110) and determines whether the received traffic is unexpected. The device (110) records the traffic when the traffic is determined to be unexpected.
US08087072B2 Provisioning of digital identity representations
A system and method for provisioning digital identity representations (“DIRs”) uses various techniques and structures to ease administration, increase accuracy, and decrease inconsistencies of a digital-identity provisioning system. A system is provided using a common identity data store for both DIR issuance and identity token issuance, decreasing synchronization issues. Various methods are provided for creating new DIRs, notifying principals of available DIRs, and approving issuance of new DIRs.
US08087064B1 Security extensions using at least a portion of layer 2 information or bits in the place of layer 2 information
Using information applied to a packet at an ingress port of a network for enhancing security such as user authentication for example. Such authentication may be applied in addition to (i.e., as an extension of) other authentication measures. The information applied to a packet may be “context information” which replaces at least some bits of layer 2 information (e.g., a header). Users or customers may define security policies. They may define different security policies for different types of transactions. They may also define security policies based on the location from which the transaction originated. If the customer is an organization with different classes of users, it may define different security policies based on the type of transaction, the location from which the transaction originated, and/or the class of user. The class of user may be identified based on at least a part of the “context information”. At least a part of the context information may also be used to monitor a location from which a transaction originated, thereby permitting fraudulent uses to be traced.
US08087048B2 Television program guide with a digital storage device
An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to select a program for recording onto the digital storage device. The program guide may then provide the user a list of programs that includes at least one listing for a recorded program. The user may select a recorded program listing and the program guide will transfer the corresponding program from the digital storage device to a secondary storage device.
US08087042B2 Methods and apparatus to detect an internally generated signal mode of a local media playback device
Methods and apparatus to detect an internally generated signal mode of a local media playback device are disclosed. A disclosed method comprises tuning a harmonic frequency of a chrominance signal output by a local media playback device, and determining that the local media playback device is in an internally generated signal mode if the measured harmonic frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US08087040B2 Slot-in type disk drive
A disk drive includes a chassis having a spindle motor for rotating a disk and a read/write head for reading or writing data on the disk, a slide block disposed at one side of the chassis and slidable reciprocally along an entrance-and-exit route defined by the disk, and a support member mounted on the slide member so as to be movable together therewith. The support member supports the disk from below during inserting the disk into the disk drive.
US08087038B2 Optical pickup having thermal expansion compensation
An aspect of the invention provides an optical pickup in which an optical axis is not displaced even if ambient temperature is changed. The optical pickup of the invention has an optical unit and an optical pickup case. The optical unit has a lens member having an optical axis, and the optical axis of the lens member is offset to one side from the center of the optical unit. The optical pickup case holds the optical unit from both sides. A thermal expansion amount of the optical unit is absorbed by compression amounts of a first adhesive and a second adhesive such that the optical axis of the lens member is not displaced when the optical unit is thermal expanded.
US08087034B2 Virtual processor methods and apparatus with unified event notification and consumer-produced memory operations
The invention provides, in one aspect, a virtual processor that includes one or more virtual processing units. These virtual processing units execute on one or more processors, and each virtual processing unit executes one or more processes or threads (collectively, “threads”). While the threads may be constrained to executing throughout their respective lifetimes on the same virtual processing units, they need not be. An event delivery mechanism associates events with respective threads and notifies those threads when the events occur, regardless of which virtual processing unit and/or processor the threads happen to be executing on at the time. The invention provides, in other aspects, virtual and/or digital data processors with improved dataflow-based synchronization. A process or thread (collectively, again, “thread”) executing within such processor can execute a memory instruction (e.g., an “Empty” or other memory-consumer instruction) that permits the thread to wait on the availability of data generated, e.g., by another thread and to transparently wake up when that other thread makes the data available (e.g., by execution of a “Fill” or other memory-producer instruction).
US08087030B2 Processing a received message
Processing a received message includes receiving a message that includes a plurality of values associated with respective data elements that assign an information category to each of the values. The message further includes a plurality of context values belonging to respective context categories. The method includes identifying, in a relevance record and for a first one of the context categories in the message, at least one of the data elements that is relevant for the context value of the first context category. A rule associated with the context value of the first context category is applied to the value of the identified at least one data element. A system includes a message receiving module, a context value module and a processing module.
US08087026B2 Fair share scheduling based on an individual user's resource usage and the tracking of that usage
Fair share scheduling to divide the total amount of available resource into a finite number of shares and allocate a portion of the shares to an individual user or group of users as a way to specify the resource proportion entitled by the user or group of users. The scheduling priority of jobs for a user or group of users depends on a customizable expression of allocated and used shares by that individual user or group of users. The usage by the user or group of users is accumulated and an exponential decay function is applied thereto in order to keep track of historic resource usage for a user or group of users by one piece of data and an update timestamp.
US08087022B2 Prevention of deadlock in a distributed computing environment
A system for preventing deadlock in a distributed computing system includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The processor is operative: to receive as input a sorted set of containers defining a unique global sequence of containers for servicing process requests; to populate at least one table based at least in part on off-line analysis of call graphs defining corresponding transactions for a given order of the containers in the sorted set; to store within each container at least a portion of the at least one table; and to allocate one or more threads in a given container according to at least a portion of the at least one table stored within the given container.
US08087021B1 Automated activity processing
A virtual data storage system includes a device emulator and a storage system. The virtual data storage system requires the performance of activities on a scheduled basis. An activity scheduler manages a set of pending, running, and completed activities. The activity scheduler provides scheduler services for use by external processes. A scheduler process examines a list of to-be-run activities. For each activity that has reached its scheduled time, that activity is considered for starting. An activity monitor process monitors started activities. Upon determining a problem with an activity, a recovery process is performed. The recovery process includes returning the problem activity to the list of to-be-run activities.
US08087019B1 Systems and methods for performing machine-implemented tasks
A task management system may be configured to select and/or perform one or more tasks. The task management system may be configured to create weighted groups of tasks to be performed in response to various triggering conditions. The task management system may include a value generation module, which may be configured to generate values used to select tasks from two or more of the weighted groups of tasks.
US08087013B2 Assisted migration in a data processing environment
In assisting migration of data processing resources from a first operating environment to a second operating environment, a migration controller responds to a problem encountered during a migration process by invoking a network-based service to discover migration resources. A service provider makes migration resources available via the network-based service. The migration controller can obtain the latest migration rules and use them to resolve certain migration problems. The cooperation between the migration controller and network-based service can be automated to reduce reliance on manual updating of installed computer programs.
US08087001B2 Computer-implemented systems and methods for software application testing
Computer-implemented systems and methods for testing one or more software applications. For example, a system and method can be configured to perform a comparison between test data results and benchmark test data in order to determine test result differences between the received test data results and the retrieved benchmark test data. Testing criteria is applied to the determined test result differences in order to identify test deviations from the benchmark test data.
