Document Document Title
US08647556B2 System and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs
A system and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs. The method can include providing a coated web, curing the coating to form a multi-layer web, and stretching the web during curing of the coating. Some coatings shrink at least partially when cured such that curing the coating induces a strain in the multi-layer web. Stretching the web occurs during curing to induce an opposing strain that at least partially counteracts the strain induced by curing to form a multi-layer web having a desired curvature. The system can include a curing section configured to cure the coating, and can further include a web stretching section, which can be located proximate the curing section and can be substantially coincident with the curing section, such that the web is stretched while the coating is cured.
US08647548B1 Method and system to reduce porosity in composite structures
In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method to reduce porosity in a composite structure. The method adds an additive to a resin material to form an additive-resin mixture. The method combines the additive-resin mixture with reinforcement fibers to form a composite prepreg material, and in turn, a composite structure. The method heat cures the composite structure in a heating apparatus under a vacuum device at the resin cure temperature, heats the composite structure to an increased temperature above the additive phase transition temperature, and maintains the increased temperature for a time period sufficient. The method reduces the increased temperature back down to the resin cure temperature to allow the additive gas to undergo a phase transition to a condense phase, resulting in a substantially reduced vacuum pressure, resulting in a reduction in a porosity of the composite structure.
US08647538B2 Photochromic compounds having at least two photochromic moieties
The present invention relates to photochromic compounds that include at least two photochromic moieties that are linked together by a multivalent linking group. The multivalent linking group can be selected so as to be flexible and/or substantially prevent electronic interaction between any two photochromic moieties through the multivalent linking group. The present invention also relates to photochromic compositions and articles that include at least a photochromic amount of one or more photochromic compounds of the present invention.
US08647536B2 Aluminum/alkaline earth metal composites and method for producing
A composite is provided having an electrically conducting Al matrix and elongated filaments comprising Ca and/or Sr and/or Ba disposed in the matrix and extending along a longitudinal axis of the composite. The filaments initially comprise Ca and/or Sr and/or Ba metal or alloy and then may be reacted with the Al matrix to form a strengthening intermetallic compound comprising Al and Ca and/or Sr and/or Ba. The composite is useful as a long-distance, high voltage power transmission conductor.
US08647527B2 Polishing composition and polishing method using the same
A polishing composition contains a vanadate such as ammonium vanadate, sodium vanadate, and potassium vanadate and an oxygen donor such as hydrogen peroxide and ozone. It is preferable that the polishing composition further contains at least either one of abrasive grains and a pH adjusting agent. The polishing composition can be suitably used for polishing a silicon carbide wafer such as a hexagonal silicon carbide single crystal wafer.
US08647519B1 Manufacturing method of touchpad
A manufacturing method of touchpad includes steps of: providing a substrate and disposing a shield layer on the substrate, a section of the substrate, where the shield layer is positioned being defined as a non-touch section, a section of the substrate, which is free from the shield layer being defined as a touch section; disposing a touch electrode layer with multiple touch electrodes on the substrate; disposing a metal wiring layer with multiple metal wires on the touch electrode layer; performing a first time of lithography and etching processes to the metal wiring layer so as to form multiple metal wires on the non-touch section; and performing a second time of lithography and etching processes to the touch electrode layer so as to form multiple touch electrodes on the non-touch section and the touch section. The manufacturing method saves the cost for masks and shortens the manufacturing time.
US08647517B2 Producing method of suspension board with circuit
A producing method of a suspension board with circuit includes simultaneously forming a conductive pattern formed on an insulating layer formed on a metal supporting board and having a terminal portion for connecting to an electronic component, and a mark formed on the metal supporting board, or on the insulating layer and having an opening for forming a reference hole for mounting the electronic component, and forming the reference hole by etching the metal supporting board disposed in the opening of the mark, or the insulating layer and the metal supporting board each disposed in the opening of the mark.
US08647515B2 Blood processing filter and method for priming the filter
This invention relates to a blood processing filter including a sheet-like filter element and a flexible container having an internal space divided by the filter element. The container includes first and second container-forming-parts. The first container-forming-part includes an interior filtration space-forming-part and an exterior surrounding space-forming-part that are separated by a first seal-part. The second container-forming-part includes an extension space-forming-part surrounded by the second seal-part and arranged opposite the filter element and the surrounding space-forming-part, without being divided by the first seal-part. A port of the first container-forming-part is provided in the filtration space-forming-part and communicates with an internal space on one side defined by the filter element. The port of the second container-forming-part is provided in the extension space-forming-part and communicates with an internal space on another side defined by the filter element, and protrudes further than an outer surface of the extension space-forming-part.
US08647492B2 Method of producing coupled radical products from biomass
A method that produces coupled radical products from biomass. The method involves obtaining a lipid or carboxylic acid material from the biomass. This material may be a carboxylic acid, an ester of a carboxylic acid, a triglyceride of a carboxylic acid, or a metal salt of a carboxylic acid, or any other fatty acid derivative. This lipid material or carboxylic acid material is converted into an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the carboxylic acid decarboxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material.
US08647490B2 Method for manufacturing carbon nanotube containing conductive micro wire and sensor including the micro wire
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a micro wire, a sensor including the micro wire, and a method for manufacturing the sensor, having improved production efficiency. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a micro wire includes applying a three-dimensional electric field to a solution for forming a micro wire. The method for manufacturing the micro wire may further include providing an electrode assembly comprising a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode formed on the substrate, and providing the solution to a space. The first electrode and the second electrode may form the space therebetween, and the space may have a first width and a second width that is smaller than the first width. The three-dimensional electric field is applied to the solution by applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08647485B2 Process kit shield for plasma enhanced processing chamber
Apparatus for processing substrates is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first shield having a first end, a second end, and one or more first sidewalls disposed between the first and second ends, wherein the first end is configured to interface with a first support member of a process chamber to support the first shield in a position such that the one or more first sidewalls surround a first volume of the process chamber; and a second shield having a first end, a second end, and one or more second sidewalls disposed between the first and second ends of the second shield and about the first shield, wherein the first end of the second shield is configured to interface with a second support member of the process chamber to support the second shield such that the second shield contacts the first shield to form a seal therebetween.
US08647484B2 Target for sputtering chamber
A sputtering chamber has a sputtering target comprising a backing plate and a sputtering plate. The backing plate has a groove. The sputtering plate comprises a cylindrical mesa having a plane, and an annular inclined rim surrounding the cylindrical mesa. In one version, the backing plate comprises a material having a high thermal conductivity and a low electrical resistivity. In another version, the backing plate comprises a backside surface with a single groove or a plurality of grooves.
US08647481B2 Pot tending machine for working on electrolysis cells for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis
Pot tending machine for a series of electrolysis cells designed for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis including: a) an overhead traveling crane which can be relocated above said electrolysis cells, b) a tool carriage onto which is fixed a service module comprising tools; c) a tapping winch, interdependent of said overhead traveling crane, designed to grasp and position near cell a tapping assembly including a ladle, a tapping tube and a vacuum device; d) a freestanding device able to generate compressed air; characterized in that said compressed air generating device of includes a first compressor, able to provide a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum air flow necessary for operations other than tapping, and at least one second compressor mounted in such a way that, when operating simultaneously with said first compressor, the unit provides a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum output of air necessary during tapping.
US08647480B2 Apparatus for providing a substance for the analysis of isotope ratios
A method and an apparatus for providing a substance for the analysis of isotope ratios, at least some of the substance being contained in a liquid phase in which the liquid phase is subjected to electrolysis and, in the process, the substance or a pre-product for the latter is formed.
US08647478B2 High temperature, high pressure electrolyser with allothermal functioning and high production capacity
An electrolyser for high-temperature electrolysis configured to operate in an allothermal mode, including an enclosure configured to maintain an electrolytic bath under high or very high pressure of several tens of bars, in which at least one electrolysis plate is arranged, and a heater internal to the enclosure. The electrolysis plate includes a plurality of electrolysis cells lying side by side in substantially one same plane, each electrolysis cell including an anode and a cathode. The heater uses a heat-carrier fluid.
US08647477B2 High-efficiency thermal-energy-driven water purification system
Water can be separated from a liquid composition (e.g., salt water) by directing a carrier gas flow through an evaporator and directly contacting the carrier gas flow with the liquid composition in the evaporator to humidify the carrier gas with water evaporated from the liquid composition, producing a humidified gas flow, which is then compressed by injecting a fluid that includes steam and/or an organic compound at an elevated pressure at least five times greater than the pressure in the evaporator and at a temperature at least as high as a saturation temperature of the steam/organic compound at the elevated pressure of the fluid. After being compressed, the humidified gas flow is directed through at least one condenser where water is condensed from the compressed humidified gas flow and collected; and the dehumidified gas flow is re-circulated back through the evaporator for reuse as the carrier gas.
US08647476B2 Device for feeding combustion air or gas influencing coal carbonization into the upper area of coke ovens
Disclosed is a device and a method for feeding primary combustion air for the combustion of coke oven gas into a coking chamber of a coke oven of the non-recovery or heat recovery type, the coke oven is provided with openings in the oven chamber through which the oven chamber can be charged with primary air, and heating flues in the oven chamber sole with openings through which the heating flues can be charged with secondary air, and downcomer-channels which allow for guiding partially burned gas for combustion with secondary air from the oven chamber into the heating flues, wherein in the oven wall above the door or in the upper door area there are one or more non-controlled openings comprised of a heat-proof material through which part of the primary air can be guided, and in the top area of the oven there are further controllable air feeder ducts conducting primary air through the oven top.
US08647473B2 Continuous digester with a bottom scraper equipped with draining apertures
The continuous digester is for producing pulp from comminuted cellulosic material. The digester has a cone diverter on a bottom scraper arranged in the bottom of the digester for assisting in out feed of pulp produced. The cone diverter of the bottom scraper has an upper inclined surface of the cone diverter with an inclination angle in the range 30±10 degrees in relation to the vertical. In order to improve washing performance in the bottom of the digester, especially for overloaded digesters, the upper inclined surface is equipped with draining apertures in fluid communication with a liquid receiving chamber inside the cone diverter. The liquid receiving chamber is connected via a drainage channel to the exterior of the vessel.
US08647471B2 Process for the production of sized and/or wet-strength papers, paperboards and cardboards
The present invention relates to a process for the production of sized and/or wet-strength papers, paperboards or cardboards, wherein an aqueous radiation-curable dispersion containing water and at least one polymer, characterized in that the polymer contains cationic groups, is mixed with suspended wood pulp and/or chemical pulp and this mixture is sieved, pressed, thermally dried and then radiation-cured, characterized in that the dispersion is employed in amounts, based on its non-aqueous content in relation to the solid content of the wood pulp and/or chemical pulp, of from 0.001 to 10 wt. %, the papers, paperboards and cardboards produced by this process, and compositions comprising suspended wood pulp and/or chemical pulp and an aqueous radiation-curable dispersion containing at least one polymer, characterized in that the polymer contains cationic groups.
US08647467B2 System and method for removing the outer layer of a layered article
A system and method for refurbishing or recycling a layered article such as a golf ball is disclosed that includes removing a cover from the article. The system can include a golf ball guide, a golf ball scorer-driver that can score the outer shell of the golf ball while simultaneously advancing it along the golf ball guide, a cover peeler having an orifice with an inner diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the golf ball cover, and a press that can drive the golf ball core through the cover peeler orifice. The method includes inducing at least one weakened region in the outer shell of the golf ball, rupturing the weakened region to create at least one opening in the golf ball outer shell, and forcing a core portion of the golf ball through the opening in the golf ball outer shell.
US08647465B2 Method of bonding microstructured substrates
Gluing process for micro-structured substrates. The invention is applicable particularly to the fabrication of micro-fluidic components. In order to glue a micro-structured substrate having upper coplanar plane areas and recesses between them, a grid is placed above the substrate, the grid is coated with a glue, using a tool that presses on the grid and locally brings it into contact with the areas, so as to deposit a film of glue droplets on them, and the grid is removed. Furthermore, the upper coplanar plane areas are treated before the film of glue droplets is deposited, this treatment being designed to adapt wettability of these areas to the glue.
US08647458B2 Methods for making a supported graft
A method for preparing a stent-graft for intraluminal delivery, including positioning an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) substrate over a support mandrel, coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, winding the polymer clad member in an overlapping helical manner onto a surface of the ePTFE substrate, joining and sealing adjacent overlapping regions of the polymer clad member together and to the surface of the ePTFE substrate to form a stent-graft, manipulating the stent-graft from a larger first diameter to a smaller second diameter, and loading the stent-graft into a restraining sheath at the smaller second diameter.
US08647454B2 Method for manufacturing physical barriers
A physical barrier having a carrier device and a sealer material applied to the carrier device. The sealer material is configured to expand when it is activated. In its pre-activation state, the sealer material is flowable. The sealer material is applied directly to the carrier in its pre-activation state through a dispensing orifice without being previously molded.
US08647452B2 Method for making artificial turf
An artificial athletic turf includes a backing having a top face and a bottom face, yarn tufted through the backing such that cut pile extends from the top face and backloops of yarn are closely adjacent the bottom face and a discontinuous coat is disposed over the backloops and bottom face in order to bind the yarn to the backing. The coating material is sprayed onto the bottom face of the tufted backing at an inclination angle of less than 45 degrees to the plane of the backing and under conditions which cause sprayed material to bind the backloops to the backing, but not deposit along narrow areas of the backing between rows of backloops, thus, allowing the turf to remain porous in spots.
US08647446B2 Method and system for improving performance and preventing corrosion in multi-module cleaning chamber
A method and system for cleaning a substrate in a multi-module cleaning assembly is provided. The method begins by receiving the substrate into the cleaning module. A cleaning chemistry, at a temperature elevated from an ambient temperature, is applied onto a top surface of the substrate. Concurrent with application of the cleaning chemistry, vapors are exhausted from the cleaning chemistry through a port located below a bottom surface of the substrate with the vapor exhaustion providing a negative pressure relative to a pressure external to the cleaning module. The application of the cleaning chemistry is terminated, followed by termination of the exhausting of the vapors. The substrate is dried after the flowing of inert gas is terminated.
US08647439B2 Method of epitaxial germanium tin alloy surface preparation
Methods of preparing a clean surface of germanium tin or silicon germanium tin layers for subsequent deposition are provided. An overlayer of Ge, doped Ge, another GeSn or SiGeSn layer, a doped GeSn or SiGeSn layer, an insulator, or a metal can be deposited on a prepared GeSn or SiGeSn layer by positioning a substrate with an exposed germanium tin or silicon germanium tin layer in a processing chamber, heating the processing chamber and flowing a halide gas into the processing chamber to etch the surface of the substrate using either thermal or plasma assisted etching followed by depositing an overlayer on the substantially oxide free and contaminant free surface. Methods can also include the placement and etching of a sacrificial layer, a thermal clean using rapid thermal annealing, or a process in a plasma of nitrogen trifluoride and ammonia gas.
US08647432B2 Method of making large surface area filaments for the production of polysilicon in a CVD reactor
A method for making a large surface area silicon filament for production of bulk polysilicon by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) includes melting silicon and growing the filament from the melted silicon by an EFG method using a shaping die. The cross sectional shape of the silicon filament is constant over its axial length to within a tolerance of 10%. In embodiments, a plurality of identical and/or dissimilar filaments are grown simultaneously using a plurality of shaping dies. The filaments can be tubular. Filament cross sections can be annular and/or can include outwardly extending fins, with wall and/or fin thicknesses constant to within 10%. Filaments can be doped with at least one element from groups 3 and 5 of the Periodic Table. The filament can have a length equal to a length of a specified slim rod filament, and a total impedance not greater than the slim rod impedance.
US08647426B2 Dental filler and methods
A dental filler is disclosed. The filler is produced by admixing a metal oxide sol and a water-soluble organic binder; drying said mixed sol into a dried product; and calcining said dried product; wherein said filler is a substantially amorphous cluster. The filler can be mixed into a hardenable resin to provide radiopaque dental materials having desirable strength and aesthetic character.
US08647425B2 Azaphthalocyanines and their use in printing
A process for preparing azaphthalocyanine or metallo-azaphthalocyanine dyes Also novel compounds, inks, printing processes, printed materials (including color filters) and ink-jet cartridges.
US08647421B2 CO2 recovery apparatus
[Problem to be solved] A CO2 recovery apparatus which can significantly reduce the amount of steam and provide further improved energy efficiency is provided.[Solution] The apparatus includes: a flue gas cooling apparatus 14 for allowing cooling water 13 to cool a CO2 and O2 containing flue gas 12 that is emitted from an industrial combustion facility 11 such as a boiler or gas turbine; a CO2 absorber 16 having a CO2 recovery section 16A for bringing the cooled CO2 containing flue gas 12 and a CO2 absorbing CO2 absorbent 15 into contact with each other to remove CO2 from the flue gas 12; and an absorbent regenerator 18 for releasing CO2 from a CO2 absorbed CO2 absorbent 17 to regenerate the CO2 absorbent. The apparatus further includes: a cleansing water divert line 51 for diverting partial cleansing water 19a of circulating cleansing water 19 that has been condensed in a cleansing section 16B in the CO2 absorber 16; a first heat exchanger 52 disposed in the divert line 51 and in a boiler flue gas duct 11a; and a superheated cleansing solution supply line 53 for directing, into the bottom portion of the absorbent regenerator 18, a superheated cleansing solution 19b having heat exchanged with a first heat exchanger 52.
US08647416B2 Superheated steam generator, electric power generating ship, and connection robot
A superheated steam generator for generating superheated steam is disclosed that can be converted into electric energy by adsorbing water into zeolite and desorbing water from zeolite by use of solar heat source energy and seawater source energy. The superheated steam generator using zeolite is provided with a water supply device for causing the zeolite to adsorb mist-state moisture and heat the zeolite, a zeolite boiler system including a desorption heater for desorbing water molecules adsorbed onto the zeolite and heating the zeolite to produce the superheated steam, a low-temperature purified water tank for storing purified water that can be subjected to heat exchange with at least one of seawater and surface water, and for supplying purified water energy subsequent to the heat exchange to the water supply device, and an atomization device for generating the purified water supplied to the water supply device as the mist-state moisture.
US08647410B2 Microfabricated artificial lung assist device, and methods of use and manufacture thereof
The invention provides systems and methods for exchanging gas in an oxygenator device, and methods for preparing and using such oxygenator devices. The systems and methods can be used to transfer oxygen to blood to assist lung function in a patient.
US08647409B2 Air compression system and method
An air compression system and method for an air separation plant in which air is compressed in a series of compression stages and a temperature swing adsorption unit adsorbs water vapor and carbon dioxide. The temperature swing adsorption unit is situated at a location of the compression stages such that air pressure upon entry into the adsorbent beds is between about 400 psia and about 600 psia. Each of the adsorbent beds of the unit have a minimum transverse cross-sectional flow area that will set the air velocity of the air to a level below that at which adsorbent bed fluidization would occur. Such operation allows fabrication costs of the adsorbent beds to be reduced because less adsorbent and smaller adsorbent beds are required while power consumption will be at a minimum.
US08647407B2 Method of fabricating indium-111 radioactive isotope
The present invention provides a method for fabricating an indium(In)-111 radioactive isotope. A target of cadmium(Cd)-112 is processed through steps of dissolving with heat, absorbing, washing, desorbing and drying for obtaining the In-111 radioactive isotope. Thus, chemical separation is coordinated with the target for fabricating the In-111 radioactive isotope with high efficiency and low cost for production procedure.
US08647395B2 Surfactant package and water in hydrocarbon emulsion using same
A surfactant package for a water-in-hydrocarbon emulsion includes a fatty acid component; a fatty acid salt component; an alcohol component and a salt of carboxylic acid. Emulsions formed using this surfactant package are stable and have ratios of water to surfactant of at least about 3.
US08647388B2 Elbow prosthesis and method for use
The elbow prosthesis includes an ulnar component that has a bearing end and a stem. The stem is attached to the bearing end and extends in a distal direction from it. The elbow prosthesis also has a humeral component that includes a holder end and a stem with the stem extending in a proximal direction from the holder end. The prosthesis further includes at least one bearing member that is connected to the holder end with the bearing end being attached within the holder end to allow for rotation and articulation against the at least one bearing member. The bearing end and holder end are attached to each other by a coupling mechanism that includes an opening positioned on the posterior aspect of the holder end and a mating surface on the bearing body. A method of using the elbow prosthesis and a total elbow prosthesis kit are also disclosed.
US08647387B2 Method and apparatus for trialing a modular humeral head
The present disclosure is directed to a modular shoulder prosthesis measuring device having an adjustable radial offset provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between the stem and the head. Specifically, the interface configuration between the stem and the adapter, as well as between the adapter and the head are designed such that relative positioning of these components provides a continuous adjustment in the radial offset. Indicia are provided to precisely determine the magnitude and direction of the adjustment being made.
US08647382B2 Ocular implant insertion apparatus and methods
An exemplary ocular implant insertion system includes a case and a preloaded ocular implant insertion apparatus. The apparatus includes first and second movable structures that move the ocular implant in a predetermined sequence. The respective configurations of the case and the ocular implant insertion apparatus are such that the ocular implant insertion apparatus is not removable from the case when the ocular implant insertion apparatus is in the pre-use state and is removable after the first movable structure has moved at least a portion of the optical implant.
US08647379B2 Stent with a bio-resorbable connector
A helical stent having bio-resorbable connecting members connecting sections of the stent. The connecting members provide various spring rates or spring constants to the stent, and permit a change in the flexibility of the stent subsequent to implantation while maintaining the unitary design of the stent.
US08647375B2 Multi-function bedside care and therapy system
A wheeled cart has liquid cooling and liquid heating devices separated by thermal insulation. Pumps circulate cooled liquid and heated liquid through hoses to cooled packs and heated packs of patient treatment. Thermostats control the temperature and continual re-circulation of the cooled and heated liquids through the packs to maintain the proper temperature at all times without changing the packs.
US08647368B2 Tissue anchors and medical devices for rapid deployment of tissue anchors
Medical devices and related methods are provided for closing a perforation in a bodily wall. The medical device generally includes a set of tissue anchors and an elongate tensioning member. Each anchor includes a crossbar having opposing ends and defining a longitudinal axis. A strand is connected to the crossbar at a location between the opposing ends and projects away from the longitudinal axis. The strand includes a distal end connected to the crossbar and a proximal end having a first connector. The elongate tensioning member is structured to selectively engage and disengage the first connector. The strands of the anchor are capable of being tensioned and fixed together for closing the perforation. The tensioning member is removed after the strands are fixed together.
US08647359B2 Distal protection filter
Methods and devices for capturing debris within a blood vessel are disclosed. A filter assembly in accordance with the present invention comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a filter fixed to the elongate shaft proximate the distal end thereof. A filter assembly in accordance with the present invention may further include a means for reducing the volume of the debris that is disposed within the filter.
US08647355B2 Atherectomy devices and methods
The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and method relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens.
US08647353B2 Endoscopic treatment tool and suturing method using the same
An endoscopic treatment tool according to the present invention is an endoscopic treatment tool which is inserted into hollow organs via the mouth, nose, anus, or other natural orifice of the patient and performs suturing treatment within the hollow organs or abdominal cavities, includes: a hollow organ lining support which is smaller than the smallest diameter of a passage from a natural orifice of the hollow organ, the hollow organ lining support being able to expand so as to have a diameter larger than the smallest diameter of the passage from the natural orifice of the hollow organ.
US08647348B2 Apparatus for adult circumcision
A circumcision clamp for aiding the removal of the foreskin of an adult, human, male penis. A top clamp and a bottom clamp for circumcision each has: 1) a curved interior brace, placed between the foreskin and the penis shaft; and 2) a curved exterior brace, which aligns over the interior brace and compresses the foreskin against the interior brace. The curved interior brace preferably has a greater depth than the exterior brace, which greater depth forms a distal overhang or shelf for protecting the penis shaft during operation. By simultaneously employing a top clamp and a bottom clamp during circumcision, an entire band or collar of foreskin along the desired path of incision and suturing can be securely held in place and clamped, thus helping the operator or surgeon trim and suture the foreskin quickly and precisely.
US08647347B2 Instruments and methods for manipulating a spinal fixation element
An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation element relative to a bone anchor includes a bone anchor grasping mechanism, a first adjustment mechanism, and a second adjustment mechanism. The bone anchor grasping mechanism includes a first arm having a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor. The first adjustment mechanism includes a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm. The second arm has a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor and is operable to adjust a spinal fixation element in a first direction upon pivoting relative to the first arm. The second adjustment mechanism is removably and replaceably coupled to the bone anchor grasping mechanism and is movable relative to the bone anchor grasping mechanism to adjust the spinal fixation element in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, relative to the bone anchor.
US08647340B2 Thermocouple measurement system
A thermocouple measuring circuit for sensing a temperature at a measuring point is provided. The thermocouple measurement circuit (12) includes a thermocouple input for sensing a temperature at a measuring point, a compensation circuit (14) for compensating thermocouple effects of junctions of the thermocouple, and an instrumentation amplifier (16) for summing an output of the thermocouple and an output of the compensation circuit and outputting a voltage indicative of the temperature sensed, wherein the output of the compensation circuit is a reference voltage for the output of the instrumentation amplifier. Various embodiments of the thermocouple measurement circuit may be employed in electrosurgical generators for controlling output power dependent on temperature conditions.
US08647338B2 Method of destroying tissue cells by electroporation
A method of treating a human body by destroying tissue cells is provided. The method involves positioning an electric field generating element near a target area containing tissue cells to be killed in the human body, and treating the human body by applying electrical pulses through the positioned electric field generating element in an amount above an upper limit of electroporation to irreversibly open pores in membranes of the tissue cells in the target area, thereby killing the tissue cells in the target area.
US08647337B2 Devices and methods for dispensing a cryogenic fluid
A dispensing head for dispensing a cryogenic fluid may comprise a flow passage configured to be placed in flow communication with a reservoir containing a cryogenic fluid, the flow passage defining a flow passage inlet opening configured to receive the cryogenic fluid from the reservoir, and a flow passage outlet opening opposite the flow passage inlet opening. The dispensing head may further comprise a dispensing member configured to dispense the cryogenic fluid, the dispensing member defining a lumen having a lumen inlet opening and a lumen outlet opening; and at least one porous member disposed in the flow passage, the at least one porous member being configured as a primary flow regulation mechanism to limit a flow rate of the cryogenic fluid as it flows from the reservoir to the lumen outlet opening.
US08647334B2 Apparatus and processes for preventing or delaying one or more symptoms of presbyopia
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and processes for preventing or delaying presbyopia. More particularly, the present invention relates to processes and apparatus for ablating epithelial cells in the germinative zone or the pregerminative zone of the crystalline lens of the eye so that onset or progression of presbyopia or one or more symptoms is delayed or prevented.
US08647333B2 Ophthalmic surgical device
An ophthalmic surgical device is disclosed that combines laser energy for treatment of vision or ocular defect and illumination energy for visualization of a treatment site during surgery in a single common waveguide fiber, thereby enabling reduction of a diameter of a probe or canula of the device, whereby a smaller incision may be utilized to reduce trauma to the eye. The device may further include additional features, such as a conduit for supply of material or removal of material from the treatment site.
US08647328B2 Reflected acoustic wave modulation
Devices and systems for transmitting information within a body are disclosed. An example system includes a signal generator configured for transmitting an acoustic interrogation signal, a sensor for sensing at least one parameter within the body and generating an electrical sensor signal, an acoustic transducer configured to convert a received acoustic interrogation signal into an electrical signal, and a switching element adapted to modulate a reflected acoustic wave from the acoustic transducer. The switching element is configured to controllably change the mechanical impedance of the acoustic transducer.
US08647325B2 Connection device for medical use
A connection device for medical use, suitable to connect together biological and/or artificial liquid conveying structures, e.g. a blood vessel and a syringe, where one of the structures is provided with a first end and a lumen. The device is provided with a tubular portion with an insertion end which end is intended to be inserted in said lumen, and a sleeve, which is slideable along the tubular portion, and arranged to keep the vessel at the connection device.
US08647317B2 Superabsorbent polymer having a capacity increase
The present invention relates to a particulate superabsorbent polymer comprising a monomer and an internal crosslinker agent wherein the particulate superabsorbent polymer has a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase of 2 g/g or more as set forth herein in the Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase Test. The present invention further relates to a superabsorbent polymer comprising an internal crosslinker agent comprising a silane compound comprising at least one vinyl group or one allyl group attached to a silicon atom, and at least one Si—O bond. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article that includes such particulate superabsorbent polymers.
US08647312B2 Injection site for male luer or other tubular connector
A medical device has an interior for containment of fluids; an opening into the interior, an elastomeric wall comprising a fixedly placed, flexible barrier across the opening; and a retention wall positioned adjacent to a peripheral portion of the elastomeric wall. The retention wall defines a central opening and has a generally rigid retention zone surrounding the central opening, to engage and retain a connector tube which is advanced into the central opening to open a flow aperture through the elastomeric wall, for flow through the wall and connector tube. One of the retention zone and connector tube may be made of a material of sufficient hardness that material of the other engaging member is deformed by engagement therewith, which increases the strength of retention between the retention wall and the connector tube.
US08647299B2 Autoinjector supporting the syringe at the front
An autoinjector comprising a housing in which can be mounted a syringe comprising a barrel for holding a volume of medicament, a needle at one end of the barrel in fluid communication with the medicament and a plunger axially-moveable in the barrel to a forwardmost position, the autoinjector further comprising a syringe support means for supporting the barrel at an axial location at or forward of the forwardmost position of the plunger and having a reaction surface for the syringe, whereby in use said reaction surface (109) provides an axial compressive force on said barrel when a forward axial force is applied to the plunger.
US08647283B2 Pulse abnormality detecting device
A pulse abnormality detecting device comprises a band attached to a wrist, a first sliding member with which the band is armored and which slides in the circumference direction of the band along the band, a second sliding member which is slidably provided on the first sliding member and which slides in the axis direction of the band, a pulse sensor which is provided on the second sliding member and which is provided in such a manner that the position of the sensor can be adjusted to the inner side or the side of the band, and a pulse abnormality detecting unit for detecting the abnormality of the pulse from the output data of the pulse sensor. The device can accurately detect the pulse of a user with high precision, adapting to a personal difference.
US08647280B2 Ultrasonic probe and method for manufacturing ultrasonic probe
An ultrasonic probe includes, a transducer, a substrate includes electrodes formed on a front surface and a back surface and electronic components, first flexible wire substrates connected in such a manner that a first end is connected to the transducer and a second end is connected to a electrode at a side of the front surface of the substrate, second flexible wire substrates connected in such a manner that a first end is connected to the transducer and a second end is connected to a electrode at a side of the back surface of the substrate, and a dummy materials including the same rigidity and thickness as those of the first flexible wire substrate is arranged at a space, adjacent to a electrode at the side of the front surface of the substrate, corresponding to the second end of the second flexible wire substrate.
US08647277B2 Methods and apparatus for HPRF doppler ultrasonic imaging
A method for High Pulse Repeat Frequency (HPRF) Doppler ultrasonic imaging comprises: collecting parameters including a selected PRF level, real sample volume depth and sampling gate size; setting a selectable PRF range according to a standard PRF value corresponding to the selected PRF level; evaluating each PRF successively selected from the selectable PRF range with a preset step; and taking the PRF with best evaluation as the best PRF of the selected PRF level to be used in ultrasonic pulses transmission.
US08647269B2 Glucose measuring device for use in personal area network
A glucose measuring system includes a glucose meter that incorporates wireless communication capabilities. The meter can advantageously be a low cost meter by eliminating expensive components, such as the display. The user nevertheless is able to retrieve and view his or her glucose values by referring to displays within the glucose measuring local area network. Feedback via these displays can advantageously be used by the diabetic to create a higher level of confidence and safety.
US08647267B1 Food and digestion correlative tracking
Embodiments of the invention include methods and systems for correlating relationships between foods and symptoms such as gastrointestinal manifestations. Users can provide information regarding food intake and/or symptoms through any number of devices. The food and/or symptoms can be analyzed to pinpoint foods that are highly correlated with health symptoms, such as, digestive problems. Removal of such foods from the user's diet can then be suggested.
US08647266B2 Speculum
A speculum having first and second arms beginning at a proximal point and ending at a distal end and having a cup positioned at the distal end, an attachment portion positioned on the first arm and proximal to the cup, and a user manipulation element positioned within the attachment portion. In another embodiment the speculum has a generally U-shaped frame having a proximal point and pair of distal ends, a pair of cups attached to the distal ends, a pair of user manipulation elements attached to the frame and positioned between the cups and the proximal point so that the user manipulation elements can rotate relative to the frame.
