Document Document Title
US08613749B2 Obesity treatment tools and methods
Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods.
US08613745B2 Methods, systems and devices for carpal tunnel release
Described herein are methods, systems, and devices for performing a minimally invasive carpal tunnel release procedure to cut a target transverse carpal ligament. In some embodiments, the method may include the steps of advancing a probe percutaneously though a patient's skin from a first location, advancing a tissue modification device from the first location and between the target ligament and non-target tissue so that a proximal handle on the tissue modification device extends from the patient at the first location, attaching a distal handle in communication with the distal end of the tissue modification device. In some embodiments, a system may include a probe configured to be advanced percutaneously though a patient's skin from a first location, a tissue modification device comprising a proximal handle and a flexible distal region having uni-directional blades, and a distal handle configured to connect to the distal end of the tissue modification device.
US08613742B2 Methods of sealing vessels using plasma
A method for sealing fluid-carrying vessels in a living organism using high temperature plasma is disclosed. A flow rate of 0.25-0.5 L/min of room-temperature plasma generating gas and the initial temperature of the discharged plasma of 12.5-15.5 kK ensure a laminar plasma flow and its ability to penetrate into the vessel. The plasma flow is directed into the vessel, where it keeps a portion of the vessel free of liquid. Heat is transferred to the vessel walls, and the denaturing of collagen in the vessel walls causes the walls to contract until complete occlusion occurs. The method may be used with devices adapted for tissue dissection and coagulation.
US08613740B2 Hand-held manipulator with symmetrical grip
A hand-held manipulator includes a handle (4) fixedly mounted on the end of a connecting arm (2), the distal end (2b) of which carries a work unit (3). The handle (4) includes a grip section (4e) having a surface of revolution about a longitudinal handle axis (III), which is aligned with the longitudinal axis (I) of the arm. Control elements (4a-4c) are shaped in an annular structure near the distal end (4f) of the grip section (4e) so as to be accessible in any angular orientation of the hand holding the handle.
US08613738B2 High-flow luer lock connector for a luer lock connection
A high-flow luer lock connector system is disclosed. A high-flow luer lock connector system comprises a male luer lock connector and a female luer lock connected configured to mate with the male luer lock connector. The male luer lock connector and the female luer lock connector each include a tapered extended passageway that is configured to allow a substance to flow through the respective luer lock connector.
US08613736B2 Absorbent article having pigmented composite backsheet with hunter value
The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as diapers and adult incontinence products, which collect and retain urine and fecal material deposited thereon by the wearer. The disposable absorbent articles of the present invention comprise a color-pigmented backsheet, which further comprises visually discernible ornamental designs printed thereon.
US08613733B2 Foam dressing with integral porous film
Wound dressings and wound inserts comprising a porous film layer and at least a channel, wound inserts of forming wound inserts comprising a porous film layer and at least a channel, and wound-treatment wound inserts.
US08613721B2 Delivery and administration of compositions using interventional catheters
Systems and methods for delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic compositions to an interventional site having diseased or newly treated tissue are provided. Integrated interventional catheter systems incorporating surfaces coated with a therapeutic composition, or tissue penetration members for scoring or disrupting tissue prior to or during administration of a therapeutic composition are provided. Infusion of therapeutic composition(s) may also be provided.
US08613717B2 Systems and methods for removing and fragmenting undesirable material within a circulatory system
A method for removing an undesirable material is provided. The method includes maneuvering a first cannula within a vessel such that it is positioned for capturing the undesirable material. The method also includes positioning a second cannula within the vessel such that it is in a spaced relation to the first cannula. A suction force may be provided so as to capture the undesirable material through the first cannula. The undesirable material may be fragmenting as it is drawn along the first cannula, so as to enhance removal of the undesirable material through the first cannula. A system for removing an undesirable material is also provided.
US08613698B2 Resilient device
An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.
US08613686B2 Combination brake clutch drive system and rotary-wing aircraft using same
A drive system includes a planetary gear system. An input is affixed to a sun gear of the planetary gear system to rotate therewith and an output is affixed to the output ring gear to rotate therewith. A first brake system is selectively operable to rotationally lock an output ring gear of the planetary gear system, and a second brake system is selectively operable to rotationally lock the planet carrier of the planetary gear system. Rotary-wing aircraft implementations of the drive system are also disclosed.
US08613676B2 Handle integrated motion capture element mount
Handle integrated motion capture element mount that enables coupling or retrofitting a golf club with active motion capture electronics that are battery powered, passive or active shot count components, for example a passive RFID, and/or a visual marker on the cap for use with visual motion capture cameras. Does not require modifying the golf club. Electronics package and battery can be easily removed and replaced, for example without any tools. May utilize a weight that is removed when inserting the electronic package in the mount, wherein the weight element may have the same weight as an electronics package, for no net change or minimal change in club weight. May be implemented with a handle without electronics for future upgrading. May utilize non-permanently and/or friction coupling between the mount and equipment.
US08613674B2 Methods, devices, and systems for video gaming
There is a game console, wherein the game console further comprises a set of computer readable instructions for: transmitting login data to at least one game server, wherein the at least one game server is associated with a game service for a gaming community; transmitting data from the game console to the at least one game server to associate the first gamer and a second gamer as members of a semi-permanent gaming clan using the personally identifiable data for the first gamer and the second gamer, wherein the gaming clan has a clan identifier associated therewith; c) transmitting data from the game console to the at least one game server to establish one of the first gamer and the second gamer as a semi-permanent clan leader.
US08613660B2 Game rating system for gaming devices
Gaming machines and gaming systems having a game rating system are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of games where each game has a distinct game style that is based in part on game volatility. The gaming device also includes a game controller for managing and operating the plurality of games, and a game rating system in communication with the game controller. The game rating system includes a player interface for selecting a game, and an icon presented on the display of the gaming device where the icon represents the distinct game style.
US08613653B2 Rolling raffle game
A game of chance add-on raffle game, independent base game and a system for funding the raffle game prize payout is provided. For a premium wager, an add-on raffle game is offered to be added to a state on-line lottery game play at the time of the initial base game play purchase in one embodiment of the present invention. The add-on game play status is printed on the base game ticket. All players of the base game (who purchased the add-on game or not) who achieve a pre-determined outcome receive a raffle ticket containing a unique ticket number that will automatically be entered into the following add-on game raffle drawing at no additional cost. The raffle drawing is held, and the winning raffle numbers are identified. Winning raffle ticket recipients submit their tickets to the lottery authority for their prize.
US08613645B2 Honing tool
A honing tool comprises a tubular tool body fastened with an end section in a tool shank and a cutting region on an opposite end section with at least one honing-stick accommodating opening. The dimensions of the honing-stick accommodating opening and of the honing stick are matched to one another so that the honing stick is accommodated in a radially movable manner, and essentially free of play in a circumferential direction of the tool body, between boundary surfaces of the honing-stick accommodating opening. A play-compensating device between the honing stick and the honing-stick accommodating opening comprises at least one elastically deformable supporting element which is supported with a pressure force, in a fitted state of the honing stick, on one hand on a side surface of the honing stick and on the other hand on a boundary surface, opposite the side surface, of the honing-stick accommodating opening.
US08613643B2 Work feeder for roller end face working machine, roller end face working machine and rollers for roller bearing
A workpiece feeder is capable of feeding a roller to a roller end face processing machine in a stable posture, a roller end face processing machine, and a roller for a rolling bearing processed by such a roller end face processing machine are provided. The workpiece feeder for roller end face processing includes: a carrier ring having a plurality of recesses arranged in a radially-inner surface thereof at a predetermined pitch along a circumferential direction; a regulating wheel fitted into the carrier ring to form roller fitting cavities between a radially-outer surface of the regulating wheel and the plurality of recesses; a carrier support for supporting the carrier ring on a radially-outer side with respect to the plurality of recesses; and rotational force applying means for applying a rotational force to the carrier ring on the radially-outer side with respect to the plurality of recesses.
US08613641B2 Channel inlet edge deburring for gas diffuser cases
A method of deburring channel inlet edges inside a cavity of a gas diffuser case is disclosed. The diffuser case has a plurality of channels each having an inner surface and an inlet edge defining an inlet of the channel. The surfaces of adjacent channels co-operate to provide said inlet edge therebetween. The inlet edges of the channels are provided in an inwardly facing circular array around a central axis of the gas diffuser case. The method comprises: inserting a tool head having at least one nozzle in the cavity of the gas diffuser case; and then ejecting abrasive particles from at least one nozzle towards at least one of the channel inlet edges of the gas diffuser case to at least one of decrease a radius of at least one said edge and improve a smoothness of at least one said surface.
US08613622B2 Interconnection interface using twist pins for testing and docking
A twist pin is used as an interconnect interface to conduct signals to and from an electronic component. The twist pin includes a bulge which establishes compressive contact force with a sidewall of a via in which the twist pin resides, and the resulting force resists movement of the end of the twist pin away from the electronic component to assure good signal conductivity. The arrangement may be used as a test socket for testing integrated circuit components or permanently docking electronic components.
US08613619B1 Hunter training system
A gun-resembling apparatus having a gunstock and a barrel, a sight aligned with the barrel, a trigger mounted along the gunstock, and image capturing features for capturing targeted images via operating the trigger and safety features incorporated with the image capturing features to teach the student proper gun-handling procedures. The device includes a camera to capture image(s) in a sight line of the barrel. The image(s) are displayed on a display screen for viewing and editing. The device also incorporates a safety switch having a safe and fire position, the camera being prohibited from operating in the safe position and being allowed to operate in the fire position. An alert signal may sound through a speaker if the trigger is not operated after a predetermined time of the safety switch being in the fire position. An image storage device may also be used.
US08613605B2 Centrifugal pump
A centrifugal pump includes a pump unit and a drive unit. The pump unit includes a volute and an impeller disposed in the volute. The drive unit includes a stator and a rotor having a shaft. The volute includes an inlet, an outlet and a chamber in communication with the inlet and outlet. The shaft of the rotor extends into the chamber of the volute and the impeller is attached to and driven by the shaft. The volute further includes a transition part connected between the outlet and the chamber and communicating the outlet with the chamber. The axis of the transition part is angled to the axis of the outlet. The transition part is configured to improve the effect of fluid turbulence to thereby reduce noise, especially in the air-water stage.
US08613602B2 Pressure booster with double-seat valve
The invention relates to a pressure boost for fluids, in particular hydraulic fluids, having a booster piston and a control piston unit, wherein a low-pressure side of the booster piston can be alternately connected by the control piston unit via a cylinder line to a low-pressure feed line and a discharge line, and a high-pressure side of the booster piston can be alternately connected to a high-pressure load line and a low-pressure feed line, wherein the control piston unit has two elements which are embodied as seat valves and which each interact with one valve seat and which are designed such that one of the elements intermittently seals off the low-pressure feed line, which can be connected to the low-pressure side of the booster piston, and the other element intermittently seals off the discharge line, which can be connected to the low-pressure side of the booster piston.
US08613598B2 Wet compression apparatus and method
This wet compression invention with a vaporizable fluid mist demonstrates major performance improvements over the relevant art in achieving a high degree of saturation, providing sensible cooling, strongly reducing the temperature increase due to compression work, reducing excess diluent air flow for downstream combustion, reducing compression noise, and increasing the achievable compressor pressure ratio. These improvements are obtained by one or more of: high mist or overspray from a) progressive axial injection of vaporizable fluid along the streamwise compression flow path, and b) transverse vaporizable fluid delivery from stators, rotors, perforated tubes, and/or duct walls, matching the gaseous fluid flow distribution across the compressor stream; c) reducing the compressor cross-sectional flow area of downstream compressor stages relative to up-stream stages, and d) increasing the rate of downstream vaporizable fluid injection relative to the rate of upstream injection, as a function of each compressor stage pressure ratio.
US08613597B1 Turbine blade with trailing edge cooling
A turbine rotor blade with a trailing edge region cooling circuit that is formed by three rows of ribs each forming a row of metering and impingement holes followed by a series of exit slots each formed with parallel passages that form a metering section followed by a diffusion section. A forward flowing multiple pass serpentine flow cooling circuit cools the mid-chord region and supplies the cooling air for the trailing edge region circuit. A separate leading edge cooling circuit with metering and impingement cooling followed by film cooling cools the leading edge region.
US08613595B2 Fan holder and heat dissipation device using the same
An exemplary fan holder is adapted for fixing a fan onto a heat sink. The fan holder is strip-shaped, and includes a top side portion, a bottom side portion, a front side portion and a rear side portion joined together. Each of the side portions of the fan holder includes a slide portion and a sheath connected to each other. A position where the slide portion and the sheath are connected can be adjusted to change a length of the side portion.
US08613594B2 Fan apparatus with fan mounting frame
An exemplary fan apparatus adapted for dissipating heat from an electronic component mounted in an enclosure includes a centrifugal blower, a mounting frame, a number of first fasteners and a number of second fasteners. A number of engaging portions are formed on the enclosure. The centrifugal blower defines an air outlet at one side thereof. A number of fixing portions are formed on the centrifugal blower. The mounting frame includes a number of connecting portions and a number of mounting portions formed thereon. The first fasteners fix the connecting portions of the mounting frame to the engaging portions of the enclosure, and the second fasteners fix the fixing portions of the centrifugal blower to the mounting portions of the mounting frame.
US08613588B2 Fan module and vibration-damping mounting therefor
A fan module with vibration-damping mounting includes a cooling fan, a support frame and a clip detachably fixing the cooling fan to the support frame. The clip includes a mounting portion fixed to the support frame, fixing portions supporting the cooling fan, and vibration reducing portions. Each of the vibration reducing portions is connected between a corresponding fixing portion and the mounting portion. The fixing portions are spaced from the support frame, to prevent a vibration of the cooling fan from being transferred to the support frame.
US08613583B1 Universal folding boom trailer
A towing system includes a front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion. The front portion is for removably interfacing with a towing vehicle. The rear portion is for adjustably and removably mounting to an axle and a frame of a towed vehicle and supporting the towed vehicle from underneath. The front portion and the rear portions are joined to the middle portion in a rigid configuration. The rear portion has a front axle connector configured to be attached to the axle of the towed vehicle and a single central beam with a frame connector at an end of the single central beam. The frame connector is configured to be attached to the frame of the towed vehicle. The rear portion is adjustable and slides forward and aft for hauling various lengths of the towed vehicle in a forward-facing direction.
US08613579B2 Self-drilling screw
A self-drilling screw (10) has a first cutting edge (21) provided exclusively in a radially inner region of the drilling tip (12), extending at a first acute angle (α1) to the longitudinal axis (L), and a second cutting edge (22) provided in radially outer region of the drilling tip (12) and extending at a second acute angle (α2) to the longitudinal axis (L), with a first enveloping conical circumferential surface (A1) which is defined by the first cutting edge (21) corresponding, with a maximum deviation of +/−10%, to a second enveloping conical circumferential surface (A2) defined by the second cutting edge (22), and with the first acute angle (α1) corresponding, with a maximum deviation of +/−5°, to the second acute angle (α2).
US08613563B2 Detergent dispensing and pre-treatment cap
A detergent dispensing cap for pre-treating a stained fabric. The cap can have a pour volume sized and dimensioned to provide for a unit dose of the detergent composition. A portion of the cap can be provided with surface irregularities for scrubbing a stain.
US08613553B2 Production method of fluid dynamic bearing, fluid dynamic bearing, spindle motor, and disk driving apparatus
A fluid dynamic bearing includes: a shaft arranged along a center axis; an annular portion expanding radially outwards from the shaft; a sleeve having a top surface opposed to an under surface of the annular portion to support the shaft and the annular portion in a relatively rotatable manner; and a lubricating fluid interposed between the shaft and annular portion and the sleeve. The fluid dynamic bearing further includes a substantially annular edge surrounding the center axis on the under surface and a solid lubricating film on the radially outer side of the edge.
US08613551B2 Slide rail structure for electronic device
A slide rail structure with stable movement and rotation is provided for an electronic device. The slide rail structure includes a base capable of being assembled with a fixed machine body, a tractor capable of being pivoted to a sliding module and movably disposed on the base, and an elastic body including a fixed end connected to the base and a pivot end connected to the tractor. The tractor, incorporated with the elastic body to assist in moving the sliding module, is capable of providing the sliding module with stable and smooth motion.
US08613536B2 System and method for combining laser arrays for digital outputs
Embodiments comprise a device that can efficiently produce a highly resolved intensity profile that can be easily switched to various specific configurations with binary word strings defining output intensities that after summation will be combined to form a single colors intensity depth. Arraying these devices allows an image line of single color pixels to be efficiently produced without gross scintillation effects. The non-coherent output is desirable in this application as it reduces scintillation effects on the screen or final image.
US08613535B2 Wide light region lamp for vehicle
A wide light region lamp apparatus for a vehicle wherein a light emitting region thereof may be increased by covering a point light source with a patterned cover may include a semispherical reflective surface on which a mirror surface may be processed, the point light source mounted to a center of the reflective surface, and a three-dimensional cover configured to cover the point light source.
US08613511B2 Pigment dispersion liquid, inkjet ink, ink cartridge, image forming apparatus, recording method , and image formed matter
The present invention provides an inkjet pigment dispersion liquid including a carbon black, a dispersant, and water, wherein the total number of coarse particles having a particle diameter of 0.5 μm or greater contained in the inkjet pigment dispersion liquid is 1,000,000/5 μL or less, and provides an inkjet ink using the inkjet pigment dispersion liquid.
US08613503B2 Ink tank having grooves to prevent leakage from the air communication hole
The present invention provides an ink tank in which ink is unlikely to leak from an air communication hole even with variation in the internal pressure of the ink tank or an external impact on the ink tank. Specifically, ink attached to a rib or trapped in a groove may disperse to the vicinity of a projecting portion. In this case, first, a first groove is provided at a predetermined distance from the projecting portion, enabling a reduction in the possibility that the ink disperses from the groove or a remoter area to the projecting portion. Second, even if the dispersing ink enters an area surrounded by the groove, a second groove formed in the area allows the dispersing ink to be trapped therein.
US08613501B2 Ink supply system
An ink supply system for an ink jet printer, particularly a continuous ink jet printer, has a manifold assembly of two parts that are brought together at interfacing surfaces. At least one of the surfaces has a plurality of ink flow channels for conveying ink around an ink circuit between components. The other of the interfacing surfaces is configured to close and seal the channels. A plurality of ports is provided in fluid communication with the channels, the circuit components being connectable to the ports. The manifold assembly provides for a compact and neat arrangement free of many tubes and pipes. The lower number of connections significantly reduces the risk of leakage.
US08613498B2 Method of manufacturing a liquid jet head and a liquid jet apparatus
A method of manufacturing a liquid jet head includes depositing a lower electrode film on a passage forming substrate and patterning the lower electrode film into a predetermined pattern, forming a piezoelectric layer on the passage forming substrate, forming an intermediate film made of a conductive material on the piezoelectric layer, forming a protective film on the intermediate film and, using the protective film as a mask, patterning by etching the piezoelectric layer together with the intermediate film into a predetermined pattern, peeling off the protective film, and depositing an upper electrode film on the passage forming substrate and patterning the upper electrode film into a predetermined pattern.
US08613497B2 Method of working small recess portion, method of fabricating liquid ejection head and liquid ejection head
The invention is directed to a method of working a small recess portion. In the method, prior to press-forming small recess portions arrayed in a row by pressing a predetermined number of pieces of aligned male dies to a metal base plate, the metal base plate is previously formed with a highly rigid portion at a predetermined portion at a vicinity of an imaginary line extending in a row direction along end portions of predicted press portions to which the respective male dies are pressed.
US08613495B2 Liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head including an ejection device substrate having a substrate provided with an energy-generating element that generates energy for ejecting a liquid, a liquid supply member that supplies the liquid to the ejection device substrate, and a support member that is provided between and joined to the ejection device substrate and the liquid supply member. The support member has at least two liquid supply flow paths that are through-holes extending through the support member and has a projected or depressed portion at its joint surface with respect to the liquid supply member. A spacing between two adjoining liquid supply flow paths at the joint surface with respect to the liquid supply member is larger than a spacing between the adjoining two liquid supply flow paths at a joint surface of the support member with respect to the ejection device substrate.
US08613488B2 Ink cartridge, recording device, and method for controlling recording device
An ink cartridge includes: an ink accommodating unit; and a storing unit. The ink accommodating unit is configured to accommodate ink therein. The storing unit is configured to store time length data indicative of a length of time to be taken by the ink cartridge to move from a first position to a second position different from the first position, the first position and the second position being defined within a mounting unit in a recording device, the ink cartridge reaching the first position before reaching the second position when the ink cartridge is mounted in the mounting unit.
US08613487B2 Liquid ejection head, carriage unit, pressure control method, and liquid ejection recording apparatus
A liquid jet head has a jetting portion with nozzles for jetting a liquid that is contained in a liquid container. A liquid storing portion is disposed in a conduit that interconnects the liquid storing portion and the jetting portion and that supplies the liquid in a liquid container to the jetting portion through operation of a pump. The liquid storing portion is configured to dampen fluctuations in the pressure in the conduit. A pressure sensor is disposed in the conduit for measuring a pressure in the conduit. The operation of the pump for supplying the liquid in the liquid container to the jetting portion is controlled based on a value of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring means so that the pressure of the liquid supplied from the conduit to the jetting portion is within a predetermined pressure range.
US08613476B2 Device for inserting into an opening of a component of an automobile
Device for inserting into an opening of a component of an automobile, comprising a shaft body and a surrounding flange provided on one end of the shaft body, and at least one fastening element provided on the shaft body, wherein the device is insertable into the opening in axial direction of the shaft body such that the shaft body extends through the opening and the flange abuts on a first component surface and the device is fastened to the opening by the fastening element wherein an annular surrounding hollow space is delimited between at least a surface of the shaft body, an interior surface of the flange and the first component surface, further comprising a hot melt adhesive material provided surroundingly on the flange, which hot melt adhesive material adheres sealingly on the first component surface upon heating the flange, characterized in that the hot melt adhesive material is an expanding hot melt adhesive material, which compensates for a pressure change in the hollow space caused by changing temperature through a partial expansion into the hollow space.
US08613474B2 Substrate loader and unloader having a Bernoulli support
A substrate chuck includes a frame forming a support adapted to support an adhering surface thereon, and a Bernoulli chuck surface coupled to the frame and adapted to support the substrate. The Bernoulli chuck surface is axially moveable relative to the support between first and second positions. In the first position, the substrate is coupled to the adhering surface, and the substrate is separated from the adhering surface with movement of the Bernoulli chuck from the first position to the second position, without contact between the substrate and the Bernoulli chuck surface.
US08613473B2 Releasable plug-in connection for pipelines or the like
A plug-in connection for hydraulic lines and machines, in particular for use on motor vehicles, has a receiving part and a complementary associated plug-in part which is sealed off from the receiving part in the final assembled position. When the plug-in part is inserted into the receiving part, a spring-elastic securing element, which is fitted captively and in a prestressed manner as a spring force storage device on the receiving part in a pre-assembly position, is displaced by the plug-in part relative to the receiving part in such a way that, when the final assembled position is reached, its stored spring force is released by the joining movement itself and the securing element latches in a force-fitting manner between bearing surfaces of the receiving part and of the plug-in part.
US08613471B2 Security element and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a security element (22) for securing items of value, with a relief structure (22) on which a thin film element (24) having a color shift effect is superposed in an overlap zone, wherein the thin film element (24) includes an absorber layer (30) with gaps (32), in the zone of which a color shift effect is not visible, and with a semitransparent ink layer (34), which is superposed on the thin film element (24) and the relief structure (22) in the area of the gaps (32) in the absorber layer (30), wherein the color impression of the thin film element (24) is coordinated with at least a partial zone of the semitransparent ink layer (34) when viewed under predefined viewing conditions.
US08613460B2 Bush- and bracket-integrated stabilizer bar
A bush- and bracket-integrated stabilizer bar includes a stabilizer bar, a rubber bush attached to an outer periphery of the stabilizer bar, and a bracket configured to mount the stabilizer bar to a bottom of a vehicle body with the rubber bush intervened. The stabilizer bar has amine-based curable epoxy paint or amine-containing cationic paint and a surface treatment layer containing a halogen donor-based surface treatment agent on the paint. The rubber bush has a surface treatment layer containing a halogen donor-based surface treatment agent on an inner surface thereof. A thermosetting epoxy adhesive layer containing an amine-based or an organic hydrazide-based curing agent and a bisphenol type epoxy resin is formed between the stabilizer bar and the rubber bush.
US08613459B2 Variable gear ratio type rack bar and steering apparatus for vehicle having the same
Disclosed are a variable gear ratio type rack bar, and a steering apparatus having the same. According to the present invention, it is not required to fabricate a separate mold for processing rack-formed parts with different inter-tooth spaces, the rack-formed parts can be formed by using various processing methods, and it is possible to obtain precise tooth shapes through one step processing, whereby the number of steps for manufacturing a variable gear ratio type rack bar and its manufacturing cost can be reduced.
US08613444B2 Roll nip structure having adaptive pivot position
A printing apparatus comprises a marking device, a media path positioned to supply sheets of media to the marking device, and a media supply tray positioned to supply the sheets of media to the media path. Further, a pair of rollers forms a nip adjacent the media supply tray. The rollers rotate in opposite directions to cause the sheets of media to move from the media supply tray to the media path. Additionally, a first frame structure supports a first roller of the pair of rollers. The first frame structure can be in a fixed position and holds the first roller in a fixed location. A second frame structure supports a second roller of the pair of rollers. The second frame structure is adjustable in a first direction toward the first roller and has a variable pivot position allowing the second frame structure to move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
US08613443B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a main body. The main body includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a medium, and a media conveyance mechanism configured to convey the medium to the image forming unit. A media conveyance unit is attached to the main body and is configured to convey the medium to the media conveyance mechanism. A media retreat path is defined by opposed surfaces of the media conveyance unit and the main body which are opposed to each other. The media retreat path is configured to receive at least a part of the medium being retreated. The media retreat path inclines in a way that a height level of the media retreat path gradually becomes lower from its entrance side to its back-end side.
US08613438B2 Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus includes: a loading platen on which sheets are loaded, an air blowing section which blows air to sides of a loaded sheet bundle loaded on the loading platen, and an adsorption/conveyance mechanism which adsorbs and conveys a sheet, a driving section moving the loading platen up and down, wherein the air blowing section includes a plurality of air blowing openings facing both sides of the loaded sheet bundle and blowing air to the both sides, wherein each of the plurality of air blowing openings is formed so that a first air flow flows above the loading platen and a second air flow flows below the loading platen when the loading platen reaches a highest position by the driving section, and wherein the loading platen is provided with a penetration thorough which the second air flow flows from below to above the loading platen.
US08613425B2 Valve seal member and valve
The valve (100) comprises a valve body (101), a valve seat insert (103) assembled to the valve body (101), and a valve seal member (120) compressively assembled to and sealing to both the valve body (101) and the valve seat insert (103), with the valve seal member (120) including one or more port apertures (202).
US08613422B2 Fluid transfer device
A device is provided for transferring fluid into or out of a tank and is particularly useful in transferring fluid in a substantially aseptic, hygienic, or sterile manner. The device has a body with an elongate passage extending through the body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. A longitudinally displaceable cannula is disposed in and extends along the passage in the body. A septum sealing the passage is at a first location; the septum being pierceable and self-sealing. A diaphragm sealing the passage is at a second location intermediate the septum and the distal end of the passage. The cannula extends through and is secured to the diaphragm and has a sharpened end disposed adjacent to or in the septum. Longitudinal displacement of the cannula causes its sharpened end to pierce and project through the septum, the diaphragm stretching to accommodate the displacement of the cannula while maintaining its aseptic seal of the passage.
US08613414B2 Fastening clip and associated fastener
A fastening clip for attaching a component to a stud of a support part has a base part with an opening for accepting the stud. The opening has an axis and has a fastening region and an unlocking region located next to one another perpendicular to the axis. Resilient retaining means for holding the stud in place are arranged in the fastening region, which means are designed such that the stud can be introduced into the fastening region in the direction of the axis and the stud located in the fastening region can be displaced into the unlocking region by a relative movement of the stud and fastening clip perpendicular to the axis of the opening, wherein in the unlocking region the stud can be removed from the opening.
US08613408B2 Aircraft with a reinforced floor structure
The aircraft includes: a floor; a top panel of a central wing box; at least two rails and at least two beams, the rails and the beams extending between the floor and the panel; and at least one reinforcement suitable, independently of the rails, for taking up a force acting at the level of the floor and for transmitting said force to the beams and/or to the top panel.
US08613402B2 Essence extractor
An improved portable essence extractor in combination with a liquid container for the direct blending of freshly extracted edible and aromatic oils and such is provided. A portable essence extractor and liquid container combination is provided in which an essence extraction assembly may be removably connected to, and in fluid communication with, a liquid dispensing container. The container is operatively connected to the essence extraction assembly such that it is removably connects to the liquid dispensing container, as well as in fluid communication with the liquid volume. Placement of the essence extraction assembly at the top, bottom, middle, or any specific orientation or configuration should be equivalent, given the fluid communication between the comminuted foodstuff and the liquid volume such that the extraction of edible and aromatic oils can directly blend with any liquid contents of the volume.
US08613396B1 Combined water hose and temperature-operated water flow valve and associated method
A temperature-operating water flow valve may include a hollow body having axially offset proximal and distal open ends respectively such that the body may have an internal temperature. A temperature-activated plunger release mechanism may be seated inside the body and intermediately positioned between the proximal and distal open ends respectively. The temperature-activated plunger release mechanism may be automatically reciprocated along a linear travel path as the internal temperature rises above a threshold internal temperature and falls below the threshold internal temperature respectively. A temperature-activated plunger release mechanism may automatically open and close during the reciprocation along the linear travel path such that heated water is respectively permitted and prohibited to egress the distal open end of the body.
US08613388B2 Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from user cards to accept checks and dispense cash to authorized machine users. The machine can compare image data and magnetic data obtained from a check to determine the genuineness of the check. The machine can also determine whether a machine user is authorized to exchange a check for cash. A cash dispenser can be operated to dispense cash to a machine user in exchange for a deposited check. The machine dispenses the cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.
US08613387B1 Banking system controlled reponsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine also includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The machine is operative to cause a computer determination to be made that the card data corresponds to an authorized machine user. The automated banking machine may also include a storage device that is operative to unlock a secured area including information thereon that is used by the automated banking machine to carry out financial transfers.
US08613384B2 Surgical stapling instrument and a staple cartridge and staple for such an instrument
A surgical stapling instrument comprises a cartridge device with a row of staples and a wavy first tissue interface, and an anvil having a wavy second tissue interface which cooperates with the first tissue interface for clamping tissue therebetween and forming the staples exiting from the cartridge device, a staple driving device adapted to drive the staples out of the cartridge device towards the anvil, wherein the staples are non-symmetrical U-shaped with two legs protruding toward the anvil and a transverse basis connecting the legs, wherein the basis is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the legs and has a length greater than the staple projection on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the legs.
US08613380B2 Load carrier for securing bicycle fork assemblies
A bicycle fork mount for receiving and securing a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle type front bicycle wheel, but which is also temporarily adaptable for receiving a fork of a skewer type front bicycle wheel includes a fork mount body having a hollow for insertably receiving a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle front bicycle wheel. An adapter is received in the hollow and has a fork receiving skewer associated therewith that is configured for translational movement relative to the adapter. A biasing assembly is disposed between the adapter and the skewer and urges the skewer toward an ends-extended configuration in which a pair of fork receiving ends of the skewer are oppositely disposed beyond the lateral sides of the fork mount body and are configured for receiving and releasably securing the fork of a bicycle having a skewer type front wheel to the bicycle fork mount.
US08613377B2 Hot melt adhesive metering pump assembly with integral reservoir tank
A hot melt adhesive metering pump assembly, and an integral reservoir tank fluidically connected thereto and the hot melt adhesive metering pump assembly comprises a plurality of rotary, gear-type metering pumps which are arranged in a compact, longitudinally spaced manner upon a drive gear manifold. All of the driven gears of pumps are respectively driven by manifold pump drive gears which are rotatably mounted upon a common motor-driven rotary drive shaft rotatably disposed within the drive gear manifold, and a first side wall member of a base portion of the reservoir tank is integrally connected to a side wall portion of the drive gear manifold, while a second side wall member of the base portion of the reservoir tank is provided with a plurality of hose connections to which hot melt adhesive delivery hoses are to be connected so as to respectively convey the precisely metered amounts of the hot melt adhesive material toward the applicator heads.