US08086993B2 Sorting tables in a page based approach
A solution is proposed for reducing the response time of query submitted by a client to server and, at the same time optimizing the sorting time of the results. Some canonical sorting algorithms are conceived to produce the first sorted records as soon as possible even if the sort operation is not completed. Even if such kind of algorithms match the above described needs, they could become impracticable because of their computational complexity. On the other side, some other algorithms have a lower computational complexity but the sorted result can be available only after the last iteration when the algorithm has completed. The present invention provides an improved method which combines the advantages of both families of algorithms.
US08086992B2 Enable top-down service design
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing a software development application that supports development using a top-down approach. The user creates a high-level system design for a system in the top-down design software development application. The user describes a behavior of the system by attaching technology-neutral original system endpoints and respective contracts to a plurality of system components. The user delegates each original system endpoint to a member endpoint of a corresponding technology-specific member component. The user supplies a concrete implementation for each of the corresponding technology-specific member components. Throughout this iterative development process, the high level system design is preserved.
US08086990B2 Method of correlating silicon stress to device instance parameters for circuit simulation
Roughly described, standard SPICE models can be modified by substituting a different stress analyzer to better model the stress adjusted characteristics of a transistor. A first, standard, stress-sensitive, transistor model is used to develop a mathematical relationship between the first transistor performance measure and one or more instance parameters that are available as inputs to a second, stress-insensitive, transistor model. The second transistor model may for example be the same as the first model, with its stress sensitivity disabled. Thereafter, a substitute stress analyzer can be used to determine a stress-adjusted value for the first performance measure, and the mathematical relationship can be used to convert that value into specific values for the one or more instance parameters. These values are then provided to the second transistor model for use in simulating the characteristics of the particular transistor during circuit simulation.
US08086981B2 Method and system for design rule checking enhanced with pattern matching
According to various embodiments of the invention, systems and methods for design rule checking enhanced with pattern matching is provided, wherein the design rule checker ignores certain patterns of the layout that violate design rules during validation. One embodiment of the invention includes receiving a first layout pattern that containing the original layout of an integrated circuit pattern. The pattern matcher processes the layout pattern and designates certain patterns of the integrated circuit pattern that meet a design waiver. The pattern matcher generates a second layout pattern with the waived patterns marked. The design rule checker subsequently processes the marked layout pattern and validates all but the marked patterns of the second layout pattern against a set of specified design rules. The design rule checker generates a third layout pattern with only the unmarked patterns of the layout being validated against the set of specified design rules.
US08086976B2 Methods for statistical slew propagation during block-based statistical static timing analysis
Methods for statistical slew propagation in static statistical timing analysis. The method includes projecting a canonical approximation of an input slew over a timing path to a first corner and using the projected input slew to calculate a delay and an output slew at the first corner. The method further includes perturbing the canonical approximation of the input slew to a different corner, calculating a delay and an output slew at the different corner using the perturbed input slew canonical, and determining a sensitivity of the delay and the output slew to a plurality of parameters, simultaneous with implicit sensitivity calculations to the input slew, with finite difference calculations between the first corner and perturbed data.
US08086960B1 Inline review tracking in documents
Inline review tracking in documents is described, including receiving an input to a document displayed in a browser, generating a comment and an option, the comment being configured to describe the input and the option being configured to perform one or more actions associated with the input, marking the document with a tag based on the input, storing the input using another tag in a comment section of the document; and presenting the document, the comment, and the option, wherein the document is displayed in a first frame, and the comment and the option are displayed in a second frame.
US08086956B2 Isolated ordered regions (IOR) node order
Method for ordering nodes within hierarchical data. The concept of isolated ordered regions to maintain coordinates of nodes is used by associating each node with coordinates relative to a containing region. Modifications to nodes within a region only affect the nodes in that region, and not nodes in other regions. Traversals that retrieve information from the nodes can rebase the coordinates from their containing region and return with a total order.
US08086944B2 Hard disk drive with data error recovery using multiple reads and derived reliability information
A hard disk drive with a disk that has a plurality of data bits. The drive includes a circuit that reads each data bit n times and selects a value for the bit based on a reliability factor. The circuit may select a bit based at least in part on the most frequent occurrence of one of a plurality of values. For example, if more 0s occurred than 1s the bit would be set to 0. The reliability factor may be a ratio of the occurrence of 0s to the occurrence of 1s. A bit can be not selected or deselected if the reliability factor exceeds a threshold value.
US08086942B2 Parallel concatenated code with bypass
A method of encoding non-key frame data is disclosed. The method includes forming a bit stream from the data by arranging the bits from the data in a known order. The bit stream is interleaved to form an interleaved bit stream, and parity bits are generated for each of the bit stream and the interleaved bit stream. Bits are deleted from the generated parity bits dependant upon the bit plane of those bits, and an encoded bit stream is created from the remaining parity bits.
US08086937B2 Method for erasure coding data across a plurality of data stores in a network
An efficient method to apply an erasure encoding and decoding scheme across dispersed data stores that receive constant updates. A data store is a persistent memory for storing a data block. Such data stores include, without limitation, a group of disks, a group of disk arrays, or the like. An encoding process applies a sequencing method to assign a sequence number to each data and checksum block as they are modified and updated onto their data stores. The method preferably uses the sequence number to identify data set consistency. The sequencing method allows for self-healing of each individual data store, and it maintains data consistency and correctness within a data block and among a group of data blocks. The inventive technique can be applied on many forms of distributed persistent data stores to provide failure resiliency and to maintain data consistency and correctness.
US08086927B2 MIMO transmitting apparatus, MIMO receiving apparatus, and retransmitting method
A MIMO transmitting apparatus that achieves a flexible control in accordance with variation of a propagation environment to reduce the number of retransmissions is disclosed. An intra-code-word interleaver performs an interleave process on bits included in symbols to be simultaneously transmitted from a plurality of transmitting antennas. When performing the intra-code-word interleave process, the intra-code-word interleaver performs the interleave process in accordance with an interleave pattern notified from an interleave pattern table. A counter counts a number of retransmission requests, and outputs the number of retransmission requests to the interleave pattern table. The interleave pattern table stores interleave patterns to be used for the intra-code-word interleave process for the respective numbers of retransmission requests, and notifies the intra-code-word interleaver of an interleave pattern in accordance with the number of retransmission requests.
