Document Document Title
US08358159B1 Adaptive phase-locked loop (PLL) multi-band calibration
Adaptive multi-band frequency calibration is provided for a phase-locked loop (PLL). A voltage controller oscillator (VCO) is initially selected nominally associated with first synthesized signal frequency, where the VCO is selected from a plurality of n VCOs, and each VCO is tunable across a band of synthesized signal frequencies. A lock detector compares a nominal first synthesized signal frequency to a reference signal frequency. In response to sensing a difference between the nominal first synthesizer and reference signal frequencies, an out-of-lock condition is asserted and a VCO is reselected from the plurality of n VCOs. A mid-point control voltage is supplied to a control voltage input of the reselected VCO. A difference is measured between a mid-point synthesized signal frequency and the reference signal frequency. If the difference is less than a first threshold, the reselected VCO is assigned to generate the first synthesized signal frequency.
US08358157B2 Monolithic low impedance dual gate current sense MOSFET
A power switch includes a first power transistor having a first source electrode, a first gate electrode, and a first drain electrode, and a second power transistor having a second source electrode, a second gate electrode, and a second drain electrode. The power switch further includes a first pilot transistor which has a third source electrode, a third gate electrode, and a third drain electrode. The first, second and third drain electrodes are electrically connected together. The first and second source electrodes are electrically connected together. The first and third gate electrodes are electrically connected together and can be biased independently from the second gate electrode. The first power transistor is the same size as or smaller than the second power transistor and the first power transistor is larger than the first pilot transistor.
US08358155B2 Circuit that facilitates proximity communication
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates proximity communication. This system includes a circuit containing a bootstrap transistor and a pass-gate transistor, where the drain of the bootstrap transistor is coupled to the gate of the pass-gate transistor. Note that a first coupling capacitance exists between the source of the pass-gate transistor and the drain of the bootstrap transistor and a second coupling capacitance exists between the drain of the pass-gate transistor and the drain of the bootstrap transistor. During operation, the gate and the source of the bootstrap transistor are coupled to a high voltage, thereby causing an intermediate voltage at the drain of the bootstrap transistor. When the source of the pass-gate transistor transitions to a high voltage, the first coupling capacitance and the second coupling capacitance boost the voltage at the gate of the pass-gate transistor higher than the high voltage, thereby enabling the high voltage at the source of the pass-gate transistor to pass to the drain of the pass-gate transistor.
US08358153B2 Magnetic logic circuits formed with tapered magnetic wires
A magnetic circuit in one aspect comprises a plurality of tapered magnetic wires each having a relatively wide input end and a relatively narrow output end, with the output end of a first one of the tapered magnetic wires being coupled to the input end of a second one of the tapered magnetic wires. Each of the tapered magnetic wires is configured to propagate a magnetic domain wall along a length of the wire in a direction of decreasing width from its input end to its output end. In an illustrative embodiment, the magnetic circuit comprises a logic buffer that includes at least one heating element. The heating element may be controlled to facilitate transfer of a magnetic moment from the output end of the first tapered magnetic wire to the input end of the second tapered magnetic wire.
US08358149B2 Magnetic logic gate
This disclosure is directed to a magnetic logic device for implementing a combinational logic function. The magnetic logic device may include a chain of at least two magnetoresistive devices electrically coupled in series comprising a first terminal located at a first end of the chain and a second terminal located at a second end of the chain. The magnetic logic device may further include a voltage source configured to apply a voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal of the chain of at least two magnetoresistive devices electrically coupled in series. The magnetic logic device may further include a logic output generator configured to generate a logic output value for a logic function based on a magnitude of a current produced at the second terminal of the chain in response to the applied voltage.
US08358142B2 Methods and circuits for measuring mutual and self capacitance
A capacitance measurement circuit for measuring self and mutual capacitances may include a first electrode capacitively coupled with a second electrode, a first plurality of switches coupled with the first electrode, and a second plurality of switches coupled with the second electrode, wherein, during a first operation stage, the first plurality of switches is configured to apply a first initial voltage to the first electrode and the second plurality of switches is configured to apply a second initial voltage to the second electrode, and wherein, during a second operation stage, the first plurality of switches is configured to connect the first electrode with a measurement circuit, and the second plurality of switches is configured to connect the second electrode with a constant voltage.
US08358139B2 Optical reproducing apparatus connectable to optical pickups and method of controlling optical pickups
An optical reproducing apparatus connectable to optical pickups and a method of controlling an optical pickup thereof are provided. The optical reproducing apparatus measures resistance of an optical pickup on a port of a connection unit to which the optical pickup is connected, and determines the type of the optical pickup according to the measured resistance. Accordingly, optical reproducing apparatuses may be controlled according to the type of optical pickups, and manufactured using various optical pickups without checking the type of optical pickups, which allows convenient manufacturing of optical reproducing apparatuses.
US08358136B2 State of charge calculator for multi-cell energy storage system having cell balancing
An arrangement for monitoring the current or state of charge (SOC) of an energy system (230) having one or more series-connected strings (S1, S2, . . . Sn) of battery cells (C1, C2, . . . Cn). The battery cells each have respective dissipative devices (D1, D2, . . . Dn) selectively connectable in parallel therewith for balancing cell voltages in the string. The dissipative devices are of predetermined, typically equal, impedance value. The voltage across each cell (Vc1, Vc2, . . . Vcn) may be separately monitored, such that by dividing the monitored voltage across a cell by the impedance value of a dissipative device connected in parallel therewith, the dissipative current is determined. A summation of all of the dissipative currents yields an error value, which error value is then removed from the measured gross current (Ibat) flowing through the combined battery cells and dissipative devices to yield a corrected value of current (Ibatnet). A corrected SOC value (Qnet) is obtainable in a similar manner.
US08358131B2 RF stripline antenna with impedance adaptation for MR imaging
The efficiency and the field structure of an antenna arrangement for a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus are improved by at least one impedance transformation circuit connected with the antenna.
US08358111B2 Architecture for dual source electric power generating system
A dual source electric power generating system (EPGS) provides both a regulated AC output and a regulated DC output. The EPGS includes a rotating portion and a stationary portion. The stationary portion includes a plurality of windings (permanent magnet generator (PMG) armature windings, an exciter field winding, and high-voltage main generator armature windings), a voltage regulator, a rectifier, an inverter, a point of regulation (POR) sensor. The high-voltage main generator armature windings generate a high-voltage AC that is converted to a regulated, high-voltage AC by the rectifier and the inverter. The stationary portion is further characterized by circuitry for producing the regulated DC output from AC voltage produced by a winding other than the high-voltage main generator armature windings.
US08358105B2 Rechargeable gas-measuring system
The transmission of energy from the base station (3) to the mobile gas-measuring device (2) is carried out reliably and with a high level of safety, even in the presence of explosive gases with a gas-measuring system (1) including a mobile gas-measuring device (2) with a battery unit (6) and with at least one sensor (8, 9, 10, 11) for detecting a gas concentration. A base station (3) for the mobile gas-measuring device (2) is provided as well as an interface (7) for transmitting electric energy from the base station (3) to the battery unit (6) of the mobile gas-measuring device (2). The interface (7) for transmitting electric energy from the base station (3) to the battery unit (6) of the mobile gas-measuring device (2) is designed such that the electric energy is transmitted at least partly in a wireless manner.
US08358097B2 System and methods for controlling movement of a track light system
A system for controlling a motorized track light system constrained to travel along a track has a control unit coupled to a motor that causes the track light system to move along the track, a plurality of stop sensors strategically disposed along the track, a sensor activation device located on the track light system, the sensor activation device positioned to interface with the stop sensors, and a light sensor for detecting ambient light of a preset level. The system detects a preset level of ambient light, initiating power to the motor of the track light system, moving the lights along the track until the activation device interfaces with a first of the plurality of stop sensors, stopping movement of the track light system along the track for a preset period of time, and at the end of the preset time period, the electrical power is restored to the motor moving the track light assembly along the track to the next of the plurality of stop sensors.
US08358095B2 Method and system for testing electric motors
Method and systems for testing an electric motor are provided. A switching circuit coupled to the motor is operated in a first mode causing current to flow through the motor such that the motor is actuated with near zero torque. A magnitude of the current is repeatedly adjusted between first and second values. The current flow through the motor is monitored.
US08358090B1 Dimmer circuit for transformer—isolated LED driver and method therefor
A driver circuit has a Light Emitting Diode (LED) driver having an input and output. A switching device is coupled to an output of the LED driver. An edge detector is coupled to the LED driver. A timing device is coupled to the edge detector. A latch is coupled to the edge detector, the timing device and the switching device.
US08358089B2 Solid-state lighting of a white light with tunable color temperatures
A light-emitting diode (LED)-based solid-state device comprises a color mixing mechanism to dynamically change the correlated color temperature (CCT) of a white light. With different lumen proportions for white phosphor-coated LEDs and integrated red and green LEDs, the light mixtures can be located in any one of eight CCT quadrangles. In practice, CCTs of a white-light can be tuned in a continuous manner. Because all the possible light mixtures on the chromaticity diagram correspond to a line segment that overlays the Planckian locus within the eight CCT tolerance quadrangles, the effect of LED intensity fluctuations that may put the mixture out of white light region is reduced. Also, because the two additional LEDs that mix with the white phosphor-coated LEDs contribute to the overall spectral power distribution (SPD) that substantially matches the SPD of standard illuminants, a CRI of 80 can be reached.
US08358088B2 Interface circuit for transmission of digital signals
The transmission branch of an interface circuit has a transformer. On the input side there are applied to the transformer, for example from a controller, high-frequency impulses. The output side of the transformer controls a switch, such as for example a power transistor, which modulates the desired digital signals onto a connected bus line.
US08358086B2 Electronic ballast for a lamp
An electronic ballast for a lamp has at least one dimming value control input and a control unit configured to set the dimming value of the lamp, wherein arranged downstream of the dimming value control input are: a signal output state detecting unit configured to acquire at least one of a signal output state in which the signal level of a signal fed to the dimming value control input overshoots a predetermined limit value, and a signal output state in which it undershoots a predetermined limit value, and a measuring unit configured to measure the duration of a signal output state, the control unit configured to set a dimming value of the lamp being configured to set the dimming value on the basis of the measured duration of the signal output state.
US08358084B2 LED current control circuit, current balancer and driving apparatus
An LED current control circuit including a current adjusting unit, a detecting unit, and a current control unit is provided. The current adjusting unit has a current control end coupled to an LED string for determining an amount of current flowing through the LED string according to a current control signal. The detecting unit detects the current control end and determines whether to generate a protecting signal according to a protecting voltage value. The current control unit generates the current control signal to control the amount of current flowing through the LED string of and determines whether to stop the current flowing through the LED string according to the protecting signal.
US08358080B2 Light emitting element driving circuit
A light emitting element driving circuit for driving a light emitting element in accordance with a differential data signal for causing the light emitting element to turn on or turn off is provided. The circuit includes a first transistor, a first constant current source connected to a drain and gate of the first transistor and configured to supply a constant current through the drain and source of the first transistor, a second transistor configured to supply a certain current, and a control circuit configured to electrically connect or disconnect the gate of the first transistor to or from a gate of the second transistor via a first resistor. The control circuit may supply, to the gate of the second transistor, an intermediate potential in accordance with the other of the differential data signals, while the gate of the first transistor is electrically disconnected from the gate of the second transistor.
US08358077B2 Full wave current sense rectifier
A current sense rectifier circuit comprises an assembly input terminal for receiving a current input signal having an alternating current (AC) waveform. A negative half-wave circuit generates a first input signal representative of negative portions of the current input signal. A positive half-wave circuit generates a second input signal representative of positive portions of the current input signal. The negative and positive half-wave circuits each include a single diode and a resistance. A closed-loop amplifier has an inverting input terminal connected to the negative half-wave circuit, and a non-inverting input terminal connected to the positive half-wave circuit. The closed-loop amplifier inverts the first input signal and provides a DC voltage output signal via an output terminal that is a function of the inverted first input signal and the second input signal. An assembly output terminal is connected to the output terminal to receive the DC voltage output signal therefrom.
US08358070B2 Lanthanide oxide as an oxygen dispenser in a metal halide lamp
A lamp includes a discharge vessel. Tungsten electrodes extend into the discharge vessel. An ionizable fill is sealed within the vessel. The fill includes a buffer gas and a halide component that includes a rare earth halide. A source of oxygen which includes a lanthanide oxide is present in the discharge vessel. The source of oxygen provides oxygen for a regenerative cycle which reduces blackening of the lamp walls by tungsten from the electrodes.
US08358068B2 Electrode for a discharge lamp and a discharge lamp and method for producing an electrode
In various embodiments, an electrode for a discharge lamp is provided. The electrode may include a metal pin that has a section around which a coil made of metal wire is wound, wherein the metal wire is flattened.
US08358066B1 Organic light emitting diode package with energy blocking layer
An organic electroluminescent device with new protective packaging. The package has a substantially transparent energy blocking layer disposed near the outer surface of the device. The energy blocking layer is configured to protect the electroluminescent device and packaging from ultraviolet, infrared, and other electromagnetic radiation. The energy blocking layer can also be configured to have a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of greater than twenty-one to reduce combustibility of the device and can optionally contain hydrophobic properties to help protect the device from moisture.
US08358048B2 High speed optical scanning mirror system using piezoelectric benders
A construction is presented, which is comprised of two piezoelectric bending cantilevers, of different lengths, called a first bender and a second bender respectively, in which both benders bend in opposite directions. The second bender is mechanically in series connected to the first bender, thereby increasing the rotation angle of the tip of the second bender. The length of the second bender is chosen thus that in sinusoidal excitation, the tip of the second bender remains at the same point throughout the entire cycle, while it does undergo rotation. In this fashion a virtual axis at the tip of the second bender is created. The width of both benders is chosen such that the moment that the second bender can exert on an object that is connected to it, enables the construction to drive an optical element to scanning vibratory rotary motion with a large angle at high frequencies.
US08358046B2 Hybrid electric power system with distributed segmented generator/motor
An apparatus is disclosed for a hybrid electric power system for use in a multi-wheeled hybrid electric vehicle, and particularly for use in hybrid electric vehicles designed for operation in hostile environments where reliability and survivability of the propulsion system of the vehicle are important. The hybrid electric power system advantageously comprises at least one segmented electrical machine having multiple pairs of parallel stator segments with a magnetic rotor segment between each pair, for generating power from a thermodynamic engine, or for providing power to a driven wheel of the hybrid electric vehicle. A hybrid electric power system is also provided which comprises at least one distributed segmented electrical machine which comprises a distributed electrical energy storage system.
US08358042B2 Electric motor integrated hydraulic motor
The present invention provides a small-size light-weight electric motor integrated hydraulic motor which is simple in configuration, integrally includes an electric motor and a hydraulic motor, and is capable of efficiently operating, by being configured such that: a swash plate type hydraulic motor and an electric motor driven by the swash plate type hydraulic motor are provided in one casing; the casing is filled with oil; a driving shaft of the swash plate type hydraulic motor is configured to extend from a front end portion of the casing up to a rear end portion thereof and be supported at the front and rear end portions of the casing; the swash plate type hydraulic motor and a rotor of the electric motor are provided in series at the driving shaft; and a stator of the electric motor is fixed to an inner side portion of the casing.
US08358028B2 Wind turbine
A wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a direct drive generator with a stator arrangement, a rotor arrangement substantially arranged around the stator arrangement and a longitudinal center axis. The stator arrangement includes a stator support structure, which includes at least one substantially radial extending stator support element. The stator support element is attached to a substantially parallel to the center axis extending stationary shaft, is substantially rigid in the radial direction and is at least partially in a certain extent flexible in the directions of the center axis of the generator.
US08358024B2 Wind turbine generator and tidal current generator with a hydraulic transmission
An object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine generator and a tidal current generator equipped with a hydraulic transmission with a combination of a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor and which has a superior productivity and maintainability. The wind turbine generator 1 has the hydraulic transmission 10 for transmitting the rotation energy of a main shaft 8 to a generator 20. The hydraulic transmission 10 includes a hydraulic pump 12 of variable displacement type which is driven by the main shaft 8, a hydraulic motor 14 of variable displacement type which is connected to the generator 20, and a high pressure oil line and a low pressure oil line which are arranged between the hydraulic pump 12 and the hydraulic motor 14. The hydraulic transmission 10 is at least partially constituted of a plurality of modules (M1 to M7).
US08358021B2 Cyclic gravitation power generation system
The present invention proposes a cyclic gravitation power generation system, which comprises a vertical water tank, a propulsive device, a guiding device, a carrying device and a power generation device, wherein potential energy is converted into kinetic energy to drive a generator to generate electric power when float balls are moved downward from a high position to a low position by gravity, and the vertical water tank can make the float balls to be moved back to the high position to perform a cyclic operation, whereby is achieved a low-cost cyclic power generation system.
US08358016B2 Semiconductor package having an internal cooling system
A semiconductor package having an internal cooling system is presented which includes a semiconductor chip and a through-electrode. The semiconductor chip has a circuit section. The through-electrode passes through an upper surface and a lower surface the semiconductor chip. The through-electrode is electrically connected with the circuit section of the semiconductor chip. The through-electrode also has a through-hole for allowing cooling fluid to flow therethrough.
US08358013B1 Leadless multi-chip module structure
Multi-chip quad flat no-lead (QFN) packages and methods for making the same are disclosed. A multi-chip package may include a first die including a plurality of first bond pads, wherein selected first bond pads are wire-bonded to a first side of a leadframe, and a second die mounted on the first die and including a plurality of second bond pads, wherein selected second bond pads are wire-bonded to a second side, opposite the first side, of the leadframe. Another package may include a first die including a plurality of first bond pads, wherein selected first bond pads are wire-bonded to a first side of a leadframe, and a second die flip-chip mounted on a second side of the leadframe and including a plurality of second bond pads, wherein selected second bond pads are bonded to the second side of the leadframe. Other embodiments are also described.
US08358011B1 Interconnect structures with engineered dielectrics with nanocolumnar porosity
A method for forming an interconnect structure with nanocolumnar intermetal dielectric is described involving the construction of an interconnect structure using a solid dielectric, and introducing a regular array of vertically aligned nanoscale pores through stencil formation and etching to form a hole array and subsequently pinching off the tops of the hole array with a cap dielectric. Variations of the method and means to construct a multilevel nanocolumnar interconnect structure are also described.
US08357992B2 Non-volatile memory device and method of manufacturing the same
The non-volatile memory device may include a substrate, a plurality of first signal lines on the substrate in a vertical direction, a plurality of memory cells having ends connected to the plurality of first signal lines, a plurality of second signal lines perpendicular to the plurality of first signal lines on the substrate and each connected to other ends of the plurality of memory cells, and a plurality of selection elements on the substrate and connected to at least two of the plurality of first signal lines.
US08357990B2 Semiconductor device
A width of a region where each of the N wells is in contact with the buried P well is not more than 2 μm. A ground voltage and a power supply voltage are applied to the P well and the N well, respectively. A decoupling capacitor is formed between the N well and the buried P well.
US08357983B1 Hall effect element having a wide cross shape with dimensions selected to result in improved performance characteristics
A Hall effect element includes a Hall plate having geometric features selected to result in a highest ratio of a sensitivity divided by a plate resistance. The resulting shape is a so-called “wide-cross” shape.
US08357981B2 Transducer devices having different frequencies based on layer thicknesses and method of fabricating the same
A transducer array on a common substrate includes a membrane and first and second transducer devices. The membrane is formed on the common substrate, and includes a lower layer and an upper layer. The first transducer device includes a first resonator stack formed on at least the lower layer in a first portion of the membrane, the upper layer having a first thickness in the first portion of the membrane. The second transducer device includes a second resonator stack formed on at least the lower layer in a second portion of the membrane, the upper layer having a second thickness in the second portion of the membrane, where the second thickness is different from the first thickness, such that a first resonant frequency of the first transducer device is different from a second resonant frequency of the second transducer device.
US08357980B2 Plasmonic high-speed devices for enhancing the performance of microelectronic devices
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to photonic devices that can be used to collect and convert incident ER into surface plasmons that can be used to enhance the operation of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photonic device comprises a dielectric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a planar nanowire network covering at least a portion of the top surface of the dielectric layer. The bottom surface of the dielectric layer is positioned on the top surface of a substrate, and the planar nanowire network is configured to convert incident electromagnetic radiation into surface plasmons that penetrate through the dielectric layer and into at least a portion of the substrate.
US08357971B2 Trench gate MOSFET and method of manufacturing the same
A Trench gate MOS field-effect transistor having a narrow, lightly doped, region extending from a channel accommodating region (3) of same conductivity type immediately adjacent the trench sidewall. The narrow region may be self-aligned to the top of a lower polysilicon shield region in the trench or may extend the complete depth of the trench. The narrow region advantageously relaxes the manufacturing tolerances, which otherwise require close alignment of the upper polysilicon trench gate to the body-drain junction.
US08357965B2 Semiconductor device having multiple storage regions
One embodiment in accordance with the invention can include a semiconductor device that includes: a groove that is formed in a semiconductor substrate; bottom oxide films that are formed on both side faces of the groove; two charge storage layers that are formed on side faces of the bottom oxide films; top oxide films that are formed on side faces of the two charge storage layers; and a silicon oxide layer that is formed on the bottom face of the groove, and has a smaller film thickness than the top oxide films.
US08357963B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a material with which off-state current of a transistor can be sufficiently small; for example, an oxide semiconductor material is used. Further, transistors of memory cells of the semiconductor device, which include an oxide semiconductor material, are connected in series. Further, the same wiring (the j-th word line (j is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to m)) is used as a wiring electrically connected to one of terminals of a capacitor of the j-th memory cell and a wiring electrically connected to a gate terminal of a transistor, in which a channel is formed in an oxide semiconductor layer, of the (j−1)-th memory cell. Therefore, the number of wirings per memory cell and the area occupied by one memory cell are reduced.
US08357957B2 FET-based sensor for detecting ionic material, ionic material detecting device using the FET-based sensor, and method of detecting ionic material using the FET-based sensor
Provided are a FET-based sensor for detecting an ionic material, an ionic material detecting device including the FET-based sensor, and a method of detecting an ionic material using the FET-based sensor. The FET-based sensor includes: a sensing chamber including a reference electrode and a plurality of sensing FETs; and a reference chamber including a reference electrode and a plurality of reference FETs. The method includes: flowing a first solution into and out of the sensing chamber and the reference chamber of the FET-based sensor; flowing a second solution expected to contain an ionic material into and out of the sensing chamber while continuously flowing the first solution into and out of the reference chamber; measuring a current in a channel region between the source and drain of each of the sensing and reference FETs; and correcting the current of the sensing FETs.
US08357954B2 Formation of nanowhiskers on a substrate of dissimilar material
A method for forming a nanowhisker of, e.g., a III-V semiconductor material on a silicon substrate, comprises: preparing a surface of the silicon substrate with measures including passivating the substrate surface by HF etching, so that the substrate surface is essentially atomically flat. Catalytic particles on the substrate surface are deposited from an aerosol; the substrate is annealed; and gases for a MOVPE process are introduced into the atmosphere surrounding the substrate, so that nanowhiskers are grown by the VLS mechanism. In the grown nanowhisker, the crystal directions of the substrate are transferred to the epitaxial crystal planes at the base of the nanowhisker and adjacent the substrate surface. A segment of an optically active material may be formed within the nanowhisker and bounded by heterojunctions so as to create a quantum well wherein the height of the quantum well is much greater than the thermal energy at room temperature, whereby the luminescence properties of the segment remain constant without quenching from cryogenic temperatures up to room temperature.
US08357949B2 Light-emitting device, light-emitting device package and lighting system
A light-emitting device includes a substrate, a light-emitting structure on the substrate, the light-emitting structure including a first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layer, a light-transmitting electrode layer on the second semiconductor layer, and a first reflective layer on the light-transmitting electrode layer, wherein the first reflective layer includes a first layer having a first index of refraction and a second layer having a second index of refraction different from the first index of refraction. Based on this configuration, it is possible to protect the light-emitting device and improve luminous efficiency thereof.
US08357946B2 Nitride semiconductor light emitting device, epitaxial substrate, and method for fabricating nitride semiconductor light emitting device
Provided is a nitride semiconductor light emitting device including a light emitting layer above a GaN support base with a semipolar surface and allowing for suppression of reduction in luminous efficiency due to misfit dislocations. A nitride semiconductor light emitting device 11 has a support base 13 comprised of a hexagonal gallium nitride, an n-type gallium nitride-based semiconductor layer 15 including an InX1AlY1Ga1-X1-Y1N (0
US08357945B2 Gallium nitride crystal and method of making same
There is provided a GaN single crystal at least about 2.75 millimeters in diameter, with a dislocation density less than about 104 cm−1, and having substantially no tilt boundaries. A method of forming a GaN single crystal is also disclosed. The method includes providing a nucleation center, a GaN source material, and a GaN solvent in a chamber. The chamber is pressurized. First and second temperature distributions are generated in the chamber such that the solvent is supersaturated in the nucleation region of the chamber. The first and second temperature distributions have different temperature gradients within the chamber.
US08357939B2 Silicon wafer and production method therefor
A silicon wafer includes BMDs with a diagonal length of from 10 nm to 50 nm, and has a density of BMD which exists at a depth of 50 μm and deeper from the surface of the silicon wafer which is greater than or equal to 1×1011/cm3, and a ratio of the {111} plane of the BMD to the total planes surrounding the BMD, as an indication of the morphology of the BMD, is less than or equal to 0.3.
US08357930B2 Organic electroluminescence device
An organic electroluminescence device comprises a light transmissive substrate, a light scattering region which is disposed on the light transmissive substrate, and a light emissive layer having a luminescent point. The luminescent point is spaced from the light reflective electrode by a distance of d which satisfies the following equation: nd = a × λ 4 ⁢ ( 2 + ϕ π ) wherein ϕ = tan - 1 ⁢ { 2 ⁢ ( n 1 ⁢ k 2 - n 2 ⁢ k 1 ) n 1 2 - n 2 2 + k 1 2 - k 2 2 } . λ is a wavelength of a specific light emitted from said light emissive layer. n is a refractive index of a layer disposed between the luminescent point of the light emissive layer and the light reflective electrode, with respect to the wavelength of λ. n1 and k1 are respectively a refractive index and an attenuation coefficient of the layer disposed between the luminescent point of the light emissive layer and the light reflective electrode, and is in contact with said light reflective electrode, with respect to the wavelength of λ. n2 and k2 are respectively a refractive index and an attenuation coefficient of the light reflective electrode, with respect to the wavelength of λ. a is a value that satisfies a relation of “1.28
US08357929B2 Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device, including: a first substrate on which a plurality of light emitting elements are formed; a second substrate that is disposed to be opposed to the first substrate; a primary dam member that is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate in order to surround the plurality of light emitting elements; a filler that is filled between the first substrate and the second substrate and in a first region defined by the primary dam member, an auxiliary dam member that is between the first substrate and the second substrate and in a second region outside the first region, and is made of porous material; and an inorganic sealant that is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and in a third region outside the first region and the second region, and is jointed to the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08357924B2 Light emitting diode and method of fabricating the same
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose a light emitting diode including an n-type contact layer doped with silicon, a p-type contact layer, an active region disposed between the n-type contact layer and the p-type contact layer, a superlattice layer disposed between the n-type contact layer and the active region, the superlattice layer including a plurality of layers, an undoped intermediate layer disposed between the superlattice layer and the n-type contact layer, and an electron reinforcing layer disposed between the undoped intermediate layer and the superlattice layer. Only a final layer of the superlattice layer closest to the active region is doped with silicon, and the silicon doping concentration of the final layer is higher than that of the n-type contact layer.
US08357923B2 External extraction light emitting diode based upon crystallographic faceted surfaces
A light emitting diode is disclosed that includes a support structure and a Group III nitride light emitting active structure mesa on the support structure. The mesa has its sidewalls along an indexed crystal plane of the Group III nitride. A method of forming the diode is also disclosed that includes the steps of removing a substrate from a Group III nitride light emitting structure that includes a sub-mount structure on the Group III nitride light emitting structure opposite the substrate, and thereafter etching the surface of the Group III nitride from which the substrate has been removed with an anisotropic etch to develop crystal facets on the surface in which the facets are along an index plane of the Group III nitride. The method can also include etching the light emitting structure with an anisotropic etch to form a mesa with edges along an index plane of the Group III nitride.
US08357913B2 Method and apparatus for sample extraction and handling
An improved method and apparatus for extracting and handling samples for STEM analysis. Preferred embodiments of the present invention make use of a micromanipulator and a hollow microprobe probe using vacuum pressure to adhere the microprobe tip to the sample. By applying a small vacuum pressure to the lamella through the microprobe tip, the lamella can be held more securely and its placement controlled more accurately than by using electrostatic force alone. By using a probe having a beveled tip and which can also be rotated around its long axis, the extracted sample can be placed down flat on a sample holder. This allows sample placement and orientation to be precisely controlled, thus greatly increasing predictability of analysis and throughput.
US08357908B2 Radiation detecting cassette and radiation image picking-up system
A wireless communication control unit controls a transmitting and receiving apparatus so as to prohibit transmission of radiation image information to the outside by wireless communication or power supply from the outside to an electric power source by wireless communication in accordance with an exposure detecting signal from an exposure detecting unit or a conversion detecting signal from a conversion detecting unit. Thus, this can control the transmitting and receiving apparatus not to carry out, at the same period of time, the irradiation of a radiation (X) to a radiation detector, a conversion operation of the radiation image information in the radiation detector, and wireless communication by the transmitting and receiving apparatus.
US08357899B2 Color correction circuitry and methods for dual-band imaging systems
An imaging system may include a dual-band image sensor that captures visible and near-infrared light and image processing circuitry that performs color corrections on images captured by the dual-band image sensor. The image processing circuitry may analyze each captured image in two different color spaces to determine what type of light source lit each image. The image processing circuitry may determine whether an image was lit by a light source having a relatively high proportion of near-infrared emissions such as an incandescent light, a light source having a relatively low proportion of near-infrared emissions such as a fluorescent light, or a light source having an intermediate proportion of near-infrared emissions such as sunlight or other blackbody radiator. After determining what type of light source lit an image, the image processing circuitry may adjust color balances in that image using a color correction matrix associated with that type of light source.
US08357898B2 Thermal imaging camera
A thermal imaging camera is provided with at least two different sensitivities for alternating reading and with has a device for linking at least two more and less sensitive images read consecutively. The recording and displaying of thermal images makes it possible to combine images with two different dynamic ranges in a common thermal image, wherein the noise and drift of the pixel signals as well as the amount of storage needed for buffering and processing are reduced at the same time. An image buffering unit is designed as a common accumulator (8) for both more sensitive and less sensitive original images (B) and makes available a common output image (A). An image weighting unit (12) is arranged upstream of the accumulator (8) for weighting the more sensitive and less sensitive original images (B) read alternatingly from the detector unit (1) pixel by pixel with a settable percentage weighting function (G) and for weighting the output image (A) being buffered in the accumulator (8) pixel by pixel with a weighting function (I−G) complementary to the settable percentage weighting function as well as for the additive superimposition of the two images (B; A) for the purpose of continuously updating the output image (A).
US08357886B2 Drawer type cooking device
A drawer type cooking device for disconnecting and connecting the linkage between the drawer body and the movement mechanism in response to the user's selection of operation between a manual opening/closing operation and an electric automatic opening/closing operation of the drawer body. Based on the user's input via the operation unit, connection/disconnection of power transmission via a clutch mechanism and driving/stopping of a drive mechanism is automatically controlled. By turning the clutch mechanism off and isolating the drawer body from the motor, the load of manual operation to open/close the drawer body is reduced. Based on the user's operation via the operation unit, the clutch mechanism is set to connected state, and in that state, the drive mechanism is driven so that power is transmitted to the rack of the drawer body, and the drawer body can be automatically opened and closed.
US08357876B1 Narrow gap arc welding apparatus and method
A method of arc welding a first metal piece to a second metal piece includes the steps of extend a welding head between the space between first and second metal pieces, bending a filler wire, passing the bent filler wire through the welding head such that an end of the bent filler wire extends in a direction toward a surface of one of the first and second metal pieces, and arc welding the end portion of the bent filler wire onto the surface of the metal piece. The method further includes rotating the end of the bent filler wire toward another surface of the metal pieces and arc welding the of end of the rotated bent filler wire onto the surface of the another metal piece. The welding head travels along the space between the first and second metal pieces as the step of arc welding occurs.
US08357873B2 Plasma whirl reactor apparatus and methods of use
An apparatus for synergistically combining a plasma with a comminution means such as a fluid kinetic energy mill (jet mill), preferably in a single reactor and/or in a single process step is provided by the present invention. Within the apparatus of the invention potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and subsequently into angular momentum by means of wave energy, for comminuting, reacting and separation of feed materials. Methods of use of the apparatus in the practice of various processes are also provided by the present invention.
US08357868B2 Controller unit for switching device
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a controller unit for a switching device. The controller unit includes a body part and an operating axle. The operating axle is connected to contacts of the switching device to adjust a respective state of the contacts between a closed position and an open position. A control axle includes a first axle part and a second axle part, the first axle part is arranged to be turned by a user, and the second axle part is functionally connected to the operating axle to turn it between the open position and the closed position. A tripping assembly is functionally connected to the operating axle to turn the operating axle from the closed position to the open position. The controller unit also includes connecting means for functionally connecting a first axle part to one of a tripping assembly and a second axle part.