US08613376B2 Device for dispensing a dental material
A device for dispensing a dental material comprises a plunger for extruding a component of the dental material, and a motor for driving the plunger. The device has two electric circuits for powering the motor to drive the plunger forward or backward. A selector switch is arranged in the device for alternately selecting between the first electric circuit and the second electric circuit for powering the motor. The device further has switches for interrupting the first and/or second electric circuits when the plunger is positioned at certain positions. The device provides automatic functionality for facilitating dispensing of dental materials, and further is preferably relatively robust and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
US08613375B2 Full profile lid for beverage preparation
Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a full profile retention structure sized and shaped such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.
US08613357B2 Reclosable upside down beam blade wiper blade package
A reclosable wiper blade package for holding a beam-type wiper blade in a substantially straightened condition in an upside down orientation with the wiping element of the blade facing upwardly toward a cover of the package. The package includes a blade-retaining package panel with a cavity formed therein having an adapter seat and blade engagement regions that engage corresponding arms of the wiper blade. Each blade engagement region is configured for snap fit engagement with an end portion of the wiper blade arm such as an end cap of the wiper blade.
US08613353B2 Parking lock device for transmission
A parking lock device is mounted on a transmission of a vehicle. The transmission includes a housing and an output shaft. The park lock device includes a parking pawl including a pawl portion, a first coupling member coupled to a rear end portion of the output shaft of the transmission, and a second coupling member coupled directly to the first coupling member, the second coupling member being supported by the housing of the transmission through a bearing and being provided with an extended shaft portion formed in a same shape as the rear end portion of the output shaft of the transmission, and a coupling coupled to the extended shaft portion of the second coupling member.
US08613352B2 One-way clutch retainer
A retainer for a one-way clutch is provided. In some embodiments, the retainer includes an annular portion with an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface and a first axial surface disposed between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface. The first axial surface has a plurality of grooves, a second axial surface is disposed between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface, and the second axial surface is configured to engage an outer race of the one-way clutch assembly. The retainer also includes a plurality of inner lobes that project generally radially inwardly from the inner circumferential surface, and are configured to engage an inner race of the one-way clutch assembly.
US08613350B2 Infinitely variable wrench
Apparatus for an anti-rotation mechanism, such as used in a wrench. The space between a pair of races contains a plurality of pairs of rollers. One race has a protrusion centered inside each pair of rollers, with the rollers biased against the protrusion. Adjacent the protrusion and between the rollers of each pair is a prong that selectively biases one or the other of the rollers of the pair away from the protrusion. When one roller in the pair of rollers is biased away from the corresponding protrusion, relative motion between the pair of races is enabled in only one direction. The protrusions extend into the space between the pair of races sufficiently to prevent the rollers from moving under load when relative motion is inhibited.
US08613349B1 Suitcase tabletop system
The present invention features a portable suitcase tabletop system having a suitcase with a generally u-shaped telescopic handle and a plurality of wheels located on the suitcase bottom surface. The system has a table with a table bottom surface pivotally attached to a generally u-shaped telescopic table mount. A first table mount rod is located in a first table mount tube and a second table mount rod is located in a second table mount tube. The first table mount tube and the second table mount tube are located on a suitcase rear surface. In a first closed position, the table is located parallel with and pivoted against the suitcase rear surface. In a second open position, the table is pivoted into a position on a plane parallel with the suitcase top surface.
US08613340B2 Anti-rollover motorized vehicle
An anti-rollover motorized vehicle includes a chassis, a front wheel and a rear two wheels assembly including a tilting base and a four-bar linkage structure. The tilting base is connected to the chassis through a supporting structure. The four-bar linkage structure suitable for connecting the chassis with two rear wheels includes first, second, third and fourth linkages. The first and second linkages are pivoted to the tilting base. The third and fourth linkages pivoted to two ends of the first and second linkages respectively are connected to the supporting brackets of the two rear wheels respectively. When the chassis is tilted, the tilting base and the supporting structure are also tilted, the first and second linkages are maintained at a constant angle relative to a road surface, and the third and fourth linkages are also tilted, such that track width of the two tilting rear wheels is maintained.
US08613333B2 Method of operating a hybrid powertrain
A method of operating a hybrid powertrain including an engine, an electric motor and a high voltage battery includes preventing fuel flow to the engine when the high voltage battery includes a state of charge at or above a pre-defined upper limit, and when the hybrid powertrain is operating in a second fueling condition in which fuel flow to the engine is preferably maintained. The engine is rotated with torque supplied by the electric motor to maintain rotation of the engine without producing any engine torque.
US08613327B2 Fluid powered percussion tool
A fluid powered percussion tool 1 has a housing 2 with a supply channel for pressurized fluid 3, a percussion mechanism 4, a swing joint 5 arranged to carry the percussion mechanism 4 relative to the housing 2 at a point situated between the forward end A and the rear end B of the percussion mechanism 4, at least one elastically resilient element 6 arranged between the housing 2 and the percussion mechanism 4 at a distance from the swinging joint 5 and arranged to load the percussion mechanism 4 against a neutral position in the housing 2 and to absorb the vibrational movements of the percussion mechanism 4, and a flexible connection for pressurized fluid 7 for distribution of pressurized fluid from the supply channel for pressurized fluid 3 to the percussion mechanism 4. The elastically resilient element 6 includes a conical spring 8. The flexible connection for pressurized fluid 7 includes a hose 11.
US08613318B2 Flooding fluid and enhancing oil recovery method
The invention relates to an enhancing oil recovery method by injecting into a subterranean oil formation an aqueous flooding fluid comprising at least one injecting galactomannan polymer substituted by at least one sulfonation agent. The invention also relates to an flooding fluid having better injectivity properties than existing flooding fluids.
US08613309B1 Pipe handling apparatus and method
When inserting a tube into a borehole in the ground for extracting minerals, tube parts are successively added to the proximal end of the tube while the tube reaches into the borehole. Thereafter, the tube is inserted further into the borehole. As the addition of the tube part is carried out by welding, each time an eminently sealing and slender joint between the tube parts is obtained. As the tube parts are successively added to the tube only when this is necessary for inserting the tube further into the ground, winding up the tube to store it prior to insertion is not necessary and the use of a tube-carrying reel which is difficult to handle is thus rendered redundant. Further, an installation for carrying out the proposed method is described.
US08613303B1 Tire changing machine with force detection and control methods
Tire changing machines having force feedback and position control systems are described that may be used to control operation of one or more components of the machine during a tire change procedure. Information may be provided to a machine operator concerning detected operating conditions during the procedure. Excessive or abnormal forces or component positions can be detected and corrective action may be taken at any point in the tire change procedure. Successful component position profiles may be saved for future recall and execution by the machine.
US08613299B2 Tire with sidewall reinforcement
A pneumatic tire having an impact resistant construction is provided. More specifically, a tire is provided that has increased resistance to travel conditions that can cause pinch shock. Reinforcements of a particular orientation are provided in portions of the tire where pinch shock typically occurs. A range of orientations for the cords used in such reinforcements is described.
US08613294B2 Faucet assembly
A faucet assembly has: a faucet body having a containment space with an opening, the opening having a water outlet with an assembly tube extending into the containment space; a connecting tube disposed in the containment space of the faucet body, an end of the connecting tube having a connecting section connected to the assembly tube, another end of the connecting section having a securing section adjacent to the opening, the securing section having an inner threaded section on an inner sidewall; and a tube-shaped coupling member having an axial connecting aperture, an end of the coupling member having an outer threaded section, another end of the coupling member having a narrowed section with an axial screw aperture connected to the connecting aperture, a screw member locked with the screw aperture, and the inner threaded section of the connecting tube locked with the outer threaded section of the coupling member.
US08613293B2 Insertion to a single-grip, rotation-operated mixing faucet
A control unit for a rotation mixing faucet. The control unit has a base on one side and is connected to an operating arm on the other side. The control unit includes a stationary inlet disc and a rotatable control disc. The inlet disc is connected to the base, and the control disc is connected to the operating arm such that the operating arm rotates the control disc relative to the inlet disc. The inlet disc includes a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet, and first and second outlets, wherein the operating arm independently controls the first and second outlets to adjust water temperature and to switch operation between the first and second outlets without controlling the quantity of water flow by rotating the control disc in a single degree of freedom so that water can only flow out of one of the outlets at a time.
US08613290B1 Anti-inundation and drainage structure for a anti-freeze faucet
An anti-inundation and drainage structure for an anti-freeze faucet contains a tube body, a controlling valve, and a control assembly. The tube body includes a chamber, an inlet, an outlet, and a coupling hole. The controlling valve is fixed in the chamber and includes a housing, an axial bolt, a first check device, a connector, a second check device, a ceramic shifting piece, a ceramic fixing piece, and a positioning member. The control assembly is coupled with the coupling hole and includes a rotating member connecting with a rod in the chamber of the tube body, the rod has a hollow passage defined therein and an air port formed on one end thereof so as to couple with the rotating member, another end of the rod relative to the air port is inserted into the second segment of the slot of the connector of the controlling valve.
US08613289B2 Dishwasher with a reinforcement member
The present invention provides a dishwasher which permits cost reductions while enabling increased strength. A reinforcement member is mounted between pillars, which are erected in the corners of a machine chamber, and a functional part for executing washing and rinsing is fixed to the reinforcement member. Here, an example of the functional part is a washing pump for delivering washing water. Furthermore, another example for the functional part is a connecting part for connecting electrical wiring between a control box and a detergent supply device or a booster or the like.
US08613268B2 Method and apparatus for securing a balancer shaft module
A method for securing a balancer shaft module to an engine is provided, the method including the steps of passing a mounting feature into at least two mounting apertures of the balancer shaft module; simultaneously rotating two of the mounting features within the mounting aperture, wherein the simultaneous rotation of the two mounting features laterally moves the balancer shaft module with respect to the engine; and securing the balancer shaft module to the engine. In addition, a mounting feature for securing a balancer shaft module to an engine is provided, the mounting feature having: a top portion; a mounting cylinder secured to the top portion, the mounting cylinder being centrally located on the top portion; a securement opening passing through the top portion and the mounting cylinder; and wherein the mounting cylinder has a non-uniform outer wall such that a center of the securement opening is offset from a center of the top portion such that rotation of the top portion rotates the securement opening about the center of top portion.
US08613264B2 Gas exchange valve for internal combustion engines
A gas exchange valve arrangement, especially for an internal combustion engine, with a valve head, which is mounted on a valve body. The valve body can be moved in a straight line in either of two opposite directions by an actuating element, which can be moved in either of the two directions of movement such that, as a result of a movement of the actuating element in at least one direction, the valve body is caused to move in the same direction. The actuating element comprises a piston, which can be moved relative to a space by a fluid medium. The space comprises a feed opening for the fluid medium, and the gas exchange valve arrangement includes a throttle device, which at least temporarily throttles the movement of the actuating element in at least one direction of its movement.
US08613262B1 All-in one dog collar system
An animal collar system has an animal collar including, a fabric pouch; a flexible plastic collapsible bowl removably housed in the fabric pouch; a plastic circular-shaped housing unit located on the animal collar; and a loop. The animal collar system is useful for controlling relative movement of the animal in relation to a walker and also is able to provide a convenient collapsible bowl, usable when desired, allowing the walker to provide the animal with at least one refreshing liquid in a remote location. The fabric pouch is coupled to the animal collar. The collapsible bowl is foldable into the fabric pouch when in a non-use condition. Further, the collapsible bowl has an interior volume when in an in-use condition for temporarily storing water for the animal.
US08613260B2 Pet kennel
A pet kennel that is structured to receive an animal includes an upper kennel portion and a lower kennel portion that include first and second engagement structures that are slidingly engageable. The upper kennel portion is situated in a first position atop the lower kennel portion offset from one another along a longitudinal axis of the pet kennel. The upper kennel portion is then translated along the longitudinal axis with respect to the lower pet kennel portion toward a second, assembled position to cause the first engagement elements and the second engagement elements to become slidingly engaged and to cause the upper and lower kennel portions to become aligned with one another. The upper kennel portion additionally includes a pair of latches that are engageable with the lower shell portion in the second position of the pet kennel to retain the upper and lower kennel portions in the second position.
US08613257B2 Stitched multiaxial non-crimp fabrics
A multiaxial non-crimp fabric comprising at least two superimposed layers of multifilament reinforcing yarns arranged within the layers parallel to each other and abutting parallel together. The reinforcing yarns within one layer as well as adjacent layers are connected and secured against each other by sewing threads forming stitches proceeding parallel to and separated from each other at a stitch width w, the sewing threads form stitches with a stitch length s, and the zero-degree direction of the non-crimp fabric is defined by the sewing threads. The reinforcing yarns of the layers are symmetrically arranged in respect to the zero-degree direction of the non-crimp fabric and form an angle α to the zero-degree direction, the angle not being equal to 90° or 0°, and the sewing threads have a linear density from 10 to 35 dtex.
US08613256B2 Overbed table trash bag holder and system
A disposable trash bag system that allows a patient to dispose personal trash when lying in a hospital bed thereby reducing contamination. The system includes a moveable overbed table, a bag holding member, an intermediate member disposed between the bag holding member and the table's perimeter side edge, and a ring element that receives a disposable trash bag. The ring element is connected to the intermediate member that temporarily snap fits against the perimeter side edge and over the table. During use, a disposable trash bag with an upper supportive ring member is placed in the ring element, the bag holding member and the intermediate member are connected together. The intermediate member is forced against the perimeter side edge at a desired location to hold the bag in place. The intermediate member may be easily moved to any location along the perimeter side edge and remove entirely for cleaning.
US08613250B1 Angled frying pan stand
An angled frying pan stand that includes a truncated cylindrical tilt stand rotatably disposed upon a generally circular base, the tilt stand having a bottom side and an upper surface, the upper surface disposed at an acute angle relative the bottom side, each of a pair of side supports retractably extendable upon an extendible track portion disposed on a sidewall, with a first holding edge and a second holding edge configured to support an extant frying pan at an angle upon the top surface, the angled frying pan stand including a strainer piece removably attachable over the rim of a frying pan to partition a segment of the frying pan wherein grease may collect under the influence of gravity separated from any foodstuffs in the pan.
US08613245B1 Coffee brewer with automatic rate selectable dispense system and method
A coffee brewer (10, 10′ and 10′) is provided with a plurality of solenoid controlled, bi-position dispense valves (40, 40′), a size adjustable valve (60) or a combination of both and a programmable controller (18) for controlling the dispense valves in accordance with preselected brew parameters of batch quantity and dispense time duration.
US08613241B2 Aquatic restraint device
A restraining device for use in a water environment includes a plurality of tendrils that can be launched from a submerged device when an unauthorized swimmer is proximate the restraining device. Data communication in a neural-network of restraining devices is facilitated by a central command that has the capability of directing restraining devices, normally, aquatic mines, to a target.
US08613235B2 Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission includes: an input movement, a control system, a continuously variable reciprocating movement, a first holder, a second holder, a chain, an output sprocket, and a freely rotatable sprocket. The holders having the reciprocating movement. Each of the holders having a linearly movable teeth. The movable teeth are perpendicularly movable to the reciprocating movement. Each of the movable teeth having an internal end and an exposed end. The exposed end having a first slope and a second slope. The first slope having a greater slope than the second slope.
US08613233B2 Devices for collecting chemical compounds
A device for sampling chemical compounds from fixed surfaces and related methods are disclosed. The device may include a vacuum source, a chamber and a sorbent material. The device may utilize vacuum extraction to volatilize the chemical compounds from a fixed surface so that they may be sorbed by the sorbent material. The sorbent material may then be analyzed using conventional thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD/GC/MS) instrumentation to determine presence of the chemical compounds. The methods may include detecting release and presence of one or more chemical compounds and determining the efficacy of decontamination. The device may be useful in collection and analysis of a variety of chemical compounds, such as residual chemical warfare agents, chemical attribution signatures and toxic industrial chemicals.
US08613225B2 Device for inspecting front and back surfaces of a strip material and method thereof
In an inspection device for inspecting front and back surfaces of a strip material rolled by a rolling machine, both ends of the strip material along a longitudinal direction of the strip material are claimed by two pairs of clamping devices and the front surface of the back surface of the strip material is pressed at an optional position between the two pairs of the clamping devices by at least one pressing device. Thus, after clamping the strip material, the two pairs of the clamping devices are not displaced along the longitudinal direction of the strip material. A function for applying tensile stress to the strip material and a function for clamping the strip material are individually and separately provided so that the inspection device can be simplified. By pressing the strip material at a point between the two pairs of the clamping devices, at least one of pressing devices can be down sized. It is superior in view of an economical reason. It is possible to set tensile stress at high accuracy and minimize tensile stress variation with respect to a tensile stress level previously set in an operation for inspecting front and back surfaces of the strip material. Therefore, it can be reduced a risk that the strip material is broken and it can be provide a safety inspection device with high reliability for inspecting front and back surfaces of the strip material. Further, it is possible to provide an inspection device for inspecting front and back surfaces wherein a warp of the strip material along a width direction thereof can be adjusted and wrinkles occurred on the strip material by clamping with the clamping devices are controlled.
US08613223B2 Sound sensor array with optical outputs
Two or more sound sensors are placed in a space of interest. Each sensor has a light-emitting output. Each sensor can be positioned at a specific location, such as at an ear location for a seated listener. An excitation source can provide a specified acoustical energy stimulus to the space. A user can obtain a visual impression of acoustical response of the space corresponding to the sound sensors' positions. An image acquisition system can acquire an image of the sound sensors responding to a stimulus. Acquired images can be analyzed to determine response characteristics. A presentation system can provide a display of response characteristics.
US08613218B2 Diagnosis apparatus for leakage mechanism in internal combustion engine
After an engine stop duration exceeds a predetermined time period (that is, if a decision outcome of S100 is positive), diagnosis of a leakage mechanism, which is a relief valve, for diagnosing the presence/absence of an abnormality is not performed during a current engine stop (S102). Therefore, even if the fuel pressure in the high-pressure fuel system is reduced to a low-pressure level due to temperature decrease as though fuel has been leaked in a state in which high-pressure fuel in a high-pressure fuel system cannot be leaked due to an abnormality in the relief valve, it generally occurs after the predetermined time period since such a decrease to a low-pressure level due to the temperature decrease is slow. Thus, an erroneous diagnosis as being normal is prevented from being made since the diagnosis has been suspended when the fuel pressure becomes equal to the low-pressure level.
US08613215B2 Apparatus and method for multi-dimensional gas chromatography
A method and apparatus for two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC), including a valve having first and second positions (P1, and P2), and first through fourth sample flow paths (FP1-FP4). In P1, a first gas sample is collected from a first dimension GC column via FP1, a first pressure source and a first, second dimension GC column are connected via FP2, a second pressure source and a second, second dimension GC column are connected via FP3, and FP4 is disconnected. In P2, the first sample in FP1 is introduced to the second, second dimension GC column via FP1, with aid of the second pressure source, a second gas sample is collected from the first dimension GC column via FP2, the first pressure source and the first, second dimension GC column via FP4 are connected, and FP3 is disconnected.
US08613209B2 Optical fiber drawing apparatus
In an optical fiber drawing device of the present invention, as an operational parameters corresponding to the real drawing speed in the duration from the moment of starting the operation of the optical fiber drawing device till the moment of reaching the target drawing speed are extracted from operational parameters stored in a operational parameter storage unit and applied to the optical fiber drawing device. The operational parameters include a base preform feeding speed, a target variation of real drawing speed, a gain multiplied by the speed element related with the variation of the real drawing speed, an operation cycle, a drawing furnace temperature, a coating resin pressure to coat the optical fiber, and flow of cooling gaseous helium, etc. The optical fiber drawing device of the present invention capable of a stable drawing control that does not generate hunting or overshoot or the like, while reducing the start-up fiber length (or speed increasing time) in the unsteady state (transient state) operation of the optical fiber drawing device.
US08613205B2 Back light in ice storage area
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, at least one compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a door for providing access to one or more of the at least one compartment, an ice container at the door, an LED housing proximate the ice container, and at least one LED disposed within the LED housing for providing illumination of the ice container. In addition to providing lighting, the at least one LED may used to indicate status information associated with the refrigerator.
US08613201B2 Methods and systems for reducing pressure of natural gas and methods and systems of delivering natural gas
Methods and systems for reducing a pressure of compressed natural gas and for delivering natural gas are disclosed. A regulator comprising a vortex tube may be used to reduce the pressure of compressed natural gas while a temperature thereof is also reduced. The temperature reduction associated with a pressure drop in the compressed natural gas is achieved by throttling the gas at constant enthalpy from 3,000 PSIG to 150 PSIG through the regulator. At least one heat exchanger may be utilized to increase the temperature of the compressed natural gas to a temperature suitable for injection delivery. A pressure-reducing regulator may be used to further reduce a pressure of the gas to about 45 PSIG for delivery to an end-user.
US08613194B2 Tri-energy power generating device
A tri-energy power generating device uses the light energy, the thermal energy and wind energy from the nature and transfers these energies into electric power so as to obtain environmentally friendly power. The tri-energy power generating device includes a thermal energy transfer unit, a light-thermo energy collecting unit disposed above the thermal energy transfer unit and a wind turbine unit. When the wind is sufficient, the cold air enters the thermal energy transfer unit from a lower end thereof to drive the wind turbine unit. When there is sufficient sunshine, the light-thermo energy collecting unit transfers the light into electric power to initiate the wind turbine unit and transfer the light into the thermal energy. The thermal energy is conducted to the thermal energy transfer unit and the air is heated to drive the wind turbine unit to generate electric power.
US08613185B2 Method and device for the detection of a thrust dissymmetry of an aircraft during a braking
Disclosed is a ventilating air intake arrangement of an aircraft. The arrangement includes at least one air duct connected to an air intake orifice. At least one confined zone connects with the air duct and the air intake orifice, and the confined zone is configured in a manner in which outside air enters through the air intake orifice. A controllable mobile element modifies the flow of air entering the confined zone by varying a cross section of the air duct. A control unit is used to control the controllable mobile element, with the control unit being arranged so as to control the controllable mobile element to vary the cross section of the at least one air duct as a function of speed and altitude of the aircraft.
US08613182B2 Ceramic tile floor
An article for applying to a floor substrate for preparing the floor substrate for laying of ceramic tiles by bonding ceramic tiles to the article. The article comprises a tile backer board for application to a floor substrate and a sheet bonded to the backer board for bonding of ceramic tiles to the sheet. The sheet comprises a plurality of layers bonded together wherein separation of the sheet along layers thereof is effected for removal of laid ceramic tiles from the backer board. Alternatively, the sheet is bonded to a floor substrate, and the ceramic tiles are bonded thereto. Alternatively, the article is a tape with releasable adhesive thereon. The adhesive releasably adheres to the floor substrate, and the ceramic tiles are bonded to the tape. Alternatively, the article comprises sheets which lie on the floor substrate and which float on the floor substrate and to which are bonded the ceramic tiles.
US08613178B2 Anchoring in a construction model
An anchoring element that provides anchorage in an object, and is compressible in the direction of a compression axis under local enlargement of a distance between a peripheral anchoring element surface and the compression axis. The anchoring element has a coupling-in face which serves for coupling the mechanical vibrations into the anchoring element, which coupling-in face is not parallel to the compression axis. The anchoring element further includes a thermoplastic material which in areas of the peripheral surface enlargement forms at least a part of the surface of the anchoring element.
US08613177B2 Self-mounting modular structure, for constituting protected environments
A self-mounting modular structure comprises profiled peripheral columns (1, T) which exhibit upper overlapped and spaced fulcrums (2, 2′), wherein the rear portions of two series of crosspieces (3, 3′) engage, the front ends whereof connect to upper (4) and lower (41) fulcrums of the central support rack (5) of a control unit (6) the stem whereof (7) connects, through a coaxial joint (8) and movable radial levers (9), to the front extensions (3″) of the lower crosspieces (31). In feedback, the stem (7) rises and pushes the columns (1, T) outwards, which move on standard or roller tracked wheels (11), causing the lifting in the middle and “at the ceiling” of the crosspieces (3, 3′), located within the same columns. Peripheral section bars (19), also comprised in closure in the peripheral columns (1, T), delimit the structure with roll-up sheets (21), along with an upper cover (22) engaged, in the middle, with said rack (5).
US08613172B2 Composite panel including pre-stressed concrete with support frame, and method for making same
A composite panel comprising an elongated concrete. A plurality of elongated pre-stressed cables pass through the slab, extending from the first end to the second end. Also provided is a support frame including an upper chord and a lower chord, the upper and lower chords generally extending in parallel relation from the first end to the second end of the slab. The upper chord is adjacent the upper side of the slab and the lower chord is adjacent the lower side. A plurality of connection studs extend transversely between the upper chord and the lower chord. A plurality of anchors extend from the support frame to the pre-stressed cables, a covered portion of the anchors being cast in the concrete and an exposed portion of the anchors maintaining the support frame in generally parallel spaced relation from the inner face of the slab.
US08613160B2 Door opening and closing apparatus for vehicle
A door opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle, includes a latch mechanism adapted so as to retain a vehicle door in a closed state relative to a vehicle body, an outside lever provided within a space formed inside of the vehicle door so as to be positioned closer to an interior of the vehicle and linked to an outside handle adapted to be rotatably supported by the vehicle door, a detection switch detecting an operation to the outside handle when the outside lever contacts the detection switch in response to an operation of the outside lever, and a release device releasing a retention of the vehicle door in the closed state by means of the latch mechanism by the release device actuating the latch mechanism when a rotational operation of the outside handle is detected by the detection switch while the vehicle door is in a locked state.
US08613151B2 Steam appliance
A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.
US08613137B2 Connecting rod lubrication recess
Exemplary connecting rods and methods of making a connecting rod are disclosed. A method of making a connecting rod may include the step of providing a connecting rod blank, where the connecting rod blank includes a crankshaft end and a piston pin end. The method may further include forming a crankshaft pin recess in the crankshaft end of the connecting rod blank and a piston pin recess in the piston pin end, and forming at least one lubrication recess in the piston pin end of the connecting rod blank. The lubrication recess and the piston pin recess may both formed concurrently.
US08613132B2 Transferring an antenna to an RFID inlay substrate
Forming antenna structures having several conductor turns (wire, foil, conductive material) on a an antenna substrate (carrier layer or film or web), removing the antenna structures individually from the antenna substrate using pick & place gantry or by means of die punching, laser cutting or laminating, and transferring the antenna structure with it's end portions (termination ends) in a fixed position for mounting onto or into selected transponder sites on an inlay substrate, and connecting the aligned termination ends of the antenna structure to an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip or chip module disposed on or in the inlay substrate. A contact transfer process is capable of transferring several antenna structures simultaneously to several transponder sites.
US08613128B2 Push-in fastener assembly
A push-in fastener assembly includes a fastener having deflectable retainer wings and a guide ring slidable over the retainer wings. The retainer wings and/or the guide ring are shaped to reduce interference of the guide ring sliding over the retainer wings when distorted by the retainer wings. Structure is provided for more secure preassembly of the guide ring on the fastener.
US08613126B2 Hydraulic door closure apparatus with boost
A door closure apparatus with boost for latching a door to which the apparatus is attached. The door closure includes two pivotal arms, an outer covering and an elongated housing. In the housing are a main piston with a rack to engage a pinion connected to rotate with one of the pivotal arms, a piston rod, a main spring, a divider wall, an adjustable main spring seat, a supplemental piston and a supplemental spring. The housing is filled with hydraulic fluid and is divided into three chambers with ports and passageways to move fluid during door opening, which stores energy in both the main and the supplemental springs, and door closing, which begins with energy from the main spring and latches with a boost of energy from the supplemental spring.
US08613123B2 Toothbrush and process for producing the same
The invention relates to a toothbrush that is produced by AFT and has a head part and at least one carrier element connected thereto. A front surface of the head part is formed by the top surfaces of the at least one carrier element and has a non-planar three-dimensional configuration, or is capable of assuming such a configuration during intended use. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.
US08613122B2 Article of footwear incorporating foam-filled elements and methods for manufacturing the foam-filled elements
An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a plurality of support elements, and each of the support elements include a shell and a core. The shell defines an interior void and is formed from a polymer material that extends around substantially all of the void. The core has a shape of the void and is located within the void, with at least a portion of the core being a polymer foam material. The polymer foam material of at least two of the support elements may have different densities.
US08613116B1 Pool cover handling device and methods of use
A device for facile deployment of a flexible pool cover, and methods of use, are described. Embodiments of the device and methods of use enable deployment of a pool cover with a leading edge of the pool cover being propelled substantially evenly across a liquid surface of a pool.
US08613113B1 Compact protective hood with vulcanized neck dam interface
A method of constructing a compact protective hood comprising the steps of vulcanizing a heat-resistant, non-elastic crown to an elastomeric neck dam, the neck dam formed by injection molding directly to the crown.
US08615805B1 Systems and methods for determining if a process is a malicious process
A method for classifying a process that modifies a registry attribute is described. At least one attribute associated with a registry is monitored. A determination is made that the at least one attribute has been modified. The process that modified the at least one attribute is identified. One or more characteristics of the identified process is evaluated. The identified process is classified based on the evaluation of the one or more characteristics of the identified process.
US08615802B1 Systems and methods for detecting potential communications fraud
A system includes a data repository and a processing unit. The data repository stores data associated with a corpus of documents hosted on one or more servers. The processing unit analyzes data associated with a suspect document from the corpus of documents. The processing unit further assigns a score, based on the analyzed data, to the suspect document that indicates whether the suspect document is potentially fraudulent.
US08615799B2 Microprocessor having secure non-volatile storage access
An apparatus providing for a secure execution environment. The apparatus includes a microprocessor and a secure non-volatile memory. The microprocessor is configured to execute non-secure application programs and a secure application program, where the non-secure application programs are accessed from a system memory via a system bus. The secure non-volatile memory is coupled to the microprocessor via a private bus. The secure non-volatile memory is configured to store the secure application program, where transactions over the private bus between the microprocessor and the secure non-volatile memory are isolated from the system bus and corresponding system bus resources within the microprocessor.
US08615798B2 Optimizing a data deduplication system using client authentication information
The present invention provides a method and system of receiving data in a data store in a server computer system. In an exemplary embodiment, the method and system include (1) receiving client authentication information of a client computer system, (2) receiving a data signature of the data from the client computer system, and (3) attempting to locate in the data store at least one data chunk with a stored data signature equal to the received data signature.
US08615794B1 Methods and apparatus for increased security in issuing tokens
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an authorization module implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device. The authorization module receives at a first time and from a first mobile application, a request for an access token associated with a second mobile application that includes an identifier associated with the second mobile application and a first random verification identifier. The authorization module provides to the first mobile application a signal representing an authorization code associated with the access token. The authorization module receives from the second mobile application at a second time a signal representing the authorization code, the identifier associated with the second mobile application, and a second random verification identifier. The authorization module provides a signal representing the access token to the second mobile application based in part on the first random verification identifier being equal to the second random verification identifier.
US08615789B2 Trust assertion using hierarchical weights
An illustrative embodiment provides a computer-implemented method for access control by trust assertion using hierarchical weights. The computer-implemented method comprises obtaining an access request for an asset, identifying a trust value associated with a set of paths associated with the access request to form an identified trust value. The identified trust value is compared with a required trust value and a determination as to whether the identified trust value is greater than or equal to the required trust value is made. Responsive to a determination that the identified trust value is greater than or equal to the required trust value, access to the asset is permitted.
US08615772B2 Apparatus and methods of extending application services
Apparatus and methods for extending services of a user device include identifying a first application resident on a user device having a first service that utilizes a first data type. Further, the apparatus and methods include identifying a second application of a plurality of applications having a second service that utilizes a second data type. Additionally, the apparatus and methods include matching a compatibility of a selected one of the first service or the first data type of the first application with a respective one of the second service or the second data type of the second application.
US08615762B2 Multiprocessor system, multiple threads processing method and program
Conventionally, when the amount of data to be processed increases only for a part of threads, the processing efficiency of the whole transaction degrades. A multiprocessor system of the invention includes a plurality of processors executing multiple threads to process data; and a means which, based on an amount of data to be processed for each thread, determines a condition which an order in which the plurality of processors execute the threads should satisfy and starts to execute each thread so that the condition is satisfied.
US08615759B2 Methods and apparatus for data center management independent of hypervisor platform
In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a memory configured to store a first hypervisor message and a second hypervisor message. The apparatus can further include a hypervisor interface module. The hypervisor interface module can retrieve, from the memory, the first hypervisor message and the second hypervisor message. The hypervisor interface module can define a first signal, the first signal being based at least in part on the first hypervisor message and having a first format associated with a first hypervisor platform. The hypervisor interface module can define a second signal, the second signal being based at least in part on the second hypervisor message and having a second format associated with a second hypervisor platform. The hypervisor interface module can send the first signal to a first virtual machine instantiated according to the first hypervisor platform. The hypervisor interface module can send the second signal to a second virtual machine instantiated according to the second hypervisor platform.