US08086917B2 Methods for characterizing device variation in electronic memory circuits
A circuit includes a comparator circuit configured such that its output toggles from a first digital logical level to a second digital logical level when its first and second inputs transition between a first state wherein the first input has an applied voltage greater than an applied voltage at the second input and a second state wherein the first input has an applied voltage less than an applied voltage at the second input. A plurality of cells each have at least one series-connected pair of field effect transistors interconnected at an output node intermediate the field effect transistors. Decoding logic is configured to select a given one of the cells for measurement, and selectively interconnect the output node of the given one of the cells to the first input of the comparator circuit. Voltage supply circuitry is configured to (i) apply voltages to the gates of the pair of transistors of the given one of the cells selected for measurement, such that the pair of transistors operate in a linear region, and have a variable voltage difference, Δ, between their gate-to-source voltages, and (ii) vary the Δ until the comparator circuit output toggles from the first digital logical level to the second digital logical level.
US08086913B2 Methods, apparatus, and systems to repair memory
Methods, apparatus and systems pertain to performing READ, WRITE functions in a memory which is coupled to a repair controller. One such repair controller could receive a row address and a column address associated with the memory and store a first plurality of tag fields indicating a type of row/column repair to be performed for at least a portion of a row/column of memory cells, and a second plurality of tag fields to indicate a location of memory cells used to perform the row/column repair.
US08086902B2 Method and apparatus for testing media player software applications
A method, system and program application is provided for automatically testing the operation of a media player with media files (e.g., video files) that are embodied in various formats. In one illustrative example visually encoded metrics are embedded in a media file that is to serve as a test file. These metrics can be detected and decoded when the test file is rendered by the media player. A testing program automatically executes various playback commands to simulate the way a user would operate the media player when viewing a media file. The testing program captures the media player's display buffer after the execution of each command. The display buffer includes the frame or frames that are played by the media player as a result of the commands. The metric or metrics embedded in the captured frames are detected and decoded and compared to a database that includes the metric or metrics that would be expected if the media player is correctly playing the test file.
US08086900B2 System, method and computer program product for testing a boot image
According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for testing a boot image is disclosed. The method comprises creating a test boot image for a first logical partition, creating a second logical partition wherein the second logical partition is a duplicate of the first logical partition, initiating a boot sequence for the second logical partition using the test boot image, and returning a result of the boot sequence to a requestor.
US08086885B2 Runtime control of system performance
An apparatus includes a hardware unit having an interface to a clock generator, an interface to a power supply and an interface to a software unit. The interface to the software unit is configurable to receive a request from the software unit that identifies at least one operating point for the apparatus. The hardware unit is operable to control at least one of the clock generator and the power supply so as to achieve the requested operating point.
US08086883B2 Hardware driven processor state storage prior to entering a low power
A data processing apparatus includes a processor for processing data and having memory interface logic for controlling transfer of data to a memory. Also included is a memory for storing data processed by said processor. The processor is powered in a first domain and the memory is powered in a second domain. A system bus is coupled to the processor and the memory to transfer data therebetween in response to memory transfer requests. The processor is responsive to a low power request to enter a low power mode to control transfer of state data indicating a current state of the processor to the memory via the system bus using memory interface logic. The state data is sufficient to restore the processor to an equivalent program state following exit from the low power mode, store the state data in memory; and power down the first domain.
US08086873B2 Method for controlling file access on computer systems
A method for controlling file access on computer systems is disclosed. Initially, a virtual machine manager (VMM) is provided in a computer system. In response to a write request, the VMM determines whether or not a location field is valid. If the location field is not valid, then the VMM writes the write request information to a storage device; but if the location field is valid, then the VMM encrypts the write request information before writing the write request information to the storage device. In response to a read request, the VMM again determines whether or not a location field is valid. If the location field is not valid, then the VMM sends the read request information to a read requester; but, if the location field is valid, then the VMM decrypts the read request information before sending the read request information to the read requester.
US08086872B2 Method for setting security channel based on MPCP between OLT and ONUs in EPON, and MPCP message structure for controlling frame transmission
Provided is a method for setting a security channel between an OLT and at least one ONU in an EPON. In detail, a channel is generated by which the OLT makes a reciprocal security capability agreement with the ONU that wants to set a security channel in a discovery interval and then automatically registers the ONU with the security capability agreement. The security channel is set by which the OLT distributes an encryption key for the security with the ONU completed with the security capability agreement. A renewal point of the encryption key is shared by transmitting a message indicative of a time to change the encryption key between the OLT and the ONU both completed with the encryption key distribution.
US08086867B2 Secure identity and privilege system
A process for generating a unique, secure and printable identity document, for authenticating the use of the document, and for granting privileges based on the document, includes generating an identity certificate for an individual. This certificate incorporates a pointer to biometric and other identifying data for the individual which are stored in a reference database. The identity certificate is encoded to produce, for example, a machine-readable printable 2-dimensional barcode as an identity document. The identity document may then be used by the document holder for generation of an encoded privilege document and this, in turn, is compared with the stored reference data, including the stored biometric when the privilege is to be exercised.
US08086859B2 Generation of electronic signatures
A generator uses a robust programming framework to create an electronic signature in association with a data item, wherein the electronic signature includes time stamps and/or countersignatures. The generator can create a signature object that computes a signature value of the electronic signature based on the data item. The generator also creates a signature timestamp object to obtain a timestamp of the signature value, wherein the timestamp is associated with the electronic signature. The generator can also invoke a countersignature service on the signature object to obtain a countersignature based on the signature value of the signature object, wherein the countersignature is associated with the electronic signature.
US08086857B2 Identity-based-encryption messaging system
A system is provided that uses identity-based encryption to support secure communications between senders and recipients over a communications network. Private key generators are used to provide public parameter information. Senders encrypt messages for recipients using public keys based on recipient identities and using the public parameter information as inputs to an identity-based encryption algorithm. Recipients use private keys to decrypt the messages. There may be multiple private key generators in the system and a given recipient may have multiple private keys. Senders can include private key identifying information in the messages they send to recipients. The private key identifying information may be used by the recipients to determine which of their private keys to use in decrypting a message. Recipients may obtain the correct private key to use to decrypt a message from a local database of private keys or from an appropriate private key server.
US08086852B2 Providing a trusted platform module in a hypervisor environment
A method is presented for implementing a trusted computing environment within a data processing system. A hypervisor is initialized within the data processing system, and the hypervisor supervises a plurality of logical, partitionable, runtime environments within the data processing system. The hypervisor reserves a logical partition for a hypervisor-based trusted platform module (TPM) and presents the hypervisor-based trusted platform module to other logical partitions as a virtual device via a device interface. Each time that the hypervisor creates a logical partition within the data processing system, the hypervisor also instantiates a logical TPM within the reserved partition such that the logical TPM is anchored to the hypervisor-based TPM. The hypervisor manages multiple logical TPM's within the reserved partition such that each logical TPM is uniquely associated with a logical partition.
