Document Document Title
US08580592B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor light emitting element, and semiconductor light emitting element
Provided is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting element, which has a step wherein a substrate composed of a material different from that of a semiconductor layer is used and a III compound semiconductor layer is formed on the substrate, and can reduce the emission wavelength distribution (δ) of the obtained semiconductor light emitting layer. The method for manufacturing the semiconductor light emitting element having the III compound semiconductor layer is characterized in having: a compound semiconductor substrate forming step wherein at least one compound semiconductor layer is formed on the substrate and a compound semiconductor substrate having an amount of warpage (H) within the range of 50 μm≦H≦250 μm is formed; and a light emitting layer forming step wherein the light emitting layer composed of a plurality of III compound semiconductor layers is formed on the compound semiconductor substrate which has been formed.
US08580589B1 Wafer-level process for fabricating photoelectric modules
A wafer-level process for fabricating a plurality of photoelectric modules is provided. The wafer-level process includes at least following procedures. Firstly, a wafer including a plurality of chips arranged in an array is provided. Next, a plurality of photoelectric devices are mounted on the chips. Next, a cover plate including a plurality of covering units arranged in an array is provided. Next, a plurality of light guiding mediums are formed over the cover plate. Next, the cover plate is bonded with the wafer by an adhesive, wherein each of the covering units covers and bonds with one of the chips, and the light guiding mediums are sandwiched between the cover plate and the wafer. Then, the wafer and the cover plate are diced to obtain the plurality of photoelectric modules.
US08580584B2 System and method for increasing productivity of organic light emitting diode material screening
A system and method of increasing productivity of OLED material screening includes providing a substrate that includes an organic semiconductor, processing regions on the substrate by combinatorially varying parameters associated with the OLED device production on the substrate, performing a first characterization test on the processed regions on the substrate to generate first results, processing regions on the substrate in a combinatorial manner by varying parameters associated with the OLED device production on the substrate based on the first results of the first characterization test, performing a second characterization test on the processed regions on the substrate to generate second results, and determining whether the substrate meets a predetermined quality threshold based on the second results.
US08580583B2 Magnetic tunnel junction device and fabrication
A magnetic tunneling junction device and fabrication method is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes depositing a capping material on a free layer of a magnetic tunneling junction structure to form the capping layer and oxidizing a portion of the capping material to form a layer of oxidized material.
US08580580B2 Magnetic element with varying areal extents
An apparatus and associated method for a magnetic element capable of detecting changes in magnetic states. Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a free layer that has a first areal extent that is sensitive to a magnetic field and a synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) layer adjacent to the free layer and has a second areal extent that is greater than the first areal extent.
US08580579B2 Hydrophilic and lipophilic rhodamines for labelling and imaging
The invention relates to novel and improved photostable rhodamine dyes of the general structural formulae I or II and their uses as fluorescent markers, e.g. for immunostainings and spectroscopic and microscopic applications, in particular in conventional and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. The partially deuterated analogues are useful as molecular mass distribution tags in mass spectroscopic applications, wherein R1=an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group, including a cycloalkyl group, or heterocycloalkyl group; R2=H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group, including a cycloalkyl group, or heterocycloalkyl group, or an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group or heteroaryl group, or any combination of such groups; X=CH2, C═O, C═NORa, C═NNRaNRb, CH(ORa), O, S, SO, SO2, or any other derivatives of these groups, with Ra and Rb independently being H or an organic residue, in particular an unsubstituted or substituted (cyclo)alkyl group or heterocycloalkyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group or heteroaryl group; Z=a negatively charged group with 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 charges per anion.
US08580577B2 Method for detecting an analyte in a sample
The present invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a sample comprising the steps of providing detection probes being labeled with a first reporter, which detection probes are capable of binding to the analyte, providing a solid support, providing capture probes being bound or capable of binding to the solid support, which capture probes are capable of binding to the analyte, thus concentrating the analyte on the solid support, contacting the sample with the detection probes, the solid support and the capture probes, and detecting the detection probes, wherein the detection of detection probes is conducted in the presence of quenching probes binding to surplus detection probes not being bound to the analyte and thereby quenching at least partially an emission of the first reporter of said surplus detection probes and/or the solid support is labeled with a second reporter different from the first reporter, imaging the sample at an emission wavelength of the second reporter, generating a mask obtained from imaging the sample at the emission wavelength of the second reporter and applying this mask to an image of the sample used for detecting the detection probes.
US08580571B2 Method for producing a biosensor
Thus, the present invention provides a method for producing a biosensor comprising a substrate coated with a hydrophilic polymer, which comprises allowing a compound generating a reactive group as a result of external stimulus to bind to the surface of a substrate, and then giving external stimulus in a state where a hydrophilic polymer capable of forming a covalent bond with said reactive group is allowed to come into contact with the substrate, so that said hydrophilic polymer is allowed to bind to the substrate surface via a covalent bond with said reactive group.
US08580553B2 Phage-associated lytic enzymes for treatment of Bacillus anthracis and related conditions
The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions and articles of manufacture useful for the treatment of Bacillus anthracis and B. cereus bacteria and spores, and related conditions. The disclosure further relates to methods and compositions for the identification of a phage associated lytic enzyme to rapidly and specifically detect and kill Bacillus anthracis and other bacteria. Related articles of manufacture, methods of degrading spores and methods of treatment of infections or bacteria populations of, or subjects exposed to or at risk for exposure to, Bacillus anthracis are also provided.
US08580549B2 Esterases for separating plastics
The invention relates to agents containing esterases, and to the use thereof for dressing fibres, in particular, artificial fibres, washing and cleaning agents comprising esterases and corresponding washing and cleaning methods, in addition to additional technical areas of application. The invention also relates to the use of esterases for protecting against or reducing and/or preventing pilling, preferably in textiles, particularly plastic fibres, more preferably polyester fibres, in addition to the use of esterases for separating the plastics, in particular, polyester compounds. The invention further relates to novel esterases and to sufficiently related proteins and to derivatives thereof, agents containing them and to the use thereof.
US08580543B2 Microorganisms and methods for the biosynthesis of butadiene
The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a butadiene pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce butadiene.
US08580540B2 Fractionation of oil-bearing microbial biomass
The invention generally relates to the production of hydrocarbon compositions, such as a lipid, in microorganisms. In particular, the invention provides methods for extracting, recovering, isolating and obtaining a lipid from a microorganism and compositions comprising the lipid. The invention also discloses methods for producing hydrocarbon compositions for use as biodiesel, renewable diesel, jet fuel, and other materials.
US08580539B2 Phospholink nucleotides for sequencing applications
The present invention provides labeled phospholink nucleotides that can be used in place of naturally occurring nucleotide triphosphates or other analogs in template directed nucleic acid synthesis reactions and other nucleic acid reactions and various analyses based thereon, including DNA sequencing, single base identification, hybridization assays, and others.
US08580533B2 Destructible surfactants and uses thereof
The present invention provides methods for enhancing chemical reactions of molecules, e.g., biomolecules, with destructible surfactants. The chemical reactions may involve and/or be associate with analysis, e.g., solubilizing, separating, purifying and/or characterizing the molecules. In one aspect, the anionic surfactants of the present invention may be selectively broken up at relatively low pH. The resulting breakdown products of the surfactants may be removed from the molecule/sample with relative ease. The invention has applicability in a variety of analytical techniques.
US08580531B2 Detection of antigens carried by erythrocytes and of anti-erythrocyte antibodies
The invention relates to a method for detecting a plurality of antigenic molecules carried by erythrocytes and/or a plurality of anti-erythrocyte antibodies, said antigenic molecules carried by the erythrocytes consisting of antigenic molecules carried not only by the erythrocytes, but also by at least one other cell population, other than the blood group antigen molecules, said method comprising bringing a sample into contact with distinguishable beads, on which are attached a) antibodies specific for said antigens, or b) erythrocytes or erythrocyte membrane fragment.
US08580530B2 Multiple analysis of blood samples
The invention relates to a method for detecting a plurality of antigenic molecules carried by erythrocytes and/or a plurality of anti-erythrocyte antibodies of an individual, comprising bringing a sample into contact with distinguishable beads, on which are attached a) antibodies specific for said antigens, or b) erythrocytes, erythrocyte membrane fragments or blood group antigens.
US08580522B2 Methods for diagnosing pervasive development disorders, dysautonomia and other neurological conditions
Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders including, but not limited to, PDDs (Pervasive Development Disorders), Dysautonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprises analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker (or marker compound) comprising one or more pathogens, which provides an indication of whether the individual has, or can develop, a disorder including, but not limited to, a PDD, Dysautonomia, Parkinsons disease and SIDS. Preferably, the presence of one or more pathogens is determined using a stool immunoassay to determine the presence of antigens in a stool sample, wherein such antigens are associated with one or more pathogens including, but not limited to, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica, C. difficile, Adenovirus, Rotavirus or H. pylori.
US08580520B2 YKL-40 as a marker for gastrointestinal cancers
The present invention relates to gastrointestinal cancers and methods for selecting a treatment for said gastrointestinal cancer in a subject. The present invention further relates to a methods of diagnosing the presence of and/or classifying the severity of a gastrointestinal cancer; together with methods for determining the effect of a therapy administered and/or the prognosis for a subject suffering from a gastrointestinal cancer, before, during or after administering the treatment. For all the methods applies that a determined level of YKL-40 above one or more reference levels indicates the treatment, the severity of the disease, the effect of the treatment and/or the prognosis of the subject. The reference level is typically a level obtained from healthy individuals or a level previously obtained from the same subject. The subject may suffer from any one or more gastrointestinal cancers, such as upper gastrointestinal cancers, and metastatic colorectal cancer. The present invention further relates to a kit and a device that may be used in the method of the present invention.
US08580519B2 Use of plasma HSP90 related to malignancy
The present invention concerns diagnosing and/or prognosticating cancer in an individual and/or determining response to a Hsp90-interacting therapy in an individual. In particular, the methods and compositions of the therapy relate to levels of Hsp90-α in plasma. Additional methods concern determining levels of Hsp90-associated molecules.
US08580516B2 Methods and compositions for direct detection of DNA damage
The present invention is a method for detecting the extent of DNA damage in a subject suspected of having DNA damage wherein the damage results in the formation of aldehyde moieties in DNA comprising, obtaining a DNA sample from the subject, combining the DNA sample with a fluorescent, chromogenic, pro-fluorescent or pro-chromogenic hydrazine compound to from a fluorescent DNA, detecting the presence of the fluorescent DNA by monitoring the fluorescent emission and quantitating the fluorescent emission thereby determining the extent of DNA damage in the subject.
US08580513B2 Methods for determining response to neoadjuvant therapy and survival using MicroRNA-10b
The present invention provides methods for determining response to neoadjuvant therapy and metastasis-free survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma based upon the level of microRNA expression and optionally the presence of a protein cancer cell marker in biological samples such as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens using in situ hybridization and optionally an immunohistochemical assay.
US08580512B2 Yeast-based methods of identifying nucleic acids and compounds for treating neurodegenerative diseases
The disclosure encompasses methods for the screening of small molecules or nucleic acids that may reverse the inhibition of growth of the unicellular yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe by rotenone. The use of a yeast as the screening target allows for the high-throughput screening of small molecule and nucleic acid libraries for candidates that may then be screened in animal models as therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The plant-derived isoflavonoid, rotenone, while only moderately inhibitory to S. pombe cell growth on complex rich medium, is highly inhibitory to growth on synthetic minimal medium. S. pombe cells carrying a deletion in the gene pmk1 are hypersensitive to rotenone. S. pombe, therefore, provides a model for elucidating complex 1-independent targets of rotenone, and can serve as a screening tool for identifying compounds or oligonucleotides potentially able to reverse the effects of rotenone or Parkinson's disease in animal or human subjects.
US08580504B2 Methods and compositions for use in analyte detection using proximity probes
Methods and compositions for detecting an analyte in a sample are provided. In practicing the subject methods, a sample is combined with at least a pair of proximity probes that each include an analyte binding domain and a nucleic acid domain. The resultant mixture is then contacted with a pair of asymmetric nucleic acid connectors. Proximity dependent connector mediated interaction between the nucleic acid domains of the proximity probes is then detected to determine the presence of the analyte in the sample. Also provided are kits and systems for practicing the subject methods.
US08580488B2 Cell culture model for acquired chemoresistance of chronic myelogenous leukemia and related methods for identifying agents to overcome resistance
A method of generating a chronic myelogenic leukemia (CML) acquired chemoresistant culture model is provided. Such a method may comprise providing a naïve blast crisis CML cell line; administering/contacting the cell line with a mutation-inducing dose of imatinib; maintaining a culture of the treated cell line for a period of time until the treated cell line relapses and repopulates the culture; and determining the repopulated cell culture is a CML acquired chemoresistant cell line by detecting a BCR-ABL mutation, wherein the acquired chemoresistance is achieved by a BCR-ABL mutation.
US08580485B2 Method for forming three-dimensional pattern
A method for forming a three-dimensional pattern includes following steps. A shaped workpiece having an inner surface and an outer surface is provided, and a first photoresist layer and a second photoresist layer are respectively formed on the outer surface and the inner surface. The shaped workpiece is placed on a transparent fixture. The first photoresist layer and the second photoresist layer are exposed and developed, such that the first photoresist layer forms a patterned photoresist layer, and the second photoresist layer forms an etching protection layer. The shaped workpiece is etched to form the three-dimensional pattern on the outer surface of the shaped workpiece. The patterned photoresist layer and the etching protection layer are removed.
US08580484B2 Photosensitive compositions useful for forming active patterns, methods of forming such active patterns and organic memory devices incorporating such active patterns
Example embodiments herein relate to compositions useful in forming organic active patterns that may, in turn, be incorporated in organic memory devices. The compositions comprise N-containing conjugated electroconductive polymer(s), photoacid generator(s) and organic solvent(s) capable of dissolving suitable quantities of both the electroconductive polymer and the photoacid generator. Also disclosed are methods for patterning organic active layers formed using one or more of the compositions to produce organic active patterns, portions of which may be arranged between opposed electrodes to provide organic memory cells. The methods include directly exposing and developing the organic active layer to obtain fine patterns without the use of a separate masking pattern, for example, a photoresist pattern, thereby tending to simplify the fabrication process and reduce the associated costs.
US08580475B2 Electrostatic charge image developing carrier, method of producing electrostatic charge image developing carrier, electrostatic charge image developing developer, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
An electrostatic charge image developing carrier includes a core particle and a coating layer with which the surface of the core particle is coated. The coating layer includes an acrylic resin having a constituent unit in which a silicone chain is disposed in a branch.
US08580459B2 Fuel cell with flow channel member for supplying reactive gas
A fuel cell includes plural single cells and first sidewalls disposed on the outer side of a cell stack including the plural single cells. In the first sidewalls, holes for supplying the reactive gas to the cell stack are formed. The single cells are disposed in a row shape along a jetting direction (lateral direction) of the reactive gas jetted from the holes. The holes are formed such that a part of the reactive gas jetted from the holes brushes against at least the single cells disposed in positions closest to the first sidewalls and the remaining part of the reactive gas does not brush against the single cells disposed in the closest positions.
US08580458B2 Fuel cell system with a cell unit and fuel tank unit in a housing and electronic device
A fuel cell system that includes a cell unit comprising a fuel cell, a fuel tank unit for storing a fuel to be supplied to the cell unit, and a fuel feed unit for supplying the fuel from the fuel tank unit to the cell unit in a thin housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The fuel tank unit, the fuel feed unit, and the cell unit are located in a specific order in one direction between two opposite ends of the housing. The fuel tank unit includes a valve, which supplies fuel to the fuel feed unit and opens to supply the fuel to the fuel feed unit only when the fuel tank unit is mounted. The fuel feed unit connects sides of the fuel tank unit and the cell unit that face each other and reduces a pressure of a gaseous fuel supplied from the fuel tank unit.
US08580452B2 Fuel cell assembly
A fuel cell apparatus (A1) includes a stack structure (B) including a plurality of solid electrolyte cell units (10) stacked with interspaces separating one another, and a case (20) enclosing the stack structure (B). The fuel cell apparatus (A1) further includes an inlet port (30) to introduce a reactant gas into the case (20), an outlet port (40) to discharge the reactant gas from the case (20), and a gas guide extending from the inlet port (30) along an outer periphery of the stack structure (B). The gas guide may include at least one guide member (50), and a heat transfer section.
US08580449B2 Fuel cell system and power supply control method
In order to determine the air stoichiometric ratio without using multidimensional mapping, a fuel cell system of the invention computes a command current value and command voltage value in a fuel cell during low-efficiency electrical power generation based on the required electrical power, estimates a reference voltage of the fuel cell from the command voltage value and the water temperature when the command current value is taken as a reference current, determines the difference between the reference voltage thus obtained and the command voltage value as an air concentration overvoltage target value, computes the air stoichiometric ratio based on the air concentration overvoltage target value, computes the air amount during low-efficiency electrical power generation based on the air stoichiometric ratio, and controls the amount of air supplied to the fuel cell according to the air amount thus computed.
US08580434B2 Cathode active material, method of preparing the same, cathode containing the cathode active material, and lithium battery containing the cathode active material
A cathode active material includes a lithium metal phosphate represented by Formula 1; and one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of a metal oxynitride, a metal nitride, and a mixture thereof: LiMPO4   where M is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ti, V, Cr, Co and Ni.
US08580430B2 Battery structures, self-organizing structures, and related methods
An energy storage device includes a first electrode comprising a first material and a second electrode comprising a second material, at least a portion of the first and second materials forming an interpenetrating network when dispersed in an electrolyte, the electrolyte, the first material and the second material are selected so that the first and second materials exert a repelling force on each other when combined. An electrochemical device, includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector; a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector; and an ionically conductive medium in ionic contact with said first and second electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the first and second electrodes form an interpenetrating network and wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises an electrode structure providing two or more pathways to its current collector.
US08580422B2 Aqueous electrolyte energy storage device
An electrochemical device including a housing and a stack of electrochemical cells in the housing. Each electrochemical cell includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a separator located between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode and an electrolyte. The electrochemical device also includes a current collector located between adjacent electrochemical cells, an anode bus operatively connected to the anodes of the electrochemical cells in the stack and a cathode bus operatively connected to the cathodes of the electrochemical cells in the stack. The housing, the anode electrode, the cathode electrode, the separator, the anode bus and the cathode bus are non-metallic.
US08580418B2 Non-woven fibrous materials and electrodes therefrom
Fibrous materials composed of activated carbon fibers and methods for their preparation are described. Electrodes comprising the fibrous materials are also disclosed.
US08580416B2 Electronic device with battery latching assembly
An electronic device includes a battery, a main body, and at least one latching assembly. At least one sidewall of the battery defines a positioning hole. The main body defines a battery compartment to receive the battery. The battery compartment includes an opening and at least one first sidewall adjacent to the opening. Each of the at least one latching assembly includes an elastic latching member, a resisting member, and a button. The elastic latching member is mounted in the first sidewall and partially received in the battery compartment. The resisting member is moveably mounted in the first sidewall and abuts the elastic latching member. The button is mounted in the main body and abuts the resisting member.
US08580404B2 Triphenylene hosts in phosphorescent light emitting diodes
An organic emissive layer is provided. Also provided is a device in which the organic emissive layer is disposed between an anode and a cathode. The organic emissive layer includes a phosphorescent material and triphenylene compound or a compound having a repeat unit having a triphenylene moiety. The triphenylene is optionally substituted. The substituents may be the same or different and each is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, fused aryl, substituted aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and heteroalkyl. Triphenylene compounds are also provided.
US08580395B2 Electroluminescent polymers, method for the production thereof, and use thereof
The present invention relates to electroluminescent polymers which comprise 2-vinylthiophenylbenzene derivatives as recurring units, to a process for the preparation thereof, to blends and formulations comprising these polymers, and to the use of these polymers in electronic devices, in particular in organic light-emitting diodes, so-called OLEDs.
US08580382B2 Coated metal pigment, method for production of the same, and coating composition containing the same
Provided are a coated metal pigment which can satisfy both the coating stability in use as an aqueous coating, i.e., water resistance, and the chemical resistance of coating films produced by application thereof at practically satisfactory levels; a method for producing the same; and an aqueous coating containing the same. The invention relates to a coated metal pigment including a metal pigment and a composite coating layer, wherein the composite coating layer includes an adhesion layer which is disposed on the surface of the metal pigment either in contact with the metal pigment or at an interposition of another layer and contains polysiloxane and/or silica, and a resin layer which is disposed on the surface of the adhesion layer either in contact with the adhesion layer or at an interposition of another layer.
US08580377B2 Laminated polyester film and solar panel made thereof
This invention discloses a laminated film comprising two thermoplastic polyester outer layers of identical polytrimethylene terephthalates, different polytrimethylene terephthalates, identical blends of polytrimethylene terephthalate or different blends of polytrimethylene terephthalate and a middle layer selected from a metal foil, polyethylene-vinyl acetate, and a thermoplastic polymer comprising thermoplastic polyester different from the thermoplastic polyester of the two outer layers, wherein the middle layer is laminated between the two outer layers. This invention also discloses a solar panel comprising a back sheet made of the laminated film.
US08580376B2 Cutting tool
Provided is a cutting tool which comprises a sintered cermet having high toughness and thermal shock resistance. The cutting tool, namely a tip 1, comprises a sintered cermet comprising: a hard phase 11 comprising one or more selected from among carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides which comprise mainly Ti; and a binder phase 14 comprising mainly at least one of Co and Ni. The tip 1 has a cutting edge 4 lying along an intersecting ridge portion between a rake face 2 and a flank face 3, and a nose 5. The hard phase 11 comprises a first hard phase 12 and a second hard phase 13. When a residual stress is measured on the rake face 2 by 2D method, a residual stress σ11[1r] of the first hard phase 12 in a direction (σ11 direction), which is parallel to the rake face 2 and goes from the center of the rake face 2 to the nose being the closest to a measuring point, is 50 MPa or below in terms of compressive stress (σ11[1r]=−50 to 0 MPa), and a residual stress σ11[2r] of the second hard phase 13 in the σ11 direction is 150 MPa or above in terms of compressive stress (σ11[2r]≦−150 MPa).
US08580375B2 Soy composite materials comprising a reducing sugar and methods of making the same
The present invention provides composite materials derived from formaldehyde-free aqueous binder compositions comprising defatted soy flour of no greater than 43 micron mesh particle size, polymer particles of at least one emulsion (co)polymer, and one or more reducing sugar. Also provided are methods of making and using composite materials containing the formaldehyde-free binder compositions.
US08580369B2 Method and apparatus for wrapping a shipment
Embodiments of the invention relate to a cover, a method of covering, and a cover system to be used with shipments of products transported by air with ULDs. The cover system provides thermal protection to temperature-sensitive products in or on the ULD. The cover system maintains the proper relative humidity level and gas concentrations (oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethylene) for horticultural product loads. The cover system can also have antimicrobial properties. In addition, the cover system decreases the amount of water vapor released in the cargo holds which is known to affect the reliability of the aircraft smoke detection system and to cause false fire alarms.
US08580368B2 Information recording medium and method for manufacturing the same
An optical information recording medium including three or more information layers, wherein at least one information layer provided on the light incident side is an information layer which enables information to be overwritten and includes a recording film, a transmittance adjusting film of a dielectric containing Bi, Ti and O, and an isolation film in this order from a light incident side; and the isolation film is provided between and adjacent to the transmittance adjusting film and an intermediate separation layer which separate the information layer from another information layer on the side opposite to the light incident side; and the isolation film has an optical constant at a wavelength of 405 nm such that a refractive index is 1.8 or less and an extinction coefficient is 0.05 or less. This information recording medium prevents the repeated overwriting characteristics in a sever environment from being deteriorated.
US08580365B2 Synthetic resin bottle having a gradation pattern, and process for injection molding the preform for use in such a bottle
The technical problem to be solved by the invention is to change the thickness of the colored resin layer of the preform gradually in the upward or downward direction, by utilizing a tendency of gradual decrease in the thickness of the colored resin layer caused by the flow of the main resin inside the preform mold when the main resin and the colored resin are injected into the mold. The objects of this invention is to provide a biaxially drawn, blow molded bottle having new decorativeness created in which sophisticated color gradations associated with color density are created in the body of this bottle. The means of accomplishing this object involves adjusting the injection pattern including the time of starting and ending the supply of the main resin and the colored resin, and pressure or velocity profiles, reducing the thickness of the colored resin layer in the multi-layered molten resin fluid gradually at an upstream or downstream point of the flow, injection-molding the preform in which a color-gradated portion associated with the thickness of the colored resin layer has been formed, and biaxially drawing and blow molding this preform into a bottle having a color-gradated portion associated with the color density or color shade created on the body of the bottle.
US08580363B2 Flexible multilayer structure for tubes
The invention relates to a flexible packaging tube formed from a laminate comprising at least one first layer and one second layer, characterized in that the first layer is formed from a material whose properties make it possible to weld the first layer to itself and in that the second layer is formed from a material whose properties make it impossible to weld the second layer onto the first layer.
US08580358B2 Cellulose ester film, polarizing plate for in-plane-switching mode display and in-plane-switching mode display using the cellulose ester film
A cellulose ester film containing a polyester represented by Formula (1) or (2), wherein an in-plane retardation value (Ro) is 0 to 5 nm and a retardation value in a thickness direction (Rt) is −20 to 10 nm, Ro and Rt being measured at 23° C. and 55% RH: B1-(G-A-)mG-B1  Formula (1) wherein B1: monocarboxylic acid, G: dihydric alcohol, A: dibasic acid, B1, G and A contain no aromatic ring, m: repeat number, plural B1 may be the same or different, and plural G may be the same or different; and B2-(A-G-)nA-B2  Formula (2) wherein B2: monoalcohol, G: dihydric alcohol, A: dibasic acid, provided that none of B2, G and A contains an aromatic ring, n: repeat number, plural B2 may be the same or different, and plural G may be the same or different.
US08580353B2 Method for treating surface of glass substrate and apparatus for performing same
A method for treating a surface of a glass substrate according to the invention has the steps of placing the glass substrate into a vacuum treatment chamber, introducing a gas into the vacuum treatment chamber, providing electric power to generate an ion source and using the ion source to treat the surface of the glass substrate. By this way, the invention can achieve an effect of surface cleaning and further render the conductive film to be coated on the glass substrate in the subsequent stage to have a reduced surface resistance, thereby improving the conductivity of the glass substrate. The film coated on the glass substrate in the subsequent stage will have higher crystalline level as well.
US08580352B2 Touch screen substrate and method of manufacturing a touch screen substrate
A method of manufacturing a touch screen substrate includes forming a sensing electrode on a substrate, spraying a first ink and a second ink having a same amount of ink as the first ink to respectively form a first ink droplet and a second ink droplet on a light blocking region of the substrate, and irradiating a first light upon the first ink droplet to form a first spacer having a first height and a second light upon the second ink droplet to form a second spacer having a second height lower than the first height. A total energy of the first light irradiated upon the first ink droplet differs from a total energy of the second light irradiated upon the second ink droplet, and the second spacer makes contact with the sensing electrode.
US08580348B2 Treatment of textile materials
The present invention provides a method for treating textile material to confer flame retardant properties, the method comprising the steps of impregnating the material with an aqueous solution of a treatment agent which is a poly(hydroxyorgano)phosphonium compound; drying the impregnated material; curing the dried impregnated material with ammonia to produce a cured, water-insoluble polymer which is mechanically fixed within the fibers of the material; oxidizing the cured polymer to convert trivalent phosphorus to pentavalent phosphorus; and washing and drying the material; wherein one or both of steps (d) and (e) result in the co-production of an aqueous effluent; and wherein the conditions are controlled such that the atomic ratio of N:P present on the material increases during step (c) by 0.8 or more.
US08580347B2 Method for producing calcium phosphate complex
A method of the present invention for producing a calcium phosphate complex including a substrate and calcium phosphate bonded to a surface of the substrate, the method includes the steps of: (a) treating the surface of the substrate; and (b) bonding the calcium phosphate onto the surface of the substrate after the step (a), the step (a) being the step of placing the surface of the substrate in contact with ozone water. Therefore, the method of the present invention makes it possible to bond calcium phosphate and the substrate at a high bonding strength and at a high coverage. In addition, the method of the present invention provides an easy method for producing a calcium phosphate complex.
US08580339B2 Coating process for the coating of an interior of a pipework system as well as a sub-distributor and a working equipment for the treatment of a pipework system
A coating process for the interior of a pipework system, which includes a subsystem having a first part-system and a second part-system coupled to the first part-system, wherein the part-system can be pressurized by a pressure difference via a first connection of the first part-system and via a second connection of the second part-system, and wherein the first connection of the second part-system is identical to the second connection of the first part-system. In a second process step the first part-system is pressurized in such a way that a fluid-flow of the coating material is established through the first part-system and then the first connection of the second part-system is pressurized after the coating material leaves the second connection of the first part-system so that the first part-system and the second part-system is consecutively fed with the coating material.
US08580338B1 Embossed durable supports with RFID chip, for labeling and relabeling objects
A self adhesive embossed support comprising: (a) a resin film which may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset resin having at least one embossed surface for receiving a removable element where the embossed surface has a reduced surface area of contact that allows for removal of an adhesive backed element without leaving any substantial adhesive residue; and an adhesive side on the side of the resin film opposite the receiving side with the embossed surface with an adhesive having an ultimate release energy level greater than the attraction forces between the embossed film and a substrate to be removed; (b) the substrate receiving side consisting of a reduced surface area surface to facilitate release of the applied element without making use of a coated release substance or film made with materials that have inherent release characteristics that are adapted to support a removable element attachable thereto by means comprising attraction forces between the resin film and the substrate.
US08580337B2 Thermoplastic coating and removal using bonding interface with catalytic nanoparticles
An article may be fabricated by coupling a thermoplastic to a bonding interface layer, and applying a coating layer to the surface of the bonding interface layer. A bonding interface layer may comprise catalytic nanoparticles embedded within and/or encapsulated by one or more radiatively unstable polymers. Application of ionizing radiation to the article may release a catalyst at the bonding interface. Application of heat and/or stress to the article may enhance catalytic degradation of the remaining bonding interface and uncoupling of the thermoplastic from the coating layer. Embodiments of methods, compositions, articles and/or systems may be disclosed.
US08580309B2 Antimicrobial mixtures
The present invention presents a mixture comprising charge-stabilized metallic nanoparticles and a photosensitizer, a method for making such mixture, and a method of using such mixture for killing or preventing the growth of microbes.
US08580297B2 Components for producing amphoteric liposomes
The invention suggests amphoteric lipids wherein one or more amphoteric groups having an isoelectric point between 4 and 9 are substituted on a membranous or membrane-forming amphiphilic substance, as well as liposomes containing such compounds.
US08580289B2 Tissue matrix system
The present application discloses matrix compositions to support the repair of tissue defects such as an injury to tendon tissue, ligament tissue, vascular tissue, dermal tissue, or muscle tissue. A matrix described herein comprises a polyester polymer entangled with a polysaccharide polymer. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a matrix, and methods of using a matrix in the repair of tissue. In certain configurations, a matrix can comprise a polyester cross-linked with a polysaccharide, which can be an oxidized polysaccharide. In some configurations, a matrix can further comprise one or more additional components, such as a growth factor or an anti-infective agent. In some configurations, a matrix can be a viscous fluid or a paste, while in other configurations a matrix can be comprised by a solid such as a plug, a granule or a membrane.
US08580283B2 Gel-based lipstick having improved rheology
Gel-based lipstick compositions are disclosed comprising an ester terminated poly(ester-amide) (ETPEA) polymeric gellant, a first wax component having a melting point above the sol-gel transition temperature of the ETPEA gellant, a second wax compositions having a melting point equal to of below the sol-gel transition temperature of the ETPEA gellant, optionally a silicone T-resin co-gellent, and one or more oils capable of forming a gel with the ETPEA gellant. The gel compositions are solid or semi-solid at room temperature and are capable of being molded into self-supporting sticks. The disclosed gels provide high gloss films when applied to the lips and/or provide a rheology characterized by a high viscosity over repeated shear cycles.
US08580281B2 Medicated patch
Provided is a medicated patch containing a medicinal agent and an adhesive base material and having an acid value of no greater than 28, where the medicinal agent is varenicline or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of varenicline.
US08580272B2 Compositions and methods for detection of antibodies specific for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Aph) and Anaplasma platys (Apl)
The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and treatment of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys infection.
US08580262B2 Group B Streptococcus antigens
Group B streptococcus (GBS) proteins and polynucleotides encoding them are disclosed. Said proteins are antigenic and therefore useful vaccine components for the prophylaxis or therapy of streptococcus infection in animals. Also disclosed are recombinant methods of producing the protein antigens as well as diagnostic assays for detecting streptococcus bacterial infection.
US08580260B2 Method of using anti-IL-13 antibodies
The present invention relates to human anti-IL-13 binding molecules, particularly antibodies, and to methods for using anti-IL-13 antibody molecules in diagnosis or treatment of IL-13 related disorders, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and Hodgkin's lymphoma.
US08580257B2 Antibodies that specifically block the biological activity of kidney associated antigen 1 (KAAG1)
Novel monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to KAAG1 are described. In some embodiments, the antibodies block the biological activity of KAAG1 and are useful in composition in certain cancers, more particularly in cancers that have increased cell surface expression of KAAG1, such as ovarian, renal, lung, colorectal, breast, brain, and prostate cancer, as well as melanoma. The invention also relates to cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies and antigen binding fragments such as humanized and chimeric antibodies. Additionally, method of detecting and treating cancer using the antibodies and fragments are also disclosed.