US08615752B2 System and method for detecting software patch dependencies
This disclosure relates to software patches and, more particularly, to detecting software patch dependencies in an environment where multiple software patches may be installed. A method, computer program product, and system for detecting software patch dependencies receives one or more first lists of software code segments, including changes to the software code segments associated with one or more first software patches. A second list of software code segments that includes software code paths executed at run-time by a second software patch is received. One or more matching code segments are identified. Dependencies of the second software patch based on the one or more matching software code segments are identified. The dependencies represent software patches required by the second software patch. A list of the dependencies is generated.
US08615747B2 Method and apparatus for dynamic code optimization
A method and an apparatus that optimally compile a source code for a data transformation operation in response to a request from a run-time application are described. A current state of the run-time application is included in the request. The application executes a non-optimized library routine for the data transformation operation while a separate worker thread performs optimized code compilation on the source code for the data transformation operation based on the request at the same time. The request includes a current state of the run-time application. The non-optimized library routine has been pre-built during build time.
US08615741B2 Software defect tracking
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for improved tracking of software item defects. The approach involves maintaining defect attributes for a particular software bug. Certain attributes are user-defined while others are derived. Attributes may be, for example, questions, requests for action, requests for approval, or others. The primary attributes and derived attributes for the bug are associated with users that are associated with the software bug, and a determination is made as to whether or not action is required by the individual users for the software bug using the attributes. If action is required, the user is alerted that action is required for the software bug. The actions and/or bugs may be presented to the user using an inbox format. The inbox may sort actions based on priority, what type of attribute is relevant to the user, or using other categorizations.
US08615735B2 System and method for blurring instructions and data via binary obfuscation
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for obfuscating a computer program. A system configured to practice the method identifies a set of executable instructions at a first location in an instruction section of the computer program and identifies a second location in a data section of the computer program. Then the system moves the set of executable instructions to the second location and patches references in the computer program to the set of executable instructions to point to the second location. The instruction section of the computer program can be labeled as _TEXT,_text and the data section of the computer program is labeled as _DATA,_data. The set of executable instructions can include one or more non-branching instructions optionally followed by a branching instruction. The placement of the first and second locations can be based on features of a target computing architecture, such as cache size.
US08615732B2 Methods and apparatus for integrated, automatic pseudo localization of software
Methods and articles of manufacture for integrated, automatic pseudo localization of software applications are disclosed herein. A pseudo localization process, comprised of one or more utility applications, is integrated into a build cycle for a developing software application to generate pseudo-translated user-interface code as part of a build process. A build application may then generate a pseudo-language build of the developing software application and/or development database to enable testing and identification of internationalization defects that would prevent effective localization of the software product for the international market.
US08615723B2 Performing OPC on hardware or software platforms with GPU
Optical proximity correction techniques performed on one or more graphics processors improve the masks used for the printing of microelectronic circuit designs. Execution of OPC techniques on hardware or software platforms utilizing graphics processing units. GPUs may share the computation load with the system CPUs to efficiently and effectively execute the OPC method steps.
US08615716B2 Content display control apparatus and content display control method
Content items that have the same metadata are grouped together as content groups out of content items to which metadata of different categories has been added, and a content group having a previously selected category and metadata thereof is taken as a criterion. The arrangement of the content groups that have been grouped together is determined based on the relevance between the metadata of another category in the content group serving as the criterion and the metadata of the other category in the content groups to be arranged. The determined arrangement of the content groups is displayed on a display apparatus.
US08615713B2 Managing document interactions in collaborative document environments of virtual worlds
Embodiments described herein are directed to managing document interactions in a collaborative document area of a virtual world. Document interactions of avatars in the collaborative document area of the virtual world are captured by an interaction tool deployed in the collaborative document area. The document interactions are related to at least one document in the collaborative document area. The document interactions are associated with the at least one document based on a reference scheme applied to the collaborative document area by an interaction association unit.
US08615711B2 Summarizing portlet usage captured responsive to trigger events in a portal page
A portal summary controller monitors usage metadata indicating current usage of at least one portlet within at least one portal page for one of multiple events specified to trigger storage of the usage metadata. Responsive to detecting one of the multiple events within the usage metadata which triggers storage, the portal summary controller stores the detected usage metadata at a current time of at least one instance of at least one portlet application within the at least one portal page. Subsequent to storing separate detected usage metadata at multiple different times, the portal summary controller dynamically creates a summary portal page displaying a separate instance of the at least one portlet application for at least one of each of the multiple different times specified according to the separate usage metadata stored at each of the multiple different times, such that the summary portal page provides a summary of at least a selection of previous usage metadata selected by a user of the at least one portal page based on usage metadata stored responsive to trigger events.
US08615708B1 Techniques for live styling a web page
Techniques and mechanisms that assist web page developers in “live styling” a web page without having to repeatedly compile a meta-language style sheet are disclosed. In one embodiment, these techniques and mechanisms include styling functionality to help the developer of the web page carry out a cycle of a streamlined web page live styling process. With the styling functionality, the developer can direct input to a user interface control to change the value of a corresponding meta-language style sheet variable. In response to the input, presentation of the web page is virtually instantaneously updated to reflect the changed value. The developer may repeatedly direct input to the user interface controls until the desired web page appearance is achieved.
US08615705B2 Document management apparatus and computer readable medium storing program
A document management apparatus includes: a memory that holds an electronic document of plural pages; a written information acquisition unit that obtains information on writing with respect to respective pages of recording media on which the electronic document stored in the memory is outputted; and a page arrangement generation unit that generates a page arrangement of the electronic document based on the information on the writing obtained by the written information acquisition unit.
US08615701B2 Apparatus and method for indicating a packet error in an audio and video communication system
An apparatus and method are provided for indicating an error of a transport packet in an audio and video communication system. The method includes receiving a frame including a transport packet, attempting Forward Error Correction (FEC) on the frame, and setting a value of an error indicating field in the transport packet according to a result of the FEC. The error indicating field includes at least one of a first flag indicating a presence or absence of an error in the transport packet, a second flag indicating a success or failure of the FEC, and a third flag indicating detection or non-detection of a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC).
US08615697B2 Code design and implementation improvements for low density parity check codes for wireless routers using 802.11N protocol
Method and apparatus for implementing LDPC codes in an IEEE 802.11 standard system configured to operate in a Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) schema. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises defining a base LDPC code, having a length equal to an integer number of data carriers in an ODFM symbol, transmitting the base LDPC code over a plurality of sub-carriers, wherein the base code is transmitted at an expected phase on sub-carriers specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard system, and transmitting the base LDPC code on other sub-carriers than those specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard system, wherein the base LDPC code on the other sub-carriers is transmit offset in phase from the base LDPC code on the specified sub-carriers.
US08615696B2 Packet data transmitting method and mobile communication system using the same
A packet data transmitting method and mobile communication system using the same enables transmission of common ACK/NACK information from each sector of a base station to a user entity in softer handover. The method includes receiving via at least one of the plurality of sectors a data packet from the mobile terminal, the data packet being correspondingly received for each of the at least one of the plurality of sectors; combining the correspondingly received data packets, to obtain a signal having a highest signal-to-noise ratio; decoding the value obtained by the combining; determining a transmission status of the data packet according to the decoding; and transmitting to the mobile terminal a common ACK/NACK signal including one of a common ACK signal and a common NACK signal according to the determining, the common ACK/NACK signal being transmitted via each of the at least one sector.
US08615685B2 System and method for detecting errors occurring in computing device
A system and method detects errors occurring in a computing device. The computing device includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. The method sets an interruption tag for the computing device and initializes the interruption tag as zero, and detects a general purpose input output (GPIO) signal output from the CPU through a GPIO interface. The method further determines whether the GPIO signal is in a first voltage level at every time interval, and adds one to the interruption tag when the GPIO signal is switched from the first voltage level to a second voltage level. In addition, the method determines that inter errors occur in the CPU if the interruption tag is equal to one, and determines that multi-bit errors occur in the memory if the interruption tag is greater than one.
US08615674B2 Method and apparatus for the realization of a failsafe time function
A method for enabling an oscillating crystal available in a system to be used to generate a software-realized time function, and an apparatus for implementing the method, without requiring additional hardware components, wherein a periodic interrupt signal is generated by the system-internal real-time clock, a table entry with a reference to a routine in an intra-system table is accessed upon receipt of the periodic interrupt signal and a counter is formed by the routine.
US08615667B2 Processor and processor system
In a processor including a CPU core executing instruction codes and a cache memory part having plural ways, encryption counter data encrypting and decrypting data input/output for the core in a common key encryption system are stored at one way among the plural ways, an XOR operation is performed between the encryption counter data and the input/output data, and the common key encryption process generating the encryption counter data is not executed every time when the data is encrypted or decrypted, to thereby enable high-speed memory access without sacrificing security.
US08615665B2 Method for providing high assurance integrity of installed software images in a software defined radio
Method for rapidly booting two or more computer processors (32, 28, 58-1, 58-2, 36-1, 36-2) in a device (200) designed for communicating sensitive or classified information. The method includes verifying an absence of any modification of a software image for each computer processor relative to an original authentic version of the image for the computer processor. The verifying step can include calculating an integrity check value which is uniquely determined by a combination of the original authentic version of the software image and a first random number.
US08615663B2 System and method for secure remote biometric authentication
Systems and methods for secure remote biometric authentication are provided. A network-based biometric authentication platform stores biometric templates for individuals which have been securely enrolled with the authentication platform. A plurality of sensor platforms separately establishes secure communications with the biometric authentication platform. The sensor platform can perform a biometric scan of an individual and generate a biometric authentication template. The sensor platform then requests biometric authentication of the individual by the biometric authentication platform via the established secure communications. The biometric authentication platform compares the generated biometric template to one or more of the enrolled biometric templates stored in memory at the biometric authentication platform. The result of the authentication is then communicated to the requesting sensor platform via the established secure communications.
US08615656B2 Secure remote peripheral encryption tunnel
A Secure Remote Peripheral Encryption Tunnel (SeRPEnT) can be implemented in a portable embedded device for the Universal Serial Bus (USB) with a much more restricted attack surface than a general purpose client computer. The SeRPEnT device can comprise a small, low-power “cryptographic switchboard” that can operate in a trusted path mode and a pass-through mode. In the trusted path mode, the SeRPEnT device can tunnel connected peripherals through the client to a server with Virtual Machine (VM)-hosted applications. In the pass-through mode, the SeRPEnT device can pass-through the connected peripherals to the client system, allowing normal use of the local system by the user. SeRPEnT can also enable secure transactions between the user and server applications by only allowing input to the VMs to originate from the SeRPEnT device.
US08615653B2 Methods and systems for dynamic updates of digital certificates via subscription
Methods and systems of the present invention allow for dynamic updates of digital certificates, such as X.509 SSL certificates. The updates are available via a subscription, where the subscription is a technical, administrative, and/or financial arrangements between a Subscriber and a Certification Authority or between a Hosting Provider and the Certification Authority, which allow for dynamic, and in some embodiments automatic, updates of the Subscriber's certificate. The Subscriber regularly requests updates from the Certification Authority (pull-type methods and systems) or the Certification Authority updates certificates on Subscriber's servers (push-type methods and systems). The invention anticipates a use of short lifespan certificates, which substantially overcomes the issues connected to revoked certificates. If a certificate was revoked it will shortly expire and the Certification Authority would not update it. Also, if the private key was compromised, the person who obtained the private key would have very limited amount of time to exploit it. The invention adds more protection to the Subscribers and their clients.
US08615652B2 System and method for providing load balanced secure media content and data delivery in a distributed computing environment
A system and method for providing load balanced secure media content and data delivery (10) in a distributed computing environment is disclosed. Media content is segmented and encrypted into a set of individual encrypted segments on a centralized control center (15). Each individual encrypted segment has the same fixed size. The complete set of individual encrypted segments is staged to a plurality of intermediate control nodes (17, 19). Individual encrypted segments are mirrored from the staged complete set to a plurality of intermediate servers (21a-b, 23a-b). Requests are received from clients (11) for the media content at the centralized control center. Each individual encrypted segment in the set is received from one of an intermediate control node and an intermediate server optimally sited from the requesting client. The individual encrypted segments are reassembled into the media content for media playback.
US08615649B2 Use of a private key to encrypt and decrypt a message
The invention includes a method for encrypting and transmitting a message M from a first location to a second location. Random numbers P and Q are initially selected, each of them being either a prime or a non-prime number. P and Q are both furnished to a sender and a recipient at the first and second locations, respectively. A client at the first location generates an encrypted message E, which is the remainder left when a modulus operator divides a first quantity, equal to M multiplied by P to the i power, where i is a selected number, by a second quantity equal to (PQ−1). A tuple comprising E and i is transmitted from the first location to the second location, and a second data processing system at the second location to determines the message M from E, i and Q.
US08615641B2 System and method for differential backup
A method and system for differential backup of a logical disk of a data storage array is presented. The system comprises: a pool of physical storage space divided into a plurality of addressable memory locations; and a logical disk adapted to store metadata associated with a differential snapshot of the logical disk. The metadata comprises a mapping structure defining a sharing relationship between the differential snapshot of the logical disk and a previous snapshot of the logical disk that is arranged to serve as a baseline snapshot of the logical disk. The mapping structure is adapted to indicate disk regions of the logical disk that have changed in the differential snapshot of the logical disk with reference to the baseline snapshot of the logical disk.
US08615636B2 Multiple-class priority-based replacement policy for cache memory
This invention is a method and system for replacing an entry in a cache memory (replacement policy). The cache is divided into a high-priority class and a low-priority class. Upon a request for information such as data, an instruction, or an address translation, the processor searches the cache. If there is a cache miss, the processor locates the information elsewhere, typically in memory. The found information replaces an existing entry in the cache. The entry selected for replacement (eviction) is chosen from within the low-priority class using a FIFO algorithm. Upon a cache hit, the processor performs a read, write, or execute using or upon the information. If the performed instruction was a “write”, the information is placed into the high-priority class. If the high-priority class is full, an entry within the high-priority class is selected for removal based on a FIFO algorithm, and re-classified into the low-priority class.
US08615634B2 Coordinated writeback of dirty cachelines
A data processing system includes a processor core and a cache memory hierarchy coupled to the processor core. The cache memory hierarchy includes at least one upper level cache and a lowest level cache. A memory controller is coupled to the lowest level cache and to a system memory and includes a physical write queue from which the memory controller writes data to the system memory. The memory controller initiates accesses to the lowest level cache to place into the physical write queue selected cachelines having spatial locality with data present in the physical write queue.
US08615625B2 Disk array system
A technique to distribute processing to meet a request from other system without partializing the processing to specific processor and can execute processing efficiently while adopting configuration to control one port unit by multiple processors at channel adapter of disk array system. CHA of a controller has a port unit carrying out interface operation and multiple host processor units having host processors. Multiple processors operate in parallel and control the port unit. When the port unit receives a request from other system, the first processor takes charge of the processing on the basis of the judgment of the processing load condition in processors including itself and in the event that the second processor is assigned the processing, the first processor communicates with the protocol unit and transfers the request to the second processor unit to enable the second processor to take charge of the processing.
US08615624B2 Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for enhancing memory erase functionality
A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for enhancing memory erase functionality. An apparatus may include a block-based mass memory and a controller configured to receive an erase command from a host device comprising an indication of a location of a block in the mass memory storing memory allocation data. The controller may be further configured to access the memory allocation data based at least in part upon the indicated location. The controller may additionally be configured to determine, based at least in part upon the memory allocation data, blocks within the mass memory that have been freed by the host device. The controller may also be configured to erase the freed blocks. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.
US08615622B2 Non-standard I/O adapters in a standardized I/O architecture
A system for implementing non-standard I/O adapters in a standardized I/O architecture, the system comprising an I/O hub communicatively coupled to an I/O bus and at least one I/O adapter, the I/O hub including logic for implementing a method, the method comprising receiving a request to perform an operation on the I/O adapter from a requester at a requester address, the I/O adapter at a destination address, determining that the request is in a format other than a format supported by the I/O bus, the I/O bus expecting a requester identifier at a first location in a header of the request, reformatting the request into the format supported by the I/O bus, the reformatting comprising storing the requester address, the destination address and an operation code at the first location in the header of the reformatted request, and sending the reformatted request to the I/O adapter.
US08615621B2 Memory management
An Accelerated Storage Controller (ASC) in an electronic device allows both conventional (slower) application processor to memory interfaces to be employed transparently to existing software, while also allowing software configuration to realize an accelerated storage architecture on demand. Some use cases for the electronic device do not require accelerated storage, and a bypass mode does not require any modification to existing software. Other use cases (such as fast download of multiple gigabytes of media) benefit from an accelerated storage architecture offloading transfer from the electronic device application processor, but could also work with the traditional processor to memory interface, at the cost of slower downloads. Embodiments of the present invention provide for both these possibilities in a software-configurable architecture. Furthermore, a number of other connectivity options are provided under software control to optimize performance and connectivity for different use case scenarios.
US08615620B2 Wireless internet access device, SD control chip, and method for data communication
A wireless Internet access device, a secure digital (SD) control chip, and a data communication method are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: the wireless Internet access device receives an SD command from a terminal device, where the SD command is converted by the terminal device from a command and/or data sent by an upper layer; the wireless Internet access device determines an interface mode according to the SD interface support of the terminal device; the wireless Internet access device executes the SD command according to the interface mode. In embodiments of the present invention, the SD card is integrated with the wireless Internet access function, which reduces the size of the wireless Internet access device and enables the wireless Internet access device to select a proper mode to meet different service requirements of terminal devices according to the SD interface support of different terminal devices.
US08615616B2 Programming target devices via traces that traverse a structurally compromised region of a printed circuit board (pcb)
The present disclosure describes techniques for scalable embedded memory programming. In some aspects data is received at a first communication interface from a host device, at least a portion of the data is stored to a memory device supported by a printed circuit board, and the data is transmitted to a target device via a second communication interface.
US08615609B2 System, method, and computer program product for inserting a gap in information sent from a drive to a host device
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for inserting a gap in information sent from a drive to a host device. In operation, one or more commands are received at a drive from a host device. Additionally, information is queued to send to the host device. Furthermore, a gap is inserted in the information to send to the host device such that the host device is capable of sending additional commands to the drive.
US08615603B2 Wireless LAN system, wireless LAN device, and storage medium having stored therein wireless LAN program
A wireless LAN device and a wireless LAN system including three or more wireless LAN devices are provided. A wireless LAN device includes a wireless communication section for performing wireless communication so as to relay a packet in a wireless network. The wireless communication section includes a priority transmitting section for transmitting a priority level of the wireless LAN device to one or more other wireless LAN devices; a priority receiving section for receiving a priority level of the one or more other wireless LAN devices from the one or more other wireless LAN devices, and storing the received priority level in a priority storing section; and a relaying section for relaying the packet to the one or more other wireless LAN devices that has the highest priority level among the priority levels stored in the priority storing section.
US08615590B2 Power management in link aggregation for data transmission
A method includes receiving a data query instruction for execution, wherein execution of the data query instruction is to cause a data transfer into or from a data warehouse. The data warehouse includes data servers that are communicatively coupled for data transfer through a link aggregation group having at least two data links. Responsive to receiving the data query instruction and prior to or at least partially overlapping with execution of the data query instruction to cause the data transfer, the method includes identifying which of the number of data servers are to receive or transmit data as part of the data transfer; identifying, for each of the identified data servers, a minimum number of the at least two data links that are needed for the data transfer; and activating, if inactive, the minimum number of the at least two data links for each of the identified data servers.
US08615578B2 Using a standby data storage system to detect the health of a cluster of data storage servers
Detecting an operating condition in a multi-server data storage system. One or more of the data storage servers are designated with a status within the cluster. The designating may be performed by at least one of the data storage servers. The status is encoded into log data having records that report changes to the primary data storage performed by the cluster of data storage servers. The log data is transmitted from the primary data storage to the standby data storage system. The standby data storage system determines an operating condition of the cluster of data storage servers based, at least in part, on the status.
US08615576B2 Remotely managing enterprise resources
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for remotely managing enterprise resources. In some implementations, a method includes remotely receiving information associated with heterogeneous assets in an enterprise network. Transactions for remotely managing the heterogeneous assets are generated in response to at least the information. The management transactions are stored remote from the enterprise network until a request for the management transactions is received from the enterprise network. The management transactions are transmitted to the enterprise network using a single interface.
US08615572B1 Network services platform
A network services platform provides services to remote enterprise networks. The services platform provides a control module to a computer in the enterprise network. The control module executes on the computer and interacts with the services platform to establish an Internet Protocol (IP) tunnel between the services platform and the computer. The control module also establishes a bridge between the IP tunnel and the enterprise network. The services platform allocates a unique private IP address space to the enterprise network, and translates IP addresses in network communications between enterprise network addresses and corresponding services platform addresses in the allocated unique private address space. The services platform provides network services to the enterprise network via the IP tunnel and bridge.
US08615571B2 Network address assignment in a data center
In a data center that includes a number of chassis, with each chassis including a chassis management module and a number of slots, each slot associated with a service processor: network address assignment includes discovering, by a chassis management module of a particular chassis, one or more other chassis management modules; negotiating, by the chassis management module with the other chassis management modules via IPv6 data communications, a chassis-specific range of IPv4 addresses available for assignment to service processors of the particular chassis; providing, by the chassis management module to the service processors of the particular chassis, in dependence upon the chassis-specific range of IPv4 addresses, a base IPv4 address; and determining, by each service processor of the particular chassis, in dependence upon the base IPv4 address and a slot identifier of the slot associated with the service processor, an IPv4 address for the service processor.
US08615566B1 Apparatus and method for operational support of remote network systems
A method for operational support for remote network systems which allows for the rapid replacement of one server with another, in such instances as server malfunctions, routine maintenance, or upgrades. The method generally comprises providing a program storage device containing a machine identifier associated with a first, original server, transferring the program storage device and machine identifier to a second, spare server, and remotely configuring the second, spare server, according to the program storage device and machine identifier associated with the first, original server, such that the second, spare server becomes an identical replacement for the first, original server. Thus, if the first, original server malfunctions, the spare or replacement server can be remotely configured to replace the original server according to the information in the machine identifier stored on the program storage device.
US08615565B2 Automatic content retrieval based on location-based screen tags
Systems and methods automatically obtain contents and display the contents on location-specific display screens, based on content attributes associated with the screens. Associating content attributes (“tags”) with the screens allows administrators to specify the types of contents desired for display on the screens. For example, an establishment that caters to customers of a particular demographic (such as 21-27 year old singles, families with children, fans of rock-and-roll music, “bikers,” sports fans or ice cream lovers) may associate one or more content attributes (such as “dating,” “Disney,” “Led Zeppelin,” or “Red Sox”) with its display screen. The system then automatically obtains contents based on the attribute(s) and displays the contents on the screen. Patrons with mobile telephones or web-based users may send text messages for display on the screen or play interactive games displayed on the screen, as described in the incorporated patent application. However, even absent such activity, the disclosed systems and methods populate the screen with potentially ever-changing contents, thereby keeping the screen “fresh” and avoiding a situation known as the “ghost town” effect. The system may obtain the contents to be displayed from a variety of sources. For example, Twitter messages (“Tweets”) that contain or are otherwise associated (such as via “hashtags”) with a content attribute of a screen may be displayed.
US08615556B1 Techniques for reducing broadcast messages
Techniques for reducing broadcast messages are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an apparatus for reducing broadcast messages. The apparatus may comprise a module to create a virtual group member list associated with at least one virtual group comprising at least members of a physical group. The apparatus may also comprise a module to send a broadcast message to members listed in the virtual group member list. The apparatus may further comprise a module to retain a responding member in the virtual group member list if a broadcast message is received from the responding member. The apparatus may still further comprise a module to remove a non-responding member from the virtual group member list if a broadcast message is not received from the non-responding member.
US08615549B2 Method for training a server for content delivery based on communication of state information from a mobile device browser
A method for training a server for content delivery based on communication of state information from a mobile device browser, the method comprising providing a control channel between the server and mobile device browser, transmitting over the control channel a plurality of request messages from the mobile device browser to the server for Web pages, each of the messages indicating browsing-related state data, and implementing heuristic algorithms within the server to detect and learn patterns of the request messages, pre-fetching at least hypertext content of Web pages that the server has learned will likely be requested, and embedding the hypertext content in response codes within response messages over the control channel from the server to the mobile device browser.
US08615546B2 Method and device for identifying patterns in a message and generating an action
A method for identifying a pattern in a message and generating an action in a communication terminal, and a communication terminal adapted to identify a pattern in a message and generating an action, aiming at providing actions associated with a received message to enable a user to use a multitude of applications in a communication terminal in a user-friendly way. The communication terminal includes a pattern table including one or more patterns, a parse adapted to parse a message for one or more patterns in the pattern table and adapted to generate a pattern list, an action generator adapted to generate an action including an application all for the application, and a controller adapted to execute the action.
US08615538B1 Sub-filtering finite impulse response (FIR) filter for frequency search capability
The present invention is directed to sub-filtering FIR (frequency impulse response) to provide the capabilities of an ambiguity function (i.e., search for a signal in time and frequency) without extensive computations. By minimizing the resources used for the signal search (increased efficiency), the size of the implementation of the ambiguity function in hardware, and thus its power consumption, can be reduced. Additionally, by making the frequency search more efficient, larger scale frequency searches are possible.
US08615536B2 Handheld computational device
In one aspect, the invention provides computational device that comprises a processor for performing mathematical computations, and a user interface. The user interface comprises a display and a plurality of functional buttons each associated one of a plurality of variables in a mathematical equation defining a relationship among those variables. In response to the selection of any of the buttons by a user, the processor effects presentation of one or more prompts in the display to invite the user to enter values for variables associated with buttons other than that selected by the user, and upon entry of the last variable value, the processor calculates a value for the variable selected by the user and presents said calculated value in the display.
US08615523B2 Method and system for searching stored data
A complete document management system is disclosed. Accordingly, systems and methods for managing data associated with a data storage component coupled to multiple computers over a network are disclosed. Systems and methods for managing data associated with a data storage component coupled to multiple computers over a network are further disclosed. Additionally, systems and methods for accessing documents available through a network, wherein the documents are stored on one or more data storage devices coupled to the network, are disclosed.
US08615520B2 Computer based methods and systems for establishing trust between two or more parties
Methods, devices and systems for moderating and policing voluntarily established transparency regarding past and present, and personal and professional relationships via online networking services. Identity of a person or commercial entity is verified before registration as a user. Each user is permitted a single profile. A profile includes a record of all relationships entered in the profile, some of which may be hidden by user. Each user is capable of linking his profile to profiles of other consenting users. Owner of a profile may flag inaccurate information on other linked profiles. The reliability or value of information in a profile is measured as a function of duration of existence of profile, transparency of the information in the profile, periods of inactivation, and number of times the profile is correctly flagged. A code is generated and used to allow gradual exposing of the profile of a user to his prospective contacts.
US08615513B2 Graphically representing associations between referents and points in a story
Systems and methods are provided for graphically representing associations between one or more points in a story and one or more referents of interest. In some embodiments, a score may be determined for each of a set of points in a story based at least in part on a number of associations between the given point in the story and one or more referents of interest. A graphical representation of the points in the story may then be presented for display. The graphical representation may include indicia, where each indicium graphically indicates the strength of association between a given point in the story and the one or more referents of interest. The strength of association for a given point in the story may be determined, for example, based at least in part on the determined score for the point.
US08615508B2 Artificial anchor for a document
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for linking to an intra-document portion of a target document includes receiving an address for a target document identified by a search engine in response to a query, the target document including query-relevant text that identifies an intra-document portion of the target document, the intra-document portion including the query relevant text. An artificial anchor is generated, the artificial anchor corresponding to the intra-document portion. The artificial anchor is appended the address.
US08615507B2 Database management
There is disclosed a system and method for optimising database access plans. Specifically, modifications made to a database are monitored and compared to a set of criteria. If a modification satisfies a criterion, the access plans relating to the modification are updated.
US08615500B1 Partial block allocation for file system block compression using virtual block metadata
A file server has a data compression facility and also a snapshot copy facility or a data de-duplication facility that shares data blocks among files. Compression of the file data on a file system block basis leads to a problem of partially used file system data blocks when the data blocks are shared among files. This problem is solved by partial block allocation so that file system data blocks are shared among files that do not share identical data. Block pointers in the file mapping metadata point to virtual blocks representing the compressed data blocks, and associated virtual block metadata identifies portions of file system data blocks that store the compressed data. For example, a portion of a file system data block is identified by a sector bitmap, and the virtual block metadata also includes a reference count to indicate sharing of a compressed data block among files.
US08615499B2 Estimating data reduction in storage systems
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, method and computer program products for estimating data reduction in a file system. A method includes selecting a sample of all data from data files in the file system, wherein said sample represent a subset of all the data in the file system. The method further includes estimating a data reduction ratio by data deduplication for the file system based on said sample. The method further includes estimating a data reduction ratio by data compression for the file system based said sample. The method further includes generating a combined data reduction estimate for the file system based on said data compression estimate and said data deduplication estimate.
US08615497B1 Assured federated records management
A record is managed by obtaining from an external system on which a stored object comprising the record is stored a property of the stored object as stored on the external system. A stored property associated with the record is compared with the obtained property of the stored object. In the event the comparison does not match, responsive action is taken.
US08615495B1 Techniques for providing a differential backup from a storage image
Techniques for providing a differential backup from a storage image are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for providing a differential backup from a storage image comprising identifying one or more dirty blocks in a storage image, creating a differential backup data structure, and transmitting the one or more dirty blocks to a data management process utilizing the differential backup data structure to provide a differential backup.
US08615487B2 System and method to store and retrieve identifier associated information content
In one embodiment, information content files, such as text files, image files, XML files and the like, that provide information related to an identifier bearing item, such as a consumer item with a barcode, are stored on a data storage device such as network server. Identifier data entries, such as UPC data, are associated with file data entries, such as file names, in a database. General file access information that is used in accessing the information content files is stored on a terminal. In operation an identifier is read by the terminal and is used to extract one of the file data entries from the database based on database communication information stored on the terminal. The file data entry in combination with the general file access information is used to establish communication with the data storage device and to extract one of the information content files.
US08615486B2 Interfaces for high availability systems and log shipping
Architecture for replicating a database through log shipping. A replication service replicates data using one or more new internal application program interfaces (APIs), a replay configuration API which abstracts configuration information for each destination (or target) instance. APIs for log file management as part of the replication process are provided for opening communications for log shipping, tracking success of log shipping and closing out log shipping communications. Log shipping APIs are also provided for log truncation control. A ship control object is provided as a base class which includes an API for other components of the replication service to operate on log files when the log files are placed into a log directory. The ship control API is utilized by the replication service and for interaction with storage system log files.
US08615485B2 Method and system for managing weakly mutable data in a distributed storage system
A method for managing multiple generations of an object within a distributed storage system is implemented at a computing device. The computing device receives metadata and content of a first generation of an object from a first client connected to the distributed storage system and stores the first generation's metadata and content within a first storage sub-system. The computing device receives metadata and content of a second generation of the object from a second client connected to the distributed storage system and stores the second generation's metadata and content within a second storage sub-system. The computing device independently replicates the first generation's metadata and content from the first storage sub-system to the second storage sub-system and replicates the second generation's metadata and content from the second storage sub-system to the first storage sub-system such that both storage sub-systems include a replica of the object's first and second generations.
US08615482B1 Method and apparatus for improving the utilization of snapshots of server data storage volumes
A method and apparatus for creating and using a snapshot in data backup and/or other data services. The method creates snapshot(s) of volume(s) using a select set of Snapshot Providers, transports the snapshots to a server for processing and processes the snapshots. Processing may include creating a backup, data mining the snapshot, and the like.
US08615468B2 System and method for generating a dynamic card value
A method and system is provided for generating a dynamic card value (DCV) from a mobile user device for use in a transaction between a user cardholder and a transaction provider. The DCV may be configured for use as a card verification value (CVV), also known as a card security code (CSC), a primary account number (PAN), or a portion of a PAN. The DCV may be generated using a DCV generator which may include an algorithm and a DCV generation key. The DCV generation key may be camouflaged. Obtaining a DCV from the user device may require inputting a PIN, a device identifier, a challenge or transaction information. The DCV may be used for any transaction requiring the input of a user identification number and a verification value, including, credit card transactions, debit card transactions, online or telephonic transactions.
US08615464B2 Credit management system and method
Systems and methods are provided for managing credit information relating to customers and the credit process. A credit management system may include a credit information manager, a credit limit manager, credit decision support and a credit rules engine. The credit management system may communicate with external systems, such as external credit information providers, accounting systems, electronic commerce systems and business partners. The credit rules engine may apply rules to information gathered from such sources to calculate internal credit scoring and credit limits.