US08086850B2 Secure group communication among wireless devices with distributed trust
In one embodiment, a method of forming a secure group from a plurality of nodes for communicating with a user A comprises performing a discover protocol, wherein after performing the discover protocol, all nodes belong to at most one small group and wherein all nodes in each small group share a common key. The method further comprises selecting a leader for each small group. The method further comprises, for each of the leaders, generating a respective common key for the user A and that respective leader. The method further comprises generating a key tree having a plurality of levels, wherein the keys for the lowest level of the key tree are the common keys generated for each leader and wherein the keys for each successive layer are generated by combining pairs of keys from lower levels of the key tree.
US08086848B2 Automated process for a web site to receive a secure socket layer certificate
The present invention provides systems and methods for enabling encrypted communication capabilities for a Subscriber's Web Site, thereby allowing Customers to access the Subscriber's Web Site in a secure manner. A Hosting Provider, that hosts the Subscriber's Web Site, and a Certificate Authority (CA), that verifies the identity of the Subscriber, provide the Subscriber's Web Site with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encrypted communications capability. The Hosting Provider and CA communicate directly with each other as needed, typically via the Internet, without using the Subscriber as an intermediary in their communications.
US08086847B2 Computer program product and computer system for peer-to-peer communications
An encrypted request for peer-to-peer communication includes a requesting peer encrypting a requested peer identification using a public key of a security agent. The requesting peer sends the encrypted request to a security agent, which generates a first encrypted instance of the session key using a public key of the requested peer and a second encrypted instance of the session key using a public key of the requesting peer. The first encrypted instance of the session key is sent to the requested peer and the second encrypted instance of the session key is sent to the requesting peer. The requesting peer encrypts data using the second encrypted instance of the session key and sends the encrypted data to the requested peer, which decrypts the encrypted data using the first instance of the encrypted session key.
US08086846B2 Providing non-proxy TLS/SSL support in a content-based load balancer
Methods and systems for providing non-proxy Secure Sockets Layer and Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) support in a content-based load balancer are described. A Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection is accepted from a client, and an SSL/TLS connection is established with the client such that random data used in key generation is created. A request is received from the client, and the request is decrypted. The request is processed, a target stack is selected, and the TCP connection, the SSL/TLS connection, and the random data are transferred to the selected target stack such that the client and selected target stack maintain an end-to-end TCP connection with a non-proxy SSL/TLS connection.
US08086834B2 System and method for populating a dedicated system service repository for an information handling system
An information handling system includes a processor, a memory device coupled to the processor, and a dedicated system service repository (DSSR) coupled to the processor. The DSSR is configured to store a base image that includes a plurality of partitions and a first system configuration image, wherein the first system configuration image is stored in a first partition of the plurality of partitions, wherein the first system configuration image is configured to provide in-band and/or out-of-band managed access to the DSSR when executed; and by accessing the first system configuration image, the DSSR is populated with a second system configuration image, wherein the second system configuration image is stored in a second partition of the plurality of partitions.
US08086828B2 Multiprocessor computing systems with heterogeneous processors
Heterogeneous processors can cooperate for distributed processing tasks in a multiprocessor computing system. Each processor is operable in a “compatible” mode, in which all processors within a family accept the same baseline command set and produce identical results upon executing any command in the baseline command set. The processors also have a “native” mode of operation in which the command set and/or results may differ in at least some respects from the baseline command set and results. Heterogeneous processors with a compatible mode defined by reference to the same baseline can be used cooperatively for distributed processing by configuring each processor to operate in the compatible mode.
US08086827B2 Mechanism for irrevocable transactions
A method and apparatus for designating and handling irrevocable transaction is herein described. In response to detecting an irrevocable event, such as an I/O operation, a user-defined irrevocable designation, and a dynamic failure profile, a transaction is designated as irrevocable. In response to designating a transaction as irrevocable, Single Owner Read Locks (SORLs) are acquired for previous and subsequent reads in the irrevocably designated transaction to ensure the transaction is able to complete without modification to locations read from, while permitting remote resources to load from those locations to continue execution.
US08086823B2 Method for speeding up page table address update on virtual machine
A method is provided which eliminates redundancy from the shadow PT operation performed by the virtual machine monitor (VMM) when the guest operating system running on a virtual machine updates a guest page table (PT) address. The VMM associates a plurality of shadow PTs with guest PTs and allocates their relation in memory. When it detects the update of a guest PT address, the VMM searches for a shadow PT corresponding to the updated guest PT. If the associated shadow PT exists, the VMM omits rewriting the shadow PT and registers the address of the shadow PT with the central processing unit (CPU). If the associated shadow PT does not exist, the VMM allocates a memory, creates a shadow PT, registers an address of the created shadow PT with the CPU, and records a relationship between the updated guest PT and the generated shadow PT.
US08086818B2 Storage apparatus and storage area allocation method
A storage apparatus is provided with a storage area for storing data sent from a host computer, and a virtual/logical volume to which a dynamically variable storage area is allocated from within the storage area, the volume being provided to the host computer, and this storage apparatus is configured to include: a pool area generation unit for generating a plurality of pool areas composed from the storage area; a setting unit for setting, for each of the plurality of pool areas generated by the pool area generation unit, an allocation unit size for allocating a storage area from within the storage area provided by the pool area to the virtual/logical volume; a selecting unit for selecting, when data to be stored in the storage area is sent from the host computer, a pool area from among the plurality of pool areas having the allocation unit size set by the setting unit, in accordance with the size of the sent data; and an allocation unit for allocating a storage area from within the storage area provided by the pool area selected by the selecting unit to the virtual/logical volume.
US08086804B2 Method and system for optimizing processor performance by regulating issue of pre-fetches to hot cache sets
A method for pre-fetching data. The method includes obtaining a pre-fetch request. The pre-fetch request identifies new data to pre-fetch from memory and store in a cache. The method further includes identifying a set in the cache to store the new data and identifying a value of a hotness indicator for the set. The hotness indicator value defines a number of replacements of at least one line in the set. The method further includes determining whether the value of the hotness indicator exceeds a predefined threshold, and storing the new data in the set when the value of the hotness indicator does not exceed the pre-defined threshold.
US08086803B2 Managing cache elements
A method for managing cache elements in an environment based on Common Information Model is described. Cache elements in the cache are associated with a time attribute and historical data. Cache elements having a time attribute lying in a certain range are polled for from the server and updated at predetermined time points. A new time attribute is calculated for each cache element based on its historical data and this new time attribute assists in adapting the polling frequency for the cache element to its importance and change characteristics. Asynchronous notifications from the server preempt the polling based on the time attribute for a cache element and instead, polling for the cache element is based on the asynchronous notification. A system for cache management includes a client and a server, the client having a cache that is managed based on each cache element's importance and change characteristics.
