Document Document Title
US08466072B2 Process of localized electrografting onto photosensitive semiconductor substrates
A process for preparing an organic film on a selected zone at the surface of a photosensitive semiconductor substrate, including (i) bringing a liquid solution which includes at least one organic adhesion primer into contact with at least the selected zone; (ii) polarizing the surface of the substrate to an electric potential more cathodic than the reduction potential of the organic adhesion primer; and (iii) exposing the selected zone to light radiation, the energy of which is at least equal to that of the band gap of the photosensitive semiconductor substrate.
US08466063B2 Integration of bottom-up metal film deposition
A method of depositing a metal film on a substrate with patterned features includes placing a substrate with patterned features into a photo-induced chemical vapor deposition (PI-CVD) process chamber. The method also includes depositing a metal film by PI-CVD to fill the patterned features from bottom up.
US08466055B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first insulating layer, forming a trench in the first insulating layer, forming an interconnect in the trench, forming a space between the first insulating layer and the interconnect, and disposing an upper surface of the interconnect at a position higher than an upper surface of the first insulating layer, forming an air gap in the space and forming an etching stopper film over the first insulating layer and the interconnect, forming a second insulating layer over the etching stopper film, and forming a via in the second insulating layer to be disposed over the interconnect.
US08466049B2 Semiconductor device producing method with selective epitaxial growth
Disclosed is a producing method of a semiconductor device, including: loading a silicon substrate into a processing chamber, the silicon substrate having a silicon nitride film or a silicon oxide film on at least a portion of a surface thereof and a silicon surface being exposed from the surface; and alternately repeating a first introducing at least a silane-compound gas into the processing chamber and a second introducing at least etching gas a plurality of times to selectively grow an epitaxial film on the silicon surface, wherein the alternate repeating is started with the second introducing prior to the first introducing.
US08466046B2 Method for fabricating a porous semiconductor body region
A method may include producing at least one trench in a semiconductor body, starting from a surface of the semiconductor body, then producing at least one porous semiconductor body region in the semiconductor body starting from the at least one trench at least along a portion of the side walls of the trench, and then filling the trench with a semiconductor material of the semiconductor body.
US08466044B2 Memory cell that includes a carbon-based memory element and methods forming the same
Memory cells, and methods of forming such memory cells, are provided that include a carbon-based reversible resistivity switching material. In particular embodiments, methods in accordance with this invention form a memory cell by forming a carbon-based reversible resistance-switching material above a substrate, forming a carbon nitride layer above the carbon-based reversible resistance-switching material, and forming a barrier material above the carbon nitride layer using an atomic layer deposition process. Other aspects are also provided.
US08466037B2 Method for producing a thin chip comprising an integrated circuit
In a method for producing a very thin chip including an integrated circuit, a circuit structure is produced in a defined section of a semiconductor wafer. The defined wafer section is subsequently released from the semiconductor wafer. For this purpose, the wafer section is firstly freed such that it is held only via local web-like connections on the remaining semiconductor wafer, which web-like connections are arranged at a lateral periphery of the wafer section. The web-like connections are subsequently severed.
US08466024B2 Power domain controller with gated through silicon via having FET with horizontal channel
A semiconductor chip has a gated through silicon via (TSVG). The TSVG may be switched so that the TSVG can be made conducting or non-conducting. The semiconductor chip may be used between a lower level semiconductor chip and a higher semiconductor chip to control whether a voltage supply on the lower level semiconductor chip is connected to or disconnected from a voltage domain in the upper level semiconductor chip. The TSVG comprises an FET controlled by the lower level chip as a switch.
US08466016B2 Hafnium tantalum oxynitride dielectric
Electronic apparatus and methods may include a hafnium tantalum oxynitride film on a substrate for use in a variety of electronic systems. The hafnium tantalum oxynitride film may be structured as one or more monolayers. The hafnium tantalum oxynitride film may be formed using atomic layer deposition. Metal electrodes may be disposed on a dielectric containing a hafnium tantalum oxynitride film.
US08466014B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
It is an object to provide a manufacturing method of a structure of a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor film, in which threshold voltage at which a channel is formed is positive and as close to 0 V as possible. A protective insulating layer is formed to cover a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer that is dehydrated or dehydrogenated by first heat treatment, and second heat treatment at a temperature that is lower than that of the first heat treatment, in which the increase and decrease in temperature are repeated plural times, is performed, whereby a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer, in which threshold voltage at which a channel is formed is positive and as close to 0 V as possible without depending on the channel length, can be manufactured.
US08466012B1 Bulk FinFET and SOI FinFET hybrid technology
Hybrid bulk finFET and SOI finFET devices and methods for fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a method for fabricating a CMOS circuit having SOI finFET and bulk finFET devices includes the following steps. A wafer is provided having an active layer separated from a substrate by a BOX. Portions of the active layer and BOX are removed in a second region of the wafer so as to expose the substrate. An epitaxial material is grown in the second region of the wafer templated from the substrate. Fins are etched in the active layer and in the epitaxial material using fin lithography hardmasks. Gate stacks are formed covering portions of the fins which serve as channel regions of the SOI finFET/bulk finFET devices. An epitaxial material is grown on exposed portions of the fins which serves as source and drain regions of the SOI finFET/bulk finFET devices.
US08466005B2 Method for forming metal oxides and silicides in a memory device
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to memory devices and methods for fabricating such memory devices. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a resistive switching memory device includes depositing a metallic layer on a lower electrode disposed on a substrate and exposing the metallic layer to an activated oxygen source while heating the substrate to an oxidizing temperature within a range from about 300° C. to about 600° C. and forming a metal oxide layer from an upper portion of the metallic layer during an oxidation process. The lower electrode contains a silicon material and the metallic layer contains hafnium or zirconium. Subsequent to the oxidation process, the method further includes heating the substrate to an annealing temperature within a range from greater than 600° C. to about 850° C. while forming a metal silicide layer from a lower portion of the metallic layer during a silicidation process.
US08466001B1 Low-cost solution approach to deposit selenium and sulfur for Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 formation
Methods of forming copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) layers for photovoltaic devices are disclosed. In one aspect, a solution based selenization method in the formation of CIGS is provided. In some embodiments a substrate containing elemental copper (Cu), indium (In) and gallium (Ga) is coated with a solution comprising a source of selenium (Se) dissolved in a solvent. After coating with the selenium based solution, the substrate is heated to form the CIGS layer. Coating of the substrate with the selenium based solution may be carried out by dip coating, slit casting, gap coating, ink-jet type coating, among other techniques. The solution based selenization method disclosed herein provides high material utilization and low cost, unlike vacuum based processes.
US08466000B2 Backside-illuminated image sensor and fabricating method thereof
A backside-illuminated image sensor and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The fabricating method includes the following steps. Firstly, a first substrate having a first side and a second side is provided, wherein a sensing structure is formed on the first side of the first substrate, and the sensing structure includes an alignment mark. Then, a second substrate is provided and bonded to the first side of the first substrate. Then, a light-transmissible structure is formed on the second side of the first substrate at a location corresponding to the alignment mark. Afterwards, an optical structure is positioned on the second side of the first substrate by referring to the light-transmissible structure and the alignment mark.
US08465996B2 Surface treatment to improve resistive-switching characteristics
This disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device layer and associated memory cell structures. By performing a surface treatment process (such as ion bombardment) of a semiconductor device layer to create defects having a deliberate depth profile, one may create multistable memory cells having more consistent electrical parameters. For example, in a resistive-switching memory cell, one may obtain a tighter distribution of set and reset voltages and lower forming voltage, leading to improved device yield and reliability. In at least one embodiment, the depth profile is selected to modulate the type of defects and their influence on electrical properties of a bombarded metal oxide layer and to enhance uniform defect distribution.
US08465995B2 Array substrate for fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing an array substrate for a fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display includes: forming an auxiliary insulating layer having a first thickness; forming first and second photoresist patterns on the auxiliary insulating layer; performing an ashing to remove the second photoresist pattern and expose the auxiliary insulating layer therebelow; performing a dry etching to remove the auxiliary insulating layer not covered by the first photoresist pattern and expose a first passivation layer and to form an insulating pattern below the first photoresist pattern, the insulating pattern and the first photoresist pattern forming an undercut shape; forming a transparent conductive material layer having a fourth thickness less than the first thickness; and performing a lift-off process to remove the first photoresist pattern and the transparent conductive material layer thereon together and form a pixel electrode.
US08465983B1 Detection and delivery systems utilizing supported lipid bilayers
The invention relates to lipid bilayer coated beads and methods of using those beads in delivery systems, in immunoassays, in analytical assays and the like.
US08465980B2 Urine and serum biomarkers associated with diabetic nephropathy
Disclosed is use of urine and serum biomarkers in diagnosing diabetic nephropathy, staging diabetic nephropathy, monitoring diabetic nephropathy progress, and assessing efficacy of diabetic nephropathy treatments. These biomarkers include urine precursor alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, urine alpha-1 antitrypsin, urine alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, urine osteopontin, serum osteopontin, their fragments, and combinations thereof.
US08465979B2 Method for detecting tin
A method for the detection of tin is presented. A specimen is first contacted with a ruthenium-containing species to create a contacted region of the specimen. At least a portion of the contacted region is then irradiated by an excitation radiation and monitored for a relaxation radiation emitted in response to the excitation radiation.
US08465959B2 Proteases and methods for producing them
A secreted mature polypeptide derived from an S2A or S1E protease is described which after maturation has protease activity, which polypeptide when expressed and before maturation comprises a heterologous pro-region. Further, a method for producing polypeptide is described including the step of cultivating a recombinant host cell including a polynucleotide encoding a secreted mature polypeptide which after maturation has protease activity, which polypeptide when expressed and before maturation includes a heterologous pro-region derived from an S2A or S1E protease to produce a supermatant including the polypeptide. The polypeptide may also be recovered.
US08465957B2 Alpha-amylase variants
The invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, comprising mutations in two, three, four, five or six regions/positions. The variants have increased stability at high temperatures (relative to the parent). The invention also relates to a DNA construct comprising a DNA sequence encoding an alpha-amylase variant of the invention, a recombinant expression vector which carries a DNA construct of the invention, a cell which is transformed with a DNA construct of the invention, the use of an alpha-amylase variant of the invention for washing and/or dishwashing, textile desizing, starch liquefaction, a detergent additive comprising an alpha-amylase variant of the invention, a manual or automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising an alpha-amylase variant of the invention, a method for generating a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, which variant exhibits increased.
US08465956B2 Bioprocessing
Functionalized substrate materials, for example inorganic particles and/or synthetic polymeric particles, are used to enhance bioprocesses such as saccharification and fermentation.
US08465951B2 Method for simultaneous detection and discrimination of bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections of eye and central nervous system
The present invention relates to the diagnostic methods for identification of the single causative agent or more than one causative agent of ocular and nervous system infections among many probable pathogens, which can cause the infection. All the pathogens affecting a discrete area of eye or nervous system generally cause same clinical manifestations or syndromes. The present invention relates to detection and discrimination of the pathogen among the set of probable pathogens in a single test without resorting to a battery of tests each being directed at detection of one pathogen. The current invention aims at the syndrome based diagnostic replacing the diagnostics based on detection of individual pathogens.
US08465950B2 Global amplification using a randomly primed composite primer
The invention relates to the field of polynucleotide amplification. More particularly, the invention provides methods, compositions and kits for amplification of (i.e., making multiple copies of) a multiplicity of different polynucleotide template sequences using a randomly primed RNA/DNA composite primer.
US08465949B2 Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08465941B2 Procalcitonin-based diagnosis of infections or inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract in a patient with heart failure
The invention relates to a method for diagnosis of infections or inflammatory diseases of the airways and lungs with associated heart failure, wherein the marker procalcitonin or a partial sequence thereof is determined in a patient to be examined, in particular for classifying patients according to risk. The invention further relates to a diagnostic device and kit for carrying out the method.
US08465940B2 Method for electrochemically measuring 1,5-anhydroglucitol in whole blood
By a method for measuring 1,5-anhydroglucitol, comprising the steps of: eliminating or converting glucose interfering with the measurement of 1,5-anhydroglucitol and/or a derivative thereof beforehand; and measuring 1,5-anhydroglucitol performed thereafter, wherein such glucose and/or a derivative thereof are/is eliminated or converted in whole blood as such without performing blood cell separation, an enzyme for measuring 1,5-anhydroglucitol is allowed to act on without performing blood cell separation, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol is electrochemically measured, it becomes possible to measure 1,5-anhydroglucitol using a small amount of whole blood without resort to a centrifuge or the like. Accordingly, this measurement method can be applied to rapid measurement of 1,5-anhydroglucitol at bedside or in a medical examination room or to home self-measurement thereof by a patient.
US08465934B2 Use of protein SATB2 as a marker for colorectal cancer
The invention provides new methods, means and uses in connection with detection, characterization and prognosis of colo-rectal cancer, via the identification of the SATB2 protein as a marker for this cancer type.
US08465932B2 Method for the determination of trichinella infections and diagnostic composition for such methods
Method for the determination of Trichinella infections in an animal or a human, comprising the incubation with Trichinella antigens of a tissue sample taken from the animal or the human, the processing of the tissue sample, the addition of anti-antibodies to the tissue sample, and the verification of whether binding of the anti-antibodies to any antigen/antibody complexes present in the tissue sample has taken place, where the anti-antibodies added are anti-IgG antibodies and simultaneously anti-IgM antibodies.
US08465930B2 Method for detection of disease having insulin-resistant conditions
Disclosed is a simple method for detecting a pathological condition of an insulin-resistant disease, particularly type-2 diabetes. The method comprises quantifying the ganglioside GM3 in a blood sample separated from a living body. More specifically, the method comprises the following steps (a) to (c): (a) separating a plasma or serum from the blood collected from a human; (b) quantifying the ganglioside GM3 in the plasma or serum; and (c) comparing the quantified ganglioside GM3 level to the mean ganglioside GM3 level determined in blood samples from healthy volunteers.
US08465929B2 Biomarkers for ovarian cancer
The present invention provides protein-based biomarkers and biomarker combinations that are useful in qualifying ovarian cancer status in a patient. In particular, the biomarkers of this invention are useful to classify a subject sample as ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer of low malignant potential, benign ovarian disease or other malignant condition. The biomarkers can be detected by SELDI mass spectrometry.
US08465928B2 Canola event PV-BNGT04(RT73) and compositions and methods for detection thereof
The present invention provides assays for detecting the presence of the PV-BNGT04(RT73) canola event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the canola genome and of genomic sequences flanking the insertion site.
US08465924B2 Treatment solution for preparing sample solution for nucleic acid amplification reaction and method for detecting nucleic acid by using treatment solution
A treatment solution for preparing a sample solution for nucleic acid amplification reaction is described. The treatment solution comprises dimethyl sulfoxide and aqueous solvent. The sample solution prepared by treating a biological sample with the treatment solution is used in the amplification reaction of a nucleic acid, whereby the nucleic acid can be efficiently recovered from a biological sample, and the influence of an inhibitor during nucleic acid amplification can be effectively reduced.
US08465917B2 Methods for determining heptocellular carcinoma subtype and detecting hepatic cancer stem cells
The invention provides a method of determining an HCC subtype in a subject comprising a) obtaining a sample from the subject, b) assaying the sample to detect the expression of 1 or more biomarkers, and c) correlating the expression of the biomarkers with an HCC subtype in a subject. The invention further provides methods of detecting HCC stem cells in a sample. Additionally, the invention provides methods and compositions for treating subjects with HCC that take advantage of the biomarkers associated with HCC stem cells.
US08465914B2 Method and compositions involving microRNA
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for isolating, enriching, and/or labeling miRNA molecules and for preparing and using arrays or other detection techniques for miRNA analysis. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for generating miRNA profiles and employing such profiles for therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic applications.
US08465913B2 Mitochondrial function of prohibitin 2 (PHB2)
The present invention relates to a PHB2 gene regulator and a therapeutic drug for mitochondrial-function-related disease containing the same, for example.
US08465911B2 Native potato protein isolates
The invention relates to a process for native potato protein isolation, to native potato protein isolates, to the use thereof, and to a food product comprising a native potato protein isolate. The invention provides a novel isolation process for obtaining highly pure native potato protein isolates having a glycoalkaloid concentration of less than 150 ppm.
US08465906B2 Method and mask for enhancing the resolution of patterning 2-row holes
A photolithography mask including a plurality of mask features. Adjacent mask features are separated by a gap and are offset from each other such that individual mask features have one-side dense portions and two-side dense portions. Also a photolithography method that includes a step of providing a substantially opaque mask having N stepped rows of offset, substantially transparent, rectangular mask features, where N is an integer and N≧2. The method also includes illuminating a photoresist layer located over an underlying material with dipole illumination through the substantially transparent, rectangular mask features in the substantially opaque mask to form 2N rows of exposed regions in the photoresist layer. The exposed regions have a substantially elliptical or substantially circular shape when viewed from above the photoresist layer.
US08465904B2 Method for preparing a printing form from a photopolymerizable element
The invention provides a method for preparing a printing form from a photopolymerizable element. The photopolymerizable element includes a layer of a photopolymerizable composition containing an elastomeric block copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene having less than 15% by weight of 1,2-coupled bond segments in the polybutadiene block, an ethylenically unsaturated compound, and a photoinitiator. The method includes imagewise exposing the photopolymerizable element to actinic radiation in the presence of atmospheric oxygen; heating the element to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the layer to liquefy; and contacting an exterior surface of the photopolymerizable element with a development medium to allow at least a portion of the liquefied layer to be removed by the development medium.
US08465897B2 Electrophotographic toner
An electrophotographic toner, which is decolorized by heating and a glossiness after decolorization of which is less than 10, comprising an electron donating color former compound, an electron accepting color developing agent, and a polyester binder resin.
US08465895B2 Electrostatic image developing toner, electrostatic image developer, toner cartridge, process cartridge, image forming method, and image forming apparatus
An electrostatic image developing toner contains a binder resin and at least two different kinds of white pigments, wherein from about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight of the at least two kinds of white pigments is porous titanium oxide having a volume average particle diameter of from about 0.01 μm to about 1 μm, a particle size distribution (volume average particle size distribution index GSDv) of from 1.1 to 1.3 and a BET specific surface area of from about 250 m2/g to about 500 m2/g.
US08465887B2 Lower cost reusable polymer binder
Exemplary embodiments provide compositions for erasable media and methods of forming polymers for erasable media. The method can include providing a first monomer, the first monomer including one or more alkoxylated bisphenols and adding at least one second monomer and a catalyst to the first monomer to form a mixture at a first temperature, the second monomer selected from the group consisting of an organic diacid, a dialkyl ester of the organic diacid, and combinations thereof. The method can also include melt condensing the mixture by increasing the temperature from the first temperature to a second temperature over a first amount of time to form one or more polymers, wherein the one or more polymers has an acid value in the range of about 0.1 mg-KOH to about 12 mg-KOH.
US08465879B2 Reinforced fuel cell metal plate perimeter
A bipolar plate for a fuel cell includes a pair of plates. Each plate has an active area, a header area, and a perimeter area. The perimeter area is disposed adjacent an edge of the plate. The perimeter area is also disposed adjacent to each of the active area and the header area. At least one of the plates includes a raised support feature having an inboard side and an outboard side. The plates are joined in the perimeter area between the outboard side of the raised support feature and the edges of the plates.
US08465878B2 Fuel cell system, control method therefor, and movable object
The oxidizing gas supply is stopped during the catalyst activation treatment, and the output voltage of the fuel cell is linearly decreased toward the reduction target voltage. Once the interruption condition of the activation treatment has been satisfied, a voltage command value of the converter is returned to a standby voltage and, after waiting till the output voltage of the fuel cell returns to the vicinity of the standby voltage, the compressor is operated to start the supply of the oxidizing gas, and the catalyst activation treatment is completed. As a result, overcharging of the battery caused by rapid increase in the output power of the fuel cell is avoided.
US08465874B2 Lithium-ion secondary battery and manufacturing method thereof
In a lithium-ion secondary battery of the present invention, the electrical resistivity of the mixture of a positive electrode active material, an electrically conductive member, and a binder is 0.1 Ωcm or more but 1 Ωcm or less. The positive and negative electrodes each have an electrical capacity of 10 mAh or more but 50 mAh or less per volume of a rectangular parallelepiped that has a 1 cm2 square base on a face of the electrode of one polarity facing the electrode of the other polarity and that has a height equal to the thickness of the electrode of the one polarity at the square base. Used as the negative electrode thereof is a negative electrode formed by sintering graphite powder, non-graphitizing carbon, and fibrous powder retained in the pores of a porous metal structure in an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature of between 600 and 1000° C.
US08465869B2 Rechargeable battery
A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly having an inner surface and including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween, a case having a space for internally housing the electrode assembly, a cap assembly coupled to the case and electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a core inside the electrode assembly, wherein the core has a length and includes a plurality of support portions contacting the inner surface of the electrode assembly, and a plurality of avoidance surfaces between the support portions and separated from the inner surface of the electrode assembly.
US08465868B2 Battery pack and fabricating method thereof
Disclosed are a battery pack and a fabricating method which can increase the coupling strength of a bare cell and a circuit accessory and prevent the circuit accessory from being separated from the bare cell due to external forces such as bending, twisting and falling of a battery, by forming a fixing member protruding from the upper part of the bare cell, and coupling the fixing member with a fixing member hole of the circuit accessory formed in advance by injection molding in the type of the fixing member being laid across the fixing member hole. The battery pack includes: a bare cell having a cap plate on the upper part of the bare cell; and a circuit accessory coupled with the upper part of the bare cell, wherein a fixing member is formed to protrude from the outer surface of the cap plate, a fixing member hole corresponding to the fixing member is formed on the circuit accessory, and the fixing member is inserted in and is coupled with the fixing member hole.
US08465864B1 Heat dissipation plate for battery cell module and battery cell module having the same
Disclosed is a heat dissipation plate for a battery cell module acting as interface plate for heat dissipation interposed between pouch-type battery cells, which can respond to changes in volume of battery cells and can effectively dissipate heat accumulated in the battery cells and module, and a battery cell module having the same. To this end, the heat dissipation plate includes a composite sheet in which a heat-conductive filler is filled in a matrix resin; and carbon fibers inserted into the composite sheets. The carbon fibers are inserted into the composite sheets to extend to an edge portion of the heat dissipation plate, and a battery cell module configured by stacking the heat dissipation plate and the battery cells.
US08465854B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording media with thin soft magnetic underlayers and recording systems comprising same
A perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprises a non-magnetic substrate having a surface; and a plurality of overlying thin film layers forming a layer stack on the substrate surface, the layer stack including a magnetically hard perpendicular magnetic recording layer structure and an underlying soft magnetic underlayer (SUL), the SUL having a thickness of up to about 100 Å. Also disclosed is a data/information recording, storage, and retrieval system comprising the perpendicular magnetic recording medium and a single-pole magnetic transducer head including main and auxiliary poles positioned in spaced adjacency to an upper surface of the layer stack, the single-pole transducer head comprising a front shield adjacent the main pole.
US08465849B2 Deuterated zirconium compound for electronic applications
This invention relates to deuterated electron transfer compounds useful in electronic applications. It also relates to electronic devices in which the electron transfer layer includes zirconium compounds with at least one of the aryl compounds containing some deuteration.
US08465846B2 Aqueous dispersions and coatings
The present invention provides aqueous dispersions that, for example, include the reaction product of an oxirane-functional vinyl addition polymer having an oxirane functionality between 0.5 and 5; an acid-functional polymer having an acid number 30 to 500; and a tertiary amine. Also described are coating compositions containing the dispersion and methods of forming the dispersion.
US08465844B2 Elastic attachment adhesive containing radial block copolymer
Hot melt adhesive compositions containing radial polystyrene-polyisoprene/polybutadiene block copolymer and use as elastic attachment adhesive in the manufacture of disposable absorbent elastic articles.
US08465841B2 Coated glass article
A coated glass article, particularly for use as architectural glass, is gold in appearance. The coated glass article includes a glass substrate with an iron oxide coating deposited thereover, the iron oxide coating comprising primarily iron oxide in the form Fe2O3. The coated glass article has an a* value between about −5 and about 10, and a b* value between about 10 and about 40, for both transmitted and reflected light.
US08465839B2 Polyimide polybenzimidazole intermediate transfer members
An intermediate transfer member that includes a mixture of a thermoplastic polyimide, a polybenzimidazole, and an optional conductive filler.
US08465837B2 Epoxy resin composition, prepreg, laminate board, multilayer printed wiring board, semiconductor device, insulating resin sheet, and process for manufacturing multilayer printed wiring board
Disclosed is an epoxy resin composition essentially containing (A) an epoxy resin having a structure represented by the general formula (1), (B) a curing agent, (C) an inorganic filler and (D) a cyanate resin and/or a prepolymer thereof, wherein Ar represents a fused aromatic hydrocarbon group; r is an integer of 1 or more; X is a hydrogen or an epoxy group (glycidyl ether group); R1 represents one selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a phenyl group and a benzyl group; n is an integer of 1 or more; p and q are an integer of 1 or more; and p's and q's in respective repeating units may be the same as or different from one another.
US08465827B2 Glass substrate for display and method for manufacturing the glass substrate
The invention has an object to provide a display glass substrate capable of reducing poor film application and a method for manufacturing the same. The display glass substrate is a display glass substrate 20 for use in a flat panel display constituted of two main surfaces and four end faces. In this display glass substrate, when one main surface is set horizontal, the substrate end portion area 21 of at least one main surface existing in the range of 1˜30 mm inwardly of the substrate end E0 thereof has an elevation difference of 15 μm or less.
US08465815B2 Resin-coated metal sheet and seamless can made therefrom
[Problems]To provide a resin-coated metal sheet that exhibits excellent trimming property at the time of being formed into a seamless can, and is capable of providing a seamless can that closely adheres to the printing ink and exhibits excellent abrasion resistance.[Means for Solution]A resin-coated metal sheet including a metal sheet and a layer of a polyester resin which chiefly comprises an ethylene terephthalate unit formed on at least one surface of the metal sheet, wherein the polyester resin is a blend of a lowly crystalline polyester resin and a highly crystalline polyester resin.
US08465814B2 High strength foam glass
Disclosed herein are foam glasses and compositions comprising such foam glasses, which can be used, for example, in structural applications. The foam glass can have one or more properties, such as a density ranging from about 20 Ib/ft3 to about 100 Ib/ft3, a compressive strength of at least about 650 psi, and an alumina content of at least about 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the foam glass. Also disclosed are methods for preparing foam glasses.
US08465811B2 Method of depositing film by atomic layer deposition with pulse-time-modulated plasma
A thin film is formed by alternating multiple times, respectively, a process of adsorbing a precursor onto a substrate and a process of treating the adsorbed surface using a reactant gas and a plasma, wherein the reactant gas is supplied substantially uniformly over the substrate, and the plasma is pulse-time-modulated and applied in the process of supplying the reactant gas.
US08465803B2 Templated monolayer polymerization and replication
A self-replicating monolayer system employing polymerization of monomers or nanoparticle ensembles on a defined template provides synthesis of two-dimensional single molecule polymers. Systems of self-replicating monolayers are used as templates for growth of inorganic colloids. A preferred embodiment employs SAM-based replication, wherein an initial monolayer is patterned and used as a template for self-assembly of a second monolayer by molecular recognition. The second monolayer is polymerized in place and the monolayers are separated to form a replicate. Both may then function as templates for monolayer assemblies. A generic self-replicating monomer unit comprises a polymerizable moiety attached by methylene repeats to a recognition element and an ending unit that will not interfere with the chosen recognition chemistry. The recognition element is self-complementary, unless two replicating monomers with compatible cross-linking chemistry are employed. After replication, selective mineralization and/or electroless plating may produce a two-dimensional inorganic sheet having patterned domains within it.
US08465802B2 Chemical vapor deposition reactor and method
A reactor and method for performing chemical vapor deposition are disclosed. A chemical vapor deposition reactor can have a cylindrical chamber that comprises a cylindrical lid support and an annular gas distribution plate. Said chamber can be configured to have a horizontal laminar flow of at least one gas stream in the radial direction and a vertical downward flow of another gas stream over wafers. A large capacity of a CVD reactor with simple structures, easy maintenance and low consumption of reactants can be achieved. High uniformity, repeatability, reproducibility and consistency of depositing layers on wafers can be obtained.
US08465799B2 Method for preparation of flat step-free silicon carbide surfaces
Techniques for producing atomic step-free silicon carbide surfaces are provided. In one aspect, a method for eliminating atomic steps from a silicon carbide surface is provided. The method comprises the following step. The silicon carbide and a silicon-containing gas are contacted at a temperature, background pressure, and for a length of time sufficient to re-arrange the silicon carbide to an atomic step-free surface. The silicon carbide surface can be the top of a mesa or the bottom of a hole patterned in a silicon carbide wafer.
US08465795B2 Annealing a buffer layer for fabricating electronic devices on compliant substrates
A method of forming a thin-film layered electronic device over a flexible substrate comprises the steps of depositing a buffer layer over the flexible substrate, heating the substrate and buffer layer stack to a temperature at which plastic deformation of the buffer layer takes place, cooling the stack, then forming the thin-film electronic device over the plastically deformed buffer layer without further plastic deformation of the buffer layer. The heating and cooling to cause plastic deformation of the buffer layer is referred to as annealing. The thin-film electronic device is formed by a process according to which all steps are performed at a temperature below that at which further plastic deformation of the buffer layer occurs. In-process strain and runout are reduced, improving device yield on flexible substrates. An optional metal base layer may be formed over the buffer layer prior annealing.
US08465794B2 Glass compositions used in conductors for photovoltaic cells
An objective of this present invention is to provide a conductive paste that could obtain good electrical property, for example series resistance in an electrode. An aspect of the present invention relates to a conductive paste which comprises electrically conductive powder; glass frit which comprises, based on weight percent (wt %) of the glass frit, 8-26 wt % of SiO2, 0.1-5 wt % of Al2O3, and 73-90 wt % of lead compound, wherein lead fluoride is contained in the range of 5-28 wt % based on the total weight of the lead compound; and organic medium.
US08465777B2 Diffusion-controlled dosage form and method of fabrication including three dimensional printing
The invention includes a core-and-shell dosage form or unit in which the core contains API and in which the shell substantially governs the release such as by controlling diffusion of API through the shell. The shell may comprise a release-blocking polymer, and particles of a release-regulating polymer. The shell may be substantially impervious but the release-regulating polymer may become suitable to allow diffusion through it when activated. The core may include a buffer region between the shell and the API-containing portion of the core. The dosage form may include multiple units. The dosage form of the invention is capable of providing a release profile whose time scale can be adjusted by adjusting powder composition, and which may be approximately zero-order release. The invention further includes methods of manufacturing such a dosage form, such as three-dimensional printing.
US08465774B2 Sequestered antagonist formulations
Disclosed is an oral dosage form comprising (i) an opioid agonist in releasable form and (ii) a sequestered opioid antagonist which is substantially not released when the dosage form is administered intact, such that the ratio of the mean Cmax of the antagonist after single dose oral administration of the dosage form after tampering to the mean Cmax of antagonist after single dose oral administration of an intact dosage form is at least 1.5:1.
US08465771B2 Anisotropic hydrogels
The invention relates to an anisotropic hydrogel and a method of producing the anisotropic hydrogel. The hydrogel exhibiting anisotropic properties is poly(vinyl alcohol) produced by preparing a solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) with a pre-selected concentration, thermally cycling the solution by freezing and thawing, stretching the hydrogel and thermally cycling the hydrogel at least one more time The anisotropic hydrogel is used for tissue replacement and reconstruction, bioagent entrapment and delivery, in preparing ultrasound or radiofrequency thermal therapy transmission pads and substitutes for ice bags, as denture base, in soft contact lens material, for wound covering bandages and phantoms for medical-related use.
US08465762B2 Dermal application system for aminolevulinic acid-derivatives
The invention relates to a dermal application system for aminolevulinic acid-derivatives, i.e. a pressure-sensitive matrix system containing a crystalline aminolevulinic acid derivative.
US08465760B2 Methods of increasing productivity in older sows while decreasing feed intake
The present invention provides methods for feeding older sows that beneficially reduce feed intake in older sows, yet improve pig survival and weaning weight of pigs from older sows.