US08615462B2 Global electronic trading system
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for facilitating trading two items (L,Q) from the group of items comprising commodities and financial instruments. At least two agents (2) want to trade the items (L,Q). There is a trading channel (3) between the two agents (2) allowing for the execution of trades. There are flow (trading) limits on the items being traded. A central computer (1) is coupled to the two agents (2). Said computer (1) is adapted to convey to each agent (2) current tradable bid and offered prices and sizes subject to the agent's (2) trading limits.
US08615450B1 Methods and systems for inventorying personal property and business equipment with backend business development system
Methods and systems for documenting an inventory of items by accessing an inventory algorithm for creating an inventory list, adding two or more items to the inventory list, adding details about one or more of the items in the inventory list, identifying one or more real properties containing items in the inventory list, and linking one or more images with one or more of the items in the inventory list. The inventory can be created by providing a user with an access code to access the inventory list corresponding to the user, providing a reseller with access to the inventory algorithm for setting up a new user account and providing an authorized inventory professional with access to the inventory algorithm for creating the inventory list for the user.
US08615442B1 Personalized content delivery system
A content delivery system for generating personalized content for a user. The system maintains an interest graph that shows the user's current attachment to one or more topics. When a user performs an action, a topic is determined for the action and the user's interest graph is modified based on the action. The system also receives content and analyzes the language of the content to determine a topic of the content. A similarity between the user's interests and the content is determined. The content is also analyzed to determine the popularity of the content. The user's interest level and the popularity of the content are then used to provide the user with a personalized content, such as a content recommendation or enhanced content.
US08615438B2 Time-dependent response to user-determined unauthorized transaction
A system and method is described for alerting authorities or taking other corrective authoritative action to a possibly fraudulent credit card transaction. A cardholder is notified that a transaction has just taken place and is given an opportunity to indicate that he or she did not authorize the transaction. If so indicated, and depending on how recent the transaction was (e.g. 15 seconds ago) then an alert is automatically sent to the merchant, store security, or local police. In addition, a store camera can be automatically activated to zoom in and record the perpetrator of the fraudulent transaction.
US08615428B2 Point of sale device for online reward point exchange method and system
An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting via a user computer, merchant's point of sale device, or mobile device an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.
US08615420B2 Automatic self-optimizing queue management system
A queue management system for e.g. supermarket checkouts uses counting devices located at checkouts and optimally entrances/exits in conjunction with P.O.S. information to produce a schedule of how many checkouts are needed to avoid queue length exceeding preset limits. The system includes a dynamic learning system which can optimize calculated schedules on the basis of historical data.
US08615417B2 Supply plan control method and computer-readable recording medium having recorded supply plan control program
A supply plan control method which allows an effective product supply plan to be made, ensuring equality among orderers in different time zones. When an order for a subject of transaction is specified, a possible allocation recipient customer extraction section extracts a customer servicing at the time when the order is accepted as a possible allocation recipient customer, in accordance with the business hours and the standard time in the location of the customer. A possible allocation quantity determination section calculates a planned allocation quantity for the possible allocation recipient customer in accordance with a planned supply quantity, and subtracts a quantity actually allocated to any customer from the planned allocation quantity for the possible allocation recipient customer to determine a possible allocation quantity. An allocation section allocates the subject of transaction from the possible allocation quantity for the possible allocation recipient customer in accordance with the order.
US08615411B2 System and method for verifying medical impairments
The present invention provides a method of verifying a medical impairment, comprising receiving a medical diagnosis of an injury, the numeric permanent impairment rating resulting from an evaluation of a permanent impairment, and comparing that permanent impairment rating to a statistically evaluated probable impairment rating of the injury. Depending on the results of the comparison, the assessed impairment rating may be reevaluated, in some cases by a trained impairment evaluator, and others by an expert medical staff.
US08615409B1 System and method for identification, perfection, collection, and valuation of third-party claims including subrogation claims
A method has been provided that associates insurance payment linking information with litigation information and associates insurance payment information with the insurance payment linking information and the litigation information to identify a potential third-party claim or a potential subrogation claim. Associating the insurance payment linking information with the litigation information may further include associating at least one medical procedure code with at least some of the litigation information.
US08615403B2 Universal charge routing system for medical billing
A medical charge router receives charge information from a variety of sources and converts it to a standard charge format for automated processing and routing to one of multiple billing programs.
US08615384B2 Method and apparatus for simulating aircraft data processing systems
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for simulating mobile platforms. In one advantageous embodiment, a method is used to performing operations with a virtual aircraft network. A data processing system with the virtual aircraft network is connected to a ground network. The operations are performed with the virtual aircraft network connected to the ground network.
US08615379B2 Method for mutli-stage spatial sampling with multiple criteria
The present invention provides a method for implementing a multi-stage spatial sampling strategy to select optimal sampling locations and determine an optimal sampling density for a quantification of mass discharge uncertainty in a field. The present invention also provides systems and methods for estimating probability of a mass discharge in a control plane.
US08615377B1 Methods and systems for processing social interactive data and sharing of tracked activity associated with locations
A method includes determining a location of a first monitoring device used while performing an activity. The first monitoring device is worn by a first user. The method includes determining a location of a second monitoring device used while performing an activity. The second monitoring device is worn by a second user. The method further includes determining whether the locations of the first and second monitoring devices are within a range and whether the activities are similar. The method includes sending a prompt to the first monitoring device upon determining that the activities are similar and the locations are within the range. The prompt includes a request for permission from a first user account to allow a second user account to access information from the first user account regarding the activity performed using the first monitoring device.
US08615376B2 Method and apparatus for dimensional measurement
An non-contacting measurement apparatus for measuring distances, angles and related geometric quantities, and for computing other quantities based on the measurements, is provided. A visible light beam or ultrasonic beam allows a user to point the device at one or more points to which the distance is measured, and angular rotation between the various points of interest can be measured and recorded. Then, geometric and trigonometric relationships are used to compute and display lengths, areas, volumes or other facts derived from the measurements. Various input and output features are provided in the present embodiments.
US08615365B2 Oligomer sequences mapping
Mapping oligomer sequences includes receiving a set of related oligomer sequences, applying one or more key patterns derived from a set of oligomer sequence relationships to obtain one or more keys that are consistent with the set of related oligomer sequences, and locating the one or more keys in an index configured to map a plurality of possible keys to their respective candidate and/or validated locations in a reference.
US08615357B2 Method for assisting a user of a vehicle, control device for a driver-assistance system of a vehicle and vehicle having such a control device
A method for assisting a user of a vehicle, in which driving-condition variables (v, a, q, ω, n) are sensed or ascertained via sensors of the vehicle, and a camera of the vehicle covers a coverage area of a road scene at least in front of the vehicle and outputs image signals. Based on the image signals, it is determined whether a further vehicle which is outputting blinking signals is in the coverage area. As a function of the ascertained driving-condition variables (v, a, q, ω, n) of the vehicle and as a function of the determination as to whether other vehicles are indicating a change of direction, information signals, particularly warning signals, are able to be output to the user and/or an automatic driver-assistance control is able to be implemented in which control signals for interventions in a vehicle control for a longitudinal control and/or lateral control, especially a distance control, are output. In this context, in each case different possible control interventions are able to be ascertained and carried out. Furthermore, a corresponding control device and the vehicle thereby made possible are provided.
US08615356B2 Electromechanical stabilization of in-line wheeled vehicles
A system and method to enhance stability of in-line wheeled vehicles throughout an entire range of vehicle motions that utilizes a stability control that is user controlled to adjust the amount of stability control that is in place at any given time. A electromechanical gyroscopic stabilization device assists in maintaining an appropriate attack angle of the in-line wheeled vehicle while approaching and during non-linear maneuvers.
US08615348B2 Regulation method for a controllable energy absorber
The invention relates to a method for regulating the current flow of a coil that controls the viscosity of a magnetorheological fluid of a controllable energy absorber in a steering system for a motor vehicle, wherein during an accident the energy absorber acts as a hydraulic damper between two parts movable with respect to one another, whose damping force is determined by the current flow through the magnetic coil, wherein the following steps are provided: the relative velocity between a first part of the steering column movable with the steering wheel and a second part of the steering column fixed to the vehicle body is determined continuously or at intervals, the acceleration required for the braking from the measured relative velocity at standstill up to the end of the travel path is calculated, the current flow is calculated from the calculated acceleration in such a way that the value of the acceleration is approximately reached during the further travel of the parts movable with respect to one another.
US08615344B2 Method and system to modify routing information based on detection of rate of change of pressure in tires
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method, system and program product for monitoring the rate of deflation or inflation in vehicular tires to determine the time or distance it takes before the tire pressure of one or more tires enters an undesirable state. Under the present invention, tire specifications, environmental modifiers, vehicular modifiers, road and weather conditions, and current tire pressure for each tire are recorded as input to provide an alert with a route plan for a driver to bring a vehicle to a service station before tire pressure reaches an undesirable condition. In one embodiment, the system can inform the driver at what time in the future a tire will reach an undesirable condition. In another embodiment, the system can inform the driver at what distance (measured in miles, for example) a tire will reach an undesirable condition. In yet another embodiment, the system can modify a route in order to avoid an unsafe tire condition.
US08615336B1 System and method for controlling power in a hybrid vehicle using cost analysis
A system for controlling power of a hybrid vehicle may include a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a commanded acceleration for the hybrid vehicle and determine a potential for each of a power source, a generator, and an energy storage device to supply energy to achieve the commanded acceleration. The controller may be further configured to determine a cost associated with using each of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device to achieve the commanded acceleration, and determine a combination of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device that achieves the commanded acceleration at a lowest total cost. The controller may also be configured to provide a signal to at least one of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device to achieve the commanded acceleration based on the determined combination.
US08615333B2 Driver assistance system and operator control concept therefor
A driver assistance system having a predefined number of driver assistance functions has a device for defining, storing and implementing a predefined number of driver assistance packages, wherein each driver assistance package comprises one or more driver assistance functions and each driver assistance package has a predetermined functional scope.
US08615331B2 Method and apparatus for controlling the feed of reactive power in a wind power generation system
A method and a controller for controlling a wind power generation system is disclosed. The system is connected to a grid at a point of connection, and is devised to feed reactive power to the grid in order to improve grid stability. A Q-V characteristic is determined for the grid at the point of connection as well as a nose point for the Q-V characteristic. A minimum reactive current, IQmin, which is safe from the nose point, is determined, and the feeding of reactive power is controlled such that the reactive current is kept higher than the minimum reactive current. This ensures that the reactive current does not make the Q-V characteristic reverse, and thereby the stability of the system is improved.
US08615323B2 Substrate-processing apparatus and method of transferring substrate in the same
Provided is a substrate-processing apparatus including a storage member, a transfer member, and a control unit. The transfer member includes a plurality of transfer arms that load or pick up a substrate to or from the storage member. The control unit controls velocity of the transfer arms such that the simultaneously driven transfer arms simultaneously arrive at target points. Accordingly, the transfer member loads or takes out a plurality of wafers at once to or from the storage member, so that the substrate-processing apparatus reduces transfer time and improves productivity.
US08615315B2 Portable sound reproducing system and method
A portable audio device suitable for reproducing MPEG encoded data includes a plurality of inputs, a data storage, a display, an audio output, at least one processor, and a battery. The plurality of inputs includes a forward input, a play control input, and a play control input. The data storage stores compressed digitized audio data. The at least one processor is responsive to selection of at least one of the plurality of inputs to convert selected compressed digitized audio data stored in the data storage for reproduction by the audio output and to provide information to the display.
US08615314B1 Process control using analysis of an upstream process
A method, apparatus and a system, for performing a process control using analysis of an upstream process is provided. The method comprises performing a first process on a workpiece and performing a qualitative analysis upon the workpiece relating to the first process, the qualitative analysis comprises analyzing at least one metrology measurement relating to the first process and a workpiece feature to evaluate a characteristic of the workpiece. The method further comprises selecting a process control parameter for performing a second process upon the workpiece based upon the qualitative analysis.
US08615310B2 Delivery catheter systems and methods
A delivery system for implanting a leadless cardiac pacemaker into a patient is provided. The cardiac pacemaker can include a docking or delivery feature having a through-hole disposed on or near a proximal end of the pacemaker for attachment to the delivery system. In some embodiments, the delivery catheter can include first and second tethers configured to engage the delivery feature of the pacemaker. The tethers, when partially aligned, can have a cross-sectional diameter larger than the through-hole of the delivery feature, and when un-aligned, can have a cross-sectional diameter smaller than the through-hole of the delivery feature. Methods of delivering the leadless cardiac pacemaker with the delivery system are also provided.
US08615305B2 Implantable medical device with antenna
An implantable medical device for use in a patient management system is described including a housing, a first communications unit, and a second communications unit. The first communications unit can establish a first communications link within short range telemetry communication range of an external local device. The second communications unit can establish a second communications link over a pervasive wireless communications network with a remote computer. A pervasive wireless communications network can include a cell phone network. The device further includes an antenna that is configured to be operatively connected to both the first and second communications units.
US08615303B2 Power transfer to a medical implant located adjacent to tissue while preventing short circuits through the tissue
A medical implant, including a first power storage device, a first switching circuit for receiving power and transferring the received power from an implant connector electrically connected to the medical implant to the first power storage device in a first power transfer stage, a second power storage device, and a second switching circuit for transferring power from the first power storage device to the second power storage device in a second power transfer stage.
US08615302B2 Inner hair cell stimulation model for use by a cochlear implant system
The stimulation provided in the electrically stimulated cochlea is modulated in accordance with the amplitude of a received acoustic signal and the onset of a sound in a received acoustic signal to provide increased sound perception. An onset time that corresponds to the onset of a sound is detected in an acoustic signal associated with a frequency band. A forcing voltage and a transmitting factor are determined, wherein the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor are associated with the frequency band at the detected onset time. The acoustic signal is modulated as a function of the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor to generate an output signal. The generated output signal can be used to stimulate the cochlea. The modulation strategy can be used in conjunction with sound processing strategies that employ frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, or a combination of frequency and amplitude modulation.
US08615301B2 Muscle therapy system
Certain embodiments provide a system for treating diminished muscle function that includes an electrical member that delivers electrical energy to a portion of a mammalian body having a dysfunctional muscle; a joint motion assembly that couples to the body and provides joint motion to a joint to which the dysfunctional muscle ordinarily provides motion; and a control unit that controls a timing of electrical energy delivery by the member and an amount of electrical energy delivered by the member; the timing of electrical energy delivery is controlled to occur while the joint is positioned near an inflection point between the opposing joint movements in the cycle, and while motion is being provided to the joint by the joint motion assembly. The amount of electrical energy delivered is effective to result in a depolarization of at least one of the dysfunctional muscle and a nerve that innervates the dysfunctional muscle.
US08615299B2 Remote titration of therapy delivered by an implantable medical device
Techniques for remotely titrating a therapy delivered using an implantable medical device system are disclosed. An implantable medical device delivers therapy according to a first program. The system collects patient data relating to at least one of an efficacy of, or side effects resulting from, the delivered therapy, and transmits the patient data to a remote network device. A clinician may then analyze the patient data and determine if changes to the therapy are warranted. The clinician may then transmit a programming change, e.g., a modification to the first program or a new, second program, to the implantable medical device system, and the implantable medical device may deliver therapy according to the changed programming. The process of receiving patient data and modifying the therapy programming may be repeated multiple times until the therapy is adequately titrated, e.g., until the patient data indicates adequate efficacy and/or acceptable side effects.
US08615292B2 Oedema detection
A method of detecting tissue oedema in a subject. The method includes determining a measured impedance for first and second body segments. An index indicative of a ratio of the extra-cellular to intra-cellular fluid is then calculated for each body segment, with these being used to determine an index ratio based on the index for the first and second body segments. The index ratio can in turn be used to determine the presence, absence or degree of tissue oedema, for example by comparing the index ratio to a reference or previously determined index ratios.
US08615284B2 Method for acoustic information exchange involving an ingestible low power capsule
A method of communicating with an ingestible capsule includes detecting the location of the ingestible capsule, focusing a multi-sensor acoustic array on the ingestible capsule, and communicating an acoustic information exchange with the ingestible capsule via the multi-sensor acoustic array. The ingestible capsule includes a sensor that receives a stimulus inside the gastrointestinal tract of an animal, a bidirectional acoustic information communications module that transmits an acoustic information signal containing information from the sensor, and an acoustically transmissive encapsulation that substantially encloses the sensor and communications module, wherein the acoustically transmissive encapsulation is of ingestible size. The multi-sensor array includes a plurality of acoustic transducers that receive an acoustic signal from a movable device, and a plurality of delays, wherein each delay is coupled to a corresponding acoustic transducer. Each delay may be adjusted according to a phase of a signal received by the corresponding acoustic transducer.
US08615283B2 Biomedical electrode system and method for detecting localized electrical signals and providing electrical stimulation
A biomedical electrode is disclosed that includes at least first and second electrical nodes for connection to medical equipment. The biomedical electrode includes a first electrical node including a disc of conductive material having a diameter d1, and a second electrical node including a ring of conductive material. The ring is concentric with the disc and has a diameter d2 that is larger than d1 and having a ring thickness t2 such that (4≦d1/t2≦6).
US08615278B2 Electrical device with rotation mechanism
An exemplary electrical device includes a first main body, a second main body and a rotation mechanism interconnecting the first main body and the second main body. The first main body is rotatable relative to the second main body. The rotation mechanism includes a holding portion configured to have an external force applied thereon by a user so as to be driven to linearly move from a first position to a second position, and the rotation mechanism is structured and arranged to convert the linear movement to rotational movement of the first main body relative to the second main body.
US08615273B2 Extensible infotainment/telematics system with process control shifting
A system includes a fixed base unit adapted to execute a first set of stand-alone infotainment/telematics functions and a portable communication device adapted to execute a second set of stand-alone infotainment/telematics functions. The first set of stand-alone infotainment/telematics functions may overlap with one or more of the second set of stand-alone infotainment/telematics functions. The fixed base unit and the portable communication device are connectable with one another for intelligent communication to shift at least one of the overlapping infotainment/telematics functions from the portable communication device or the fixed base unit to the other of the portable communication device or the fixed base unit. Shifting of the overlapping infotainment/telematics functions may be based on the relative processing power of the portable communication device and the fixed base unit.
US08615271B2 Radio communication terminal broadcasting et reception method and broadcasting system
The invention concerns a radio communication terminal, comprising first means for transmitting/receiving RF signals to communicate in a cellular radio communication network, said first means being in standby mode when no communication is set up in the cellular network with another terminal or with the network itself. The invention is characterized in that the terminal comprises second means for receiving at least one carrier dedicated to collective data of multimedia contents, said second means being activated only when the first means are n standby mode. The invention also concerns a method for broadcasting and receiving collective data, as well as a system for broadcasting multimedia contents.
US08615270B2 Dual antenna topology for Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network devices
A method includes determining that an antenna shared between a Bluetooth transceiver and a WLAN transceiver is available to the WLAN transceiver based on an activity signal associated with the Bluetooth transceiver. Access to the shared antenna is provided to the WLAN transceiver based on the determination, and the WLAN transceiver is configured to use diversity in transacting WLAN signals via a plurality of antennas, including the shared antenna. Access to the shared antenna is transferred from the WLAN transceiver to the Bluetooth transceiver based on the activity signal.
US08615268B2 Wireless communications device, and method and program for determining reception level of the wireless communications device
A control unit 19 switches four antennas 111 to 114 at predetermined time intervals, receives signals from an LTE base station 2 using four receiving antennas 111 to 114, and receives signals from a GSM base station 3 using the four antennas 111 to 114. The control unit 19 determines the reception level in a cell 2c of the LTE base station 2 on the basis of signal strengths detected by a received signal detector 14p when signals are received from the LTE base station 2 using the four antennas 111 to 114. In addition, the control unit 19 determines the reception level in a cell 3c of the GSM base station 3 on the basis of four signal strengths detected by the received signal detector 14p when signals are received from the GSM base station 3 using the four antennas 111 to 114.
US08615265B2 Coded system for radio frequency communication
A coded system for radio-frequency communication (RFC); the system comprising at least one base station (20) and a plurality of mobile devices (10); the base station and mobile devices are individually provided with running time information synchronized inter se; the mobile device is adapted for transmitting an identifying signal to the base station device; the base station is adapted for receiving the signal; wherein the signal further comprises a preamble including a miming-time-dependent code generated according to a predetermined algorithm (220); the base station is adapted for comparing the code with a reference code generated by the base station according to the algorithm (260), authorizing the RFC in response to coincidence of the running-time-dependent codes generated by the base station and the mobile (270).
US08615262B2 Selective caching of real time messaging threads
A method is provided to process data in a wireless data exchange. The method includes exchanging data between two or more wireless devices in real time and opening a thread of communications between the wireless devices, where the thread includes one or more data exchanges between the wireless devices. When the real time messaging exchange has been established, the method identifies all or portions of the thread as potential data to store. As such data is identified, the method selectively caches the identified portions of the thread for future data retrieval.
US08615260B2 Method and apparatus optimizing receipt of call/broadcast paging messages by self-powered wireless communications devices
A wireless communications network (120) responds to each incoming call placed to a wireless communications device (134) by transmitting a call-paging message (418) within a corresponding partition of a digital radio frame of prescribed format. Responsive to each occurrence of a broadcast event (404), the network transmits (414) a repeating broadcast-paging message announcing the availability of broadcast content from the network. The broadcast-paging message is transmitted multiple times within each digital radio frame. Another sequence (500) describes WCD operation in this network. Responsive to wakeup (502) from sleep, the WCD detects (509) received signal quality. The WCD also receives (510) scheduled network transmission of a call-paging message and a number of instances (at least one) of a repeating network transmitted broadcast-paging message that occurs multiple times for each scheduled transmission of the call-paging message. This number varies inversely with the detected signal quality.
US08615257B2 Data synchronization for devices supporting direction-based services
With the addition of directional information and gesture based input in a location based services environment, a variety of service(s) can be provided on top of user identification or interaction with specific object(s) of interest. For instance, a device can interact with various endpoints of a direction-based location service and any of the content or other information exchanged between clients and services can be synchronized for efficient exchange of information and efficient utilization of network bandwidth and resources. For example, change input is received by a device that alters, deletes or augments dynamically updateable information associated with a point of interest and the changes resulting from the change input are synchronized from the mobile device to a location based network service. Optionally, the synchronization can be according to a knowledge exchange to identify what should be synchronized prior to transmitting the updates.
US08615252B2 Collar tracking system
The present invention is a collar tracking system that includes a RFID system with a modem, an electric fence with a plurality of boundaries that is in communication with the RFID system and a plurality of power modes, a plurality of electronic circuitry that includes a battery, an open charging electrode, a smart protection circuitry to prevent a short to the battery and an antenna. The collar tracking system also includes a GSM system that is in communication with the electric fence and the RFID system, a collar with a RFID receiver and a GMS receiver that is in communication with the RFID system and the GMS system and overall system software that controls the RFID system, the electric fence, the electric circuitry, the GMS system, the RFID receiver and the GMS receiver. The collar tracking system can also utilize a GPS system to replace the RFID system.
US08615245B2 Radio network controller, base station, mobile station, mobile communication system and mobile communication method
A radio network controller includes: a determination unit configured to determine a transmit diversity method to be used to transmit a signal from a base station to a mobile station, in accordance with a soft handover status of the mobile station; and an instruction/notification unit configured to instruct the transmit diversity method to the base station, in accordance with the determination result by the determination unit.
US08615240B1 Methods and systems for facilitating handoff
Methods and systems are provided for facilitating a handoff to a target sector that is not in the neighbor list of a mobile station's current source sector. In at least one embodiment, a mobile station detects (i) that a target sector is a handoff candidate and (ii) that the target sector is not listed in a neighbor list of a source sector; requests to be served by the target sector at least in part by sending an access probe to the target sector; and transitions from engaging in an active communication session via a communication path not including the target sector to doing so via a communication path that does include the target sector. The access probe may include an indication that the mobile station is in an active state. In at least one embodiment, at least one network entity may carry out the one or more network-side aspects that may facilitate the above-described method.
US08615237B2 Methods, systems, and computer readable media for policy and charging rules function (PCRF) node selection
The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for PCRF node selection. According to one aspect, a system for PCRF node selection is provided. The system includes a first PCRF selection node for receiving a first request message for which PCRF node selection is required. The first PCRF selection node determines whether to select the PCRF or to delegate selection of the PCRF. In response to a determination to delegate the selection of the PCRF, the first PCRF selection node generates and sends a second request message related to the first request message. The system further includes a second PCRF node for, in response to receiving the second request message from the first PCRF selection node, determining whether to select the PCRF or to delegate selection of the PCRF. In response to determining to select the PCRF, the second PCRF selection node selects the PCRF.
US08615236B2 System and method for dynamically managing connections using feature prioritization
Techniques to dynamically manage wireless connections using feature prioritization are described. For example, a mobile computing device may comprise a connection management module operative to access a list of one or more wireless networks, compare feature set information for the one or more wireless networks, select a wireless network based on the comparison, and initiate a wireless connection using the selected wireless network, wherein the feature set information is contained in the list. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08615232B2 Network-based system and method for global roaming
Systems and methods of mobile communication roaming where a subscriber's home network and a roaming network used by the subscriber do not have a roaming agreement. Roaming between an alliance of coordinated operators having bilateral roaming relationships and operators who do not have roaming agreements with the alliance is provided. By subscribing to the system, a non-alliance operator can gain roaming access to alliance networks having existing bilateral roaming relationships. An authentication message is received from a roaming network in which a subscriber is roaming and the message is authenticated if there is a roaming relationship. The authentication message is forwarded to the home network via an alliance network and responsive to the indication that the authentication message was received at a roaming network, roaming transactions are enabled for the subscriber within the roaming network.
US08615231B2 Method for transferring information between networks of different technology types
In a method for transferring information between wireless networks of different technology types, a node in the first network receives configuration information associated with a plurality of nodes of the second network, the information including identifying information for radio access controllers associated with neighboring cells of the second technology type. After it has received the configuration information, the node in the first network sends the identifying information to a plurality of access nodes in the first network via which mobile devices access the first network. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable where the first network is in accordance with LTE and the second one with UMTS, and the information includes RNC-ids for use in handover from the LTE to the UMTS network.
US08615227B2 Enhanced discontinuous mode operation with shared radio frequency resources
A scheduling technique is described for discontinuous transmission and reception. The scheduling technique may be implemented in a mobile communication device with multiple SIMs. The scheduling technique facilitates enhanced communication capability for the mobile communication device. In one implementation, the scheduling technique helps avoid substantial overlap between discontinuous receive cycles of the SIMs, for example by renegotiating a discontinuous transmit/receive offset if too much overlap exists. The renegotiation process may be incorporated into a future industry standard communication protocol (e.g., 3GPP release 11 or later), or may be implemented as an extension to an existing communication protocol.
US08615226B2 Data communication system, relay apparatus, and portable terminal apparatus
There are provided: a data communication system, a relay apparatus, and a portable terminal apparatus in which when a mobile portable terminal apparatus such as a mobile telephone displays a screen based on display screen definition data received from a central apparatus, the exception handling of the data communication can be dynamically changed according to the communication environment of the portable terminal apparatus. The central apparatus adds, to the display screen definition data, communication control data where an exception handling procedure for communication between the portable terminal apparatus and the central apparatus is set. The portable terminal apparatus displays an image based on the display screen definition data received from the central apparatus, and performs data communication with the central apparatus according to the communication control data extracted from the display screen definition data.
US08615224B2 Method and apparatus for providing ringtone scheduling
An approach is provided for scheduling of ringtones. A ringtone schedule is stored for specifying information for invoking a plurality of ringtones, wherein one of the ringtones is selected for playout by a mobile device according to the ringtone schedule.
US08615221B1 System and method for selection of notification techniques in an electronic device
The present disclosure includes a system and method for delaying, suppressing, or canceling the output of notifications in an electronic device. Notifications may be delayed, suppressed, or canceled based on the urgency of the notification, whether an application is actively executing and controlling certain aspects of the output device, whether an application actively executing and controlling certain aspects of the output device can be interrupted, and/or the operating environment of the electronic device.
US08615215B2 Mobile radio access network, mobility control unit, method for charging in a mobile radio access network, and program
A mobile radio access network includes a plurality of radio cells, the plurality of radio cells comprising at least a first cell type of radio cells and a second cell type of radio cells, the first cell type of radio cells including at least one of a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) cell and a hybrid cell, and the second cell type of radio cells including open cells; and a charging unit, configured to receive cell information corresponding to at least one subscriber out of a plurality of subscribers, wherein the cell information is dependent on whether the subscriber has entered, left, or accessed a radio cell of the first tell type.
US08615212B2 Direct conversion receiver architecture
A direct downconversion receiver architecture having a DC loop to remove DC offset from the signal components, a digital variable gain amplifier (DVGA) to provide a range of gains, an automatic gain control (AGC) loop to provide gain control for the DVGA and RF/analog circuitry, and a serial bus interface (SBI) unit to provide controls for the RF/analog circuitry via a serial bus. The DVGA may be advantageously designed and located as described herein. The operating mode of the VGA loop may be selected based on the operating mode of the DC loop, since these two loops interact with one another. The duration of time the DC loop is operated in an acquisition mode may be selected to be inversely proportional to the DC loop bandwidth in the acquisition mode. The controls for some or all of the RF/analog circuitry may be provided via the serial bus.
US08615207B2 Power amplifier linearization feedback methods and systems
Linearizers can improve the linearity of power amplifiers by canceling or reducing amplitude of non-linearity components, (e.g., IM3, IM5, IM7, IM9, etc.) generated by the power amplifier. The linearizers can obtain samples of signals output by the power amplifier and process the samples to produce a compensation signal that is applied onto or into a transmission path leading to the power amplifier's input. The compensation signal is generated such that when amplified by the power amplifier, the amplified compensation signal cancels or reduces at least a portion of the non-linearity components produced by the power amplifier. A controller can improve the correction of the non-linearity components by executing one or more calibration algorithms and/or one or more tuning algorithms and adjusting settings of the linearizer based on the results of the algorithm(s).
US08615200B2 Systems and methods for improving channel estimation
A method for improving channel estimation in a wireless communication system is disclosed. A wireless signal that includes a plurality of multipath components is received. N channel estimates are then obtained, where N is any positive integer greater than one. Each channel estimate of the N channel estimates corresponds to a different multipath component of the plurality of multipath components. The effects of interference between the plurality of multipath components on the N channel estimates is then reduced.
US08615196B2 Portable apparatus for supporting electronic wallet
A portable apparatus is capable of switching between a plurality of smart cards and associated circuits to provide a user various independent electronic wallet functions via a single portable apparatus, thereby increasing utilization flexibility and convenience. The portable apparatus includes at least a first smart card and a second smart cart, a near-field communication (NFC) unit, and a control circuit. The first smart card and the second smart card respectively include a first interface and a second interface. The NFC unit is coupled to the first smart card and the second smart card via the first interface and the second interface, respectively. The NFC unit is capable of performing NFC with external apparatuses. The control circuit controls the NFC unit to communicate with either the first smart card or the second smart card using control signals.
US08615193B2 Apparatus and method for restoring a transmission signal from a reception signal transmitted through a satellite communication device
Provided are a signal restoring apparatus that can restore a reception signal of a counterpart terminal and increase frequency band efficiency by estimating its own transmission signal from a reception signal transmitted from a counterpart terminal through a satellite communication device and removing the estimated transmission signal, and a method thereof. The signal restoring apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a transmitter transmitting a transmission signal to a satellite communication device; a band spread signal generator transmitting a band spread signal to the satellite communication device; a signal estimator estimating the transmission signal included in a reception signal transmitted from a counterpart terminal through the satellite communication device on the basis of the transmission signal and the band spread signal; and a signal remover removing the estimated transmission signal from the reception signal.
US08615187B2 Developing device and image forming apparatus having developer chute composed of stainless steel plate having regions with austenitic and hemming-induced martensitic phases
A developing device and an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing occurrence of development hysteresis and moving a developer on a chute without being retained is provided. The developing device provides a chute that guides a two-component developer regulated by a regulating member in the direction separating from a developing roller. The chute is composed of a rectangular thin plate made of non-magnetic austenitic stainless alloy, and a tip part that is one end part in a short side direction thereof is provided so as to face a surface of the developing roller. The tip part is transformed to a processed induced martensitic phase to be made ferromagnetic, and subjected to magnetic field orientation in an area facing the surface of the developing roller so as to form a repulsive magnetic field.