US08086799B2 Scalable deduplication of stored data
In a method and apparatus for scalable deduplication, a data set is partitioned into multiple logical partitions, where each partition can be deduplicated independently. Each data block of the data set is assigned to exactly one partition, so that any two or more data blocks that are duplicates of each are always be assigned to the same logical partition. A hash algorithm generates a fingerprint of each data block in the volume, and the fingerprints are subsequently used to detect possible duplicate data blocks as part of deduplication. In addition, the fingerprints are used to ensure that duplicate data blocks are sent to the same logical partition, prior to deduplication. A portion of the fingerprint of each data block is used as a partition identifier to determine the partition to which the data block should be assigned. Once blocks are assigned to partitions, deduplication can be done on partitions independently.
US08086796B2 Storage system, load distribution management method, and storage medium
A host computer includes a virtual disk control part for controlling an input/output request into a virtual disk. A plurality of storage subsystems includes a load monitoring part for measuring a load on a physical disk by the input/output request and storing load information in a disk management table. The virtual disk control part identifies, upon receiving the input/output request into a not-ever-outputted space in a virtual disk, an appropriate logical disk on the virtual disk based on the load information in the disk management table, sends the input/output request to the storage subsystem having the identified logical disk, and updates, upon receiving a completion acknowledgement of the input/output request, the load information in the disk management table based on the load information in the logical disk map information table.
US08086795B2 Onboard computer data storage, access, and caching system
A controller and memory unit for a host computer has a primary controller coupled to a parallel bus interface connectable or connected to the host computer, and by cable connections to one or more remote memory disk units, one or more secondary controllers coupled by parallel bus to the primary controller, and one or more solid-state memory modules coupled by parallel bus one-to-one with the secondary controllers. The primary controller provides read/write access to the remote memory disk units and read/write access to each of the solid-state memory modules through the associated secondary controller.
US08086794B2 System and method for data migration between computer cluster architecture and data storage devices
A system for data migration between a compute cluster and disk drives by inclusion of a buffer node coupled to the compute cluster to store data received therefrom in a random fashion. The buffer node signals the computer nodes to promptly return from the I/O cycle to the computing state to improve the duty cycle of the device. The system further includes a storage controller which is coupled between the buffer node and the disk drives to schedule data transfer activity between them. The data transfers are actuated in the sequence determined based on minimization of seeking time and tier usage, and harvest priority, when the buffer node either reaches a predetermined storage space minimal level or a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous I/O cycle. The storage controller deactivates the disk drives which are not needed for the data transfer.
US08086786B2 Non-volatile memory device and associated programming method
A non-volatile memory device having a memory array is configured to prevent power voltage noise generation during programming, thereby improving reliability. An associated programming method of the non-volatile memory device includes storing data input from an external source to a cache register. The stored data is moved to a main register. The cache register is cleared and the data stored in the main register is programmed to the memory cell array.
US08086783B2 High availability memory system
A memory system with high availability is provided. The memory system includes multiple memory channels. Each memory channel includes at least one memory module with memory devices organized as partial ranks coupled to memory device bus segments. Each partial rank includes a subset of the memory devices accessible as a subchannel on a subset of the memory device bus segments. The memory system also includes a memory controller in communication with the multiple memory channels. The memory controller distributes an access request across the memory channels to access a full rank. The full rank includes at least two of the partial ranks on separate memory channels. Partial ranks on a common memory module can be concurrently accessed. The memory modules can use at least one checksum memory device as a dedicated checksum memory device or a shared checksum memory device between at least two of the concurrently accessible partial ranks.
US08086781B2 Serial pass-through device
A host device and an accessory exchange information (e.g., commands and data) via an intermediate device. The host device and accessory can each connect to the intermediate device. The host device can exchange commands and data with the intermediate device, while the accessory device can serially exchange data with the intermediate device. The host device and the accessory can also “tunnel” information to each other through the intermediate device, by packaging the tunneled information as a payload of a command recognizable by the intermediate device; the intermediate device can repackage and forward the payload. In some embodiments, the intermediate device can control serial communication parameters between the intermediate device and the accessory in response to commands received from the host.
US08086772B2 Transferable component that effectuates plug-and-play
A plug-and-play system comprises an agent component that includes instructions for enabling a first device and a mobile device to be compatible upon detecting a connection between the first device and the mobile device. A transfer component pushes the agent component from the mobile device to the first device, and the agent component executes upon reaching the first device. For example, the mobile device can be a mobile phone, a PDA, a personal organizer, and the like, and the first device can be a personal computer, a laptop computer, or a mobile device.
US08086771B2 TCET expander
The present invention relates to the field of embedded processing systems and electronic control units (ECUs) and to autonomic embedded computing solutions. The present invention proposes to remove or extract the application-specific support functions and respective I/O subsystems from the main processors or controllers of the system, to include said extracted circuits into a respective number of ASIC chips or the like, and to connect them preferably via a supervising General Controller Unit (12) to a plurality of standard and low-price processors (40), which have the task to supply the ASIC and the multiple functions thereof with enough computing power.
US08086767B2 Pin multiplexing
A semiconductor device coupled to input/output pins includes a first core to operate a first function and a second core to operate a second function. A multiplexer is arranged to set the input/output pins to the first function or to the second function, and an arbiter is configured to receive requests from the cores to use the input/output pins and to grant use of the input/output pins to a selected core. A register is arranged to store a value indicative of a delay to be applied by the arbiter when granting use of the input/output pins to the second core.
US08086766B2 Support for non-locking parallel reception of packets belonging to a single memory reception FIFO
A method and apparatus for distributed parallel messaging in a parallel computing system. A plurality of DMA engine units are configured in a multiprocessor system to operate in parallel, one DMA engine unit for transferring a current packet received at a network reception queue to a memory location in a memory FIFO (rmFIFO) region of a memory. A control unit implements logic to determine whether any prior received packet destined for that rmFIFO is still in a process of being stored in the associated memory by another DMA engine unit of the plurality, and prevent the one DMA engine unit from indicating completion of storing the current received packet in the reception memory FIFO (rmFIFO) until all prior received packets destined for that rmFIFO are completely stored by the other DMA engine units. Thus, there is provided non-locking support so that multiple packets destined for a single rmFIFO are transferred and stored in parallel to predetermined locations in a memory.
US08086765B2 Direct I/O device access by a virtual machine with memory managed using memory disaggregation
Illustrated is a system and method for identifying a memory page that is accessible via a common physical address, the common physical address simultaneously accessed by a hypervisor remapping the physical address to a machine address, and the physical address used as part of a DMA operation generated by an I/O device that is programmed by a VM. It also includes transmitting data associated with the memory page as part of a memory disaggregation regime, the memory disaggregation regime to include an allocation of an additional memory page, on a remote memory device, to which the data will be written. It further includes updating a P2M translation table associated with the hypervisor, and an IOMMU translation table associated with the I/O device, to reflect a mapping from the physical address to a machine address associated with the remote memory device and used to identify the additional memory page.