US08357849B2 Organic photosensitive devices
A photoactive device is provided. The device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photoactive region disposed between and electrically connected to the first and second electrodes. The photoactive region further includes an organic donor layer and an organic acceptor layer that form a donor-acceptor heterojunction. The mobility of holes in the organic donor region and the mobility of electrons in the organic acceptor region are different by a factor of at least 100, and more preferably a factor of at least 1000. At least one of the mobility of holes in the organic donor region and the mobility of electrons in the organic acceptor region is greater than 0.001 cm2/V-sec, and more preferably greater than 1 cm2/V-sec. The heterojunction may be of various types, including a planar heterojunction, a bulk heterojunction, a mixed heterojunction, and a hybrid planar-mixed heterojunction.
US08357847B2 Method and device for the automatic or semi-automatic composition of multimedia sequence
The method according to the invention includes the creation of a reference multimedia sequence structure, the breaking down of this structure into basic components (tracks P1, P2, Pn) each containing a series of basic subcomponents (bricks B11-Bn4), the association to each one of these basic subcomponents of a plurality of homologous subcomponents (homologous bricks B11 Hi, B21 Hj, B″1 Hk) to each of which are assigned attributes and an automatic composition phase of a new multimedia sequence containing the maintaining of the subcomponents or their replacing with homologous subcomponents chosen algorithmically according to an algorithm determining the probability of the subcomponents of being chosen, considering its attributes, then by performing a random choice in respect of these probabilities.
US08357843B1 Maize variety hybrid X95A949
A novel maize variety designated X95A949 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X95A949 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95A949 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X95A949, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95A949. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95A949.
US08357840B1 Inbred maize variety PH18DY
A novel maize variety designated PH18DY and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH18DY with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH18DY through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH18DY or a locus conversion of PH18DY with another maize variety.
US08357839B1 Maize variety X4F694
A novel maize variety designated X4F694 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety X4F694 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X4F694 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X4F694, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X4F694. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X4F694 and to the maize varieties derived by the use of those methods.
US08357833B2 Corn plants and seed enhanced for asparagine and protein
The present invention relates to a corn plant and seed with enhanced levels of protein and amino acids. The invention also relates to DNA constructs that provide expression in transgenic corn cells of an asparagine synthetase enzyme. The DNA constructs are used in a method to produce transgenic corn plants and seeds and to select for plants and seeds with enhanced levels of protein and amino acids.
US08357831B2 Surgical packing devices
Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving hemostasis in patients who have received skin-penetrating wounds to the body in regions such as the shoulder, pelvis, neck, or groin, where standard bandages are difficult to apply and where large blood vessels exist which can hemorrhage severely. Such haemostatic packing devices and methods are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery, or military setting. The devices utilize packing pillows that are held in place by rigid structures that can cause the packing pillows to be brought into the wounds and be held in place while the packing pillows are inflated to fill the wounds, prevent bleeding, and tamponade hemorrhaging large blood vessels exposed therein.
US08357829B2 α-olefin/isobutene diblock copolymers
The present invention relates to diblock copolymers of the formula A-B which are formed from a polymer block A which is formed essentially from α-olefin units having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and a polymer block B which is formed essentially from isobutene units, to a process for their preparation, to their use in lubricant compositions and to lubricant compositions which comprise such diblock copolymers.
US08357827B2 Process for the continuous preparation of nitrobenzene
Nitrobenzene is continuously produced by nitration of benzene with mixed acid under adiabatic conditions. In this process, the pressure upstream of the nitration reactor is from 14 bar to 40 bar above the pressure in the gas phase of the phase separation apparatus used to separate crude nitrobenzene and waste acid.
US08357821B2 Aromatic amine compound, organic electroluminescent element including the same, and display device including organic electroluminescent element
An aromatic amine compound is represented by general formula [I]: wherein X1 and X2 each represent a group selected from an alkyl group, an aryl group, an allyl group, an alkoxy group, and an aryloxy group, X1 and X2 may be the same or different, Ar1 and Ar2 each represent an arylene group, n≧1, at least one of substituents Y is a substituent selected from a trifluoromethyl group, a cyano group, and a halogen group, and other substituents Y are groups each selected from a hydro group, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an allyl group, an alkoxy group, and an aryloxy group.
US08357812B2 Process for preparing a rejuvenated epoxidation catalyst
A process for preparing a rejuvenated epoxidation catalyst, for the epoxidation of one or more olefins using the rejuvenated epoxidation catalyst to produce olefin oxide, and for the production of a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether, or an alkanol amine from the olefin oxide, the process comprising: providing a quantity of spent epoxidation catalyst having a cumulative alkylene oxide production of 0.16 kT/m3 of the spent epoxidation catalyst or more; and, depositing additional silver on the spent epoxidation catalyst in an amount of 0.2% w or more, based on the weight of the spent epoxidation catalyst.
US08357810B2 3.2.1-bicyclo-octane compounds
The present invention relates to novel compounds and their use in fragrance compositions. Novel 3.2.1-bicyclo-octane compounds of the present invention are represented by formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of carbonyl and [1,3]dioxolane; R′ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and allyl; or R and R′ taken together represent
US08357807B2 Isoquinolinium compounds useful in the preparation of cisatracurium and associated intermediates
The present invention provides novel isoquinolinium compounds, methods of producing the isoquinolinium compounds, and methods for converting them into cisatracurium, e.g., cisatracurium besylate. The isoquinolinium compounds of the present invention can be obtained in the form of solids, which can be purified using simple techniques and can be used to afford pure cisatracurium besylate without HPLC purification.
US08357804B2 Crystal forms of kinase inhibitors
N-(4-{4-amino-7-[1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-3-yl}phenyl)-N′-(3-fluorophenyl)urea free base and crystallines form thereof are suitable pharmaceutical ingredients for pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of disease, for example, cancer.
US08357791B2 DNA and proteins or peptides specific of bacteria of the Neisseria meningitidis species, methods for obtaining them and biological applications thereof
The DNA of the invention are characterized in that they concern the whole or part of genes, with their reading frame, to be found in Neisseria meningitidis, but not in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or in Neisseria lactamica except the genes involved in the biosynthesis of the polysaccharide capsule, frp A, frp C, opc, por A, rotamase the sequence IC1106, IgA protease, pilline, pilC, transferrin binding proteins and opacity proteins. The invention also concerns the polypeptides corresponding to these DNA and the antibodies directed against these polypeptides. It is applicable in the prevention and the detection of meningococcus induced infections and meningitis.
US08357778B2 Polypeptide, an affinity chromatography material, and a method for separating and/or purifying immunoglobulin
A mutant of the polypeptide Protein A, wherein immunoglobulin binding properties can be altered by changing temperature under the conditions of pH 5-9, below 60° C. The use of the mutant Protein A include the use thereof as a ligand coupled to an affinity chromatography support for the purification of immunoglobulins by affinity chromatography, wherein the immunoglobulins is eluted by changing temperature and thereby the conformation of the mutant Protein A.
US08357771B2 Production of ophthalmic devices based on photo-induced step growth polymerization
The invention provide a new lens curing method for making hydrogel contact lenses. The new lens curing method is based on actinically-induced step-growth polymerization. The invention also provides hydrogel contact lenses prepared from the method of the invention and fluid compositions for making hydrogel contact lenses based on the new lens curing method. In addition, the invention provide prepolymers capable of undergoing actinically-induced step-growth polymerization to form hydrogel contact lenses.
US08357757B2 Fluorine-containing alloyed copolymer
A fluorine-containing alloyed copolymer, which comprises a fluorine-containing elastomer copolymer having a fluorine content of not less than 64% by weight, and a resinous tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer having an amount of heat of crystal fusion ΔH of not more than 10 J/g, can give crosslinked moldings having a distinguished plasma resistance against both CF4 plasma treatment and O2 plasma treatment, and also a distinguished cracking resistance at the plasma irradiation, and showing necessary normal state physical properties and compression set when used as seals, and capable of providing soft seals of low hardness, and attaining molding at relatively low temperatures.
US08357753B2 Screen-printable encapsulants based on polyhydroxyamides that thermally convert to polybenzoxazoles
This invention relates to compositions, and the use of such compositions for protective coatings, particularly of electronic devices. The invention concerns fired-on-foil ceramic capacitors coated with a composite encapsulant and embedded in a printed wiring board.
US08357749B2 Coating composition and articles made therefrom
The instant invention provides an aqueous dispersion, a coating composition, coating layers and coated article made therefrom. The coating composition according to the present invention comprises: (1) the inventive aqueous dispersion comprising the melt blending product of: (a) from 50 to 99 percent by weight of one or more polyethylene terephthalate resins, based on the total solid content of the dispersion; (b) from 1 to 50 percent by weight of one or more stabilizing agents comprising at least one second polyester, based on the total solid content of the dispersion, wherein said second polyester (i) has a carboxylic acid group and an acid number equal to or greater than 15, based on the solid content of the second polyester; or (ii) is a self-dispersing sulfopolyester; (c) one or more neutralizing agents; and (d) from 15 to 90 percent by weight of water, based on the total weight of the dispersion; wherein said dispersion has a solid content of 10 to 85 percent, based on the total weight of the dispersion; and (2) optionally one or more cross-linking agents.
US08357742B2 Vibration damping material
A resin composition for a vibration damping material, comprising a polyester resin mainly formed of a dicarboxylic acid constitutional unit and a diol constitutional unit; and a filler, in which the polyester resin contains: a dicarboxylic acid constitutional unit (A) mainly derived from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, in particular, isophthalic acid; a diol constitutional unit (B) mainly derived from ethylene glycol; and a constitutional unit (C) formed of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, an aliphatic diol, and/or an aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid each having 5 or more carbon atoms, and the resin composition contains, as the filler, a flake-like or plate-like filler (D) and a filler (E) made of a particulate metal oxide.
US08357741B2 Polymer composition having heat-absorbing properties and improved colour properties
The present invention relates to a polymer composition which absorbs infrared (IR) radiation, containing a transparent thermoplastic plastic, an inorganic infrared absorber and at least one inorganic nano-scale pigment, and to the preparation and use of the polymer compositions according to the invention, and to products produced therefrom. In particular, the present invention relates to polymer compositions comprising a. at least one transparent thermoplastic material; b. at least one inorganic IR absorber which comprises a tungsten compound and wherein the IR absorber is present in an amount of from 0.0075 wt. % to 0.0750 wt. %, calculated as solids content of tungstate in the total composition; and c. at least one inorganic, nano-scale pigment present in an amount of from 0.0005 wt. % to 0.0035 wt. %, based on the total composition; and d. optionally further additives.
US08357740B2 Co-curable, conductive surfacing films for lightning strike and electromagnetic interference shielding of thermoset composite materials
Embodiments of the present disclosure present electrically conductive, thermosetting compositions for use in surfacing films and adhesives. The surfacing films possess enhanced electrical conductivity, comparable to metals, without the use of embedded metal screens or foils. Such surfacing films may be incorporated into composite structures (e.g., prepregs, tapes, and fabrics), for example, by co-curing, as an outermost surface layer. In particular, compositions formed using silver flakes as conductive fillers are found to exhibit very high electrical conductivity. For example, compositions including greater than 45 wt. % silver flake exhibit resistivities less than about 55 mΩ/sq. In this manner, the surfacing films as an outermost conductive layer may provide lighting strike protection (LSP) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding when used in applications such as aircraft components.
US08357739B2 Low fluoride thermoplastic composition, method of manufacture and product made therefrom
A thermoplastic composition that includes a base polymer, a fluoropolymer, and a fluoride scavenger having suitable fluoride levels such that use in the electronics industry is appropriate. An extrusion method may be used for making the thermoplastic composition. The compositions may then be used to form a molded article. The composition has lower fluoride levels as compared to thermoplastic compositions without the fluoride scavenger making it suitable for use in electronic applications, as well as medical or food or beverage applications where fluoride ions are a concern.
US08357738B2 Flame retardant halogenated phenyl ether blends
A flame retardant blend comprises at least first and second halogenated non-polymeric phenyl ethers having the general formula (I): wherein each X is independently Cl or Br, each m is independently an integer of 1 to 5, each p is independently an integer of 1 to 4, n is an integer of 1 to 5 and wherein the values of n for the first and second ethers are different.
US08357735B2 Block copolymer and polymer modified bituminous binder composition for use in base course asphalt paving application
The present invention provides a polymeric composition that includes a coupled block copolymer having a plurality of arms comprising at least two blocks of a monovinylaromatic hydrocarbon that are located on at least two of the plurality of arms, and at least one block of a conjugated diene located on at least one of the plurality of arms, and optionally one or more block copolymers comprising at least one block of monovinylaromatic hydrocarbon and at least one block of a conjugated diene, the block copolymer may be selected from linear copolymers, linear triblock copolymers, multiarm coupled block copolymers, and mixtures thereof. The molecular weight of the polymeric composition is in the range from about 100 kg/mol to about 400 kg/mol.
US08357722B2 Lipids, lipid complexes and use thereof
The present invention is related to a compound according to formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are each and independently selected from the group comprising alkyl; n is any integer between 1 and 4; R3 is an acyl selected from the group comprising lysyl, ornithyl, 2,4-diaminobutyryl, histidyl and an acyl moiety according to formula (II), wherein m is any integer from 1 to 3 and Y− is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion.
US08357718B2 Compounds and methods for the treatment or prevention of flavivirus infections
Compounds represented by formula: wherein X, Y and Z are as defined herein, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and related compounds, are suitable for use in treating or preventing a Flaviviridae viral infection in a host.
US08357717B2 Spiro group-containing amide compounds having bradykinin 1 receptor (B1R) activity
Substituted spiroamide compounds corresponding to formula (I): wherein A, B, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, R1, R8, R9a, R9b, R12, R13, R200 and R210 have defined meanings, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and the use of such compounds for treating or inhibiting pain or other conditions mediated at least in part by the bradykinin 1 receptor (B1R).
US08357714B2 Compositions and methods for non-surgical treatment of ptosis
Provided are pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use of the compositions, for the non-surgical treatment of ptosis (eyelid droop). In one embodiment the composition includes oxymetazoline 0.1% formulated for topical administration to an eye. In one embodiment the composition includes a synergistic combination of oxymetazoline and phenylephrine, formulated for topical administration to an eye. Oxymetazoline alone causes no pupillary dilation (mydriasis), and a synergistic combination of oxymetazoline and phenylephrine induces no clinically significant mydriasis. In addition to providing desirable cosmetic effects, the compositions and methods of the invention can improve visual fields otherwise compromised by ptosis.
US08357712B2 4,5-dihydro-oxazol-2yl derivatives
The invention relates to compounds of formula I wherein R1, R2, X, Y, and n are defined in the specification and to pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of manufacture of such compounds. The compounds are useful for the treatment of diseases related to the biological function of the trace amine associated receptors, which diseases are depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, stress-related disorders, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, neurological diseases, Parkinson's disease, neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, migraine, substance abuse and metabolic disorders, eating disorders, diabetes, diabetic complications, obesity, dyslipidemia, disorders of energy consumption and assimilation, disorders and malfunction of body temperature homeostasis, disorders of sleep and circadian rhythm, and cardiovascular disorders.
US08357701B2 Galactokinase inhibitors
Therapeutic agents for treatment of Galactosemia and disorders thereof, and other enzyme related disorders thereof are identified. The compounds inhibit galactokinase (GALK) and other kinase activity and are identified by a high throughput screening assay.
US08357697B2 Substituted 3-isobutyl-9,10-dimethoxy-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-A]isoquinolin-2-ol compounds and methods relating thereto
Substituted 3-isobutyl-9,10-dimethoxy-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinolin-2-ol compounds are disclosed that are inhibitors of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). The compounds of this invention have the structure: wherein R1 is as defined herein, including stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound of this invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods relating to the use in a subject in need thereof.
US08357695B2 Hydrates of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-(2H)-pyrimidinyl]-4-fluoro-N-[[methyl(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl]benzamide
The present invention relates to hydrates of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-(2H)pyrimidinyl]-4-fluoro-N-[[methyl(1-methylethyl)amino]-sulfonyl]benzamide. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of these hydrates and to plant protection formulations which comprise hydrates of the phenyluracil I.
US08357693B2 Pharmacokinetically improved compounds
The present invention relates to inhibitors of ROCK1 and ROCK2 and methods of modulating the pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic properties of such compounds. Also provided are methods of inhibiting ROCK1 and or ROCK2 that are useful for the treatment of disease.
US08357672B2 Cell lysis reagent for isolation of RNA
RNA is extracted from cellular material with a reagent that includes heparin, a reducing agent to reduce disulfide bonds, a chelating agent, a buffer, and an alkali metal halide. The reagent does not require the use of organic solvents, and the reagent allows extraction to be performed in a relatively short period of time in comparison to the prior art.
US08357662B2 Surface-based ammonium ion sensor and methods of making thereof
A compound sensitive to and selective for ammonium ions over other ions. A sensor fabricated from a self assembled monolayer of said compound on gold, exhibiting sensitivity and selectivity for ammonium ions over other ions in aqueous solutions, including blood. A method of preparation of said compound and said sensor.
US08357649B2 Delivery particle
The present application relates to benefit agent delivery compositions comprising a material selected from the group consisting of agglomerates comprising chelant and an encapsulated benefit agent; agglomerates comprising an encapsulated benefit agent having a shell comprising chelant; agglomerates comprising an encapsulated benefit agent having a core comprising chelant and combinations thereof, and processes for making and using such benefit agent delivery compositions.
US08357646B2 Stripper for dry film removal
The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, is a photoresist stripper formulation, comprising: Hydroxylamine ; Water; a solvent selected from the group consisting of dimethylsulfoxide; N-methylpyrrrolidine; dimethylacetamide; dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether; monoethanolamine and mixtures thereof; a base selected from the group consisting of choline hydroxide, monoethanolamine, tetramethylammonium hydroxide; aminoethylethanolamine and mixtures thereof; a metal corrosion inhibitor selected from the group consisting of catechol, gallic acid, lactic acid, benzotriazole and mixtures thereof; and a bath life extending agent selected from the group consisting of glycerine, propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. The present invention is also a method for using formulations as exemplified in the preferred embodiment.
US08357635B2 Microbiocides
Compounds of formula (I), in which the substituents are as defined in claim 1, are suitable for use as microbiocides.
US08357633B2 2-(2-fluoro-substituted phenyl)-6-amino-5-chloro-4-pyrimidinecarboxylates and their use as herbicides
2-(2-Fluoro-substituted phenyl)-6-amino-5-chloro-4-pyrimidine carboxylic acid and its derivatives are potent herbicides demonstrating a broad spectrum of weed control.
US08357629B2 Herbicidal compositions
A herbicide combination comprising of components (A) and (B) exhibit synergistic herbicidal effects, where (A) is one or more herbicides selected from the group consisting of heteroaryloxy- and aryloxy-phenoxypropionic acids, their salts and esters and cyclohexanediones, and (B) is one or more herbicides selected from the group consisting of (B1) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against mono-cotyledonous plants, (B2) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against dicotyledonous harmful plants and cyperaceae, (B3) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against cyperaceae and (B4) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against mono-cotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants and cyperaceae.
US08357627B2 Deodorizing catalyst, deodorizing method using the same, and method for regenerating the catalyst
A deodorizing catalyst showing high activity at room temperature, having great adsorption capacity, and possessing activity persistence capable of withstanding continued use; a deodorizing method using the catalyst; and a method for regenerating the catalyst are provided.The deodorizing catalyst is characterized by containing manganese oxide and a Mn—Fe complex oxide at a weight ratio in the range of 98:2 to 60:40. A honeycomb catalyst having the catalyst carried thereon is also disclosed. The deodorizing method is characterized by treating a gas containing odor components with the catalyst. The method for regenerating the catalyst involves heating the catalyst to 140 to 250° C.
US08357623B2 Composite materials and bodies including silicon carbide and titanium diboride and methods of forming same
Methods of forming composite materials include coating particles of titanium dioxide with a substance including boron (e.g., boron carbide) and a substance including carbon, and reacting the titanium dioxide with the substance including boron and the substance including carbon to form titanium diboride. The methods may be used to form ceramic composite bodies and materials, such as, for example, a ceramic composite body or material including silicon carbide and titanium diboride. Such bodies and materials may be used as armor bodies and armor materials. Such methods may include forming a green body and sintering the green body to a desirable final density. Green bodies formed in accordance with such methods may include particles comprising titanium dioxide and a coating at least partially covering exterior surfaces thereof, the coating comprising a substance including boron (e.g., boron carbide) and a substance including carbon.
US08357618B2 Frequency doubling using a photo-resist template mask
A method for doubling the frequency of a lithographic process using a photo-resist template mask is described. A device layer having a photo-resist layer formed thereon is first provided. The photo-resist layer is patterned to form a photo-resist template mask. A spacer-forming material layer is deposited over the photo-resist template mask. The spacer-forming material layer is etched to form a spacer mask and to expose the photo-resist template mask. The photo-resist template mask is then removed and an image of the spacer mask is finally transferred to the device layer.
US08357616B2 Adjustable solubility in sacrificial layers for microfabrication
The present invention provides fabrication methods using sacrificial materials comprising polymers. In some embodiments, the polymer may be treated to alter its solubility with respect to at least one solvent (e.g., aqueous solution) used in the fabrication process. The preparation of the sacrificial materials is rapid and simple, and dissolution of the sacrificial material can be carried out in mild environments. Sacrificial materials of the present invention may be useful for surface micromachining, bulk micromachining, and other microfabrication processes in which a sacrificial layer is employed for producing a selected and corresponding physical structure.
US08357611B2 Wiring material, semiconductor device provided with a wiring using the wiring material and method of manufacturing thereof
A semiconductor device having good TFT characteristics is realized. By using a high purity target as a target, using a single gas, argon (Ar), as a sputtering gas, setting the substrate temperature equal to or less than 300° C., and setting the sputtering gas pressure from 1.0 Pa to 3.0 Pa, the film stress of a film is made from −1×1010 dyn/cm2 to 1×1010 dyn/cm2. By thus using a conducting film in which the amount of sodium contained within the film is equal to or less than 0.3 ppm, preferably equal to or less than 0.1 ppm, and having a low electrical resistivity (equal to or less than 40 μΩ·cm), as a gate wiring material and a material for other wirings of a TFT, the operating performance and the reliability of a semiconductor device provided with the TFT can be increased.
US08357610B2 Reducing patterning variability of trenches in metallization layer stacks with a low-k material by reducing contamination of trench dielectrics
By forming a protection layer prior to the application of the planarization layer during a dual damascene strategy for first patterning vias and then trenches, enhanced etch fidelity may be accomplished. In other aspects disclosed herein, via openings and trenches may be patterned in separate steps, which may be accomplished by different etch behaviors of respective dielectric materials and/or the provision of an appropriate etch stop layer, while filling the via opening and the trench with a barrier material and a highly conductive metal may be achieved in a common fill sequence. Hence, the via opening may be formed on the basis of a reduced aspect ratio, while nevertheless providing a highly efficient overall process sequence.
US08357605B2 Methods of fabricating semiconductor memory devices
Methods of forming memory devices are provided. The methods may include forming a pre-stacked gate structure including a lower structure and a first polysilicon pattern on the substrate. The methods may also include forming an insulation layer covering the pre-stacked gate structure. The methods may further include forming a trench in the insulation layer by removing a portion of the first polysilicon pattern. The methods may additionally include forming a metal film pattern in the trench on the first polysilicon pattern. The methods may also include forming a first metal silicide pattern by performing a first thermal treatment on the first polysilicon pattern and the metal film pattern. The methods may further include forming a second polysilicon pattern in the trench. The methods may additionally include forming a second metal silicide pattern by performing a second thermal treatment on the second polysilicon pattern and the first metal silicide pattern.
US08357603B2 Metal gate fill and method of making
The present disclosure provides various methods of fabricating a semiconductor device. A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate and forming a gate structure over the substrate. The gate structure includes a first spacer and a second spacer formed apart from the first spacer. The gate structure also includes a dummy gate formed between the first and second spacers. The method also includes removing a portion of the dummy gate from the gate structure thereby forming a partial trench. Additionally, the method includes removing a portion of the first spacer and a portion of the second spacer adjacent the partial trench thereby forming a widened portion of the partial trench. In addition, the method includes removing a remaining portion of the dummy gate from the gate structure thereby forming a full trench. A high k film and a metal gate are formed in the full trench.
US08357602B2 Compound semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An intermediate layer composed of i-AlN is formed between a channel layer and an electron donor layer, a first opening is formed in an electron donor layer, at a position where a gate electrode will be formed later, while using an intermediate layer as an etching stopper, a second opening is formed in the intermediate layer so as to be positionally aligned with the first opening, by wet etching using a hot phosphoric acid solution, and a gate electrode is formed so that the lower portion thereof fill the first and second openings while placing a gate insulating film in between, and so that the head portion thereof projects above the cap structure.
US08357595B2 Semiconductor substrate with solid phase epitaxial regrowth with reduced depth of doping profile and method of producing same
Method of producing a semiconductor device, comprising: a) providing a semiconductor substrate, b) providing an insulating layer on a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, c) making an amorphous layer in a top layer of said semiconductor substrate by a suitable implant, d) implanting a dopant into said semiconductor substrate through said insulating layer to provide said amorphous layer with a predetermined doping profile, said implant being performed such that said doping profile has a peak value located within said insulating layer, e) applying a solid phase epitaxial regrowth action to regrow said amorphous layer and activate said dopant.
US08357591B2 Method of processing a wafer by using and reusing photolithographic masks
A method of processing a wafer includes establishing a fine of symmetry defining left and right die areas on a front side of the wafer and left and right die areas on a back side. A first mask is used to form a first interconnection layer on the left and right die areas comprising a first portion on the left die area and second portion different than the first portion on the right die area. A second mask is used to form a second interconnection layer on the left and right die areas comprising a third portion on the left die area and fourth portion different than the third portion on the right die area. The first mask is reused to form a third interconnection layer on the left and right die areas on a back side, and the second mask to form a fourth interconnection layer on the left and right die areas on a back side.
US08357588B2 Method for machining a workpiece on a workpiece support
A workpiece machining method includes attaching a workpiece to a workpiece support with the aid of joining means. The workpiece and the workpiece support are joined to one another by an annular joining means. The composite produced is machined. The machined workpiece is separated from the workpiece support.
US08357573B2 Strain enhancement in transistors comprising an embedded strain-inducing semiconductor alloy by creating a patterning non-uniformity at the bottom of the gate electrode
Performance of P-channel transistors may be enhanced on the basis of an embedded strain-inducing semiconductor alloy by forming a gate electrode structure on the basis of a high-k dielectric material in combination with a metal-containing cap layer in order to obtain an undercut configuration of the gate electrode structure. Consequently, the strain-inducing semiconductor alloy may be formed on the basis of a sidewall spacer of minimum thickness in order to position the strain-inducing semiconductor material closer to a central area of the channel region.
US08357572B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device with recess and Fin structure
The semiconductor device includes an active region, a recess, a Fin channel region, a gate insulating film, and a gate electrode. The active region is defined by a device isolation structure formed in a semiconductor substrate. The recess is formed by etching the active region and its neighboring device isolation structure using an island shaped recess gate mask as an etching mask. The Fin channel region is formed on the semiconductor substrate at a lower part of the recess. The gate insulating film is formed over the active region including the Fin channel region and the recess. The gate electrode is formed over the gate insulating film to fill up the Fin channel region and the recess.
US08357570B2 Pixel structure and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a pixel structure includes providing a substrate having a pixel area. A first metal layer, a gate insulator and a semiconductor layer are formed on the substrate and patterned by using a first half-tone mask or a gray-tone mask to form a transistor pattern, a lower capacitance pattern and a lower circuit pattern. Next, a dielectric layer and an electrode layer both covering the three patterns are sequentially formed and patterned to expose a part of the lower circuit pattern, a part of the lower capacitance pattern and a source/drain region of the transistor pattern. A second metal layer formed on the electrode layer and the electrode layer are patterned by using a second half-tone mask or the gray-tone mask to form an upper circuit pattern, a source/drain pattern and an upper capacitance pattern. A portion of the electrode layer constructs a pixel electrode.
US08357568B2 Thermal enhanced package
A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit package. The method includes attaching a first surface of a semiconductor die to a thermally and/or electrically conductive substrate, forming a plurality of die connectors on a second surface of the semiconductor die, and encapsulating the semiconductor die and the plurality of die connectors in an encapsulant material. The method also includes removing a portion of the encapsulant material to expose one or more of the plurality of die connectors, thereby forming a routing surface. The method further includes forming a plurality of conductive traces on the routing surface. Each of the plurality of conductive traces is characterized by a first portion in electrical communication with one of the plurality of die connectors and a second portion in electrical communication with a package connector.
US08357559B2 Method of making sensor platform using a non-horizontally oriented nanotube element
Sensor platforms and methods of making them are described. A platform having a non-horizontally oriented sensor element comprising one or more nanostructures such as nanotubes is described. Under certain embodiments, a sensor element has or is made to have an affinity for an analyte. Under certain embodiments, such a sensor element comprises one or more pristine nanotubes. Under certain embodiments, the sensor element comprises derivatized or functionalized nanotubes. Under certain embodiments, a sensor is made by providing a support structure; providing one or more nanotubes on the structure to provide material for a sensor element; and providing circuitry to electrically sense the sensor element's electrical characterization. Under certain embodiments, the sensor element comprises pre-derivatized or pre-functionalized nanotubes. Under other embodiments, sensor material is derivatized or functionalized after provision on the structure or after patterning. Under certain embodiments, a large-scale array of sensor platforms includes a plurality of sensor elements.
US08357553B2 Light source with hybrid coating, device including light source with hybrid coating, and/or methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for improving the performance of Lambertian and non-Lambertian light sources. In certain example embodiments, this is accomplished by (1) providing an organic-inorganic hybrid material on LEDs (which in certain example embodiments may be a high index of refraction material), (2) enhancing the light scattering ability of the LEDs (e.g., by fractal embossing, patterning, or the like, and/or by providing randomly dispersed elements thereon), and/or (3) improving performance through advanced cooling techniques. In certain example instances, performance enhancements may include, for example, better color production (e.g., in terms of a high CRI), better light production (e.g., in terms of lumens and non-Lambertian lighting), higher internal and/or external efficiency, etc.
US08357549B2 Method for identifying an incorrect position of a semiconductor wafer during a thermal treatment
An incorrect position of a semiconductor wafer during thermal treatment in a process chamber heated by means of infrared emitters and transmissive to infrared radiation is identified, wherein the semiconductor wafer lies in a circular pocket of a rotating susceptor and is held at a predetermined temperature with the aid of the infrared emitters and a control system, and wherein thermal radiation is measured by a pyrometer, an amplitude of the fluctuations of the measurement signal is determined and an incorrect position of the semiconductor wafer is assumed if the amplitude exceeds a predetermined maximum value. The pyrometer is oriented such that the measurement spot detected by the pyrometer lies partly on the semiconductor wafer and partly outside the semiconductor wafer on the susceptor so that it is possible to identify an eccentric position of the semiconductor wafer within the pocket of the susceptor.
US08357542B2 Suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus and suspended particulate matter measurement method using the same
Provided are a suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus capable of automatically measuring a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the atmosphere, and a suspended particulate matter measurement method using the same. The suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus includes a filter, suction part, extraction part, measurement part, and a recording part. The suction part suctions air in the atmosphere at a constant flow rate to cause particulate matter contained therein to be adsorbed onto the filter. The extraction part extracts components of the particulate matter adsorbed onto the filter, by dissolving the particulate matter into a solvent, and collects a resultant solution. The measurement part measures at least one of a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the solution collected by the extraction part, and outputs the measurement result. The recording part records the measurement result outputted from the measurement part.
US08357536B2 Inspection method and apparatus
In an embodiment, there is disclosed an inspection method for detecting the presence of imprintable medium on an imprint lithography template. The method includes contacting the imprint lithography template with a marker, the marker being attachable to imprintable medium that may be on the imprint lithography template, the marker being configured to interact with incident radiation when attached to the imprintable medium, directing radiation at the imprint lithography template, and measuring radiation re-directed by the imprint lithography template to attempt to detect presence of a marker that has attached to the imprintable medium, from the interaction of the marker with the incident radiation, and thus detect the presence of imprintable medium to which the marker is attached.
US08357529B2 Methods of in vitro protein synthesis
Biological macromolecules are synthesized in vitro under conditions and in a reaction composition wherein oxidative phosphorylation is activated and protein folding is improved.
US08357527B2 Method for generating a genetically modified microbe
Provided herein are methods of generating genetically modified microorganisms, e.g., genetically modified yeast strains, which comprise functional disruptions in one or more pheromone response genes and one or more sporulation genes, and genetically modified yeast cells, e.g., genetically modified diploid and haploid yeast cells, that lack sporulation capability and endogenous mating capability, produced thereby.
US08357520B2 Compositions and methods for the biosynthesis of 1,4-butanediol and its precursors
The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial biocatalyst including a microbial organism having a 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB) biosynthetic pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding 4-hydroxybutanoate dehydrogenase, succinyl-CoA synthetase, CoA-dependent succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, or α-ketoglutarate decarboxylase, wherein the exogenous nucleic acid is expressed in sufficient amounts to produce monomeric 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB). Also provided is a non-naturally occurring microbial biocatalyst including a microbial organism having 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) biosynthetic pathways, the pathways include at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding 4-hydroxybutanoate dehydrogenase, succinyl-CoA synthetase, CoA-dependent succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, 4-hydroxybutyrate:CoA transferase, 4-butyrate kinase, phosphotransbutyrylase, α-ketoglutarate decarboxylase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase or an aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase, wherein the exogenous nucleic acid is expressed in sufficient amounts to produce 1,4-butanediol (BDO). Additionally provided are methods for the production of 4-HB and BDO.