US08580251B2 PIM-3 kinase as a target for type 2 diabetes mellitus
The invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules and to host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules. Moreover, the invention relates to a polypeptide having PIM-3 activity and having a definite amino acid sequence, as well as to the use of PIM-3 as a screening agent for identifying anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus drugs and for preparing a medicament for the treatment of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
US08580246B2 Surfactant-free stable pharmaceutical composition comprising granulocyte-colony stimulating factor
The present invention provides a new stable pharmaceutical composition of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).
US08580243B2 Cyclodextrin-based polymers for therapeutics delivery
The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.
US08580242B2 Cyclodextrin-based polymers for therapeutics delivery
The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.
US08580241B2 Glycerol group-containing organopolysiloxane, cosmetic, and method for producing glycerol group-containing organopolysiloxane
There is disclosed a novel glycerol group-containing organopolysiloxane is formed of a glycerol group-containing substituent shown by the following general formula (1) which is bonded to at least one silicon atom of a main chain organopolysiloxane segment, wherein each X and Y independently represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; m represents an integer of 0 to 4; and Z represents an organic group shown by the following general formula (2), wherein Ra represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; and m′ represents an integer of 1 to 5. As a result, there is provided a novel glycerol group-containing organopolysiloxane and a method for producing it without requiring special purification processes, and in addition, provided is a cosmetic not generating an odor with passage of time while giving a moist feeling without stickiness.
US08580231B2 Compositions and methods comprising magnetic resonance contrast agents
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for imaging with magnetic resonance contrast agents. In particular, the present invention provides targeted contrast agents for selective imaging.
US08580229B2 Amyloid imaging as a surrogate marker for efficacy of anti-amyloid therapies
The present method for determining the efficacy of therapy in the treatment of amyloidosis involves administering to a patient in need thereof a compound of formula (I) or Formula (II) or structures 1-45 and imaging the patient. After said imaging, at least one anti-amyloid agent is administered to said patient. Then, an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or Formula (II) or structures 1-45 is administered to the patient and the patient is imaged again. Finally, baseline levels of amyloid deposition in the patient before treatment with the anti-amyloid agent are compared with levels of amyloid deposition in the patient following treatment with the anti-amyloid agent.
US08580225B2 Use of hydrophilic organomodified siloxanes as a processing aid for melt granulation
Use of organomodified polysiloxanes which have at least three different polyether radicals, at least two of these polyether radicals differing by at least 9% by mass in the proportion of ethylene oxide units therein in the total weight of the polyether radical, as a release agent or release agent constituent in melt granulation.
US08580222B2 Process for remediation of plastic waste
A single step process for degrading plastic waste by converting the plastic waste into carbonaceous products via thermal decomposition of the plastic waste by placing the plastic waste into a reactor, heating the plastic waste under an inert or air atmosphere until the temperature of about 700° C. is achieved, allowing the reactor to cool down, and recovering the resulting decomposition products therefrom. The decomposition products that this process yields are carbonaceous materials, and more specifically carbon nanotubes having a partially filled core (encapsulated) adjacent to one end of the nanotube. Additionally, in the presence of a transition metal compound, this thermal decomposition process produces multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
US08580221B2 Chromium (III) carbonate and process for producing the same
The chromium (III) carbonate of the present invention exhibits a light blue color in a solid state. This chromium (III) carbonate has an L* value of 50 to 70, an a* value of −4 to −2, and a b* value of −10 to −7, which are represented by the L*a*b* color system (JIS Z8729). This chromium (III) carbonate is preferably completely dissolved within 30 minutes when the chromium (III) carbonate is added, in an amount corresponding to a Cr content of 1 g, to 1 liter of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid having a pH of 0.2 at a temperature of 25° C. This chromium (III) carbonate is preferably obtained by contacting an aqueous solution of carbonate and an aqueous solution containing trivalent chromium at a pH of 6 to 12 under the condition of a reaction liquid temperature of 0° C. or more and less than 50° C. Also, preferably, after production of the chromium (III) carbonate, filtration is performed, and the chromium (III) carbonate is washed with water until the conductivity of the filtrate is 5 mS/cm or less.
US08580216B2 Catalyst and method for reducing nitrogen oxides in exhaust streams with hydrocarbons or alcohols
A catalyst system and a method for reducing nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas by reduction with a hydrocarbon or oxygen-containing organic compound reducing agent are provided. The catalyst system contains a silver catalyst and a modifier catalyst, where the modifier catalyst contains a modifier oxide, where the modifier oxide is selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, cerium oxide, copper oxide, manganese oxide, chromium oxide, a lanthanide oxide, an actinide oxide, molybdenum oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, rhenium oxide, tantalum oxide, osmium oxide, barium oxide, calcium oxide, strontium oxide, potassium oxide, vanadium oxide, nickel oxide, tungsten oxide, and mixtures thereof. The modifier oxide is supported on an inorganic oxide support or supports, where at least one of the inorganic oxide supports is an acidic support. The catalyst system of the silver catalyst and the modifier catalyst provides higher NOx conversion than either the silver catalyst or the modifier catalyst alone.
US08580210B2 Sample aspirating apparatus and sample analyzer
A sample aspirating apparatus including a pipette which aspirates a sample, wherein the pipette is able to penetrate a cap of a capped container; a cap sensor which detects the cap of the capped container; a driving section which moves the pipette upward and downward; a crash sensor which detects a crash of the pipette with an obstacle; and a controller which controls the driving section to move the pipette, and stop the pipette when the crash sensor detects a crash by the pipette, wherein when aspirating a sample from a container after the cap sensor has detected a cap, the controller controls the driving section to move the pipette downward regardless of the detection by the crash sensor and thereby cause the pipette to penetrate the cap of the container. A sample analyzer which includes the above mentioned sample aspirating apparatus is also disclosed.
US08580207B2 Holding sealing material, exhaust gas purifying apparatus, and method for manufacturing holding sealing material
A holding sealing material includes a mat body. The mat body includes a first inorganic fiber and a second inorganic fiber. The first inorganic fiber contains about 60% by weight or more of alumina. The second inorganic fiber contains about 67% by weight or more of silica. The first inorganic fiber and the second inorganic fiber are in a mixed state.
US08580205B2 Method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of purification and deposition of polycrystalline silicon
Methods and apparatus for the commercial-scale production of purified polycrystalline silicon granules with one or more tailored levels of n- and p-type impurities from an impure silicon source such as, for example, metallurgical-grade silicon. Purification systems and methods involve: (1) one or more series of temperature controlled reactors or vessels provided with dual fluidized beds wherein solids and gases are transported so that varying degrees of purification and deposition of solid silicon is accomplished by strict control of temperature and residence time; (2) separation and recovery of the compounds of high-melting-point impurities such as, for example, FeSi and FeI2; (3) purification, separation, and recycling of silicon tetraiodide; (4) separation and recovery of iodide compounds of lower-boiling-point liquid impurities such as for example, AlI3, in a continuous fractional distillation column, facilitated by an iodine reflux; (5) separation and recovery of very fine solid particles including impurity iodides and elemental silicon in a liquid mixture downstream of a fractional distillation column; (6) recovery of input iodine from the oxidation of both solid and liquid iodide impurity waste streams from the process.
US08580202B2 Slurry phase polymerisation process
A process comprising polymerizing in a loop reactor an olefin monomer optionally together with an olefin commoner in the presence of a polymerization catalyst in a diluent to produce a slurry comprising solid particulate olefin polymer and the diluent wherein the Froude number is maintained at or below 20 is disclosed.
US08580200B2 Method for label-free multiple analyte sensing, biosensing and diagnostic assay
Methods and systems for label-free multiple analyte sensing, biosensing and diagnostic assay chips consisting of an array of photonic crystal microcavities along a single photonic crystal waveguide are disclosed. The invention comprises an on-chip integrated microarray device that enables detection and identification of multiple species to be performed simultaneously using optical techniques leading to a high throughput device for chemical sensing, biosensing and medical diagnostics. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08580198B2 Automatic analyzer
An automatic analyzer analyzes a measurement item by making a sample and reagent react with each other and measuring the reaction result. This apparatus allows parameters associated with reagent dispensing executed by a reagent dispensing mechanism to be set as a dispensing condition for each measurement item or each type of reagent, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism on the basis of the dispensing condition.
US08580189B2 Stainless steel alloy having lowered nickel-chrominum toxicity and improved biocompatibility
The present invention is directed towards an austenitic, stainless steel series 300 alloy having improved biocompatible characteristics. The modified stainless steel alloy consists essentially of, in weight percent, about CMnSiPS ≦0.030≦2.00≦0.750≦0.023≦0.010 CrMoNiFe“X” 8.5-11.50.0-6.256.5-7.546.185-74.0005.0-10.0 whereby variable “X” could be comprised from a group consisting of Gold, Osmium, Palladium, Platinum, Rhenium, Tantalum, or Tungsten. The alloy provides a unique combination of strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and other mechanical properties which also has improved biocompatible characteristics.
US08580188B2 Method for producing a penetrator
The invention relates to a method for producing a penetrator (10) from a tungsten heavy metal with a high fraction of tungsten and an outer sheath (7), which consists of a material that is more ductile in relation to the penetrator core (6). To produce a penetrator (10) of this type in a cost-effective manner, according to the invention a twin-hopper filling device, which corresponds to the dimensions of the penetrator core (6), is introduced concentrically into a compression mold (1) that corresponds to the outer dimensions of the penetrator (10). The inner pipe (3) is filled with a first tungsten powder blend with a high fraction of tungsten for producing the penetrator core (6), while the annular gap between the outer wall of the inner pipe and the inner wall of the compression mold (1) is filled with a second tungsten powder blend with a lower fraction of tungsten, (approximately between 85% and 91%), than the first powder blend. Once the inner pipe (3) has been removed from the compression mold (1), the powder blend is then compressed in the known manner to produce the penetrator (10), the compressed body is subsequently sintered and cold-formed and the penetrator slug is finally finished.
US08580185B2 Aluminum boron carbide composite and method to form said composite
An improved aluminum-boron carbide (ABC) composite has been discovered that is comprised of a continuous network of AlB24C4 and boron carbide grains having therein other isolated aluminum-boron carbide reactive phases and at most 2% by volume of isolated metal. The improved ABC composite may be formed by forming boron carbide particulates into a porous body that has a porosity of at most about 35%, where the boron particulates have been heat treated to a temperature of 1200° C. to 1800° C., infiltrating the porous body with aluminum or aluminum alloy until an infiltrated aluminum-boron carbide body is formed that has at most about 1% porosity, heat treating the infiltrated body for at least 25 hours at 1000° C. to 1100° C. to form an aluminum boron carbide composite having a continuous network of AlB24C4 and boron carbide, and subsequently heat-treating to 700° C. to 900° C. to form the improved aluminum boron carbide composite.
US08580180B2 Polymeric stent polishing method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for simultaneously polishing the inner and outer surfaces of an unpolished polymeric stent using a heat process. The unpolished stent can be mounted, for example, on a “spiral-mandrel,” a tubular helical structure with gaps in between a series of coils of the structure. Heat from a heat source can then applied to the spiral-mandrel at a range between the glass transition temperature and melting temperature of the polymer of the stent.
US08580171B2 Process for manufacture of a latent heat storage device
A process for the preparation of latent heat storage composites is provided. The process comprises the steps of preparation of an expanded graphite material with a bulk density between 5 and 200 grams/liter which is readily wetted by a liquid phase change material, preparation of a pre-compressed matrix or a packed bed of the expanded graphite material, and manufacture of a latent heat storage composite by infiltration of the matrix or a packed bed with a phase change material in a liquid state.
US08580169B2 Fibre matrix and a method of making a fibre matrix
A method of forming a three dimensional fiber structure is disclosed which comprises the steps of a) providing a starting material which comprises liquid carrier, fibers and binder; b) passing the starting material over a substrate so as to deposit fibers onto the substrate; c) forming a three dimensional fiber matrix; and d) curing the binder. The flow of material onto the substrate may be controlled such that the flow of a starting material over the substrate is chaotic and fibers are laid down in a three dimensional structure containing a high proportion of voids. The preform may be pressurized while moist and is cured under pressure. The fibers may comprise carbon fibers; recycled carbon fiber has been found to be particularly useful. The resulting preform may be stochastic and is suitable for use in ablative and braking applications.
US08580153B2 Hydrogen production with reduced carbon dioxide generation and complete capture
The present invention is a method of minimizing the emissions of carbon dioxide from a reformer furnace flue gas to the high pressure syngas exit water gas shift reaction unit. Including heating a first gas mixture by indirect heat exchange with one or more of an SMR furnace flue gas or an SMR furnace syngas, further heating the pre-reformed mixture in a primary reformer, thereby generating a second gas mixture comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and a flue gas. Introducing the gas mixture into a standard H2 PSA unit, wherein the gas is separated into a hydrogen enriched stream and a PSA tail gas stream, and introducing PSA feed or tail gas stream into a carbon dioxide removal system, wherein the flue gas is separated into a residual flue gas stream and a carbon dioxide enriched stream.
US08580150B2 Submicronic barium and magnesium aluminate phosphors
Submicronic barium and magnesium aluminates, useful as phosphors, are in the form of a liquid-phase suspension of substantially monocrystalline particles having an average particle size ranging from 80 to 400 nm; such aluminates are prepared by a process that includes: providing a liquid mixture containing compounds of aluminum and of other elements that are part of the aluminate composition; drying the mixture by atomization; calcining the dried product in a reducing atmosphere and wet-grinding this product.
US08580143B2 Lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal composition, method for manufacture of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal coating film, and lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal coating film manufactured thereby
The present invention relates to a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal composition, a method for manufacturing a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal coating film and a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal coating film manufactured thereby. The lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal composition of the present invention includes chromonic liquid crystal compounds and monomers each having opposing acid-base properties. Use of the lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal composition in the formation of optical films leads to improvements in electrical and optical properties such as mechanical strength, an insulating characteristic and a refractive index.
US08580142B2 Liquid crystal compound, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
The invention provides a liquid crystal compound having stability to heat, light and so forth, a wide temperature range of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a suitable elastic constant K33, a suitable and negative dielectric anisotropy, and an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds. The invention provides a liquid crystal composition containing the compound described above and having stability to heat, light and so forth, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a suitable and negative dielectric anisotropy, a suitable elastic constant K33, a low threshold voltage, a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, and a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase.The invention also provides a liquid crystal display device having a short response time, a small power consumption, a low driving voltage, and a large contrast, and containing the composition described above which can be used in a large temperature range.For example, a liquid crystal compound having four or more rings in which the central ring has 2,3-difluorophenoxy such as trans-4′-[2,3-difluoro-4-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)phenoxymethyl]-trans-4-pentylbicyclohexyl is provided. Further provided is a liquid crystal composition containing the compound, and a liquid crystal display device using this liquid crystal composition.
US08580141B2 Stearic acid-treated calcium carbonate compositions having low or no detectable free stearic acid and related methods
A method for treating calcium carbonate includes combining calcium carbonate with an amount of stearic acid and an amount of water to form a mixture, the amount of water being at least about 0.1% by weight relative to the total weight. The method further includes blending the mixture to form a stearic acid-treated calcium carbonate composition.
US08580131B2 Plasma etching method
It is an object of the present invention to provide a plasma etching method that can improve a selection ratio of a film to be etched to a film different from the film to be etched than that in the related art. The present invention provides a plasma etching method for selectively etching a film to be etched with respect to another film different from the film to be etched, the plasma etching method including etching, using gas that can generate a deposited film containing components same as components of the another film different from the film to be etched, the film on which generation of the deposited film is suppressed.
US08580124B2 Switchable hydrophilicity solvents and methods of use thereof
A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.
US08580114B2 Processes for remediation of contaminant plumes
When a large-scale contaminant plume is located under a surface area with conditions that prevent placement of a network of injection and associated extraction wells, embodiments of the invention may be used to pump a specific volume of the contaminant plume to at least one remote in-situ treatment cell, comprising at least one injection well surrounded by a plurality of associated extraction wells, where each extraction well is less than 300 feet from the associated injection well, and has a treatment zone with treatment reagent between injection and associated extraction wells.
US08580109B2 Electronic interface for water filter system
A water filter system includes a filter unit having a body portion adapted to be rotatingly received into a filter head assembly. An engagement protrusion extends from the body portion and is adapted for reception in a complementary receiver in the filter head assembly. An electronic device is disposed on the filter unit having a memory storage unit. A laterally extending key member is disposed on the body portion between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. The laterally extending key member is adapted to reposition an interference member from an interference position, whereby the body portion can be fully inserted into the filter head assembly to a non-interference position, whereby the body portion can be fully inserted into the filter head assembly.
US08580105B2 Development process of an ecological binder system for refractories mixes
The invention presented here deals with getting one of the raw materials of a new refractory binder system, the modified coal-tar pitch starting with heating the coal-tar, according to the specific distillation curve, later reaching a final distillation temperature of around 470° C., resulting in getting a final compound with a concentration of benzo(a)pyrene in the order of 600 ppm, together with the mixture of other raw materials for the composition of the binder system, such as anthracene oil (AO), soybean oil, linseed oil, castor oil, diesel oil, rapeseed oil, biodiesel, biopitch (Vegetable tar), paraffin, dextrin (corn starch), stearine, paraffin, vegetable waxes (cupuassu seed, shea nut, murumuru palm waxes), phenolic resins, furane resins, urethanes, epoxy, vinyl chloride, polyethylene and ethyl polyterephthalate.
US08580098B1 Electrically enhanced cellulose filtration system
Electrostatic filters, systems and methods having separate positively and negatively charged filter elements within electrically isolated filter tanks for electrostatically filtering particles from a fluid flow. Both positive charged connections biased to earth ground and negative charged connections biased to earth ground are made to the respective positive and negative charged filter elements, along with triboelectric induced charge accumulations from the fluid flow, for separating charged particles within the fluid flowing parallel through these oppositely charged filter elements. Variable resistors of a power supply connected to such filters, systems and methods provide for controlling and adjusting for any undesired voltage excesses and/or shortfalls within these filter tanks so that the fluid flowing exiting these filter tanks is unbiased to generate a filtered fluid having balanced electrostatic charges.
US08580093B2 AL-Ni-La-Cu alloy sputtering target and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a technique capable of decreasing a generation of splashing upon depositing by using an Al—Ni—La—Cu alloy sputtering target comprising Ni, La, and Cu. The invention relates to an Al—Ni—La—Cu alloy sputtering target comprising Ni, La and Cu, in which (1) a total area of an Al—Ni intermetallic compound mainly comprising Al and Ni and having an average grain size of 0.3 μm or more and 3 μm or less is 70% or more by area ratio based on an entire area of the Al—Ni intermetallic compound, and (2) a total area of an Al—La—Cu intermetallic compound mainly comprising Al, La and Cu and having an average grain size of 0.2 μm or more and 2 μm or less is 70% or more by area ratio based on an entire area of the Al—La—Cu intermetallic compound, in a case where a portion of the sputtering target is observed within a range of from ¼t (t: thickness) to ¾t along a cross section vertical to a plane of the sputtering target by using a scanning electron microscope at a magnification of 2000.
US08580087B2 Self-regenerating particulate trap systems for emissions and methods thereof
A method and system for treating emissions includes charging particles in an exhaust stream, producing one or more radicals, and oxidizing at least a portion of the charged particles with at least a portion of the produced radicals. At least a portion of the charged particles in the exhaust stream are then attracted on at least one attraction surface which is one of oppositely charged from the charged particles and grounded. The attracted particles are oxidized with another portion of the one or more produced radicals to self regenerate the at least one attraction surface. Downstream from where the attracted particles are oxidized, at least a portion of one or more first compounds in the exhaust stream are converted to one or more second compounds downstream from the attracting. Additionally, at least a portion of any remaining charged particles are oxidized into one or more gases.
US08580075B2 Method and system for introduction of an active material to a chemical process
A method and system of for introducing an active material to a chemical process in which a processing element including a passive component and an active element is installed within the system and exposed to a chemical process performed within the system. As the chemical process proceeds, the passive component erodes and thereby exposes the active component embedded therein. The introduction of the active component to the chemical process alters the chemical process.
US08580067B2 Thermo-sealing control method and packaging for resealable packaging
A packaging and method for controlling the seal strength between two cooperating thermo-sealable films at predetermined sealing portions, where a predetermined amount of heat is applied over a predetermined period of time. The resulting packaging is resealable after the first separation of two surfaces. The strength of the seal controlled by defining the number and dimensions of a plurality of restricted areas without a material cover that is resistant to the thermo-seal effect. The restricted area can be defined with a plurality of dots of predetermined selected shapes and dimensions. The resulting article facilitates the rupture of the packaging along a predetermined path. With this process, a fixed predetermined heat and residency time can be chosen and the seal strength can still be varied in different areas of a packaging. Non-sealable microdots with a predetermined amount of adhesive deposits also covered by a polypropylene powder deposit permit its resealing.
US08580065B2 Method for creating a diffractive optical effect on a target surface and a transfer foil of a diffractive optical element
Method of creating a copied fine structure producing a diffractive optical effect onto the target surface, includes using a transfer foil manufactured from thermoplastic, on the surface of which is first created an original fine structure producing a diffractive optical effect; placing the transfer foil on the target surface with the original fine structure is in contact with the target surface; heating the transfer foil to a temperature close to the glass transition temperature of the material of the transfer foil; simultaneously during the heating or immediately after the heating lightly pressing the transfer foil against the target surface, whereby material from the transfer foil adheres to the target surface; and removing the transfer foil from the target surface, whereby the adhered material makes up a copied fine structure, which is a mirror image of the original fine structure of the transfer foil.
US08580064B2 Process for fastening an accessory to a plastic hollow body during the molding thereof and a connection piece
Process for fastening an accessory to a hollow body obtained by molding a molten plastic parison and using a plastic connector comprising coupling means for the accessory and a stop surface intended to limit the penetration of the connector into the molten plastic, according to which the stop surface is provided with a curved double lip (or one-piece part having two concentric curved edges, i.e., two protuberances located preferably at its periphery, which are concentric and are in relief relative to the remainder of the part) and the connector is welded to the inner wall of the parison using this double lip.
US08580057B2 Apparatus and method for ultrasonic processing of a fibrous web
An apparatus and a method for ultrasonic processing improved so as to prevent a fibrous web from being disfigured due to the ultrasonic processing. In an apparatus to ultrasonically process a fibrous web running in a machine direction MD, a first mechanical element defined by one of an ultrasonic horn and an anvil and a second mechanical element defined by the other of the ultrasonic horn and the anvil are moved forward or backward in a direction crossing the machine direction MD so as to pass transversely across the fibrous web.
US08580049B2 Modification of surfaces to increase the surface tension
The invention concerns an analytical test element in which the sample liquid is transported from a sample application site to a determination site, where a detection site lies upstream of the sample application site in the transport direction. The analytical test element has at least one surface which is composed of at least one element that can be oxidized with water or an alloy that can be oxidized with water which has been treated by the action of boiling water or water vapor.
US08580037B2 Method of depositing materials on a non-planar surface
A method of depositing materials on a non-planar surface is disclosed. The method is effectuated by rotating non-planar substrates as they travel down a translational path of a processing chamber. As the non-planar substrates simultaneously rotate and translate down a processing chamber, the rotation exposes the whole or any desired portion of the surface area of the non-planar substrates to the deposition process, allowing for uniform deposition as desired. Alternatively, any predetermined pattern is able to be exposed on the surface of the non-planar substrates. Such a method effectuates manufacture of non-planar semiconductor devices, including, but not limited to, non-planar light emitting diodes, non-planar photovoltaic cells, and the like.
US08580036B2 Method and apparatus for refining a molten material
The method and apparatus includes a vessel having a bottom and sidewalls arranged to house the material in a molten state. A temperature controlled horizontally oriented, cooling plate is movable into and out of the top of the molten material. When the cooling plate is lowered into the top of the melt, an ingot of solid silicon is solidified downwards.
US08580030B2 Concrete mix having anti-efflorescence properties and method of making concrete using the same
A concrete mix useful for producing concrete products having anti-efflorescence properties and a method for making such concrete products are provided. The concrete mix includes a hydraulic cement binder, aggregates and as an additive an ultrafine particulate material including carrier particles being surface treated with an efflorescence control agent. The method for making concrete includes a first step of mixing the hydraulic cement binder, aggregates, water and the ultrafine particulate material, a second step of pouring the mixture so obtained into a form, and a third step of curing the mixture.
US08580021B1 Portable air scrubber device
The portable air scrubber device provides for removably covering an existing chimney with the chimney cap. The axial fan forces airflow through the device hoses, removable filters, flex joints, and tank. The hose flex joints allow adaptation to various chimneys and roofs. The device may be disassembled into its various components such as the hoses, the fan housing, the chimney cap, the flex joints, and the tank components, thereby aiding portability. Liquid filtration media used for filtration may include water, water and glycol mix, and other additives that aid in air filtration and particulate removal. Air once passed through the filters and sprayed by the liquid filtration media may exit the top section holes. Excessive liquid filtration media may also exit the top section holes.
US08580008B2 Vertical filtering and separating suction machine of chips, steam and smoke by change of air direction, for machining center, lathe machine or other machines generating steam from oil or coolant
The invention hereby disclosed is a vertical filtering and separating suction machine of chips, steam and smoke for machining center, lathe machine or other machines, which operates by sudden changes of sucked air, thus generating hits which separate heavy particles, whose suction pipe extends almost up to the bottom of the rotor, which only uses filters at the end of the process of air purification, whose rotor has outer paddles modified in order to improve suction power and to cause more hits of air flow, and which includes an air pressure alarm showing the filter is saturated.
US08580006B2 Filter lock and seal system
The present concept a filter lock and seal system for sealing a filter assembly to a tubesheet includes a filter assembly which includes filter media mounted between top and bottom end caps. The top end cap includes an annular seat portion extending longitudinally from the top of a lower flange and terminating at an annular radial outward projecting shoulder. The filter assembly further includes a snap band for sealing the filter assembly to the tubesheet and cooperatively seating against the annular seat portion. Wherein the snap band including a cavity and a deformable portion for engaging with a tubesheet end.
US08579999B2 Method of enhancing the quality of high-moisture materials using system heat sources
The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement. Coal can be intercepted on current coal feed systems ahead of the pulverizers. Drying fuel, such as coal, is done to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. A two-stage bed utilized in the process first “pre-dries and separates” the feed stream into desirable and undesirable feedstock. Then, it incrementally dries and segregates fluidizable and non-fluidizable material from the product stream. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Elevation of fan room air temperature is also accomplished using waste heat, thereby making available to the plant system higher temperature media to enhance the feedstock drying process.
US08579998B2 Pre-burning, dry process methodology and systems for enhancing metallurgical solid fuel properties
Measurements are taken of moisture, BTU/lb (British Thermal Units per pound), ash, forms of sulfur, volatile material, grindability, and absorption properties of any of a wide variety of mine-run solid fuels. Using that information, a dry electromagnetic process technology has been developed that can be controlled and monitored to selectively alter and enhance metallurgical solid fuel properties. Specific changes include altering the mechanical structure and chemical composition of solid fuels such as coal, coal coke or petroleum coke, increasing the BTU/lb to optimum levels, decreasing all forms of sulfur, and decreasing ash, while maintaining the BTU/lb of the fuels. A new family of solid fuel designer coals not found in nature can be produced via these methods and apparatus.
US08579995B2 Method for forming a thin-film lithium-ion battery
A method for forming an integrated lithium-ion type battery, including the successive steps of: forming, on a substrate, a stack of a cathode layer made of a material capable of receiving lithium ions, an electrolyte layer, and an anode layer of the battery; forming a short-circuit between the anode and cathode layers; performing a thermal evaporation of lithium; and opening the short-circuit between the anode and cathode layers.
US08579992B2 Hair dye
It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe hair dye, which has a good dyeing property and is easy-to-use, and which has less uneven dyeing and has high stability of the formulation. The present invention provides a hair dye which comprises a combination of (1) a first gel agent containing tannic acid, benzyl alcohol and xanthane gum, and (2) a second agent containing an iron salt.
US08579984B2 Shoulder joint repair
A shoulder joint repair prosthesis (12, 14) comprises a support structure which comprises anchorage points (24) which are in the installed configuration positioned adjacent positions of the anatomical tendinous insertion points of the tendons related to the joint. A securing clamp (30) arrangement connects to the anchorage points with direct rigid connection devices (32), the securing clamp arrangement having a surface area larger than the direct connection devices, the securing clamp arrangement being arranged to clamp the tendons between the securing clamp arrangement and the underlying surface area and providing a fixed gap between clamp and underlying connecting areas to trap any attached bony fragments.
US08579973B2 Eustachian tube device
A device stenting the Eustachian tube is inserted through the nasopharynx and provides enhanced ventilation and drainage to the middle ear. Also provided is a method for inserting the device into the Eustachian tube and through the isthmus of a human subject.
US08579972B2 Construction of an intraocular artificial lens
This invention concerns an intraocular artificial lens with variable optical power which lens is comprised of two optical elements which can be shifted relatively to each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis wherein the optical elements have such a shape that they exhibit, in combination, different optical powers at different relative positions and positioning means for positioning the optical elements in the eye and driving means for at least one of the optical elements to execute a movement relative to the other optical element and whereby the positioning means provide for forcing the optical elements to a resting position.
US08579964B2 Transcatheter mitral valve prosthesis
A prosthetic cardiac valve comprises an anchor having an atrial skirt, an annular region, and a ventricular skirt. The prosthetic valve also has a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets each having a first end and a free end. The first end is coupled with the anchor and the free end is opposite the first end. The prosthetic cardiac valve has an open configuration in which the free ends of the prosthetic valve leaflets are disposed away from one another to allow antegrade blood flow therepast, and a closed configuration in which the free ends of the prosthetic valve leaflets engage one another and substantially prevent retrograde blood flow therepast. The anchor has a collapsed configuration for delivery to the heart and an expanded configuration for anchoring the prosthetic cardiac valve to a patient's heart.
US08579959B2 Radiopaque reinforcing member
A reinforcement member (10) for a fenestration in a stent graft (30) comprises a composite wire (12) formed from wire strands of at least two types (14, 16, 18). A first type of wire strand comprises a metal alloy with shape memory characteristics and a second type of wire strand comprising a metal with radiopaque characteristics. The first type of wire strand and the second type of wire strand are twisted or braided together to form the composite wire and then formed into the circular ring with at least two turns of the composite wire forming the ring. The reinforcement member can be a circular ring mounted into a fenestration (40) in a wall (32) of a stent graft, or mounted around a stent graft, or it can be a substantially U-shaped edging along the edge of a scalloped fenestration (44).
US08579958B2 Everting stent and stent delivery system
A stent delivery assembly is provided that includes a microcatheter, a delivery tube, a stent, and an elongate release member. The stent can have a first end that is (i) disposed within a delivery tube lumen and (ii) constrained by the delivery tube from radially expanding beyond a delivery tube lumen diameter. The stent can have a second end that is (i) disposed outside of a delivery tube distal end and (ii) substantially radially unconstrained by the delivery tube to expand beyond the delivery tube lumen diameter. The elongate release member can be moveable between first and second positions to engage or release the stent.
US08579954B2 Untwisting restraint implant delivery system
Medical devices and methods for delivery or implantation of prostheses within hollow body organs and vessels or other luminal anatomy are disclosed. The subject technologies may be used in the treatment of atherosclerosis in stenting procedures or be used in variety of other procedures. The systems may employ a self expanding stent restrained by one or more members released by an electrolytically erodable latch. Such release means do not connect directly to the implant, though one or more portions may contact it.
US08579942B2 Systems, methods and tools for spinal surgery
A device and method for use in spinal surgery are provided.
US08579941B2 Linked bilateral spinal facet implants and methods of use
Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.
US08579938B2 Staple for use in surgical procedures
A staple is provided having a backspan and a first and second legs extending distally from the backspan. Each of the first and second legs includes a bend dividing each leg into a traversing leg portion and a substantially linear clenching leg portion. A staple plate is positionable over the first and second legs between the backspan and the first and second clenching leg portions. An anvil assembly has first and second movable members which move toward to one another to engage outer surfaces of the first and second clenching leg portions. There is further disclosed a method of forming the staple through tissue.
US08579930B2 Surgical instrument and method of use for releasing soft tissue
A surgical instrument for use in releasing soft tissue within the human body. The surgical instrument has a handle with proximal and distal ends with a tube connected to the distal end. The surgical instrument also includes a blade member that slidingly engages the tube moving along the length of the tube to cut soft tissue. Further included in the surgical instrument is a guard member that is attached to the blade member. The guard member has a hood portion and a capture portion. The hood portion is connected to the blade member with the distally positioned capture portion acting to displace surrounding tissue while capturing certain soft tissue structures resulting in the blade member being in operative position to cut and release the soft tissue. A surgical instrument kit including a plurality of modular surgical instruments and method for releasing soft tissue using the surgical instrument are also disclosed.
US08579923B2 Shape memory filament for suture management
A member of a rigid flexible elastic material, the member including a body portion and an aperture portion with the member adapted for delivery through an axial longitudinal channel of a percutaneous delivery subsystem, the aperture portion including an expanded mode having a lateral dimension greater than an inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion extends outside the channel and a collapsed mode wherein the lateral dimension is not greater than the inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion is within the channel, the channel including a first axial opening and a second axial opening with the aperture portion transitioning from the expanded mode to the collapsed mode when inserted into the openings and the aperture transitioning from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode when exiting from the openings.
US08579922B2 Method of suture identification and mesh marking for orienting and locating a mesh during hernia repair
A suture kit includes a plurality of flexible strands of suture, each of the strands of suture having one or more suture markings indicative of a suture orientation and a mesh material configured to enable the strands of suture to be passed therethrough, wherein at least one quadrant/section of the mesh material having one or more mesh markings indicative of a mesh material orientation. The one or more suture markings include visual indicators and the one or more mesh markings include visual indicators, the suture visual indicators corresponding to the mesh visual indicators for indicating correct orientation of the mesh material with respect to tissue of a subject.