US08086761B2 SPI control device and method for accessing SPI slave devices using the same
A method for accessing serial peripheral interface (SPI) slave devices using an SPI control device determines an SPI slave device to be operated, sets an operation type of the determined SPI slave device, and further sets a clock rate, a clock phase, and a clock polarity of the determined SPI slave device. The method further generates a clock signal according to the clock rate, the clock phase, and the clock polarity of the determined SPI slave device, and performs a read operation or a write operation on the determined SPI slave device according to the clock signal.
US08086748B2 Avoiding PPP time outs during IPCP negotiations
Methods and apparatus are presented for extending the protocol synchronization period between a PPP client and a PPP server, wherein the PPP server is located on a wireless communication device. In one aspect, the PPP server generates and sends an IPCP Configure-Nak message to the PPP client whenever the PPP client sends an IPCP Configure-Request message, wherein an arbitrary non-zero value is deliberately sent as the primary DNS address, the secondary DNS address, the primary WINS address, or the secondary WINS address is sent in the IPCP Configure-Nak message. The IP address is deliberately omitted from the IPCP Configure-Nak message.
US08086742B2 Broadcasting receiver and method of interfacing resource information between a host device and a POD, sending host device resource information and obtaining host device resource information
A broadcasting receiver and method of interfacing resource information between a host device and a POD, sending host device resource information and obtaining host device resource information are disclosed. A POD sends a resource information requesting message. And a host device receives the resource information requesting message and responds with a resource information message including a resource identifier defined in a resource information table which includes information indicating whether the host device supports A-mode. Using a “conditional access” feature provided by a conventional cable security card, content received through any type of transport protocol (including an IP protocol) including a wired/wireless network can be protected and A-mode resource information can be systematically defined together with other-mode IP communication resource and the resource information of different modes can be integrated and transmitted to the host device.
US08086734B2 Method of autonomic representative selection in local area networks
A method and apparatus for selecting a client computer as a relay server to rebroadcast common application information that is broadcast from a server system over a network. The client computer is selected randomly to rebroadcast the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) information received from the server system and client computers receiving the UDP information from another client computer relay server on the network do not rebroadcast the information. If the client computer selected to rebroadcast the common information fails to rebroadcast, another client computer is randomly selected as a relay server and takes over rebroadcasting the common information.
US08086729B1 Distributed statistical detection of network problems and causes
In a network, a set of machines communicate pairwise, each conditionally adjusting messages in response to its own local state, and each in response to statistical methods conditionally propagating those messages, with the effect that problems with that network, or with a subset of its machines, are reported to a receiver/server. Only a substantially constant number of reports are made to the receiver/server, even when there are a substantial number of such machines able to detect that problem. When a problem is reported, a similar technique causes the machines to collectively evaluate and report suggested causes for that problem. Messages are propagated from each machine to another using locally random global locality. The machines in the network, in response to statistical techniques, organize hierarchically in O(log n) time, where n is the number of machines in the network, substantially without any requirement for nonlocal message exchange.
US08086726B2 XI monitoring in high load scenarios (monitoring cockpit)
A monitoring “cockpit” for a message exchange system is presented. In general, the monitoring cockpit provides a set of aggregated views in a graphical user interface that present a direct and intuitive overview of the entire message exchange system. These views provide information about the current state of the message exchange system, of the alerts that have occurred in the system, and of the current state of messaging with performance data of messaging included. From these views, a drilldown function is provided for more detailed views. The monitoring cockpit is designed as a central tool to quickly get an overview of the overall state of a productive message exchange system, allow a user to analyze problems in detail by navigating to the detailed status information, and repair problems by giving links to the appropriate message exchange configuration and administration tools.
US08086724B2 Configuration of network's nodes in a telecommunication system
The idea of the present invention providing a solution for configuration problems of a node is based on the following components. A problem recognition system, which analyses performance indicators and identifies root causes, so that signatures can be attached to a found problems. Furthermore there is a signature based filtering system, which looks for transactions satisfying signatures. A customer identification system labels the transactions with the subscriber identify. A solution feedback system generates feedback event to the end node according to the rule of the signature.
US08086722B2 Techniques for measuring peer-to-peer (P2P) networks
Techniques for measuring Peer-To-Peer (P2P) networks are provided. P2P are initially seeded with links to feigned content. As a P2P participant accesses a link metrics are recorded about the P2P network being used by the participant. The metrics are used to form measurements to compare different P2P networks relative to one another.
US08086720B2 Performance reporting in a network environment
An example of a solution provided here comprises: collecting data from a plurality of probes, including at least one local probe and at least one remote probe; and reporting the data. For example, the reporting may comprise: reporting a first subset of the data that originated from a local probe; reporting a second subset of the data that originated from remote probes; and employing a similar reporting format for said first subset and said second subset. Thus comparison of data from a local probe and data from remote probes may be facilitated. Another example comprises: receiving data from at least one probe; comparing said data with at least one threshold value derived from a service level agreement; and outputting in a special mode any measured response time value that is greater than the corresponding threshold value. The following are provided: methods for performance reporting in a network environment, systems for executing such methods, and instructions on a computer-usable medium, for executing such methods.
US08086716B2 Methods and devices for managing multicast groups
A method for managing multicast traffic in a data network, and devices using said method. The hosts store for each multicast group an included source record and an excluded source record, and the network interfaces of the hosts send to the router a message containing information about the included source record and information about the excluded source record. The router also stores for each multicast group an included source record and an excluded source record, and updates them when it receives through its network interface a message from the hosts containing information about an included source list and/or information about an excluded source list. The devices are a router, host equipment and network equipment compatible with the method.
US08086710B2 Identity migration apparatus and method
An identity migration program provides interfaces for a user to manage operations for migrating locally-managed identities to centrally-managed identities. The provided interfaces include a project management interface, an identity selection interface, a migration rule editor interface, and a project scheduling interface. In certain embodiments, the identity migration program includes a communication module that provides interfaces for managing communication between the identity migration program and locally-managed and centrally-managed servers. Interfaces may also be provided to manage identity group migration and migration error resolution. A migration process management interface enables the user to halt, roll back, or resume a migration project.
US08086704B2 Projector selection system, projector selection method, and program for implementing the system and method
A projector selection system selects one of projectors from a computer which is connected to the projectors through a network. An identifier is displayed on each of the projectors by identifier assigning means and identifier display means. A preview image, which is a scale-down version of an image displayed on the screen by the projector, is acquired by preview image generating means and preview image transmitting means. The preview image is displayed on a dialog display area on the screen of the computer.