US08357504B2 Method and kit for the microbiological determination of vitamins in substance mixtures
Method for the quantitative determination of vitamins, amino acids, or other substances necessary for life, in a substance mixture, whereby in the culture container, the cavities of a microtitration plate, in each case a predetermined number of vital cells of a suitable microorganism are prepared in a permanent manner. For this purpose, the cells are shock frozen at −80° C. and then freeze dried in a freezing solution containing 200 to 500 mM trehalose/sucrose. The freezing solution is preferably the test medium. The culture containers are preferably the wells of a microtitration plate.
US08357503B2 Hydrolases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them
Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.
US08357498B2 Microorganism culture device and microorganism culture medium comprising the same
A microorganism culture device comprising a porous matrix layer having a basis weight of 40 to 100 g/m2 and an air permeability of 7 to 24 cm/sec, and at least one layer of a water-soluble polymer layer laminated with the matrix layer.
US08357484B2 Multilayer dry film resist, method of manufacturing the resist, and method of manufacturing display plate for liquid crystal display panel using the resist
A multilayer dry film resist includes two or more organic films which can be patterned; the multilayer dry film resist includes a base substrate, a first organic film disposed on the base substrate, and a second organic film disposed on the first organic film and including a photosensitizer.
US08357473B2 Fuel cell system
When a stop trigger of a fuel cell system (100) is turned on, air humidified by a humidifier (3) which air having a humidity quantity lower than a humidity quantity at a normal operation is supplied to a fuel cell stack (11). Thereby, a takeout quantity Qm of a moisture generated in the fuel cell stack (1) is increased, then, a power generation of the fuel cell stack (1) is continued for a certain time Pg. Then, the power generation is stopped, and a cathode side of the fuel cell stack (1) is purged with the air for a certain time Pp.
US08357469B2 Bipolar battery assembly
A bipolar battery construction is disclosed comprising a substrate, openings in the substrate, an electrically conductive material placed within the openings, a negative and positive current collector foil placed on opposing sides of the substrate and negative and positive pasting frame members. The electrically conductive material may have a melting point below the thermal degradation temperature of the substrate.
US08357464B2 Electric vehicle propulsion system and method utilizing solid-state rechargeable electrochemical cells
A vehicle propulsion system comprising a plurality of solid state rechargeable battery cells configured to power a drivetrain. In accordance with once aspect of the invention, a transportation system that is powered at least in part by electricity stored in the form of rechargeable electrochemical cells. According to an embodiment of the present invention, these cells are combined in series and in parallel to form a pack that is regulated by charge and discharge control circuits that are programmed with algorithms to monitor state of charge, battery lifetime, and battery health.
US08357458B2 Coated article with low-E coating including tin oxide interlayer
A coated article is provided which may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) in certain instances. In certain example embodiments, an interlayer of or including a metal oxide such as tin oxide is provided under an infrared (IR) reflecting layer so as to be located between respective layers comprising silicon nitride and zinc oxide. It has been found that the use of such a tin oxide inclusive interlayer results in significantly improved mechanical durability, thermal stability and/or haze characteristics.
US08357450B2 Polyamide-polyphenylene ether resin composition and film
The present invention provides a polyamide-polyphenylene ether resin composition comprising a polyamide having an alicyclic structure and composed of dicarboxylic acid units comprising from 20 to 100 mol % of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid units and diamine units comprising aliphatic diamine units with from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, a polyphenylene ether, and a compatibilizer for a polyamide and a polyphenylene ether.
US08357442B2 Heat shrink wire marker carrier
A wire marker is provided. A carrier strip includes a first layer having at least one opening, two bands applied to opposite edges of the first layer, the bands including an adhesive on at least one side, and a label secured into the opening and attached to the adhesive. At least one access perforation may be located on the first layer that is horizontal and adjacent to one side of the opening. The access perforation facilitates removal of the label from the carrier and allows for insertion of a cable through the label. A plurality of horizontal carrier perforations may further be located between each opening on the first layer to facilitate removal of the carrier strip from a printer.
US08357430B2 Method for producing silicon nitride films
(Problem) To provide a method for producing silicon nitride films by vapor deposition that, while employing trisilylamine as precursor, can produce silicon nitride films that exhibit excellent film properties and can do so at relatively low temperatures and relatively high growth rates. (Solution) Method for producing silicon nitride film, said method being characterized by feeding gaseous trisilylamine and gaseous nitrogen source comprising at least two amine-type compounds selected from amine-type compounds with formula (1) NR1R2R3 (R1, R2, and R3 are each independently selected from hydrogen and C1-6 hydrocarbyl) into a reaction chamber that holds at least one substrate and forming silicon nitride film on said at least one substrate by reacting the trisilylamine and said nitrogen source.
US08357428B2 Method for producing porous film
After a second liquid is applied to a support and dried, a first liquid is applied thereon. On a film of the first liquid, a third liquid (water) is supplied in droplets using an inkjet-type liquid supply unit. An area supplied with the droplets is referred to as porous area. Next, an organic solvent is evaporated from the film and the droplets are evaporated from the porous area. Thus, a porous film is obtained. The porous film has the porous areas in which a plurality of pores are arranged. Since the droplets are directly formed by an inkjet printing method, a condensation process and a droplet growing process are unnecessary. Thus, the porous film is produced efficiently. Shapes of the porous areas can be changed easily. The porous areas can be formed on the porous film in various patterns.
US08357426B2 Single step milling and surface coating process for preparing stable nanodispersions
A single step milling and surface coating process allows for production of a stable dispersion of surface coated nanoparticles in an efficient manner. The process comprises providing feed particles, providing a coating agent, and generating the stable dispersion of surface coated nanoparticles by milling the feed particles in an aqueous medium containing the coating agent such that the coating agent bonds to surfaces of the feed particles as the feed particles are milled to an average particle size of less than about 100 nm.
US08357422B2 Dietary supplement
The technology provides a multi-purpose dietary supplement that includes, in nutritionally effective amounts for humans, an orally ingestible combination of antioxidants, naturally-occurring substances and extracts of naturally-occurring substances. The naturally-occurring substances and extracts of naturally-occurring substances include at least: finely divided silica hydride; a polyphenol; ginkgo biloba leaf extract; rhodiola rosea root; bacopa monniera extract; a glutathione precursor; a phytoalexin; a bioflavonoids; CoQ10 and a phospholipid.
US08357421B2 Composition comprising triglycerides
A composition comprising triglycerides may be used as a coating fat. The triglyceride content of the composition comprises: SSS in an amount of from 10 to 20%; SUS in an amount of from 45 to 65%; SSU in an amount of from 10 to 18%; SU2 in an amount of less than 15%; and S2U in an amount of greater than 70%; wherein: the weight ratio of SUS:SSU is from 3:1 to 6:1; S is a saturated fatty acid residue having from 12 to 24 carbon atoms; U is an unsaturated fatty acid residue having from 12 to 24 carbon atoms; and all percentages are by weight based on the total triglycerides present in the composition.
US08357409B2 Crispy chip garnish sandwich
A sandwich-sized crispy chip garnish is provided with desired color, flavor and surface presentations for use in a crispy chip sandwich.
US08357401B2 Stable formulations for lyophilizing therapeutic particles
The present disclosure generally relates to lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric nanoparticles which, upon reconstitution, have low levels of greater than 10 micron size particles. Other aspects of the invention include methods of making such nanoparticles.
US08357400B2 Stimuli-responsive systems for controlled drug delivery
A method of delivering a therapeutic agent by providing a cross-linked polymer encapsulating the therapeutic agent to a site in a patient. The degradation rate of the cross-linked polymer is correlated with a local concentration of an indicator, and the therapeutic agent is released as the cross-linked polymer degrades.
US08357391B2 Coatings for implantable devices comprising poly (hydroxy-alkanoates) and diacid linkages
Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, the coatings including block-polymers comprising at least one poly(hydroxyacid) or poly(hydroxy-alkanoate) block, at least one block of a biologically compatible polymer and a linking moiety.
US08357387B2 Capping bioprosthetic tissue to reduce calcification
A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization.
US08357379B2 High concentration baclofen preparations
Stable aqueous solutions comprising concentrations of baclofen in the range of greater than 2.0 mg/mL up to about 10 mg/mL are disclosed. These solutions can be used as pharmaceuticals for parenteral or oral administration. The invention also provides methods of preparing said stable aqueous baclofen solutions.
US08357376B2 Method of purifying influenza virus and removing MDCK cell DNA contaminants
The present invention relates to novel MDCK cells which can be to grow viruses, e.g., influenza viruses, in cell culture to higher titer than previously possible. The MDCK cells can be adapted to serum-free culture medium. The present invention further relates to cell culture compositions comprising the MDCK cells and cultivation methods for growing the MDCK cells. The present invention further relates to methods for producing influenza viruses in cell culture using the MDCK cells of the invention.
US08357372B2 Agent for treating allergic or hypersensitivity condition
The use of an agent in the manufacture of a medicament to affect an allergic condition and/or a hypersensitivity condition is described. The agent is capable of modulating a ganglioside associated activity. The agent is not coupled to an antigen. The modulation of the ganglioside activity affects an allergic condition and/or a hypersensitivity condition.
US08357368B2 Methods of treating pancreatic or liver cancer using hedgehog antagonists
The present application is directed to compositions and methods for inhibiting angiogenesis and treating or preventing unwanted cell proliferation, including tumors, by inhibiting the hedgehog pathway, e.g., with an antagonist of the hedgehog pathway such as those disclosed herein.
US08357361B2 Bioabsorbable surgical composition
Bioabsorbable macromer compositions are provided including a diisocyanate-functional bioabsorbable polymer. In some embodiments, the diisocyanate-functional bioabsorbable polymer can be combined with a functionalized polyol. The resulting bioabsorbable macromer composition can be employed as an adhesive or sealant for medical/surgical uses.
US08357354B2 Composition containing a tackifying resin and a combination of particular oils
A composition having at least one fatty phase containing at least one resin having a number-average molecular weight of less than or equal to 10 000 g/mol chosen from rosin, rosin derivatives and hydrocarbon-based resins, and mixtures thereof, at least one volatile oil, and at least one phenyl silicone oil. The composition according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a homogeneous and comfortable deposit on the lips or the skin, which has in particular improved properties of staying power of the colour and of the gloss.
US08357353B2 Compositions comprising a UV-absorbing chromophore
A chemical composition comprising a linker agent and a compound comprising at least one UV-absorbing chromophore, wherein the linker agent is characterized by the general formula: wherein X1 and X2 are the same or different, and at least one of X1 or X2 is a functional group that bonds with the compound comprising at least one UV-absorbing chromophore, and b+f≧2, Y comprises an O, N, or S that is substituted or unsubstituted, each a, b, c, e and f is ≧0 and a+b+c+e+f≧2, d is 0 or 1, n1 and n2 represent the number of hydrogen atoms required to complete the undesignated valencies, and m ranges from 1 to about 100 and each individual m unit may be the same or different.
US08357352B2 Aerosol suspension formulations containing TG 227 ea or TG 134 a as propellant
Disclosed are propellant gas formulations containing at least one suspended active substance which contains chemically bound water, water and the propellant TG 227 or TG 134 a.
US08357336B2 Sample entry device
A sample entry device is provided comprising a single plug-in site for automated input of medical samples, typically samples of body fluids, or quality control media, from diverse sample vessels. Sample transport containers are provided in the entry device, each having a cannula that can be inserted both through an opening into an open sample vessel and through a penetrable lid element into a closed sample vessel, and the entry device is provided with guiding elements, which will grip the cannula of the sample transport container to guide and center the cannula before it is inserted into the sample vessel or punctures it.
US08357333B2 Honeycomb structural body and exhaust gas converting apparatus
A honeycomb structural body includes a honeycomb unit having a plurality of through holes defined by cell walls and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb unit. The honeycomb unit includes an inorganic binder, a first zeolite, and second zeolite. The first zeolite includes at least one of a β type zeolite and a ZSM-5 type zeolite, and primary particles having an average particle diameter of approximately 0.01 μm or more and approximately 0.1 μm or less. The second zeolite includes a phosphate group zeolite and primary particles having an average particle diameter of approximately 0.5 μm or more and approximately 5 μm or less. A ratio between a mass of the first zeolite and a total mass of the first and second zeolites is approximately 0.1 or more and approximately 0.5 or less.
US08357330B1 Anti-microbial catheter system
An exterior container has a primary base, side walls and an open top. A primary floor is located in the exterior chamber and forms an operational chamber. An interior container has a square secondary floor, side walls and top. The interior container is removably received within the exterior container. A retainer is positioned within the interior chamber for receiving a catheter. A source of light is provided within the exterior chamber to irradiate the catheter.
US08357326B2 Method and device for producing a tubular object from thermoplastic material
A device for producing a tubular object from thermoplastic material includes a die, a plunger, and a withdrawal unit. The movements of the withdrawal unit, plunger and die body are controlled such that the movement of the withdrawal unit is carried out according to a freely adjustable velocity profile over the path of the withdrawal unit. Movement of the plunger is carried out according to a freely adjustable velocity profile over the plunger path and movement of the die body is carried out according to a freely adjustable position profile over the path of the withdrawal unit or plunger. In this manner, the wall thickness of the tubular object may be adjusted with high accuracy over its length.
US08357323B2 Ceramic matrix composite wall with post laminate stitching
A stitching geometry and method for selective interlaminar reinforcement of a CMC wall (20A). The CMC wall is formed of ceramic fiber layers (22) individually infused with a ceramic matrix, stacked, and at least partially cured. A row of holes is formed in the wall, and a ceramic fiber thread (25) is infused with a wet ceramic matrix and passed through the holes to form stitches (28, 30, 31). The stitches are then cured, causing them to shrink more than any remaining wall shrinkage, thus tensioning the stitches and compressing the wall laminae together. The stitches may have through-wall portions (30, 31) that are angled differently in different wall areas as a function of interlaminar shear over interlaminar tension, optimizing wall reinforcement locally depending on magnitude and direction of shear. Alternate rows of stitches (54, 56) may have offsets in a stitch direction (34) and/or different through-wall angles (A1, A2).
US08357318B2 Wax encapsulation
A process of preparation of microcapsules having a shell and a core that includes a waxy solid, includes (a) dispersing particles of waxy solid material in a water-immiscible liquid in which the waxy solid material is insoluble; (b) emulsifying the resulting dispersion into an aqueous solution of a capsule wall-forming material to form an emulsion of droplets; (c) forming a coating of the capsule wall-forming material on the emulsified droplets containing the dispersed waxy solid particles to provide capsules; (d) heating the capsules to a temperature above the melting point of the waxy solid material; and (e) cooling the capsules to a temperature below the melting point of the waxy solid material.
US08357314B2 Dielectric elastomer composition and high-frequency electronic component material
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dielectric elastomer composition which has a sufficient dielectric property as a high-frequency electronic component material and to which an excellent flame retardance can be imparted as necessary in consideration of an influence on environment and the high-frequency electronic component material formed by molding the dielectric elastomer composition. The dielectric elastomer composition of the present invention comprises an elastomer to which (A) carbon black and (B) at least one powder selected from among magnesium hydroxide powder and dielectric ceramic powder is added. An average particle diameter of the carbon black is 50 to 200 nm, and 5 to 40 parts by weight thereof is added to 100 parts by weight of the elastomer. In the magnesium hydroxide powder, a content of ferric oxide is not more than 0.02 wt %. In at least one measuring condition selected from among a measuring condition (1) in which a frequency is 400 MHz and a temperature is 30° C. and a measuring condition (2) in which a frequency is 5 GHz and a temperature is 25° C., a dielectric constant is not less than three, and a dielectric dissipation factor is not more than 0.01.
US08357310B2 Aqueous based cooling of components having high surface area levels of aluminum or nickel
An aqueous-based coolant for cooling and reducing corrosion potential in applications having high aluminum or nickel surface area to coolant volume ratios has a pH between 8 and 9 and includes about 35 weight % to about 65 weight % propylene glycol, about 1.0 weight % to about 4.0 weight % 2-ethylhexanoic acid, about 0.25 weight % to about 1.0 weight % sebacic acid, about 0.25 weight % to about 1.0 weight % benzoic acid and about 0.03 weight % to about 0.1 weight % molybdate oxyanion. A cooling system includes an aluminum or nickel surface and the aqueous-based coolant. A method of cooling a component surface containing aluminum or nickel includes delivering the aqueous-based coolant to the component surface and cooling the component surface with the aqueous-based coolant.
US08357309B2 Class of ferromagnetic semiconductors
Single crystal and polycrystal oxoruthenates having the generalized compositions (Baz,Sr1−z)FexCoyRu6−(x+y)O11 (1≦(x+y)≦5; 0≦z≦1) and (Ba,Sr)M2±xRu4∓xO11 (M=Fe,Co) belong to a novel class of ferromagnetic semiconductors with applications in spin-based field effect transistors, spin-based light emitting diodes, and magnetic random access memories.
US08357307B2 Method of forming electronic circuit
Provided is a method of forming an electronic circuit, wherein a nickel or nickel alloy layer is formed on an etching side of a rolled copper foil or an electrolytic copper foil, the rolled copper foil or the electrolytic copper foil is bonded to a resin substrate to obtain a copper-clad laminate, a resist pattern for forming a circuit is subsequently applied on the copper foil, any unwanted portion of the copper foil and the nickel or nickel alloy layer of the copper-clad laminate other than the portion to which the resist pattern was applied is removed using an etching solution of an aqueous ferric chloride, the resist is further removed, and soft etching is additionally performed in order to remove the remnant nickel or nickel alloy layer and thereby form a circuit in which the space between copper circuit lines is of a width that is double or more from the thickness of copper. This invention aims to form a circuit with a uniform circuit width, improve the etching properties in pattern etching, and prevent the occurrence of short circuits and defects in the circuit width.
US08357304B2 Hazardous material storage and leak mitigation system
A self-contained storage system for hazardous materials includes a containment envelope enclosing a storage tank containing hazardous materials and forming a containment space between the storage tank and containment envelope. Leaked material is detected by one or more sensors in the containment space and, depending on the concentration or time rate of change in concentration of the leaked material, alarms and corresponding mitigation measures are reversibly activated to remove leaked material from the containment space.
US08357300B2 Methods and materials for selective boron adsorption from aqueous solution
A method for reducing a boron concentration in a boron-containing aqueous liquid involves administering micelle(s) for selective boron adsorption to the boron-containing aqueous liquid to produce boron-bonded micelle(s), wherein the micelle(s) comprise a reaction product of an N-substituted-glucamine and a glycidyl ether; passing the micelle-containing aqueous liquid through a membrane to separate the boron-bonded micelle(s) from the aqueous liquid; and recovering a permeate having a reduced boron concentration from the membrane. A material capable of selectively adsorbing boron from a boron-containing aqueous liquid contains at least one micelle having a hydrophobic tail and a head comprising a hydrophilic functional group having formula (I): R1—O-A  (I) R1 represents a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of substituted and unsubstituted aromatic, linear aliphatic, and branched aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and mixtures thereof, and A contains hydroxyl and amine groups.
US08357296B2 Centrifugal filter
Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device. The two-panel configuration also maintains more available membrane area in use during the last stages of filtration than a one-panel configuration.
US08357289B2 Method and system for removing contaminants from a fluid
A method and system for removing contaminants from a fluid are provided. The method can generally include providing microstructures in the fluid. At least some of the contaminants in the fluid are attracted to the microstructures and adhered to the microstructures. With the contaminants attached to the microstructures, the microstructures can be separated from the fluid so that the contaminants are thereby removed from the fluid.
US08357287B2 Electrolyte solution and electropolishing methods
An aqueous electrolyte solution including a concentration of citric acid in the range of about 1.6 g/L to about 982 g/L and an effective concentration of ammonium bifluoride (ABF), and being substantially free of a strong acid. Methods of micropolishing a surface of a non-ferrous metal workpiece including exposing the surface to a bath of an aqueous electrolyte solution including a concentration of citric acid in the range of about 1.6 g/L to about 780 g/L and a concentration of ammonium bifluoride in the range of about 2 g/L to about 120 g/L and having no more than about 3.35 g/L of a strong acid, controlling the temperature of the bath to be between the freezing point and the boiling point of the solution, connecting the workpiece to an anodic electrode of a DC power supply and immersing a cathodic electrode of the DC power supply in the bath, and applying a current across the bath.
US08357286B1 Versatile workpiece refining
Versatile methods of refining a first and a second layer of a workpiece are discussed. New refining methods and refining apparatus are disclosed. The new refining methods can help improve yield and appreciably change the cost of manufacture for refining of workpieces. The methods can be applied to workpieces having extremely close tolerances such as semiconductor wafers. New methods of control are also discussed. Methods use controllers, processors, computers, and processor readable memory devices are discussed. Use of stored information is to make changes in process control are discussed. Use of process models are discussed for refining. Determining a changed process control with stored information from first and second layers of a workpiece is disclosed. A changed process control can make an appreciable changes to the cost of manufacture of a workpiece.
US08357284B2 Method for forming metal film
A metal film-forming method is capable of forming a metal film on a surface of a base metal film, formed on a surface of a substrate, with sufficient adhesion to the base metal film even when a natural oxide film is formed on the surface of the base metal film. The metal film-forming method includes: preparing a substrate having a base metal film formed on a surface; and carrying out electroplating of the substrate using the base metal film as a cathode and another metal as an anode while immersing the substrate in a solution containing a metal complex and a reducing material, both dissolved in a solvent, to form a metal film, deriving from a metal contained in the metal complex, on the surface of the base metal film.
US08357282B2 Optoelectronic separation of biomolecules
The present teachings relate to systems and methods for separation of substances such as cells, nucleic acids, and carbon nanotubes. The substances are combined with a separation medium in a liquid sample cavity, for example a microchannel, and transit through the separation by optically activated dielectrophoretic forces. The substances are advantageously labeled and visualized using a microscope and camera.
US08357263B2 Apparatus and methods for electrical measurements in a plasma etcher
Apparatus and methods for plasma etching are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for etching a plurality of features on a wafer comprises a chamber, a feature plate disposed in the chamber for holding the wafer, a gas channel configured to receive a plasma source gas, an anode disposed above the feature plate, a cathode disposed below the feature plate, a radio frequency power source configured to provide a radio frequency voltage between the anode and the cathode so as to generate plasma ions from the plasma source gas, a pump configured to remove gases and etch particulates from the chamber, and a clamp configured to clamp the wafer against the feature plate. The clamp includes at least one measurement hole for passing a portion of the plasma ions to measure a DC bias of the feature plate.
US08357260B2 Partially crosslinked adhesive-supported porous film for battery separator and its use
A partially crosslinked adhesive-supported porous film for battery separator, which in producing a battery, can effectively produce a battery as an electrode/separator laminate in which an electrode and a separator are temporarily bonded to each other without causing mutual slip movement between the electrode and the separator and which after producing a battery, functions itself as a separator having a small heat shrinkage factor even at high temperatures, and a process of producing a battery using such a partially crosslinked adhesive-supported porous film. The partially crosslinked adhesive-supported porous film for battery separator, includes a porous film substrate having supported thereon a partially crosslinked adhesive that is partially crosslinked by preparing a reactive polymer having a functional group in the molecule and capable of being crosslinked upon reaction with a polyfunctional compound having reactivity with the functional group and then reacting the reactive polymer with a polyfunctional compound.
US08357259B2 Method for assembling at least two plates and use of the method for preparing an ion beam sputtering assembly
According to the method, drops of an adhesive material are deposited on one of the plates, with the drops being spaced from one another. A grid having a predefined thickness lower than that of the drops is applied to the plate receiving the drops. A perpendicular and uniform pressure is applied to at least one of the plates, so that the drops spread and come into contact with the opposing sides of the two plates. The spacing of the drops is defined so that after spreading under the pressure applied, air is not trapped between the drops.
US08357252B2 High tensile strength steel having favorable delayed fracture resistance and method for manufacturing the same
High tensile strength steels that have both favorable delayed fracture resistance and a tensile strength of 600 MPa or higher and are suitably used in construction machinery, tanks, penstocks, and pipelines, as well as methods for manufacturing such steels are provided. The safety index of delayed fracture resistance (%) is 100×(X1/X0), where X0: reduction of area of a specimen substantially free from diffusible hydrogen, and X1: reduction of area of a specimen containing diffusible hydrogen.
US08357251B2 Powder processing method
A powder processing method includes degassing a metallic powder in a rotating chamber that is evacuated to a sub-atmospheric pressure. The method may also include storing the metallic powder in a rotating storage chamber that is pressurized to a super-atmospheric pressure with a dry cover gas.
US08357245B2 Stripe removal system
A system for removing paint and other coatings from hard surfaces is mounted on a truck for over-the-road travel. The truck bed carries a high power vacuum pump, a self propelled tractor with an attached blast head, a liquid reservoir, a sump or vacuum tank, and a ramp for loading the tractor. The reservoir is connected to a low pressure pump that transfers water to the high pressure pump. The high pressure pump is connected to the blast head by a high pressure hose. A vacuum hose is connected to the sump which has an internal enclosure for separating the waste materials from the liquid for easy dumping of semi dried materials.
US08357242B2 Crystalline film devices, apparatuses for and methods of fabrication
Methods of depositing thin film materials having crystalline content are provided. The methods use plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. According to one embodiment of the present invention, microcrystalline silicon films are obtained. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, crystalline films of zinc oxide are obtained. According to a third embodiment of the present invention, crystalline films of iron oxide are obtained.
US08357235B2 Inkjet ink composition and inkjet recording method
An inkjet ink composition includes a sulfoxide compound, a water-soluble dye having an aromatic heterocycle in a molecule, water and a water-soluble organic solvent, wherein the sulfoxide compound has a content of from 1% by weight to less than 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. An inkjet recording method includes using an inkjet printer having a silicon oxide layer or a silane coupling layer in at least part of a component with which ink is brought into contact, and ejecting an inkjet ink composition from the inkjet printer to record an image on an inkjet recording medium, wherein the inkjet ink composition contains a sulfoxide compound, a water-soluble dye, and the sulfoxide compound has a content of from 1% by weight to less than 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
US08357233B2 Collector modules for devices for removing particles from a gas
Devices for removing particles for a gas utilizing electrostatic precipitation having collector modules with fewer electrical connections, which facilitate cleaning, and/or eliminate the need for high voltage connections between a removable collector module and a collector module support. Driver electrode modules provide electrical connection between an insulated driver electrode and a source of electrical potential or between insulated driver electrodes and at least one other conductor through a hole in or on some edge on the driver electrodes. A biasing force is provided and a conductive element serves as a conductor between the driver electrode(s) and the other conductors. A plurality of insulated driver electrodes, e.g. plates, are formed with a single, conductive plate or from a plurality of electrically joined conductive plates which are coated with insulation and then bent. An electrically-shielded, high voltage generating circuit is integrated with a readily removable collector module to eliminate the need for high voltage connections between the removable collector module and the collector module support, while enhancing the device's durability and allowing cleaning with cleaning fluid and/or dishwasher detergent.
US08357215B2 Method and apparatus of particulate removal from gasifier components
Disclosed is a method of removing a particulate layer from a gasification system component including locating a shedding apparatus in operable communication with the gasification system component. A force is transmitted from the shedding apparatus into the gasification system component and the particulate layer is shed from the gasification system component as a result of the force. Further disclosed is a syngas cooler for a gasification system including a vessel and a plurality of thermal energy transfer platens located in the vessel. A shedding apparatus is in operable communication with the plurality of platens and is capable of shedding a particulate layer from the plurality of platens by transmitting a force to the plurality of platens. The apparatus includes a manifold disposed between the shedding apparatus and the plurality of platens and connected to the plurality of platens via one or more struts capable of distributing the force to the plurality of platens.
US08357212B2 Botanical fuel oxygenate compositions
Botanically derived compositions of fuel oxygenates are provided, as well as methods of making the same. The compositions are produced from extracts of plant tissues, and unexpectedly contain aliphatic ethers and alcohols in useful concentrations. These compositions represent sources of oxygenates such as MTBE, ETBE, DIPE, TAME, ETBE and TBA from non-mineral sources, allowing them to be produced domestically in countries without mineral hydrocarbon resources and allowing them to be combusted without any net addition of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
US08357209B2 Use of alkanolamines for thickening oxidative colouring emulsion
The present invention relates to the use of alkanolamines for thickening oxidative coloring compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of alkanolamines for thickening ready to use oxidative coloring composition based on mixing two compositions wherein one comprises at least one oxidative dyeing precursor and the other comprises as least one oxidizing agent.
US08357200B2 Hinged artificial spinal disk device
An artificial spinal disk prosthesis comprised of an artificial disk (101), mounting bracket (105) assembly that secures the disk to at least one vertebrae and a sliding rod (104) that connects the two whereby the shape of the components determines the range of motion of the disk, thus allowing desirable motions of the disk consistent with normal body motions and preventing undesirable motions of the artificial disk. In the preferred embodiment, the angular motion of the disk is controlled by a hinge that is on the side of the artificial disk. In the preferred embodiment, the artificial disc is connected to the spine via one vertebra.
US08357196B2 Mark for intraocular lenses
An intraocular lens for providing vision to an animal or human subject has anterior and posterior sides. The lens includes an optic body, one or more haptics, and one or more marks. Each mark has four or more features disposed along an imaginary line when viewed from the anterior side and/or the posterior side. The mark(s) may be used as an aid in angularly aligning the lens during use.
US08357186B2 Bone bolt assembly for attaching supporting implants to bones, for holding multiple bones in relative positions, and for holding together fractured bone fragments
A bone bolt assembly is designed for attaching supporting implants between adjacent bones, for holding adjacent bones relative to each other, and for holding together fractured bone fragments. The functions performed by the bone bolt assembly are achieved without the use of bone screws that are implanted into the bone.
US08357179B2 Vascular and bodily duct treatment devices and methods
Devices including a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter for deployment within a vessel or duct of a patient. The expandable member includes a plurality of cell structures with the cell structures in the main body portion extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the expandable member and the cell structures in the proximal end portion extending less than circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the expandable member to form first and second peripheral rails that vary in width along their lengths.
US08357178B2 Vascular and bodily duct treatment devices and methods
A clot retrieval device including a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is expandable from a first delivery position to a second placement position. In the first delivery position the expandable member has a first overall diameter In one implementation the cell structures that form the self-expandable member have dimensional and material characteristics that result in about a −1.0N to about a −1.7N overall reduction in radial force along the length of the expandable member per millimeter of expansion during about an initial 0.50 mm diametric range of expansion from the first overall diameter and that results in about a −0.10N to about a −0.35N overall reduction in radial force along the length of the expandable member per millimeter of expansion during subsequent diametric ranges of expansion.
US08357169B2 System and method for delivering an agglomeration of solid beads and cement to the interior of a bone in order to form an implant within the bone
A system for forming an implant to stabilize an interior of a vertebral body is provided. The system includes a delivery cannula (18) in which there is an agglomeration of beads (20) and cement (22). A membrane is disposed over the open end of the cannula. When the agglomeration is discharged from the cannula it fills the membrane. The membrane thus forms the outer shell of the implant internal to the bone.
US08357168B2 Modular injection needle and seal assembly
A kit for injecting a biomaterial into an intradiscal space accessed through an opening in the disc annulus comprises a plurality of needles, each sized for introduction through the annulus opening with a passageway for injecting the biomaterial therethrough, and each including a distal end to be disposed within the intradiscal space when the needle extends through the annulus opening. Each needle includes a stop affixed thereto at different pre-determined distances from the distal end to define the location of the distal end within the intradiscal space when the needle extends through the opening in the annulus. The kit further includes a plurality of seals defining a bore for sliding engagement with a needle, each of the plurality of seals including a sealing face for engaging the annulus around the needle. Each sealing face defines a differently configured area of contact, such as circular, elliptical, tapered and threaded.
US08357167B2 Artificial intervertebral disc trials with baseplates having inward tool engagement holes
Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials, the static trials including first and second trial baseplates immovably coupled to one another via a trunk extending therebetween, each trial baseplate having an outwardly facing surface approximating a contour of a corresponding outwardly facing surface of an artificial intervertebral disc baseplate, at least one of the trial baseplates having a plurality of engagement holes extending into the at least one of the trial baseplates in a direction substantially perpendicular to each of a plurality of a surgical approach directions used to insert the trial into the intervertebral space, each of the plurality of engagement holes being disposed on the at least one of the trial baseplates to correspond to a respective one of the surgical approach directions such that selection for use of one of the plurality of engagement holes corresponds to, selection of the respective surgical approach.
US08357161B2 Coaxial drive
A surgical instrument includes a handle and an elongated shaft that defines a longitudinal axis. An end effector extends from the elongated shaft and defines an end effector axis. The elongated shaft includes an articulating portion that both pivotally and rotationally movable with respect to the longitudinal axis. The end effector is rotationally movable with respect to the end effector axis. A drive mechanism includes at least one actuator disposed on the handle that is operable to move the end effector in at least three independent modes relative to the longitudinal axis or the end effector axis. The three modes include an articulation mode wherein the articulating portion of the elongated shaft pivots relative to the longitudinal axis, a shoulder roll mode wherein the articulating portion of the elongated shaft rotates about the longitudinal axis, and a wrist roll mode wherein the end effector rotates about the end effector axis.
US08357148B2 Multi-functional endoscopic system for use in electrosurgical applications
A multi-functional endoscopic system, for use in electrosurgical applications, that includes an imaging endoscope that may be used in combination with various electrosurgical devices, all of which are sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that the endoscope and electrosurgical devices are considered single use, disposable items. The multi-functional endoscopic system of the present invention is suitable for use with a variety of common electrosurgical devices that require electrical/electronic support in order to function. The electrical/electronic support for these electrosurgical devices (e.g., an electrosurgical generator and associated controls) is integrated with the operator console of the imaging endoscope of the multi-functional endoscopic system of the present invention, rather than provided as a separate device. In another embodiment of the invention, an imaging endoscope is provided that integrates or combines the functions of both an imaging endoscope and an electrosurgical device, which can be controlled by a single handheld controller.