US08465759B2 Process for the preparation of a hot-melt extruded laminate
A process for the preparation of a bioadhesive laminate comprising a hot-melt extruded reservoir layer and a hot-melt extruded backing layer is provided. The reservoir layer comprises a thermoplastic bioadhesive composition containing an active agent. An active agent-containing thermoplastic bioadhesive hydrophilic composition is hot-melt coextruded with a hydrophobic composition to form at least a bi-layered laminate. The hydrophilic composition and the hydrophobic composition have at least one polymer in common. In addition, the melt flow index of the hydrophobic composition is within 50% of the melt flow index of the hydrophilic composition. As a result, the laminate has a uniform transverse cross-section and/or a uniform longitudinal cross-section throughout a major of the length of the laminate. Moreover, when the laminate is divided into unit doses of approximately the same size, they have a high degree of content uniformity with respect to the active agent(s) present therein.
US08465757B2 Nanoemulsion of resveratrol-phospholipid complex and method for preparing the same and applications thereof
The present invention relates to a nanoemulsion of resveratrol-phospholipid complex, method for preparing the same and applications thereof. The nanoemulsion comprises: 1 part by weight of resveratrol, 2˜30 parts by weight of phospholipid, and 30˜490 parts by weight of an aqueous solution of polyol with the polyol concentration being 30˜99 percent by weight. The method comprises the steps of: a resveratrol-phospholipid complex being prepared, then the complex being dispersed into the aqueous solution of polyol to form a dispersion, and a nanoemulsion with particle size less than 200 nm being formed by homogenization of the dispersion with a high pressure homogenizer or Microfluidizer homogenizer. The nanoemulsion is miscible with water at any ratio, has high stability and high bioavailability, and thus can be widely used for preparation of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or healthcare products.
US08465751B2 Cna—B domain antigens in vaccines against gram positive bacteria
The invention provides protective antigens which are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against gram positive bacteria, particularly against S. agalactiae, S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. suis, and S. equi.
US08465748B2 Vaccine compositions and methods containing an immunogen derived from equine arteritis virus
The present invention relates to vaccine compositions comprising a nucleic acid encoded by an equine arterivirus virus (EAV) open reading frame (ORF) 2 nucleic acid, and a nucleic vector comprising said EAV ORF 2. The invention further relates to the methods and kits encompassing the use of EAV ORF 2 containing vaccine compositions and nucleic acid vectors for the prevention and/or treatment of EAV infections.
US08465747B2 Identification, optimization and use of cryptic HLA-B7 epitopes for immunotherapy
The invention provides methods for identifying a HLA-B*0702-restricted cryptic epitope in an antigen, as well as methods for increasing the immunogenicity of HLA-B*0702-restricted cryptic epitopes. The HLA-B*0702-restricted cryptic epitopes and their cognate immunogenic epitopes are useful for stimulating an immune reaction against the cryptic epitopes in a subject. Accordingly, the invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a HLA-B*0702-restricted cryptic epitope or a cognate immunogenic epitope thereof, and vaccination kits comprising such epitopes. The novel materials of the invention are particularly useful for efficiently treating patients having an HLA-B*0702 phenotype.
US08465746B2 Compositions and methods for treatment, research and therapeutic applications for malaria
The present invention provides anti-Plasmodium immunogenic compositions comprising EVP1 (PFD0495c) or an antigenic portion thereof, as well as methods of immunizing against malaria employing these compositions. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of identifying Plasmodium infection employing agents that bind to EVP1 or an antibody generated thereto.
US08465744B2 Method of treating inflammation by administering human IL-1B antibodies
The invention relates to an antibody molecule having specificity for antigenic determinants of IL-1β, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecule and methods for producing said antibody molecule.
US08465729B2 Sunscreen compositions with SPF enhancer
The present invention provides a photo-protective composition that has a synergistic combination of at least one sunscreen agent and at least one carotenoid, which results in a composition with an increased SPF compared to a composition without the synergistic combination. Preferably, the composition also has at least one of the following additional components: emulsifier, emollient, skin-feel additive, moisturizing agent, film former/waterproofing agent, pH adjuster/chelating agent, preservative, or any combinations thereof.
US08465716B2 Method of synthesizing phosphide materials
The subject of the invention is a method of synthesizing a compound MxPy where M is an element belonging to one of columns II to XV of the Periodic Table of the Elements or to the family of lanthanides or to the family of actinides, characterized in that it includes the reaction of x moles of compound comprising the element M in its oxidation state 0 with y/4n moles of compound (P4)n.The method of the invention may be carried out at a temperature much lower than those necessary in the methods of the prior art. It also allows low-temperature formation of nanoparticles and stoichiometric reaction control.The applications of this method are numerous: magnetic ferro-magnets for MnP and FeP; hydrodesulfurization catalysts for Ni2P; luminescent nanoparticles for biological applications; microelectronics and optoelectronics for InP; and electronics for GaP. The latter two phosphides are also used in the photovoltaic energy field.
US08465715B1 Method for synthesizing metal bis(borano) hypophosphite complexes
The present invention describes the synthesis of a family of metal bis(borano) hypophosphite complexes. One procedure described in detail is the syntheses of complexes beginning from phosphorus trichloride and sodium borohydride. Temperature, solvent, concentration, and atmosphere are all critical to ensure product formation. In the case of sodium bis(borano) hypophosphite, hydrogen gas was evolved upon heating at temperatures above 150° C. Included in this family of materials are the salts of the alkali metals Li, Na and K, and those of the alkaline earth metals Mg and Ca. Hydrogen storage materials are possible. In particular the lithium salt, Li[PH2(BH3)2], theoretically would contain nearly 12 wt % hydrogen. Analytical data for product characterization and thermal properties are given.
US08465713B2 Catalyst composition for selective catalytic reduction of exhaust gases
A catalyst composition represented by the general formula XVO4/S wherein XVO4 stands for TransitionMetal-Vanadate, or a mixed TransitionMetal-/RareEarth-Vanadate, and S is a support comprising TiO2.
US08465708B2 Immersion objective lens, retention mechanism for immersion medium, and manufacturing method
There is provided a retention mechanism for an immersion medium, for use in a device which observes/measures a sample by use of an immersion objective lens, includes a member which retains the immersion medium near a tip portion of the objective lens, wherein the member is configured to include at least first and second materials.
US08465707B2 Composite liquid cells
A sample handling method may include drawing an encapsulating liquid from an encapsulating-liquid input; discharging the drawn encapsulating liquid (a) onto a free surface of a carrier liquid in a carrier-liquid conduit comprising a stabilisation feature and (b) proximate to the stabilisation feature, the encapsulating liquid being immiscible with the carrier liquid, so that the discharged encapsulating liquid does not mix with the carrier liquid, floats on top of the carrier liquid, and is immobilised by the stabilisation feature; drawing a sample liquid from a sample-liquid input; and discharging the drawn sample liquid, the sample liquid being immiscible with the encapsulating liquid and with the carrier liquid, so that the sample liquid does not mix with the encapsulating liquid or with the carrier liquid.
US08465703B2 Filter catalyst and method of analyzing a catalytic layer thereof
To provide a filter catalyst in which the closure of ventilation holes by a catalytic layer is inhibited.A filter catalyst of the present is characterized in that, in a filter catalyst comprising: a catalyst-support substrate; and a catalytic layer; an SEM photograph on a cross section of the filter catalyst is turned into electronic data so that, in a processed image in which image processing is performed to the SEM photograph, a ratio of a number of pixels forming an outer periphery of the catalytic layer to a number of pixels forming the catalytic layer is 0.5 or more. An analyzing method of the present invention finds a ratio a number of pixels forming an outer periphery of the catalytic layer to a number of pixels forming the catalytic layer by performing image processing to a cross section of the filter catalyst. The filter catalyst of the present invention has an effect of being capable of inhibiting the rise of pressure loss when sufficient particulates deposit. Moreover, the analyzing method of the present invention can analyze the uniformity of the catalytic layer of the filter catalyst.
US08465696B2 Dry test strip with controlled flow and method of manufacturing same
A dry test strip assembly includes: a carrier base having a test port and a well adapted for receiving a dry test strip element, and a cover having a sample opening. The cover can be snapped onto the base with the sample opening aligned over the test port and with a test strip element compressed between the base and cover. A maximum dry test strip compression stop controls the maximum compression on the dry test strip, and a minimum dry test strip compression stop controls the minimum compression on the dry test strip. A rib between two test ports prevents fluid flow in the dry test strip element from one side of the rib to another, thereby separating the test strip element into a plurality of separate fluid compartments. A manufacturing system efficiently assembles the dry test strip assembly without handling by humans.
US08465692B2 Sodium/molybdenum composite metal articles and methods for producing metal articles
A method for producing a metal article may include: Producing a supply of a composite metal powder by: providing a supply of molybdenum metal powder; providing a supply of a sodium compound; combining the molybdenum metal powder and the sodium compound with a liquid to form a slurry; feeding the slurry into a stream of hot gas; and recovering the composite metal powder; and consolidating the composite metal powder to form the metal article, the metal article comprising a sodium/molybdenum metal matrix. Also disclosed is a metal article produced accordance with this method.
US08465691B1 Method for manufacturing indium tin oxide nanowires
A method for manufacturing indium tin oxide nanowires by preparing a solution that includes an indium-containing species, a tin-containing species and a polymeric material, wherein the solution has a molar ratio of tin to indium in a range from about 5 to about 15 percent, electrospinning fibers using the solution, and heating the fibers to a calcination temperature and maintaining the fibers at the calcination temperature for a predetermined calcination time.
US08465689B2 Elevator and method for tilting solid image build platform for reducing air entrainment and for build release
A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build. The invention also provides for tilting the build elevator to reduce air entrainment and for releasing the build from the image plane.
US08465684B1 Self-reinforced composite made of recycled materials and process of making the same
The invention is directed to a “Self-Reinforced Composite” (SRC) made of recycled thermoplastic polymers, methods and an apparatus for their manufacture. In one embodiment of the invention, the SRC is a self-reinforced composite comprising (a) a fiber comprising a first recycled thermoplastic polymer and having a Young's modulus at least about 500 MPa and (b) a matrix comprising a second recycled thermoplastic polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the source mixture is recycled immiscible thermoplastic polymers, obtained from the waste stream in the carpet and automotive industries. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for making the self-reinforced composites, comprising the steps of (a) melt-blending recycled immiscible polymers, (b) phase-migration fiber spinning the recycled immiscible polymers to form a fiber having a first recycled thermoplastic polymer substantially surrounded by a second recycled thermoplastic polymer, and (c) drawing the fiber to form a high modulus fiber.
US08465683B2 Agglomerated stover for use as a liquid absorbent
This disclosure describes a method and apparatus for agglomerating stover to produce a liquid absorbing particle. The method comprises providing stover particles coated with a first binder component and then rolling the stover particles coated with the first binder component on a rotating surface. The rotating surface is inclined sufficiently to aid in the rolling of the stover particles. A second liquid binder component that readily chemically crosslinks with the first binder component is applied to the first binder component to produce a web that the stover particles adhere to. The web in combination with the inclined rotating surface rolls the stover particles thereby forming an agglomerated stover particle that will be suitable for absorbing liquids. Agglomerated stover particles are also described.
US08465679B2 Methods for CAIGAS aluminum-containing photovoltaics
This invention relates to methods for making materials using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. This invention further relates to methods for making CA(I,G,A)S, CAIGAS, A(I,G,A)S, AIGAS, C(I,G,A)S, and CIGAS materials by providing one or more polymeric precursor compounds or inks thereof, providing a substrate, depositing the compounds or inks onto the substrate; and heating the substrate at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 650° C.
US08465669B2 Monolith separation medium for chromatography and process for producing the same
To obtain a non-particle-aggregation-type organic polymer monolith separation medium, there is provided a monolith separation medium comprising a skeletal phase and pores being continuous in the form of three-dimensional network, which skeletal phase on its surface has a functional group permitting introduction of a new functional group. The skeletal phase has a non-particle-aggregation-type co-continuous structure having an average diameter of submicron to micrometer size, and is constituted of an addition polymer from an epoxy compound of bi- or higher functionality and an amine compound of bi- or higher functionality. Further, the skeletal phase is enriched in organic matter and does not contain any carbon atoms derived from aromatic series.
US08465665B2 Refrigerating-machine oil composition, and compressor for refrigerating machine and refrigerating apparatus each employing the same
The present invention provides a refrigerator oil composition which satisfies both sludge dispersibility and prevention of wear and seizing of sliding parts made of aluminum and/or iron, and a compressor and a refrigeration apparatus using the refrigerator oil composition. The refrigerator oil composition is characterized by comprising a base oil which is at least one member selected from mineral oils and synthetic oils, and at least one polyamide compound having two or more amide groups in the molecule and being present in an amount of 0.01 to 5% by mass based on the total amount of the refrigerator oil composition.
US08465662B2 Composition for wet etching of silicon dioxide
Provided is an etching composition for electively removing silicon dioxide at a high etch rate, more particularly, a composition for wet etching of silicon dioxide, including 1 to 40 wt % of hydrogen fluoride (HF); 5 to 40 wt % of ammonium hydrogen fluoride (NH4HF2); and water, and further including a surfactant to improve selectivity of the silicon dioxide and a silicon nitride film. Since the composition for wet etching of silicon dioxide has the high etch selectivity of the silicon dioxide to the silicon nitride film, it is useful for selectively removing silicon dioxide.
US08465659B2 Polymer layer removal on pzt arrays using a plasma etch
A method for forming an ink jet print head can include attaching a plurality of piezoelectric elements to a diaphragm, dispensing a dielectric fill layer over the diaphragm and the plurality of piezoelectric elements to encapsulate the piezoelectric elements, curing the dielectric fill layer to form an interstitial layer, then removing the interstitial layer from an upper surface of the plurality of piezoelectric elements using a plasma etch.
US08465658B2 Method of forming main pole of thermally-assisted magnetic recording head
In a method of forming a main pole, an initial accommodation layer is etched by RIE using a first etching mask having a first opening, whereby a groove is formed in the initial accommodation layer. Next, a part of the initial accommodation layer including the groove is etched by RIE using a second etching mask having a second opening, so that the groove becomes an accommodation part. The main pole is then formed in the accommodation part. The first etching mask has first and second sidewalls that face the first opening and are opposed to each other at a first distance in a track width direction. The second etching mask has third and fourth sidewalls that face the second opening and are opposed to each other at a second distance greater than the first distance.
US08465653B2 Marine wastewater treatment
Methods and systems for treating wastewater. Wastewater slurry collected in a tank is routed by a macerator pump. The macerated slurry is piped to an electrolytic cell to oxidize and disinfect it. The slurry is then piped to an electrocoagulation cell. Suspended solid particles are flocculated in the electrocoagulation cell. The flocculated slurry is routed to a primary settling tank for separation of sludge and a substantially clarified supernatant. The supernatant is piped to a secondary clarifying tank to facilitate further separation of the sludge. The sludge is discharged to a sludge collection tank. The turbidity levels of the sludge discharged is continually monitored. When the turbidity level equals a pre-determined low value, the sludge discharge is stopped. The substantially clarified supernatant may be discharged as an effluent following dechlorination.
US08465652B2 Method for disinfecting sewage sludge
The invention relates to a technique of disinfecting household and industrial waste water used as the basis of organo-mineral fertilizers. The present method of disinfection is carried out by means of quick vacuum-pulse actions on sewage sludge using a receiver and quick response valves, with a pulse duration of less than 1.0 seconds at a pressure of not more than 20 mmHg to achieve the required degree of disinfection. Technical result of the use of the invention is to accelerate and simplify the process of disinfection method.
US08465644B2 Membrane element in immersion type membrane separation apparatus
To present a membrane element in an immersion type membrane separation apparatus capable of filtering efficiently by holding a uniform filtering capacity on the whole of the membrane surface if clogging occurs in a part of the membrane surface. The membrane element A is composed of a filtration chamber forming part C arrayed by dividing filtration chambers into a plurality in a vertical direction, water collecting transverse groove forming parts B forming transverse grooves (4) for collecting filtered water from each filtration chamber in a lateral direction by connecting with the filtration chamber forming part C, and a water collecting route (10) by connecting with the water collecting transverse groove forming parts B for collecting the water flaker in the lateral direction from each transverse groove (4) and discharging to outside.
US08465637B2 Ion sensor for fluid and method for its manufacture
The invention provides a method for the measurement of a concentration of a charged species in a sample, the sample having a plurality of types of charged species and at least one insoluble component. The method comprises: providing the sample on a surface of a partly permeable layer (30); allowing components of the sample to pass through the partly permeable layer (30) into a channel (12); and separating the components into sections, such that each at least one of the sections substantially comprises a single type of the plurality of the types of charged species, and determining the charge concentration in the at least one of the sections.
US08465632B2 Thin film catalyst on porous media and electrochemical cell employing the same
In one embodiment, a catalyst assembly includes a porous substrate material including a substrate bulk and an external surface, the substrate bulk including a network of pores for diffusing fluids there-through, and a two dimension (2-D) extensive catalyst supported on at least a portion of the network of pores to provide a substantially constant catalyst concentration profile along a thickness dimension of the substrate bulk. In certain instances, the network of pores includes an internal pore surface for supporting at least a portion of the 2-D extensive catalyst.
US08465631B2 Purification structure incorporating a biased electrochemical catalyst system
A device for the purification of a polluted gas, for example an exhaust gas from a diesel or gasoline engine, comprising, in combination: A honeycomb structure, comprising at least one porous electron-conductive material forming the walls (1) of said structure and an electrochemical system for treating said gas, comprising a layer (7) of an ionically conductive and electronically insulating material D, a reduction catalyst A (9) for reducing the polluting species of the NOx type and an oxidation catalyst B (4) for oxidizing the polluting species of the soot, hydrocarbon HC, CO or H2 type, said electrochemical system being configured in the form of an electrode W and a counterelectrode CE; and means for applying a voltage or a current between said electrode W and said counterelectrode CE.
US08465629B2 Membrane for electrochemical apparatus
A membrane for use with an electrochemical apparatus is provided. The electrochemical apparatus may include a fuel cell or electrolyzer, for example, an electrolyzer adapted to produce hydrogen. The membrane comprises a fabric made from a synthetic fiber such as nylon where the nylon, in an exemplary embodiment, is woven into ripstop nylon fabric. The electrochemical apparatus is constructed with frames comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE) which provide support and structure to the membranes as well as to internal electrodes. A method of making an electrochemical apparatus, such as an electrolyzer, containing a membrane comprising ripstop nylon is also disclosed, as is a method for producing hydrogen gas with an electrolyzer containing a membrane comprising ripstop nylon.
US08465625B2 Security paper and method and apparatus for producing the same
A security paper for producing security documents, such as bank notes, identity cards or the like, having at least one opening, whereby the opening is produced during papermaking and does not have a sharp limiting edge in the edge area.
US08465621B2 Refiner steam separation system for reduction of dryer emissions
A refiner steam separation system according to the present invention includes a blowline for transporting a mixture of fiber material from a refiner to an inlet of a steam separator. Waste steam is discharged from the separator through a waste steam outlet. Cleaned fiber material is discharged from the separator through an exit, which prevents a substantial portion of the waste steam from passing through the exit. A relay pipe communicates with the exit and a dryer duct, and transports cleaned fiber material therebetween. A resin input communicates with the relay pipe, and supplies resin therein. The resin is mixed with the cleaned fiber material prior to the cleaned fiber material being dried in the dryer duct. The present invention is also directed to a method of reducing VOC emissions generated during refining cellulosic fibrous material.
US08465613B2 Method and apparatus for fabricating variable gauge, contoured composite stiffeners
Tooling apparatus for forming a composite charge into a contoured composite blade stringer includes an elongate punch and an elongate die flexible along their lengths. The charge is press formed by using the punch to drive the charge into the die. The punch and the die are mounted between a pair of flexible plates. A press coupled with the plates contours the charge by bending the plates into a desired contour.
US08465610B2 Rubber strip, method for manufacturing tire and tire component member using same, and apparatus therefor
A method and apparatus for building a green tire or a tire component member by winding and laminating a rubber strip on a rigid core or a building drum. The apparatus includes a flattening roll and a rubber strip winder. The flattening roll flattens a projection of a stepped portion produced by overlapping portions of the rubber strip, and a roller of the flattening roll is moved so that it is constantly located at a given position with reference to the rigid core or building drum. The flattening roll moves in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the rubber strip winder during helical winding of the rubber strip on the rigid core or building drum.
US08465603B2 Method and device for controlling process gases for heat treatments of metallic materials/workpieces in industrial furnaces
For regulating process gases for heat treatments of metal materials/workpieces in industrial furnaces (1), which have at least one treatment chamber (2), at least one burnoff point (4) having at least one first valve (4.1), and a regulator (5) having pressure meter (5.1), the burnoff point (4) is only to be opened as a function of requirements related to the process gas. For this purpose, in a first step, with open first valve (4.1), a quantity of a flushing gas (6.1) of the gas mixture (6) of the respective process gas is supplied in a controlled manner to the industrial furnace (1) and then burned off, in a second step, the valve (4.1) is closed, the industrial furnace (1) is regulated to a preset furnace pressure and this is permanently detected via the pressure meter (5.1), in a third step, with the target pressure of the industrial furnace achieved, this pressure is detected via the pressure meter (5.1) and maintained, the first valve (4.1) further remaining closed. In a fourth step, the flushing gasification can be activated and adjusted. In the event of large pressure rise, in a fifth step, an overpressure flap (4.3) of the burnoff point (4) can be opened in a controlled manner via a fixed limiting value for pressure dissipation.
US08465593B2 Substrate processing apparatus and gas supply method
A substrate processing apparatus that can prevent formation of deposit in openings of a plurality of gas supply holes leading into a processing chamber. Each of the gas supply holes is configured to uniformly supply a processing gas, whose molecules are turned into clusters, into the processing chamber and to prevent liquefaction of processing gas when the processing gas is supplied into the processing chamber.
US08465592B2 Film deposition apparatus
A disclosed film deposition apparatus includes a turntable having in one surface a substrate receiving portion along a turntable rotation direction; a first reaction gas supplying portion for supplying a first reaction gas; a second reaction gas supplying portion for supplying a second reaction gas; a separation area between a first process area where the first reaction gas is supplied and a second process area where the second reaction gas is supplied, the separation area including a separation gas supplying portion for supplying a first separation gas in the separation area, and a ceiling surface opposing the one surface to produce a thin space; a center area having an ejection hole for ejecting a second separation gas along the one surface; and an evacuation opening for evacuating the chamber.
US08465587B2 Modern hydride vapor-phase epitaxy system and methods
Hydride vapor-phase deposition (HVPE) systems are disclosed. An HVPE hydride vapor-phase deposition system may include a reactant source chamber and a growth chamber containing a susceptor coupled to the reactant source chamber. The reactant source chamber may be configured to create a reactant gas through a chemical reaction between a solid or liquid precursor and a different precursor gas. The reactant source chamber can be configured to operate at a temperature T(M) significantly above room temperature. The reactant gas can be chemically unstable at or near room temperature. The susceptor is configured to receive a substrate and maintain the substrate at a substrate temperature T(S). The growth chamber includes walls can be configured to operate at a temperature T(C) such that T(M), T(S) are greater than T(C).
US08465586B2 Polysaccharide derivatives having an adjusted particle morphology for hydrolytically setting compositions
The present invention relates to polysaccharide derivatives having an adjusted particle morphology for use in the preparation of a hydraulic setting composition having an adjusted lump rating. The invention further relates to a method of adjusting the lump rating of a hydraulic setting composition comprising adjusting the particle morphology of a particulate polysaccharide derivative. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a hydraulic setting composition comprising a particulate polysaccharide derivative having an adjusted particle morphology. The invention is also directed to various uses of the particulate polysaccharide derivative having an adjusted particle morphology.
US08465585B2 Calcium aluminate clinker as a refractory aggregate with and without barium addition and use thereof
The present invention provides for a refractory aggregate composition comprising an improved calcium aluminate clinker having the formula CnAx wherein C is calcium oxide and A is aluminum oxide, wherein n is an integer from about 1 to about 12, wherein x is an integer from about 1 to about 24, and wherein said clinker has from zero to less than about fifty weight percent C12A7, and including a source of barium that is substituted for calcium in said calcium aluminate clinker. Analogs, derivatives and hydrates of the improved calcium aluminate clinker are provided. A refractory composition and a sprayable refractory composition are disclosed comprising the improved calcium aluminate clinker. A method for improving the insulating character and/or penetration resistance of a liner in contact with molten aluminum in an aluminum manufacturing process or during aluminum transport is provided.
US08465583B2 Compositions comprising fine sedimentary kaolin and methods for preparing same
Disclosed herein are kaolin compositions, such as beneficiated fine sedimentary kaolin compositions. The beneficiated fine sedimentary kaolins may be obtained from the upper bed of the Rio Capim Kaolin deposit. The compositions may have at least one property chosen from a low iron content and low Hinckley crystallinity index, such as Fe2O3 in an amount less than about 0.8% by weight relative to the total weight of the solids content and wherein the Hinckley crystallinity index of the kaolin is less than about 0.5. Also disclosed are products obtained therefrom, such as paint and paper coating compositions.
US08465579B2 Solid ink compositions comprising crystalline esters of tartaric acid
A solid ink composition comprising an amorphous component, a crystalline component, and optionally, a colorant, which are suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. In embodiments, the crystalline component is synthesized from an esterification reaction of tartaric acid.
US08465573B2 System and method for conditioning air flow to a gas turbine
A system for conditioning air flow to a gas turbine includes a filter housing and a conditioning media inside the filter housing to adjust the temperature of the air flowing through the filter housing. At least one of a depth or a density of the conditioning media varies across the filter housing. A method for conditioning air flow to a gas turbine includes flowing air through a filter housing connected to the gas turbine and flowing the air across a conditioning media in the filter housing. The method further includes conditioning the air flow to reduce the temperature difference of the air exiting the filter housing across a dimension of the filter housing.
US08465565B2 Polyethylene membrane and method of its production
The invention relates to a porous membrane having a particle filtration value of at least 10 under U.S. Military Standard MIL-STD-282 (1956), where the porous membrane is a polyethylene membrane. The membranes according to the invention are particularly useful for filters such as ASHRAE filters, HEPA filters and ULPA filters for example in heating, ventilating, respirators and air conditioning applications.
US08465561B2 Hydrogenated vegetable oil in coal liquefaction
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for coal liquefaction using a hydrogenated vegetable oil. A method of obtaining a de-ashed coal extract includes exposing a coal to a hydrogenated vegetable oil in the presence of a coal-derived solvent to form a slurry, elevating the temperature of the slurry to facilitate liquefying the coal and liberating a volatile matter, and separating the insoluble components from the slurry to obtain a de-ashed coal extract, wherein the coal extract is suitable for downstream processing.
US08465556B2 Method of forming a solid state cathode for high energy density secondary batteries
A method for making a solid state cathode comprises the following steps: forming an alkali free first solution comprising at least one transition metal and at least two ligands; spraying this solution onto a substrate that is heated to about 100 to 400° C. to form a first solid film containing the transition metal(s) on the substrate; forming a second solution comprising at least one alkali metal, at least one transition metal, and at least two ligands; spraying the second solution onto the first solid film on the substrate that is heated to about 100 to 400° C. to form a second solid film containing the alkali metal and at least one transition metal; and, heating to about 300 to 1000° C. in a selected atmosphere to react the first and second films to form a homogeneous cathode film. The cathode may be incorporated into a lithium or sodium ion battery.
US08465553B2 Pigment dispersion composition, colored curable composition, color filter for solid-state image sensor and method of producing the same, and solid-state image sensor
The invention provides a pigment dispersion composition including an azo pigment represented by formula (1), in which the azo pigment represented by formula (1) does not have an ionic hydrophilic group, an azo pigment derivative and a dispersant. In formula (1), G represents a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; R1 represents an amino group, an aliphatic oxy group, an aliphatic group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; R2 represents a substituent; A represents a heterocyclic group; m represents an integer of 0 to 5; and n represents an integer of 1 to 4, wherein: when n=2, the azo pigment is a dimer formed via R1, R2, A or G; when n=3, the azo pigment is a a trimer formed via R1, R2, A or G; and when n=4, the azo pigment is a tetramer formed via R1, R2, A or G.
US08465548B2 Modular glenoid prosthesis
A kit for making a glenoid prosthesis. The kit includes an articulating member having an articulation side and an opposing second side opposing the articulating member. The opposing second side includes a locking mechanism. The kit further includes a plurality of bases, and each of the plurality of bases having an articulating-member facing side and a glenoid attachment side. Each of the plurality of glenoid attachment sides include at least one glenoid attachment member extending outwardly and sized and shaped to extend into a patient's glenoid. The glenoid attachment member of one of the plurality of bases differs from the glenoid attachment member of at least one other of the plurality of bases. Each of the plurality of bases includes a locking mechanism sized and shaped to lock each of the plurality of bases to the articulating member.
US08465544B2 Accommodating intraocular lens
An intraocular lens for implantation in a capsular bag of an eye includes an optic disposed about an optical axis and a haptic including a protruding portion disposed inside the optic. The optic has an anterior face and an opposing posterior face that are configured to provide a lens power. In response to an ocular force of the eye, the haptic transmits a force that alters one or more of a shape of the optic and an axial thickness of the optic. The protruding portion of the haptic has a refractive index that is equal to a refraction index of the optic for at least one a wavelength within the visible spectrum.
US08465534B2 Radio-frequency tissue welder with polymer reinforcement
There are disclosed methods and apparatus for attachment and welding of tissue. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an energy applicator configured to apply energy to generate heat within a target tissue to evaporate water to create dried tissue, and a thermally conductive material disposed adjacent the first tissue contacting surface or the second tissue contacting surface. The thermally conductive material may be configured for direct contact with the target tissue heated by the energy applicator. The thermally conductive material provides a high coefficient of thermal conductivity so as to evenly distribute heat within the targeted tissue area. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08465526B2 Flexible spine stabilization system
A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.
US08465525B2 Posterior process dynamic spacer
An interspinous spacer having a memory metal extension.
US08465510B2 Rotational atherectomy system with enhanced distal protection capability and method of use
An atherectomy system for removing a stenotic lesion from within a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The system comprising an atherectomy device for reducing the lesion and a separate elongate drainage catheter for evacuating from the treated vessel embolic particles released into the vessel from the stenotic lesion during its reduction by the atherectomy device during an atherectomy procedure. The atherectomy device and the separate elongate drainage catheter are each configured for introduction into the patent's vasculature though separate openings in at least one peripheral artery of the patient.
US08465507B2 Apparatus and methods for occluding a hollow anatomical structure
A device for occluding a hollow anatomical structure includes a clamp having at least first and second clamping portions adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the anatomical structure. At least one of the first and second clamping portions is movable toward the other from an open position to a clamping or closed position to occlude the anatomical structure. The clamp has an annular shape configured to surround the hollow anatomical structure in the open position and a flattened shape in the clamping position configured to occlude the hollow interior of the anatomical structure. The clamp is preferably covered with fabric to promote tissue ingrowth. A clamp delivery and actuation device is provided for allowing the clamp to be applied in either an open surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
US08465505B2 Suture passer devices and methods
Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is movable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device.
US08465498B2 Tensioning device and method for hair transplantation
A device and method for applying tension to an area of skin, in particular for follicular unit removal and/or implantation in a hair transplantation procedure, is provided. The tensioning device comprises at least one body surface grabber capable of engaging the body surface, and the tensioning device is configured to be able to create tension on a body or skin surface by simply displacing the tensioning device as a whole in one general direction. The tensioning device may be secured, for example, to a patient chair.
US08465485B2 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale
Methods, devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) involve advancing a catheter device to a position in a heart for treating a PFO, bringing tissues adjacent the PFO at least partially together, and applying energy to the tissues to substantially close the PFO acutely. Catheter devices generally include an elongate catheter body, at least one tissue apposition member at or near the distal end for bringing the tissues together, and at least one energy transmission member at or near the distal end for applying energy to the tissues. In some embodiments, the tissue apposition member(s) also act as the energy transmission member(s). Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like.
US08465477B2 Apparatus for laser surgical ophthalmology
The present invention relates to an apparatus 10 for ophthalmological laser surgery, with an optical imaging system for imaging a treatment laser beam 14 onto a focal point, with a temperature-measuring device for measuring a temperature assigned to the imaging system, and with an electronic control arrangement (22) connected to the temperature-measuring device, which is configured to control the focal-point setting in a manner depending on the measured temperature. The present invention further relates also to an associated method.
US08465475B2 Instrument with multiple articulation locks
An articulating tool includes proximal, central and distal portions, an articulation mechanism, and first and second articulation locks. The articulation mechanism includes a pair of links, the pair comprising a proximal link on the proximal portion of the tool and a distal link on the distal portion of the tool. The first articulation lock has an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in the engaged position, the first articulation lock impedes movement of the proximal link relative to the central portion about a yaw axis, and corresponding relative movement of the distal link. The second articulation lock also has an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in the engaged position, the second articulation lock impedes movement of the proximal link relative to the central portion about a pitch axis, and corresponding relative movement of the distal link.