US08086703B2 Takeover processes in security network integrated with premise security system
An integrated security system is described comprising a gateway located at a first location. The gateway includes a takeover component that establishes a coupling with a first controller of a security system installed at the first location. The security system includes security system components coupled to the first controller. The takeover component automatically extracts security data of the security system from the first controller. The gateway automatically transfers the security data extracted from the controller to a second controller. The second controller is coupled to the security system components and replaces the first controller.
US08086697B2 Techniques for displaying impressions in documents delivered over a computer network
In one embodiment, an impression to be displayed in a placement of a web page is selected from candidate impressions that may be displayed in the placement. The candidate impression may be chosen based on behavioral data and a placement identifier particularly identifying the placement. The behavioral data may include categories of websites visited by an end-user on the client computer. The candidate impressions may be in learning modes, and the impression displayed in the placement may be selected based on its learning mode and revenue generation capability.
US08086695B2 Over the air services for mobile devices
A client device may be managed in the event of, for example, device loss or mislocation. In such a case, a user can effectively cause a restriction command to be generated, where the restriction command is wirelessly transmitted to the client device. The restriction command can be specified to either lock user data on the client device or erase user data on the client device.
US08086690B1 Determining geographical relevance of web documents
A geographic relevance component determines geographic relevance of web resources based on an analysis of data points that correspond to estimated physical locations of the IP addresses of a number of visitors to the web site. The geographic relevance component may additionally determine the probability that a particular user is within the geographical relevance corresponding to a web resource.
US08086686B2 Persisting a group in an instant messaging application
A system described herein includes a receiver component that receives a request to create a persistent messaging group for an instant messaging application, wherein the request includes an indication of one or more entities that are desired to be members of the persistent messaging group. The system further includes a group creator component that creates the persistent messaging group based at least in part upon the received group creation request, wherein the persistent messaging group is persisted over multiple instant messaging sessions.
US08086682B2 Tracking of electronic mail messages
Electronic mail messages are tracked for the sender by allowing the sender to flag the electronic mail messages. Flagging the electronic mail messages allows for various notifications to be provided to the sender. For example, notification may be provided to the sender by placing an item in a to-do bar for the sender that corresponds to the electronic mail message. As another example, notification may be provided to the sender by firing a reminder at some future time that corresponds to the electronic mail message. As another example, notification may be provided to the sender by including an indication in a related incoming electronic mail message that the incoming electronic mail message is related to the electronic message sent by the sender.
US08086675B2 Generating a fingerprint of a bit sequence
A method of generating a fingerprint of a bit sequence includes determining a relative occurrence frequency of each bit combination of a set of bit combinations in the bit sequence, wherein the set of bit combinations comprises all possible non-redundant sub-sequences of bits having at least one bit and at most a preset maximal number of bits. The method further includes determining for each bit combination of the set of bit combinations a difference value between the relative occurrence frequency of the bit combination and a random occurrence frequency, the random occurrence frequency relating to the expected random occurrence of the bit combination in the bit sequence. Moreover, the method includes allocating a set of bins, each bin of the set of bins being associated with a predetermined interval of difference values, each bin further relating to a bin value. The difference value of each bit combination is assigned to the bin which is associated with the interval of difference values in which the difference value of the corresponding bit combination lies. A fingerprint of the bit sequence is generated by use of the bin values of the bins to which a difference value has been assigned.
US08086674B2 Attachment server network for viewing attachments on a portable electronic device
An attachment server network including at least two attachment servers in communication with one another, each of the attachment servers for converting email attachments in response to view requests received from portable electronic devices, each of the attachment servers having a respective cache for storing data corresponding to previously converted attachments, the data being available to any of the attachment servers in the attachment server network.
US08086672B2 When-free messaging
The present invention relates to systems and methods that mitigate the intrusiveness of communications between message senders and receivers while facilitating more courteous, seamless, and timely interactions. In one aspect, instant messaging and other forms of communications, such as push-to-talk voice communications, can be improved via employment of time-bounded policies and parameters. When-Free communications allows users to send When-Free messages, that act as near-instant messages that wait until a user or recipient is not in one of a list of states defined as busy or unavailable states. A sender can encode, with a quick gesture or via a standing profile, how long a message is to remain alive before being erased or retracted, or shifted to another communication modality. When-Free variants enable recipients to define policies for handling messages if unavailability persists beyond some time threshold, including the generation of automated responses and the shifting of instant messages to email communications, by moving the conversational thread to an email inbox for later review and response via email or to launch an instant message session that continues where the communication left off.
US08086668B2 Hypothesis based solicitation of data indicating at least one objective occurrence
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: soliciting, based at least in part on a hypothesis that links one or more objective occurrences with one or more subjective user states and in response at least in part to an incidence of at least one subjective user state associated with a user, at least a portion of objective occurrence data including data indicating incidence of at least one objective occurrence; and acquiring the objective occurrence data including the data indicating incidence of at least one objective occurrence. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08086659B2 Task sequence interface
According to one aspect of task sequence interfaces, a method includes exposing an interface that allows task sequences to be performed on a plurality of remote devices, and receiving requests regarding the task sequences and the plurality of remote devices via the interface. The interface comprises an object model including device objects that represent physical devices in a network, and jobs objects that represent task sequences performed on one or more of the plurality of remote devices.
US08086655B2 Methods and apparatus for perturbing an evolving data stream for time series compressibility and privacy
Techniques for perturbing an evolving data stream are provided. The evolving data stream is received. An online linear transformation is applied to received values of the evolving data stream generating a plurality of transform coefficients. A plurality of significant transform coefficients are selected from the plurality of transform coefficients. Noise is embedded into each of the plurality of significant transform coefficients, thereby perturbing the evolving data stream. A total noise variance does not exceed a defined noise variance threshold.
US08086644B2 Simplifying complex data stream problems involving feature extraction from noisy data
Methods, systems and computer program products for simplifying complex data stream problems involving feature extraction from noisy data. Exemplary embodiments include a method for processing a data stream, including applying multiple operators to the data stream, wherein an operation by each of the multiple operators includes retrieving the next chunk for each of set of input parameters, performing digital processing operations on a respective next chunk, producing sets of output parameters and adding data to one or more internal data stores, each internal data store acting as a data stream source.
US08086640B2 System and method for improving data coverage in modeling systems
A method for modifying data coverage in a modeling system is disclosed. The method may include obtaining data records relating to a plurality of input variables and one or more output parameters and selecting a plurality of input parameters from the plurality of input variables. The method may further include evaluating a coverage of the data records in a modeling space and modifying the coverage of the data records, if a data coverage condition is detected. The method may also include generating a computational model indicative of interrelationships between the plurality of input parameters and the one or more output parameters based on the data records.