US08579908B2 Device for delivering viscous material
Methods and devices are described for delivering a viscous material to a surgical site in a patient while keeping the clinician outside the fluoroscopy field.
US08579907B2 Spacer with height and angle adjustments for spacing vertebral members
A device to space vertebral members that may include a deploying device with a first member with an elongated first shaft and a first body at an end of the first shaft, a second member with an elongated second shaft that extends around the first shaft and a second body at an end of the second shaft, and a third member with an elongated third shaft that extends around the second shaft and a third body at an end of the second shaft. The device may include a first plate positioned on a first side of the deploying device, and a second plate positioned on a second side of the deploying device. First, second, and third jointed linkages may be spaced apart along the deploying device and each having a pair of links and each having a first end attached to the first plate, a second end attached to the second plate, and an intermediate joint connecting the pair of links together and being attached to the deploying device.
US08579902B2 Devices and methods for tissue modification
Described herein are methods for achieving access to a compressed space in spinal anatomy. In some embodiments, a method for achieving access may include the steps of advancing a distal portion of a cannulated probe toward a neural foramen from a lateral side of the foramen, extending a first end of a elongate member from a distal end of the cannulated probe and through the neural foramen from the lateral side to a medial side of the foramen and at least partially around an anterior portion of a facet joint and posterior to a spinal disc, and extending the first end of the elongate member out of the patient, wherein a portion of the elongate member remains curved around the facet joint. In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of extending a first end of an inner cannula from a distal end of the cannulated probe.
US08579889B2 Linear ablation devices and methods of use
Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. Various ablative patterns can be produced by the devices, including, linear ablation patterns. One exemplary device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to support the cryoablation chamber.
US08579881B2 Single operator exchange biliary catheter
Catheter for use in biliary procedures, including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A guidewire lumen is carried by the shaft extending from a location proximal the distal end of the shaft to a location proximate the distal end of the shaft. An opening is included for accessing the guidewire lumen from a location exterior the catheter shaft located distal the proximal end of the shaft. The guidewire lumen may be formed integral the catheter shaft. The catheter may be used in rapid exchange catheter procedures. The catheter may further include a port and channel design including a first opening into the guidewire lumen located proximal the distal end of the shaft, a second opening located proximal the first opening, and a channel extending longitudinally between the first opening and the second opening.
US08579880B2 Devices and methods for making and administering an intravenous liquid with supersaturated dissolved gas
Methods and devices for treating patients using high partial pressures of dissolved gas in a liquid. Greater than hyperbaric partial pressures of gas may be dissolved and maintained in the liquid when mixing occurs at ambient pressure. Additional increases in dissolved gas partial pressure may be achieved when the temperature of the liquid is further decreased. The method further includes administering the liquid intravenously via a conventional catheter. Gas exchange occurs due to diffusion upon mixing of the liquid and blood within the vasculature of the patient.
US08579879B2 Closed-loop glucose control startup
Disclosed are methods, systems, etc. for closed-loop glucose control startup. In certain example embodiments, a request for entry of an automatic mode of operation of a glucose monitoring and insulin delivery system for a patient may be detected. An entry of the automatic mode of operation may be controlled based, at least in part, on a detected rate of change of blood glucose concentration of the patient. In certain other example embodiments, initiation of a continual phase of an automatic mode of operation may be controlled based, at least in part, on a time since a most recent manual delivery of a bolus, on a detected rate of change of blood glucose concentration, on a targeted fixed set point, a combination thereof, and so forth.
US08579875B2 Packaged absorbent article
A packaged absorbent article having a body surface and a garment surface; and a wrapper sheet for wrapping the absorbent article so that at least a portion of the garment surface of the absorbent article can be seen through the wrapper sheet.
US08579864B2 Anchor systems and methods
Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) and secures the instrument in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the anchor device may allow the anchor device to be used after medical instrument is already in place without the need for a second penetration point for the anchor device.
US08579862B2 Applicator for microneedle array
Provided is a microneedle device which protects microneedle, has an easily portable shape, is free from such problems as breakage of small needles in the step of puncturing the skin with the microneedle, and ensures appropriate skin puncture for administering a drug. By studying the relationship between a device to be pressed to the skin and the height of an elevation on the skin surface under the pressing and thus producing a device equipped with microneedle that are embedded in a concave part having a definite depth, the microneedle can be surely and easily inserted and punctured into the skin while avoiding such problems as breakage of the small needles of the microneedle. Thus, a microneedle patch formulation, which is easily portable and ensures convenient drug administration to the skin, can be produced.
US08579843B2 Knee joint bandage
A knee joint bandage made of elastic textile material having a profiled insert encompassing the kneecap in a recess, the insert being covered by an overlay fastened to the textile material. Within the profile insert is a flexible, non-expandable tensioning member for connecting the regions of the kneecap poles on the fibula side in an arc around the kneecap wherein the distance between these regions increases during bending of the knee joint, the distance of the arc from the connecting line of the knee poles is decreased, and the tensioning member presses on the adjacent side of the kneecap, displacing the same medially and centering it. The bandage is provided with a flexible tensioning band, which partially covers the kneecap in its peripheral area relative to the tensioning member, the tensioning band substantially extends in the direction between the kneecap poles such that it counteracts a lifting of the kneecap.
US08579819B2 Breast ultrasound scanning template
Apparatus and related methods for facilitating volumetric ultrasonic scanning of a breast are described. In one preferred embodiment, a generally cone-shaped radial scanning template having a vertex and a wide opening angle is provided, the radial scanning template having a slot-like opening extending outward from the vertex through which an ultrasound transducer scans the breast as the radial scanning template is rotated. In another preferred embodiment, a flexible membrane for compressing a skin surface of the breast is provided, the flexible membrane being mounted on a mechanical assembly such as a roller assembly to form a slot-like opening through which an ultrasound transducer directly contacts the skin surface, the flexible membrane rising and falling relative to the skin surface but not moving laterally as the slot-like opening and ultrasound transducer move laterally across the compressed breast, whereby stabilization of the breast and direct transducer-skin contact are concurrently achieved.
US08579813B2 Handheld personal data assistant (PDA) with a medical device and method of using the same
A medical device module for use in a system with a remote programmer and/or a personal data assistant (PDA) with at least one medical device includes a housing, at least one medical device and a processor. The housing is adapted to couple with the PDA. The at least one medical device interface is coupled to the housing for interfacing with the at least one medical device. The processor is coupled to the at least one medical device interface to process data from the at least one medical device. The processor is also capable of interfacing with the PDA.
US08579807B2 Absorbing fluids in a surgical access device
The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.
US08579802B2 Flexible endoscope with modifiable stiffness
An apparatus includes a flexible elongate member that defines a lumen and is configured to be inserted within a body passageway of a patient. The flexible elongate member includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a medial portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The distal portion is movable between a substantially linear configuration and a curved configuration. A stiffening member is coupled to the flexible elongate member. The stiffening member is movable to a selected location along a length of the flexible elongate member to provide modified flexibility to the selected location of the flexible elongate member. The stiffening member may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first stiffness and the second portion having a second stiffness different than the first stiffness. The stiffening member may be disposed within a lumen or at an exterior portion of the flexible elongate member.
US08579793B1 Apparatus to affect brainwave entrainment over premises power-line wiring
This invention discloses an apparatus and method to affect brainwave entrainment by Very Low Frequency eXclusive-OR (XOR) modulation of a Very High Frequency carrier over a premise's power-line Alternating Current (AC) wiring. A microcontroller with stored program memory space is used to store and produce the waveforms that lead to brainwave entrainment by controlling an H-Bridge capable of generating bipolar square waves, which output is capacitive coupled to a premises AC power-line and a light sensing device is used by the microcontroller to determine whether to produce daytime or nighttime entrainment frequencies.
US08579792B2 Suprapatellar external counterpulsation apparatus
An external counterpulsation apparatus has an efficient cuff and bladder system. Embodiments of this system generally allow effective treatment at lower pressures and a reduced total body surface area being compressed. An accurate and reliable combination of automatic and preset timing for inflation and deflation of the bladder system is used to simplify use of the apparatus.
US08579788B2 Auto-regulated R-wave synchronized intraventricular balloon pump heart assist device
Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise an intraventricular balloon pump to help a dilated heart or ventricle push forward the stagnant stroke volume to the systemic circulation. The balloon fills simultaneously with the contraction of the ventricle. Since blood finds its way of least resistance, the easiest exit is through the aortic valve, against a closed mitral valve. The system is designed to be totally implantable, with a less invasive insertion and maintenance procedure than is known in the prior art.
US08579787B2 Methods and systems for using therapeutic, diagnostic or prophylactic magnetic agents
Systems and methods are disclosed for directing magnetizable particles comprising therapeutic agents to a target volume, or for guiding magnetizable particles comprising therapeutic agents from a first target volume to a second target volume, at a distance using a magnetic field, to enable the treatment of diseased areas including areas deep inside a patient's body. The methods may be used to diagnose or treat diseased areas within a patient, for example tumors of the lungs, intestines, and liver, and is also useful in enhancing the permeability of solid tumors to chemotherapeutic agents.
US08579786B2 Screening techniques for management of a nervous system disorder
Apparatus and method support a neurological event screening for a medical device. The medical device assists a user in determining a configuration of the medical device for delivering an effective treatment for a nervous system disorder. The medical device detects a neurological event, such as a seizure, and reports a neurological event focus location and a neurological event spread to the user. The user may use the information to provide a configuration of a therapeutic delivery unit and associated therapy parameters. Therapeutic treatment is delivered to the patient, and the medical device is provided an indication of the patient's acceptance to the treatment. The user may modify the configuration and therapy parameters in order to achieve efficacy and acceptance. Depending upon the patient's acceptance, therapy is applied in either an open loop mode or a closed loop mode. The medical device determines whether the treatment is successful in accordance with a criterion.
US08579776B2 Method and apparatus for making cigarette filters with a centrally located flavored element
A filter making apparatus includes a positioning device having a passageway therethrough, with the passageway guiding a continuous flavor element such as a continuous strand of textile material from an inlet of the passageway to an outlet of the passageway. A liquid flavorant is introduced into the passageway at a desired flow rate and the strand of material carries the supplied liquid flavorant out of the positioning device at a rate substantially equal to the desired flow rate. A portion of the passageway can form a bath of the liquid flavorant supplied to the passageway through a separate inlet at approximately atmospheric pressure. A portion of the positioning device guides the continuous strand of material through the bath, or guides the strand to pass along the bottom of the passageway, and the saturated or partially saturated strand of material then exits from an outlet of the passageway to a point in the path of filter tow material that is being converged to form a filter rod.
US08579757B2 Roller frictional transmission unit
A roller frictional transmission unit includes: a first roller; a second roller; an input shaft connected with a driving system of main driving wheels, and connected with one of the first roller and the second roller; an output shaft connected with a driving system of auxiliary driving wheels, and connected with the other of the first roller and the second roller; a thrust bearing arranged to position an input shaft side rotation section including the one of the first roller and the second roller and the input shaft, or an output shaft side rotation section including the other of the first roller and the second roller and the output shaft, with respect to a unit housing in an axial direction; and a low rigidity structure disposed in a thrust transmission path to the thrust bearing, and arranged to buffer a thrust.
US08579753B2 Compound planetary front wheel drive continuously variable transmission
The present invention provides an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle having a compact single mode transfer gear continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a compound planetary gear carrier for use in front wheel drive vehicles. The automatic transmission includes an input shaft, a variator or other, similar device which provides a continuously variable input to output speed ratio over a limited range, a compound planetary gear assembly having a sun gear, a planet gear carrier with compound gear sets and a ring gear, a friction brake, a friction clutch and a plurality of transfer gears and layshafts.
US08579749B1 Transmission device
A transmission device 100 with an input 101 and output planetary set 102 connected by two co-axial shafts 110 and 111 such that the combination of a gear and speed ratio is possible without interrupting the torque path between the engine or prime mover and the wheel using an electromechanical control apparatus comprising of two motor generators 117 and 118 that also provides electric torque to complement the mechanical torque. The current powerflow is increased by the planetary configuration and continuous power regeneration during torque and inertia phases. Where the carrier 108 can engage the engine to the transmission 100 and where the hybrid torque is transmitted by engaging the vehicle load to the transmission.
US08579736B2 Moveable soccer goal safety system
In a soccer goal consisting of a framework supporting a net arranged to trap a soccer ball passing through the mouth of the frame upon scoring a goal, a safety device for preventing the shifting of the framework from a playing field position or from tipping over from misuse or player impact consisting of a weighted roller attachable or attached to the rear of the framework and resting on the playing field opposite the mouth which roller is either permanently weighted by construction of a heavy material or is constructed of a sealed shell fillable with a liquid such as water or a flowable particulate substance such as sand. In addition to providing the necessary weight to stabilize the goal, the rollers facilitate the repositioning of the goal for storage or to clear a playing field for other purposes.
US08579726B2 Method for manufacturing and golf club head
A method for forming a golf club head comprises placing an uncured composite material between a core and a mold that comprises a first piece and a second piece. The second piece is moved towards the first piece such that the uncured composite material is compressed between the core and at least a portion of the mold. The uncured composite material is heated. A first portion of the golf club head is removed from the mold. A second portion of the golf club head is provided. The first portion is attached to the second portion. In certain arrangements, the second portion is formed from a metallic material.
US08579724B2 Golf club head with adjustable weighting
A titanium bodied driver that utilizes a lightweight receiving back cap, which is designed to be non-removable from the club head but can be loosened to allow its interior to be accessed to reposition one or more movable weights into alternative receiving locations, is disclosed herein. The back cap may also be designed to be completely removable from the driver body to gain access to the one or more weights that can be re-positioned in alternative receiving areas within the back cap's interior.
US08579718B2 Putter head
Embodiments of a putter-type golf club head with an increased moment of inertia about the X axis (MOIXX) and an increased moment of inertia about the Z axis (MOIZZ) are disclosed. Generally, the MOIZZ is increased by designing the putter such that the center of gravity (CG) of the putter head is located at or behind the geometric center of the putter head. Additionally, the mass of the putter head is concentrated at the outer edges of the putter head. To accomplish this, the ratio of the width of the front of the putter head to the width of the rear of the putter head is no greater than 0.55:1. The MOIXX is further increased by locating the CG relatively close to the bottom of the putter head.
US08579717B2 Putter heads and putters including polymeric material as part of the ball striking face
Golf clubs and golf club heads, such as putter heads, may include a putter body and an insert forming a ball striking face and engaged with the putter body. Portions of the insert may be formed of a metal material, while portions of the insert may be formed of a polymer material. The insert may include a base portion having grooves formed therein. This base may be joined with another material to form the insert. In some arrangements, the insert may be a two-sided, reversible construction and may have different performance characteristics associated with each side of the insert. Methods for making such putter devices are also described.
US08579689B2 Awarding of game features in a gaming machine
A game played on a gaming machine, or any other suitable device, is described wherein a player plays a base game, such as the random selection and display of symbols where combinations of symbols across one or more paylines grant awards to a player. Upon a triggering event, such as a certain outcome in the base game, special features are randomly selected for application to the base game. The special features may include wild cards, multipliers, and the number of game to which the special features apply. Any combination of special features may be randomly selected in response to a triggering event. Many other features are described.
US08579681B2 Rotary dressing tool containing brazed diamond layer
A disc-shaped, rotary dressing tool has a rigid core and an abrasive rim around at least one surface of the periphery of the rigid core. The rigid core and the abrasive rim are oriented in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the tool. In an embodiment, the abrasive rim comprises an abrasive component bonded to the rigid core by means of an active braze. The abrasive component can be diamond grains arranged in a single layer or diamond film inserts. In a particular embodiment, the abrasive component can comprise a plurality of abrasive inserts mechanically fastened to the rigid core. In another embodiment, the abrasive rim can comprise strips of an abrasive component with each strip being filled into slots machined into and through the perimeter of the core.
US08579675B2 Methods of using optical metrology for feed back and feed forward process control
A method includes polishing a substrate on a first platen using a first set of parameters, obtaining a plurality of measured spectra from at least two zones, comparing the plurality of measured spectra with a reference spectrum to evaluate the thickness of each of the at least two zones of the substrate, comparing a thickness of a first zone with a thickness of a second zone, determining whether the thickness of the first zone falls within a predetermined range of the thickness of the second zone, and if the thickness does not fall within the predetermined range, at least one of a) adjusting at least one parameter of the first set and polishing a second substrate on the first platen using the adjusted parameters, or b) adjusting at least one parameter of a second set and polishing the substrate on a second platen using the adjusted parameters.
US08579674B2 Mobile toy with displaceable flywheel
A mobile toy which is propelled by a flywheel is described. The mobile toy includes a body member having a set of protrusions which extend beyond the body member. An axle extending through the flywheel is positioned in the set of protrusions, such that each protrusion operates as an axle cap. Alternatively, a set of axle caps are formed at the end of the axle. The flywheel is formed as a displaceable flywheel which is repositionable or removable from the body member. The flywheel may be adjusted within the mobile toy at multiple positions relative to the mobile toy for use of the mobile toy on multiple types of surfaces and for various play configurations. A set of detachably attachable extension elements attached with the axle caps alter the appearance as well as the play capabilities of the mobile toy.
US08579671B2 Custom remote controlled vehicle kit
A method, apparatus, and computer software to provide a kit which allows an operator to construct a variety of vehicles such as cars, boats, hovercraft, airplanes, etc. The operator can use software to select characteristics of the vehicles, and then print out sheets of paper or other thin material that can then be folded into a vehicle. Motors can be inserted into each vehicle in order to propel the vehicle. The kit can also comprise special tools which allow for forming the paper or other material into particular three dimensional shapes. The kit can also comprise a remote control transmitter and receiver so that the vehicles can be controlled remotely.
US08579669B2 Gear housing for an aquatic vessel, breakaway safety system for an aquatic vessel and aquatic vessel
A gear housing for an aquatic vessel is adapted to be attached at an attachment site to an underside of a hull of the aquatic vessel. The gear housing includes at least one weakened region adapted to yield when the gear housing is rotated at the attachment site following an impact. A breakaway safety system includes such a gear housing, and a fracturable member for attaching the gear housing to the hull at the attachment site, wherein the weakened region is adapted to yield such that the fracturable member fractures. An aquatic vessel includes such a gear housing or such a breakaway safety system.
US08579663B2 Digital card adapter
A digital card adapter comprises a cover configured to a large-size appearance in shape of the SD card, a printed circuit board disposed at the cover, a set of terminals disposed in the center of the cover, and an insulative housing. The adapter provides a print circuit board being mounted inside a card-shape cover, and accomplishes to transfer data there between two different sizes cards in accordance with standard of SD 4.0 specification, meanwhile, achieves adapting two SD 4.0 card in different sizes.
US08579661B2 High speed modular jack
A modular jack (100) is adapted to be mounted onto a horizontal mother printed circuit board (PCB). The modular jack comprises a housing (200) defining an upper row of ports and a lower row of ports vertically stacked in columns, a number of vertical PCBs (46, 47) extending along a front-to-rear direction and being aligned laterally, a number of shield modules (500, 54) each having a vertical shield plate (50, 548) and an insulating portion (48 and 49, 55) at least partially encapsulating the vertical shield plate. Each of the vertical PCB electrically connecting with a set of mating contacts extending into one of the upper row of ports and the lower row of ports. The vertical PCBs and the shield modules are stacked side by side in an alternating manner.
US08579651B2 Connection device for conductors
An electrical connector includes a U-shaped metal clamping frame having vertical base and side walls defining a chamber, a stationary electrical contact mounted in the chamber, and a clamping spring arrangement arranged at least partially within the chamber for biasing toward the electrical contact the bare end of an insulated conductor that is axially inserted downwardly into the chamber. The clamping spring comprises a conductive leaf spring having a clamping leg that is inclined, when in the conductor clamping position, at a first acute angle relative to the insertion axis of the conductor. In one embodiment, the clamping leg is supported by an attachment arrangement including an attachment leg arranged at second acute angle relative to the insertion axis. In another embodiment, the clamping leg is integrally connected with the clamping frame, and with the frame base wall defining the stationary electrical contact.
US08579650B2 Electrical disconnect with push-in connectors having a busbar
An electrical disconnect includes a male housing having an enclosed contact and a female housing similarly having an enclosed contact. The contact in at least one of the housings includes a busbar to electrically couple a plurality of wires. Upon joining the disconnect, the contacts in the two housing engage to form as releasable connection. By including a busbar, multiple conductors in one of the housings may be coupled to a single conductor in the second housing. Additionally, by disconnecting the housing, each load in the circuit may be simultaneously interrupted as desired.
US08579647B2 High speed electrical contact assembly
A contact assembly that comprises an outer body and an insert assembly receivable in the outer body. The insert assembly includes a housing and a conductive bather received in the housing. The conductive barrier defines first and second receiving areas in the housing. At least a first contact member is receivable in the first receiving area and at least a second contact member is receivable in the second receiving area. Each of the first and second contact members is adapted to accept a conductor.
US08579644B2 Anti-vibration connector coupling with disengagement feature
A connector coupling that comprises a connector body, a first collar that receives the connector body, and second collar that surrounds the first collar. A movable ratchet ring is supported by the connector body and includes at least one locking member. The movable ratchet ring is axially movable with respect to the first collar between engaged and disengaged positions. A stationary ratchet ring is coupled to the first collar and includes at least one locking member. When the movable ratchet ring is in the engaged position, the locking members of the rings are engaged, and rotating the second collar from the first position to the second position with respect to the first collar moves the movable ratchet ring to the disengaged position away from the stationary ratchet ring such that the locking members are disengaged, thereby allowing rotation of the first collar with respect to the connector body.
US08579637B2 Electrical connecting system
An electrical connecting system is described for contacting an electronic module with multiple printed conductors of a flexible printed circuit. The printed conductors are enclosed between a lower and an upper cover film, and the electronic module has at least one circuit board hich is embedded in a plastic housing. According to the invention, the electronic module has at least one contact spring. A first end section of the contact spring is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the circuit board via a connecting point, and a second end section of the contact spring has two legs which extend in a U shape, between which a printed conductor is situated. An electrical contact which is less susceptible to failure results on both sides between the contact spring and the printed conductor. Also described is an electrical connecting system in which the printed conductor is electrically contacted on one side, and instead of at least one one-piece contact spring, in each case a connecting piece and a spring clip are present. The electrical connecting systems allow an electrically reliable connection to be established which is also sufficiently capable of withstanding mechanical load, by simply inserting the printed circuits into the contact springs, or between the connecting pieces and the spring clips in the electronic modules.
US08579635B2 Funnel shaped charge inlet
A vehicle charge inlet integrated into a port assembly surface is provided. The charge inlet includes an inlet housing with a perimeter that is curvilinear, non-cylindrical and shaped so that only a single orientation of a complementary sized and shaped electrical connector may be inserted into the inlet. A plurality of electrical contacts, a latching mechanism and a divider are also integrated into the charge inlet housing, the divider extending from the bottom surface of the inlet housing and configured to fit within a complementary slot of the charge connector, the divider providing further electrical isolation between the electrical contacts. A funneling surface connects the open end of the inlet housing to the port assembly surface.
US08579629B2 Dental handpiece
A dental handpiece is disclosed which has a head housing, a gear shaft having a gear part with gear teeth and a shaft part extending from the gear part, and a dust control seal sealingly fit on the circumferential surface of the shaft part of the gear shaft. The dust control seal is an annular member, and has a seal body, a first lip projecting radially inwardly from the seal body, and a second lip projecting radially inwardly from the seal body above and spaced apart from the first lip, with a space defined between a contact area between the first lip and the shaft part, and a contact area between the second lip and the shaft part.
US08579623B2 Extruder stabilizer assembly
A stabilizer assembly for use in an extruder having a screw rotating in a barrel is provided. The assembly comprises a plurality of rods that are secured to an interior of the barrel at one end. Each of the rods has an end that extends radially inwardly toward the center of the barrel. On the discharge end of the screw, there is a bearing member that is in contact with each of the opposite ends of the rods. The rods support the discharge end of the screw and stabilize its rotation in the barrel.
US08579619B2 Internal gear pump for a brake system
The invention relates to an internal gear pump for a braking system, in the pump housing of which an inner toothed hollow wheel and a gearwheel engaging in the toothing of the hollow wheel are mounted to rotate about parallel axes. The toothing thereof defines a tapering roughly crescent-shaped pump chamber, in which a filling piece is arranged supported along the length thereof. The circumferential surfaces of the filling piece closely correspond to the head diameter of the inner toothing of the hollow wheel or the gearwheel toothing and contact in a sealing manner with several tooth crowns covered thereby. A radial supporting force acts over a longitudinal range of the filling piece for improved sealing of a circumferential surface of the filling piece against the tooth crowns supporting the circumferential surface. According to the invention, a loose fit is provided between the circumferential surfaces of the filling piece and the opposing tooth crowns of the hollow wheel and gearwheel and the play acting on the filling piece is partly eliminated by support forces acting in opposing radial directions which act on the filling piece at a distance from each other.
US08579618B2 Internal gear pump with optimized noise behaviour
An internal gear pump (1) is proposed for conveying a fluid by a driven pump gear wheel (3) and a ring gear (4), as a gear pair residing in an enclosure, which are, for instance, meshing and hereby generating a sealed area. Hereby, viewed cross-sectionally, a sickle shaped part (5) is provided for sealing the free space, located nearly opposite to the sealed area, whereby a first end piece (12) and a second end piece (13) of the part (5) are assigned to a high pressure area. In accordance with the invention, the two end pieces (12, 13) of the part (5) are constructed differently.
US08579616B2 Gear pump
A gear pump includes a gear to be driven by a drive shaft, a pair of side plate members adjoining side surfaces of the gear, respectively, to restrain leakage of an operating fluid, and a tip seal member or seal block for sealing the gear tip or circumference of the gear. At least one of the side plate members and the tip seal member are integral parts of a sealing member.
US08579608B2 Fluid energy machine
A fluid energy machine, in particular a compressor, is provided. The fluid energy machine includes a common rotor, which is mounted using magnetic bearings, for the flow machine and the drive. In addition to the magnetic bearings, auxiliary bearings are provided, wherein a friction bearing is provided on the bottom part of the vertically oriented rotor and a roller bearing, which provides both radial and also axial mounting, and is implemented as a ball bearing, is provided on the upper end.
US08579604B2 Floating apparatus for scroll compressors
An improved floating apparatus for scroll compressors is disclosed, which is a multi-function device integrating a temperature protection mechanism, a pressure protection mechanism and a backflow-proof mechanism and therefore substantially is a floating seal member with overheating protection, high pressure protection and backflow-proof capabilities. In detail, the present disclosure provides a floating apparatus for scroll compressors that not only can be manufactured easily, but also capable of distributing the acting force resulting from the gliding block for providing better sealing effect while preventing the scroll compressors from being damaged by high temperature and high pressure.
US08579603B2 Centrifugal pump
A hydraulic turbocharger having an outer housing having a first section, a turbine end section and a pump end section. The pump end and turbine end sections are removably secured to the first section. A first cavity being formed between the first section and the turbine end section. A second cavity being formed between the first section and the pump end section. A first insert positioned in the first cavity and a second insert positioned in the second cavity. The first and second inserts being formed have more than one piece and defining a volute passageway in the first and second cavities respectively. The first and second inserts being designed to be capable of being machined to form the volute passageway.
US08579593B2 Damping element for reducing the vibration of an airfoil
An airfoil (10) is provided with a tip (12) having an opening (14) to a center channel (24). A damping element (16) is inserted within the opening of the center channel, to reduce an induced vibration of the airfoil. The mass of the damping element, a spring constant of the damping element within the center channel, and/or a mounting location (58) of the damping element within the center channel may be adjustably varied, to shift a resonance frequency of the airfoil outside a natural operating frequency of the airfoil.
US08579592B2 Turbofan engine
A hub-side leading edge part of a fan first-stage rotating blade 10 for taking an air thereinto more extends in a forward direction of an engine than a tip-side leading edge part and a mid-span leading edge part. The hub side of the fan first-stage rotating blade 10 is integrally connected as one with the tip side and the mid span while having a longer chord length than those of the tip side and the mid span. A radius at a root of the hub-side leading edge part is set in a boss ratio of 0 to 0.4.
US08579589B2 Mechanism for attenuating torque pulsations between an engine and a rotorcraft rotor driven by the engine
The invention provides a mechanism for attenuating torque pulsations between an engine (2) and a rotor (1) of a rotorcraft. Torsion means (5) are interposed between the driving and driven shafts and comprise a torsion shaft (6) axially engaged with the drive shaft (3) and the driven shaft (4) an inlet shaft (9) and an outlet shaft (10) respectively engaged with the drive and driven shafts (3, 4) a lever system (7) that extends radially relative to the torsion shaft (6) and that has the inlet and outlet shafts (9, 10) hinged thereto via points (11, 12) that are spaced apart; and a mass (8) carried by said lever arm (7) at its free end (13) radially farthest away from the axis along which the torsion shaft (6) extends.
US08579588B1 Hub assembly for a large cooling fan
A fan assembly having a motor with a shaft. A hub member is mounted to the shaft so as to be rotated thereby. The hub member defines slots that receive arm members in the slots. The arm members are secured via bolts or other fasteners in the slots and can be replaced if broken or worn. Fan blades are positioned over or otherwise mounted to the arm members. The fan blades and the arm members can be contoured to engage with each other along the length of the arm members so that force is transmitted therebetween.
US08579586B2 Bell mouth for scroll case
A bell mouth for a scroll case according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a bell mouth which is provided on the top plate of the scroll case to form an air inlet in order to allow air flow into the scroll case by a centrifugal blower installed inside the scroll case, and the volume of two parts of the bell mouth in respect to a rotation shaft of the centrifugal blower is different from each other. According to the present invention, it is possible to minimize generation of reverse flow of inflow air by increasing or decreasing a variation of the cross-section area of the bell mouth according to an increase in the pressure of the flow rate.
US08579576B2 Articulated false seabed
A support system for at least one water drivable turbine (1) that when in operation is immersed in a column of flowing water, characterized in that the system includes a deck or raft (3) for supporting said at least one turbine when immersed, the deck or raft (3) having an inherent buoyancy which is such as to enable the deck or raft (3) to rise through the column of water upon reduction of the buoyancy, the arrangement being such that the associated turbine or turbines (1) can be raised above the surface of said column in order to access the turbine for maintenance purposes.
US08579571B2 Connecting fastener
In a connecting fastener consisting of a plurality of fasteners connected through a connecting member of synthetic resin, the connecting member includes a ring-shaped portion attached to so as to encircle the shaft of each of the fasteners to be connected and a connecting portion connected to the ring-shaped portions encircling adjacent fasteners. When the fasteners each suffers from the blow at the time of driving by a fastener driving tool, the ring-shaped portions each has strength enough to be held over the shaft and the connecting portion has strength enough to be broken.
US08579570B2 Fastener attaching a component to a panel
A fastener includes an insert mounted in an oversized elongated aperture of a metal panel. The insert has a tubular body of lesser outside dimension than the aperture, and a hollow interior receiving a threaded stud projecting from the component. The tubular body has a flexible lip engaging the panel and first and second retaining fingers having first shoulders engaging the bottom surface of the panel and second shoulders engaging with opposed parallel extending sidewalls of the aperture to prevent rotation of the tubular body. First and second biasing fingers project from the tubular body to engage opposed curved end walls of the aperture to a bias the tubular body within the aperture as allowed by sliding of the second shoulders along the opposed parallel extending sidewalls. A plurality of ratchet fingers extends into the hollow interior to engage the stud when the stud is installed into the insert.
US08579567B2 Device for blind fixation
A blind fixation device for attaching an assembly of a pre-drilled member set that includes a rod defining a traction mandrel, a first bushing, and a second deformation brushing. The second deformation bushing is capable of deformation on an inaccessible side of the set of pre-drilled members between the head of the mandrel rod and the end portion of the first bushing. The first bushing is capable of bearing on the accessible side surface of the set of pre-drilled members to be assembled, and is capable of radial deformation so as to come in close contact with the drilling profile of at least one pre-drilled member when, upon assembly, the portion of the mandrel rod initially in the second bushing enters the first bushing.
US08579557B2 Drill
[Problem] To provide a drill which enables a great reduction in cutting resistance and easy performance of a drilling operation by human power using a hand drill, a drilling machine, or the like.[Solution] A drill has two cutting edges formed symmetrically with respect to a rotation axis, and is subjected to thinning at the tip thereof. The cutting edge is configured from a thinned cutting edge (1) which extends in a shape including a curved line from a chisel edge to the outer peripheral side of the drill, and a main cutting edge (2) which extends from the end of the thinned cutting edge to the outer peripheral end of the drill when viewed from the tip side of the drill, and a thinned surface formed by the thinned cutting edge is formed into an approximately parabolic shape inclined in a drill axis direction when viewed from the front side of the drill.
US08579550B2 Truss shoe for use with a threaded rod
A truss shoe for a roof support system includes a bolt receiving section, an intermediate section, and a housing having a threaded rod engaging section. The threaded rod engaging section has a passageway having a first open end spaced from, and in facing relationship to, the bolt receiving section and an opposite second end. The passageway has a threaded portion extending from the first end of the passageway toward the second end. A stop member is positioned spaced from the first open end of the passageway. With this arrangement, the end of the threaded rod passes through the space between the first open end of the passageway and the stop member into engagement with the stop member, whereby all of the threads of the threaded portion of the passageway are in engagement with the threads of the threaded bar.