US08647261B2 Body cavity access tube assembly and method of use
A body cavity access tube assembly includes a body cavity access tube having an external surface. A collapsible protective sleeve is positioned over the external surface and has a proximal end attached to the body cavity access tube and a distal end attached to a repositioning device The repositioning device is supported on the external surface of the body cavity access tube and has a released configuration wherein the repositioning device and the distal end of the collapsible protective sleeve are movable relative to a longitudinal axis of the body cavity access tube. The repositioning device also has an engaged configuration wherein the repositioning device and the distal end of the collapsible protective sleeve have a fixed position relative to the longitudinal axis of the body cavity access tube.
US08647259B2 Ultrasound scanning capsule endoscope (USCE)
The present invention relates to ultrasound imaging on a capsule endoscope platform. It relates to the generation of a focused ultrasound acoustic signal and the receiving of echo signals from the wall of a body lumen with an array of acoustic transducers wrapped around the circumference of the capsule. It relates to sending the generated echo image signals to receiver devices attached or worn on the body. It relates to the generation of 360° overlapping sidewall ultrasound scans of a body lumen, and image processing techniques to assemble these scans into a high resolution continuous ultrasound image. Finally, it relates to the manufacture and assembly of such an ultrasound scanning capsule endoscope (USCE). The concept is extendable to conventional endoscopes and catheters.
US08647256B2 Guidewire locking device and method
A locking device for a maintaining an elongated member at a selected place within a body lumen includes a substantially rigid body including an attachment portion adapted to be coupled to a proximal portion of a medical instrument. When in an operative position, the distal portion of the medical instrument is received within the body lumen and a head coupled to the substantially rigid body. The head is configured to overlie an access port of the medical device when the attachment portion is coupled to the proximal portion of the medical device in a predetermined configuration. A plurality of locking features extends from the head to immobilize a section of the elongated member relative to the medical device.
US08647251B2 Component fixturing method
An end-configuration of components to be moved or positioned is first obtained. This end-configuration determines the relative positioning and orientation of the components with respect to each other when in a final, desired configuration. A folding pattern is then obtained that is formed by interior vertices defining corresponding tessellation facets. The folding pattern can be induced to transition from a first folded configuration to a second folded configuration. When in the second folded configuration mounting facets, which are a subset of the tessellation facets, are arranged by the geometry of the folding pattern into positions and orientations with respect to each other that correspond to the end-configuration of the components. A foldable structure is then obtained that folds in accordance with the folding pattern, and the components are affixed to their respective mounting facets.
US08647249B2 Element for producing a package for packaging a food product, corresponding package, assembly comprising such a package and a food product, cutting installation and method
The invention concerns an element including: 1 sheet (1) including an intermediate zone (29) located between two zones designed to form side walls (9, 11), the intermediate zone (29) being designed to form a flap folded along the tip against one first (9) of the side walls, and elements (51a, 51b) for guiding tears in the sheet (1) the elements forming a single pull tab (58) to cause tears, the pull tab (58) being, in the intermediate zone, spaced apart from the media axis (A) of the zone designed to form the base (3). The invention is, for example, applicable to packaging of melted cheese.
US08647248B2 Device for conveying and folding blanks
A device for folding blanks has a bottom conveyor (30) capable of conveying blanks along a conveyance path (10). The bottom conveyor (30) includes several longitudinal side frame members (40a, 40b, 40c) each supporting an endless conveyor belt (38) guided along the conveyance path (10) by top rollers (31, 31a, 31b, 32, 33). At least one member (50) folds a front tab of a blank. The folding member (50) is static. At least one top roller (32) is offset vertically from the other top rollers so that the conveyance path is curved, and the folding member (50) is suspended in the vicinity of the offset roller (32) in a position to intercept a front tab.
US08647236B2 Method for sound modeling for downshifting with intermediate gas
In a method for controlling shifting in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an automatic transmission, intermediate gas is automatically applied for reducing and/or compensating for an abrupt shift when downshifting. In a first phase, wherein the transmission is in the hydraulic down time thereof, the actual torque provided by the engine is slowly increased, until a torque required by the transmission is achieved. Subsequently, in a second phase, wherein the actual torque of the engine is less than the target torque, a throttle valve is opened further. In a subsequent third phase, in which the actual torque of the engine has achieved the target torque required for synchronization, a late ignition angle is set.
US08647232B2 Group transmission device
In a group transmission device comprising a splitter group transmission unit and at least one active actuating unit for introducing an actuating torque into the splitter group transmission unit, an open- and/or closed-loop control unit is provided for adapting the actuating torque introduced into the splitter group transmission unit to at least one synchronized shifting operation to be executed by means of the splitter group transmission unit without synchronizing ring.
US08647231B2 Transitioning between electric-drive and parallel-drive in a hybrid-electric vehicle powertrain
A method for operating a vehicle powertrain includes driving first wheels using an electric machine, starting an engine, using a second electric machine driven by the engine to produce synchronous speed at a input of a transmission having a desired gear engaged, engaging a clutch that connects said input and the engine, and using the engine and the transmission to drive second wheels.
US08647220B2 Basketball training device
A basketball training device having at least one elongated and vertically extending post with at least two longitudinally spaced openings. At least one elongated arm has one end insertable into one of the spaced openings on the post so that the arm extends horizontally outwardly from the post. A basketball player practices dribbling by dribbling both under the arm and over the arm as desired.
US08647216B2 Golf club head
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a golf club head having improved mass distribution characteristics. The golf club head includes a body and a face positioned at a forward portion of the body. The golf club head also includes one or more mass elements positioned at predetermined locations about the head. The mass elements assist in achieving desired relationship between the moment of inertia about a center of gravity x-axis and the moment of inertia about a center of gravity z-axis.
US08647211B2 Torque limiter
The torque limiter includes a flywheel, a clutch plate, a spline hub, a clutch disc assembly and a transmission torque limiting part. The flywheel includes a friction coupling surface. The clutch plate includes plural axial through holes. Plural friction members are respectively attached to the through holes. The spline hub can be engaged with a transmission-side shaft. The clutch disc assembly circumferentially elastically couples the clutch plate and the spline hub. The transmission torque limiting part limits torque to be transmitted from the flywheel to the transmission-side shaft while the friction members are interposed and held between the transmission torque limiting part and the friction coupling surface of the flywheel.
US08647207B2 Information updating management in a gaming system
Updating information in a client-server based gaming system comprising a client gaming machine, a game application server and a central database, by: storing in said central database login information for gaming system units that are logged in to the gaming system; storing updated information in the central database; storing an information update control command comprising an indication of the updated information and an indication of a receiver gaming system unit in the central database; generating an update command message comprising an update command for execution of an update operation in the receiver gaming system unit; determining the communication route to the receiver gaming system unit dependent on the stored login information; communicating the update command message to the receiver gaming system unit dependent on the determined communication route; executing the update command comprised in the update command message in the receiver gaming system unit.
US08647205B2 System, apparatus, storage medium storing program and data exchange method
A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.
US08647183B2 Air curtain system for a refrigerated case
A refrigerated display case, an air curtain system, and a method of providing an air curtain are provided. The air curtain is suitable for use with a refrigerated display case of the type having an open front, including those with a door selectively covering the open-front. The air curtain includes a secondary layer formed of ambient air cooled by exposure to a refrigerated primary layer.
US08647178B2 Polishing pad of polishing system
A polishing pad of a polishing system is mountable to a polishing plate and has a predetermined channel pattern so as to allow a polishing liquid supplied from a polishing liquid supplier to move on a polishing surface. The channel pattern has at least two kinds of patterns.
US08647177B2 Grinder for saw chain
A grinder capable of correctly grinding a cutting blade with a simple operation being provided. Two channels which can be replaced from above on a guide bar in alignment with right and left blades of a saw chain are provided in a base body, a grinding stone shaft is provided on the base separated from the channels by the predetermined same distance while inclined by a predetermined angle relative to a parallel direction to the channels, and a disk grinding stone attached to the grinding stone shaft grinds the side blade and the upper blade of the saw chain simultaneously. The grinder is characterized in that the outer wall of the channel is shorter than the inner wall and contact part contacting the guide bar are formed at lower ends of both walls to make the base horizontal.
US08647172B2 Wafer pads for fixed-spindle floating-platen lapping
Three rotary wafer abrasive lapping spindles having attached wafers are mounted on the flat surface of a granite lapping machine base. A flexible raised island abrasive disk is attached to the annular abrading surface of an abrading platen that is rotated at high speeds to flat lap, or polish, the exposed surfaces of the rotating wafers. Resilient wafer pads are used to minimize the effects of the abraded surfaces of the wafers not being precisely parallel to the platen abrading surface due to misalignment of the spindle tops. The resilient pads also compensate for two opposed flat surfaces of wafers not precisely parallel with each other. A mixture of the same types of chemicals that are used in the conventional CMP polishing of wafers with applied coolant water can be used with this abrasive lapping or polishing system to enhance abrading and to continually wash abrading debris from the wafers.
US08647168B2 Garment for providing body shaping
A garment for providing body shaping. In one embodiment, a slip-shaped body garment uses support bands to provide support in various areas of the body while maintaining an overall smooth and desirable body shape.
US08647165B1 Play panel installation
A panel installation provides a panel spaced between first and second uprights. The panel has first and second wings having wing wall portions preferably contacting the uprights above spaced side wall portions spaced from the uprights. Cutouts in the wings allow for insertion of a connector through the wings into threaded bores in the uprights. A deck between the uprights can receive connector(s) for connecting a lower portion of the panel to the deck.
US08647158B2 Device for mounting protector on din rail
A cam pin provided so as to project from a tip portion of an elastic tongue piece formed on a base unit of a protector S is inserted into a cam groove of a cam member disposed between the base unit and an operation member, and the operation member is moved in a direction in which the operation member moves away from or closer to a lower horizontal portion of the base unit to move the cam member, thus moving the cam pin between a locked position at which the cam pin a is positioned near a boundary between a inclined groove portion and a parallel groove portion of the cam groove of the cam member to inhibit the protector from being disengaged from a DIN rail and a unlocked position.
US08647152B2 High voltage connector
A high voltage connector (1) includes: a connector housing (2) formed of a high rigid material, and having a terminal housing portion (3) in which both sides are partitioned by a first partition wall (5) and a second partition wall (6), an engaging protrusion (7) provided on the first partition wall (5) side, and a tapered rib (8) that is provided on the second partition wall (6) side and is inclined in a direction of gradually protruding into the terminal housing portion (3) as going from an inlet side of the terminal housing portion (3) toward a depth of the terminal housing portion (3); and a terminal (10) to be housed in the terminal housing portion (3).
US08647149B2 Connecting member-terminated multi-core coaxial cable and method for manufacture thereof
A multi-core coaxial cable is composed of includes a plurality of coaxial cables, each of which having an insulator, an outer conductor, and a sheath successively disposed in a coaxial arrangement around a center conductor, and which are collectively covered by a cable sheath. At one end portion of the multi-core coaxial cable, the plurality of coaxial cables are exposed from the cable sheath and arranged in parallel rows. A connecting member is connected to one end of the multi-core coaxial cable, and the center conductors and outer conductors of the plurality of coaxial cables are respectively conductively connected to terminal portions of the connecting member. The covering member is positioned covering the periphery of the plurality of coaxial cables between the cable sheath and the connecting member.
US08647142B1 Retainer for maintaining electrical power plug connection to electrical power receptacle
A retainer comprises at least two retaining straps or retainer screws and a retainer plate having a cord hole, a slot, and a plurality of retainer holes or retainer strap notches. The retainer maintains connection of an electrical power plug at an end of an electrical power cord to an electrical power receptacle when the retainer is installed. The cord hole and slot extend through the retainer plate, and the slot extends from an edge of the retainer plate to the cord hole. Each of the at least two retaining straps is operable to engage a retainer hole or retaining strap notch in the retainer plate and extend from the retainer plate around the electrical power receptacle and back to the retainer plate.
US08647136B2 Coaxial cable connector having electrical continuity member
A coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body; a post engageable with the connector body, wherein the post includes a flange; a nut, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the nut having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the nut includes an internal lip, and wherein a second end portion of the nut corresponds to the portion of the nut extending from the second end of the nut to the side of the lip of the nut facing the first end of the nut at a point nearest the second end of the nut, and a first end portion of the nut corresponds to the portion of the nut extending from the first end of the nut to the same point nearest the second end of the nut of the same side of the lip facing the first end of the nut; and a continuity member disposed within the second end portion of the nut and contacting the post and the nut, so that the continuity member extends electrical grounding continuity through the post and the nut is provided.
US08647131B1 Electrical cord with replaceable plugs
An electrical cord plug having a receiving plug physically and electrically couplable with wires of an electrical cord and a detachable plug detachably physically and electrically couplable with the receiving plug. The detachable plug may be a male plug configured to plug into an electrical outlet or a female plug configured to receive a male plug from an electrical cord or device. The receiving plug may have conductive prongs or conductive ports for physically and electrically interfacing with conductive ports or conductive prongs of the detachable plug, respectively. The receiving plug and the detachable plug may each have non-conductive housings mechanically and detachably attachable with each other such that, if damaged, the detachable plug may be removed and replaced with a new detachable plug.
US08647128B2 Coaxial connector
A coaxial connector includes a center contact and a board contact coupled to the center contact that is terminated to a circuit board. An outer contact has a cavity that receives the center contact and board contact. The outer contact has a separable interface end mated to a mating connector and a terminating end mounted to the circuit board. A circuit board mount is coupled to the terminating end and electrically connects the outer contact to the circuit board. A dielectric insert is received in the cavity and includes a bore that receives and holds either the center contact or the board contact. The dielectric insert has structural features extending axially along an exterior of the dielectric insert with air gaps being defined between the structural features. The structural features engage the outer contact to secure the dielectric insert in the cavity.
US08647127B2 Methods and systems for demonstrating differences between and benefits of products
Disclosed are methods and systems of demonstrating advantages and benefits of premium animal care products, the methods comprising the steps of: presenting a first demonstration aid wherein the first demonstration aid demonstrates a first feature or characteristic; presenting a second demonstration aid wherein the second demonstration aid demonstrates a second feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the first feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the second feature or characteristic; and comparing the first and second features or characteristics to demonstrate the advantages and benefits of the animal care product. The methods and systems can include methods and systems of demonstrating reduced hair ingestion and hairball related effects; methods and systems of demonstrating improvements in skin and coat; and methods and systems of demonstrating better absorption and/or retention of food and nutrients, and production of less waste.
US08647126B2 System and computer program product for developing and delivering a training course
A first processing component is configured to create at least a first slide from electronic media selected from an electronic media repository. A computer communications interface is configured to access via a computer network a training electronic media repository. A first user interface is configured to permit selecting from the training electronic media repository a training course that includes at least a first slide including a presenter screen and further including at least a first presentee screen. A second processing component is configured to generate an image of the at least first slide for display by a first display subsystem. A third processing component is configured to generate an image of the at least first presentee screen for display by a second display subsystem to at least one presentee without displaying the presenter screen to the presentee.
US08647118B2 Deposition of discrete nanoparticles on a nanostructured surface of an implant
A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises forming a nanoscale roughened surface on the microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of depositing discrete nanoparticles on the nanoscale roughened surface though a one-step process of exposing the roughened surface to a solution including the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles comprise a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.
US08647110B2 Apparatuses and methods for fabricating semiconductor packages
An apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor package may include a mold and a molding plate. The mold may define a mold cavity with the mold being configured to receive a circuit board in the mold cavity, and the circuit board may include a semiconductor chip mounted thereon. A molding plate may be moveable in the mold cavity with the molding plate being configured to adjust a volume of the mold cavity. Related methods are also discussed.
US08647107B2 Die for manufacturing ceramic products
A die for manufacturing ceramic products, comprising a first (1) half-die (1) and a second half-die (2) located opposite one another, the first half-die (1) comprising a support (6). Fixed to the support (6) there is a plate (7), which deforms and distributes a pressure exerted by said second half-die (2) on said ceramic product and exhibits a peripheral portion (7a) and a central portion (7b). A chamber (8) is afforded between the support (6) and the plate (7) for containing an operating fluid and enabling deformation of the plate (7). The peripheral portion (1a) exhibits an elastic deformability which is greater than an elastic deformability of the central portion (7b).
US08647105B2 Embossing system and product made thereby with both perforate bosses in the cross machine direction and a macro pattern
An embossing system is provided for embossing at least a portion of a web comprising a first roll and at least a second roll. The first roll and second roll may define a first nip for embossing the web. At least one of the first roll and the second roll has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the machine direction and optionally at least one of the first and second rolls has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction. At least one of the first roll and the second roll may also have perforate embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction that may or may not be elongated. The embossing elements are capable of imparting one or both of a cube embossing pattern or a perforate emboss on the web. In addition, the web may be creped with an undulatory creping blade.
US08647096B2 Production of a creped material for connections and transitions on buildings
For producing a creped material, especially a sealing material for connections and transitions on buildings, with this material being provided with crepe folds, wherein the crepe folds run in different directions, a method is disclosed with the steps of: a) preparing a deformable material web (9) with a main expansion direction (90); b1) forming a longitudinal profile (91) in at least one region of the deformable material web (9), wherein the longitudinal profile runs essentially parallel to the main expansion direction (90); c) forming a transverse profile (94) in at least one region of the deformable material web (9), wherein the transverse profile (94) runs at an angle other than 180° relative to the main expansion direction (90); and d) pressing at least one section of the deformable material web (9) that has at least one region with a longitudinal profile (91) and a transverse profile (94), so that the material web (9) is provided with the crepe folds. Roller arrangements for performing the method are also disclosed.
US08647092B2 Hot isotropic pressure device
A hot isotropic pressure device including: a casing disposed inside a high-pressure container; a heating unit provided inside the casing and forms a hot zone around the treatment material, in which an isotropic pressure treatment is performed on the treatment material using a pressure medium gas. A cooling unit is provided to cool the hot zone by guiding the pressure medium gas, cooled while guided from the upper side toward the lower side at the outside of the casing, into the hot zone. The cooling unit includes a gas introducing unit which guides the pressure medium gas cooled at the outside of the casing from the lower portion of the high-pressure container to the upper portion of the hot zone without any intersection with the pressure medium gas inside the hot zone and introduces the pressure medium gas into the hot zone.
US08647087B2 Cooling system for gerotor motor
A hydraulic motor having a cooling system includes a stator, a rotor that rotates and orbits in the stator, a drive link connected to the rotor, and a housing connected with the stator. The housing includes a working fluid inlet port, a working fluid outlet port, a cooling fluid inlet port, and a cooling fluid outlet port. Each port extends through the housing and is configured to connect with a different associated external fluid line. Pressurized fluid enters the working fluid inlet port to rotate and orbit the rotor en route to the working fluid outlet port. The cooling fluid ports are isolated from the working fluid inlet port and the working fluid outlet port within the housing.
US08647085B2 Scroll fluid machine having a communication passage between an inner periphery of lip seal and an outer periphery of drive shaft or ring
A scroll fluid machine with ensured reliability of an oil seal and a bearing even in a compressor operation at high rpm and high load is provided, which includes: a fixed scroll; an orbiting scroll facing the fixed scroll and having a boss provided on a face opposite to the fixed scroll; a drive shaft having a leading end mounted to the boss; an orbiting bearing supporting the drive shaft in connection with the orbiting scroll; and a seal member placed between the boss and the drive shaft to seal against a lubricant supplied to the orbiting bearing. The seal member has an oil lip producing action of moving the lubricant toward the orbiting bearing by rotation of the drive shaft. A communication passage is provided in the oil lip for communication between a space between the orbiting bearing and the seal member and a space outside the boss.
US08647081B2 Electric water pump
The present invention relates to an electric water pump having improved performance and durability. The electric water pump may include a stator generating a magnetic field according to a control signal, a rotor rotated by the magnetic field, a pump cover having an inlet and an outlet, a body having a front surface forming a volute chamber, a stator chamber, and a rotor chamber, the stator mounted in the stator chamber and the rotor mounted in the rotor chamber, a shaft having a central axis, fixed to the rotor and mounted in the rotor chamber, and an impeller fixed to the shaft so as to rotate together with the shaft, pressurizing the coolant having flowed in through the inlet, and mounted in the volute chamber, wherein the rotor chamber is fluidly connected to the volute chamber, and the stator chamber is fluidly closed and sealed from the rotor chamber.
US08647078B2 Motor pump assembly for transmission valve body
A pumping system for an automatic transmission includes a valve body containing transmission fluid having an upper level, a hydraulic pump mounted on a wall of the valve body, and an electric motor driveably connected to the pump.
US08647075B2 Control valve for a variable displacement pump
A fluid device includes a variable swashplate adapted for movement between a first position and a second position. A control piston is adapted to selectively move the variable swashplate between the first and second positions. A control valve is in fluid communication with the control piston. The control valve includes a sleeve defining a spool bore, at least one fluid inlet passage in fluid communication with a fluid source and at least one control passage in fluid communication with the control piston. The control fluid passage includes an opening at the spool bore. A spool is disposed in the spool bore of the sleeve. The spool includes a metering surface that selectively communicates fluid between the fluid inlet passage and the control fluid passage. The metering surface has a first end and a second end. The metering surface having a tapered surface disposed between the first and second ends.
US08647071B2 Hollow turbine wheel vane comprising a rib and associated wheel and turbomachine
A turbine blade extends radially between a blade root and a blade tip having an open cavity referred to as a bathtub formed therein, which cavity is defined by a closed end wall and a side rim. The side rim of the cavity carries at least one rib extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the blade.
US08647070B2 Reinforced composite aerofoil blade
The present invention relates to an aerofoil blade comprising a root, a tip, a leading edge and a trailing edge. At least part of the tip and at least a part of the trailing edge of the blade are reinforced by at least one portion of drapable reinforcing material wrapped around the tip and trailing edge.
US08647066B2 Blade with non-axisymmetric platform: recess and boss on the extrados
A blade for a turbomachine impeller including an airfoil, and at least one platform at one of the ends of the airfoil, the blade configured to be arranged with a plurality of substantially identical blades so as to form a ring around a ring axis. In the blade, a suction surface profile at the surface of the platform and along the suction surface has a first recessed part located axially in an upstream half of the airfoil and a first boss-like part located axially downstream of the first recessed part. Due to this configuration, efficiency of the blade is improved.
US08647061B2 Teeter-restraint device for wind turbines
A wind turbine system includes a shaft, a rotor for driving the shaft, and a first fluidic teeter control assembly. The rotor includes a first blade engaged to the shaft by a hub, and has a degree of freedom to pivot relative to the shaft. A first teeter angle is defined between an instantaneous position of the first blade and a time-averaged plane of rotation of the first blade. The first fluidic teeter control assembly is engaged between the rotor and the shaft for providing a first dynamic teeter restraining force as a function of the first teeter angle and a fluidic resistance. The first dynamic restraining force is relatively low when the first teeter angle is within a first teeter operation range, and the first dynamic restraining force is higher when the first teeter angle is outside that range.
US08647057B2 Turbine exhaust diffuser with a gas jet producing a coanda effect flow control
An exhaust diffuser system and method for a turbine engine includes an inner boundary and an outer boundary with a flow path defined therebetween. The inner boundary is defined at least in part by a hub structure that has an upstream end and a downstream end. The outer boundary may include a region in which the outer boundary extends radially inward toward the hub structure and may direct at least a portion of an exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the hub structure. The hub structure includes at least one jet exit located on the hub structure adjacent to the upstream end of the tail cone. The jet exit discharges a flow of gas substantially tangential to an outer surface of the tail cone to produce a Coanda effect and direct a portion of the exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the inner boundary.
US08647053B2 Cooling arrangement for a turbine component
A cooled component wall (52) with a combustion gas (36) on one side (56) and a coolant gas (48) with higher pressure on the other side (58). The wall includes a cooling chamber (60) with an impingement cooling zone (62), a convective cooling zone (64), and a film cooling zone (66). Impingement holes (70) admit and direct jets (72) of coolant against the wall, then the coolant passes among heat transfer elements such as channels (76) and fins (78) to the film cooling zone (66) where it passes through holes in the wall that direct a film of the coolant along the combustion side of the wall. The chamber may be oriented with the impingement zone (62) downstream and the film cooling zone (66) upstream, relative to the combustion gas flow (36). This provides two passes of the coolant (84, 79) in opposite directions over the respective opposite sides of the wall (56, 58).
US08647040B2 Tray flip unloader
A mailpiece transfer system uses a transfer box to unload a plurality of mailpieces from an open tray, while maintaining an orientation alignment of the flat items. The tray is placed in the transfer box, after which the transfer box, holding the tray, is rotated to cause the mailpieces to rest against a cover of the transfer box. The tray is then removed, and the transfer box rotated again, allowing the substantially flat items to rest against a bottom of the transfer box, but without the tray. The mailpieces are then guided to a next workstation. The mailpieces may be edged for delivery to the next workstation.
US08647036B2 Retainer ring
A retainer ring including an outer ring having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a plurality of spring beam elements extending inwardly from the interior surface, and a central aperture. Each of the spring beam elements includes an elongated arm having a first end attached to the interior surface of the outer ring and a second, free end opposite the first end. Each of free ends of the arms includes a tab portion and a pressure pad that extends from the tab portion. The retainer ring captivates pin members, such as bolts, onto work pieces, such that the pressure pads engage and align with an annular groove of the bolt. When the bolt engages the retainer ring, each of the spring beam elements is displaced and expands radially from a free position to an expanded position in order to enable the bolt to travel through the aperture. The retainer ring captivates the bolt onto the work piece, while providing a positive hold out of the bolt.
US08647035B2 Modular nut plate assemblies and methods of using the same
A nut plate assembly includes a nut retainer and a bushing for expanding a tubular body of the retainer. The retainer assembly is used to cold work an opening of a workpiece in order to fix the nut retainer assembly relative to the workpiece. A nut can be snapped into the retainer. A method of installation includes passing a mandrel through the bushing to radially expand the bushing into a tubular body of the retainer. The tubular body is compressed between the workpiece and bushing as the bushing is displaced radially causing corresponding radial displacement of the tubular body. The expanded bushing applies pressure to the tubular body for a desired fit between the nut retainer and workpiece.
US08647027B2 Milling cutter and cutting insert having rear protuberance therefor
A cutting insert for mounting in a socket on an insert holder of a milling cutter. The cutting insert has opposing top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral surface extending therebetween, forming one or two cutting edges. The peripheral surface has a front arcuate surface and a rear surface. The rear surface has a protuberance that extends in a direction away from a central region of the front surface. The protuberance is located in the socket. The socket includes a first socket side abutment surface for providing primarily axial support for the cutting insert against cutting forces acting in an axial rearward direction during a milling operation.
US08647025B2 Monolithic ceramic end mill
End mills are disclosed which may be made monolithically of ceramic or other materials. The cutting portions of the end mills have lengths of cut that are no more than twice their cutting diameters and cores which are at least 0.7 times their cutting diameters. Their axial blades have cutting edges with negative radial rake and are separated by helical flutes. Their cutting ends have negative axial rake and are gashed ahead of center and have radial cutting edges with negative rake. Such end mills also have radiused corners and gashes transitioning from radial to axial at a flute. Methods of milling materials using such ceramic end mills are also disclosed.
US08647020B2 Plastic cable bolt button
A cable bolt button comprising a continuous sidewall having a first end, a second end and an end portion attached to the first end of the sidewall, forming an inner cavity. The cable bolt button forms an interference fit between the sidewall of the cable bolt button and a cable bolt when the button is placed over the distal end of the cable bolt. The cable bolt button may also include a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the end portion away from the inner cavity and/or at least one recess. The protrusions may be separate features of the end portion or the first end of the sidewall may have a non-linear profile with the periphery of the end portion following the profile of the sidewall to form the protrusions and recesses. The end portion may also comprise a plurality of intersecting surfaces further shaping the protrusions and recesses.
US08647012B2 Gate for barrier system and methods for the assembly and use thereof
A gate for providing an opening in a barrier system includes a gate barrier segment and a connector having first and second connector segments. The first connector segment is coupled to the gate barrier segment. The first and second connector segments are releasably coupled, and may be hingedly connected on at least one of a first and second side thereof. The second connector segment is configured to be coupled to a stationary barrier segment.
US08647011B2 Engine shaft of hybrid design
On an engine shaft of hybrid design with an externally toothed power transmission element connected at the ends of a fiber-composite plastic tube, the power transmission element is of a two-part design and includes a toothed part made of steel of a specific hardness and, frontally weldedly connected thereto, a tapering adapter part enclosed by a fiber-composite material to form a scarf-type joint and having a thermal expansion approximately equal to the expansion behavior of the fiber-composite material.
US08647005B2 Paint trimmer
The paint trimmer includes a rigid base and a handle removably attachable to the base. The handle includes a bladder for storing paint. A paint applicator is associated with the base and fluidly coupled to the bladder via a manifold. Accordingly, a user may selectively dispense paint from the bladder to the paint applicator via the manifold for application to a surface to be painted. A paint mask associated with the base and offset from the paint applicator prevents paint from dispensing to undesired locations of the surface.
US08647004B2 Assembling structure of intermediate tube of lipstick
The present invention provides an improved assembling structure of intermediate tube of lipstick, which is an improvement of assembling positioning structure of intermediate tube of lipstick that realizes comfortable and smooth rotation control in out-feeding lipstick, generally including a plurality of equally divided and slightly convexly raised elastic flange plates that are formed on a circumferential surface of a rotary base to which an intermediate tube is assembled, whereby the intermediate tube, when assembled, shows a point elastic pushing positioning assembling with respect to the rotary base so that when the rotary base is rotated to control the internally received lipstick holder to raise or lower, an effect of safe use that is realized by positive engagement and shaking-free rotation control. As such, the assembling structure of lipstick is made stable and positive and comfort and safety of the use of the lipstick are ensured.
US08646995B2 Image recording apparatus
The present invention supplied an excellent printer which can print on a thick print medium without deformation of character. In the printer, a tension spring is respectively furnished on both ends of a carriage shaft which slidably supports a carriage carrying a print head, and pulls the carriage shaft upward; a carriage shaft gear is respectively fixed the both ends of the carriage shaft and engages with rack furnished on a side frame; the carriage shaft only moves up and down; and when a print medium P whose thickness is a predetermined thickness or over is fed, the carriage does not incline, but evenly moves upward through rotation of the carriage shaft gear.
US08646994B2 Compact camera module
A thermoplastic composition for use in a compact camera module is provided. The thermoplastic composition contains a liquid crystalline polymer and a plurality of fibers. The volume average length of the fibers in the thermoplastic composition is selectively controlled according to the present invention so that it is within a certain range, such as from about 80 to about 250 micrometers. The fibers also have a narrow length distribution. That is, at least about 70% by volume of the fibers have a length within a certain range. Through the use of a liquid crystalline polymer and fibers of a certain weight average length and narrow length distribution, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition is able to achieve a desirable combination of strength and surface smoothness, which enables it to be uniquely suited for a compact camera module.
US08646993B2 Image pickup apparatus
After a shutter drive motor drives a shutter to a holding mode, if a first determination unit determines that a mirror is not ready to move to a mirror up mode, a control unit switches the shutter drive motor to a first braking mode. After the shutter drive motor is switched to the first braking mode, if the first determination unit determines that a mirror is ready to move to the mirror up mode before a second determination unit determines that the shutter drive motor is to be switched to a second braking mode, the control unit switches the shutter drive motor to an open mode until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first determination unit determined that the mirror was ready to move to a mirror up mode.
US08646990B2 Optoelectronic module and optoelectronic arrangement
An optoelectronic module comprising: at least one light-emitting diode chip arranged on a carrier, and a mounting attachment fastened to the carrier and at least partly covering the light-emitting diode chip, and having a structured top which allows positioning of an optical element.
US08646988B2 Optical connector adapter with excellent dust resistance
Provided is an optical connector adapter of the type in which a shell-side hollow cylindrical portion is integrally formed in a shell, a sleeve holder inserted in the shell has a holder-side hollow cylindrical portion, and a sleeve is held by the shell-side cylindrical portion and the holder-side cylindrical portion. The shell has an inward engaging projection on the inner periphery thereof at its portions facing the holder-side cylindrical portion while the sleeve holder has a holder locking portion. By engaging the holder locking portion with the engaging projection, the sleeve holder is prevented from being removed from the shell. The optical connector adapter is attached to a housing so as to pass through its wall such that the shell-side cylindrical portion is located outside the housing while the holder-side cylindrical portion is located inside the housing.
US08646987B2 Pivot assembly bearing
A pivot assembly bearing having a bearing inner ring, a shaft, a bearing outer ring, a housing, and an UV curable anaerobic adhesive fixing the bearing inner ring to the shaft, and the bearing outer ring to the housing, wherein the adhesive includes 15 to 25% of urethane acrylate, 45 to 55% of acrylic acid diester, less than 3% of acrylic acid monomer, 15 to 30% of hydroxyalkylmethacrylate, less than 3% of anaerobic catalyst, and less than 3% of photopolymerization initiating agent, and in addition, a coloring agent, if necessary. The pivot assembly bearing reduces outgas, shortens adhesive curing time, and no tack at the adhesive surface is obtained.