US08465469B2 Reinforced catheter and methods of making
A reinforced catheter having a non-filamentous, seamless metal tube interposed between a polymeric hollow core and a polymeric outer jacket. The metal tube may have a pattern of apertures through which the hollow core and the polymeric outer jacket are adhered to each other. The invention also includes methods of making the reinforced catheter.
US08465460B2 Device for drug delivery
Disclosed is an ambulatory therapeutic fluid delivery device (10). The device includes at least one housing (200) connectable to a cannula (250), the at least one housing retaining a reservoir (220) to hold the therapeutic fluid. The device also includes a mechanically powered pumping mechanism (150) to cause delivery of at least some of the fluid from the reservoir, and a power-transfer mechanism to transfer manually-delivered power provided by a user to mechanically actuate the pumping mechanism.
US08465458B2 Insertion site protection device
A securement device holds a medical article such as a catheter hub or a connector fitting in position upon the body of a patient and at least inhibits distal, longitudinal movement of the medical article. The securement device includes a retainer and at least one anchor pad. The retainer includes an abutment wall and a slot. The slot has a labyrinth shape leading to a cradle part of the slot. At least a portion of the medical article is inserted into the cradle part through the slot. The abutment wall includes at least one abutment that abuts against a contact point or surface on the medical article to inhibit distal, longitudinal movement of the medical article.
US08465452B2 Devices, systems, and methods for removing stenotic lesions from vessels
The present application provides various devices, systems, and methods for removing stenotic lesions from vessels. In at least one embodiment of an exemplary device, the device comprises at least one sizing portion and at least one treatment portion. Such a device may be useful to, for example, remove a stenotic lesion from a vessel by positioning the device within a vessel lumen, operating the sizing portion to obtain luminal size parameter data, operating the treatment portion at a location within the vessel lumen at or near a stenotic lesion, and ceasing operation of the treatment portion when the luminal size parameter data indicates a preferred luminal size parameter.
US08465448B2 Devices for the administration of drugs and vaccines in the form of injectable needles
The present disclosure refers to hand operated disposable devices for the administration of drugs, vaccines and other medicaments in the form of solid injectable needles. The devices incorporate mechanisms for the automatic retraction of the injection rod even when the user continues to exert pressure on the device. The devices can incorporate an injectable needle in a sheath or cartridge that facilitates its manufacture and manipulation. These injection devices can only be used once and their use results in a change of configuration that renders them non operational and prevents contact with parts that have been exposed to the patient's tissues.
US08465444B1 Laminitis treatment system and method
A system and methodology for treatment of circulation related conditions in hooved animals such as laminitis in horses. The methodology employs a garment wrap that is releasably secured to the animal's leg. The wrap includes several inflatable chambers, one of which, the most distal one, engages the frog and bulbar sections of the horses hoof. The methodology calls for the pressuring of the inflatable chambers in accordance with a sequence that prevents backflow from a more proximal point on the animal's leg to a more distal point on the leg. A boot arrangement including an inner sole pad are also utilized both during the therapy procedure and afterwards. The inner sole pad can provide related medications and can be used in an iontophoresis procedure.
US08465442B2 Handle for steerable catheter
A handle for controlling a steerable catheter can be aligned so that the direction of movement of the catheter is aligned with the orientation of an image on a monitor. In one embodiment, the handle is axially symmetric, allowing a physician to grasp it such that the movement of the catheter is aligned with an image displayed. In another embodiment, the handle is a grip that is rotatable with respect to the controls of a steerable catheter in order to align the movement with the image displayed.
US08465428B2 Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic probe system
An ultrasonic probe that can be used in various stiles depending on cases. The ultrasonic probe includes: plural ultrasonic transducers for transmitting ultrasonic waves according to drive signals, and receiving ultrasonic echoes to output reception signals; a signal processing unit for performing signal processing on the reception signals outputted from the plural ultrasonic transducers to generate a transfer signal; and a communication unit adapted to be connectable to any one of plural functional modules, for transmitting the transfer signal generated by the signal processing unit to the connected functional module.
US08465427B1 Combined diagnostic confocal scanning and low intensity ultrasound treatment
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for non-invasive bone fracture detection and accelerated healing, that simultaneously maps, via a paired phased array ultrasound scanning apparatus having multi-element transducers, three dimensional bone surface topology at opposite surfaces along an ultrasound wave pathway; that measures, using the mapped three dimensional topology, a thickness of the mapped bone; that detects, using the mapped three dimensional topology, a region of interest with bone deterioration or fracture; that calculates an ultrasonic wave velocity and attenuation as the ultrasound wave passes through the detected region of interest; and that applies a low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) pulse to the region of interest. The paired phased array ultrasound scanning apparatus focuses the application of the LIPUS pulse.
US08465415B2 Endoscope apparatus and measurement method
An endoscope apparatus according to an aspect of the invention comprises an imaging unit, a detection unit, a process unit, and a measurement unit. The imaging unit comprises an imaging device and generates a first image having two fields by imaging a subject by performing interlaced driving for the imaging device. The detection unit detects the amount of shake of the first image. The process unit generates a second image from the first image based on the amount of shake. The measurement unit measures the subject based on the second image.
US08465413B2 Method of treating Peyronie's disease
A method of treating Peyronie's disease manifested in an erect penis having a first penis side with an unaffected length and a second penis side with an affected length that is shorter than the unaffected length includes attaching an elastic device subcutaneously to the first penis side; and providing the elastic device with a stretch stop that limits elongation of the first penis side to an erection distance that is approximately equal to the affected length of the erect penis.
US08465412B2 Uterine devices and method of use
A catheter including a shaft comprising a body with a proximal portion and a distal portion, the body defining an opening from the proximal portion to the distal portion, the distal portion having an end that is beveled in a first direction across an end opening, such that a length of the shaft to a first point on the end is a first length and a length of the shaft to a second point on the end is a second length longer than the first length. A method including placing at least one embryo near an open end of a catheter, inserting the open end of the catheter into an endometrial lining of a subject's uterus, using the catheter to open a flap of the endometrial lining, and transferring the at least one embryo from the catheter to the pocket site.
US08465406B2 Centrifuge including a frame and a bearing device having a pair of cantilevers and a pair of spring elements located between the cantilevers and the frame
A screw centrifuge including a drum having a rotor, the drum having two axial ends and a horizontal axis of rotation, and a screw arranged in the drum and configured to rotate relative to the drum at a speed different from a rotation speed of the drum. Also included is a bearing device located at each axial end of the drum and configured to bear the drum. Each bearing device includes a housing and a pair of cantilevers extending in opposite directions away from the housing. Further included is a pair of spring elements associated with each bearing device and configured for sprung support of the drum. Each spring is arranged between one of the cantilevers and a frame, the spring elements being located at each axial end of the drum.
US08465399B2 Exercise platform with angled steps
An exercise platform system and apparatus is disclosed that includes a plurality of angled step surfaces. In one aspect, the exercise platform can include an exercise platform base adapted to interface with a supporting surface and an exercise platform upper surface coupled to the exercise platform base that includes a first step having a first step surface, a second step having a second step surface, and a center landing area located between the first step and the second step, the center landing area being substantially parallel to the exercise platform base, wherein the first step surface and the second step surface are angled toward the center landing area by an angle between 5 and 30 degrees, inclusive. Further, the first step surface and the second step surface can be angled by a second angle between 5 and 30 degrees toward a transverse axis laterally bisecting the exercise platform base.
US08465391B2 Device for fastening of a magnetic ring
An arrangement for fastening a magnetic ring onto a transmission component (1) by way of a supporting ring (6) such that the supporting ring (6) is connected, in a rotationally fixed manner, to the transmission component (1) by a bayonet joint.
US08465387B2 Output-split electrically-variable transmission with two planetary gear sets and two motor/generators
An electrically-variable transmission for use with an engine includes an input member configured for operative interconnection with the engine, an output member, and a stationary member. First and second motor/generators, a first and a second planetary gear set each having respective first, second, and third members are included. A first, a second, and a third selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanism are included. The input member is connectable for common rotation with the first member of the first planetary gear set either continuously or selectively by engagement of the third torque-transmitting mechanism. The output member is connected for common rotation with the first member of the second planetary gear set. The motor/generators are controllable and the torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagable to establish at least one electric-only mode, a series mode, an output-split mode, and at least one neutral mode.
US08465378B2 Shaft selection assist apparatus
A shaft selection assist apparatus according to this invention includes a storage means for storing recommended shaft information indicating a correspondence between measurement parameters obtained upon a test strike with a golf club to which a predetermined reference shaft is attached, and recommended shafts among shafts of a plurality of types, an acquisition means for acquiring the measurement results of the measurement parameters associated with a test strike actually made by a user with the golf club, a selection means for selecting a recommended shaft by referring to the recommended shaft information based on the measurement results acquired by the acquisition means, and an output means for outputting information indicating the recommended shaft selected by the selection means. The recommended shaft information stored in the storage means is information which specifies recommended shafts based on the relationship between the shaft rigidity distribution and the measurement parameters.
US08465377B1 Golf putting training aid
A putting training device includes a base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface for placing on a putting surface. The top surface is a tapered surface tapering to the putting surface. A ball receiving recess can be defined on the top surface. The device also includes a ball positioning sensor positioned adjacent to the ball receiving recess and a light source for transmitting light visible from the top surface of the base. The light source is in operable communication with the ball positioning sensor to respond to a signal from the ball positioning sensor that a ball has been impacted from the ball receiving recess. When the light source receives the signal from the ball positioning sensor, the light source will transmit light for a finite predetermined period of time after the ball is impacted from the ball receiving recess.
US08465359B2 Gaming device for determining a re-drawing group for following games
To display a plurality of symbols in a plurality of display regions, upon starting a game, and in a case where trigger symbols are stop displayed in any of the plurality of display regions, to draw for specific display regions where trigger symbols are displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that the symbols are displayed having a predetermined relationship among the symbols in at least game units, and at the same time, to draw for general display regions that have symbols other than the trigger symbol displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that arbitrary symbols are independently displayed.
US08465353B2 Game device, control method for game device, and information storage medium
Provided is a game device for executing a game of a sport to be played by using a moving object including: a position acquiring section for acquiring an initial position of the moving object when the moving object starts to move in a game space; a direction acquiring section for acquiring an initial direction of the moving object when the moving object starts to move in the game space; and a movement control section for causing the moving object to start to move based on the initial position acquired by the position acquiring section and the initial direction acquired by the direction acquiring section, to thereby move the moving object, in which the movement control section changes a moving direction of the moving object a plurality of times to a moving direction determined based on an original moving direction of the moving object and a random number.
US08465347B2 Retractable water dispenser arm for grinder/polisher
A retractable water dispenser arm system for a grinder/polisher includes a flexible hose formed, in part in a loop and affixed at at least one location to a base of the grinder polisher. A spout is mounted to an end of the flexible hose. A biased tension arm engages the hose at the loop, and is moveable, along with movement of the hose, to maintain the hose in tension. The biased tension arm includes a roller over which the hose traverses. A mount on the base is configured to receive the spout and is further configured for traverse of the hose therethrough. The mount includes a mount roller operably mounted thereto for guiding the hose through the mount.
US08465339B2 Wheeled toy vehicles and playsets for use therewith
A play system includes a toy vehicle and a playset for use therewith. A toy vehicle includes a chassis having a bottom surface that is at least partially magnetic and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis. A playset includes a base, a launch ramp mounted to the base and having an upper end and a lower end that includes an upwardly-inclined section terminating in a jump lip, and a magnetic element selectively positionable within a predefined range of positions relative to the jump lip.
US08465334B2 Fin box
The present invention relates to a fin box adapted to be fitted to a watercraft and to receive a fin having a base. The fin box includes an elongate receiving portion having a length. The base is adapted to be inserted into the receiving portion substantially laterally. The fin during insertion into the receiving portion is disposed at a lower than 90 degree angle to the receiving portion.
US08465329B2 Audio connector having additional detection switch
Circuits, methods, and apparatus for improved audio connectors. One example provides an audio connector, that, for purposes of activating circuitry to receive signals from a microphone, does not detect the presence of an audio jack until the audio jack is inserted far enough into the audio connector that a microphone contact on the audio jack comes into contact with a microphone signal pin on the audio connector. To prevent the redirection of audio signals away from an audio jack when the audio jack is partially extracted from the audio connector, such partial extractions are not detected by audio signal pins.
US08465328B2 Connector assembly and male-side connector
On a front surface (one of opposite surfaces) 11a of a male-side connector 10, first guide projections 15 are provided, which have a projection height that is higher than columnar bumps (male-type terminal portions) 13. and on a back surface (other of the opposite surfaces) 21b of a female-side connector 20, hole portions 25 are provided, which have a size allowing slight movement of the first guide projections 15, wherein the columnar bumps 13 and the cross-like slits (female-type terminal portions) 23 are positioned with each other by the first guide projections 15 being inserted through the hole portions 25.
US08465322B2 Coaxial cable connector
A connector coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body having an outer ramped surface, a post, engageable with the connector body, a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the post, and a compression portion structurally integral with the connector body, the compression portion having a ramped inner surface, wherein the inner ramped surface is configured to cooperate with the outer ramped surface during compression of the compression portion onto a portion of the connector body. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
US08465314B2 Card edge connector
A card edge connector is connectable to a card having a side edge. The card edge connector has a holding member extending in a first direction and a pair of arms each extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from the holding member. Each of the arms includes an abutment portion and a spring portion. The spring portion is bendable elastically outward in the first direction. The spring portion has a latch and an abutting portion. The latch is engaged with the side edge of the card when the card edge connector is connected to the card. When the connected card presses the latch along a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, the abutting portion is brought into contact with the abutment portion so that the abutting portion regulates a movement of the latch in the third direction.
US08465313B2 Connector and connector assembly
Catches (37) project from a female housing (11) and end surfaces of a seal (12) define pressing surfaces (32). The pressing surfaces (32) are pressed to push the seal (12) to a mount position in the process of mounting the seal (12) into the female housing (11), and the seal (12) resiliently moves past the catching pieces (37) and engages with the catches (37) at the mount position. The pressing surfaces (32) of the seal (12) are arranged at positions overlapping the catches (37) in projecting directions of the catching pieces (37) when the seal (12) is mounted into the female housing (11).
US08465310B2 Power cord for electrical dryers
A power cord for use with an electric dryer and outlet to electrically connect the dryer to an electrical receptacle of the outlet having a plurality of prong-receiving openings that are configured in either a first opening pattern or a second opening pattern. In the preferred embodiment, the power cord comprises a plug having a first side with a plurality of first plug prongs extending outwardly therefrom and a second side with a plurality of second plug prongs extending outwardly therefrom. The first plug prongs are in a first prong pattern that corresponds with the first opening pattern and the second plug prongs are in a second prong pattern that corresponds with the second opening pattern. The user utilizes the appropriate side of the plug to electrically connect the dryer to the receptacle. A switch on the plug allows the user select which side is electrically activated.
US08465308B2 Connector having self-wiping contacts
Connectors that may be incorporated and used in electronic devices in a reliable manner. One example may provide a connector that may receive a memory card, such as a Secure Digital, SmartMedia, Compact Flash, or other type of memory card. One example may provide a connector that may connect to other electronic circuits and components in an electronic device in a reliable manner. Another may provide a connector that may reliably form a connection for electromagnetic interference protection during device assembly. Another may provide a connector that may be resistant to damage from debris or other particulate matter that may enter the connector. Another example may provide a connector that has a back that is reinforced to prevent damage caused by the insertion of a card with excessive force. Another may provide a connector having a raised portion arranged to fit in an opening in a printed circuit board.
US08465306B2 Power supplying apparatus
Disclosed herein is a power supplying apparatus including: a power supply section including a first power supply circuit, accommodated in a first cabinet with a box shape, for converting an alternative-current input into a direct-current output; an alternative-current power input section provided on the first cabinet; and a first connection section provided on the first cabinet; and an output section including a second power supply circuit accommodated in a second cabinet with a box shape, for converting the direct-current output into another direct-current output; a secondary battery accommodated in the second cabinet; a control section accommodated in the second cabinet; a direct-current power output section provided on the second cabinet; and a second connection section provided on the second cabinet to be joined to the first connection section.
US08465298B2 Board-to-board connector
A board-to-board connector comprises a first connector (1) and a second connector (101). The first connector has first terminals (61) and a first housing (11), which has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first housing is provided with concave insertion portions and first reinforcing brackets (51), which are arranged in the concave insertion portions. The second connector has second terminals (161) configured to make contact with the first terminals, and a second housing (111) which has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second housing is provided with convex insertion portions (122) configured to be inserted in the concave insertion portions, and second reinforcing brackets (151) arranged in the convex insertion portions and configured to engage with the first reinforcing brackets.
US08465296B1 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of probe pins assembled in the insulating housing, a magnetic block and a metal shell. The insulating housing has a base and a tongue extending frontward from a front of the base. The magnetic block has an inserting hole penetrating longitudinally therethrough and matched with the tongue of the insulating housing. The metal shell includes a first metal shell and a second metal shell. The first metal shell is assembled rearward through the tongue to enclose the base, and the magnetic block sheathes the tongue in the inserting hole. The second metal shell covers a front of the magnetic block and defines a positioning window for positioning a front end of the tongue therein. The second metal shell and the first metal shell are buckled and electrically connected with each other to clamp the magnetic block therebetween.
US08465293B2 Medical training device
A medical training device with an improved clam shell type torso arrangement. An improved two-piece tiltable head feature, including mechanical mounting structure for secure attachment of an improved lung bag or face shield. The head also includes an improved nose feature to provide a more realistic representation of nasal cartilage, and an improved neck assembly. Additionally, an electro-mechanical indicator device is provided to show real time feedback of the CPR compression rate being administered by a student on the training manikin of the present application. The feedback by the device may be provided preferably by visual indicators, but may also have, or alternatively have, audio indicators or signals, such as words or sounds, to indicate whether or not the student is compressing within the preferred rate range, and/or the degree of variance in the student's compression sequences.
US08465263B2 Dynamic control of an electric drive
A fluid delivery system includes a pump operably coupleable to a source of fluid. A reciprocating electromagnetic actuator is coupled to the pump and has a coil that when energized causes the actuator to drive the pump. Coil current sensing circuitry is configured to provide an indication of current flowing in the coil. A controller is coupled to the coil current sensing circuitry and is configured to calculate a coil drive parameter based upon a plurality of coil current indications from the coil current sensing circuitry. Coil drive circuitry is coupled to the controller and is configured to supply current to the coil based on the coil drive parameter.
US08465259B2 Gas turbine spindle bolt structure with reduced fretting motion
A spindle bolt structure is provided in a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine includes a rotor including a plurality of turbine disks for supporting rows of blades, a torque tube located on a compressor side of the turbine disks, and a seal disk located between the torque tube and a first stage turbine disk. The spindle bolt structure includes a plurality of spindle bolts extending through the turbine disks and disposed offset from a rotational axis of the turbine disks. The spindle bolts include a first terminal end located adjacent to the compressor side of the turbine disks, and a sleeve member is provided extending over a portion of the first terminal end of each spindle bolt and embedded within a compressor side of the seal disk for effecting a reduction in fretting movement of the spindle bolt relative to the seal disk.
US08465256B2 Wind turbine rotor
Wind power plant rotor comprising one or more rotor blades and stiffening elements to stiffen the rotor, where the rotor blades are arranged such that they can turn around their longitudinal axes relative to corresponding rotor stiffening elements. Each rotor blade may comprise at least two rotor blade parts where the outer rotor blade part may be turnably arranged relative to the inner rotor blade part. The solution facilitates use of longer or slimmer rotor blades while strength and stiffness increase. The fatigue forces are thereby reduced while the corresponding tower structure can be made stiffer and lighter. Manufacturing and transport costs are reduced.Further, the stiffening elements may be formed with an aerodynamic outer cross section as for example a drop profile or wing profile in order to reduce air drag and audible noise.
US08465255B2 Gas turbine blade and gas turbine having the same
Provided is a gas turbine blade capable of improving the heat-conducting capacity of a serpentine channel. In a gas turbine blade including a serpentine channel in which a plurality of cooling channels, extending from the base end side to the distal end side of the blade, are provided from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the blade, at least two of these cooling channels being connected in a folded manner at the base end or distal end, the serpentine channel is formed such that the channel cross-sectional area becomes sequentially smaller from the cooling channel provided at the extreme upstream side of the serpentine channel to the cooling channel provided at the extreme downstream side.
US08465253B2 Pump housing with two-point mount
A pump housing of a rotary pump has a pump chamber in which an impeller can rotate, an intake port, an output port similar to the intake port, the intake and output ports having respective axially oppositely directed flanges centered on a flange axis, and respective unitary projections on the flanges each formed with a respective flat extending parallel to the flange axis. The flats form only two axially spaced mounting points for securing the pump to a support surface extending parallel to the axis.
US08465252B2 Turbine engine rotating cavity anti-vortex cascade
A gas turbine engine rotor drum includes spaced apart discs providing a cavity between the discs. The discs are configured to rotate in a rotational direction about an axis. An annular support is mounted on at least one of the discs and within the cavity. A cascade of relatively short anti-vortex members is mounted circumferentially on the annular support. The anti-vortex members are tubular in shape and provide a radially extending passage. The anti-vortex members include an outer end having a circumferential side with an opening in fluid communication with the radial passage.
US08465251B2 Compressor device
There is provided a compressor device in which resonance in a circulating channel is reduced so that an increase in noise generated from the compressor device is prevented. The compressor device includes: a plurality of blades rotated about a rotation axis; an air inlet extending along the rotation axis and introducing air to the blades; a circulating channel disposed on a circumference centered on the rotation axis and communicating between the air inlet and the shroud of the blades; and a strut extending radially centered on the rotation axis and dividing the circulating channel. Resonance frequencies determined from circumferential lengths in the circulating channels divided by the strut are higher than a noise frequency determined from the rotational speed of the blades and the number of blades.
US08465249B2 Method and apparatus for stacking sheet materials
A sheet stacking and pallet loading system configured to stack sheets of material on a first pallet while holding a second pallet in a staging position above the first pallet. The system can include an elevator for supporting the first pallet in a loading position while the sheets are stacked on the first pallet. After a sufficient quantity of sheets has been stacked thereon, the elevator can lower the first pallet from its loading position. The second pallet can then be lowered from its staging position such that the sheets can be stacked thereon. The system can further include extendable pallet supports which can be extended to support the second pallet while the first pallet is being lowered by the elevator. The pallet loading system can further include a pallet-grasping assembly having, first, a frame movable along a track and, second, one or more end-effectors movable relative to the frame for engaging a pallet.
US08465245B2 Wheel restraint systems
A wheel restraint for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock includes a wheel chock suspended from a tether. The tether hangs from an overhead beam such that the wheel chock can be swung down and underneath the vehicle and placed directly in front of a wheel of the vehicle. A pin can be used to help hold the chock to an anchor that is fastened to a driveway of the loading dock. The orientation of the pin and the anchor holes in which the pin can be selectively inserted prevents the chock from tipping back and makes the restraint more tolerant of dirt, ice and other contaminants. In some examples, an offset between the beam and the wheel results in the tether urging the chock toward the anchor.
US08465242B2 Fastener for strut channel
A self-contained fastener is provided for attaching to a structure having opposing edges that flank a cavity across a gap. The fastener includes a grip member, a clamp member and a latch member. The grip member has a knob and an inner annulus disposed thereon along an axis of symmetry. The knob has a central through-hole coaxial with the inner annulus. The inner annulus has an arc tab that radially protrudes therefrom. The clamp member includes a boss and an outer annulus disposed thereon. The boss has first and second dimensions perpendicular to the axis, the first dimension being shorter than the gap. The clamp member is flanked by opposing ledges along the second dimension. Each ledge is arranged to engage a respective edge of the structure. The inner annulus is coaxially insertable into the outer annulus. The latch member includes a stud and a flange. The stud is insertable at a proximal end into the inner annulus and the through-hole. The flange is disposed at a distal end of the stud and has a third dimension shorter than the gap. The flange and the block can be inserted into the cavity along the respective third and first dimensions through the gap. In response to clockwise turning, the knob rotates the tab within the angular notch until inhibited by the outer annulus, whereby the proximal end of the stud retracts into the through-hole, thereby engaging the fastener to the structure.
US08465234B2 Drilling bit with the depth-limiting and angle-leading function for the carpenter's work
A drilling bit with the depth-limiting and angle-leading function for the carpenter's work, having a covering sleeve (with a driving shaft) and a bit holder for securing a bit. A limit ring and a screw socket (with female thread) are screwable to the covering sleeve (with the male thread) for adjusting the depth of the spot-faced hole in a workpiece (to be drilled) according to the actual operation requirement.
US08465233B2 Slot-milling tool and slot-milling insert for a slot-milling tool
A slot-milling tool includes a slot-milling insert to be on-edge mounted to a toolholder of the slot-milling tool. The insert includes a first side surface, a second side surface, and a plurality of edge surfaces between the first and second side surfaces, each edge surface intersecting with another edge surface at a corner and forming a cutting edge. The first and second side surfaces each have a side insert supporting surface for abutting against an abutment surface in a toolholder, and the insert has reflective symmetry about a central plane extending through the edge surfaces midway between the first and second side surfaces. A chipbreaker is provided on each edge surface and corresponds to each cutting edge, and each chipbreaker includes a recess beneath the cutting edge and a portion projecting toward the cutting edge, the projecting portion defining first and second chip deflecting recesses between the projecting portion and the first and second side surfaces, respectively.
US08465224B2 Multi-application apparatus, methods and surface markings
In various embodiments, a multi-application apparatus may be configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The multi-application apparatus may include a sprayer configured to apply a profileable material to an area of a driving surface during a pass of the vehicle by the area to create a first marking. The multi-application apparatus may also include an applicator configured to apply the profileable material to at least a portion of the area of the driving surface during the same pass of the vehicle by the area to create a second marking. The second marking may have a more varied profile than the first marking. In various embodiments, the multi-application apparatus may include controls that enable independent control of various parameters during operation. In various embodiments, profileable material forming the second marking is at least partially fused with the profileable material forming the first marking.
US08465217B2 Focal-plane shutter and optical equipment
A focal-plane shutter includes: a board including an opening; a leading blade and a trailing blade; a trailing blade lever; a first lever; a second lever; a self-holding type solenoid; a leading blade electromagnet and a trailing blade electromagnet; and a set lever.
US08465208B2 Re-lubeable center support assembly for bearing
A center support assembly includes a bearing that supports a driveshaft for rotation about an axis. A shield is fixed to the bearing and a seal is positioned between the shield and the bearing. The shield and seal cooperate to retain lube within the bearing and prevent external contaminants from entering the bearing. A lube passage is formed between an outer surface of the bearing and an inner surface of the shield. At least one externally accessible fitting is in fluid communication with the lube passage and is used to supply additional lubricant to the bearing when needed.
US08465198B2 System and process for inhibitor injection
A method for introducing inhibitor into a fluid to be treated, the method including forming a dispersion comprising droplets, particles, or gas bubbles of inhibitor dispersed in a continuous phase of a carrier, wherein forming the dispersion comprises subjecting a mixture of the inhibitor and the carrier to a shear rate of greater than about 20,000 s−1; and using at least a portion of the dispersion to inhibit corrosion.
US08465196B2 Bone cement mixer
Mixer for obtaining bone cement for medical applications comprising a mixing chamber in which the mixing of at least two components which form the cement is carried out, comprising means for generating and transmitting vibrations to the mixing chamber and a luer attachment through which the cement can exit.
US08465195B1 Device for mixing a bottle of baby formula
A device for mixing a bottle of baby formula preferably includes a device housing, a motor, a drive linkage and a bottle retainer. The drive linkage includes an eccentric drive disk, a drive arm, a pivoting arm and a pivot mounting base. The pivot mounting base includes a bottle drive shaft. The eccentric drive disk pivots the bottle drive shaft through the drive arm and the pivoting arm. The pivot mounting base is secured to the device housing. The bottle retainer preferably includes a bottle housing, a locking door and a bottle drive shaft boss. The locking door is pivotally retained on an open end of the bottle housing. The bottle drive shaft is retained in the bottle drive shaft boss. The motor rotates the eccentric drive disk, which causes the bottle to shake back and forth. A second embodiment replaces the device housing with a support member.
US08465194B2 Backlight module, light guide plate thereof and ink thereof
The present invention relates to a backlight module, light guide plate thereof and ink thereof. The ink includes a base resin and an additive. The additive is dispersed in the base resin for increasing the printability of the ink. The additive comprises a polymer having hydroxy functional group, ester functional group, ether functional group or combination thereof. Use of the ink of the present invention will reduce the color difference and the variation of color temperature of the light guide plate. In addition, the ink has higher flowability, which increases the printability of the ink.
US08465191B2 Planar light emitting device and method of manufacturing same
A planar light emitting device provided with a light source; a sheet-like light guide that guides light from the light source in a planar direction, and has a plurality of light emitting regions, and a through slit formed between the light emitting regions to penetrate the light guide in a thickness direction; a switch sheet arranged so as to face one of the front face and the rear face of the light guide; and a light-blocking layer that has a flange portion that covers an opening edge portion of the through slit, a main body portion that covers at least one of the mutually facing inner wall surfaces of the through slit so as to form a space in the interior of the through slit and that continuous with the flange portion, and a bottom portion that is extended from a lower portion of the main body portion.
US08465186B2 Moisture resistant coatings for polymeric enclosures
A moisture resistant housing assembly is provided, the housing defining an internal space and an ambient space surrounding said internal space, the housing constructed at least partially of a polymeric material and a moisture barrier layer covering a portion of the polymeric material, the moisture barrier layer having a moisture permeation coefficient that is lower than the moisture permeation coefficient of the polymeric material.
US08465179B2 LED lighting device
The present invention is a light generation device utilizing higher efficiency LED's while also allowing for interface with current lighting interfaces. The LED's are replaceable in the unit and may be interchanged with other LED's to affect lighting mood and style or simply for replacement in the event an LED ceases to function.
US08465178B2 LED lighting fixture
An LED lighting fixture including a housing having a hollow interior cavity defined by a backwall and a surrounding wall extending therefrom to a forward edge. An LED illuminator is mounted in the housing. An LED-support structure extends in the interior cavity from the housing to an LED-supporting surface positioning the LED illuminator in a desired orientation and spaced from the backwall. The LED-support structure is a heat sink transferring heat from the LED illuminator to the housing.
US08465177B2 Heat dissipation enhanced LED lamp
A LED lamp which could directly replace an ordinary tungsten, halogen, or electricity-saving light bulb includes a filament, a lamp base and a thermally conductive electric insulator. The filament includes at least one AC LED device, and the thermally conductive electric insulator is filled in a cavity of the lamp base to mechanically contact with the filament and an electrode of the lamp base. When the AC LED device is powered on, the thermally conductive electric insulator provides a thermal channel to transfer heat from the filament to the electrode for heat dissipation enhancement. The LED lamp can be directly inserted into an ordinary bulb socket that is generally used in lighting fixtures, without having to modify the system of the lighting fixtures or use an additional adapter.
US08465176B2 Light emitting device and light unit using the same
Provided is a light emitting device and light unit using the same. The light emitting device comprises: a body including a horizontal surface; an insulating layer over at least a portion of the horizontal surface; an electrode over at least a portion of the insulating layer; a heat radiation member formed within the body and protruding from the horizontal surface, the heat radiation member comprising two or more surfaces that are inclined with respect to the horizontal surface; and two or more light emitting diodes, wherein each of the two or more light emitting diodes is mounted on a respective one of the two or more inclined surfaces, and wherein each of the two or more light emitting diodes is electrically connected to the electrode.
US08465172B2 Lighting module with diffractive optical element
A lighting module having an array of light-emitting elements on a substrate, at least one diffractive optical element arranged to receive light from the light-emitting elements and partially collimate the light. A method of packaging a lighting module including mounting at least one array of light-emitting elements on a substrate in a package, and enclosing the package with a window, the window has a diffractive optical element on a surface of the window closest to the array, the diffractive optical element arranged to partially collimate the light. A lighting module having an array of light-emitting elements on a substrate, at least one diffractive optical element arranged to receive light from the light-emitting elements and scatter the light into a random emission pattern to produce a uniform irradiance at a target surface.
US08465150B2 Eyeglasses
An eyeglass assembly comprising a frame member comprising a tubular terminal portion (2), and eyeglass lens (11) having an engaging portion (112) to which the frame member is fitted, and a composition (219) which (i) provides at least part of an interface between the engaging portion and the frame member and (ii) extends at least part way into a passage (215, 115) which passes from the interface to an exposed face of the frame member or of the lens. The composition can be a UV-cured adhesive which can be weakened by heat so that the assembly can be easily disassembled.