US08579543B2 Paver
A paver includes an enclosed furnace for melting an inorganic paving material and a carriage for carrying the furnace. The furnace includes a heating chamber for receiving the paving material, a heater for heating the heating chamber to a temperature greater than 1,600° C. to melt the paving material, and an outlet for discharging melted paving material to form a paved road surface.
US08579536B2 Metal to plastic connector for toy structures
The present disclosure relates to a connector for toy structures and educational instruments, particularly for assembling plastic and metal components. The connector includes a circular base with apertures for securing to an expansive metal construction piece by use of screws or similar threaded fasteners. The connector further includes a passageway for receiving a second construction piece, such as a plastic construction piece. Pegs pass through aligned apertures in the walls of the passageway as well as apertures in the second construction pieces, thereby securing the second construction piece to the connector.
US08579530B2 Aerosol system
Aerosol System comprising at least two aerosol containers for separately keeping different substances, wherein each aerosol container has a valve portion; and a head portion containing a channel system and an exhaust opening, where the channel system provides communication between at least one of the valve portions and the exhaust opening; characterized in that the head portion or parts of the head portion are movable in respect to at least one aerosol container, such that the channel system can take different configurations.
US08579529B2 Multi-unit cosmetic applicator
A multi-unit cosmetic applicator comprising: a housing body, a first cosmetic unit housed in the housing body, a second cosmetic unit housed in the housing body, an opening in the housing, wherein each cosmetic unit has a means for being independently movable relative to each other from a stored position to an advanced position and back to its stored position.
US08579526B2 Cutting device and tape printing apparatus equipped therewith
A cutting device includes: a cutter unit having a cutter blade; and a cutter operation mechanism which causes the cutter unit to carry out a circulatory movement including a cutting preparation operation which causes the cutter unit to advance toward a tape-like member from a cutting start position, a cutting operation which causes the cutter unit to move to a cutting completion position, a withdrawal operation which causes the cutter unit to retreat from the cutting completion position to a withdrawal position, and a return operation which causes the cutter unit to return to a cutting stand-by position, wherein the cutter operation mechanism, in the return operation, makes the cutting start position and withdrawal position of the cutter unit different between a full cutting which cuts all of the tape-like member and a half cutting which cuts one portion of the tape-like member.
US08579517B2 Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a number of optical fibers, a body, a number of supports, and a cover. The body includes a number of lenses at a first end thereof, a number of through holes at an opposite second end, and a recess located between the lenses and the through holes. The through holes are in communication with the recess. The optical fibers extend through the respective through holes and optically coupled with the respective lenses. The supports are formed in the recess. Each support defines an arc-shaped receiving groove. The cover is engagingly received in the recess and defines a number of V-shaped positioning grooves. Each positioning groove has a first slanted surface and a second slanted surface. The positioning grooves and the corresponding receiving grooves cooperatively securely retain distal portions of the optical fibers in the recess of the body.
US08579513B2 Slide member and bearing utilizing the same
A sliding member includes a silicon nitride sintered compact containing a rare earth element of 7 to 18 mass % in terms of oxide and at least one element M selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo and W of 0.1 to 3 mass % in terms of oxide, and having a total content of impurity positive ion elements of 0.3 mass % or less and a thermal conductivity of 60 W/m·K or higher. The silicon nitride sintered compact includes silicon nitride crystal grains and a grain boundary phase, and has a ratio of crystalline compound phases in the grain boundary phase of 20% or more in area ratio, and an average grain size of the crystalline compound phases of 0.5 μm or less. The sliding member is used, for example, as a bearing ball 2.
US08579512B2 Drive unit for motor vehicles having an electrical motor
A drive unit for motor vehicles which has at least one electrical motor and at least one transmission assembly. The electrical motor and the transmission assembly are operatively connected to one another by at least one shaft and the shaft is rotatably mounted by at least one first rolling bearing which sits in a rotary union for the shaft in the transmission assembly.
US08579511B2 Turning bearing with loading hole for introduction of separator with roller
A loading hole made in either of an outer ring and an inner ring is provided in two rows of raceways defined between the outer ring and the inner ring, one to each raceway. The loading hole is set out of the guide surface and, therefore there is no fear that a closure fitted in the loading hole causes any obstacle to the rolling movement of the rollers. The loading hole extends radially of the bearing at a location that a center line of the loading hole lies set-off or biased from a center of the roller. An opening edge of the loading hole is exposed to the raceway in a location out of the guide surface, so that the rollers are allowed to roll smoothly without touching with the innermost edge of the closure.
US08579502B2 Method for determining leak rate through a bond line of a MEMS device
A method for optimizing direct wafer bond line width for reduction of parasitic capacitance in a MEMS device by reducing the width of a bond line between a first and a second wafer, exposing the MEMS device to a water vapor for a predetermined time period and at a first temperature capable of evaporating water, cooling the MEMS device at a second temperature capable of freezing the water, and operating the MEMS device at a third temperature capable of freezing the water to determine if there is discontinuity during operation.
US08579497B2 Device, mixer and system for mixing and dispensing of a material and method of use
A device for mixing and dispensing dental materials is provided, comprising a drive shaft for driving a mixer. The mixer is placeable on the drive shaft in a first and a second position, wherein in the first position a guiding section of the drive shaft is mated with an engagement section of the mixer, but an engagement section of the drive shaft is not engaged with the engagement section of the mixer, and in the second position the engagement section of the drive shaft is also engaged with the engagement section of the mixer.
US08579496B2 Stand mixer wiping beater
A mixing beater for a small appliance includes a metallic frame including an arm; a rigid plastic shell extending over the arm; and only one scraper. The scraper extends over the rigid plastic shell and has a flexible blade configured to contact an inner surface of a mixing bowl when viewed in a first plane.
US08579490B2 Backlight device and display device provided with the same
Provided is a backlight device which can suppress deterioration of uniformity. The backlight device (10) is provided with an LED (11), and a light guide plate (12) which includes a light incoming surface (12a) and a light outgoing surface (12b). An inclined surface (12c) which is inclined from the light outgoing surface is formed between the light incoming surface and the light outgoing surface of the light guide plate, and the light guide plate is formed such that the thickness of a portion on the light incoming surface side is more than that of a portion on the light outgoing surface side. At the front of the portion on the light incoming surface side of the light outgoing surface of the light guide plate, a regulating member (13), which has a light blocking characteristic and regulates shift of the light guide plate in the thickness direction of the light guide plate, is arranged.
US08579484B2 Vehicle lighting device
The vehicle lighting device includes a heat sink, a light emitting element, a reflection plate, and a light leakage processing plate. The light leakage processing plate is disposed at a peripheral edge part on a side of the first direction of the reflection plate, and is configured so as to scatter light leakage that is not reflected on the reflection plate from among beams of the light from the light emitting element. The light leakage processing plate is disposed so as to have a gap T with respect to the peripheral edge part of the reflection plate, and is configured so as to be extended over the peripheral edge part of the reflection plate on a side of the second direction and on a side of an opposite direction to the second direction.
US08579481B2 Lit door handle for a vehicle
A door handle apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The door handle includes a door handle body that is configured to be disposed at a door of the vehicle. A light source is mounted inside the door handle body. A light-transmitting member is located between the light source and the door handle body. The light-transmitting member is partially exposed to an exterior of the door handle body.
US08579478B2 Attachable illumination system
This invention relates generally to an illumination system and, more particularly, to an illumination system that is configured for attachment to the frame portion of a pair of eyeglasses. The illumination system includes a light source and a multi-axis pivot assembly to permit directional adjustment and focus of a beam of light. An adapter clip is provided to facilitate attachment to the temple arm portion of the eyeglasses. The adapter clip includes a plurality of grooves positioned between two flexible side portions to allow the clip to be slid along the temple arm to a desired position and snapped into a locked position. The illumination system is fully adjustable in terms of light intensity and direction of the light beams.
US08579466B2 Illumination apparatus and methods of forming the same
In one aspect, an illumination apparatus includes a waveguide, embedded in which are a light-emitting source and a photoluminescent material. Output light is emitted from at least a portion of a first surface of the waveguide. The photoluminescent material includes nano-size phosphor particles and/or quantum dots.
US08579460B2 LED flare and system
A LED flare and system for use to provide greater visibility in any light conditions, particularly in low light. The flare comprises an elongated housing that is generally cylindrical with a flat side. It has a handle at one end and a plurality of LEDs positioned along the outer periphery. A switch located on the elongated housing operates the flare. The flare also includes a re-chargeable battery encased in the housing for powering the flare and a circuit for delivering power and operational control from the battery to the LEDs upon activation by the switch. A set of contacts positioned on the outside of the housing deliver a charge to the battery. The flare includes an attachment device for holding an external charger in place against the contacts during charging operation. An individual flare may be part of a system that also includes other flares and a carrying case with an integrated charger, one or more flare stands and charger accessories.
US08579451B2 LED lamp
There is herein described a lamp for providing white light comprising a plurality of light sources positioned on a substrate. Each of said light sources comprises a blue light emitting diode (LED) and a dome that substantially covers said LED. A first portion of said blue light from said LEDs is transmitted through said domes and a second portion of said blue light is converted into a red light by a first phosphor contained in said domes. A cover is disposed over all of said light sources that transmits at least a portion of said red and blue light emitted by said light sources. The cover contains a second phosphor that emits a yellow light in response to said blue light. The red, blue and yellow light combining to form the white light and the white light having a color rendering index (CRI) of at least about 80.
US08579449B2 Pointer type measuring instrument
Disclosed is a pointer type measuring instrument of a novel look, in which an indication portion detours the outer circumference of a display portion and can be visually confirmed as if the indication portion is floating above the display portion. The pointer type measuring instrument (M) comprises a display means (1), a drive body (2) mounted on the back side of the display means (1), an arm portion (3) mounted on the output shaft (26) of the drive body (2) and detouring the outer circumference of the display means (1), an indicating portion (5) extending from the arm portion (3) toward the center of the display means (1) and indicating an indicator portion (4) disposed on the display means (1), and a first light source (7) mounted on the arm portion (3) or the indicating portion (5) and causing the indicating portion (5) to glow.
US08579427B2 Liquid dispenser including multiple liquid return passages
A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid return channel, and a liquid dispensing channel. The liquid dispensing channel includes a first wall. A portion of the first wall defines an outlet opening. The liquid dispensing channel includes a second wall opposite the first wall. The second wall of the liquid dispensing channel extends along a portion of the liquid supply channel and along a portion of the liquid return channel. A liquid supply passage extends through the second wall and is in fluid communication with the liquid supply channel. A plurality of liquid return passages extends through the second wall and is in fluid communication with the liquid return channel. A liquid supply provides liquid that flows from the liquid supply passage through the liquid supply channel, through the liquid dispensing channel, and through the liquid return channel to the plurality of liquid return passages. A diverter member selectively diverts a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.
US08579426B2 Method and system for delivering solid-ink pellets
The present disclosure provides apparatus and method for maintaining the flowability of solid-ink pellets in a system for delivering the pellets to an image-forming device. The apparatus includes a container storing the solid-ink pellets, and an extraction assembly for extracting the solid-ink pellets. The extraction assembly includes a tubular housing, extending from the bottom portion of the container, and an auger member rotatably placed within the tubular housing. The tubular housing receives the solid-ink pellets from the container and the auger member rotates to break up the obstructions to pellet flow.
US08579425B2 Seal and secondary film for ink tank
An ink tank that is mountable to a printhead, the ink tank includes a wall including an ink outlet configured to supply ink to the printhead; a first film including a sealing portion that is adhered to a sealing area surrounding the ink outlet; and a second film adhered to the first film, the second film configured to capture ink residue when the first film is removed from the sealing area.
US08579423B2 Liquid supply apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid supply apparatus which supplies a liquid to a liquid ejecting head from a liquid accommodating unit includes a plurality of rotating type pumps which are respectively provided in the middle of each of a plurality of supply paths which connect a plurality of the liquid accommodating units and the liquid ejecting head, a common power source which drives the plurality of pumps and a power transmission adjusting unit which adjusts power which is transmitted from the power source to each pump due to the liquid pressure in the supply path on the basis of a load that the pump receives.
US08579420B2 Ink-jet apparatus
An ink-jet apparatus comprising: an ink supply channel through which ink flows; an ink chamber that communicates with the ink supply channel via an ink inlet channel, holds the ink supplied from the ink supply channel, and has a nozzle that discharges the ink; an ink evacuation channel that communicates with the ink chamber via an ink outlet channel, and through which the ink evacuated from the ink chamber flows; an ink circulating section that applies pressure to the ink so that the ink flows into the ink evacuation channel from the ink supply channel via the ink chamber; a first actuator that vibrates a wall of the ink chamber; and a second actuator that changes an area of a cross-section of the ink outlet channel.
US08579413B2 Attachment, liquid container, and liquid supply apparatus
An attachment is mounted on a cartridge holder of a printer as a replacement of an ink cartridge. An ink outlet member having a link passage is separably secured to an attachment body. Ink is supplied from the exterior to the ink outlet member through an ink supply tube. When the attachment is mounted on the cartridge holder, a downstream end of the ink outlet member is positioned with respect to and connected to an ink supply needle of the printer. Accordingly, the attachment is easily and quickly installed in a liquid ejection apparatus. This reduces costs and makes it easy to use the attachment.
US08579406B2 Real time bleed-though detection for continuous web printers
An imaging device includes a substantially continuous web of media; a web transport system configured to transport the continuous web along a web path; and a print station positioned along the web path and configured to apply ink to a first side of the continuous web to form images thereon. An image sensor is positioned downstream from the print station along the web path to scan a second side of the continuous web opposite from the first side. The image sensor is configured to generate a reflectance signal indicative of a reflectance of light from the second side of the continuous web. A controller is operably coupled to receive the reflectance signal from the image sensor, and to adjust at least one print process parameter based on the reflectance signal while the imaging device is performing print operations.
US08579405B2 Method and apparatus for detecting a media touch of an inkjet printhead
In a printer having a print head moveable relative to a recording medium, the recording medium and print head may touch each other, thereby possibly damaging the print head and/or the recording medium. In order to prevent further damage, it is advantageous to detect a medium touch as soon as possible. An available feedback signal relating to the print head, e.g. originating from a carriage on which the print head is mounted, is employed to determine whether a medium touch has occurred such that a dedicated medium touch or crash sensor may be omitted. A malfunctioning nozzle signal is used to determine a change in a number of malfunctioning nozzles to detect a medium touch. Alternatively, a print head position signal is used to determine a position error and derive from the position error whether or not a medium touch has occurred.
US08579399B2 Reception device and apparatus having the same
Data transfer is realized to support a high-speed and complex driving control of the driving element. A driving device includes a driving unit configured to supply a driving element with a pulse signal that determines a driving period to drive the driving element, an input unit configured to receive, in synchronization with a trigger signal, a data signal containing first information, second information, a first flag and a second flag that determine a waveform of the pulse signal, a first setting unit configured to set in the driving unit the first information that is input to the input unit, a retaining unit configured to read and retain the second information on the basis of the first flag, and a second setting unit configured to set in the driving unit the second information that is retained in the retaining unit on the basis of the second flag.
US08579398B2 Droplet discharge head, droplet discharge apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A droplet discharge head includes circuit boards each mounted with one or more nonvolatile memories. The nonvolatile memories are configured in a data-rewritable manner and are used to store written data even when power is turned off. The nonvolatile memories have a write-protect function. One or more of the nonvolatile memories are set to write inhibition state and the write inhibition state is fixed. One or more of the remaining nonvolatile memories are set to rewritable state.
US08579396B2 Fluid level sensing system and method
An ink level sensing system that exhibits good sensitivity is described herein. The system includes a first probe having a first active surface, a second probe having a second active surface facing the first active surface, a memory in which data indicative of a conductivity curve and command instructions are stored, and a processor configured to execute the command instructions to associate a level of fluid in a reservoir with a first signal indicative of the electrical coupling between the first active surface and the second active surface with reference to the data indicative of a conductivity curve.
US08579395B2 Integrated print head end-of-life detection
A method of detecting low ink levels in an integrated print head includes calibrating the integrated print head and producing a baseline temperature rise, performing an end-of-life test to produce a second temperature rise; and comparing the second temperature rise and the baseline temperature rise to estimate ink levels within the integrated print head. A computer product for detection of end-of-life events in integrated inkjet print heads includes computer code to perform a calibration procedure when an integrated print head is first connected to a printer; computer code to perform an end-of-life test on the integrated print head after a triggering event; and computer code to compare end of life test results with a baseline result from the calibration procedure.
US08579389B1 Server cabinet
A server cabinet includes a top wall and two sidewalls. The top wall defines a T-shaped first slot and a T-shaped second slot adjacent to each sidewall. Each first slot adjacent to one sidewall aligns with a second slot adjacent to the other sidewall. Each first slot includes a first channel extending through the corresponding sidewall and a first receiving slot communicating with the first channel. Each second slot includes a second channel extending through the corresponding sidewall and a second receiving slot communicating with the second channel. A T-shaped mounting member is pivotably mounted in each first channel. Each mounting member includes a pivot portion received in the first channel and a locking portion formed from one end of the pivot portion and capable of being received and secured in the first receiving slot.
US08579388B2 Modular piece of furniture made of recyclable materials
Furniture with compartments housing drawers and/or baskets and/or wing doors and consisting of a lower frame, rear frame, upper frame, and lateral sides, characterised in that said lower frame consists of a lower front and lower rear section connected using orthogonally placed lower side sections, said rear frame consists of an upper rear and a lower rear crosspiece connected using orthogonally placed side stanchions, said upper frame consists of an upper front crosspiece on which upper side crosspieces are fixed, said lower side sections, said side stanchions, and said upper side crosspieces including seats intended to house by means of insertion said lateral sides, said lateral sides being fixed on the lower side using fixing means inserted in holes on the lower side and using blocking means, said lateral sides being fixed on the upper part using at least one fixing means inserted in an upper hole and blocking means.
US08579387B2 Glove box
A glove box with a leakage shielding space (4) comprises a main box body, a view window (8) placed on the main box body, glove ports installed on the view window (8), side panels attached to the main box body, and an antechamber (1) installed on a side panel. Wherein, on at least one of five interfaces, namely, between the main box body and the view window (8), between the main box body and the side panel, between the view window (8) and the glove port, between the glove port and the glove, between the side panel and the antechamber (1), a leakage shielding space (4) is formed, so as to ensure the purity in the operating space of the glove box and to prevent the external environment of the box body from being polluted.
US08579386B2 Vehicle brake device
A VSA device (24), which controls vehicle behavior by individually controlling the pressure of brake fluid supplied from a slave cylinder (23) to a wheel cylinder (16, 17; 20, 23), is provided with: an accumulator (62) which can be connected to the wheel cylinder and the slave cylinder (23); an out-valve (60, 61) disposed on a fluid path between the wheel cylinder and the accumulator (62); a check valve (63) that allows only flow of brake fluid from the accumulator (62) to the slave cylinder (23); and a regulator valve (54) disposed on a fluid path between the wheel cylinder and a path between the check valve (63) and the slave cylinder (23). Brake fluid is discharged from the accumulator (62) to the slave cylinder (23) by reducing the driving force of an electric motor (32) of the slave cylinder (23), thereby rendering a special pump unnecessary and making it possible to reduce the weight, cost, and component count.
US08579385B2 Brake system for a vehicle
The invention relates to a brake system for a vehicle, with a main brake cylinder, a fluid control unit, and at least one wheel brake. The fluid control unit has, for brake pressure modulation in at least one brake circuit a switchover valve, an intake valve and a recirculating pump for each brake circuit. According to the invention, the fluid control unit has, for each brake circuit, a sliding valve which is connected into a suction line between the recirculating pump and the main brake cylinder. The sliding valve restricts the effective pressure on a suction side of the recirculating pump to a predeterminable maximum pressure value. In this case, the sliding valve can be arranged in series with or parallel to the intake valve.
US08579382B2 Road wheel ornament
A road wheel includes an outboard surface; an ornament configured to attach to the outboard surface; a post formed with the ornament, configured to fasten to the wheel; and a key formed with the ornament, the key configured to mate with a cavity in the outboard surface. The key includes a semi-circular profile. The key further includes at least one node, protruding therefrom; the outboard surface of the wheel includes a receptacle configured to at least partially fit the node therein.
US08579381B2 Wheel centering apparatus
An annular centering ring centers a wheel on a hub. The hub has a circular outer surface and an outer end face. The wheel has a central opening defined by a circular wall. The annular centering ring has an annular mounting flange structure that seats upon the circular outer surface and the outer end face of the hub, and a centering skirt structure that is engaged by the circular wall of the wheel when the wheel is installed onto the hub so that the centering skirt structure is flexed and occupies the annular space between the circular outer surface of the hub and the central opening of the wheel to thereby center the wheel upon the hub in readiness for installation of a plurality of lug nuts. The centering skirt structure is captured in a press-fit relationship between the wheel and hub, or can be extruded away during the installation of the wheel onto the hub.
US08579366B2 Sunshade assembly and open roof construction provided therewith
A sunshade assembly includes opposed longitudinal edges and opposed transversal edges. The longitudinal edges are adapted to be guided in non parallel guide rails. The sunshade assembly comprises a flexible screen, said screen having a transversal edge connected to a beam of the sunshade assembly and having opposed lateral screen parts biased in lateral direction. At least one of the lateral screen parts is configured to adjustably fold around a folding member through an angle of substantially 180° along at least a part of the length of the corresponding longitudinal edge of the sunshade assembly. The invention is useful for several types of sunshade assembly, such as roller screens and sunshade panels.
US08579365B2 Cowl louver support structure for automobile
In an automotive cowl louver support structure, vehicle-widthwise both sides of a cowl louver disposed between a windshield and a hood can be supported by lower portions of right and left rain gutters, and ornamental surfaces of the rain gutters can be continuous with a ornamental surface of the cowl louver. Engaged portions are provided to lower portions of the right and left rain gutters. Engagement portions configured to engage the respective engaged portions are provided to vehicle-widthwise both sides of the cowl louver. Further, the engagement portions of the cowl louver are engaged with the engaged portions of the right and left rain gutters.
US08579359B2 Side skirt system for a trailer
A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below a side wall of the trailer along a length of the trailer. A mounting bracket assembly of the system is coupled to the side skirt wall and is configured to be coupled to a floor assembly of the trailer. The mounting bracket assembly is configured to tilt laterally outwardly and laterally inwardly with respect to a generally vertical axis parallel to the side wall of the trailer.
US08579357B2 Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag
An air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag comprises at least two air deflection elements coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to the rear-facing surface of the vehicle. The air deflection elements are displaceable, preferably in unison, between a retracted position and at least one deployed position, and may be deployed and retracted manually, or remotely with powered assistance, or under microprocessor control. The air deflection elements are preferably arranged above, below and on either side of the rear-facing surface of the vehicle, with at least the latter two air deflection elements having matching configurations. Vehicles equipped with the apparatus, and methods of reducing vehicular air drag using the apparatus, are also disclosed.
US08579356B2 Attachment for air splitter panel
An air splitter panel is attached to a vehicle fascia panel. One of the panels has a plurality of longitudinal extending slots and the other of the panels has a plurality of fastener holes that register with the slots. Fasteners are mounted in each of the holes and extend through the slot registered therewith to attach the panels together while permitting sliding movement of the splitter panel relative to the fascia panel. A yieldable detent acts between the fastener and the one of the panels with the slot to block the sliding movement of the splitter panel until a force applied upon the splitter panel overcomes the yieldable detent to permit the sliding movement of the splitter panel.
US08579353B1 Retractable tarp cover system
A retractable tarp cover for a truck, trailer body or other equipment is adapted to be moved from a retracted position at the front of the truck, trailer body or other equipment to an extended position at the rear of the truck, trailer body or other equipment by means of a rodless cylinder at each side thereof. The tarp is also movable from its extended position to a retracted position.
US08579344B2 Carrier for a box
A carrier comprising an elongated flexible portion comprising a base having a first side and a second side, a first pair of arms extending from the first side of the base, a second pair of arms extending from the second side of the base, the first pair of arms being joined to a first end portion having a central area, the second pair of arms being joined to a second end portion having a central area, a first strip portion having a first end and a second end; the first end of the first strip portion being detachably connected to the first side of the base, and the second end of the first strip portion being connected to the first end portion, a second strip portion having a first end and a second end; the first end of the second strip portion being detachably connected to the second side of the base, and the second end of the second strip portion being connected to the second end portion.
US08579342B2 Consumer post hole digger
This invention provides a post hole digger having a first, traverse pivot point, located on the lower section of two handle members, and a second, blade assembly pivot point located at the medial point of the blade assemblies. Because the first pivot point is a traverse pivot point, the handle members are only required to travel through a limited range of motion. Additionally, the second, blade assembly pivot point is preferably an offset pivot point. Thus, because the second, blade assembly pivot point is disposed at a medial point the blade assemblies, the motion of the handle members, which are coupled to the upper ends of the blade assemblies, is reversed relative to the lower ends of the blade members.
US08579339B2 Structure for outside door handle of vehicles
An outside handle assembly of a vehicle door includes an escutcheon disposed in the outer panel of the vehicle door, a handle body disposed at a vehicular outer side of the escutcheon, a first protection bracket disposed at the vehicular inner side of the escutcheon, the first protection bracket comprising an engaging hole configured to receive a key cylinder, and a second protection bracket disposed at the vehicular inner side of the escutcheon to cover a periphery of the key cylinder, wherein the second protection bracket is coupled to the inner panel of the vehicle door and comprises at least one support contacting the first protection bracket, and wherein the second protection bracket is arranged to receive an impact load exerted upon the first protection bracket toward the vehicular inner side.
US08579336B2 Fastening structure for portable electronic device
A fastening structure for portable electronic device includes a cover, a main body and a latching member. The cover includes a hook. The main body defines a receiving cavity. The latching member is attached to the main body. The latching member includes a locking portion received in the receiving cavity. The cover is locked on the main body by engagement between the hook and the locking portion.
US08579335B2 Coupling structure for absorption refrigeration circuit
A coupling structure for an absorption refrigeration circuit includes a gasket held between two coupling members. The gasket has a protruding part that elastically deforms when clamped between adjoining faces of the two coupling members.
US08579320B2 Folding tool stand
A folding tool stand includes a platform connected to a base frame. The platform is pivotally and slidingly connected at a first side thereof to the base frame and is pivotally connected at a second side thereof to links that are pivotally connected to the base frame. A leg support is pivotally connected to the base frame. A locking device is provided to maintain the platform in an extended position. In the collapsed position, the platform is guided by the links to be positioned along the base frame. In the extended position, the links guide and support the platform in a position spaced from the base frame. In an alternate embodiment, a driving device is used to provide support to the second side of the platform during expanding and collapsing of the folding tool stand.
US08579314B2 Removable mud flap assembly and methods of use
A removable mud flap assembly adapted to rapid and facile removal of a flap member from a wheeled vehicle or trailer is described. The removable mud flap assembly includes a bracket assembly having a fixed structure affixed to the vehicle or trailer, and a removable structure affixed to the flap member. The removable structure securely engages the fixed structure to form an intact bracket assembly, and is adapted to readily disengage from the fixed structure, thereby enabling the flap member to be quickly and easily removed from the vehicle. The flap member is typically, but not necessarily, removed from the vehicle by one person in a few seconds, without the use of tools.
US08579302B2 Versatile material handling system
A material handling system is disclosed, having at least one solid rectangular storage container for liquid or solid items; a pallet upon which the container sits; and a transporter which is adapted to move the container from the pallet. The pallet has a structure to permit both movement of the pallet and the container and movement of the container independent of the pallet. The transporter with the container can be moved safely and easily using human power.
US08579301B2 Articulated two-piece snowboard with rigid, flexible connector
A two-piece snowboard includes an improved bottom shape and connector. The bottom surface of each snowboard section facilitates three primary functions: riding in a straight line, turning, and stopping. The bottom surfaces are concave or substantially flat, and grooves or ribs are provided along bottom edges of the sections to provide for turning and/or braking. Thus placed, the grooves and/or ribs do not interfere with straight line riding. The connector is somewhat stiff, and resists twisting. An example of a suitable connector is a length of reinforced hydraulic hose. The connector allows both vertical and horizontal flexing to facilitate riding over irregular terrain, while resisting twisting between sections to facilitate control. In one embodiment, the two-piece snowboard is constructed from sandwiching upper platforms provided by a donor snowboard between a connector assembly and bottom platforms according to the present invention.
US08579295B2 Game machine and game method
A game machine is provided with a target, a CRT, a card reader and a cash-box on a front face. A player inserts his own ID card into the card reader. The CRT displays information concerning a game and has a function of a game display when a game adopting darts is executed. A target is both a target hit by an arrow and also a tool by which players obtain points, areas or numerals by arrow throwing. A button is provided on the game machine for “Player Change” of the darts, which is used as an operation input switch for a control unit.
US08579294B2 Emergency stopping system for track mounted movable bullet targets and target trolleys
An emergency stopping system for track mounted movable targets used divergent cables to stop a target trolley which has not been otherwise stopped before coming to the end of a track. As the trolley passes over the diverging cables, the cables are forced together, causing the trolley to dissipate kinetic energy.
US08579293B1 Animal roping system
The current inventive technology is generally directed to an improved animal roping form representing an improved training system applicable to various animal roping activities. Some embodiments of the inventive technology may include, for example, an animal form (2), a tractable leg element (3), a joint element (4) and a resilient torsion control joint connection (5) that may facilitate the tension coupling of the leg element (s0 to said animal form to more realistically mimic a live animal movement and resistance. In addition, some embodiments may include support attachment element (6) coordinated with a support element (8) allowing, for example such animal form to be suspended or conveyed to approximate animal movement to create a realistic roping training system. Further embodiments may have a knee joint (16) to more fully replicate the anatomical movements of a real animal leg joint.
US08579291B2 Graduation game
A board game is provided for a plurality of players comprising a game board including an innermost circle, a plurality of identical player domains, one for each player, a plurality of level regions, an aggregate of aggregated numbers of blank spaces defined in each of the player domains, and indicia for designating the level regions, and for identifying the player domains. The game further includes randomizing means including a plurality of dice having color coded surfaces, symbols, and/or graphic indicia imprinted thereon, question and answer cards indicating varying degrees of difficulty corresponding to the level regions, and a dice cup. Players roll the dice and ask and answer questions in turn to be first to earn an aggregate of first game pieces and place a second game piece on the innermost circle to end the game.
US08579288B2 Game pieces for math game and method thereof
The invention features a game container including double sided tokens with math expressions on each side. The tokens are placed in a bubble pop machine which can be activated to eject the tokens. Players attempt to catch the ejected tokens in bubble pop bags. The players must then attempt to correctly match the tokens to a master pad, by placing a token with an expression on a space containing the equation matching said expression. The player that catches the most tokens and correctly matches them to the master pad is declared the winner of the game. Scrolls and an equation pad with equations are provided for players to refer to if the players need help or want to check their solutions before matching the tokens to the master pad. An electronic version presents virtual problems for the player to solve, awarding points for correctly answering math problems.
US08579287B1 High speed rotary nip diverter
A media velocity decoupling device is part of a rotary nip diverter assembly and includes a one-way clutch connected to a drive roller of a rotary nip diverter gate. The one-way clutched drive roller allows for realignment of the rotary nip diverter gate during media transfer to a downstream nip while the media is captured in both the rotary nip diverter gate and the downstream nip without media slippage or stretching occurring.
US08579286B2 Image recording device
An image recording device that makes it possible to accurately position images on the front and reverse surfaces of a recording medium even when there is an error in length in the direction of conveyance of the recording medium. The image recording device is equipped with a paper supply part, a paper discharge part, a table movement mechanism, which moves ten tables disposed at regular intervals along a circulation path, an image recording part, which records an image on printing paper on top of the table that is moved by this table movement mechanism, an inversion part, which inverts the printing paper, and a transport mechanism, which transports the printing paper inverted by the inversion part to the paper supply part.
US08579280B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus can include an image forming member that forms an image on a sheet, an ejecting transport member that can transport the sheet in first and second directions, and a switching unit. The guide member can move to a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. At the first predetermined position, the guide member can apply a pushing force to the sheet. At the second predetermined position, the guide member can either apply a smaller pushing force to the sheet than at the first predetermined position, or provide a clearance between the guide member and the sheet. The switching unit can switch the guide member into the first and second predetermined positions based on the sheet transporting direction of the ejecting transport member.
US08579276B2 Multi-function peripheral with limiting structure
A multi-function peripheral having an automatic document feeding device (ADF) suited for being configured in a body of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a first and second power sources to drive the ADF to transmit a paper in or out of the body. The ADF includes a limiting structure, a swinging member and a blocking member. The first and second power sources drive the limiting structure and the swinging member to swing respectively. The blocking member has a first end connected to the swinging member and a second end extending toward the limiting structure. When the limiting structure is at a second position and the swinging member swings toward a third position, the second end is trapped into the limiting space. When the limiting structure moves toward a first position and the swinging member swings toward the third position, the second end escapes from the limiting space.
US08579269B2 Engine mount structure
An engine mount structure includes: an engine bracket 1 mounted to an engine; and an anti-vibration device 2 having an outer tube 7 fixed to a vehicle body, an inner tube 6 to which a front end portion of the engine bracket is inserted and fitted, and a rubber elastic body 8 interposed between the outer tube and the inner tube, wherein an engine bracket insertion hole 9 provided to the inner tube is offset from the center L of a mounting portion of the inner tube mounted to the rubber elastic body, toward the engine bracket. Accordingly, the bracket extending from the engine is allowed to have a natural frequency departing as much as possible from a natural frequency of the engine, and simultaneously, a reduction in weight can be achieved.