US08357136B2 Enteral feeding set
The present invention provides an enteral feeding set comprising tubing adapted for fluid flow therethrough and further adapted to be engaged by a pump unit, a valve mechanism in direct communication with said tubing, said valve mechanism being adapted to be engaged by said pump unit, and a feeding set indicator for permitting identification of the functional configuration of said administration feeding set by said pump unit, characterized in that said tubing comprises at least two inlet tubes on an upstream side of said valve mechanism and a single outlet tube on a downstream side thereof and wherein said inlet tubes each include a connector for connecting said tube to a supply of fluid at a connection end thereof, each of said connectors being of like form but visually distinguishable for indicating to a user which supply of fluid each connector should be attached thereto.
US08357131B2 Laminar dressings, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure at a tissue site
A system for applying a reduced pressure at a tissue site includes a reduced pressure source, a porous pad in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source, and a drape positionable over the porous pad to seal the porous pad at the tissue site. The porous pad includes a plurality of channel walls to form a plurality of channels between the channel walls. The channel walls are substantially liquid impermeable to prevent movement of a liquid through the channel walls but are gas permeable to allow movement of a gas through the channel walls as reduced pressure is applied at the tissue site. The liquid impermeability of the channel walls and the application of reduced pressure causes flow of the liquid to occur through the plurality of channels.
US08357115B2 Composition and system for wound decontamination
The present disclosure is directed to a cleansing solution and system for administering the cleansing solution to decontaminate a wound surface. A method and kit for decontaminating a wound surface is also provided.
US08357113B2 Systems and methods for performing peritoneal dialysis
A regenerative peritoneal dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid loop; a filter located in the dialysis fluid loop, a first portion of the dialysis fluid sent to the filter rejected by the filter and returned upstream of the filter, a second portion of the dialysis fluid sent to the filter forming permeate, the permeate being rich in urea; and a urea removing apparatus located in the dialysis fluid loop downstream from the filter to receive the permeate and absorb urea from the permeate.
US08357112B2 Method of controlling a release of a material carried by ultrasound sensitive particles
This invention relates to a method and an apparatus of controlling a release of a material carried by ultrasound sensitive particles, the release being caused by irradiating the ultrasound sensitive particles with an ultrasonic pulse having acoustic properties selected so as to interact with the ultrasound sensitive particles and thus causing the release of the material. The ultrasound sensitive particles comprise sub-groups of ultrasound sensitive particles, the ultrasound sensitive particles within the same sub-group having their respective acoustic property causing each respective sub-group to interact independently with the sound wave.
US08357107B2 Blood glucose meter having integral lancet device and test strip storage vial for single handed use and methods for using same
A blood glucose meter having a test strip port and an adjustable lancet device disposed at the same end of the device body is disclosed. The device body further includes an enclosure at the proximal end of the device body which houses a test strip storage vial and which facilitates one-handed opening and closing of the vial to simplify access to test strips contained therein. The enclosure is further provided with a window which allows the reading of the lot numbers on the label of the test strip vial therein without necessitating removal of the vial. A data connector is also provided on the device body for communication access, such as to upload data from other devices or to download data to other devices. By combining these multiple components into a single device body, the blood glucose meter requires fewer steps for sampling and testing, and makes device use easier and more convenient.
US08357098B2 Electronic device and pulse rate calculating method
In an electronic device, a pulse rate measuring unit measures user's pulse rate. For example, the pulse rate measuring unit obtains a change in blood flow from a light passing through a user's fingertip, and measures user's current pulse rate based on it. A pulse rate memory unit has previously stored user's previous pulse rate. A pulse rate calculator calculates the user's pulse rate while changing a ratio of the user's current pulse rate measured by the pulse rate measuring unit to the user's previous pulse rate previously stored in the pulse rate memory unit after starting to measure the user's pulse rate. The user's pulse rate calculated by the pulse rate calculator is displayed as the user's pulse rate on a display unit.
US08357097B2 Small-scale diagnostic system and display control method
A small-scale diagnostic system and a display control method are provided. In the diagnostic system, while image data on a patient is displayed on a screen of a medical image control device, when image data on another patient is received from an image generating device, and the medical doctor wants to display the received image data on the another patient on the screen for examining the image and diagnosing the another patient, the displayed image on the screen can be switched to that of the image data on the another patient by a simple operation of depressing a patient selection button. This enables the medical doctor to perform image diagnosis efficiently in a small-scale facility such as a clinic.
US08357094B2 Ultrasound imaging system parameter optimization via fuzzy logic
An ultrasound scanner is equipped with one or more fuzzy control units that can perform adaptive system parameter optimization anywhere in the system. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system comprises a plurality of ultrasound image generating subsystems configured to generate an ultrasound image, the plurality of ultrasound image generating subsystems including a transmitter subsystem, a receiver subsystem, and an image processing subsystem; and a fuzzy logic controller communicatively coupled with at least one of the plurality of ultrasound imaging generating subsystems. The fuzzy logic controller is configured to receive, from at least one of the plurality of ultrasound imaging generating subsystems, input data including at least one of pixel image data and data for generating pixel image data; to process the input data using a set of inference rules to produce fuzzy output; and to convert the fuzzy output into numerical values or system states for controlling at least one of the transmit subsystem and the receiver subsystem that generate the pixel image data.
US08357082B2 Endoscopic attachment, endoscopic treatment instrument, and endoscope system
An endoscope system has an endoscope; an attachment for the endoscope, having a non-circular irregularly shaped hole that communicates with an opening of a channel of the endoscope and attached to a forward end of an insertion section of the endoscope; and a treatment instrument for the endoscope, having a flexible tube and a treatment section. An extension/retraction section having a non-circular cross section corresponding to the shape of an opening of the irregularly shaped holes is provided at a forward end of the flexible tube, and the irregularly shaped hole restricts rotation of the flexible tube. Further, the treatment section has directivity about its axis relative to the flexible tube and its rotation is restricted.
US08357081B2 Method and apparatus for gastric restriction of the stomach to treat obesity
The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to treat obesity. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention relates to tucking a portion of the greater curvature of the stomach inwards, and covering the stomach around the greater curvature and lesser curvature with a silicone skirt to induce satiety and reduce the volume of the stomach body.
US08357080B2 Tissue contrasting gastric band
A balloon-type gastric band that includes a balloon and a belt secured to the balloon. The balloon includes a mechanism for contrasting the balloon from surrounding tissue when placed within a patient.
US08357073B2 Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle power transmitting system
A control apparatus for a power transmitting system of a hybrid vehicle including (a) a differential portion which has a differential mechanism operatively connected to an engine and a first electric operatively connected to the differential mechanism, and a differential state of which is controlled by controlling an operating state of the first electric motor, and (b) a differential-state switching device which is incorporated in the differential mechanism and which is operable according to a differential-state switching condition, to switch the differential mechanism between a differential state in which the differential mechanism is operable to perform a differential function and a non-differential state in which the differential mechanism is not operable to perform the differential function, the control apparatus including a differential-state-switching-condition changing portion operable to change a differential-state switching condition for switching the differential-state switching device to switch the differential mechanism between the differential and non-differential states, when a temperature of the power transmitting system is lower than a predetermined threshold value.
US08357069B2 Multi-speed transmission having automatic and manual modes
A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, and first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. A plurality of interconnecting members continuously interconnect one of the first, second and third members of one of the planetary gear sets with one of the first, second and third members of another of the planetary gear sets. Five torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The first of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms is a selectable one-way clutch engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with the stationary member.
US08357066B2 Drive mechanism
A drive mechanism includes a housing, a stationary shaft, at least one acceleration gear assembly, a rotation plate, and at least two centrifugal blades. The acceleration gear assembly having a plurality of acceleration gears is disposed inside the housing and pivots on the stationary shaft, and skewed teeth of the housing engage with the acceleration gears to force the acceleration gears to rotate as the housing rotates. The rotation plate is disposed inside the housing and pivots on the stationary shaft, and is actuated by the acceleration gear assembly and has a first end surface, a second end surface, and a first annular surface connected with the first and the second end surfaces. The centrifugal blades are disposed on the second end surface, and one side of the centrifugal blades has a unidirectional rotatable element engaging with the skewed teeth when the rotation direction of the housing reverses.
US08357065B2 Power transmission belt and a process for its manufacture
An endless power transmission belt having a internal lubricating agent-containing fabric element extending along at least the pulley-engaging, power-transmitting surface of the belt, as well as processes for manufacturing same. More particularly, an endless toothed belt having a wear-resistant fabric cover element that comprises at least one internal lubricating agent in the form of one or more clusters within at least a portion of the total thickness of the fabric element.
US08357064B1 Drive-train sprocket
Drive-train sprockets engage chains having a plurality of links joined by a corresponding plurality of pinned connections spaced longitudinally of each other along the chain. In a specific example, the links have a clevis-like portion and an arcuate segment defining a drive-surface with a characteristic outer diameter, and the arcuate segment of the first link pivotally engages the clevis-like portion of the second link to form the pinned connection. The arcuate segment extends circumferentially about only a portion of the pivot axis by an angle. The drive-train sprockets have a body having a root diameter corresponding to at least a characteristic outer diameter of the arcuate segment and the angle by which each arcuate segment extends circumferentially about the corresponding pivot axis.
US08357060B2 Golf ball with soft feel
A golf ball comprising: (a) a core; (b) an inner mantle layer; (c) an intermediate mantle layer; (d) an outer mantle layer; and (e) at least one cover layer; wherein the core has a PGA compression of less than 70, and the core/inner mantle layer/intermediate mantle layer combined construct has a PGA compression of at least 30.
US08357048B2 Interactive gaming utilizing a dispersed storage network
Game data is received at a dispersed storage processing unit, the game data associated with at least one of a plurality of user devices. The game data is stored in a cache memory associated with the dispersed storage processing unit. Dispersed storage metadata associated with the cached game data is generated. A data block is generated based on the cached game data and further based on the dispersed storage metadata. The data block is stored in a dispersed storage network.
US08357046B2 Method, system and program product for monitoring an online card game to provide a summary view and/or real-time notifications
A method, system and program product for monitoring an online card game, such as poker. A table view is displayed at a client that summarizes recently played hands, raises, and table conditions, and also includes scaled player classifications (tight or loose; passive or aggressive), counts of notifications of plays of interest, win/loss history, and links to player statistics and player performance graphs. Scaled player classifications are automatically configured. Notification details are displayed via links on the table view. Summaries of known hands based on predefined conditions are displayed. Summary displays of pre-flop hands and hands on flop, turn or river are also provided.
US08357043B2 Motion determination apparatus, game apparatus therefor, and computer program therefor
The game apparatus (1) has a fixed main unit (100) and a movable operating device (8) that is held by a player and is capable of detecting the body motion of the player and of transmitting a signal to, receiving from, the main unit (100). The operating device (8) has an acceleration sensor (86) for detecting acceleration, a light source (85), and a transmitter (87) for transmitting a value detected by the acceleration sensor (86) to the main unit (100). The main unit (100) has light receiving units (9L,9R) that receive the light emitted from the light source (85) to detect the intensity of the received light, a RAM (14), and a processor (16). Processor (16) repeats a process of detecting the position of the operating device (8) based on the intensity of light detected by each of the light receiving units (9L,9R), causes a RAM (14) to store the detected position history, determines whether a player has performed a predetermined motion based on the position history and the detected value of the acceleration sensor (86).
US08357037B2 Amusement devices and games including means for processing electronic data where ultimate outcome of the game is dependent on odds
In some embodiments, a player may be provided with information identifying a characteristic of a true outcome of a set of possible outcomes of an event, the set consisting of a first and second subset, the second subset comprising a second possible outcome. Next, the player may submit a first wager on a first of the possible outcomes. Next, the system may reveal to the player that a the first subset may not comprise (or may be at least substantially unlikely to comprise) the true outcome. The second subset may comprise (or may be at least substantially likely to comprise) the true outcome. The player may be provided with an opportunity to change from the first wager to a second wager on the second possible outcome, e.g., only if the second subset of possible outcomes comprises the first possible outcome.
US08357033B2 Realistic video reels
Described herein is a gaming machine configured to output video data that simulates mechanical reels in a traditional mechanical slot machine. Embodiments detailed herein contribute to the emulation and perception of a mechanical machine by providing video data adaptations that each simulate a realistic visual attribute of a mechanical reel gaming machine.
US08357028B2 Self-bonded foamed abrasive articles and machining with such articles
A self-bonded foamed abrasive article and a method of machining using such an article. The machining method includes providing a workpiece having a worksurface and removing material from the worksurface by moving an abrasive relative to the worksurface, wherein the abrasive comprises a foamed abrasive body consisting of abrasive grains and a porosity of at least about 66 vol %.
US08357027B2 Polishing pad and method of manufacture
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a polishing pad with embedded polymeric capsules useful for planarizing a substrate in a CMP process using a polishing composition. The method reduces non-uniformity of the polishing pad due to capsule floating, differential heating and capsule expansion by the use of novel capsule materials. The method also increases the efficiency of the manufacturing process by reducing the number of defective products and reducing waste.
US08357020B2 Life jacket
A life jacket includes a hood and a hydration pack. The hood may be neoprene protecting the head from the water. The hydration pack may be insulated. The hydration pack may include a flow tube with a filter providing clean water to the user. The life jacket may include waterproof insulated pockets protecting contents therein.
US08357018B2 Outboard motor antitheft apparatus
In an apparatus for preventing theft of plural, such as two, outboard motors (12F, 12S) adapted to be mounted on a boat, each of the outboard motors having an engine (16F, 16S), an engine controller (24F, 24S), and an authenticator (26F, 26S) that acquires ID information (A, B) from an electronic key (30F, 30S) when the key is brought close thereto by an operator, and gives permission to the engine controller to start the engine when the acquired ID information corresponds with the authentication ID information, and communicates with the engine controller of other outboard motor to notify that the permission to start the engine was given, thereby enabling the operator to easily start the outboard motors installed on one boat and having their respective authenticators.
US08357012B2 Assembly for permitting Power over Ethernet connection
An assembly for permitting “Power-over-Ethernet” (PoE) connection between a PoE control device and the components of a cabling network includes a patch panel or conventional design. The patch panel includes on a front face thereof a plurality of first sockets that are each open on the front face such that a plug inserted into the first socket is connectable to a data cable via a data transmission path forming part of the patch panel. The assembly includes a distribution matrix that is securable onto the front side of the patch panel, the distribution matrix including a plurality of through-going apertures corresponding in number and location to the first sockets of the patch panel such that when the matrix member is secured on the patch panel a said aperture is functionally in register with each of the first sockets. The distribution matrix includes a power bus supported thereby. The assembly includes one or more connector devices, and the power bus is connectable to a PoE controller.
US08357007B2 Welding control cable assembly with strain relief
A cable assembly with strain relief for providing welding control is provided. One welding control cable assembly includes a cable having a plurality of conductors configured to convey data and/or power in an insulative jacket. The cable assembly also includes a retainer bound to an outer surface of the insulative jacket adjacent to an end of the cable and a connector assembly having a plurality of connector elements in a housing. Each of the connector elements is terminated to a respective one of the conductors. The housing is disposed adjacent to the retainer. The assembly includes an overmolded shell disposed over the retainer and at least a portion of the connector assembly. At least the insulative jacket, the retainer and the overmolded shell cooperate to resist stress on the conductors by axial tensile forces placed on the connector assembly.
US08356990B2 Toggle drive system for driving in a thermoforming press
A drive system for double toggle mechanisms used to move upper and lower platens with an electric servo motor-gear box drive shaft driving a crank arm arranged to drive a respective double toggle mechanism in turn connected to the platen. The drive shaft axis is located below the toggle mechanism link pivots and driven in a direction so that the motor acts to assist the double toggle mechanism in lifting the platen, reducing the servo motor peak load. The various components are arranged for symmetrical loading of the pivots concerning the toggle links to increase the evenness of the platen when being raised or lowered.
US08356987B2 Compressor with retaining mechanism
A compressor may include a shell and a housing fixed within the shell. A compression mechanism may be supported by the housing and may include an orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member that are meshingly engaged to form a series of compression pockets. A retaining assembly may include an axial retention member and a rotational retention member, each of which is engaged with the non-orbiting scroll member to limit axial translation and rotation of the non-orbiting scroll member relative to the housing.
US08356986B2 Compressor
A compressor includes a compression mechanism having two opposed end plates, a fixed member disposed between the two end plates, a movable member disposed between the two end plates, a bypass passage, and an opener/closer. The movable member is arranged to eccentrically move about a predetermined rotational axis to compress refrigerant in a compression chamber formed between the fixed member and the movable member. The bypass passageway has an upstream end opened to the compression chamber through which refrigerant is partially ejected from the compression chamber so as to be returned to a suction side of the compression mechanism. The cross section of the upstream end of the bypass passage is preferably elongated circumferentially about the rotational axis. The compression mechanism may include a plurality of bypass passages and a plurality of openers/closers.
US08356979B2 Fan blade mounting system
A ceiling fan (10) has an electric motor (13) which rotatably drives an annular array of blade irons (14) coupled to blades (15). Each blade has a fastener mounting hole (18) and an end notch (19). Each blade iron (14) has a blade mounting portion (23) with a blade fastener (24) configured to pass through the fastener mounting hole, and a releasable spring biased catch (27). The fastener has main post (30) and stops (25) configured to overlay the top surface of the blade once the blade is coupled to the blade iron. The catch has a moveable flat spring (28) straddled by two L-shaped guides (29) having an upright wall portion (31) and a horizontal top portion (32). The horizontal top portion is spaced a select distance from the blade iron top surface (26) through the height of the vertical wall portion so as to catch the blade therebetween. The flat spring has a hand gripping portion (34) extending above the top surface of the blade.
US08356971B2 Disc turbine with streamlined hub vanes and co-axial exhaust tube
In a disc turbine for operation from steam, including superheated steam, a stack of horizontally oriented discs is fitted centrally with a hub having a closed upper end from which a driveshaft extends upwardly, supported by a bearing system. The hub is configured with identical vanes arrayed uniformly about the central axis and specially shaped to accomplish a set of desired flow path objectives. The vanes are generally tapered such that their cross-sectional shape evolves from predominantly solid material in area at the top of the hub to predominantly open area at the bottom of the hub, where the flow paths proceed downwardly into a tubular exhaust passageway. The entry to the exhaust passageway may take the form of effectively a hollow portion of the shaft in the exhaust region, which may be supported from the enclosure by a bearing set. The central opening in each disk, and thus in the stack, and in the periphery of the hub are both configured with a complementary mating interface pattern: e.g. three ⅓ revolution spiral paths in a radial array with a semicircular-shaped key step extending radially across each the spiral end offset, the set of key steps serving to transmit drive torque from the discs to the hub while avoiding direct solid connection therebetween, for purposes of accommodating operational thermal expansion. A downward-facing tubular exhaust passageway allows an unimpeded vortex exhaust gas flow path that evolves smoothly from the spiral flow path of gas from disc stack, as guided by the specially-shaped vanes in the hub.
US08356958B2 Paver and method
In a paver F comprising a combustion engine M, in particular a diesel engine, of a primary driving aggregate P, functional units having hydraulic pumps 23, 30 to 33 inclusive a travel pump aggregate 23 which can be driven by the combustion engine M for supplying at least one travel drive 16, a generator G for supplying electric heating devices H of the paver F and/or of a paving screed B of the paver F with electric power, the generator G is driven permanently while at least one pump 23, 30 to 33 selectively can be disconnected from the combustion engine via at least one shiftable clutch K1, K2, K3. During a heating-up phase of electric heating devices H via the permanently driven generator G at least one of the pumps is disconnected. During transport travel at least one pump of the functional units, except the permanently driven travel pump aggregate 23 and the generator G, is disconnected. During start and, optionally, during warm-up of the combustion engine M pumps of functional units, optionally including the travel pump aggregate 23, are disconnected.
US08356957B2 System and method of applying a road surface
A system for applying a road surface includes a plurality of operational components each with one or a plurality of adjustment parameters and an open loop control unit from which the adjustment parameters are communicated to the operational components. The system has a closed-loop control unit for determining the optimum adjustment parameters for obtaining at least one specified target value taking into account measurement quantities, for producing a command data set representing a plurality of optimum adjustment parameters and for communicating this command data set to the open loop control unit. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a system for the application of a road surface, in particular a road finisher.
US08356951B2 Wet-processing apparatus
A wet-processing apparatus, which spouts a coating liquid onto a surface of a substrate, includes: nozzles provided with passages for the coating liquid; a light source which illuminates an area between a plane containing the tips of the nozzles and the surface of the substrate; a camera for forming an image of the area; a control unit which provides a spout signal requesting spouting the liquid from the nozzle toward the substrate, and an imaging signal requesting the camera to start an imaging operation; and a decision unit which decides whether or not the liquid was spouted from the nozzle and whether or not changes occurred in the condition of the liquid spouted from the nozzle toward the substrate on the basis of an image formed by the camera and expressing the brightness of the liquid spouted toward the substrate and illuminated by light emitted by the light source.
US08356949B2 Focal plane shutter and optical device
A focal plane shutter includes: a board including an opening; a blade movable between a position where the blade recedes from the opening and a position where the blade covers at least part of the opening; a drive arm connected to the blade, the drive arm including an engagement hole; a drive lever including a drive pin engaging the engagement hole; and a restriction portion provided in the drive arm, the restriction portion abutting the drive pin and being thicker than the drive arm.
US08356932B2 Manufacturing method for a sensor of a thermal flow measuring device
A method for the manufacture of a sensor for a thermal flow measuring device, wherein the sensor has at least one housing with a first open end and a second open end. The first open end is securable in a sensor holder; and at least one resistance thermometer is inserted into the housing through the second open end of the housing and the second open end of the housing is closed. Cables for electrical contacting of the resistance thermometer lead out of the housing through the first open end of the housing.
US08356925B2 LED lamp having light guide
An LED lamp includes a frame, a bracket connected to the frame, two LED modules and driving modules received between the frame and the bracket, and a backplate, a reflective plate, a light guide, a diffusion plate and a cover sequentially sandwiched between the frame and the bracket. The LED modules are oriented towards two opposite lateral sides of the light guide. The light guide has a large amount of scattering dots formed on a back face thereof. The scattering dots are arranged in multiple columns. The sizes of the dots in each column are identical to each other, and the sizes of the dots in different columns gradually increase from two opposite sides towards a middle of the light guide.
US08356911B2 LED light source
A lighting source comprises a plurality of LED tubular lighting fixtures having upper and lower ends. Upper and lower mounting caps positioned at the ends of the fixtures have cups for receipt of the fixture ends that locate the fixtures within the caps in a pattern and allow for rotation of the fixtures within the cups. A locking bar extends between the mounting caps, for sealing the ends of the fixtures within the cups against the mounting caps and prevents further rotation of the fixtures. A circuit board located on the upper mounting cap is connected electrically to the LED fixtures. Wires extending from the upper ends of the tubular fixtures pass through apertures in the cups of the upper mounting caps to push connectors on the circuit board for connection to an external DC power source.
US08356907B2 Host computer with a projector
A host computer includes a host machine and a projector. The host machine has a keyboard. The projector is positioned about the keyboard and includes a projection lens. A using position of the projection lens is higher than a received position of the projection lens.
US08356894B2 Recording apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus
An ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording head which discharges ultraviolet curing inks toward a recording sheet while reciprocally moving in a reciprocal movement direction M crossing a transportation direction S of the recording sheet; and an ultraviolet irradiation head which irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the ultraviolet curing inks discharged from the recording head and attached to the recorded medium. The recording head includes a going recording head and a returning recording head which are disposed at the front and the back of the reciprocal movement direction M with respect to a region in which the ultraviolet irradiation head irradiates the ultraviolet rays to the recording sheet.
US08356888B2 Channel forming method, channel forming body, and assembly parts of the channel forming body
A channel forming method includes: forming a first member having a fitting groove and a second member which is to be fitted into the fitting groove; fitting the second member into the fitting groove; and joining joint peripheral portions of the first member and the second member by heating from outside the fitted second member, and a channel is foamed by channel grooves formed in a bottom portion of the fitting groove and a facing surface of the second member facing the bottom portion.
US08356881B2 Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer includes a media supporter, a head device, and an ink mist removal mechanism. The media supporter is configured to support a printing medium. The head device includes an inkjet head from which ink is configured to be discharged to print on the printing medium supported by the media supporter while the head device relatively moves with respect to the printing medium. The ink mist removal mechanism is arranged in the head device and faces the printing medium. The ink mist removal mechanism is configured to generate an air current that flows through a space between the head device and the printing medium. The ink mist removal mechanism is configured to discharge the air current to outside thereby removing ink mist generated due to ink discharge from the inkjet heads.
US08356878B2 Method of printing images
A method of printing an image includes co-dispensing a compensation vehicle and an ink from an ink set to sites on a printing medium to form a printed image. A combined amount of the ink and the compensation vehicle dispensed to each site is at least substantially equal to a minimum site value that is predetermined for the ink set and the printing medium. The method further includes applying an amount of an overcoat liquid to the printed image to obtain a predetermined ratio of gloss to haze.
US08356860B2 Seat device for vehicle
A seat device for a vehicle comprises a seat for a passenger including seatbacks to support a passenger's back portion, reinforcing structure bodies provided inside the seatbacks along an outer periphery of the seatbacks, headrests provided at upper portions of the reinforcing structure bodies to support a passenger's head portion, connection support portions provided beside the reinforcing structure bodies to connect the reinforcing structure bodies to a vehicle-body member, and move-allowance portions to allow lower portions of the reinforcing structure bodies to move rearwardly in a vehicle rear collision so that the headrests move forwardly or upwardly. Accordingly, a passenger's head portion can be protected effectively with a simple structure.
US08356854B2 Hood for a convertible vehicle
The invention relates to a folding top for a convertible vehicle, wherein the folding top can be displaced between a closed position and an opened position, comprising a main guide link mechanism with a first main guide link, a second main guide link and a guide link element, and a first folding top element, wherein the first folding top element pivotally couples the first main guide link and the second main guide link together, and wherein, starting from the closed position of the folding top, one of the first main guide link and the second main guide link can be displaced in a vertical direction by a swiveling of the guide link element.
US08356846B1 Golf ball retriever
The instant invention is a golf ball retriever that is comprised of a molded unitary structure. The retriever is unique because the ball passes through the bottom edge by simply placing the retriever over the ball and pressing down on the ball making the movable bales move in an upward direction. After the ball passes through the bottom edge the movable bales return to their original position and are stopped by the bale stops. This traps the ball within the confines of the ball retriever. The handle and ball receiver are locked into position by fasteners.
US08356843B2 Refrigeration system connection fitting
A disclosed connector assembly for a refrigerant system mounted within an aircraft includes a metal seal disposed within a seal bore of a connector and compressed against a seal face of a nipple secured to the connector by a threaded member. The connector includes a seal bore that receives the metal seal with the inner portion of the seal bore open to the bore. In one example, the connector and nut are formed from aluminum and the nipple is formed from stainless steel and includes an aluminum coating applied to surfaces in contact with the metal seal and the connector.
US08356842B2 Fittings with redundant seals for aircraft fuel lines, fuel tanks, and other systems
Fittings with redundant seals for aircraft fuel lines, fuel tanks, and other systems. A representative fitting includes a first member having a flange and a barrel. The barrel further includes a passageway. A first flange seal is positioned at a face of the flange and can be sealably coupled to a surface, for example, a tank wall. A second flange seal is disposed outwardly from the first flange seal to seal against the surface. The fitting further includes a second member positioned within the passageway of the barrel. The fitting further includes first and second barrel seals positioned between the barrel and the second member.
US08356841B2 Customised multi-layer card comprising fracture initiation scores and method of producing one such card
The invention relates to a customized multi-layer support which takes the general form of a card, such as an identification card. The support includes a card body, the upper face of which is provided with externally-visible personal information; and a film which is at least partially transparent and which is fixed to the upper face of the card body. The support has boundary lines which define the areas of the aforementioned film with reduced or increased mechanical strength. The invention also relates to a method of producing one such customized support.
US08356839B1 Trailer frame
A trailer having a forward frame section, a rearward frame section, and two trailing arm suspension links forming an independent suspension system without a unitary cross axle. The trailing arm suspension links further include (i) a pivot joint connected to the forward frame section, (ii) a wheel hub assembly including a spindle; and (iii) a shock mount including a bracket position rearward of the spindle. The shock absorbing mechanism has a first end pivotally connected to the shock mount and a second end pivotally connected to the rear frame section rearward of the shock mount.
US08356838B2 Front spring bracket for a truck
The invention relates to a front spring bracket (18) for a truck, wherein said bracket can be attached to the front end of a vehicle frame (10) and comprises a side part (20) associated with a respective longitudinal frame carrier (12, 14) of the vehicle frame (10), which are connected to each other by way of at least one cross-member (22), wherein at least parts (20) of the front spring bracket (18) are configured as aluminum castings.
US08356831B2 Adjustable trailer hitch
The adjustable trailer hitch assembly of the present invention is designed for attachment to the head of most commercially available trailers. The adjustable trailer hitch assembly includes a first weldment member pivotally attachable to a head of a trailer, and a second weldment member operably connected to the first weldment member for lateral movement between extended and locked positions. Collapsible extension arms operably connect the first and second weldment members providing movement between the extended and locked positions. The collapsible extension arms are positionable between a first collapsed position with the first and second weldment members adjacent one another defining the locked position, and a second extended position with the first and second weldment members separated from one another defining the extended position. A vehicle connection element is operably connected to the second member, with the vehicle connection element moveable along a vertical length of the second member for connection to a tow vehicle.
US08356830B2 Adjustable platform assembly for a trailer
A platform assembly for a trailer includes a first bracket and a platform. The first bracket is configured to be fixed to the trailer. The platform is coupled to the first bracket and rotatable about a lateral axis of the trailer when the first bracket is fixed to the trailer.
US08356826B2 Suspension system for a vehicle
A suspension system of the present invention pivotally supports a wheel of a motor vehicle. An upper control arm and a lower control arm are cooperable with a spindle, which supports the wheel. A vibration damper is cooperable with the upper control arm. A link interconnects the lower control arm and one of the terminal ends of the vibration damper thereby defining a common axis bisecting the link. The vibration damper moves along the common axis to absorb vibration transferred from a road surface and through the wheel.
US08356823B1 Adjustable wheelbarrow chair
A wheelbarrow convertible to an adjustable-tilt chair includes a pair of spaced-apart elongated rails, a wheel and axle assembly operably attached adjacent the distal ends of the elongated rails, two support legs, a hopper having two side walls, a bottom member, a front panel, and a seat panel. A pivot rod is rotatably attached to the pair of rails and to a first underside portion of the hopper bottom. Additionally, a brace is hingedly attached at one end to a second underside portion of the hopper bottom, the brace including an elongated rod at an opposite end which adjustably engages with at least one adjustment bracket having a plurality of notches communicating with apertures for engagement with the elongated rod.
US08356820B2 Piston ring
The invention relates to a piston ring, having a base body, which comprises a running surface provided with a chamber, an upper and a lower flank surface, and an inner circumferential surface, wherein at least the chamber is provided with at least one wear protection layer, and a PVD cover layer is applied to the running surface at least in some regions such that the base body has the PVD cover layer only in the edge regions, which is to say outside of the chamber, in the finished state.
US08356814B2 Sheet conveying apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image reading apparatus
An aspect of the invention provides a sheet conveying apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image reading apparatus, in which generation of skew feeding caused by the shock in pressure contact of a rotation body can be reduced. An interlocking mechanism brings a driven roller 222 biased by a biasing member into pressure contact with a feeding portion 221c of a driving roller 221 in conjunction with rotation of the driving roller 221. The driving roller 221 includes a non-feeding portion 221d in a circumferential surface thereof. The driven roller 222 is caused to abut on a pressure holder 225 before the driven roller 222 moved in a direction in which the interlocking mechanism brings the driven roller 222 into the pressure contact with the driving roller 221 is brought into the pressure contact with the driving roller 221.
US08356806B2 Main rubber element for hydraulic engine mounts
An improved hydraulic engine mount includes a main rubber element of one piece construction. The main rubber element includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion. The lower portion includes an interlocking seal portion. The hydraulic engine mount includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The interlocking seal portion includes an upper protrusion operable to fit within an upper groove of the upper housing to fit together to form a tight locking seal. The upper housing further includes an upper protrusion operable to connect to an upper groove of the main rubber element. The upper groove of the main rubber element is annular and extends around the lower portion of the main rubber element. The lower portion of the main rubber element further includes a generally axially extending second protrusion abutting both the upper housing and the lower housing. The lower housing includes a protrusion abutting a second protrusion of the main rubber element and fitting within a second groove of the main rubber element. A third protrusion of the main rubber element abuts the protrusion of the lower housing, a top plate of an inertia track assembly, and defines the lower section of an upper chamber. Additionally, a sealing bead is molded to the bottom of the main rubber element to seal against the top of the inertia track.
US08356802B2 Handrail assembly and method
A handrail assembly that can be installed on any wall. The assembly has a handrail and a bracket. The bracket can be twist-locked inside the handrail at any point in the handrail because the handrail has a continuous T-shaped channel at the bottom. The T-shaped channel's bottom portion is narrower than the upper portion. The bracket has a head that is as wide as the T-shaped channel's bottom portion and as long as the T-shaped channel's upper portion. The head has one curved corner to facilitate turning and teeth to bite into the upper portion of the channel's wall. The head is lifted through the bottom portion into the upper portion of the channel, the bracket is rotated a quarter turn, and the bracket becomes immobilized. The head of the bracket acts as a cam. Union joints can join multiple lengths of handrails.