US08615186B2 Development device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A development device includes a development portion to develop a latent image; an agitation container to contain developer; a circulation system through which the developer is circulated between the development portion and the agitation container; a developer replenishing device to supply fresh developer to the agitation container; an agitator, provided inside the agitation container, to agitate and mix the developer collected from the development portion and the fresh developer from the developer replenishing device; and a developer escape chamber to discharge surplus developer in the agitation container, projecting from and continuous with the agitation container, the developer escape chamber defining a communication pathway in a side of the agitation container between the agitation container and the developer escape chamber through which the developer is moved between the agitation container and the developer escape chamber and having a discharge opening whose lower end is positioned higher than the communication pathway.
US08615182B2 Printing system, control method of the printing system, and program for executing the control method
A printing system includes a determination unit configured to determine whether input image data includes first data to be printed with the first recording agent and second data to be printed with the second recording agent, and whether the input data inhibits misregistration in a printing position between the first data and the second data on the printing paper, a first printing unit configured to, when the determination unit determines that the input image data inhibits the misregistration in the printing position, transfer and fix the data using the first recording agent and the second recording agent, and a second printing unit configured to, when the determination unit does not determine that the input image data inhibits the misregistration, after transferring and fixing the first data by using the first recording agent, to transfer and fix again the second data by using the second recording agent.
US08615178B2 Image forming apparatus with voltage application or electric field formation during rotation start or stop
An image forming apparatus is constituted by an image carrying member movable while carrying a toner image, or a recording material carrying member movable while carrying a recording material onto which a toner image is to be transferred; a contact member movable while contacting the image carrying member or the recording material carrying member; and a voltage adjusting member for adjusting a voltage to be applied to the contact member so that an absolute value of the voltage when a state of the image carrying member or the recording material carrying member and the contact member is changed from a rest state in which these members are resting to a moving state in which these members are moving is larger than an absolute value of the voltage in the rest state.
US08615167B2 WDM optical transmission system and control method thereof
A WDM optical transmission system includes a plurality of optical nodes optically coupled by a transmission line, a processor that is operative to calculate an amount of adjustment of a reception level capable of increasing an optical signal-to-noise ratio for each channel of the WDM light reaching the optical node positioned at a receiving end of the unit section based on information on amplification operation of the WDM light in at least one optical-amplification repeating node disposed on the optical transmission line in the unit section, and to adjust a power level corresponding to each channel of the WDM light transmitted on the transmission line from the optical node positioned at a transmission end of the unit section in accordance with a calculation result of the calculation.
US08615166B2 Steam generator and washing machine therewith
The present invention relates to a steam generator and a washing machine therewith. The present invention provides a steam generator including a water chamber for holding water actually, the water chamber having a heater mounted thereto for heating the water, and a steam chamber for holding steam generated as the water is heated actually, wherein the water chamber has a vertical direction length (a vertical length) relatively greater than a horizontal direction length (a horizontal length).
US08615165B2 Video-recording and replaying apparatus, I/O scheduling method, and program
A video-recording and replaying apparatus includes a block device for use as a recording medium for video-recording and a control part, when a plurality of tasks each representing a process in regard to video-recording and replaying on the block device are executed, performing I/O scheduling on the block device by using time slices each predetermined for each of the tasks so that a total amount of I/O data for each of the tasks in each round-robin cycle for the block device is approximately equal.
US08615164B1 Systems and methods for operation of recording devices such as digital video recorders (DVRs)
A system, method, and computer program product are provided according to one embodiment. The method includes receiving a request to record a television program; determining an amount of available storage space on each of at least two recording devices; and selecting one of the recording devices to store a representation of the television program on a computer readable medium associated with the respective recording device based on the determined amounts of available storage space on each of the at least two recording devices, wherein the selected recording device stores the representation of the television program. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also presented.
US08615160B2 Media player instance throttling
A method including loading multiple instances of a media player program to render respective media content in respective visible portions of a graphical user interface of a computing device, the graphical user interface associated with an additional program configured to render additional content, different than the media content, to the graphical user interface; determining that a first of the multiple instances of the media player program takes precedence over a second of the multiple instances of the media player program; and modifying an allocation, associated with processing media content by the second of the multiple instances of the media player program, in accordance with a rendering limitation associated with the computing device.
US08615152B2 Optical branching device
An optical branching device suitable for branching optical fibers extracted through an access window cut in a sheath of an optical cable. The optical branching device includes a central channel configured to house a portion of the optical cable, at least one lateral channel which branches from the central channel and which is configured to house at least one of the optical fibers, and a housing suitable for receiving a fixing member for fixing the device to the optical cable. The housing is in a non-projecting position relative to the lateral channel along a longitudinal direction of the central channel.
US08615142B2 Variable contrast mapping of digital images
Processing of a pixel of a digital image includes mapping intensity of the pixel as a smooth, non-linear continuous function of the intensity and minimum and maximum intensities of a local pixel neighborhood of the pixel.
US08615140B2 Compression of image data in accordance with depth information of pixels
Compression of image data is provided. Image data is accessed, along with depth information for pixels of an image. A distance from a region of focus for pixels of the image is determined, by calculations that use the depth information. A bit rate for compression of the image data is controlled in accordance with the distance from the region of focus, such that more bits are used for pixels closer to the region of focus and fewer bits are used for pixels farther from the region of focus.
US08615131B2 Online Arabic handwriting recognition
Method for online character recognition of Arabic text, the method including receiving handwritten Arabic text from a user in the form of handwriting strokes, sampling the handwriting strokes to acquire a sequence of two dimensional point representations thereof, with associated temporal data, geometrically pre processing and extracting features on the point representations, detecting delayed strokes and word parts in the pre processed point representations, projecting the delayed strokes onto the body of the word parts, constructing feature vector representations for each word part, thereby generating an observation sequence, and determining the word with maximum probability given the observation sequence, resulting in a list of word probabilities.
US08615128B2 Method for 3D, measurement of the surface of an object, in particular for dental purposes
For the purpose of 3D scanning the surface of an object by optical double triangulation using the phase-shifting method, more particularly for dental purposes, at least two 3D scans of the same object (1) are carried out at different triangulation angles (θ1, θ2), the first angle of which is known and the second angle of which is known at least approximately. For each pixel (Bi) of the phase related image (φ1(x,y)), a wave number (wz(xi,yi) is determined using the second phase related image, the integral portion of which is equal to the order (n) of the uniqueness range (E1) in which the respective pixel (Bi) is located. The wave number (wz(x,y)) is optimized, at least for a random sample of m pixels (Bi), by minimizing a non-integral portion of the wave number (wz (xi,yi)−[wz(xi,yi)]).
US08615125B2 Apparatus and method for inspecting surface state
A surface state inspection apparatus has a lighting device that irradiates an inspection target placed on a stage with light, an imaging device that images the inspection target, and a detection device that detects a surface defect of the inspection target by analyzing a first inspection image obtained by the imaging device. The lighting device is a surface light source that includes a light emission region having a predetermined size and, in the lighting device, portions of light emitted from positions in the light emission region differ from each other in a spectral distribution. The detection device detects a portion in which a hue is different from that of its surrounding portion in the inspection target surface as a flaw. The detection device detects a portion in which the hue is substantially equal to that of its surrounding portion while brightness is different from that of its surrounding portion as a stain.
US08615109B2 Moving object trajectory estimating device
A moving object trajectory estimating device has: a surrounding information acquisition part that acquires information on surroundings of a moving object; a trajectory estimating part that specifies another moving object around the moving object based on the acquired surrounding information and estimates a trajectory of the specified moving object; and a recognition information acquisition part that acquires recognition information on a recognizable area of the specified moving object, and the trajectory estimating part estimates a trajectory of the specified moving object, based on the acquired recognition information of the specified moving object.
US08615104B2 Watermark extraction based on tentative watermarks
Methods, devices and computer program products facilitate the extraction of embedded watermarks in the presence of content distortions. Pre-distorted synchronization templates are used to detect synchronization portions of embedded watermark frames. A pre-distorted synchronization template that best matches the synchronization portion of the embedded watermark frame produces an estimation of one or more distortions that are present in the content. The remainder of watermark frame can be evaluated based on the outcome of the comparison.
US08615101B2 Micro-speaker
A micro-speaker includes a frame, a yoke, a magnet, a diaphragm, and a voice coil. The yoke includes a base wall and a plurality of sidewalls defining a number of flat walls and a number of curved walls disposed at corners of the yoke. The flat walls define a number of first steps disposed at an upper level for engaging with the position blocks, the curved walls define a number of second steps disposed at a lower level for air leaking.
US08615100B2 Sound producing device for vehicle
Sound generated by a sound emitting unit passes through a first sound passage defined between a first shielding board and a shielding cylinder and a second sound passage defined between a second shielding board and the shielding cylinder, and is emitted outside from a sound emitting hole defined in at least one of a case and a cover. The second shielding board and the shielding cylinder shield a space between the sound emitting hole and the first sound passage when the first sound passage is seen from the sound emitting hole.
US08615091B2 System for accomplishing bi-directional audio data and control communications
A system for accomplishing bi-directional digital audio data and control communications. There is a host end that includes a host transceiver, a host digital signal processor that outputs a master clock signal and audio data, and a source of low-voltage power for the host components. There are a number of remote nodes connected together serially. Each remote node includes a transceiver and a low-voltage power supply that provides power to the other remote node components. A shielded two-wire communication network connects the host node to one of the remote nodes, and connects each remote node to either one or two other remote nodes in a daisy-chain configuration. The host end is enabled to transmit and receive over the communication network digital audio data and digital control signals. The remote nodes are each enabled to receive over the communication network digital audio data and digital control signals, and are each enabled to transmit over the communication network digital control signals. The source of low-voltage power at the host end is coupled to the communication network. The remote power supplies each have an input coupled to the communication network to derive the power for the remote nodes from the power coupled to the network by the host end.
US08615084B2 Extending a secret bit string to safeguard the secret
A method and system extends a secret bit string to safeguard the secret. In one embodiment, the method comprises adding a secret bit string of length s to a product of two random bit strings using arithmetic defined for polynomials over GF(2) to produce an extended bit string. The extended bit string has a length m that is longer than s. A total of n shares are generated from the extended bit string, of which at least k shares are needed to reconstruct the secret bit string. The n shares are distributed to a plurality of cooperating computing entities for secret sharing.
US08615083B2 Method for accessing to radio frequency communication with low-frequency electromagnetic communication
A method for accessing to radio frequency communication with low-frequency electromagnetic communication is provided. A request side sends an activation request including first random data via a low frequency channel. A requested side receives the activation request, generates and sends an activation response message, including second random data and an identifier of the requested side, according to the first radio frequency communication address. The request side receives and verifies the activation response message, and if the verification is passed, generates and sends a connection request, including third random data, according to the second radio frequency communication address. The requested side receives and verifies the connection request and if the verification is passed, generates and sends a connection response message according to the second radio frequency communication address. The request side receives the connection response message and verifies whether the connection is successful, and if successful, trades with the requested side.
US08615075B2 Method and apparatus for removing noise signal from input signal
A method for removing a noise signal from an input signal that is received. In the method, the amount of energy of the input signal is detected, a noise signal included in the input signal is estimated, an intermediate output signal is generated by removing the estimated noise signal from the input signal, and a final output signal is generated by amplifying the amount of energy of the intermediate output signal based on a difference between the amount of energy of the intermediate output signal and the amount of energy of the input signal.
US08615074B1 Method and apparatus of analyzing customer call data and related call information to determine call characteristics
A method and apparatus of processing a customer call is disclosed. The customer call may be initiated for an IVR type system or a live agent. An example method of processing the call may include receiving customer call data and recording the customer call data in a database server. The method may also include performing speech analytics on the recorded customer call data to determine instances of predefined information that occurred during the customer call, and displaying the results of the speech analytics on a user interface. The call analytics may populate a dashboard interface that provides a data analyst with an opportunity to understand the positive and negative portions of the call for future call improvement.
US08615067B2 Method and apparatus for scanning objects in transit
A method and apparatus for identifying hazardous material or potential dangers. The method and apparatus is directed to a non-destructive, non-intrusive scanning system that uses a dual energy x-ray scanning apparatus to transmit and display data within a computer system. The software within the computer system provides for scan data transfer, a cataloging of image data and real time analytics. The real time analytics will find data from a watch list and correlate the data to the scan; it will also compare the scan data to a reference library, and it will additionally perform advanced pattern correlations to look for unusual and or suspicious patterns.
US08615038B2 Video coding, decoding and hypothetical reference decoder
An encoder comprising an input for inputting video signal to be encoded to form an encoded video signal comprising pictures of at least a first coded video sequence and a second coded video sequence, a hypothetical decoder for hypothetically decoding encoded video signal, an encoded picture buffer, and a decoded picture buffer, and a definer for defining a parameter indicative of the temporal difference between the last picture of the first coded video sequence and the first picture of the second coded video sequence in output/display order.
US08615032B2 Process for sub-microsecond time transfer using weak GPS/GNSS signals
Sub-microsecond time transfer in a GPS/GNSS receiver using a weak GPS/GNSS signal is provided. The digitized complex baseband signal and the generated PN code are cross-correlated for each code period so as to output a complex correlation value at each code epoch of the generated PN code, where a sequence of the output correlation values form a data stream representing the navigation message. Bit synchronization generates bit sync pulses at bit boundaries. The location of a target segment having a known sequence at a known bit location in the navigation message is detected by searching through a plurality of subframes and accumulating search results for the plurality of subframes. Transmission time of the target segment is determined from the detected location of the target segment, with a certain time ambiguity. Accurate local time is determined by solving the time ambiguity using approximate time obtained from an external source.
US08615029B2 Optical device
A laser diode is configured with a substrate delimited by opposite AR and HR reflectors and a gain region. The gain region bridges the portions of the respective AR and HR reflectors and is configured with a main resonant cavity and at least one side resonant cavity. The main resonant cavity spans between the portions of the respective reflectors, and at least one additional resonant cavity extends adjacent to the main resonator cavity. The gain region is configured so that stimulated emission is generated only in the main resonant cavity. Accordingly, the laser diode is operative to radiate a high-power output beam emitted through the portion of the AR reflector which is dimensioned to shape the output beam with the desired near-field.
US08615025B2 Method and system for hybrid integration of a tunable laser
A tunable laser includes a substrate comprising a silicon material and a gain medium coupled to the substrate. The gain medium includes a compound semiconductor material. The tunable laser also includes a waveguide disposed in the substrate and optically coupled to the gain medium, a first wavelength selective element characterized by a first reflectance spectrum and disposed in the substrate, and a second wavelength selective element characterized by a second reflectance spectrum and disposed in the substrate. The tunable laser further includes an optical coupler disposed in the substrate and joining the first wavelength selective element, the second wavelength selective element, and the waveguide and an output mirror.
US08615022B2 Client/server adaptation scheme for communications traffic
A communications network provides a carrier Ethernet service without requiring the client signal to be identified by an Ethertype in a carrier Ethernet frame. A plurality of differing types of client signals can thus be encapsulated within the same carrier Ethernet service channel by using a generic framing procedure adaptation layer. The client signals are adapted for encapsulation within the carrier Ethernet frames by mapping the client signal within a generic framing procedure adaptation layer signal and then by mapping the generic framing procedure adaptation layer signal into the carrier Ethernet signal. As the client signal is identified within said generic framing procedure signal only a generic framing signal Ethertype is required. The mapping protocol enables a single Ethernet frame to carry a plurality of client signals.
US08615019B1 Enhanced utilization of evolution data only resources
A method for enhanced utilization of EVDO resources. The method includes receiving, at a control node and from an access terminal, a request for a UATI. Upon receiving the request, the control node references a database to determine whether the access terminal has been identified as subscribing to an EVDO service. If not, the access terminal is not assigned a valid UATI.
US08615018B2 Method and system for dynamically determining when to train ethernet link partners to support energy efficient ethernet networks
Training, refreshing and/or updating Ethernet link partners for silent channels and/or silent directions of channels may be determined based on control parameters. This may be used to improve energy efficiency in Ethernet communication. Control parameters may comprise a default value and/or may be determined based on prior training, refreshing and/or updating. New values for the control parameters may be generated based on a magnitude of change between current and prior control parameter values or based on performance such as bit error rate. User input may be utilized to determine when to execute the training, refreshing and/or updating. The training, refreshing and/or updating may be done for one or more of a near-end crosstalk canceller, alien near-end crosstalk canceller, far-end crosstalk canceller, alien far-end crosstalk canceller and echo canceller. After the training, refreshing and/or updating, the silent channels may transition to active and/or may remain silent.
US08615016B2 Method and system for managing multimedia messages using a message intermediation module
A system and method for managing multimedia messaging is described. A system includes a messaging intermediation module having, a sender-side interface configured to communicate a multimedia message between the messaging intermediation module and a data gateway of a multimedia messaging system, a recipient-side interface configured to communicate the multimedia message between the messaging intermediation module, an Internet gateway, a message store and forward (MSF) server, and another messaging intermediation module, a message storage module configured to store the multimedia message for forwarding to the Internet gateway, the MSF server, and the other messaging intermediation module, and a workflow engine configured to process the multimedia message. In response to the processing, the workflow engine forwards the multimedia message to the Internet gateway, forwards the multimedia message to the MSF server, or forwards the multimedia message to the other messaging intermediation module. Other embodiments are also described.
US08615012B2 Circuit and method for operating a node in a radio network
A circuit and a method for operating a node in a radio network, whereby nodes of the same radio network have a common network ID and each node individually is assigned a node ID, wherein during the reception of a current packet by a receiving circuit of the node, an address contained in the packet is determined, wherein reception of the current packet is continued when the determined address agrees with the network ID of the node and the node ID of the node, and wherein during reception of the current packet, the reception of the current packet is terminated and the receiving circuit is controlled based on a case decision, when the determined address does not agree with the network ID of the node or the node ID of the node.
US08615009B1 Interface for extending service capabilities of a network device
An example network device includes a network interface and a control unit that receives a packet having header information. The control unit includes a forwarding structure having a plurality of entries that each refers to one of a plurality of logical interfaces, a forwarding engine configured to access the forwarding structure to select a first logical interface to which to forward the packet based on the header information, wherein the first logical interface comprises a pseudo-device interface (PDI). The control unit also includes a PDI module that tunnels the packet to an external service complex (ESC) by at least applying a set of metadata to the packet, encapsulating the packet with a header, and forwarding the packet to the ESC via the network interface, and wherein the metadata allows the ESC to determine a set of services to be applied to the packet based on the metadata.
US08615005B2 System and method for placing a call using a local access number shared by multiple users
The present document describes a method and system for placing a call through an Internet Protocol (IP) network, from a contact voice interface device for use by a contact user located in a first geographical area, to a subscribed voice interface device for use by a subscribed user located in a second geographical area, each geographical area defined by an area in which a local call can be made. The method comprises: assigning a local access phone number to the first geographical area; the contact user initiating a first leg of the call, from the contact voice interface device to a first IP switch, by dialing the local access phone number using the contact voice interface device; the contact user providing an identity of the subscribed voice interface device to which the call is to be completed; transmitting the identity from the first IP switch to a second IP switch via the IP network, the second IP switch associated with the identity of the subscribed voice interface device provided; the second IP switch establishing a second leg of the call at a local calling rate to the subscribed voice interface; and bridging the first leg of the call to the second leg of the call through the IP network, thereby completing the call from the contact voice interface device to the subscribed voice interface device through the IP network.
US08615004B1 Method and apparatus for supporting on-net VoIP calls for cellular service subscribers
A method and apparatus for enabling a subscriber of VoIP services to register a cellular phone as an on-net device with a defined interface to the VoIP network are disclosed. The present method enables calls placed between originating and terminating subscribers using registered cellular phones to be rerouted between the cellular networks and the VoIP network for call establishment.
US08614996B1 Predictive personality negotiation during session negotiation
Methods and systems are provided for implementing predictive personality negotiation during session negotiation. In an embodiment, an EV-DO access node negotiates a first session with an access terminal, which involves negotiating a comprehensive set of personalities with the access terminal for the first session. The access node then records a list of personalities actually used by the access terminal during the first session. That list is a subset of the comprehensive set. The access node then negotiates a second session with the access terminal, which involves negotiating only that subset of personalities with the access terminal for the second session.
US08614982B2 Network apparatus, communication apparatus, communication control method, and communication control system
A network station stores therein a frame scheduling table including a plurality of pieces of scheduling information obtained by scheduling, in advance, transmission/reception timing of wireless frames that are transmitted/received by wireless communication terminals each of which is configured so as to implement a plurality of wireless communication methods, while using a wireless communication method corresponding to the network side and while using a wireless communication method corresponding to the local side. When the network station receives a notification indicating that a radio wave interference is detected, from any of the wireless communication terminals managed by the network station, the network station changes the frame scheduling information currently assigned to the wireless communication terminal being the transmission source of the notification indicating that the radio wave interference is detected.
US08614980B2 Method of transmitting broadcast message in a mobile communication system
A method of transmitting a broadcast message using a Forward Common Control Channel (F-CCCH) in a wireless communication system is disclosed. More specifically, a base station determines whether a periodic enhanced broadcast page is enabled or disabled, and then transmits at least one broadcast message via a first slot of a broadcast paging cycle of the F-CCCH if determined that the periodic enhanced broadcast page is enabled.
US08614971B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving control information for supporting multimedia broadcast/multicast service
A mobile communication system supporting an MBMS service includes a Node B having a plurality of transport channels and at least one UE communicating with the Node B. The Node B selects a transport channel for MBMS control information among a plurality of transport channels mapped to a secondary common control physical channel; transmits a system information block indicating the selected transport channel to a cell area where UEs are located, using a primary common control physical channel; and transmits the MBMS control information to the cell area using the selected transport channel. The UE receives a system information block indicating a transport channel selected to transmit MBMS control information among a plurality of transport channels mapped to a secondary common control physical channel, over a primary common control physical channel; receives the MBMS control information over the selected transport channel among the plurality of the transport channels, using the system information block; and receives the MBMS service using the MBMS control information.
US08614968B1 Mobile device user interface notification management
A portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device comprises a processor, a memory, a display, and a first application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, receives indications of a plurality of events. The application also stores event information associated with the events in the memory, and when a user interface of a second application that is presented on the display is navigated away from, presents an announcement about one of the stored event information on the display.
US08614963B2 Wireless system protocols for power-efficient implementation of star and mesh wireless networks with local and wide-area coverage
A communication system that allows communication devices to synchronize the transfer of data to allow the devices to wirelessly and efficiently communicate in a star or mesh network. The communication system operates in the presence of other communication systems noise sources using a spread spectrum frequency hopping transmission scheme to efficiently generate adaptive frequency hopping patterns that are unique to the members of the wireless network based on a network identification code. The communication system employs a predictive retrieval of data for transmission from one device storing the data to a requesting device. A communication device transfers communication from a first network to a second network when the device has been moved beyond the range of the first network, where the second network is in communication with at least one other member device of the first network.
US08614959B1 Method and apparatus for certifying a signal message in a communications network
A method and apparatus for testing a message set in a communications network are described. In one embodiment, a change in the communications network is initially detected. Communication between a customer premise equipment (CPE) and at least one border element in the communication network is subsequently established. Afterwards, a test suite is executed to simultaneously certify that a message set employing a plurality of protocols supported by the communication network is supported by the at least one border element.
US08614944B2 Fault-tolerant system for data transmission in a passenger aircraft
A transmission system for transmitting communications data from at least one data source to a plurality of terminals via a distributor, includes terminals connected in series in a terminal chain, via an input port and an output port. The first and last terminals in the chain are directly interconnected with a shunt connection in such a way that the communications data in the chain of terminals is transmitted from terminal to terminal, between the first and the last terminals of the chain if all the terminals are interconnected, and, if the connection between the terminals in the terminal chain is interrupted, the communications data from the first terminal of the chain of terminals is transmitted in the terminal chain up to the inactive terminal and the communications data from the last terminal is transmitted in the terminal chain up to the inactive terminal.
US08614928B2 Wireless data acquisition system and method using self-initializing wireless modules
Presented are systems and methods for deploying wireless data acquisition modules that facilitate autonomous initialization. The wireless data acquisition modules may initiate a initialization process in response to a stimulus associated with being deployed. The wireless data acquisition module may further conduct a neighbor discovery process and in turn establish a data transfer path among one or more other wireless data acquisition modules. Further, information obtained during a series of autonomous tests may be communicated during the neighbor discovery process and the establishment of the data transfer path may at least in part be based on the information obtained in the autonomous tests.
US08614926B2 Memory apparatus and associated method
A memory apparatus includes a plurality of first bit columns for constructing a common memory space and at least one reserve second bit column. A column address of a damaged first bit column is recorded as a predetermined column address. When a byte column is accessed, data recorded in the first bit columns and the second bit columns are respectively latched in a first latching device and a second latching device. In the event that the latched access data is accessed, data is outputted by comparing the predetermined column address of each first bit column and an access column address, and when the access column address matches with the predetermined column address, data is outputted via the second latching device; otherwise, the data is outputted via the first latching device.
US08614923B2 Memory cell sensing using negative voltage
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, devices, modules, and systems for memory cell sensing using negative voltage. One method includes applying a negative read voltage to a selected access line of an array of memory cells, applying a pass voltage to a number of unselected access lines of the array, and sensing whether a cell coupled to the selected access line is in a conductive state in response to the applied negative read voltage.
US08614922B2 Semiconductor storage apparatus or semiconductor memory module
A semiconductor storage apparatus provides a large capacity phase-change memory possessing high speed operation, low electrical current, and high-reliability. During the period that a read-out start signal is activated in the memory region control circuit, and the block of pairs of sense-latch and write driver is performing the verify read in the upper section memory region, the write enable signals in the memory region control circuit are activated and the block of pairs of sense-latch and write driver performs rewrite operation of the data in the lower section memory region. This type of operation allows cancelling out the time required for the verify read and the time required for the time-division write operation by performing the verify read in one memory region, while performing time-division rewrite in other memory region, to achieve both higher reliability rewrite operation along with suppressing the rewrite operation peak electrical current.
US08614921B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a sense amplifier; bit lines coupled to the sense amplifier; memory cell transistors and dummy cell transistors coupled in parallel with the bit lines; and a current generating circuit that supplies a test current to current nodes. Either of the source and the drain of each of the dummy cell transistors is coupled to a bit line and the other is coupled to a current node. In a read operation test, the current generating circuit is activated and then the dummy cell transistors are turned on. The sense amplifier compares the test current passed through a bit line with a reference current and outputs output data corresponding to the result of the comparison.
US08614905B2 Voltage converting apparatus and method for converting a voltage
A voltage converting apparatus includes a series connection of at least four switching elements each including at least one semiconductor device of turn-off type and a free-wheeling diode connected in anti-parallel therewith. The apparatus has a device configured to measure a parameter representative of the voltage across each free-wheeling diode when turned off and an arrangement configured to control the amount of charge stored in each diode at the moment the diode is turned-off by stopping to conduct depending upon the results of the measurement carried out by the device for controlling the voltage across the diode after turn-off thereof.
US08614892B2 Server with guiding air flow structure
An electronic device includes a chassis, a number of electronic components, and at least one block. The at least one block is fitted between two of the electronic components. At least one air flow passage is defined under the at least one block to direct air flow to enter between the two electronic components.
US08614884B2 Modular display device having at least one display unit
A display device includes a base seat unit and at least one first display unit. The first display unit includes a first casing module, a first display panel connected to the first casing module, a pair of first support rods, and a pair of second support rods. The first support rods are connectible to the base seat unit in an upright direction and in a horizontally spaced apart manner, and are used to support therebetween the first casing module in a horizontal state. The second support rods are longer than the first support rods, are connectible to the base seat unit in an upright direction and in a horizontally spaced apart manner, and are used to support therebetween the first casing module in a vertical state.
US08614880B2 Solid electrolytic capacitor including positive and negative electrode lead terminals
A solid electrolytic capacitor in which a capacitor element having a positive electrode lead wire protruded from a front face of the capacitor element and a positive electrode lead terminal connected to the positive electrode lead wire is sealed with an exterior sealing element of synthetic resin except for a part of the positive electrode lead terminal. The positive electrode lead terminal is provided with a positive electrode base frame arranged along a lower surface of the exterior sealing element so as to correspond to the positive electrode lead wire, a raised connecting piece arranged to extend upward from an edge of the positive electrode base frame along a front end face and having an upper edge to which the positive electrode lead wire is connected, and reinforcing pieces provided at both side edges of the raised connecting piece.
US08614870B2 Active transient current control in electronic circuit breakers
A system and method for operating a semi-conductor based circuit breaker as a transient current limiter includes a semi-conductor switch that operates in a linear mode during a transient event and thereby reduces the transient current passing through the switch.
US08614868B2 Graded resistance solid state current control circuit
A circuit fault detector and interrupter which consists of parallel current conduction paths, including a path through a mechanical contactor and a path through a power electronics switch having active feedback control. A fault can be detected by a fault detection circuit within 50 μS of the occurrence of the fault, causing the mechanical contactor to be opened and the fault current to be commutated via a laminated, low-inductance bus through the power electronics switch. The power electronics switch is thereafter turned off as soon as possible, interrupting the fault current and absorbing the inductive energy in the circuit. The fault current can be interrupted within 200 microseconds of the occurrence of the fault, and the device reduces or eliminates arcing when the mechanical contactor is opened.
US08614864B1 Magnetoresistive device with a hard bias capping layer
A magnetoresistive device is provided. The device includes at least one magnetoresistive element having at least one side, at least one hard bias layer in proximity to the at least one side of the at least one magnetic element, and a hard bias capping structure on the at least one hard bias layer. The hard bias capping structure includes a protective layer covering at least a first portion of the at least one hard bias layer and a planarization stop layer covering a second portion of the at least one hard bias layer. A portion of the protective layer resides between the planarization stop layer and the at least one hard bias layer.
US08614861B1 Magnetic recording head including a high-frequency oscillator and disk drive with the same
According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording head includes a main pole configured to apply a recording magnetic field to a recording layer of a recording medium, and a high-frequency oscillator disposed adjacent to the main pole and near a air-bearing surface which faces the recording medium. The high-frequency oscillator includes a lower end surface located nearest to the air-bearing surface and an upper end surface located farthest from the air-bearing surface. A length of the lower end surface in a cross track direction is longer than a length of the upper end surface in the cross track direction.
US08614858B2 Systems and methods for sync mark detection metric computation
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. As an example, a pattern detection circuit is discussed that includes a distance calculation circuit and a comparator circuit. The distance calculation circuit is operable to calculate a noise whitened distance between a reference signal and a received input to yield a comparison value. The comparator circuit is operable to compare the comparison value with a threshold value.
US08614853B2 Two-dimensional wavelength-beam-combining of lasers using first-order grating stack
A method and apparatus for two-dimensional wavelength beam combining of laser sources. In one example, an external cavity multi-wavelength laser includes an array of laser emitters each producing an optical beam having a specified wavelength, a grating stack comprising a plurality of first-order diffraction gratings arranged linearly in a first dimension, and a dispersive element. The laser further includes a cylindrical telescope that images the optical beams from the array of laser emitters onto the grating stack. A first cylindrical transform lens spatially overlaps the optical beams in a second dimension forming a first region of overlap at the grating stack. A second cylindrical transform lens spatially overlaps the optical beams from the grating stack in the first dimension forming a second region of overlap at the dispersive element. The dispersive element transmits a multi-wavelength output beam comprising the spatially overlapped optical beams from the array of laser emitters.
US08614849B2 Thermochromatic device and thermochromatic display apparatus
A thermochromatic device includes an insulating substrate, a back color layer, a color element, a heating element, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The back color layer is located on the insulating substrate. The color element is located on the back color layer and includes a transparence-changeable material. The transparence-changeable material performs a transformation between a transparent state and a nontransparent state at a phase change temperature. The heating element is located adjacent to the color element and includes a carbon nanotube structure. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to the heating element. A thermochromatic display apparatus using the thermochromatic device is also related.
US08614845B2 Vehicular rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating these elements
The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.
US08614842B2 Volume hologram replicator for transmission type gratings
A holographic replicator configured to mass-manufacture volumetric transmission holograms and including an imaging tank having a holographic master plate opposing a pneumatic absorber. When a segment of a recording film, moveable with respect to the master plate, is placed between the master plate and the pneumatic absorber, the pneumatic absorber is repositioned in space to locks the segment of the recording film between the master plate and the pneumatic absorber.
US08614838B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
According to the present invention, it is possible to create electronic document data capable of highlighting an object detected through a search so that a user can easily recognize it. An image processing apparatus extracts an object from an input image and extracts metadata related to the object. The image processing apparatus, when determines to describe with a shape in accordance with the shape of the object, creates a vector path description of frame described with a shape in accordance with the shape of the object. Then, the image processing apparatus creates an electronic document including data of the input image and the vector path description of frame with which the metadata is associated. When a keyword search is performed on the created electronic document, highlight display is performed in accordance with the vector path description of frame with which metadata that matches the keyword is associated.