US08579262B2 Fence and fence base
A fence includes a plurality of bases, each base having a body having a floor, a top wall, side walls and end walls defining an interior chamber; a first projection extending from one of the end walls and having a top wall; and a second projection extending from another one of the end walls and having a bottom wall; wherein the bottom wall of the second projection and the top wall of the first projection are both configured to receive a pole and wherein the first projection of a first base of the bases can overlap the second projection of a second base of the bases when the floor of the first and second bases are resting on a common surface. The fence further includes a plurality of poles, each inserted into and maintained erect by one of the bases; and a mesh fencing material tensioned between the poles.
US08579252B2 Actuator device having an open/close valve
An arrangement in which a valve assembly is provided between the supply air inlet and the magnetic valve that is activated by a position threshold sensor that can be activated by the actuator element and/or a pressure threshold sensor registering the actuating pressure on the magnetic valve and connects the magnetic valve directly to the supply air to increase the availability of the actuator device when the position threshold sensor detects the attaining of a specified operation position of the actuator element or the pressure threshold sensor detects the failure to attain a specified minimum pressure.
US08579249B2 Biasing device for use with actuators of fluid valves
A biasing device for use with a piston actuator of a fluid valve includes a tubular seat member, a tubular retention member, a tubular seat bracket, and a biasing element disposed between an external annular flange of the tubular seat member and an external annular flange of the tubular seat bracket. The tubular retention member is partially disposed within the tubular seat member, the tubular retention member passing through an opening in the inner flange of the tubular seat member. The tubular retention member is partially disposed within the tubular seat bracket, the tubular retention member passing through an opening in the inner flange of the tubular seat bracket. The basing member is seated against the exterior annular flange of the tubular seat member and against the exterior annular flange of the tubular seat bracket.
US08579244B2 Secure equipment transfer system
An equipment transfer device is provided that is transferable from one support to another support. The transport device is formed as a housing that has two spaced apart, generally parallel recesses, which form docking cups that are open to the bottom. Each docking cup is configured to receive a docking cone that is supported on a structure and is capable of moving in generally a vertical direction into engagement or out of engagement with their respective docking cups. A support post is also supported by the housing and protrudes from the upper end thereof as a base to which an equipment support structure is attached. In this manner the transfer device can be transferred from one docking cone to another with minimal handling and virtually no possibility of dislodgement.
US08579235B2 Technique for de-orbiting small debris from the near-earth space environment
System and method for inducing rapid reentry of orbital debris including determining a spatial extent of the orbital debris, and deploying dust to the orbital debris to enhance the drag on the orbital debris. Small objects with perigee above about 900 km where the debris lifetime can be centuries can be targeted for de-orbiting.
US08579234B2 System and method for affixing gateboxes to an aircraft
A system for affixing a gatebox to an aircraft includes a first type of gatebox operable to release material from an aircraft, a second type of gatebox operable to release material from the aircraft, a frame coupled to the aircraft operable to receive a selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox; and a plurality of fastenings operable to secure the selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox to the frame.
US08579230B2 Attachment pylon for aircraft turboshaft engine, comprising rear flaps with mobile incidence
An aircraft engine assembly including a turboshaft engine with a propeller and an attachment pylon intended to be laterally attached on a rear portion of the structure of the aircraft is disclosed. The pylon has an outer surface forming an aerodynamic profile incorporating a trailing edge which is arranged upstream of the propeller of the turboshaft engine. The pylon includes a mobile rear flap at least partially defining the trailing edge and a controller which steers the incidence of the flap according to a law depending on the incidence of the aircraft.
US08579213B2 Single circuit multiple spray cone pressure atomizers
An atomizer includes an atomizer body having a liquid inlet and a spray outlet with a liquid flow circuit defined through the inner atomizer body for fluid communication of liquid from the inlet to the spray outlet. The liquid flow circuit branches into a plurality of sub-circuits. Each sub-circuit is configured to produce a spray cone of atomized liquid issuing from the spray outlet such that the spray cone of each sub-circuit has a different cone angle. The sub-circuits are mechanically separated from one another to limit interaction of liquid in the sub-circuits and thereby produce a distinct and stable spray cone from each sub-circuit over a range of liquid flow rates.
US08579203B1 Electronic magnetic recorded media emulators in magnetic card devices
A card (e.g., a payment card) or device (e.g., a token or phone) is provided with a magnetic emulator having a soft magnetic material whose reluctance is controlled.
US08579200B2 Parallel decoding scheme for an indicia reader
A method for collecting and processing information bearing indicia (IBI) comprising the steps of: converting light reflected off an IBI into IBI signals representative of the IBI; running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a first processor if the IBI is of a first type; and running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a second processor if the IBI is of a second type, wherein the first processor and second processor are configured to run in parallel.
US08579192B1 Banking system controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records
An automated banking machine is part of a banking system that operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. A card account's status is listed in a data store as either blocked or unblocked for use in approving transactions on the account. A requested transaction on an account cannot be carried out by the machine unless the account has an unblocked status. Read card data is sent from the machine to a remote card security computer which can determine the card account status from the data store. If the account is unblocked, then the machine can continue with the requested transaction and seek transaction approval from a transaction host computer associated with the machine.
US08579184B2 Collapsible cardboard box
A collapsible cardboard box including, in an erected state, a back wall, an opposing front wall, a first side wall and an opposing second side wall. In its collapsed state, the box includes a first through hole in the front portion and a second through hole in the back portion. In the collapsed state, the box has been unfolded in such a way that the first and second through holes are in line with each other forming a handle for allowing a person to carry the collapsed box by use of the first and second through holes.
US08579183B2 Lid assembly for shipping container
A container for storage and shipping of objects includes a lid assembly having two configurations and an open-top box. In the first configuration the container can be loaded with objects for storage or collection while limiting physical and visual access to the contents of the box and in the second configuration, the container is sealed for shipping. The lid assembly contains side flaps which may be used to stabilize the lid assembly in the first configuration, and in the second configuration, secure the lid assembly to the open-top box. Preferably, the container is formed from one contiguous blank. The blank is preferably made of corrugated cardboard but may be formed from any substantially rigid material.
US08579182B2 Method for providing an inerting gas during soldering
Described herein is an apparatus and method for providing an inerting gas during the application of soldering to a work piece. In one aspect, there is provided an enclosure for providing an inerting gas into an atmosphere above a solder reservoir during soldering of a work piece comprising: a tube in fluid communication with an inerting gas source wherein the tube comprises one or more openings for the flow of the inerting gas therethrough, a base wherein the tube resides in therein and comprises an interior volume, a neck comprising an opening and an interior volume in fluid communication with the interior volume of the base, and a cap proximal to the opening wherein the inerting gas source travels through the tube into the interior volume and into the atmosphere through the opening defined by the neck and cap.
US08579181B2 Method of forming an internal structure in a hollow component
A method of forming an internal structure in a hollow component that includes the steps of forming an assembly having first, second, and third plates the first and second plates each with a substantially planar surface and a surface that includes at least one protrusion and is on the exterior facing surfaces of the assembly. The third plate is sandwiched between the first and second plates. The method also includes the steps of selectively bonding portions of the third plate to sections of the first and second plates substantially opposite the at least one protrusions of the first and second plates; and forming the assembly against a die such that the at least one protrusions of the first and second plates are transferred from the exterior facing surfaces to the interior facing surfaces of the first and second plates.
US08579176B2 Surgical stapling and cutting device and method for using the device
A medical device includes a control handle having an articulation joint actuator, a surgical end effector, and a passive articulating joint connecting the end effector to the control handle. The articulation joint actuator, when unactuated, holds the passive articulation joint and, thereby, the end effector, in a substantially fixed articulation position, and, when actuated, releases the passive articulation joint into a freely articulating state to permit free articulation of the end effector with respect to the control handle dependent upon external forces acting upon the end effector. A method for operating the end effector includes retaining the passive articulation joint in a stable position with an articulation lock and actuating a release of the articulation lock to unlock the passive articulation joint and, thereby, permit articulating motion of the end effector through the passive articulation joint dependent upon the external forces acting upon the end effector.
US08579166B2 Device for dosing a metered amount of a powdered product and beverage machine using such a device
The invention concerns a dosing device for dosing a metered amount of a powdered product comprising: —a fixed body (2) made of at least a disc presenting a single pierced aperture (5), —a rotary top disk (1) disposed on the top of the fixed body (2) and presenting a taking out pierced aperture (4), —a rotary bottom disk (3) disposed on the bottom of the fixed body and presenting a discharging pierced aperture (6), —a rotary shaft (7) connecting the bottom disk (1) and the top disk (3), wherein in the stand-by position of the device the metered pierced aperture (5) is empty and closed to the atmosphere. The invention also concerns a beverage preparation apparatus implementing such a dosing device.
US08579163B2 Dental rack and dispenser
A dental rack and dispenser. The dental rack and dispenser can include a toothpaste compartment, the toothpaste compartment further having an openable cover and receiving a toothpaste canister through the openable cover, a toothpaste dispensing mechanism disposed inside the toothpaste compartment and operably coupling to the toothpaste canister, a plurality of openable toothbrush containers, each toothbrush container further having an interior for receiving a toothbrush therein, the interior of each toothbrush container being isolated from the interiors of the other toothbrush containers, and a wall-mountable structure coupled to the toothpaste compartment and the toothbrush containers.
US08579162B2 Enclosure for use with a gravity fed fluid dispensing system
An enclosure for use with a gravity fed fluid dispensing system includes a housing with a base member and a cover member that is movably connected with the base member. The base member and cover member define an interior chamber for receiving a bottle. An actuator is movably connected with the housing and arranged to rotate the bottle within the housing.
US08579154B2 Carton with an improved dispensing feature
A carton with an improved dispenser at one of the carton which preserves the integrity of the carton when the carton is opened by permitting a bottom end flap attached to the bottom panel to remain in place and also a portion of each side end flap that is adjacent to the bottom end flap. This dispenser may also provide a safety net for the first container that is automatically dispensed when the carton is opened.
US08579143B2 Reserve tank
Disclosed is a reserve tank comprising a tank main body that has a plurality of chambers partitioned by partition walls, an inflow port that allows coolant to flow into the tank main body, and an outflow port that allows the coolant to flow out of the tank main body, the plurality of chambers including a first chamber and a second chamber partitioned by the partition walls, and a third chamber that accumulates the coolant that should flow from the inflow port into the first chamber, the first chamber having a first communicating portion formed to allow the coolant to flow into the second chamber, the third chamber having a second communicating portion formed to allow the accumulated coolant to flow into the first chamber, the flow rate of the coolant passing through the second communicating portion being set smaller than the flow rate of the coolant passing through the first communicating portion.
US08579134B2 Package for laundry scent additive
A package for a particulate laundry scent additive.
US08579132B2 Anti-colic baby feeding bottle
An anti-colic baby feeding bottle (10) includes a bottle body (16) having a bottle neck (18), a cap (14) removably fastened to the bottle neck (18), and an elastic teat (12). The teat (12) includes a nipple portion (24) having a fluid-dispensing through-hole (26) and an annular base (28), an annular flange (30) extending radially outward from the annular base (28), a plurality of apertures (32) formed 360° around the annular flange (30), and an annular skirt (40) depending from the annular base (28). The annular skirt (40) is spaced radially inward apart from an inner surface (42) of the bottle neck (18) to define an annular passage (44) having an outer end (46) in air communication with the apertures (32) and an inner end (48) which is normally closed by biasing force of a free end (50) of the annular skirt (40) that presses against the inner surface (42) of the bottle neck (18).
US08579130B2 Fully vented wide rim nursing bottle with single piece vent insert
A nursing bottle formed of a large volume container, incorporating a vent tube that extends to vent pressure at all times. The nursing bottle may have a cylindrical shape or other configuration that prevents formula placed therein from blocking the vent tube regardless of its angular disposition. The vent tube extends distally from the vent insert, operatively associated with a collar, that holds the vent structures and the nipple to the wide rimmed opening. In addition, the vent tube has a conical shape of decreasing diameter distally toward the center of the bottom to dissipate the pressure that may cause leakage from the bottle. Further, the vent insert has a major and minor seal that prevents leaks out of the collar and onto an infant.
US08579127B2 Closet organizer shelving system
Shelves and other load supporting panels are releasably mountable between pairs of uprights by sandwiching the rear ends of the panels between an upper, rear mounting bracket and a lower, forward mounting bracket at each end of the panels. Each pair of upper and lower mounting brackets are mounted to an upright so as to be in opposed facing relation to another pair of upper and lower mounting brackets or an adjacent upright. A protuberance on one mounting bracket of each pairs engages into a corresponding indentation on the panel to prevent the panel being inadvertently slid outwardly horizontally from its position cantilevered from between the uprights.
US08579121B2 Accessory for dishwasher
An accessory for supporting crockery in a dishwasher comprises a generally U-shaped main body having a pair of legs and a connecting portion that connects the pair of legs, at least one of the legs having a free end that is adapted to be releasably attached to a crockery basket in the dishwasher when in an installation position, and a smoothly radiused portion connecting each leg to the connecting portion, wherein the legs are spaced apart in the installation position a sufficient distance to promote stability of the crockery.
US08579119B2 Backwash filter
A backwash filter, in particular for highly viscous media, comprising a filter body (2) provided in a casing (1) and forming a cylinder jacket, wherein the casing (1) and the filter body (2) are rotatable about the axis of the filter body (2) relative to one another and wherein the filter body (2) separates a medium inflow space (14) from a medium outflow space (16), and comprising a flushing agent discharge channel (10) extending along a generatrix of the filter body (2), which flushing agent discharge channel (10) is movable relative to the filter body (2) and can be brought into flow connection with the filter body (2) across the entire length thereof and across the entire circumference thereof, with the formation of a stream of flushing agent flowing into the flushing agent discharge channel (10), is characterized, for increasing the efficiency of backwashing and of the throughput as well as for protection of the filter material, in that the flow connection always occurs only across a portion of the longitudinal extension (20) of a generatrix of the filter body (2).
US08579114B2 Packaging device
There is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention an improved packaging device comprising a plastic casing having a depressed compartment, a plurality of wings extending from the plastic casing and a connector to secure the wings of the plastic casing around the product. Preferably, the improved packaging device also includes a folding hanger that extends from the proximate end of the plastic casing, and is used to display the product.
US08579102B2 Belt cleaning system and method for laser cutting device
A belt cleaning system to clean a conveyor belt carrier surface includes a first cleaning assembly having a cleaning web sub-assembly. The cleaning web sub-assembly includes a supply roller, a take-up roller, a cleaning web and an applicator. The cleaning web extends from a supply of clean cleaning web wound on the supply roller to the take-up roller. The applicator is disposed intermediate the supply roller and the take-up roller to bias the cleaning web into contact with the conveyor belt carrier surface. The belt cleaning system may also include a second cleaning assembly positioned after the first cleaning assembly in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt. The cleaning webs of the first and second cleaning web sub-assemblies may be dry or wetted with a cleaning liquid.
US08579090B2 Electric linear motion actuator and electric brake system
In an electric linear motion actuator for transmitting torque of a rotary shaft (4) to planetary rollers (7) and thus to a linearly driven output member constituted by an outer race member (5), axial movement of a carrier (6) supporting the planetary rollers (7) is restricted, and the outer race member (5) is axially slidably fitted in a radially inner surface of a cylindrical portion (1a) of a housing (1) and is rotationally fixedly coupled to an object to be driven via keys (25) The planetary rollers (7) have their radially inner surfaces rotatably supported on respective support pins (6c) of the carrier (6), and are radially inwardly biased by radial compression ring springs (21) wound around the support pins (6c) so as to envelop the support pins. The planetary rollers (7) are thus pressed against the radially outer surface of the rotary shaft (4).
US08579088B2 Drain plug for carrier assembly
A drain plug for a carrier assembly is used to control fluid flow from a reservoir to a sump. The carrier assembly includes a carrier housing with an internal cavity that houses a gear assembly. The sump is located within the internal cavity to lubricate the gear assembly. The reservoir is separated from the sump by a channel. The drain plug is attached to the carrier housing, and extends into the channel, to provide a fluid flow restriction between the reservoir and the sump.
US08579085B2 Suspended access chair with rescue system
A suspended access chair with a rescue system that may be utilized to access a wind turbine blade while mounted on a tower for purposes such as inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of the blade is provided. The suspended access chair generally includes a chair frame assembly. Upper frame and lower frame assembly rollers are secured to the chair frame assembly and are configured for rolling contact along an edge of the blade. The suspended access chair further includes primary dextral and primary sinistral gripping arms. The gripping arms may be adjusted to conform to the shape of the blade and include rollers configured for rolling contact along a portion of the blade. A hoist is provided to raise and lower the chair along a suspension rope. The rescue system is used to lower the suspended access chair from an elevated position to the ground during emergency situations.
US08579081B2 Remote controlled overhead ladder system
A remote controlled overhead ladder system including a ladder structure having at least a first section and a second section. The ladder structure can be mounted to a support structure located above an opening of the overhead surface, and can include a remote controlled lifting cable connected to the first and second sections such that upon receipt of a remote control signal, the lifting cable pivots the second section toward a front surface of the first section until the second section is oriented adjacent to the front surface of the first section, at which time the lifting cable pivots the first section and the adjacent second section as a group toward the overhead surface until the ladder sections are contained above the overhead surface.
US08579078B2 Acoustic panel for a turbojet engine nacelle, with in-built fasteners
An acoustic panel is provided that includes at least one cellular core arranged between at least an internal skin and an external skin, wherein the external skin incorporates at least one fastener able to collaborate in a disconnectable fashion with a complementary fastener associated with a structure to which it is to be attached.
US08579065B2 Mower with four wheel steering and hydraulic four wheel drive
A mower having a cutting deck for cutting grass has four drive wheels arranged in a square or rectangular configuration on the mower's frame. Four wheel drive and four wheel steering are employed with the drive wheels. The four wheel drive is provided by a hydraulic drive system that employs a pair of identical serial circuits which have their own pumps with each pump serially sending its output through a rear drive motor and a front drive motor that are catty-corner to one another on the frame, i.e. are on opposite sides of the motor. Various flow crossover paths and flow recirculation paths are provided in the serial circuits to ensure the drive motors receive adequate flow in maximum turns of the mower. The flow recirculation paths around a pair of drive motors at one end of the frame are shut off during reverse and during braking so that all drive motors retain hydraulic braking in these conditions.
US08579064B2 Vehicle with electric equipment
A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can include an engine and a head pipe provided ahead of the engine. Electrical equipment provided behind the head pipe and ahead of the engine can be partly exposed by a gap between a down frame and a radiator of the vehicle, enabling the electrical equipment to be cooled by airflow.
US08579063B2 Motorcycle having detachable support members
A motorcycle includes a steering head, a steering assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, at least one longitudinal frame member extending rearwardly from the steering head, and a rear frame member coupled to the longitudinal frame member. The rear frame member includes a mounting portion having a mounting surface, and first and second walls extending from the mounting surface at an oblique angle to the mounting surface. The motorcycle also includes a support coupled to the rear frame member. The support includes a coupling portion having a coupling surface, and first and second walls extending from the coupling surface at an oblique angle to the coupling surface. The first and second walls of the mounting portion are wedged against the first and second walls of the coupling portion, respectively, to substantially prevent rotation of the support with respect to the rear frame member.
US08579057B2 Snow groomer and relative control method
A ski slope snow groomer having a frame; two wheel assemblies on opposite sides of the frame; two tracks wound respectively about the two wheel assemblies; a variable-configuration shock absorber assembly connected to the wheel assemblies and the frame and configured to adjust the wheel assemblies; and a control assembly configured to acquire a signal indicating an operating state of the snow groomer, and to adjust the shock absorber assembly as a function of the operating state signal.
US08579043B2 Battery-powered power tools
It is an object of the invention to provide a technique for bringing a center of gravity of a battery-powered power tool closer to a working axis of a tool bit in the battery-powered power tool.The battery-powered power tool performs an operation by movement of a tool bit 119 in an axial direction of the tool bit. The power tool includes a battery 110, a motor 111 that is driven by power supply from the battery 110, a mechanical arrangement 113, 115, 117 that drives the tool bit 119 by rotative power transmitted from the motor 111, and a tool body 103 that houses the motor 111 and the mechanical arrangement 113, 115, 117 and has a front end region in which the tool bit 119 is disposed. A sum of weights of the motor 111 and the battery 110 is smaller than a weight of the mechanical arrangement 113, 115, 117.
US08579042B2 Battery pack and cordless tool using the same
A battery device is constituted by connecting such cell assemblies in parallel as each includes: a first cell group having a plurality of cells connected in series; a housing container for housing the first cell group; current detector housed in the container for detecting a current to flow through the first cell group; a switching element connected with the first cell group for turning ON/OFF the current to flow through the first cell group; and a controller for controlling the ON/OFF of the switching element in response to the output signal of the current detector.
US08579034B2 Riser tensioner system
A riser tensioner system maintains a tensile force in a riser having an axis and extending from a subsea wellhead assembly through an opening in a floating platform deck. The tensioner includes a plurality of tensioner legs having lower ends mounted to the deck, and upper ends having slots formed therein to receive leg attachment plates having an opening therein through which a tubular support ring passes. A plurality of cylinders extend between the tubular support ring and a tensioner ring and couple to the support ring with cylinder attachment plates through which the tubular support ring passes. An upper end of each cylinder pivots about the mounting point, and a lower end of each cylinder adjustably mounts to the tensioner ring.
US08579032B2 Casing annulus management
A wellbore tubular set concentrically between an inner an and outer annulus has a pressure relief valve that opens when pressure in the outer annulus exceeds pressure in the inner annulus by an amount that can damage the tubular. The relief valve closes and reseats when the pressure differential is reduced to below the damaging threshold. The relief valve can include a spring for reseating the valve. A pressure gauge can be included within the outer annulus for monitoring whether or not the relief valve is operating properly.
US08579025B2 Control screen assembly
Screen assemblies capable of being disposed in a bore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The screen assemblies can support filter mediums and reduce or eliminate plugging by swellable material. One screen assembly includes filter mediums supported by a rigid member located exterior to a portion of a base pipe. The rigid member can include openings through which the filter mediums can be in fluid communication with an inner diameter of the base pipe. Swellable material can be disposed exterior to a second portion of the base pipe adjacent to the rigid member. The filter mediums can be displaced to contact a wellbore and the rigid members can help reduce or prevent plugging of screen assembly openings.
US08579022B2 Apparatus for deploying and activating a downhole tool
An apparatus for deploying and activating a downhole tool activated by an explosive charge such as a drill pipe cutter or hole puncher. The apparatus includes a sealing member with an external wedge-shaped profile that forms a metal-to-metal partial seal with a profile at the top end of a pipe joint in a drill pipe string. The apparatus includes an impact force absorbing device that maintains a firing rod in a non-actuated position during impact of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a differential pressure piston that actuates at a pre-determined well bore pressure to release the firing rod to activate the downhole tool.
US08579020B2 Heat exchanger with concentric tubes
The invention relates to an improved concentric tube heat exchanger. The exchanger comprises a cylindrical tube (1) for circulation of a product provided with a flanged inlet (11) and a flanged outlet (12) of the product; a hollow body (2) concentric internally of the tube (1), in which the exchange fluid circulates, defining internally thereof preferential pathways for an outward and a return run of the exchange fluid and having the inlet and the outlet of the exchange fluid arranged at a same end of and in proximity of an end of the tube; a flanged inlet connector (3) for introducing the product into the tube (1), a flange (3a) of which connects with an inlet flange (11a) of the inlet (11) of the tube; a flanged outlet connector (4) for extracting the product from the tube (1), a flange (4a) of which connects with a flange (12a) of the outlet (12) of the tube; an intermediate flange (5), connected to the end of the hollow body exhibiting the inlet and outlet of the fluid and projecting from the tube (1), which is provided with a passage hole (5c) for the product to be treated and with an inlet mouth (5a) and an outlet mouth (5b) for the exchange fluid connected respectively to the outward and return pathway of the exchange fluid; the passage hole (5c), inlet mouth (5a) and outlet mouth (5b) not being in reciprocal connection.
US08579017B2 Heat dissipation device with multiple heat sinks
An exemplary heat dissipation device includes a connecting plate, a first heat sink, a second heat sink, and a second flattened heat pipe. The first heat sink includes a substrate mounted on a bottom of the connecting plate and a plurality of cylindrical pins inserted in the connecting plate and contacting the substrate. The second heat sink includes a heat spreader and a plurality of rectangular solid fins integrally extending from the heat spreader. The heat spreader engages in the connecting plate. The heat pipe thermally connects the substrate of the first heat sink and the second heat spreader of the second heat sink.
US08579016B2 Heat dissipation device with heat pipe
An exemplary heat dissipation device dissipating heat generated by an electronic element mounted on a printed circuit board includes a supporter, a heat conducting base, a first fin assembly and a heat pipe. The heat conducting base is securely attached to a bottom side of the supporter and thermally contacting the electronic element. The first fin assembly is securely attached to a top side of the supporter. The heat pipe includes an evaporator sandwiched between the supporter and the heat conducting base, and a condenser extending through the supporter and extending in the first fin assembly.
US08579015B2 Insertable dual-pass cooling coils
An insertable, removable cooling coil in a heat exchange unit includes a heat exchange housing and one or more cooling coils in a heat exchange assembly in the housing. The housing is a pre-assembled housing having one or more respective recesses for insertion or removal of each respective cooling coil of the one or more cooling coils therein. Each cooling coil is slidably insertable upon side angle profile supports within the respective recesses of the heat exchange housing.
US08579014B2 Cooling arrangement for conveyors and other applications
A conveyor for moving hot material at temperatures on this order of 1000° F. or higher along a conveyor trough receiving the material has one or more coolant liquid flow vessels extending over but spaced from the outer surface of a trough inner wall to indirectly cause cooling of the inner wall. A heat transfer path is established between a separate coolant flow vessel and the hot trough defined by a packed together mass of heat conductive beads interposed to controllably transfer heat into the coolant liquid flowing through the flow vessel to prevent boiling of the coolant while allowing heat to be transferred from the through into the coolant in the separate flow vessel. The arrangement of a mass of heat conductive beads is also used to provide a non rigid mechanical support of fluid carrying tubing, the support having a predetermined thermal conductivity.
US08579013B2 Casting mold composition with improved detectability for inclusions and method of casting
The present disclosure relates to a titanium-containing article casting mold composition comprising calcium aluminate and an X-ray or Neutron-ray detectable element. Furthermore, present embodiments teach a method for detecting sub-surface ceramic inclusions in a titanium or titanium alloy casting by combining calcium aluminate, an element more radiographically dense than the calcium aluminate, and a liquid to form a slurry; forming a mold having the calcium aluminate and the radiographically dense element from the slurry; introducing a titanium aluminide-containing metal to the radiographically dense element-bearing mold; solidifying said titanium aluminide-containing metal to form an article in the mold; removing the solidified titanium aluminide-containing metal article from said mold; subjecting the solidified titanium aluminide-containing article to radiographic inspection to provide a radiograph; and examining said radiograph for the presence of the radiographically dense element on or in the article.
US08579012B2 Continuous casting apparatus for casting strip of variable width
Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a casting apparatus for continuously casting a metal strip article (e.g. a twin-belt metal caster or a twin-block metal caster). The apparatus has a casting cavity defined between a pair of moving elongated opposed casting surfaces, and the casting cavity has an entrance and an exit aligned in a direction of casting. The casting cavity is also provided with a molten metal injector at its entrance, the injector having an internal metal channel including a downstream opening for introducing molten metal into the casting cavity, and a pair of side dams at each lateral side of the casting cavity for confining molten metal from the injector within the cavity. At least one of the side dams comprises an elongated element that is movable laterally relative to the direction of casting during a casting operation. The elongated element extends in the direction of casting from the injector longitudinally between the casting surfaces at least to a downstream position within the casting cavity where the metal adjacent the element is laterally self-supporting.
US08579011B2 Sunshade device
A sunshade device including: a windup device; a screen attached to the windup device so as to be drawn therefrom and housed therein; a stay attached to a drawing-side edge of the screen and including a pair of connecting end portions; and a pair of arms configured to change a position between a folded position and an extended position through a rotary movement. The pair of arms each include: a pivot base including a one-end-side portion extending toward a vertical frame side in the extended position and the other-end-side portion extending along the vertical frame; and an arm portion connected the other-end-side portion and extending along the vertical frame, and the pair of connecting end portions are each configured so as to extend and retract in a state of being biased in an extending direction along a drawing/housing direction.
US08578996B2 Method and apparatus for producing single yarn-adhered sheet
In order to provide a sheet on which single yarns are densely adhered through a simple producing method and apparatus, and an improved channel with the same material, an apparatus for producing a sheet includes: a sheet supply roll supplying a sheet to a laminating roll; the laminating roll forming single yarns on the sheet supplied from the sheet supply roll; an extruder supplying a thermoplastic resin single yarn in a molten state to the sheet which passes the laminating roll through a nozzle; and a winding roll winding the sheet on which channels are formed by the single yarns attached to the sheet.
US08578991B2 Tire bead geometry
A pneumatic tire has a carcass structure extending through a pair of opposing bead portions and an inner liner located inward of the carcass structure, each bead portion comprising a bead core about which is wrapped the carcass structure and a toeguard. Each bead portion has a bead toe, a bead base, and a bead heel, the bead base extending between the bead toe and the bead heel. The bead heel has a profile corresponding to a sector of an ellipse or approximates a sector of an ellipse by having a dual radius structure. The bead base may have a dual taper configuration. The bead core may be substantially centered in the bead portion, as determined by the material thickness at three locations about the bead core.
US08578989B2 Motor vehicle tire
A motorcycle tire having a transverse curvature ratio f/C≧0.2 and a sidewall height ratio (H−f)/H≦0.7, has a belt structure provided with a belt layer including at least one filiform reinforcing element arranged to form a plurality of windings parallel to one another at a substantially zero angle relative to the equatorial plane of the tire. The available elongation of the belt in an intermediate zone between the equatorial plane, and the shoulder is greater than the available elongation corresponding to the equatorial plane. The aforementioned intermediate zone extends at least in a range centered on a camber angle of ±35°.
US08578988B2 Reduced weight aircraft tire
A pneumatic tire having a carcass and a belt reinforcing structure wherein the belt reinforcing structure is a composite belt structure having at least one radially inner spiral layer and at least one zigzag belt reinforcing structure located radially outward of said spiral layer. The zigzag belt width is preferably wider than the spiral layer.
US08578987B2 Run-flat tire having an additional sidewall reinforcement
A run-flat tire (12) comprising: a crown; two sidewalls (40); two beads (50) each one comprising at least one annular reinforcing structure (60); a carcass reinforcement (71, 72) anchored in each of the beads by wrapping it around the annular reinforcing structure so as to form an incoming portion (711) extending from the crown through the sidewalls towards the bead and a wrapped-around portion (712); and at least one sidewall insert (80); at least one sidewall of the tire further comprising at least one additional sidewall reinforcement (90) positioned axially on the inside of the carcass reinforcement and extending radially at least between a radial height H1 of 30 mm, H1 being measured from the radially innermost point of the annular reinforcing structure; and a radial height H2 equal to 30% of the height H of the tire; and a layer (110) of polymeric composition positioned between the additional sidewall reinforcement and the carcass reinforcement.
US08578978B2 Device for loading particles of catalyst into tubes having an annular zone
A device and method to load particles of catalyst on the order of cm in the principal dimension into an annular zone of reaction tubes which may reach a height of more than 10 meters, while satisfying the strict conditions of homogeneity and density of loading.
US08578970B2 Pressure-compensated accumulator bottle
A pressure-compensated accumulator bottle is provided. In one embodiment, the accumulator bottle includes a housing and an interior wall that generally define first, second, and third chambers within the housing. In this embodiment, a spring is disposed in the second chamber and configured to apply a biasing force on a first piston disposed within the first chamber. Further, in this embodiment, an additional piston is disposed within the third chamber and is configured to facilitate balancing of the pressure of a fluid disposed in the second chamber with the pressure of the external environment such that the magnitude of a second biasing force applied on the first piston by the pressure of the fluid depends at least in part on the pressure of the external environment. Hydraulic circuits and systems including a pressure-compensated accumulator bottle are also disclosed.
US08578966B2 Mixing valve
The present invention relates generally to fluid control valves and, more particularly, to a mixing valve for use within a faucet.
US08578962B2 Connection fitting
The present invention relates to a connection fitting for the connection of a ring with at least one consumer to a storey or rising main branch with inlet and outlet openings (2, 4) which can be connected to the branch and an intervening merge opening (34) for the ring main which is preceded in the flow direction (S) by a cross-section constriction (16). The present invention also relates to a water pipe system with at least one storey or rising main branch to which several ring mains are connected via separation and merge openings and a cross-section constriction provided between the separation and merge openings of the assigned ring main in the branch. The object of the present invention is to specify a connection fitting which leads to improved flow characteristics in the region of the ring main assigned to the connection fitting and to provide a water pipe system which fulfills the practical requirements in an improved manner. With this invention the object is solved by suggesting a connection fitting and a water pipe system of the prior known type, which are characterized in that they comprise means (12, 28) for varying the passage area of the cross-section constriction (V).
US08578961B2 Low profile backwater valve
A low profile backwater valve includes a hollow valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a bottom. A pivoting valve member is pivotally movable between a normally open position along the bottom of the valve body and a closed position sealing the inlet. The valve member has a hinge end, a remote end, and opposed sides. A float is positioned as an appendage along at least one of the opposed sides of the valve member, such that the float adds buoyancy to the valve member causing the valve member to float into the closed position in the presence of a backflow.