US08356797B1 Adjustable slideout support apparatus and method
An adjustable support apparatus for a recreational vehicle permits rapid height adjustment with a spring mechanism of a handle-nut assembly on a threaded rod. A portion of the threaded rod is inserted into the hollow portion of a jackscrew assembly. A tab on the handle-nut assembly includes an over-sized hole intersecting a threaded hole for engaging the threaded rod. An approximate desired height of the support apparatus is accomplished by pushing a tab inward and sliding the handle-nut assembly to a desired position on the threaded rod. A fine adjustment to the desired height, if required, is made by turning the handle nut assembly so that it travels with respect to the threaded rod.
US08356796B2 Unitary shaft extender apparatus
A unitary damper shaft extender for HVAC air ducts, the extender comprising a unitary apparatus comprised of two interlocked, but relatively movable members. One of the members being capable of interlocking with a damper shaft, and the second member being slidably movable to cover, and thereby lock the first member to the damper shaft, so as to extend its length beyond the usual insulation used for air ducts.
US08356793B1 Cartridge valve and manifold assembly
A valve manifold has at least one valve receptacle for threadlessly receiving and seating a cartridge valve. A threadless valve nose engages the cartridge valve with the manifold to provide an increased diameter central orifice for improved fluid flow.
US08356787B2 Method and apparatus for a BWR jet pump main wedge clamp
A method and apparatus for vertically lifting and supporting a main wedge of a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) jet pump restrainer assembly, to ensure that the wedge is no longer contacting a restrainer bracket of the restrainer assembly. A main wedge clamp with an upper and lower clamp jaw is used to attach to the upper support of the restrainer assembly, the lower clamp jaw being fashioned with a prong or prongs that fit underneath the crown of the main wedge and provide the vertical lift for the main wedge.
US08356779B2 Fixed flat panel monitor mounting system
An adjustable flat panel monitor mounting system designed for strength and security is provided. The mounting system allows any VESA compliant flat panel display to be securely mounted to any work-surface. The height can be adjusted from sub-surface to super-surface upon installation and fixed in place with security screws. The user of the display would be able to adjust the angle of the display. The mount of the invention is fixed in place and can not be removed without special tools. The monitor is not able to be knocked off the work surface, and a bar is provided as a channel for wire management. The monitor can be used in the semi-recessed and subsurface configurations.
US08356773B2 Structural wing-fuselage component for connecting two wings to a fuselage section of an aircraft
A structural wing-fuselage component for connecting two aerofoils to a fuselage section of an aircraft includes: a first wing shell component for the first wing and a second wing shell component for the second wing, with each component being made in a single piece and comprising a shell component on the wing side and a shell component on the fuselage side, where each shell component on the fuselage side comprises coupling parts and recesses in each case situated between the coupling parts, where in the installed state the coupling parts and the recesses of the shell component on the fuselage side for the first wing and of the shell component on the fuselage side for the second wing interlock, and where at least two coupling parts at their ends pointing away from the shell component on the wing side each comprises an extension part, a partially cylindrical fuselage shell component whose supporting rims include recesses which are engaged by the extension parts of the first wing shell components.
US08356771B2 Coupling for joining two frame segments
The invention relates to a coupling for joining two frame segments within a fuselage cabin structure of an aircraft. The frame segments may comprise a Z-shaped or I-shaped cross-sectional geometry, optionally including a recess. Towards the top and the bottom, respectively, the frame segments are equipped with a header flange and a footer flange. According to the invention, at least one side plate is arranged in the area of one side of the web, and at least one counter plate is fitted in the area of an opposing side of the web. Because of the side plates and counter plates butted and riveted symmetrically on both sides against the webs of the frame segments to be joined, the coupling is moment-free and can be configured in a weight-optimized way. For further increase of rigidity, the header flanges may additionally be riveted with the side plates and/or counter plates.
US08356768B2 Multiple drive-path transmission with torque-splitting differential mechanism
A transmission for a rotary-wing aircraft has a differential torque-splitting mechanism associated with an input shaft. The differential has a drive disk coaxial with the shaft and integral in rotation with the shaft, a first driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk, and a second driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk. At least one pin engages each of the drive disk, the first driven member, and the second driven member. The first driven member is configured to drive a first transfer gear, and the second driven member is configured to drive a second transfer gear for supplying torque to a bull gear associated with a rotor mast.
US08356760B2 Apparent temperature controller
A HVAC control system is described that utilizes either a look-up table or an equation to calculate an apparent temperature based on the temperature and the moisture in the air at the control point. As the control system operates, the target temperature is constantly modified based on the current temperature and humidity or equivalently the calculated moisture in the air to maintain a constant apparent temperature. This has the effect of reducing the variance in the perceived comfort in the controlled area. An important additional feature is the cost savings due to reduced energy usage that is possible when external relative humidity conditions change so that less cooling or heating is required to maintain a comfortable environment.
US08356757B2 RFID tag and manufacturing method thereof, impedance-adjusting method and resin sheet and manufacturing method therefor
An RFID tag has an antenna element including an antenna substrate equipped with an IC chip and a conductor pattern, an artificial medium, and a first insulation layer sandwiched between the antenna element and the artificial medium. The artificial medium has a single first conductive element placed on an upper surface of a dielectric layer and a single second conductive element placed on a lower surface of the dielectric layer.
US08356751B2 System, method and apparatus for tracking origins of produce
An application for a system for tracking produce delivered to a consumer includes a source of produce and several end-customer containers for delivering the produce to the customer. The end-customer containers are filled with the produce and there is a mechanism for affixing a unique code on each of the end-customer containers. The unique codes are sequentially related to each other. There is a facility for capturing a first unique code and a last unique code and for relating the unique codes between and including the first unique code through to the last unique code with a produce origin and date of picking.
US08356750B2 Systems and methods for data collection at a point of return
Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.
US08356733B2 Method for dispensing fluids
A method for storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of the stored fluid uses a container defining a variable-volume storage chamber; a dispensing valve including a valve inlet coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber, and an elastic valve member in fluid communication with the valve inlet and defining a normally-closed valve opening; a manually engageable actuator; and a pump including a compressible member defining a compression chamber coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber. Multiple portions of the stored fluid are hermetically sealed in the variable-volume storage chamber. The actuator is manually engageable and movable between (i) a first position wherein the compression chamber defines a first volume, and (ii) a second position wherein the compression chamber defines a second volume less than the first volume. In the second position the fluid in the compression chamber exceeds a valve opening pressure and, in turn, moves the elastic valve member between (i) a normally closed position hermetically sealing the one-way valve and variable-volume storage chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere, and (ii) an open position permitting fluid flow through the valve opening.
US08356731B2 Energy saving baffle for water cooler
A water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, including an energy-saving baffle, which may take the form of a conventional or bottom load water cooler. Additionally, various other, alternative features may be included, such as: a door stop mechanism; an adjustable drip tray assembly; a leak stop mechanism; an adjustable bottle interface accommodating dimensional variations in water bottles; an instaboil feature; and various programmable dispensing and visual display modes.
US08356727B2 Venting mechanisms for containers
The disclosed device primarily consists of a band, ring, or other piece of shape memory polymer (SMP) or SMP composite in various embodiments that allows or disallows containment. When the SMP reaches its transition temperature (Tg) the SMP provides the means for releasing containment of the pressurized material so as to prevent ignition or explosion of hazardous material. At normal operating temperatures, the SMP is in a deformed shape maintaining an environmental seal to protect the contents of the container. When environmental conditions cause the SMP or SMP composite to exceed its Tg, specified by the operating requirements, the SMP returns to its memory shape in a controlled geometry, rather than simply melting. The return of the SMP to its memory shape causes the venting of the container in different manners depending on which embodiment is utilized.
US08356712B2 Portable container with integrated table surface
A portable, insulated container, preferably a cooler, including an integrated table surface upon which items can be placed. The table surface is movable between a stowed position and an extended position, wherein each position the lid of the container can be lifted to access the interior cavity of the container. Advantageously, the footprint of the table surface in a horizontal plane is always located above the footprint of the container in a horizontal plane such that object or item in a surrounding area need not be disturbed in order to move the table surface between the stowed position and the extended position.
US08356711B2 Hermetic closing system, additive dispenser, for containers and/or bottles
A system for closing containers of the bottle and/or jar type, which also dispenses active formulas from an airtight tubular space in its interior, into liquid or other content of a container when a mix is required. The system includes a movable push-cut carriage that is driven mechanically by an external puller to cut the seals of the tubular space and push the active formulas towards the interior of a bottle or jar. The closing system can be used for the incorporation of elements such as vitamins or minerals, which need to be stored separately from the content of the container in order to increase their useful life and improve their effectiveness, and in medical and/or pharmacological applications, to form mixtures of active formulas when they are required, thereby avoiding the rapid degradation of the final composition.
US08356706B2 Conveyor device for flat cardboard sheets in cardboard-box forming machines
This comprises a horizontal entraining loader (1) on which are placed in an initial zone several piled cardboard sheets (12) to be driven by several transversal pushers (13) to a forming station (14) for cardboard boxes (23), said transversal pushers (13) being connected to a lateral chain (2) coupled to several end pinions (3) connected to several cross axles (4-4′). It is characterized in that the horizontal entrainment loader (1) can be adjusted longitudinally, thereby varying the distance between the transverse axles (4-4′), including for this purpose a vertically moveable tractive mechanism (8), that has a clutch mechanism (20) by means of which the movement is transmitted to a large cogwheel unit (17) and to an encoder (16) arranged coaxially with said large cogwheel unit (17), without ever losing the link between aforementioned encoder (16) and the respective transversal pusher (13).
US08356703B2 Drop safe with access to interior components
A drop safe comprising a housing, a safe door in the housing, the safe door having a slot for accepting deposits, a bill acceptor for accepting deposits through the slot, a cash cassette for storing cash received by the bill acceptor, wherein the cash cassette moves toward the safe door upon the opening of the safe door, as the safe door moves from the closed position to the open position.
US08356701B2 Drum-in-hat disc brake assembly
A drum-in-hat (DIH) disc brake assembly has a disc service brake, a DIH parking and emergency brake, and a parking brake anchor. A backing plate, an axle flange, and a caliper bracket each have at least two mounting apertures formed therethrough. The parking brake anchor includes a bracket portion having a pair of studs extending axially outwardly therefrom. The studs are structured and configured to extend through the respective mounting apertures of the backing plate, the axle flange, and the caliper bracket for securing the caliper bracket, parking brake anchor, and the backing plate to the axle flange.
US08356694B2 Recirculating lubrication system with sealed lubrication oil storage
A recirculating lubrication system for a gas turbine engine comprises: a storage reservoir for storing a quantity of lubrication oil for the engine; an operating reservoir for supplying lubrication oil for the engine; a transfer valve with an inlet coupled to an outlet of the storage reservoir and an outlet coupled to an inlet of the operating reservoir to transfer the quantity of lubrication oil from the storage reservoir to the operating reservoir before starting the engine; and a pump for circulating the transferred lubrication oil through at least one engine bearing and back to the operating reservoir.
US08356684B2 Industrial truck having a battery compartment base with roller accommodation openings
An industrial truck having a battery compartment that accommodates a replaceable battery block, the battery compartment comprising at least one lateral access opening for inserting and for withdrawing the battery block, the base of the battery compartment having at least one guide track in the battery movement direction capable of supporting the battery block such that it can move relative to the battery compartment on the guide track by a support element provided on the battery block. The battery compartment base may have a plurality of roller accommodation openings into which rollers can be inserted. A separate shelf may be arranged at a distance from the battery compartment base by means of spacers, the shelf having a plurality of roller accommodation openings into which rollers can be inserted.
US08356681B2 Frictional drive device and inverted pendulum type vehicle using the same
In a frictional drive device comprising a pair of drive disks (48) each rotatably supported by a frame (10) around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship and configured to be individually rotatively actuated by a pair of first actuators (45), a plurality of drive rollers (58) arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk each via a roller bracket (52) which is rotatable around a center line (B) extending in a radial direction at an angle with respect to the central axial line of the drive disks, each roller bracket rotatably supports the corresponding drive roller so as to be rotatable along a prescribed plane of rotation, and an annular main wheel (100) disposed at least approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member (102) and a plurality of driven rollers (106) supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member, each drive roller is configured to be selectively turned around the center line of the corresponding roller bracket. Thereby, the drive efficiency of the frictional drive device can be improved over a wide range of drive mode. When the frictional drive device is incorporated in an inverted pendulum type vehicle as a drive unit (40), the variable arrangement for the drive rollers can be conveniently used for imparting a yaw moment to the vehicle.
US08356678B2 Oil recovery method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for recovering oil from oil-containing sorbents, such as drill cuttings obtained from drilling with an oil-based mud. The method includes peptizing the substrate with an acid reagent and direct thermal desorption with combustion effluent gases at high temperature under turbulent mixing conditions. Another method disclosed includes upgrading the oil in the substrate to improve one or more of the properties of the recovered oil relative to the oil in the substrate, such as, lower aromatics content, lower sulfur content, lower functional group content, higher saturates, higher viscosity, higher viscosity index, and any combination thereof. The apparatus provides for efficient recovery of oil from the substrate with a short residence time, high throughput, low residual oil content in the treated solids and/or high percentage of oil recovery. The apparatus may be transported to a remote location for on-site treatment of drill cuttings or other oil-containing solids.
US08356677B2 Methods of preloading a sonic drill head and methods of drilling using the same
A drill head assembly includes a shaft having a shaft axis, an oscillator assembly operatively associated with the shaft, the oscillator assembly having at least one eccentrically weighted rotor configured to rotate about a pivot point to generate an oscillating vibratory force, wherein an oscillation centerline is defined transverse to the shaft axis and including the pivot point. The drill head assembly also includes a lower bearing coupled to the shaft on a first side of the oscillation centerline and an upper bearing coupled to the shaft on a second side of the oscillation centerline, the second side being opposite the first side.
US08356675B2 Apparatus and methods for tubular makeup interlock
Apparatus and methods used to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. In one instance, an interlock system is used to control the operations of a gripping apparatus connected to the top drive and a spider such that at least one of the top drive or the spider retains the tubular. The interlock system allows the spider to open when the gripping apparatus is supporting a load of the tubular or is in position to support a load of the tubular.
US08356672B2 Riser joint coupling
An offshore riser system has riser joints, each having a pin and a box. The pin has an external grooved profile that is engaged by a locking element carried by the box of another riser joint. An actuating ring engages with the locking element to move it into the locked position. A retractable spider supports the string of riser while the new joint is being made up. A makeup tool on the riser deploying floor moves the ring relative to the locking element, causing the locking element to move to the locked position.
US08356667B2 Liquid crystals for drilling, completion and production fluids
Fluids containing liquid crystal-forming surfactants or polymeric surfactants, or polymers, or complex polymers or copolymers, or graphite nanotubes or Janus particles in a polar and/or non polar liquid, and optionally, co-surfactants, are useful in drilling, completion and production operations to give increased viscosity (solids suspension ability) and/or decreased fluid loss, as compared to otherwise identical fluids absent the liquid crystals. These liquid crystal compositions contain organized micelles. The liquid crystal-containing fluids are useful in completion fluids, fracturing fluids, formation damage remediation, waste management, lost circulation, drilling optimization, reducing trapped annular pressure during the hydrocarbon production process, well strengthening, friction and drag reducers, fluids introduced through an injection well, for geothermal wells, and the controlled release of additives into a wellbore, at a subterranean formation or at the oil production facilities.
US08356657B2 Heat pipe system
A lattice wick system has a plurality of granular wicking walls configured to transport liquid through capillary action in a first direction, each set of the plurality of granular wicking walls forming respective vapor vents between them to transport vapor. Granular interconnect wicks are embedded between respective pairs of the granular wicking walls to transport liquid through capillary action in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The granular interconnect wicks have substantially the same height as said granular wicking wall so that the plurality of granular wicking walls and granular interconnect wicks enable transport of liquid through capillary action in two directions and the plurality of vapor vents transport vapor in a direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.
US08356655B2 Shot tube plunger for a die casting system
A shot tube plunger of a die casting system includes a tip portion and a thermal control scheme at least partially disposed within the shot tube plunger. The thermal control scheme includes a fluid passageway having at least one coiled portion that receives a fluid to adjust a temperature of the shot tube plunger.
US08356653B2 Control module having a clutch for raising and lowering a window shade
A control module may be used for raising and lowering a window shade. This configuration allows a user to pull the operating cord a predetermined distance to raise the window shade, then release the operating cord until it has retracted, and then pull the operating cord another predetermined distance to raise the window shade again. A brake mechanism is operably connected to a brake release and configured to lock or unlock the drive axle. A clutch is adapted to be mounted on the axle for selectively engaging the cord drum to the axle. The cord drum may rotate independent of the drive axle when a clutch is disengaged from the drive axle. As a result, movement of the operating cord will not cause the window shade to raise while the clutch is disengaged. When the clutch is engaged with the drive axle, the cord drum and adapter sleeve may rotate together to drive the rotation of the drive axle for raising the window shade.
US08356652B2 Retractable sun shade
A retractable sun shade, comprising at least one fabric section affixed to a boom, the boom supported and slideably engaged to a track at an intermediate portion of the boom, the track supported by a frame, and at least one flexible drawing element affixed to the boom at the intermediate portion, for drawing the boom in a first direction along the track to extend the sun shade and for drawing the boom in an opposite direction along the track to retract the sun shade.
US08356650B2 Working apparatus for pasting continuous paper webs together
A working apparatus for pasting two continuous paper webs together having patterns is provided which can be made small as a whole and whose pasting processing treatment reduces a paper loss occurring when the apparatus starts to operate.To this end, the apparatus which has an upper paper line 1 along which a continuous upper paper web 2 having a pattern printed thereon is driven to travel by a drive unit, a lower paper line 3 along which a continuous lower paper 4 web having a pattern printed thereon is driven to travel by a drive unit, a pasting unit 5 for pasting the upper and lower paper webs together into a combined paper web 7 while registering the patterns on them with each other, a combined paper line 6 along which the combined paper web 7 is driven to travel by a drive unit and a processing unit disposed in each corresponding one of the lines upstream and downstream of the pasting unit for processing the paper web traveling along the corresponding line, comprises: a paste applying unit 23 disposed in the lower paper line upstream of the pasting unit and whose paste applying operation can be turned on and off; an upper paper winding unit 31 disposed downstream of the pasting unit for winding up the upper paper web passed through the pasting unit; and a drive source provided for each corresponding one of the drive and processing units and operable individually.
US08356645B2 Transfer guard systems and methods
A transfer guard may provide a fluid path from a vial to a reservoir containing a plunger head connected to a plunger arm operatively engagable with a handle that at least partially covers a casing configured to allow the handle to operatively engage the plunger arm to move the plunger head to transfer fluidic media from the vial to the reservoir.A support structure may have a chamber, a first adapter for mating with a vial containing fluidic media, and a second adapter for mating with a reservoir containing a plunger head moveable within the reservoir. A first needle may provide a fluid path from the vial to the reservoir and a second needle may connect the vial and the chamber containing an air flow control mechanism for allowing air to flow in one direction.
US08356643B2 Hot filling system with heat recovery
A hot filling system for a liquid, with heat recovery, and a corresponding method, wherein prior to heating and filling the liquid is first preheated in a heat exchanger. A portion of the heated liquid to be filled is again cooled in a recooler and recirculated. The return line of the recooler is here connected to the supply line of the heat exchanger so as to transfer heat energy from the recooler to the heat exchanger. This reduces energy losses in comparison with known systems.
US08356640B1 Apparatuses and methods for fabricating wire current collectors and interconnects for solar cells
Provided herein are apparatuses for fabricating wire current collector and/or interconnect assemblies for solar cells. In certain embodiments, the wire assemblies include uniformly pitched serpentine wires. According to various embodiments, the apparatuses include opposing re-circulating chain link assemblies having uniformly pitched posts and a wire weaving assembly configured to weave wire around the re-circulating posts. Also provided are methods of fabricating solar cells including the wire assemblies.
US08356633B2 Stacked conduit assembly and screw fastening method for conduit part
A stacked conduit assembly includes: a conduit part in which a plurality of plate-like parts are stacked and integrated, and a hollow conduit is formed in an inner layer; and a control board to be fastened to the conduit part by a screw. The plate-like parts include a plurality of plate-like parts that respectively form a side wall, an upper face, and a bottom face of the conduit, a pilot hole is formed in a plate-like part that forms the side wall of the conduit, and the screw is a tapping screw that taps by itself in the pilot hole and is fastened. Thus, a stacked conduit assembly that can stabilize a screw engagement state and realize downsizing or thinning of devices and cost reduction can be obtained.
US08356632B2 Manifold for distributing or for collecting fluid, and a molding installation including such a manifold
This manifold comprises a stack formed by at least a plurality of tubular modules and a first support, and at least one tie for compressing the stack in a configuration in which central internal volumes of the various modules are in mutual communication, with adjacent parts of the stack overlapping in leaktight manner, and in which the relative position of two adjacent modules is stationary. The tie may be fastened in rotation about its longitudinal axis and in translation parallel to said axis, relative to the first support. The tie is equipped with a clamping nut that, in the tightened position, exerts a compression force on the stack of modules and on the first support. An abutment, suitable for being fastened axially relative to the first support and for bearingly receiving a surface of the clamping nut when said clamping nut is actuated in the loosening direction, is disposed, relative to the surface of the clamping nut in the tightened position, at an axial distance less than the smallest of the leaktight overlap lengths of two adjacent parts of the stack.
US08356631B2 Fluid transport device and fluid transport control method
A fluid transport device transports fluid containing electrolytes within a flow channel. At least a portion of the inner walls of the flow channels are hydrophilic from the inlet to the outlet thereof except at at least one valve portion. The device also includes: the valve portions, which are hydrophobic and function to block transport of at least one fluid; electrodes, which are provided at the at least one valve portion and function to reduce the surface tension of the fluid; and air vents, which are provided at the at least one valve portion and function to introduce air in order to block the fluid.
US08356625B2 Device for the controlled guidance of a polymer melt
A valve has a housing formed with a central chamber centered on and extending along a main axis, an inlet passage and an outlet passage having mouths in the chamber spaced angularly from and confronting each other, and a secondary passage offset from the inlet and outlet passages and centered on an axis offset from a center of one of the mouths by more than 90°. A valve pin fitted in the chamber is formed with a secantally throughgoing flow passage centered on a flow-passage axis generally parallel to but offset from a diameter of the pin. A filter is provided in the flow passage, the secondary passage being sufficiently large that, when the pin is pivoted to align the flow passage with the secondary passage, the filter can be removed from the flow passage through the secondary passage.
US08356623B2 Mass flow meter and mass flow controller
In order to improve a measurement accuracy of a mass flow meter, the mass flow meter comprises a flow rate calculating section that obtains an output signal from a sensor section having a thermosensitive resistive element arranged in a flow channel where a sample gas flows and that calculates a flow rate of the sample gas, a pressure measuring section that measures a primary side pressure in the flow channel, and a flow rate correcting section that corrects the measured flow rate obtained by the flow rate calculating section by the use of the primary side pressure obtained by the pressure measuring section and a gas coefficient determined by an isobaric specific heat of the sample gas.
US08356622B2 Fluid valves having dynamic valve trim joints
Fluid valves having dynamic valve trim joints are described. An example apparatus for use with a fluid valve includes a body configured to retain a cage of a fluid valve. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a plurality of projections projecting from and radially spaced about an exterior surface of the body. Each of the plurality of projections is to provide one or more contact points between the body and an inner surface of a bonnet coupled to the fluid valve.
US08356615B2 Rail skirt system
The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
US08356609B1 Plaque buster system
A plaque buster system is for removing stains and whitening both teeth and dentures and for tongue cleaning and mouth washing. A composition in a dry power form consists of baking soda plus vitamin C/ascorbic acid plus ground peppermint. A container/dispenser receives and dispenses the composition.
US08356599B2 Occlusion devices and methods
The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilizations effected by passing a current through there resilisent structure to the tubal walls.
US08356592B2 Chin pivot patient interface device
A patient interface device that includes a body portion comprising a pair of arms and a chin support. A first end portion of each arm in the pair of arms is coupled to an opposite end of the chin support. The chin support is adapted to be disposed under the mandible responsive to the patient interface device being donned by a user. At least one headgear attachment element is provided on each arm in the pair of arms. A circuit portion is provided at a second end portion of each arm in the pair of arm. A patient interface portion is coupled to the circuit portion.
US08356589B2 Paintball loader
A paintball loader for supplying a plurality of substantially similar paintballs a paintball marker. The loader comprises a housing adapted to receive the plurality of paintballs, the housing defining a feeder tube in a base thereof, the feeder tube dimensioned to allow single passage of the paintballs, a paintball receiving member comprising an elongate receiving channel spiraling radially outward in a direction of rotation from the feeder hole and having an outlet adjacent the feeder tube, the channel comprising a pair of opposing side walls spaced to allow single passage of the paintballs, and a feeder arm positioned across at least a portion of the channel walls such that the feeder arm comes into contact with one of the plurality of the paintballs when in the channel. The channel is rotatable relative to the feeder arm about the feeder hole in the direction of rotation.
US08356580B2 Seal high temperature environment of a boiler assembly
A seal comprising a high temperature RTV silicone adhesive sealant layer; a first non-ceramic layer mounted to the RTV silicone adhesive sealant layer; a first expanded metal layer mounted to the first non-ceramic layer; a first silicone cloth layer mounted to the first expanded metal layer; a metal reinforcement layer mounted to the first silicone cloth layer to provide structural integrity without the use of ceramic materials; a second expanded metal layer mounted to the metal reinforcement layer; a second non-ceramic layer mounted to the second expanded metal layer; a turbine mesh layer mounted to the second non-ceramic layer; a second silicone cloth layer mounted to the turbine mesh layer; a sealing castable applied over the second silicone cloth layer to provide a covering; and, a high temperature bonding adhesive disposed between each layer following the first non-ceramic layer to bind the layers together.
US08356574B2 Device and method for coating wheel rims
Devices and methods for coating wheel rims for the production of both standard rims and special rims, are provided. An example of a device for coating wheel rims includes a pre-treating station that is followed by a powder priming station followed by a basecoat application station and a final coating station, in particular an acrylate powder station, with the final coating station being coupled to both the power priming station and the pre-treating station by at least one conveyor, respectively. The device permits a proportion of special rims to be introduced in addition to standard rims without any impairment of the spindle-synchronous operation of the device.
US08356573B1 Shutterless, instant radiation device for curing light curable floor coatings
Apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface includes a carriage having wheels, a source of curing light carried by the carriage, and a solid state ballast circuit selectively energizing said light source. The apparatus is free of a shutter that would selectively cover the source of curing light.
US08356564B2 Agricultural seeder implement
A seeder implement (125) includes a fork (146) having a first spindle support arm (150) that supports a first spindle (164) and a second spindle support arm (152) that supports a second spindle (168). A first disk (160) is supported on the first spindle (164), wherein the first spindle (164) is oriented in a first orientation and at a first acute angle relative to a lateral line. The first disk (160) is oriented at a second acute angle relative to the ground surface. A second disk (166) is supported on the second spindle (168), wherein the second spindle (168) is oriented in a second orientation and at a third acute angle relative to the lateral line. The second disk (166) is oriented at a fourth acute angle relative to the ground surface. The first disk (160) is longitudinally offset ahead of the second disk (166), and there are no structural components between the first and second disks (160, 166) other than the first and second spindles (164, 168). In one embodiment, a packing wheel (142) is disposed to close and compact furrows opened by the disks (160, 166) and is disposed in the same orientation as one of the disks (160, 166).
US08356563B2 Seed planter with equalizer assembly
Disclosed herein is an agriculture planter. The planter may include a planter frame, a seed hopper and a trailing arm assembly. The planter frame may include a hitch tongue extending forwardly from the planter frame. The planter frame supports the seed hopper. The a trailing arm assembly is vertically pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the planter frame, extends rearward from the planter frame and includes a trailing arm frame and a lever arm vertically pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame by a pivot point. The lever arm includes a leading end, a trailing end, a middle portion, a furrow opener disc and a first furrow closer wheel. The disc is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the leading end. The first wheel is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the trailing end. The middle portion is pivotably coupled to the pivot point.
US08356556B2 Universal dog chain
Drive dog chains are assembled with alternating universal inside attachment links and outside sidebars and riveted pin connections. The universal inside attachment links have full size end sections and central sections of reduced height. Filler attachments are attached with machine screws to the central sections. Upper surfaces of the filler attachments are level with upper surfaces of the end sections and upper surfaces of the outside sidebars. Filler attachments are removed from selected ones of the center sections and replaced with pusher attachments secured at an end of each selected center section. A drive dog chain is manufactured and stored in uniform strands. Upon ordering, the pusher attachments replace the filler attachments at selected spacings on the chain.
US08356554B2 Arrangement for supporting shell into weapon barrel, and support member
The invention relates to an arrangement for supporting a shell (1) into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon and to a support member for supporting a shell. The arrangement comprises a flanged support element (5), to which a fastening element is connected with threads. A sleeve-like clamping element is arranged around the fastening element. Both have grooves for tail fins of the shell (1). The support member (5) has a support element, to which a fastening element is connected with threads and on top of which a sleeve-like support element is arranged.
US08356553B2 Print unit having blanket cylinder throw-off bearer surfaces and method
An offset print unit includes a plate cylinder having an end, a rotatable plate cylinder support supporting the end and having a first bearing surface, a blanket cylinder having a blanket cylinder end, a rotatable blanket cylinder support supporting the end and having a second bearing surface and an actuating device for rotating the plate cylinder support and the blanket cylinder support, the first and second bearing surfaces contacting during a part of the rotation of the supports. A method is also provided.
US08356550B2 Piston skirt with friction reducing oil recess and oil reservoir
A piston (20) includes a piston skirt (30) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and having a pair of convex outer surfaces (42) facing opposite one another. Each of the outer surfaces (42) include an oil reservoir (44) above the pin bore axis (P) and an oil recess (46) below the pin bore axis (P) and spaced from the oil reservoir (44) by an intervening oil spreading area (48). The oil reservoir (44) and oil recess (46) each include a bottom (50) extending over an area of the outer surface (42) and surrounded by ramped side walls (52). The oil recess (46) and oil reservoir (44) include radiused corners (54) at a transition between the outer surface (42) and at the bottoms (50), so that the oil reservoir (44), oil recess (46), and outer surface (42) are free of sharp edges.
US08356548B2 Hydraulic apparatus, handle, and method of providing an extendable handle
Handles, extendable handles, and linkage mechanisms are examples of apparatuses that include a body; a pivotably attached head; cylinder, actuator, or hydraulic actuator; a fluid passage or hose; and a valve, blocking means, or hydraulic control device. The valve, blocking means, or hydraulic control device may be normally open and may close only when held closed, and may be connected on one side to the fluid passage or hose and on another side to atmosphere. An operator may use a tool, such as a drywall flat box attached to the head, by holding the handle and controlling pivoting of the head by operating the valve. Methods include providing for an operator to control a tool on a handle, and include providing the handle and instructing the operator to actuate the blocking means to hold the tool in a constant orientation relative to the handle.
US08356543B2 Firearm firing mechanism
A semiautomatic firearm and firearm firing mechanism includes a bolt assembly having a bolt body coupled to a locking head for imparting a dwell in the sequence or process of bullet casing ejection, reloading, and re-cocking sequence during firing of the firearm. The locking head and bolt body rotate relative to one another as they translate longitudinally relative to one another, owing to corresponding engagement members. The locking head includes an additional engaging member for engagement with a corresponding engaging member along an inner surface of a fire control housing that houses the firing mechanism, so that the rotation and longitudinal translations of the locking head are performed in a controlled manner, which further controls the movement of the locking head and the bolt body relative to one another. A striker is released by a sear, which is coupled to a trigger, to initiate the firing and reloading/re-cocking sequence.
US08356537B2 Ambidextrous charging handle
A firearm action assembly having an action mechanism with an improved charging handle. The charging handle uses a rod member to engage the action for “cocking” the action mechanism. At an open end of the rod member is a handle which is secured to the edge of the action in a dormant state. Releasing of the lock is through the use of either of two finger members which are swivelly secured to each other. Pulling on either of these finger members operates the other which moves the other finger member.
US08356522B2 Ultrasonic flow meter with a liquid drainage system
An ultrasonic flow meter for measuring the flow of a fluid through a pipeline comprises a spool piece including a throughbore and a transducer port. The transducer port extends along a central axis from an open end at the throughbore to a closed end distal the throughbore. In addition, the flow meter comprises an acoustic transducer disposed in the transducer port. The transducer includes a piezoelectric element. Further, the flow meter comprises a drain port in fluid communication with the transducer port. The drain port is axially positioned between the open end and the closed end of the transducer port. Still further, the flow meter comprises a drain conduit having an inlet end coupled to the drain port and an outlet end opposite the inlet end. The drain port is configured to drain a liquid from the transducer port into the inlet end of the drain conduit.
US08356519B2 Non-contact type transducer for rod member having multi-loop coil
Provided is a non-contact type transducer for performing modal testing or non-destructive diagnosis easily, that is, a non-contact type transducer by which even an inexperienced person may perform modal testing or non-destructive diagnosis without errors. The transducer includes a multi-loop coil including two or more looped coil portions that are connected to each other, wherein the looped coil portions are located on top of a rod member, and the looped coil portions form magnetic fields on the surface of the rod member in a direction parallel to the lengthwise direction of the rod member; and one or more magnets that are arranged to form a static magnetic field on the surface of the rod member, whereon the surface of the rod member a dynamic magnetic field is formed by the multi-loop coils in the direction parallel to the lengthwise direction of the rod member, even partially in a direction parallel to the lengthwise direction of the rod member.