US08465146B2 Roll paper conveying apparatus, inkjet printer, and roll paper conveying method
A movable member encoder is used to detect the position of a movable member, and a correction value calculator calculates a correction value corresponding to the amount of displacement of the movable member from a reference position and the integration of the amount of displacement. The correction value calculated by the correction value calculator is then used in correcting a voltage instruction value output from a feed motor controller to a feed motor.
US08465134B2 Image forming apparatus
A liquid container includes a liquid containing member configured to contain liquid to be supplied to a recording head for jetting liquid droplets, the liquid containing member having flexibility; and an outer container configured to accommodate the liquid containing member. The liquid containing member includes a liquid supply opening, and a side of the liquid containing member opposite to the liquid supply opening is fixed to an inner surface of the outer container.
US08465129B2 Liquid ejection using drop charge and mass
A liquid ejection system ejects a liquid jet through a nozzle. A drop formation device modulates the jet causing portions to break off into drop pairs, including first and second drops, separated on average by a drop pair period, and modulates the jet to cause portions to break off into larger third drops separated on average by the same period. A charging device includes a varying electrical potential source providing a waveform including first and second distinct voltage states and a period equal to the drop formation period. The charging device and the formation device are synchronized to produce first, second, and third charge to mass ratios on the first, second, and third drops, respectively. A deflection device causes the first, second, and third drops to travel along first, second, and third paths, respectively. The first and third charge to mass ratios and paths are substantially the same.
US08465127B2 Liquid ejecting head unit and liquid ejecting apparatus
A recording head includes flange portions to which spacers are anchored on both sides of the recording head with a head case therebetween. Spacer attachment holes are provided in the flange portions in the center of the width direction orthogonal to a nozzle row in the recording head, and a round hole and an oblong hole relative to the spacers are provided in the flange portions in positions that are distanced from a center line in the width direction. Positioning holes for the flange portions are provided in the spacers in positions that correspond to the round hole and the oblong hole in the flange portions, and the spacers are anchored to the flange portions on both sides so as to be oriented symmetrically to each other, in a positioned state in which the positions of the positioning holes are aligned with the round hole and the oblong hole.
US08465120B2 Electronic device
An electronic device, including a carriage conveyance mechanism, a sheet conveyance mechanism, and a controller including: a failure detecting portion configured to detect a carriage conveyance failure; a position detecting portion configured to detect a carriage position of on a carriage conveyance path; a conveyance start position storage portion configured to store a conveyance start position of the carriage; a failure occurrence position identifying portion configured to identify a failure occurrence position; an outer-edge position identifying portion configured to identify a position of an outer edge of a sheet passing area which is an area in the carriage conveyance path; and a jam judging portion configured to judge that the detected conveyance failure is due to a sheet jam where the outer-edge position is present between the conveyance start position stored by the conveyance start position storage portion and the failure occurrence position identified by the failure occurrence position identifying portion.
US08465117B2 Fluid ejecting apparatus and fluid ejecting method
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a head that is provided with a first-nozzle-row and a second-nozzle-row, a platen that is provided with a plurality of convex-portions, and a control unit repeats an operation of ejecting fluid from the nozzles moving in two directions of a forward-path and a backward-path. The control unit adjusts the ejecting time such that, at the medium of the convex-portions, an amount-of-deviation in the movement-direction of the dots formed on the forward-path and the backward-path by the first-nozzle-row is less than an amount-of-deviation of the dots formed on the forward-path and backward-path by the second-nozzle-row. In the ejection operation, and such that the position in the movement-direction of the dots formed by the second-nozzle-row is a position opposite to the side on which the head moves in the movement-direction with respect to the position in the movement-direction of the dots formed by the first-nozzle-row.
US08465109B2 Core bar for rubber crawler
A core bar for a rubber crawler capable of enhancing the durability of the rubber crawler by preventing an end-cutting phenomenon in which cracking is generated at the end of the core bar in a crawler lateral direction of the core bar embedded in the rubber crawler when the rubber crawler rides over a curbstone at the road shoulder of a paved road, stones and obstacles on irregular ground, and is pressed in a lateral direction. In the core bar (1) constituting the rubber crawler (3) and embedded in a rubber crawler body (3a), an enlarged width part (2) is formed by elongating the longitudinal end part of the core bar (1) beyond the width dimension of the core bar.
US08465103B2 Self propelled transport device
A transport device has a chassis with a front end and a rear end. The device has a continuous track supporting the chassis above a surface configured to move the chassis along the surface. A handle extends from the front end or rear end of the chassis and has a grip section positioned to be gripped by a user walking ahead of or behind the chassis. A motor is coupled and arranged to drive the continuous track and is operable by a user manipulating the handle. The worktop can be reconfigurable to at least two optional arrangements having different storage or support capabilities. The worktop can also be interchangeable with other different worktops having different storage or support capabilities.
US08465101B1 Guard device for furniture
A guard device for preventing accumulation of items under a piece of furniture featuring a center panel, a first extension plate, a second extension plate, a third extension plate, a fourth extension plate, and a back panel. The panel and extension plates removably attach to each other via attachment means and together form a barrier around a piece of furniture with the extension plates functioning as side panels. The attachment means allow the height, width, and length of the device to be adjusted to fit around the piece of furniture. The device also features securing tabs pivotally attached to the top edge of both the center panel and back panel. The securing tabs help keep the device secured around the furniture.
US08465094B2 Operator seat structure of construction machine
A seat structure for an operator that is set in a cab of a construction machine such as a wheel loader includes: a suspension equipment fixed to a floor frame; a plate-shaped attachment bracket attached on the suspension equipment; a seat and a work equipment console juxtaposed to each other on the attachment bracket. The seat is attached to the attachment bracket via slide rails in a manner slidable back and forth. The work equipment console is also attached to the attachment bracket via a slide rail in a manner slidable back and forth.
US08465091B2 Adjustable office chair
An adjustable office chair includes a base device, and a seat device disposed on the base device. The seat device includes a fixed seat section, a rear seat section connected pivotally to and disposed behind the fixed seat section, a front seat section connected pivotally to and disposed in front of the fixed seat, and an invertible seat section connected pivotally to a side of the front seat section distal from the fixed seat section. The invertible seat section is movable to a position directly above the fixed seat section to allow a user to sit thereon. The front and invertible seat sections are movable to align with the fixed seat section to allow the user to sit on the fixed seat section. The rear seat section is movable to an inclined position to allow the user to lie on the seat device.
US08465090B1 Chair for use during wade fishing
A chair for use during wade fishing in order to allow the user to sit above the water line has a director's chair with four feet, two forwardly located and two rearwardly located. Extensions are threadably removed within receivers attached to each foot, the extensions having pointed ends that are received within the sandy bottom below the water line. Steps are located just below the feet to help a user get into the chair. Weight distribution disks are frictionally held on the extensions to prevent undue sinking of the chair. Pouches, both mesh and waterproof, are attached to the arm rests and the seat of the chair. A rod holder is receivable within an opening on the arm rest. A receiver is attached to the frame of an upper portion of the chair to hold an umbrella.
US08465086B2 Inflatable panels bodywork for automotive vehicles
A bodywork for vehicles including panels made of a deformable material and filled with a pressured fluid. The panels are located on the external sections of the bodywork.
US08465073B2 Panel assembly for an animal transport vehicle
A panel assembly is provided comprising a first face having an outer perimeter and a second face having an outer perimeter, the second face being directly opposite the first face and having a substantially smooth surface, the first and second faces forming a first panel thickness. A plurality of borders surround the perimeters of the first and second faces. At least one support member is attached and arranged perpendicular to the first face, the at least one support member extending parallel to at least one border, the at least one support member and the second face forming a second panel thickness, the second panel thickness is greater than the first panel thickness.
US08465070B2 Claw for a container transporting system
Container clamp grip for a container transport system having two grip arms that can be swiveled about one or about two axles between a grip position and a release position, the two grip arms being applied with springiness in the direction toward the grip or toward the release position by a force storing unit presenting at least one pair of mutually repelling permanent magnets. The container clamp grip is controlled by a control cam. In the container grip position, a first air gap is provided between the permanent magnets, and in an extreme closed position of the clamp grip, if there is no container, a second, smaller air gap is provided between the permanent magnets.
US08465058B1 Sprung mud flap device
The sprung mud flap device provides a sprung connection between a truck or trailer mount plate and a flap assembly. The device negates damages often incurred when a truck or trailer is backed into a berm or other obstacle and the mud flaps damaged by forces between the tires and the berm or obstacle. By allowing the flap to move, move downward, forward, or rearward, and to flex away from the mount plate fastened to a truck or trailer, the flap is not stressed, torn, or excessively worn. The device includes a rain shield. The rain shield includes a rearward angle. The mount plate includes a forward angle. The device includes a rearward angle on the rain shield. The device includes a u-channel as a part of the flap assembly.
US08465044B2 Sports board with an interlocking structure
A sports board, such as a snow board, has a board core structure that provides desired structural characteristics localized to select regions of the board while maintaining predictable produceability and optimum operating qualities of the board. In an embodiment, the sports board includes a plurality of layered elements or segments, of which certain elements or segments are joined using interlocking elements.
US08465040B2 Detachable gooseneck trailer locking mechanism
A trailer assembly including a load deck and a detachable gooseneck. The load deck includes a rotatable shaft and latch wedge and the detachable gooseneck includes a hook. The attachment of the gooseneck to the load deck will result in the rotation of the shaft and latch wedge and engage the latch wedge and hook preventing detachment of the gooseneck and load deck. Misalignment of the gooseneck and load deck may be compensated for by a chamfer of the hook and a v-shaped groove.
US08465038B2 Lever enhanced pedaling system with wrap around chain propulsion system
A propulsion system of a lever propelled bicycle that utilizes a right and left side assembly consisting of two sets of linear chain links with an offset connection to one another by a spacer means, wherein each assembly is able by said spacer connection means to wrap around separate radial drive members at least 1¾ revolutions without wrapping around itself, therefore providing the rotational pulling means of it's connected radial drive member with a propulsion that is consistent in range and torque. The propulsion system also provides means of rewrapping each chain assembly around its radial drive member for reciprocal rotational pulling action by alternate levers when a rider applies force to each pedal.
US08465035B2 Quick change trailer axle hub
An axle-and-hub assembly for a trailer which includes an axle with opposing ends, first and second connecting devices respectively positioned at the opposing ends of the axle, and first and second hub arrangements which are removably secured to the first and second connecting devices.
US08465029B2 Foldable handcart
A foldable handcart includes a handle, a cart frame, a carrier board, two wheel seats and two wheels. Two frame seats are deposited on the carrier board for pivoting the carrier board on the cart frame. A front side and a top side are defined on the frame seat. A corner formed by the front side and the top side is a round corner. Therefore when the foldable handcart is not in use, a user presses down the foldable handcart and the wheel seats contact with the corners to rotate the carrier board up slightly according to the lever principle. The user further folds the foldable handcart easily. Furthermore, the carrier board is completely escaping the ground when the foldable handcart is folded.
US08465028B2 Hand cart braking system
An improved braking system for a hand cart is disclosed. The braking system has a split axle which is rotatably connected to the cart frame. Braking components are affixed to each of the split axle sections. An actuator is connected to a caliper system, which caliper system is used to push the braking components together to lock the split axle into a single axle for braking or controlling the cart.
US08465024B2 Sealing device configured to form an air seal around a pipe
The present invention relates to a sealing device that is configured to form a seal around a pipe by use of an air flow in order to prevent a fluid from passing the sealing device. The sealing device includes an air inlet for the inflow of compressed air and configured to be connected to a source of compressed air; one or more channels connected to the air inlet, the channels extending along a substantially annular trajectory and configured to—in use—extend substantially around the pipe; a plurality of outlet points or an annular outlet groove connected to the one or more channels, the outlet points being configured to blow the compressed air in the region of the pipe wall, in order to create an air flow about the pipe in order to prevent a fluid from passing the sealing device.
US08465022B2 Toss card game for simulating sports
A game system for use with an object tossing game board such as a cornhole game board is disclosed for simulating a sport. The game system includes a plurality of playing cards so that one of at least a first player and a second player draws one of the plurality of cards during a player turn, each of the plurality of playing cards having tossing instruction information including identification of an award representing an activity involved in the sport and identification of an attempt number representing a number of tosses in which one of the first player and the second player has to successfully toss the object to the object tossing game board during the player turn to obtain the award.
US08465020B2 Audible puzzle cube
A three-dimensional puzzle cube is generally described. The three-dimensional puzzle cube may include multiple blocks that are interconnected and movable, an output device, and a control unit that generates a control signal to the output device when the control unit determines that the blocks are arranged in a predetermined configuration.
US08465017B1 Supply device and image forming apparatus
A supply device includes: a supply roller that rotates around a first axis and supplies a medium; a rotary unit that rotates around a second axis in a determined direction to move the roller from a first position to a second position; a restriction part that, when the roller is at the first position, restricts rotation of the rotary unit in the determined direction; a member that rotates around a third axis; and a swing part that, when rotation of the rotary unit in the determined direction is restricted, swings in a first direction and makes the member separate the restriction part from the rotary unit to move the roller to the second position, and that, when the roller is at the second position, swings in a second direction and rotates the rotary unit in a direction opposite to the determined direction to move the roller to the first position.
US08465013B2 Carrying apparatus, image forming apparatus, carried medium carrying method, computer readable medium storing computer program thereof
A disclosed carrying apparatus includes a first rotating unit carrying a sheet-like carried medium in a rotating direction, a second rotating unit carrying the carried medium in the rotating direction, a first driving unit rotating the first rotating unit, a second driving unit rotating the second rotating unit, a first rotational speed detecting unit, a second rotational speed detecting unit, a first rotational speed controlling unit, a second rotational speed controlling unit, and a torque information acquiring unit acquiring torque information acting on the first rotating unit, wherein the second rotational speed controlling unit controls the second rotational speed in response to a comparison result between the torque information acquired when the sheet-like carried medium is solely carried by the first rotating unit and the torque information acquired when the sheet-like carried medium is carried by the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit.
US08465005B2 Pneumatic multi-weight balancing device
A pneumatic load balancing device having an inflatable reservoir establishing via an amplifier a pressure within a lift chamber that is sufficient to balance the weight of an object being lifted. The reservoir is inflated and deflated by inflation and deflation valves that may be operated from an operator control center proximal an end effector of the device. The valves may be actuated via pushbuttons or in a mutually exclusively fashion via a neutrally biased reciprocating actuator. The device allows loads of different weights to be lifted in a semi-automatic fashion with operator involvement to select the load balancing pressure. The device may have an air release system that closes a blocking valve in the event of release of the object and optionally in the event of a loss of air supply. The pressure within the lift chamber is thereby preserved and can be vented at different rates.
US08464986B1 Subsea clamp for hoses and control lines
A clamp for a tubular hose or cable is disclosed. The clamp comprises a first clamp half, a second clamp half, and a hinge pin. The first clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a first concave semi-cylindrical face. The first end of the first clamp half carries means for mounting the clamp. The second clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a second concave semi-cylindrical face. The first clamp half and the second clamp half come together along a parting line and are retained together by a hinge pin. The clamp halves are provided with snap-in liners for easy use. Alternative mounts for mounting the clamp on subsea wire line or tubulars is also disclosed.
US08464984B2 Cable management guide
A cable management guide couples with a component rack to support and guide cables. The cable management guide has offset brackets attachable to posts of the component rack to unobtrusively position cable stays into the interior of the component rack for enhanced positioning of the cables. Each of the cable stays includes a support member to retain one or more cables and a guard member that keeps the cables on the support member within the cable stay. For each cable stay, the guard member is offset from and overlaps with the support member to provide an entrance gap between the support member and the guard member for cables to be slipped into and out of the cable stay.
US08464982B2 Systems and methods for securing and protecting aircraft line replaceable units with status indicator under a passenger seat
Systems and methods of retrofitting a commercial passenger aircraft with a mounting system that secures and protects a line replaceable unit (LRU) are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment is a mounting system for a regulatory compliant passenger power outlet system.
US08464979B2 Foldable swan-wings aircraft
An aircraft structure is provide, an aircraft structure for an aircraft. including front Wing and rear wing of the Swan-Wing, vertical winglets and the first level Floor body. the fuselage has a cross-section of substantially flat fuselage shape being is Wide enough to provide lifting force. the front wing of the Swan-Wing are Disposed horizontally in front portion of the fuselage. rear wings of the Swan-Wing are disposed horizontally in rear portion of the fuselage. the vertical winglets Are disposed at the top of the rear fuselage. the first level disposed fuel tank storages, a Plurality of landing gear bays, cockpit with control panels, various avionics and Cabin doors.The top of the rear fuselage disposed jet power plants, the fuselage provide lifting force And the wings provides steering force and lifting force the whole structure of an aircraft Comprises carbon fiber honey comb composite molded structure which lighter weight And shear strong structure. the cockpit and cabin disposed. front window, rear Window, side window and doors. under the belly of the Swan-Wing disposed Pontoons.
US08464971B1 Fracture water treatment method and system
Methods for creating a proppant of a specific size from a slurry extracted from a fractured hydrocarbon well is provided, including the steps of separating water from the slurry, resulting in a solid stream and a liquid stream; mixing the slurry stream with particulate, resulting in a feed material; fusing proppant material in the feed material; quenching the fused proppant material; breaking the fused proppant material; sizing the broken material for the specific size; and mixing broken material that is not of the specific size with the feed material. A system for performing the method is also described.
US08464969B2 Method of making proppants used in gas or oil extraction
A method of making frac sand having a selected grade from a naturally occurring, mined sand having a SiO2 content of at least about 80 percent and having a particle size range where the maximum particle size is less than about 8.0 mm, comprising: crushing the mined sand into an intermediate particulate material; screening the particulate material into a feedstock with particles having a particle size coarser than about 350 mesh and initial values for roundness and sphericity of the particles; passing the particles of the feedstock through a blast tube with an outlet to pneumatically abrade the particles and propel the feedstock in a stream under a given pressure from the outlet; directing the pressurized stream against a fixed target located at a given distance from said outlet to physically abrade the particles to form an output mass containing abraded particles: and, repeating operations (c) and (d) a number of times or process stages until the particles resulting from the repeatedly abraded output mass is a final output mass having both processed roundness and sphericity values of at least 0.6 and wherein the values are greater than the initial values of the feedstock by at least about 0.10 to 0.50.
US08464967B2 Applicator boom tilt frame
A tilting boom applicator broadly includes a laterally-extending applicator boom a lift, and a tilt frame. The lift includes upper and lower lift arms that support the applicator boom and are operable to vertically shift the applicator boom. The tilt frame interconnects the applicator boom and lift and includes a fixed section mounted to upper lift arms and a swinging section mounted to the applicator boom. The frame sections are attached to each other at a frame pivot joint that defines a longitudinal tilt axis, with the frame pivot joint permitting tilting movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about the longitudinal tilt axis. Lower lift arms are directly attached to the swinging section to limit movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about a lateral pitch axis while permitting the tilting movement.
US08464965B1 Non-dripping and spillage and leakage-proof air-scenting method and device
A non-dripping and spillage and leakage-proof air-scenting method is disclosed in which a porous bonded fibrous mass is impregnated with air-scenting liquid of a mass not exceeding and preferably less than the dripping liquid mass of the extent of the fibrous mass. The surface segments of the fibrous mass draw air-scenting liquid from the interior of the fibrous mass. The rate of evaporation of the air-scenting liquid is controlled by allowing evaporation of the air-scenting liquid only through predetermined uncovered segments of the exterior surface of the fibrous mass.
US08464962B2 3-stage temperature control valve
A temperature control valve that effectively manages fluid pressure therethrough, including pressure differentials which may exist therein, such as from the upstream port to the downstream port, and about a piston slidingly disposed therewithin proximate a fluid flow path. In one embodiment a 3 stage valve is provided whereby fluid flows therethrough when the piston is in a first position, fluid flow is inhibited in a second piston position, and an override third position whereby fluid flows therethrough. When the piston is in the second position, the fluid pressure differential across the piston is balanced and an axial spring force on the piston is relatively small, thereby reducing any subsequent axial force required to advance the piston to the third free flow position, and allowing the valve to be comprised of cheaper materials including plastic.
US08464958B2 Unified IC card
A unified IC card includes: a selection part allowing a user to select at least one of a card applet of various card companies, a financial card applet of various financial companies, a stock card applet of various stock companies, a point card applet of various point issuing entities, and an associated card applet of various affiliated companies; an IC chip part electrically connected with the selection part, the IC chip part storing and sharing card information of the card applet, the financial card applet, stock card applet, point card applet, and associated card applet and providing the card information selected by the user to the outside; and a locking part electrically connected with the selection part to control the operation of the selection part.
US08464952B2 Optical reader having improved back-illuminated image sensor
An optical reading device for collecting and processing symbology data comprising: a back-illuminated image sensor for converting light reflected from an information bearing indicia (IBI) into output signals representative thereof; receive optics for directing light from the target to the back-illuminated image sensor; a processor for decoding the output signals; an illumination source for generating illumination light illuminating the target and illumination optics for directing the illumination light onto the target and a housing encompassing the back-illuminated image sensor, receive optics and illumination source adapted for hand held operation.
US08464950B2 Fast vision system
A method and apparatus for performing a vision process using a camera having a multi-focus lens having a lens field of view where the lens can be set at different focus positions the method comprising the steps of positioning at least one of the camera and an item to be imaged so the lens field of view is directed at the item to be imaged, obtaining a plurality of images where each image is obtained with the lens focus at a different position and after each image is obtained, attempting to perform the machine vision process using the image irrespective of whether or not the lens was focused when the image was obtained.
US08464949B2 Method and system for countering an incoming threat
A method including detecting a threat incoming to a vehicle, the vehicle having a plurality of countermeasures including a primary armament and an active protection system, communicating the detected threat to a controller, activating, with the controller, a first sensor in response to the detecting, the first sensor tracking the incoming threat and generating tracking data, routing, with the controller, the tracking data to a plurality of fire control processors, each of the plurality of fire control processors being associated with a respective one of the plurality of countermeasures, and the plurality of fire control processors simultaneously computing respective firing solutions using the tracking data, and determining, with the controller, a preferred countermeasure out of the plurality of countermeasures with which to counter the incoming threat.
US08464948B2 Switchgear cabinet or rack
The invention relates to a switchgear cabinet or rack comprising a mounting unit, the front of which has vertical mounting profiles that laterally delimit an installation frame for installed user-side units, the front of said profiles being provided with flat fixing sections for attaching laterally projecting mounting sections of the installed units, and comprising components of a detection device for determining the presence of an installed unit in an installation position of the installation frame. The components of the detection device have a vertical detector strip that is attached to a mounting section and contains detector elements and code carriers that are provided on the installed units. To achieve a simple assembly with a precise allocation of the components of the detection device, the mounting section has a cavity that is at least partially adapted to the cross-section of the antenna strip, is open at the front and is located laterally outside the neighboring fixing section, an abutment section that is set back in relation to the plane of the fixing section at least by the cross-sectional depth of the detector strip and an inner boundary wall that delimits the cavity on the side facing the installation space.
US08464938B2 Client customized virtual or physical card for use with selected merchants
A client selects several merchants with whom the card may be redeemed, the amount redeemable, and a design for the card, which is personalized for the card recipient.
US08464927B2 Processing apparatus fabrication
A processing apparatus that is formed from a plurality of metal layers that are stacked and aligned together and then connected together to form one or more portions of the processing apparatus.
US08464924B2 Surgical stapling device for performing circular anastomoses
This application is directed to a surgical stapling device for performing circular anastomoses. The surgical stapling device includes a handle portion, an elongated body portion and a head portion including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The handle portion includes a rotatable approximation knob for approximating the anvil and shell assemblies and a firing trigger for actuating a firing mechanism for ejecting staples positioned within the shell assembly. The firing trigger forms one link of a two bar linkage provided to actuate the firing mechanism. The anvil assembly includes a tiltable anvil which will tilt automatically after firing of the device and unapproximating the anvil and shell assemblies. The head portion also includes a retractable trocar assembly which is slidably positioned within an anvil retainer and is automatically advanced and retracted upon attachment and detachment of the anvil assembly onto the anvil retainer, and a lockout tube.
US08464922B2 Variable compression surgical fastener cartridge
A surgical fastener cartridge is provided and includes a cartridge body having a tissue contacting surface that includes a plurality of fastener retention slots. A plurality of surgical fasteners is operatively disposed in the plurality of fastener retention slots. A plurality of pushers is operably associated with the plurality of surgical fasteners. Each pusher is configured for ejecting an associated surgical fastener towards a depression in an anvil. An actuation sled is housed within the cartridge body and includes a plurality of cam wedges. The plurality of cam wedges configured to sequentially contact the plurality of pushers such that a surgical fastener that is ejected closer to a cut line produces a greater compression force to stapled tissue than a surgical fastener ejected further from the cut line.
US08464909B2 Dispensing system for food products
A dispensing device for a viscous edible product, with a storing unit for storing the viscous product, and a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit includes a flexible packing tube for packing and dispensing the food product, disposed within the dispensing unit such that it comprises a substantially linear portion adjacent its dispensing opening, compression components for pinching said linear portion of tube, compression components being movable in substantially perpendicular and parallel directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, actuation components for reversibly moving said compression components firstly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the packing tube to releasably pinch at least one portion of the flexible tube, and secondly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube towards its dispensing opening, so as to dispense at least one portion of the product packed in the tube.
US08464904B2 Methods and containers for reducing spillage and residual liquid when pouring liquid out of a container
A method of reducing spillage and residual liquid when pouring liquid includes temporarily deforming a liquid-carrying resilient container to press a buoyant member into a position sealing a fluid flow passage of the container, which is then inverted and the force is released to permit the member to float away from the passage such that liquid freely passes therethrough. When the fluid level is no longer sufficient to float the member away from the passage, an additional step prevents the ball from becoming or remaining seated in the sealing position so that residual liquid left in the container can be drained through the passage. Novel containers feature a ball-shaped member of larger size relative to the passage to ease unseating of the member therefrom for draining of residual liquid, and novel two-piece container constructions accommodate insertion of such larger balls prior to final assembly of the container.
US08464899B2 Zero cross-contamination collector
The present disclosure provides a collection device having a base with at least first and second openings and at least first and second collector tubes in communication with the at least first and second openings in the base. The collector tubes each have a curvature configured to define a trajectory path for an object descending in the collector tube toward a common target region below the collection device. The collector tubes are configured to be placed into communication with corresponding unique transport tubes/channels/paths, etc., originating at a singulating device.
US08464895B2 Beverage container with one-handed operation
A drinking vessel and lid assembly that is adapted for selectively opening an open end of the drinking vessel. The lid is selectively couplable to the drinking vessel and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the drinking vessel and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the drinking vessel at a location where a user normally grasps the drinking vessel. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the stopper using a single hand operation without the need to remove the lid from the drinking vessel.
US08464891B2 Hot/cold container and lid
A hot/cold container and lid is described. The container comprising: a bottom plate; a plurality of inner walls extending substantially perpendicular to said bottom plate, forming a hollow, therebetween; a plurality of outer walls extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate and substantially parallel to, and spaced from, a corresponding one of the inner walls, the spacing forming a compartment between the inner and outer walls, wherein corresponding ones of the inner and outer walls are attached at selected points between the inner and outer walls to provide at least one substantially uninterrupted compartment, therebetween. The Lid may be of a transparent, semi-transparent or opaque material and may be of a material that operates as a cutting board.
US08464876B2 Banknote handling apparatus
A banknote handling apparatus including a receiving unit that receives banknotes to be counted, a recognition unit that recognizes attributes of the banknotes, a storing unit that stores the banknotes sorted based on a recognition result by the recognition unit, an operation unit for selecting a counting mode and a setting for stacking, and a verification counting process control unit that executes a first counting process when the operation unit selects a verification mode as the counting mode, stores the banknotes in stacking units in a designated first setting for stacking, executes a verification counting process to the banknotes stacked in the first setting for stacking, stores the banknotes in stacking units in a designated second setting for stacking that is different from the first setting for stacking, and determines match/mismatch of the number of banknotes of each denomination in the first counting process and the verification counting process.
US08464875B2 Apparatus for analysing a security document
We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document. An x-ray source is adapted to illuminate at least one inspection region of the security document when located at an inspection position. An x-ray detector adapted to receive x-rays from the at least one inspection region of the document and to generate a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of the document in the at least one inspection region.
US08464872B2 Substrate storage container
When a lid (20) is attached to a substrate removal/insertion opening (2) in a container body (1), a placement piece forcible displacement means (22) forcibly moves a substrate placement piece (4), which is provided in a region in the vicinity of the substrate removal/insertion opening (2), to a displacement position which does not overlap with a disc-shaped substrate (W). Thus, even if the disc-shaped substrate (W) is increased in diameter, there is no risk of the stored disc-shaped substrate (W) coming into contact with the substrate placement piece (4) due to factors such as vibration or impact, thus the disc-shaped substrate (W) can be stored more safely.
US08464871B2 Blank and forming tool for forming a container
A blank for being formed into a container. The blank has a marginal area that includes a plurality of score lines for facilitating forming of the blank into the container. The score lines are positioned to facilitate formation of the container. A forming tool has features to facilitate forming the blank into the container.
US08464853B2 Apparatus and system for automatic centrifugal engagement of a pressure plate
An apparatus and system are disclosed for automatic centrifugal engagement of a pressure plate. The apparatus includes a center clutch coupled rotationally with a transmission input shaft, a clutch basket coupled rotationally with an engine output shaft, and a clutch pack disposed between the center clutch and the clutch basked. The clutch pack includes a plurality of drive plates rotationally coupled to the center clutch and a plurality of friction plates rotationally coupled with the clutch basket. The apparatus also includes a pressure plate assembly that is spring-loaded and disposed between the center clutch and the clutch basket. The pressure plate assembly comprises a pressure plate, a spring plate, and a spring disposed between the pressure plate and the spring plate. The system includes the apparatus and a manual override capable of use with cable actuated and hydraulic actuated clutch levers.
US08464851B2 Electro-hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission
An electro-hydraulic control system for a multiple speed automatic motor vehicle transmission includes main and auxiliary hydraulic pumps, a line pressure regulator, a lubrication pressure regulator, a lubrication override control valve and a torque converter control valve which is controlled by a variable force solenoid (VFS). Driver commands are provided to the system through a manual logic or spool valve which functions in conjunction with a spool or logic default valve and a default solenoid. Five solenoid valves receive various flows of hydraulic fluid and supply them to hydraulic actuators that engage and disengage four friction clutches and a selectable one-way clutch.
US08464842B2 Brake wear measurement system and method
A brake measurement system comprising a measurement mechanism for measuring brake wear operatively coupled to a moveable member of a brake assembly is provided. The system further includes a displacement sensor and a visual indicator. The displacement sensor is operatively coupled to the measurement mechanism, wherein movement of the moveable member is converted by the measurement mechanism into a displacement sensed by the displacement sensor. The visual indicator is operatively connected to the measurement mechanism, wherein the visual indicator displays the movement of the moveable member and consequently the wear of the brake stack at a point on the exterior of an aircraft brake housing for inspection.
US08464837B2 Device and method for controlling supply of lubricant at a work vehicle
The invention relates to a device for lubrication of a work vehicle, which device includes: a tank (1) for storage of lubricant; a number of delivery points (8a-g) at which lubricant is supplied to the tools of the work vehicle or other parts that need to be lubricated; a distribution block (5) including a number of branching points (6a-g) that all are connected to a delivery point (8a-g); a pump (2) for delivering lubricant from the tank (1) to the distribution block (5) and further on to the delivery points (8a-g); a control system (3), for regulating the supply of lubricant. Further the device includes: a detector (4) that detects when a volume of lubricant that corresponds to a pump cycle has been delivered from the pump and sends a signal with this information to the control system (3), a timer (11) that measures time intervals that corresponds to a certain duration of time and is adjusted to, for each time interval, send a signal to the control system (3) that indicates that a time interval has elapsed, wherein the control system by means of the signals from the detector (4) and the timer (11) regulates the pump to deliver a certain number of pump cycles per time interval to the delivery points (8a-g). The invention also relates to a method.