US08578958B2 Leak mitigation for pressurized bi-directional systems
A bi-directional pressurized system with devices for and configured to mitigate issues associated with leak and creep phenomena at various stages throughout the system, including valves and controls to distribute a leaked amount of fluid prior to delivery to a pressure-sensitive destination and a pressure relief valve to bring an initial pressure within an acceptable range for distribution to reach a target pressure is disclosed. A startup method for mitigating leakage of the system during a rest phase, including selectively reducing the initial pressure upstream of a pressure-sensitive destination, is disclosed.
US08578953B2 Substrate cleaning apparatus, substrate cleaning method, and computer-readable storage medium
A disclosed substrate cleaning apparatus for cleaning a back surface of a substrate includes a first substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a first area of a back surface of the substrate, the back surface facing down; a second substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a second area of the back surface of the substrate, the second area being separated from the first area; a cleaning liquid supplying portion configured to supply cleaning liquid to the back surface of the substrate; a drying portion configured to dry the second area of the back surface of the substrate; and a cleaning portion configured to clean a third area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the first substrate supporting portion, the third area including the second area, and a fourth area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the second substrate supporting portion, the fourth area excluding the second area of the back surface.
US08578943B2 Metal-containing nanowires prepared using mesoporous molecular sieves as templates, and their use in smoking articles for removing certain gas phase constituents from tobacco smoke
Cut filler compositions, smoking articles such as cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for treating cigarette smoke are provided, which involve the use of metal-containing nanowires. The metal-containing nanowires are capable of removing at least one constituent from tobacco smoke, preferably in a selective manner. The metal-containing nanowires may comprise any suitable metal, metal oxide or mixtures thereof. For example, the metal-containing nanowires comprise at least one transition or lanthanide metal or metal oxide thereof. Exemplary metals or metal oxides thereof include, but are not limited to, iron, copper, zinc, titanium, vanadium, palladium, cobalt, molybdenum and manganese. The metal-containing nanowires may be produced by (i) loading at least one metal-containing composition into a mesoporous molecular sieve substrate via repeated incipient-wetness impregnation followed by stepwise calcination to form said nanowires; and (ii) isolating the nanowires by extracting the mesoporous molecular sieve substrate, e.g., with aqueous NaOH.
US08578942B2 Aerosol generator
An aerosol generator device has an elongate body with an interior passageway extending longitudinally to its mouth end. The device receives an interchangeable, pressurized canister charged with a nicotine containing liquid that is discharged in a metered dose on manual actuation of a button member that causes a valve in the canister to open and discharge through a discharge tube. A sleeve releasably couples the canister to the body. The button member is slidably mounted on the body for reciprocal movement along a trigger axis Y-Y′ extending transversely of the longitudinal axis X-X′ of the device, and has a manually depressible surface portion and a camming surface portion that drives a slidable nozzle member to press the discharge tube inwardly of the canister to open its valve and release liquid into the nozzle member. Nozzle forms an aerosol from the liquid, which is delivered to the consumer through outlets in the mouth end of the device.
US08578936B2 Support for supporting a patient
In order to improve a support (2) for supporting a patient, particularly for surgical procedures in the shoulder region, said support comprising a substantially flat body part (4) and a bowl-shaped head part, said body part (4) comprising a back part (6) and a thorax part (8) tapered in relation thereto, the head part (10) being disposed on said thorax part by means of a transitional region, with the thorax part (8) and the transitional region sloping upwards such that the head part (10) is higher than the back part (6), and with said head part being adapted to the human profile and comprising a removable, inflatable support for adapting the position of the patient to the current positional or treatment requirements, the invention proposes that the transitional region be designed as neck part (12) and also be adapted to the human profile, comprising a removable, inflatable support for adapting the position of the patient to the current positional or treatment requirements.
US08578932B2 Inhaler and a method of operating it
A Breath Actuated Inhaler having a canister with a medication dispensed when compressing the canister. Compression of the canister is prevented by a mechanism only allowing compression when an air flow is sufficient to ensure dispensing of the medication in the lungs/throat of the person. No latch or blocking mechanism is provided so that any force exerted by the person is, at all times, directed to the canister or preventing mechanism so that when no force is exerted by the user, no force is exerted in the inhaler. Prolonged exertion of such force could otherwise cause dimension changes and subsequent uncertainty of the dose size.
US08578924B2 Exhaust baffle for kitchen appliance
An exhaust baffle is provided for a domestic appliance. The exhaust baffle includes a support bracket having two tabs, the tabs being configured to slide into engagement with slots formed in the base of the domestic appliance, two support elements, each of the support elements extending from one of the tabs at an angle and having a bearing surface, and a bridging element that extends from the two support elements at an angle, the bridging element connecting the two support elements; a baffle top having a hot gas directing portion that rests on the bearing surfaces of the support bracket and an opening that receives the bridging element; and a baffle bottom having a substantially flat member, the baffle bottom holding the support bracket in the slots when the baffle bottom is in an operating position.
US08578922B1 Automatic airgun method and apparatus
Example embodiments of an automatic airgun method and apparatus which enable automatic and/or semi-automatic projectile propulsion. Embodiments may be implemented with selective-fire, variable rate-of-fire, and/or variable velocity projectiles. Embodiments may employ any suitable propellant that can achieve or be caused to achieve a fluid state above ambient pressure. Some variations and alternatives are described.
US08578921B2 Method and apparatus for channeling air line inside of paintball assembly having a transfer rod
A paintball assembly capable of channeling air line or pipe inside of the paintball assembly using a transfer rod is disclosed. The assembly includes a main valve, an air pipe, a bolt, a hammer, and a U-shaped rod. While the main valve is configured to propel a paintball utilizing pressurized gas, the air pipe supplies and channels the pressurized gas to the main valve. The bolt guides or pushes the paintball into a firing chamber, and the hammer manages or controls the main valve for propelling the paintball upon pulling of the trigger. The U-shaped rod is used to synchronize the movement of the bolt and the hammer. In one embodiment, the U-shaped rod is configured in such a way that at least a portion of the U-shaped rod is structured around the air pipe to reduce contact with the air pipe.
US08578917B2 Slip clutch
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a bowstring drawing mechanism for drawing and controllably releasing a crossbow bowstring comprises a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism protects the bowstring drawing mechanism from damage caused by over-cranking and allows the user to controllably release the bowstring from the drawn position.
US08578911B2 Multi-layer piezoelectric element, and injection device and fuel injection system using the same
Provided is a highly durable multi-layer piezoelectric element wherein an external electrode has less possibilities of being peeled off from a side face of a stacked body even when the element is continuously driven for a long period of time in a high electrical field under high pressure. In a multi-layer piezoelectric element (1), a void (2) is formed in a joining interface between a side face of a stacked body (7) wherein piezoelectric layers (3) and internal electrode layers (5) are alternately laminated and an external electrode (9) joined to the side face. Since stress generated in the joining interface between the side face of the stacked body (7) and the external electrode (9) during driving can be reduced by the void (2), there are less possibilities of having the external electrode (9) peeled off from the side face of the stacked body (7) even when the element is continuously driven for a long period of time.
US08578909B2 Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine. An object of the present invention is to provide a control device for an international combustion engine for highly accurate absolute pressure correction irrespective of the length of an adiabatic compression stroke period. When the number of cylinders in an engine is n (n is an integer of 2 or more), an adiabatic compression stroke period of one cylinder preceding another cylinder to be corrected into its absolute pressure by a 1/n cycle (ignition timing —IVC) is compared with a threshold CATH (step 100). In the step 100, the absolute pressure correction is carried out based on PVκ=constant when the adiabatic compression stroke period is longer than the threshold CATH (step 110). On the other hand, the absolute pressure correction is carried out based on a value PIP detected by an intake pipe pressure sensor when the adiabatic compression stroke period is shorter than the threshold CATH.
US08578908B2 Dual-rotor engine
A dual-rotor engine comprises a cylinder assembly, a transmission output mechanism, a rotor control mechanism and a lubrication system. The cylinder assembly comprises a tubular cylinder (6) and two rotors (1a, 1b). Each of the rotors (1a, 1b) comprises an inner cylindrical cylinder (99a, 99b), a rotor journal (20a, 20b) integrated with the inner cylindrical cylinder (99a, 99b) and two sector pistons (17a, 17b) symmetrically secured to the inner cylindrical cylinder (99a, 99b); four sector pistons (17a, 17b) of two rotors (1a, 1b) are arranged crosswise to each other, and two adjacent sector pistons (17a, 17b) form a combustion chamber. The transmission output mechanism comprises two rotor gears (2a, 2b) and two driving gears (3a, 3b) which engaged with each other respectively. Each rotor gear (2a, 2b) has two symmetrical toothless portions (24) on its periphery; the length and the shape of the toothless portions (24) are the same with those of the portions where the rotor gears (2a, 2b) engage with the driving gears (3a, 3b); the teeth numbers of two toothed segments of the rotor gears (2a, 2b) are equal and the teeth profiles at the start positions of two toothed segments are the same. The rotor control mechanism controls the interval rotation, the stop rotation, the rotating time and the stopping time of two rotors (1a, 1b) to ensure a uniform and smooth power output.
US08578907B2 Internal combustion engine with variable flow rate oil pump apparatus, and motorcycle incorporating same
An internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft, a variable flow rate oil pump apparatus including oil pumps having a drive shaft thereof operatively connected with the crankshaft, and a rod-shaped oil passage switching valve operatively connected with the oil pumps. The oil passage switching valve and the drive shaft of the oil pumps are arranged such that axial directions thereof are parallel to an axial direction of the crankshaft. Also, the oil pumps and the oil passage switching valve are disposed so as to overlap each other in the axial direction of the crankshaft. With such configuration of the engine, the effect on various components around the pump can be reduced, while downsizing the oil pump and the engine.
US08578904B2 Device and method for starting engine
An engine starting method in a parallel-type hybrid vehicle comprises a motor reverse rotation driving step of applying reverse rotation current to drivingly rotate a motor output shaft in a reverse rotation direction of an engine output shaft whereby an elastic member in a damper is elastically deformed to store an urging force that urges the motor output shaft in a normal rotation direction; an urged normal rotation step of stopping the electrification to release the urging force having been stored at the motor reverse rotation driving step whereby the motor output shaft is rotated in the normal rotation direction; a motor normal rotation driving step of applying normal rotation current to drivingly rotate the motor output shaft in the normal rotation direction; and an engine start igniting step of igniting an engine with the engine output shaft being rotated by the rotation at the motor normal rotation driving step.
US08578902B2 Corona ignition with self-tuning power amplifier
A power amplifier circuit that has an inductor and capacitor connected to one end of the output winding of an RF transformer. The other end of the output winding is connected to a resistor that in turn is connected to ground. The transformer has two primary windings. Both primary windings have one end connected to a variable DC voltage supply. The other end of each primary winding is attached to a switch, such as a MOSFET. All three windings are wound around a core. Current flowing from the DC voltage supply to the switches causes a magnetic flux in the core. A voltage is generated on the secondary winding resistor. This voltage is fed back to the switches, controlling on and off timing. In this way the need to measure and record natural frequency is eliminated.
US08578897B2 Valve system
A valve system for providing closing force to one or more valves of an engine is provided. In one example, the system comprises a first tappet bore in fluid communication with a second tappet bore via a bidirectional oil passage. The system may provide valve closing forces to assist in the closing of valves coupled to the tappet bores, lowering required valve spring forces.
US08578889B2 Specimen alignment and head holding system for imaging machines
A laboratory specimen, such as a mouse or rat, can be accurately and repeatedly imaged in an imaging machine, such as an MRI machine, when securely positioned on a specimen support bed. The support bed includes contours and accessories for centering a specimen on the support bed. One or more bite bars coact with a head clamp to accurately fix a specimen's head in the same position time after time.
US08578885B2 Animal waste disposal apparatus
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the disposal of animal waste, and is particularly concerned with providing a solution that is economical, hygienic, and environmentally sound. This invention may be used domestically in two main varying ways: in a configuration whereby the invention connects into any access point of a domestic sanitary sewer system, or via an in-line configuration whereby the invention is incorporated into any standard waste downpipe. This invention may be used commercially in a public setting whereby the invention is incorporated into a ‘vending’ machine, allowing limited access for use by varying limited access means and methods.
US08578881B2 Arrangement for gripping at least one teat cup
A gripping arrangement is provided including a storing device (10) adapted to hold a teat cup (1) in a parked position and a gripping device (2) adapted to grip the parked teat cup (1) in the storing device (10). The gripping device (2) includes a contact surface (6a) which is adapted to be moved to a position in which it comes in contact with a contact surface (1d) of the teat cup (1) during a gripping operation of the teat cup (1). The arrangement includes an adjusting part which is able to adjust the position of at least one of the contact surfaces (1d, 6a) in relation to the other contact surface (1d, 6a) from an initial contact position to a grip position in which the gripping device is able to grip the teat cup in the storing device.
US08578878B2 Control system for can coating
A can coating machine control system includes a coating control signal that functions as a go/no-go signal based on a plurality of monitored conditions such as can in position, vacuum pressure, gun in position, guard in position and speed condition. Local pressure regulation of the coating material in the spray gun is provided along with optional control of the material temperature. Local pressure regulation allows for optional spray weight control based on a wrap number derived from speed and gun spray-durations. A CAN to CAN network buffer is provided as well for primary network isolation. A gun control circuit may be used to select specific gun drive signals and to adjust gun drive signals based on real-time feedback of the actual spray duration.
US08578877B2 Spin coater, temperature controlling method of the same, optical disc production apparatus, and optical disc production method
The present invention provides a spin coater including a rotation table that rotatably holds the disc substrate, a spin-cup that surrounds the outer circumference of a disc substrate held on the rotation table, a dripping unit configured to drip an ultraviolet-curable resin composition onto the surface of the disc substrate, a rotating unit configured to rotate the disc substrate via the rotation table to spread the ultraviolet-curable resin composition over the surface of the disc substrate, a heating unit configured to heat the ultraviolet-curable resin composition on the disc substrate, and a temperature controlling unit configured to control a reaching temperature of the spin cup which is increased by the heating unit each time the ultraviolet-curable resin composition is spread, so as to be constant over multiple spin coating processes.
US08578869B2 Bottle furnace
A method and apparatus to batch de-coat the organics in metal scrap, and/or gasify the organics from certain types of waste material (including biomass, municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and sludge). The apparatus is suited for use on a batch tilting single entry rotary furnace of the type used to melt the metal scrap in the aluminum industry. The apparatus uses a burner in the tilting rotary furnace but does not necessarily melt the metal scrap. It preferably operates below the melting temperature of the metal scrap (<1400 F) and below the stoichiometric level (more specifically <12% oxygen) to partially combust the organic in the tilting rotary furnace. The gasified organics depart the furnace in a complete closed circuit where no air is allowed to entrain into the flue gases. These organic filled gases (synthetic gases) are fully incinerated in a separate thermal oxidizer where a stoichiometric burner uses either natural gas or liquid fuel to ignite the synthetic gas. The system can identify when the organics are fully gasified, and the metal scrap is fully clean.
US08578864B2 Removable attachment bar for a flip-top table
Disclosed is a removable attachment bar for a flip-top table that includes multiple tracks on which objects table top supports, storage containers, and other items may be mounted. While maintaining the benefits of standard flip-top tables, attachment bar also achieves many benefits including improved table rigidity and additional locations to secure attachments to the table.
US08578863B2 Table with nesting table top
A table may be sized and configured to nest with another table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table may include a table top with a receiving portion disposed at least proximate an intersection of an upper surface and a sidewall. The table top may also include a lip and a lower portion of the lip may include a contact surface that is sized and configured to contact an upper surface of an adjacent, nested table. The lower portion of the lip may also include an engaging portion that is sized and configured to be disposed in a receiving portion of an adjacent, nested table. The contact surface and the engaging portion may be directly adjacent to each other in the lower portion of the lip.
US08578856B2 Partial decomposition projectile with a double core
The decomposition of a projectile in a target body, particularly a hunting projectile in wild animals after penetration therein, determines the energy output of the projectile and thereby the effect of the shot. For projectiles with double cores, the properties of the ingredients used in the cores decisively affect the decomposition and particularly the deformation behavior of the cores. According to the invention, a partial decomposition projectile comprising two cores is provided with one solid core (3) made of a material suited to said projectile and the other core (4;22) is divided up into two areas (4a,4b;22a;22b), whereby one area (4a;22a) is made of ball-shaped elements made of a metal material granulate (5;23) and the second area (4b;22b) is made of a metal or ceramic powder and the ball-shaped elements or granulates (5;23) are pressed to become free of shrink holes, in order to improve decomposition behavior control.
US08578854B2 Curing of photo-curable printing plates using a light tunnel of mirrored walls and having a polygonal cross-section like a kaleidoscope
An apparatus, a method, and a plate made by the method, e.g., using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a light tunnel of light reflective walls with polygonal cross-section like a kaleidoscope, and a light source, located at one end to produce light radiation to the inside of the light tunnel towards the other end. Light entering the light tunnel towards an inner reflective surface of a wall is reflected off the inner reflective surface so that it can emerge from the other end to cure a plate having photo-curable material thereon.
US08578843B2 Domestic appliance including a treatment chamber that can be closed by a door and a filling device
A household appliance includes a treatment chamber having an opening. The opening of the treatment chamber is configured to be closed by a door. The opening of the treatment chamber is bounded by at least one frame member. An external container is configured to hold at least one of an operating fluid or an operating powder. A filling device is disposed on the at least one frame member and in fluid connection with the external container. The filling device is configured to introduce, in an operating mode of the household appliance, at least one of an operating fluid and an operating powder to the treatment chamber, either treated or untreated. The filling device includes a filling device opening.
US08578841B2 Encrusting machine
An encrusting machine is revealed. The encrusting machine mainly includes a power source disposed on a power unit of a machine body. A force output end of the power source is disposed with a first drive belt for driving a cut unit and a second drive belt for driving a food receiving unit. A plurality of cutting blades is mounted in a cutting opening on a middle part of a cut-off base of the cut unit. The blades are controlled by the power unit and vertical movement of the cut-off base is also controlled by the power unit. In the food receiving unit, a toggle set on a cam is used to control vertical movement of a catch basin on top of a push set. The structure is simplified so that the machine is with reduced cost, easy assembly, reduced failure rate reduced, convenient maintenance and high practicality.
US08578837B1 Pressure unloading valve to cushion a pneumatic cylinder
The pressure in the downstream side of a pneumatic cylinder's piston (1g) is allowed to exhaust. At a certain point, the downstream exhaust is blocked, causing the pressure to rise against the downstream side of the piston. A valve (5) opens when the downstream chamber has reached its maximum pressure. The output of valve (5) opens a second valve (3). Valve (3) rapidly exhausts the remaining air on the downstream side of the piston (1p). With no air on the downstream side of piston (1p), piston (1p) stops and does not bounce back. Changing the volume of inactive regions (1m) or (1n) sets the stopping point to coincide with the end of stroke of piston (1p). A check valve (4) and orifice (6a) allow the air in the pilot port in valve (3) to slowly bleed out, resetting valve (3) for the next cycle.
US08578815B2 Switch for vehicle
A switch for a vehicle includes: a first operating member provided on a mounting surface of the vehicle, the first operating member being operable by tilting; and a plurality of projections provided on the first operating member, the projections being operable by pushing, wherein the first operating member is shaped line symmetrically so that a central part of the first operating member is dented most; and the projection projects forward with respect to the central part of the first operating member, and the projection is uplifted along an outer wall part of the first operating member.
US08578810B2 Jointed link structures exhibiting preferential bending, and related methods
In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present teachings, a surgical device can include a first pair of articulably coupled links, a second pair of articulably coupled links, and a tension member coupled to the first pair of links and the second pair of links such that altering tension in the tension member exerts a force tending to articulate the first pair of links and the second pair of links so as to bend the first pair of links and the second pair of links. The surgical device can be configured such that the first pair of links has a lower resistance to bending than the second pair of links upon altering the tension in the tension member.
US08578807B2 High speed gear sized and configured to reduce windage loss
A gear and drive system utilizing the gear include teeth. Each of the teeth has a first side and a second side opposite the first side that extends from a body of the gear. For each tooth of the gear, a first extended portion is attached to the first side of the tooth to divert flow of fluid adjacent to the body of the gear to reduce windage losses that occur when the gear rotates. The gear may be utilized in drive systems that may have high rotational speeds, such as speeds where the tip velocities are greater than or equal to about 68 m/s. Some embodiments of the gear may also utilize teeth that also have second extended portions attached to the second sides of the teeth to divert flow of fluid adjacent to the body of the gear to reduce windage losses that occur when the gear rotates.
US08578806B2 Parallel gear unit for a gearbox for a wind turbine
A parallel gear unit (20) for a gearbox (30) for a wind turbine includes at least a low speed shaft (21) and a high speed shaft (22), each shaft (21, 22) having a gear (23, 25) with helical teeth, the gears (23, 25) of each shaft (21, 22) being adapted for meshing with each other. The low speed shaft (21) is rotatably supported by roller bearings (24a) and the high speed shaft (22) is rotatably supported by sliding bearings (24b). A gearbox (30) including the parallel gear unit (20) and a wind turbine including such a gearbox (30) are described.
US08578798B2 Probe system for measuring a measured variable of fluid contained in a process container, especially for sterile applications
A probe system for measuring a measured variable of a fluid, comprising: A probe body, which is connectable to the process container by means of a process connection; axially shiftable in a guiding passageway of the probe body between a measuring position and at least two different treatment positions; an immersion tube, which has a protective cylinder on its front end immersible in the fluid; a measuring probe held in the immersion tube, having a measuring head, wherein the measuring head is arranged within a region of the protective cylinder having openings; a first treatment chamber formed between the guiding passageway and the immersion tube; a second treatment chamber formed between the guiding passageway and the immersion tube and adjoining the first treatment chamber on a side of the first treatment chamber facing away from the process connection; and a seal arranged between the first and second treatment chambers, wherein the immersion tube has a first section with a first outer diameter and a second section adjoining the first section and having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, so that, through axial shifting of the immersion tube, the seal arranged between the first and second treatment chambers can be opened.
US08578796B2 High volume sampling front end collection device
A device for sampling surfaces for the presence of compounds is provided, including a housing having a proximal end adapted to receive it negative pressure gradient and a distal end adapted to contact the surfaces; a heating element spaced from the distal end; a primary filter spaced from the heating element; and a secondary filter spaced from the primary filter, the secondary filter removably received by the housing. Also provided is as method for sampling a surface for the presence of compounds, the method including contacting the surface to dislodge the compounds from the surface; capturing first fractions of the compounds with a primary filter while allowing second fractions of the compounds to pass through the primary filter; heating the primary filter to volatilize the first fractions; capturing the volatized first fractions and the second fractions with a secondary filter; and analyzing the secondary filter to identify the compounds.
US08578790B2 Apparatus for measurement of ducted air
Apparatus for measurement of airflow in a duct is described. The apparatus combines a Pitot tube, sensing apparatus, control apparatus, a display, control switches and a handle into a unitary structure that is holdable with a single hand while performing obtaining measurement data.
US08578786B2 Measuring arrangement with an optical sensor
A measuring arrangement for determining a chemical and/or physical, measured variable-especially a volume flow and/or mass flow-of a measured material flowing through a pipeline, wherein the measuring arrangement comprises a measuring transducer, wherein the measuring transducer includes at least one optical waveguide, which serves for producing, registering and/or transmitting measurement signals, and wherein the registering of the measuring signals in the optical waveguide occurs by means of a Fabry-Pérot sensor.
US08578779B2 Inspection device
An ultrasound scanner (100) which has a plurality of ultrasound transducers (104) directed normal to a scanning surface (106) to scan a workpiece (114), the scanner (100) comprising a couplant filled latex rubber sheath (106) shaped to the surface of a workpiece (114).
US08578772B2 Device and method for monitoring of rotating machine elements
A rotating machine element is monitored for displacements using co-rotating sensors for acceleration, rotation or the direction of gravitation. In doing so, the sensor data are received by a, likewise, co-rotating electronic unit. The data can also be stored and further processed in this electronic unit.
US08578764B2 Self-retaining target assembly
A sensor target assembly is provided for a body having an axial bore. The sensor target assembly includes a polymeric alignment positioning cylinder for insertion into the bore. Target material is provided which is mounted to the alignment positioning cylinder. The alignment cylinder can optionally have annular barbs.
US08578758B2 Gas sensor and method for production thereof
A gas sensor is provided. The gas sensor includes a gas-sensitive layer which changes in its characteristic properties upon contact with a detectable gas. The gas-sensitive layer has as the main sensitive part, a polycrystalline layer composed of a large number of uniform nano-size microcrystal grains which join together in the planar direction.
US08578753B2 Impact test fixture with simulated centrifugal force
A test apparatus for a rotor blade of a rotor includes at least one guide rail located in proximity to the rotor blade and at least one bearing secured to the rotor blade radially outboard of the at least one guide rail. The at least one bearing is in operable communication with a radially outboard surface of the at least one guide rail to be translatable thereon. At least one force applicator is in operable communication with the at least one guide rail and is configured to exert a force radially outwardly on the at least one guide rail. The force is transferred to the rotor blade via the at least one bearing and simulates a centrifugal force on the rotor blade. Further disclosed is a method for securing a rotor blade of a rotor in a test fixture.
US08578747B2 Metal sheets and plates having friction-reducing textured surfaces and methods of manufacturing same
Metal sheets and plates having friction-reducing textured surfaces and methods of manufacturing these metal sheets and plates are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, there is provided a transportation vessel that includes at least one metal product having at least one surface that is substantially grooved, wherein the substantially grooved surface forms a riblet topography, the riblet topography including a multiplicity of adjacent permanently rolled longitudinal riblets running along at least a part of the surface, and wherein the riblet topography is coated with at least one coating sufficiently designed and applied to preserve the riblet topography. In an embodiment, the multiplicity of adjacent permanently rolled longitudinal riblets results in a friction-reducing textured surface. In an embodiment, metal product is used in fabricating at least a portion of an aircraft. In an embodiment, metal product is used in fabricating at least a portion of a rotor blade.
US08578735B2 Jewelry article
A jewelry piece is formed with a jewelry body made of epoxy material, defining an outer surface and cast in the shape of a piece of jewelry in the form of a ring, pendant, earring, brooch, bracelet, anklet, necklace, and the like. The epoxy has a material density approximating that of gold and the decorative metal layer made of precious metal is affixed to the outer surface of the jewelry body in a thickness greater than 0.125 μm. The decorative body may be surface mounted to the jewelry or it may be inlaid or affixed in other similar fashion.
US08578730B2 Refrigerator ice and liquid dispenser incorporating imaging system
A safety system for an ice and liquid dispenser of a refrigerator is used to sense the presence of human skin in a dispensing well. The safety system includes a digital image capture device focused on a dispenser well for capturing images of objects, such as hands, in the dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device. The digital image analyzer evaluates the digital images captured by the digital image capture device to determine if human skin color is detected in the image of the object in the dispensing well. If human skin color is detected, thus indicating a hand in the dispensing area, any dispensing operation will be prevented and an alert will be provided.
US08578723B2 Air-conditioning system control apparatus
An air-conditioning system control apparatus for controlling an air-conditioning system of a vehicle equipped with a motive power engine, having: a device for determining whether there is a history of a load that has been applied to a compressor, operated by the output of the motive power engine, equal to or greater than a threshold, during operation of the air-conditioning system; a device for carrying out initial operation process of the air-conditioning system if the load history determination device determines that there is a history of a load equal to or greater than the threshold has been applied to the compressor; and a device for carrying out liquid accumulation resolution process when liquefaction of a refrigerant occurs in the compressor only if the load history determination device determines that there is no history of a load equal to or greater than the threshold has been applied to the compressor.
US08578719B2 Bleed assembly
A noise reduction device 40, for example for use in a bleed assembly 30 of a gas turbine engine, comprises partitions 50, 52 forming cells 54 having apertures 56, 58, 60 which provide contractions and sudden expansions of flow passing through the device. The apertures 56, 58, 60 are disposed relative to each other so as to force the flow to change direction within the cells 54 to break up jets of gas issuing from the apertures 56, 58, 60. Webs 62, 64, 66 may be provided adjacent the apertures 56, 58, 60 to direct flow and to assist in generating turbulence.
US08578716B2 Valve system for a gas turbine engine
A valve system intermediate a secondary flow path and a primary flow path to selectively communicate secondary airflow into the primary gas flow path and control airflow injected from a higher pressure plenum into a lower pressure flowpath.
US08578704B2 Assembly and method for reducing nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in exhausts of internal combustion engines
An assembly and method for reducing nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in exhausts of internal combustion engines, wherein the exhaust is acted upon in a first stage catalytic converter. A first portion of the first stage catalytic converter output is cooled and a second portion of the catalytic converter output is not cooled. The cooled and not cooled exhausts are united and directed to a second stage catalytic converter. Air is injected into a selected one of (1) the not cooled exhaust prior to the juncture thereof with the cooled exhaust, and (2) the combined cooled and not cooled exhausts after the juncture thereof.
US08578699B2 Control system for turbojet engine nacelle
The invention relates to a turbojet engine nacelle that includes a power supply source (113) for a system for actuating and controlling a thrust reverser device (121), and for a system for actuating and controlling a variable nozzle device (120), characterised in that the power supply can be switched between a first position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the thrust reverser device, and a second position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the variable nozzle device, wherein the switching is carried out under the action of a control output from a computer (103) capable of receiving a thrust reverser opening control (100).
US08578695B1 Methods and designs for increasing efficiency in engines
An efficient thermal engine is disclosed. In some embodiments, a remainder of energy remaining after an expansion cycle is used to power a subsequent compression cycle. In other embodiments, novel configurations for a larger expansion volume than compression volume are provided. In addition, work of compression may be reduced in a compression cycle, and recovered in an expansion cycle.
US08578690B2 Haymaking machine provided with a hitching device with an inclined pivoting axis
An agricultural haymaking machine intended to be hitched to the lower arms of a tractor comprises a frame supported on the ground by wheels and at least one work device connected to the frame, the frame being in its front part in pivoting connection with a hitching device configured to be connected to the two lower arms, the center of gravity of the machine being situated between the wheels and the hitching device. According to the invention, the projection of the axis of the pivoting connection, on a plane which is substantially vertical and substantially parallel to the direction of advance, has an inclination towards the direction of advance following a direction of the ground upward.
US08578685B2 Apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package
An apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package, comprises: a film unwind station for unwinding a web of flexible film from a roll of film includes: a folding station for folding the web into a pair of opposing walls; a strip unwind station for unwinding a strip of semi-rigid material from a roll of material and positioning the strip between the pair of opposing walls of the web; a metal buffer plate insertable between the strip and one of the opposing walls of the web; sealing stations, separating stations and filling stations.
US08578682B2 Rotating multi-clipper packaging systems
Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide one or more of the following: improved rotary table or platform packaging systems, improved adhesive (glue) based film seal systems, and/or easier loading or releasing mounting systems of horns, forming collars and/or sprockets.
US08578672B2 Intumescent backer rod
A backer rod adapted for forming a fire-resistant seal within a construction joint. The backer rod may include an elongated tube defining a total assembly volume and a hollow interior, and a core disposed within the hollow interior. The tube is formed of a combustible foam plastic which disintegrates when exposed to fire. The core material is expandable when exposed to fire, such that the core has an intumescent expansion factor sufficient to expand to a volume beyond the total assembly volume. The backer rod may be press fit into a void between two surfaces to a depth. A sealant layer may be formed within the void. When exposed to fire on a side opposite the sealant layer, the external shell disintegrates, the core expands within the void in a direction away from the sealant layer, and a fire-resistant barrier is formed within the void between the surfaces.
US08578671B2 Pressure plate assembly for curtain wall panels
The pressure plate assembly is used for securing curtain wall panels. The pressure plate assembly includes an elongated base member and an elongated stiffening member. At least a portion of the interior main face of the stiffening member is removably engagable against a corresponding mating surface on the exterior main face of the base member. The stiffening member is made of a material having a mechanical stress resistance higher than that of the material of the base member. At least one longitudinally-extending thermal insulation chamber is provided within a space located between the interior main face of the base member and the interior main face of the stiffening member.
US08578662B1 Window well enclosure with attachable steps
A window well enclosure including a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall that engage each other. At least one step is attachable to the window well enclosure using a channel formed in at least one of the front wall, the first side wall and the second side wall.
US08578650B2 Greenhouse
The present invention relates to a greenhouse comprising outside walls provided with translucent surfaces (2) such that light may be received into the greenhouse (3) from at least two geographical directions, a roof structure (7) and a roof (6) provided with an insulating material portion. The invention is characterized in that the outside walls, in connection with the translucent surfaces (2), are provided with a light reflecting yard structure which resides below the translucent surfaces (2), above a ground surface (50), and extending away from the outside wall. The greenhouse (3) may further comprise vertically positioned light reflecting surface elements (40) and light reflecting shade elements (44) movable in a direction parallel with the transparent surfaces (2).
US08578644B1 Light and accessory mount for a weapon system
A light and accessory mount having a mounting bracket for attaching to a weapon mount, the mounting bracket having a proximal side and a distal side, the proximal side of the mounting bracket having one or more mounting holes for connecting the mounting bracket to the weapon mount with mounting fasteners and one or more lugs to engage bosses on the weapon mount; the distal side of the mounting bracket having one or more attachment holes and one of more bosses for attaching a channel assembly to the mounting bracket; the channel assembly including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having one or more attachment points for attaching the channel assembly to the mounting bracket with one or more attachment fasteners and one or more lugs to engage bosses on the distal end of the mounting bracket; and the distal end of the channel assembly having one or more rails for attaching devices.