US08356516B2 Balancing machine for balancing vehicle wheels
The balancing machine for balancing vehicle wheels comprises a supporting structure for supporting grip and rotation members for gripping and rotating a wheel to be balanced, a detector for detecting the unbalance of the wheel during rotation, a processing unit which is operatively associated with the grip and rotation members and with the detector, and interface assembly associated with the supporting structure and operatively associated with the processing unit. The interface assembly comprises a support associated to the supporting structure, a screen housed internally of a first housing on the support and a keyboard housed internally of a second housing on the support.
US08356515B2 Method and system for measuring a rheological transition level
Method for measuring a rheological transition level between a first layer with first rheological properties, typically a fluid mud layer, and a second layer lying thereunder and having different, second rheological properties, typically a solid mud layer, wherein using a cable an object is lowered through the first layer into the second layer lying thereunder. A dynamic quantity of the moving cable with object, influenced by the rheological properties, or a change of this quantity, is measured. It is determined on the basis of this measurement when the object is located at the rheological transition level.
US08356510B2 Formation core sample holder assembly and testing method
A core sample holder assembly for performing laboratory core flooding experiments with a core sample: a pressure chamber provided by a tubular hull made of a carbon fiber composite material and an aluminum liner, and a pair of disk-shaped flanges; a flexible core sample holder sleeve within the pressure chamber, which sleeve comprises a tubular steel sheet with a plastic inner lining; an opening for injecting oil into an annular space between the hull and the sleeve; pressure control means for maintaining the oil at a predetermined pressure; an fluid injection port for injecting a fluid into a cylindrical core sample within the sleeve; a fluid outlet port arranged in the other flange for discharge of fluid from the core sample; and means for monitoring the migration of injected and/or pore fluid through the pores of the core sample.
US08356507B2 Method and device for manufacturing pipe connectors
Devices and methods for manufacturing fittings (2) with different ends (3, 4) are disclosed, such fittings permitting different measures of connection. For example, one fitting (2) is a threaded end connector with its one end (4) being potentially configured as a compression fitting and its other end (3) as a thread-bearing end. An intermediate section (5) having preferably a polygonal cross-section is provided between the two ends (3, 4). Starting with a pipe piece (1), the manufacture takes place in a few process-safe method steps.
US08356506B2 Method of forming industrial housings
A method of forming a housing which includes roll forming a steel tube radially inwardly with a plurality of rollers each having a rolling axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube, the rollers compressing the tube and forming reduced diameter portions and enlarged diameter portions. The method then includes cutting the tube perpendicular to the longitudinal axis generally midway through an enlarged diameter portion and a reduced diameter portion, forming a plurality of mirror image preforms. Finally, the method includes cold working the preforms into the desired shape of the housing and increasing the strength of the steel at least 15% and forming a housing member having enlarged diameter open end and a reduced diameter open end.
US08356505B2 Hose fitting
A machine, tooling and method for cold forming complex metal parts such as a banjo style hose fitting starting with a near net shape volume of wire and continuing with multiple forging blows and an intermediate rotation of the blank to produce a hose coupling shell end, a transition neck, a large counterbored annular coupling body and a perpendicular alignment tang.
US08356504B2 Rolling method for a rolled product for introducing a step into the rolled product
The invention relates to rolled material comprising a front and an end. The rolled material is rolled in a roll gap of a roll stand to a first desired measurement, beginning at the front of the rolled material. When the rolled material is being rolled in the roll stand, it is continuously determined by a control computer, which locates the position of the rolled material which is currently in the roll gap. When the position of the rolled material, which is directly in the roll gap, corresponds to a predetermined first modification position of the rolled material, which is arranged between the front of the rolled material and the end of the rolled material, the roller of the rolled material ends at a first desired measurement such that a first step is introduced into the rolled material on the first modification point.
US08356489B2 Injection of refrigerant in system with expander
A refrigerant system incorporates an expander. At least a portion of refrigerant bypasses an evaporator and is injected into the compression process to cool main refrigerant vapor flow and compressor elements. In disclosed embodiments, the injected refrigerant may be partially expanded in the expander and routed either into the compressor suction or to an intermediate point in the compression process. A valve may control the amount of the injected refrigerant to achieve desired operational characteristics for the refrigerant system.
US08356481B2 Dual hybrid fluid heating apparatus and methods of assembly and operation
A dual hybrid heating apparatus, method of assembly and operation to heat potable water in a tank by heat exchange with a fluid heated by free heat sources—waste heat from heat recovery units and insolation. Once a demand for heated potable water is satisfied, a controller issues commands that cause the fluid to bypass the tank and instead flow to a further heat exchanger. Temperature is monitored downstream—if excessive, then the fluid is sent to a heat dump. A further fluid is heated by heat exchange at the further heat exchanger and then routed to where a parabolic dish solar concentrator vaporizes it to turn a blade of a turbine generator to generate electricity. Heat is extracted from the vapor to form condensate, but the vapor also heats the condensate before being cooled by heat exchange with fluid cooled by a cooling tower.
US08356475B2 Catalysts with slow, passive release of alkali ions
Described is a method of slowly releasing a catalyst for, inter alia, the purpose of soot oxidation in a particulate filter. An example method includes incorporating an alkali metal oxide in a glass. Slow leaching of the alkali from the glass provides a means to gradually deliver the catalyst over extended periods. Additionally, the example method includes increasing the amount of alkaline metal ions that may be leached from the glass.
US08356473B2 Injection device
A device is provided for injection of a liquid agent, such as fuel or reducing agent, into the exhaust line from a combustion engine. The device (1) has a nozzle arrangement (20) having a nozzle head (21), from which the liquid agent is injectable into the exhaust line. The nozzle arrangement (20) has a first conduit (22) leading to the nozzle head (21) for supply of compressed gas, preferably in the form of compressed air, to the nozzle head, and a second conduit (23) leading to the nozzle head (21) for supply of the liquid agent to the nozzle head. The nozzle head (21) is provided with at least one outlet opening (24) connected to the first conduit (22) and to the second conduit (23), through which outlet opening the liquid agent is injectable into the exhaust line under atomization thereof after mixing with compressed gas in a mixing zone (25) inside the nozzle head.
US08356472B2 Exhaust purification device for hybrid electric vehicle
An ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst (48) is interposed in an exhaust passage of an engine (2) provided in a series-type hybrid electric vehicle (1), and a urea water injector (52) is disposed in the exhaust passage to supply a urea water into exhaust gas existing upstream of the ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst (48). The engine (2) is started and stopped in accordance with the storage state of a battery (8), and the urea water injector (52) is controlled in accordance with the operating state of the engine (2). When the engine (2) is to be stopped, an adsorption increasing operation for increasing the amount of ammonia adsorbed by the ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst (48) is executed over a predetermined period before the engine (2) is stopped.
US08356465B2 Height of cut adjuster assembly for reel mower cutting unit with removable attachment
A height of cut adjuster for a reel mower cutting unit with a removable attachment includes a front roller with a shaft positionable in front of the cutting reel axis, and a roller bracket assembly having a bottom bracket removably attached to a top bracket to provide a gap therebetween where the front roller shaft is held. The roller bracket assembly may be pivoted, and the top bracket may be connected to the bottom bracket in a different position further from the cutting reel, so that an attachment such as a conditioner may be installed between the front roller and the cutting reel.
US08356464B2 Pollen harvesting machine
A pollen harvesting machine having a motorized chassis on which there are mounted heads for harvesting pollen by suction and which heads are connected by a suction circuit to a separation cyclone which is in turn connected to a suction fan. The cyclone is associated with a pollen recovery hopper which is constructed to be cooled to freeze the harvested pollen.
US08356461B2 Apparatus for cleaning, filling, and sealing a container
An apparatus for washing, filling, and sealing a container includes an enclosure having an opening for receiving a container. The apparatus may include a rotary assembly, a wash station, a rinse station, a fill station, and a seal station all contained within the enclosure. The rotary assembly may include any number of racks for carrying the containers. The rotary assembly advances (e.g., about an axis) and facilitates the washing, filling, and sealing of the containers within the enclosure. The apparatus may be employed in a method for washing, rinsing, filling, and sealing containers within an enclosure. The method may be conducted consecutively. The steps of washing, filling, and sealing are conducted simultaneously.
US08356457B2 Catheter product package and method of forming same
A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line. A method of forming a package for a catheter product comprises the steps of providing a sheet material for the package and placing the catheter product on the sheet material. It also includes affixing a tear strip to the sheet material and wrapping the sheet material around the catheter product. Further, the method includes the step of sealing the sheet material to form a sealed cavity with the catheter product being disposed within the sealed cavity.
US08356453B2 Bracket and bridging member for metal stud wall
The present invention provides for a bracket for use in a metal stud wall having internal bridging members for tying the metal studs and bridging members together. The bracket is an L shaped bracket having a leg for overlying the bridging member joined to an upright for overlying the metal stud. The outside corners of the leg and upright of the L shaped bracket are truncated such that the diagonal dimension across the L-shaped bracket is less than the width of the channel of the metal stud so that the bracket may be inserted within the channel of the metal stud and rotated to the proper position for attaching to the bridging member and metal stud.
US08356451B2 Structural component and method for producing a structural component
The invention relates to a structural component for an aircraft or spacecraft, comprising a component core extended across a component area, a first and second cover layer, which are formed on two opposite bounding surfaces of the component core and extend across the component area, a plurality of braces, which are distributed across the component area and connect the first and second cover layers to each other through the component core, and a stiffening belt, which extends between the cover layers along a stiffening line that extends substantially parallel to the component area.
US08356446B2 Capsule room unit and two-level installation structure thereof
A capsule room unit for use as a capsule bed or other private space has a horizontally oblong rectangular parallelepiped room framework formed by columns, beams and panel materials fitted into the room framework to constitute a ceiling, a floor and walls, wherein the columns and the beams are composed of extruded materials each having a longitudinally consecutive groove. The panel materials of the ceiling and walls are composed of synthetic resin or FRP hollow panel materials each having peripheral flanges at a periphery along a plane direction, and the flanges of the hollow panel material are inserted and fitted to the grooves of the extruded materials.
US08356443B1 Coverable fish net apparatus
The coverable fish net apparatus provides for easily netting a fish and selectively covering the first frame and large net with the second frame with small net. The second frame with small net is slideably positioned in a plurality of positions along the handle, with the second frame being capable of positioning on the handle well above the first frame and progressively positioned closer to the first frame. The second frame may further be positioned partially over the first frame, and completely over the first frame, thereby trapping a fish within. Release of the lever positions the second frame with small net as chosen. Effectively netting a plurality of sizes of fish is thereby best accomplished, with less chance of fish escape. The apparatus further provides for easily reviving a fish prior to release.
US08356438B2 Systems and methods for a user interface for electronic weaponry
An apparatus, according to various aspects of the present invention, produces contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target. The apparatus is used with a provided deployment unit that deploys an electrode away from the apparatus. The electrode conducts a current through the target. The apparatus includes a terminal; a producing sub-system for producing an electric arc to warn the target without conducting a current through the target; a conducting sub-system for conducting the current in series through the terminal and through the target; an initiating sub-system for initiating deployment of the electrode; and an operator interface. The operator interface facilitates selecting one or more cartridges of a set of cartridges to provide a stimulus signal to a target and/or display an arc.
US08356434B2 Retractable label
A labeling system comprises a wall enclosing a space and a container for holding a retractable label, the container laterally disposed in relation to the space. The retractable label is configured to extend out of and retract into the container. In some embodiments, the wall at least partially defines a container cap. In other embodiments, the wall at least partially defines another container for holding material, such as, e.g., material of medicinal utility.
US08356419B2 Digital measuring device
A measuring device measures distances via a thin retractable wire with a removable head. Distance is calculated and displayed on a very bright, large LED or other type screen. As the wire is extended, a microprocessor calculates the distance and displays it on its screen. The digital measuring device comprises a housing, a very thin extendable wire, cable or tape, a rotating spool, (from which the wire extends then automatically retracts to), a sensor which measures the amount of wire extended, a microprocessor, a tiny flash drive or other type of memory storage, a microphone/speaker, a large (size of unit) mono or duo chromatic or other type of display screen (LED) and a few buttons and/or a menu driven interface which control functionally. A plurality of removable heads may be attached to the wire for performing different measuring functions.
US08356417B2 Spherical-form measuring apparatus
A spherical-form measuring apparatus which efficiently measures the sphericity and the form of a sphere to be measured with use of the mechanism of a roundness measuring machine, including a turntable, a probe for measuring a contour of a sphere to be measured on an equatorial plane parallel to a surface of the turntable, associated with rotation of the turntable, and a holding unit mounted on the turntable, for holding the sphere to be measured, wherein the holding unit positions the center of the sphere to be measured on a rotational axis of the turntable, and holds the sphere to be measured so that the sphere is rotatable about an inclined axis which passes the center of the sphere and is inclined at the angle in the range of −5 degrees-+5 degrees centered on the angle where the sine is 1√3 (1 divided by the square root of 3) against the surface of the turntable.
US08356415B2 Scraping tool with blade lock assembly
The invention is related to a scraping tool that can be assembled and replaced for scraper blade quickly. The scraping tool in general comprises a stick for hand grasp and a scraping section in the front. The invention mainly uses an arm of suitable length extended from the back end of a jaw clamp toward the middle. It uses fasteners to be located inside the groove in the back of the scraping section. The fastener is also used as pivot for the arm to swing back and forth. On the arm in the back of the jaw clamp, there is a control button that provides vertical pushing force in the back of the jaw clamp and allows strong clamping force in the front of the jaw clamp onto the scraper blade to achieve stable assembly and fast replacement for scraper blade.
US08356411B2 Exhaust manifold with hybrid construction and method
An exhaust manifold and related method have a hybrid clamshell construction including an outer manifold half stamped from a first metal and having a first wall thickness, as well as an inner manifold half stamped from a second metal that is different from the first metal and has a second wall thickness which is different from the first wall thickness. Opposite side edges of the outer and inner manifold halves are rigidly interconnected to define a hollow manifold bottom. Port and outlet flanges are rigidly attached to inlet and outlet sides of the manifold body.
US08356407B2 Method of releasing high temperature films and/or devices from metallic substrates
Films and electronic devices can be released from metallic substrates by: (i) applying a coating of a polysilsesquioxane resin to a metallic substrate, (ii) heating the coated metallic substrate to a temperature sufficient to cure the polysilsesquioxane resin, (iii) applying a polymeric film to the cured coating on the metallic substrate, (iv) further heating the coated metallic substrate to a temperature sufficient to cure the polymeric film, (v) optionally fabricating electronic devices on the polymeric film, and (vi) releasing the polymeric film from the metallic substrate.
US08356405B2 Method of manufacturing printed circuit board
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board, including: providing a carrier including an insulation layer, first metal foils formed on both sides of the insulation layer, adhesive layers respectively formed on the first metal foils and made of a thermoplastic resin, and second metal foils respectively formed on the adhesive layers; applying resists having openings for forming metal posts onto both sides of the carrier; forming metal plating layers for forming the metal posts in the openings; grinding surfaces of the resists; removing the resist and forming insulation layers on both sides of the carrier; and grinding surfaces of the insulation layers. The method is advantageous in that both sides of a carrier are simultaneously layered, it is possible to prevent a substrate from warping during the process of manufacturing the printed circuit board.
US08356402B2 Connector compression tool
A connector compression tool is provided wherein the tool includes a handle, pivotally moveable from a second position to a first position, a body, configured to compress together when the handle is moved to the first position, wherein the body includes at least two centering openings having different widths to accommodate differently configured connectors having different diameters and different lengths.
US08356401B2 Electrical cable wiring head device and electrical cable wiring apparatus
An electrical cable wiring head apparatus is provided to rapidly wire an electrical cable while more effectively restraining the electrical cable from floating. An electrical cable wiring head device of the electrical cable wiring head apparatus moves along a wiring surface of a wiring plate to wire an electrical cable on the wiring surface. The electrical cable wiring head device comprises: a head section supported rotatably about a rotary axis and provided with a guide recess for leading the electrical cable to the wiring surface, the guide recess being offset from the rotary axis; a head rotating mechanism for rotating the head section; a guide pushing member including a shaft portion and a roller portion provided rotatably on a distal end of the shaft portion, the guide pushing member being supported movably along the rotary axis; and a guide pushing member drive mechanism for reciprocating the guide pushing member.
US08356395B2 Assembling device for assembling actuator and lens module
An assembling device for assembling an actuator and a lens module. The actuator includes a first top surface for supporting the lens module and a first bottom surface. The lens module includes a top portion for receiving lens and a bottom portion. The diameter of bottom portion is slightly larger than the top portion. The bottom portion further includes a second first bottom surface in contact with the first top surface. The assembling device includes a base, a support set, and a pressing sheet. The base includes a supporting surface for supporting the first bottom surface. The support set is above the base and defines at least three threaded holes therethrough. The pressing sheet is in contact with the second top surface. The at least three pins are movably threaded with the threaded holes correspondingly and configured for pushing the pressing sheet.
US08356392B2 Cremation container
A cremation container may comprise a cover and a base. The base may comprise a corrugated fiberboard portion and a frame. The corrugated fiberboard portion may encase the frame and may form a bottom of the base. Consequently, the base may be provided with a combined structural strength of both the frame and corrugated fiberboard portion.
US08356391B2 Slider for slide fastener with automatic stopper
There are provided interlock pieces extending from both edge portions of a side-to-side winglike piece provided in a pull-tab retainer toward an anterior wall part and a posterior wall part of the pull-tab retainer. An anterior support wall of an anterior mounting post and a posterior support wall of a posterior mounting post at superior angular corner regions of the internal faces thereof are provided with notches for interlocking of the interlock pieces. When the pull-tab retainer is fitted to the anterior mounting post and the posterior mounting post, the interlock pieces and the notches are interlocked with together to thereby prevent any displacement of the pull-tab retainer in anteroposterior side-to-side directions. Further, at that time, a side end face of the anterior support wall and a side end face of the posterior support wall can be covered up by the pull-tab retainer.
US08356388B2 Biaxial hinge mechanism and electronic apparatus
A biaxial hinge mechanism includes: an opening/closing support section projected toward an outer side of a casing; an opening/closing shaft supported on the opening/closing support section; an outer cover provided to be fixed to the casing so as to hide the opening/closing support section and the opening/closing shaft; a hinge base supported on the opening/closing shaft so as to be rotatable relative to the casing, with the opening/closing shaft as a center axis of rotation; a rotation-restricting section operable to restrict a rotation angle of the hinge base to within a predetermined range; a rotating shaft supported on the hinge base and provided in a direction orthogonal to the opening/closing shaft; and a rotating support section supported on the rotating shaft so as to be rotatable relative to the hinge base, with the rotating shaft as a center axis of rotation.
US08356381B2 Structure for automatically rotating a spiral rod
A structure for automatically rotating a spiral rod is provided. The structure allows a dusting cloth to be turned into a spiral shape along the spiral rod by rotating a rotating element, and, while the rotating element is being rotated, a torsion spring generates a restoring torque. Once the rotating element is no longer rotated, a pulling element pressing against the teeth inside the rotating element retains the rotating element and thus keeps the dusting cloth in the spiral shape. When the pulling element is subsequently pulled away from the teeth of the rotating element, the rotating element automatically rotates in the reverse direction due to the restoring torque of the torsion spring.
US08356374B2 Powered toothbrush with associated oral solution dispenser mechanism
An oral solution dispenser apparatus for attachment to a powered toothbrush handle having a drive coupling mounted thereon, includes a housing adapted for attachment to the handle, the housing having a recess therein for receiving a cartridge containing the oral solution, a pump disposed in the housing for moving the oral solution from the cartridge, and an outlet nozzle extending from the housing and adapted to permit movement of the oral solution from the pump and from the housing. A head having bristles thereon is adapted to interconnect with the handle drive coupling and the housing outlet nozzle, to facilitate powered movement of the bristles and movement of the oral solution from the outlet nozzle to proximate the bristles.
US08356370B1 Dynamic hammock spreader apparatus and method
A method for spreading a hammock is disclosed. The method may include selecting a hammock comprising a hammock base having a first end, a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side in a lateral direction. The method may further include suspending the first end of the hammock base from a first anchor and suspending the second end of the hammock base from a second anchor. Once suspended, the hammock base may be spread in the lateral direction using exclusively a dynamic spreader system. The dynamic spreader system may automatically adjust the amount of the spreading in response to changes in the weight, shape, or orientation of contents within the hammock base.
US08356369B2 Disc and elongate support portable bed assembly
A portable bed assembly of a disc and an elongate support, and the disc has a body having a central hole having an axis, and the central hole being sized for slidably receiving the elongate support, with the disc body and the elongate support having a cooperable flexibly mounted retractably extendable lock pin and the disc body has two transversely disposed through holes for receiving the lock pin and locking the elongate support in the disc body and preventing rotational movement of the elongate support in the disc body.
US08359656B2 Media processing system supporting different media formats via server-based transcoding
A method for processing media content includes receiving, at a second communications device communicatively coupled to a network at a first geographic location, from a first wireless mobile communications device communicatively coupled to the second communications device at the first geographic location, a device profile of the first wireless mobile communications device. The device profile received from the first wireless mobile communications device and media content may be sent to a server communicatively coupled to the network at a second geographic location. Media content may be received from the server, where the media content has been reformatted based on the device profile. The reformatted media content may be transmitted to the first wireless mobile communications device. The received device profile of the first wireless mobile communication device may be stored.
US08359655B1 Software code analysis and classification system and method
Methods for scanning software for the existence of a licensing condition. Software may be uploaded, scanned and compared against known software stored in a datastore. If the uploaded software matches known software in the datastore, a license associated with the known software may be determined. The license may have information associated with it, such as a classification based on risk and obligations. The classification of the license, as well as the obligation information may be returned as a report to a requester that uploaded software to easily identify the risks associated with incorporating the software into a larger code base or project.
US08359642B1 Restricting mature content
Methods, devices, and products provide for restricting access to mature content by individuals for whom access to the mature content is designated as inappropriate. A content filter receives a communication, determines that the communication includes an image, and extracts the image. The image is scanned for mature content. A content restrictor component restricts access by various classes of users to the mature content.
US08359640B2 Printing apparatus management system, printing apparatus management method, and printing apparatus management program
A printing apparatus management system includes: a printing apparatus which includes an IC tag performing wireless communication with the outside and a memory being connected to the IC tag; and a first information terminal which has at least a function of writing information in the memory through wireless communication with the IC tag. The first information terminal maintains authentication data used by the printing apparatus, writes the authentication data in the memory, and transmits the authentication data to another information terminal. In addition, the printing apparatus interrupts a predetermined function, when the authentication data is written by the first information terminal, and in a state where authentication data is written in the memory by the first information terminal or an information terminal other than the first information terminal in the interruption state, the printing apparatus makes the predetermined function effective, when the authentication data written by the first information terminal before the interruption state and the authentication data written by the first information terminal or the information terminal other than the first information terminal after the interruption state accord with each other.
US08359639B1 Systems and methods for increased security during logging in to web site
A user at a computing device interacts with a networked site so that the user can log in thereto. The site receives a selection to log in and in response downloads at least one replacing driver for bypassing a corresponding driver operating on the computing device that may possibly copy log-in data including authentication credentials as entered by the user. Each replacing driver is loaded into an operating system of the computing device so as to bypass the corresponding possibly copying driver and be employed in the operating system rather than such corresponding bypassed driver. The site then delivers a log-in screen to a presentation application of the computing device after each replacing driver has been loaded. The presentation application displays the log-in screen and the user enters the log-in data thereinto. Accordingly, each non-trusted and bypassed driver is unable to copy the entered log-in data.
US08359636B2 Method and system for modeling options for opaque management data for a user and/or an owner
Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF) management profiles, based on the Common Information Model (CIM) protocol, may be utilized to perform access authentication during opaque management data profile operations based on DMTF/CIM Role Based Authorization (RBA) profile and/or Simple Identity Management (SIM) profiles. Instances of CIM_Identity class may be utilized to enable validation of ownership and/or access rights, via instances of CIM_Role class and/or instances of CIM_Privilege class for a plurality of common users and/or applications. Quota related operations may be performed via “QuotaAffectsElement” associations between instances of CIM_Identity class and instances of the CIM_OpaqueManagementDataService class. The “QuotaAffectsElement” association may comprise “AllocationQuota” and/or “AllocatedBytes” properties to enable tracking and/or validating of quota related information within the opaque management data profile.
US08359630B2 Method and system for implementing a dynamic verification value
A method is disclosed, which includes receiving a message including an account identifier and a first verification value. The method uses the account identifier to select a dynamic verification value process from at least two dynamic verification value processes. Then, using the selected dynamic verification value process, a second verification value is determined. Next, the method determines if the first verification value and the second verification value match or are within an expected range.
US08359628B2 Display device and transmitting device
A display device includes a signal receiving unit, an image display unit, a communicating unit, a position designating unit, and an information transmitting unit. The signal receiving unit receives a video signal by a differential signal through a plurality of channels from an external apparatus via a transmission path. The image display unit processes the vide signal received in the signal receiving unit to display an image. The communicating unit performs a bi-directional communication by using a predetermined line which constitutes the transmission path. The position designating unit designates a position on a display screen of the image display unit. The information transmitting unit transmits, by the communicating unit, coordinate information on the position designated by the position designating unit to the external apparatus.
US08359598B2 Energy efficient scheduling system and method
An energy efficient scheduling system and method is disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, with a processor, a request for execution of an application. The method also includes receiving, based on the request, a scheduling policy. Additionally, the method includes for each of a plurality of datacenters, determining one or more datacenter attributes associated with each respective datacenter. The method also includes selecting one of the plurality of datacenters to execute the application based, at least in part, on the request, the scheduling policy, and the datacenter attributes and executing the application at the selected datacenter.
US08359597B1 Workload-guided application scheduling in multi-core system based at least on applicaton branch transition rates
The proposed method exploits inherent characteristics of a software program to select a core of a multi-core processor for executing the software program. Each characteristic is associated with a suitability metric, which measures the degree of the match between that characteristic and the corresponding hardware configuration. In one embodiment, fuzzy logic is used to combine individual metrics to produce an overall suitability that indicates the overall degree of the match between a program and a core.
US08359592B2 Identifying groups and subgroups
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to automatically identifying groups and subgroups in dependency data. In aspects, a data structure that indicates dependencies between components is analyzed to create groups that are related by dependencies. The groups are further analyzed to create subgroups that depend on shared components but that do not depend on each other. Information about the components is used to generate names for the groups that are indicative of the components included in the groups. The groups, their names, and their relationships may then be displayed.
US08359583B2 Methods for selectively pruning false paths in graphs that use high-precision state information
Methods are provided that allow a false path pruner to traverse a directed acyclic graph in conjunction with one or more checker programs that are analyzing a program for defects or other artifacts of interest. While the checkers may have ways of avoiding re-traversal of portions of the graph that have already been traversed, the false path pruner may override such decisions made by the checkers as a result of a false path in order to allow re-traversal during a future different traversal when that same defect or artifact may not lie along a false path, and therefore avoid missing a valid defect or artifact. Computer programs stored on tangible media are provided that implement the methods of the invention.
US08359578B2 Symbolic reduction of dynamic executions of concurrent programs
A computer implemented method for the verification of concurrent software programs wherein the concurrent software program is partitioned into subsets named concurrent trace programs (CTPs) and each of the CTPs is evaluated using a satisfiability-based (SAT) symbolic analysis. By applying the SAT analysis to individual CTPs in isolation the symbolic analysis is advantageously more scalable and efficient.
US08359570B2 Adaptive scripting tool
A meta-data driven adaptive scripting tool which employs a framework across clients and servers to achieve dynamic binding for user defined commands at runtime and support different scripting languages residing in a heterogeneous distributed network. In a preferred embodiment the Bean Scripting Framework (BSF) defines the unified extension mechanism used, the meta-data associated with commands is in XML format, and the adaptive scripting tool is written in Java.
US08359566B2 Software factory
A method, system and computer-readable medium for creating software in a standardized manner are presented. The method includes the steps of: receiving, at a software factory, a description of software needs from a customer; creating, in the software factory, a project proposal that meets performance criteria found in the description of software needs; inducting the project proposal into the software factory, where inducting the project proposal initially evaluates the project proposal's compatibility with a capacity of the software factory; parsing the project proposal into major functional areas; retrieving work packets that are appropriate for the project proposal, where the work packets are pre-stored, reusable, self-contained, discrete units of software code; assembling the work packets into a deliverable software; testing the deliverable software; and delivering the deliverable software to the customer.
US08359565B2 Method and apparatus for generating test patterns for use in at-speed testing
In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus generating test patterns for use in at-speed testing. One embodiment of a method for use by a general purpose computing device that is configured to generate a set of test patterns with which to test an integrated circuit chip includes receiving, by an input device of the general purpose computing device, statistical timing information relating to the integrated circuit chip and a logic circuit of the integrated circuit chip and generating, by a processor of the general purpose computing device, the set of test patterns in accordance with the statistical timing information while simultaneously selecting a set of paths on which to test the set of test patterns.
US08359563B2 Moment-based characterization waveform for static timing analysis
In one embodiment, the invention is a moment-based characterization waveform for static timing analysis. One embodiment of a method for mapping a timing waveform associated with a gate of an integrated circuit to a characterization waveform includes using a processor to perform steps including: computing one or more moments of the timing waveform and defining the characterization waveform in accordance with the moments.
US08359562B2 System and method for semiconductor device fabrication using modeling
In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes using a processor to generate a first three dimensional (3-D) resist profile for a first process condition using an layout mask of a target structure. The method further includes using a processor to generate a second 3-D resist profile for a second process condition using the layout mask. The first process condition includes a plurality of process variables, and the second process condition includes different values of the plurality of process variables than the first process condition. The method includes generating a 3-D process variable (PV) band profile by combining the first 3-D resist profile with the second 3-D resist profile and displaying a 3-D image of the 3-D PV band profile on a display.
US08359559B2 Methods and systems for evaluating checker quality of a verification environment
Methods and systems for evaluating checker quality of a verification environment are provided. In some embodiments, an overall sensitivity for the verification environment and an individual sensitivity for a respective checker are calculated. The overall sensitivity is a probability that a plurality of problematic design behaviors, which are propagated to a checker system including at least one checker, can be detected by the verification environment. The individual sensitivity is a probability that a plurality of problematic design behaviors, which are propagated to at least one specific probe among a plurality of probes of a design, can be detected by the checker corresponding to the specific probe. The overall checker sensitivity numbers can show the robustness of the check system. The individual checker sensitivity can guide the user which individual checker or checkers to improve.
US08359557B1 Method and apparatus for generating data bus interface circuitry
A method is provided for generation of a circuit design. A plurality of components, including at least a processor and a peripheral device, is instantiated in a circuit design. One or more parameterizable data bus interface blocks are automatically selected based on the master-slave relationships, requirements, and capabilities of the components. The one or more parameterizable data bus interface blocks are instantiated in the circuit design. In response to user input, values are assigned to one or more parameters of the processor. The plurality of components and data bus interface blocks are automatically parameterized by determining appropriate parameter values according to the parameters of the processor and capabilities and requirements of the components and data bus interface blocks.
US08359556B1 Resolving double patterning conflicts
A mechanism is provided for resolving patterning conflicts. The mechanism performs decomposition with stitches at all candidate locations to find the solution with the minimum number of conflicts. The mechanism then defines interactions between a layout of a first mask and a layout of a second mask through design rules, as well as interactions of mask1/mask2 with top and bottom layers (i.e., contacts, vial, etc.). The mechanism then gives the decomposed layout and design rule definition to any existing design rule fixing or layout compaction tool to solve native conflicts. The modified design rules are that same-layer spacing equals spacing of single patterning, different-layer spacing equals spacing of final layout, and layer overlap equals minimum overlap length.
US08359552B2 Portable information terminal
A contact position detecting unit 122 detects the position on the touch panel touched by a controlling object. A rendering unit 104 determines the layout of a document file including a link and display the document in the layout thus determined. A link position specifying unit 106 specifies the position of the link in the screen. A detection area setting unit 114 sets an object detection area for determination that the link is selected by the user as a result of contact with the controlling object associated one-to-one with the link, such that the object detection area occupies a range different from that of the link and is spaced apart from an adjacent object detection area by a predefined minimum distance, that the display mode of the link is maintained, and that the object detection area is superposed on the link. A matching unit 130 matches the position on the touch panel touched by the controlling object against the range occupied by the object detection area so as to determine which object detection area is selected.
US08359550B2 Method for dynamically generating a “table of contents” view of the HTML-based information system
Methods and systems are disclosed for displaying information topics that are available via an online help system. The methods and systems store information for given topics in a respective folder associated with a given topic, detect the selection of one of the folders associated with a topic of interest, search files at a hierarchical level in the selected folder to identify files of a predetermined type, locate HTML metatags that pertain to the display of help information, merge data associated with the HTML metatags into a HTML template file to generate an HTML file containing data associated with each of the located HTML metatags, and provide a table of contents for the topic of interest associated with the selected folder using the generated HTML file.
US08359538B2 Method for sharing calendar content in communications system, communications system and terminal
The invention describes a method for sharing calendar content in a communications system, a communications system, and a terminal. The communications system comprises a terminal and at least one remote device, and the terminal is configured to generate calendar content from one or more calendar notes. The communications system is configured to associate calendar notes with calendar profiles of the terminal, which define a unique view to the calendar content on the basis of the calendar notes associated with the calendar profile; to select in the terminal at least one calendar profile for generating calendar content to be shared; to generate the calendar content to be shared on the basis of at least one selected calendar profile and the calendar notes associated with it; and to share the generated calendar content between the terminal and the remote device.