US08646986B2 Pivot assembly bearing
A pivot assembly bearing capable to decrease the pressing force when it is pressed into a mounting hole of a swing arm and to prevent the formation of particles on the outer circumferential surface of a sleeve of pivot assembly bearing is provided. The pivot assembly bearing comprises a shaft, and a sleeve 13 rotatably supported around the shaft, a plurality of grooves extending along a circumferential direction are successively formed in an axial direction on an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 13, and the surface roughness of the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 13 is 0.5 to 8 μm in terms of center line average roughness (Ra) and 5 to 30 μm in terms of maximum height (Rmax).
US08646984B2 Cellular encasement protection system for roller assembly
A roller assembly having a roller tube, a fixed shaft inside the roller tube, a bearing mounted on the shaft, an inner casing mounted on the bearing and rotatable with respect to the shaft, an outer casing fixedly mounted on the shaft, a shield cap mounted on the inner casing, and a seal member mounted between the roller tube, the shield cap and the inner casing for sealing the roller assembly. Facing walls of the inner casing and outer casing define inner cells and a first labyrinth path for reducing migration of contaminants through the inner cells. Facing walls of the outer casing and shield cap define outer cells and a second labyrinth path for reducing migration of contaminants through the outer cells. The facing walls of the outer casing and shield cap are provided with gel for further reducing migration of contaminants through the outer cells.
US08646983B2 Rolling bearing
A rolling bearing includes: a first raceway member; a second raceway member; rolling elements; a guide member; and a cage. The guide member is formed integrally with or separately from the second raceway surface, and includes: an annular guide surface arranged at a position different from a second raceway surface of the second raceway member in an axial direction; a flow path in which compressed air for supplying lubricating oil flows; and an annular groove provided in the guide surface in a circumferential direction. The annular groove has: a discharge opening connected to the flow path in a groove bottom part; and an introducing surface configured to introduce the compressed air toward the second raceway member in the axial direction. The annular cage holds the rolling elements and has a guided surface opposing the guide surface such that the guided surface can slidably contact the guide surface.
US08646982B2 Rolling bearing
A rolling bearing that has at least one first row of rolling elements and one second row of rolling elements as well as a common bearing ring for both rows.
US08646981B2 Bearing elements, bearing assemblies, and related methods
Bearing components, bearing assemblies and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a bearing element includes a base layer and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer comprising a plurality of PCD elements coupled with the base layer wherein each PCD element comprising a substrate and a diamond table. The plurality of PCD elements may be fit together to form a substantially continuous bearing surface. For example, the diamond tables may exhibit substantially square or rectangular geometries that are fit together to define the bearing surface. In other embodiments, the bearing elements may be spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the bearing element may include a single PCD element formed from a prefabricated PCD compact or cutting tool blank. Various bearing assemblies may incorporate such a bearing element including, for example, thrust bearings, journal bearings, and tilting pad bearing assemblies.
US08646975B2 Easy open and reclosable package with discrete tape and die-cut web
An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete tape including a base strip between first and second side panels; at least a first portion of the first surface of the strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive and adhered by the adhesive to the inner surface of the first panel at a first location, and a second portion of the first surface of the strip anchored to the inner surface of the first panel at a second location; a die cut in the first panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment, the die cut segment so arranged that when the package is opened, it can be reclosed by adhering at least one of the first and second panels to the adhesive; and a product in the pouch.
US08646970B2 Container with expandable portion
A soft sided insulated container assembly has a first insulated container portion and a second insulated container portion. The second insulated container portion can be collapsed to a flat position, and secured in place. Either of the container portions may have a liner. The liner in the first container portion may be a substantially rigid liner. The assembly may have a lifting member. In one example the second portion may be hingedly mounted to the first portion, and the lifting member may be mounted such that when the assembly is lifted, the hinge is in an up-and-down orientation. In another embodiment, the lifting member may be eccentrically mounted, such that the assembly may possibly sit more comfortably against a carrier's hip. The first container portion may have an auxiliary opening or door, and that door may be more easily opened than the main access of the first insulated container portion.
US08646969B2 Apparatus and methods for temperature calibration and sensing
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a first switch, a second switch, and a circuit coupled to the first and second switches. The first switch may be configured to switch between an on-state and an off-state based on a value of a first current flowing through a number of resistors and a diode coupled in series with the resistors. The second switch may be configured to switch between the on-state and the off-state based on a value of a second current on a circuit path. The second current is a function of a voltage at a node between two of the resistors and a resistance of the circuit path. The circuit may be configured to provide a temperature reading based on the number of times the first switch or the second switch switches between the on-state and the off-state during a time interval.
US08646966B2 Disposable shaker
A disposable shaker has an upper cover part having a multi-compartment with compartments closed by a membrane and containing components of the desired cocktail and having a lower cup part rotatingly associated to the cover part with teeth for tearing the membrane. The separation walls forming the compartments are obtained as substantially U-shaped hollow walls, opening outwards and having the transverse side of the U-shape forming the surface for fixing the membrane. Along the longitudinal axis of the multi-compartment the separation walls are joined in a single piece with an axial duct which is extended along the multi-compartment. Also provided for is an element suitable to guarantee proper positioning between the cover part and the cup part in the assembled position, and elastic locking elements preventing the shaker from opening after preparing the cocktail. The shaker may have an “overturned arrangement” of the internal structures of the cover and cup.
US08646948B1 LED lighting fixture
An lighting fixture includes a reflector, a pedestal, and a lighting module. The reflector includes an opening formed therethrough and the pedestal is positioned in communication with the opening. The lighting module is coupled to the pedestal. In certain embodiments, the reflector is organically shaped and includes four parts, where each part is substantially S-shaped. The lighting module includes a frame and indirect LEDs that emit light toward the interior surface of the reflector. The indirect LEDs are positioned below the lowest portions of the reflector a are positioned at an angle with respect to a horizontal axis. The frame includes a cut-off wall that provides for a cut-off angle for the indirect LEDs and one or more fins. The frame and the pedestal provide thermal management for the LEDs. In certain embodiments, the lighting module also includes one or more of direct LEDs and an active cooling module.
US08646941B1 Lighting apparatus and method
In the specification and drawings a lighting apparatus is described and shown with a first light source having a light output with a central axis; a first reflector; and a first lens positioned between said first light source and said first reflector, such that at least a portion of the light output of said first light source passes through said first lens, and is redirected by said first reflector. Also described and shown in the specification and drawings is a lighting apparatus kit, as well as a method of illuminating an area.
US08646939B2 Display system having circadian effect on humans
A display system includes an illumination unit in which a predetermined light spectrum can be produced with the illumination unit, the average light intensity of which light spectrum can be reduced or increased over the wavelength range of 420 nm to 500 nm relative to the average light intensity above and below this wavelength range such that the predetermined light spectrum is greater relative to a light spectrum produced without this reduction or increase.
US08646932B2 Backlight unit and the display device having the same
Provided are a backlight unit and a display device having the same. The backlight unit configured to emit light onto a display panel in which one screen is defined into a plurality of display areas includes a bottom frame having a bottom surface and a sidewall, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) defining a plurality of light emitting areas corresponding to the display areas of the display panel, and an integrated light guide plate covering the plurality of LEDs, the integrated light guide plate being disposed on the plurality of light emitting areas corresponding to one screen. The light guide plate has a plurality of grooves for receiving at least one LED in an under surface thereof.
US08646924B2 Rearview device mounting assembly with rotatable support
A rearview device mounting assembly including a mount configured to be operably coupled to a windshield. A first support extends downward from the mount. A second support is rotatably connected with the first support and is rotatable about a first axis of rotation. The second support includes a carrier that extends substantially orthogonal to the first axis of rotation. A rearview device assembly is operably connected to the carrier. The rearview device assembly is substantially vertically rotatable about the carrier and substantially horizontally rotatable about the first support.
US08646919B2 Light source unit utilizing laser for light source and projector
A light source unit includes a light emitting plate which has a plurality of segment areas and in which a luminescent material layer which emits light having a predetermined wavelength band by receiving excitation light and a transmissive portion which transmits light are formed on at least the plurality of segment areas, a primary light source for emitting excitation light on to the luminescent material, a secondary light source for emitting light having a wavelength band which differs from those of luminescent light emitted from the luminescent material layer and excitation light emitted from the primary light source, a light guiding optical system for guiding light emitted from the light emitting plate and light emitted from the secondary light source to the same optical path, and a light source control means for controlling the emission of light from the primary light source and the secondary light source.
US08646912B2 Fundus photographing apparatus
A fundus photographing apparatus has an optical system including a movable focusing lens and photographing a fundus, an optical system photo-receiving by a first image pickup element a target from an alignment target projection optical system and detect an alignment state of the photographing optical system with respect to an eye based on a result by the first element, a detection optical system photo-receiving by a second image pickup element a target from a focus target projection optical system and detect a focus state adjusted by moving the lens based on a photo-receiving result by the second element, a unit controlling a light source to successively emit flash light at predetermined intervals in a predetermined period to perform fluorescent photographing, and a unit controlling movement of the photographing optical system with respect to the eye based on a result by the alignment detection optical system during the predetermined period.
US08646898B2 Nail print apparatus
Disclosed is a nail print apparatus including: a nail print apparatus including: a print finger inserting section to insert a finger with a nail to be printed as a print finger; a non-print finger inserting section to insert a finger on which printing is not performed as a non-print finger; a grabbing section which is provided between the print finger inserting section and the non-print finger inserting section and which can be pinched with the print finger and the non-print finger; and a printing section which performs printing on a nail of the print finger, wherein the grabbing section includes a first finger positioning section to position the four fingers when printing is performed by the printing section; and a second finger positioning section to position the thumb of the second hand when printing is performed by the printing section.
US08646880B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A charge accumulated on an insulative nozzle plate flows into the ink with which nozzle openings and pressure generation chambers are filled and reaches a vibration plate. The charge that has reached the vibration plate is driven out therethrough because the vibration plate is made of a conductive ceramic material and is grounded. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an ink jet recording head in which insulation breakdown of the vibration plate caused by the charge accumulated on the vibration plate is suppressed from occurring and a driving circuit is suppressed from being damaged.
US08646875B2 Independent adjustment of drop mass and velocity using stepped nozzles
Methods and systems of ejecting ink drops from an inkjet printer are disclosed. The methods and systems can include a printhead with one or more stepped nozzles each with an associated entrance diameter and exit diameter. Ink can be received into the printhead and formed into ink drops in the stepped nozzles. The ink drops can each have an associated drop mass and drop speed. The stepped nozzles can be provided such that the exit diameter can independently dictate the drop mass and the entrance diameter can independently dictate the drop speed. As such, the complexity of jet design optimization is reduced.
US08646871B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including a recording head having an array of nozzles disposed in a surface of the recording head to eject liquid droplets vertically upward to form an image on a recording medium conveyed above the recording head, a suction cap to cover the surface of the recording head from above, and a waste liquid receiver provided to a periphery of the recording head to receive liquid streaming down the periphery of the recording head upon removal of the suction cap from the surface of the recording head.
US08646869B2 Recording position error measurement apparatus and method, image forming apparatus and method, and computer-readable medium
A recording position error measurement apparatus includes a read image signal acquisition device and a signal processing device having: a dividing device which divides pixel series of the read image signal into sequences having different remainder values so as to generate image signals of the respective sequences; a prediction signal generation device which calculates regular prediction signals which are predicted with respect to the respective sequences, according to the read image signal; a threshold value determination device which determines tone value differences corresponding to respective distances representing recording position errors from the prediction signals, and which determines threshold values corresponding respectively to the recording position errors, from the tone value differences; a change signal calculation device which calculates a change signal indicating a difference between the prediction signal and the image signal of each of the sequences; and an error distance calculation device which specifies the recording position errors of the plurality of recording elements in the recording head according to comparing the change signal with each of the threshold values.
US08646856B2 Bottom-mounted slide and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention relates to a bottom-mounted slide. The bottom-mounted slide includes a movable member, stationary members and a ball housings. First raceways are formed in both lateral sides of the movable member. Each stationary member has second raceways which are respectively connected to the first raceways by corresponding balls to guide the movable member. The balls roll along the corresponding first and second raceways. The ball housings are provided between the movable member and each of the stationary members. The ball housings support the balls. A depressed part is provided in a predetermined portion of each of the lateral sides of the movable member between the corresponding first raceways. The depressed part is inserted into a hollow space defined inside the first raceways of the corresponding end of the movable member. Therefore, the stability can be increased by improvement of roll-forming and reduction of horizontal moment.
US08646845B2 Seat belt arrangement for a seat of a vehicle
A seatbelt guide is attached to a seat of a motor vehicle in the shoulder area of the seat to guide a shoulder belt. The guide includes an inner element fixed relative to the seat, and an outer element spaced from the inner element by a distance to receive and guide the seatbelt. The outer element is movable relative to the inner element in a longitudinal direction to allow the seatbelt to be removed from the guide. This may be desirable if, for example, the seat has a fold-down back rest. The outer element pivots about a pivot axis extending approximately in a transverse direction of the vehicle.
US08646825B2 Overhead console with storage unit insert
The present disclosure provides an overhead console for a motor vehicle that can firmly hold, store and allow viewing of a portable electronic device. The overhead console can include a sunglass storage bin that is pivotally attached to an overhead console storage structure, the sunglass storage bin having a closed position and an open position. The console can also include a storage unit insert that is attached to and located at least partially within the sunglass storage bin. The storage unit insert can be dimensioned to hold a portable electronic device within the sunglass storage bin and allow the device to be stored out of view when the sunglass storage bin is in the closed position and allow viewing of the electronic device when the sunglass storage bin is in the open position.
US08646820B2 Hook assembly with variable angular hook orientation
A hook assembly made up of a hook subassembly with a hook having a first axis, a support subassembly, and an indexing mechanism. The indexing mechanism: a) releasably biasably maintains the hook and support subassemblies in a first operative relationship wherein the hook has a first angular orientation around the first axis; and b) permits the hook and support subassemblies to be changed from the first operative relationship to be releasably maintained in a second operative relationship, wherein the hook has a second angular orientation around the first axis.
US08646816B2 Multistage door lock
Disclosed is an electromechanical locking device for a door of an appliance, particularly an oven. Said locking device comprises a lock (1) on the appliance and a hook (2) on the door. The lock (1) is provided with bolts (3, 4) on both sides of the hook (2), said bolts (3, 4) allowing the door to be opened and closed in an intermediate latched stage and a main latched stage.
US08646810B2 Method of labeling a package for shipment
A method of labeling a package for shipment includes: providing a shipping label having a generally laminar body with a designated tear path matrix extending over at least a major portion thereof, the generally laminar body having a face side on which is printed origination, destination and tracking data, and a bottom side to which is applied a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface; and attaching the shipping label to a surface of the package, via the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface on the bottom side of said label, prior to its shipment via a common carrier. The designated tear path matrix may be a pattern of interconnected regular hexagons, or a pattern of intersecting first and second parallel tear lines. The tear path matrix may be formed by through-hole perforations in the label body, by channels in the label body, or by regions of reduced shear strength in the label body.
US08646805B2 Light duty cart
A cart includes foldable upper and lower frame members. In some arrangements, the cart can also double as a table. The cart includes a main-frame structure, an upper framework pivotally attached to an upper portion of the main-frame, and a lower frame stand pivotally attached to a bottom portion of the main-frame. A panel is provided in the cart space defined by the side members of the main-frame structure. The cart stands upright when the main-frame is in a vertical position with respect to the surface of the ground and the lower frame stand is extended with respect to the main-frame. The cart can function as a table when the main-frame is positioned horizontally with respect to the surface of the ground and the upper framework and the lower frame stand are extended with respect to the main-frame.
US08646804B2 Apparatus for a convertible wheeled patient aid
A convertible wheeled patient aid for assisting a patient in a first transport mode and a second transport mode comprising a frame having at least one wheel, a seat, a handle. A configurable backrest, configurable from a first position to a second position. The aid further comprising a leg rigging movably coupled to the frame from a first position to a second position. A leg rigging retaining member, selectively engageable with the leg rigging member.
US08646803B2 Baby carriage with stand to prevent tipping
The present description relates to a baby carriage comprising two rear wheels and a front wheel, a chassis that is carried by said wheels, a seat carried in the chassis and intended for a passenger, as well as a folding stand. The stand guarantees that the baby carriage does not risk tipping and that it stands stably on the substratum when it stands still.
US08646794B2 Three-wheeled motorized vehicle
A three-wheeled motorized vehicle with a reverse trike or tadpole configuration is described. The vehicle includes a rear frame coupled to a single rear wheel and a front frame that is operatively coupled to a pair of front wheels mounted on opposite sides of the front frame. The rear frame is pivotably coupled to the front frame by a first coupling located along a top portion of the front frame and a second coupling located along a bottom portion of the front frame. The first coupling is located forward of the second coupling to provide a negative rake angle. Handlebars affixed to the front frame pivot the front frame, an engine mounted therein, and the front wheels about the first and second couplings. The location of the first and second couplings also causes the rear frame to lean out of a vertical plane when the front frame is pivoted.
US08646789B2 Torsion beam type suspension device
A torsion beam type suspension device is provided in which a trailing arm part and a torsion beam part are formed as a unit by press-forming a tailored blank material in which end parts of plate materials having different thicknesses are butt-welded via a weld part. A weld part of the tailored blank material comprises a U-shaped cross section in which front and rear side wall portions are connected via a bottom wall portion, and a pair of cutouts are formed at the edge of each of the side wall portions at positions sandwiching the weld part, and therefore, when the torsion beam part is twistedly deformed, shifting the concentration of stress from the weld part to the cutout enables peeling apart of the weld end part to be prevented and the durability of the torsion beam type suspension device to be enhanced.
US08646781B2 Heat-assisted hermetic spring seal
A hermetic seal includes a spring seal compressed with a limited sealing force between sealing surfaces. The sealing surfaces surround a gas-filled cavity that houses heat sensitive components. The hermetic seal includes a film that joins the spring seal to the sealing surfaces. The film includes a material that is softenable by heat to hermetically seal the spring seal to the sealing surfaces. The hermetic seal includes an externally accessible surface for selectively application of the heat to the film, without overheating the heat sensitive components.
US08646780B1 Coin dropping game system
A coin dropping game system has a lower base and an upper base. A housing has open upper end and an open bottom end which is coupled to the top of the upper base. A lid having a lip is positioned over, and encloses, the upper end of the housing. A vertical support shaft has a lower end rotatably coupled with respect to the upper base and an upper end extending upwardly through the central aperture in the lid. The shaft has associated plates, having coin receiving surfaces. A base support plate is formed with a central aperture for rotatably receiving the lower end of the vertical support shaft.
US08646768B2 Quick spin holder for tools and accessories
A holder adapted to be attached to a tether to help retrieve a dropped tool or prevent a dropped tool from being lost or forgotten during use where the holder has a hollow member with an open end and a closed end and is adapted to frictionally hold a non-working end of a tool in the hollow member. The closed end of the hollow member has a centrally located opening within which is located a cylindrical member which is connected at one end to a shoulder connector and is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to an attachment means at its other end. The cylindrical member can be either fixed or rotatably coupled to the opening in the hollow member and the attachment means is configured to be attached to an end of a tether.
US08646764B2 Negative pressure clamp with flexible working plate maintained by lugs
The invention relates to a negative pressure clamp that includes a bearing plate including a plurality of chambers into each of which gives a suction duct, said working plate being covered with a flexible and formable working plate having suction openings formed therein for drawing a part to be maintained and perforations in which are inserted the lugs of the bearing plate arranged about the chambers.
US08646763B2 Movable pole extension for a magnetic clamping apparatus and magnetic clamping apparatus having such movable pole extension
The present invention relates to a movable pole extension (4) for a magnetic clamping apparatus (1) for holding a ferromagnetic workpiece (P), comprising a fixed pole member (5) extending in a predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) and at least two pole members (6, 7) attached to said fixed pole member (5), said at least two pole members (6, 7) being movable relative to said fixed pole member (5). The movable pole extension is characterized in that it has holder means (8) operably coupled to said fixed pole member (5), wherein said holder means (8) are movable in said predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) between a first operating position (P1) and a second operating position (P2) and operate on said at least two movable pole members (6, 7) to hold them in coupled contact with said fixed pole member (5).
US08646755B2 Wildcat
A wildcat for a windlass for dropping down or hoisting an anchor for a marine vehicle, the anchor being coupled to an end of a chain (3) having inter-engaged horizontal links (5) and vertical links (6), a hole (4) formed at the center of the wildcat for engaging a shaft for rotating the wildcat (1), a bearing surface (12) being radially remote from the center of the wildcat (1) for transferring chain links (5,6) there over, horizontal link housings (7) and vertical link housings (8) each provided one after another along the bearing surface (12) for housing each respective chain link, the housings (7,8) having forms matching contours of each respective chain link.
US08646741B2 Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat configured in such a manner that vibration occurring in the seat body can be suppressed without adding a special device such as a dynamic damper. A vehicle seat is configured in such a manner that an upper rail (26) connected to the seat body is slidably supported by a lower rail (28), which is affixed to the vehicle body side, through a pair of slide guides (42, 44) disposed next to each other in the front-rear direction of the seat. The distance (L) between the slide guides (42, 44) is set to be less than the half of the maximum slide amount (S) of the upper rail (26) relative to the lower rail (28). As a result of the configuration, the rigidity of support of the seat body by the vehicle body is reduced to reduce the resonance frequency of the seat body in the front-rear direction. This enables the resonance frequency of the seat body in the front-rear direction to be shifted from the resonance frequency of the vehicle body when the engine of the vehicle is idling.
US08646739B2 Mount for personal electronic device
A mount assembly for a personal electronic device includes first and second separate mounts, each mount having a generally planar back face having a rear, wall mount surface and a forward surface. A planar front face extends parallel to the back face. A side face extends between the back face and the front face. A bottom face extends between the back face and the front face. The bottom face has an upper surface and an under surface. The back face, the front face, the side face, and the bottom face of each of the first and second mounts form a receiver having an opening disposed away from each side face, such that, when the first mount and the second mount are mounted on a wall, the opening in the first mount receiver is proximate the opening in the second mount receiver.
US08646730B2 Hydraulic oil control unit for supplying hydraulic oil actuators in switch machines of railway points
A hydraulic oil control unit for supplying hydraulic oil actuators in switch machines of railway points or the like is described. The control unit comprises a closed circulation circuit of a hydraulic oil fluid with delivery and return lines. These lines are connected to a hydraulic oil actuator translating point blades of the railway point for moving the point blades from a normal end position to a reverse end position or vice versa. The control unit also includes: electrical means for monitoring the movement of the point blades and/or reaching of the end position, timing means for stopping an actuating stroke of actuators moving the point blades, and means for switching the direction of the actuating stroke. The electrical means comprise switches reversing the power supply signal of an electric motor driving the pump for reversing the rotational direction of the motor and the pump. The switches are driven when the point blades reach a proper end position to reverse the circulation direction of the hydraulic oil fluid flow in the circulation circuit.
US08646729B2 Deployable aerodynamic devices with reduced actuator loads
Deployable aerodynamic devices with reduced actuator loads, and related systems and methods are disclosed. An external flow system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an external flow body, a deployable device carried by and movable relative to the external flow body, and a coupling connected between the external flow body and the deployable device. The system can further include an actuator device operatively coupled between the external flow body and the deployable device, with the actuator device positioned to move the deployable device along a motion path between a stowed position and the deployed position. The motion path can have a first portion over which the load delivered by the actuator device increases as the deployed device moves toward the deployed position, and a second portion over which the load delivered by the actuator device decreases as the deployed device moves toward the deployed position.
US08646728B2 Load lifting apparatus for a helicopter and helicopter
A load lifting apparatus for a helicopter has a cable, including a supply length in a cable store. The cable is secured at one end to the helicopter and has a free end. A load-bearing element, on which a load to be raised can be secured, is arranged on the cable. The cable can be removed from the cable store in order to lower the load-bearing element downwards from the helicopter. As the load-bearing element is lowered or pulled upwards, the cable acts at a force-introduction location on the helicopter. The load-bearing element is arranged on the cable such that it can move along the cable. At least one cable-attachment location is present on the helicopter, and is spaced apart from the force-introduction location and has, or can have, the free end of the cable secured on it.
US08646721B2 Fluid dynamic device with thrust control shroud
A fluid dynamic device (100) for directing fluid flow to generate thrust comprising a thrust control shroud (130) disposed about a central axis (210) of said fluid dynamic device (100) for directing a fluid flow between an upstream fluid intake region (220) and a downstream fluid exit region (222), forming a fluid exit area, of said shroud (130) to generate thrust wherein a displacement of said fluid exit region (222) of said shroud (130) with respect to said central axis (210) results in a translation of said fluid exit area (222) such that the level of shear stress induced in that part of the shroud (130) disposed laterally to the direction of translation of the shroud (130) is minimized.
US08646718B2 Flexible conduit storage device
The present invention relates to a device for storing a flexible conduit, such as an electrical cord of a set of personal head phones or similar. The device has a body and a drum rotationally coupled to the body. The drum is biased to rotate in a first direction. A latch movable between a latched position and an unlatched position prevents rotation of the drum in the first direction when the latch is in the latched position. The body has an opening for positioning a portion of flexible conduit. At least one coupling disposed on the drum extends into the opening for catching a portion of a flexible conduit positioned within the opening. When the latch is in the unlatched position the drum rotates in the first direction to cycle the coupling through the opening. A coupling catches a flexible conduit positioned within the opening to wind the flexible conduit onto the drum.
US08646714B2 Paper shredder cutting blade set
A blade set for paper shredders is disclosed. In one embodiment, a notched blade having at least two notches in proximity to a central hole is brought into contact with a mating blade also having a central hole. Force is applied to the mating blade in such a fashion as to displace some of the body of the mating blade into the notches. This acts to substantially secure the blades together. In another embodiment, the notches are disposed on the edge of the blade and through the periphery. In yet another embodiment, one blade can have holes and not notches.
US08646705B2 Devices, systems, and methods for processing heterogeneous materials
A system for processing a heterogeneous material includes a conduit for a pressurized fluid and a nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the conduit. The nozzle assembly includes a plurality of adjustable nozzles configured such that streams of heterogeneous material passing through each nozzle intersect after passing through the adjustable nozzles. Another system includes a conduit for a pressurized fluid, a nozzle assembly, and a separation system configured to separate particles of a heterogeneous material into a first fraction and a second fraction. The nozzle assembly includes an adjustable nozzle configured such that a stream of the heterogeneous material passing through the nozzle contacts a surface after passing through the nozzle. A method of processing a heterogeneous material includes entraining heterogeneous particles into a fluid stream, passing the fluid stream through at least one adjustable nozzle, impacting the fluid stream to ablate the heterogeneous particles, and classifying the heterogeneous particles.
US08646685B2 Device for allocating a payment authorization request to a payment processor
A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks.
US08646682B1 Collection canister
A charitable collection canister comprising, in combination a container having a money recess therein. There is next a lid having an inside surface. The lid is removably coupled to the container. The lid has a money slot, with the money slot having an inwardly and rearwardly oriented tab. Lastly, there is a window panel, with the window panel being coupled to the inside surface of the lid.
US08646677B2 Method of joining graphite fibers to a substrate
A method of assembling a metallic-graphite structure includes forming a wetted graphite subassembly by arranging one or more layers of graphite fiber material including a plurality of graphite fibers and applying a layer of metallization material to ends of the plurality of graphite fibers. At least one metallic substrate is secured to the wetted graphite subassembly via the layer of metallization material.
US08646674B2 Methods and apparatus for delivering tissue treatment compositions to stapled tissue
A surgical stapler includes first and second tissue clamping members and a knife member. The first tissue clamping member is configured to receive a plurality of staples. The second tissue clamping member comprises an anvil configured to form the staples. A tissue treatment member is positionable between the first and second tissue clamping members. The tissue treatment member comprises a rupturable pouch or baffle that is configured to receive a medical fluid including at least one tissue cell. The tissue treatment member may have a spiral shape, an annular disc shape, or an elongate sleeve shape. The tissue treatment member may also include outwardly extending tabs. The tissue treatment member may also include an injection port. In use, the staples and/or the knife pierce the tissue treatment member to release at least a portion of the medical fluid held by the tissue treatment member.
US08646673B2 Surgical stapling instrument
A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a body portion (2, 3), a handle (4) and a staple fastening assembly (8). The staple fastening assembly (8) includes a curved cartridge (10), which comprises at least one curved open row of staples, and a curved anvil (22), which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge (10) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge (10). The staple fastening assembly (8) is adapted to allow unobstructed access towards the concave inner faces of the cartridge (10) and the anvil (22). The cartridge (10) can be moved towards the anvil (22) from a spaced position for positioning tissue therebetween to a closed position for clamping the tissue. Preferably, a knife is contained within the cartridge (10) and is positioned such that there is at least one row of staples on at least one side of the knife.
US08646672B2 Nail positioning member of nail slot of nail gun
A nail positioning member of a nail slot of a nail gun includes a magazine including a horizontal nail slot connected with a perforation for nailing; a nail pushing piece slidably assembled to the nail slot; a plurality of horizontal slot channels parallel to the nail slot; and a plurality of positioning pieces, respectively pivotally assembled to the slot channels to block the head of the nails. The positioning piece forms a protruding portion in a movement path of the nail pushing piece, to be pushed by the nail pushing piece and to drive the positioning piece to oscillate in the direction of the slot channel in order to open the nail slot for placing the nails.
US08646671B2 Combustion chamber and cooling system for fastener-driving tools
A new and improved combustion chamber and cooling system for a fastener-driving tool wherein a new and improved tangentially oriented, vortex induced fuel-injection system is operatively associated with the tool's combustion chamber. In addition, a new and improved trigger-controlled valve actuating system, such as, for example, a switch-operated, solenoid-actuated valve-controlling system, is incorporated within the tool so as to ensure the rapid operation of the intake and outlet valve structures. Still further, a sealed, liquid evaporative or liquid recirculating cooling system is integrally incorporated within the tool housing.
US08646667B2 Roof rack device
A roof rack device includes a base with a first through hole disposed on a car roof and two carrier members with a second through hole disposed on the base. The base is provided with pin and control members. The control member has a first buckle portion and a cam which pushes the pin member into the first and second through holes or out of the second through hole. The outer end of each carrier member has a lock seat with a second buckle portion. When the first and second buckle portions are engaged, the cam keeps the pin member in the first and second through holes and the carrier members are retracted. When the first and second buckle portions are disengaged, the cam acts on the pin member to disengage from the second through hole and the carrier members can be extended for dismounting the articles.
US08646663B2 Fluid container closure mechanism with detachable valve assembly
A fluid container is disclosed. The container includes an enclosure for containing liquid and a first closure member. The first closure member is in the form of a fluid discharge assembly which includes a selectively removable valve body mounted for movement between an open position to permit flow of liquid from the enclosure and a closed position to prevent flow of liquid through the fluid discharge assembly. In addition, the closure includes a cap member mountable to a container, and the cap member defines a product outlet passage. The valve body is disposed for movement within the outlet passage between an open position to permit flow of product through the passage from said container and a closed position to prevent flow of product through the passage. The valve body is selectively removable from the outlet passage.
US08646661B2 Aerosol can liquid dispenser
Improvements in an aerosol can liquid dispenser to provide a method to dispense a limited amount of fluid from within an aerosol can and to hold the fluid in a reservoir so it can be intermittently used. An operator may only dispense a few drops of liquid and use only a fraction of the dispensed quantity. The collection reservoir is located in a semi protected enclosure to minimize air flow over the fluid thereby reducing evaporation. A secures mechanism allows the dispenser to be quickly and easily mounted and removed from the top of an aerosol can. A removable cap closure to reduce evaporation of any dispensed fluid held in a reservoir. An overflow reservoir collects any excess fluid where it is held in a separate chamber and can be reclaimed.
US08646658B2 Cosmetic receptacle
A cosmetic receptacle includes a storage container having a storage container body and a pipe-shaped neck, an inner cap having a pair of operation protrusion exposure openings, a discharge operation part for discharging cosmetics stored in the storage and having a nozzle, a nozzle opening/closing valve having a pair of opening/closing operation protrusions and a pair of press plates, an outer cap coupled to the inner cap such that the pair of opening/closing operation protrusions protruding through the operation protrusion exposure openings is pressurized in a direction in which they approach each other, a shoulder part having a support plate and a skirt part, and a concave auxiliary container having a pair of button openings.
US08646657B2 Electric caulking gun
An electric caulking gun has a body and an actuating assembly. The body has a pushing shaft, a motor, a gearbox, a transmission device, a circuit board and a switch. The gearbox has a sun gear with multiple mounting slots. The actuating assembly is mounted in the body, is connected to the switch and engages the sun gear and has a connecting arm, a linking arm, an actuating element, an oscillating arm and a pressing button. The connecting arm is pivotally connected to the switch. The linking arm is connected to the connecting arm. The actuating element is mounted in the body, selectively engages one of the mounting slots and has a wedge mount and an engaging block. The oscillating arm is connected to the body and is connected to the connecting arm. The pressing button is movably mounted in the body and is connected to the oscillating arm.