US08086633B2 Unified user identification with automatic mapping and database absence handling
An identification system that may be used in heterogeneous computing environments provides a fail-free path to providing identifiers from a single canonical namespace. Objects or gateways requiring an identifier for access are accessed using an identifier for the canonical namespace. If an entity requests access using an identifier from another namespace, an external database is consulted to determine if a mapping exists for the identifier to another identifier the canonical namespace. If no mapping exists, or the external database is unavailable, then an identifier is automatically generated in the canonical namespace and is used for the access. An internal database is updated with the automatically generated identifier, providing a mechanism to add mappings without administrative intervention. To access resources requiring an identifier from another particular namespace, a canonical namespace identifier may be mapped to another identifier in the particular namespace, or a generic identifier may be used.
US08086630B2 Using location-specific price and/or performance information in an ad system
The usefulness, and consequently the performance, of advertisements are improved by allowing businesses to better target their ads to a responsive audience. Location information is determined (or simply accepted) and used. For example, location information may be used in a relevancy determination of an ad. As another example, location information may be used in an attribute (e.g., position) arbitration. Such location information may be associated with price information, such as a maximum price bid. Such location information may be associated with ad performance information. Ad performance information may be tracked on the basis of location information. The content of an ad creative, and/or of a landing page may be selected and/or modified using location information. Finally, tools, such as user interfaces, may be provided to allow a business to enter and/or modify location information, such as location information used for targeting and location-dependent price information. The location information used to target and/or score ads may be, include, or define an area. The area may be defined by at least one geographic reference point (e.g., defined by latitude and longitude coordinates) and perhaps additional information. Thus, the area may be a circle defined by a geographic reference point and a radius, an ellipse defined by two geographic reference points and a distance sum, or a polygon defined by three or more geographic reference points, for example.
US08086621B2 Search engine service utilizing the addition of noise
A method and modified client that disguises user search terms by adding a plurality of faux search phrases using a phrase-reuse-table comprising resulting faux search phrases and real search phrases the faux search phrases were derived from, a word-reuse-table comprising word substitutions used for words that reveal patterns, and a word-table comprising words that reveal patterns sorted into groups. Faux search phrases are added by looking up the search phrases in the phrase-reuse-table, and looking up the search terms in the word-reuse-table and word-table, suggesting by a predictive search for specific anchor words, recording substitutions for words which reveal patterns in the word-reuse-table, and submitting the search terms and the set of faux search phrases to a search engine. Additionally, additional complexity may be used to generate additional faux search phrases.
US08086617B2 Link analysis mapping program risk management
A method and system for managing risk by indicating links between one or more persons or entities which can include a process that gathers information about individuals and organizations into a computerized system where it can be analyzed to associate one or more individuals or organizations with links to other individuals or organizations. A user can designate a person or entity and the system will provide an indication of linkages associated with the designated person. Some embodiments can include a user specifying a particular type of link or limit links to a specified degree of separation between the designated person and any other person or entity.
US08086615B2 Security data redaction
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there are provided mechanisms and methods for securing access to data. These mechanisms and methods for securing access to data make it possible for systems to have improved control over accesses to information by redacting responses made by services based upon access policies. Requestors may be users, proxies or automated entities. This ability of a system to redact responses to queries or requests for services in accordance with access policies makes it possible to attain improved security in computing systems over conventional access control mechanisms that control based upon privileges for accessing a file, an account, a storage device or a machine upon which the information is stored.
US08086611B2 Parametric analysis of media metadata
A method is disclosed that includes receiving a request to transmit a first multimedia file. The first multimedia file is associated with a first file descriptor. The method includes automatically generating a first generated content descriptor by analyzing the first multimedia file using a first set of analysis parameters. The method also includes comparing the first generated content descriptor to the first file descriptor and determining a first score based on a deviation of the first generated content descriptor from the first file descriptor.
US08086607B2 Annotation of data in an operating plan data aggregation system
In an embodiment a method is provided. The method includes receiving forecast information in a computer from a first group of users. The method also includes integrating the forecast information into a database and corresponding OLAP cube accessible by the computer. The method further includes receiving comments on specific entries of the forecast information in the computer from a second group of users. The method also includes receiving changes of the forecast information in the computer from a second group of users The method further includes integrating comments and changes into the database and OLAP cube. Moreover, the method includes providing a display of the comments and the changes to the first group of users in an interface to the computer.
US08086606B1 Performing a keyword search based on identifying exclusive lowest common ancestor (ELCA) nodes
A hierarchical arrangement of nodes is provided to represent Extensible Markup Language (XML) data. In response to a keyword search query containing query keywords, sets of nodes in the hierarchical arrangement are identified for respective query keywords. A smallest of the sets of nodes is identified, and starting with the smallest of the sets of nodes, a stack-based algorithm is applied to identify exclusive lowest common ancestor (ELCA) nodes of the hierarchical arrangement.
US08086603B2 Using LUN type for storage allocation
In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus uses a LUN (logical unit number) data type for storage allocation. The apparatus includes a storage appliance that specifies a LUN data type for a LUN. The storage appliance then allocates data blocks in the LUN based on the LUN data type. The storage appliance allocates data blocks in the LUN as contiguous data blocks or as non-contiguous data blocks, based on the LUN data type. The LUN data type may be, for example, database data type, user data type, or binary data type.
US08086602B2 User interface methods and systems for selecting and presenting content based on user navigation and selection actions associated with the content
A user-interface method of selecting and presenting a collection of content items based on user navigation and selection actions associated with the content is provided. The method includes associating a relevance weight on a per user basis with content items to indicate a relative measure of likelihood that the user desires the content item. The method includes receiving a user's navigation and selections actions for identifying desired content items, and in response, adjusting the associated relevance weight of the selected content item and group of content items containing the selected item. The method includes, in response to subsequent user input, selecting and presenting a subset of content items and content groups to the user ordered by the adjusted associated relevance weights assigned to the content items and content groups.
US08086600B2 Interleaving search results
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for interleaving search results. A method includes presenting multiple first search results received from a first search engine. The first search results satisfy a search query directed to the first search engine and are presented in an order. A second search result from a second search engine is inserted at a position between two otherwise adjacent first search results. The second search result is received from a second search engine in response to the search query.
US08086598B1 Query optimizer with schema conversion
Methods, program products and systems for determining, for a database query that does not represent a snowflake schema, a graph comprising vertices each representing a table joined in the query, a directed edge between each pair of vertices of which a first vertex represents a first table and a second vertex represents a second table that is joined in the query with the first table, each of the edges representing one of an outer join and an inner join. Further determining, for the graph, a directed spanning tree that represents an ordering of joins in the query and includes all outer join edges in the graph.