US08578640B1 License plate frame with removable elements
A license plate frame that allows for removable coupling of elements to the license plate frame. The license plate frame may include four borders that each include an outer frame lip and an inner frame lip extending outwardly from a rear surface of the license plate frame. The inner frame lip may include a plurality of equally sized notches adjacent one another. A removable element that includes a pin and a channel is removably coupled to the license plate frame by placing the pin within one of the plurality of notches and placing a portion of the outer frame lip within the channel of the removable element. The removable element may be moved by lifting the pin out of the notch and sliding the outer frame lip through the channel of the removable element before inserting the pin into a different notch.
US08578639B2 Fabric press
An apparatus to press the collar of a shirt may include a base member with a first press surface, where the base is configured in the shape of a U and a lid member including a second press surface, where the lid member is configured generally in the shape of a U, where the lid member is hingedly attached to the base member, and wherein the second press surface is substantially complementary to the first press surface. In an open position, the first press surface is configured to receive a turndown style collar of shirt and in the closed position, the second press surface is configured to fit over and press the turndown style collar of the shirt.
US08578630B2 Cushioning sole for shoe
A sole in accordance with the present invention may include a sole for attachment to an outside of a shoe. Moreover, a sole of the present invention may include a sole for insertion within an inner cavity formed by an upper of a shoe. In exemplary aspects the sole includes a base and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the base and integrally constructed with the base. Protrusions may include a side extending at an angle from the base. In addition, protrusions may include a side extending near perpendicular from the base. A plurality of protrusions may be arranged at ball portions of the sole. In addition, a plurality of protrusions may be arranged at a heel portion of the sole.
US08578628B2 Milling and drying apparatus incorporating a cyclone
A cyclone comprising: an upper cylindrical portion which opens into the wider end of a lower frusto-conical portion, with the longitudinal axes of said upper and lower portions aligned and substantially vertical; a primary air inlet into the cyclone arranged such that the inlet air is substantially tangential to the circumference of the cyclone; an exhaust outlet at or adjacent the top of the cylindrical portion; a control valve associated with said exhaust outlet and capable of partially or completely shutting off said exhaust outlet; a secondary air inlet associated with the narrow end of the frusto-conical portion and provided with an airflow stabilizing device which is adapted to admit a stream of air substantially along or spirally around the longitudinal axis of the cyclone; means for removing processed product from the cyclone; means for moving said airflow stabilizing device into and out of the narrow end of the frusto-conical portion during product processing and/or between product processing.
US08578625B2 Wood drying
A process for removing water and solutes from the lumens of green wood, while leaving the cell walls throughout the wood uniformly fully swollen, comprises subjecting the green wood to supercritical carbon dioxide.
US08578617B2 Eyeglass frame shape measurement apparatus
An apparatus for measuring a shape of an eyeglass frame, includes: a tracing stylus to detect a position of the rim in a moving radius direction and in a vertical, a tracing stylus shaft for the tracing stylus, a holding unit movably holding the tracing stylus shaft and including a pressure applying element for pressing a tip end of the tracing stylus to the rim, a moving unit for moving the holding unit, a rotating unit for rotating the holding unit around an axis along a vertical direction; a moving radius position detection unit configured to detect a position of the tracing stylus; and a controller configured to obtain a rotating angle of the rotating unit and a position of the holding unit in the moving radius direction at a next measurement position, and control the rotating unit and the moving unit.
US08578613B2 Safety knife with curved guard
A safety knife for ophthalmic surgical procedures has handle to which a blade holder is attached at one end, holding a pre-installed surgical blade. A blade guard is extended and retracted responsive to the movement of an actuator button on the handle. The blade assumes a curved shape as it is extended, to shape itself about and protect the blade. When the guard is retracted it straightens to allow it to slide into the handle, exposing the blade for use.
US08578611B2 Apparatus for manufacturing hydro dynamic bearing device
An apparatus for manufacturing a hydro dynamic bearing device is provided for the finishing treatment of lubricating oil after lubricating the hydro dynamic bearing device, specifically for properly and effectively wiping off the lubricating oil adhering to the outside of the housing and adjusting the oil-level height of the lubricating oil filled in the housing.
US08578607B2 Method of designing spokes of non-pneumatic tire
Disclosed herein is a method of designing spokes of a non-pneumatic tire which randomly arranges spokes around a circumference to optimize noise dispersion. The method of designing spokes of a non-pneumatic tire includes placing a plurality of spokes (2) holding and supporting a tread (1) to be radially installed around a circumference of the tire on a circular spoke support (3) under the tread (1) to be in contact with the ground, wherein the spokes (2) are arranged at three angles on the circular spoke support (3) around the circumference of the tire, the three angles being divided into a small angle (a), a medium angle (b) and a large angle (c), and the spokes (2) are arranged at irregular angles under a condition that a ratio (q) of the large angle (c) to the small angle (a) is greater than a ratio (p) of the medium angle (b) to the small angle (a).
US08578605B2 Manufacturing method of a heat dissipation device with guiding lines and soldered heat pipes
An exemplary method of manufacturing a heat dissipation device includes, firstly, providing a heat pipe including a condenser section having a planar outer surface, and providing a heat sink including a supporting surface defining a guiding line. The guiding line has a width smaller than a width of the outer surface of the condenser section. Next, an amount solder is spread on the supporting surface along the guiding line to form a solder layer on the supporting surface. The solder layer has a size not larger than a size of the outer surface of the condenser section. Then the outer surface of condenser section of the heat pipe is attached to the solder layer on the supporting surface of the heat sink.
US08578591B2 Method for manufacturing a stacked device conductive path connectivity
Various embodiments include apparatus and methods having circuitry to test continuity of conductive paths coupled to dice arranged in a stack. In at least one of these embodiments, a method includes electrically coupling each of the conductive paths to at least one of a first supply node and a second supply node. One of the conductive paths includes conductive material inside a via that can extend at least partly through a die among the dice in the stack. The method also includes receiving signals from the conductive paths, and determining continuity of the conductive paths based on the signals without using a boundary scan.
US08578586B2 Power generation assemblies, and apparatus for use therewith
A floating power generation assembly comprises at least three floating units (900) floating on a body of water, and at least three anchors (916) secured to a solid surface beneath the body of water, each of the floating units (900) being provided with a power generator, the floating units (900) being arranged substantially at the vertices of at least one equilateral triangle. Ship-borne apparatus for deploying the floating units of such a power generation assembly and a novel multiple wind turbine assembly are also described.
US08578580B2 Quality control method and manufacturing method for pipe
According to the present invention, penetrators can be adequately determined as flaws. In particular, a welded zone of a pipe is subjected to ultrasonic flaw detection at least in a pipe axial direction, and the quality of the pipe is evaluated using observed values in units of a predetermined area in a pipe thickness direction and the pipe axial direction. The length of one side of the predetermined area is an ultrasound beam width or more and a pipe thickness or less. The quality of the pipe can be evaluated while shifting the predetermined area in the pipe axial direction by using an average value of the observed values within the predetermined area. The length of one side of the predetermined area can be made an ultrasound beam width or more and a pipe thickness or less.
US08578570B1 Silencer patch for hook-and loop closure system
A silencer patch including a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a set of hook-and-loop-type fasteners disposed on the first surface of the body, wherein the set of hook-and-loop-type fasteners includes either a plurality of hooks or a plurality of loops and is configured to releasably secure the first surface of the body to a corresponding set of hook-and-loop-type fasteners disposed on a first separate body; and an alternative fastener disposed on the body and configured to releasably secure the second surface of the body to a corresponding alternative fastener disposed on a second separate body, wherein the alternative fastener is not a hook-and-loop-type fastener.
US08578565B2 Tightenable clamping device, suitable for application in tie wraps
A clamping device (1) is adapted to receive and retain a portion (21) of a strip (20), and to actively tighten itself around the strip portion (21) under the influence of a pulling force. This is functioning in such a way that the higher the pulling force, the higher the force with which pushing parts (31) of the clamping device (1) are pushed. This results in a firm clamping connection. On the basis of this functioning, the clamping device (1) can be embodied in a form which has an open side, while maintaining a high capacity of withstanding loads. This results in the advantageous property that the strip (20) can be placed in and removed from the clamping device (1) in a sideward direction. This allows for detachment and reuse, and increases speed and convenience of use. The strip (20) does not need to be inserted in a closed shape. Various other applications than in a tie wrap (10) are possible for the clamping device (1), including applications in tension belts.
US08578562B2 Weight assembly for a hose of a faucet
A weight assembly for a faucet being fixed on a hose and contains a body including an open groove with a first opening, a vertical height of the groove being slightly more that a diameter of the hose, a horizontal depth of the groove along a Y-axis direction being larger than the diameter of the hose; the body including a hole, an upper receiving seat, and a lower receiving seat; a first retaining member received in the hole, the upper and the lower receiving seats, and including an open locking recess with a second opening; the locking recess including a concavely arcuate defining fence; a vertical height of the second opening on the Z-axis direction being equal to or more than the vertical height of the groove; a second retaining member used to screw with a top end of the first retaining member.
US08578558B2 Hinge support
A hinge support includes a brace, a trestle, and a positioning device. The brace includes a base wall and a first side wall, a second side wall, and a positioning wall that extend from the base wall. The first side wall has a first sloped surface, and the second side wall has a second sloped surface. The trestle includes a top wall and a third side wall, a fourth side wall, and a support wall that extend from the top wall. The third side wall has a third sloped surface, and the fourth side wall has a fourth sloped surface. The positioning device is supported by the support wall and positioned to abut the positioning wall to mount the trestle to the brace. The third sloped surface slides along the first sloped surface and the fourth sloped surface slides along the second sloped surface under control of the positioning device.
US08578553B2 Sound shield for a surface cleaning apparatus
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and includes an air treatment member. A suction motor may be provided in the air flow path. A suction motor housing sidewall may comprise a plurality of openings provided in a first side thereof. An outer housing may comprise a longitudinally extending outer housing sidewall having an outer housing air outlet. At least a portion of the suction motor housing that has the plurality of openings is located in the outer housing and spaced from the longitudinally extending outer housing sidewall to define a passage between the outer housing and the suction motor housing. The outer housing air outlet may be angularly spaced around the outer housing with respect to the first side of the suction motor housing.
US08578545B2 Customizable disposable mop
A customizable, disposable mop and method for customizing a disposable mop to have different floor contacting surface properties is disclosed. The mop (10) includes a floor contacting surface area (26) having a length and width and floor contacting surface properties. The outer layer (24) of the mop (10) has two or more partitions in covering relation over an inner layer (22). One or more of the outer layer partitions (28, 30, 32) is selectably separable along a seam from covering relation over the inner layer (22) or over two or more respective partitions (34, 36, 38) in the inner layer (22). The outer layer (24) and inner layer (22) partitions have a selectable mopping characteristic for customizing the properties of the floor contacting surface area (26) of the mop (10).
US08578543B2 Squeegee having at least one renewable blade surface for treating a target surface
A device for treating a target surface, such as occurs when cleaning a window. The device has plural squeegee blades joined by a head. The head has a slot therethrough. A sheet may be longitudinally move over one or more than one of the blades to renew its surface before, during or after use. Each squeegee blade may have a dedicated sheet. The sheet(s) may travel through the slot to originate from or be stored within the head.
US08578537B2 Partially prefabricated structural concrete beam
A structural concrete beam, and method therefor, comprising a prefabricated structural concrete portion and a poured-in-place structural concrete portion, wherein said poured-in-place portion comprises at least ten percent of the total weight of said structural concrete beam. Reinforcing extends from the prefabricated portion to the poured-in-place portion. In a preferred embodiment, the structural concrete beam is an “inverted-T” beam, and the prefabricated structural concrete portion comprises the lower corbel portion of the beam, and the poured-in-place structural concrete portion comprises the remaining upper stem portion of the beam.
US08578524B2 Cover lifter
Various aspects are directed to a spa cover lifter for lifting a spa cover comprising a first section and a second section pivotably coupled to the first section at a hinge interface. The lifter may comprise a first frame member, a second frame member, a drive system and a first cable. The first frame member may be coupled to the first section of the spa cover. The second frame member may be coupled to the second section of the spa cover, and the first and second frame members may be coupled to one another about the hinge interface. The first cable may extend from the drive mechanism to the first frame member.
US08578519B2 Surgical glove appliance device
A protective barrier, such as a medical examination glove is provided that includes a bracelet defining a plane with a cylinder attached to the bracelet at a first end. The cylinder is compressed into a compressed conformation in the plane without rolling about the bracelet. When the barrier is a glove, three fenestrated caps are provided, each such cap attached to the cylinder at different locations along the length of the cylinder when said first cylinder is in an extended conformation. Multiple finger cylinders are each attached to the cylinder at a location of a fenestrated cap, the finger cylinders each having an end cap. The first cylinder and the finger cylinders each compressed into a compressed conformation in the plane such that each of the caps forms a portion of the surface of the plane.
US08578517B2 Athletic garment
In several embodiments, an athletic garment is designed to store energy when a weight or load is lowered in order to assist the wearer to subsequently raise the load. In some embodiments, the garment provides seams which are curved in order to twist the garment fabric and thereby store energy therein. In one shirt embodiment, the sleeves extend perpendicularly forward of the torso and then converge toward a centerline of the shirt. In a second shirt embodiment, the sleeves extend perpendicularly forward of the torso for their entire length. In a weight lifter's suit embodiment, the curved seams extends from an armhole of a torso section to a location under the buttocks of the lifter. In another shirt embodiment, the arms extend forwardly of a vertical plane when the wearer is lying on the back in preparation for an arching bench press movement.
US08578512B2 Siped wetsuit
A wetsuit for aquatic activities is disclosed below. The wetsuit includes a base layer and a backing layer. The base layer may be formed from a thermal insulation material, for example, and the base layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The backing layer is secured to the first surface of the base layer, and the backing layer has less stretch than the base layer. In addition, the wetsuit includes a plurality of sipes extending through at least the backing layer.
US08584260B2 Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium having stored therein information processing program
A storage medium includes an ID registration area for storing therein a main body ID which is an ID unique to an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus has the main body ID stored therein. The information processing apparatus includes copying means for, when the storage medium is attached thereto, copying a program stored in the storage medium thereinto in the case where the main body ID has not yet been registered. When the copy is made, the main body ID is stored into the ID registration area of the storage medium. The information processing apparatus also includes execution program selecting means for selecting, from the copied program and from the program stored in the storage medium, a program to be executed.
US08584259B2 Digital content distribution and protection
Embodiments provide a system for content distribution and protection. The system first receives an order from a user for a protected document. In response to a successful user authentication, the system generates an access code for the user to access the protected document. In response to a received user reading request, the system validates the access code for a reading session. The system then transfers a set of URLs for accessing a set of pages and associated metadata in the protected document to the user. The set of URLs are valid for a period of time. Responsive to a request for reading a next set of pages, the system again validates the access code for the session and transfers another set of URLs for accessing the next set of pages. The system also logs user activities related to the protected document.
US08584248B2 Transforming untrusted applications into trusted executables through static previrtualization
A method for transforming untrusted applications into trusted executables through static previrtualization is disclosed. For example, the method receives an untrusted application and extracts a system call from the untrusted application. The method then determines if the system call is privileged or non-privileged. If the system call is privileged, the method replaces the system call with a hypercall. If the system call is non-privileged, it is replaced with a library call. The method repeats this process for additional system calls in the untrusted application to create a trusted executable. The method then forwards the trusted executable.
US08584239B2 Virtual machine with dynamic data flow analysis
A suspicious activity capture system can comprise a tap configured to copy network data from a communication network, and a controller coupled to the tap. The controller is configured to receive the copy of the network data from the tap, analyze the copy of the network data with a heuristic to determine if the network data is suspicious, flag the network data as suspicious based on the heuristic determination, and concurrently simulate transmission of the network data to a plurality of destination devices.
US08584238B1 Method and apparatus for identifying data patterns in a file
A method and apparatus for identifying data patterns of a file are described herein. In one embodiment, an exemplary process includes, but is not limited to, receiving a data packet of a data stream containing a file segment of a file originated from an external host and destined to a protected host of a local area network (LAN), the file being transmitted via multiple file segments contained in multiple data packets of the data stream, and performing a data pattern analysis on the received data packet to determine whether the received data packet contains a predetermined data pattern, without waiting for a remainder of the data stream to arrive. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08584233B1 Providing malware-free web content to end users using dynamic templates
Providing malware-free web content to a user is disclosed. The web content is any type of web content that may potentially be infected by any type of malware. Upon receiving a request for a piece of web content from the user, the requested piece of web content is obtained from the appropriate source, and a dynamic template for the piece of web content is retrieved. The dynamic template indicates whether the requested piece of web content includes any malware and what actions are to be performed if any malware is included in the piece of web content. The requested piece of web content is cleaned up by performing the actions indicated in the dynamic template. Thereafter, the piece of web content is provided to the user. The dynamic template is updated from time to time based on the currently available information regarding the piece of web content.
US08584228B1 Packet authentication and encryption in virtual networks
Systems and methods provide logic for distributing cryptographic keys in a physical network comprising a plurality of physical nodes. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided for distributing cryptographic keys in a physical network. The method includes receiving information mapping a virtual network address of a virtual node to a physical network address of a physical node. The virtual node may be associated with a virtual network hosted by the physical node, and the received mapping information identifies a virtual network address of the node and the physical network address of the node. The mapping service transmits a current version of a cryptographic key and an identifier of the current version to the physical node.
US08584227B2 Firewall with policy hints
A firewall helps a user make a decision regarding network access for an application executing on a computing device by providing “hints” to the user about an appropriate network access policy. If at least one previously set firewall policy for the application exists in a context different from a current context, the user may be presented with information based on a previously set firewall policy. The information may be prioritized based on a source of the previously set firewall policy and other factors, to provide the user with a hint that facilitates making the decision appropriate in the current context. A programming interface to the firewall allows third party applications to specify a format in which hints are provided to the user.
US08584224B1 Ticket based strong authentication with web service
A system for authenticating a user to a relying party. A user sends an access request to a relying party web application. In response, the application sends a page with JavaScript that detects a plug-in at the user and detects the relying party domain. The plug-in uses its device certificate or other pre-established credentials to sign a challenge along with other site and user information including the site domain, the authentication service URL and user identifier, and send it, along with the data including the domain and the user identifier, to an authentication service. The service authenticates the information and sends back to the plug-in a short ticket that can be passed on to the relying party, which can validate it using the Radius protocol and an authentication service call, thereby authenticating the user.
US08584218B2 Disconnected credential validation using pre-fetched service tickets
One or more user service tickets are obtained (i.e. pre-fetched) from an authentication server and stored in a ticket cache. The user service tickets facilitate a login device communicating with one or more users or group members associated with the login device. Login credentials for the users or group members may be subsequently authenticated against the user service tickets within the ticket cache thereby eliminating the need for immediate access to the authentication server or a previous login session by the users or group members. The user service tickets within the ticket cache may be refreshed as needed. In one embodiment, the user service tickets are refreshed daily and also in response to login attempts if the authentication service is readily accessible.
US08584216B1 Systems and methods for efficiently deploying updates within a cryptographic-key management system
A computer-implemented method for efficiently deploying cryptographic key updates may include (1) receiving a request for subscribed cryptographic key material from a client device that includes information that identifies both the client device and cryptographic key material currently possessed by the client device, (2) automatically identifying the client device's subscribed cryptographic key material, (3) determining, by comparing the information received from the client device with the client device's subscribed cryptographic key material, that the cryptographic key material currently possessed by the client device does not match the client device's subscribed cryptographic key material, and (4) deploying at least one update to the client device that causes the client device to update the cryptographic key material currently possessed by the client device to match the client device's subscribed cryptographic key material. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08584213B2 Automated encryption and password protection for downloaded documents
A method receives a user login from a user. The method grants, to the user, access to a user account of the user maintained by a computerized document management system based on the user login. The computerized document management system is accessible to a plurality of users. The method receives a request from the user to provide a requested document and the method determines whether the requested document should be password protected. If the requested document should be password protected, the method generates a unique password for the requested document. The unique password is unique to the user and is based upon information contained within the user account by the computerized document management system. Again, if the requested document should be password protected, the method adds the unique password to the requested document to generate a password-protected document and sends the password-protected document to the first user.
US08584209B1 Authentication using a proxy network node
A method includes detecting a presence of a device on a network associated with a node, where the node is not connected to an authentication server and is configured to communicate with the device using a data link layer authentication protocol; communicating, with another node, using a data link layer tunneling protocol, to authenticate the device as a result of detecting the presence of the device, where the other node communicates with the authentication server, using a network layer authentication protocol, that enables the other node to receive an authentication notification associated with the device; receiving, from the other node, the authentication notification that indicates that the device has been authenticated, where the authentication notification is received using the data link layer tunneling protocol; and sending, to the device, an indication that the device is authorized to communicate with the network, where the sending includes establishing an authentication session that enables the device to communicate with the network.
US08584204B2 Techniques for authenticated posture reporting and associated enforcement of network access
Architectures and techniques that allow a firmware agent to operate as a tamper-resistant agent on a host platform that may be used as a trusted policy enforcement point (PEP) on the host platform to enforce policies even when the host operating system is compromised. The PEP may be used to open access control and/or remediation channels on the host platform. The firmware agent may also act as a local policy decision point (PDP) on the host platform in accordance with an authorized enterprise PDP entity by providing policies if a host trust agent is non-responsive and may function as a passive agent when the host trust agent is functional.
US08584203B2 Identifier authenticating system
There is provided an identifier authenticating system in which information requesting users can share all predetermined information held in a plurality of information providing servers. In the identifier authenticating system, when an identifier holding user 18 presents an identifier to an information requesting server 16, the information requesting server 16 asks a location managing server 14 about a location of an information providing server 15; the location managing server 14 returns a confirmed IP address of the information providing server 15 to the information requesting server 16 based on the location information; and the information requesting server 16 uses the confirmed IP address to access the information providing server 15 corresponding to the confirmed IP address and receives predetermined information specified by multiplying n pieces of identification information from the accessed information providing server.
US08584192B2 Upstream bandwidth conditioning device
An upstream bandwidth conditioning device is provided that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system on a premise of a user. The device includes a tunable low pass filter, a tunable high pass filter connected in series with the tunable low pass filter, and at least one voltage control unit. The voltage control unit is configured to adjust each of the tunable low pass filter and the tunable high pass filter between at least a first intermediate frequency range having a first width and a second intermediate frequency range having a second width. The first width differs in size from the second width.
US08584189B2 System and method for emergency communications through a set-top box
A system and method for sending an emergency communication from a set-top box. A user and location of the user is associated with the set-top box. An indicator of an emergency is received through the set-top box. The user and the location associated with the set-top box are determined in response to receiving the indicator. A database returns the user and the location utilizing an identifier of the set-top box. An emergency communication is sent indicating the location through a media network in communication with the set-top box.
US08584188B2 System and method for displaying call status on TV
Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for displaying, among other things, call status information associated with one or more communication devices on a television. In one embodiment, an integrated set top box is disclosed that includes a memory component for storing computer executable instructions; a data storage unit for storing data associated with at least one monitored communication device; a communication interface in communication with a cable head end for receiving communication data associated with the monitored communication device and television media content; a decoder for decoding the television media content; and a processing unit for executing the computer executable instructions to generate a user interface using the communication data to depict a call status associated with the monitored communication device on a television couple to the set top box.
US08584182B2 System and method for providing broadcast programming, a virtual VCR, and a video scrapbook to programming subscribers
A system is disclosed for providing broadcast programming to subscriber locations including an intermediate video supplier, subscriber location equipment and one or more video sources. The intermediate video supplier includes a video buffer and a video server that processes received subscriber requests and retrieves, according to the subscriber requests, either of currently broadcast programming or broadcast programming previously buffered in the video buffer by the video server. The subscriber location equipment includes a remote control and a local control unit that transmits the subscriber requests to the video server via one or more data links and receives, from the video server, either of the currently broadcast programming or the previously buffered broadcast programming for display on a local video display via the data link. A subscriber may initiate a restart command with a single action via the remote control to restart a currently viewed program from the beginning for viewing the entire program on the local video display even if the currently viewed program was joined in progress.
US08584181B2 Multimedia channel sharing across access network boundaries
An initiating viewer identifies a multimedia channel and submits a request to share the multimedia channel with at least one recipient viewer at another viewer premises. This request is processed by the multimedia receiver of the initiating viewer so as to generate a channel change request for submission to a service provider. In response to the channel share request, the service provider queries the recipient viewer to determine whether the recipient viewer accepts or rejects the offered multimedia channel. If the recipient viewer accepts the multimedia channel, the multimedia channel can be provided to the multimedia receiver of the recipient viewer either for storage for later playback or for immediate playback concurrent with the provision of the multimedia channel to the initiating viewer. Billing for costs associated with the shared multimedia channel is conducted based on billing feedback provided by the initiating viewer.
US08584180B2 Method to enable cooperative processing and resource sharing between set-top boxes, personal computers, and local devices
A system and method for resource sharing are provided. The method includes storing an electronic programming guide (EPG) application and an EPG, determining when local memory of a local video device lacks capacity to download additional time of the EPG, and communicating with another device to transmit a resource request to the other device to download the additional time of the EPG to storage in the other device. The method also includes processing for display monitoring data that indicates remaining storage space in the storage of the other device, querying the other device to determine what programming is being viewed, and processing controls included in the EPG application that enable access to the storage of the other device to interact with the EPG stored on the other device through the local video device to schedule a programming event at the local video device.
US08584179B2 Information output apparatus, information processing system and information processing method
An information output apparatus has a first interface to receive an equipment operational signal from a short-range wireless communication apparatus, a second interface to receive broadcast wave data based on the equipment operational signal, a third interface to transmit the equipment operational signal to an information generating apparatus, a fourth interface to receive video data transmitted from the information generating apparatus, a fifth interface to receive a control command transmitted from the information generating apparatus in response to the equipment operational signal transmitted from the third interface part, an information superimposing part to transmit the equipment operational signal from the third interface part to the information generating apparatus and then to superimpose video data updated by the information generating apparatus and received from the fourth interface part with the broadcast wave data to display the superimposed data on a display part.
US08584169B1 System and method for creating and managing custom media channels
A system and method for creating and managing custom media channels within an Interactive Digital Program Guide (IDPG) of a device having a set-top box function associated with a cable or satellite television network. In general, a user interacts with the set-top box function to define a custom media channel. The custom media channel may be defined by a channel name and user preferences. Once the custom media channel is defined, an Internet search is performed based on the user preferences in order to identify media presentations for the custom media channel. Thereafter, when a user selects the custom media channel via the IDPG, the media presentations are played in a substantially continuous stream in either a predetermined or random sequence.
US08584163B2 Locally stored content previews: representative of programming content in an electronic programming guide through a graphic image accessed from the hard drive of a set top box
An integrated DSS/WebTV receiver is communicatively connected to an Internet service provider, a DSS service provider, and (optionally) a local broadcast station to provide a display of DSS programs, Internet web sites, and local broadcast channels in a seamless fashion. The DSS/WebTV receiver downloads graphic images, corresponding to DSS programs, from a DSS communication medium or the Internet into a local memory. The graphic images are periodically updated by the DSS service provider or Internet service provider. The DSS/WebTV receiver generates a graphical user interface (GUI), displayed on a television screen, for facilitating a user's navigation through the DSS, Internet, and local broadcast data. The GUI includes a selectable DSS program listing that displays DSS programs that are currently being broadcast or that will be broadcasted in the future. If a user selects a currently broadcasted program, the DSS/WebTV receiver displays the selected program on the television. If the user selects a program that is broadcasted in the future, the DSS/WebTV receiver displays a downloaded graphic image, corresponding to the selected program, on the television. The graphic image may be the selected program's name or logo, still shots from the selected program, short video clips related to the selected program, or advertisements related to the selected program.
US08584144B2 Determining the processing order of a plurality of events
A method for operating a multi-threading computational system includes: identifying related events; allocating the related events to a first thread; allocating unrelated events to one or more second threads; wherein the events allocated to the first thread are executed in sequence and the events allocated to the one or more second threads are executed in parallel to execution of the first thread.
US08584143B2 Collection access in a parallel environment
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with collection access are described. One example system includes a data store to store a set of listener object identifiers. A listener object identifier identifies a member of a set (or collection) of listener objects. A Listener object initiates an action in response to an occurrence of an event associated with a member of a set of external logics. A member of the set of external logics invokes a notify process to trigger actions. The example system may also include storing the listener object identifiers in an array to allow instances of the notify process to operate in parallel.
US08584142B1 Methods and system for proxy component to perform plurality of operations for applying to an object
A server side scripting language hosts batch requests from a client for invoking object specific libraries on the client requestor. The requestor executes a user application driven by a web scripting language which may not have facilities or resources for efficiently invoking operations that are provided by the server. A batch script enables the requestor to invoke a set of server operations in batch, without exchanging requests and result for each invocation of a service side operation, thus mitigating the bandwidth that would otherwise occur for individual client/server exchanges for each operation. The server provides a proxy class for expected object types and operations, and a dispatch layer identifies the appropriate proxy class for each operation requested from the batch script.
US08584139B2 Apparatus and method for connecting incompatible computer systems
A proxy for location on a network between one or more client applications and a server application, comprises an input unit for receiving input data from a first client application and from a server application; a modifying unit for modifying server data by insertion of client data; and a handling unit for submitting the modified content data to the client to allow the client to review and further modify the client data within the server data and submit the modified data back to the proxy for subsequent submission to the server. The proxy thus uses client data to prefill web forms, using mapping and the like, which the client can then review and modify before submission to the server, thus avoiding substantial rekeying.
US08584121B2 Using a score-based template to provide a virtual machine
A software element database stores software element definitions according to a software element hierarchy. A score is assigned to at least one of the software element based at least in part upon the software element's hierarchy level. Further, virtual machine templates are stored in a library. The virtual machine templates include at least one software element associated with a software element from the software element database. A user enters a specification that specifies desired software elements to be included in the virtual machine via a user interface. After the specification is entered, the a score value is calculated for at least one virtual machine template from the library, based on the scores assigned to the software elements. Using the calculated score, the virtual machine template having the highest score value is selected and the selected virtual machine template is delivered as the virtual machine to a hypervisor.
US08584118B2 Terminal, method and computer program product for validating a software application
A terminal for validating a software application includes a processor capable of operating an operating system (OS) platform (e.g., Symbian™ OS platform), and capable of operating at least one software application above the OS platform. The software application(s) are associated with a permission record that includes permissions identifying services the software application is authorized to receive from the OS platform. The OS platform is capable of receiving a request, from a software application, for a service of the OS platform. The OS platform can determine if the software application is authorized to receive the requested service based upon the associated permission record. And if the software application is authorized, the OS platform is capable of providing the requested service to the software application.
US08584117B2 Method to make SMP/E based products self describing
Systems and methods of providing information from run-time installations of mainframe SMP/E based products. Information is embedded into a fingerprint library. The fingerprint library may then be associated with a product installed via SMP/E. The fingerprint library may then remain with the product when it is copied to its distributed location. A system administrator may later query the run-time installation and retrieve information previously only known to the SMP/E tool in an SMP/E controlled installation. In one embodiment, information may be embedded into a fingerprint library at product build time.
US08584115B2 Automated operating system device driver updating system
Generally speaking, systems, methods and media for updating device drivers of an operating system for a server computer system are disclosed. Embodiments may include a method for updating device drivers for a server computer system by a build server. Embodiments of the method may include determining whether device drivers for an operating system image source need to be updated, such as by crawling a vendor website. Embodiments may also include in response to determining that device driver updates need to be downloaded, scheduling a time for download of device driver updates. Embodiments of the method may also include downloading the scheduled device driver updates based on the scheduled time and storing the device driver updates in a device driver update database. Further embodiments of the method may include installing the operating system image source on a target server and installing the device driver updates on the target server.
US08584107B2 Compiled data for software applications
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods of converting data used for shipment rate calculations into executable code. More specifically, certain embodiments if the present invention provide systems and methods of converting data used for shipment calculations into executable code by scanning the data from at least one source file, parsing the data in accordance with a template, and generating the executable code by utilizing the parsed data. As a result, the code may be executed to provide the data used for shipment rate calculations without having to access the original source file. In addition, compiling such data into executable code may improve look-up performance, may provide encapsulation of logic related to the specific nature of the data, and may provide a mechanism by which the raw data is not overtly exposed to end users of the software and third-parties.
US08584105B1 Javascript application programming interfaces for independently compiled javascript binaries
Systems, servers, methods, and media for interfacing first compiled code of first code with second compiled code of second code are provided. The first compiled code includes a first compiled object that corresponds to an original object in the first code, and includes a first API wrapper that associates the first compiled object with the original object. The second compiled code includes a second compiled object that corresponds to a reference in the second code to the original object, and includes a second API wrapper that associates the second compiled object with the reference. When the second compiled object in the second compiled code is executed, the second compiled code calls the second API wrapper, the second API wrapper proxies the call to the first API wrapper, and the first API wrapper proxies the call to the first compiled object in the first compiled code.
US08584101B2 Apparatus and method for automatically analyzing program for detecting malicious codes triggered under specific event/context
Provided is an apparatus and method for automatically analyzing a program in order to detect window malicious codes that are programmed to perform malicious behaviors when a specific event occurs, when the specific event does not occur, when a specific program execution condition is satisfied, and when the specific program execution condition is not satisfied.
US08584100B2 Bridging code changes and testing
Method and system for testing software code comprising determining code elements in software code, determining changed code elements in the software code, determining dependencies between code elements, determine dependency changes between code elements based on the determined changed code elements, determining an impact factor for the respective changed code elements based on the determined dependency changes, determine a test relevancy ranking for code tests based on the determined impact factor, selecting tests for the software code based on said test relevancy ranking, and performing the selected tests on the software code.