US08464834B2 Ladder stabilization device
A convenient ladder stabilization device for holding a ladder in place on a support surface. The device may attach to a lower rung of a ladder and extend and contact the support surface behind the ladder. The device of the present invention acts to secure and stabilize the bottom of the ladder to prevent the base of the ladder from sliding, skidding, or otherwise moving while a user is on the ladder. The present invention further provides for a lightweight and easy to use device that may be removably attached to any conventional ladder. The ladder stabilization device does not require any material alteration to the ladder and thus will not void the warranty of a conventional ladder when used in combination. The present invention improves user safety and reduces the need for having a second individual support the base of the ladder.
US08464824B1 Off-road wheeled vehicle speed limiting system
An open cockpit off-road vehicle has an engine, four wheels, side-by-side driver and passenger seats, and a driver safety belt which include a seat belt, first and second connecting portions selectively connected to each other, and one of a safety belt sensor and a safety belt switch sensing a state of this connection. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connects the engine to the wheels. A control unit is connected to the engine. A vehicle speed sensor senses a speed of rotation of a shaft driven by the CVT. The control unit controls the engine in a vehicle speed limit mode when the first and second connecting portions are disconnected. When in this mode, the control unit controls the engine to limit the speed of the vehicle to a predetermined speed and to permit the engine to reach a torque necessary to operate the vehicle at the predetermined speed.
US08464821B2 Regenerative braking system
A regenerative braking system is provided. The regenerative braking system includes at least one energy storage medium operably connected to a coupler. The coupler is operable to selectively couple and decouple the energy storage medium with a drive train of motor vehicle, or an electric generator, or a combination of both. A control arrangement governs the operation of the coupler. A sensor of the control arrangement is operable to determine information relating to the relative deceleration and acceleration of the motor vehicle and send said information to the controller. The controller is operable to determine the amount of energy storage medium or mediums to be coupled to the drive train via the coupler.
US08464820B2 Air cushion platform for carrying a manipulator arm and movable robot
An air cushion platform for carrying a manipulator arm, having a base, on the bottom side of which an air cushion system is attached for lifting the base from a standing position into a moving position above a bottom. At least one actuator device is mounted on the base, which actuator device is optionally in constant contact with the bottom in order to move the base at the bottom. A controller is connected to the air cushion system and the at least one actuator device in order to actuate the actuator device only if the air cushion platform is located in a moving position. A moveable robot is provided, particularly for the controlled guiding of a tool. The moveable robot has an air cushion platform, a foundation mounted on the air cushion platform and moveably supported thereby, and a manipulator arm having one end section that is attached to the foundation and another end that carries a tool.
US08464819B2 Working machine
A working machine (10) includes a body (11) having a front end (12) and a rear end (13), the body being provided with a ground engaging propulsion structure (15) whereby the machine (10) may be driven over the ground, a loading arm assembly (25) which includes a single loading arm (26) which is mounted at one end (26a) relative to the body (11) and which extends forwardly at towards one side of the body (11), beyond the front end (12) of the body (11), to a second end (26b) where there is a mounting for a working implement (35) the machine (10) further including an operator's cab (50) mounted on the body (11) towards a second side of the body (1)) opposite to the first side where the arm (26) extends, and at the front end (12) of the body (11) so that no part of the body (11) extends significantly forwardly of the cab (50), and wherein the cab (50) includes a cab roof (58), a cab floor (60), a front wall (52), a rear wall (59) and a first side wall (53) adjacent to the loading arm assembly (25), and a side (54) opposite to the first side wall (53), which affords a substantially unobstructed opening, which extends for substantially the entire length and height of the cab (50) at the second side (54), and the opening being closable by an access door (56).
US08464817B2 Battery mounting structure of electromotive vehicle
Plural battery modules mounted on a first mount portion of a battery unit which is positioned below a front floor portion are arranged in a vehicle longitudinal direction such that the longitudinal direction of each of the battery modules matches a vehicle width direction and the short side of a rectangular section of each of the battery modules extends in a vehicle vertical direction, and plural battery modules mounted on a second mount portion which is positioned below a rear floor portion are arranged in the vehicle width direction such that the longitudinal direction of each of the battery modules matches the vehicle longitudinal direction and the long side of the rectangular section of each of the battery modules extends in the vehicle vertical direction. Accordingly, the plural battery modules can be arranged efficiently.
US08464808B2 Method and device for controlling a rock drill rig
A method and a device for controlling a drill rig (1) which includes a carrier vehicle with at least one feed-beam (3), wherein a drill machine (2) is movable to-and-fro, wherein rig parameters are set by a control unit (6) and wherein each one of a plurality of operating modes (M1-M6) includes specified operating settings for different operating parameters of the rig. Each operating mode (M1-M6) is selectable such that operation of the rig is related to a particular type of rock, in which drilling is to be performed, and each operating mode (M1-M6) includes operating settings that are adapted to the prevailing type of rock. The invention also concerns a drill rig.
US08464794B2 Wellbore laser operations
Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations, such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation, include a laser device. A first portion of a subterranean formation can be characterized, the first portion being at a first location. A first orientation of an aperture can be selected based on the characteristics of the first portion of the subterranean formation. A laser beam can be used to create the aperture having the first orientation. A second portion of the subterranean formation can be characterized, the second portion being at a second location different from the first location. A second orientation, different from the first orientation, can be selected based on the characteristics of the second portion of the subterranean formation. The laser beam can be moved to the second location and can be used to form the aperture having the second orientation.
US08464786B2 Non basepipe-welded accessory attachment
A gripping apparatus is provided having a stop collar with an accessory hardware coupled or otherwise attached thereto so as to not weld the accessory hardware directly to a production tubular. The gripping apparatus is adapted to grippingly engage the production tubular for downhole hydrocarbon recovery applications, and the accessory hardware can be a bracket or ring configured to support alternate path shunt tubes. The stop collar can also include centralizer blades coupled directly thereto, instead of welding the centralizer blades to the production tubular.
US08464775B2 Tool for tire uninstalling and installing machines
A tool for tire uninstalling and installing machines includes an element for connection to a movable bearing member of the tire uninstalling and installing machine, which has a longitudinal axis, and a round contact element which is freely and rotatably supported by said connection member about a rotation axis and which has an external outline in contact with a contact portion of a side of a tire installed to a rim, the round element having a flared contacting and lifting surface suitable to contact and lift the tire from the rim, which has a base facing toward the rim and defining a first opposed vertex, touching means extending from the base toward the rim for touching a portion of the rim.
US08464774B2 Bead breaker group for a tire mounting-demounting machine
The present invention relates to a bead breaker group for bead breaking a tire of a tired wheel equipped with rim with bead-engagement flanges, the bead breaker group comprising a support (2, 5) and at least one bead breaker tool (3) mounted for rotation around a pin (4) borne by the support (2, 5), the bead breaker tool being substantially flat and comprising: at least one portion configured as an abutment front (3b, 3d, 3f) against a flange of a rim of a tired wheel to be bead broken; and at least one portion having curved peripheral edge substantially coaxial with the pin (4) and intended to act as an engagement-penetration zone (3a, 3c, 3e) between the flange of a rim and the bead of a tire to be bead broken, the distance between the abutment front (3b, 3d, 3f) and the pin (4) being less than the distance between the pin (4) and the at least one engagement-penetration zone (3a, 3c, 3e).
US08464762B2 Straw packaging machine
The invention relates to a machine for conditioning chaff (11) of predetermined diameter, that comprises a filling unit (3) for said chaff (11), including n filling stations (4), and a conveying device (2) for said chaff, said device (2) including at least one conveying member (5) provided with a succession of receiving housings (15) for said chaff (11) arranged along a predetermined pitch (E), said conveying member (5) further including, in addition to said succession of receiving housings (15) for said chaff (11) or first housings, a succession of receiving housings (16) or second housings for the chaff having another predetermined diameter, said second housings (16) being arranged along said pitch (E), and each of said second receiving housings (16) being provided between two first receiving housings (15).
US08464759B2 Series configured variable flow restrictors for use in a subterranean well
A variable flow resistance system can include a vortex device, with resistance to flow of a fluid composition through the vortex device being dependent on a rotation of the fluid composition at an inlet to the vortex device. Another system can include a second vortex device which receives a fluid composition from an outlet of a first vortex device, a resistance to flow of the fluid composition through the second vortex device being dependent on a rotation of the fluid composition at the outlet. Another system can include a first vortex device which causes increased rotation of a fluid composition at an outlet thereof in response to an increase the fluid composition velocity, and a second vortex device which receives the fluid composition from the outlet, a flow resistance through the second vortex device being dependent on the rotation of the fluid composition at the outlet.
US08464758B2 Valve system
The invention relates to a valve arrangement with a continuously variable directional control valve, wherein the valve slide thereof can be adjusted in the direction of five positions in order to control a user in two directions, to carry out a quick motion, to switch into a floating position or to close off the pressure means connection to the user (neutral position).
US08464754B2 Valve manifold
A valve is provided including a first valve member and a second valve member. The first valve member includes a first step and a first orifice adjacent the first step. The second valve member includes a second step and a second orifice adjacent the second step. The second valve member is movable relative to the first valve member between an open position, in which the first orifice is fluidly connected the second orifice, and a closed position, in which the first orifice is substantially fluidly disconnected from the second orifice. The first and second steps are fluidly connected to the second orifice and substantially fluidly disconnected from the first orifice when the second valve member is in the closed position, and the first and second steps are fluidly connected to the first and second orifices when the second valve member is in the open position.
US08464751B2 Oxygen content adjustment apparatus and container data center including the same
An oxygen content adjustment apparatus includes an oxygen content detector, a number of keys, a controller, an oxygen source, a first nozzle, a first valve, a flame retardant gas source, a second nozzle, and a second valve. The controller is connected to the oxygen content detector and the keys. A first terminal of the first valve is connected to the controller. A second terminal of the first valve is connected to the oxygen source. A third terminal of the first valve is connected to the first nozzle. A first terminal of the second valve is connected to the controller. A second terminal of the second valve is connected to the flame retardant gas source. A third terminal of the second valve is connected to the second nozzle.
US08464746B2 Automatic water distributor
An automatic water distributor contains a base including a chamber, a first outlet channel, a second outlet channel, and at least one inflow channel; between the chamber and the first outlet channel being defined a hole; a valve member including a valve core, the valve core including a plunger portion, a shaft portion, and a first passage, the first passage including a spout; a distributing plug retained on the top end of the shaft portion; a buffer device fixed in the chamber of the valve member and including a second passage, the second outlet channel, and a stop wall, wherein the stop wall keeps a buffer distance from the spout so that after the water sprayed from the spout flushes the stop wall, a watering reaction is forced on the plunger portion so that a downward movement of the valve core at a shifting instant is decreased.
US08464736B1 Reclaim chemistry
Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for efficiently reclaiming solvents used to clean surfaces of semiconductor wafers, etc. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a reclaim approach that prevents the evaporation of chemical solvents used to process wafers using proximity heads, by confining hot liquid solvents used to form fluid menisci on the wafer surface with cold liquid solvents of the same chemical composition.
US08464729B2 Hair styler capable of producing steam
A hair styler capable of producing steam not only can produce steam to assistant the user doing hair style, but also that the hair styler is provided with leak proof members between the respective parts of the hair styler, which can provide better sealing effect and prevent water leakage problems.
US08464720B1 Method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit
A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.
US08464717B2 Breathing mask with an autonomous inflatable harness
A breathing mask (1) for aircraft crewmember or passenger comprises a rigid portion (3) to be fit against the face of an user, said rigid portion comprising elements to bring a breathable gas to the user. The breathing mask further comprises an extensible harness (4) having end portions (5) connected to said rigid portion and including an inflatable element (6) connected to a source (7) of pressurized gas through a manually operable valve which delivers the pressurized gas to the inflatable element for extending the harness when actuated, and which reduces the pressure in said inflatable element to retract the harness and to cause the rigid portion to engage the face of the user when released. The source of pressurized gas is an autonomous container (7) supported by the rigid portion and containing the pressurized gas.
US08464715B2 Multipurpose therapeutic face mask
A therapeutic face mask comprises a face-engaging portion and a single connector having a mask-engaging end and a single treatment-receiving end which has a single attachment mounting for detachably sealingly receiving a treatment attachment, such as an oxygen reservoir bag or a nebulizer. A one-way inhalation valve in the connector permits fluid flow from the treatment-receiving end to the mask-engaging end during inhalation and inhibits fluid flow in the other direction. The mask also includes a valve-governed exhalation port and an anti-asphyxia valve assembly configured to permit fluid flow from ambient to the face-engaging portion during inhalation only when inspiratory effort during inhalation exceeds fluid flow to the treatment-receiving end of the connector. Also provided is an oxygen reservoir bag having a neck shaped for removable coupling to a mating connector of a therapeutic face mask. An oxygen reservoir bag may have a metered-dose inhaler port defined in its neck.
US08464714B2 Breathing assistance device comprising a gas regulating valve and associated breathing assistance method
The invention relates to a breathing assistance device for a patient (P), the device including: —a source of respiratory pressurized gas (S), a gas transmission duct (31) comprising a distal end (31d) coupled to said source and a proximal end (31p) coupled to the patient, —a gas regulating valve (32, 50) interposed in the gas transmission duct at a proximal location, comprising a leakage orifice (531) and an obstruction means (54) capable of varying the opening of the leakage orifice upon signal of controlling means (35) and allowing a bidirectional gas flow through the leakage orifice in both expiration and inspiration phases.
US08464713B2 Automated inspiratory muscle training for patients receiving mechanical ventilation
A system and method for automated inspiratory muscle strength exercise includes software for setting a mechanical ventilator for a pressure regulated breath with an initial pressure target that is at the highest pressure setting a patient can tolerate and increasing the pressure target as tolerated.
US08464709B2 Cheek path airway and cheek pouch anchor
The cheek pocket anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its whole span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway.
US08464704B2 Combustion apparatus for solid fuel
A combustion apparatus for the burning of solid fuel using a plurality of secondary combustion zones is disclosed. The combustion apparatus includes primary and secondary air inlets, an inclined hearth and a unique second air source which washes up a window in the combustion apparatus creating a floating flame effect and rendering the window self-cleaning. A series of baffles define a secondary combustion pathway which optimizes secondary combustion of exhaust gasses and particulate matter. Coaxial rear and top direct venting apparatus are also disclosed. The combustion apparatus provided combusts a wide range of solid fuel at a high level of efficiency.
US08464701B2 Chambered flame oven
An oven having a central cooking chamber defined in part by a housing and in visual communication with a flame-producing element. The cooking chamber has a door with a transparent portion providing visual inspection of the cooking chamber and a view of the flame produced by the flame producing element. The cooking chamber has a heat source to provide heat to the cooking chamber.
US08464698B2 Air intake assembly with integrated crankcase ventilation system
An engine assembly may include an engine block, a first cylinder head, and an air intake assembly. The engine block may include a first bank defining a first set of cylinders. The first cylinder head may be fixed to the first bank and may include a first set of intake ports. The air intake assembly may include an intake air tube, a crankcase ventilation housing integrally formed with the intake air tube, and an oil separation assembly located within the crankcase ventilation housing. The intake air tube may be in communication with the first set of intake ports and an air source. The crankcase ventilation housing may have a wall at least partially defined by the intake air tube.
US08464694B2 Method and system for providing fuel to internal combustion engines
The present invention relates to a system and method for providing fuel to internal combustion engines including fuel activation prior to injection. The method carried out by the system comprises dissolving a mixture of gasses providing improved fuel dispersing after fuel injection into a combustion chamber. Dissolved gasses desorption is stimulated from a unsaturated fuel solution. Full control of fuel flows with dissolved gas/gasses to and from injectors and FET technology is based on Henry's law (dissolving gasses in the liquids) and Kelvin principle (vapor pressure over droplet surface). The system provides fuel to internal combustion engines and consists of compact components, including exhaust gasses recirculation system which can be easily added to existing diesel and gasoline engine fuel supply systems. The method and system were tested with 4 different types of engines. The new method can use any type of liquid fuel—petroleum or synthesized, and provides fuel economy in 12-20% decrease of emissions and up to 25% at variable engine loads and significantly at engine cold start.
US08464691B2 Accelerator device
An accelerator device capable of achieving miniaturization and easily varying torque characteristics with a simple structure. The accelerator device includes a housing, a grip-side rotary body which is rotated with accelerator operation, a friction member including a contact portion to apply resistance due to friction as being contacted to the grip-side rotary body, an urging member which is connected to the housing via the friction member and connected to the grip-side rotary body and which urges the grip-side rotary body to rotate to an initial position side, and a restriction portion which is arranged at the housing and which restricts rotation of the friction member with the urging force of the urging member as being contacted to the friction member. Here, the friction member is urged by the urging member in a direction that the contact portion is pressed to an outer circumferential face of the rotary body having the restriction portion as a fulcrum.
US08464689B2 Throttle body to intake manifold mounting
At least one set of locator pins is provided on the flange of an intake manifold which couple with an orifice provided on the flange of a throttle body to align the two parts to ensure that they are properly oriented when assembled. In addition, through holes are provided on the throttle body flange and threaded inserts are provided on the flange of the intake manifold. The locator pins are coupled with the orifices prior to inserting a bolt through the through holes to engage with the threads of the threaded insert. By providing the locator pins, the two flanges are held in a desired orientation so that the ducts of the two flanges are properly aligned to substantially eliminate a step or mismatch at the interface.
US08464685B2 High performance continuous internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine that includes a rotary head that has an expansion chamber and that includes intake and exhaust slots. A drum is disposed in close noncontacting proximity to the inner side of the rotary head. The drum and the rotary head are substantially rotationally symmetric about a common axis. Radially moveable plates respond to a mechanical control mechanism adapted to move each plate from a retracted position in which the plate is located entirely within the outer surface of the drum and an extended position in close proximity to an upper surface of the expansion chamber to substantially seal the expansion chamber. At least one of the plates is present between the intake slot and the exhaust slot such that the combustion gas within the expansion chamber exerts a force on the plate and the drum to produce rotational motion of the rotary head about the common axis.
US08464684B2 Lubrication system for a dry sump internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine (10) dry sump lubrication system including multiple oil paths through the engine, the engine being constructed and arranged such that when the engine is mounted on a vehicle and the vehicle is level and upright and the engine is not in operation, oil in each of the multiple oil paths collects at oil collection portions (3,26,514,516) within the engine, each oil collection portion being at a low portion with respect to gravity in one of the oil paths; a plurality of oil drainage openings (510,512,508) fluidly connected to the oil collection portions; and a single drain plug (500) simultaneously removeably sealing each of the oil drainage openings, whereby substantially all of the oil in the system is drained from the system when the single drain plug is removed.
US08464683B2 Engine balancer system
An engine balancer system is provided in which a balancer housing (17) disposed so as to face an oil pan beneath a crankshaft is formed by joining an upper housing (29) and a lower housing (30) via mating faces (P), and the height of the mating faces (P) is lower on a vehicle front side than on a vehicle rear side. Oil discharge holes (45a, 46) for discharging oil that is within the balancer housing (17) are formed in the mating faces (P) on the higher side of the balancer housing (17) and in the upper housing (29) above the mating faces (P) on the lower side of the balancer housing (17). This enables the position of the oil discharge hole (45a) on the lower side to be as high as possible, thereby suppressing penetration of oil into the interior of the balancer housing (17) through the oil discharge hole (45a).
US08464682B2 Air intake device for internal combustion engine
An air intake device for an engine includes a duct having therein a first air flow passage, a housing having therein a second air flow passage, a rotary valve having a valve plate. A block of the housing, which conducts intake air to an intake port of a cylinder head, has a circular opposed surface that follows a shape of a curved surface portion of the valve plate. Moreover, the block of the housing has a protrusion that protrudes toward an upstream side of the second air flow passage in an air flow direction so as to contact a duct protrusion of the duct. Therefore, a localized flow of the intake air, which has flowed into the second air flow passage from an opening of the first air flow passage, can be restrained from spreading, and a flow rate of the localized flow can be restrained from slowing down.
US08464679B2 Corona tip insulator
This invention relates to a corona discharge ignitor used to ignite air/fuel mixtures in automotive applications and the like. To suppress an arc from forming when a voltage is applied to the ignitor, the corona discharge ignitor has various shapes and configurations, such as angular depressions or grooves, at the tip of the insulator. The shape and configuration of the tip provides a smaller radius which creates a more intensified electric field and provides better combustion.
US08464673B2 Variable valve lift apparatus
A variable valve lift apparatus may include a control shaft slidably disposed within a camshaft, a cam which is slidably disposed to the camshaft and a high lift cam lobe and a low lift cam lobe is formed thereto, a valve opening/closing unit contacting the cam and a control portion which moves the cam for the high lift cam lobe or the low lift cam lobe selectively to contact the valve opening/closing unit according to operation of the control shaft.
US08464671B2 Horizontally opposed center fired engine
The horizontally opposed center fired engine improves on the traditional design of the horizontally opposed engines and center fired engines with a better engine geometry. The present invention utilizes four pairs of opposing pistons to compress a larger volume of air-fuel mixture within four different cylinders. The four different cylinders are radially positioned around a center axle in order to achieve a perfectly symmetric engine geometry. The center axle consists of two different shafts spinning in two different directions, which could drastically reduce engine vibrations in the present invention. Engine vibrations are caused by a change in engine speed and result in a loss of energy. Due to the design, the present invention will only experience energy loss in the form of entropy and friction. Thus, the present invention can convert a higher percentage of chemical energy into mechanical energy than any other internal combustion engine.
US08464670B2 Guided bridge for a piston in an internal combustion engine
An improved configuration for internal combustion engine that reduces side forces on pistons during the engine cycle. The improvement is an intermediate and guided bridge element located between pull rods and pistons with articulated connections that allow side forces to be dissipated away from the pistons.
US08464660B2 Apparatus and methods for providing drinking water and/or entertainment for pets
Apparatus and methods for providing drinking water and/or entertaining to pets. The apparatus includes a base engaged with a container, a reservoir, and a pump for pumping liquid from the container into the reservoir when the container is upright. The pump may be selectively activated by the animal to pump liquid from the container into the reservoir. A ball may be provided at least partially within the reservoir to rotate relative to the reservoir when licked by the animal to operate the pump and draw liquid from the container, through a fluid conduit, and into the reservoir. Liquid from the reservoir may adhere to an outer surface portion of the ball and thereby become accessible to and drinkable by the animal when the outer surface portion of the ball is rotated from an initial position within the liquid in the reservoir to a second position accessible to the animal's tongue.
US08464656B2 Milking cup and milking method
A milking cup for milking animals, the milking cup having a liner arranged inside a housing to define a pulsation chamber therebetween. The pulsation chamber is divided into multiple compartments so that vacuum pulsation applied to the pulsation chamber compartments causes controlled collapse of the liner on an animal teat inserted therein.
US08464652B2 Film forming apparatus and method of forming film
A temperature adjustment unit is provided to a chamber for accommodating a stage, a discharge head, and a maintenance device. The temperature adjustment unit adjusts the temperature of the maintenance area at least while the transport device has the discharge head positioned in the maintenance area to be equal to or greater than the temperature of the drawing area while the transport device has the discharge head positioned in the drawing area.
US08464647B1 Plastic pallet
A plastic pallet suitable for stacking firewood, camping gear, and the like, above a concrete floor or in the attic, includes at least two longitudinal stringers and a plurality of four-sided open-box slats, the sides of which taper outwardly from the upper surface to afford a stackable profile. The slats assemble to the stringers without the need of tools or independent fasteners. The ends of each stringer are formed with interlocking profiles which allow the length of the pallet to be extended, as desired.
US08464646B1 Table umbrella rain guard assembly
A table umbrella rain guard assembly includes a table that has a pole aperture extending therethrough. A pole has a first end and a second end. The pole has a well extending inwardly from the second end. The first end of the pole is directed downwardly through the pole aperture. The well insertably receives an end of the umbrella shaft. A pedestal is positioned beneath the table. The pedestal insertably receives the first end of the pole. A collar is positioned around the pole so that the collar abuts the table when the pole is extended through the pole aperture. The collar prevents precipitation from passing through the pole aperture. A sleeve is positionable on the pole when the umbrella shaft is not positioned within the pole. A coupler is coupled to an end of the sleeve. A cap positioned on an end of the sleeve.
US08464632B2 Integrated cartridge for extracting a beverage from a particulate substance
A cartridge, particularly for espresso coffee machines, for extracting a beverage from a particulate substance contained therein by means of water under pressure is provided. The cartridge comprises a main body with a cup portion and a lid portion. The cup portion comprises a base, a sidewall and a rim opposed to the base, while the lid portion is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup portion so as to define an internal volume of the cartridge. The internal volume of the cartridge houses the particulate substance comprised within filtering means for retaining the particulate substance and for percolating fluid substances therethrough. The lid portion comprises a normally closed lid port defining a first passage for percolation fluid substances when it is opened. The cartridge further comprises a tappet arranged inside the internal volume so as to pierce the base when a pressure is applied to the base towards the internal volume, thus opening a normally closed cup port.
US08464631B2 Integrated cartridge for extracting a beverage from a particulate substance
A cartridge for extracting a beverage from a particulate substance contained therein by means of water under pressure is provided. The cartridge comprises a main body with a cup portion and a lid portion. The cup portion comprises a base, a sidewall and a rim opposed to the base, while the lid portion is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup portion so as to define an internal volume of the cartridge. The internal volume of the cartridge houses the particulate substance comprised within filtering means for retaining the particulate substance and for percolating fluid substances therethrough. The lid portion comprises a lid port defining a first passage for percolation fluid substances, the base of the cup portion comprising a cup port defining a second passage for percolation fluid substances. The cartridge further comprises a disc of porous material arranged between the filtering means and the base of the cup portion, so as to support the filtering means and the particulate substance and to define a fine canalization between the filtering means and the cup port.
US08464628B2 Attachment mechanisms for coupling firearms to supporting structures
Attachment mechanisms for attaching firearms to support structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an attachment mechanism for attaching a firearm to a support structure includes an interface member coupled to a latching subassembly. The latching subassembly includes having an attachment portion and a latching arm. The attachment portion is configured to engage a connector fastened to the firearm through the aperture, and the latching arm lockably retains the attachment portion proximate to the interface member.
US08464620B2 Hole punch element
A hole punch device that reduces the force required to create a hole in papers or other sheet media. A punch element of the hole punch device includes a locally sloped or indented floor to create a bend in the sheet media as it is punched to create an enlarged, oval hole. The punch pin may include an expanding sleeve surround the pin that forms a larger diameter during the cutting stroke and springs back to a smaller diameter during a pull out stroke. A coiled torsion return spring is positioned remotely from and non-coaxially with the punch pin. A keyed pin and support frame arrangement ensures a predetermined rotational orientation of the pin for sequential cutting for reduced cutting force. A long lead-in surface in the frame helps installing sheet media into the feed slot of the punch element.
US08464618B2 Numerically controlled lathe with guide bush, and method of processing workpiece by using the numerically controlled lathe
Disclosed is a numerically controlled lathe 100 which includes a head stock 110 which rotatably supports a spindle 120; a guide bush 170 disposed so as to face the head stock 110 and configured to support one end of a bar-like workpiece W extending from the spindle 120; and a tool post 130 having a tool T1 to process the workpiece W supported by the spindle 120 and the guide bush 170, the guide bush 170 being movable in the same direction as a spindle axis C, the lathe further including a first processing region A which is provided between the guide bush 170 and the spindle 120 and in which the workpiece W is processed by the tool T1 attached to the tool post 130.
US08464616B2 Tools with driving rods
A tool includes first, second and third rods which are pivotably and pivotably connected to each other. The first rod is pivotably connected between the second and third rods. Control members, resilient members and contacting members are located at the pivotal portions so as to control the first rod to be pivotable or positioned relative to the second and third rods.
US08464614B2 Ratchet wrench handle
In a ratchet wrench handle, an operation piece is swingably supported by an axis in a handle head. Positive and reverse rotation claws are disposed on one and the other portions of a distal end surface of an operation piece. The operation piece is provided with a cam edge at its backward end surface. A pressing pin is provided in a switch member such that the pressing pin can freely move into and out of the switch member. The distal end of the pressing pin pressurely contacts with the cam edge through a force of a spring. The switch member is located on a line extended from an imaginary straight line running between the rotation axis of the rotation member and the axis of the operation piece.
US08464612B2 Surface protector when hammering nails
The manual nailing process can injure the person's hand gripping the nail when the nail head is missed. The underlying surface of the work (the object being nailed, made of wood or other relevant materials) can be damaged when the hammer hits the work surface instead of the nail or from the hammer claws when the nail is extracted. The nailing aid described in this application holds the nail when it is being started, away from the person's hand. This aid also provides protection for a broad area of the underlying work surface around the nail, when the nail is being struck or extracted. The striking surface of the aid is sloped to prevent it from being trapped by a bent nail or a nail head. The handle of this aid also serves as a holder for an optional nail set or pencil.
US08464592B2 Method and apparatus for determining void volume for a particulate material
An apparatus for and method of measuring the compressed volume of a particulate material comprising a chamber for containing a particulate material which will be evaluated; a removable, fixed means at one end of said chamber to enclose said chamber and for containing said particulate material within said chamber; a compression means at the other end of said chamber which further encloses and contains said particulate material within said chamber and which provides a linear force on said particulate material so that one end of said particulate material is linearly movable and said compression means will compress the particulate material in said chamber; means to move said moveable piston away from a particulate material placed inside said chamber to decompress the particulate material in said chamber; means for measuring the distance between said movable piston and said fixed means so to measure the thickness of said compressed particulate material; and measuring means on the moveable piston of said chamber for measuring the applied force of said piston to said particulate material when said piston is compressing said particulate material.
US08464590B2 Pressure sensor configuration for pressurized tank
In at least some embodiments, a pressure sensor configuration includes a pressure sensor and a switchable valve coupled to the pressure sensor. The switchable valve enables the pressure sensor to measure pressure at multiple ports of a pressurized tank.
US08464588B2 Wireless acoustic interrogation of a packaged medical implant
Systems and methods of acoustically interrogating a packaged medical implant such as an implantable sensor are disclosed. An illustrative system includes a sterilizable package including a package tray and a cover, a sensor module disposed within the package, and an acoustic coupling member disposed within an interior space of the package tray. An external interrogator located outside of the sealed package can be used to acoustically communicate with the sensor module.
US08464586B2 Vibration wave output instrument and method of using the same
A vibration wave output instrument and its use method are provided. The vibration wave output instrument has a base, a vibration device, a pressure device, and a position mechanism. The position mechanism brings both the vibration device and the pressure device to a target region. The pressure device pushes the vibration device to touch against the target region. The vibration device outputs vibration waves beneath the target region.
US08464582B2 Variable throat venturi flow meter having a plurality of section-varying elements
A variable throat Venturi flow meter includes an upstream pipe section having an upstream cross-sectional area, a throat section having a variable throat cross-sectional area that is smaller than the upstream cross-sectional area, and a plurality of section-varying elements adapted to temporarily vary the throat cross-sectional area to allow a downhole tool to pass through the throat section.
US08464576B2 Engine oil degradation-estimating device and device for estimating antioxidant performance of engine oil
To provide an engine oil degradation-estimating device and a device for estimating antioxidant performance of engine oil which are capable of determining degradation and an antioxidant performance of engine oil inexpensively and accurately, thereby making it possible to properly determine degradation of the engine oil and the time for replacement of the engine oil.The engine oil degradation-estimating device includes an ECU 2. The ECU 2 estimates an antioxidant performance OIT and a cleanliness preservation performance TBN of engine oil, and determines degradation of engine oil based on the estimated antioxidant performance OIT and cleanliness preservation performance TBN. The device for estimating antioxidant performance of engine oil also includes an ECU 2. The ECU 2 acquires concentration [FUEL] of fuel in engine oil, and estimates the antioxidant performance of the engine oil based on the acquired fuel concentration [FUEL].
US08464571B1 Systems and methods for determining resonant frequency and quality factor of overdamped systems
A calibration system for a MEMS system having at least one overdamped motion axis includes a measurement module for determining a location of a pole of a MEMS device in the overdamped motion axis, a closed-loop feedback system configured to change a first location of the pole to a second location of the pole, and a computation module for calculating a resonant frequency and/or a quality factor using the first and the second location of the pole as determined by the measurement module. The calibration system further includes a calibration module for calibrating the MEMS system based on the calculated resonant frequency and/or the calculated quality factor.
US08464568B2 Production method of seamless pipe or tube, and oxidizing gas supply unit
A production method of a seamless pipe or tube according to the present invention comprises the steps of applying a lubricant containing carbon to a mandrel bar, producing a material pipe or tube with a mandrel mill using the mandrel bar to which the lubricant is applied, and reheating the material pipe or tube in a reheating furnace, wherein when a temperature of the material pipe or tube is 550° C. or higher and 1000° C. or lower in the reheating step, an oxidizing gas is fed into the material pipe or tube.