US08646652B2 Card extracting device and control method for card extracting device
A card extracting device for use with a plurality of cards may include a card storage, a gate through which the cards pass toward an outside of the card storage, an extracting tab to engage with and extract one of the cards, a tab-moving mechanism to move the extracting tab, an extracting roller outside the card storage to further forward the extracted card, a motor to drive the tab-moving mechanism and the extracting roller, a card-extraction detecting section to detect that card extraction is completed, and a control section to control the motor. An engaging section may be formed in the extracting tab to abut a rear end portion of the card and extract the card. The control section may drive the motor forward to extract the card or drive the motor in reverse based on a detection result from the card extraction detecting section.
US08646649B2 Business card case
In order to provide a card case in which cards can be securely discharged one by one to the last one, it comprises a storage case which has a card insertion inlet and a card discharging opening, can accommodate several cards inside and comprises a lower case and an upper case; a card push-up piece for pushing up the stored cards as a whole toward the upper case; a card discharging unit with a component with a locking part for locking the uppermost one of the several cards and provided on the upper case so as to be slidable toward the card discharging opening; a guide part provided close to the card discharging opening so as to incline the tip of the card obliquely downward; and a stopper provided close to the card discharging opening so as to prevent the second and lower cards (from the uppermost one) of the several cards from being pushed out of the card discharging opening.
US08646644B2 Dual recyclables and non-recyclable waste collection device and method therefor
A device for commercial waste collection has a first container and a second container. A lid covers the first container. A first pair of lifting sleeves is attached to side surfaces of the first container for lifting the first container. A second pair of lifting sleeves is attached to side surfaces of the second container and positioned below the first pair of lifting sleeves. A third pair of lifting sleeves is attached to the side surfaces of the first container and aligned with the second pair of lifting sleeves. The second pair of lifting sleeves and the third pair of lifting sleeves are used together to lift both the first container and the second container together. A latching mechanism is provided for preventing opening of the lid when lifting both the first container and the second container together.
US08646640B2 Collapsible cup
A collapsible beverage container has a plurality of co-axially oriented, concentric cylindrical wall sections of progressively different diameters. The wall sections are extendable from a collapsed position wherein the wall sections substantially completely overlap in an axial direction to an extended position wherein the wall sections only partially overlap in an axial direction. The collapsible beverage container includes one or more elastomeric gaskets between adjacent cylindrical wall sections, each gasket providing a liquid-tight seal along the entire extension of the adjacent cylindrical wall sections between the extended and collapsed positions.
US08646633B2 Closure for containers of ophthalmic solutions containing a spout cap
This invention includes a closure for covering a container. The closure has a base with an upper surface and a neck, with the neck capable of being fastened to the opening of a bottle. The upper surface sits above the opening of the bottle. It has a spout having an exposed front surface, a front inside surface, and a cap rim. The cap is pivotally attached to the base to permit movement of the cap relative to the base between an open position and a closed position. The exposed front surface and front inside surface together have a bottom end and a top end. The inside front surface contains a spout cap, such that when the cap is closed the spout cap mates with the spout to form a liquid tight seal, and such that when the cap is opened the liquid tight seal between the spout and the spout cap is opened.
US08646629B2 Crane jib construction comprising biased tensile elements
A jib part (10) for a crane, in particular a mobile crane, a includes an inner shaping shell (15), tensile elements (11) within hollow profiles (12) and a sheathing, made from a layer of transverse fibers (13) covered by a protective or slide layer (14). The tensile elements (11) are biased and fitted with sensors and/or actuators.
US08646628B2 Lifting device
A lifting device having a frame, a lifting member supported by the frame, and a hydraulic pump and motor supported to the frame. The hydraulic pump and motor are operatively connected to the lifting member to raise, lower, extend, and retract the lifting member.
US08646626B2 Wall mounting bath accessory assembly
A wall mounting bath accessory assembly contains a fixing member including an inner wall, an outer wall, and two side walls; the inner wall including at least one recess and a retaining fence; on a connecting corner of each side wall and the outer wall being fixed a first resilient lock block, and the first resilient lock block including a first arcuate projection; a base formed in a cover shape and including a groove in which an opening is formed so that the fixing member is received in the groove via the opening, the groove including two first positioning ribs, and each first positioning rib including a first engaging slot; the groove also including two second positioning ribs, and each second positioning rib including a second engaging slot formed on a top end thereof proximate to the opening.
US08646625B2 Combination hook rack
A combination hook rack includes a rack frame formed of two elongated frame plates and spacer blocks fixedly set in between the two elongated frame plates and kept apart from one another at a distance, hanging belts affixed to the rack frame and provided with a respective hook at the free end for hanging the rack frame on a high place, and hook assemblies affixed to the rack frame for hanging things, each hook assembly including multiple lower hooks that define at least one space therebetween and come into contact at their ends, so that the lower hooks of each hook assembly can be used as a whole to hold a heavy thing or can be separated into individual hooks to hold light things.
US08646624B2 Standard and track shelving systems
A shelving system is disclosed that includes at least one track and at least one standard. The track includes a rearward portion and a forward portion. The standard has an end portion slidably receivable within an opening of the track, such that the position of the standard relative to the track is slidably adjustable along the track.
US08646623B2 Eyewear display system
The present invention provides a lockable eyewear display system. Embodiments of the system include a frame holder on which the eyewear is placed, a locking mechanism that secures the eyewear to the holder, and a key that enables a user to holder unlock and to remove the eyewear from the holder. In one embodiment, frame holder includes an articulating joint allowing at least a portion of the holder and eyewear to be swiveled. The frame holder is removably attachable to a display rod of the system configured to hold a plurality of frame holders. The display rod includes a lock in one embodiment to prevent removal of the frame holders from the rod without use of a specially configured access key. The display rod is mountable to a surface of a fixture or display object such as a rack or furniture.
US08646619B2 Eyewear display system
The present invention provides a lockable eyewear display system. One embodiment of the system includes a support frame on which the eyewear is placed, a lock that secures the eyewear to the frame, and a key that removes the lock from the frame. The device may further include an anchor connected to the frame that anchors the frame to a fixture or display object such as a rack or furniture. In another embodiment, the eyewear display device includes an articulating joint allowing at least a portion of the support frame to be swiveled.
US08646615B2 Screening disk, roller, and roller screen for screening an ore feed
A screening disk for use on a roller of a roller screen for screening an ore feed is disclosed, which includes first and second opposing side working surfaces, and provisions for mounting the screening disk on a shaft of the roller. At least one of the first and second side working surfaces has a plurality of protrusions operable to extend outwardly into an interstice between the applicable side working surface and a side working surface of an adjacent mounted screening disk. A spacer may be disposed in the one interstice for confining an extent of the one interstice to a region disposed generally between the third working surface and the shaft. A screening disk may have a keyway configured to receive a key for coupling the body of the screening disk to the shaft for rotation therewith.
US08646612B2 Method of forming metal oxide nano-powders
Monodisperse metal oxide nanopowders are prepared by treating a dispersion of crude metal oxide nanopowder with ultrasonication, allowing the dispersion to settle, and subjecting the remaining suspended portion to centrifugation to obtain a supernatant comprising metal oxide nanopowder.
US08646604B2 Micro- and/or nano-structured packaging material
The invention relates to a web-form packaging material which comprises at least one layer, comprising a packaging material surface, of a sealable material, to a packaging unit with a transdermal therapeutic system and with a packaging material of this kind, and also to a process for producing a packaging unit. For this purpose, at least the abovementioned surface of the packaging material has a multiplicity of recesses and/or a multiplicity of non-recessed regions. The distance between two adjacent recesses and/or the distance between two adjacent non-recessed regions is less than five times the packaging material thickness. Moreover, the depth of the recesses is not less than 1.2 nanometers and not more than 95% of the packaging material thickness.With the present invention, the sticking of an adhesive on the inner face of the packaging material is effectively prevented.
US08646602B2 Displayable tool receiving device
A displayable tool receiving device includes a hanger body having a hanger hole. The hanger body further includes a rectilinear first coupling portion and a plurality of spaced first positioning portions. The displayable tool receiving device further includes a plurality of tool receiving boxes each including a rear side having a rectilinear second coupling portion. The rear side of each tool receiving box further includes a second positioning portion. At least one of the tool receiving boxes is optionally mounted to the hanger body. The second coupling portion of each of the at least one of the plurality of tool receiving boxes is engaged with the first coupling portion of the hanger body. The second positioning portion of each of the at least one of the tool receiving boxes is engaged with one of the first positioning portions of the hanger body.
US08646601B2 Hole saw kit
A kit for carrying hole saws has a hole saw carrier configured to releasably carry thereon a plurality of nested hole saws, and is movable between (i) a storage position and (ii) a use position for removing one or more hole saws therefrom. The carrier is axially-elongated and receivable through an arbor hole in a hole saw to releasably carry the hole saw thereon and to allow one hole saw to be nested within another thereon. The carrier is pivotally mounted and movable between the storage and use positions.
US08646600B2 Blow-molded tool kit
A tool kit for accommodating two tools having different sizes is provided including a tool case having a base member, a lid member hingedly connected to the base member, and a tool cavity formed by at least one of the base and lid members and having an inner surface. The tool kit further includes at least one adapter fittable in the tool cavity and having an outer surface that corresponds to the inner surface of the tool cavity, wherein the inner surface of the tool cavity corresponds to an outer periphery of the first tool such that the first tool is securely retained in the tool cavity, and wherein the inner surface of the tool cavity and the outer surface of the adapter received in the tool cavity correspond to an outer periphery of the second tool such that the second tool is securely retained in the tool cavity.
US08646597B2 Gas storage canister with compartment structure
A gas storage canister includes a canister body, at least one supporting plate, at least one gas-guiding rod, and at least one compartment structure. The canister body has a bottom end, an outlet opposed to the bottom end, and an inner space. The bottom end and the outlet are arranged along a long axis direction. The supporting plate is accommodated within the inner space along the long axis direction. The supporting plate has at least one communication part. The gas-guiding rod is penetrated through the communication part of the supporting plate. The gas-guiding rod has at least one gas inlet/outlet end for guiding a gas. The compartment structure includes a plurality of compartments. The compartment structure and the supporting plate are accommodated within the inner space of the canister body. Each of the compartments stores a predetermined amount of gas storage material.
US08646596B2 Transverse belt
Modular belt link for use in endless conveyor belts where each modular belt link has a top surface, a bottom surface having a material thickness between said top and bottom surfaces, a leading and trailing edge, and side edges arranged connecting said leading and trailing edge and said top and bottom surfaces, and where means are arranged along said leading and trailing edge for hingely connecting adjacent modular belt links characterized in that an endless belt is arranged for rotation around at least a portion of the modular belt link.
US08646594B2 Apparatus for automatic transfer of textile articles from a linking machine to a boarding machine
An apparatus (1) and a related method for automatic transfer of socks (4) from a linking machine (2) to a sock-modeling piece for boarding operation (36) according to a predetermined orientation, the apparatus comprising reversing means (20) comprising feeding means (21) for picking up the sock (4) from a sewing station (22) of the linking machine and loading means (31) for automatically loading the sock (4) onto the sock-modeling piece, the reversing means (20) comprising a supporting element (23) and at least one pair of lower rollers (24) disposed around said supporting element (23).
US08646593B2 Device for treatment of bulk material, a method as well as a beam construction intended for said treatment
A device for the treatment of bulk material including a platform for supporting the bulk material and at least one outfeeding device on the platform for feeding bulk material placed on the platform towards an outlet arranged on the platform.
US08646569B2 Speaker unit
A mounting ring with which an engaging hook of a fall-preventing member is to be engaged and a flexible handle member are fixed within an area of a cabinet section that is located upward of a first plane passing through the position of a center of gravity of the cabinet section generally in parallel to the bottom surface of the cabinet section and located to one side of a second plane passing through the position of the center of gravity in intersecting relation to the first plane. The speaker unit hung by the handle member being held with a hand of a human operator is inclined, so that the mounting ring is oriented upward near the hand. Thus, the human operator can perform with ease an operation for engaging the engaging hook with the mounting ring with one hand while holding the handle member with the other hand.
US08646565B2 Hydraulic hybrid vehicle method of safe operation
A hydraulic hybrid vehicle includes elements such as a hydraulic pump driven by an internal combustion engine and arranged to draw in low pressure fluid and pump the fluid at high pressure to an accumulator. A hydraulic motor is powered by the pressurized fluid. Safety processes are provided for detecting and addressing a number of conditions that may arise in the operation of the hydraulic hybrid vehicle, including an initialization procedure for start-up of the vehicle, a shut-down procedure, and procedures for detecting and responding to failure of the pump or motor, internal and external fluid leaks, and non-responsive actuation and mode control systems.
US08646564B2 Turbine auxiliary power unit with a fuel fired burner
A vehicle auxiliary power unit includes a turbine to provide a turbine output, a fuel-fired burner that provides a heat source for the turbine, and a heat exchanger that receives the turbine output. The heat exchanger generates a heat exchanger output to produce a predetermined output condition such as heating/cooling a cabin compartment, heating an exhaust component to a desired temperature, and/or heating an engine block, for example.
US08646554B2 Radiator core support
In a radiator core support 1 having a hood lock stay member 3, which is provided with a hood lock 14, on a radiator core support 1 of a motor vehicle, a transmission means is provided to connect between the hood 7 of a vehicle body to directly transmit load acting on the hood lock 14 from an engine hood from the hood lock stay member 3 to the side members 1.
US08646544B2 Tillage point
A tillage point (10) includes a body (12) with a flat nose (21) angled from the horizontal approximately 35 degrees, a more shallowly angled intermediate flat portion (22) behind the nose, and aft flat surfaces (28) angled downwardly in the outward direction to connections with rear wings (14). The wings (14) may be angled approximately 16 degrees downwardly in the outward direction and upwardly about 28 degrees in the aft direction to significantly improve soil fracture, vertical force and draft. The wings (14) may be positioned far back on the point body entirely above an increased strength shank mounting area (16). Use of the flat angled surfaces (21, 22, 28) improves soil rupture compared to points with more rounded surfaces. The downwardly angled flat surfaces (28) above and adjacent the wings (14) provide soil parting for improved flow around the shank.
US08646541B2 Beach cleaner
A beach cleaner having a frame constructed by longitudinal members and lateral members, a ski member that is attached to the front portion of the frame and comes into contact with the sand surface, a towed portion to be towed by a towing vehicle, a separating machine that is provided on a lower front portion of the frame to separate and scrape up trash from the sand, a trash withdrawing member for capturing on a mesh member trash which was scraped up upon the frame at the rear side of the separating machine and a wheel on the rear portion of the frame. Further, a driving force conversion/transmission mechanism is provide for supporting the trash withdrawing member so that he trash withdrawing member is swingable and converting rotational driving force of the wheel to vibrating force to vibrate the trash withdrawing member.
US08646539B2 Concealed sprinkler
A concealed sprinkler including a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an annular wall defining a chamber and an opening in communication with the chamber. A deflector assembly is disposed within the chamber. A trigger assembly having a lever assembly engaged with an inner surface of the annular wall supports the deflector assembly in the first position, the trigger assembly including and a thermally rated plate assembly having a lip portion to substantially circumscribe and substantially cover opening and chamber.
US08646536B2 Capillary hanger arrangement for deploying control line in existing wellhead
To deploy a capillary string through a wellhead to a downhole safety valve, a control port and a retention port are drilled in an adapter between a casing hanger and a gate valve or elsewhere. The capillary string is connected to a first port of a capillary hanger and installed through the wellhead. The capillary hanger is landed on a tubing hanger, and a side port on the capillary hanger communicates with the control port. Because the side port's location may not align with the control port, operators may need to measure how long the capillary hanger should be. A control line connects to the control port in the wellhead's side to communicate with the capillary line, and a retention rod inserts in the retention port to support the capillary hanger.
US08646527B2 Radio frequency enhanced steam assisted gravity drainage method for recovery of hydrocarbons
A method for heating a hydrocarbon formation is disclosed. A radio frequency applicator is positioned to provide radiation within the hydrocarbon formation. A first signal sufficient to heat the hydrocarbon formation through electric current is applied to the applicator. A second or alternate frequency signal is then applied to the applicator that is sufficient to pass through the desiccated zone and heat the hydrocarbon formation through electric or magnetic fields. A method for efficiently creating electricity and steam for heating a hydrocarbon formation is also disclosed. An electric generator, steam generator, and a regenerator containing water are provided. The electric generator is run. The heat created from running the electric generator is fed into the regenerator causing the water to be preheated. The preheated water is then fed into the steam generator. The RF energy from power lines or from an on site electric generator and steam that is harvested from the generator or provided separately are supplied to a reservoir as a process to recover hydrocarbons.
US08646524B2 Recovering heavy oil through the use of microwave heating in horizontal wells
A process to enhance secondary recovery of underground formations having heavy hydrocarbons through the use of a horizontal source well and a producing well. The horizontal source well is equipped with a plurality of microwave source emitters and the producing well is equipped with an artificial lift system. The horizontal source well is positioned within close proximity to the underground hydrocarbon formation and microwave energy is emitted from the microwave source emitters into the underground hydrocarbon formation. The microwave radiation heats up the heavy hydrocarbons, thereby lowering their viscosity, which allows the hydrocarbons to more easily flow into the producing well.
US08646521B2 Method and apparatus for cleaning a drill string
An apparatus for use in cleaning a drill string comprises a body portion (10) having a tubular side wall and a resiliently compressible cleaning member (11) mounted inside the hollow interior thereof under compression, the body portion (10) comprising an open lower end adapted to engage the drill string. A separate actuator (13) is provided for fitting to the body portion (10) for displacing the cleaning member (11) out of the tubular side wall of the body portion (10) into the drill string. In use, the cleaning member (11) can be loaded into the body portion (10) at a remote location prior to the cleaning operation thereby reducing the time taken to insert the cleaning member (11) into the drill string and alleviating the risk of injury.
US08646520B2 Precision marking of subsurface locations
A method for performing a downhole operation includes marking at least one location in a wellbore using a magnetized material. The magnetized material may generate a magnetic field stronger than a magnetic field generated in the wellbore by a surrounding formation.
US08646515B2 Ceramic ferrules and ceramic ferrule array including same for tube pitch variability tolerant process heat boiler system
A cover ferrule is provided, including a hexagonally shaped head portion, a joint shield portion provided at an upper surface of the head portion, and a stein portion extending downwardly from a first end proximate a lower surface of the head portion to an opposed second end thereof. The joint shield portion includes a central opening, coaxially aligned with respect to central openings of the head and stem portions and with a central axis of the cover ferrule, and a plurality of extension members extending radially outwardly with respect to the central axis of the cover ferrule and defining arc portions connecting respectively adjacent extension members of the joint shield portion.
US08646510B2 Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems
Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by a drive assembly. The system further includes a control system coupled to the drive assembly and configured to command operation of the drive assembly. The system still further includes a sensor operably coupled to the control system and positioned to sense barrier position as the barrier moves between the deployed and the retracted positions.
US08646506B2 Apparatus for manufacturing bodily exudates absorbent structures
An apparatus for manufacturing bodily exudates absorbent structures has a rotating drum to convey a first continuous sheet, a feeding mechanism, a second conveying mechanism to convey a second continuous sheet and a sealing mechanism to join the first and second continuous sheets. The rotating drum is formed on its peripheral surface with depressions, leaving a non-depressed peripheral surface segment. Each of the depressions is formed in a central region with a central through-hole extending through each depression from an outer surface to an inner surface of the rotating drum. Within the rotating drum, a suction mechanism is installed to provide a suction effect directed from the outer surface toward the inner surface of the rotating drum so that the first continuous sheet is formed with a first concave region having been deformed along each depression and a second concave region having been deformed toward the central through-hole.
US08646502B2 Run-flat device for a motor vehicle, mounted assembly incorporating same, and manufacturing and assembly method for same
The present invention relates to a run-flat device for attaching a tubeless mounted assembly for a motor vehicle, and to such a mounted assembly incorporating said device. A device (30) according to the invention includes: a tire support structure (30), to be mounted around a rim having a plurality of pieces and comprising a reinforcing frame, and a bead lock means for locking the beads against the rim edge and connecting the support structure to the beads. According to the invention, the frame comprises an axial belt having at least one pair of ends opposite each other, separated by a connecting axial interstice, and connected therebetween by detachable connecting means (35, 36) for locking the belt, the support structure being radially split on both sides on the right of each interstice to enable the manual mounting of the device inside the casing by the gradual insertion therein of the structure, temporarily free of the connecting means.
US08646501B2 Puncture sealant laminate
A puncture sealant laminate for prevention of a flat tire may include three layers of sealant material separated by two layers of non-sealant material. The two layers of non-sealant material may prevent the three layers of sealant material from contacting each other and they may have first and second ends that attach to rubber in the tire that is not part of the puncture sealant laminate.
US08646496B2 System for release or movement of a fluid-dispensing head
A system (1) is for release or movement of a fluid-dispensing head (2) positioned within a dispenser (6) of fluids. The system (1) houses the fluid-dispensing head (2), which has nozzles (3) for the supply of fluids. The system (1) includes a release (7, 10, 20) for release and movement of the fluid-dispensing head (2) configured for enabling movement of the delivery head (2) between a first position of use, in which the nozzles (3) deliver fluids into a container (4), and a cleaning position or second position of use (set facing the operator) or third position of use (facing upwards), distinct from the first position of use, in which they are accessible for being cleaned.
US08646487B2 Corrosion coupon holder
An embodiment of the invention provides an insert for an orifice fitting in a pipeline. The insert includes a retaining member having an exteriorly facing surface dimensionally corresponding to cross-sectional interior dimensions of a carrier in the orifice fitting. Thus, the insert is positionally stabilized in a predetermined position within the pipeline and in substantial registry with the orifice fitting. A lug is affixed to the interiorly facing surface of the retaining member. The lug projects inwards towards a center of the retaining member and provides an interiorly facing mounting surface. A dielectric insulating layer is on the interiorly facing mounting surface of the lug, wherein the dielectric insulating layer includes a first element of a cooperating attachment member. The cooperating attachment member removably securely retains a corrosion coupon on the dielectric insulating layer upon engagement of the first element with a second element of the cooperating attachment member.
US08646480B2 Fuel supply apparatus
A fuel supply apparatus or fuel pump unit includes a lower case having a flange plate fixed to a fuel tank and upstanding walls extending into the fuel tank. An upper case housing a fuel pump therein is provided that includes brackets disposed along inner sides of the upstanding walls. The upstanding walls having engaging holes defined therein, and the brackets having attachment members engaging in the engaging holes. The brackets include tongues projecting heightwise beyond the upstanding walls.
US08646475B2 Dosing pump unit
The invention relates to a dosing pump unit for mixing a liquid reducing agent with an exhaust gas flow by means of a dosing pump which is connected, on the input side thereof, to a connection connectable to a reducing agent tank and, on the output side thereof, to a pressure pipe and a pipe for returning flow back to said reducing agent tank, wherein a non-return valve which is prestressed against a hydraulic pressure produced by the dosing pump is arranged in the pressure line, the return pipe is connected to the pressure pipe upstream of the non-return valve in the reducing agent flow direction and a first stop valve for selectively closing the return pipe is placed therein.
US08646470B2 Compact washing flume system
The present invention discloses a washer for washing produce such as potatoes. In one aspect, a debris removal section removes debris, such as rocks, and a sloped serpentine flume is used to gravity feed the produce through a serpentine flow path to remove the surface dirt and loosen any embedded dirt. The produce can be optionally routed to a spray washer to remove embedded dirt.
US08646468B2 Cosmetic container
The present invention generally is a container for storing cosmetic or care products. More particularly, the invention relates to a cosmetic container comprising a receptacle and a cover wherein the cover comprises an integrated applicator wherein the applicator is retractable within the cover. There is provided a cosmetic container comprising a receptacle, said receptacle comprising a housing for storing a product; a cover, said cover comprising a housing that accommodates an applicator and a protrusion retraction mechanism assembly for operating the applicator such that the applicator is integrated within the cover; and an actuating means for actuating the operation of the protrusion retraction mechanism assembly.
US08646463B2 Gravure-printed, banded cigarette paper
A cigarette and cigarette paper have a plurality of multilayer bands formed by printing a highly viscous aqueous film-forming composition. After heating the composition to lower its viscosity, the bands are applied to the cigarette paper by gravure printing the composition. The composition is quenched and gelatinized by contact with the cool cigarette paper reducing absorption of water by the paper and reducing wrinkling, cockling, and waviness. Multiple gravure printed layers may be used to form the bands.
US08646455B2 Mandibular advancement device with positive positioning hinge
The invention is an oral appliance for prevention of sleeping problems including snoring, sleep apnea and bruxism, and may also be used to protect the teeth and gums from surgical instruments during surgery. Specifically, the appliance alters the position of the user's mandible, which is known as a method for reducing the restriction of the flow of air through the pharyngeal passageway. The appliance is a one-piece device molded from a flexible polymer. It includes an upper maxillary tray and a lower mandibulary tray. Both upper and lower trays include inner and outer walls which increase contact area with the teeth. The hinge mechanism of the device includes a positive positioning system comprised of opposed interlocking ridges. The ridges serve to create offset between the position of the upper tray and lower tray relative to each other, therefore advancing the user's mandible.
US08646453B2 Extendable airflow restriction system
An extendable airflow restriction system is described herein which may be used to treat various disorders by creating expiratory positive airway pressure while providing for patient comfort regardless of the patient's anatomical variances. Such a device may be removably secured within the patient's mouth and may include an extendable member which may project to urge the patient's upper lip towards the nostrils to restrict airflow. Moreover, the restriction device may include one or more sensors to detect the patient's respiration activity such that the device may be actuated to correspond to the patient's exhalation.
US08646451B2 Condom
A condom having an indicia disposed on the lower side of the roll when the condom is in the rolled configuration. Preferably, the indicia is a fluorescent marking disposed on the inner side of the condom disposed at a location so that, when the condom is in the rolled configuration, the indicia is visible from the lower side only. More preferably, the indicia is a ring-shaped marking extending about the inner side of the tubular body. In this configuration, a user holding a rolled condom can easily determine which is the upper side of the roll and which is the lower side of the roll. The user may then quickly orient the condom with the lower side facing toward the penis and unroll the condom in the proper direction.
US08646445B2 Nitric oxide delivery system
An ambulatory or stationary device for delivery of a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide to an individual's lungs.
US08646436B2 Fuel pump attachment structure
A fuel pump attachment structure is provided that includes a cylinder head; a cylinder head cover joined to a top surface of the cylinder head; a bracket mounted to the top surface of the cylinder head so as to be located at a position outside the cylinder head cover; and a fuel pump attached to the bracket. The fuel pump is inserted into an opening formed in the cylinder head cover. A sealing member is arranged between an outer surface of the fuel pump and a surface of the cylinder head cover that defines the opening. Alternatively, a pressing portion is formed in a lower portion of the bracket. The pressing portion presses a pressed portion formed on a periphery of the cylinder head cover from above by means of a bolt that is inserted into the pressing portion and fastened to the cylinder head.
US08646433B2 Arrangement for exhaust braking of a combustion engine
An arrangement for exhaust braking of a combustion engine (2) which is equipped with a turbo unit with at least one flow element in the form of a vane or rail (17, 27) settable in varying positions to control the flow of exhaust gases through the turbine (6). A bypass line (25) provided with an inlet aperture (25a) is connected to an exhaust passage (4a, 19, 20) at a location upstream of the flow element (17, 27). An outlet aperture (25b) is connected to the exhaust passage (21, 4b) at a location downstream of the flow element (17, 27). A throttle (26) in the bypass line. A control device (13, 18) places the flow element (17, 27) in a substantially closed position when an exhaust braking process is to be effected, so that a positive pressure occurs in the exhaust passage (4a, 19) at a location upstream of the flow element (17, 27), which positive pressure is defined by the throttle (26).
US08646427B2 System for powering a vehicle with a heat engine and provided with an automatic stop and restart system
The invention relates to a system for powering a vehicle with a heat engine and provided with an automatic stop and restart system for the heat engine, wherein said powering system comprises an onboard grid to which electric consumers are connected, means (16) for starting/restarting the engine, a battery (11) powering the onboard grid and the starting/restarting means, and a DMT device (12, 15) for maintaining the voltage. According to the invention, the onboard grid (10) is connected to the battery (11) via the DMT device (12, 25), and the DMT device (12, 25) is preferably connected to the positive terminal P of the battery.
US08646422B2 Electro-hydraulic variable valve lift apparatus
An electro-hydraulic variable valve lift apparatus includes a housing, a driving cam, a pump piston which forms a main chamber with the housing, reciprocates within the housing according to rotation of the driving cam, and forms hydraulic pressure within the main chamber, a pump piston elastic portion disposed for elastically supporting the pump piston, an oil pressure controller communicating with the main chamber in order to control hydraulic pressure within the main chamber, a hydraulic piston slidably disposed within the housing, includes a first body having a first diameter and a second body having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and is connected with a valve, and a piston guide disposed between the housing and the hydraulic piston for guiding the hydraulic piston.
US08646416B2 Miniature sludge lance apparatus
A miniature sludge lance for a steam generator in a pressurized water nuclear reactor is provided. The sludge lance is structured to enter the steam generator via an inspection opening and has a body sufficiently thin to fit between adjacent tubes. The sludge lance rail has at least two types of nozzle assemblies that may be attached thereto. One nozzle assembly rotates and another nozzle assembly translates in a vertical direction. A drive assembly, a mounting assembly, an oscillation assembly, and flow straighteners are also provided.
US08646411B2 Method and apparatus for milking animals having four teats
Apparatus and method for milking animals, comprising a control device (2), four teat cups (6a to 6d), at least one collecting device (11a, 11b) for collecting the extracted milk and a milking line (15) for conveying the milk, said teat cups (6a to 6d) and said at least one collecting device (11a, 11b) and the milking line (15) being interconnected by way of milk lines (10a to 10d, 12a, 12b). A sensor device (13a) is provided and by means of said sensor device (13a) both the milk flow in at least one fore quarter (54, 55) of the udder (53) and the milk flow in at least one rear quarter (56, 57) is captured to separately control the milking operation by fore and rear udder half (58, 59).
US08646401B2 Impact indicator
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection and indication is disclosed. The impact indicator includes a housing; a mass member located within the housing where the housing is configured to enable movement of the mass member from a first position to a second position within the housing in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event; and first and second biasing members disposed within the housing and biased toward each other to retain the mass member in the first position. In response to receipt by the housing of the acceleration event, the mass member is configured to overcome the biasing force of the first biasing member and move from the first position to the second position.
US08646384B1 Manual compactor
A manual compactor that includes an air ventilation system and also a lid that is capable of being forced downward onto trash within a trash can. The trash can has a wheel base. The air ventilation system includes an internal aerated ring with a series of vent holes, with the ring being attached to a pair of internal air channels that open to the outside air. The lid is capable of either being mounted on top of the trash can or in the alternative, can be shoved downward onto trash within the trash can. A series of serrated blades mounted on the underside of the lid are used to cut up and shred the trash within the compactor while it is being compacted.
US08646373B1 Blast wave effects reduction system
A system for reducing the effects of a blast wave includes armor plating configured to face a supersonic blast wave. The armor plating has a surface consisting of alternating tall and short peaks with valleys between the peaks. The peaks and valleys are positioned such that the supersonic blast wave reflects from the side surfaces of the tall peaks as a regular reflection that at least partially suppresses Mach reflection of the supersonic wave caused by the short peaks and the valleys. The surface may also be designed to not trap reflected waves. The valleys can be parabolic shaped to deflect and/or dissipate transonic flow that follows the blast wave front.
US08646371B2 Protection armor
The present invention relates to improved protection armor for providing protection against high impact projectiles, said armor having improved resistance at a reduced overall weight. The invention further relates to methods of producing such armor and to objects protected by such armor.
US08646365B2 Hand tool with adjustable swing angle
A hand tool with adjustable swing angle includes a first and a second ends connected with each other to contain an adjustable angle. The first end has an upper wall section having a first splined hole and a lower wall section having a through hole. An annular groove is formed on a circumferential wall of the through hole. The second end is formed with a second splined hole positioned between the first splined hole and the through hole. An engagement member having a bulged section is positioned in the splined holes. An elastic restriction ring is positioned in the annular groove and has at least two holding sections positioned in the through hole. When moving the engagement member up and down, the elastic restriction ring is expanded by the bulged section, permitting the engagement member to engage with both the first and second ends or only the second end.