US08614828B2 Print apparatus, server, method for improving print characteristics, and computer program therefor
A print apparatus connected to a server via a network includes an improvement-information requesting unit configured to notify the server via the network of identification information unique to a print head; an improvement-information storage unit configured to store downloaded head-characteristic-improvement information; and a print processor configured to perform a print operation by referring to the head-characteristic-improvement information stored in the improvement-information storage unit.
US08614821B2 Systems and methods for managing customer replaceable unit monitor (CRUM) paired identifiers using a cloud administration system
A data centric, cloud architecture for managing image forming device information through interactive communication with customer replaceable unit monitors (CRUMs) associated with customer replaceable units (CRUs) installed in image forming devices is provided. CRUM identifiers and a cloud data objects containing the same unique identifiers are used to aid a supplier or manufacturer in keying individual CRUs to particular installations in printers and/or other image forming devices. This association strengthens the ability to logistically control the CRUs. A cloud administration system is used to track an identifier for a CRU installed in a particular image forming device such as, for example, a printer, to determine whether the CRU identifier matches an associated cloud object identifier for that printer.
US08614820B2 Terminal device connected to a network, a printing system including the terminal device, and a control method of the terminal device
A terminal device connected to a network, acquires address information of a printing device connected to the network in first communication protocol, determines whether or not the printing device is capable of recovering from a power-saving mode via WOL, registers the acquired address information into a storage area on a permanent basis, if the relevant printing device is determined to be capable of recovering via WOL, and then transmits a status inquiry packet of the relevant printing device determined to be capable of recovering via WOL in second communication protocol that allows the relevant printing device to respond to the status inquiry packet without recovering from the power-saving mode, using the address information registered into the storage area on a permanent basis.
US08614812B2 Image forming apparatus and method
An image forming apparatus that may include a communication interface unit to receive an Extensible Markup Language (XML) Paper Specification (XPS) file, a determination unit to determine whether printing options set for the received XPS file are supported by the image forming apparatus, and a user interface unit to display a message that a printing option set for the received XPS file is an unsupported printing option if the printing option is not supported by the image forming apparatus.
US08614801B2 Image forming apparatus, control method, and control program
An image forming apparatus receives a printing job from an information processing apparatus and prints the printing job, wherein confirmation printing to confirm the printed material of the printing job is instructed. If the sheet used with the confirmation print is a specialized sheet, printing is performed using the same type of sheet for the confirmation printing and the main printing.
US08614794B2 System and apparatus for monitoring concentration of greenhouse gas
One or more embodiments of the present invention pertain to a system, method, and apparatus that accurately measures concentration of a greenhouse gas in narrow atmospheric columns above multiple sites utilizing a network of autonomous low-cost beacons that turn on for short unannounced time intervals and point to a receiving satellite. For example, each beacon can activate for short time intervals and transmit a laser beam at eye-safe low transmission power levels to a receiving satellite. The receiving satellite includes a sensor configured to receive the laser beam from one or more activated beacon and generate raw greenhouse gas concentration data based on measurement of the received laser beam intensity at selected wavelengths.
US08614792B2 Particle characterization
In one general aspect, a method of measuring characteristics of particles in a liquid sample disclosed. The method includes supporting the liquid sample by surface tension and illuminating the supported liquid sample along an illumination axis with spatially coherent light so as to cause the coherent light to be scattered across a scattering zone. At least a portion of the scattered light is detected along a first predetermined scattering detection axis after it is scattered by the particles in the supported liquid sample. The illumination axis and the detection axis are oriented at an angle with respect to each other that allows substantially all of the light scattered at that angle across the scattering zone to be detected.
US08614790B2 Optical system and method for inspection of patterned samples
An optical inspection system for inspecting a patterned sample located in an inspection plane includes an illumination unit defining an illumination path, and a light collection unit defining a collection path, each path having a certain angular orientation with respect to the inspection plane. The illumination unit comprises an illumination mask located in a first spectral plane with respect to the inspection plane and the light collection unit comprises a collection mask located in a second spectral plane with respect to the inspection plane being conjugate to the first spectral plane. Arrangements of features of the first and second patterns are selected in accordance with a diffraction response from said patterned sample along a collection channel defined by the angular orientation of the illumination and collection paths.
US08614781B2 Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof having particular capping layer
A liquid crystal display is provided. The liquid crystal display includes a substrate. A thin film transistor is disposed on the substrate. A passivation layer is disposed on the thin film transistor. A pixel electrode is disposed on the passivation layer. A minute space layer is disposed on the pixel electrode and includes a liquid crystal injection hole. A first overcoat is disposed on the minute space layer. A common electrode is disposed on the first overcoat. A capping layer covers the liquid crystal injection hole. The capping layer includes graphene.
US08614780B2 Array substrate for in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device having double-layered metal patterns and method of fabricating the same
An array substrate of an in-plane switching liquid crystal display device includes, among other features, a gate electrode and a gate line having a first double-layered structure consisting of a first barrier layer and a first low resistance metallic layer; a data line defining a pixel region with the gate line, the data line having a second double-layered structure consisting of a second barrier layer and a second low resistance metallic layer; a plurality of common electrodes disposed in a direction opposite to an adjacent gate line; a thin film transistor (TFT) near a crossing of the gate and data lines, each of the source and drain electrodes of the TFT having the same double-layered structure as the data line; and a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in an alternating pattern with the common electrodes and disposed in the direction opposite the adjacent gate line.
US08614779B2 Lateral electric field type active-matrix addressing liquid crystal display device
A lateral electric field type active-matrix addressing liquid crystal display device suppresses the lateral cross talk induced by the coupling capacitances (i.e., the parasitic capacitances) between the drain bus lines and the common bus line corresponding thereto with a simple structure. In each of the pixel electrodes, at least one electrically isolated light-shielding electrode is formed to extend along the drain bus lines that define the pixel electrode near the same drain bus lines. The light-shielding electrode is overlapped with a part of a corresponding one of the pixel electrodes to the pixel region in such a way that an insulating film intervenes between the light-shielding electrode and the part, the part extending along these drain bus lines in the vicinities thereof. The light-shielding electrode may be electrically connected to the corresponding one of the pixel electrodes at a point in the pixel region.
US08614762B2 Auto-focusing apparatus
An auto-focusing apparatus controls backlash compensation driving of a focus lens during exposure preparation when focusing is performed by moving the focus lens to a target position of the focus lens. A shutter release time lag can be reduced, and in particular, the auto-focusing apparatus can be usefully applied to the case where a moving subject is photographed.
US08614757B2 Arrangement of circuits in pixels, each circuit shared by a plurality of pixels, in image sensing apparatus
In an image sensing apparatus having a plurality of unit cells, each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and a common circuit shared by the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, arranged in either one or two dimensions, the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged at a predetermined interval.
US08614753B2 Method and apparatus for generating image file having object information
Provided are a method and an apparatus for generating an image file having information about an object. The method of generating the image file having the object information includes the operations of generating image data by taking a picture of the object; receiving the object information from the object through a network; and storing the object information in an image file together with the image data. Accordingly, when a photographing apparatus capable of perform wireless communications generates image data by taking a picture of an object having a wireless communication module, object information is received from the object through wireless communications and is stored together with image data.
US08614751B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus calculates a difference in color temperature between a first white balance (WB) correction value based on image data with flash and a second WB correction value based on image data without flash. The image forming apparatus calculates motion amounts of an object and the apparatus, and corrects the first and second WB correction values based on the difference in color temperature and the motion amounts. The image processing apparatus, based on the corrected first WB correction value, develops first image data from the image data with flash, and, based on the corrected second WB correction value, develops second image data from the image data without flash. The image processing apparatus calculates a signal component of external light and a signal component of flash and calculates a combination ratio of the first and second image data to combine the first and second image data.
US08614750B2 Apparatus and method for auto white balance control considering the effect of single tone image
An apparatus for auto white balance includes a histogram generation unit writing respective histograms of Cb values and Cr values with regard to pixels included in an input image frame, a single-tone determination unit comparing respective maximum values of the histograms of Cb values and Cr values with a first threshold value, and determining the input image frame as a single-tone image if at least one of the maximum values is higher than the first threshold value, and an auto white balance gain computation unit computing and an auto white balance gain by using color information of an input image frame and outputting the computed auto white balance gain, wherein if the input image frame is determined to be a single-tone image, the auto white balance gain computation unit outputs an auto white balance gain computed with respect to a previous input image frame.
US08614746B2 Image processing apparatus and method of noise reduction
An image processing apparatus including an image acquiring unit to acquire a first image including color information and a second image having a spectral band wider than that of the first image and a noise reduction unit to extract edge information from the second image and to reduce noise of the first image based on the extracted edge information.
US08614729B2 Image forming apparatus and method for adjusting rotational phase difference of rotating polygon mirror
An image forming apparatus includes a correction control unit and a correction amount adjusting unit. The correction control unit performs a phase correction process of changing a drive frequency of a driver for driving and rotating a rotating polygon mirror having a rotational phase difference judged not to coincide by a predetermined correction amount and driving the driver for a period corresponding to a specified clock number by a drive clock signal of the changed drive frequency if a rotational phase difference of another rotating polygon mirror does not coincide with a reference rotational phase difference. The correction amount adjusting unit reduces the predetermined correction amount by a predetermined specified amount and causes the correction control unit to perform the phase correction process again if the rotational phase difference does not coincide with a reference rotational phase difference after the phase correction process is performed.
US08614728B2 Driver device, print head, and image formation apparatus
A driver device scans and drives light emission elements arranged in a branch connection to a common terminal using scan-circuit and data drive portions and clock driver and waveform shaper circuits. The scan circuit portion has scan circuits connected cascadely to one another with output terminals connected to the light emission elements. The driver device outputs first and second clock signals to odd- and even-numbered scan circuits respectively. The light emission elements are sequentially driven from a first to a last scan circuit when the second-clock signal is applied to the first scan circuit. The data-drive portion drives the common terminal. The clock-driver circuit outputs first and second clock pulses with different phases, and a third-clock pulse synchronized with the first and second clock pulses. The waveform-shaper circuit re-shapes the waveforms of the clock signals.
US08614727B2 Image forming apparatus for controlling exposure intensity of a photosensitive member
A first mark and a second mark are provided on a photosensitive drum and a rotation reference position sensor detects these marks. A counter is reset according to a detection signal corresponding to the first mark, and is incremented its count value according to a detection signal corresponding to the second mark. A CPU controls an exposure intensity based on light amount correction data read from a memory according to the counted value.
US08614714B1 Combining shapes for animation
A system includes a computing device that includes a memory for storing instructions. The computing device also includes a processor configured to execute the instructions to perform a method that includes combining, in a nonlinear manner, a first set of vertex displacements that represent the difference between a first animated expression and a neutral animated expression with a second set of vertex displacements that represent the difference between a second animated expression and the neutral animated expression. The number of vertices associated with the first set of vertex displacements of the first animated expression is equivalent to the number of vertices associated with the second set of vertex displacements of the second animated expression.
US08614696B2 Display device, position correction method, and program
A display device includes an operating body detection unit detecting an operating body disposed over a display screen, a position determination unit determining a three-dimensional position of the operating body from the detection result and outputting the three-dimensional position as position information for the operating body, a position designation unit designating a three-dimensional position over the display screen, a guide information generation unit generating guide information which requests a user to perform a predetermined action for an operating body around the designated three-dimensional position and then dispose the operating body at the designated three-dimensional position, a correction information generation unit generating correction information from an error between the designated three-dimensional position and a determination result of the three-dimensional position of the operating body disposed according to the guide information, and a position correction unit correcting a three-dimensional position of the operating body based on the correction information.
US08614682B2 Touchscreen panel unit, scrolling control method, and recording medium
A touchscreen panel unit includes a scrolling determination part configured to determine whether to scroll a displayable region of information to be displayed on a screen based on the positional relationship between the position of a first contact with the screen and the position of a second contact with the screen; a scrolling setting part configured to set the scrolling direction and the scrolling distance of the displayable region based on the position of the first contact and a contact position path starting at the position of the second contact, in response to the scrolling determination part determining that the displayable region is to be scrolled; and a scrolling information output part configured to output information indicating the scrolling direction and the scrolling distance set by the scrolling setting part.
US08614675B2 Automatic mode determination for an input device
Automatic mode determination for an input device is disclosed. Depending on conditions of the input device, the input device can transition from a first mode to a transition mode and/or a second mode.
US08614673B2 System and method for control based on face or hand gesture detection
System and method for control using face detection or hand gesture detection algorithms in a captured image. Based on the existence of a detected human face or a hand gesture in an image captured by a digital camera, a control signal is generated and provided to a device. The control may provide power or disconnect power supply to the device (or part of the device circuits). The location of the detected face in the image may be used to rotate a display screen to achieve a better line of sight with a viewing person. The difference between the location of the detected face and an optimum is the error to be corrected by rotating the display to the required angular position. A hand gesture detection can be used as a replacement to a remote control for to the controlled unit, such as a television set.
US08614668B2 Interactive video based games using objects sensed by TV cameras
A method and apparatus for interactive TV camera based games in which position or orientation of points on a player or of an object held by a player are determined and used to control a video display. Both single camera and stereo camera pair based embodiments are disclosed, preferably using stereo photogrammetry where multi-degree of freedom information is desired. Large video displays, preferably life-size may be used where utmost realism of the game experience is desired.
US08614667B2 Apparatus and method for generating data signals
An ergonomic apparatus for generating data signals that may be indicative of alphanumeric characters for use with an electronic device or system such as a computer or electric typewriter, for example. The apparatus may be configured in accordance with ergonomic principles and use one or two hands to generate the data signals. The apparatus may include a set of domes that are shaped and contoured to conform to the shape of hands in a relaxed state and to distribute pressures across the splayed underside of the user's hand. Each dome may be capable of movement in a plurality of directions extending radially from a home position to generate the data signal or a portion of the data signal. The two-handed implementation disclosed utilizes input movements that enable keystroke actuation via only slight arm or hand movement, no finger movement being required. A keyboard layout may be used with the domes to associate movement of each dome with an alphanumeric layout of characters on a conventional keyboard such as a QWERTY keyboard layout. Dome movement may also be associated with the relative location of alphanumeric characters on an associated keyboard and the respective relative frequency of use of an alphanumeric character to be produced. Hand-held embodiments of the apparatus are provided that may be used with portable or other similar electronic devices.
US08614664B2 Multi-touch multi-dimensional mouse
A method for combining at least two touch signals in a computer system is disclosed. The method includes receiving touch signals from two touch pads and creating at least two touch signals having coordinates in the same coordinate system. Then, using these coordinates, a computer system generates a touch command message that is recognizable by a computer application program. Also disclosed is, a computer mouse having two touch pads disposed thereon.
US08614661B2 Shift register unit, gate driving device and liquid crystal display
The present invention provides a shift register unit, a gate driving device and a liquid crystal display, wherein the shift register unit includes five thin film transistors. The drain of a first thin film transistor is connected to a first clock signal input terminal; the drain of a third thin film transistor is connected to the first clock signal input terminal, the gate thereof is connected to the gate of the first thin film transistor, and the source thereof is connected to a second signal output terminal. The shift register unit, the gate driving device and the liquid crystal display provided by the present invention separate the gate driving signal and the control signal for controlling the next neighboring shift register unit from each other, which can solve the problem that the accuracy of the gate driving signal is low due to the delay accumulation.
US08614660B2 Organic electroluminescent display device and driving method thereof
A method and apparatus for driving an organic electroluminescent display device includes sequentially outputting first and second prior gate signals to first and second pixels on first and second row lines, respectively; outputting a first post gate signal to the first pixel using the first and second prior gate signals to the first pixel; switching a switching device according to the first prior gate signal; and switching a driving device according to the first post gate signal.
US08614658B2 Liquid crystal display
A segmented-pixel liquid crystal display has a plurality of pixels of which each has three sub-pixels 10a-10c, namely one middle and two side sub-pixels, arranged next to one another in the column or row direction. The sub-pixels 10a-10c have different brightness levels when the pixel as a whole is in a given middle halftone state, and the middle sub-pixel 10a has the highest brightness level. This eliminates unnaturalness as is conventionally produced when an image with a straight border is displayed, and further improves the gamma characteristic.
US08614656B2 Display apparatus, and driving circuit for the same
A drive circuit which outputs an output signal to an output terminal, includes a drive transistor configured to output a gradation current to the output terminal; a single differential amplifier; a resistance element connected with the drive transistor; and a plurality of switches. The plurality of switches are controlled such that a precharge voltage is outputted from the differential amplifier to the output terminal in a first period while blocking off an output from the drive transistor and such that a gradation current is outputted from the drive transistor to the output terminal in a second period after the first period.
US08614653B1 Electronic display device for special events
An electronic display device for special events includes a base structure with a riser extending therefrom. At an upper, distal end of the riser are a pair of transparent document display panels that are oriented and configured to resemble an open book. The display panels each include an open side edge for receiving photographs, documents and other tangible items related to the special event. On a front surface of the base structure is an LED screen for continuously displaying a scrolling, prerecorded text message. A user enters the desired text message using a keypad on a side of the base structure.
US08614652B2 System and driving method for light emitting device display
A light emitting device display, its pixel circuit and its driving technique is provided. The pixel includes a light emitting device and a plurality of transistors. A bias current and programming voltage data are provided to the pixel circuit in accordance with a driving scheme so that the current through the driving transistor to the light emitting device is adjusted.
US08614642B2 GNSS signal processing methods and apparatus with geometric filter
Methods and apparatus are provided for processing a set of GNSS signal data derived from signals of a first set of satellites having at least three carriers and signals of a second set of satellites having two carriers. A geometry filter uses a geometry filter combination to obtain an array of geometry-filter ambiguity estimates for the geometry filter combination and associated statistical information. Ionosphere filters use a two-frequency ionospheric combination to obtain an array of ionosphere-filter ambiguity estimates for the two-frequency ionospheric combinations and associated statistical information. Each two-frequency ionospheric combination comprises a geometry-free two-frequency ionospheric residual carrier-phase combination of observations of a first frequency and observations of a second frequency. Auxiliary ionosphere filters use an auxiliary ionospheric combination to obtain an array of auxiliary-ionosphere-filter ambiguity estimates for the auxiliary ionospheric combinations and associated statistical information. Each auxiliary ionospheric combination uses carrier-phase observations of a third frequency and carrier-phase observations of at least one of the first frequency and the second frequency. A combined array of ambiguity estimates is prepared for all carrier phase observations and associated statistical information by combining the arrays of the geometry filter and the ionosphere filters and the auxiliary ionosphere filters.
US08614641B2 Hybrid satellite positioning with prediction
A method of calculating two position fixes, using satellite positioning. The method comprises: using an RF front-end (12), receiving satellite positioning signals; using an analogue-to-digital converter (18), sampling the received signals to generate signal samples; using a processor (20), processing a first set of the samples as they are generated, to calculate a first position fix; storing information associated with the calculation in a memory (22); storing a second set of the samples, or ranging measurements derived from the second set of samples, in the memory (22) for later processing to calculate a second position fix; and later, processing the second set of samples to calculate the second position fix, wherein the calculation of the second position fix is assisted by the information associated with the calculation of the first position fix. Also disclosed are other related methods and apparatus.
US08614634B2 8b/9b encoding for reducing crosstalk on a high speed parallel bus
Systems and methods for encoding/decoding a data word using an 8b/9b encoding scheme that eliminates two-aggressor crosstalk are disclosed. The 8b/9b encoding scheme enables a data word to be encoded using code words. Each of the valid code words does not include any three consecutive bits having a logic level of logic-high (i.e., ‘1’), and represent transition vectors for consecutive symbols transmitted over the high speed parallel bus. An encoder and corresponding decoder are disclosed for implementing the 8b/9b encoding scheme. In one embodiment, the encoder/decoder implements a modified Fibonacci sequence algorithm. In another embodiment, the encoder/decoder implements a look-up table.
US08614630B2 Fall detection using sensor fusion
A method and system for fall detection using sensor fusion are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises in response to any of first and second acceleration magnitude thresholds being satisfied, determining whether a height difference before and after impact of a fall satisfies a threshold and whether an angle threshold between an acceleration vector and a calibration vector is satisfied. In a second aspect, the system comprises a processing system and an application coupled to the processing system, wherein the application carries out the steps of the method.
US08614628B2 System and method for providing a task reminder
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for providing a task reminder are disclosed herein. A computer readable medium including programming instructions for performing a method that includes identifying task information including a task location. The method includes receiving a location of a user of a mobile communication device. The method includes receiving historical presence information identifying least one of a number of times the user is present at the location and an amount of time the user is present at the location. The method includes providing a reminder of the task for presentation based on the historical presence information, the task location, and the location of the user.
US08614623B2 Personal digital asset manager
Methods and apparatus for a Personal Digital Asset Manager are disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention is a miniature electronic device, which functions as a fully-powered personal computer, which stores digital files and content, and which communicates wirelessly with external input and output devices and a network such as the Internet. In one embodiment, the present invention may be carried in a pocket or purse, clipped on a belt or incorporated into a pair of glasses.
US08614620B2 Method for parameterizing a process automation field device by simulating the acyclic services
In a method for parametering a field device of process automation technology, wherein the field device is connected via a bus system with a control unit, parameter values are packaged in telegrams of cyclic services and transmitted to the field device whose parameter values are to be changed. No acyclic services are required for changing parameter values.
US08614611B2 Protective device having a thin construction
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a front cover assembly having a front major surface. The front major surface includes a button disposed between first and second sets of receptacle openings. A test circuit is coupled to the button, and the button is coupled to an elongated switch actuator. The elongated switch actuator includes a first switch contact and a second switch contact which contact a first test circuit portion and a second test circuit portion in the switch closed position. The first switch contact contacts a first test circuit portion and the second switch contact contacts a second test circuit portion in the switch closed position, the first switch contact and the first test circuit portion forming a first air gap and the second switch contact and the second test circuit portion forming a second air gap in the switch open position.
US08614600B2 Switch configuration for default-on N-way active splitters
An apparatus comprising an amplifier and a switch network. The amplifier may be configured to generate a plurality of output signals in response to an input signal. The switch network may be configured to provide (i) a first path when a power signal is not present and (ii) a second path when said power signal is present. The first path may activate a first of the plurality of output signals. The second path may activate all of the plurality of output signals. An impedance may be connected to the amplifier only when the first path is activated.
US08614598B2 Output circuit, system including output circuit, and method of controlling output circuit
An output circuit includes a first transistor coupled to an external terminal and having a gate terminal that receives a first drive signal. The first transistor pulls down a potential at the external terminal when activated in accordance with the first drive signal. The output circuit also includes a capacitor. The capacitor includes a first end coupled to the gate terminal of the first transistor. A clamp circuit, coupled to a second end of the capacitor, clamps the second end of the capacitor to a potential corresponding to the operation of the first transistor. The first transistor includes a drain terminal that is not coupled to the capacitor but is coupled to the external terminal.
US08614591B2 Mother substrate of organic light emitting displays capable of sheet unit testing and method of sheet unit testing
A mother substrate including a plurality of organic light emitting display panels that include pixel circuits having a simple structure, is designed so that a sheet unit test may be performed while preventing or reducing brightness variation during sheet unit test, and a sheet unit test method for the mother substrate. The mother substrate also includes first and second wiring line groups and a compensating unit. The compensating unit is coupled to a coupling line for coupling a wiring line from among the first and second wiring line groups for transmitting a sheet unit test signal to the panels. The compensating unit is also for subtracting a voltage corresponding to a threshold voltage of a driving transistor included in a pixel of the panels from the sheet unit test signal before transmitting the sheet unit test signal to the panels.
US08614589B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, including forming semiconductor chips having a test circuit electrically connected to an input pad and an output pad, the input pad having a first pad located on a first principal surface and a second pad located on a second principal surface of the semiconductor wafer, placing the semiconductor wafers on an inspection apparatus, each input pad brought into contact with each input pad adjacent semiconductor wafer, bringing each of probing tips on the input pad of the semiconductor chips of an uppermost or lowermost semiconductor wafer in the semiconductor wafers and performing a test on the semiconductor chips in one batch.
US08614580B2 Dynamically activating different subsets of a plurality of electrodes
To perform surveying of a subterranean structure, an electromagnetic (EM) source array has a plurality of electrodes. Different subsets of the electrodes are dynamically activated to provide corresponding EM radiation patterns to survey the subterranean structure.
US08614574B2 Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is provided, which is capable of reducing SAR while maintaining S/N ratio and image contrast in a GrE-type pulse sequence, regardless of whether a synchronous imaging is performed or not.The present invention controls a flip angle as to each measurement set 409 that is obtained by division according to the size of phase encoding and a body motion cycle of a subject in the GrE-type pulse sequence. In a set 501 which measures echoes with phase encoding having a minimum absolute value, the flip angle is maximized as to the RF pulse having a minimum phase encoding amount and at least one RF pulse irradiated immediately before. As for the other RF pulses, the flip angle varies within a range less than the maximum, irrespective of the non-imaging mode, the imaging mode, or the size of phase encoding.
US08614572B2 Integrated magnetic field generation and detection platform
An integrated magnetic field generation and detection platform is described that is capable of manipulating and detecting individual magnetic particles, such as spherical super-paramagnetic beads, and providing biosensing functionality. The platform is implemented in an integrated circuit, a portion of the surface of which is functionalized with one or more biochemical agents that binds tightly (i.e., specifically) with a target analyte. The magnetic beads are similarly functionalized with one or more biochemical agents that that bind specifically with the target analyte. When a sample is introduced, magnetic beads that specifically bind to the integrated circuit can be separated from non-specifically bound beads and detected.
US08614571B2 Apparatus and method for on-chip sampling of dynamic IR voltage drop
Test points on an integrated circuit chip, especially points subject to IR voltage drop along power supply rails, are coupled to comparators controlled by an automatic test controller, all included on the chip. Each test point can have one or more comparators and one or more reference voltages over a testing range. A change of state at a comparator sets a latch that is read and reset by the on-chip automatic test controller during test intervals. The automatic test controller can coordinate with external automatic test equipment that applies stimulus signals to the chip during testing. The greatest voltage drop during a test interval is determined from the latched output of the switched comparator coupled to the lowest reference voltage. The setting and resetting of the latch can be gated through a selectable delay so as to discriminate for excursions that persist for a longer or shorter time.
US08614568B2 Gate drive circuit of the voltage drive type semiconductor element and power converter
A power converting apparatus having a gate drive circuit including a push-pull circuit consisting of two transistors at its output stage; a diode connected in series with the push-pull circuit; a gate power source connected in parallel with the series circuit of the push-pull circuit and the diode; a negative voltage generating circuit connected in parallel with the push-pull circuit; a transistor connected between the output terminal of the negative voltage generating circuit and the negative terminal of the gate power source, wherein the output voltage of the push-pull circuit is switched from positive polarity to negative polarity and vice versa depending on the signal applied to the base terminals of the transistors.
US08614564B2 Systems and methods for providing power to a load based upon a control strategy
Systems and methods are provided for an electrical system. The electrical system includes a load, an interface configured to receive a voltage from a voltage source, and a controller configured to receive the voltage from the voltage source through the interface and to provide a voltage and current to the load. Wherein, when the controller is in a constant voltage mode, the controller provides a constant voltage to the load, when the controller is in a constant current mode, the controller provides a constant current to the load, and when the controller is in a constant power mode, the controller provides a constant power to the load.
US08614557B2 Control of an electric machine
A method of controlling an electric machine that includes sequentially exciting and freewheeling a winding of the electric machine. The winding is excited in advance of zero-crossings of back emf in the winding by an advance angle, and the winding is freewheeled over a freewheel angle. The method then includes varying the advance angle and the freewheel angle in response to changes in the speed of the electric machine. Additionally, a control system for an electric machine, and a product incorporating the control system and electric machine.
US08614556B1 Down sampling method for hard disk speed control loop
In some implementations, a method includes receiving rotational speed information corresponding to a rotational speed of a spindle motor having a plurality of poles, down sampling the rotational speed information to obtain speed-related information associated with the spindle motor, and adjusting the rotational speed of the spindle motor based on the speed-related information.
US08614553B2 Illuminant operating appliance with potential separation
An operating device for operation of at least one illuminant, such as one or more LEDs, includes first and second converters and first and second logic circuits. The first converter is supplied directly or indirectly with mains voltage, with a first reference potential. The second converter is galvanically isolated from the first converter, with a second reference potential for supplying a load circuit with the illuminant. The first logic circuit is for controlling the first converter, and the second logic circuit is for controlling the second converter. The first logic circuit and the second logic circuit are connected to one another, with potential isolation, via an interface.
US08614545B2 Organic EL display device having a bank formed to fill spaces between pixel electrodes
A method of manufacturing an organic EL element according to the present invention comprises the steps of forming pixel electrodes (801), (802), (803) on a transparent substrate' (804) and forming on the pixel electrodes by patterning luminescent layers (806), (807), (808) made of an organic compound by means of an ink-jet method. According to this method, it is possible to carry out a high precise patterning easily and in a short time, thereby enabling to carry out optimization for a film design and luminescent characteristic easily as well as making it easy to adjust a luminous efficiency.
US08614534B2 Transducer having natural unidirectionality for surface acoustic waves
A transducer has natural unidirectionality for surface acoustic waves. An interdigital electrode structure is arranged on a piezoelectric crystal substrate and is constructed with interdigital transducers including collecting electrodes and fingers. At least two of the fingers form a transducer cell, which includes at least one excitation center for exciting an electrical potential wave and at least one reflection center for reflecting electrical potential waves. The fingers are oriented perpendicularly to a direction R parallel to a 1- or 3-fold rotational axis of the substrate crystal and the derivative dv/dθ=0 applies to R, wherein v is the phase velocity of the surface wave and θ is an angular deviation of the perpendicular to the finger direction from the direction R.
US08614533B2 Electric motor
The present invention relates to an electric commutator motor (1) that comprises a stator (2) and a rotor core (3), wherein the magnetic flux transmittance between the rotor (3)-stator (2) is improved and the noise level is reduced by securing a ferromagnetic rotor sleeve (5) on the outer circumference press-fittingly. The sleeve is made of a ring shaped ferromagnetic laminations.
US08614530B2 Stator core for an electric machine
A stator includes a body portion having an outer portion and an inner portion that defines an interior region, a plurality of stator teeth members extending from the inner portion into the interior region, and at least one continuous conductor wound around select ones of the plurality of stator teeth members to form at least one pole. Each of the plurality of stator teeth members including a number of wraps of the at least one continuous conductor. The at least one continuous conductor including a number of twists that is fewer than the number of wraps.
US08614527B2 Motor and vehicle
This disclosure discloses a motor comprising: a motor main body; and a winding switching unit configured to switch windings of the motor main body; the motor main body including: a motor housing that a first coolant channel is formed inside; and a stator having the windings and fixed to an inner surface of the motor housing, the winding switching unit including: a winding switching housing that a second coolant channel is formed inside and being disposed on an outer surface of the motor housing, and heat-generating components disposed at an outer surface of the winding switching housing and used to switch the windings.
US08614526B2 System and method for magnetic power transfer
System and method for wireless power transfer based on values set to comply with limits from multiple different agencies.
US08614524B2 Onboard power supply and method for operating an onboard power supply
An onboard power supply, contains a starter power supply having a high-power load, particularly a starter and a first energy storage, particularly a double-layer capacitor. The onboard power supply further has an intermediate power supply with a second energy storage, particularly a rechargeable lithium polymer battery and a load power supply with at least one electric load. The starter power supply is electrically coupled to the intermediate power supply via a first voltage converter. The intermediate power supply is electrically coupled to the load power supply via a second voltage converter, and the onboard power supply has a controller, which controls or regulates the electric voltage in the intermediate power supply in dependence on a parameter of the second energy storage.
US08614519B2 Electric power storage power plant
An electric power storage power plant that utilizes an existing electric power source to capture and store electricity, and then instantly retransmit it on demand, is disclosed. An electric motor transfers rotational energy to at least one energy storage spring that rotationally connects to an electric generator via a variety of rotational energy connecting elements. Utilizing energy storage springs in this manner enables intermittent generation from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to provide base load electric power, as well as providing frequency regulation, by providing storage to the national electric power grids. Electric grid power may be utilized when the price is low, and then released and transferred to an electric generator when the price of electricity is higher. Rotational energy storage may be utilized to provide backup power for applications of all sizes. It is efficient, scalable, and deployable almost anywhere.
US08614517B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: a substrate including an electrode pad on a surface; a semiconductor chip placed on the substrate so as to be electrically connected to the electrode pad; a first resin layer which is formed on the substrate and is also filled between the substrate and the semiconductor chip; and a second resin layer, laminated on the first resin layer, which has an elastic modulus larger than that of the first resin layer.