US08584088B1 Identification of patterns in modeling environments
A tool for enabling a user, such as a programmer and a designer, to identify patterns in a program or model and to determine duplicated portions of the program or model that have the same or similar pattern is disclosed. The tool may replace the duplicated portions of the program or model with a sub-program or sub-model that can be shared for the duplicated portions. Code for the sub-model may be used for the simulation or generated code for the duplicated portions of the program or model in the simulation or code generation of the program or model. The pattern identification may be used to establish a modeling standard or style by determining common patterns of multiple models provided by a user. The modeling standard or style can then be used to determine whether a block diagram model complies with the modeling standards or styles.
US08584087B2 Application configuration deployment monitor
Various embodiments include at least one of systems, methods, and software for monitoring application instance configurations and deployments. One such embodiment, in the form of a method includes executing, on at least one processor, an application deployment process to deploy at least one set of configuration settings stored in a memory device of an application configuration environment to an application instance in an application execution environment. The method may also include writing and storing data to a deployment log representative of application deployment process actions performed and an indicator of success of each of the performed actions. The deployment log data may then be retrieved from the data storage device and a view may be generated and presented providing a summary of actions performed and actions that were not successful. Other embodiments are described herein.
US08584086B2 Software reuse support method and apparatus
A likelihood indicating the distribution of the frequency of use of each specification of the existing device is calculated for each version of a software component used in the control software of the existing device, and a prior probability indicating the distribution of the frequency of use of each version is calculated for each software component used in the control software of the existing device. A posterior probability indicating the reusability of each version of the existing software component is calculated for each specification of a device to be developed, on the basis of the likelihood and the prior probability.
US08584085B2 Identification of concepts in software
Techniques enabling an end-user to specify complex concepts consisting of code abstractions, design abstractions and architectural abstractions in rule form are disclosed. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface is provided to guide a user through the process of entering concept specification information in order to define concepts, including the provision of one or more code snippets that are subsequently analyzed to assist the user in specifying the concept. The resulting rules or concept signatures are evaluated by a rule engine to determine the degree to which the underlying concepts are reflected in a given set of code. Recommended measures that need to be taken for transforming code to satisfy a concept may be provided subsequent to the analysis of the code. In this manner, code quality may be improved through systematic analysis of targeted code to demonstrate adherence (or non-adherence, as the case may be) to user-defined concepts.
US08584074B1 Testing to prescribe state capture by, and state retrieval from scan registers
State retention cells of a test circuit embedded in an electrical circuit are interconnected to form one or more scan chains. The scan chains are interconnected so that unknown states, or X-states, are shifted through the scan chains in an order other than the order in which the states were captured by the state retention cells of the scan chain. Such reordering of response states in individual scan chains may be used to align the X-states across multiple scan chains to achieve higher test compression scan register circuit testing.
US08584073B2 Test design optimizer for configurable scan architectures
Roughly described, a scan-based test architecture is optimized in dependence upon the circuit design under consideration. In one embodiment, a plurality of candidate test designs are developed. For each, a plurality of test vectors are generated in dependence upon the circuit design and the candidate test design, preferably using the same ATPG algorithm that will be used downstream to generate the final test vectors for the production integrated circuit device. A test protocol quality measure such as fault coverage is determined for each of the candidate test designs, and one of the candidate test designs is selected for implementation in an integrated circuit device in dependence upon a comparison of such test protocol quality measures. Preferably, only a sampling of the full set of test vectors that ATPG could generate, is used to determine the number of potential faults that would be found by each particular candidate test design.
US08584070B2 Evaluating routing congestion based on average global edge congestion histograms
Global routing congestion in an integrated circuit design is characterized by computing global edge congestions and constructing a histogram of averages of the global edge congestions for varying percentages of worst edge congestion, e.g., 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% and 20%. Horizontal and vertical global edges are handled separately. Global edges near blockages can be skipped to avoid false congestion hotspots. The histogram of the current global routing can be compared to a histogram for a previous global routing to select a best routing solution. The histograms can also be used in conjunction with congestion-driven physical synthesis tools.
US08584068B2 Timing violation debugging inside place and route tool
A storage medium for use in a computer to develop a circuit design. The storage medium recording a software tool that may be readable and executable by the computer. The software tool generally includes the steps of (A) receiving a first user input that identifies a specific cell of a plurality of existing cells in the circuit design, the specific cell having a timing characteristic, (B) generating a replacement display corresponding to the specific cell, the replacement display comprising a plurality of alternate cells suitable to replace the specific cell, each of the alternate cells having a different value associated with the timing characteristic of the specific cell, (C) receiving a second user input that identifies a replacement cell of the alternate cells and (D) automatically generating a first engineering change order to replace the specific cell with the replacement cell.
US08584062B2 Tool suite for RTL-level reconfiguration and repartitioning
A novel set of reconfiguration tools combine the RTL (Register Transfer Language) construct detection of synthesis compilers with a more advanced implementation of expansion syntax. HDL (Hardware Description Language) coding constructs are automatically detected and recoded and/or modified, for both behavioral and structural HDL code. Configuration file(s) may be used to define the transformations, and transformation commands within the configuration file(s) may define where and how to apply RTL changes. The tool may automatically identify sections of code as the file is parsed (e.g. like a compiler). The transformations are written out in RTL, and the resulting reconfigured RTL file(s) may be processed by a synthesis tool, or may be simulated using a suitable simulator. This allows for automated detection and configurable modification of HDL-coding constructs. Design changes may therefore be verified earlier in the design process, since changes are embedded in RTL, instead of being embedded in the netlist.
US08584060B1 Block mask decomposition for mitigating corner rounding
A method for decomposing design shapes in a design level into a plurality of target design levels is provided. Design shapes including first-type edges and second-type edges having different directions is provided for a design level. Inner vertices are identified and paired up. Vertices are classified into first-type vertices and second-type vertices. First mask level shapes are generated so as to touch the first-type vertices, and second mask level shapes are generated so as to tough the second-type vertices. Cut mask level shapes are generated to touch each first-type edges that are not over a second-type edge and to touch each second-type edges that are not over a first-type edge. Suitable edges are sized outward to ensure overlap among the various shapes. The design shapes are thus decomposed into first mask level shapes, the second mask level shapes, and the cut mask level shapes.
US08584056B2 Fast freeform source and mask co-optimization method
The present invention relates to lithographic apparatuses and processes, and more particularly to tools for optimizing illumination sources and masks for use in lithographic apparatuses and processes. According to certain aspects, the present invention significantly speeds up the convergence of the optimization by allowing direct computation of gradient of the cost function. According to other aspects, the present invention allows for simultaneous optimization of both source and mask, thereby significantly speeding the overall convergence. According to still further aspects, the present invention allows for free-form optimization, without the constraints required by conventional optimization techniques.
US08584055B2 Non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, decision method and computer for deciding exposure condition using evaluation item of interest and auxiliary evaluation item
The present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to decide an exposure condition in an exposure apparatus, the program causing the computer to execute a step of selecting an evaluation item of interest from a plurality of evaluation items to be used to evaluate an image formed on an image plane of a projection optical system in correspondence with the exposure condition, a step of selecting, as an auxiliary evaluation item, an evaluation item which is different from the evaluation item of interest and changes a value in the same direction as that of a change in a value of the evaluation item of interest upon changing parameter values included in the exposure condition, and a step of setting an evaluation function including the evaluation item of interest and the auxiliary evaluation item as values.
US08584047B2 Orbital representation of hierarchical navigation
Hierarchical structures are visualized and navigated using an orbital model. Sibling nodes are orbitally displayed in a generally circular arrangement along an orbital path. Choosing one of the orbitally displayed nodes opens it, moving down in the hierarchy. Nodes which were not chosen are undisplayed, and child node(s) of the chosen node are orbitally displayed. Node movements may be animated. A history displays recently chosen nodes. Choosing a parent node of the orbiting nodes undisplays the child nodes, and the parent node and its siblings are orbitally displayed, thereby moving up in the hierarchy. A user may select nodes from different parts of the hierarchy by moving them into a selection tray. Selected nodes can then be subjected to a specified batch operation. Controls are available for sorting nodes and/or for altering node appearance in the display.
US08584040B2 Mobile terminal
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile terminal including: an application processor configured to execute application having first mode and second mode, wherein the first mode includes first number of menus and the second mode includes second number of menus smaller than that of the first mode; a mode selection unit configured to input mode switching instruction; and a transition control unit configured to switch one of the first and second modes to another mode within the same application if the mode selection unit is operated.
US08584039B2 Method of selecting an element from a list by moving a graphics distinction and apparatus implementing the method
The invention makes it possible to select an element from a list of elements represented by icons. A first element is selected by affixing a graphics distinction on its icon. When the user activates and holds a command, said graphics distinction moves from the first icon to a second icon. A second element is selected when the graphics distinction occupies at least one determined area of the second icon representing this second element. According to an improvement, the graphics distinction moves from icon to icon, totally overlapping only a single icon at a time.The invention also relates to a device able to execute the method of selecting an element by moving a graphics distinction.
US08584038B2 Techniques for use with a calendar and messaging component
Techniques are provided for displaying electronic calendar information. A calendar entry corresponding to a date is selected. In response to selecting the calendar entry, the calendar entry is expanded by increasing a portion of a display area associated with the calendar entry. Other calendar entries are compressed by decreasing a portion of the display area associated with the other calendar entries.
US08584037B2 Method for requesting and viewing a zoomed area of detail from an image attachment on a mobile communication device
A process is set forth for viewing an enlarged area of an image. The image is stored on a server and re-sized for viewing on a mobile communication device based on screen size and color display capabilities of the device. The image is enlarged within the server by modifying binary raw data of the original image based on crop rectangle coordinates entered at the mobile communication device. The process allows users to quickly retrieve any relevant part of a large image attachment that has been resized by the server. This minimizes bandwidth usage, device memory/CPU consumption, and request/response latency while still allowing the user to view an image area in its original level of detail.
US08584031B2 Portable touch screen device, method, and graphical user interface for using emoji characters
In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method performed at a portable electronic device with a touch screen display includes simultaneously displaying a character input area operable to display text character input and emoji character input selected by a user, a keyboard display area, and a plurality of emoji category icons. In response to detecting a gesture on a respective emoji category icon, the method also includes simultaneously displaying: a first subset of emoji character keys for the respective emoji category in the keyboard display area and a plurality of subset-sequence-indicia icons for the respective emoji category. The method also includes detecting a gesture in the keyboard display area and, in response: replacing display of the first subset of emoji character keys with display of a second subset of emoji character keys for the respective emoji category, and updating the information provided by the subset-sequence-indicia icons.
US08584024B2 Avatar cloning in a virtual world
Avatar cloning in a virtual world may include receiving an input indicating that a user desires to access a cloning feature and allowing a cloned avatar to be cloned from the user's avatar.
US08584023B2 Mobile terminal device
Provided is a mobile terminal device that can improve operability for editing a mail with a simple configuration. A cellular telephone device 1 is provided with a control unit 38, which controls so that, when a received mail message is displayed on a display part 21, an unsent mail message associated with the received mail message is read out in response to a predetermined operation by way of an operation unit 11, and the unsent mail message is displayed on the display part 21; and when an unsent mail message is displayed on the display part 21, a received mail message associated with the unsent mail message is read out in response to a predetermined operation by the operation unit 11, and the received mail message is displayed on the display part 21.
US08584016B2 System and method for verifying an electronic document
A system for verifying an electronic document, including a first device comprising a first display, a first interface and a first displaying program for displaying the electronic document on the first display, a second device comprising a second display, a second interface and a second displaying program, a communication channel between the first interface and the second interface, wherein the first and the second device are operable to exchange the electronic document and wherein the system comprises a selection function, the selection function for selecting a part of the electronic document and generating position information of the selected part of the electronic document, and wherein the second displaying program is operable to lock the electronic document after the exchange with the first device and display the selected part of the electronic document on the second display.
US08584015B2 Presenting media content items using geographical data
Systems and techniques are disclosed for generating a geographically based slideshow of a user's digital media items such as photos or videos. A slideshow framework receives user-specified digital images, ordering them according to time of capture, organizing the ordered images into groups, each group corresponding to a different geographical region, and generating a slideshow of the user-specified images using maps of the different geo-graphical regions and visual transitions between the different geographical regions.
US08584012B1 Methods and systems for displaying text on a path
A computer system can include a processor with access to a computer-readable medium embodying program components and/or instructions to provide a text placement engine. The text placement engine can use one or more software routines or algorithms to position text on a path. For example the text placement engine may access text data to be placed on the path and path definition data defining the path as a line segment extending between a first and a second end of the path. The text data can specify the text as a plurality of glyphs. For example, each letter, space, punctuation symbol, or other unit of a string may correspond to a glyph.
US08584011B2 Document representation transitioning
One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for transitioning between representations of an electronic document. Elements, such as visual elements, common between a first set of elements from a first representation of the document and a second set of elements from a second representation of the document are identified. The non-intersecting elements from the first and second sets are respectively ranked in accordance with a representation relevance. First set non-intersecting elements are removed from an intermediate representation of the document, and second set non-intersecting elements are added to the intermediate representation, while the intermediate representation is not equivalent to the second representation; and respective iterations of the intermediate representation are output, such as to a display to depict a transition from the first representation of the document to the second representation of the document.
US08584007B2 Information processing method, information processing apparatus, and program
There is provided an information processing method, including the steps of: obtaining a first format document described using a mark-up language; and generating, based on definition data defining a hierarchical relationship of at least two types of tags of the mark-up language in a document structure, a second format document representing a tree structure having at least a node thereof corresponding to the tag or to a text related to the tag from the first format document.
US08584006B2 Method and apparatus for uniform presentation of documents on a mobile communication device
A mobile communication device, comprising a display, a persistent store, at least one input device, and a processor for executing (i) an invoking application for generating a request for document data responsive to an input via the input device, (ii) an attachment viewer for receiving the request and generating a command for chunks of document data, and (iii) a listener interface for receiving a response to the command and passing the chunks to the attachment viewer for displaying respective chunks of said document data via the display.
US08584004B2 Asynchronous user defined functions
A framework for enabling users to create User Defined Functions (UDFs), which can run simultaneously without using multiple calculation threads, is provided. A calculation engine continues a remainder of calculation operations independent of a pending asynchronous function upon starting to run the asynchronous function without waiting to receive a result. The result value is introduced to the computation at a later time during the calculation cycle, when it is received or completed by the calculation engine. When the results are received, downstream operations such as dependent functions are calculated without changing a flow of dependencies within the operations.
US08584002B2 Automatic sub-template selection based on content
Enabling a user to create or edit a webpage is disclosed. A content type of a content item to be included in the webpage is determined automatically. Code appropriate to the content type as required to include the content item in the webpage as published is generated.
US08584001B2 Managing bookmarks in applications
A method, data processing system, and computer program product for managing bookmarks. An application program, executed by a processor unit, identifies an external bookmark associated with a function in response to receiving a user input requesting information about the function in an application program executed by a processor unit in a computer, wherein the external bookmark points to a webpage available from another computer. The application program displays the identified bookmark.
US08583974B2 Methods and arrangements for holding target ratio for power loop in a wireless communication system
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements in a wireless communication system, and in particular to uplink outer loop power control. A Node B identifies if a UE from which the Node B receives data is in a predetermined set of power challenged situations. The Node B transmits to the RNC an indication to hold the SIR target of the UE if the UE has been identified to be in a power challenged situation. As a consequence, the uplink outer loop power control (OLPC) procedure in the RNC will not change the SIR target of the UE. This implies that the output power level of the UE remains unchanged as long as the UE remains in the power challenged situation. Thus, user and network performance are improved in the wireless communication system.
US08583973B1 Stored-pattern logic self-testing with serial communication
An integrated circuit chip that supports stored-pattern (SP) logic built-in self-testing (LBIST) includes a device under test (DUT) and a test controller. System-level SP LBIST testing is performed using an external, system ATE (automated test equipment) that transmits test input data to the test controller for application to the DUT, which generates test output data that is transmitted from the test controller to the system ATE, which performs golden signature comparisons on the test output data. During system-level DUT testing, all communications between the system ATE and the chip are via a single interface, such as a conventional, serial JTAG port.
US08583972B2 Method of controlling a semiconductor storage device
A method of controlling a nonvolatile semiconductor memory including a plurality of blocks, each one of the plurality of blocks being a unit of data erasing, includes determining a monitored block as a candidate for refresh operation from among the plurality of blocks based on a predetermined condition. The method includes monitoring an error count of data stored in the monitored block and not monitoring an error count of data stored in blocks excluding the monitored block among the plurality of blocks. The method also includes performing the refresh operation on data stored in the monitored block in which the error count is larger than a first threshold value.
US08583970B2 Enhancing a receiver for improved impairment/fault detection when handling the reception of intermittent signals
One embodiment of a Test Signal generated by Test Signal Synthesis 10 being coupled, by a method of Coupling 12, to an Antenna 14, a Receiver 16 and a Method of Verification 18; for the transmission of a Test Signal to verify the operation of the Receiver Chain of equipment in Applications receiving Intermittent Signals.
US08583968B2 Data storage apparatus and method for writing data
According to one embodiment, a data storage apparatus includes a read module, an error detector and a controller. The read module is configured to read data from a flash memory, more precisely from a rewrite area and a write-back area, both provided in the flash memory. The error detector is configured to detect errors, if any, in the data read. The controller is configured to keep rewriting data, without correcting the errors the error detector has detected in the rewrite area of the flash memory.
US08583960B2 Processor device and program
When an error occurs while a memory dump performing unit of a processor core is storing in an HDD device data of a memory device which is a shared memory, a memory dump error detection unit detects a memory dump error. A core coordination unit notifies the memory dump error to a core coordination unit of a processor core. Upon being notified by the core coordination unit of the memory dump error in the memory dump performing unit, a memory dump performing unit of the processor core stores in the HDD device the data of the memory device in place of the memory dump performing unit.
US08583949B2 Network event notification and delivery
Described are a main host system of the client computer, and a network event notification system, including a networking subsystem that communicates with a network server to act as a proxy for the client computer when the main host system of the client computer is in a sleep state. The networking subsystem may await a synchronization packet initiated by the network server, or may occasionally poll the network server to determine whether data is available. To this end, the computing device operates an associated network subsystem while the main host system of the computing device is in a sleep state, and receives data via the network subsystem indicating that content is available. Policy is then invoked to determine whether to wake at least part of the main host system to handle the content. A target duty cycle mechanism also controls the average power consumption during wake and sleep cycling.
US08583943B2 Method and system for providing data field encryption and storage
An approach is provided for securely storing and managing sensitive data. A system and method are provided that include a central device that receives an actual data value from a requestor, encrypts the actual data value, obtains a replacement value for the encrypted actual data value, obtains a secondary replacement value based on the encrypted actual data value, and transmits the replacement value to the requestor for storage by the requestor. The system and method also includes a storage device for storing the secondary replacement value in association with the encrypted actual data value at a secure location. The requestor can later use the replacement value to retrieve the actual data value from the central device.
US08583939B2 Method and apparatus for securing indirect function calls by using program counter encoding
A method for securing indirect function calls by using program counter encoding is provided. The method includes inserting a decoding code for an address of a library function stored in a GOT (Global Offset Table) entry into a PLT (Procedure Linkage Table) entry when an object file is built; generating an encoding key corresponding to the decoding code; and encoding the GOT entry corresponding to the library function by using the encoding key when program execution begins.
US08583932B2 Signature device, signature verification device, anonymous authetication system, signing method, signature authentication method, and programs therefor
[Problem]Provided is an anonymous authentication system which can issue an anonymous authentication certificate that can hold any number of attributes.[Means for Solving the Problem]A signature device of the invention has a means for receiving the input from an authentication authority public key, an anonymous authentication certificate, a signature key, a text, an attribute proof set, and an attribute public key; a means for generating an attribute set representation value which generates an attribute set representation value from the attribute proof set and attribute public key which were input; a means for generating an attribute set representation key which generates an attribute set representation key from the attribute proof set; a means for generating non-interactive zero-knowledge proof which generates non-interactive zero-knowledge proof from the authentication authority public key, anonymous authentication certificate, signature key, and text which were input, and the attribute set representation value generated by the means for generating an attribute set representation value and the attribute set representation key generated by the means for generating an attribute set representation key; and a signature output means which outputs the non-interactive zero-knowledge proof as signature data.
US08583931B2 Electronic signing apparatus and methods
Methods, apparatus, including computer program products, and systems implement and use techniques relating to electronic signatures. In one implementation, a one-way hash is calculated for an electronic document and a digital watermark representing the one-way hash is embedded in a signature document. Based on a user input, the signature document having the embedded digital watermark is altered, and the electronic document is associated with the signature document. The electronic document and the signature document together comprise a signed electronic document. The user input can include biometric information, such as a handwritten signature or a voice recording. For additional security, the one-way hash can be encrypted before a representation of the hash is embedded in the signature document.
US08583925B2 Mix-net system
Each participant apparatus (103) encrypts a plaintext by using a secret key of secret key cryptography, encrypts the encryption key by a public key, and sends the plaintext and public key to a substitution/decryption apparatus (112). With this processing, the limitation on the length of a ciphertext to be processed can be eliminated. In this invention, a verifiable proof text using a public key by each substitution/decryption apparatus is verified by a verification apparatus (109) by using the public key. If one of a plurality of organizations to decrypt and shuffle ciphertexts has not correctly executed the operation, a third party can specify it and prove that the specified organization is unauthorized.
US08583919B2 Mobility handling for multicast services
A method of handling mobility of a sender in a multicast packet sending scenario. The method comprises firstly establishing a multicast tree across a packet data network and transmitting multicast packets from the sender to a plurality of receivers via said multicast tree. Prior to a mobility event in respect of said sender, a suitable transfer anchor node is identified within said network, and the tree re-rooted to that transfer anchor node. Subsequently, multicast packets are transmitted from said sender to said transfer anchor node and injected into the multicast tree at said transfer anchor node. Following said mobility event, said sender continues to send multicast packets to said transfer anchor node for injection into the multicast tree.
US08583917B2 Distribution of certification statements into repository
A method and apparatus for distributing certification statements. Digital certificates are stored in a plurality of entries in a repository. Certification statements that include revocation status information for the stored digital certificates are received and stored in corresponding entries of the repository. Upon receiving a client request for a digital certificate, the digital certificate and corresponding revocation status information is sent to the client.
US08583915B1 Security and authentication systems and methods for personalized portable devices and associated systems
Systems and methods for client authentication and verification in a distributed client-server system are described. An authentication and verification system may include a plurality of client devices containing private keys, a first server configured to interface with the plurality of client devices, and a second, secure server configured to interface with the first server and store public keys associated with the private keys on the client devices. A method is further described for verifying client devices in conjunction with the first and second servers. The first server may contain secure tokens that can be decrypted in conjunction with the authentication and verification method.
US08583911B1 Network application encryption with server-side key management
In one embodiment, a system and associated processes for transparent client-side cryptography are provided. In this system, some or all of a user's private data can be encrypted at a client device operated by the user. The client can transmit the encrypted user data to a content site that hosts a network application, such as a social networking application, financial application, or the like. The content site can store the private data in its encrypted form instead of the actual private data. When the content site receives a request for the private data from the user or optionally from other users (such as social networking friends), the server can send the encrypted user data to a client associated with the requesting user. This client, if operated by an authorized user, can decrypt the private data and present it to the authorized user.
US08583908B2 Enhanced network and local boot of Unified Extensible Firmware Interface images
Techniques and architectures to provide high assurance image invocation in a pre-boot environment. These techniques may augment implementations of the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) to invoke UEFI images using Trusted Execution Technology (TXT). This can operate to combine pre-boot secure flows, such as UEFI image invocation, with the secure launch instruction set extensions of TXT. This may entail combination of the UEFI StartImage instruction with the SMX leaf SENTER instruction. This may operate to allow original equipment manufacturer (OEM) firmware as a guard and that uses UEFI and TXT access control logic at the same instance to pass control to the operating system (OS).
US08583905B2 Runtime extraction of data parallelism
Mechanisms for extracting data dependencies during runtime are provided. The mechanisms execute a portion of code having a loop and generate, for the loop, a first parallel execution group comprising a subset of iterations of the loop less than a total number of iterations of the loop. The mechanisms further execute the first parallel execution group and determining, for each iteration in the subset of iterations, whether the iteration has a data dependence. Moreover, the mechanisms commit store data to system memory only for stores performed by iterations in the subset of iterations for which no data dependence is determined. Store data of stores performed by iterations in the subset of iterations for which a data dependence is determined is not committed to the system memory.
US08583900B2 Register renaming table recovery method and system for use in a processor
A register renaming table recovery method for use in a processor includes the following steps. Firstly, a flushing operation is performed on a renaming-history table according to a flushed ID. Then, a first renamed ID corresponding to a first register is acquired from an unflushed row of the renaming-history table that is immediately adjacent to the flushed ID. If the first renamed ID is occupied, a register renaming table is updated to rename the first register according to the first renamed ID. Whereas, if the first renamed ID is not occupied, the register renaming table is updated to keep the first register unrenamed.
US08583897B2 Register file with circuitry for setting register entries to a predetermined value
A register file comprising a plurality of register entries for storing data values for use in the execution of data processing instructions is provided, and comprises at least one write port and at least one read port, and circuitry responsive to a write request received at said at least one write port to update one of said plurality of register entries identified by an address specified by said write request with a data value specified by said write request. The register file also comprises further circuitry responsive to a received control signal to set at least a portion of a predetermined register entry to a predetermined value. In this way, certain register file updating instructions can be executed in parallel with other instructions without the need for additional full write-ports as would be required for typical dual-issue, thereby reducing area and routing complexity and cost compared with the use of an additional write-port due to the lower gate count required by the proposed further circuitry.
US08583885B1 Energy efficient sync and async replication
A method, system and program product for managing data replication in a data replication system, the data replication system comprising a journal and a plurality of spindles configured to store a plurality of Logic Unit Numbers (LUN), the method comprising selecting a LUN of the LUNs to store journal I/O data from the data replication, wherein the selected LUN is configured to be a subset of the plurality of spindles, spinning down the spindles not configured to store the selected LUN, recording journal I/O on the selected LUN, determining to distribute the journal IO from the selected LUN disk to the non-selected LUNs, spinning up the spindles storing the non-selected LUNs, and distributing the journal I/O from the determined disks to the other LUNs.
US08583880B2 Method for secure data reading and data handling system
A method for secure data reading and a data handling system is provided. The method protects the data reading from fault attacks by repeating read request in an interleaved manner, in particular the method comprises the steps of (M200) dispatching a first read request; (M400) dispatching a second read request; (M600) dispatching a further first read request; and (M1000-a) producing an anomaly signal if a first result produced by the memory in response to the first read request does not agree with a further first result produced by the memory in response to the further first read request.
US08583878B2 Storage device having direct user access
Various methods, devices and systems are described for providing distributed storage services. A data storage device is capable of initiating a communication session with an external entity such as a local host computer (and vice versa) coupled directly to the data storage device, a remote server computer, or directly with remote data storage devices with or without intervention by a local host computer.
US08583877B2 Fiber channel connection storage controller
A storage system adapted to be coupled to a plurality of host devices via a fiber channel. The storage system including a plurality of storage devices, at least a portion of the plurality of storage devices corresponding to a logical unit of a plurality of logical units, the logical unit having a logical unit number (LUN). The storage system also including a storage control device having a cache memory and controlling to store data, addressed to the LUN, into the portion of the plurality of storage devices. The storages system also including an input device being adapted to be used to set information, which is used to prevent an unauthorized access to the logical unit and which corresponds to a relationship between a host device of the plurality of host devices and the logical unit.
US08583874B2 Method and apparatus for caching prefetched data
A method is provided for performing caching in a processing system including at least one data cache. The method includes the steps of: determining whether each of at least a subset of cache entries stored in the data cache comprises data that has been loaded using fetch ahead (FA); associating an identifier with each cache entry in the subset of cache entries, the identifier indicating whether the cache entry comprises data that has been loaded using FA; and implementing a cache replacement policy for controlling replacement of at least a given cache entry in the data cache with a new cache entry as a function of the identifier associated with the given cache entry.
US08583869B2 Memory bus architecture for concurrently supporting volatile and non-volatile memory modules
A memory/storage module is provided that implements a solid state drive compatible with Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) or Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) signaling on a double-data-rate compatible socket. A detachable daughter card may be coupled to the memory module for converting a memory bus voltage to a second voltage for memory devices on the memory module. Additionally, a hybrid memory bus on a host system is provided that supports either DDR-compatible memory modules and/or SATA/SAS-compatible memory modules. In one example, the memory/storage module couples to a first bus (DDR3 compatible socket) to obtain voltage and/or other signals, but uses a second bus for data transfers. In another example, the memory module may repurpose/reuse electrical paths that typically carry non-data signals for data traffic to/from the memory/storage module. Such data traffic for the memory/storage module permits concurrent data traffic for other memory modules on the same memory bus.
US08583866B2 Full-stripe-write protocol for maintaining parity coherency in a write-back distributed redundancy data storage system
Data storage reliability is maintained in a write-back distributed data storage system including multiple nodes. Information is stored as a stripe including a collection of a data strips and associated parity strips, the stripe distributed across data and parity nodes. Each data node maintains the data strip holding a first copy of data, and each parity node maintains a parity strip holding a parity for the collection of data strips. A driver node initiates a full-stripe-write parity update protocol for maintaining parity coherency in conjunction with other nodes, to keep the relevant parity strips coherent. Parity is determined directly by computing parity strips for all data strips of a stripe. Any node may function as a driver node.
US08583863B2 Storage system
A storage expander apparatus for accessing storage units includes first interfaces for accessing the storage units, a second interface for accessing subordinate expander apparatus, and a processor for executing receiving from an external apparatus a first request for obtaining first information indicative of a state of a connection of the storage expander apparatus, transmitting a second request for obtaining second information indicative of a state of a connection of the subordinate expander apparatus, measuring an elapsing time that has elapsed since transmitting the second request, storing a first response corresponding to the second request upon receiving the first response, starting a process for obtaining third information indicative of a state of a connection to be connected with the first interfaces upon the elapsing time exceeding a predetermined time, and transmitting a second response including the third information to the external apparatus upon receiving the third response.
US08583862B2 Recording medium, drive device, and mounting method
A recording medium coupled to a drive device includes a management information storage area and a master boot record. Management information used for a mounting process of the recording medium by the drive device is stored in the management information storage area and a starting location and an area size of a drive area is stored in the master boot record.
US08583856B2 Memory system
According to one embodiment, a memory system includes a nonvolatile memory, a managing unit, an order rule holding unit, a position information storing unit, a list selecting unit, a block selecting unit, a writing unit, and an updating unit. The managing unit holds for each of storage areas of the nonvolatile memory a free block list indicating free blocks. The order rule holding unit holds an order rule used to determine an order of the free block lists. The position information storing unit stores position information indicating the position of the free block list in the order rule. The list selecting unit selects the free block list corresponding to the position indicated by the position information and the block selecting unit selects the free block therefrom. The updating unit updates after the list selection the position information in the position information storing unit with position information indicating the position of the subsequently selected free block list.
US08583844B2 System and method for optimizing slave transaction ID width based on sparse connection in multilayer multilevel interconnect system-on-chip architecture
A system and method for optimizing slave transaction ID width based on sparse connection between multiple masters and multiple slaves in a multilayer multilevel interconnect system-on-chip (SOC) architecture are disclosed. In one embodiment, slave transaction ID widths are computed for a first processing subsystem and a second processing subsystem including multiple masters and multiple slaves. Further, a slave transaction ID for each master to any slave in the first processing subsystem and in the second processing subsystem is generated based on the computed slave transaction ID width. Furthermore, sparse connection information between the multiple masters and multiple slaves is determined via a first bus matrix in the first processing subsystem. A first optimized slave transaction ID for each master to any slave in the first processing subsystem is then generated by removing don't care bits in each generated slave transaction ID based on the sparse connection information.
US08583842B2 Data transfer device and data transfer system
Disclosed herein is a data transfer device to which a master device that issues transfer requests and slave devices each having a function of responding to the transfer request may be connected. The device may include a transfer request counter that counts up or down each time a response signal is inputted thereto from any slave device, and counts down or up each time a data transfer completion signal is inputted thereto; a transfer destination selector that, based on a count value of the counter and information concerning a transfer-target slave device, determines and selects one of the slave devices as a destination of the transfer request, and connects the master device with the selected slave device; and a data transfer monitoring section that monitors completion of data transfer corresponding to the transfer request and, upon recognizing the completion, outputs the data transfer completion signal to the counter.
US08583836B2 Packet-based digital display interface signal mapping to bi-directional serial interface signals
A passive cable adaptor for connecting a data source device with a display device is described. The adaptor has a packet-based interface connector at one end, the connector having a positive main link pin, a negative main link pin, a positive auxiliary channel pin, and a negative auxiliary channel pin. Also at the same end is a serial interface connector, such as a serial interface connector. At the other end is an upgraded serial interface connector (e.g., enhanced serial interface) connector having high-speed transmission pins, high-speed receiving pins, and a ground pin, wherein multimedia content is transmitted over the cable adaptor and electrical power is supplied over the cable adaptor simultaneously.
US08583834B2 Secure detection of removable medical accessories using data transfer
The invention relates to an assembly comprising a main device and an accessory, which can be connected by a safe connector and a safe detection method. According to the invention, the assembly comprises: —a main device (2), —an accessory (3) connectable to the main device (2), —the accessory (3) comprising an accessory connector (4) for mating with a device connector (5) of the main device (2), —the accessory connector (4) and the device connector (5) each comprising one or more supply contacts (7) for transmitting electric power from the main device (2) to the accessory (3), —the main device (2) comprising a detection device (9), which, if connecting the accessory (3) to the main device (2), receives complex accessory data stored by the accessory (3) and which by positive evaluation of the complex data enables applying a supply voltage at the one or more supply contacts (7) of the device connector (5).