US08646363B2 Ratchet with coated layer and the method for making the same
A ratchet includes multiple ratchet teeth defined in the outer periphery thereof and a coated layer is coated along the outer periphery of the ratchet. A laser device is used to generate a laser beam to remove a part of the coated layer to defined openings in the coated layer and the ratchet teeth protrude from the openings.
US08646355B2 Automobile cable socket
An automobile cable socket. The automobile cable socket including a first socket member that is disposed to surround the first cable and includes a plurality of sawtooth portions formed on an external surface thereof in a direction in which the first cable extends, a second socket member coupled to the first socket member and including an engaging portion, a spring installed outside of the second socket member, and a position fix member that is disposed between the second socket member and the spring, releases engagement between the engaging portion of the second socket member and the plurality of sawtooth portions of the first socket member by pressing the spring, and engages the plurality of sawtooth portions with the engaging portion when the spring is restored to an original position.
US08646354B2 Gear shift unit for automated manual transmission
A gear shift unit for an automated manual transmission, may include a shift block that is restricted in the rotational direction and slidably movable along a control shaft, and has a shift finger in order to implement a selecting operation with straight motion thereof and a shifting operation with rotation motion thereof, a driving actuator, a shifting unit selectively engaged with the driving actuator to rotate the control shaft by power of the driving actuator, wherein the shifting unit changes rotational direction of the control shaft in accordance with rotational angles of the driving actuator, and a selecting unit selectively engaged with the driving actuator to slide the shift block along the control shaft by power of the driving actuator while the shifting unit is not driven by the power of the driving actuator.
US08646350B2 Actuator, in particular for a motor vehicle
The actuator has a gear unit with a gear housing and a motor unit with a motor housing and an internally located rotor with a drive shaft, and a cylindrical bearing housing on the drive side. The bearing housing protrudes, along with a bearing and the drive shaft ducted therein, into an opening in the gear housing. The motor housing is flange-mounted, along with a drive shaft mounted therein, to the gear housing. The outside of the bearing housing and the inside of the opening in the gear housing have been geometrically mutually harmonized such that clamping points and tension-free places will form between them when the actuator has been assembled. The pretensioning force resulting therefrom produces a permanent frictional engagement between the outer circumference of the bearing and the bearing support or the bearing shell located opposite it. The operating life of an actuator of such type is increased.
US08646349B2 Motor-vehicle hybrid propulsion system including a double-clutch transmission with gear shift device comprising a rotary drum
The hybrid propulsion system for an internal combustion engine having a mechanical gearbox and an electric machine. A gear shift device includes a plurality of sliding engagement sleeves, each arranged to connect a driven gearwheel for rotation with the respective secondary shaft, a corresponding plurality of sliding shift forks, each arranged to cause a respective engagement sleeve to slide between a neutral position and at least one shift position, a rotary drum having on its outer cylindrical surface a corresponding plurality of guide grooves in each of which a respective stud slidably engages for translation with a respective shift fork in the sliding direction of this latter, and an actuation unit arranged to cause the drum to rotate stepwise among a plurality of angular positions each corresponding to predetermined positions of the engagement sleeves.
US08646342B2 Disposable, pre-sterilized fluid receptacle sampling device
The present invention provides a fluid sampling device comprising a port insert, a plurality of flexible conduits, and a plurality of sample containers. The port insert comprises a body having a plurality of shafts therethrough and a rotatably displaceable member for individually opening and closing any of said shafts to enable the flow of fluid therethrough. Flexible conduits (e.g., flexible tubing) are equal in number to the shafts, with each flexible conduit connected to or otherwise in fluid communication with an individual shaft. Similarly, sample containers (e.g., flexible bags) are equal in number to the conduits, with each sample container connected to an individual conduit opposite the connection to the shaft. A specific configuration for the port insert, as well as kit containing sterilized components of the fluid sampling device, are also described.
US08646337B2 Tensile test device and method for testing deposits on electronic substrates
A tensile testing machine has a jaw which includes a unitary ‘H’ section member having a cross piece and two uprights. The cross piece is mounted to a cantilever beam which is supported on the test machine and has force measuring elements. A pneumatic actuator applies tensile forces to the first ends of the uprights via strands to urge the first ends apart. When first ends of the uprights are urged apart, their oppositely disposed second ends are urged together to grip a sample deposit to be pulled off a substrate in a tensile test. In use, the jaws can be moved at speed, in the order of 500 mm/s to pull the deposit off of the substrate. The force required to pull the deposit off the substrate in this tensile test is measured by the force measuring elements on the beam.
US08646334B2 Inertia sensors with multi-directional shock protection
A sensor including: a base; at least one component which moves relative to the base; and one or more locking mechanisms for locking the at least one component in a predetermined stationary position in response to external stimuli exceeding predetermined thresholds in at least first and second directions, where the first direction is different from the second direction.
US08646327B2 Fluid flow sensor
A bi-directional fluid flow sensor is disclosed. The sensor comprises a turbine configured to rotate along an axis as a result of fluid flowing past the turbine substantially in the direction of the axis; a magnet mounted to the turbine and configured to rotate with the turbine; and a magnetic flux angle sensor provided adjacent to the turbine and configured to detect the relative flux angle of the magnet as it rotates. The bi-directional fluid flow sensor is sensitive and robust and may be used in a downhole well for example.
US08646325B2 Operating a vessel occlusion catheter
Some systems and methods for operating a vessel occlusion catheter may include a control and inflation device to control the filling of the balloon in such a manner that the vessel wall will not be overstressed while the safe occlusion of the blood vessel is achieved.
US08646320B2 Fuel property determining apparatus
A fuel property determining apparatus is provided that can reduce power consumption in energization of a fuel property sensor by efficiently determining a fuel property as determined by activating the fuel property sensor. Upon starting an internal combustion engine, it is determined whether or not determination is made of the fuel property in a preceding trip. When the fuel property is determined in the preceding trip, a switch is turned ON to activate the fuel property sensor after waiting for a short period of time after the start of the internal combustion engine. When the fuel property is not determined in the preceding trip, the switch is turned ON to activate the fuel property sensor immediately after the start of the internal combustion engine.
US08646301B2 Method for manufacturing high strength hot rolled steel sheet
A method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet includes heating a slab to a temperature in the range of 1150 to 1300° C.; hot rolling the slab with a finishing rolling temperature being in the range of 800 to 1000° C.; cooling the steel sheet at a mean cooling rate of 30° C./s or higher to a cooling termination temperature in the range of 525 to 625° C.; suspending cooling for a time period in the range of 3 to 10 seconds; cooling the steel sheet in such a manner that cooling of the steel sheet is nucleate boiling; and coiling the steel sheet at a temperature in the range of 400 to 550° C.
US08646299B2 Pin tumbler lock system and a key pin for such system
The present invention concerns a pin tumbler lock system having a housing, a plug, and easy accessible driver pins, key pins and springs. The system is configured so that the lengths of the key pins are adjustable from the outside without taking the lock apart.
US08646298B2 Electronically-configurable key
A key for opening multiple axial pin locks has a base member with an indexing element and a number of lock pins, configured to match the keyways of the locks. The key has a microprocessor with access to information on the pin configuration for each lock to be opened, and the lock pins are selectively positioned along the base member to match the configuration of a key for a particular lock in response to the user entering an identification code for that lock. The lock pins can slidably engage recessed tracks in the base member, which serve to direct the lock pins parallel to an axis of the base member. A pin latching mechanism can be provided to secure the lock pins in the desired position.
US08646294B1 Securement locking device
A securement system is provided that permits the secured locking of an ultra-portable laptop computer without requiring the use of a universal security slot. The system includes an edge member that has a body channel intersecting a screen channel formed on a face. When the laptop is open, the edge of the laptop screen fits within the screen channel and the edge of the laptop body fits within the body channel, with the edge member being positioned astride the hinge between the screen and body. A cross member connects the edge member to an opposite edge member engaged over the opposite edge of the laptop. When secured, the system cannot be removed from the laptop, since the two edge members are prevented from movement due to the cross member and the channels.
US08646292B2 Drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine is provided. The drum type washing machine includes a cabinet for forming an appearance; a tub fixed to an inner side of the cabinet and for storing washing water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for washing and dehydrating laundry, and a driving motor positioned at a rear side of the drum for generating a driving force by which the drum is rotated. The washing machine can increase washing capacity with maintaining an entire size thereof by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing a size of the cabinet. The washing machine may include a supporting plate to rotatably support the rotational shaft, and a supporting unit to support the supporting plate, the supporting unit comprising a plurality of supporters connected between the supporting plate and the cabinet.
US08646285B2 Control apparatus for taking out ice of refrigerator and method thereof
The present invention relates to a control apparatus for taking out ice of a refrigerator and a method thereof. The present invention includes an input unit for inputting the amount of ice to be taken out; and a taking-out unit for taking out the ice corresponding to the amount inputted to the input unit.
US08646283B2 Ice making method and ice making device
An ice making method and device may include an ice making member inserting step in which an ice making member is inserted into water that is stored in an ice tray, an ice pieces making step in which the ice making member is cooled so that the water is frozen to form an ice pieces, an ice making member heating step in which the ice making member is heated so that a portion of the ice pieces sticking to the ice making member is melted, an ice making member drawing-out step in which the ice making member is drawn out from the ice pieces, and an ice pieces separating step in which the ice tray is deformed to separate the ice pieces from the ice tray. The ice pieces separating step and the ice pieces storing step are performed at positions under the ice making member.
US08646272B2 Rankine cycle system and method of controlling the same
There is provided a Rankine cycle system which generates electricity by using heat as an energy source, in which a conventional pump for carrying a working fluid is not used, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing the Rankine cycle system, saving the electric power consumed to operate the pump and therefore obtaining a greater output of power, and in which a control system is used to automatically operate the Rankine cycle system, thereby enabling to stably operate the Rankine cycle system even though a heat source is intermittently supplied.
US08646270B2 Engine
Turbines and compressors, which constitute superchargers, are disposed in series on an exhaust gas passage and an air intake passage, respectively. The supercharger is equipped with a supercharger rotation sensor, which transmits a detection signal obtained according to the rotation of the compressor to a control device, a bypass passage, which bypasses exhaust gas from the upstream side to the downstream side of the turbine, and a bypass valve, which regulates the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing through the bypass passage. Control device regulates the rotational speed of the compressors in a high-efficiency range by producing a control signal based on the detection signal from the supercharger rotation sensor, and sending the control signal to the bypass valve.
US08646252B2 Preventing catalyst damage during misfire event
A control system includes a temperature determination module and a catalyst protection module. The temperature determination module determines a temperature of exhaust gas based on a resistance of a heating element of an oxygen sensor. The catalyst protection module adjusts an operating parameter of an engine to decrease the temperature of the exhaust gas when the temperature of the exhaust gas is greater than a threshold temperature. The threshold temperature is based on a temperature that damages a catalyst in an exhaust system.
US08646237B1 Sealing retention clip
An insulated wall assembly including a plurality of pre-cast panels, a plurality of insulation panels, at least two J-shaped clips, and at least one I-shaped clip is provided. The precast panels may be oriented such that the adjacent vertical edges are in an abutting relationship to form a wall, and the J-shaped clips comprise a trough portion and a wall engaging portion. The I-shaped clip comprises two wall engaging portions and a two retention portions, and the wall engaging portions of the J-shaped clips each define a substantially planar wall-engaging surface capable of attaching to the wall. The wall-engaging portions of the I-shaped clip each define a substantially planar wall-engaging surface capable of attaching to the wall. The trough portion of the J-shaped clip comprises at least one pliant integral co-extruded seal extending away from a distal edge of the trough portion in an angled configuration, and each retention portion of the I-shaped clip includes at least one pliant integral co-extruded seal extending away from a distal edge of the retention portion in an angled configuration.
US08646235B2 Fire resistive joint cover system
A fire resistive joint cover system operable to span a gap between two surfaces. The system generally may include first and second base members, a covering member, and an intumescent sheet. Each base member is operable to couple with one of the surfaces and the covering member is operable to couple with the base members to at least partially span the gap. In some embodiments, the covering member may be configured as a floating covering member and/or as a flexible elastomer seal.
US08646224B2 Construction apparatus
Construction apparatus for use within an elevator hoistway are provided. The construction apparatus include a span member having a first end and a second end. A sill attachment is connected to the first end of the span member and configured to seat against a building sill. A support member is connected to the second end of the span member and configured to seat against a second side of the elevator hoistway, wherein the second side of the elevator hoistway is opposite the building sill. A plurality of apertures is arranged on the span member and configured to allow a connection to a hoist device. The span member is configured to rotate about the sill attachment.
US08646223B2 Concrete building wall having cast-in-place window wells
A method and apparatus for forming cast-in-place window well walls includes first and second forming panel modules each having an inner and outer section. The forming panel modules may be connected together by a spacer panel which extends downwardly to a footing for providing a pier for supporting the window well wall. The forming panel modules are preferably configured with arcuate corners and upper and lower rails to permit stacking of the modules to increase the height of the window well wall, or include additional spacer panels or filler forms to increase the width or thickness of the window well wall.
US08646221B2 Dwelling assembly
A dwelling assembly that has a continuous sidewall and an opening for a door and a window. A roof assembly is provided with first and second roofs that are spaced apart such that the outer roof acts as a heat shield for the inner roof to ensure the interior of the dwelling is a minimum temperature. In addition, ballast boxes are utilized in order to provide additional weight to the dwelling and a planting area in association with the dwelling assembly.
US08646215B2 Flush glass assembly interfaces
A glass guiding system is provided comprising first and second glass pieces, each having an inboard surface, a front edge and a rear edge. The system also includes a first guiding assembly comprising a guide bonded to the inboard surface of the first piece and a retaining structure having a channel to slideably retain the guide, wherein the rear edge of the first piece and the front edge of the second piece engage when the first piece is fully raised.
US08646211B2 Sliding door system
A sliding door system includes at least one sliding door having an upper and lower sliding-door mount, as well as an upper and lower guide rail for displaceably receiving the upper and lower sliding-door mount, respectively. The guide rails extend parallel to each other and each have a clear inner width that is at least twice as large as the thickness of the sliding door. The upper and lower sliding-door mounts are each at most half as wide as the clear inner width of each guide rail, allowing moving the sliding door into recessed and lifted-out positions, each constituting a stable state. By overcoming a resistance force, the sliding door can be moved between stable states. The sliding door system is lightweight and robust, and enables sliding doors to be displaced freely without a particular sliding door being assigned in a fixed manner to a particular opening to be covered.
US08646209B2 Device for adjusting and locking the position of a guide rail for a movable windowpane in a vehicle door
The invention relates to the adjusting and locking of the position of a guide rail for a movable window pane in a vehicle door. A device, a vehicle door equipped therewith and a tool provided for the adjusting and locking are disclosed. In the vehicle door, a first mounting plate mounted on the rail side and a second mounting plate mounted on the door side are provided, which are connected to one another by screw-fastenable mounting means. One of the mounting plates comprises an engaging element for an eccentric lever, which on rotation brings about a mutual translational displacement of the mounting plates in an adjusting (Y) direction.
US08646205B2 Fabricated cultivation box and fabricated landscape architecture system
The present invention relates to a fabricated landscape architecture system that can simply form landscape architecture of a wall surface or the like. The fabricated landscape architecture system, includes a plurality of support plates (60), a plurality of cultivation boxes (10) and water supply pipes (30). The plurality of support plates (60) are arranged in one or more lines in a vertical or horizontal direction and include a plurality of fastening holes and pipe grooves (13). The plurality of cultivation boxes (10) are formed in the shape of a box of which one surface is open. A plurality of fastening protrusion (25) to be inserted into the fastening holes, pipe grooves (13) positioned so as to face the pipe grooves (13) of the support plates (60) and the assembly holes are formed on the bottom of the cultivation box (10). The water supply pipes (38) are provided between the pipe grooves (63) of the support plates (60) and the pipe grooves (13) of the cultivation boxes, and include a plurality of water supply protrusions.
US08646198B2 Security device
A container to receive goods to be held securely. The container includes a hollow body with walls, and a lid with walls. A security assembly extends between one of the walls and one of the walls to provide evidence of opening and/or tamper. The security assembly includes a pair of inserts between which a tag (seal) extends that is altered if a container is opened or tampered with.
US08646195B2 Front panel assembly with identification plate
A front panel assembly includes a front panel, and an identification plate. The front panel defines two arc-shaped slots and a through hole. The through hole includes a positioning area, first and second extension areas extending from the positioning area along perpendicular directions, and a transition area between the first and second extension areas. The identification plate includes a main body with a logo marked on a front side, and two engagement tabs and a cam protruding from a back side of the identification plate. The engagement tabs slidably engage in the corresponding slots. The cam includes a rotation portion received in the positioning area of the through hole, and a locking portion extending from the rotation portion to move between the first extension area, the second extension area, and the transition area of the through hole, with the identification plate rotating relative to the front panel.
US08646194B2 Lighting device
A light film apparatus having an illuminated graphics panel with at least two segments that can be individually powered. A controller manages a power which is delivered from a power supply to each of the segments, so that each of the segments is either powered on, powered off or powered to an intermediate level. With the independent control of power to the different segments, it is possible to create a three-dimensional appearance of a moving image from a generally two-dimensional panel arrangement. A housing can be mounted so that the graphics panel abuts or is closely mounted to a mounting surface.
US08646193B1 Automatic page-turning device and automatic page-turning scan device using the same
An automatic page-turning scan device for automatically turning and scanning pages of a book includes an automatic page-turning device and a scan module. The automatic page-turning device includes a base, a book support, a page-pressing module, a pick-up and page-turning module, and a system controller connected with the book support, the page-pressing module and the pick-up and page-turning module. The book support slidably mounted to the base includes two supporting panels for supporting the book. The page-pressing module is mounted to the supporting panel includes a driving module, and a pressing plate driven by the driving module. The pick-up and page-turning module mounted to the base includes a pick-up holder, a pick-up arm and a path guiding mechanism. The scan module is mounted to the automatic page-turning device, and the system controller controls the scan module to scan the pages of the book.
US08646189B2 Pistachio/nut dryer-assembly and method
The present invention provides an improved continuous vertical feed pistachio nut dryer that has an inner compartment defined by bulkhead walls formed of smooth and seamless outer walls of perforated sheet stock, and has an infeed chamber with a batch hopper used in conjunction with an auger to provide a structure configured to operate in a batch fill mode wherein the inner compartment is filled evenly along the length of the dryer.
US08646188B1 Golf club measurement device
A portable golf club face measurement device, which accurately and quickly measures data regarding, for example, the orientation of the golf club face relative to the shaft and the orientation of the golf club face relative to a point located on the toe of the club, is disclosed herein. The measurement device has a face probe, a retaining arm, at least one gauge, and at least one clamp.
US08646184B2 Dual taper release button for folding knife
In a folding knife in which a release button is used to lock the blade in the open and/or closed positions, and to release the blade from being locked, the release button has a dual tapered sidewall surface on the locking portion of the button.
US08646180B2 Method for producing electromechanical transducer, electromechanical transducer produced by the method, liquid-droplet jetting head, and liquid-droplet jetting apparatus
A method of producing an electromechanical transducer includes a first step of partially modifying a surface of a first electrode; a second step of applying a sol-gel liquid including a metal composite oxide to a predetermined area of the partially-modified surface of the first electrode; a third step of performing drying, thermal decomposition, and crystallization on the applied sol-gel liquid to form an electromechanical transduction film, wherein the drying includes a heat-treatment at 120° C., the decomposition includes thermal decomposition performed at 500° C., and the crystallization includes heat treatment for crystallization at 700° C.; a fourth step of repeating the first, second, and third steps to obtain the electromechanical transduction film with a desired thickness; and a fifth step of forming a second electrode on the electromechanical transduction film.
US08646170B2 Device for producing photovoltaic modules
An apparatus and a method for automatically joining components of photovoltaic elements are disclosed. The apparatus includes: a) at least two manufacturing lines and at least two assembly bridges for joining the substrates, films and glass panes, b) a stacking device for film feeding and a conveyor belt for feeding the glass panes, c) devices for centering and suctioning the films and the glass plates, d) devices for transporting and fixing the film transport frame and the glass transport frame e) devices for lowering the films and the glass plates from the respective transport frames, and f) devices for further transport.
US08646169B2 Method of manufacturing liquid ejection head having protective layer containing a noble metal
A simplified and less costly manufacture process of a print head can be effective in preventing the peeling-off between a substrate and a flow passage forming member. In the print head, a protective layer is formed between the flow passage forming member and a heat generating portion. The protective layer contains a noble metal. On a side of the flow passage forming member, the surface of the protective layer is made of an oxide of a noble metal, except in a portion corresponding to the heat generating portion, while in the portion corresponding to the heat generating portion on the flow passage forming member side, the surface thereof is made of the noble metal.
US08646166B2 Component assembly consisting of a fastener element and a sheet metal part and also a method for manufacturing such a component assembly
A component assembly comprises a sheet metal and a fastener element. A flange has a larger diameter and a shaft of smaller diameter extends away from the flange and merges at its end remote from the flange into a cylindrical rivet section. The fastener element is used with sheet metals with thicknesses in the range of 3 mm and larger. With thin sheet metal parts the sheet metal has a smooth pierced cylindrical opening with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the shaft. The cylindrical rivet section is reshaped to a rivet bead contacting the sheet metal underside. Medium thickness sheet metal parts have a stepped hole with the hole region of larger diameter receiving the rivet bead. For thick sheet metal parts the sheet metal has a conical pierced hole and the cylindrical rivet section is reshaped to a conical rivet bead wedged in the conically diverging hole.
US08646165B2 Method of securing pipe elements end to end
A method of joining pipe elements in end to end relation using mechanical pipe couplings. The couplings have a plurality of segments attached end to end surrounding a central space. The segments have arcuate surfaces adapted to interface with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements. The method includes inserting end portions of the pipe elements into the central space and then drawing the coupling segments toward one another so as to engage the arcuate surfaces of the segments with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.
US08646160B2 Connectors removal pliers
A pair of connector removal pliers includes a first arm and a second arm which is pivotably connected to the first arm by a pin. A positioning member and a pressing member are respectively connected to the first and second arms. The positioning member has a rough surface and the pressing member has a protrusion extending therefrom which extends toward the positioning member. By operating two handles of the first and second arms to position one of two connectors between the positioning member and the pressing member, the technician can easily pull the other connector to separate the two connectors.
US08646159B2 Device and method for assembling retainer and cotter
A large-diameter-side end surface (104a) of a cotter (104) can be supported by a cotter holder (32) from below through inserting a shaft member (102) along an inner periphery of the cotter (104) from above the cotter (104). In this state, a protrusion (104b) of the cotter (104) and an annular groove (102a) of the shaft member (102) are fitted to each other, and the cotter (104) and a retainer (103) are taper-fitted to each other. Consequently, the cotter is prevented from being unstable, and hence it is possible to assemble the retainer (103) and the cotter (104) to the shaft member (102) with good accuracy.
US08646156B2 Vacuum press fit zipper assembly
A vacuum press fit zipper assembly designed for watersports apparel and gear and other water related applications. Overmolding construction forms an effective seal around the entire perimeter of the fastener assembly, and a vacuum fit is created between the two mating portions of the zipper assembly.
US08646155B2 Clips for fastening accessories to vehicle panels
A clip for fastening accessories to vehicle panels includes a rectangular reinforcement case which is formed by the end contact of its opposite mid parts, by means of the fitted-together join of a single finger per side of each mid part, by means of a shape approximately of a double fold in the form of a zig-zag against the edge of the opposite part, which extends in parallel to the walls of the case and in the interior of the case. The remainder of this opposite part has a symmetrical finger with a similar arrangement.
US08646151B2 Ligature-resistant vertical grab bar
A ligature-resistant grab bar for mounting on a surface, having an elongated handgrip having a generally centrally disposed spine extending from the first end of the handgrip to the second end of the handgrip and which is configured and dimensioned to extend outwardly from the surface, when mounted. The spine lying flush against the surface and two arms extending outwardly from the spine along its entire length, each having an outer surface which collectively define the handgrip outer surface. The arms each having an outer free end portion which is configured and dimensioned to be grasped by a user. End caps on each of the ends of the handgrip, at least one of the end caps having an outwardly flared end wall having a first edge joined to the outer surface of the handgrip and a second edge configured and dimensioned to lie flush against the surface.
US08646142B2 Got your back applicator systems
A multi-fluid applicator utensil comprising a head assembly having a head section; a face surface; a back surface; and a receiver and a handle assembly having a shank and a gripper. The head assembly is pivotally mounted on the handle assembly with the shank received by the receiver located in the head section. The head assembly comprises a socket. The handle assembly comprises a ball pivotable in the socket. The shank is telescopic providing an extended length of about twelve inches and a retracted length of about 8½ inches. The gripper provides a grippable surface by which a user-applier is able to manipulate the multi-fluid applicator utensil. The multi-fluid applicator utensil comprises injection-molded thermoplastic and is useable by the user-applier to surface-apply the oil, lotion and cream to the bodily skin surface in hard-to-reach locations.
US08646136B2 Assemblies, systems, and related methods employing interlocking components to provide at least a portion of an encasement, particularly for bedding and seating applications
Encasement assemblies, systems, and related methods employing interlocking support components to provide at least a portion of an encasement for bedding or seating are disclosed. The assembly may include a base having flip-up support member(s). The base may include elongated channel(s) disposed therein having a first geometry and a portion of the elongated channel(s) may also be disposed in the flip-up support member(s). The assembly may also include elongated support member(s) each having a first side and a second side. The first side may contain a rail and the second side may contain a second rail. Each rail and second rail may be interlocked with the elongated channel(s), such that the elongated support member(s) are attached to the base and provide at least a portion of the encasement.
US08646133B2 Duvet cover
A duvet cover (10) including an envelope portion (20) substantially closable for enveloping a duvet to shield the duvet from soiling. The envelope portion (120) is removable from the duvet for laundering. The duvet cover further includes a sheet portion (30) attachable to the envelope portion (20) to underlie the envelope portion (20) to shield the underside (21) of the envelope portion (20) from soiling. The sheet portion (30) is removable from the envelope portion (20) for laundering. There is also provided a method of minimizing duvet cover laundering requirements.
US08646122B2 Spa tub apparatus and system using air jet
A pedicure spa tub sanitary apparatus and system includes a disposable spa tub basin liner and a disposable gas jet member that includes a quick-connect coupling for easy assembly and removal after each use. The spa tub basin liner is made from plastic and conforms to the shape of the spa tub. The disposable gas jet member is also preferably made from plastic or other rigid material and cooperates with a valved gas coupling member secured in the spa basin wall to provide a safe and sanitary air jetting function when the spa tub basin is filled with water, thereby reducing the risk of spreading infectious disease. During use, the disposable gas jet member may be disposed within a wall trough of the spa tub to protect the disposable gas jet member and quick-connect coupling from accidental breakage and/or disconnection.
US08646120B2 Bathing device, systems and methods
Systems and methods provide improved bathing or soaking mechanisms. A vessel may be provided with a plurality of horizontal support surfaces disposed in a cavity and a plurality of separate drain paths. A lid is adapted to span the cavity and be received in the top of the vessel. The lid may be a two-piece hinged lid, which may be actuated from a closed position to an open position and back again. The lid is provided with one or more drain holes which may cooperate with one of the plurality of drain paths when the lid is in the closed position. The vessel and lid combination may be installed through a floor, beneath a conventional shower stall, to enable showering with such stall without substantial contamination to the vessel.
US08646112B2 Reinforcing element for a glove, and glove, in particular a goal keeper's glove having such a reinforcing element
The invention relates to a reinforcement element for a glove, especially for a goal keeper's glove, which is designed to allow a bending in a first bending direction and to prevent a bending in a second bending direction which is contrariwise to the first bending direction. To prevent reliably that the joints of the fingers are subjected to high forces during fisting of a ball, the invention is characterized in that the reinforcement element comprises two bending elements which extend in a longitudinal direction of a finger, which bending elements comprise a number of blocking elements for the prevention of a bending in the second bending direction, wherein the two bending elements run during regular use laterally beside the finger which is to be protected, wherein the two bending elements are connected to another by at least two connecting bridges. Furthermore, the invention relates to a glove, especially to a goal keeper's glove with such a reinforcing element.
US08650656B1 Method and apparatus for user authentication
A method and system for authenticating access to a protected application are disclosed. For example, the method receives from a protected application a request by a user to gain access to the protected application. In one embodiment, the request contains an identification of the user and an identification of at least one media device of the user. The method then verifies the identification of the user and the identification of at least one media device of the user, e.g., via a database operated by a proxy server. The method then generates an access code if the identification of the user and the identification of at least one media device are verified. Finally, the method sends the access code to both the user and to the protected application.
US08650646B2 System and method for optimization of security traffic monitoring
A method and system for security processing of a network data stream. Threat-related statistics are collected and the network data stream is selectively checked based on the statistics data identifying the areas of the stream where the threats had been previously detected. A system for processing a network data stream includes at least one network Intrusion Detection System (IDS) for checking a pre-determined portion of the data stream for presence of threats. The IDS collects threat-related statistics and provides it to statistics database. A unit for determining areas of the data stream to be checked queries the statistics database for determining or changing the current checked area based on the received statistics. The information about changes in the areas of the data stream to be checked is provided to the IDS, which checks the selected areas of the data stream.
US08650641B2 System and method for below-operating system trapping of driver filter attachment
A system for protecting an electronic system against malware includes an operating system configured to execute on the electronic device, a driver coupled to the operating system, and a below-operating-system security agent. The below-operating-system security agent is configured to identify one or more resources for changing filters of the driver, trap an attempted access of the one or more resources that originates from the operational level of the operating system, access one or more security rules to determine whether the attempted access is indicative of malware, and operate at a level below all of the operating systems of the electronic system accessing the one or more resources for changing filters of the driver.
US08650639B2 System and method for hindering a cold boot attack
A method for hindering a cold boot attack on a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method includes, in response to detection of the cold boot attack, executing prioritized security procedures. A user equipment (UE) is also provided that includes a processor configured to execute prioritized security procedures responsive to detection of a cold boot attack.
US08650637B2 Network security risk assessment
A security risk of a computer network is assessed by simulating a threat environment of the computer network, wherein the threat environment includes a vulnerability and a website, simulating a protection environment of the computer network and a computer system in the computer network, and simulating network activity of the computer system. The security risk of the computer network is assessed based at least in part on the simulated threat environment, the simulated protection environment, and the simulated network activity of the computer system.
US08650628B2 Automated user authentication identification for customized converged services
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing automated user authentication utilizing available authentication data associated with a computing device. By utilizing a mobile identification number verified during an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) process performed when a mobile computing device is powered on, access to a privileged content or service may be granted, allowing a user to bypass manual entry of user authentication information (user ID and password). Utilizing a verified mobile identification number, service features and functionalities may be communicated between billing systems of a service provider, which may provide for further converged, customized services.
US08650624B2 Obscuring visual login
A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display and either the modified base image or modified overlay image is moved by the user. A security level requirement is assigned and positive authentication is indicated in response to the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned with the overlay image reference point on the modified overlay image after the moving in a manner that meets the security level requirement.
US08650622B2 Methods and arrangements for authorizing and authentication interworking
This disclosure relates to a portable communication device and a network-side authorization server, and to methods therein. By splitting the functionality of an OAuth authorization server and moving the authorization endpoint into, for instance a mobile phone, an authorization server within the mobile phone is provided. This mobile phone authorization server does not need to communicate with the network-side for getting an authorization code or an access token.
US08650616B2 User definable policy for graduated authentication based on the partial orderings of principals
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that determine an actor context of an actor as well as an access environment for an attempted operation responsive to the actor context and a necessary condition. The method also evaluates whether the access environment satisfies the necessary condition and activates a principal responsive to the evaluation and authenticates the actor against the principal.
US08650610B2 Systems and methods of controlling network access
A new approach to network security includes manipulating an access point such that an initial communication from an external device is passed to a restricted subset of a computing network including a gatekeeper. The gatekeeper is configured to enforce a security policy against the external device before granting access to a less-restricted subset of the computing network. If requirements of the security policy are satisfied, then the gatekeeper reconfigures the access point such that further communication from the external device may be received by elements of the less-restricted subset. Enforcement of the security policy optionally includes performing a security audit of the external device.
US08650599B2 Accumulation display device, interlocked display method and system
An accumulation display device can interlock a display content according to specification of each of the mobile data terminals. An interlocked display system includes an accumulation display device having a metadata interpretation unit that analyzes metadata transmitted by a broadcast wave or a communication network and an accumulated image processing unit that performs accumulation processing of a program content or transmission processing of a restructured program content and managing each mobile data terminal, and the mobile data terminal. Highlights or replays of various scenes of a program currently viewed on the accumulation display device can be viewed on another device. Information on the currently viewed program and a related program as well as a previous scene can be viewed on the mobile data terminal.