US08614514B1 Micro-spring chip attachment using ribbon bonds
Standard ribbon bonds are utilized as clamp-like mechanical fasteners to attach an IC die in a “flip-chip” orientation to a support structure (e.g., a package base substrate or printed circuit board). Electrical connections between the support structure and the IC die are achieved by curved micro-springs that extend through an air-gap region separating the upper structure surface and the active surface of the IC die. The micro-springs have an anchor portion fixedly attached to one of the support structure and the IC die, and a free (tip) end that is in nonattached contact with an associated contact pad disposed on the other of the support structure and the IC die. Once the IC die is placed on the support structure, the ribbon bonds are formed between the support structure and the IC die using conventional wedge bonder, but the ribbon bonds connected to the non-active surface of the IC die.
US08614512B2 Solder ball contact susceptible to lower stress
A solder ball contact and a method of making a solder ball contact includes: a first insulating layer with a via formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip and a metal pad; an under bump metallurgy (UBM) structure disposed within the via and on a portion of the first insulating layer, surrounding the via; a second insulating layer formed on an upper surface of an outer portion of the UBM structure that is centered on the via; and a solder ball that fills the via and is disposed above an upper surface of an inner portion of the UBM structure that contacts the via, in which the UBM structure that underlies the solder ball is of a greater diameter than the solder ball.
US08614506B1 RFID tags with bumped substrate, and apparatuses and methods for making
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are provided, along with apparatuses and methods for making. In some embodiments, the RFID tags include an RFID tag chip that is attached to an inlay and/or a strap. The inlay or strap has one or more contact bumps formed thereon. In some of these embodiments, the RFID tag chip includes pads for electrical contacts, but not chip-bumps, thanks to the contact bump.
US08614503B2 Common drain exposed conductive clip for high power semiconductor packages
One exemplary disclosed embodiment comprises a semiconductor package including multiple transistors having a common drain coupled to an exposed conductive clip. A driver integrated circuit (IC) may control the transistors for various power applications. By exposing a top surface of the exposed conductive clip outside of a mold compound of the package, enhanced thermal performance is provided. Additionally, the conductive clip provides a short distance, high current carrying route between transistors of the package, providing higher electrical performance and reduced form factor compared to conventional designs with individually packaged transistors.
US08614498B2 Highly integrated semiconductor devices including capacitors
A capacitor of semiconductor device is provided including a lower electrode on a semiconductor substrate; a dielectric film covering a surface of the lower electrode; and an upper electrode covering the dielectric film. The lower electrode includes a first conductive pattern having a groove region defined by a bottom portion and a sidewall portion; and a first core support pattern disposed in the groove region of the first conductive pattern and exposing a portion of inner sidewall of the first conductive pattern. Related methods are also provided herein.
US08614496B2 Method to scale down IC layout
A method scales down an integrated circuit layout structure without substantially jeopardizing electronic characteristics of devices. First, a conductive line set includes a first conductive line and a second conductive line respectively passing through a first region and a second region. Second, a sizing-down operation is performed so that the first conductive line and the second conductive line respectively have a first region scaled-down line width, a first region scaled-down space and a first region scaled-down pitch in the first region as well as selectively have a second region original line width, a second region scaled-down space and a second region scaled-down pitch in the second region. The first region scaled-down line width and the second region original line width are substantially different from each other.
US08614487B2 Split dual gate field effect transistor
A semiconductor device with at least two gate regions. The device includes a substrate region including a surface, a source region in the substrate region, and a drain region in the substrate region. The drain region and the source region are separate from each other. Additionally, the device includes a first gate region on the surface, a second gate region on the surface, and an insulation region on the surface and between the first gate region and the second gate region. The first gate region and the second gate region are separated by the insulation region. The first gate region is capable of forming a first channel in the substrate region. The first channel is from the source region to the drain region. The second gate region is capable of forming a second channel in the substrate region. The second channel is from the source region to the drain region.
US08614475B2 Void free interlayer dielectric
A method of manufacturing a non-volatile memory device includes forming a number of memory cells. The method also includes depositing a first dielectric layer over the memory cells, where the first dielectric layer is a conformal layer having a substantially uniform thickness. The method further includes depositing a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer. Together, the first and second dielectric layers form an interlayer dielectric without voids.
US08614470B2 Unit pixel of a CMOS image sensor
A unit pixel of a CMOS image sensor include a photodiode that transforms light to an electric charge, and accumulates the electric charge, and a plurality of transistors that generate an electric signal based on the accumulated electric charge. The photodiode has a slope shape based on incident angle of the light in a semiconductor substrate.
US08614467B2 Method of gate work function adjustment and metal gate transistor
A method of gate work function adjustment includes the steps as follow. First, a substrate is provided, wherein a metal gate is disposed on the substrate, a source doping region and a drain doping region are disposed in the substrate at opposite sites of the metal gate, wherein the metal gate is divided into a source side adjacent to the source doping region, and a drain side adjacent to the drain doping region. Later, a mask layer is formed to cover the source doping region and the drain doping region. After that, an implantation process is performed to implant nitrogen into the metal gate so as to make a first nitrogen concentration of the source side higher than a second nitrogen concentration of the drain side. Finally, the mask layer is removed.
US08614454B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device, manufacturing method thereof, and lamp
A semiconductor light-emitting device which includes: a single-crystal substrate formed with a plurality of projection portions on a c-plane main surface; an intermediate layer which is formed to cover the main surface of the single-crystal substrate, in which a film thickness t2 on the projection portion is smaller than a film thickness t1 on the c-plane surface, in which the film thickness t2 on the projection portion is 60% or more of the film thickness t1 on the c-plane surface, and which includes AlN having a single-crystal phase on the c-plane surface and a polycrystalline phase on the projection portion; and a semiconductor layer which is formed on the intermediate layer and includes a group III nitride semiconductor.
US08614432B2 Crystalline silicon-based memristive device with multiple mobile dopant species
A memristive device includes a first and a second electrode; a silicon memristive matrix interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a mobile dopant species within the silicon memristive matrix which moves in response to a programming electrical field and remains substantially in place after the removal of the programming electrical field. A method for using a crossbar architecture containing a silicon memristive matrix includes: applying a programming electrical field by applying a voltage bias across a first conductor and a second conductor; a silicon memristive matrix containing mobile dopants being interposed between the first conductor and the second conductor, the programming voltage repositioning the mobile dopants within the silicon memristive matrix; and reading a state of the silicon memristive matrix by applying a reading energy across the silicon memristive matrix, the reading energy producing a measurable indication of the state of the silicon memristive matrix.
US08614427B1 Suspended membrane calibration sample
One embodiment disclosed relates to a method for fabricating a calibration sample. The method includes lithographically patterning a first side of a wafer with a pattern of a self-supporting membrane, etching the first side of the wafer to form the self-supporting membrane in a layer on the first side, and etching a second side of the wafer to reach the layer so as to suspend the membrane over an empty space. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a charged particle beam system. The system includes a charged particle source, a focusing column and lens assembly, a detector, and a suspended membrane calibration sample. Another embodiment disclosed relates a suspended membrane calibration sample for a charged particle beam system. The calibration sample includes a plurality of calibration patterns in an array, a suspended membrane that is self-supporting and includes the plurality of calibration patterns, and an empty space underneath the membrane.
US08614417B2 Capacitor assembly for a mass spectrometer
A capacitor assembly (1) for measuring the level of radio frequency voltage in a mass spectrometer. The assembly (1) includes an RF sensing capacitor (2) with first and second capacitor plates (3, 4), a rectifying circuit (5) and a vacuum housing feedthrough (6), all of which are mounted within a vacuum enclosure of the mass spectrometer. The first capacitor plate (3) is adapted for connection to a voltage source and mounted within the enclosure by first insulating spacers (31). The second capacitor plate (4) is nested within the first insulating spacers (31) and mounted within the enclosure by second insulating spacers (41). The rectifying circuit (5) is electrically connected to the second capacitor plate (4) and to the vacuum housing feedthrough (6).
US08614409B2 Induction heating device with electromagnetic diverter
An induction heating element includes a primary conductive portion and a secondary conductive portion. The primary conductive portion is connected to a power source, and conducts electric current from the power source to generate a magnetic field that inductively heats a portion of the workpiece. The secondary conductive portion is electrically insulated from the primary portion, and receives an induced electric current from the primary portion to affect the magnetic field generated by the primary portion.
US08614407B2 Method for supplying current to a glow plug
The invention relates to a method for supplying current to a glow plug in a running diesel engine after reaching the operating temperature thereof by a series of current pulses, wherein a piston of the engine carries out a work cycle comprising several strokes and the glow plug is supplied with current as a function of the strokes of the work cycle such that the electric current supplied in each work cycle is mainly supplied at a predetermined, steady stroke of the piston, wherein control time intervals that follow each other are defined, during which up to two switching processes can be triggered by a control device, by which the glow plug can be connected to a voltage source for creating a current pulse or can be disconnected from the voltage source for ending a current pulse. According to the invention, the control time intervals have a duration that can be varied by the control device as a function of the rotational speed of the engine.
US08614405B2 Method of manufacturing a lining element
Method of manufacturing a lining element intended to be attached to a support block of a tire mould, comprising the following steps: manufacturing, by selective melting of superposed layers of powder, of an intermediate element comprising the lining element and at least one local support element for locally supporting the lining element, the lining element and the local support element being produced as a single piece, separating the lining element from the support element.
US08614395B1 Solar cell with back side contacts
A III-V solar cell is described herein that includes all back side contacts. Additionally, the positive and negative electrical contacts contact compound semiconductor layers of the solar cell other than the absorbing layer of the solar cell. That is, the positive and negative electrical contacts contact passivating layers of the solar cell.
US08614391B2 Device for converting energy and method for manufacturing the device, and electronic apparatus with the device
The present invention provides an energy converting device, which includes: a base substrate; and a plurality of thermoelectric element structures which are sequentially stacked on the base substrate and electrically interconnected in parallel to one another.
US08614388B2 System and method for generating customized chords
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for generating customized chords. An exemplary method includes providing a storage medium, including a database storing data corresponding to a plurality of predefined chords to be played by the virtual instrument. The method then includes receiving a plurality of user inputs that enable a user to select a desired custom chord other than a predefined chord stored in the database, the user inputs being displayed on a display of said device. The method further includes creating the desired chord from the predefined chord data stored in the database in accordance with a predefined algorithm, and causing data corresponding to the created custom chord to be stored by the device such that the virtual instrument is able to play the created desired chord.
US08614383B1 Lap tapping instrument
A lap tapping instrument which takes the form of a guitar, has a main body, a top surface with a sound hold therethrough, a bottom surface, sidewalls extending between the surfaces, a neck section with a fingerboard, and guitar strings extending over the sound hold and neck section. A percussive member having a series of parallel extending upstanding ridges is permanently secured to the top surface of the main body and an opening located through the sidewall has a connection for interchanging a plurality of different percussive accessories and attaching the accessories to the body of the instrument. The main body also has an optional top side opening into which other percussive accessories can be attached. The accessories are connected to the main body and interchanged with other accessories as the musician's need arise.
US08614380B2 Variety corn line NPID5702
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPID5702, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPID5702 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPID5702, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPID5702, and plants produced according to these methods.
US08614379B2 Variety corn line NPID3216
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPID3216, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPID3216 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPID3216, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPID3216, and plants produced according to these methods.
US08614378B2 Variety corn line NPIC3821
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPIC3821, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPIC3821 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPIC3821, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPIC3821, and plants produced according to these methods.
US08614375B2 Cotton variety
A cotton inbred variety, designated P02X.5065, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety P02X.5065, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety P02X.5065 with itself or with another cotton plant, and hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety P02X.5065 with another cotton variety or plant and to methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P02X.5065, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P02X.5065 and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.
US08614371B2 Lettuce named BRP9321
A novel lettuce cultivar, designated BRP9321, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar BRP9321, to the plants of lettuce line BRP9321 and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar BRP9321 with itself or another lettuce line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other lettuce lines derived from the cultivar BRP9321.
US08614368B2 Maize ethylene signaling genes and modulation of same for improved stress tolerance in plants
The invention provides isolated maize EIN3, ERF3, EBF1, EBF2, EIN5 nucleic acids which are associated with ethylene signaling in plants and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering ethylene sensitivity in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants and antibody compositions.
US08614364B2 Renewable electricity conversion of liquid fuels from hydrocarbon feedstocks
A method for converting renewable energy source electricity and a hydrocarbon feedstock into a liquid fuel by providing a source of renewable electrical energy in communication with a synthesis gas generation unit and an air separation unit is described. Oxygen from the air separation unit and a hydrocarbon feedstock is provided to the synthesis gas generation unit, thereby causing partial oxidation reactions in the synthesis gas generation unit in a process that converts the hydrocarbon feedstock into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is then converted into a liquid fuel.
US08614362B2 Process for preparing iodinated aromatic compounds
The present invention relates to a process for preparing iodinated aromatic compounds. Particularly, the present invention comprises the step of performing the iodination of a non-halogenated aromatic compound, a monoiodo aromatic compound, a diiodo aromatic compound, and iodine in the presence of a zeolite catalyst under oxygen atmosphere.In the process for preparing iodinated aromatic compounds according to the present invention, an iodination and an iodine conversion simultaneously occur, and then prevent side-reactions. Also, the lifetime of an iodination catalyst used therein can be extended by controlling the reaction temperature stably. Therefore, the process can be used for mass production of diiodo compound.
US08614358B2 Process for preparing 2-methyl-3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal with high para-isomer purity
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 2-methyl-3-(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)propanal with high para-isomer purity, and also to a process for preparing 4-tert-butylbenzaldehyde with high para-isomer purity.
US08614350B2 Carboxylic acid production process employing solvent from esterification of lignocellulosic material
Methods and apparatus for producing a carboxylic acid employing a solvent from esterification of lignocellulosic materials. An acid-containing composition from esterification of lignocellulosic materials can be employed in the oxidation of para-xylene to terephthalic acid. The acid-containing composition can comprise acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and one or more terpenes or terpenes derivatives.
US08614346B2 Methods and compositions for preparation of amphetamine conjugates and salts thereof
The invention provides methods and compositions for preparing amphetamine conjugates, such as lisdexamfetamine, homoarginine-D-amphetamine, and salts thereof. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods of preparing an amphetamine conjugate from a chloramphetamine intermediate.
US08614334B2 Organic compound, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device
A novel substance with which an increase in life and emission efficiency of a light-emitting element can be achieved is provided. A carbazole compound having a structure represented by General Formula (G1) is provided. Note that a substituent which makes the HOMO level and the LUMO level of a compound in which a bond of the substituent is substituted with hydrogen deep and shallow, respectively is used as each of substituents in General Formula (G1) (R1, R2, Ar3, and α3). Further, a substituent which makes the band gap (Bg) and the T1 level of a compound in which a bond of the substituent is substituted with hydrogen wide and high is used as each of the substituents in General Formula (G1) (R1, R2, Ar3, and α3).
US08614332B2 Substituted pyrazolylamides useful as glucokinase activators
Compounds are provided which are phosphonate and phosphinate activators and thus are useful in treating diabetes and related diseases and have the structure is a heteroaryl ring; R4 is —(CH2)n—Z—(CH2)m—PO(OR7)(OR8), —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—PO(OR7)R9, —(CH2)n—Z—(CH2)m—OPO(OR7)R9, —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—OPO(R9)(R10), or —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—PO(R9)(R10); R5 and R6 are independently selected from H, alkyl and halogen; Y is R7(CH2)s or is absent; and X, n, Z, m, R4, R5, R6, R7, and s are as defined herein; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method for treating diabetes and related diseases employing the above compounds is also provided.
US08614327B2 Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators.
US08614318B2 Apoptosis promoters
Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic protein family members, compositions containing the compounds and uses of the compounds for preparing medicaments for treating diseases during which occurs expression one or more than one of an anti-apoptotic protein family member.
US08614312B2 Method for preparing nucleotides and related analogues by synthesis on soluble substrate, and biological tools thus prepared
The invention concerns a method for preparing monomer nucleotides or nucleotide analogues comprising the steps of: (1) coupling a soluble polyethylene glycol support provided with at least one diacid or ether-acid linker and a monomer nucleoside or nucleoside analogue to an amine group or hydroxyl group of the nucleoside with the aid of a coupling agent; (2) at least one step for phosphorylation of said nucleoside or nucleoside analogue coupled to said support with a phosphorylation agent; (3) cleavage of said support and recovery of at least one monomer nucleotide or nucleotide analogue. The nucleotides prepared are biological tools.
US08614308B2 Nucleic acid molecules encoding A-beta binding polypeptides
The invention relates to biparatopic A-beta binding polypeptides and, more specifically, to biparatopic A-beta binding polypeptides comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains binding to different epitopes of A-beta. The invention also relates to specific sequences of such polypeptides, methods of their production, and methods of using them, including methods of treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease.
US08614305B2 Nonviral gene delivery vector iopamidol, protamine, ethiodized oil reagent (VIPER)
Embodiments are related to nonviral gene delivery vectors using only FDA-approved components: iopamidol, protamine, and ethiodized oil.
US08614303B2 Diagnostic methods for ubiquinated protein profiling
Methods for establishing a protein expression profile of a biological sample, by contacting a biological sample with a ubiquitin-binding protein such that ubiquitinated and specific non-ubiquitinated protein (the IPS) bind to the ubiquitin-binding protein; isolating the IPS proteins; and analyzing the isolated IPS proteins, wherein an expression profile is generated.
US08614300B2 Nucleic acids encoding a mut-T domain-containing polypeptide
The invention pertains to nucleic acids encoding a mutT domain-containing polypeptide, including fragments and biologically functional variants thereof. The invention also pertains to therapeutics and diagnostics involving the foregoing polypeptide and nucleic acids and agents that bind the foregoing polypeptide and nucleic acids. The invention also pertains to the identification of a novel mutT domain in human TrpC7, a polypeptide previously described as a putative calcium ion channel. Accordingly, the invention also pertains to methods and compositions for identifying agents useful in modulating mutT domain-mediated calcium or other ion transport in cells expressing a polypeptide comprising a mutT domain and a calcium or other ion channel.
US08614299B2 Humanized antibodies specific to the protofibrillar form of the beta-amyloid peptide
The present application relates to humanized antibodies specific to the protofibrillar form of the beta-amyloid peptide, and to the use of said antibodies in the field of Alzheimer's disease.
US08614297B2 Anti-idiotype antibody against an antibody against the amyloid β peptide
The present invention is directed to an anti-idiotype antibody binding to the complementary determining region of an antibody against the amyloid β peptide. In one embodiment said antibody binds to the same epitope or an overlapping epitope as the antibody obtainable from the cell line DSM ACC2939. Also reported is an immunoassay for the determination of an antibody against the amyloid β peptide and for determination of an anti-idiotype antibody binding to an antibody against the amyloid β peptide.
US08614292B2 Isolated protein comprising an activin type IIB5 receptor polypeptide and uses thereof
The present invention provides novel activin IIB5 receptor polypeptides capable of binding and inhibiting the activities of activin A, myostatin, or GDF-11. The present invention also provides polynucleotides, vectors and host cells capable of producing the receptor polypeptides. Compositions and methods for treating muscle-wasting, metabolic and other disorders are also provided.
US08614288B2 Polyimide gas separation membranes
The present invention discloses a new type of polyimide membrane with high permeances and high selectivities for gas separations and particularly for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations. The polyimide membranes have CO2 permeability of 50 Barrers or higher and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 of 15 or higher at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation. The polyimide membranes have UV cross-linkable functional groups and can be used for the preparation of UV cross-linked polyimide membranes having CO2 permeability of 20 Barrers or higher and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 of 35 or higher at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation.
US08614287B2 Method for preparing polytrimethylene terephthalate with sustained-release crystallinity
A method is disclosed herein for the preparation of polytrimethylene terephthalate with sustained-release crystallinity. The method reduces crystallization rate and crystallinity-saturation ratio of polytrimethylene terephthalate during spinning, through addition of a third monomer during the esterification reaction step. The third monomer acts as copolymerization component generating intermolecular steric hindrance; the identity of which selects from one or more as combinations of the following: trimellitic anhydride, non-para aromatic dicarboxylic acid, C4-C10 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having branched chains or naphthenic group and C3-C10 aliphatic dihydric alcohol having branched chains or naphthenic group, the molar ratio of carboxyl to hydroxyl is 1:1.16˜1.85, with the third monomer constituting 0.5˜6.5% of the total weight of the beginning raw materials.
US08614284B2 Methods of preparing polymer-dendrimer hybrids
The present invention relates to a branched vinyl polymer carrying dendrons made from monofunctional vinyl monomers and branched by virtue of difunctional vinyl monomers so that there is on average one branch or fewer per polymer chain to avoid gelation. The polymer may be made by chain-growth polymerization of predominantly monofunctional vinyl monomers in the presence of difunctional vinyl monomers and dendron units.
US08614283B2 Resist polymer, resist composition, process for pattern formation, and starting compounds for production of the resist polymer
To provide a resist polymer comprising, as a structural unit, an acid-decomposable unit having a structure represented by formula (1) or (2) which exhibits a small line edge roughness and produces little defects in DUV excimer laser lithography or the like. In formulas (1) and (2), n represents an integer of 2 to 24; J represents a single bond or a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent/heteroatom when n=2, or represents an n-valent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent/heteroatom when n≧3; E represents a residue of a polymerization terminator, a chain transfer agent or a polymerization initiator; K1 and K2 each represent at least one selected from alkylene, cycloalkylene, oxyalkylene, arylene, a divalent thiazoline ring, a divalent oxazoline ring and a divalent imidazoline ring; L1 and L2 each represent at least one selected from —C(O)O—, —C(O)— and —OC(O)—; M1, M2 and M3 each represent at least one selected from alkylene, cycloalkylene, oxyalkylene and arylene; Y, Y1 and Y2 each represent an acid-decomposable linkage; k1, k2, l1, l2, m1, m2, and m3 each represent 0 or 1; and R1 represents H or a methyl group.
US08614281B2 Moisture-curable siloxanes and siloxane polymers
Siloxane-containing reactive compounds contain moisture-curable alkoxy-silane functional end groups. The siloxane-containing reactive compounds may be prepared from siloxane-containing oxamide compounds or amine compounds. Siloxane-containing polymers may be prepared from the reactive compounds by reaction with water. The siloxane-containing polymers may be release materials or adhesives.
US08614280B2 Method for the continuous production of biodegradable polyesters
A process for the continuous production of a biodegradable polyester, where a mixture of aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their liquid esters, and, optionally, further comonomers is mixed, without addition of a catalyst, to give a paste, and i) this mixture with at least a portion of the catalyst, is continuously esterified or, transesterified; ii) the transesterification or, esterification product obtained in i) is continuously precondensed with any remaining amount of catalyst to an intrinsic viscosity of from 20 to 70 cm3/g; iii) the product obtainable from ii) is continuously polycondensed to an intrinsic viscosity of from 60 to 170 cm3/g, and iv) the product obtainable from iii) is reacted continuously with a chain extender in a polyaddition reaction to an intrinsic viscosity of from 150 to 320 cm3/g. The invention further relates to biodegradable polyesters obtained by this process.
US08614277B2 Polypropylene ethylene-propylene copolymer blends and in-line process to produce them
Isotactic polypropylene ethylene-propylene copolymer blends and in-line processes for producing. The blends may have between 1 and 50 wt % of isotactic polypropylene with a melt flow rate of between 0.5 and 20,000 g/10 min and a melting peak temperature of 145° C. or higher, and wherein the difference between the DSC peak melting and the peak crystallization temperatures is less than or equal to 0.5333 times the melting peak temperature minus 41.333° C., and between 50 and 99 wt % of ethylene-propylene copolymer including between 10 wt % and 20 wt % randomly distributed ethylene with a melt flow rate of between 0.5 and 20,000 g/10 min, wherein the copolymer is polymerized by a bulk homogeneous polymerization process, and wherein the total regio defects in the continuous propylene segments of the copolymer is between 40 and 150% greater than a copolymer of equivalent melt flow rate and wt % ethylene polymerized by a solution polymerization process.
US08614271B2 Propylene-alpha-olefin polymers, hot melt adhesive compositions that include propylene-alpha-olefin polymers and articles that include the same
A propylene-alpha-olefin polymer that includes at least 50% by weight propylene, has a ratio of z average molecular weight (Mz) to number average molecular weight (Mw) (Mz/Mw) from greater than 20 to no greater than 50, and a ratio of Mz to weight average molecular weight (Mw) (Mz/Mw) of greater than 2.5, and exhibits a viscosity of no greater than 2,500 centipoise at 190° C., and a hot melt adhesive composition that includes the propylene-alpha-olefin polymer, a first wax consisting of a functionalized wax, and a second wax different from the first wax, the adhesive composition exhibiting a viscosity of no greater than 2,500 centipoise at 177° C.
US08614270B2 Resin composition and semiconductor device produced by using the same
A resin composition which is excellent in quick curing and can be used for curing in conventionally used ovens, and a semiconductor device which is excellent in reliability such as solder crack resistance or the like when the resin composition is used as a die attach material for semiconductor. Further preferably, a resin composition which has a sufficient low stress property, good adhesion and excellent bleeding property.A resin composition comprising a filler (A), the compound (B) comprising a structure represented by the formula (1) and a functional group represented by the formula (2) and a thermal radical initiator (C), and substantially not containing a photo polymerization initiator.
US08614261B2 Silicone hydrogel contact lens
Ophthalmically compatible contact lenses include lens bodies configured for placement on a cornea of an animal or human eye. The lens bodies are made of a hydrophilic silicon-containing polymeric material. The lens bodies have oxygen permeabilities, water content, surface wettabilities, flexibilities, and/or designs to be worn by a lens wearer even during sleep. The present lenses can be worn on a daily basis, including overnight, or can be worn for several days, such as about thirty days, without requiring removal or cleaning.
US08614260B1 Cross-linked polyphosphonate composition for removal of metal ions from wastewater
The cross-linked polyphosphonate composition for the removal of metal ions from wastewater is a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer having the formula: The cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte is made by cyclocopolymerizing diallylaminomethylphosphonic acid and 1,1,4,4-tetraallylpiperazinium dichloride (a cross-linker) to form a cross-linked polyzwitterionic acid (CPZA). The CPZA is then treated with a base, such as sodium hydroxide, to form a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer having the above formula. The composition may be used to remove heavy metal ions, such as Cu2+ and Pb2+, from wastewater.
US08614256B2 Hydrophobic precipitated silica for defoamer formulations
A hydrophobic precipitated silica having a BET of less than 110 m2/g, a CTAB of less than 150 m2/g, a BET/CTAB ratio of less than 3, a carbon content of greater than 3.1%, a pH of 9.7 to 10.5, a DBP of less than 230 g/(100 g), and a methanol wettability of more than 50%. The hydrophobic precipitated silica is used in compositions including defoamers, silicone rubber and HTV crosslinkable silicone rubber compositions. The hydrophobic precipitated silica is also useful as a flow assistant and carrier or anti-blocking agent.
US08614253B2 IRE-1α inhibitors
Compounds which directly inhibit IRE-1α activity in vitro, prodrugs, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Such compounds and prodrugs are useful for treating diseases associated with the unfolded protein response and can be used as single agents or in combination therapies.
US08614250B2 Uses of adipic acid
The present invention relates to a method for preventing or treating obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, fatty liver or insulin resistance syndrome, comprising: administering to a mammalian subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising adipic acid. The present composition containing adipic acid as an active ingredient is very effective in preventing or treating obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, fatty liver (preferably, non-alcoholic fatty liver) or insulin resistance syndrome. The composition of the present invention useful as pharmaceuticals compositions or functional food compositions has therapeutic efficacies for obesity, dyslipidemia or fatty liver, and also induces significant decrease in fasting glucose level and blood insulin level to improve type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and related metabolic diseases.
US08614247B2 Methods for preventing, attenuating or treating pulmonary hypertension using a serotonin transporter inhibitor, and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment thereof
The invention relates to a method for preventing, attenuating or treating pulmonary hypertension in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering at least one 5-HTT inhibitor to said individual.
US08614246B2 Indole derivatives for treating neurodegenerative diseases
The invention relates to a compound of the following formula (I), or to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or to a stereoisomer or mixture of stereoisomers at any proportions, where: X1 is a CH2 or C═O group; X2 is a linear saturated or unsaturated carbohydrate chain with 8 to 24 carbon atoms; R1 is a hydrogen atom or an OH or (C1-C6)alkoxy group such as methoxy; and R2 is a CH3 or CH2 OR3 group, with R3 being a hydrogen atom or a (C1-C6)alkyl, CO—(C1-C6)alkyl or NH—(C1-C6)alkyl group. The invention also relates to the use of said compound as a drug, in particular for treating neurodegenerative diseases, and to a method for preparing same.
US08614244B2 Spot-on pesticide composition
A spot-on pesticide composition for animals, specifically mammals, including dogs and cats, which composition comprises a combination of active components, including fipronil and a pyrethroid, and optionally an insect growth regulator, in doses and proportions which are parasiticidally effective against a variety of insects and pests, and in a formulation which is convenient for local application to the animal's skin, preferably localized over a small surface area.
US08614241B2 Ester compound and use thereof
An ester compound represented by formula (1): wherein R3 represents hydrogen or methyl, R4 represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl, and R5 represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; has an excellent pest control effect and is therefore useful as an active ingredient of a pest control agent.
US08614232B2 Injectable depot formulation comprising crystals of iloperidone
An injectable depot formulation comprising crystals having structure (I) wherein R is (FII) and the X50 value of the crystals is from 1 to 200 microns. Depot formulations containing crystals of iloperidone or its metabolites have the following advantages: (i) release of the crystals in plasma can be correlated with the size of the crystals; (ii) absorption of the crystals in plasma can be correlated with the size of the crystals; (iii) the particle size of the crystals can be controlled by crystal engineering and/or milling; and (iv) the crystals are stable upon storage, and stable to sterilization procedures, such as gamma irradiation.
US08614226B2 Hetaryl-[1,8]naphthyridine derivatives
Novel hetaryl-[1,8]naphthyridine derivatives of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, W1, W3, W5 and W6 have the meaning according to claim 1, are inhibitors of ATP consuming proteins, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumors.
US08614223B2 Pyrimidine hydroxy amide compounds as protein deacetylase inhibitors and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to novel pyrimidine hydroxy amide compounds, and the use of such compounds in the inhibition of HDAC6 and in the treatment of various diseases, disorders or conditions related to HDAC6.
US08614219B2 Substituted pyrimidin-4-one derivatives
A pyrimidone derivative represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof, or a solvate thereof or a hydrate thereof: wherein Y, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the compounds of formula (I), intermediates thereof and their use in therapeutics.
US08614215B2 Quinoxaline inhibitors of phosphoinositide-3-kinases (PI3Ks)
The present invention is related to quinoxaline compounds of Formula (I) in particular for the treatment of autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, bacterial or viral infections, kidney diseases, platelet aggregation, cancer, transplantation, graft rejection or lung injuries.
US08614205B2 Glutamate receptor modulators and therapeutic agents
The present invention discloses methods of modulating the activity of Group I mGluRs using a defined class of benzamide compounds. In one embodiment, methods of modulating the activity of mGluR1 are provided. In another embodiment, methods of modulating the activity of mGluR5 are provided. In still another embodiment, methods of simultaneously modulating the activities of both mGluR1 and mGluR5 are provided. The present invention also provides methods of treating diseases or disorders which are mediated in full or in part by Group I mGluRs using one or more compounds belonging to the defined class of benzamide compounds. The present invention further provides methods of preventing diseases or disorders which are mediated in full or in part by Group I mGluRs using one or more compounds belonging to the defined class of compounds.
US08614199B2 Compositions comprising at least one complex composed of a derivative of naphthoic acid and of at least one cyclodextrin and uses thereof
A composition is described for topical application comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one complex composed of a naphthoic acid derivative of formula (I), salts and esters thereof: and of at least one cyclodextrin, said soluble molecular complex obtained by the technology of dense fluids under pressure.
US08614193B2 Depsipeptides and their therapeutic use
The subject application pertains to a compound of structure IX or X: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X is —C(═O)N(R10)— or —CH(OPr3) —; R7, R9 and R10 are the same or different and represent hydrogen or an amino acid side chain moiety from either a natural or an unnatural amino acid; Pr1 and Pr2 are the same or different and represent hydrogen or a thiol protecting group; Pr3 is hydrogen or an alcohol protecting group; R1, R2, R5 and R6 are the same or different and represent hydrogen or an amino acid side chain moiety from either a natural or an unnatural amino acid, or R1 and R2 and/or R5 and R6, taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a spirocyclic moiety, with the proviso that: each of R1 and R2 is not hydrogen, or each of R5 and R6 is not hydrogen.