US08464566B2 Method of manufacturing a valve housing
A method of manufacturing a metallic valve housing by hydroforming a tube section in a die is provided. The die includes an upper part having a stamp and a lower part having a depression. The tube section is placed in the die, filled with a liquid, and subjected to a high internal pressure. Opposite walls of the tube section in a middle portion between two tube ends is shaped in that one side of the tube section is pressed inwards transversely to the axis of the tube section by the stamp to form a concave curvature, and the opposite wall is pressed into the depression in the lower part to form a flat.
US08464560B2 Washing machine and washing method
A washing machine and associated washing method are provided. The washing machine may include a cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the cabinet, and a spray nozzle provided inside the cabinet to spray washing fluid into the drum. A spraying direction of the spray nozzle may be varied based on a rotation direction of the drum to improve washing performance of the washing machine.
US08464553B2 Production of a pharmaceutical container from the melt
The invention proposes a process for the production of a container for pharmaceutical and medical applications made from glass, preferably from a borosilicate glass, wherein the container is produced by a press-blow process where the container is initially preformed in a pressing step, by making a ram press a dispensed glass drop into a mold that is open at its bottom, and where the parison so produced is given its final form by a subsequent blowing step.
US08464549B2 Airway seal apparatus and method, and refrigerator apparatus using the seal
A refrigerator includes a body portion having an air supply and an air return, a door hinged to the body portion, and an icemaking unit located on the door and having an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet and air outlet are adjacent the air supply and air return, respectively, when the door is closed, to receive and return chilled air therefrom and thereto. At least a first sealing member is located at the air supply, the air return, the air inlet, and/or the air outlet. The at least first sealing member includes a first membrane with a slit formed therein, and a first projecting member. The slit and the first projecting member are configured and dimensioned such that the slit is closed when the door is in an open position and that the slit is opened when the door is in a closed position.
US08464535B2 Systems, apparatus and methods for thermal energy storage, coupling and transfer
Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of phase change material to store, transfer and convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to thermal energy transfer and energy conversion are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to a containment vessel having a heat receiving region and a heat transfer region such that a plurality of phase change materials are disposed therein and a sequence of solid, liquid and vapor phases are used to transfer heat from a source to a heat receiver of a power conversion unit.
US08464529B2 Reduction in turbocharger lag at high altitudes
A method of operating a turbocharged engine having cylinders in which one of the cylinders undergoes a compression stroke. The method includes advancing an ignition spark in the one of the cylinders undergoing the compression stroke by a first amount relative to top dead center of the compression stroke at a first barometric pressure for a given engine speed and load, and advancing the ignition spark in the one of the cylinders undergoing the compression stroke by a second, lesser amount relative to top dead center of the compression stroke at a second, lower barometric pressure, for the given engine speed and load as the vehicle being at different altitudes.
US08464519B2 Secondary air system
A secondary air system for the supply of secondary air into at least one exhaust gas outlet passage of a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, wherein at least one secondary air passage provided in the cylinder head is associated with the exhaust gas outlet passage and opens into the exhaust gas outlet passage and into an outer connection surface of the cylinder head. A base plate is provided which can be placed onto the connection surface of the cylinder head and which is provided with secondary air stubs which each engage into a secondary air passage when the base plate is in place. The base plate is provided on its outer side remote from the connection side with at least one hood via which the supplied secondary air is distributed to a plurality of secondary air stubs.
US08464518B2 Fuel vapor enrichment for exhaust exothermic catalyst light-off
An engine system includes an engine with a secondary air source, a fuel system that communicates with the engine, and a controller that communicates with the fuel system. The controller controls a first quantity of liquid fuel to the engine at a first A/F ratio and a second quantity of vapor fuel to the engine at a second A/F ratio. The liquid and vapor fuel mixture has a third A/F ratio. A secondary air source provides additional air to the third A/F ratio. The controller determines an available A/F ratio of vapor fuel within the fuel tank and performs a comparison with a target A/F ratio range. The second quantity is set to zero if the A/F ratio of the vapor fuel is outside of the target A/F ratio range. The controller adjusts the first and second quantities based on a comparison between an exhaust A/F ratio and a target exhaust A/F ratio.
US08464515B2 Ammonia burning internal combustion engine
An ammonia burning internal combustion engine in which, in addition to ammonia, a reformed gas reformed at a reformer is fed into a combustion chamber. When a reforming ability of the reformer is less than a predetermined reforming ability, an ammonia ratio is increased to a ratio more than the ammonia ratio after completion of engine warmup set in advance in accordance with an operation state of the engine, and secondary air is fed from a secondary air feeding device into an engine exhaust passage upstream of an exhaust purification catalyst.
US08464511B1 Magnetically coupled contra-rotating propulsion stages
A turbomachine comprises a turbine shaft, first and second rotors, first and second propulsion stages, and a magnetic stator. The first rotor is rotationally coupled to the turbine shaft, and coaxially arranged along an axis. The first propulsion stage is rotationally coupled to the first rotor, opposite the turbine shaft. The second rotor is coaxially arranged about the first rotor, and the second propulsion stage is rotationally coupled to second rotor, opposite the turbine shaft and adjacent the first propulsion stage. The magnetic stator is coaxially arranged between the first rotor and the second rotor, forming a magnetic coupling between the and second rotors to drive the second propulsion stage in contra-rotation with respect to the first propulsion stage.
US08464510B2 Air-jet spinning apparatus
An air spinning device has a nozzle body and a hollow spindle with a spindle tip and a longitudinal axis, wherein the spindle tip protrudes into the nozzle body. An outlet channel having a ring-shaped cross-sectional area is formed between an outside surface of the spindle tip and an inside surface of the nozzle body. The gap width at a certain location of the outlet channel normal to the longitudinal axis of the spindle is constant over the circumference of the spindle. The outside surface of the spindle tip and/or the inside surface of the nozzle body is/are shaped in such a way that at least two constrictions are formed in the outlet channel in its course in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spindle, wherein the outlet channel has a ring-shaped cross-sectional area at each of these constrictions smaller than the ring-shaped cross-sectional area of the outlet channel upstream and downstream from each of these constrictions.
US08464500B2 Process for reprocessing soiled animal bedding
A process and system reprocesses soiled animal bedding material commingled with animal manure. The material is to remove a preponderance of the manure. The remaining soiled bedding is washed in water and a cleaning agent, rinsed and, optionally, bleached to restore color and appearance. The resulting material is dewatered and dried to reduce its moisture content and kill any remaining pathogens. After being cleaned and sanitized, the material may be reused as bedding or further processed into pellets or other products, such as manufactured fire logs.
US08464496B2 Support system for solar panels
Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.
US08464493B2 Transportable modular configuration for holding panels
A configuration, all components of which are man portable in some embodiments, for holding panels to protect assets against external force and impacts from airborne projectiles. An open box-like stackable frame module holds panels along a side of the frame. Multiple frames are connected to construct a protective barrier, such as a wall. Frames include provisions for connection in a vertical configuration so as to allow stacking of the frames to increase the height of the barrier. A method of installing is also provided.
US08464491B2 Column block system
A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column.The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.
US08464489B2 Laminate floor panels
Floor panels are shown with discontinuous surface layers, which are mechanically connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent edges, said floor panels comprising at least two floor elements whereof at least one of the floor elements is non rectangular.
US08464483B2 Insulation system
The present disclosure relates to an insulation system for securing cladding to the exterior surface of a building. An insulated panel has a front face and a rear face. Joining elements are defined in horizontal edges of the panel for connecting adjacent panels to each other. A horizontal attachment member, such as a nailing hem, is mounted to the rear face of the panel for attaching the insulated panel to the exterior surface. Receiving members are present on the front face of the panel, and can be located in receiving channels. The receiving member is generally made from a material that is better at retaining fasteners, such as nails, than the material of the insulated panel itself.
US08464473B2 Liquid dispersing plate
A liquid dispersing device includes a relatively rigid thin perforated plate having a plurality of closely spaced minute openings or holes in the form of a fine mesh. A plurality of plates are mounted on brackets secured along a side wall of a structure in the path of liquid flowing over and downward from the upper end of the wall. The liquid passing through the holes is dispersed into fine droplets with minimum agglomeration. The angle of the plate and holes determine the direction in which the droplets are dispersed. Use of the perforated plates can eliminate the usual gutter and leader structures which remove rainwater from roofs of houses and can also provide more effective cooling when mounted along internal cooling tower walls.
US08464471B2 Panel movement system
The present invention relates to a method of operating a panel system including a moveable panel and an opening, the method characterised by the steps of aligning the panel with respect to the opening in an alignment plane so that the panel is capable of moving across the opening in the alignment plane, and positioning a panel release mechanism such that a user pushing on the panel along the alignment plane causes the panel release mechanism to release the panel from a fixed position within the panel system.
US08464467B2 Sash for sliding door or window
A sash for sliding doors or windows includes: a main body (1) including an insulating chamber (2) located between respective glazing panels (3, 4) whose dimensions are larger than the dimensions of the chamber, so as to form a perimetric housing (5) which is open towards the outside; three rigid profiles (6) forming a frame inside three respective sides of the main body being stably accommodated in the housing; the rigid profiles forming an accessory zone, open to the outside; the three rigid profiles each forming a channel (11) accommodating a rod (8) for operating elements which drive and/or open and close the sash (100); the three rigid profiles forming one upright (103) and two crosspieces (6m, 105) of the sash; the ends of the profiles are joined by an angled element (12), so that the channel (11) runs uninterruptedly along the three sides of the main body.
US08464465B1 Machine for the field inoculation of corn with bacterial pathogens
An inoculation apparatus is disclosed whereby plants may be inoculated with a pathogen. The inoculation apparatus may includes a plurality of wound members and one or more pads. The pathogen is provided in an inoculum. In one example, the pressure of the inoculum is up to about 2 psi.
US08464461B1 Intelligent strike indicator
A strike indicator that indicates when a fish bites and reduces false positives, comprising a light source, a power source, a printed circuit board, an accelerometer integrated circuit mounted on said printed circuit board, and a microcontroller mounted on said printed circuit board. The strike indicator may be housed in a fishing rod, with the light source illuminating the tip of the rod. The accelerometer detects acceleration of the rod, and the microcontroller utilizes an algorithm to determine whether the acceleration is due to a fish biting or due to other causes. If the acceleration is due to a fish biting, the light source is activated, alerting the user that a fish is biting.
US08464456B2 Cocking and uncocking mechanism for a firearm
The invention relates to a cocking and uncocking mechanism for a firearm, comprising a spring-loaded firing pin which, when in the cocked position, engages on a catch that can be released to fire, said catch being displaceable by an actuator element acting upon the catch via a link motion the control cam of which maintains the force to be applied to the actuator element to displace the catch to the cocked position substantially constant at least in the center region of the actuation path.
US08464454B2 Modular adaptive gun
An upper receiver is provided for cooperatively engaging a lower receiver, wherein the lower receiver includes at least a trigger and a lower hammer. The upper receiver includes an upper sear movable in response to movement of the lower hammer, thereby permitting an upper hammer in the upper receiver to actuate a valve in the upper receiver and pass a motive gas to a firing chamber and thereby expel a projectile through a barrel of the upper receiver.
US08464453B1 Blowback bolt upper receiver and barrel assembly
Disclosed herein is a modified upper receiver assembly, which in one form is operatively configured to be fitted to a conventional lower receiver of a rifle so the user can use their normal lower receiver having a pistol grip, trigger assembly and butt stock. The upper receiver is configured to provide a blowback bolt assembly of larger mass than would be possible with similar density materials of a bolt fitted within an upper receiver conventionally made for said lower receiver.
US08464450B1 Three-dimensional picture frame system and related methods
A three dimensional picture frame comprising a first and a second vertical frame member, a bottom horizontal frame member, a top horizontal frame member, a front transparent sheet configured to engage with at least one of the frame members, a rear transparent sheet configured to engage with at least one of the frame members such that at least a portion of the frame members and transparent sheets forms a vessel, a backing sheet configured to engage with at least one of the frame members and located outward from the rear transparent sheet, and a plunger configured to slide into the vessel such that when a material is located in a portion of the vessel on a first side of the plunger, the material is prevented from entering a portion of the vessel on a second side of the plunger opposite the first side of the plunger.
US08464437B1 Apparatus and method for the treatment of biosolids
Biosolids in the nature of sewage sludge is processed in a controlled environment to produce a dried sludge product of relatively high dry solid content with the elimination of or reduced levels of pathogens. The water containing sewage sludge is dried while cascading within a processing chamber using heated air at a temperature below the ignition or smoldering temperature of the sewage sludge to prevent the formation of embers. The sewage sludge before discharge is retained within the processing chamber for a sufficient time and temperature as mandated by the Environment Protection Agency rules and guidelines.
US08464427B2 Sleeve bearing assembly and method of construction
A sleeve bearing assembly and method of construction therefore has an inner portion constructed from a plurality of yarns to provide a journal bearing surface for receipt of a journal for relative movement therein and an elastic outer portion injection molded at least partially about the inner portion. The plurality of yarns are woven together with at least some of the yarns being woven in a warp direction corresponding to a length of the journal bearing surface and in a weft direction corresponding to a circumferential direction of the journal bearing surface to form a backing of the inner portion. At least one of the plurality of yarns is provided as a self-lubricating yarn woven with the backing in a weft direction to substantially form the bearing surface radially inwardly of the backing.
US08464426B2 Gas turbine engine airfoil
A method of designing an airfoil for a gas turbine engine according to one embodiment of this disclosure can include localizing a sweep angle at a leading edge of a tip region of the airfoil, and localizing a dihedral angle at the tip region of the airfoil. The dihedral angle can be applied by translating the airfoil in direction normal to a chord of the airfoil.
US08464409B2 Machine for shaping an eyeglass lens, the machine being provided with a turnable tool-carrier having a plurality of working tools mounted thereon
The machine includes: elements for supporting the lens and for driving it in rotation about a first axis of rotation, the rotation of the lens being driven by first driver element, a tool-carrier mounted to turn about a second axis of rotation, turning of the tool-carrier being driven by second driver element, a plurality of working tools mounted on the tool-carrier to rotate about tool axes, with at least two of the tools including tools for shaping the periphery of the lens for shaping having distinct tool axes, third driver element for driving relative spacing movements between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation, swivel elements for enabling the tool-carrier to be pivoted relative to the first axis of rotation about a third axis of rotation that extends substantially transversely to the first axis of rotation.
US08464401B2 Support device
A support device and method of installation is disclosed to help prevent the protrusion of a relatively rigid support structure end portion from garments such as bras, corsets, swimsuits, and other articles of clothing. The support device includes a base, a surrounding sidewall extending from the base with the surrounding sidewall terminating in an opening. The base and surrounding sidewall define an interior being operational to loosely receive the end portion of the support structure associated with the garment such as a bra underwire. The support device also includes a flange extending from the surrounding sidewall which is positioned to be oppositely disposed of the interior, wherein the flange is adapted to attach to the garment.
US08464394B2 Deceleration device for a hinge and a hinge having the deceleration device
A device for decelerating the rotation of a hinge in particular for furniture, comprises a container accommodating at least one rotating friction element adapted to slide on a friction surface, a slider moveable along a translational direction during the rotation of the hinge, and kinematic means for transforming the translation of the slider into a rotation of the at least one friction element, the slider having first means for receiving its movement during the opening of the hinge, distinct and separated from second means for receiving its movement during the closure of the hinge, the kinematic means comprise a drawing element integrally joined to the slider and permanently confined inside the profile of a cam provided for on the friction element.
US08468610B2 Determining fraudulent use of electronic devices utilizing matrix codes
In one or more implementations, a computing device may receive information from a matrix code reader that scans multiple matrix codes, each displayed by one of multiple devices. The computing device may determine whether or not the devices are being fraudulently utilized, such as whether the devices are in the same location. Additionally, in some implementations, a computing device may receive a service request from a matrix code reader that includes an associated telephone number. The computing device may extract the number and may handle the service request based on the number. Moreover, in various implementations, a computing device may receive information from a matrix code reader that scans a displayed matrix code. The information may include an electronic signature that is included in the matrix code by the device. After receiving the information, the computing device may analyze the information to determine that the electronic signature is valid.
US08468607B2 Associating multiple security domains to application servers
Multiple security domains can be created and associated with various scopes within the cell allowing security configurations of each scope to be managed collectively. Examples of scopes include the entire cell, one or more application servers, one or more applications, one or more clusters, one or more service integration buses, one or more nodes, etc. Security configurations associated with the security domains can be applied to the scopes based on a hierarchy of the security domains. In addition, new security domains may be created automatically based on security requirements of newly installed applications.
US08468605B2 Identifying security vulnerability in computer software
Identifying a security vulnerability in a computer software application by identifying at least one source in a computer software application, identifying at least one sink in the computer software application, identifying at least one input to any of the sinks, determining whether the input derives its value directly or indirectly from any of the sources, determining a set of possible values for the input, and identifying a security vulnerability where the set of possible values for the input does not match a predefined specification of legal values associated with the sink input.
US08468601B1 Method and system for statistical analysis of botnets
A method, and computer program product for updating botnets are described. A statistical method for analyzing the hosts that send out SPAM and updating botnets is provided. The proposed method uses the fact that a computer in a botnet has to distribute content using the activity patterns closely resembling the distribution patterns of other computers in the same botnet over the same time period. The distribution statistical data obtained for different sources are compared using approximation of graphical data. Based on comparison it is determined whether the computer belongs to a botnet and the botnet is updated accordingly.
US08468597B1 System and method for identifying a phishing website
A system and method for enhancing spam avoidance efficiency by automatically identifying a phishing website without human intervention. The system receives a stream of suspect Internet urls for potential phishing websites and uses a comparison strategy to determine whether the potential phishing website has already be labeled as a bonefid phishing website. A comparison system is utilized in which similarity data is calculated on various elements of the potential phishing website and then compared to similarity data of known phishing websites. Various types of categorization structures and notification strategies are utilized in the system.
US08468596B2 Work support apparatus for information processing device
To provide a work support apparatus capable of allowing an operator to safely and easily perform work requiring all or a part of a privilege, and concisely confirming the contents of the work later, a work support apparatus 100 includes: an application processing unit 101 for accepting a work application; an approval processing unit 102 for performing an approving process; a work monitoring unit 103 for controlling and monitoring an operation from the operator terminal 111; an approval number collecting unit 104 for collecting information relating to an unnecessary approval number; an approval number management information storage unit 105 for storing approval number management information; and an operation log storage unit 106 for storing an operation log.
US08468593B2 Methods and apparatuses for selecting privileges for use during a data collaboration session
In one embodiment, a plurality of electronic devices participating in a data collaboration session are detected. A group, of a plurality of groups, is determined to which each of the plurality of electronic devices is associated. At least some of the groups correspond to companies. Based on the determined group to which each of the plurality of electronic devices is associated, one or more limitations are identified that restrict the recording of data shared during the data collaboration session. The identified one or more limitations are enforced on only some of the plurality of electronic devices participating in the data collaboration session, such that electronic devices associated with a group that corresponds to the first company are allowed to record the data collaboration session, yet an electronic device associated with a group that corresponds to a second company is prevented from recording the data collaboration session.
US08468584B1 Authentication code with associated confirmation words
An initiating user receives an authentication code and an associated confirmation word from a server system in response to an authentication code request. The initiating user initiates a communication session with an authenticating user and provides the authentication code to the authenticating user without providing the associated confirmation word to the authenticating user. The authenticating user is only able to obtain the associated confirmation word if the authentication code corresponds to an authentication code previously generated by the server system for the initiating user and no usage limitation on the authentication code has been reached. Subsequently, the initiating user receives a confirmation word from the authenticating user. The initiating user provides action instructions to the authenticating user when the confirmation word provided by the authenticating user corresponds to the associated confirmation word.
US08468580B1 Secure communication between trusted parties
The present disclosure provides for the establishment of a trust relationship between two parties, such as based on verification by a third-party known to the two parties. In one embodiment, the two parties may include an electronic device (or a user of such a device) on which information about an account is to be stored and an entity having the authority to authorize storing the account information on the electronic device. Once authorization is granted to store the account information on the electronic device, direct communications may occur between the electronic device and the authorizing entity in a trusted manner, without further involvement of the third party.
US08468575B2 System for recursive recombination of streaming interactive video
A plurality of servers whose video output is coupled to video compression apparatus that transmits streaming interactive video to a plurality of users, with a feedback loop whereby the streaming interactive video is recursively combined within the video output of the plurality of servers.
US08468566B2 Control message feedback in a satellite broadcast communication system
A method of communicating control information in a satellite broadcast communication system is presented. In the method, at least one copy of a control message set is transmitted from a control system by way of a satellite to a broadcast receiver. The control message set includes at least one control message. At least one copy of each of the control messages of the control message set is received at the broadcast receiver. A feedback message is transmitted from the broadcast receiver by way of a terrestrial communication link to the control system. The feedback message includes an indication that all of control messages of the control message set were received at the broadcast receiver. The feedback message is received at the control system. In response to receiving the feedback message, transmission of subsequent copies of the control message set is terminated at the control system.
US08468561B2 Preemptible station inventory
Methods, apparatus, systems, processes, engines and computer program products are provided for preempting advertisements in a broadcast. In one exemplary system, a method is provided that includes determining one or more advertisements in a schedule that are available for preemption, identifying rules for preempting advertisements and automatically preempting the one or more advertisements using an advertisement from available inventory if the rules are satisfied.
US08468560B2 Apparatus and method of setting channel
A method and an apparatus of setting a channel are disclosed, wherein the method includes steps as follows. First, a channel is locked as a locked channel. Then, when the locked channel is switched to another channel, a screen is controlled to display information related to the locked channel, and first duration after the locked channel is switched to foresaid another channel is counted. Then, a prompting is performed when the first duration exceeds a first predetermined period.
US08468558B2 Method and apparatus for bandwidth consumption usage reporting of non-managed sources
Embodiments of the present invention may establish a set top box client based apparatus. The set top box client based apparatus may actively monitor content playback by the set top box. The set top box client based apparatus may subsequently report client playback state for non-managed sources to a service provider's policy or operation support systems (OSS). Embodiments of the invention may recognize that some service providers may use a policy system and OSS, while others will only utilize an OSS for resource management.
US08468556B2 Methods, systems, and products for evaluating performance of viewers
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for evaluating the performance of a viewer watching media programming. The media programming is received and includes at least one of a live media program and a recorded media program. Display is caused of the media programming and a cue. The cue prompts the viewer during presentation of the media programming to provide a response to the cue within a time period. Upon receiving the response to the cue within the time period, then the response is detected and a response time of the response is measured. The response time is a time between occurrence of the cue and receipt of the response. The viewer's performance is evaluated by comparing the response time to a reference response time.
US08468550B2 Mobile devices having plurality of virtual interfaces
Mobile devices, systems and methods are described with a plurality of virtual machines, wherein each virtual machine executes a separate virtual interface, or guest operating system. Each guest operating system corresponds to a different virtual device having its own contact list, applications, and so on. A virtual “device” can be controlled by an employer or service provider, and is a secure space that provides authenticated applications that are walled off from another virtual device. A host operating system provides a hardware abstraction layer. A proxy server on the host operating system receives an incoming signal from a remote device on the external network, and routes the incoming signal to one of the first and second virtual machines based on a call context. A method and computer program product for providing a plurality of virtual interfaces on a mobile device are also disclosed.
US08468547B2 Method and system for synchronizing thread wavefront data and events
Systems and methods for synchronizing thread wavefronts and associated events are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a method for synchronizing one or more thread wavefronts and associated events includes inserting a first event associated with a first data output from a first thread wavefront into an event synchronizer. The event synchronizer is configured to release the first event before releasing events inserted subsequent to the first event. The method further includes releasing the first event from the event synchronizer after the first data is stored in the memory. Corresponding system and computer readable medium embodiments are also disclosed.
US08468541B2 Event driven sendfile
A file transfer manager for managing file transfers using the sendfile operation. The sendfile operation is optimized to minimize system resources necessary to complete the file transfer. The sendfile decreases resources required during idle times by sharing a thread with other idle sendfile operations. The sendfile operation is then assigned a worker thread when further data is ready to be transfered.
US08468537B2 Systems and methods for distributing validation computations
In one embodiment, a method includes statically analyzing a validation toolkit environment. The method may also include, identifying a plurality of computational threads that do not share data structures with each other based on analysis of the validation toolkit environment. The method may additionally include calculating computational requirements of the computational threads. The method may further include distributing the threads among a plurality of resources such that the aggregate computational requirements of the computational threads are approximately evenly balanced among the plurality of resources.
US08468536B2 Multiple level linked LRU priority
A method that includes providing LRU selection logic which controllably pass requests for access to computer system resources to a shared resource via a first level and a second level, determining whether a request in a request group is active, presenting the request to LRU selection logic at the first level, when it is determined that the request is active, determining whether the request is a LRU request of the request group at the first level, forwarding the request to the second level when it is determined that the request is the LRU request of the request group, comparing the request to an LRU request from each of the request groups at the second level to determine whether the request is a LRU request of the plurality of request groups, and selecting the LRU request of the plurality of request groups to access the shared resource.
US08468535B1 Automated system and method to provision and allocate hosting resources
Some embodiments provide a virtual machine hosting system. The virtual machine hosting system includes several nodes. Each node includes resources for hosting at least one virtual machine. The virtual machine hosting system includes a first management module for automatedly provisioning resources of the several to a several virtual machines by identifying a particular node with sufficient available resources to host a user-specified virtual machine configuration and by allocating to the virtual machine, an amount of resources of the particular node required to host said virtual machine. The virtual machine hosting system includes, at the particular node, a second management module for receiving the user-specified virtual machine configuration from the first management module and for configuring the allocated resources of the particular node to perform the virtual machine as specified within the user-specified virtual machine configuration.
US08468532B2 Adjusting CPU time allocated to next thread based on gathered data in heterogeneous processor system having plurality of different instruction set architectures
A method that optimizes system performance using performance monitors is presented. The method gathers thread performance data using performance monitors for threads running on either a first ISA processor or a second ISA processor. Multiple first processors and multiple second processors may be included in a single computer system. The first processors and second processors can each access data stored in a common shared memory. The gathered thread performance data is analyzed to determine whether the corresponding thread needs additional CPU time in order to optimize system performance. If additional CPU time is needed, the amount of CPU time that the thread receives is altered (increased) so that the thread receives the additional time when it is scheduled by the scheduler. In one embodiment, the increased CPU time is accomplished by altering a priority value that corresponds to the thread.
US08468529B2 Correlating, logging and tracing messaging events between workflow instances with globally unique identifiers
Embodiments are directed to generating trace events that are configured to report an association between a workflow activity and a message. A computer system receives a message over a communication medium, where the workflow activity includes a unique workflow activity identifier (ID) that uniquely identifies the workflow activity. The message also includes a unique message ID that uniquely identifies the message. The computer system generates a trace event that includes a combination of the unique workflow activity ID and the unique message ID. The trace event is configured to report the association between the workflow activity and the message. The computer system also stores the generated trace event in a data store.
US08468524B2 Inter-virtual machine time profiling of I/O transactions
Disclosed is a virtual machine system where hardware timer interrupts are processed by a first virtual machine. The first virtual machine writes a timer value to a shared memory location while processing the hardware timer interrupt. The timer value may be based on a kernel timing parameter maintained by the operating system of the first virtual machine. A second virtual machine may read the shared timer value from the shared memory location in order to time inter-virtual machine processes such as I/O processing and I/O requests.
US08468519B2 Multiple organization support in a networked system
Some embodiments of multiple organization support in a networked system have been presented. In one embodiment, a centralized server manages a networked system, which includes the centralized server and a set of computing machines coupled to each other within an internal network of a customer. The centralized server segregates data within the networked system by grouping data into the concept of an organization created by the customer in order to isolate the organizations.
US08468507B2 Binding executable code at runtime
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for binding executable code at runtime. Embodiments of the invention include late binding of specified aspects of code to improve execution performance. A runtime dynamically binds lower level code based on runtime information to optimize execution of a higher level algorithm. Aspects of a higher level algorithm having a requisite (e.g., higher) impact on execution performance can be targeted for late binding. Improved performance can be achieved with minimal runtime costs using late binding for aspects having the requisite execution performance impact.
US08468504B2 Method and apparatus for interactive scheduling of VLIW assembly code
A method and apparatus for the manually optimizing the scheduling of code are disclosed. Accordingly, a software development tool with a graphical user interface enables manually ordering the scheduling of operations for architectures that execute multiple instructions/operations per machine cycle, such as very long instruction word (VLIW) processors. Assistance is provided at the instruction scheduling stage of VLIW compilation process to increase instruction level parallelism (ILP). The apparatus provides graphical views of assembly code and related information. An interactive, user friendly method to manipulate the code during or after scheduling is provided. The programmer can temporarily pause the automated scheduling, override decision taken by the scheduler, and then resume scheduling. The method lets the programmer interact graphically with scheduling decisions in a feedback environment. The method allows movement of only those operations that do not violate the target processor architectural constraints and algorithmic constraints of the code being optimized.
US08468494B2 In-line editor
A software application, method of constructing same, and method for editing text displayed by same are disclosed. In a form, the software application is a web-format application with a core set of executable instructions dictating the display, operation, and user interaction, the instructions including identifiers for text to be displayed on pages thereof. The software application includes at least one secondary file containing text strings and keys therein, and the identifiers use the keys to locate the text strings to be displayed. An editor is provided that allows for direct editing of the displayed text items, and the edited text items are then saved back to the secondary file(s). The software application further includes a program, such as an AJAX program or module, for automatically and dynamically changing the displayed text item to the edited text item on the displayed web page, for every user of the application.
US08468489B2 Computer aided design system and method
A computer aided design system comprises a dividing module, a storage, an interface creating module, a selecting module, and a display module. The dividing module divides the names into groups according to a predetermined rule. The group comprises a plurality of the targets set on the different layers. The storage records the relationship between the groups and the targets. The interface creating module creates a user interface base on the groups and selects at least one group in the same user interface from the operation of the user. The selecting module selects targets according to the selected groups. The display module displays the selected targets.
US08468483B2 Method, system and program storage device for performing a parameterized statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) of an integrated circuit taking into account setup and hold margin interdependence
In embodiments of a statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) method, system and program storage device, the interdependence between the setup time and hold time margins of a circuit block (e.g., a latch, flip-flop, etc., which requires the checking of setup and hold timing constraints) is determined, taking into account possible variations in multiple parameters (e.g., using a variation-aware characterizing technique). A parameterized statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) of a circuit incorporating the circuit block is performed in order to determine, in statistical parameterized form, setup and hold times for the circuit block. Based on the interdependence between the setup and hold time margins, setup and hold time constraints can be determined in statistical parameterized form. Finally, the setup and hold times determined during the SSTA can be checked against the setup and hold time constraints to determine, if the time constraints are violated or not and to what degree.
US08468482B1 Modeling and simulating the impact of imperfectly patterned via arrays on integrated circuits
A technique models and simulates the impact of imperfectly patterned via arrays on integrated circuits through the use of hierarchical models and a hierarchical circuit simulator. Through the hierarchical modeling and simulation approach discussed here, far more accurate electrical simulation and verification of networks is enabled for; performance, yield, and reliability. The approach further enables simulation of the effects of via process variations on large-scale circuit response. In an implementation, each via in a layout or in a via array is modeled as having an independent size from other vias based upon calibrated process simulation. The electrical characteristics of independent vias and via arrays are modeled and compiled into a reusable hierarchical distributed resistance via model. Hierarchical simulation is performed using these hierarchical distributed via models and enables more accurate results than traditional approaches.
US08468466B2 Radial menu selection with gestures
Embodiments of the invention are generally related to graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and more specifically to selecting items from a radial menu. More specifically, embodiments of the invention provide a complex set of gestures which, when performed using a screen pointer, facilitate fast and accurate selection of radial menu items from a radial menu. The gestures may generally involve a first movement of the screen pointer to activate a desired radial menu item, and a second predefined movement of the screen pointer within a predefined selection zone to select the radial menu item.
US08468465B2 Two-dimensional slider control
Some embodiments provide a computer program that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling an application. The GUI includes a contiguous two-dimensional sliding region for defining several values. The GUI also includes several sliders for moving within the sliding region. Each slider selects one or more values from the several values based on a position of the slider within the sliding region. The selected values are parameters for controlling one or more operations of the application.