US08650593B2 Broadcast receiving apparatus to provide external devices with a list of recorded files, method for providing recorded file, and system using the same
A broadcast receiving apparatus, and a method and system for providing recorded files are provided. The broadcast receiving apparatus generates a recorded file list having information regarding addresses at which recorded files are stored, and transmits the generated recorded file list to an external apparatus. Therefore, a user may conveniently use files recorded on a TV.
US08650586B2 Methods and apparatus for using audience member behavior information to determine compliance with audience measurement system usage requirements
Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture determine compliance with usage guidelines of an audience measurement system. Initially, location information associated with an audience member is obtained. It is then determined whether the audience member is in compliance with the usage guidelines based on the location information. Media monitoring information corresponding to the location information is then tagged as non-compliant if the audience member is not in compliance with the usage guidelines.
US08650583B2 Selectively transmitting transaction data
A last transaction for a business object may be identified. Transactions related to that occur prior to the last transaction and subsequent to a last upload event are associated with the last transaction. Data describing the last transaction and the associated transactions may be transmitted over a communications network. Related apparatuses, techniques, systems, computer program products are also described.
US08650581B2 Internode data communications in a parallel computer
Internode data communications in a parallel computer that includes compute nodes that each include main memory and a messaging unit, the messaging unit including computer memory and coupling compute nodes for data communications, in which, for each compute node at compute node boot time: a messaging unit allocates, in the messaging unit's computer memory, a predefined number of message buffers, each message buffer associated with a process to be initialized on the compute node; receives, prior to initialization of a particular process on the compute node, a data communications message intended for the particular process; and stores the data communications message in the message buffer associated with the particular process. Upon initialization of the particular process, the process establishes a messaging buffer in main memory of the compute node and copies the data communications message from the message buffer of the messaging unit into the message buffer of main memory.
US08650567B2 Virtual machine monitoring method, system and computer readable storage medium
A virtual machine monitoring method used in a virtual machine monitoring system is provided. The virtual machine monitoring method includes retrieving a hypercall transmitted from one of a plurality of virtual machines to a hypervisor of a virtual machine monitoring system, wherein the hypercall is used for establishing a channel between a source virtual machine and a target virtual machine. A central control virtual machine ID information in the hypervisor is retrieved. A type of the channel established by the hypercall is determined according to the central control virtual machine ID information and channel-establishing information corresponding to the hypercall. When the channel is a private channel that is not related to a central control virtual machine of the virtual machines, a security module is used to monitor the private channel.
US08650563B2 Identification and placement of new virtual machines to reduce memory consumption based on shared images with hosted virtual machines
A mechanism for optimal placement of VMs based on shared images is disclosed. A method of embodiments of the invention includes identifying a virtual machine (VM) image of a new VM to be placed by a host controller on one of a plurality of candidate host machines, for each candidate host machine of the plurality of candidate host machines, identifying a VM image for each VM hosted by the candidate host machine, and determining the candidate host with the most VMs having identical VM images to the new VM.
US08650561B2 System and method for localizing display of applications for download
Localizing display of applications for download, the method including receiving from a developer and ingesting into an online store an application localized in different languages, including a designated default language, determining a local language of a user desiring to download the application from the online store, presenting to the user an interface to download a version of the application in the user's local language if the application is available in the user's local language, and presenting to the user an interface to download the version of the application in the designated default language if the application is unavailable in the user's local language. In the case of people who speak more than one language, determining a local language of a user further includes determining one or more secondary local languages and/or assigning an order of priority to the secondary languages.
US08650556B2 Virtual machine asynchronous patch management
Drone virtual machines are leveraged to support asynchronous patch management by initiating a drone virtual machine in a maintenance environment to perform a patch management update, saving the updated virtual machine and then initiating the updated virtual machine in an operational environment accessible to clients. A drone is initiated in a maintenance environment for checking patch compliance in response to a request to initiate a virtual machine so that patch updates are performed before the virtual machine initiates in an operational environment accessible to operational clients.
US08650553B2 System and method for localizing assets using automatic generation of alerts
A system and method for managing localization workflow for video game development is disclosed. The method includes programmatically determining that a string has been added to or modified in an executable asset of a video game under development. The method further includes programmatically inspecting the executable asset to determine whether the string is to be visually displayed or audibly played during game play. The method further includes programmatically generating an electronic message for a translator based at least partly on a positive determination that there is a string to be translated, wherein the electronic message is intended to notify the translator of a translation task associated with at least the text to be translated.
US08650551B2 Transactional debugger for a transactional memory system and detecting conflicts
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing a debugger for programs running under a transactional memory system. When running a particular program using the debugger, the system detects when a conflict occurs on at least one conflictpoint that was set in the particular program. A graphical user interface is provided that displays information related to the detected conflict. The graphical user interface can display transactional state and/or other details independently of a conflict. A conflictpoint can be assigned to one or more regions of source code in one or more transactions in the particular program. A conflictpoint can also be assigned to a particular variable in the particular program. When running the particular program in a debug mode, execution is stopped if a conflict occurs on any of the conflictpoints.
US08650546B2 Static analysis based on observed string values during execution of a computer-based software application
Improving static analysis precision by recording a value pointed to by a string variable within the computer-based software application during the execution of a computer-based software application, modeling an invariant based on the recorded value, where the invariant represents at least one possible value pointed to by the string variable, performing a first static analysis of the computer-based software application to determine whether the invariant is valid with respect to the computer-based software application, and seeding a second static analysis of the computer-based software application with the invariant if the invariant is valid with respect to the computer-based software application.
US08650543B1 Software compatibility checking
During a compatibility testing technique, a portable electronic device launches a test version of a module in the application prior to executing the application in an environment on the portable electronic device. This module may be associated with the external electronic device (such as an audio jack swiper), and launching the test version of the module may involve providing configuration information associated with operation of the module to the environment. If, in response to the configuration information, the test version is initialized correctly by the environment, the portable electronic device subsequently executes the application with the module. Alternatively, if, in response to the configuration information, the test version is not initialized correctly by the environment, the portable electronic device subsequently executes the application without the module.
US08650540B2 Melding of mediation flow service component architecture (SCA) components
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for melding mediation and adaptation modules of a service component architecture (SCA) system. A method for melding mediation and adaptation modules of an SCA system can include selecting each of a mediation module and an adaptation module in an integrated development tool executing in memory by a processor of a computer and loading respectively different descriptor files for each of the mediation module and the adaptation module. The method further can include combining descriptors from the different descriptor files into a single descriptor file for a melded module. Finally, the method can include modifying names and wiring descriptors in the single descriptor file for the melded module to account for a combination of the mediation component and the adaptation component in the melded component.
US08650534B2 Metaobject enhancement objects
A system may include acquisition of metadata defining a first object model, the first object model comprising an instance of a metaobject, acquisition of enhancement object metadata defining one or more enhancements to the first object model and associating each of the one or more enhancements with one of one or more stable anchors of the first object model, and creation, based on the metadata defining the object model and the metadata defining the one or more enhancements, of metadata defining an extended object model, the extended object model comprising an instance of the metaobject.
US08650527B2 Method and software tool for analyzing and reducing the failure rate of an integrated circuit
A software tool and method for analyzing the reliability or failure rate of an integrated circuit (IC) are disclosed. The IC may include a plurality of circuit designs, and the software tool and method may aid a designer of the IC in determining a reliability rating of the IC based on reliability ratings of transistors or other circuit devices used in the circuit designs. In particular, the IC may include one or more circuit designs that have multiple instances within the IC (i.e., the same circuit design is instantiated multiple times), and the software tool and method may take into account the multiple instances when determining the reliability rating of the IC.
US08650523B2 Sub-circuit models with corner instances for VLSI designs
An approach for providing sub-circuit models with corner instances for VLSI designs is disclosed. Embodiments include: determining a circuit design that includes a plurality of sub-circuit models having a plurality of characteristics; and associating, by a processor, a sub-circuit model of the plurality of sub-circuit models with a corner instance value, and another sub-circuit model of the plurality of sub-circuit models with another corner instance value. Other embodiments include analyzing, by the processor, the circuit design according to the corner instance value and the other corner instance value.
US08650522B2 Determining mutual inductance between intentional inductors
Various methods for analyzing mutual inductance in an integrated circuit layout are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, circuit design information indicative of a first inductor and a second inductor is received. A dipole moment associated with the first inductor is determined, where the magnetic field associated with the dipole moment is representative of magnetic fields created by respective turns in the first inductor. A mutual inductance between the first inductor and the second inductor is determined by determining a magnetic flux of the magnetic field of the dipole moment through surfaces bounded by respective wire segments of the second inductor.
US08650516B2 Methods and systems for computer aided design of 3D integrated circuits
Methods and systems for generating and verifying circuit layouts from computer-aided design tools for vertically integrated, three-dimensional integrated circuits are disclosed. In one instance, a 3-D technology file of these teachings is obtained by providing an identifier for two or more circuit levels, providing for each one of the two or more circuit levels an identifier for a 2-D technology file corresponding to each of the one or more circuit levels and providing a file structure including the two or more circuit levels and each identifier, corresponding to each one of the one or more circuit levels, for the 2-D technology file corresponding to each one of the two or more circuit levels. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08650511B2 Lithography performance check methods and apparatus
The present disclosure provides for many different embodiments. A mask fabrication method and system is provided. The method and system identify critical areas of an integrated circuit (IC) design layout that has undergone optical proximity correction. The critical areas are areas of the OPCed IC design layout that are at risk for hot spots. A lithography process check is then performed on the critical areas of the OPCed IC design layout.
US08650509B2 Touchscreen gestures for virtual bookmarking of pages
A system and method are disclosed for navigating an electronic document using a touch-sensitive display screen with gestures that are reminiscent of physically handling the pages of a conventional, bound document. A user may temporarily bookmark one or more selected pages by touching the touchscreen with a finger when the pages are displayed, to mimic using a finger to hold a selected page of a conventional, bound document. Predefined gestures may be specified with different functions, such as returning to a bookmarked page or removing a bookmark.
US08650508B2 Mobile terminal and operating method thereof
A mobile terminal is provided that includes a touch input unit and a display. A method of operating the mobile terminal includes operating the touch input unit of the mobile terminal in a normal mode, detecting a first multi-touch signal from the touch input unit, switching the touch input unit from the normal mode to a direction input mode in response to the first multi-touch signal, detecting a second multi-touch signal from the touch input unit while the touch input unit is in the direction input mode, determining a direction represented by the second multi-touch signal based on the tap signal, and scrolling at least one object displayed on a screen of a display of the mobile terminal in the determined direction. The second multi-touch signal may include a tap signal.
US08650504B2 Order receiving apparatus and order receiving method
An order receiving apparatus includes: a display unit configured to display an order input screen including a menu item space in which operation images for receiving orders of menu items are allocated and a menu allocation screen including the menu item space and a list of menu items for which the operation images can be allocated to the menu item space; a first selecting unit configured to select a menu item from among the menu items included in the list; a second selecting unit configured to select an allocation position to which the selected operation image of is allocated in the menu item space; and an updating unit configured to update the definition information according to the selected menu item and the selected allocation position.
US08650500B2 Copy-and-paste functionality for network reconfiguration
A network system includes a reconfigurable network and a network management system. The network management system can represent the network in the form of a network image. Network image objects, corresponding to network objects, can be selected as copy sources and paste targets. A copy-and-paste operation modifies the network image to indicate a potential modification of the actual network in which the configuration of the network object corresponding to the selected copy source object is applied to the network object corresponding to the selected image object. In addition, the copy-and-paste operation can automatically represent a common connection of a source object input and a target object input to a common data source. Furthermore, the copy-and-paste operation can automatically connect outputs of source and target objects to a comparison function so that the implementation of the copy-and-paste operation on the actual network can be validated.
US08650491B2 System and method for configuring enterprise information handling system storage solutions
Enterprise information handling system storage solutions are configured automatically through a graphical user interface that accepts storage device and storage topology selections from an end user to automatically present a graphical image depicting interconnection devices that interface the storage devices. For example, cables with a color selected by the end user are depicted interfacing storage devices with the selected color. In one embodiment, switches are automatically selected and depicted for the storage devices and storage topology selected by the end user.
US08650487B2 System and method of providing for the control of a music player to a device driver
A system and method of providing for the control of a music player to a device driver. One embodiment of the system comprises an electronic music player that is connected to a plurality of music renderers via device drivers via a music renderer controller. The music renderer controller comprises a device integration application program interface for providing a standard interface for communicating with each of the device drivers. Each of the device drivers manage a selected music renderer. The device drivers can display a graphical interface for displaying notifications, customized controls, links to websites, or any other type of information desired by the manufacturer of the device driver. The device drivers can also customize the interfaces of the music render to rename textual elements that are displayed by the device driver. Furthermore, the device drivers can command the music player to suspend and resume playback of music items during selected periods.
US08650471B2 System and method for look-aside parity based raid
Redundant storage of information is provided by distributing storage functions between a RAID controller and switching device. The switching device multi-casts writes to storage devices and to the RAID controller. The RAID controller generates parity for the information and writes the parity to the storage devices in space reserved for parity by the switching device. Information is read from the storage devices through the switching device without action by the RAID controller.
US08650469B2 Method and device for processing a data stream
A method of processing a stream of coded data before decoding comprises a step of detecting missing or erroneous data in the stream of coded data.It comprises a step of generating a series of data ready for decoding formed from the stream of coded data, and a series of additional data supplying information representing the position of the missing or erroneous data detected.
US08650468B2 Initializing decoding metrics
A method includes, during a first iteration of a first decoder for decoding convolutionally encoded data elements, determining a first value of a first path metric. The method also includes, during a second iteration of the first decoder, determining a second value of the first path metric by using the first value of the first path metric as an initial value of the first path metric.
US08650467B1 Parallel chien search over multiple code words
A method for decoding an ECC, in a decoder that includes at least first and second root search units, includes accepting at least first and second Error Locator Polynomials (ELPs) that have been computed over respective first and second code words of the ECC. A criterion depending on the ELPs is evaluated. One of first and second modes is selected based on the criterion. One or more first roots of the first ELP and one or more second roots of the second ELP are found using the selected mode, and the first and second code words are decoded using the first and second roots. In the first mode, the first and second root search units are combined and simultaneously find the first roots. In the second mode, the first and second root search units operate separately, and simultaneously identify the first roots and the second roots, respectively.
US08650463B2 Solid state drive and method of controlling an error thereof
The present general inventive concept relates to a solid state drive and a method of controlling an error thereof. A flash translation layer includes a parity managing module to correct errors. A block address of a storage medium including error data that can be recovered is managed through the parity managing module. Parity data of a block including error data is generated through the parity managing module. The generated parity data is managed through the parity managing module. The generated parity data can be stored in an assigned area of the storage medium. When data of a block managed by the parity managing module is not recovered by an error correction code unit, error data is recovered with reference to the generated parity data.
US08650452B2 Non-binary QC-LDPC code decoding device and associated method
A non-binary quasi-cyclic (QC) low-density parity-check (LDPC) code decoding device comprises a first barrel-shifter, a routing network and a second barrel-shifter. The first barrel-shifter uses a constraint h′v′+h″v″=hv to shift q−1 elements of an input by j0 positions to produce first temporary elements. The routing network connects to the first barrel-shifter, permutes the first temporary elements to produce second temporary elements if v′ of the constraint is not zero and designates the first temporary elements as the second temporary elements if v′ of the constraint is zero. The second barrel-shifter connects to the routing network and uses the constraint h′v′+h″v″=hv to shift q−1 elements of the second temporary elements by i0 positions. A non-binary QC-LDPC decoding method is also disclosed.
US08650441B2 Data programming circuit and method for OTP memory
A data programming circuit is provided. The data programming circuit includes a one-time-programmable (OTP) memory and a control unit. The control unit stores a plurality of sections of a read-only memory (ROM) code into a free space of the OTP memory. In response to the sections of the plurality of sections that have the same content, the control unit stores a specific address into the OTP memory.
US08650440B2 Processor based system having ECC based check and access validation information means
A system comprises a first master element; and at least one shared communication element arranged to operably couple the first master element to at least one slave element. The system further comprises at least one validation element located on at least one further validation path located between the first master element and the at least one slave element, wherein the at least one validation element is arranged to validate at least one of: at least one access request by the first master element; and a response to an access request from the at least one slave element.
US08650438B2 Controller for reading data from non-volatile memory
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to solid state drive controllers. In some implementations, a device includes a buffer that holds a block of data corresponding to a command from a host. The command identifies the block of data and a logical sequence in which the identified block of data is to be transmitted. In response to the command, a data retriever included in the device retrieves the portions of the block of data from non-volatile memory units in a retrieval sequence that is different from the logical sequence. When the device receives multiple commands identifying multiple blocks of data, the device services the commands in parallel by retrieving portions of blocks of data identified by both commands.
US08650437B2 Computer system and method of protection for the system's marking store
A method and apparatus for controlling marking store updates in a central electronic complex with a plurality of core processors and eDRAM cache and interconnect bus to a service processor for loading memory controller firmware to dual-channel DDR3 memory controllers with an internal marking store. Loaded firmware of the memory controllers is responsible for tracking of ECC errors using a ECC decoder control whereby said marking store is written by a slow ECC decoder, and read by a fast ECC decoder for every read operation of said memory controllers to provide a blocking mechanism for notifying marking store firmware when the marking store has been updated and which guarantees that marking store firmware cannot write to the marking store until the marking store firmware has seen updates without causing the marking store hardware to time out.
US08650433B2 Shared ethernet adapter (SEA) load sharing and SEA fail-over configuration as set by a user interface
Provided are techniques for configuring a primary shared Ethernet adapter (SEA) and a backup SEA into a failover (F/O) protocol; providing a user interface (UI) for enabling a user to request a SEA load sharing protocol; in response to a user request for a SEA load sharing protocol, verifying that criteria for load sharing are satisfied; setting, by the UI a load sharing mode, comprising: requesting, by the backup SEA to the primary SEA, implementation of the SEA load sharing protocol; responsive to the requesting by the backup SEA, the primary SEA transmit an acknowledgment to the backup SEA and transitions into a sharing state; and responsive to the acknowledgment from the primary SEA, the backup SEA transitions to the sharing state.
US08650428B2 Dynamic weight calculation in a digital power estimation and management system
A system includes a power management unit that may be configured to estimate the power consumed by at least a portion of each of one or more processor cores during operation of each processor core. The power management unit may be configured to generate a sum of activity values and normal weight factor values for a predetermined set of signals within each processor core to estimate the power consumed. The power management unit may also be configured to adaptively generate and selectively use new weight factor values to estimate the power consumed based upon a total measured dynamic power consumed by each processor core during operation.
US08650423B2 Dynamic voltage and clock scaling control based on running average, variant and trend
The aspects enable a computing device or microprocessor to scale the frequency and/or voltage of a processor to an optimal value balancing performance and power savings in view of a current processor workload. Busy and/or idle duration statistics are calculated from the processor during execution. The statistics may include a running average busy and/or idle duration or idle/busy ratio, a variance of the running average and a trend of the running average. Current busy or idle durations or an idle-to-busy ratio may be computed based on collected statistics. The current idle-to-busy ratio may be compared to a target idle-to-busy ratio and the frequency/voltage of the processor may be adjusted based on the results of the comparison to drive the current running average toward the target value. The target value of idle-to-busy ratio may be adjusted based on the calculated variance and/or trend values.
US08650413B2 On-chip power proxy based architecture
The embodiments provide an assigned counter of a first set of counters and stores a value for an activity of a set of activities forming a set of stored values. The value comprises the count multiplied by a weight factor specific to the activity. A power manager manages the first set of counters, receives a set of activities to be monitored for a unit, groups the portion into subsets based on at least one of a frequency of occurrence of each activity and power consumption for each activity, sums the stored values corresponding to each activity in each subset to reach a total value for each subset, multiplies the total value of each subset by factor corresponding to the subset to form a scaled value for each subset, and sums the scaled value of each subset to form a power usage value.
US08650407B2 Applicant screening
A system of screening servers, screener client computers, and screening kiosks distribute an applicant screening process among multiple sites and multiple participants. To facilitate and secure communications of screening results and applicant actions, a personal identification code is provided that identifies individual sets of screening results. In this manner, the applicant is authenticated and can then enter appropriate applicant profile data into a secure screening account, such as via a screening kiosk. Screening results may be generated for the applicant in association with a unique personal identification code. This code can then be communicated to the screener, who can access the screening results along with a recommendation, if desired, by sending the code to a screening server. The screener can also enter appropriate screening information into another secure screening account.
US08650404B2 Communication protocol for secure communications systems
A method and apparatus for authenticating a key management message within a secure communication system is provided herein. During operation, a digital signature for message authentication of a Project 25 Key Management Message (KMM) is utilized. In particular, the digital signature will be used to authenticate the KMM in scenarios where there is no Message Authentication Code (MAC). The MAC will be utilized to authenticate the KMM when available. Because authentication of KMMs take place, even when no MAC is available, it becomes increasingly more difficult to tamper or spoof the delivery of encryption keys.
US08650396B2 Permission-based dynamically tunable operating system kernel
A server includes a central processing unit and electronic memory communicatively coupled to the central processing unit. The memory stores a dynamically tunable operating system kernel that includes at least one tunable implemented as a plurality of states. Each application managed by the operating system is assigned to one of these states according to a permission level association with the application. Each state defines a range of automated tuning of the tunable that is authorized to applications assigned to the state.
US08650394B2 Certifying the identity of a network device
According to one aspect, a method for certifying the identity of a network device. The method includes an initial step of coupling the network device to a provisioning device via a physically secure communications link. The provisioning device then certifies the identity of the network device including generating a cryptographic private key for the network device and sending the generated private key to the network device over the physically secure communications link.
US08650392B2 Ticket authorization
A method for issuing tickets in a communication system comprising a plurality of nodes that are capable of establishing a communication connection between two or more clients, the method comprising a first client transmitting to a ticket-issuing service a request for a ticket authorizing the first client to establish a communication connection with a second client, the ticket-issuing service determining if the first client is authorized to establish the requested communication connection and if the first client is determined to be authorized to establish the requested communication connection, the ticket-issuing service transmitting to the first client one or more tickets designating the second client which authorizes the first client to establish the requested connection with the second client by means of one or more of the plurality of nodes.
US08650391B2 Systems and methods for securely providing and/or accessing information
The invention is directed to a system for use with a first device in communication with a second device. The system includes a storage medium that is connectable with the first device, a hardened, stand alone, web browser stored on the storage medium, and client authentication data. The web browser uses the client authentication data to facilitate secure communication between the first device and the second device, and the first device communicates with a third device that provides configuration data that includes one or more approved addresses.
US08650382B2 Load/move and duplicate instructions for a processor
A method includes, in a processor, loading/moving a first portion of bits of a source into a first portion of a destination register and duplicate that first portion of bits in a subsequent portion of the destination register.
US08650377B2 Storage managing system, computer system, and storage managing method
The present invention provides a technique for arranging a virtual logical volume group for satisfying target response performance and realizing a cost reduction. For this purpose, in the present invention, in a storage managing system which manages a storage subsystem comprising in a pool using plural storage devices (hierarchies) having different performances and provides plural virtual logical volumes from the pool, the plural virtual logical volumes are classified into plural groups on the basis of information concerning target response performance concerning each of the plural virtual logical volumes such that each of the plural virtual logical volumes satisfies the target response performance. A new pool is allocated to each of the plural groups of the virtual logical volumes. Further, information indicating a correspondence relation between the pool and the virtual logical volumes included in the groups is generated and the information is output.
US08650376B2 Solid state storage element and method
A method and system for storing and retrieving data using flash memory devices. One example system includes an apparatus within a flash memory configuration. The flash memory configuration includes a plurality of memory cells, where each memory cell has a charge storage capacity for use in implementing digital storage. The apparatus includes a processing arrangement configured to access each of the memory cells in a write operation and a read operation. The apparatus also includes an instruction set for instructing the processor to impose target charge levels for defining a plurality of data values for each of the memory cells. The target charge levels are programmably movable with respect to the charge storage capacity.
US08650372B2 Methods and systems for calculating required scratch media
Methods and systems are disclosed for calculating required scratch media. In one embodiment, the method comprises obtaining backup job information from one or more backup applications for a plurality of backup jobs, calculating a required number of scratch media needed for one or more future executions of at least one of the backup jobs using the backup job information, and presenting the required number of scratch media to a user.
US08650363B2 Capacitor save energy verification
A memory subsystem includes a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, and a controller including logic to interface the volatile memory to an external system. The volatile memory is addressable for reading and writing by the external system. The memory subsystem includes a power controller with logic to detect when power from the external system to at least one of the volatile and nonvolatile memories and to the controller fails. When external system power fails, backup power is provided to at least one of the volatile and nonvolatile memories and to the controller for long enough to enable the controller to back up data from the volatile memory to the nonvolatile memory.
US08650356B2 Microcontroller with CAN module
A microcontroller has a random access memory, and a Controller Area Network (CAN) controller with a control unit receiving an assembled CAN message. The control unit generates a buffer descriptor table entry using the assembled CAN message and stores the buffer descriptor table entry in the random access memory, and the buffer descriptor table entry has at least a message identifier and load data from the CAN message and information of a following buffer descriptor table entry.
US08650355B2 Non-volatile resistive sense memory on-chip cache
Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a non-volatile resistive sense memory on-chip cache. In accordance with some embodiments, a processing circuit is formed on a first semiconductor substrate. A second semiconductor substrate is affixed to the first semiconductor substrate to form an encapsulated integrated chip package, wherein a non-volatile storage array of resistive sense memory (RSM) cells is formed on the second semiconductor substrate to cache data used by the processing circuit.
US08650345B2 Web configurable human input devices
A web configurable human input device is provided. The device includes at least one mechanical control element having a dynamically alterable appearance. In some embodiments, the appearance of the at least one mechanical control element is dynamically altered in response to the execution of an input device web script. An example of such a web configurable human input device is an active keyboard in which the at least one mechanical control element having a dynamically alterable appearance is one of an array of keys of the active keyboard. When the active keyboard is connected to a web-enabled device, at least one key of the array of keys is configured to alter its appearance in response to the execution of the input device web script.
US08650343B1 Methods for upgrading, diagnosing, and maintaining replaceable non-volatile memory
In one embodiment of the invention, a replaceable memory apparatus is disclosed. The replaceable memory apparatus includes a first rectangular multilayer printed circuit board having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first male pluggable electrical connector mounted to the first side near a first edge; a first female pluggable electrical connector mounted to the second side; and first non-volatile memory mounted to the first side and the second side. The first female pluggable electrical connector is coupled to the first male pluggable electrical connector to feed through first signals. The first non-volatile memory is coupled to the first female pluggable electrical connector and the first male pluggable electrical connector to receive the first signals.
US08650341B2 Method for CAN concatenating CAN data payloads
A controller area network (CAN) controller unit has a message assembly buffer receiving a serial bitstream, a buffer memory coupled in parallel with said message assembly buffer, a CAN control unit coupled with the message assembly and the buffer memory, and at least one control register. The at least one control register can be programmed to cause the CAN control unit to store a message received in the message assembly register in at least a first and second mode, wherein in the first mode, control information and data payload of the received CAN message are stored in the buffer memory and in the second mode only the data payload of the CAN message is stored in the buffer memory.
US08650328B1 Bi-directional communication between redundant storage controllers
Technologies are described herein for providing bi-directional communication between redundant storage controllers in a storage system. One of the storage controllers operates in the initiator role over a point-to-point communication channel connecting the controllers, while the other operates in the target role. To transmit a function call from a storage module executing on the initiator storage controller to a corresponding module executing on the target storage controller, the initiator storage controller issues a write command to the second storage controller over the point-to-point communication channel. In order to transmit a function call from a storage module executing on the target storage controller to a corresponding module executing on the initiator storage controller, the target storage controller responds to a pending anticipatory read command sent from the initiator storage controller over the point-to-point communication channel.
US08650325B2 Establishing network connections
In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a computing device and from an application installed on the computing device, a request to establish a network connection to transmit and receive data over a network, wherein the request includes information that indicates one or more parameters identified by the application for the requested network connection and data transmission. The method can further include delaying, by the computing device, establishing the requested network connection until i) an available network connection is identified that satisfies the one or more parameters provided as part of the request, or ii) a time period specified for the request has expired. The method can additionally include, in response to identifying an available network that satisfies the one or more parameters before the time period has expired, establishing the requested network connection for the application using the identified available network.
US08650320B1 Integration server supporting multiple receiving channels
An integration server translates transmissions from clients and servers to a form that each can understand. The integration server accomplishes this through invocation of one or more services, and a flow language is disclosed for managing the flow of data through the services. In addition, service invocation results are cached for later use on reception by the integration server of the same or equivalent service invocation request.
US08650314B2 Method and system for remote access of personal music
In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for storing audio files. The method includes: (a) receiving electronic files at a central location from a first device, those electronic files representing audio signals; (b) associating the audio files with identification information; (c) storing the audio files at the central location on at least a portion of a storage media, that portion being uniquely associated with the identification information; (d) receiving the identification information from a second device; and (e) transmitting the audio files to the second device upon receipt of the identification information.
US08650303B1 Data management for an application with multiple operation modes
A method and system for managing an application with multiple modes are described. A device manager that manages a mobile device may monitor the mobile device. The device manager may detect that a first type of application that runs in a managed mode (or in multiple managed modes) and an unmanaged mode is installed on the mobile device. When the application is executed on the device, the application executes in accordance with the selected application mode, e.g., based on location, user, role, industry presence, or other predefined context.
US08650302B2 Communication in multiprocessor using proxy sockets
Systems and methods for implementing communication in a multiprocessor are disclosed. In one exemplary implementation a first processor receives a request to provide a communication resource for an application executing on the first processor to communicate with a remote application. In response to the communication request, the first processor opens a communication resource on a second processor, and manages communication operations between the application executing on the first processor and the remote application using the communication resource on the second processor.
US08650298B2 Resource allocation system
The present application provides a scalable system for managing requests for compute resources using a cloud computing architecture. The system estimates the total processing time of each computation in advance and monitors the progress of each computation to provide a more accurate estimate of remaining processing time. In this way, a determination may be made as each new computation request is received as to whether an additional resource is required or whether an existing resource would be suitable.
US08650296B1 Workload reallocation involving inter-server transfer of software license rights and intra-server transfer of hardware resources
The present invention provides for intra-server transfer of hardware resources involving inter-server transfers of software license rights.
US08650293B2 Threshold-based normalized rate earliest delivery first (NREDF) for delayed down-loading services
A content delivery system comprises at least one content server that servers a number of client requests. The content server uses a Threshold-Based Normalized Rate Earliest Delivery First (TB-NREDF) scheduler. The TB-NREDF scheduler imposes a threshold value, or limit, on the number of rescheduling requests.
US08650288B2 Runtime usage analysis for a distributed policy enforcement system
In one set of embodiments, methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for determining, by a server, a policy association between a web service policy and a policy subject associated with an application hosted by the server, the policy association being made while the server is offline, generating a runtime usage association based on the policy association, wherein the runtime usage association is between the web service policy and the policy subject; and generating a user interface based upon the runtime usage association, the user interface displaying one or more web service policies associated with one or more policy subjects of the application. The runtime usage association may be updated in response to a change to the policy association made by an administrative tool, where the change and the updating occur in real time while the server is online.
US08650287B2 Local reputation to adjust sensitivity of behavioral detection system
Source assets are monitored for activities, each activity associated with a corresponding activity weight indicating probability of the activity resulting from a security compromise. A source asset is determined to perform a particular activity indicative of a potential security compromise, such as a download of an executable of malicious reputation. A source asset tracking instance is instantiated to include data identifying the particular activity. The tracking instance is to be updated based on identification of subsequently monitored activities. A reputation value is determined for the activity weight of the particular activity based at least in part on the malicious reputation of the executable. An asset reputation is determined for the source asset from the corresponding activity weights of monitored activities involving the source asset and a security risk is determined when the asset reputation exceeds a threshold.
US08650279B2 Mobile gateway having decentralized control plane for anchoring subscriber sessions
In general, techniques are described for decentralizing handling of subscriber sessions within a gateway device of a mobile network. A mobile network gateway comprises a data plane having a plurality of forwarding components to receive session requests from a mobile service provider network in which the mobile network gateway resides. A control plane comprises a plurality of distributed subscriber management service units coupled by a switch fabric to the data plane. Each of the subscriber management service units serve as anchors for communication sessions for mobile devices that are accessing one or more packet data network by the mobile service provider network. A request delegation module within each of the forwarding components directs the session requests to the subscriber management service units unit to provide management services for the sessions requested by the mobile device.
US08650278B2 Generating displays of networking addresses
Technologies for generating displays of user-defined blocks of networking addresses on a map of an associated address space are provided. Each block of networking addresses is described in a user-defined table with a start address and a map size. The display for each block of network addresses may be rendered on the map at a location based on the relative position of the start address within the associated address space and of a size based on the mask size in relation to the associated address space.