US08359529B2 Information processing apparatus and information processing method
A sending part sends a data generated by a second device from the second device to a first device. A data collating part collates the data sent from the sending part with a data generated by the first device, and determines that it is abnormal when a mismatch between these data occurs. Thus, a data generated by the first device is collated with a data generated by the second device and when a mismatch between these data occurs, it is determined that it is abnormal, so that abnormality can be detected surely.
US08359524B2 Parallel reed-solomon RAID (RS-RAID) architecture, device, and method
The parallel RS-RAID data storage architecture can aggregate that data and checksums within each cluster into intermediate or partial sums that are transferred or distributed to other clusters. The use of intermediate data symbols, intermediate checksum symbols, cluster configuration information on the assignment of data storage devices to clusters and the operational status of data storage devices, and the like, can reduce the computational burden and latency for the error correction calculations while increasing the scalability and throughput of the parallel RS-RAID distributed data storage architecture.
US08359517B2 Memory system and method using partial ECC to achieve low power refresh and fast access to data
A DRAM memory device includes several banks of memory cells each of which are divided into first and second sets of memory cells. The memory cells in the first set can be refreshed at a relatively slow rate to reduce the power consumed by the DRAM device. Error checking and correcting circuitry in the DRAM device corrects any data retention errors in the first set of memory cells caused by the relatively slow refresh rate. The memory cells in the second set are refreshed at a normal rate, which is fast enough that data retention errors do not occur. A mode register in the DRAM device may be programmed to select the size of the second set of memory cells.
US08359512B2 Interference avoidance with synchronous HARQ and persistent scheduling
A method of avoiding periodic interference by permuting periodic transmissions by a base station (BS) may include transmitting a frame of data to a subscriber station (SS). The BS may check for an acknowledgement of the frame of data from the SS and may schedule a next frame of data for transmission or retransmission based on whether the acknowledgement was received from the SS. The scheduling may include permuting traffic within the next frame in time or in frequency relative to similar traffic in a prior frame according to a predetermined function. The BS may generate media access protocol (MAP) information for the next frame based on the permuting.
US08359504B1 Digital functional test system
A digital functional test system incorporating both digital stimulus and digital response/compare capability for digital electronic circuitry. The system includes a chassis and a single width VME eXtensions for Instrumentation (VXI) module arranged in or on the chassis. The single width VXI module includes a timing sub-module that generates a stimulus clock signal and a response clock signal, eight pattern sub-modules, and a master oscillator sub-module that provides a clock signal. Each pattern sub-module receives the stimulus and response clock signals, and the clock signal from the master oscillator sub-module, and includes a pattern generating module, a stimulus memory component that stores stimulus data outgoing from the pattern generating module, a response memory component that records response data incoming to the pattern generating module, and a compare reference memory component that provides a reference for a compare function of the recorded response data in the response memory component.
US08359500B2 Method and system for control of communication equipment based on a bit error rate derived from a frame alignment signal
Consistent with the present disclosure, circuitry may be provided in an optical receiver that can determine a bit error rate (BER) associated with an incoming signal by dividing the number of errored bits in a frame alignment signals (FAS) by the number of bits in the FAS. Accordingly, although an optical signal may be severely degraded and forward error correction (FEC) cannot be performed, a BER may be obtained if the FAS can be identified. The BER can then be used in a feedback loop to control various optical or electrical components in the receiver to improve or reduce the BER to a level, for example, at which FEC can be performed.
US08359499B2 Method and apparatus for deinterleaving in a digital communication system
A method and apparatus for deinterleaving in a communication system is disclosed. The method and apparatus deinterleave data units using a data deinterleaver; compressed deinterleave input symbol quality information (SQI) units using a compressed deinterleaver, wherein at least one of the input SQI units deinterleaved by the compressed deinterleaver corresponds to at least one of the plurality of data units deinterleaved by the data deinterleaver; and apply the deinterleaved SQI units to the corresponding deinterleaved data units.
US08359498B1 Encoding and decoding apparatus and method with hamming weight enhancement
A method of communicating a bitstream having a characteristic Hamming weight to a destination via a channel comprises determining the characteristic Hamming weight of the bitstream, inverting each bit in the bitstream if the characteristic Hamming weight of the bitstream is below a threshold value and developing an indication of whether the bits in the bitstream are inverted, delivering the bitstream and the indication of whether the bits in the bitstream are inverted to the destination via the channel, and inverting each bit in the bitstream at the destination if the indication indicates that the bits are inverted.
US08359490B2 Memory controller, system including the controller, and memory delay amount control method
A memory controller coupled to a DRAM includes a delay control section including a delay holding section, and coupled to the DRAM to output a delay set value to the DRAM and a delay adjustment section coupled to the DRAM to receive data from the DRAM, and to arrange a delay amount of the received data based on the delay set value. The delay set value is stored in both the delay holding section of the memory controller and the DRAM.
US08359487B2 System and method for effectively performing a clock adjustment procedure
A system and method for effectively performing a clock adjustment procedure includes a multi-core processor that has a plurality of processor cores that each operate with reference to a target clock signal for performing various processing tasks. The processor cores include functional processor cores and one or more non-functional processor cores. A clock manager performs the clock adjustment procedure under control of a master processor core by selecting and applying a target clock frequency for the target clock signal. The target clock frequency is selected to allow the functional processor cores to compensate for the non-functional processor cores by collectively performing all of the required processing tasks.
US08359484B2 Apparatus and method for operating a computing platform without a battery pack
An application control engine computing platform having a shut-down mechanism that permits the platform to adequately start up and operate upon return of power after a power interruption, without a need of a battery pack. The mechanism may target the saving of control object runtime values and operational settings of those objects, rather than the saving of the complete set of objects, and all unsaved alarm and history records upon a power interruption.
US08359482B2 Power supply circuit for audio codec chip and method for providing power supply to audio codec chip
A power supply circuit is provided. The power supply circuit includes an audio codec chip and a voltage absorbing circuit. The audio codec chip has a power input terminal. The power input terminal is connected to a power source terminal. The voltage absorbing circuit is connected between the power source terminal and the power input terminal of the audio codec chip so as to decrease a divided voltage accomplished with a voltage from the power source terminal to low level. A method configured for starting up an audio codec chip on a computer motherboard in a normal manner is also provided.
US08359480B2 Scalable RFID systems: a privacy preserving protocol with constant-time identification
A protocol with constant-time complexity solves the problem of private identification of tags in low-cost, large-scale radio frequency identification (RFID) systems—assuming that an adversary has complete control over the communication channel. Each RFID tag has an internal counter, c, and is preloaded with a unique pseudonym, ψ, and a secret key, k. A RFID reader attempting to identify and authenticate a tag within its range generates and transmits a random nonce to the RFID tag, which returns a first hash of its current pseudonym and counter, and a second hash that is a function of the secret key. The reader uses the returned data to identify the RFID tag and its secret key by reference to a database and returns other hash values that authenticate the reader to the RFID tag. The most expensive operation that RFID tags are required to perform is a hash function.
US08359479B2 High performance arithmetic logic unit (ALU) for cryptographic applications with built-in countermeasures against side channel attacks
The present invention is a cryptoengine configured for providing countermeasures against attacks, including: an input/output (I/O) control unit, a memory, a controller, and an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU). The memory is communicatively coupled with the I/O control unit, receives inputs from the I/O control unit, and provides outputs to the I/O control unit based upon the received inputs. The controller is communicatively coupled with the I/O control unit for transmitting and receiving control signals. The ALU includes a plurality of storage components and computational components. The ALU is communicatively coupled with the controller and receives commands from/transmits status bits and flags to the controller. The ALU is further communicatively coupled with the memory and is configured for providing output signals to/receiving input signals from the memory. Further, the cryptoengine is configured for being communicatively coupled with a host computing device.
US08359478B2 Protection of a static datum in an integrated circuit
A method and a system for protecting a static digital datum contained in a first element of an electronic circuit, intended to be exploited by a second element of this circuit, in which: on the side of the first element, the static datum is converted into a dynamic data flow by at least one first linear shift feedback register representing a different polynomial according to the value of the static datum; the dynamic flow is transmitted to the second element; and on the side of the second element, the received dynamic flow is decoded by at least one second shift register representing at least one of the polynomials that has been used by the first element.
US08359472B1 Document fingerprinting with asymmetric selection of anchor points
One embodiment relates to a computer-implemented process for generating document fingerprints. A document is normalized to create a normalized text string. A first hash function with a sliding hash window is applied to the normalized text string to generate an array of hash values. Candidate anchoring points are selected by applying a first filter to the array of hash values. The anchoring points are chosen by applying a second filter to the candidate anchoring points. Finally, a second hash function is applied to substrings located at the chosen anchoring points to generate hash values for use as fingerprints for the document. Other embodiments and aspects are also disclosed.
US08359452B2 Image forming apparatus and method of overwriting for storage unit in image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus and a method of overwriting for a storage unit in an image forming apparatus. The method of overwriting data in a storage unit of an image forming apparatus includes configuring a plurality of overwriting options corresponding to data stored in the storage unit; deleting the data stored in the storage unit according to a delete instruction; and overwriting data according to the configuration of the plurality of overwriting options corresponding to the data stored in the storage unit.
US08359448B1 Specific memory controller implemented using reconfiguration
A circuit controls a memory arrangement and includes an array of programmable resources and interconnect resources, a reconfiguration port, and a processor. The programmable resources and interconnect resources in the array are initially configured with a reference configuration data-set. The reference configuration data-set configures the programmable resources and interconnect resources to implement a general memory controller. The processor obtains a characteristic of the memory arrangement and selects a particular partial reconfiguration data-set based on the characteristic of the memory arrangement. The processor reconfigures the programmable resources and interconnect resources in the array via the reconfiguration port. The processor reconfigures the programmable resources and interconnect resources with the particular partial reconfiguration data-set. The particular partial reconfiguration data-set partially reconfigures the programmable resources and interconnect resources to implement a portion of a specific memory controller that differs from the general memory controller.
US08359442B2 Computer system with controlled data access
A computer system comprises: a central processing unit (CPU); an input/output control hub (IOCH) connected to the CPU; a storage device; the input/output control hub (IOCH) comprising a direct data access control (DDAC) being connected to the storage device; the DDAC providing protected regions and unprotected regions on the storage device (HDD). The IOCH comprises in addition to the DDAC an interface for semantic control of data access (SCDA), the SCDA storing custom configuration data which can be loaded only by a dedicated service which controls protected code running on the CPU. Via the SCDA, files in protected regions can be accessed on a record or even field level, whereby each record or field can have different access rights.
US08359420B2 External memory based FIFO apparatus
An external memory based FIFO (xFIFO) apparatus coupled to an external memory and a register bus is disclosed. The xFIFO apparatus includes an xFIFO engine, a wDMA engine, an rDMA engine, a first virtual FIFO, and a second virtual FIFO. The xFIFO engine receives a FIFO command from the register bus and generates a writing DMA command and a reading DMA command. The wDMA engine receives the writing DMA command from the xFIFO engine and forwards an incoming data to the external memory. The rDMA engine receives the reading DMA command from the xFIFO engine and pre-fetches a FIFO data from the external memory. The wDMA engine and the rDMA engine synchronize with each other via the first virtual FIFO and the second virtual FIFO.
US08359416B1 Multi-mode USB-satellite digital transceiver port
An interface includes a port and a port control module. The port control module detects whether a remote device communicating with the port is one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device and a satellite digital transceiver (DT) device. The port control module selectively generates one of a USB configure signal and a satellite DT configure signal. A USB control module selectively configures the interface to communicate with the USB device when the USB configure signal is received. A satellite control module selectively configures the interface to communicate with the satellite DT device when the satellite DT configure signal is received.
US08359414B2 Retry mechanism
An interface unit may comprise a buffer configured to store requests that are to be transmitted on an interconnect and a control unit coupled to the buffer. In one embodiment, the control unit is coupled to receive a retry response from the interconnect during a response phase of a first transaction for a first request stored in the buffer. The control unit is configured to record an identifier supplied on the interconnect with the retry response that identifies a second transaction that is in progress on the interconnect. The control unit is configured to inhibit reinitiation of the first transaction at least until detecting a second transmission of the identifier. In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to assert a retry response during a response phase of a first transaction responsive to a snoop hit of the first transaction on a first request stored in the buffer for which a second transaction is in progress on the interconnect. The control unit is further configured to provide an identifier of the second transaction with the retry response.
US08359404B2 Zone routing in a torus network
A system for routing data in a network comprising a network logic device at a sending node for determining a path between the sending node and a receiving node, wherein the network logic device sets one or more selection bits and one or more hint bits within the data packet, a control register for storing one or more masks, wherein the network logic device uses the one or more selection bits to select a mask from the control register and the network logic device applies the selected mask to the hint bits to restrict routing of the data packet to one or more routing directions for the data packet within the network and selects one of the restricted routing directions from the one or more routing directions and sends the data packet along a link in the selected routing direction toward the receiving node.
US08359401B2 Network switch
A system and method for electronically transferring data between servers in a Local Area Network (LAN) requires a Network switch. Essentially, the Network switch incorporates a PCI Express switch that is run by a Central Processing Unit (CPU). A plurality of connectors (i.e. one for each server in the system) is provided to directly connect the PCI Express capability of the respective server to the PCI Express switch. With these connections, the CPU is used to implement an Internet Protocol (IP) routing function in compliance with IP addresses provided by respective servers to route data through the system from one server to another.
US08359400B2 System and method for user-definable document exchange
A document exchange based on user-definable validation rules provided by the exchanging parties. In one embodiment, an uploader uploads a document from a first computer, the upload being associated with a first member account registered with a network site. A user interface receives a delivery destination for the document from the first computer, the delivery destination being associated with a second member account registered with the network site. A content validator validates content of the document based on rules registered at the network site in connection with the second member account. An output adaptor determines a document delivery format registered at the network site in connection with the second member account. A delivery component delivers the document in the determined format to a second computer associated with the second member account.
US08359392B2 System and method for securely communicating on-demand content from closed network to dedicated devices, and for compiling content usage data in closed network securely communicating content to dedicated devices
A system for securely communicating content as streaming data is provided. The system includes a closed network created on a public network, and a dedicated device for receiving twice-encrypted streamed content from the closed network. Upon authentication of the dedicated device, a content enabling component in the closed network twice-encrypts previously once-encrypted streamed content by using randomly selected encryption algorithms, and streams the twice-encrypted streamed content to the dedicated device during a closed network communication session and through a closed connection established between the closed network and the dedicated device. The dedicated device includes a content enabling component having a unique content enabling component identifier and a unique decryption key. The dedicated device decrypts the twice-encrypted streamed content by using its unique information and decryption key as well as randomly selected information received from the closed network during the closed network communication session and through the closed connection.
US08359391B2 Apparatus and computer-readable media for processing HTTP requests determine scoping mapping between a mapped resource name extension and a content type
Various embodiments of the invention are directed to closely integrating functionality between an internet server and a WebDAV tool. Areas of specific focus in this document include delegation of duties between the internet server and the WebDAV tool, efficient management of a resource's content-type, support for segregation of a namespace into separate virtual roots, and determinations of whether to invoke certain processing extensions to handle requests for a given HTTP verb.
US08359384B2 Method, system, and apparatus for communicating with a computer management device
Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for enabling communication with a computer management device. According to a method one or more vendor specific commands for communicating with a management device are defined according to a first communication standard. The one or more vendor specific commands are then transmitted to the management device over a communication link conforming to a second communication standard. A device conforming to the second communication standard may be emulated on the communication link. If vendor specific commands are received by the management device that are not intended for the emulated device, the commands may be used for communicating with the management device.
US08359383B2 Ubiquitous service framework system for supporting service in multiple domain and method thereof
The present invention relates to a server for supporting one service in multiple domains, including: a service management unit that receives service and service execution engine from a service providing server and registers them in a service DB; a profiling server unit that requests device profile to user terminals according to a request from the service management unit and parses device profile received from the user terminals and stores it in a device DB; a service ensembler that generates a list of services usable in the user terminal based on the device profile stored in the device DB and provides the list of services to the user terminals and extracts a service execution engines suitable for the user terminals from the service DB according to user selection and transmits them to the user terminals.
US08359379B1 Method of implementing IP-based proxy server for ISCSI services
A facility for impersonating a number of iSCSI initiators within a IP-based Storage Area Network (SAN) is provided. In some embodiments, the facility receives iSCSI PDUs from a plurality of iSCSI devices. Each iSCSI PDU includes a SCSI command, an IP address of the initiator from which it was received, and an indication of a target storage device to which the iSCSI PDU is addressed. The facility maps IP address of the initiator from which the iSCSI PDU was received to a globally unique IP address and sends the iSCSI PDU to the indicated target storage device. When a response to the iSCSI PDU is received, the facility maps the globally unique IP address to the IP address of the initiator from which the iSCSI PDU was received and forwards the response to the initiator. In some embodiments, the facility is transparent to the iSCSI initiators.
US08359374B2 Fast determination of compatibility of virtual machines and hosts
A method of determining compatibility of a virtual machine or virtual machine disk file with a host, including a storage host, is disclosed. A lookup matrix is created to provide a fast compatibility lookup for a group of computing objects and a group of hosts. To create the lookup matrix, computing object properties are retrieved from each of the plurality of computing objects. The computing object properties include resource requirements of each of the plurality of computing objects. Further, host properties are retrieved from each of the plurality of hosts. The method further includes creating a plurality of host logical groups of a subset of the plurality of hosts having substantially same host properties and creating a plurality of computing object logical groups of a subject of the plurality of computing objects having substantially same computing object properties. The lookup matrix provides answers whether each member of a selected computing object logical group can be transferred to each member of a selected host logical group.
US08359351B2 Network-accessible control of one or more media devices
A content management (CM) system is provided to centrally control operation of one or more connected devices by issuing control requests and/or data requests. In some situations the connected device(s) include devices that control presentation of television programming-related content, such as digital video recorder (“DVR”) devices and media center devices, and in other situations may include other types of media devices and/or other electromechanical (“E/M”) devices that may be centrally controlled, such as E/M devices for home automation that may operate independently or in conjunction with the media devices. In some situations, the CM system communicates with the connected devices via a network and using appropriate protocol(s), and may be accessed remotely via a network so as to allow a user to remotely operate the CM system. The CM system may further control searching, identification, selection, and presentation of pieces of media content by the connected device(s).
US08359350B2 Communication apparatus for displaying content and storage medium storing program
A communication apparatus including: a content-information extracting section which obtains feed information and extracts content information from the feed information; a display-priority setting section which sets a display priority; a display-priority changing section which lowers, on the basis of display of at least part of the content information, the display priority of the displayed content information by a first degree; a display-number setting section which sets the display number of times such that the display number of times of the content information during displaying of the at least part of each of all content informations to be displayed among the content informations is larger in a situation where the content information has a high display priority than in a situation in where the content information has a low display priority; and a display controller which displays the at least part on the basis of the display number of times.
US08359348B2 Techniques and systems for electronic submission of media for network-based distribution
Methods and systems for submitting media to a media distribution site are disclosed. The submission of media to the media distribution site is able to be performed by numerous submitters in a uniform and computer-assisted manner. The submitted media can then be encoded in a largely automated manner at the media distribution site into a suitable digital form and then made available for online purchase and distribution.
US08359345B2 Iterative algorithms for variance reduction on compressed sinogram random coincidences in PET
The use of the ordinary Poisson iterative reconstruction algorithm in PET requires the estimation of expected random coincidences. In a clinical environment, random coincidences are often acquired with a delayed coincidence technique, and expected randoms are estimated through variance reduction (VR) of measured delayed coincidences. In this paper we present iterative VR algorithms for random compressed sonograms, when previously known methods are not applicable. Iterative methods have the advantage of easy adaptation to any acquisition geometry and of allowing the estimation of singles rates at the crystal level when the number of crystals is relatively small. Two types of sonogram compression are considered: axial (span) rebinning and transaxial mashing. A monotonic sequential coordinate descent algorithm, which optimizes the Least Squares objective function, is investigated. A simultaneous update algorithm, which possesses the advantage of easy parallelization, is also derived for both cases of the Least Squares and Poisson Likelihood objective function.
US08359333B2 Virtual regulator for multi-database systems
A system for managing a plurality of systems, includes a domain comprised of a plurality of systems, wherein the systems are managed by one or more closed-loop system management (CLSM) regulators. A virtual regulator manages operational characteristics of the domain and the plurality of systems, by communicating with the CLSM regulators to monitor the systems' states, events and conditions within the domain and to adjust the systems' operational characteristics in response to the systems' states, events and conditions.
US08359324B2 Geographic information system
Provided is a geographic information system using map data including configuration data provided with time information and attribute data corresponding to an attribute of an object contained in the map data, including an information import module for receiving an input of a geographic area of an object to be retrieved and a search key; a map retrieval module for extracting configuration data, for which the input geographic area of the object to be retrieved and an area represented by the configuration data at least partially overlap each other, from the map data; a correlation module for correlating the configuration data with the attribute data identical with the input search key, for which the area represented by the extracted configuration data overlaps the positional information, according to each of the time information provided to the configuration data and to the attribute data; and an output module for outputting the correlated data.
US08359320B2 Metadata repository and methods thereof
A repository receives metadata from databases associated with different service providers. The repository converts the received metadata to a common format, such as MPEG7, and stores the converted metadata in a central database. The repository can also receive a query from a client device. The repository retrieves metadata associated with the query from the central database and provides it to the requesting client device. The repository can also convert the provided metadata to an appropriate format for the requesting device. Because the metadata is stored at a common location in a common format, content from different providers can be efficiently identified.
US08359319B2 Tool for personalized search
The invention provides for customized display of search results to Users. The invention further provides for customization of associated advertisements. The invention further provides for a dynamic personal knowledge base that is kept private. The invention provides an Intelligent Web Proxy that re-sorts search results based on the contents of the personal knowledge base (PKB) and creates a display customized to User preferences. The invention also automatically tracks and updates User activity, and “learns” User preferences.
US08359317B2 Method and device for indexing resource content in computer networks
A method and device index resource content in a computer network. The computer network includes at least a first computer as a search engine and at least a second computer as a resource content site where a resource content of a user is stored. A determination is made as to whether the resource content is linked to a user-defined indexing code. The user-defined indexing code is used to process the resource content to obtain a set of information describing the resource content. The user-defined indexing code is executed in response to determining that the resource content is linked to the user-defined indexing code. The set of information describing the resource content is obtained as an indexing result in response to the executing.
US08359315B2 Generating a representative sub-signature of a cluster of signatures by using weighted sampling
A method and a system are provided for generating a representative sub-signature of a particular cluster of signatures. In one example, the system reads a sub-signature of a signature of the particular cluster. The system calculates a first factor for the sub-signature. The first factor is based on how many signatures contain the sub-signature. The signatures are in the particular cluster. The system calculates a second factor for the sub-signature. The second factor is based on how many signatures in other clusters contain the sub-signature. These other signatures in other clusters are not in the particular cluster. The system calculates an effectiveness score for the sub-signature. The effectiveness score is based on at least the first factor and the second factor. The system then determines one or more representative sub-signatures for the particular cluster. The one or more sub-signatures are based on one or more effectiveness scores calculated by the system.
US08359310B1 Group swarm metrics and content
Methods for providing group swarm metrics and content are described herein. In different aspects, the methods may include compiling a content access metric. The methods may also include determining a threshold metric for a user. Further, the methods may include generating a notification message for the user when the compiled content access metric reaches the threshold metric. The methods may additionally include delivering the notification message to the user. The techniques described herein may enable the user to retrieve the content.
US08359309B1 Modifying search result ranking based on corpus search statistics
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for ranking search results of a search query using corpus search statistics. In one aspect, a method includes determining a first relevance of a first corpus to a search query, determining a second relevance of a second corpus to the search query, determining a measure of relative relevance of the first corpus and the second corpus to the search query, and providing the measure of relative relevance to a ranking engine for ranking of search results for a new search corresponding to the search query.
US08359294B2 Incorrect hyperlink detecting apparatus and method
An incorrect hyperlink detecting apparatus which can detect a semantic inconsistency of a hyperlink with high accuracy is provided. An incorrect hyperlink detecting apparatus 10 includes a link source text extracting unit 12 for extracting a text from an HTML file 26 of a link source, a link destination text extracting unit 14 for extracting a text from the HTML file 26 of a link destination, a morpheme analysis unit 16 for dissolving the extracted texts into words, a weighting unit 18 for assigning a weightier every part of speech, a consistency rate calculating unit 20 for calculating a rate that the words of the link source are included in the words of the link destination as a consistency rate from the link source to the link destination and a rate that the words of the link destination are included in the words of the link source as a consistency rate from the link destination to the link source, degree of association calculating unit 22 for calculating a degree of association which indicates a probability of the hyperlink in response to both of the consistency rates, and a CSV output unit 24 for outputting the consistency rate and the degree of association in a CSV form.
US08359290B1 Smart sync—refreshing application state based on user migration patterns
A method of synchronizing data is provided. An embodiment of the method includes receiving, at a server, information identifying a detected user interaction with a device, determining, at the server, a probability that a user will access a service provided by the server using the device at a time, and generating, at the server, a session signature based on the determined probability, wherein the session signature is used by the device to generate refresh requests associated with the service.
US08359283B2 Genetic algorithms with robust rank estimation for hearing assistance devices
Disclosed herein, among other things, is a method for fitting a hearing assistance device for a user using a genetic algorithm. Stimulus pairs are presented to the user using a computer, the stimulus pairs adapted to provide contrasting options for selection from a set of stimuli stored in the computer. Inputs are received from the user entered into the computer, including preference judgments of the user. A score is calculated for each stimulus of the pair using the computer to execute a rank agreement function to maximize agreement between scores and the preference judgments. A set of genes is selected based on the scores, where the set of genes correspond to hearing assistance device parameters. The set of genes is operated on with a genetic algorithm using the assigned scores to obtain a child set of genes. The child set is used to provide parameter values during fitting.
US08359281B2 System and method for parallelizing and accelerating learning machine training and classification using a massively parallel accelerator
A method system for training an apparatus to recognize a pattern includes providing the apparatus with a host processor executing steps of a machine learning process; providing the apparatus with an accelerator including at least two processors; inputting training pattern data into the host processor; determining coefficient changes in the machine learning process with the host processor using the training pattern data; transferring the training data to the accelerator; determining kernel dot-products with the at least two processors of the accelerator using the training data; and transferring the dot-products back to the host processor.
US08359279B2 Assisted clustering
Assisted clustering systems and methods are described herein that provide a user interface by which a user can easily create clusters and selectively associate data items with such clusters. Information regarding data item-cluster associations made by the user is processed by a recommendation engine to learn a clustering model. The clustering model is then be used to generate recommendations for the user regarding which unassociated data items should be associated with which clusters. In certain embodiments, after the user has determined that the clustering model is performing at a satisfactory level based on the quality of the recommendations, the user can cause the system to automatically cluster a large quantity of remaining unassociated data items. In accordance with further embodiments, a user can specify arbitrary data item types for clustering as well as features of such data types that should be considered in generating the clustering model.
US08359274B2 Systems and methods to provide messages in real-time with transaction processing
In one aspect, a computing apparatus is configured to generate trigger records for a transaction handler to identify authorization requests that satisfy the conditions specified in the trigger records, identify communication preferences of the users associated with the identified authorization requests, and use the communication preferences to target real-time messages at the users in parallel with the transaction handler providing responses to the respective authorization requests.
US08359269B2 Internet billing method
Equipment of a provider performs operations including facilitating establishment of first communications between the equipment of the provider and equipment of a purchasing customer to establish a billing arrangement, facilitating establishment of second communications with equipment of a selling vendor to establish a remitting arrangement, enabling the equipment of the purchasing customer to communicate with the equipment of the selling vendor by way of the equipment of the provider, obtaining transactional information relating to a purchase transaction initiated by the equipment purchasing customer, where the purchase transaction results in a billing account of the purchasing customer being charged a first fee, and initiating a remittance of a second fee with the equipment of the selling vendor Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US08359267B1 System and method for investing public deposits
A method, system and program product for operating an exchange method for municipal and/or state funds from banking institutions, comprising: accessing, one or more electronic databases holding data on client transaction accounts and funds in aggregated accounts and banking institutions holding Federal government securities; obtaining transaction data; generating instructions to deposit/transfer funds to or withdraw/transfer funds; receiving data for a first deposit from a first one of the banking institutions, where the first deposit comprises municipal funds and/or state funds; selecting, at least another of the banking institutions holding government securities to receive at least a portion of the first deposit of municipal funds and/or state funds; selecting, a plurality of client transaction accounts from one or more of the other banking institutions for the transfer of funds to the first banking institution; generating instructions to deposit/transfer funds.
US08359255B2 Computer system for applying proactive referral model to long term disability claims
A computer system includes a data storage module. The data storage module receives, stores, and provides access to data related to long term disability claims. A proactive referral model component is coupled to the data storage module, and determines whether to refer a current claim to an investigation unit. The proactive referral model is based on at least two of the following variables: (a) a variable that indicates that the claimant's diagnosis has changed; (b) a variable that indicates that the current claim in question was brought under any-occupation coverage; (c) a variable that reflects a market segment for a policy under which the current claim in question was brought; (d) a variable that has a value based on a state in which the claimant resides; and (e) a variable that represents an amount of experience of a claims handler who handled the current claim in question.
US08359236B1 Privacy-sensitive cookies
Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating cookies. Multiple advertisements for multiple advertisers are stored on an ad server. Hostnames specific to each of the multiple advertisers are generated dynamically. The generated hostnames identify the ad server. A reference is generated identifying a particular advertisement of the multiple advertisements and the ad server. The ad server is identified in the reference with the generated hostname associated with the advertiser of the advertisement. The reference is provided to a client. A request is received from the client for the advertisement. The request includes the generated hostname. In response to the request, a client cookie, which includes a unique identifier, is sent to the client.
US08359235B1 Business finder for locating local businesses to contact
Marketing techniques are disclosed that allow companies to efficiently identify target businesses to solicit for purchase of advertising products. One embodiment includes a map-based interface for selecting a neighborhood and locating any businesses known to a company selling advertising products in that area, with the intent of allowing a company representative to select a set of those businesses to contact regarding the company's advertising products. The map displays business listings as markers on the map, with color-coding used to indicate listings the representative has already contacted, and listings that some other representative has contacted.
US08359227B2 Real-time sales support and learning tool
A real time sales support method includes automatically monitoring an interaction between a sales agent and a customer. One or more contexts of the interaction are determined and, based on the contexts, stored information relevant to the interaction is automatically retrieved. The retrieved information is provided in an electronically presentable format to the sales agent to be shared with the customer.
US08359225B1 Trust-based video content evaluation
A system and method determines which uploaded videos to subject to further analysis based upon a measure of trust in the users who uploaded the videos. The evaluation system obtains the information about a user's uploaded video content to a video hosting website, determines a measure of trust of the user's account based on the user information, and ranks or classifies the user into a trust category base on the trust measure. The evaluation system determines the user's trust category responsive to user uploading a video, and selectively evaluates the uploaded video based on the trust category.
US08359224B2 Systems and/or methods for identifying service candidates based on service identification indicators and associated algorithms
Certain example embodiments relate to algorithmic and/or programmatic approaches to identifying service candidates from among business process functions. In certain example embodiments, a method of analyzing functions of a business process model for possible exposure as service capabilities in a service-oriented business process system (SO-BPS) is provided. A business process model defined by a plurality of objects is received, with each said object having metadata attributes associated therewith. Business process analysis intelligence is obtained at design time for each said object. Process performance intelligence at run time is obtained for each said object. Indicators corresponding to the design time and run time gathered intelligence are stored together with the metadata attributes for the corresponding object. Via at least one processor of the SO-BPS, an overall service candidate algorithm is applied to the stored indicators to arrive at a total service eligibility value for each process function in the model.
US08359216B2 System and method for finding business transformation opportunities by using a multi-dimensional shortfall analysis of an enterprise
A method and system for determining one or more shortfalls of one or more business components by multiple dimensions for business transformation, in one aspect define a plurality of shortfall types associated with a plurality of business components, define a plurality of dimensions of the plurality of business components, construct a shortfall assessment model for the plurality of dimensions, load a business model associated with the plurality of business components, compute shortfall assessment by performing a daisy chain analysis using the shortfall assessment model and the business model for said plurality of shortfalls and associated shortfall types, and presenting the shortfall assessment using visualization.
US08359214B1 System and method for processing data related to charges applicable to investment accounts
A system for data processing for an account of a financial product has a processor and a memory. The processor receives an account value and a charge applicable to the account based on a fraction of the value of the account; on a basis of a second period, shorter than a first period. Throughout the first period, the processor calculates a fractional charge based on the value of the account, and updates the account value by decrementing the account value in the amount of the fractional charge. At the end of the first period, the processor compares a charge for the first period based on the account value on one day during the first period to a sum of the fractional charges for the first period, and increases the account value by the difference if the first period charge is less than the sum of the fractional charges.
US08359212B2 System and method for processing data related to longevity insurance
The present invention provides a life insurance product known as longevity insurance. Longevity insurance mitigates longevity risk, the risk that an individual will outlive his or her assets. More specifically, the purchase of longevity insurance guarantees an individual a predetermined, periodic income payment for the life of the purchaser. The guaranteed stream of monthly income commences at a later date, which may be utilized to supplement an existing income level or provide income in the event that the individual outlives his or her accumulated assets.
US08359211B2 System and method for active insurance underwriting using intelligent IP-addressable devices
A system and method are disclosed herein for maintaining an inventory of assets located at an insured property covered under an insurance policy based on data received from IP-addressable devices located at the property. The system includes an inventory database for storing inventory information about assets located at an insured property, a communication interface for receiving registration and operational data associated with an IP-addressable device, and a business logic computer. The business logic computer creates a data structure for storing inventory information about assets located at the insured property in the inventory database for each insured property. The business logic computer determines, for the insured property, the inventory information about the insured property's assets based on registration and operational data received from its IP-addressable devices located at the property. The business logic computer stores the insured property's inventory information in its associated data structure in the inventory database.