US08468448B2 Methods and systems for preparing mixed-content documents
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to automated methods and systems for generating mixed-content documents. In one embodiment, an automated method for generating a document layout includes receiving raw text, figures, references, and semantic information as input (901), and determining an allocation (1003) of text, figures, and references for each page of a document. The method also includes, for each page of the document, determining a template (1005) for displaying the allocation assigned to the page, and scaling template fields to exhibit the text, figures, and references assigned to the page. The method then renders (1007) the document with text, figures, and references allocated to each page within appropriate scaled template fields of the template selected for each page.
US08468444B2 Hyper related OLAP
Generating a presentation requested from a graphical data report; comprising: displaying a data report which contains a collection of graphical elements, where a graphical element is bound to a data item, and where a data item is specified by metadata, which comprises one or more of a dimension, a dimension value, and a measure. In response to a user's directed action to the given graphical element, determining at least one association, of a dimension and a measure, by identification of measures and dimensions in the applicable metadata and identification of associations thereof and/or addition of a dimension or measure to an identified measure or dimension. Subsequently, searching for a stored, like association, where stored associations are related to stored presentation properties, and applying the related presentation properties to make a presentation of further data items which are specified by the determined, at least one association.
US08468440B2 Look ahead of links/alter links
A computationally-implemented method comprising retrieving at least a portion of data from a data source, determining an effect of the data, determining an acceptability of the effect of the data at least in part via a virtual machine representation of at least a part of a real machine having one or more end-user specified preferences and providing at least one data display option based on the determining acceptability of the effect of the data.
US08468436B2 Message-passing and forced convergence decoding method
The invention relates to an iterative decoding method of the message-passing type for decoding an error correcting code susceptible of representation by a bipartite graph including a plurality of variable nodes and a plurality of control nodes, said messages being expressed in terms of a log likelihood ratio. At each iteration of a plurality of decoding iterations, for each pair consisting of a variable node and a control node, a change is detected in the sign of the extrinsic information intended to be transmitted (αmntemp) as a message by said variable node to said control node relative to that transmitted (αmn) at the previous iteration, and in the event of a sign change, said extrinsic information is subjected to an amplitude reduction operation (Fred) before it is transmitted to the control node.
US08468412B2 Downlink transmissions for type 2 relay
A method for transmitting data to a user agent. The method includes a relay node receiving information from an access node, the information containing the data that is to be transmitted to the user agent and control information that the access node will use to transmit the data to the user agent. The method further includes the relay node transmitting the data to the user agent at the time the access node transmits the data to the user agent, the relay node using the control information that the access node uses to transmit the data to the user agent.
US08468410B2 Address generation apparatus and method for quadratic permutation polynomial interleaver
An address generation apparatus for quadratic permutation polynomial (QPP) interleaver receives several configurable parameters and uses a plurality of QPP units to compute and outputs a plurality of interleaving addresses according to a QPP function Π(i)=(f1i+f2i2) mod k, where f1 and f2 are QPP coefficients, k is information block length of an input sequence, 0≦i≦k−1, and mod is a modulus operation. Each of the plurality of QPP units is a parallel computation unit, and outputs in parallel a corresponding group of interleaver addresses, where Π(i) is also a ith interleaving address generated by the apparatus.
US08468404B1 Method and system for reducing switching activity during scan-load operations
A method and system for reducing switching activity of a spreader network during a scan-load operation is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a spreader network receives a plurality of scan input signals from a tester. A linear feedback shift register of the spread network is updated using the plurality of scan input signals. Each bit of the linear feedback shift register is shifted at each shift cycle for a plurality of shift cycles. The linear feedback shift register outputs a nonlinear gating signal using a first set of outputs and a data value feeding one or more scan chains of the spreader network using a second set of outputs. The pipeline clock of a pipeline element of the scan chains is gated using the nonlinear gating signal, and the data value is fed to the scan chains based on the pipeline clock. The scan chains are fed with updated values at the pipeline stage.
US08468400B2 Method for detecting flash program failures
One or more techniques are provided for programming a flash memory device. In one embodiment, the memory device is programmed such that a data pattern written to a page in the memory device has encoded therein an expected count value corresponding to the number of times a first binary value occurs in the data pattern. The data pattern includes the program data and the expected count value, and is written to the page in a single operation. The expected count value may be stored in a count field in the management area of the page. During a page read operation, the expected count value is compared to the actual count of the number of bits having the first binary value in the data area of the page. If the expected count is equal to the actual count, then the program data is determined to be valid.
US08468392B2 Controller and control method for a controller
A controller and a control method for a controller can simplify application development and can improve the performance of device control processes. When a request is received from an application 1 and the received process request is an initialization request, whether or not the received request is the first initialization request received after the application 1 started running is determined. If the received initialization request is the first initialization request, the request is passed to the device driver 3 and initialization settings information describing the configuration of the device driver 3 after the initialization process ends is stored. If an error has occurred in the device driver 3 when the device driver 3 status is detected, an error handling process is executed according to the device driver 3 state. When the device driver 3 has recovered, a request for setting the device driver 3 state to the state based on the initialization settings information is asserted.
US08468390B2 Provision of fault tolerant operation for a primary instance
Fault tolerant operation is disclosed for a primary instance, such as a process, thread, application, processor, etc., using an active copy-cat instance, a.k.a. backup instance, that mirrors operations in the primary instance, but only after those operations have successfully completed in the primary instance. Fault tolerant logic monitors inputs and outputs of the primary instance and gates those inputs to the backup instance once a given input has been processed. The outputs of the backup instance are then compared with the outputs of the primary instance to ensure correct operation. The disclosed embodiments further relate to fault tolerant failover mechanism allowing the backup instance to take over for the primary instance in a fault situation wherein the primary and backup instances are loosely coupled, i.e. they need not be aware that they are operating in a fault tolerant environment. As such, the primary instance need not be specifically designed or programmed to interact with the fault tolerant mechanisms. Instead, the primary instance need only be designed to adhere to specific basic operating guidelines and shut itself down when it cannot do so. By externally controlling the ability of the primary instance to successfully adhere to its operating guidelines, the fault tolerant mechanisms of the disclosed embodiments can recognize error conditions and easily failover from the primary instance to the backup instance.
US08468388B2 Restoring programs after operating system failure
A state restoration unit tracks opening and closing of programs within a computer operating system. Responsive to detecting opening and closing of programs, a state restoration structure is updated. After the computer operating system restarts from a failure, the state restoration structure is accessed. The state restoration unit restores those of the programs indicated as open in the state restoration structure.
US08468385B1 Method and system for handling error events
Method and system for managing error related events while a system is processing input/output (“I/O”) requests for accessing storage space is provided. Various components are involved in processing the I/O requests. Some of these components may also have sub-components. Events related to the various components are classified with respect to their severity levels. Threshold values for a frequency of these events is set and stored in a data structure at a memory location. When an event occurs, the severity level and the threshold value for the event are determined from the data structure. The actual frequency is then compared to the stored threshold value. If the threshold value is violated and there is an alternate path to route the I/O request, then the affected component is restricted and the alternate path is used to route the I/O request.
US08468381B2 Integrated circuit package with multiple dies and a synchronizer
A package includes a first die and a second die. The dies are connected to each other through an interface. The interface is configured to transport both control signals and memory transactions. A synchronizer is provided on at least one of said first and second of said dies. The synchronizer is configured to cause any untransmitted control signal values to be transmitted across the interface.
US08468379B2 Systems, methods and devices for control and generation of programming voltages for solid-state data memory devices
In one embodiment, a solid-state drive contains a plurality of data memory devices requiring elevated voltages for erasure and programming operations. A common voltage regulator, external to the data memory devices, provides the elevated voltage, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of the data storage device.
US08468375B2 Energy consumption management for storage system using upper limit value during predetermined period
In a storage system environment in which an upper limit of electric energy consumption is prescribed for a specific period, operation of a storage device are enabled while keeping the electric energy consumption within the prescribed upper limit, and at the same time, maintaining operations of a disk device of a storage device necessary for providing services to a user. The storage system includes a storage device having one or more energized parts and a management device that manages operations of the storage device. The management device acquires electric energy consumption of the one or more energized parts and controls the operational state of the one or more energized parts so that the electric energy consumption of the storage device over a predetermined period does not exceed a prescribed upper limit.
US08468366B2 Method for securely storing a programmable identifier in a communication station
Disclosed is a method for storing an identifier in a first station having a secure non-volatile data store protected by cryptographic data, an identifier flag for indicating that the identifier has been written to the secure data store, and an authenticated trust agent that prohibits writing of an identifier to the secure data store if the identifier flag is set. In the method, the identifier is written to the secure non-volatile data store, wherein the identifier written to the secure data store is encrypted using the cryptographic data. The identifier flag is irreversibly set after writing the identifier to the secure data store so that the trust agent prohibits another write of an identifier to the secure data store.
US08468360B2 Client terminal, server, server-client system, cooperation processing method, program and recording medium
An application on a client terminal transmits application session information indicating a state of the application itself and an application signature proving the identity of the application to a browser. The browser transmits the application session information and the application signature to a server. The server generates an HTML page in which a script specifying an operation to be performed by the application is inserted and server session information and transmits the HTML page and the server session information to the browser along with the application signature received from the browser. When the script is activated, the browser passes the information received from the server to the application. The application performs processing according to the server session information only if the application signature passed from the browser is an application signature generated by the application itself.
US08468353B2 Method, system and authentication centre for authenticating in end-to-end communications based on a mobile network
The invention discloses a method for authenticating in end-to-end communications based on a mobile network, applied to a system including a first service entity requesting a service, a second service entity providing the service and an entity authentication center, EAC; respectively performing a mutual authentication between the first service entity and the EAC and that between the second service entity and the EAC according to the negotiated authentication mode; if the first service entity requests the second service entity to provide the service, the EAC providing authentication inquiring for the first service entity and the second service entity according to the negotiated authentication mode, and generating a shared derived key according to the negotiated authentication mode; and the first service entity and the second service entity authenticating each other according to the shared derived key and the negotiated authentication mode, and generating a session key for protecting the service.
US08468352B2 Retrieving and using cloud based storage credentials
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for retrieving and using cloud based storage credentials. Embodiments of the invention include automatically retrieving cloud based credentials (e.g., storage keys) as needed, such as, for example, on demand. Automatically retrieving credentials reduces administrator workloads and mitigates the potential for human errors. Embodiments of the invention also include using credentials (e.g., storage keys) in the deployment and ongoing operation of services (e.g., computing workers) in a resource cloud. Embodiments of the invention also include propagating credentials (e.g., storage keys) to instances running in the cloud during deployment.
US08468349B2 Wireless communication device, wireless communication method, and program
There is provided a wireless communication device including a storage unit for storing authentication information distributed to a plurality of users including a user of the wireless communication device belonging to a community on a network; an authentication unit for authenticating a peripheral wireless communication device based on the authentication information stored in the storage unit; and a control unit for forming a communication group with the peripheral wireless communication device when the authentication of the peripheral wireless communication device by the authentication unit is successful.
US08468345B2 Containerless data for trustworthy computing and data services
A digital escrow pattern and trustworthy platform is provided for data services including mathematical transformation techniques, such as searchable encryption techniques, for obscuring data stored at remote site or in a cloud service, distributing trust across multiple entities to avoid a single point of data compromise. Using the techniques of a trustworthy platform, data (and associated metadata) is decoupled from the containers that hold the data (e.g., file systems, databases, etc.) enabling the data to act as its own custodian through imposition of a shroud of mathematical complexity that is pierced with presented capabilities, such as keys granted by a cryptographic key generator of a trust platform. Sharing of, or access to, the data or a subset of that data is facilitated in a manner that preserves and extends trust without the need for particular containers for enforcement.
US08468339B2 Efficient security information distribution
Methods and software for distributing several data objects containing status information about security certificates, and a directory of the data objects, through a peer-to-peer data distribution network. Other methods and software for preparing a certificate status object containing validity information about a security certificate, and a reaffirmation object identifying the certificate status object, both to be transmitted to a requesting client after an expiration time contained in the certificate status object.
US08468338B2 Wireless access point security for multi-hop networks
Security in wireless communication networks that employ relay stations to facilitate communications between base stations and mobile stations is enhanced. In one embodiment, resource information provided to one or more relay stations from a base station or another relay station is encrypted prior to being delivered to the one or more relay stations. Only authorized relay stations are allocated an appropriate key necessary to decrypt the resource information. As such, only appropriate relay stations are able to access and use the resource information to effect communications directly or indirectly between the base stations and the mobile stations. In certain embodiments, the resource information is delivered between the various base and relay stations using either unicast or multicast delivery techniques.
US08468335B2 Reconfigurable system having plurality of basic function units with each unit having a plurality of multiplexers and other logics for performing at least one of a logic operation or arithmetic operation
A reconfigurable data processing platform is disclosed. The reconfigurable data processing platform includes a reconfigurable universal data processing module, a configuration memory, and a reconfiguration control unit. The reconfigurable universal data processing module contains a plurality of basic units each capable of being configured to perform a unit of at least one of a logic operation and an arithmetic operation. The configuration memory is coupled to the reconfigurable universal data processing module to provide configuration information to be used to configure the plurality of basic units. Further, the reconfiguration control unit is coupled to the reconfigurable universal data processing module and the configuration memory to provide control signals for configuration of the plurality of basic units.
US08468323B2 Clockless computer using a pulse generator that is triggered by an event other than a read or write instruction in place of a clock
A computer array (10) has a plurality of computers (12). The computers (12) communicate with each other asynchronously, and the computers (12) themselves operate in a generally asynchronous manner internally. When one computer (12) attempts to communicate with another it goes to sleep until the other computer (12) is ready to complete the transaction, thereby saving power and reducing heat production. The sleeping computer (12) can be awaiting data or instructions (12). In the case of instructions, the sleeping computer (12) can be waiting to store the instructions or to immediately execute the instructions. In the later case, the instructions are placed in an instruction register (30a) when they are received and executed therefrom, without first placing the instructions first into memory. The instructions can include a micro-loop (100) which is capable of performing a series of operations repeatedly. In one application, the sleeping computer (12) is awakened by an input such that it commences an action that would otherwise have required an interrupt of an otherwise active computer.
US08468322B2 Information processing apparatus using a plurality of file systems
In a copying apparatus, a storage capacity of an HDD which is used in a unique file system can be changed. In a partition area for image data formatted by a general-purpose file system, an area for a virtual unique high speed file system is provided and a reservation file having a data structure which can be used by the unique file system is constructed. A unique high speed file system accesses such an area, thereby enabling functions of the unique high speed file system to be virtually used and enabling information management of the image data to be made.
US08468315B2 Facilitating data compression during replication using a compressible configuration bit
Computer program product, system and method are provided for facilitating data replication in a storage system. A logical volume of a first storage array of a replicated pair is preconfigured with one or more logical volume attributes, which include a compressible configuration bit that indicates whether data blocks to be stored to that logical volume are compressible during replication. Subsequently, with receipt of a data block at the first storage array to be stored to the logical volume, a check of the compressible configuration bit is made to determine whether the data block is compressible during replication, and if so, the data block is compressed for replication. The compressible configuration bit is placed into the payload region of the data packet being replicated to the second storage array. At the second storage array, the compressible configuration bit is used to determine whether to uncompress the replicated data block.
US08468304B1 Concentrated parity technique for handling double failures and enabling storage of more than one parity block per stripe on a storage device of a storage array
A method for constructing an array of storage devices is disclosed. A number of storage devices is selected. Each storage device stores data in data blocks. A redundancy is established, the redundancy being a number of data blocks for a parity block. A plurality of parity sets is established, a parity set having the number of data blocks for a parity block and having a set parity block. The set parity block for each parity set is computed. Each set parity block is stored on one of the data storage devices that does not store one of the data-block members of the parity set, to store more than one parity block on each storage device, with an exception that two parity blocks for the same data storage location are precluded from being stored on the same data storage device.
US08468299B2 Virtualized storage performance controller
An apparatus for real-time performance management of a virtualized storage system operable in a network having managed physical storage and virtual storage presented by an in-band virtualization controller comprises: a monitoring component operable in communication with the network for acquiring performance data from the managed physical storage and the virtual storage; and a cache controller component responsive to the monitoring component for adjusting cache parameters for the virtual storage. The apparatus may further comprise a queue controller component responsive to the monitoring component for adjusting queue parameters for the managed physical storage. The monitoring component, the cache controller component and the queue controller component may be configured to operate periodically during operation of the virtualized storage system.
US08468298B2 Management device and management method
Timing at which a rotation of a physical disk can stop is taken to more appropriately stop the rotation of the physical disk. A management device for managing a storage device and a server includes a first recording part in which an identification number of a logic volume and a rotational state of the physical disk are recorded, a second recording part in which an operating state of the server and an identification number of the logic volume to be accessed by the server are recorded, an updating part for changing the operating state of the server recorded in the second recording part when the operating state of the server is changed, an extracting part for extracting an operating state of another server to access another logic volume of the physical disk having the logic volume to be accessed by the server set from the second recording part based on the identification number of the logic volume to be accessed by the server recorded on the first recording part, and an instructing part for giving an instruction to the storage device for changing the rotation state of the physical disk depending on the operating state after the server is changed and the operating state of the other server.
US08468295B2 System and method for reducing power consumption of memory
Systems and methods for reducing problems and disadvantages associated with power consumption in memory devices are disclosed. A method for reducing power consumption in memory may include tracking, by an operating system executing on a processor, one or more logical units of a memory system that are in use. The method may also include setting, by the operating system, a variable indicating a portion of the memory system in use based on the logical units of the memory system in use. The method may additionally include refreshing one or more of the one or more logical units of the memory system based on the variable.
US08468284B2 Converting a message signaled interruption into an I/O adapter event notification to a guest operating system
One or more message signaled interruption requests from one or more input/output (I/O) adapters are converted to I/O adapter event notifications while retaining the message vector indication. An I/O adapter event notification may be routed and presented to a host or to a guest that the host is executing. To present the notification to the correct host or to the correct guest, various data structures in host and/or guest memory are used.
US08468282B2 Arbitration device, arbitration method, image processing device, and image forming system
An arbitration device includes an arbitration section, a counter, and a changing section. While write request signals and read request signals for a transfer path, are inputted from request sources, the arbitration section arbitrates an order that the write and read request signals use the transfer path, and when arbitration is settled, outputs use permission signals to the request sources. The changing section changes a time from outputting of the write request signals until inputting of the write request signals to the arbitration section, and/or a time from outputting of the use permission signals for the write request signals until inputting of the use permission signals to the request sources.
US08468278B2 Methods and apparatuses for flushing write-combined data from a buffer
Methods and apparatuses for flushing write-combined data from a buffer within a memory to an input/output (I/O) device.
US08468271B1 Providing privacy within computer networks using anonymous cookies
In general, techniques are described for utilizing anonymous cookies within computer networks to protect customer identities. In particular, a network device is configured to communicate with an edge router of a service provider network that provides access to a public network having network destinations. The network device includes a control unit and an interface. The control unit executes a content delivery layer and a privacy services layer. The content delivery layer receives a network communication sent from one of the customer devices to the public network. The privacy services layer replaces a destination-specified cookie within the network communication with an anonymous cookie, each of which conform to an application layer protocol. The anonymous cookie also specifies a pseudonym for the one of the customer devices that originated the network communication. The at least one interface then forwards the network communication including the anonymous cookie to the network destination.
US08468266B2 High availability message transmission
A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product uses a plurality of message transmitters to achieve high availability message transmission. The plurality of message transmitters are each operable to transmit a message to a subscriber. In accordance with a determination, for example, of the value of the connections, the message is copied and transmitted to the plurality of the message transmitters so that at least one of the plurality of message transmitters transmits the copy to the subscriber. The at least one message transmitter may be selected by analyzing the message and determining an associated rule based on characteristics of the message.
US08468255B2 Data card and method for internet access of data card
The present invention provides a data card and a method for Internet access by the data card. The method for Internet access by the data card includes: after the data card is connected to a host, mapping the data card into an Internet access device by using an Ethernet interface protocol; obtaining, by the data card, dial-up information; dialing, by using the dial-up information, to request to connect to a network; and performing, by the Internet access device, communication between the host and the network. By using the technical solutions provided by embodiments of the present invention, fast Internet access may be implemented without installing a driver.
US08468245B2 Delivering resources to clients in a distributed computing environment
A method for delivering resources to clients in a distributed computing environment. At least a first resource associated with a first content provider and maintained on an origin server references a second resource. The second resource is associated with a network formed by a plurality of repeater servers operable to serve the second resource to clients on behalf of the first content provider, the origin server being distinct from the plurality of repeater servers. Responsive to a request that causes the first resource to be served to a client from the origin server, at least one of the plurality of repeater servers is selected to serve the second resource to the client. If a copy of the second resource is available on the selected repeater server, the copy of the second resource is served to the client from the selected repeater server; otherwise, if a copy of the second resource is not available on the selected repeater server, the second resource is replicated on the selected repeater server.
US08468237B2 Normalization engine and method of requesting a key or performing an operation pertaining to an end point
A normalization engine and a method of requesting a key or performing an operation pertaining to an end point. In one embodiment, the normalization engine includes: (1) a data manager configured to receive a request to execute an operation or obtain a key/value pair pertaining to an end point and determine a normalized version of the key in the key/value pair and (2) a normalization mapping repository configured to contain normalization mechanisms, the data manager further configured to employ the normalized version to obtain one of the normalization mechanisms from the normalization mapping repository, carry out the normalization mechanism and employ a data source corresponding to the end point to retrieve a device-specific value corresponding to the normalized version.
US08468236B2 Systems and methods for providing frequency diversity in security transmitters
A system for transmitting and receiving communication messages in a wireless security system is provided. The security system comprises one or more security sensor devices and a receiving device. Each security sensor device is capable of monitoring a status change in an area and is capable of generating and transmitting a communication message at a first frequency and a communication message at a second frequency based on a change in status of the area being monitored. The receiving device capable of receiving the communication messages from the one or more security sensor devices and in response thereto is capable of generating one or more instruction signals based on the communication messages. A security sensor device of the one or more security sensor devices transmits the communication message at least one time at the first frequency and the communication message at least one time at the second frequency.
US08468234B1 Methods and systems for tracking file routing on a network
Disclosed are methods and systems that include presenting signals corresponding to a time-series of traffic on links of a network to a band-pass filter to obtain band-limited signals, the band pass filter centered substantially about a frequency corresponding to traffic to be tracked, determining coherence values of the band-limited signals, and, based on a comparison of the coherence values to a threshold, forming at least one map of the routing of the traffic based on the corresponding links.
US08468232B2 Service processing apparatus, service processing system and computer readable medium
A service processing apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives a service processing request; a first acquiring unit that acquires service configuration information; a second acquiring unit that acquires processing ability management information; a processing unit that processes the service using the installed module; and a selecting unit that selects service processing apparatuses. The service processing apparatus includes a determining unit that determines a service processing apparatus having the minimal processing load resulting from the calculation of the processing load as a request destination for a processing using the module which is installed on neither the service processing apparatus nor the different service processing apparatuses; and an installation unit that installs the module on the service processing apparatus determined by the determining unit if the module which is installed on neither the service processing apparatus nor the different service processing apparatuses is not installed on the determined service processing apparatus.
US08468223B2 Cooperation for consumer and service provider MoCA networks
Embodiments may be disclosed herein that provide systems, devices, and methods of operating a Multimedia over Coax (MoCA) network. One such embodiment is a method comprising: designating a selected MoCA device as a network controller; and logically partitioning, into virtual MoCA networks, a predetermined bandwidth reserved for the MoCA network by sending, from the network controller one or more beacons containing virtual network information.
US08468219B2 Minimum intervention authentication of heterogeneous network technologies (MIAHNT)
Methods and systems for enabling communication of information within a network are disclosed herein and comprise receiving at a first communication device located within a network, configuration information from a network service provider for configuring a plurality of communication devices located within said network. The first communication device located within the network can be configured based on at least a portion of the received configuration information. In response to a user input at a second communication device located within the network, at least a portion of the received configuration information can be communicated from the first communication device to the second communication device located within the network. The network service provider can be coupled to the first communication device via a wired connection. The network can comprise a wireless network.
US08468218B2 Reproducing apparatus, reproducing control method, and program
There is provided a reproducing apparatus including a server, a communication unit for communicating with a control apparatus that transmits a request for setting content, a request for reproducing and a request for stopping, a reproducing processing unit for a processing upon the received request regarding reproducing, and a reproducing control nit for controlling a state of processing execution in the reproducing processing unit, wherein the reproducing control unit sets a primary standby time and maintains a state of reproducing if received the request for stopping in the state of reproducing, or if ended the reproduction of the content data, and further sets a secondary standby time after the primary standby time has elapsed if received the request for setting content before the primary standby time has elapsed, and makes content data being newly set reproduced if received the request for reproducing before the secondary standby time has elapsed.
US08468200B2 Retransmission admission mechanism in a managed shared network with quality of service
According to various embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, a node on a network submits to a network controller a request for the admission of a parameterized Quality of Service flow with in a MoCA network. A network controller receives the submission requesting creation of or update to a parameterized quality of service to support a flow with retransmission; sends a message to a first plurality of nodes in the network to request information from the first plurality of nodes regarding whether the retransmission flow can be created or updated; receives responses from the first plurality of nodes, wherein each response comprises information regarding whether its respective node can support the retransmission flow; and determines whether the retransmission flow can be supported by the first plurality of network nodes.
US08468199B2 System and method for verifying delivery and integrity of electronic messages
The invention provides a system and method for determining when a message is received by a recipient or an agent for the recipient. A link is activated at the recipient to provide an indication that the message has been opened by the recipient. The activation of the link may cause a server remote from the recipient to take some further action.
US08468197B2 Generic online ranking system and method suitable for syndication
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for ranking resources. One or more signals reporting one or more actions by the plurality of users related to a respective resource are received, where a reported action is a presentation of the respective resource, an addition of the respective resource, or a deletion of the respective resource. The reported actions include one or more short deletions of the respective resource. A respective long-addition click-through rate (LACTR) is determined for the respective resource based on a number of reported presentations of the respective resource and a difference between a number of reported additions of the respective resource and a number of short deletions of the respective resource. The plurality of resources are ranked based on the respective LACTRs for the plurality of resources. The ranking of the plurality of resources are provided.
US08468190B2 Complex and hypercomplex inclusive interval expression evaluations with stable numeric evaluations and precision efficacy testing
Improvements to optimal interval operators are developed for interval expression evaluation using arithmetic and real power operators applied to complex and hypercomplex number systems. A method for determining efficacy of numeric precision, incorporating minor changes to interval operators, provides detection of insufficient numeric evaluation precision.
US08468189B2 Iterated variational regularization combined with componentwise regularization
The present invention relates to a solution for solving an ill-posed inverse problem in image analysis, e.g. in an electron tomography application in order to recover a structure of a sample. The solution is provided for instance as a method comprising steps of determining reliable prior knowledge about the solution, determining initial guess for the solution and determining the corresponding forward operator, deciding upon model of stochasticity, deciding on suitable regularization method, deciding on updating scheme, and producing a sequence using the set configuration.
US08468188B1 Movable tap finite impulse response filter
A finite impulse response (FIR) filter apparatus including: an input configured to receive a first input signal; a plurality of coefficient taps configured to filter the first input signal; a plurality of delay elements arranged between the plurality of coefficient taps, the plurality of delay elements configured to delay the first input signal, wherein at least one of the plurality of delay elements is configured to provide a variable delay; and a processor configured to i) determine signal strengths of respective portions of the first input signal, and ii) in response to determining the signal strengths, set the variable delay to skip filtering selected portions of the first input signal.
US08468166B2 Analytic enhancements to model clause in structured query language (SQL)
A method for processing queries is provided. A database server receives and executes a query to generate a relation. The query comprises first one or more clauses and a model clause. The model clause comprises a rule that has a left-side expression and a right-side expression. In one embodiment, the right-side expression of the rule includes a window function, which specifies one or more partition columns. In an embodiment, the left-side expression comprises a for-loop predicate. The for-loop predicate is unfolded after the database server compiles the query. In one embodiment, the left-side expression of the rule comprises one or more existential predicates, where each existential predicate evaluates to a Boolean value.
US08468163B2 Ontology system providing enhanced search capability with ranking of results
Ontology system providing enhanced search capability receives a search request specifying nodes and edges of interest and determines a set of matching ontologies stored in a knowledge store. The ontology system also generates a ranking for each of the matching ontologies based on the extent of matching. Data indicating the matching ontologies and corresponding rank is sent as a search result.
US08468158B2 Adaptive weighted crawling of user activity feeds
Embodiments are directed towards determining frequencies for adaptively crawling user activity feeds, by taking into account user activity patterns, as well as a type or nature of a service to be crawled. A statistical model of activity patterns is generated for each user and user activity source based on various parameters. The activity patterns may be weighted to account for variation in relevancy of user content. Various measures are generated that are adaptive by being updated at a rate determined sufficient to detect user activity pattern changes. The statistical model produces clusters of users for each service. A crawling frequency may be assigned to the various clusters such that different users for a given service may have content crawled at different frequencies.
US08468157B2 Information processing apparatus and method and program storage medium
An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program storage medium which can present associated information related to a document to be processed to a user by using an accumulation block that accumulates a database of associated information. A presentation block presents to the user the associated information corresponding to the document to be processed at occurrence of an event. An agent control block controls the manner of displaying an agent for example.
US08468155B2 Collaborative filtering-based recommendations
Various techniques can be used to implement a collaborative filtering-based recommendation engine. For example, different similarity measures can be used for different users. Different similarity measures can be used for a particular user across time. A superior similarity measure can be found for a user. User-defined similarity measures can be supported.
US08468153B2 Information service for facts extracted from differing sources on a wide area network
In one general aspect, a wide area network fact information service method is disclosed. This method includes storing a plurality of canonical fact entries, storing one or more fact descriptor entries for each of the canonical fact entries, and ranking the canonical fact entries relative to each other based on the descriptor entries.
US08468145B2 Indexing of URLs with fragments
A URL inspector may determine a uniform resource locator (URL) which includes an indexable fragment. A URL separator may separate, from the URL which includes the indexable fragment, a base URL occurring prior to the indexable fragment. An indexer may process content of the base URL to obtain processed content thereof. A rendering system may render the processed content together with the URL which includes the indexable fragment to obtain rendered content. A content converter may convert the rendered content into indexable content.
US08468144B2 Methods and apparatus for analyzing information to identify entities of significance
Embodiments include methods for analyzing information performed by a data analysis system. The method includes parsing data from one or more data sources, resulting in parsed data, forming a plurality of chains of terms from the parsed data, and determining a significance score for an entity identified in one or more of the chains based, at least in part, on one or more positions of the entity within the one or more chains. Embodiments of the method may be used to identify entities of significance (e.g., in a group, organization or social network).
US08468134B1 System and method for measuring consistency within a distributed storage system
Embodiments may include a consistency measurement component that utilizes memory-efficient sets (e.g., Bloom filters) assigned to different time periods for tracking when different write operations are performed on replicated data objects within a distributed data store. The consistency measurement component may evaluate whether read operations directed to the distributed data store are inconsistent. To do so, the consistency measurement component may determine, for a given read operation, the age of the value read from a given replicated data object (e.g., by evaluating a “last-modified” timestamp). The consistency measurement component may identify a memory-efficient set that includes the key of that replicated data object in order to determine when the replicated data object was last written to. If the age of the value read is older than the time at which the replicated data object was last written to, the consistency measurement component may determine that the read operation was inconsistent.
US08468127B2 System and method for synchronizing data records between multiple databases
A communication device includes a database. The database is configured to store data records to be synchronized with a host device and to store, for each record, a corresponding device synchronization parameter (DSP) and a corresponding host synchronization parameter (HSP). The DSP indicates a version number assigned to a current version, of the respective data record, as stored in the database of the device. The HSP indicates a version number assigned to a current version, of the same record, as stored in the host device.
US08468124B2 Debugging workflows
Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to a debugging system (“system”) configured to access a work flow document. The workflow document may include references to flow activities connected by flow connectors, forming a workflow path. Some of the flow connectors may have breakpoints. The debugging system can insert command instructions for a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) request into the workflow document at locations associated with the flow connectors and initiate a test run of the workflow path. In some embodiments, during the test run, when one of the flow connectors is reached, the system executes the command instructions for the HTTP request, sending the HTTP request to a debugger application (“debugger”). If a breakpoint is associated with the flow connector, the debugger can delay response to the HTTP request, otherwise the debugger can respond immediately. A user can debug the workflow document during the delay.
US08468111B1 Determining confidence of object identification
The technology described herein includes a system and/or a method for determining confidence of object identification. The technology includes selecting at least one confidence rule from a plurality of confidence rules based on a first discrimination identification and a second discrimination identification. The technology further includes generating an object confidence weight based on one or more first identification parameters, one or more second identification parameters, and the selected at least one confidence rule. The technology further includes fusing the received set of data based on an alpha parameter, a beta parameter, and the object confidence weight. The technology further includes generating a probability of identification of a classification of the object based on the fused data.