US08650276B2 Communication control apparatus for controlling QoS according to applications and network state
In a communication control apparatus controlling communications between terminals and network devices, the terminal communication optimizer includes a first acquiring section for acquiring first information indicating applications running on the terminal and their destinations, and a setting section for setting QoS for each application according to second information indicating an instruction. The communication optimizer includes a second acquiring section for acquiring third information indicating the QoS requisite for each application indicated by the first information and fourth information about the state of the network, a deciding section for deciding whether or not there are network resources requisite for the applications indicated by the first information, and a communication instructing section for performing communications, when the network resources are insufficient, with higher communication priority applications communicating at a first QoS and lower communication priority applications communicating within the limit not deteriorating the first QoS.
US08650275B2 Requester-side distributed ID management device, provider-side distributed ID management device, distributed ID management system, and provider-side distributed ID management method
A requester-side distributed ID management device (11) includes: an ID managing unit (111) that holds first user identification information associated with first server identification information, the first user identification information being for identifying the user of a first service providing server (12); an ID request processing unit (114) that receives a request from the first service providing server (12) for management user identification information for identifying the user of the second ID management device (21), the user corresponding to the first user identification information; and an inter-domain cooperating unit (113) that requests the management user identification information received by the ID request processing unit (114) from the second ID management device (21), and acquires the management user identification information from the second ID management device (21). The ID request processing unit (114) transmits the management user identification information acquired by the inter-domain cooperating unit (113) to the first service providing server (12).
US08650270B2 Distributed computing with multiple coordinated component collections
A system having components that collectively perform functions and services of the system. The components are managed as belonging to at least a first component collection and a second component collection. The components of the first component collection operate at a time scale that is substantially temporally independent of the components of the second component collection. The components of the first component collection have a first set of temporal requirements and the components of the second component collection have a second substantially different set of temporal requirements.
US08650268B2 Remotely associating network ports to a server
An implementation of an apparatus in one example may have: a network component, coupled with a communication network, having a plurality of network ports and a plurality of visual indicators that correspond respectively to the plurality of network ports; and a message received over the communication network by the network component, wherein the network component triggers a respective visual indicator, of the plurality of visual indicators, that corresponds to a selected port, of the plurality of network ports, based on the message received over the communication network.
US08650264B2 Offline webpage activated by reading a tag
A system for enabling a user to wirelessly download desired information in the form of a offline website without having to maintain a live Internet connection. Information is delivered from an active or passive source to a device via short-range wireless communication. This information is automatically interpreted by the device to form an offline version of a full-scale Internet website. The user may view the offline version of the website, and if additional information is desired, download or upload additional information at a time more convenient to maintain a live Internet connection.
US08650255B2 System and method for joining a conversation
A method and computer program product for receiving a join request, from a requestor, to join an online conversation in which an online user of an instant messaging system is participating. A notification is provided to the online user that the requester would like to join the online conversation.
US08650250B2 Identifying compatible web service policies
Methods, systems, and devices are described for identifying compatible web service policies between a web service and a web service client. A first and second set of one or more identifiers linked to web service policies supported by the web service and web service client may be calculated, respectively. The sets of identifiers may be compared. Using the comparison, a number of common identifiers present in the first set of one or more identifiers linked to the web service policies supported by the web service and the second set of one or more identifiers linked to the web service policies supported by the web service client may be identified. Using the number of common identifiers, a web service policy of the web service compatible with a web service policy of the web service client may be identified.
US08650247B2 Four tier architecture for implementing thin clients
An application structure for enabling a logical client based 3-tier applications to support a thin client in a 4-tier architecture is provided. A logical client residing in a web server is extended with a proxy logical client residing in the thin client. The proxy logical client includes thin proxies for logical forms and controls enabling them to run on the thin client and facilitate seamless interaction of the thin client with applications within 3-tier architecture.
US08650244B2 Messaging proxy system
A messaging proxy system is disclosed for the purpose of delivering data in the form of a portable message format from a producer running on a mobile or non-mobile computer, over any wireless network, by passing this data through an intermediary proxy computer program, to one or more recipients running on mobile or non-mobile computers. The system includes a message proxy computer program with at least one pluggable transport protocol adapter. The proxy contains a command subsystem for sending and receiving command- and message-tokens to and from the mobile clients. The system further includes a thin messaging middleware client to run on mobile devices. The thin messaging middleware client includes at least one pluggable protocol adapter. The client also comprises a command subsystem for sending and receiving command- and message-tokens to and from the proxy. The proxy also contains a communication subsystem for sending and receiving messages via a state of the art message oriented middleware.
US08650242B2 Data processing apparatus and data processing method
A data processing apparatus (100) for outputting content data, which includes: a data output determination unit (107) which determines whether or not to output the content data using social information including (i) closeness indicating a degree of familiarity between certain users and (ii) information for associating the content data with the closeness; and an application unit (104) which outputs the content data when the data output determination unit (107) determines to output the content data. The data output determination to unit (107) refers to the social information and determines to output the content data associated with the closeness when the closeness is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.
US08650239B2 Hardware implementation of a Galois field multiplier
An embodiment of the invention provides a method of operating a Galois field multiplier in a processor. An n bit multiplier and an n bit multiplicand are received during a first group of one or more clock cycles. An (2n−1) bit product is calculated based on the n bit multiplicand and the n bit multiplier. The (2n−1) bit product is stored in a first memory element during the first group of one or more clock cycles. An n bit polynomial value is received during a second group of one or more clock cycles. During the second group of one or more clock cycles, the (2n−1) bit product is divided by the n bit polynomial value producing an n bit result. The n bit result is stored in a second memory element during the second group of one or more clock cycles.
US08650223B2 Mobile recommendation systems and methods
A mobile recommendation system for an exhibition space is provided. The mobile recommendation system includes a wireless communication module, a tracking module, a preference correlation module, and a recommendation module. The wireless communication module receives location information corresponding to a plurality of users. The tracking module stores the location information and generates a plurality of track records corresponding to the users according to the location information. The preference correlation module generates track correlation information between the users and the track records according to the track records. The recommendation module generates a recommendation list according to the track correlation information.
US08650221B2 Systems and methods to associate invoice data with a corresponding original invoice copy in a stack of invoices
A system and method for associating documents includes providing a plurality of scanned documents of different types and identifying a document type for each scanned document by comparing a determined pattern for each scanned document to known document patterns. Metadata values are extracted from each scanned document using metadata labels, and each scanned document is identified by using extracted metadata values. A stored electronic record is associated with each scanned document by employing the extracted metadata values such that a relationship between the stored electronic record and the associated scanned document is determined and stored.
US08650214B1 Dynamic frame buster injection
A parsing module receives a web page from a network. The parsing module identifies a frame embedded within the intercepted web page. The parsing module identifies information regarding the embedded frame. A collection module collects the identified information regarding the embedded frame and maintains such information in an exclusion list stored in a memory module. A lookup module intercepts a web page from the network before the web page reaches the client. The lookup module identifies information regarding this web page and accesses the memory module to determine if the identified information is included in the exclusion list. If the identified information regarding the web page is not included in the exclusion list, a modification module modifies the web page such that the web page will not be loaded on the client within a frame.
US08650209B1 System, method, and computer program for determining most of the non duplicate records in high performance environments in an economical and fault-tolerant manner
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for determining at least potentially duplicate records. In use, when a new record is received, a first entry of a first predetermined field of the newly received record is identified, and a data structure is selected, based on the first entry. Further, a second entry of a second predetermined field of the newly received record is identified, and the second entry is compared to entries already stored in the data structure, where the entries stored in the data structure are associated with a plurality of other received records. Still yet, it is determined whether the newly received record is at least potentially a duplicate of at least one of the other received records, based on the comparison.
US08650207B2 Inductive synthesis of table-based string transformations
Inductive synthesis and combination framework technique embodiments are presented that generally perform string transformations involving lookup operations in one or more relational tables, either alone or in combination with other non-lookup operations. More particularly, a semantic string lookup transformation language is presented, which can be used to generate an inductive synthesis procedure that synthesizes a set of transformations involving lookup operations that are consistent with the given set of input-output examples. In addition, a combination framework for combining the lookup transformation language and its synthesis procedure, with other transformation languages and their associated synthesis procedures, is presented. The resulting combined synthesis procedures enable the combination framework to synthesize transformations on a rich variety of data-types.
US08650204B2 Techniques for efficiently supporting XQuery update facility in SQL/XML
The approaches described herein provide an efficient way to process certain kinds of queries that update XML data stored in an object-relational database. A query may include an XML query expression that conforms to a language for querying XML documents. A technique first determines whether the query contains an XML updating expression, and in response rewrites the query to comprise one or more path-based query operators that specify operations for updating XML data. The query may then be further rewritten to comprise one or more storage format specific query operators based on the particular database storage format associated with the XML data specified in the query. The rewritten query operators are used to generate a query execution plan that provides for several query execution optimizations.
US08650201B2 Method and/or system for transmitting and/or receiving data
Embodiments of a method and/or system of transmitting and/or receiving data is disclosed. For example, a sequence of binary signal values may, in one embodiment, represent a sequence of trees, such as unitary trees. A variety of techniques exist for transmitting and/or receiving signal data. However, such techniques typically have several disadvantages, including, a limit on the size of the signal datum that may be transmitted and/or received, such as 32 or 64 bits, for example. Another disadvantage includes the difficulty of synchronization between a receiver and transmitter. Thus, new methods and/or systems for receiving and/or transmitting signal data continue to be desirable, such as those disclosed.
US08650200B2 System, method, and computer program product for identifying objects as at least potentially unwanted based on strings of symbols
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for identifying objects as being at least potentially unwanted based on strings of symbols identified therein. In use, strings of symbols are identified in a plurality of sequential lines of an object. Further, the object is conditionally identified as being at least potentially unwanted, based on the strings of symbols.
US08650199B1 Document similarity detection
A similarity detector detects similar or near duplicate occurrences of a document. The similarity detector determines similarity of documents by characterizing the documents as clusters each made up of a set of term entries, such as pairs of terms. A pair of terms, for example, indicates that the first term of the pair occurs before the second term of the pair in the underlying document. Another document that has a threshold level of term entries in common with a cluster is considered similar to the document characterized by the cluster.
US08650197B2 Authoritative document identification
A system determines documents that are associated with a location, identifies a group of signals associated with each of the documents, and determines authoritativeness of the documents for the location based on the signals.
US08650191B2 Search engine optimization assistant
Website optimization methods and tools for optimizing visibility of a website to Internet search engines include evaluation of a against one or more optimization tests based on one or more search terms. A report is generated along with tools that guide and prompt the user for user input that is used by the tools to directly edit content of the website to improve the visibility of the website to Internet search engines.
US08650184B2 System and method for identifying a targeted consumer
A method. The method includes receiving, at a computing device, data associated with a first plurality of consumers. The data comprises a combination of behavioral data and attitudinal data. The method also includes assigning a consumer of the first plurality of consumers to a first respective segments based on the received data, wherein the assigning is performed by the computing device. The method further includes calculating a goodness-of-fit score for the consumer of the first plurality of consumers for the first segment, wherein the calculating is performed by the computing device. Additionally, the method includes calculating a predicted goodness-of-fit score for a consumer of a second plurality of consumers for the first segment, the second plurality of consumers including at least the first plurality of consumers, wherein the calculating is performed by the computing device.
US08650182B2 Mechanism for efficiently searching XML document collections
The techniques presented herein are directed towards providing a user-directed keyword-based search on a large collection of XML documents, and displaying a summary of results to the user. Prior to receiving search requests from a user, an offline analysis of a large collection of XML documents is performed to construct an inverted index of keywords. For each keyword, the index stores a set of location indicators that identify all the instances of the keyword found in the collection of documents. Once the index is constructed, keyword searching can be done efficiently by a keyword lookup in the index. Various display strategies enable the user to see the specific portion of a large XML document containing the keyword and/or path frequency information allowing the user to easily refine the search to specific paths within the collection of documents.
US08650181B2 OLAP execution model using relational operations
In one embodiment the present invention includes an OLAP execution model using relational operations. In one embodiment, the present invention includes, a method comprising receiving a first query in an online analytic processor (OLAP) executing on one or more computers, the OLAP generating and comprising a model specifying a graph defining a plurality of nodes and a plurality of tiers, each node corresponding to a different operation on data. A second query is generated by the OLAP. The second query includes a plurality of layered subqueries each corresponding to one of the nodes in the graph for specifying the different operations on data. The second query is received in a relational engine coupled to the datastore. The relational engine executes the second query, and in accordance therewith, retrieves data.
US08650179B2 Generating statistics for temporary tables during query optimization
A method generates at least one statistic for a temporary table during optimization of a database query before the temporary table is created. By doing so, optimization can proceed on a database query irrespective of the fact that the temporary table may not be materialized until the database query is ultimately executed.
US08650176B2 Apparatus and methods for providing route-based advertising and vendor-reported business information over a network
A method of providing advertising to a user over a network includes receiving from the user a query identifying a contemplated route, accessing a computer database of self-reported business information from vendors, each vendor having an identified geographic location, wherein the self-reported business information has been previously supplied by the vendors through a vendor interface and stored in the database, providing to the user, over the network, information from the database concerning the business information of a set of vendors extracted from the database on the basis of geographic proximity to the route identified by the user, providing to the user, over the network in response to the query, advertising from the set of vendors based, at least in part, on data retrieved from the database, and pricing the advertising based, at least in part, on distance of each vendor's geographic location from the contemplated route.
US08650175B2 User interface for facts query engine with snippets from information sources that include query terms and answer terms
A method and a system for providing snippets of source documents of an answer to a fact query are disclosed. Snippets of source documents may be provided in response to a user request for the source documents from which the fact answer to a fact query was extracted. The snippets include the terms of the fact query and terms of the answer. The snippets may be displayed along with Uniform Resource Locators (URL's) of the source documents.
US08650170B2 Systems and methods for inter-object pattern matching
Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying objects from a collection of objects of diverse types that match a pattern. In one implementation, a system includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions that cause the processor to receive a pattern input text identifying the pattern to be matched. The pattern input text comprises one or more conditions and a match statement. The processor also receives a collection of objects of diverse types, where each object comprises at least an attribute and a value associated with the attribute. The processor analyzes each object to determine whether the object satisfies the match statement based on an application of the one or more conditions to the attributes and attribute values for the object. If the processor determines that the object satisfies the match statement, the processor creates an output comprising an indication of the object and the conditions that caused the match statement to be satisfied.
US08650165B2 System and method for managing data policies on application objects
Described herein are systems and methods for providing data policy management over application objects in a storage system environment. An application object may comprise non-virtual or virtual objects (e.g., non-virtual-based applications, virtual-based applications, or virtual storage components). An application object manager may represent application objects by producing mapping graphs and/or application object data that represent application objects in a standardized manner. A mapping graph for an application object may describe a mapping between the application object and its underlying storage objects on a storage system. Application object data may describe a mapping graph in a standardized format. Application object data representing application objects may be received by an application policy manager that manages data policies on the application objects (including virtual applications and virtual storage components) based on the received application object data. Data policies may include policies for backup, service level objectives, recovery, monitoring and/or reporting.
US08650148B1 Techniques for text classification
For various purposes, medical reports and other natural-language texts are assigned discrete codes. Different methods of assigning codes, intended to produce the same results, often fail to assign the same code to the same input.To improve the consistency and accuracy of this coding process and produce a useful, concrete and tangible result, the embodiment of the present invention electronically assigns to each text a code that is selected from candidate codes produced by multiple pre-existing coding processes, automatic and/or manual. Methods are provided for choosing the code that is, by various criteria, considered most likely to be correct because it represents the best compromise between possible alternative codes.While the disclosure focuses on medical coding procedures, the invention disclosed herein may be applicable and adaptable to classification of texts or other data for various clinical, scientific, or non-scientific applications.
US08650147B2 System and method for interactively delivering expert information to remote outlets
A networked interactive expert system is disclosed for selectively providing relevant expertise when a user requires such assistance. System provides a set of networked facilities for determining an expertise needed by a customer based on a location. Such location can be either physical or logical. A physical “location” corresponds, for example, to a department within a retail outlet. Examples of logical “locations” are ones corresponding to a web-page, a product identification code of interest, a customer identification code, and/or explicit knowledge category selected by the customer. An expert studio, from a list of expert studios providing expertise corresponding to the identified location associated with the customer's request, is matched up with the request. Thereafter, a primary connection, supporting an interactive videoconference session, is established between a first networked node associated with the customer and a second networked node associated with the designated expert studio.
US08650139B2 Predicting user navigation events
A method and system for predicting a next navigation event are described. Aspects of the disclosure minimize the delay between a navigation event and a network response by predicting the next navigation event. The system and method may then prerender content associated with the next navigation event. For example, the method and system may predict a likely next uniform resource locator during web browsing to preemptively request content from the network before the user selects the corresponding link on a web page. The methods describe a variety of manners of predicting the next navigation event, including examining individual and aggregate historical data, text entry prediction, and cursor input monitoring.
US08650135B2 Building management apparatus
A building management apparatus that can provide a comfortable environment based on diligent control is provided. A building management apparatus 1 in a building having a plurality of areas according to the present invention includes a prediction unit 9a to predict a destination of a move of a person, a control unit 9b to control equipment inclusive of main equipment 10-13 or sub-equipment 14, 15 installed in the building based on the destination of the move, one or more imaging units 2-7 to capture images of at least one of the plurality of areas, and a human-flow-line detecting unit 9c to detect a person and a flow line of the person from the images captured by the imaging units 2-7, wherein the prediction unit 9a predicts the destination of the move of the person based on the flow line.
US08650125B2 Content distribution system and method
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide an electronic marketplace that matches units of content from secondary content providers with suitable vacancies from primary content providers. Vacancies may constitute, or be included in, any digital transmission containers, such as a television or radio programming, web pages, and the like. Specifically, the electronic marketplace automatically matches content offered by secondary content providers with vacancies offered by primary content providers thus filling the vacancies in these containers through a real-time content trading, placement, and distribution system. To do so, attributes associated with the vacancies and with units of secondary content are used to trade and match suitable vacancies with suitable content. This invention enables both secondary content owners and vacancy owners (primary content providers) to obtain the full commercial benefit of their secondary content and containers.
US08650124B2 System and method for processing payment transaction receipts
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for processing payment transaction receipts. When an authorization request message for a transaction of a consumer is received, it is determined whether an account associated with the consumer's portable consumer device is enrolled in an electronic receipt program. If the account is enrolled, an electronic receipt for the transaction is sent to the consumer.
US08650114B2 Method and system for reserving future purchases of goods or services
A method and system for reserving future purchases of airline services using electronic options. The electronic options are used to reserve plural different types of airline services including selection of: a desired seat row location, a desired seat location in a desired row location, a plural adjacent seats in a desired row, a plural adjacent seats in a plural desired rows, a desired location in an overhead bin to store carry-on luggage, a priority boarding sequence, a priority exiting sequence, priority pre-flight baggage handling, priority post-flight baggage handling, cancellation and change privileges for a purchased airline ticket, a priority list position in a stand-by list and/or a priority list position for an automatic upgrade to a first class seat, business class seat or other non-economy seat and/or other airline services.
US08650113B2 Identification of accounts that are too profitable or too lossy
An electronic surveillance system or method identifies potentially suspect trading activities by determining when day trading accounts are too consistently profitable or too consistently unprofitable (lossy). The electronic surveillance system examines specific futures commodities or other securities over a specified time period (e.g., daily). Accounts that are too consistently profitable or too consistently unprofitable are flagged by the system. In addition, the system may report when a trading account experiences statistically unusually large gains or losses per contract traded and gains or losses or a high percentage of time periods. The day to day profits or losses are displayed to a user in a graphical format that expresses the profit or loss trends intuitively before additional analysis of charts or numbers. The system may also perform the analysis for pairs of accounts where trades opposite to one another of the pair are unusually consistently profitable or unusually consistently lossy.
US08650110B2 Counterfactual testing of finances using financial objects
During a financial transaction, a functional representation of a financial history of a user is accessed. This functional representation specifies a financial output value based on input values and a behavioral pattern, and the behavioral pattern specifies a relationship between at least a pair of the variables associated with a dimension in the financial history. Then, the functional representation is modified based on a financial circumstance that is different than financial circumstances in the financial history. Moreover, the financial output value is calculated using the functional representation and the input values, and a modified financial output value is calculated using the modified functional representation and the input values. Next, the financial output value and the modified financial output value are compared. Based on the comparison and a testing metric, the electronic device determines a result of the counterfactual testing.
US08650101B1 Internal material system for facilitating material and asset movement within organizational infrastructures
Utilities that allow organizations to implement “best practices” life-cycle management, asset disposition and asset tracking with enhanced visibility and accountability. In one aspect, a utility for use with managing inventory within the infrastructure of a technology service provider includes receiving a first bill of materials (BOM) from a first physical location, accessing an asset inventory listing for the technology service provider, first allocating assets in the asset inventory listing associated with the first physical location to the quantity of the first requested part of the first line item, and second allocating assets in the asset inventory listing associated with one or more additional physical locations within the first market to the quantity of the first requested part responsive to the first using failing to result in fulfillment of the quantity of the first requested part of the first line item.
US08650096B2 Virtual worlds seamless object drop integration
Virtual worlds seamless object drop integration enables users to obtain products in a virtual world by dragging a product image icon off of an e-commerce web page and on to a virtual world client. The drag-and-drop movement is initiated by the user from a browser window on a display screen. The browser calls an underlying system service to pass an image tag corresponding to the product image icon on to the virtual world client. The image tag includes a unique identifier. The virtual world client checks the image tag to see if the corresponding product has a price, and asks the user if they want to buy it. A product purchase transaction is completed by a virtual world network server and a payments network server that is called in for the financial authorizations. The seller's web page and payments network server are addressed by their respective Uniform Resource Locator (URL).
US08650088B2 Methods and system for managing credit card usage in pre-paid printing system accounts
Methods and systems are presented for managing prepaid usage of document processing devices, in which an account manager system (104) automatically purchases prepaid account credits for customer accounts and applies print units to document processing devices registered to customer accounts periodically and according to preset top off thresholds (123, 128) subject to predefined limits (124, 129), and in which customer computer agents (360) allow just in time printing using devices with job-based application of print units to selected devices.
US08650086B2 System for activation of multiple cards
According to one embodiment of the invention, a system is provided for activating a plurality of cards. A first card number and a total number of cards can be provided to an activation system to process the activation of the plurality of cards.
US08650078B2 Methods and systems for paying with loyalty currency during in-store shopping
Methods and systems for paying with loyalty currency at a store merchant by a user using a mobile app are provided. The user is presented with the loyalty currency balance information and one or more store merchants located in proximity of the user. The user may select a store merchant from the one or more store merchants. Thereafter, user is presented with one or more transaction rules associated with the selected store and an activation button for activating pay with points. The user may opt for activating pay with points for upcoming purchase transaction at the selected store based on the one or more transaction rules, thereby redeeming the loyalty currency.
US08650070B2 System and method for sharing content on third-party mobile applications
Methods and systems are provided for allowing users to recommend advertisements displayed in a third-party application running on a user device while not granting the third-party application privileges to send such recommendations on behalf of the user. A social network application installed on the user device, and separate from the third-party application, acts as a proxy for advertisement recommendation requests (e.g., indications that a user wishes to recommend an advertisement displayed), and a user is required to confirm all such recommendation actions. In this manner, a third-party application (e.g., a “malicious third-party application) cannot send advertisement recommendation requests, and/or requests to undo such recommendations, on its own as if it were the user.
US08650069B2 Irrigation water management system
The efficiency of an irrigation system on a property is determined as a difference between the actual water usage at a property and the irrigation water need of the plant on the property. Data for the property are received including at least the location and irrigation area of the property. A reference evapotranspiration value for the property is determined using the solar radiation data derived from the location of the property. The irrigation water need of the property is then calculated from the reference evapotranspiration value and area. The irrigation water need is compared to the actual water use at the property to determined the efficiency of the irrigation system operating thereon.
US08650066B2 System and method for updating product pricing and advertising bids
A system and method maximize profits by determining the optimal combination of sale price for a product and bids for advertising. The system and method address the non-linear relationship between product pricing and advertising through an advertising bidding system. In particular, a seller sells a product at a plurality of sale prices and buys the at least one advertisement by submitting a plurality of bid prices to the at least one advertising venue, resulting in a combination of bid prices for the at least one advertisement at each of the plurality of sale prices. Data from advertising with each of the at least one advertisement is collected. Then, a non-linear model for pricing and bidding is determined from the collected data, and an optimal price for the product and an optimal advertising bid for each of the at least one advertisement is determined from the non-linear model.
US08650064B2 System and method for collecting survey information from targeted consumers
In one embodiment, a method and system can be configured to collect survey information from targeted customers. The method and system can provide customer survey information to merchants such as retailers and service providers. The system and method can be configured to identify consumers to participate in a survey program.
US08650063B2 Program, method and apparatus for modeling workflow
Update history information of databases is analyzed, and workflow models are automatically displayed with typical workflows and exceptional workflows separately represented. An update history information storage unit stores update history information including identification information of a data update process, and the name and updated time of an updated data set. A workflow extractor generates flow information where the names of updated data sets are arranged in chronological order of updated time, oldest first, for every data update process, and counts the number of appearances of flow information of same. Out of the workflows represented by the flow information, the workflow classification unit classifies the workflows into typical and exceptional workflows depending on the number of appearances. A workflow model display unit displays a typical workflow diagram showing the typical workflows, and in response to user input, displays an exceptional workflow diagram showing the typical and exceptional workflows.
US08650046B2 Treatment regimen compliance and efficacy with feedback
A method and system for interaction with a community of individuals, relating to compliance with and effectiveness of treatment regimens, including supply and use of pharmaceuticals, using a protocol or other intelligent message which acts in place of a service provider and which is capable of collecting or imparting information to patients in place thereof. Individuals interact with the protocol or intelligent message to provide assistance in all aspects of treatment regimen compliance, data collection, supply or delivery, review and modification.
US08650043B1 Semantic model for insurance software components
A computer implemented method and system for insurance enterprise management and data acquisition and communication has an enterprise service bus and semantic model for communicating across different insurance businesses to retrieve data common to one service. The system and method utilizes a semantic model under a service oriented architecture which facilitates an insurance administration suite that supports user configuration of modules for use across a plurality of insurance business functions and lines. The integrated insurance administration suite supports insurance workflow management by allowing a user to configure modules to meet the needs of an insurance carrier. Insurance administration suite modules have functionality for policy, claims, billing, collections, financials, distribution, business intelligence, and reinsurance. Modules may be implemented as an integrated, enterprise solution for all lines of business that a carrier handles. The configuration features and functionality allows the entire suite to be adapted to meet the needs of the enterprise.
US08650040B2 Method and apparatus for protecting relationships with referring providers within a system that identifies patients overdue for an appointment
A method and apparatus for protecting relationships with referring providers, so that when a patient reactivation system is used, patients referred by protected providers will be contacted and invited to make an appointment only when appropriate.
US08650036B2 Electronic apparatus and method of controlling electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus and a method of controlling the electronic apparatus are provided. The method includes: receiving a voice command; and if the voice command is a first voice start command, changing a mode of the electronic apparatus to a first voice task mode in which the electronic apparatus is controlled according to further voice input, and if the voice command is a second voice start command, changing the mode of the electronic apparatus to a second voice task mode in which the electronic apparatus is controlled according to the further voice input received via an external apparatus which operates with the electronic apparatus. Therefore, providing efficiency and flexibility in controlling the electronic apparatus by using a microphone of the electronic apparatus or a microphone of the external apparatus.
US08650029B2 Leveraging speech recognizer feedback for voice activity detection
A voice activity detection (VAD) module analyzes a media file, such as an audio file or a video file, to determine whether one or more frames of the media file include speech. A speech recognizer generates feedback relating to an accuracy of the VAD determination. The VAD module leverages the feedback to improve subsequent VAD determinations. The VAD module also utilizes a look-ahead window associated with the media file to adjust estimated probabilities or VAD decisions for previously processed frames.
US08650027B2 Electrolaryngeal speech reconstruction method and system thereof
The invention provides an electrolaryngeal speech reconstruction method and a system thereof. Firstly, model parameters are extracted from the collected speech as a parameter library, then facial images of a speaker are acquired and then transmitted to an image analyzing and processing module to obtain the voice onset and offset times and the vowel classes, then a waveform of a voice source is synthesized by a voice source synthesis module, finally, the waveform of the above voice source is output by an electrolarynx vibration output module, wherein the voice source synthesis module firstly sets the model parameters of a glottal voice source so as to synthesize the waveform of the glottal voice source, and then a waveguide model is used to simulate sound transmission in a vocal tract and select shape parameters of the vocal tract according to the vowel classes.
US08650026B2 Methods for creating a phrase thesaurus
The invention enables creation of grammar networks that can regulate, control, and define the content and scope of human-machine interaction in natural language voice user interfaces (NLVUI). More specifically, the invention concerns a phrase-based modeling of generic structures of verbal interaction and use of these models for the purpose of automating part of the design of such grammar networks.
US08650024B1 Generating address term synonyms
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for generating address component synonyms. In one aspect, a method includes determining that a plurality of addresses cannot be geocoded by a geocoding system. Variants of the addresses that can be geocoded by the geocoding system are generated, wherein each variant of a respective address lacks a removed term. Name terms for each variant are provided by the geocoding system. Each removed term is associated with name terms received for all variants that lack the removed term, including determining, for each associated name term of each removed term, a count of the number of variants for which the geocoding system provided the name term. Whether a name term is an address term synonym for a removed term is determined based at least in part on the count of the number of variants.
US08650023B2 Customer review authoring assistant
An authoring assistant includes a parser which automatically identifies opinion expressions in input text. The text may include an author's review of an item, such as a product or service. A computer-implemented opinion review component generates an analysis of the text, which is based on the identified opinion expressions. The opinion review component computes an effective opinion of the text as a function of a measure of polarity associated with the identified opinion expressions. A representation generator generates a representation of the analysis for display on an associated user interface. The representation of the analysis includes a representation of the effective opinion. In the case of a review, the authoring assistant may allow the author to modify the review to reduce incoherence with a rating of the item.
US08650022B2 Method and an apparatus for automatic semantic annotation of a process model
An apparatus and a method for automated semantic annotation of a process model having model elements named by natural language expressions, wherein said apparatus comprises at least one semantic pattern analyzer which analyses the textual structure of each natural language expression on the basis of predefined semantic pattern descriptions to establish a semantic linkage between each model element to classes and instances of a reference process ontology for generating a semantically annotated process model.
US08650010B2 Apparatus and method for generating a test signal with emulated crosstalk
A signal generator produces a victim signal having crosstalk emulation by filtering and combining a victim signal waveform record file and an aggressor signal waveform record file generated using parameters selected by a user. A signal channel or a cascaded signal channel is characterized using one or more S-parameter arrays. The S-parameter array or arrays represent a mixed-mode multiple-port device under test. Coefficients of a NEXT filter, a FEXT filter and a forward transmission filter are derived from selected S-parameters of the S-parameter array. The aggressor signal is filtered individually by the NEXT and FEXT filters. The victim signal is summed with the filtered aggressor signal from the NEXT filter with the resulting summed signal being filtered by the forward transmission filter. The filtered signal from the forward transmission filter is summed with the filtered aggressor signal from the FEXT filter to generate a victim signal having crosstalk emulation.
US08650009B2 Sensor validation and value replacement for continuous emissions monitoring
A continuous emissions model system is described that employs an emissions model that can determine emissions values from a plant for use in place of sensed emission data in the event of failure or lack of communication from a sensor. The emissions model itself receives inputs that may be based upon sensed data. Each emissions model input may be substituted with a modeled input. The modeled inputs, as well as the emissions model outputs maybe biased to render them more accurate. If any one of the emissions model inputs fails (e.g., becomes unavailable or is clearly erroneous), the corresponding modeled input may be utilized so long as the modeled input passes an acceptability test.
US08650007B2 Apparatus and method for evaluating deterioration performance
When a manager uses an input device to input the inspected states of the degrees of soundness of a plurality of objects, a data receiving unit receives them as inspection data. A deterioration characteristic calculating unit calculates the average value of the deterioration characteristics of the objects based on data related to the degrees of soundness of the plurality of objects that is received by the data receiving unit. A heterogeneous parameter calculating unit calculates a heterogeneous parameter for each heterogeneous factor that cannot be observed or is difficult to observe, and causes a variation in the deterioration characteristics. A benchmarking unit evaluates the influence of the heterogeneous factors on the deterioration characteristics based on the heterogeneous parameters, and an output unit outputs the evaluation result.
US08649999B1 Methods, devices and systems for determining the zero rate output of a sensor
A bias value associated with a sensor, e.g., a time-varying, non-zero value which is output from a sensor when it is motionless, is estimated using a ZRO-tracking filter which is a combination of a moving-average filter and a Kalman filter having at least one constraint enforced against at least one operating parameter of the Kalman filter. It achieves faster convergence on an estimated bias value and produces less estimate error after convergence. A resultant bias estimate may then be used to compensate the biased output of the sensor in, e.g., a 3D pointing device.