US08359209B2 System and method for predicting and responding to likelihood of volatility
The invention relates generally to data analysis, and to systems and methods for the computation of the volatility of a loss. The system comprises a module for receiving a data parameter, a database for storing the parameter, a computerized predictive model, and a business logic processor for executing the predictive model. The volatility is used to, among other things, determine an appropriate work flow for handling the loss.
US08359199B2 Frame erasure concealment technique for a bitstream-based feature extractor
A frame erasure concealment technique for a bitstream-based feature extractor in a speech recognition system particularly suited for use in a wireless communication system operates to “delete” each frame in which an erasure is declared. The deletions thus reduce the length of the observation sequence, but have been found to provide for sufficient speech recognition based on both single word and “string” tests of the deletion technique.
US08359198B2 Pre-processing and speech codec encoding of ring-back audio signals transmitted over a communication network to a subscriber terminal
A method of pre-processing an audio signal transmitted to a user terminal via a communication network and an apparatus using the method are provided. The method of pre-processing the audio signal may prevent deterioration of a sound quality of the audio signal transmitted to the user terminal by pre-processing the audio signal, and by enabling a codec module, encoding the audio signal, to determine the audio signal as a speech signal. The method of pre-processing may include separating the audio signal into channels, measuring the channel energy for each of the channels, selecting a specific channel energy, and amplifying the specific channel energy. The method may include encoding an audio signal using a speech codec and/or decoding an encoded audio signal using the speech codec.
US08359197B2 Half-rate vocoder
Encoding a sequence of digital speech samples into a bit stream includes dividing the digital speech samples into one or more frames, computing model parameters for a frame, and quantizing the model parameters to produce pitch bits conveying pitch information, voicing bits conveying voicing information, and gain bits conveying signal level information. One or more of the pitch bits are combined with one or more of the voicing bits and one or more of the gain bits to create a first parameter codeword that is encoded with an error control code to produce a first FEC codeword that is included in a bit stream for the frame. The process may be reversed to decode the bit stream.
US08359192B2 System and method for internet radio station program discovery
An Internet radio station program discovery service is provided. In general, the discovery service subscribes to or downloads a number of Internet radio station programs. For each radio station program, the discovery service analyzes audio content of the radio station program to dynamically categorize the radio station program over time. The discovery service also enables users to discover radio station programs of interest based on the dynamic categorizations of the radio station programs. The users may be enabled to search for radio station programs of interest based on the dynamic categorizations of the radio station programs, navigate or browse the radio station programs based on the dynamic categorizations of the radio station programs, or the like.
US08359190B2 Identifying semantic positions of portions of a text
A computer executable method includes determining semantic positions in a semantic space of portions of a text. Once the semantic positions of portions of the text have been determined, an action is performed with respect to the text based on the determined semantic positions.
US08359183B1 System and method for identifying and reducing model complexities affecting model verification
An embodiment includes a computer-readable media storing instructions that when executed on processing logic execute a process for reducing complexity. The media stores instructions for identifying data dependencies in a model having executable semantics, the data dependencies affecting verification of the model and for selecting a location in the model, the location having data dependencies with other locations in the model, the location to be verified when the model is verified. The media also stores instructions for detecting complexities in the model, the complexities related to the selected location and presenting information about a source for at least one of the complexities. The media further stores instructions for eliminating the source for the at least one of the complexities and for transforming the model into an updated model based on the eliminating, the updated model not including the source for the at least one of the complexities.
US08359182B2 Methods and systems for evaluating the performance of MEMS-based inertial navigation systems
Disclosed are systems and methods for evaluating the navigation performance of MEMS inertial sensors. The method uses MEMS inertial sensors static data signals to estimate the static sensor errors and combines them with a reference kinematic signal obtained through field testing of a high-grade inertial sensor. Such emulated field data may then be processed with the corresponding GPS data collected in the same or different field test to evaluate the navigation performance of the MEMS inertial sensors.
US08359181B2 Fast clustering of position data for user profiling
A method of position clustering includes maintaining a set of clusters by storing a rectangular boundary of each cluster in the set of clusters, a centroid within each cluster, and a number of the points within each cluster. The method further includes adding a point to a cluster in the set of clusters when the cluster bounds the point by adjusting the rectangular boundary of the cluster, the centroid within the cluster, and the number of the points within the cluster.
US08359180B2 Thermal analysis apparatus
To avoid an influence on measurement accuracy in a case where an observation window for a measurement sample is provided to a thermal analysis apparatus, the influence being imposed by thermal conduction through the observation window, the observation window is formed of layers of transparent members, and a gap layer is provided between the layers, to thereby reduce the thermal conduction. Gas or solid having a high heat insulation property is employed for the gap layer to further enhance a heat insulation property of the observation window. Accordingly, a change due to heating of the measurement sample is visually observed in the thermal analysis apparatus, to thereby obtain a thermal change or a physical change with higher accuracy.
US08359179B2 Test equipment and portable test device
The present invention relates to an equipment, device (10; 110) and apparatus for applying electrical stimuli to a system and acquiring a system response. According to the present invention there is provided a test equipment such as a portable test device (10; 110) for testing a system, the equipment comprising: signal generation means, signal receiving means, and signal processing means, wherein, in use, the signal generation means generates a signal to be applied to a system to be tested and the signal receiving means receives a response signal of the system, and the generated and response signals undergo processing by the signal processing means so as to provide a measure of a characteristic of the system, wherein further the generated signal comprises a plurality of periodic signals each of different frequency and phase and which are applied to the system simultaneously. The equipment finds particular use in the field of dentistry, but also finds other uses, e.g. in medicine and also in corrosion detection and battery testing.
US08359177B2 Multicarrier reflectometry device and method for on-line diagnosis of at least one transmission line
A multi-carrier reflectometry device and method for on-line diagnosis of at least one transmission line. The device includes: a transmission part that includes successively: a module for parameterizing a test signal SF, such that: sF=[0,c1ejθ1,c2ejθ2, . . . ,CN/2-1ejθN/2-1,CN/2,CN/2-1ejθN/2-1,cN/2-2ejθN/2-2, . . . ,c1ejθ1]T, a module for synthesizing the test signal by inverse discrete Fourier transform, and a digital to analog converter, connected to the line; and a detection part that includes successively: an analog to digital converter connected to this transmission line, a discrete Fourier transform module, and an analysis module containing a deconvolution module, which also receives the test signal sF.
US08359169B2 Method and apparatus for predicting physical contact
A method of qualifying a ferrule assembly as being adequate to make physical contact upon application of a certain mating force, said ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule having an mating face and two or more fibers in said ferrule extending from said mating face, said method comprising (a) determining a coplanarity line of the ends of said fibers of said ferrule assembly, (b) determining minus coplanarity, said minus coplanarity being the greatest parallel offset between said coplanarity line and a fiber end below the coplanarity line; and (c) determining whether said ferrule assembly will make physical contact as a function of at least said minus coplanarity and said certain mating force.
US08359162B2 Terrain correction systems
A method, apparatus and computer program code for processing data from potential field surveys, particularly airborne gravity field surveys, to correct for the effects of terrain. A method of processing potential field measurement data from a moving platform survey for mapping a field includes data defining a time series of potential field measurements captured by a potential field measurement instrument mounted on a moving platform, each of the measurements having associated data defining positions, inputting terrain data defining a spatial variation of terrain surveyed, determining time-domain correction data to be applied to the measured potential field data in the time-domain, and adjusting the measured potential field data defining the time series of potential field measurements using the time-domain correction data to provide terrain corrected measured potential field data for the mapping of the field.
US08359160B2 Method for the operation of a navigation device
The present invention relates to a method for operating a navigation device comprising an input device into which operating commands and/or location data, especially start data and/or destination data, can be entered, a road network database, a route calculation unit for calculating and storing a planned route taking into account the location data and the road network database, a signal receiving unit for receiving position signals, particularly GPS signals, a position determining unit for determining the current position of a vehicle, and a display device. In embodiments, the method comprises the following steps: a) the current vehicle position is determined taking into account the received position signals; b) a route preview is calculated which represents at least one section of the planned route as a film sequence, starting from the current vehicle position; c) the route preview is displayed.
US08359155B2 Vehicle driving operation support apparatus/method and vehicle
A motor vehicle includes a vehicle driving operation support system. The vehicle driving operation support system senses an environment surrounding the motor vehicle; senses a traveling condition of the motor vehicle; calculates a risk potential of the motor vehicle on a basis of the sensed environment and the sensed traveling condition; controls the motor vehicle on a basis of a control setpoint. The vehicle driving operation support system sets on a basis of the calculated risk potential the control setpoint to a provisional setpoint effective for reducing the risk potential; senses driver's operation in reaction to the controlling operation with the control setpoint set to the provisional setpoint; and sets the control setpoint to a normal setpoint on a basis of the sensed driver's operation.
US08359145B2 Flywheel driveline and control arrangement
In an energy storage and recovery system for a hybrid vehicle 1, the operating ratio range of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) 10 which transfers drive between the vehicle's driveline 8 and a flywheel 9 is effectively extended by the use of an integrated starter-generator (ISG) 13 connected to the flywheel shaft 12. When there is a high mismatch of rotational speed between the propshaft 8 and the flywheel shaft 12, prior to connecting the two shafts by a clutch 11, the ISG 13 either spins up or decelerates the flywheel 9 until its speed is brought within the optimum operating range of the CVT 10. This measure reduces wear and tear on the clutch 11.
US08359141B1 Calibrated farming system
An apparatus, method and tangible medium using row sensing for calibrating geographical positions for guiding a farm implement and calibrated geographical positions for steering a vehicle along a row.
US08359140B2 Pedal lock control device for work vehicle
A pedal lock control device for work vehicle includes: a motor driving device that drives a travel hydraulic motor in response to an operation amount of a travel pedal; a locking device that locks the travel pedal in a state of being operated; an instruction device that instructs lock and unlock of the travel pedal by the locking device upon an operation by an operator; a first detection device that detects a first signal change according to an unlock operation which is an operation that reflects an intention of an operator to release the locking device and is other than an unlock operation by the instruction device; a second detection device that detects a second signal change according to an unlock operation which is an operation that reflects an intention of an operator to release the locking device and is other than the unlock operation by the instruction device, with the second signal change being different from the first signal change; and a lock control device that unlocks the locking device when an unlock operation is detected by at least one of the first detection device and the second detection device in a state where the travel pedal is locked by the locking device.
US08359137B2 Method and device for operating a motor vehicle
For the operation of a motor vehicle (2), when a critical (CRIT) operation state (STATE) of the motor vehicle (2) and/or a drive system (4) of the motor vehicle (2) is detected in which an operation error (ERROR) can occur, a driver of the motor vehicle (2) is signaled (SIG) that there is a critical (CRIT) operation state (STATE). When the operation error (ERROR) occurs, the system is switched into a limited operation (LIMIT) of the drive system (4).
US08359133B2 Engine power elevation and active battery charge energy management strategies for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
A method for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) having an engine and a battery configured to respectively deliver engine power and battery power to provide a total output power for powering the vehicle includes the following. An elevated engine power which falls within a total output power range where only engine power without battery power may be delivered to power the vehicle in response to a driver demand power and which is greater than the combination of the driver demand power and vehicle powering losses is determined. The engine delivers the elevated engine power in response to the driver demand power. The extra engine power is transferred to the battery for the battery to buffer.
US08359124B2 Energy optimization system
A system for optimizing customer utility usage in a utility network of customer sites, each having one or more utility devices, where customer site is communicated between each of the customer sites and an optimization server having software for optimizing customer utility usage over one or more networks, including private and public networks. A customer site model for each of the customer sites is generated based upon the customer site information, and the customer utility usage is optimized based upon the customer site information and the customer site model. The optimization server can be hosted by an external source or within the customer site. In addition, the optimization processing can be partitioned between the customer site and an external source.
US08359113B2 Method and an apparatus for processing an audio signal
A method of processing an audio signal is disclosed. The present invention comprises receiving downmix signal including object signals, transforming the downmix signal per frequency band, determining a direction of an object signal from the transformed downmix signal, and determining blind information by estimating a level of the object signal corresponding to the direction. Accordingly, the present invention generates blind information in case of using an encoder incapable of generating object information, thereby enabling a gain and panning of object to be controlled using the blind information.
US08359109B2 Apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a process variable
An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one sensor unit for registering the process variable, wherein the sensor unit produces measurement signals; at least one electronics unit for controlling the sensor unit, wherein the electronics unit has at least one microprocessor; and at least one memory unit, which is associated with the sensor unit, and in which control data are storable. The control data specifically relate to the sensor unit and can be read out by the electronics unit. The microprocessor of the electronics unit is embodied in such a manner, that the microprocessor executes in an inactive state only basic functionalities, and that the microprocessor in an active state controls the sensor unit. The microprocessor transfers from the inactive state into the active state transfers by loading control data from the memory unit.
US08359107B2 Electrode design for leads of implantable electric stimulation systems and methods of making and using
A lead includes a lead body with a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of terminals are disposed at the proximal end of the lead body. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the lead body. Each electrode includes an electrode body and at least one anchoring member. The at least one anchoring member couples to the electrode body and extends into the lead body and beneath the electrode body to anchor the electrode to the lead body. A plurality of conductive wires electrically couple the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of terminals.
US08359089B2 Reconstruction of a surface electrocardiogram from far field signals extracted of an endocardial electrogram
Reconstruction of a surface electrocardiogram from far field signals extracted from an endocardial electrogram in an active medical device is disclosed. The device collects a ventricular EGM signal (EGMV) and an atrial EGM signal (EGMA), and extracts a ventricular far field signal component (FFV) and an atrial far field signal component (FFA). The ventricular and atrial far field signal components are combined to deliver as an output a reconstructed surface electrogram ECG signal (ECGj*). The ventricular and atrial far field signals are respectively extracted from the collected ventricular and atrial EGM signals (FFV, FFA). The reconstruction of the ECG is operated by ventricular (18) and atrial (16) far field signal estimator filters. According to one embodiment, the far field signal estimator filters are linear or nonlinear filters, receiving as input the far field signal components. An adder (20) adds the filtered signals and delivers as output the reconstructed ECG signal (ECGj*).
US08359087B2 Liquid injector with appropriate operating conditions set by selecting displayed image
A liquid injector stores data of operating conditions of a liquid injection mechanism for regions to be imaged, and also stores data of schematic images of a plurality of body sections and schematic images of regions to be imaged in association with each other. The liquid injector displays the schematic images in the shape of a human body. When one of the schematic images of the corresponding regions is selected, the liquid injector reads the data of corresponding operating conditions, and controls operation of the liquid injection mechanism according to the read operating conditions. When the operator manually selects one of the schematic images of the body sections and then manually selects one of the schematic images of the corresponding regions, the liquid injector automatically injects a contrast medium into the subject under operating conditions corresponding to the selected region to be imaged.
US08359085B2 Method and system for performing coordinate transformation for navigation-guided procedures utilizing an imaging tool and a position-determining system
The invention relates to a method and device for performing coordinate transformation for navigation-guided procedures using an imaging diagnostic tool, especially an X-ray diagnostic tool, and a position-determining system. In the vicinity of the image receiver, the diagnostic tool has one or more three-dimensional reference structure that can be touched with a pointer of a position-determining system. From the known geometry of the three-dimensional reference structure and the coordinates of the touched points determined by the position-determining system, a coordinate transformation is created between the coordinate system of the diagnostic tool and the coordinate system of the position-determining system. Navigation for an instrument captured by the position-determining system can be performed in reconstructed images of the diagnostic tool after the registration procedure.
US08359082B2 Catheter having a force sensing distal tip
A catheter for contact force sensing includes a catheter body, a deflectable section, and a distal section having a tip electrode and a contact force sensor for sensing a 3D contact force vector applied to the tip electrode. The contact force sensor has a body and at least one sensor with an electrical characteristic responsive to deformation of the body resulting from the force vector. The sensor receives an electrical current and outputs an electrical signal indicative of a change in the electrical characteristic. The sensor may be a strain gage responsive to tension and compression of at least a portion of the body of the force sensor, and the electrical characteristic may be electrical resistivity of the strain gage. Alternatively, the sensor may be responsive to strain and stress of at least a portion of the body, and the electrical characteristic is inductance or hysteresis loss.
US08359076B2 Mobile wireless communications device having improved antenna impedance match and antenna gain from RF energy
A mobile wireless communications device and associated method of making same includes a housing and circuit board having a ground plane. Radio frequency (RF) circuitry and a processor are carried by the circuit board and operative with each other. An antenna is carried by the housing and operative with the RF circuitry. Audio circuitry is carried by the circuit board and operative with the RF circuitry and processor. An audio transducer assembly such as a receiver is carried by the circuit board and engages audio circuitry for carrying audio signals between the audio circuitry and speaker. A filter is mounted at the speaker for blocking RF energy from the antenna through the speaker to the ground plane and decoupling the antenna from the speaker and any other components on the circuit board to minimize any detuning of antenna impedance match and degradation in antenna gain.
US08359071B2 Power management techniques for a universal serial bus
Power management techniques for a universal serial bus are described. For example, a mobile computing device may include an interface having a universal serial bus, a host processor to couple to the interface, and a radio module to couple to the interface. The radio module may have a radio processor and a detector, the detector operative to detect temporary block flow from radio signals communicated over wireless shared media, the radio processor to enable the universal serial bus when the detector detects the temporary block flow and disable the universal serial bus when the detector does not detect the temporary block flow for a guard interval. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08359062B2 Network access across wireless technologies
Techniques for accessing wireless networks are disclosed. For instance, an apparatus may include a control module to broadcast messages for transmission within a coverage area of a first type of a wireless communications network. In addition, the apparatus may include a storage medium that stores access parameters for wireless network(s) of a second type that are accessible within the coverage area. Additionally, the control module may generate messages for transmission that include the one or more access parameters. The types of wireless communications networks may be, for example, wireless cellular networks and wireless data communications networks.
US08359052B1 Transmit power adaptation algorithm using 802.11H
A first wireless device including a control module and a transmitter. The control module is configured to estimate a first path loss between the first wireless device and a second wireless device, estimate a second path loss between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, generate an absolute value of a difference between the first path loss and the second path loss, and compare the absolute value of the difference between the first path loss and the second path loss to a predetermined threshold. The transmitter is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal at the first minimum transmit power in response to the absolute value of the difference being less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, and transmit the radio frequency signal at a second minimum transmit power in response to the absolute value being greater than the predetermined threshold.
US08359044B2 Enhanced mobile location method and system
A method and system is disclosed for locating a mobile radio terminal in a radio communications network. The method makes use of additional positional constraints provided as a result of unreported cells. In one form of the invention, a likely reason for a particular cell not being reported is determined and an associated probability term is determined for use in a position location model. The invention also relates to a system for implementing the method.
US08359039B2 System and method for sharing a control channel for carrier aggregation
A method for processing a control channel at a user agent (UA) to identify at least one of an uplink and a downlink resource allocated by a resource grant within a multi-carrier communication system wherein resource grants are specified by control channel element (CCE) subset candidates, the method comprising the steps of identifying the number of carriers used to communicate with the access device, based on the number of carriers used to communicate with the access device, identifying a number of CCE subset candidates to decode and decoding up to the identified number of CCE subset candidates in an attempt to identify the resource grant.
US08359038B2 Channel access for local heterogeneous communication in a cellular network
In an exemplary embodiment there are determined which radio resource are to be used for contention based access, and the allocated radio resource is accessed according to a probability function that varies in dependence on at least one of interference measured on the allocated radio resource and a received power level for the allocated radio resource. By example the radio resource is allocated by a cellular base station for use in D2D communications; the base station provides configuration parameters for the D2D communications via common or dedicated signaling; the received power level is a target received power level that is received via broadcast system information or dedicated control signaling; and/or the received power level is itself a function of pathloss on a wireless link to the cellular base station. Embodiments are presented for method, apparatus, and tangibly stored computer program.
US08359037B2 Adaptive sleep area
Techniques for determining a sleep area of a sleep group in a wireless communications network based on a value of a dynamically changing communication characteristic. In various embodiments, a sleep area may be determined to reduce resource use in a wireless communication network supporting a sleep mode of a mobile station. In one embodiment, the sleep area may be determined based on a speed of a mobile station.
US08359029B2 System, method, and device for providing communications using a distributed mobile architecture
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium of a first distributed management architecture (DMA) system includes a first home location register (HLR) that stores information associated with one or more mobile subscribers that are registered with the first DMA system. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium includes a community location register (CLR) associated with a second DMA system. The CLR stores information associated with a second HLR of the second DMA system, and the second HLR stores information associated with one or more mobile subscribers that are registered with the second DMA system. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to initiate connection of a call from a first mobile subscriber to a second mobile subscriber via the first DMA system and the second DMA system when the second mobile subscriber is registered with the second DMA system.
US08359028B1 Mitigating the impact of handoffs through comparison of historical call lengths
Methods and devices for mitigating the impact of handoffs to non-preferred wireless coverage areas are presented. In particular, a RAN may determine that a first wireless communication device (WCD) and a second WCD are contending for a resource of a preferred wireless coverage area, and that both of the WCDs are likely to be handed off to non-preferred wireless coverage area(s) if they are not granted the resource. Both WCDs may be subscribed to a home wireless service provider that also controls and/or operates the preferred wireless coverage area. The RAN may compare historical call length data of the first WCD with historical call length data of the second WCD. Based on the outcome of this comparison, the RAN may allocate the resource to the WCD that would likely incur higher roaming fees to the home wireless service provider if that WCD were to roam to a non-preferred wireless coverage area.
US08359019B2 Interaction analysis and prioritization of mobile content
A computer system having one or more non-transitory computer readable mediums having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of the computer system, causes the one or more processors to prioritize a target mobile content by (a) receiving interaction information relating to the target mobile content accessed by a user of a first mobile communication facility; (b) receiving a datum associated with the first mobile communication facility, wherein the datum corresponds to geographic information relating to the mobile communication facility; (c) weighting the mobile content based at least in part on the interaction information and the geographic information relating to the mobile communication facility; and (d) providing the weight as a parameter for use in the prioritization of the target mobile content for presentation on a second mobile communication facility.
US08359013B2 System and methods for wireless messaging
A mobile device receives via a wireless network an enable message which indicates that a data message has been received and is ready for retrieval. The mobile device then provides an indication which indicates that the data message has been received, and includes a subset of the data message. After providing the indication, the mobile device detects a user-initiated entry into a messaging application. In response to detecting the user-initiated entry, the mobile device examines a setting in a data store which is provided in response to the enable message. If the setting is provided in the data store, the mobile device requests the data message by sending via the wireless network a fetch message and subsequently receives the data message. If the setting is not provided in the data store, the mobile device refrains from sending the fetch message.
US08359011B2 Non-visual inbox summary for mobile communication devices
A mobile communication device is operable to receive and store messages in a defined message inbox. A user input device is provided to permit a user of the device to make a message inbox status query. In answer to the query, the device provides a non-visual response communicating one or more characteristics of the message inbox. Such characteristics are definable and the method of providing a non-visual response communication is configurable. The non-visual response potentially includes an auditory communication that is provided in response to a query made using an easy to access button located on the device.
US08359008B2 Security system and method for an electronic device
A security system and method for an electronic device include comparing data in a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card with data in a virtual SIM card, if the virtual SIM card is not blank. The security system further include determining whether the electronic device has received a command of reporting loss of the SIM card from the network server, if the data in the SIM card is the same as the data in the virtual SIM card. The security method further includes running the electronic device normally if the electronic device has not received the command of reporting loss of the SIM card. If the command of reporting loss is received, a contact list and message of the electronic device are deleted and a calling function of the electronic device is disabled.
US08359006B1 Using communications records to detect unauthorized use of telecommunication services
Subject matter described herein is directed to detecting fraudulent use of telecommunication services. Different attributes (e.g., dialed number, start location, start time, end time, etc.) are analyzed that describe communication instances. When an authorized-use parameter is violated, fraudulent use can be detected. Once unauthorized use of services with a mobile device has been detected, a location of the mobile device can be used to determine a locus of fraudulent activity.
US08359003B1 Alternative text billing system and method
An alternative billing system for communication service, comprising a gateway comprising a processor and a memory, and an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, receives a text message from an originating electronic device, determines that an account balance associated with the originating electronic device lacks sufficient funds to pay for origination of the text message, sends a message to a terminating electronic device identified by the text message to inquire if the terminating electronic device wants to be billed for the origination of the text message, when a message accepting billing for the origination of the text message is received from the terminating electronic device, sends the text message to the terminating electronic device, and when a message rejecting billing for the origination of the text message is received from the terminating electronic device, does not send the text message to the terminating electronic device.
US08359001B2 Identifying the location of mobile stations
A user of a first mobile station, which is lost either in silent mode or switch-off mode may send a ‘Find-Me’ message to the first mobile station from a second mobile station. The first mobile station, after receiving the ‘Find-Me’ message, may power-on the first mobile station enabling the first mobile station to receive voice call and messages. Also, if the first mobile station is in silent mode, the first mobile station may change the profile of the first mobile station from a silent to a regular-noisy mode. The user of first mobile station may call-up the first mobile station and identifies the location of the first mobile station by tracking the ringing sound. The first mobile station may send a location message to the second mobile station in response to receiving the ‘Find-Me’ message that may be used to identify the location of the first mobile station.
US08358997B2 Method and system for measuring receiver mixer IQ mismatch
A system for correcting a mismatch between an in-phase path and a quadrature path in a receiver, the system including one or more processors operable to correlate a received signal with a complex training sequence having periodic, uncorrelated real and imaginary components, thereby generating a complex correlation. The one or more processors estimate a gain mismatch and a phase mismatch based on the complex correlation over a unit period. The one or more processors control a first receive filter in the in-phase path via a first digital-to-analog controller, and control a second receive filter in the quadrature path via a second digital-to-analog controller. The cutoff frequency and bandwidth of the first receive filter is controlled independently of the second receive filter to enable the output of the first receive filter and the output of the second receive filter to be tightly matched.
US08358990B2 Method and device for transmitting a signal in a multi-antenna system, signal, and method for estimating the corresponding transmission channels
A method is provided for transmitting a digital signal via n transmit antennas, wherein n is strictly greater than 2. The method includes combining with a source data vector n vectors to be transmitted respectively by each of the transmit antennas by a coding matrix M with a yield equal to 1, using reference symbols known to at least one receiver whereby it is able to estimate at least three transmission channels corresponding respectively to each of the transmit antennas. The coding matrix M applies a mathematical transformation to the reference symbols prior to the transmission thereof.
US08358981B1 Minimally invasive networked surgical system and method
A system for performing non-invasive networked medical procedures including a number of in vivo medical devices, a communication path between at least two of the devices, an ex vivo control unit to control the behavior of the devices, and a wireless communication path between the control unit and at least one of the devices. An associated method for performing non-invasive networked medical procedures is also provided.
US08358976B2 Wireless device with an aggregate user interface for controlling other devices
An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system make a determination that a wireless device is in proximity to at least one secondary wireless device, and determine an aggregate user interface on the wireless device based on the determination.
US08358969B2 Feedback delay control in an echo cancellation repeater
A wireless repeater includes an echo canceller to cancel an estimated feedback amount from an input signal and a delay to delay the input signal. The delay may be selected to decorrelate a remote signal from a signal to be transmitted by the repeater.
US08358966B2 Detecting and measuring exposure to media content items
User exposure to media items is detected and measured. A mobile client device carried by a user digitally samples the audio environment of the user on a regular basis. These samples are transformed into a stream of data signatures and compared with reference media items to detect user exposure to the reference items. Purchase behavior following exposure to selected media content items can be detected and tracked as well, so as to gauge effectiveness of media items such as advertisements.
US08358964B2 Methods and systems for collecting responses
Implementations feature scannable form techniques and systems. Some aspects feature an apparatus that includes a pen-camera device, an electronic clipboard to store the pen-camera device, and a docking station for the clipboard. The clipboard includes a retention clip to hold a form on a substantially planar surface, and a pen-camera storage compartment to store the pen-camera device. The clipboard includes a power supply interface for charging the pen-camera device, a communication interface to transmit image and location data from the pen-camera device, and electrical interfaces for the clipboard docking station. The pen-camera device can mark response data on the form, optically scan response data and location data on the form, and associate time-stamped information for the marked responses on the form for error checking and fraud detection. The scannable form can include an area for encoded information that identifies a location and arrangement of a position-coding pattern on the form.
US08358963B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for interactive presentation of educational content and related devices
A method of presenting educational content to a plurality of students in a classroom includes displaying the educational content on an instructor terminal in the classroom. A synchronization command is wirelessly transmitted to a plurality of portable student terminals in the classroom according to a localized wireless connection protocol. The synchronization command is configured to display, on the plurality of portable student terminals, the educational content that is displayed on the instructor terminal. The plurality of portable student terminals may be respectively associated with ones of the plurality of students who are registered for an academic course associated with the educational content. An ad hoc wireless data connection may also be selectively established with at least one of the plurality of portable student terminals in the classroom. Related systems, devices, and computer program products are also discussed.
US08358953B2 Image-forming device having holder unit for toner box
An image forming device includes: a main casing; a holder unit; a plurality of image bearing members; a plurality of developing units; a plurality of toner boxes; a first acting portion; a second acting portion; and an abutment member. The holder unit is configured to be movable in a moving direction between an accommodated position and a pull-out position. The plurality of image bearing members are held by the holder unit and are juxtaposedly arrayed in the moving direction with intervals between neighboring image bearing members. The plurality of developing units are held by the holder unit in one to one correspondence with the plurality of image bearing members. The plurality of toner boxes are detachably attachable to the holder unit in one to one correspondence with the plurality of developing units. Each toner box is detachably attachable to the holder unit at the pull-out position.
US08358951B2 Image forming apparatus, process cartridge and developing cartridge with electrode
An image forming apparatus that includes: an image carrier; a developing cartridge detachably mountable with respect to the image carrier; a processing device to which voltage acting between the image carrier and the processing device is applied; and a first electrode, wherein the developing cartridge further includes: a developing roller on which toner is capable of being held; and a second electrode capable of being electrically connected with the first electrode when the developing cartridge is mounted with respect to the image carrier, the processing device further includes: a third electrode capable of being electrically connected with the second electrode when the developing cartridge is mounted with respect to the image carrier, wherein the second electrode positions the developing cartridge in an axial direction of the developing roller.
US08358948B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body and a pressing member each of which includes a waveform elastic layer having at least one wave crest and at least one wave trough to form a waveform face between the fixing rotary body and the pressing member pressed against each other. A controller identifies a temperature differential between a first temperature of the wave crest of the fixing rotary body detected by a first temperature detector and a second temperature of the wave trough of the fixing rotary body detected by a second temperature detector and adjusts an amount of heat stored from a heater into the fixing rotary body based on the identified temperature differential.
US08358947B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus having improved accuracy of temperature control
In a fixing device, having a sheet portion and an inter-sheet portion, heats and fixes the toner image onto each of sheets by rotationally bringing the sheet portion into contact with each sheet. A heating unit heats the fixing unit. A sensing unit senses a temperature of the fixing unit. A control unit controls a duty ratio of on/off of the heating unit based on a sensing output of the sensing unit, determines whether the sensing unit is sensing the temperature of the sheet portion or the temperature of the inter-sheet portion in a rotation cycle, and controls the temperature of the heating unit by using the adjustment value corresponding to the sheet portion or the inter-sheet portion depending on a determination result.
US08358944B2 Image forming apparatus and method for print control
Provided are an image forming apparatus and a method for print control which can carry out printing using appropriate toners without selecting an apparatus to be used from apparatuses loaded with different toner groups depending on a print object. In an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming section including photoreceptor drums, writing units to form electrostatic latent images on the photoreceptor drums, and development devices to carry out development by feeding toners to the latent image, there are loaded, as the toners, a first toner group (for example, normal toners) containing three colors of CMY; a second toner group (for example, Vivid toners) containing three colors of CMY with a wider color reproduction area than the first toner group; and a K (black) toner.
US08358943B2 Electric power relaying unit and image forming apparatus having the same
An electric power relaying unit of an image forming apparatus which includes an electric power blocking unit which selectively blocks the alternating current electric power output from the electric power input unit to be input to the electric power output unit, the electric power blocking unit including: a switching unit which switches an input of the alternating current electric power with respect to the electric power output unit; an electric power detecting unit which detects an electric power property; a memory unit in which a predetermined electric power property information is stored; and a control unit which controls a switching operation of the switching unit if determining that the detected electric power property corresponds to a predetermined electric power property in a failure of the image forming apparatus main body from a comparison result.
US08358929B2 Network protection switching mechanisms and methods of network protection
A network protection switching mechanism comprises a plurality of optical switches located at a plurality of nodes; a plurality of optical communication paths between said switches; switch based fault detectors located as part of at least two switches which generate detection results representative of the identification of a fault; switch based controllers located as part of said at least two switches; and internal switch-communication means between said fault detectors and said controllers which facilitate the transmission of detection results from said fault detectors to said controllers; wherein said controllers directly cause switching to an alternative optical communication path dependent upon the receipt of said detection results; whereby autonomous switch based protection without dependence on either inter-switch control communication or higher level network control communication is achieved.
US08358911B2 Systems and methods for reducing disruptions in recorded programming
Various embodiments reduce disruptions in recorded programming, by automatically recording retransmissions of prior programming. In one embodiment, a recording manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The recording manager detects a disruption in a recorded program. In response, the recording manager automatically records, or schedules a recording of, a later transmission of the same program. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.