US08468107B2 Non-intrusive event-driven prediction
A method, system, and computer usable program product for non-intrusive event-driven prediction of a metric in a data processing environment are provided in the illustrative embodiments. At least one set of events is observed in the data processing environment, the set of events being generated by several processes executing in the data processing environment. A subset of the set of events are tracked for an observation period, the tracking resulting in bookkeeping information about the subset of events. A pattern of events is detected in the bookkeeping information. The pattern is formed as a tuple representing a process in the several processes, the metric corresponding to the process. A prediction model is selected for the tuple. The prediction model is supplied with the tuple and executed to generate a predicted value of the metric.
US08468105B2 Learning apparatus, learning method, information processing apparatus, data selection method, data accumulation method, data conversion method and program
There is provided a learning apparatus including: a first data acquisition unit which acquires first user preference data belonging to a first data space; a second data acquisition unit which acquires second user preference data of a user in common with the first user preference data, the second user preference data belonging to a second data space which is different from the first data space; a compression unit which generates first compressed user preference data having less data item number from the first user preference data by utilizing a first set of parameters; and a learning unit which learns a second set of parameters utilized for generating second compressed user preference data having the same data item number as that of the first compressed user preference data from the second user preference data so that difference between the first compressed user preference data and the second compressed user preference data is to be small across a plurality of users.
US08468099B2 Digital entertainment service platform
The present invention is directed to an open business platform that provides an end-to-end solution for managing, distributing, and/or retailing digital media assets from various content suppliers. In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides an integrated system that permits media content suppliers to deposit their media assets with the system where they are prepared by a content management system for distribution to consumers via a secure distribution system. The media content suppliers may then track and control the use of their media assets through a subscriber management system for managing consumer accounts, a licensing server for issuing licenses restricting the use of media content, and a royalty reporter for determining and reporting royalties to the various content suppliers.
US08468090B2 Account opening computer system architecture and process for implementing same
The present invention provides, in alternative embodiments, a computer architecture and/or computer implemented methods for account opening. In some embodiments, the invention provides an integrated, component-based technology platform in which globally standardized, business configurable account opening processes are separate and decoupled from the user interface screens and are directly manageable by business functionality and/or personnel. In various embodiments, the invention provides pause and resume, save and retrieve, cross-channel, metrics, audit tracking, data logging, and/or straight-through processing capabilities for account opening.
US08468089B1 Method of improving security in electronic transactions
A computerized method (10) is provided which improves data security in electronic transactions in an insecure network (12). This is accomplished when the method (10) operates on a user (18) which has established a commercial relationship with a trusted third party broker (22), and merchants (20a-20d). The method utilizes network links (14, 24) between (a) the trusted third party broker and the user and (b) the trusted third party broker and the merchants. Protocols are selected to operate between each network link, the selection being made, at least in part, on the basis of the computer resources which may be expected to be available in each network link.
US08468082B2 Publish and subscribe system including buffer
Systems and methods for delivering a plurality of trading data messages to a server in connection with the monitoring the trading of financial instruments are provided. A listener subscribes to a subset of the plurality of trading data messages generated by market participants or components within the trading platform. A buffer receives the subset of the plurality of trading data messages and stores the subset of the plurality of trading data messages. A server, such as a live alerts server, receives the subset of the plurality of trading data messages stored from the buffer and analyzes the subset of the plurality of trading data.
US08468075B2 Engine, system and method of providing third party business valuation and associated services
A computer-implemented engine, system and method for generating business valuations, scoring, and/or flagging over a network, responsively to information input by a user remote from the engine, system and method. The invention may include a graphical user interface capable of locally querying a user to input the company information, at least one network port capable of remotely receiving the company information from the graphical user interface, and at least one engine communicatively connected to the at least one network port, which engine preferably includes a plurality of rules to generate, responsively to the input company information, at least one of a business valuation, a business score, and/or one or more business flags to be used as indicators in a network marketplace, for the company associated with the inputted company information.
US08468073B2 Facilitating compensation arrangements providing for data tracking components
Systems and methods for data brokering, and more specifically, data brokering regarding a data provider's search-related activities, are described. In particular implementations, various aspects of facilitating a compensation arrangement between a data provider and a data consumer regarding one or more data-provider-related search activities, including aspects of arranging for compensation to be received from the data consumer in exchange for at least one of installation of or access of a data tracking component related to at least one user interface associated with the data provider, are described.
US08468069B2 Automatic modification of financial record parameters
Formatting of data entered and/or stored in a financial transaction record may be automatically corrected or modified to an expected or compatible format. The format in which data is to be stored may be defined by a financial institution processing the transaction and/or a customer affected by the transaction. Format rules may be defined and used to judge whether a transaction record parameter meets the required format. If so, the record parameter may be validated and saved. If, however, the parameter is not formatted according to the rule, the system may automatically revise the value stored in the parameter to satisfy the requirements. According to another aspect, if a transaction record has been modified, manual confirmation of the change may be requested.
US08468066B2 Inventory or asset management system
A network sensor system and protocol is provided. The network sensor system includes a sensor node that has a sensor for collecting high-resolution data, and a radio for transmitting that data to a central hub. The sensor node communicates to the hub with a wireless data link, and operators solely from a battery. Accordingly, the sensor node is autonomous, and has no wire connections, so may be discreetly and simply installed. The sensor node is normally operated in a power-saving sleep mode, and is minimally activated only for required periods of time. The sensor node may be activated responsive to a low power timer, or from another locally generated interrupt. The sensor node also implements power-saving transfer protocols to further reduce power needs. Many sensor nodes may be associated with a single central hub, and larger networked sensor systems may be arranged.
US08468060B2 Recursive method and system for accessing classification information
Web based menu system and method allows users such as buyers and sellers to locate, purchase, and sell goods, items and services. Knowledge of the system increases with user interaction. The system can respond to voice activation and recognition commands. At the web site, the user selects a category followed by a selection of makes, items, or services called a Sub-Category. The system responds by displaying menus referred to as a “Fluidity of Taxonomy”. This process repeats until the user reaches the finite end of the menus. Users can place requests for instant notification of new ad placements. Banner ads can be applicable to the buyers' interest. Sellers can grow the database based on menu selections. The system can retrieve any orderly classification of information.
US08468056B1 Ad skip feature for characterizing advertisement effectiveness
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for characterizing effectiveness of online advertisements inserted into media streams based at least in part on monitoring events indicative of an audience skipping ad streams inserted into the media streams. The methods and systems described in this specification enable tracking the number of impressions prior to detecting events indicative of interest or disinterest for ad streams inserted into a media stream.
US08468051B2 Selecting and delivering personalized content
The definition of campaign tactics as associating customized content to associated audiences in a relational database. These associations may be cached in a content association mapping that may be read from without accessing the database. The content association mappings may cached in one or more front end servers, and may be updated periodically by navigating the relational database. For a given tactic, the system determines whether a user is a member of the associated audience, identifies the content to be delivered by referring to the content association mapping, and then delivers the content to the user.
US08468047B2 Appraisal processing
A software program assists in establishing goals and objectives and creating appraisals based on those goals and objectives. The goals for an organization are determined, and individual objectives based on the goals are defined. The software program assigns weights to the individual objectives, and obtaining a plurality of appraisals based on the individual objectives. A final appraisal is created by combining the plurality of appraisals based on the weight. The plurality of appraisals may be obtained using different appraisal types, including objective-setting, simple appraisal, and 360 degree feedback.
US08468039B2 Method for handling large amounts of standard data
A method for handling large amounts of standard data contained in one or more databases conforming to a standard data model is described. When large amounts of standard data are needed to answer requests of end-users of a software application, the method assumes that a significantly reduced amount of metadata useable by the software application are first built out of the large amounts of standard data. The metadata are stored in an intermediate database of metadata and delivered to the software application through a metadata engine in lieu of the large amounts of standard data. The invention allows software application to consider much larger amounts of standard data to better answer end-user requests in an acceptable elapsed time.
US08468038B2 System and method for processing work products for vehicles via the world wide web
A method and system for receiving data relating to an insurance claim for a damaged vehicle and transmitting a valuation report for the damaged vehicle over the world wide web. The system includes a client computer and a web server that are coupled through an electronic communication network such as the internet. The web server contains a web site that contains a plurality of web pages. Each web page allows an operator to enter the insurance claim data. The data can be processed into a valuation report by a separate valuation server. The valuation report can be transmitted to the client computer through the web server. A claims adjuster can access the web server by merely entering a uniform resource locator (“URL”) into a web browser. The adjuster does not have to dial directly into the valuation server.
US08468035B2 Computerized method and system for accumulating liability estimates
Methods and systems for providing vehicle accident information to a computer system are provided. In one embodiment, an impact point of a vehicle accident may be provided to the computer system via a graphical user interface. The computer system may include a memory. The memory may have sets of characteristics regarding one or more past or theoretical accidents. In an embodiment, at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics may be an impact point. The computer system may display one or more of the impact points in the memory as a graphical image on the graphical user interface. A user may select an impact point of the vehicle accident from the graphical user interface.
US08468026B2 Audio decoding using variable-length codebook application ranges
Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for decoding an audio signal from a frame-based bit stream. At least one frame includes processing information pertaining to the frame and entropy-encoded quantization indexes representing audio data within the frame. The processing information includes: (i) code book indexes, and (ii) code book application information specifying ranges of entropy-encoded quantization indexes to which the code books are to be applied. The entropy-encoded quantization indexes are decoded by applying the identified code books to the corresponding ranges of entropy-encoded quantization indexes.
US08468012B2 Acoustic model adaptation using geographic information
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for enhancing speech recognition accuracy. In one aspect, a method includes receiving an audio signal that corresponds to an utterance recorded by a mobile device, determining a geographic location associated with the mobile device, adapting one or more acoustic models for the geographic location, and performing speech recognition on the audio signal using the one or more acoustic models model that are adapted for the geographic location.
US08468004B2 Methods of use of a nonwoven keratinous tissue mimic
In one embodiment, a method of modeling interactions with keratinous tissue may comprise the steps of providing a nonwoven mimic and performing an act on the mimic as may be performed on keratinous tissue. The nonwoven mimic has a surface energy representative of keratinous tissue. In another embodiment, a method of modeling interactions with keratinous tissue may comprise the steps of: providing a mimic comprising from about 60% or greater rayon, from about 40% or less polyester, and a surface energy representative of keratinous tissue; and performing an act on the mimic as may be performed on keratinous tissue. The mimic is preferably a nonwoven mimic.
US08468000B1 Computer based models for absorbent articles
Methods of using computer based models for simulating the physical behavior of bodily fluids with absorbent articles.
US08467990B2 Method for setting the geolocation of a non-GPS enabled device
A method and device for setting a geolocation of a non-GPS enabled device utilizes GPS mapping technology to allow a user to select and set an exact location for a given device within a facility. The method can include obtaining a GPS map of the site where the device is deployed, obtaining a site map of the site, determining the GPS coordinates of at least one of the corners of the site map, overlaying the site map on the GPS map, aligning the at least one corner of the site map with corresponding GPS coordinates on the GPS map, calculating a grid covering the site map, selecting a location on the site map corresponding to the position of the device, and determining the geolocation of the device by calculating the latitude and longitude of said position.
US08467988B1 Method and system for validation of mass spectrometer machine performance
A method and system for validating machine performance of a mass spectrometer makes use of a machine qualification set of samples. The mass spectrometer operates on the machine qualification set of samples and obtains a set of performance evaluation mass spectra. The performance evaluation spectra are classified with respect to a classification reference set of spectra with the aid of a programmed computer executing a classification algorithm. The classification algorithm also operates on a set of spectra obtained in a previous standard machine run of the machine qualification set of samples. The results from the classification algorithm are then compared with respect to predefined, objective performance criteria (e.g., class label concordance and others) and a machine validation result, e.g., PASS or FAIL, is generated from the comparison.
US08467987B1 Methods and systems for testing mobile device builds
A testing application may be executed on a mobile device associated with a mobile device build and may perform operations comprising: identifying a set of mobile applications designated for testing the mobile device build; for each mobile application in the set of mobile applications: receiving an indication that a user has selected the mobile application for execution; identifying a set of tests associated with the mobile application; for each test in the set of tests: prompting the user to perform an action specified by the test using the mobile application; prompting the user for feedback regarding performance of the action by the mobile application; receiving the feedback from the user; and storing the feedback received from the user.
US08467983B2 Method for detecting conflicts between outage requests and power supply guarantee requests in a power grid
A method detects conflicts between a power supply guarantee request (PSGR) and an outage request (OR) in a power grid. The method comprises receiving a first outage device set including OR related devices and a power supply guarantee device set including PSGR related devices. Geographic information about devices in the power grid is used to determine a second outage device set, which includes devices in the first outage device set and accompanying outage devices that need to be in outage together with devices in the first outage device set. Power grid topology information is used to determine a power grid outage scale in which all devices in the second outage device set can be in outage. For each device in the power supply guarantee device set, the method detects whether the device is included in the power grid outage scale, to determine any conflict between the PSGR and OR.
US08467979B2 Intelligent sport shoe system
The present invention is directed to a system for providing information to an athlete concerning the efficiency with which the athlete is using energy in moving relative to the ground or some other surface. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of pressure sensors that are associated with a shoe and generate pressure related data. The system further includes a processing system that processes the pressure data produced by the sensors to determine energy efficiency related information and make this information available to the wearer of the shoe so that the wearer can, if needed or desired, takes steps to improve their energy efficiency.
US08467974B2 System, method, and computer software for the presentation and storage of analysis results
A computer program product, and related systems and methods, are described that processes emission intensity data corresponding to probes of a biological probe array. The computer program includes a genotype and statistical analysis manager that determines absolute or relative expression values based, at least in part, on a statistical measure of the emission intensity data and at least one user-selectable statistical parameter. The analysis manager may also determine genotype calls for one or more probes based, at least in part, on the emission intensity data. The analysis manager may further display the absolute or relative expression values based, at least in part, on at least one user-selectable display parameter and/or a measure of normalized change between genotype calls. The measure of normalized change may be based, at least in part, on a comparison of genotype calls and a reference value.
US08467970B2 Function homology screening
A method of screening biologically active agent based on the analysis of complex biological responses in culture. Methods for selecting cells and culture conditions for such screens are provided, as well as the identification of an optimized set of discrete parameters to be measured, and the use of biomap analysis for rapid identification and characterization of drug candidates, genetic sequences acting pathways, and the like. A feature of the invention is simultaneous screening of a large number of cellular pathways, and the rapid identification of compounds that cause cellular responses.
US08467966B2 Device for aiding the flight management of an aircraft
A device for aiding the flight management of an aircraft includes a navigation display, a personalized database capable of storing navigation-aid data, each datum comprising a classification type representative of a family or of one or more categories of navigation-aid data, one or more periods of validity of the said datum, information relating to at least one geographic zone of the said datum, one graphic and/or textual representation of the said datum, selection means allowing an operator to choose one (or more) type(s) of classification, called selected type(s), extraction means capable of extracting from the personalized database the navigation-aid datum or data called extracted data of which the type is equal to at least one selected type, of which at least one geographic zone is situated at a distance, from the flight plan or from the aircraft, that is less than a predetermined maximum distance and of which at least one period of validity verifies a predefined display time criterion, the said extraction means transmitting the said extracted datum or data to the said navigation display capable of displaying the representations of the said extracted data.
US08467965B2 Navigation system and route planning method using the same
A route planning method for a navigation system of a moving object. The method comprises planning and executing a first navigation route; labeling lane entrances in a road corresponding to a substitute navigation route according to a location of the moving object when traffic information is detected, and planning and executing a second navigation route according to the lane entrance.
US08467962B2 Navigation system and lane information display method
A navigation system includes a lane information acquiring unit 27 for acquiring both the number of lanes of a road which forms an intersection, and lane information which defines a road branching off from each of the lanes, a lane direction determining unit 28 for determining the direction of each of the lanes on the basis of both the lane information acquired by the lane information acquiring unit, and a road attribute of an incoming road coming into the intersection and a road attribute of an outgoing road extending from the intersection, the road attributes of the incoming and outgoing roads being included in map data acquired by a map data acquiring unit, and a lane information display unit 29 for displaying the direction of each of the lanes determined by the lane direction determining unit with an arrow.
US08467959B2 Identifying a route configured to travel through multiple points of interest
A computer-implemented method for identifying a route that is configured to travel through multiple points of interest includes receiving a query that includes an origin location, a destination location, and at least a first point of interest and a second point of interest. The method also includes identifying a perimeter that surrounds the received origin and destination locations in response to the query. The perimeter is then used to identify a set of locations for each of the first and second points of interest.
US08467957B2 Method and apparatus for generating routes using real-time public transportation information
A method and system are provided for providing a transportation route to a user terminal. Travel information is received at a route-generating unit from the user terminal. Public transportation information, including real-time public transportation information, is received at the route-generating unit from a public transportation information unit. One or more transportation routes are determined in accordance with the received travel information and the received public transportation information at the route-generating unit. The one or more transportation routes are transmitted from the route-generating unit to the user terminal.
US08467953B2 Method for automatic avoidance of collisions between a craft and further objects
A method for controlling the motion of an object for the avoidance of collisions with obstacles includes: detecting of at least one non-stationary or stationary obstacle; defining a safety zone around the obstacle which moves together with the obstacle; detecting whether the obstacle, including its safety zone, is in a collision course with the object; calculating an avoidance trajectory, which by-passes the obstacle, such that the avoidance trajectory, at least approximately, is circularly shaped and that the circularly-shaped avoidance trajectory, or a straight line tangentially linked thereto, is tangent to the safety zone around the obstacle; and driving the object such that it follows, at least approximately, the calculated avoidance trajectory, whereby the calculated avoidance trajectory is tangentially linked to the previous trajectory.
US08467946B2 Shift control of continuously variable transmission
A speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 is increased when a speed ratio of a subtransmission mechanism 30 connected in series to the continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 is switched from a first speed to a second speed. When an excess rotation speed Nb obtained by subtracting a target rotation speed from an engine rotation speed Ne exceeds a determination value Nr1 during this shifting process, a rapid rotation increase in an internal combustion engine 1 is prevented by reducing a shift speed of the continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 (S105A).
US08467942B2 Gear drive controller, gear drive control method, turning operation controller, and construction machine
A rotation controller of an electric rotary excavator is provided with a gear drive controller that includes a backlash determination device and a torque limit setting device. With the arrangement, since an output torque of an electric motor is limited by a torque limit when a backlash is eliminated, an excessive torque is prevented from being output. After that, the output torque is gradually changed by an output control device of the gear drive controller. Accordingly, since acceleration and deceleration of a rotary body is performed without causing an operator to feel uncomfortableness, a shock generated when the backlash is eliminated can be suppressed. As a result, smooth rotation operation free from an influence of the backlash can be realized.
US08467938B2 Electric power steering apparatus
In an electric power steering apparatus of the invention, a control circuit determines a command value of drive voltage supplied to a motor drive circuit based on an actual current through a motor and a target current. When the command value exceeds the previous value having a lower limit equivalent to a limit value representing the limit of the power supply from a battery, the control circuit controls the amount of discharge from the auxiliary power supply according to a difference between the command value and the previous value by increasing or decreasing a duty of switching devices. Thus, the power steering apparatus can save the energy of the auxiliary power supply for efficiently using the auxiliary power supply.
US08467937B2 Self-centering, torque-sensing joint assembly for a pallet truck power steering system
A power steering assist system for a hand-steered pallet truck includes a joint assembly having a pivot joint, handle biasing mechanism, and a torque sensing arrangement. The pivot joint includes a pair of needle bearings and pivot pin disposed within a pivot block that provides a flexible connection between a handle and a tiller arm. The handle biasing mechanism includes a cantilevered beam spring and two cam rollers that resists an operator steering force applied to the handle and further, centers the handle with respect to the tiller arm after the force is released. The torque sensing arrangement includes a magnet and a non-contact magnetoresistive (MR) sensor that measures movement of the handle relative to the tiller arm which is used to determine operator steering intent, i.e., the amount of steering force applied to the handle. The MR sensor provides accurate torque measurements regardless of the angle of the tiller arm. The steering assist system further includes a driving unit with a steerable drive wheel, and a servomotor. The amount of steering assist provided by the servomotor to the drive wheel is at least partially determined based on the measured operator steering intent.
US08467931B2 Seat occupancy determining apparatus
A seat occupancy determining apparatus includes right and left load detecting portion provided at right and left side portions of a seat portion of a vehicle seat and detecting load applied thereto, respectively, a vehicle operation detecting portion for detecting an operation of a predetermined component of a vehicle, and a seat occupancy determining portion determining a seat occupancy state of the vehicle seat on the basis of signals outputted from the vehicle operation detecting portion and the right and left load detecting portion, the seat occupancy determining portion calculating a left-right load difference value on the basis of the detection loads and determining that vehicle seat is in a child seat fastened state where the child seat is fastened to the vehicle seat by means of a seat belt apparatus in a case where a fluctuation of the left-right load difference value occurs after the predetermined component is operated.
US08467927B2 Method and system for speed control of a hybrid vehicle
Methods and systems are provided for raising the speed of a hybrid electric vehicle operating in an electric-only mode. During conditions when the vehicle is driven only by an electric motor, vehicle speed may be raised by spinning the engine unfueled using power from a system battery, while adjusting valve operation to reduce engine pumping losses. In this way, vehicle speed may be raised more efficiently and without damaging rotating transmission components.
US08467925B2 Robotic vehicle apparatus and method
A method for forming a robotic vehicle. The method may involve forming a body and arranging a plurality of movable legs to project from the body for propelling the body over a surface. An actuator may be carried by the body to selectively engage and disengage different ones of the movable legs to cause a motion of the body, and thus the robotic vehicle, to travel over the surface.
US08467913B2 Method and arrangement for providing a fault diagnosis for at least one system
The present invention provides a method for providing a fault diagnosis for at least one system, in particular of an aircraft. The method comprises: (a) providing a number N1, n1ε[1, . . . , N1], of systems, wherein the n1-th system, in each case, provides a number N2, n2ε[1, . . . , N2], of instances of a main function of a number N3, n3ε[1, . . . , N3], of main functions of the aircraft; (b) providing a number N4, n4ε[1, . . . , N4], of IMA modules, wherein in each case the n4-th IMA module provides resources at least for the respective n2-th instances of the main functions; (c) providing a generic diagnostic unit; (d) instantiating the generic diagnostic unit to provide a predetermined number N5, n5ε[1, . . . , N5], of instances of the generic diagnostic unit; and (e) configuring the n5-th instance, in each case, of the generic diagnostic unit for adaption of the corresponding n5-th diagnostic unit to at least one system.
US08467908B2 Home energy management system incorporating a pool pump
An energy management system for a home network comprising a plurality of power consuming devices including a pool pump is provided. The system comprises a central controller operatively connected to the power consuming devices and configured to receive and process a signal indicative of the current state of an associated utility, including at least a peak demand state and an off-peak demand state, and a display device. The central controller further includes a scheduling algorithm configured to enable a user to program a schedule for the pool pump.
US08467907B2 Automated valve with self-contained valve actuator system
A self-contained valve actuator of the present invention can comprise an actuator component. This actuator can be linear or quarter turn depending on the valve. The actuator can be double acting which means the piston will move once to open and once to close. The self-contained valve system uses hydraulic fluid to operate the valve. The valve system is directly powered with electric power from a battery. Solar panels are also incorporated to capture solar energy and convert this energy into electrical energy. This converted electrical energy is stored in the battery which enables the battery to continuously supply energy while substantially reducing the possibility of exhausting battery power. This resupply of electrical energy and the use of the hydraulic fluid creates a self-contained valve actuation system.
US08467898B2 Method and a device for recognizing, collecting and repositioning objects
A method for recognizing, collecting and repositioning objects (1) having non-predetermined dimensional characteristics and which are arranged on a support surface (2) is implemented by means of a gripper group (30). The gripper group (30) is mobile in at least a lengthwise direction of movement relative to an object (1) to be handled, a direction of moving towards/away from the object (1), and a direction of adjustment of the height relative to the object (1). The gripper group (30) is controlled by a computerized control unit. The method comprises the following operating stages: a stage of approaching and recognizing an object (1), comprising the approximately-set approach of the gripper group (30) to the object (1), performed with the assistance of positional information stored in the control unit; identification of the outline of the object (1), by perpendicular three-dimensional scanning performed, using sequences of movements of the gripper group (30), by means for gauging punctual distance (50) arranged near at least one finger (35, 36) of the gripper group (30), and by sensor means (55) for detecting the presence of the object (1), which identify the depth of the object and are arranged at the head of the fingers (35, 36); a stage of gripping the object (1); a stage of collection the object (1), comprising operations of lifting and moving the object (1).
US08467897B2 Pharmaceutical storage and retrieval system and methods of storing and retrieving pharmaceuticals
A pharmaceutical storage and retrieval system and a method of storing and retrieving pharmaceutical containers from the system. The system includes a pharmaceutical storage and retrieval and a controller operatively coupled to the device to control storage and retrieval functions of the device. The device includes a gantry assembly, a shelving assembly, a user access assembly, and a user authorization system that function in a coordinated manner to carry out the storage and retrieval functions of the device.
US08467886B2 Mobile object apparatus, mobile object system, imaging device and method, and alerting device and method
A mobile object apparatus is provided. The mobile object apparatus includes an object having a first function; a moving unit that is capable of moving so as to move the object; a driving unit configured to drive the moving unit; and a receiver configured to receive a command from outside. The driving unit controls the moving unit according to the command received so that a second function is achieved.
US08467883B2 Spring passive lead anchor and methods and devices using the anchor
A lead anchor includes a body defining at least one first portion of a lead lumen, the body having a first opening and a second opening. An obstructing member is disposed within the body. The obstructing member defines a second portion of the lead lumen. A spring is disposed in the body and configured and arranged to operate on the obstructing member so that the second portion of the lead lumen is coterminous with the at least one first portion of the lead lumen and forms a continuous lead path when the spring is compressed and the second portion of the lead lumen is offset from the at least one first portion of the lead lumen when the spring is not compressed.
US08467879B1 Treatment of pain by brain stimulation
Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to alleviate pain use at least one implantable system control unit (SCU), producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes implanted in the brain and/or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulation is delivered to targeted areas in the brain. In some embodiments, one or more sensed conditions are used to adjust stimulation parameters.
US08467878B2 Method of treating depression, mood disorders and anxiety disorders using neuromodulation
The present application involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation and/or chemical stimulation to treat depression. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead and/or catheter that is in communication with a predetermined site which is coupled to a signal generator and/or infusion pump that release either an electrical signal and/or a pharmaceutical resulting in stimulation of the predetermined site thereby treating the mood and/or anxiety.
US08467875B2 Stimulation of dorsal genital nerves to treat urologic dysfunctions
Systems and methods treat urologic dysfunctions by implanting a lead and electrode in a tissue region affecting urologic function, and implanting a pulse generator in an anterior pelvic region remote from the electrode. Bilateral stimulation of the left and/or right branches of the dorsal genital nerves using a single lead implanted in adipose or other tissue in the region at or near the pubic symphysis is able to treat urinary incontinence.
US08467864B2 Systems and methods for use by an implantable medical device for detecting and discriminating stroke and cardiac ischemia using electrocardiac signals and hemodynamic parameters
Techniques are provided for detecting and distinguishing stroke and cardiac ischemia within a patient using an implantable medical device. In one example, a preliminary indication of stroke is detected by a pacemaker or similar implantable device based on an analysis of features of an intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) sensed by the device. Exemplary IEGM features indicative of possible stroke include the onset of prominent U-waves, the onset of notched T-waves, and changes in ST segment duration or QT duration. Upon detection of a possible stroke, the device then detects one or more hemodynamic parameters that are typically affected by cardiac ischemia. Such hemodynamic parameters can include, e.g., cardiac contractility or stroke volume. The device then distinguishes stroke and cardiac ischemia from one another based on whether any changes detected in the hemodynamic parameters are consistent with cardiac ischemia. Implantable systems that exploit subcutaneous electrocardiograms (ECGs) rather than IEGMs are also described.
US08467854B2 Neurovascular intervention device
The present invention generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to an improved intravascular intervention device. In one embodiment, an intravascular intervention device includes a microcatheter configured for intravascular delivery, an imaging wire received within the microcatheter, and a treatment device received within the microcatheter, wherein the imaging wire and the treatment device may be simultaneously advanced. The treatment device is configured to perform intravascular intervention. For example, the treatment device may be configured to deliver a stent, an embolic coil and/or a thrombolytic agent. In this embodiment, the intravascular intervention device may image the area of interest while performing the intravascular intervention, thus allowing imaging to take place in real time.
US08467851B2 Method and apparatus for positioning a reference frame
A method and apparatus to perform a procedure that can include a processor assisted surgical procedure. During the procedure patient space and image space can be registered to allow for tracking of various tracking sensors. A dynamic reference frame can be used to maintain localization of the patient space with the image space. The dynamic reference frame can be fixedly interconnected with a bone portion of the anatomy.
US08467850B2 System and method to determine the position of a medical instrument
A medical imaging method for the navigation of a guidable medical instrument intended to be moved inside the body of a patient, comprising: receiving at least one 2D image of a cavity of a patient, acquired by an acquisition device, for which cavity a 3D representation is available; receiving at least one data item on the force applied to the medical instrument to control a guiding of the medical instrument inside the patient's body; and combining data derived from information on applied force, the 2D image and the 3D representation to determine the position of the medical instrument.
US08467845B2 Method for data acquisition and/or data evaluation during a functional brain examination with the aid of a combined magnetic resonance/PET unit
A method is disclosed for data acquisition and/or data evaluation during a functional brain examination with the aid of a combined magnetic resonance/PET unit. In at least one embodiment, functional image data of the brain are acquired in at least two activity states with the aid of both modalities. Further, magnetic resonance image data and PET image data are acquired within time windows determined by the activity states, the acquisition mode and/or the image data being synchronized as a function of a timing of stimulations determining the activity states.
US08467842B2 Systems, devices, and methods including multi-harmonic optical detection of hemozoin nanoparticles
Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing a monitor/treatment device configured to, for example, detect hemozoin, as well as to monitor or treat a malarial infection.
US08467837B2 MAC controlled sleep mode/wake-up mode with staged wake-up for power management
A power management scheme for a wireless communications device processor substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit is described. By incorporating controls for sleep and wake-up mode transitions in the processor's control logic, improved power savings with reduced latency is provided, obviating the need for hardware-focused solutions with elaborate signaling mechanisms. A fully integrated power management with staged wake-up operations controlled by the MAC solution consumes less power than the conventional wireless LAN solutions in standby mode.
US08467817B2 Generic business notifications for mobile devices
The present disclosure involves systems and computer-implemented methods for providing generic push notifications to mobile devices. One process includes monitoring at least one business process for an occurrence of a triggering event. In response to the occurrence of the triggering event, at least one parameter associated with the particular triggering event is identified. A user associated with the at least one business process and the particular triggering event is identified, and a message for the user is generated, where the generated message identifies a mobile business application associated with the particular triggering event and includes the at least one identified parameter. The generated message can then be sent to a mobile device associated with the user. In some instances, the generated message may be an SMS message, and can include embedded code to allow the mobile device to launch the identified mobile business application.
US08467805B2 System and method for determining a reference location using cell table data mining
A system and method for providing assistance data to a wireless device. A location request may be received for the wireless device, the location request identifying location information for the wireless device. A reference location for the wireless device may then be determined as a function of a comparison of the location information and a region determined as a function of at least one of a mobile country code (“MCC”), mobile network code (“MNC”), and an Area-Identification (“Area-ID”), such as a location area code (“LAC”) or a Radio Network Controller-Identification (“RNC-ID”). Assistance data may be provided to the wireless device as a function of the determined reference location.
US08467797B2 Base station apparatus and communication method for mapping control data and user data
In order to reduce interference between cells through hopping and use frequencies in a good propagation situation, a scheduler section 102 carries out scheduling for determining to which user data should be sent using CQI from each communication terminal apparatus, selects a user signal to be sent in the next frame and determines in which subcarrier block the data should be sent. An MCS decision section 103 selects a modulation scheme and coding method from the CQI of the selected user signal. A subcarrier block selection section 110 selects a subcarrier block instructed by the scheduler section 102 for each user signal. For the respective subcarrier blocks, FH sequence selection sections 111-1 to 111-n select hopping patterns. A subcarrier mapping section 112 maps the user signal and control data to subcarriers according to the selected hopping pattern.