US08649998B2 Surface temperature profile
Thermometric apparatus includes one or more temperature sensors, which are configured to provide respective temperature-dependent readings at two or more locations on a surface in a vicinity of a sub-surface heat source. A processing unit is configured to process the readings from the two or more locations so as to determine a temperature of the sub-surface heat source.
US08649984B2 Process and apparatus for processing signals
The process of determining similarities of signals resulting from a sample analysis step using the same type of measuring device, characterized by the fact that it comprises a step of determining a value for each parameter of an uncertainty model related to said signals by processing homologous characteristic elements in at least two signals derived from the analysis of similar samples, and a step of determining a measurement of similarity between signals based on each parameter value of the said uncertainty model and of homologous characteristic elements in the different signals whose similarity is being measured. In some embodiments, during the value determination step, a mathematical uncertainty model is optimized so that it corresponds to the theoretically expected differences between the homologous characteristic elements in the various signals from similar samples.
US08649983B2 Method for cell identification and cell sorting
The present invention relates to a method and to compounds useable in the method for analysis of cells for the presence of an analyte and sorting the cells on the basis of the analyte. The compounds used in the method are optically detectable because of the content of a fluorochrome and contain a binder fraction which can specifically bind an analyte, in particular an oligonucleotide.
US08649982B2 Automatic threshold setting and baseline determination for real-time PCR
The invention discloses a system and methods for quantitating the presence of nucleic acid sequences by evaluation of amplification data generated using real-time PCR. In one aspect, the methods may be adapted to identify a threshold and threshold cycle for one or more reactions based upon evaluation of exponential and baseline regions for each amplification reaction. The methodology used in the analysis may be readily automated such that subjective user interpretation of the data is substantially reduced or eliminated.
US08649977B2 GPS composite navigation apparatus
In a GPS composite navigation apparatus of a configuration having a GPS receiver, variation in an estimated position, an estimated velocity, and an estimated azimuth of a moving body when the moving body is not moving is resolved, and the GPS/INS integrated navigation system with good response characteristics from a stationary state to a moving state. A stationary detector for determining the stationary state of the moving body is provided, and when it is determined to be the stationary state by the stationary detector, a measurement model used for measurement-update of a Kalman filter is changed, while a changed amount of an error covariance matrix by the update is corrected.
US08649971B2 Navigation device
A navigation device includes a route searching unit for searching for a whole route leading to a destination via waypoints set by a setting unit, a route guidance unit for carrying out route guidance according to the whole route, an output unit for outputting a message showing that a vehicle has deviated from a route leading to a first next waypoint toward which the vehicle has been heading when the route guidance unit determines that the vehicle has deviated from the route to a predetermined distance or more and is traveling along a route after the first next waypoint, and an input unit for inputting a command indicating whether or not to travel via the first next waypoint in response to the message outputted by the output unit.
US08649967B1 Unified address enhanced locator system and method for providing commuter information
The present invention is directed to a unified address enhanced locator system and method for determining commuter information, which utilizes an assigned portable address code permitting individuals to physically locate a home, building, business, landmarks, edifices, and/or set meeting points as well as obtain directions to a geographical location, in townships, neighborhoods, municipalities, cities and/or countries that may or may not employ a formal address scheme using street naming conventions and building numbers. An address code may be assigned to bus stops, taxi stations and railroad terminals and/or any other public transportation stations, such that a requestor may use the unified address enhanced locator system and method to obtain commuter information for a mode of public transportation and to plan his/her commute accordingly.
US08649963B2 System, method, and computer software code for optimizing performance of a powered system
A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.
US08649955B2 Engine control system with algorithm for actuator control
An engine control apparatus which may be employed in automotive vehicles. The engine control apparatus is equipped with at least one of a combustion parameter or a controlled variable arithmetic expression. The combustion parameter arithmetic expression defines combustion conditions of the engine needed to achieve required values of engine output-related values such as exhaust emissions. The controlled variable arithmetic expression defines how to operate actuators for an operation of the engine to meet desired combustion conditions of the engine. The use of the combustion parameter or controlled variable arithmetic expression achieves simultaneous agreement of the engine output-related values with required values without mutual interference between combustion parameters associated with the combustion conditions. The engine control apparatus also works to correct target values of fuel injection-related combustion parameters based on a response delay of an air-related combustion parameter, thereby ensuring the accuracy in achieving required values of the engine output-related values.
US08649952B2 Control of a backing vehicle
A method for controlling a backing vehicle includes if a back-up sensor indicates that an obstacle is present behind the vehicle and a gear selector is moved to a reverse position, delaying reverse gear engagement and producing a warning signal, and producing a transmission tie-up if brakes are applied insufficiently to stop the vehicle.
US08649945B2 Wheel loader and wheel loader control method
A traction force control section of a wheel loader reduces maximum traction force to below the maximum traction force with traction force control in an off state when the traction force control is in an on state. The traction force control section increases the maximum traction force when determination conditions are satisfied with the traction force control in the on state. The determination conditions include that the work situation is digging, that the operation amount of the acceleration operation member is the predetermined operation threshold or more, and that a boom angle is the predetermined angle threshold or more.
US08649940B2 Method and stereo vision system for managing the unloading of an agricultural material from a vehicle
A stereo imaging device on a propelled portion of the receiving vehicle collects image data. A container identification module identifies a container perimeter of a storage portion in the collected image data. A spout identification module is adapted to identify a spout of the harvesting vehicle in the collected image data. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central zone or target zone of the container perimeter. A steering controller is associated with a steering system of the propelled portion for steering the receiving vehicle in accordance with the cooperative alignment.
US08649936B2 Method and apparatus for determining a value of a zero point offset of a yaw rate sensor
There is described a method for determining a value of a zero point offset of a yaw rate sensor. The method comprises measuring over time the output of the yaw rate sensor, determining whether the measured output has remained within a set of limits for a pre-determined period and if it is determined that the measured output has remained within the limits for the pre-determined period, using at least one measured value of the output to determine the value of the zero point offset.
US08649933B2 Power management systems for automotive video event recorders
Video event recorders are coupled to a vehicle power source via an on-board diagnostic system including its power bus, data bus, and scanner port connector. Video event recorders are provided with a power input arranged in conjunction with a standard ODBII type “D” connector. Systems further include an extension cable between the connector and the vehicle event record to accommodate mounting needs associated with each. In advanced versions, both OBD power and data networks are coupled to the vehicle event recorded such that data relating to vehicle diagnostic systems can be captured in a triggered event along with video data. In addition, some versions are provided with special detection mechanism to determine the use state of a vehicle and adjust application of power accordingly. Thus an “in-use” detector is coupled to the vehicle and/or OBD systems to provide feedback which helps to conserve power and regulate the power connections.
US08649930B2 GNSS integrated multi-sensor control system and method
A GNSS integrated multi-sensor guidance system for a vehicle assembly includes a suite of sensor units, including a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensor unit comprising a receiver and an antenna. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) outputs vehicle dynamic information for combining with the output of the GNSS unit. A controller with a processor receives the outputs of the sensor suite and computes steering solutions, which are utilized by vehicle actuators, including an automatic steering control unit connected to the vehicle steering for guiding the vehicle. The processor is programmed to define multiple behavior-based automatons comprising self-operating entities in the guidance system, which perform respective behaviors using data output from one or more sensor units for achieving the behaviors. A GNSS integrated multi-sensor vehicle guidance method is also disclosed.
US08649927B2 Energy system for a hybrid vehicle
A method of controlling operation of an energy system for a hybrid vehicle, the energy system including a combustion engine controlled to work at a desired engine rotational speed; an electric generator/motor driven by the combustion engine to output a generated electric power; a power consuming device driven by the combustion engine and drivable by the electric generator/motor; and an energy storage device connected to the electric generator/motor and arranged to receive the generated electric power output by the electric generator/motor. The method includes the steps of: monitoring an actual engine rotational speed; and if the actual engine rotational speed decreases from the desired engine rotational speed, controlling the electric generator/motor to output a gradually reducing generated electric power. Hereby, the combustion engine can be allowed to remain in an operating range where it works efficiently, while at the same time fulfilling the need for power of the power consuming device.
US08649924B2 Torque control map to initiate engine startup processing in a hybrid vehicle
To enable a smooth transition from motor travel to hybrid travel despite the situation-of-charge of a battery and reduce shock at the time of engagement of a clutch element.A hybrid system uses a state map 70 for deciding target torques of an engine and a motor on the basis of an accelerator stroke position, a vehicle velocity and a battery state-of-charge SOC. In the map 70, there are defined a motor maximum torque line that demarcates a motor upper limit torque that changes depending on the SOC and a motor margin torque line that is a predetermined margin lower than the motor maximum torque line. When the position on the map determined by the accelerator stroke position, the vehicle velocity and the battery state-of-charge is below the margin torque line, the hybrid system performs electric travel, and when the position on the map is on or above the margin torque line, the hybrid system initiates engine startup processing, and when the position on the map becomes a torque position exceeding the maximum torque line, the hybrid system sets target torques of the engine and the motor in order to achieve a torque corresponding to the accelerator stroke position.
US08649916B2 Control system
A control system for rail vehicles includes an operator control unit in communication with an on-board transceiver housed in a rail vehicle. The operator control unit includes a selector manually movable to a plurality of pre-determined positions each position corresponding to one of at least the following modes of operation: FORWARD, REVERSE, and COAST, such that for each pre-determined position of the selector, the operator control unit sets the off-board control unit to the corresponding mode of operation.
US08649913B2 Electrical equipment management system
An electrical equipment management system includes: a total electrical energy information acquiring unit disposed in a building having a plurality of sections, the unit to acquire total electrical energy information indicative of total electrical energy consumed in a whole of the sections; an individual electrical energy acquiring unit to acquire individual electrical energy information indicative of electrical energy consumption in each section depending on the total electrical energy; and a control information output unit to output control information for controlling operation of electrical equipment disposed in the sections so that electrical energy consumption thereof does not exceed an upper limit, in accordance with difference between the individual electrical energy information and upper limit information indicative of an upper limit of electrical energy consumption for each predetermined period for each of the sections as well as remaining period information indicative of a remaining period before a lapse of the predetermined period.
US08649912B2 Method and system for workload balancing to assist in power grid load management
A method and system for workload balancing to assist in power grid load management. The method includes receiving a request to perform a task at a site powered by connection to an AC power grid, the task comprising either data processing or manufacturing an article; measuring an AC frequency of the AC power grid to obtain a current AC frequency; and performing or not performing the task at the site based on the current AC frequency.
US08649906B2 Robot and method for monitoring the torque on such a robot
In order to increase the safety of a robot that may come into contact with other robots, objects or humans, the invention provides that said robot comprises at least two joints and parts that are moveable in relation to each other via at least one joint. At least one sensor (31) is arranged on at least one moveable part (3, 4, 5′, 6, 7), detecting torque. Sensor components (21′, 22.1, 22.2) of the sensor (31) are designed for the redundant detection of a torque, or for the redundant detection of a torque of at least two sensors (31) are provided, and redundant evaluation units are provided for the redundant evaluation. In order to increase safety, the invention further provides a method for monitoring torque on a robot of said kind, wherein at least a torque on at least one movable part (3, 4, 5′, 6, 7) is redundantly detected and redundantly evaluated on at least one moveable part (3, 4, 5′, 6, 7) by means of two sensor components of a sensor (31) or by means of two sensors (31).
US08649904B2 Robotic device and method of controlling robotic device
A robotic device having an arm including an actuator and inertial sensor, a first calculator adapted to calculate an angular velocity and an angular acceleration of the actuator based on a rotational angle data from an angle sensor, a second calculator adapted to calculate one of an angular velocity and an angular acceleration of the arm based on an output detected by the inertial sensor, and a comparator adapted to compare one of the angular velocity and the angular acceleration calculated by the first calculator and one of the angular velocity and the angular acceleration calculated by the second calculator with each other, and it is determined that the inertial sensor is at fault if an absolute value of the difference between the actuator and the arm in one of the angular velocity and the angular acceleration in the comparison section is larger than a threshold value.
US08649903B2 Automated seal installation
An assembly and method for automated installation of a flexible seal to a periphery of a component. The method may include positioning the periphery of the component adjacent to a seal feed assembly; employing a motor to move the seal toward the periphery of the component until a predetermined torque on the motor is reached; stopping movement of the motor when the predetermined torque is reached; moving the component relative to the seal feed assembly; and, as the component is moved relative to the seal feed assembly, automatically maintaining the predetermined torque in the motor by moving the seal toward the periphery of the component. The component may be a vehicle door to which a seal is installed.
US08649902B2 Transport medium driving device, transport medium driving method, program product, and image forming apparatus
A transport medium driving device is provided with a transport unit that transports a sheet-shaped transport medium on which an image is formed by an image forming unit, a position detecting unit that detects the position of the sheet-shaped transport medium, a positional deviation acquiring unit that acquires a positional deviation between the detected position and a predetermined target position at a predetermined interval, a correcting unit that corrects the positional deviation on the basis of a correction amount for correcting a positional displacement between the sheet-shaped transport medium and the image formed on the sheet-shaped transport medium, a control unit that controls a transport speed of the sheet-shaped transport medium on the basis of the corrected positional deviation, and a determining unit that determines whether a correction operation is converged on the basis of a variation in the positional deviation over time.
US08649866B2 Method and apparatus for phrenic stimulation detection
Approaches for characterizing a phrenic stimulation threshold, a cardiac capture threshold, a maximum device parameter, and a minimum device parameter are described. A plurality of cardiac pacing pulses can be delivered by using a cardiac pacing device, a pacing parameter of the plurality of cardiac pacing pulses being changed between delivery of at least some of the pulses. One or more sensor signals can be evaluated to detect stimulation of the phrenic nerve by one or more of the plurality of cardiac pacing pluses. The evaluation of the one or more sensor signals and the pacing parameter can be compared to determine if a phrenic stimulation threshold is at least one of higher than a maximum device parameter and lower than a minimum device parameter.
US08649854B2 Method and device for the determination of murmur frequency band
The present invention is related to a method for the determination of frequency band characteristics of a heart disease. A first set of phonocardiograms are recorded from a first set of reference healthy patients, and a second set of phonocardiograms from a second set of patients suffering of a heart disease. Spectral energies of all possible frequency bands are then calculated. These spectral energies are then compared in order to determine an optimized frequency band that gives rise to the maximal distinction between spectral energies of the phonocardiograms from first and second set of phonocardiograms.
US08649849B2 Optical methods to intraoperatively detect positive prostate and kidney cancer margins
The present invention includes using optical spectroscopy as an innovative technique for ex-vivo demonstration of renal and prostate tumors. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein demonstrate the ability of optical spectroscopy to reliably differentiate tumor from normal tissue in renal specimens.
US08649843B2 Automated calcium scoring of the aorta
A method automatically scores calcium in the aorta and other arteries of the body using calcium plaque definitions that include subject specific in vivo blood/muscle density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2D and 3D voxel connectivity criteria to automatically identify the plaques. The images are optionally calibrated with external phantoms or internal reference tissue. Aortic calcium is identified automatically without manual marking. Potential false plaques from bone are automatically excluded. A 3D coordinate system provides the specific coordinates of the detected plaques, which are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review.
US08649842B2 Electrical lead for an electronic device such as an implantable device
A lead for an electronic device which resists the induction of a current from an electromagnetic field external to said lead includes one or more pairs of adjacent segments of electrical wire, each of the pairs including a first segment of electrical wire and a second segment of electrical wire. The lead also includes one or more shielded RF chokes, wherein each of the shielded RF chokes is provided between the first segment of electrical wire and the second segment of electrical wire of a respective one of the one or more pairs of adjacent segments. Also, an implantable device that includes a generator for generating one or more electrical pulse and a lead as described for delivering the pulses to tissue within a patient's body. A method for making the described implantable device is also provided.
US08649837B2 Method and apparatus for measuring pulse rate and oxygen saturation achieved during exercise
In order to measure a pulse rate and an oxygen saturation of a subject who is in an exercised state, each of two pulse wave signals obtained from the subject is separated into a signal component and a noise component. A frequency spectrum of the signal component and a frequency spectrum of the noise component are obtained. It is judged whether a body motion of the subject is occurred based on the frequency spectrum of the signal component and the frequency spectrum of the noise component. A pulsation frequency is determined based on the judgment as to the body motion. The pulse rate is calculated based on the pulsation frequency. The oxygen saturation is calculated based on a ratio of spectra of the two pulse wave signals corresponding to the pulsation frequency.
US08649834B1 Layered superconductor device and method
A layered superconductor device includes multiple layers of a single crystal superconducting material having intermittent layers of superconducting material dispersed in a pattern with a second material such that each layer of the multiple layers a single crystal superconducting material are interconnected via superconducting material, allowing for a continuous current path, and a thickness of the superconducting material never exceeds a first predetermined thickness.
US08649831B2 Type of cell phone device with a hidden suspended microphone
A mobile phone apparatus with a hiddenly suspended microphone is provided. The apparatus comprises a mobile phone body, on which a rotation component is deposed, wherein: a microphone pickup hole is provided on said mobile phone body, and within the mobile phone body, there is a microphone device in a position corresponding to the microphone pickup hole; said microphone pickup hole is deposed on the mobile phone body's inner wall at a place where the body engaged with the rotation component, and said microphone pickup hole is shielded by the rotation component. Since the microphone device is mounted on the mobile phone body's inner wall in a suspension manner and the microphone pickup hole is shielded by the rotation component, the apparatus is convenient for the user to hold during calling, while the integrality of the appearance and the good speech quality are ensured.
US08649819B2 Mobile phone integration with a private branch exchange in a distributed telephony system
A system and method for providing PBX functionality to a mobile phone includes a private branch exchange having a mobile phone proxy. A call control path is established between the mobile phone and a private branch exchange. The call control path is a direct trunk line, a mobile voice network, an IP data network, a mobile data network or a 4G network. The private branch exchange receives a request to perform the PBX function. The private branch exchange uses the call control path to perform the PBX function.
US08649794B2 Methods and apparatus for transceiver allocation in mobile communication networks
Methods and apparatus in a base station controller (BSC) or equivalent node for sharing a pool of radio transceivers are described. The BSC belongs to a first wireless telecommunication network, the pool of radio transceivers includes first radio transceivers for a first radio base station (RBS) belonging to the first wireless telecommunication network and second radio transceivers for a second RBS belonging to a second wireless telecommunication network, and the first and second radio transceivers have substantially the same geographic coverage. A method includes selecting a radio transceiver from the pool irrespective of whether the radio transceiver selected is a first radio transceiver or a second radio transceiver; and allocating a communication channel provided by the selected radio transceiver to a respective mobile station registered in at most one of the first and second telecommunication networks.
US08649793B2 Method and arrangement for adapting power of reference signals
A method and an arrangement in a radio network node for adapting transmission power of resource elements for demodulation reference signals, referred to as “reference elements” are provided. The radio network node is configured for multiple-input multiple-output transmission, referred to as “MIMO transmission”, to a user equipment. The MIMO transmission comprises at least three layers. Two consecutive subcarriers of a resource block carry at least three reference elements. A first subcarrier of the resource block carries data elements. The radio network node adapts transmission power of said at least three reference elements such that an average transmission power, over said two consecutive subcarriers, of said at least three reference elements is equal to a transmission power, for the first subcarrier, of the data elements for said at least three layers. The radio network node uses the adapted transmission power to transmit, to the user equipment, said at least three reference elements.
US08649781B2 System and method for group-based monitoring of mobile objects using a wireless communication network
A GPS mobile terminal (2) that a person (1) carries monitors position information on a dog (3) to whom a GPS terminal (4) is attached. When the person (1) and the dog (3) are separated more than a preset distance, the GPS mobile terminal (2) that the person (1) carries uses PoC communication enabling intragroup communication such as a transceiver to make a call request to mobile terminals (6, 7, 8) of all guardians belonging to any one of a plurality of groups (A, B, C) made up of the guardians. When there is a response from a group of the guardians, the communication is enabled in the group, so that the guardians can guide the person (1) to a safe place.
US08649776B2 Systems and methods to provide personal information assistance
Systems and methods are provided to present information to assist an individual during social activities. For example, in response to a certain user gesture, or keywords in a voice conversation, a mobile device based system may capture audio and/or visual information to formulate an automated search to retrieve information for assisting the user privately. For example, the face or the voice of another user can be captured to search for the name of that user to provide name assistance.
US08649772B2 Systems and methods for delivering a stored message to a subscriber
A method for delivering a stored message to a satellite radio receiver is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request to retrieve the message, receiving the message, encoding the message for satellite transmission, and transmitting the message for delivery to the satellite radio receiver.
US08649761B2 Service charging method, service charging system, network access server and protocol resolving device
A service charging method, including: receiving a service packet, performing a protocol resolution on the service packet and obtaining charging information when determining that the protocol resolution needs to be performed on the service packet; and performing a service charging according to the charging information and a preset charging policy. The invention further provides a service charging system, a network access server and a protocol resolving device. Thus, it is easier and more convenient for a user to use a service, and no complex traffic back-patching solution needs to be implemented.
US08649760B2 Over-the air pre-paid wireless system and method
An over the air (OTA) Prepaid system, and a corresponding method, allows wireless connectivity when a wireless network would typically reject a user, such as when the user's profile cannot be validated. In wireless networks, unrecognized users are denied service due to the inability of the network to collect funds from the user for the services to be provided. When such a rejection scenario occurs, the OTA Prepaid system automatically (no user interaction required) initiates the process of local account allocation.
US08649759B2 Method of providing location information in an emergency
A password-protected wireless communications device can send a map or other location information about the current location of the device to the one or more emergency contacts by utilizing an emergency interface element that bypasses a password prompt. The location information may include an address and route directions to the current location of the device. The location information may also include a map of, and directions to, the closest hospital. The device can also render its own map to show a first responder where the closest emergency contact is located or where the nearest hospital or medical service provider is situated.
US08649757B2 Proximity based selection of an implantable medical device for far field communication
Devices and systems provide for proximity based selection of an implantable medical device for far field communication with an external device. By using a proximity communication that is limited to the IMD of interest during the selection process, the external device can eliminate those IMDs that are in range of far field communications but are able to receive the proximity communication. Thus, information may be shared via a proximity communication that is validated via a far field communication, or shared via a far field communication as a challenge and then validated via a proximity communication. The proximity communication may be used to initially limit the number of devices that respond to a discovery request and then subsequently used to select the intended implantable medical device as well as automatically select the appropriate therapy application corresponding to the selected IMD.
US08649747B1 Dynamically adjusting antenna polarization in a wireless communication system
A computer-implemented method for optimizing communication performance based on antenna polarization, comprising transmitting a data stream to a client device using at least one antenna structure having one or more antenna polarization, determining a need to adjust antenna polarization, selecting an antenna from the at least one antenna structure, determining an antenna polarization adjustment based on a level of communication performance of the at least one antenna structure, and dynamically making the antenna polarization adjustment for the data stream being transmitted using the selected antenna.
US08649744B2 Radio-frequency transmitter, such as for broadcasting and cellular base stations
A transmitter that uses a digital pre-distortion (DPD) circuit to mitigate the effects of nonlinearity of a multistage or multi-branch power amplifier. The DPD circuit relies on two or more feedback signals received from an RF-output circuit of the transmitter to generate individually pre-distorted signals for the individual stages/branches of the power amplifier. The use of these individually pre-distorted signals advantageously enables the transmitter to achieve a more efficient suppression of inter-modulation-distortion products than that typically achieved with a comparable prior-art transmitter.
US08649742B2 Radio communication system
A radio communication system according to the present invention includes a scatterer configured to reflect, refract, or transmit a radio wave radiated primarily from a transmission side apparatus to radiate the radio wave secondarily to a desired area and a metamaterial is used for the scatterer.
US08649738B2 High-frequency amplifier and radio communication apparatus
A high-frequency amplifier includes: an amplification section having a function to convert an input signal from a voltage signal into a current signal and output the current signal; output terminals; and a load circuit which is connected to the output node of the amplification section and outputs the current signal output by the amplification section to the output terminals as a voltage signal.
US08649731B2 Base station apparatus, relay station apparatus, and communication system
Provided is a communication system that can allocate resources on an uplink for a CQI report, and can reduce the overhead of the CQI relay transmission from a relay station apparatus to a base station apparatus. To each mobile station apparatus (501, 502) that transmits CQI directly to a base station apparatus (500), resource blocks on a base station apparatus uplink to be used for the transmission of each CQI to the base station apparatus are allocated. Resource blocks on the base station apparatus uplink to be used for each relay station to relay-transmit to the base station apparatus CQI received from the mobile station apparatuses are allocated on the basis of the allocation result of resource blocks on a relay station apparatus uplink for each relay station apparatus (510, 520). To mobile station apparatuses that transmit CQI to the base station apparatus via each relay station apparatus, resource blocks on the relay station apparatus uplink to be used for the transmission of CQI to the relay station apparatus are allocated.
US08649729B2 System and method for providing broadband interference and allowing communication therethrough
A system and method are provided for transmitting a broadband interference signal and allowing communication through the transmitted interference signal. The system includes an interference transmitter for transmitting the interference signal, the interference transmitter having a transmitter feeder and a first antenna; a radio receiver for receiving a radio signal, the radio receiver having a radio feeder and a second antenna collocated with the first antenna of the interference transmitter; a steering signal generator for introducing at least one steering signal into the interference signal at the transmit feeder; a first directional coupler for sampling a portion of the interference signal that includes at least one of the steering signals; a negative feedback loop for adjusting the amplitude and phase of the sampled portion of the interference signal; and a second directional coupler for coupling the adjusted sampled portion of the interference signal into the radio feeder.
US08649716B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes toner image forming units that are arranged in a line at two end portions and at an intermediate portion of the line, each of the toner image forming units forming a toner image; an image transfer body to which the toner images formed by the toner image forming units are transferred; pressing members that are linearly arranged so that each of the pressing members faces a corresponding one of the toner image forming units with the image transfer body therebetween, each of the pressing members applying a pressing force to the image transfer body; and a fixing unit that fixes the toner images on a recording member. The pressing forces applied by the pressing members that are disposed at the two end portions are smaller than the pressing force applied by the pressing member that is disposed in the intermediate portion.
US08649712B2 Toner cartridge having linearly movable shutter member
A developer cartridge includes a casing, a shutter member and a screw auger. The casing is configured to accommodate developer therein, the casing extending in a first direction and being formed with an opening. The shutter member is configured to be linearly movable between an open position and a closed position in the first direction, the shutter member opening the opening at the open position to permit the developer to flow out from the casing and closing the opening at the closed position to prevent the developer from flowing out from the casing. The screw auger extends in the first direction and is configured to convey the developer toward the opening, the screw auger being linearly movable in the first direction in conjunction with the movement of the shutter member.
US08649711B2 Developer supply container
If a user is not familiar with the operation for the developer supply container, the rotating operation for the developer supply container may be insufficient, so that developer supply container does not reach a predetermined operating position, with the result of abnormal developer supply. by increasing a rotation load of a second gear 6 which is in an operable connection with a drive gear member 12 of the developer receiving apparatus 10 by a function of a locking member 7, the developer supply container 1 mounted to the developer receiving apparatus 10 is rotated toward the supply position. After the developer supply container 1 rotates to the supply position, the locking by the locking member 7 is released, by which the rotation load applied to the second gear 6 is reduced, so that drive transmission, thereafter, to the feeding member 4 for developer supply is smooth.
US08649704B2 Bias charging overcoat
Provide herein is a bias charging member that includes a conductive core, and an outer surface layer disposed on the conductive core. The outer surface layer includes carbon black and polycarbonate.
US08649701B2 Charging device for charging photosensitive member
A charging device has a corona charger including a grid, the corona charger being configured to charge a photosensitive member. The device also has a sheet-like shutter configured to open and close an opening of the corona charger in the longitudinal direction, a winding member configured to wind the shutter while holding one end of the shutter, a holding member configured to hold the other end of the shutter and move in the longitudinal direction of the opening, and a protective member configured to protect a portion of a surface of the shutter facing the grid, the portion being adjacent to the holding member.
US08649698B2 Image forming apparatus controlling power to a heating unit forming a fixing nip portion with a pressure roller through which a recording sheet is conveyed to fix a toner image thereon
The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a fixing part and a controller controlling power to be supplied to the heating unit so as to keep the temperature of the heating unit at a control target temperature. When the fixing process is ended, in a standby-mode, the supply of power to the heating unit is started to keep the temperature of the heating unit at the control target temperature, and the start time of the supply of power to the heating unit is set to a time when the temperature of the heating unit is lowered to a predetermined temperature lower than the control target temperature, thereby reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus in the standby-mode.
US08649697B2 Fixation device and image formation apparatus
A fixation device includes a first conveyance member, a first press member facing the first conveyance member, a second press member facing the first conveyance member, and a support mechanism supporting the first and second press members and capable of switching whether or not to press the first and second press members against the first conveyance member.
US08649686B1 System and method for closed-loop optical network power backoff
In a communication device using a plurality of signal enhancement mechanisms, a system and method are provided for managing signal processing power consumption. A receiver accepts a communications signal and analyzes signal integrity. In response to analyzing the signal integrity, a signal enhancement mechanism is changed, and device power consumption is modified in response to changing the signal enhancement mechanism. In one aspect, the receiver changes a receiver signal enhancement mechanism, and modifies its power consumption. For example, one or more of the following receiver signal enhancement mechanisms may be selected: forward error correction (FEC), equalization, dc voltage level, and physical coding sublayer (PCS).
US08649680B2 Optical communication system
The present invention causes spatial-mode light emitted from an optical fiber (11), which is a multimode fiber, to pass through a photorefractive medium (13). The photorefractive medium (13) includes holograms for signal separation that are written by irradiation of the photorefractive medium with (i) guide light having a wave front identical to the wave front of signal light having a particular spatial mode and (ii) control light. The photorefractive medium includes holograms recorded in a multiplex manner with use of control light having different incidence angles in correspondence with respective spatial modes. For signal separation, irradiating the photorefractive medium (13) with control light (15) having a particular angle separates signal light having a spatial mode corresponding to the incidence angle of the control light (15).
US08649673B2 Image pickup apparatus improved in space efficiency for optical system element
An image pickup apparatus which is improved in space efficiency for an optical system element, thereby reducing the apparatus size when a lens barrel is retracted. An image pickup apparatus includes a zoom lens barrel that moves between a retracted position and a shooting position in an optical axis direction to thereby change a photographing magnification. A prism bends an optical beam incident from a lens group of the lens barrel. A diaphragm-shutter element is capable of moving along the direction of the second optical axis together with a stepping motor for actuating the diaphragm-shutter element. The stepping motor is disposed, at least when the lens group is in the retracted position, at a position where the stepping motor overlaps the prism in parallel with the second optical axis.
US08649665B2 Recording medium having data structure for managing reproduction of still pictures recorded thereon and recording and reproducing methods and apparatuses
The recording medium includes a data structure with at least one playlist file stored in a playlist area of the recording medium. The playlist file includes at least one playitem, at least one sub-playitem and mark information. The playitem provides navigation information for reproducing at least one still picture from a first file. The sub-playitem is associated with the playitem and provides navigation information for reproducing audio data from a second file. The mark information includes at least one mark pointing to the still picture.
US08649651B2 Patch panel cable information detection systems and methods
A communications system includes a plurality of patch panels, wherein each patch panel has a plurality of connector ports on a front surface thereof that are each connected to a respective communication line, and one or more optical couplers/connector ports on a rear surface thereof for linking two or more patch panels together. A cable for linking patch panels includes opposite ends and a respective connector at each end that is configured to be removably secured within a respective coupler/connector port on the rear surface. Each connector has an RFID tag attached thereto. An RF antenna is secured to each patch panel adjacent each respective coupler, and each antenna is configured to activate and read information from a cable RFID tag when a cable connector is secured within a coupler adjacent thereto.
US08649650B2 Method for fabricating rare earth (RE) doped optical fiber using a new codopant
The present invention provides a method of making rare earth (RE) doped optical fiber using BaO as co-dopant instead of Al or P commonly used for incorporation of the RE in silica glass by MCVD and solution doping technique. The method comprises deposition of particulate layer of GeO2 doped SiO2 with or without small P2O5 for formation of the core and solution doping by soaking the porous soot layer into an aqueous solution of RE and Ba containing salt. This is followed by dehydration and sintering of the soaked deposit, collapsing at a high temperature to produce the preform and drawing of fibers of appropriate dimension. The use of Ba-oxide enables to eliminate unwanted core-clad interface defect which is common in case of Al doped fibers. The fibers also show good RE uniformity, relatively low optical loss in the 0.6-1.6 μm wavelength region and good optical properties suitable for their application in amplifiers, fiber lasers and sensor devices.