US08614191B2 Use of ICAM-1 for prevention or treatment of neurological diseases
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of neurological disorders, comprising an ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) protein, or a fragment or a variant thereof as an active ingredient, which can increase the expression of neprilysin to remove amyloid-beta (Aβ), a cause of dementia, and is thus useful in preventing or treating a neurological disease including Alzheimer's disease.
US08614188B2 Inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation and activation with peptide variants
The present invention provides peptides consisting of L- and/or D-amino acids and combinations thereof, which affect platelets by action on the collagen receptor, glycoprotein VI (GPVI). More specifically, however, the peptides act on the GPVI-FcRγ signaling complex. The invention also provides lipid and sugar conjugated peptides comprising L- or D-amino acids. The invention still further provides a method of designing of the peptides and lipid- and/or sugar-conjugated peptides comprising L- or D-amino acids. The present invention further relates to the therapy of various disease states involving the use of these peptides and compounds. Specifically, the peptides and compounds are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of a disease or condition involving platelet activation and aggregation, and more particularly, collagen-induced platelet activation and aggregation. They also are useful in the production of medical devices comprising peptide matrices (i.e., for example, cardiovascular stents).
US08614183B2 Use of FGFR1 extra cellular domain proteins to treat cancers characterized by ligand-dependent activating mutations in FGFR2
The present invention relates to the use of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor I (FGFR1) extracellular domain (ECD) polypeptides for treatment of cancers characterized by ligand dependent activating mutations in Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2). For example, the present invention relates to the treatment of endometrial cancers and other cancers wherein tumor cells express FGFR2 mutants in the IgII-IgIII hinge region or IgIII domain of the protein, such as at amino acid positions 252 and/or 253.
US08614176B2 Peptide vaccines for lung cancers expressing TTK, URLC10 or KOC1 polypeptides
The present invention provides peptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8, 67, 89, as well as peptides comprising the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several amino acids are substituted, deleted, or added, and having cytotoxic T cell inducibility. The present invention also provides drugs for treating or preventing tumors comprising these peptides. The peptides of the present invention can also be used as vaccines.
US08614174B2 Lubricants having alkyl cyclohexyl 1,2-dicarboxylates
Provided is a lubricant having a first base stock of one or more alkyl cyclohexyl 1,2-dicarboxylate esters at 1 wt % to 50 wt % based on the total weight of the blend, and a second base stock at 99 wt % to 50 wt % based on the total weight of the blend, wherein the second base stock is chosen from (a) one or more C6 to C16 poly-α-olefins, (b) one or more gas-to-liquid materials, and (c) one or more Group I, II, and III oils. Also provided are methods of making such lubricant blends.
US08614155B2 Resin composition eliminating volatile loss of initiating species for the preparation of printed circuit board laminates
An enhanced prepreg for printed circuit board (PCB) laminates includes a substrate and a resin applied to the substrate. The resin includes a curable polymer and a polymerization initiator polymer having a backbone with a free radical initiator forming segment that breaks apart upon being subjected to heat to generate a plurality of non-volatile initiating species. This resin composition eliminates possible volatile loss of the free radical initiator during all processing steps in the preparation of PCB laminates. The resin may additionally include a cross-linking agent, flame retardant and viscosity modifiers. In one embodiment, a sheet of woven glass fibers is impregnated with the resin and subsequently dried or cured. The glass cloth substrate may include a silane coupling agent to couple the resin to the substrate. In another embodiment, resin coated copper (RCC) is prepared by applying the resin to copper and subsequently curing the resin.
US08614151B2 Method of etching a high aspect ratio contact
Methods and an etch gas composition for etching a contact opening in a dielectric layer are provided. Embodiments of the method use a plasma generated from an etch gas composed of C4F8 and/or C4F6, an oxygen source, and a carrier gas in combination with tetrafluoroethane (C2F4) or a halofluorocarbon analogue of C2F4.
US08614146B2 Semiconductor device manufacture method and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device manufacture method includes: forming an insulating film above a semiconductor substrate; etching the insulating film to form a dummy groove having a first depth, a wiring groove having a second depth deeper than the first depth, and a via hole to be disposed on a bottom of the wiring groove; depositing a conductive material in the dummy groove, wiring groove and via hole and above the insulating film; and polishing and removing the conductive material above the insulating film.
US08614138B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes forming a lower mask film on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming a barrier film in a first area. The method includes forming an upper mask film. The method includes removing an upper mask member and leaving a lower mask member in the first area and removing the upper mask member and the lower mask member in the second area. The removing is performed by etching in a condition in which an etching rate of the upper mask member and an etching rate of the lower mask member are higher than that of the barrier member. The method includes forming a conductive film. The method includes selectively removing the conductive film by performing etching in a condition in which an etching rate of the conductive film is higher than that of the lower mask member.
US08614129B2 Method for fabricating a semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a III-nitride power semiconductor device that includes growing a transition layer over a substrate using at least two distinct and different growth methods.
US08614128B1 CMOS structures and processes based on selective thinning
Methods for fabricating semiconductor devices and devices therefrom are provided. A method includes providing a substrate having a semiconducting surface with first and second layers, where the semiconducting surface has a plurality of active regions comprising first and second active regions. In the first active region, the first layer is an undoped layer and the second layer is a highly doped screening layer. The method also includes removing a part of the first layer to reduce a thickness of the substantially undoped layer for at least a portion of the first active region without a corresponding thickness reduction of the first layer in the second active region. The method additionally includes forming semiconductor devices in the plurality of active regions. In the method, the part of the first layer removed is selected based on a threshold voltage adjustment required for the substrate in the portion of the first active region.
US08614118B2 Component bonding method, component laminating method and bonded component structure
Provided is a component bonding method of bonding a semiconductor component having a thermosetting adhesive layer formed on a lower surface thereof to a circuit board having a resin layer formed on a surface thereof. In the method, wettability is improved by surface modification that performs a plasma treatment on a resin surface of the circuit board, the semiconductor component is held by a component holding nozzle having a heater, the adhesive layer is contacted to the surface-modified resin layer, and the adhesive layer is heated and thermally cured by the heater. Thereby, adhesion between the adhesive layer and the resin surface is improved, and thus the component holding nozzle can be separated from the semiconductor component without wait for completely hardening the adhesive layer. Accordingly, it is possible to improve productivity in the heat pressing process by reducing the time required for the component bonding.
US08614117B2 Self-aligned process to fabricate a memory cell array with a surrounding-gate access transistor
A memory array including a plurality of memory cells. Each word line is electrically coupled to a set of memory cells, a gate contact and a pair of dielectric pillars positioned parallel to the word line and placed on both sides of the gate contact over a layer of insulating material. Also a method to prevent a gate contact from electrically connecting to a source contact for a plurality of memory cells on a substrate. The method includes formation of a pair of pillars over an insulating material on the substrate, depositing an electrically conductive gate material between and over the pillars, etching the gate material such that it both partially fills a space between the pair of pillars and forms a word line for the memory cells, and depositing a gate contact between the dielectric pillars such that the gate contact is in electrical contact with the gate material.
US08614103B2 Compositions and methods for treating sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) related ocular diseases and conditions
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions, particularly ocular diseases and conditions, characterized by aberrant fibrogenesis or scarring, inflammation, and/or aberrant neovascularization or angiogenesis. The compositions and methods of the invention utilize immune-derived moieties that are specifically reactive against the bioactive lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and its variants, which moieties are capable of decreasing the effective concentration of bioactive lipid being targeted. In one embodiment, the immune-derived moiety is a humanized monoclonal antibody that is reactive against sphingosine-1-phosphate.
US08614099B2 FRET detection method and device
When FRET efficiency is measured quantitatively by removing uncertain elements of fluorescence detection information, calibration information prestored in a storage means while including at least the leak rate of donor fluorescence component emitted from a donor molecule, the leak rate of acceptor fluorescence component emitted from an acceptor molecule, and the non-FRET fluorescence lifetime of the donor fluorescence component when FRET is not generated out of the fluorescence of a measurement object sample is acquired. The FRET fluorescence lifetime of the donor fluorescence component is then determined using the intensity information and phase information of fluorescence of the measurement object sample, the leak rate of donor fluorescence component and the leak rate of acceptor fluorescence component, thus determining the FRET fluorescence efficiency.
US08614094B2 Compositions and methods for determining genetic polymorphisms in the TMEM216 gene
In alternative embodiments, the invention provides nucleic acid sequences that are genetic polymorphic variations of the human TMEM216 gene, and TMEM216 polypeptide encoded by these variant alleles. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides methods of determining or predicting a predisposition to, or the presence of, a ciliopathy (or any genetic disorder of a cellular cilia or cilia anchoring structure, basal body or ciliary function) in an individual, such as a Joubert Syndrome (JS), a Joubert Syndrome Related Disorder (JSRD) or a Meckel Syndrome (MKS). In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for the identification of genetic polymorphic variations in the human TMEM216 gene, and methods of using the identified genetic polymorphisms and the proteins they encode, e.g., to screen for compounds that can modulate the human TMEM216 gene product, and possibly treat JS, JSRD or MKS.
US08614087B2 Multiple-analyte assay device and system
Provided herein is technology relating to testing biological samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits for performing multiple, simultaneous real-time assays on a sample in a single-use disposable format. For example, the technology relates to an apparatus that finds use, for example, for point-of-care diagnostics, including use at accident sites, emergency rooms, in surgery, in intensive care units, as well as for non-medical applications.
US08614084B2 Microbial strain Alteromonas SP. SN2 for degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
The present invention relates to a novel microbial strain, Alteromonas sp. SN2 (KCTC11700BP) having an activity for degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), a bioremediation process of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants, comprising contacting a microbial strain Alteromonas sp. with PAH, and a composition for purifying polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants, comprising a microbial strain Alteromonas sp. It is advantageous that the present invention may be suitably utilized in treatment or remediation of oil contaminants, particularly naphthalene soil contaminants without production of a secondary contaminant source. As the strain and bioremediation process of this invention could be industrially utilized through low-cost and environment-friendly process, the present technology also may be carried out much more economically and efficiently than conventional technologies such as thermal technology, solidification technology, and vapor extraction technology.
US08614083B2 Method and device for the concentration of multiple microorganisms and toxins from large liquid toxins
A method for the simultaneous concentration of multiple toxins from large volumes of water. The method includes the steps of providing a disposable separation centrifuge bowl, the centrifuge bowl including a positively charged material at it's inner core. A large water sample contaminated with toxins from a group consisting of protozoa, bacteria, bacterial spores, and toxins is delivered to the centrifuge bowl. A centrifugal force is applied to the separation bowl. The water sample is concentrated to remove large particles of the toxins in the bowl due to the centrifugal forces. The concentrated water sample is passes through the positively charged inner core to capture any remaining concentrated targets by electrostatic forces and the concentrated targets are eluted.
US08614060B2 Methods and compositions for predicting drug responses
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for predicting drug responses. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for determining individualized Warfarin dosages based on genotype of DNA polymorphisms and haplotypes derived from them in the VKORC1 gene.
US08614055B2 Prognosis and treatment of breast cancer
The present invention relates to an antibody which specifically binds a Spot 14 (S14 or THRSP) protein in human breast cancer cells and a method for using the same to predict disease-free survival and select treatment modalities for breast cancer. The present invention is also a method for inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells by inhibiting the expression or activity of Spot 14. Compositions and methods for treating breast cancer are also provided.
US08614052B2 Method for controlling the electronic beam exposure of wafers and masks using proximity correction
A method of electron beam lithography for producing wafers and masks. To reduce the impacts of the disturbing proximity effect, an expanded correction algorithm that enables a more accurate correction is used to control the electron beam. To create an improved correction method by means of which the contrast and the feature width (CD) of all figures of a pattern can be optimally controlled additional contrast frames (KR) and remaining figures (R) are produced using a geometric method for the purpose of contrast control with respect to all figures (F). Then smaller figures (KRsize-S and Rsize-S) are produced from the contrast frame figures (KR) and remaining figures (R) by means of a negative sizing operation, and subsequently figures (KRsize-S and Rsize-S) are transferred to the proximity correction algorithm with the condition that the resist threshold is reached at the edges of the figures (KR, R) by the dose assignment.
US08614040B2 Electrostatic image developing toner, toner container and process cartridge
An electrostatic image developing toner including: toner particles; wherein the toner particles each contain: a core particle including a first resin and a colorant; and fine resin particles each formed of a second resin and existing in a surface of the core particle, wherein part of each fine resin particle is embedded in the core particle to form an embedded region, and the remaining part of the fine resin particle is exposed on the surface of the core particle to form an exposed region, and wherein each toner particle satisfies an expression of R1>R1′ where, in a cross-section of the toner particle, R1′ denotes an average diameter of openings of the first resin in which the second resin is embedded and R1 denotes an average diameter of the exposed regions.
US08614035B2 Phase shift mask blank, phase shift mask, and method for manufacturing phase shift mask blank
A phase shift mask blank having, on a transparent substrate, a phase shift film including, as main components, a metal, silicon (Si) and nitrogen (N), having optical characteristics of a transmittance of equal to or greater than 9% and equal to or less than 30% with respect to a wavelength of the ArF excimer laser beam and a phase difference of equal to or greater than 150° and less than 180°, and a light-shielding film formed on the phase shift film. A thickness of the phase shift film is equal to or less than 80 nrn, a refractive index (n) with respect to the wavelength of the ArF excimer laser beam is equal to or greater than 2.3, and an extinction coefficient (k) is equal to or greater than 0.28.
US08614032B2 Laser-reflective mask and method for manufacturing same
In a laser reflective mask and a fabricating method thereof, reflective layers with different reflectances are sequentially and repeatedly laminated on top of a base substrate which has a reflective layer filling groove having a predetermined depth in a reflection region for a laser beam and then the remaining reflective layer laminated on the other region except for the portion filled in the reflective layer filling groove are removed through a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process, or a lift-off process using irradiation with the laser beam or an etchant, so that a reflective layer pattern configured to be filled in the reflective layer filling groove may be formed, thereby capable of not only facilitating a fabricating process of the laser reflective mask but also forming a more precise reflective layer pattern.
US08614029B2 Plant with high-temperature fuel cells and a multi-component sleeve for a cell stack
The plant with high temperature fuel cells includes a multi component sleeve for a cell stack. Axially directed chambers for an afterburning process are arranged between the periphery of the stack and an outer region of the sleeve. A construction which fixes the chambers includes a corset-like cage, the cross-section of which perpendicular to the stack axis has essentially the shape of a regular polygon. An afterburning chamber is associated with each corner of this polygon. Radial spring forces respectively act from the corners onto the associated chamber and thereby press sealing edges of the chamber onto sealing strips between chamber and stack. The sealing edges form a closed edge of a trough-like space. The trough-like space is connected via a narrow passage with an axial collection passage for exhaust gas. This collecting passage is arranged between the trough-like space and the corner.
US08614020B2 Electrochemical device
An electrochemical device manufactured using an electrode layer in which severe increase of electrode resistance is prevented and/or a solid electrolyte layer in which severe decrease of ion conductivity of a solid electrolyte is prevented is provided. The electrochemical device includes a pair of electrode layers, and a solid electrolyte layer provided between the pair of electrode layers, wherein at least one layer of the electrode layers and the solid electrolyte layer is composed of first particles each providing a function of the at least one layer, second particles and a binder which is composed of an organic polymer and binds the first and second particles, and wherein the at least one layer is formed from a mixture material containing the first particles and binder particles, each of the binder particles including the second particle and the binder carried on at least a part of a surface thereof.
US08614016B2 Battery pack having enhanced manufacturing efficiency
Disclosed herein is a battery pack including: a plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and an electrode tab for electrically connecting terminals of the battery cells arranged in a pattern; wherein the electrode tab is formed with a position matching hole for position matching to the terminal of the battery cell, at a fixation part for fixation to the terminal of the battery cell.
US08614015B2 Secondary battery and method of manufacturing secondary battery
A secondary battery includes first and second collecting plates branching out from an electrode terminal, and first and second electrode assemblies rolled up in a jelly-roll type unit, the first electrode assembly having a first non-coating portion adhered to the first collecting plate, the second electrode assembly having a second non-coating portion adhered to the second collecting plate, and the first and second collecting plates being on facing surfaces of respective first and second non-coating portions. The first non-coating portion is spaced apart from a roll center of the first electrode assembly by a first predetermined distance along a direction directed away from the second non-coating portion, and the second non-coating portion is spaced apart from a roll center of the second electrode assembly by a second predetermined distance along a direction directed away from the first non-coating portion.
US08614013B2 Organic solvent dispersion, resin composition, and optical device
Provided are an organic solvent dispersion of titanium oxide containing at least titanium oxide fine particles each having an average primary particle diameter of 3 nm or more to 50 nm or less; a titanate-based surface treatment agent formed of a compound represented by the following general formula (1): (R1O)m—Ti—Xn  (1) where R1 represents a methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl group; X represents —O—SO2—R2 or —O—P(OH)O—O—PHO—O—R2; R2 represents an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms; m represents a numerical value of 1 or more to 3 or less, and n represents a numerical value of 1 or more to 3 or less, provided that m+n=4; a polyether-based dispersant; and an alcohol-based solvent, and an optical material containing the organic solvent dispersion of titanium oxide and a resin.
US08614008B2 Plate
Plate consisting of a steel substrate (1) and a precoat (2) consisting of a layer of intermetallic alloy (3) in contact with said substrate, topped by a layer of metal alloy (4), characterized in that, on at least one precoated face of said plate, an area (6) situated at the periphery of said plate has said metal alloy layer removed.
US08613997B2 Laminated glazing panel
A laminated glazing panel includes two glass plies and a plastic ply having one or more light emitting diodes mounted on a circuit board laminated between the glass plies, forming an LED device. The circuit board is ordinarily a flexible circuit board that includes a substrate and a conductive layer. A plurality of light emitting diodes may be mounted on the flexible circuit board and laminated between the glass plies The resultant glazing panel may further include indicia on at least one ply. Processes for the production of a laminated glazing panel involve positioning an LED device in a cut-out in a plastic ply and interleaving the plastic ply between two glass plies, prior to laminating the plies. One or more plastic plies may be used, and the LED device may be coated in a plastic material.
US08613992B2 Protective cover for electronic device
A protective cover of an electronic device includes a leather layer, which includes an outside surface and a bottom surface. A backing layer integrates with the bottom surface of the leather layer. The protective cover adheres onto the electronic devices, hence, the electronic devices are well protected, and the appearances of the electronic devices are well maintained. The surfaces of the electronic devices cannot be dirtied, scraped, or damaged. Users can feel more comfortable when operating their electronic devices, hence, the worthiness and the usability of the electronic devices are greatly enhanced.
US08613984B2 Plasma vapor deposition system and method for making multi-junction silicon thin film solar cell modules and panels
A plasma vapor deposition system for making multi-junction silicon thin film solar cell modules and panels including a flexible substrate disposed about and removably supported by a dual-walled cylindrical substrate support for axially rotating the flexible substrate about its longitudinal axis, the dual-walled cylindrical substrate support comprising an inner wall spaced apart by an outer wall to define a coaxial cavity; a plasma vapor deposition torch located substantially adjacent to the flexible substrate for depositing at least one thin film material layer on an outer surface of the flexible substrate; and a traversing platform for supporting the rotatable substrate support relative to the plasma vapor deposition torch, the rotatable substrate support being traversed along its longitudinal axis by the traversing platform.
US08613982B2 Method of producing coated lenses
A method of coating without permitting the coating solution to flow onto the side surfaces or the back surfaces of the lenses in the operation for applying the coating solution onto the lenses. A lens 15 is spin-coated with the coating solution having a particular viscosity. A side edge portion 121 of a spatula 119 is brought into contact with an upper edge portion of a side surface 15a of the lens 15 before the coating solution fed onto the surface of the lens arrives at the peripheral edge portion of the lens. The side edge portion 121 of the spatula 119 is so arranged that the upper end side of the spatula is tilted toward the center side of the lens 15 at an angle of 5 to 35 degrees with the vertical line as a reference. The coating solution applied onto the lens 15 that is rotating adheres onto the spatula 119 but does not adhere onto the side surface of the lens 15.
US08613981B2 Methods for producing composite elements based on foams based on isocyanate
The invention relates to a process for the production of composites, composed of at least one outer layer b) and of an isocyanate-based rigid foam a), where the outer layer b) is moved continuously and the starting material for the isocyanate-based rigid foam a) is applied to the outer layer b), which comprises achieving the application of the liquid starting material for the isocyanate-based rigid foam a) by means of at least one fixed tube c) which has openings f) and which has been placed, with respect to the outer layer b), so as to be parallel to the plane of the outer layer and at right angles to the direction of movement.
US08613979B2 Boron-containing hydrogen silsesquioxane polymer, integrated circuit device formed using the same, and associated methods
A composition includes a boron-containing hydrogen silsesquioxane polymer having a structure that includes: silicon-oxygen-silicon units, and oxygen-boron-oxygen linkages in which the boron is trivalent, wherein two silicon-oxygen-silicon units are covalently bound by an oxygen-boron-oxygen linkage therebetween.
US08613977B2 Magnetic recording medium and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium of the present invention includes a magnetic layer forming step in which a drying process is performed. The drying process includes: a pre-heating stage in which a magnetic coating film is heated until the surface temperature of the magnetic coating film stops rising and reaches a substantially constant temperature; a constant rate drying stage that is performed after the pre-heating stage in which the surface temperature of the magnetic coating film is held substantially constant; and a falling rate drying stage that is performed after the constant rate drying stage in which the surface temperature of the magnetic coating film is increased to be higher than the surface temperature during the constant rate drying stage to harden the magnetic coating film. The constant rate drying period in which the constant rate drying stage is performed is 0.2 seconds or more. The first solvent is made of one solvent or two or more solvents having different boiling points, and the difference (Tb−Ts) between the boiling point Tb of the solvent having the lowest boiling point among the solvents contained in the first solvent and the surface temperature Ts of the magnetic coating film during the constant rate drying period is 1 to 50° C.
US08613976B2 Method of forming silicon oxide containing films
A method of forming a silicon oxide film, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate into a reaction chamber; injecting into the reaction chamber at least one silicon containing compound where the at least one silicon containing compound is bis(diethylamino)silane; injecting Oxygen into the reaction chamber and at least one other O-containing gas selected from ozone and water; reacting in the reaction chamber by chemical vapor deposition at a temperature below 400 C the at least one silicon containing compound and the at least one oxygen containing gas in order to obtain the silicon oxide film deposited onto the substrate.
US08613974B2 Method for preparing an electrode for producing hydrogen
A method for preparing an electrode, includes the steps of preparing a suspension of a polyoxometalate and a material conferring electronic conductivity and comprising positive charges in a solvent; depositing the suspension obtained in the first step on a carbon medium; drying the suspension deposited in previous step, and applying a binder to the suspension dried in previous step to obtain an electrode.
US08613972B2 Papermaking coating station with pressure-sensitive film roll
A counter roll (26) is positioned to engage a paper or board web (24) in a paper or board making machine along a contact line. A pressure-sensitive EMFi film (28) is disposed on the counter roll to measure the pressure profile of the web along the contact line. A coating apparatus (22) applies a coating to the web passing over the counter roll (26), and a pressure profile of the applied coating is measured by the pressure-sensitive film (28) on the counter roll (26). The pressure-sensitive film (28) may also be disposed to detect details of coating application in a curtain coater (30). Moreover, the film may be driven to provide adjustable vibration for cleaning the coater, or conditioning or controlling the coating flow.
US08613960B2 Formulations and methods for reducing waist circumference
Methods for reducing abdominal fat and waist circumference in a human subject are disclosed. The method includes a composition containing Lycium plant that, when administered to a human, can reduce that human's waist circumference.
US08613956B2 Cosmetic particles that transform from hard to soft particles comprising hydrogenated long-chain triglyceride oils
Cosmetic particle compositions are provided which are adapted to form hard cosmetic particles that transform to soft cosmetic particles after their incorporation into topical formulations, particularly surfactant-based topical formulations. The composition includes one or more partially or fully hydrogenated triglyceride oils, at least 50% of which have at least 15% by weight fatty acid moieties with carbon chain lengths of C18 or higher. Additives may be disposed in or on the hard cosmetic particles and delivered when the cosmetic particles are broken proximate a target such as the skin, hair or nails of a mammalian subject or another target. The transformable hard cosmetic particles permit the storage and shipment of intact cosmetic particles yet transform in situ to achieve the benefits of soft cosmetic particles.
US08613946B2 Carotenoids of enhanced bioavailability
Carotenoid compositions of enhanced solubility and bioavailability are described that contain at least one carotenoid with at least one solubility-enhancing polymer. In one embodiment, the carotenoid is a provitamin A carotenoid such as β-carotene. In another embodiment the carotenoid is a non-provitamin A carotenoid such as lycopene or lutein. Described methods to produce the bioenhanced products include dry blending and solvent spray drying. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the method includes the steps of providing a mixture comprising the carotenoid, a solubility-enhancing polymer and a solvent and removing the solvent to produce an amorphous form of the carotenoid. Products made by the invention's compositions and methods include pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetic, and personal care products for man and animal.
US08613943B2 Process for producing a multi-layered scaffold suitable for osteochondral repair
The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer collagen scaffold. The method generally comprises the steps of: preparing a first suspension of collagen and freezing or lyophilizing the suspension to provide a first layer; optionally preparing a further suspension of collagen and adding the further suspension onto the layer formed in the previous step to form a further layer, and freezing or lyophilizing the layers, wherein when the layer formed in the previous step is formed by lyophilization the lyophilized layer is re-hydrated prior to addition of the next layer; optionally, repeating the aforementioned step to form one or more further layers; and preparing a final suspension of collagen and pouring the final suspension onto the uppermost layer to form a final layer, and freeze-drying the layers to form the multilayer collagen composite scaffold.
US08613937B2 Compositions and methods for biological remodeling with frozen particle compositions
Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.
US08613929B2 Methods and compositions for targeting agents into and across the blood-brain barrier and other endothelial cell microvascular barriers
The present invention relates to nucleic acids and polypeptides encoded thereby, whose expression is modulated in brain microvascular endothelial cells undergoing early dynamic inflammation-induced changes in blood-brain bather functionality. Such polypeptides are referred to as lipopolysaccharide-sensitive (LPSS) polypeptides. These nucleic acids and polypeptides may be useful in methods for controlling blood-brain bather properties in mammals in need of such biological effects. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of disturbances in the blood-brain/retina barrier, brain (including the eye) disorders, as well as peripheral vascular disorders. Additionally, the invention relates to the use of anti-LPSS polypeptide antibodies or ligands as diagnostic probes, as blood-brain barrier targeting agents or as therapeutic agents as well as the use of ligands or modulators of expression, activation or bioactivity of LPSS polypeptides as diagnostic probes, therapeutic agents or drug delivery enhancers.
US08613928B2 Immunizing composition and method for inducing an immune response against the β-secretase cleavage site of amyloid precursor protein
The present invention is directed to an immunizing composition containing an antigenic product such as a multiple antigen peptide system (MAPS) or a filamentous bacteriophage displaying an AβPP epitope spanning the β-secretase cleavage site of AβPP and a method for inducing an immune response against the β-secretase cleavage site of AβPP using this immunizing composition. The present invention is also directed to antibodies against the β-secretase cleavage site of AβPP and their use in a method for inhibiting the formation of amyloid β.
US08613927B2 High affinity human antibodies to human nerve growth factor
A human antibody or antigen-binding fragment of an antibody which specifically binds human nerve growth factor (NGF) with KD of 5 pM or less, as measured by surface plasmon resonance, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof binds human NGF with an affinity of about 2-10-fold higher than the antibody or fragment binds rat and mouse NGF. The antibodies are useful in treating pain, including inflammatory pain, post-operative incision pain, neuropathic pain, fracture pain, osteoporotic fracture pain, post-herpetic neuralgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer pain, pain resulting from burns, gout joint pain, as well as diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, and liver cirrhosis.
US08613926B2 Anti-C5a receptor antibodies
The present invention concerns human antibodies recognizing the human C5a receptor. By binding to C5aR the antibodies inhibit C5a signalling, whereby the pro-inflammatory signal is inhibited. Based on the role of C5a and its receptor in stimulation of inflammation the invention further relates to therapeutic use of said human anti-C5aR antibodies and in particular in relation to treatment of immunological disorders.
US08613923B2 Monoclonal antibody
The present invention is related to methods and compositions for the therapeutic and diagnostic use in the treatment of diseases and disorders which are caused by or associated with amyloid or amyloid-like proteins including amyloidosis, a group of disorders and abnormalities associated with amyloid protein such as Alzheimer's disease. The present invention provides novel methods and compositions comprising highly specific and highly effective antibodies having the ability to specifically recognize and bind to specific epitopes from a range of β-amyloid proteins. The antibodies enabled by the teaching of the present invention are particularly useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders which are caused by or associated with amyloid or amyloid-like proteins including amyloidosis, a group of diseases and disorders associated with amyloid plaque formation including secondary amyloidosis and age-related amyloidosis including, but not limited to, neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
US08613921B2 Antibodies that bind TGF-alpha and epiregulin
The present invention provides antibodies that bind human TGF-alpha and human Epiregulin and are characterized as having high affinity, selective, and strong neutralizing properties. The antibodies are useful in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
US08613903B2 Humanized L243 antibodies
Humanized antibodies are provided that specifically bind HLA-DR. The antibodies recognize the epitope recognized by the murine monoclonal antibody L243. Processes for preparing such antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions containing such antibodies, and clinical therapeutic and diagnostic, as well as research-related uses for such antibodies, are provided.
US08613901B2 Titanium oxide nano tube material and method for manufacturing the same
A titanium oxide nano tube material is configured so that crystal grains of a nano tube has a crystal structure oriented with the [001] direction of a tetragonal crystal system as a preferred direction. FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) of a rocking curve with respect to the (004) plane peak is 11.1 degrees to 20.3 degrees. The titanium oxide nano tube material has excellent photoelectric characteristics since the crystal grains of the nano tube are oriented with the (004) plane or the [001] direction of a tetragonal crystal system as a preferred direction.
US08613897B2 Densified fumed metal oxides and methods for producing the same
A method for producing a densified fumed metal oxide having an increased bulk density and substantially the same surface area as an undensified fumed metal oxide with the same molecular composition is provided. The fumed metal oxide is wetted with a solvent to form a wetted fumed metal oxide. The wetted fumed metal oxide is dried to form a dried fumed metal oxide. The dried fumed metal oxide is calcined.
US08613895B2 Process equipment contaminant removal
A method and system remove contaminants from a vapor. In one embodiment, the system includes a contaminant removal system having a vacuum box. A contaminated vapor from process equipment is introduced to the vacuum box. The contaminated vapor includes steam and hydrocarbons. The vacuum box includes a water removal device. The water removal device removes water from the contaminated vapor to provide water and a reduced water vapor. The water and the reduced water vapor are removed from the vacuum box.
US08613886B2 Nickel-rich wear resistant alloy and method of making and use thereof
A nickel-rich wear resistant alloy comprises in weight % 0.5 to 2.5% C, 0.5 to 2% Si, up to 1% Mn, 20 to 30% Cr, S to 15% Mo, 5 to 15% W, 15 to 30% Fe, balance Ni. The alloy can include further alloying constituents such as up to 1.5% each of Ti, Al, Zr, Hf, Ta, V, Nb, Co, Cu, up to 0.5% B and up to 0.5% Mg plus Y. The alloy preferably has a microstructure containing predominantly eutectic reaction phases, fine intermetallic phases and precipitation carbides. For instance, the microstructure may contain Cr. Ni, W rich intermetallic phases and/or the microstructure may contain uniform lamellar type eutectic solidification structures. The alloy is useful as a valve seat insert for internal combustion engines such as diesel engines. For a valve seat insert containing up to 1.8% C the microstructure preferably is free of primary dendritic carbides. For a valve seat insert alloy containing over 1.8% C the microstructure preferably contains non-dendritic type primary carbides. For a valve seat insert containing up to 1.5% C the microstructure preferably includes solid solution phases encompassed by eutectic reaction products.
US08613883B2 Diagnostic system and method for metallurgical reactor cooling elements
Diagnostic methods and systems are used to determine operating condition and performance of a cooling element in a metallurgical reactor during operation of the reactor. The system can include sensing means, processing means and display means. The sensing means is located in or approximate the cooling element for sensing operating conditions of the cooling element. The processing means is in communication with the sensing means for receiving data corresponding to the sensed operating conditions and for processing the data to determine a relative condition indicator of the cooling element. The display means is in communication with the processing means and displays the relative condition indicator to a user of the diagnostic system. The display means can display a first, second or third state representative of the relative health indicator.